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PS3 firmware 2.40 spruces up PSN Store
Right now, you're probably at work, reading this at your cubicle, wondering how exactly your two college degrees and years of hard work and ambition got you to where you are now. Meanwhile, our pals at PS3 Fanboy are at home, probably in their underwear, futzing around with PS3 firmware 2.40, high-fiving each other every time they find something "totally rad." This one took quite a bit of digging, but we agree it's pretty important. The updated PSN Store brought Sony's web-based circa 1997 shopping experience into the 21st century, but it wasn't without fault. Most notably, the tiny icons often didn't communicate the content very well ... that is, if they ever loaded. Yeah, it had caching issues too. So, we're happy to report that as of today, the PSN Store has a new "view mode" which puts things into a list format, as seen above and, whaddyaknow, they're caching images now too so everything should be lickity-split!
2.40 includes hidden PSN Store upgrade
The new look PSN Store is definitely something to behold, even if we've mostly gotten used to what it looks like by now. Unfortunately, it suffered from not caching images properly and, as a result, slow loading of items on the store. If you're someone who's particularly annoyed by this, then you'll be happy to hear that firmware 2.40 seems to have brought with it a little surprise which makes the store run a lot smoother. This is true of both the US and the EU stores.Not only that, but a new "view mode" has been added to both, so now you can have the store items laid out in more of a list form, rather than just an image. Not only does this make it easier to see what each item is at a glance, but it also shows the price, even if the item is not highlighted. This is definitely our preferred method of viewing the store. If we find any more 2.40 surprises, we'll be sure to let you know.
Sony denies PS2 downloads on PSN, image 'mocked up'
Sony America bigwig Patrick Seybold tells GamePro that he's "not sure" where the image of PS2 games available on the PSN came from and "at this point" there are no announcements or plans of PS2 games for download on the PS3. The user who originally posted the image on N4G said he received the pic from a Sony Europe insider and that the PS2 DLC will be unveiled at E3 in a couple weeks.
Rumor: PS2 games coming to the PSN?
Here we go again. Just as one screenshot rumor is confirmed, dated and busted wide open, another comes to take its place. We were happy basking in the glow of firmware 2.40 when we stumbled upon this image on the N4G forum (which is where you can also check out a larger version). It shows PS2 games being made available on the PlayStation Store. Among the games listed we can see Metal Gear Solid 2, Red Faction and The Bouncer (which just so happened to be this particular blogger's first PS2 game). Three titles we'd gladly buy again as a digital copy.Of course, just like last time, this is nothing more than a rumor right now. The N4G forumer says that his friend, who works at Sony London, sent this photo to him and that the service is due to be announced at E3, with a late Summer roll-out. Supposedly it will be coming to Europe first, which makes us think it might be more likely to be announced at Leipzig. If it's real, that is. Photoshop gurus can commence picking it apart ... now!
PSN Thursday: Still sifting through MGS4 database edition
The PSN update this week is nothing special, but we're still too busy sifting through the MGS4 Database added in last week's update to really care. Beyond the surprising amount of depth the database gets into, it's interesting to see some flat-out confirmations of some arguable points in the MGS canon -- like the whole Raikov being gay thing. The other additions this week include the normal rhythm game additions and Medievel Resurrection for PSP. The full PSN update can be found after the break. The MGS4 Database is the big deal this week on the European PSN update, get the full details on the update over at PS3 Fanboy.
American PSN Store update for June 26th
Little bit more content here than in today's European update, but still nothing particularly compelling. Our pick of the week has to go to the Rock Band DLC. A full album plus a few Weezer songs? Yes please. Golfers and tennis players have a couple of demos to enjoy too. Here's the full release list: Playable content Hot Shots Golf demo Top Spin 3 demo Add-on content PAIN Nigel Character ($1) Guitar Hero III "I am Murloc" (Free) Rock Band DLC (posted after the break)
PSP will get direct access to the PSN Store this fiscal year
And it's about time too. Sony has revealed today, during a Strategy Meeting in Tokyo, that the PSP will finally be getting direct access to the PSN Store. That means no more having to deal with cables, memory cards or PCs. Good news for Mac lovers. It also means that you'll be able to download content from any WiFi hotspot. Pretty tasty.There's no real release date, other than "this fiscal year," which could mean anything up to next April. The service was announced at GDC earlier this year, but no timeframe was announced. There's a chance we'll be hearing more about this at E3 next month, so stay tuned for that.
