ps
Latest
PlayStation 3.30 firmware is a go, 3D games support 'prepped'
When the PlayStation blog said firmware 3.30 -- you know, the one that "preps" the console for added 3D support (games for now, not movies) -- was "coming soon," we figured that meant some indeterminate day or week ahead. Not so; we just turned on our Sony consoles and, lo and behold, we got a new update sent our way. There's nothing you can do with the third dimension at this point, but take solace in a handful of Trophy enhancements. And Linux support? Don't be silly, it's not coming back.
Bypass PS3 firmware 3.21 in seconds -- at your own risk (update: defunct)
Face it: Sony's backed you into a corner. You can't play PS3 online without downloading the 3.21 firmware update, but if you download, your precious 'Other OS' is forfeit -- and there may be side effects. You could wait it out, hoping Geohot comes through with a workaround. You could even sue Sony for a refund if you live in Europe. Or, if you're not terribly worried about the security of your PSN account and personal information, you could instead input just ten digits into your PS3 and magically bypass the entire issue. Though technically minded individuals have been skirting Sony's firmware checks for years now using private proxies, homebrew developer Aaron Lindsay decided to set up a public server at 67.202.81.137, which allows anyone to piggyback on his success in mere seconds -- we tried it ourselves, and it worked like a charm. By doing so, you run the risk of giving Aaron all your credentials... but if the odd identity theft doesn't break your stride, you can jump right back into that Uncharted 2 session by entering the above number into Internet Connection Settings > DNS Setting > Primary DNS. Update: As of April 13, the proxy DNS trick no longer works. We're not sure why, but considering how long the hacking community holds a grudge, we expect a workaround in due time.
PS3 firmware 3.21 is out: say goodbye to 'install other OS'
Just a tad ahead of schedules -- perhaps as a macabre assurance this isn't some April 1st joke -- firmware 3.21 for the PS3 is now being seeded to anyone who tries to log onto the PlayStation Network. As far as we can tell, all the update seems to do is remove the "install other OS" option and kill access to anyone who does have another platform dual-booted. Just a friendly reminder, if you fall into that category, be sure to either backup your partition or wait for Geohot to find a workaround. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Geohot advises against updating PS3, will find 'safe way' around losing OS support
In case you hadn't heard, there's a PlayStation 3 firmware update coming this Thursday that'd knock out the "install other OS" option and remove any currently-installed non-PS3 platform. Our guess is it's not going to affect the majority of owners, but the diehard users are certainly up in arms, and no one really likes losing a feature, even if it's rarely used. Leave it to Geohot, then, to right the wrong. Arguably the reason for Sony's reversal (see: PS3 exploit), the famed hacker has published not only a letter of sorrow at the company (unsurprising), but also a call for users not to update. Instead, he claims he will "look into a safe way of updating to retain OtherOS support" and issued a tech-savvy threat about "touching the CFW," much to the company's chagrin (trust us, you don't even want to know what he's talking about here -- far too scary). We wouldn't normally say a war's brewing, but ol' George Hotz has proven himself more than capable at starting something fierce. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Older PS3s losing 'install other OS' option in Thursday's firmware 3.21 update
Bad news, Linux fans. The older PlayStation 3 consoles are losing one of the features they could tout over their Slim successor. Firmware 3.21 is coming out this Thursday, April 1st, and its major raison d'être is to kill the "install other OS" option. (This is "not an April fools joke," as the PlayStation Europe blog clarifies.) "Security concerns" is the cited reason, although we're sure that doesn't make you feel much better -- no one likes the loss of a feature, even if it wasn't being used. Those who wish to keep Yellow Dog or Fedora running can opt to not upgrade, but skipping out means losing the ability to access PlayStation Network and play games online, among other things. DARPA enthusiasts notwithstanding, we can't say we know many people still running Linux on their console, but if you count yourself among the few and proud, our condolences. Them's the breaks, but hey, at least some of you still have PS2 compatibility.
