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Rumorang: Warhawk downloadable, now multiplayer-only
1UP staffer Sam Kennedy has aroused last month's rumor that Warhawk has been scaled down into a PlayStation Network e-Distribution title; now apparently multiplayer-only. On his way to preview the game's progress at Incognito's Salt Lake City studios, Kennedy reported to base: "What I do know is that some interesting cuts choices have indeed been made in terms of its scope, and I'm curious to see how they'll go over with people (myself included). What Warhawk has apparently evolved into is a multiplayer-only title featuring ground and air combat that'll be downloadable from PSN."The information is inconclusive, and will remain so until the NDA is lifted (1UP implies that Kennedy's preview will be published by the start of GDC). While the initial rumor framed another blow to PlayStation 3's image, Kennedy has reminded us that "this could actually become a great demonstration of what Sony has in store for us with downloadable games." We'd be willing to buy that if e-Distribution was the original intention, but let's be real, a lot of money will have been flushed away if Warhawk ends up a budget download. For Incognito's sake, the final product better impress.
Mercenaries 2 on Xbox 360 ... PC & PS2 (this time it's official)
Why was it such a big secret? That's about the only question Pandemic senior producer Jonathan Zamkoff wasn't asked in a lengthy Mercenaries 2 tell-all hosted by IGN. Rumblings, reports, and recordings were the evidence leading up to today's confession: Mercs 2 is on Xbox 360 -- and oh, by the way, PC and PlayStation 2. "So here's the scoop. We are shooting for true feature parity on the PS3, 360, and PC. There will be small visual differences on those consoles due to platform specific texture compression algorithms and other platform-specific graphics implementation, but to the end-user the game experience will be nearly identical," explained Zamkoff. "For the PS2 we are taking a different tact. We're working extremely closely with Pi studios ... They are using the Mercs 1 core engine and toolchain, coupled with modified Mercs 2 assets to create the Mercs 2 PS2 version."The big addition to Mercs 2 is online co-op, which will be nixed from the PS2 version, but intact on PS3. "We have no intention to provide one feature for one system that the other one doesn't have. So, yes, both [Xbox 360 & PS3] will have cooperative multiplayer -- online cooperative multiplayer," confirmed Zamkoff, adding, "We started from scratch to program for the multiprocessors on both machines. They were both in mind when we were writing the text, so we didn't want to create a PS3 engine, which was and has been, and is, our lead SKU, but we didn't want to ignore the Xbox 360. Even though we're just now announcing the 360 version, we have been working on it for quite some time ... In terms of timing, both games are within a week of each other in development." Pandemic is tentatively set on a fall 2007 release.
Japan PS1 download envy
I'm not sure what Sony has against those outside of Japan, but US PSP owners wanting to download PS1 games onto their PSP really haven't had much to get excited about. Nearly every game available for download on the US PLAYSTATION Store is either garbage or there is a better version in the series already on PSP. Tekken 2 or Wipeout aren't that appealing when we can already play more recent and better versions of each on the PSP. Meanwhile, Japan gets 21 PS1 game downloads to choose from and there are some heavy-hitters in the lot too, like Resident Evil, R-Types, Arc the Lad and Mr. Driller. I've only downloaded 1 of the 11 games available in the US and it isn't for a lack of desire. Stop teasing us Sony and give those outside of Japan some worthwhile downloads!
This week on XBLA: Absolutely Nothing
Video: GSB News: XBLA Forecast var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/This_week_on_XBLA_Absolutely_Nothing'; Microsoft must be running low on original ideas as this week, Absolutely Nothing is making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. As a sequel to the critically panned Jacksquat, you would think that Microsoft would wise up and stop trying to shove this property down our throats. Alas, in a week that has given us the likes of New Adventure Island and Streets of Rage for Virtual Console, and FlOw for the Playstation Network, Microsoft will be delivering Absolutely Nothing to your Xbox 360 this Wednesday. It's not very funny, is it? Someone should have told the folks over at the mouthpiece Gamerscore Blog that before they whipped up the video above, coincidentally, just after pulling their entry declaring that Xbox Live Arcade fans are shafted for the week. Okay, it's kind of funny, but we're still not laughing. Neither sarcasm nor serious cat (who, last we checked, was serious) can shed a positive light on yet another week of disappointment for Microsoft's download service.Do us a favor. The next time you don't have anything to offer, just give it to us straight. Don't play cute about failing to meet the demands of your audience for the umpteenth time.[Update - The aforementioned entry at the Gamerscore Blog is back up, and here it is!][Thanks, Ben!]
