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Vice City Stories PS2 port plugged, then pulled from PlayStation.com
A PlayStation 2 listing for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories briefly appeared, and then disappeared on PlayStation.com, mimicking happenings on the ESRB website last week (VCS is no longer listed there either). As to be expected, Rockstar remains coy, having neither reiterated nor reversed its previous claim that the PSP exclusive would not be ported to PS2. Eurogamer supposes that there are still some financial issues to work out, namely retail price, before Rockstar and Take-Two go public with the port.On the flip side, the VCS port could also be in the process of getting canned. Letting fans starve a little will help build anticipation for GTA IV -- not that it's needed. Pulling the plug on the port would more likely signal that Rockstar is concerned about diluting its key franchise.
PSP downgrader: 3.03 to 1.50 in 8 simple steps
Just days after Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was again used to compromise Sony's PSP firmware (v3.03), a new downgrader application has been released. Those wishing to return -- perhaps for the first time -- to the storied glory of firmware v1.50 need only this trusty guide, Eboots of firmwares 1.50 & 3.03, and an original (unpatched) copy of GTA:LCS (not worth $400).Downgraders will likely make a quick upgrade to Dark_AleX's custom firmware for a far less restricted (but piracy-prone) PSP experience. Sony is no doubt working quickly to re-secure its porous handheld.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Today's raddest game video: GTA San Andreas bike stunts
It takes a brave man (or woman) to try his hand on the dangerous streets of GTA:SA, and an even braver man (or woman) to try those streets on a motorcycle. Then to go above and beyond that, and drive like a complete and total maniac? Fugeddaboutit.Thankfully, someone else has done all the work for you, slapped a thrashing soundtrack to it, and uploaded it to YouTube. All you have to do now is sit back, hit play, and enjoy. Better yet, watch it, and then go out and try it all yourself. Virtually, that is. Please don't try this at home. Unless you're trying it on your console. We don't mean standing on your console, we mean ... ah, forget it. Just watch the darn thing.
How much would you pay for an unpatched GTA?
With the 3.03 downgrade now available, many gamers will undoubtedly be on a frantic search for an unpatched GTA: Liberty City Stories. The copies that are available in stores are patched to prevent the downgrading exploit from working, meaning it may be nigh impossible to find a hack-compatible version.One seller on eBay is attempting to capitalize on this demand and is selling his unpatched copy for a whopping $400. Surely, this must be a doomed auction? I hope so: you could buy yourself twenty copies of the game at that game. Chances are, you'll find an unpatched one eventually.So, how about you, PSP Fanboy reader? Are you desperately searching for the exploitable GTA?[Via PlayStation]
Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 4
Every Saturday, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."Q: With news of the recent "Hello World" N00bz exploit for 2.81-3.03 PSPs, word is that an un-patched version of GTA: Liberty City Stories will be required for the future downgrader. How can I explicitly tell an un-patched GTA:LCS from a patched one?A: Hope this image from DCEmu helps:The unpatched version seems to feature different pictures. As a general rule of thumb, you'll have to look for the oldest copies you can find, so they'll most likely be used. When you pop in the disc, make sure the game offers a 2.0 firmware upgrade, not anything higher. Good luck.See more questions after the break.
Shocker: Vice City Stories listed for PS2
A search for "grand theft auto vice city stories" on the ESRB website now yields two results. Surprised? Didn't think so. Despite Rockstar's insistence that Vice City Stories would not go the way of Liberty City Stories (that is, be ported to PlayStation 2), it appears as if the company is again being tempted by the potential gains of a double-dip. Can you blame 'em? (Perhaps the better question: Can you resist them?)
What game would be a deal maker?
I don't quite get it, but not every gamer owns a PSP. Before the system came out, I thought for sure it would be the biggest thing in portables when I heard Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear was coming to the system. But while both games are system sellers on the home console front, they haven't seemed to do so for the PSP. Maybe some gamers are just one high end exclusive away from buying a PSP. If that is the case, what game or franchise does Sony's portable need to deflower PSP virgins out there? Will Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII turn the tide or is there some other franchise that the PSP needs to endear it to non-owners? Does such a game exist?
Vice City Stories no longer a PSP exclusive
Vice City Stories to be PSP exclusive? Many doubted Rockstar, considering how Liberty City Stories made the jump to PlayStation 2. Well, looks like the doubters were right: A look at the ESRB website reveals a listing for a PS2 version of Vice City Stories. If it follows the footsteps of its Liberty City brethren, it will launch on PS2 for a measly $20, sans multiplayer.Considering the relatively low sales of the latest GTA, it makes sense. Now, a whole new audience will be able to play with Phil Collins.[Via IGN]See also:PSP Fanboy review: GTA Vice City Stories
Crackdown gold, you know what that means...