PlayStation Move ad pulls no motion-controlled punches against Wii, Project Natal
Sony's VP of Realistic Movements Kevin Butler (boy, does that guy have a large business card) is at it again, this time in a video ad for the PlayStation Move. He's back from the future to thank us all for the success of the motion control device, and make a few jabs towards Nintendo and Microsoft for their efforts. Here's a few choice quotes. "Because real boxers don't hit like this [flails arms exasperatingly]" "It's also got what we in the future call buttons, which turn out to be pretty important to those handful of millions of people who enjoy playing shooters, platformers, well, anything that doesn't involve catching a big red ball." "C'mon, who wants to pretend their hand is a gun. What is this, third grade? Pew, pew, pew." Check out the futuristic -- or now-eristic, rather -- commercial after the break. And if you ask, sorry, we still wouldn't bet on Kansas City in six.
SOE announces dates for Fan Faire 2010
For fans of Sony Online Entertainment's stable of MMO titles, the time has come once again to start making plans for Fan Faire. It looks like we'll all be heading back to Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas from August 5-8 for a weekend chock-full of all manner of crazy gaming fun with MMO friends. This year, they're offering everything from day passes at $35 on up to a Platinum badge which -- for $135 -- will net you access to all events, plus an additional in-game item, a special swag bag boasting more than just regular Fan Faire goodies, access to a VIP lounge, and even private VIP events. Add to that the room discounts starting at $65 a night for a swanky hotel right on the main Vegas strip, and this could well be a great vacation that just happens to include the awesome fun of this year's SOE Fan Faire. For now, there's no details on the schedule of events, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Alan "Brenlo" Crosby wedging people into t-shirts three sizes too small, as well as an appearance by of one of our favorite Dwarves. If previous years are any indication, this is a should-not-miss event for any serious SOE fan.
Michael Jackson 'This is It' PS3 bundle makes it a better place for you and me
This is it! And by "it" we, of course, mean corporate synergy, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan reach across the cultural divide to bring America's late King of Pop to the island of Japan in the form of a bundled Blu-ray and "Special Pack" PlayStation 3 SKU. But this bundle isn't as off the wall as you may imagine. It won't heal the world or rock with you, but if MJ fans wanna be startin' somethin' with the PS3, you really can't beat it. Your ¥33,500 nabs you a Blu-ray of last year's behind-the-scenes cash-in and a 120GB PS3 Slim in a "limited offer" package beginning January 27 – sorry, no choice of black or white. Oof, that last one was bad.
Leaked PS3 XMB images hint at Facebook integration, new image layout
Although we were too late to verify for ourselves, both Joystiq and Scrawl swear up and down that the above three images, each of whom unfortunately lack a higher-res version, all hail from the official Sony Computer Entertainment Europe website, and each showing a feature of the PlayStation 3's XMB we haven't seen before: some form of Facebook integration, the ability to change gamercard colors, and a new method of photo organization / perusal. None of these would be too surprising or earth-shattering, really, and the juiciest question of them all -- exactly when we might see these additions -- is still a mystery.
Video: a brief history of game console teardowns
Granted, none of these are teardowns we haven't already seen ad nauseam, but seeing every Sony and Microsoft console ripped to shreds and placed side-to-side in a series of glass cases is still a sight to behold. Peruse the display yourself, found at Tokyo Game Show and shown courtesy of the Museum of GAME Science, in a video tour after the break.
PlayStation 3 Slim review
Even before Sony's big unveil earlier this month at Cologne GamesCom, it felt like we already knew the PlayStation 3 Slim quite intimately. A leak from back in May gave us a glimpse of every angle of the hardware's exterior, and even the final retail box. At that point, we didn't know what to make of it, and the change in logo font definitely threw us off. Three months, thirty seconds of video, and a dash of legal paperwork later, and we're looking at that very same leaked device, now taking up space adjacent to our hefty 60GB "Classic" model from launch day. Unquestionably, it's smaller and lighter, but how else has Sony's Blu-ray-playing console evolved -- or regressed -- over these past few years? Read on to find out!
Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store
Over in beautiful Cologne, Germany, Sony has just confirmed what we've suspected for months now. Exclusive to the PSN Store, loyal Sony gamers will soon have access to a new segment of titles, ones that'll be available anytime and anywhere that there's an internet connection. The 100MB (or less) selections -- which are being officially called Minis -- are designed to take advantage of the "smaller development cost on the PSP," and if all goes well, we'll see 15 games (such as Tetris, Hero of Sparta, MiniGore and Fieldrunners) launching on October 1st. There's been no mention yet of how expensive these "snackable" apps / games will be, but we're holding Sony to its promise of 50 by the end of 2009.Update: Press release after the break.
PlayStation 3 motion-sensing controller to be shown off at E3?
It's now just over a month before Sony's E3 press event and already the rumor mill is aflutter with what the comapny's planning to debut on stage. We've already heard about PSP's apparent makeover, and now comes word from Variety that the PlayStation 3's oft-rumored motion sensing controller, closer in the vein of the Wii remote than of its relative-positioning Sixaxis pad, will be getting some time on stage. A source from Kombo late last month suggested key third-party developers have already been brought up to speed and asked to implement the functionality into their upcoming titles. Like we said, this isn't the first time we've been down this road, and it's not happened infinitely more times than has, so... take that as you will. Brace yourself, this is only the beginning of the of a flurry of game-related murmurs and speculation in the leadup to next month's conference. Read - Variety Read - Kombo
Special Edition Advent Children PlayStation 3 unboxed in all its matte glory
There's a lot to love about the special edition 160GB Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete Cloud Black PlayStation 3 bundle that was unleashed this week in Japan -- a fancy Strife Wolf emblem, a copy of Advent Children Complete on Blu-ray, and a Final Fantasy XIII demo you can't play anywhere else -- but perhaps our favorite part is the console's matte finish. For us, a smudge-resistant PS3 is well worth the 49,980 yen (US $505) price of admission. 1UP has the unboxing, hit up the read link for more pics.[Via Joystiq]
PS3 3-in-1 wireless pad boasts keyboard, remote and controller functionality
We really don't know much about this third-party Swiss army peripheral other than what we can glean from its name and a fuzzy product picture. It's a PlayStation 3 remote, keyboard and controller, although the latter is still up for debate since it's hard to tell how playable those thumbsticks are -- if that's even what they are. We also can't really tell if there are L and R triggers behind the remote portion or if we'd somehow have to use the keys on the top of the remote. Regardless, at just under $30, consider our curiosity officially piqued.[Via DCEmu; thanks, craig]
One Shots: I'ma chargin mah lazorz
Are you ready to rumble? Are your lazorz all charged up and ready? Do you have enough ammo to do what it takes to take the Massively staff down during the PlanetSide fragfest planned for later today? We certainly hope so! We already know that Massively reader Mason R. is ready, as he not only sent us the great screenshot above, but a cool edited variation too. If you haven't started your download or signed up yet, there's still time, though. Check out all the details about Massively's invasion of PlanetSide. We'll see you at 6:00 PM Eastern, recruits!Do you have some cool screenshots you took (posed or otherwise) showing off an aspect of your world that we haven't seen recently? Perhaps you'll be snagging screenshots from today's PlanetSide event and would like to have your screens featured in our upcoming huge gallery of the event? Whatever the case -- just pop those screenshots and a description of what we're seeing into an email and fire it off to us here at oneshtos AT massively.com! %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: A view to a kill
Several of the team members have been checking out PlanetSide in preparation for our upcoming "Come Frag Massively" event, this Saturday at 6:00 PM Eastern. What has pleasantly surprised several of us is just how good looking this game is considering it was released in 2003! Today's One Shots was snapped while standing a cliff, overlooking a base under contention. Of course, what this lovely, placid-looking screenshot doesn't show you is the nearby mech piloted by Music520, who blew this blogger straight off the map about ten seconds later! To say this is going to be a fun and exciting event is an understatement, we think. So if you're free this Saturday, be sure to grab a PlanetSide trial account and come have fun fragging the crap out of the Massively staff! Do you have a screen you captured just before something ate your face? Perhaps you also have a funny story behind a screenshot? Whatever the case may be, we'd love to check it out! Just scribble down your story, attach your screenshot and send the whole thing to us here at oneshots AT massively.com! %Gallery-9798%
Come frag Massively in PlanetSide!