Gran Turismo 5 'Prologue' in late 2007
The downloadable prologue to Sony's "Online Car Life Simulation" will arrive in autumn, according to French gaming site Jeux-France. Meaning, we'll see a playable Gran Turismo 5 demo (what some will tease, "Gran Turismo HD 2") hit PS3's PlayStation Store later this year.Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, as Sony insists, will be followed by the actual game in the spring of 2008 (in Europe). The demo will feature several cars and circuits, and will support online play via the Gran Turismo Network. Although unspecified, given that GTHD is free, we assume that the GT5 demo will likewise be a complimentary promotion.[Via VGB]
Factor 5's Lair almost complete, Turrican PS3 possibly next
Speaking with Game Informer, Factor 5 president Julian Eggebrecht opens up about his studio's PlayStation 3 project Lair. Currently estimated to be 80-90% complete, Eggebrecht is confident that the development team will reach the vaguely stated spring deadline, but admits "Sony's not going to ship it the next day."Next up for Factor 5 is likely a smaller project -- a downloadable game (or two). Eggebrecht supposes it'll be an original "mini franchise," but doesn't rule out the possibility of also porting over some old Turrican titles; not necessarily straight-up ports, but perhaps "something like that but in 3D," teases Eggebrecht.Also, Eggebrecht reports that Factor 5's break-up with Nintendo has not spoiled the two's friendship. We're no talking Rogue Squadron IV; just the occasional happy hour cocktail. Eggebrecht adds, "When I read all of those things about how you have to buy a 360 and a Wii, that's not true. You have to buy a PS3 and a Wii-that's the perfect combination."
The Playstation ducks return in Super Rub'a'Dub
Sony's Phil Harrison held his D.I.C.E keynote today with the help of some very familiar faces (and we're not talking about Newsweek's N'Gai Croal). Typically seen in the thousands, the rubber duckies of the Playstation brand are Sony's secret weapons when it comes to fancy technical demonstrations. Having paid their dues, the next big thing for the rubber wonders is a Playstation Network title by the name of Super Rub'a'Dub.Played entirely with the Playstation 3 motion controls, Super Rub'a'Dub has players controlling the alpha duck, herding the little ones together before making a swim for the exit. Sounds like Bubbles to us! Not much else is known about the title, other than it will release in time for the European launch. Now do you believe the wait was worth it?Read - GameSpot's live coverageRead - Coverage and pics from Game|Life
Rumor: Killzone 2 demo before Halo 3 beta
1UP Editor Luke Smith has posted a bold prediction on his blog: "Expect a playable Killzone 2 demo to be released ... before gamers are participating in the beta for Halo 3." Smith's reasoning descends from a string of rumors, which suggest that Killzone disappeared, in part, to direct the spotlight on Resistance. The rumors also indicate that while on the down-low, Guerilla has transformed its "Halo-killer" from a pre-rendered heartthrob into a developed game; some rumorists even suspect that Killzone has been playable online for nearly a year.Smith points to Phil Harrison's GDC keynote address as an opportunity for Sony to steal (in typical from-out-of-nowhere fashion) some mindshare away from Microsoft and the mid-March Halo beta test by dropping *GASP* the Killzone 2 bomb demo! Never mind that the Killzone franchise has yet to deliver a noteworthy game; is the first half of 2007 really gonna be defined by a clash between a beta test and purported demo? If I'm a developer not working for Bungie or Guerilla, I'm about ready to hire a new PR agency -- that, or beg Sony to let my game piggyback on the Killzone demo's shoulders.Update: In response to comments that Killzone: Liberation (PSP) is "very good" or has "gotten great scores all around" (etc...), we simply offer up evidence that the title ranks 56th among current PSP games (233 in all) listed in score order. While we respect the opinions of those who enjoy the game, generally speaking, we maintain that Liberation is hardly noteworthy beyond its tie to the ridiculously over-hyped Killzone franchise.
Epic wants 40 UT3 maps, ponders platform-exclusive content
Speaking with CVG, Unreal Tournament 3 producer Jeff Morris detailed Epic's goal to ship its forthcoming shooter with 30 to 40 multiplayer maps. "[That's] substantially more than other games in the genre," observed Morris; indeed, but not necessarily enough to make UT3 a genre standout. The franchise has yet to take hold on console platforms.Perhaps, as Morris suggests, Epic would boost UT3's console presence by offering exclusive content for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 through post-release updates. While certainly a bonus, offering platform-exclusive content is becoming standard practice. Where UT3 could really shine is through user mod support. If epic could coerce Sony and particularly Microsoft into opening their consoles up to user-created content it would put UT3 into a unique class of console FPS unto itself.
