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Ratchet & Clank & Uncharted getting their own Home spaces
Tired of waiting in unbearable queues while trying to access the games embedded in PlayStation Home's virtual territories? A couple of new additions may reduce your abeyance -- according to 1UP, the social platform will receive new areas based on Uncharted 2 and Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, both of which will include fairly robust minigames. The Ratchet space will include a four-player Tower Defense game, while the Uncharted space introduces "Fortunate Thieves," a competitive game that pits two players against one another in a hectic treasure hunt. Okay, so you'll still probably have to wait in line to try these games out -- however, there'll be plenty of diversions in these two areas to keep you busy in the interim. For instance, the Ratchet space allows you to travel in time, changing the landscape of the zone, as well as the enemies featured in the aforementioned Tower Defense game. No release date has been given on the arrival of these new territories, but with Uncharted 2 hitting stores tomorrow, and A Crack in Time releasing later this month, we're guessing they'll appear in a soon-ish manner.
Europeans, get Wolverine claws in PlayStation Home
Okay, we'll admit that this is one of the cooler items you can wear in PlayStation Home: Wolverine's adamantium claws. Best of all, you can don these shredders for free. Yes, you'll have to suffer through the trailer for X-Men Origins; Wolverine at the Home Theatre -- but once the painful two minutes are over, you'll find these claws waiting for you in the Threads store of the Home Mall.Unfortunately, these are non-functional weapons. We so would've loved to go on a virtual rampage in Home. Also, this is strictly a European affair. Sorry, everyone else.[Via Kotaku]
Home 1.3 update freezing systems, workaround offered
The biggest update to PlayStation Home since its public beta debut went live not too long ago. However, the transition hasn't been as smooth as many hoped. There are sporadic reports of system hangs during the initialization screen, post 1.3 update. While EndSights says "many systems" are affected, it seems likely the problem is isolated to a minority of PlayStation Home users.According to Home Manager Locust_Star, a few items in the virtual world may be causing the hiccups. Items like the Namco Bandai Love Seat, Fat Princess Throne and Ghostbusters Bagel are amongst the few suspected to be causing crashes. Until a proper patch is implemented, the PlayStation team recommends deleting and reinstalling PlayStation Home. Erasing Home data from the Save Data Utility may also help PlayStation gamers that are desperate to log into the virtual world.Let us know if you've been affected by the latest Home update, and if these workarounds, um, work.
PlayStation Home patch 1.3 adds universal game launching ... kind of
One of the most attractive promised features of PlayStation Home was the ability to meet up with friends in Sony's virtual space, pick a PS3 title and join in the multiplayer offerings of said title as a group. Sony's delivered on that promise by adding this functionality for a few select titles, such as MotorStorm and Street Fighter IV. However, these capabilities are going "universal" with the release of Home Patch 1.3, which will add "simplified game launching" to the service. No, this form of launching won't allow you to group up with friends in Home and jump into a game of your choosing as a single, conglomerated entity. Rather, it lets you ... well, launch your games without having to return to the XMB. It was a wise choice to cut the middle man out of the game-booting equation, but it seems for the "full" game launching experience, Sony's going to have to add that functionality one title at a time. Also added in the update is an in-game camera, in-store item previewing, new categories of clothing, new emotes, new spaces, and whole lot more. Check out PlayStation.Blog for the full scoop on the update.
TGS 2009: Make room for 'PlayStation Room'
Sony has announced a new PSP service for designing 3D avatars and "my room" spaces, along with blog, album, and group gathering and chat support. Um ... does this sound familiar to anyone?Yes, it looks like PlayStation Home is coming to PSP ... sort of. PlayStation Room (officially spelled with an infinity symbol in place of the "oo" in Room) will be added to PSP in an upcoming firmware update this winter and can be launched directly from the PlayStation Network section of the XMB. Just like in Home, PSP owners will be able to invite other PlayStation players into their rooms to "enjoy real time communication." Is that what the kids call it these days?While anything remotely resembling PlayStation Home has us reeling with trepidation, we do think Room's stylized avatars look significantly less creepy than the Home avatars ripped from the uncanny valley. We're also hopeful that the advent of Room will mean the addition of much-needed features, like a friends list and proper messaging services. And just imagine the connectivity possibilities: PlayStation HomeRoom! ... Anybody?%Gallery-73907%
WTF: Fable characters in Sonic Racing and other oddities from alleged Sega leak
Among the truckloads of possibly legit megatons included in the alleged leaked minutes from a meeting between Sega of America and Sony Computer Entertainment America, a number of notable gaffes and oddities can be found. Besides wondering if "characters from [the] Rare or Fable universes" should be included in Sonic Racing, it appears that Sega may be interested in assigning all of its properties a PlayStation Home-room. Oh, and a product evaluator thought Alpha Protocol felt "barely RPG" -- final analysis: make it even more Mass Effect-y.Additionally, the mention of PS2 games as downloadable content on PSN makes us reminisce all the way back to mid-2006 when the idea first popped up on our radar --- surely, this isn't why Sony removed built-in backwards compatibility? And either the person taking minutes was daydreaming or knows something we don't, as reference is made to "Eidos' Batman" featuring "PS3/PSP interoperability" support -- a Batman or related DC Comics PSP game then? Juicer still, that little mention comes right after talk of a project named "Vanquish" and a possible PSP iteration of the currently shelved Aliens: Colonial Marines that Gearbox Software is working on. Also, Sony is eager to check out that hopefully not-so-crappy Thor game soon (suggestion: make it less Iron Man 2-y).The cherry on top comes in the form of what we've been calling around the Joystiq water cooler: "Sonic and the Inverted Castle." Found under the "Sonic Anniversary" subhead, the note taker jots down, "SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes (like Castlevania's flip it over/backwards)." Actually, we believe that's Missy Elliott who puts the thing down, flips it and reverses it, thank you very much.