European PSN update for June 26th
Want content? You got content. Europe gets their hands on the MGS Database today, which is probably the most exciting piece of content here, we reckon. If you're wondering where Novastrike is, you won't be seeing that hit the store in this region until August. Worth waiting for an improved version that includes trophies, right? Here's the full release list:Playable content Metal Gear Solid Database (free) Pursuit Force full PSP game (£14.99/€19.99) Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 demo (free) Add-on content PAIN Nigel add-on pack (£0.69/€0.99) Guitar Hero III "World of Warcraft song" add-on pack (free) Videos Call of Duty: World at War Reveal Trailer Prince of Persia Debut trailer PAIN Characters trailer Prince Caspian trailer
Video downloads coming this Summer to the US PSN Store
Sony has updated their corporate strategy today to include some exciting new pieces of information regarding what we can expect in the future. Amid talk of using external expertise to accelerate R&D efficiency and improving "non-game content and services in tandem with enhanced network capability," something else caught our eye. The document states plans to roll out a video download service across Sony branded products between now and fiscal year 2010. Starting with the US PlayStation Network this Summer.Kaz Hirai has gone on to say, at what we assume is a stockholder's meeting today, that the video download service will be made available "at later dates," with more information to be revealed next month. That'll be at E3 then. We're looking forward to hearing more in a couple of weeks. [Via Engadget; Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Source - Sony's new corporate strategySource - Summer launch for the US
American PSN update for June 19th
Americans have a pretty good update today. Plenty of playable content and add-on packs, including the excellent free Metal Gear Solid 4 Database software. Also, Fatal Inertia EX releases today, just in case you're bored with Metal Gear Solid 4 already. Yeah, we thought not. Here's the full release list: Playable content Fatal Inertia EX ($29.99) Fatal Inertia EX demo (free) NCAA Football 09 demo (free) Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 demo (free) Hail to the Chimp demo (free) Metal Gear Solid 4 Database (free) Add-on content Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds Oceania Course ($5) Incredible Hulk DLC - Six competitive two-player mission types (free) Guitar Hero III "Coldplay" track pack ($6.25) Rock Band DLC (posted after the break)
PSN Thursday: The MGS4 Database, Fatal Inertia EX
This week's PSN update delivers the MGS4 Database, a repository of information that should explain the MGS saga in great -- and hopefully simple-to-understand -- detail. Oh yeah, best part, it's free! Also being added this week is the racer Fatal Inertia EX and new Guitar Hero III tracks by Coldplay. Of course, the Rock Band DLC is there as per usual. The full PSN update can be found after the break.The European PSN update is over at PS3 Fanboy. We recommend caution, they're really upset about not getting the MGS4 Database.
MGS4 Database available tomorrow on PSN
Konami will sneak in the MGS4 Database with tomorrow's PSN Store update. The free downloadable interactive program contains the "official knowledge base" of all things Metal Gear -- guess we can get rid of Ludwig now. The database will contain complete storylines, character profiles, relationship diagrams and "much more." A nice consideration in the database is that all MGS4 spoiler info is "blacked out" until the user beats the game.It's like explaining Metal Gear has become its own cottage industry. There are the actual Metal Gear games, and then there's trying to explain the Metal Gear story.
PSN Thursday: MGS4 theme and Syphon Filter 3
For those who can't afford Metal Gear Solid 4, this week's PSN update drags out Syphon Filter 3 as a downloadable title on the PSN for a mere $6. There's also some new Guitar Hero III and Rock Band tracks as well, but otherwise, it's a relatively lean week for obvious reasons. Be sure to grab the MGS4 PS3 theme if you're intending to eat, sleep with and breathe Snake until you finish the final chapter. Wait, did we just say "sleep with"? The full PSN update can be found after the break.The European PSN update can be found over at PS3 Fanboy. Tell them to stop playing MGS4 and do some work while you're there.