Crackdown is gold and on schedule for release February 20. Microsoft has made a point to highlight Crackdown's apparent pre-release popularity, citing a "significant number of pre-orders" purchased in advance. Excited as we may be about David Jones' twisting of his own Grand Theft Auto creation, Microsoft's tying of Crackdown to the Halo 3 Beta should not be understated. It's likely that many pre-orders were placed to secure an invitation to the beta, which will only be bundled with Crackdown for a limited time. Those who haven't pre-ordered are likely holding out to play the demo, which, according to ads posted on Xbox Live yesterday (now removed), was supposed to be released yesterday. As announced Tuesday, the demo has been delayed (guess marketing didn't get the memo). But Microsoft is sticking to its promise that the demo will be delivered before the month is up -- hopefully in time to consider Buy.com's slight discount.
Alive and gaming in Baghdad
"We can't go outside, so I prefer to keep inside and keep myself alive."The words are from Wisam, a gamer living in Baghdad. Wisam is a rarity, and listening to his story on Iraq blog / vlog Alive In Baghdad explains why. Wisam, a recent graduate of the Baghdad University English Department, explains that he spends upwards of $200 on electricity each month -- partly from a local generator that runs 4 p.m. until midnight and partly from the fuel he buys for his personal generator. That's a hefty sumWisam said he learned his English from games such as Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy. MTV News' Stephen Totilo has a thorough piece on Wisam and the crew of Alive in Baghdad. Among the game-related topics discussed, Wisam talked about the decline in interest for war shooters like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty. "We hate the attacking, the gunfire in games," Wisam told MTV News. "We started to hate it."In a sad note, Wisam described how Grand Theft Auto is much like Baghdad right now. Omar Abdullah, who interviewed Wisam for Alive in Baghdad, concurred, telling MTV News that "it was very, very similar to Baghdad. We were like, 'Oh my God. These are the same actions that happen in Baghdad.' There are some places that are divided. For each place, there is a gang ruling that place. You can go down the street and drive any car. If you want to jump on a motorcycle, you can do it."With all the news that circulates about Baghdad, include tonight's U.S. Presidential address, it's thought-provoking to see a often missed perspective on the region.
Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability
As noted earlier, a list published by UK newspaper The Independent reveals what many already assume; Nintendo's Mario is the best-selling franchise of all time. Coupled with the second best-selling franchise Pokémon (also a Nintendo property), the two series, which have sold a combined 348 million games worldwide, account for nearly 34% of the total sales of the top-twenty best-selling franchises; which include two additional Nintendo IPs ranked in the top ten, Donkey Kong and Zelda. So what's Nintendo's secret?Cross-culture appeal, spin-offs (e.g., racers, sports titles, puzzlers), brand saturation (e.g., apparel, card games, TV shows), and E-ratings all appear part of a profitable formula built for the long haul.
Saturday PSP background explosion [Update 1]
I love my Xbox 360 and I also love custom backgrounds. I don't love paying for them though. Luckily PSP users don't have to pay to have a custom background (that's coming in PSP2). Because of this and to help spice up our reader's PSPs, we will be showcasing new backgrounds every Saturday for you to marvel at. Backgrounds after the jump...
Deal of the Day: Rockstar goes budget
Gamers looking for deals on Rockstar's finest need look no further. It appears that the excellent Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories has dropped in price to a very reasonable $30. Considering how much content the game has, this is certainly quite a bargain.Looking forward, you'll see that Gamestop is also listing the upcoming PSP port of The Warriors at a budget price of $20. The PS2 version of the game wasn't too bad at all, so you may want to pick it up as well.Use coupon code "SAVER" to get free shipping.[Via CAG & PlayStation]
Thompson threatens Microsoft over GTA4, ignores Sony
Everybody's favorite lawyer is at it again, this time sending a heads up letter to Microsoft chairman Bill Gates promising to "undertake various means to prohibit and stop the sale of [Grand Theft Auto 4] to minors." The letter, a copy of which was sent to Joystiq, warns Microsoft against "participating in any fashion, directly or indirectly, in such sales to minors." We can only guess than indirect participation would be simply allowing the game to be released on the Xbox 360, and we doubt that Microsoft will be willing to give up its day-and-date bombshell just because of a vague threat from Thompson. In the letter, Thompson cites an Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility report which shows game retailers like Target and Best Buy are actually "doing a better job of controlling sales of violent video games to children." Wouldn't a study that shows retailers doing a worse job have been a better choice? Also, wouldn't such a letter have been more effective going to a retailer than a console maker that has little to no control on point-of-purchase sales ratings enforcement? And why is Thompson targeting Microsoft while ignoring Sony, which is also planning to host GTA4 on its system later this year? Last year Sony was public enemy No. 1 for allowing GTA in Japan. Has the PS3's launch-time troubles made them a less attractive target?
