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Remote Play reveals unique features for Mainichi Issyo [Update]
For PSP owners itching to test out the game-playing capabilities of Remote Play (made possible from the last firmware upgrade), you'll want to go here for a walkthrough on setting up a Japan PlayStation Network account for your PS3. Mainichi Issyo has been (and still is) only available through the Japanese PlayStation Store. As reported during the firmware 3.50 release, the Remote Play functionality will allow Mainichi Issyo gamers to "interact with Toro the cat" through any available internet access point. New details unveil the game's unique ability to complete microtransactions through the PlayStation Store in-game, instead of dumping you out to the PSP built-in browser. Feel free to have yourself a look-see. We'll be sure to update you with our in-depth impressions on Remote Play, as promised.[Update: Changed the wording of the post to reflect the newly unveiled features within Mainichi Issyo, using Remote Play. The post title changed to reflect the description of these new in-game features.]
PSN gets pseudo-ad with a montage
If you've been wondering what you're missing by not putting down $600 for a PS3, Sony's come out with a handy-dandy montage of PlayStation Network offerings. In the montage you'll see Nucleus, Lemmings, Warhawk and a bunch of other offerings. Is this basically an ad for the PS3? Sure is. But it's an ad that actually shows off games on the PS3, which if you've been paying attention, has been an issue with Sony's legitimate ad campaign. OK, Sony, we're on a good path here. Show more games that look good and less crying Satan babies that'll require NSFW tags.
Indies and consoles: an imperfect system
According to Gamasutra's Simon Carless, the independent scene is facing an uphill battle when developing for consoles, specifically in the realm of digital distribution. Carless argues that the difficulty in bringing a title across all platforms, both for technological and business reasons.Other than some retro titles (e.g. Joust), a very small number of downloadable title are appearing on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Capcom's Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is one of the few exceptions, and Capcom's Christian Svensson said it required "considerable coordination" to get the titles on both consoles, which indicates to us that less established independent houses would have insurmountable difficulty.Carless notes that Sony's collection, retro games aside, are predominantly first party (though we should note that flOw went to Sony because they actively sought out the independent title). Nintendo has always talked about bringing original games to the Wii, and there have been murmurings of a Game Channel, but so far all the only tangible indication of a non-Virtual Console title is Impossible Mission.Carless' analogy to the film industry (three separate formats for theatre chains), though admittedly ham-fisted, does not account for industry history. It may be unfair to the independent developer, but there hasn't been a time when gaming was controlled by a single format. Sure, development teams are now much larger and require a bigger budget, but that hasn't stopped smaller teams from succeeding with Geometry Wars, Ragdoll Kung-Fu, and Alien Hominid (pictured). The state of indie games isn't ideal, but it seems to be getting better. We say keep on fighting, Simon.
Championship Sprint motors hits PSN tomorrow, we're still bored.
The PlayStation Store seems to be on a mind-numbing sprint through the bargain bin of old classics, however this recent entry might struggle with even that very definition. Championship Sprint was an arcade treat in its heyday, but without the acrid smell of burnt pizza cheese permeating the air and the ching-ching-ching of tokens being dispensed nearby, we're not sure reliving this classic on the PS3 is going to evoke the same sense of guilty pleasure we once experienced. Pray tell, why exactly would anyone care to relive this classic without standing at the machine itself with a vice-like grip on the steering wheel (sans Force Feedback, we might add)? There is plenty of ripe fruit in the Sony catalog, so where are the classic gems from the lucrative and expansive PlayStation gallery? How many times can we ask for Twisted Metal? How about SOCOM? Honestly, lets skip the brussel sprouts and head right for the ice cream.For interested parties, Championship Sprint hits the PlayStation Store tomorrow, on May 31st, for $4.99. We suppose it's better than nothing, but not by much. Comments and suggestions on preferred PlayStation Store titles would be a fantastic addition here, so post away. Give Sony some ideas! Now, if you don't mind, we're heading back to the recesses of our couch to complete our Pirates of the Caribbean Blu-ray marathon. Wake us up when something more worthwhile is on.
