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No love for Final Fantasy XI on PS3
Square Enix's MMO title Final Fantasy XI has been popular on PlayStation 2 for years, but despite its availability for Xbox 360 and PC, it seems FFXI won't be making an appearance on the PS3 anytime soon. While some of the older PS3 models boasted PlayStation 2 emulation, moving forward gamers purchasing the PlayStation 3 won't enjoy this backwards compatibility.Given this limitation, and the simple fact that many gamers are leaving the PS2 behind as they look ahead, why hasn't Final Fantasy XI migrated to the PS3? You'd envision this being the logical next step for the title, particularly given the new breed of console-based MMOs coming to PS3 -- namely, superhero MMO DC Universe Online, spy-centric The Agency, and of course Free Realms. As it turns out, Square Enix did intend to move up to the PS3, according to a recent report from Kris Pigna over at 1UP.
Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday
Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping or find a couple of insane bargains to keep for yourself? A few retailers are offering what they've dubbed "Black Friday-style" price cuts for tomorrow -- Saturday, November 8th. Walmart's got a sweet 15.4-inch Compaq CQ-139WM (with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive) laptop for $298, in addition to a PlayStation 2 bundled with a $30 WalMart gift card for $129, and a PlayStation 3 with a $100 gift card for $399. Over at Kmart they're offering up a rad 32-inch Sylvania LCD HDTV for $439.99 (they usually go for for $550). They also have several deals for Sunday, November 9th, including the Wii Fit for $89.99. Is it safe to assume that every Friday (not to mention Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas will be "black"? For the full, mind-blowing rundown, hit the read links.[Via CNET, I4U News]Read - KmartRead - Walmart Backs Main Street
Sony's PS2 effectively becomes "an open platform" in Europe
Seriously, calm down a minute. Your world has not just gotten infinitely better, although hearing the words "PlayStation" and "open platform" in the same phrase may make you think otherwise. In a relatively quiet announcement made at Casual Connect in Kiev, Ukraine, Sony Europe's George Bain proclaimed that developers would "no longer have to submit a game for content approval," effectively making the PS2 "an open platform." He pointed out examples from Russia and India, noting that they could now "create low-development cost titles and release them in their market." In all honesty, we have our doubts that this decision will make any real waves in North America, though Bain did mention a "global approval system" to replace the separated processes currently serving Europe, Japan and America. Now, if SCEA comes out and says something similar about the PS3, then you'll hear some real excitement in our voice.[Via Joystiq, image courtesy of GamesAreFun]
Rock Band 2 Xbox 360 bundle delayed until October 19, according to sources
Buh. So, this is getting confusing. According to sources over at ShackNews, the Rock Band 2 Special Edition bundle that was originally set to launch on September 14 exclusively on Xbox 360 will hit stores on October 19. For you fanboys keeping score, that's the same date that the game will hit for other consoles. It's still not clear if the game and instruments will still show up on retail shelves on September 14, but if you were looking to get your groove on in September, you may want to chill.[Via Crunchgear]
New PS2 bundle has Lego Batman, Justice League movie, $149 price
At their E3 press conference today, Sony announced a new hardware bundle for their still-running-strong PS2 system. The package will come with a copy of Lego Batman and a DVD of the Justice League animated movie, all for $149. Not a bad deal, especially considering the system alone costs $129 these days. Sony also stressed the strength of the still-growing PS2 library at the conference, mentioned 130 games coming to the system in 2008, including Yakuza 2, Force Unleashed, NCAA Football, Tiger Woods, Warriors Orochi 2, Singstar Pop vol. 2, Madden, and Mercenaries 2: World in Flames.
Sony to launch slimmer PS2 in India and Russia this year
According to a report in the Economic Times, Sony will be introducing a slimmer (well, "slimer" if you want the direct quote), sleeker, and "more suave" version of the PS2 in Indian and European markets come Fall. If you believe what you read, the new system will include a built-in power supply, will make its debut by Diwali (which falls on October 28th), and will keep the current sticker price of Rs 6,990 (or about $162). The article also claims that Sony will bring its PlayStation Network to India by the end of the year, which should make a lot of competition hungry gamers very happy. Sony reps say that the move is driven by the belief that, "Console gaming is in its nascent stage in India," adding, "We have no plans to phase out PS2 anytime soon." The PS2: you just can't kill it![Via Joystiq]
Okami got a face lift (comparison video)
Already having Okami for the PS2 is the most valid excuse for not buying the game on the Wii. If you fall into this group, you're probably still tempted to make the purchase because of the added motion controls. Should that not be enough to get your wallets in action, though, you might want to check out this side-by-side comparison video. We already knew that the Wii version looked better, but seeing the two compared with each other shows just how much. The colors are much more vibrant on the Wii, and for a game that's main draw is its beautiful artistic style, that's kind of big deal. The 16:9 support doesn't hurt matters, either. Have any of you played both Okamis and noticed the difference for yourselves?%Gallery-16485%
The Daily Grind: Why aren't there more console MMOs?