Maybe you've disagreed with an article here on the site. Maybe you didn't like the way we covered your favorite game, or were too slow to jump on something you were really pumped about. Regardless, after reading the site for some nine months now, we'd bet you have at least one thing you'd like to get off your chest. Well, now's your chance. This Saturday we're going to give you the chance to put the leads, writers, and columnists of Massively.com in their place by fragging us to kingdom come.In collaboration with Sony Online Entertainment a bunch of Massively staffers are going to hop into PlanetSide as a fourth army - we're going to be the bad guys. It's your job, then, as the loyal recruits of the New Conglomerate, the Terran Republic, or the Vanu Sovereignty to put us in our place. You can participate for free, even, and get a taste of what the gameplay in PS is like on an epic scale. Join us this Saturday at 6pm EST on the US server Gemini! For full details, read below the cut to find out how to grab the client and join in.
This is Advertising: Top 10 worst PlayStation ads
Over the past few years, Sony's controversial attempts at viral marketing for the PlayStation brand were not well-received by the general public. The company had been criticized on numerous occasions for various failed ad campaigns. Campaigns which didn't just fail to hit their target markets, but more importantly had an adverse effect leaving many people angry, rebellious, or just plain dumbfounded. A good example of one of these wrongfully done ads is the recent image of a naked man and his literal eleventh finger promoting the PlayStation 3. Just take a look at the universal heat this drew in.This recent controversy rekindled the memory of all the horrible ads that have appeared in promotion for both the PS3 and the PlayStation Portable. But, it hasn't always been this bad. The general consensus on PlayStation One and PlayStation 2 ads were favorable; however, as 2006 rolled in with the PSP already under fire and the PS3 on the way, a new direction was emerging for the corporate giant. Was there such a need to be edgy Sony? You were doing so well.We had thought the era of Sony's marketing fumbles had ended, but apparently it hasn't. So in honor of the embarrassing and often painful ad campaigns over the past few years, we present this look into the top ten worst PlayStation brand ads ever. We're sure Sony won't be too happy about us digging up old skeletons, but this is history and an interesting one at that. It's also one that's hard to forget. And besides, early next month we'll have a top ten best PlayStation ads list just so we're not being lopsided here. So get clicking, and see what NSFW atrocities we've compiled.
Planetside's two US servers merging
Early last month the small but dedicated fanbase for Sony Online Entertainment's Planetside learned that they'll be getting (in terms of pure acreage) smaller. The two current US servers, Markov and Emerald, will be condensed into the single server: Gemini. This was confirmed in a developer address to the players on the official forums. Some old Planetside players are getting invitations to return for a limited time; their accounts have been reactivated from now through May 21st.This is partially about nostalgia, and partially a bid for character self-preservation. The merged servers will result in a lot of duplicated names, and characters that have been logged in recently will have precedence when it comes to claiming their name. Outfits (guilds) and characters that have been logged in within the last three months will have the highest chance of retaining their name; everyone else will be rolling the dice. Van Hemlock observes that this is likely a prelude to merging in the EU server Werner as well, which may well be the end of EU participation. Those extra pings when making the leap across the pond can't help in FPS PVP action.