PlayStation Network integrated into next firmware
The soon-to-be-released PSP firmware 3.50 is starting the slow process of integrating the PlayStation Network onto the handheld. When using Advanced Remote Play, users will be required to log-in using their PSN ID (pictured, right). Although this is a feature only applicable for those with PS3 systems, its exciting to see the PSN slowly appear on the system. Hopefully, this is a sign that future integration is not too far off: we can't wait to get a PlayStation Store and a single user ID for multiplayer games. The future is looking quite bright.[Thanks, Incog! Via NeoGAF]
Joust to impale the PS Network tomorrow for $5
What is the price of nostalgia? Sony has announced that starting tomorrow, you will be able to ride your ostrich and thwart buzzard-riding knights when Midway's Joust arrives on the PlayStation Network for $4.99.Judging by the press release and attached screenshots, the game looks to be visually untouched from its original state. We had a hard time recommending the game for $5 (then 400 MS points) last year when it was released, with updated visuals, on Xbox Live, and we have just as hard of a time recommending it now on the PS3. However, if you have deep-rooted memories in this game (and don't already have it in one of the other Midway bundles), this is for you.
Latest PlayStation Network numbers, 1.5 Million accounts
Any fear that the PlayStation Network wasn't pulling its fair share of subscribers can be put to rest. PlayStation Universe says 1.5 million user accounts were created since its inception, with 775,000 stemming from North America alone. Barring the fact users could have subscribed twice for multiple regions, the numbers are still impressive. Xbox Live only garnered 500,000 in the same six month time frame (including Silver and Gold memberships). Six million pieces of content were downloaded during this time. These numbers build on earlier reports of 1.3 million subscribers with over 3.2 million pieces of content downloaded.As far as gobbling up content, our appetites are always demanding more. Not to worry. As Sony Gamer's Day coverage should indicate, we have a feast coming very soon. [Via Qj.net]
California Games comes to the PlayStation Network
From the ashes of Epyx, London-based System 3 will be bringing the nostalgic California Games to both the Wii and PS3 consoles. When confirming its destination for the Wii console, CEO Mark Cale dropped word that it would also make its way to the PS3. According to Mr. Cale, "you will be able to buy it online," and "as a retail product." No word on if the title will include multiplayer over the PlayStation Network or if it will be revamped for its next-gen arrival. It would be silly to waste all that space on a Blu-Ray disc, so lets keep our fingers crossed for a bunch of extras (we secretly hope it's something other than its dreadful sequel, California Games 2). At any rate, it'll be nice to hit that silly seagull with a footbag again.
Rumor: Sony wants a $500 million Club Penguin
Montgomery & Co. virtual online company, Club Penguin, is supposedly in exclusive acquisition talks with Sony for the rumored price of $500 million. One has to wonder where that cash would be coming from, after such reports on Sony's recent financial situations. Nevertheless, if the acquisition is successful, it would allow Sony to cater to a much younger audience. Club Penguin offers games, activities and even kid-friendly chat. We'd imagine Sony would incorporate this into the PlayStation Network or even Home somehow, allowing a haven for young tykes to duke it out in Resistance play silly games and chat with their friends. Club Penguin's incorporation into the PlayStation Network might even convince parents to fork over $600 beans in order to get their kids the PS3 system. Not a bad idea, really. Sony could use more niche markets to increase the PS3 penetration and convince third party developers to start bringing the games.
Sony announces SOCOM Confrontation for PS3
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation_3/Sony_announces_SOCOM_Confrontation_for_PS3'; Sony has announced a PlayStation 3 entry in its popular SOCOM series, namely SOCOM Confrontation. Given the abundance of obscenely large weapons, it seems a fair guess that all confrontations in the game will end in violence and battered egos. That's precisely what Sony's counting on, as the game does away with single-player pleasantries and prioritizes online mayhem.Supporting up to 32 players in battle, Confrontation will launch with five North African themed maps, with further map packs becoming available for download in the PlayStation Store. Outside of conflict, the game will allow you to set up tournaments and clans, access leader boards and completely customize your soldier's appearance. Generally, you'll want to go with a constant frown on that virtual mug. Blissfully smiling soldiers are just begging for bullets, you know.SOCOM Confrontation is scheduled for release during the holiday season on the PlayStation Network.%Gallery-3180%
Rumor: PS3 firmware 2.0 details leaked
A user on the official PlayStation forums asserts to have a full list of features meant for an upcoming PlayStation 3 firmware update. The "2.0" update contains several significant changes for Sony's system, including the ability to access the Emmy award-winning XcrossMediaBar menu system during gameplay. The method of selecting output resolution is marked for change once again, as is the backwards compatibility range of PAL consoles.Sony has officially dismissed these details, however, lumping them firmly into a category of elaborate speculation. "We haven't released any information regarding a new firmware update for PS3, and don't comment on rumors or speculation." Feel free to comment yourself after perusing the list after the break.