The list of them can be counted on the fingers of one hand: Phantasy Star Online, for the Dreamcast; Everquest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI for the Playstation 2; and Phantasy Star Universe for both the PS2 and the Xbox 360. And that's it. The only MMO currently thought to be planned for release on both PC and console (though not at launch) is Age of Conan for the 360. Why is there such a dearth of console MMOs?Many will say that it's because MMOs are so complex and rich that they cannot be managed with a console controller, and that's partly true -- imagine playing World of Warcraft with a DualShock -- but that's more of a design issue. A game meant for consoles, rather than one ported over from the PC, should have such limitations in mind. There's also the closed environment of the console, which is harder to plan patches for, and the still-in-its-infancy online service for the three major brands. On the bright side, there would be no need to worry about system specs; every player would be getting the same experience. And there could be added value in game achievements, which is a system that doesn't currently exist for PC MMOs.Are there more reasons against console MMOs than there are for them? Should developers bother with the consoles at all?
PS2 memory card modchip to play games from USB hard drives
An upcoming firmware update for Memor32 – the PS2 modchip on a memory card – promises to allow your non-chipped PS2 to play your entire collection of games from the comforts of a roomy, capacious USB hard drive. A group of Russian hackers named Memento are responsible for the firmware handiwork, allowing hard drive-based playback of your entire collection of PS2 discs for easy access, TiVo-style. Sure, the unscrupulous amongst you may use your Memor32's new found powers for evil, but we just want to fire up Shadow of the Colossus without leaving the couch. [Via ripten]
Nintendo's DS overtakes PlayStation 2 in lifetime Japanese sales
We already knew Nintendo's DS was quite the popular handheld, and while the PSP recently overtook it in Japanese hardware sales, the most recent numbers show that the Big N's famed DS has actually rocketed above the mighty PlayStation 2 in lifetime sales (in Japan). Notably, the numbers do combine DS and DS Lite units, but there's no mention of how the systems stack up worldwide. Nevertheless, the feat is a fairly impressive one when you consider how much longer the PS2 has been available compared to the DS, and unless Sony somehow lightens the PS2 load even further and starts bundling them in with cereals, we doubt it will reclaim the top spot anytime soon.[Via DSFanboy, thanks J]
We <3 PS2: A Year In Review
Yes, we're called PS3 Fanboy and we also love working with our portable brother/sister site, PSP Fanboy, but as siblings we can't ignore our incredibly famous predecessor: the PlayStation 2. While 2007 saw a surge in sales for the PSP and the expanding user base and support for the PS3, we'd be remiss if we didn't take a look back on some of the more notable releases on the PS2 in 2007. We say notable because, like with most aging consoles, many of the games are Barbie-inspired mindless crap. Whether you love them or not, 2007 was easily the year of the JRPG on the PS2. But that wasn't all that made a splash. Below, we're going to give you the ten most noteworthy releases of 2007 and because we don't want to put them in any specific order and suffer the wrath of fanboys of one game or another, we'll put them in order of US release. Since Final Fantasy XII was released in 2006 in the US but 2007 in Europe, we'll mention it here as being awesome and worth your time, but it's regrettably disqualified. Same with Okami, sorry to say. Let's begin after the jump!
Kotomi's NEStation is perfect for indecisive gamers
So let's say that you're a Nintendo fan to the end, but you just really like the look of the Playstation 2. We're gonna guess that you're not alone, since French modder extraordinaire Kotomi fused the functionality of the first with the look of the latter. The original NEStation was shown in February of 2006, but Kotomi's been going through his collection of late, so we thought we might show this one off. Even if you've seen it before, it's worth a moment of ogling time.