Dizzee Rascal gets first keys to Home's new SingStar VIP space
British artist Dizzee Rascal will headline the European launch of the new SingStar VIP space during an online PlayStation Home event on September 24 at 20:00 BST (UK time)/ 21:00 CEST (Mainland Europe). The Mercury Award-winning rapper will be on hand to promote his upcoming fourth album Tongue N' Cheek and answer fan questions, but not before taking the stage to perform some of his chart topping jams and his upcoming single.If you need more incentive to connect, Home users who join the artist's launch party can get their hands on a free Dizzee Rascal mask (as terrifyingly seen above) for 48 hours. With an accessory as crazy as that, we hope to see a quick Quincy resurgence.
Craigslist Lotharios looking for PlayStation Home rendezvous
There, shining like a beacon of justice atop Mt. Craigslist, we saw it. Two men from the Washington D.C. area had poured their hearts out on a digital classified ad, looking for women tailored specifically to their carnal needs. Their demands were innocent enough, until the inclusion of the immediate disqualification of "Obese Girls (try drinking water for a change)." This shallow (and confusing) item required immediate karmic retribution. As we pondered our involvement in this matter, we saw it: "Looking for potentially LTR (long-term relationship) with college educated women around our same age, to meet initially via Playstation Home." Our minds raced with the retaliatory possibilities -- shapeshifting would most certainly be involved, that much is given. But to what extent could this vulnerability be exploited? An hour of feminine manipulation, and then ... the switch? A day of personal exchanges before ... the exchange? A week? A month? A year? With solemn determination, we gathered our courage -- and became unspoken executors of the Longest Con. [Via Superannuation]
SingStar Home space coming September 24
There's a time and a place for dancing -- even within the virtual confines of PlayStation Home. Fortunately, Sony is attempting to prevent the spread of inappropriate move busting by introducing an interactive dance floor-equipped SingStar space on September 24. Said dance arena doesn't just cast pretty lights onto its inhabitants -- it actually changes the current song based on which dance the majority of players are doing. Check out a video of the dance floor in action after the jump.In addition, the SingStar space will include a music video jukebox, an interactive music quiz, and even a few "fetching" rewards for visitors. We're excited for said prizes -- provided they lend themselves to our favorite pastime.
Robot Chicken coming to PlayStation Home Theater
We've come a long, long way from the opening days of the PlayStation Home Theater space, where the debut trailer for Twilight played in an endless cycle of brain-melting teen melodrama. Today, if you drop by the networking service's silver screens, you'll be able to view some programming that's probably more in your wheelhouse -- clips from Adult Swim's Mego-infused comedy series, Robot Chicken.Whether or not you enjoy Seth Green's stop-motion brainchild, we think we can all agree that it's a step up from teasers for vampiric romance novel adaptations. Unfortunately, we're physically incapable of watching Robot Chicken without succumbing to waves of nausea, a side-effect from our youthful diet of G.I. Joes.
Blue Mars: An interview with Avatar Reality's CEO, Jim Sink
As Blue Mars goes into a scaled, open beta, interest has been rising in Avatar Reality's virtual environment. Inevitably, it's compared to Linden Lab's Second Life and – rightly or wrongly – will probably be wearing that comparison for some years to come. Certainly, Second Life users have found the environment intriguing so far. It seemed only proper that we sit down with Jim Sink, Avatar Reality's CEO and find out a little bit more about Blue Mars.
Sony details MAG pre-order bonuses: where to get what
Following a weekend of 256-player mayhem at PAX '09, Sony has unloaded more details on the pre-order campaign for its "massive action game," MAG, which releases on January 26, 2010. First up are three exclusive in-game characters, each corresponding to one of the game's three PMC armies -- with custom gear -- and available via a different retailer. GameStop has the S.V.E.R. soldier contractor for offer while Game Crazy is offering the Raven recruit -- we're not sure why, but Sony's keeping the wraps on where you can pre-order to receive a Valor grunt.Reserving the game via Amazon will grant you access to your very own S.V.E.R. "personal space" (read: apartment) in PlayStation Home. If you want the most alluring incentive, however, it's back to GameStop for access to the public beta of MAG beginning October 10. (Qore subscribers will be let in on September 17.) Initially, the beta servers will only be online during specific play windows, but Sony has confirmed that they'll be up-and-running 24/7 after November 9.If you want all of the goodies, you're going to need to mount your own MPC ("massive pre-order campaign").