Rampage: World Tour tosses a trailer your way
The PlayStation Store is gearing up for some more tasty, old school releases. Midway announced the release of six titles throughout the year, and they've already released Mortal Kombat II, Gauntlet II and Rampart. Well, Rampage: World Tour is just around the corner now. Originally released in 1997, the graphics on this version have been pumped up a bit for HD, yet they still look a bit dated. Midway is betting their titles will appeal to gamers yearning for a trip down memory lane. Which is good, because we love the releases of classic titles from yesteryear and thus far, have enjoyed pwning friends with Jax in MKII. Game play on Rampage: World Tour seems similar to what we recall, which will dictate your interest in this go-round of the Rampage franchise. It's a lot of smashing and grabbing. Personally, I've always found gobbling up the damsels in distress quite satisfying. So, what do you think? Is this a title you'll be heading over to download on release?
PLAYSTATION Network planned expansions to benefit publishers
Phil Harrison wasn't the only Sony exec at the Online Game Developer's Conference in Seattle this week. Michael Shorrock, Sony's developer of third party developer relations, outlined more details on planned expansions for the PLAYSTATION Network. "It's designed to be a profitable eco-system for both developers and publishers," as well as "a marketing platform for games and content."Mr. Shorrock also outlined six key components of the PLAYSTATION Network, including a video on demand (VOD) service as well as their previously announced Home service. Apparently, Sony envisions publisher and developer "pavilions" within Home. For example, users could enter the Activision's pavilion through Home, and download or play games from the publisher's selection of content. Marketing and advertising also play part of that six-part expansion, though we sincerely hope not to be bombarded with game advertisements while we watch downloaded movies.Nevertheless, the designs make the future brighter, giving additional content to the non-gaming audience (which helps with any significant other). Rounding out the expansion plans, Mr. Shorrock also pointed to the company's desire to incorporate more wireless connectivity between the PS3 and its younger brother, the PSP. There are a lot of interesting ideas unfolding here. The future is looking bright. Now, where are my shades?
Station Launcher to bring downloadable movies to PSP
Sony Online Entertainment is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the PLAYSTATION Network and Store. At yesterday's Gamer's Day event, they revealed Station Launcher, a new service that will bring downloadable content to the masses. The plans are quite ambitious, as detailed by Gamasutra's interview with SOE creative director Nathan Pearce. According to the interview, plans for a PSP version of Station Launcher is already in the works. Through it, players will be able do download movies directly to their handhelds."We have a version of Launcher where it recognizes when you plug in your PSP into the PC. You can download a movie straight from the internet through the Launcher straight to your PSP without it ever having touched your PC. There is no version on the PC, if you don't want it to be. It can download straight to your destination device like your PSP."Movies will be formatted for PSP, and will not incur an additional cost. The possibilities of Station Launcher are nearly endless: imagine if PS1 games were made available for download, sans PS3. Unfortunately, because of the huge scope of the project, it will be a very long time until we see it: "It is going to be a pretty big endeavor, so I don't have a release date for it, but it is going to be a good time after summer."[Thanks, Colin!]
No PSN cards "at this time" for Europe and US [Update]
We were as happy as can be when we first heard about Sony's PLAYSTATION Network cards. Buying a card from a retail store and dancing around the whole credit card ordeal seemed like a breath of fresh air, especially for those too young to hold a plastic or those too paranoid about putting any personal information on the internet (what some may dub as "public domain"). We warned you guys that Sony didn't currently say anything about cards outside of Japan. Turns out we were wise not to get your hopes up too high.No news about North America, but Sony spoke to CVG and stated that no, in fact, they had no plans to bring the PSN cards to Europe at this time. In the future, perhaps? Maybe Sony Europe will take charge and set something up instead of leaving it to the main offices. CVG also points out that during the European launch of XBox Live, there was an issue of the same manner -- no plastic, no online gaming in Europe. Let's hope in the future, this is not a trend.[Update: We contacted SCEA PR Manager Al de Leon about the availability of the Card in the US. "As far as the PLAYSTATION Card, we don't have any updates to the payment system to announce."]