PlayStation 2 modchip on a memory card now on sale
It's not like folks haven't been tinkering with something like this, but it's quite refreshing to see an actual product emerge that promises to deliver on the claims we've been hearing about. Apparently, the Memor 32 memory card enables PlayStation 2 owners across the globe to effectively chip their console without requiring a single power tool. The unit promises to allow gamers to load / unload save games (not to mention backups, homebrews, etc.) to and from their PC, and there's even a built-in USB connector to make things even simpler for you. 'Course, we'd still like to see one of these in action before lauding it too enthusiastically, but if you're willing to take a chance, MrModChips will gladly take your £33.49 ($70).[Via PS2News]
Sony's PS2 updated with integrated power supply, no price cut
While you're holding out for a slimmer, $99 PS2 Sony has gone ahead and released a new model in Japan. The SCPH-90000 with integrated power adapter hits Japan on November 22nd for ¥16,000 or about $140 -- that's the same price as the SCPH-79000 model already available. Besides that internal power supply, we're not seeing anything new. ¥1,500 (about $13) will buy you the optional vertical stand. Hurting for gaming profits are we Sony? Oh, right. %Gallery-9835%[Via I4U]
Compact $99 PlayStation 2 rumored to land in 2008
We'll be straight with you: we're far from ready to etch this one in stone, but considering that Sony has already trimmed down the PlayStation 2 (twice), it's not unfathomable to think that an even smaller iteration could be in the pipeline. According to MCV, Sony is aiming to launch a "compact" PS2 in early 2008 for just $99, and while we've no idea how different (or not) it would actually look, it will supposedly feature a "built-in power supply." Of course, representatives for Sony "refused to comment" when questioned, so we hope you're ready for another fascinating round of wait-and-see.[Via Joystiq]
EverQuest Online Adventures has gone fishin'
'Tis the season of special holiday events. As you're probably already aware, Sony Online Entertainment has come out with a number of seasonal activities to entertain and delight players in nearly all of their MMOs. Lest it be lost in the shuffle, we thought we'd clue you in on a peculiarly timed event going on in EverQuest Online Adventures, the obscure EQ offshoot available only on the Playstation 2.The EQOA crew has revealed that their Fishing Season event officially started yesterday, and will run through November 15th. Players cast their rods far and wide in search of special "tagged fish" which can be turned into NPCs for special "certificates of participation." At the end of each week, a GM will bestow a prize on the player who has collected the most certificates for a given week. What is the prize you ask? They don't actually say. For the sake of those PS2 hold-outs still playing EQOA on the ol' Playstation 2, how about a PS3?
White PS2 with Singstar hitting store shelves
The venerable PlayStation 2 just turned seven years old, and getting all dressed up for the occasion -- that hot Ceramic White slim PS2 Singstar bundle we saw a while back should be hitting stores this weekend, with availability everywhere by November 4, according to Sony's PlayStation Blog. The $150 bundle includes Singstar Pop, a matching white DualShock 2, and two microphones -- just the thing to spice up those holiday parties.Read -- Singstar bundle info on the PlayStation BlogRead -- PS2 turns seven
Ben Heck unveils the Access one-handed controller
Engadget's favorite hardware hacker Benjamin Heckendorn is at it again, and his latest mutant mashup is the one-handed Access controller. The modular rig features five interchangeable pods -- one each for the analog sticks, d-pad, main buttons, and shoulder buttons -- that can be rearranged to make any control scheme one-hand-friendly. Ben says the Access is in pre-production with eDimensional, and will be hitting in PS2 / 3 versions first with a planned 360 version to follow -- although it certainly looks like a brave 360 controller was involved in making that prototype. More photos await you at the read link.
Shredmaster V wireless guitar controller rocks the FCC
So we've never seen this so-called Shredmaster V wireless guitar controller from China's E-Core Technology before, but from what we can tell from the FCC documents, it looks to be your standard third-party PlayStation 2 Rock Band axe. Price? Release date? Ha, couldn't tell ya; maybe a long-distance call to Shenzen City will clear things up.
"Mole" says $400 40GB PS3 (and more) coming this holiday season
This one's firmly in the rumor category, but Ars Technica is reporting that its "mole" had gotten wind of some fairly big plans Sony has in store for this holiday season, not the least of which is a new 40GB PlayStaiton 3 that would retail for $400. What's more, this source says that Sony will also be dropping the price of the 80GB PS3 to $500, and that one or both will come bundled with a Blu-ray version of Spider-Man 3. If that's not enough, Ars Technica is also reporting that Sony will be dropping the price of the tried and true PS2 to a mere $100, which is a rather roundabout way to ensure backwards compatibility but a welcome price drop nonetheless. While Sony's obviously remaining mum on the matter, as both Ars and Joystiq point out, the Tokyo Game Show later this month would seem to be a likely opportunity for it to get official with things, if it in fact has anything to get official with.[Via Joystiq]