SEC filing reveals 3mil Take Two shares unloaded
Hedge fund Glenview Capital Management have revealed in an SEC filing that it sold exactly 3 million shares of Take Two stock over the course of six transactions on December 21 at $19.25 each, amounting to $57.75 million. Glenview also disclosed that it held a 6.7% stake, or 4.88 million shares, of the controversial publisher. You might be quick to think something rather shifty is going on behind the scenes with such a large quantity of sales, but remember that GCM is a hedge fund with a fiduciary responsibility to its investors, and Take Two's stock has been on a steady rise since the FTC concluded its investigation of the Hot Coffee incident in June.[Via Seeking Alpha and Dubious Quality]
Another suit over GTA -- with good punchline
Under normal circumstances Grand Theft Auto lawsuits would make us yawn, but this one this one causes a yawn/chuckle, just wait for the punchline. The Philidelphia Inquirer reports that a man has filed a federal lawsuit against publisher Take-Two Interactive for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' simulated sex mod. John Robinson seeks damages because consumers weren't offered refunds for the game after the abhorrent scene was discovered. When Robinson learned of the "Hot Coffee" mod for the game, he confiscated the copy of GTA he purchased for his son ... now imagine what this child looks like in your mind's eye. Ready for the kicker? His son was 20 or 21 years-old at the time.
Take-Two internal probe deems decade of financial statements unreliable
An internal investigation has turned up improprieties in Take-Two's financial records dating back to 1997, finding stock-option grants that were incorrectly dated. Current chief executives have been spared as the probe did not find evidence of misconduct on their parts.The investigative committee has yet to release its final report assessing the total impact of its findings. As a result, the Grand Theft Auto publisher has requested an extension for filing its third quarter Form 10-Q, attempting to avoid a Nasdaq delisting. Take-Two shares had already fallen 1.4% as of this morning.
PSP dominates on list of games for parents to avoid
The National Institute on Media and the Family has just released their annual Report Card, and are advising parents to avoid buying certain games for their kids. All of the titles feature "M" ratings, but meh... parents are too busy to actually look at ratings! Here are the games to avoid, with PSP titles bolded: Gangs of London * The Sopranos Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories * Reservoir Dogs Mortal Kombat: Unchained * Scarface: The World is Yours The Godfather: Mob Wars * Saints Row Dead Rising Just CauseThis list tells me one thing: the PSP really is for the mature crowd. Four of those titles are either exclusive, or enhanced on the PSP, making this system easily much more evil than the childish DS counterpart. At least the Institute recommends Loco Roco for the holidays, which should distract the kids from downloading porn onto their systems.[Via Joystiq]
The Political Game: Banned in Boston
Each week Dennis McCauley contributes The Political Game, a column on the collision of politics and video games:Suddenly, the video game violence debate is big news in Beantown.The controversy began on Monday when a local advocacy group, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, delivered a letter to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which operates Boston's public transit system. The letter demanded that the MBTA remove poster ads for Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories from subway cars on Boston's Green Line.Sixty influential locals signed on, including the mayors of Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts legislators, religious leaders, top healthcare professionals, children's advocates and academics. Collectively, the signatories called it "unconscionable" to display the Vice City Stories ad on the train, saying, "Advertising on the MBTA enables Rockstar Games to reach countless children -- those who ride the trains and those whose neighborhoods the trains pass through."
MISSING: Playstation 3 exclusives
Have you been wondering why our Playstation 3 friends have lost so many exclusive games? Think about it, Grand Theft Auto and Assassin's Creed are both shinning examples. Also, why has the Xbox 360 wrapped up exclusives from third party developers like Bioshock and Winning Eleven? It's quite simple actually, Sony's lead man Ken Kutaragi dragged his feet for far too long. Mr. Kutaragi couldn't give developers the thumbs up for exclusivity and Microsoft played the roll of annoying best friend, constantly bugging developers to flock to their console. And look at the result, we've got great games coming. Good job Microsoft, third party exclusive titles are butter and cream and we're all anticipating Assassin's Creed. Oh the joy.[Via, Digg]