Coca-Cola comes Home in Japan
PlayStation Home denizens: ready to look at some exciting new advertising content? In Japan, Coca-Cola has announced its intent to place Coke vending machines inside the virtual world, which will distribute avatar items and presents, no doubt all emblazoned with Coke logos -- so you can become the ad. The machines will also dispense digital coupons that can be used at real-life vending machines.Coca-Cola is also opening a "Georgia Break Station" (named for its Georgia brand of canned coffee), where players will be able to ... uh, sit, or stand around, or whatever happens in Home, but in a different-looking environment.
Virtual pet robot demonstrated in PlayStation Home
How would you like a pet robot? Y'know, the kind that doesn't try to murder you? The PlayStation Home team showed a work-in-progress pet robot that can befriend you in your virtual apartment. According to IGN, the robot would be able to freely move around the environment and respond to your calls.The prototype (seen above) won't necessarily make it to the service, but it's something that Home is considering for future updates. This emotive box-robot was made in just five days, and given more time we're certain the Home team can come up with something really creative.[Thanks, Jack!]
PlayStation Home gets animated t-shirts, Killzone space tomorrow
PlayStation Home denizens will be able to open up their PSN wallets and go on a shopping spree tomorrow. The PlayStation.Blog is promising over 100 items will be up for grabs, like animated t-shirts, glow sticks and a brand new Killzone "Visari Throne Room." The virtual apartment will come equipped with 70 items, so you interior design freaks can go crazy. While we admittedly don't frequent Home on a regular basis, we are glad to see that SCEA has designed a catchy promo to end their videos with. The redesigned PS3 logo and the slogan "It Only Does Everything" is a great statement that really makes clear the PS3's ability to play more than games. Now if only SCEA would bother going on a marketing campaign like its European counterpart ...
PlayStation Home 1.3 will let you launch any game from inside the metaverse
Frankly, you've probably had enough PlayStation news to last you a bit, but just in case the PS3 Slim, firmware 3.0, and PSP Minis weren't enough, the company revealed today an update to Home. Like everything else it seems, version 1.3 is also due out in September, and in addition to things like in-store item previews, cameras, and other new objects, you'll now have the option to launch any game from inside Home itself. Some titles like MotorStorm and Far Cry 2 that fully support the universal game launching have their own special icons and multiplayer functionality, while others will simply open up to the main menu. We're interested in what integration those fully supported games might enable, but either way, that's still one less excuse for avoiding Home. Now if they could only do something about all those annoying avatars...
Take pictures and launch any game you want in Home 1.3, coming this fall
Looks like PlayStation Home is growing up. Moving well beyond its original beta status, Home will reach version 1.3 this fall. The "serious upgrade" will add a number of features to the online PSN community. Most importantly is universal game launching, which finally gives players the ability to jump into any PS3 game directly from Home. Tired of shopping for virtual clothes? You can relax by jumping into a session of Noby Noby Boy, if you'd like.Another nifty feature is a brand new in-world camera that allows you to snap pictures of Home happenings. This will be a free update for all of Home's denizens, so don't whip out your PlayStation wallet just yet. Best of all, the pictures you take in Home will be stored on your PS3's hard drive, so you can relive your best virtual dance moves whenever you'd like.Speaking of dance moves, Home will also feature a few more emotes for your avatar to take advantage of. Finally! We can go totally Harvey Dent on people and flip a coin. For all the small details, read more on the PlayStation.Blog.
Become a dancing queen in the SingStar Home Space
If you're one of the few that love to bust a groove in PlayStation Home, then you'll love the upcoming SingStar Home Space. The Home expansion features a virtual dance floor, complete with a SingStar-themed jukebox that lets visitors choose the tunes. You'll be able to Quincy to the tunes of Britney Spears -- and who doesn't want to do that?
Digital Reader brings comics to the PSP this December
After trotting out a mess of new information about PlayStation Home earlier today in Germany, SCEE prez Andrew House announced Sony's upcoming digital comics initiative on the PSP, the Digital Reader. According to House, Sony has worked out plans with Marvel to launch with "hundreds available, including the Marvel Comics stable." Additionally, the service will give PSP-owning comic fans access to Archie and Image comics. Unfortunately, he didn't specify if the service will be a free firmware upgrade to the existing PSP software or pricing for the comics themselves. But alas, GamesCom has just started! We'll poke around and see if we can get some more information as soon as the Sony press conference ends.
PlayStation Home receiving bevy of new features, customization options
Have your days spent in PlayStation Home grown a little tiresome? It sounds like Sony's injecting the game with a sizable pick-me-up in the near future. As revealed in the Sony GamesCom press conference, the life sim is getting a bevy of new spaces (including SingStar and Audi-branded areas), new character customization options, new character animations and dances, and a few other miscellaneous features like a "shrinking potion." Oh, and the new ability to roll dice. Finally, our chance to play virtual Cee-lo with strangers approaches!