More screens unearthed for retro PSN games
Sony Online Entertainment sure loves the PLAYSTATION Network. With 300,000 downloads under their belt, of course they'd be happy. In addition to revealing High Stakes today, SOE has released some new screenshots of two of their upcoming Network titles. Two classic titles, Championship Spirit and Rampage World Tour, will run in glorious HD ... but does that really matter? As these new screens reveal, the titles look decidedly retro.Do we need these games to be released on PSN? Or, would you rather have the PS3's incredible power harnessed for something a bit more visually arresting?
High Stakes poker brings EyeToy-enhanced Network play
Sony Online Entertainment has just revealed a new downloadable title for the PLAYSTATION Network. The much too awkwardly titled High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition will be released this summer on the Network for $9.99. A variety of play modes will be available, including Texas Hold'em, Super Hold'em, Billabong, Tahoe and Shanghai. Each style can be played as limit, pot limit or no limit poker.The greatest draw for the title will be its online multiplayer, with up to six people playing at once. Players will be able to play quick matches, or choose to play through an entire season. There will be online leader boards, in-depth statistics, and customizable characters. Over time, players will be able to collect points and unlock new items for their characters.One of the unique features of the game has to be its integration with cameras. Users will be able to connect a camera to the PS3 to enhance the game play experience. "Being among the first PLAYSTATION Network publishers to release a game that takes advantage of the EyeToy™ USB Camera (for PlayStation®2) and other PC compatible USB cameras is not only exciting, but also puts the player into a realistic game play setting featuring live audio and video feed," said Michael Lustenberger, VP of Marketing for Sony Online Entertainment. Screenshots can be found, after the break.
Make VOIP calls with your PS3
Voice communication is coming to the PS3 in a big way. A VOIP service provider by the name of Jajah, has tailored an interface with the PS3 in mind. Users can head to the Jajah website via the PS3 web browser to setup the number they wish to initiate a call with. Jajah already provides VOIP supports extensions for Firefox, Outlook and even PDAs. Gamers already have voice chat while in game over the PlayStation Network, if games decide to include and support it. However, Jajah's VOIP service could allow one solution for gamers, regardless of voice support, on all PS3 titles. While the process isn't quite as streamlined as another network we heard about, it's still a welcome step in the right direction. Solidifying the good news is word that Intel has invested $15 million in the company, via its Intel Capital arm. Perhaps this is the beginning of a more unified voice chat solution on the PlayStation Network?
Sony to offer pre-paid PSN vouchers in Japan
Those dying to download Marl Oukoku no Ningyou Hime (and who isn't?) from the Japanese PlayStation Network will now find another payment option nestled in the aisles of the nearest convenience store. IGN reports that PlayStation Network Tickets will soon be procurable from convenience stores and post office ATMs across Japan, allowing those without a means of direct electronic payment to enjoy and more importantly, pay for the wares of the PS3's virtual marketplace. The tickets will function in a similar fashion to Nintendo Wii Point cards and Xbox Live MS Point vouchers, with the exception that they'll be grouped in a non-bogus currency. Available in units of ¥1,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000, the cards will contain a 12-digit code recognized by the PSN as a command to fill up your virtual wallet with the corresponding amount. As for the possibility of PSN Tickets becoming available elsewhere, Sony offers, "We have no announcement regarding any changes to the electronic payment options on the PlayStation Store in North America at this time."
How about some Worms, er, Zwok?
Sony has been hard at work... making some online game that strongly resembles Worms, but it's online! It's called Zwok and it's pretty neat. We have no idea why SCEE would stick this up on the internet when there's a perfectly good PlayStation Network that would love to see some games -- especially in Europe!To play the game, you've got to sign up. Don't worry, it's free. You then customize your little character... is that a Zwok or just a really ugly thing? Whichever it is, you make it your own. There are two teams for every match: Blooz and Grienz. Yes, that's "blue" and "green" in crazy-speak. Choose a weapon to fire, get into position, and let loose. Seriously -- this is Worms. Regardless, we'd love to see something like this on the PS Store. Wouldn't you?