Saints Row confirmed for PS3
THQ has confirmed rumors that Saints Row is headed to the PlayStation 3. Volition's port is expected to be released this spring and will include support for PlayStation Network, bringing Saints Row's enjoyable multiplayer modes to PS3. The publisher did not address the possibility of new content being added to the PS3 version. Saints Row debuted on Xbox 360 in late August, receiving generally positive reviews. [Thanks, The_Foo_Fighter]
Epic aims for Unreal Tournament user mods on PS3, 360
Speaking to Game Informer, Epic's Mark Rein sounded confident that user-created content would be distributed to Unreal Tournament 3 console players via PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. Rein explained that the reason for delaying confirmation of UT3 on 360 was tied to this issue, as Epic was unsure that Microsoft's strict certification process would allow for user mods on the console. Rein admitted that "it's still a bit of an open issue," but added that "we've had some pretty clear indications that we'll be able to [bring mods to Xbox 360]."It's unclear how mods would be created and distributed for console use. On Xbox 360, given potential leverage earned by Gears of War's success, perhaps Epic could smuggle mods through XNA. More likely, Epic would convert select user-created mods for the PC version and distribute them via Xbox Live Marketplace (as a courtesy, we would hope). On PS3, there seem to be more "open" possibilities, but the process could be equally simplified.[Via 1UP]
Do PSP games on PS3 cause a threat?
Sony seems to be having a bit of a problem. They have a portable system that is a success, but not by any means their main product. Then they have a new console that desperately needs games any way it can get them. Obviously they need to compete on the high end next gen game front, but they also need to compete against the Virtual Console and Xbox Live Arcade. Without the backlog of games like Nintendo or the head start of Microsoft, they seem to be turning to a questionable source for their downloadable games; the PSP. The obvious issue with PSP games going to PS3 is that it begins to negate the reasons for a consumer to own both. Sure, right now it's a Gripshift and a Tekken, but what happens if the trend just continues? Sure, this would strengthen the PlayStation Network, but at the cost of PSP exclusives. This is just not acceptable when the PSP still has a long way to go to establish itself. If Sony does insist on continuing to take games from the PSP library to the PS3, than it needs to change how it does so. Microsoft announced Live Anywhere quite some time ago, but we're still waiting for the day when we can play Xbox Live Arcade games on the go. Part of the reason is that Microsoft doesn't yet have a portable gaming system, but Sony does. Why not have it so if I download Gripshift on the PS3 I can download it to my PSP as well free as charge. For games that require progress, it would be great if I was able to share saves between my PSP and PS3. Maybe this is part of Sony's eventual plans anyway, but until I can buy Tekken on my PSP and continue it on my PS3 or vice-versa, it seems like a missed opportunity. It could just be that this is a temporary solution and as more developers jump on board the PlayStation Network, Sony will stop relying on PSP games as downloadable content. Even if this is the case though, it still seems like a dangerous road for Sony to travel. It could just be that I'm overreacting though. What do fellow PSP owners think of this development?
Sony responds to online taunt with weak rebuttal
Yesterday, Microsoft's Chris Satchell and Peter Moore offered up an old-fashioned bitch slap at Sony's burgeoning online service, saying the PlayStation Network was "pretty much a disaster," in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz. The war of words has now been joined by SCEA's Dave Karraker, who told GamePro, basically, "Um, hey, we've sold a lot of systems." Karraker said the over 200 million PlayStation branded products sold to date were proof that consumers worldwide support Sony's ability to "deliver hardware, software and services to suit this industry." Um, sure, but what do historic sales have to do exactly with a brand new online network? Karakker then trotted out Gran Turismo HD as an example of "the potential of the PlayStation Network and the kind of ground breaking content we plan to offer." Really? Your big defense of your online service is a game demo? Xbox Live has been offering those for over a year now. What else you got? Apparently not much, at least not much that made it into the "in-depth rebuttal" GamePro printed. If Sony is counting on brand recognition and past sales to carry it through this generation, they've got a long, disappointing fight ahead of them. [Via GameTrailers, thanks Phil]
SOE to bring six Midway classics to Playstation Network
In an effort to ensure that Joust will grace just about every console known to humankind, Sony Online Entertainment announced today that Mortal Kombat II, Gauntlet II, Rampart, Rampage World Tour, Championship Spirit and yes, Joust, will all be making their way to the Playstation Network.These six titles, chosen based upon their specific multiplayer strengths, will be playable online and developed by SOE themselves as opposed to a third-party company along the lines of Digital Eclipse who handled the Xbox Live Arcade ports for Midway. Dates and prices have yet to be announced beyond "early 2007," so we should have but a short wait ahead of us before we find out if someone out there listened to our own Vlad's whacky ideas concerning these classic quarter gobblers.
GripShift and Jumping Flash available on the PSN!
Well, seems they changed something in the PlayStation Store after a good friend and my 3 A.M. Resistance bout ended. What's so different? No, not the logo... it's not the color of the store, either... oh my goodness! Two more games to enjoy! The elation is not unwarranted -- one is a fairly celebrated PSP cross-genre title, GripShift, and the other is long celebrated as the very first fully 3-D platformer (and consisting of a robotic rabbit aptly named Robbit), Jumping Flash.The demo for GripShift is free -- so we're currently downloading it now to try it out. Feel free to leave any feedback you may have for the title here. Also feel free to talk about how much, or how little, Jumping Flash has aged since its original inception. Good stuff, Sony! Keep cranking out these downloadable titles and we'll have a sufficient online library of games in no time at all.[thanks to those who sent this in!]
New PSOne downloads in Japan, new PSP firmware everywhere
Sony has dropped nine more PSOne games into Japan's PlayStation Store. The process is still tedious, the files still only playable on PSP (and only downloadable with a PlayStation 3). A new PSP firmware update (v3.03) is required to play the newest oldies; and although the update is available for all to install, it's useless to those outside of Japan -- or those in Japan without access to PS3's PlayStation Network.Here's a rundown of the PSOne games you won't be playing on your PSP today: Dino Crisis Gekitotsu Toma L'Arc: L'Arc-en-Ciel vs Tomarunner Global Force: Shin Sentou Kokka Migi Hadari U-SA Migi Hadari USA Mr. Driller R-Type Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Taiyou no Shippo: Wild, Pure, Simple Life The Conveni: Anomachi o Dokusenseyo
Resistance multiplayer patch: better balance, more strategy
Resistance: Fall of Man's lead multiplayer programmer Eric Ellis has blogged the lid off of Insomniac's patch plans. While avoiding full disclosure, Ellis did outline the team's intention to bring better weapon balance to the game's online experience, with a focus toward enhancing team-based strategic gameplay -- a welcome alternative to those chaotic 40-player free-for-alls.Ellis was clear that the patch would be implemented "very soon."
Sony announces prices for downloadable PS1 games
Hot on the heels of the big 3.0 firmware update for the PlayStation Portable, Sony's finally let loose its pricing plans for the forthcoming PS1 game downloads, although the downloads themselves are still apparently a few weeks away (unless you're in Japan, in which case you can get your Tekken 2 fix today). When they do show up, however, you can plan on dropping between $5.99 and $10.99 for the games, with each taking up between 140MB and 550MB on your Memory Stick Duo. The biggest sticking point for many PSP users, however, is that, as previously reported, you can't just download the games directly to your PSP -- instead, you have to download them onto your PS3's hard drive first and transfer 'em to your Memory Stick Duo from there. No problem for some but, last we checked, there's a heckuva lot more people with PSPs than PS3s, and at the rate things are going, that looks like it'll be the case for a while yet.
The PlayStation Network sign up (in pictures and video)
Just as the PlayStation Network was getting off the ground, our internet services (courtesy of Philadelphia's very own Comcast, thanks guys) were shutting down. After spending the better part of the day spent staring at our modem's blinking "Online" light, it finally went solid. We darted to the PlayStation 3 which had been waiting patiently, encouraging us to "Sign up to PlayStation Network." So we did!We've documented the entire process below, in a series of forty screenshots and a video we're calling "The PlayStation Network sign up (in pictures and video)." Clever, eh?
PlayStation 3 Network live, Terms of Service loooooong!
Sony activated PlayStation 3's online network in North America this morning (it's been live in Japan since last week), in anticipation of tomorrow's launch. We'll let you know how it fares once we get through these Terms of Service...[Thanks CheapyD!]