American PSN update for June 12th
Just in case you need something to supplement your Metal Gear Solid 4 sessions, the PSN has been updated with plenty of playable, add-on and video content. There's loads to choose from here, including the first PS1 game to be released on the US Store for quite a while. Is there anything here that's really going to pull you away from MGS4? Didn't think so. Here's the full release list:Playable content Syphon Filter 3 PS1 game ($5.99) Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror PSP game ($15.99) Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars demo (free) Add-on content Rock Band DLC (listed after the break) Army of Two Veteran Map Pack (free) Guitar Hero III Isle of Wight add-on pack ($6.25)
PSN Thursday: Novastrike, Civ Rev demo, Commando 3, much more
Big fat update this week. For starters, it's time for PS3 owners to jump in the pool and try out the Civilization Revolution demo. So far, our thoughts are positive, but conflicted. PC Civilization players will jump right in and notice some major changes, but will console gamers find joy in the methodical (yet incredibly streamlined) Civ gameplay?Enough thinking, what about some twitch action? The free God of War theme for GH III is available today, along with the PSN's first game self-published by a developer, Novastrike. Also, storming out of left field is Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3. There's also a couple other nice additions in this week's update, so check it out after the break.The PS3 Fanboy's got your European PSN update on their site, but be sure to bring chocolates. They like chocolates.
American PSN releases for June 5th
Update: Content is live!Better late than never, right? You already know this update's a big one, so lets not delay. There's plenty to grab and, potentially, a lot of money to spend. It's a big one. Here's the full release list:Playable content Qore digital magazine ($2.99 each or $24.99 for a year) Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 full game ($9.99) Novastrike full game ($9.99) Civilization Revolution demo (free) Battlefield: Bad Company MP demo (free) NASCAR 09 demo (free) Add-on content Guitar Hero III "God of War" track pack (free) Guitar Hero III "Motorhead" track pack ($6.25) Rock Band DLC (check after the break) %Gallery-24320%%Gallery-18140%
European PSN Store update for June 5th
Another pleasing update. Demos, add on packs and PS1/PSP games are always welcome. We didn't really expect to see the God of War Guitar Hero III pack arriving in Europe before the US. As for Toy Home: Second Gear, that's a nice little surprise as well. Here's the full release list:Playable content Battlefield: Bad Company demo (free) Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit demo (free) Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six PS1 game (£3.49/€4.99) Killzone Liberation PSP game (£14.99/€19.99) Add-on content Guitar Hero III "God of War Theme" track pack (free) Guitar Hero III "Motorhead" track pack (£3.99/€5.99 Toy Home "Second Gear" add-on pack (£2.99/€3.99) Videos Resident Evil 5 "Spring Trailer" Top Spin 3 debut trailer Okay SCEE, let's call it quits. Keep this up and we'll have nothing to complain about. Regular PS1 titles and content hitting on the same day as the US Store is exactly what we've been after for the last year. The lack of NovaStrike is unsurprising, but it'll be with us next week, right SCEE?
NovaStrike hitting the US PSN Store tomorrow
NovaStrike is heading to the PSN Store very soon. Tomorrow, in fact. This has been announced by Kevin McCann, President of Tiki Games via the PlayStation Blog. After giving us a brief biography, McCann goes on to explain what exactly NovaStrike is and announces that it will be made available in the US (no word on EU) in tomorrow's PSN Store update.We've had some hands on time with the game in the past, so check that out if you're on the fence about buying the game or not. Mostly we suspect it will come down to price, though there's no mention of how much we're expected to pay for the game. Check back tomorrow when we'll have the full PSN update list and, in the meantime, check out the video above to see the game in action.
Novastrike shoots up alien scum on PSN tomorrow
According to the PlayStation Blog, top-down arcade shooter Novastrike blasts its way onto PSN tomorrow at an earthly price of $10. The title appears to be your standard omni-directional shooter relying on our intense alien xenophobia, but those games have been known to surprise us with addictive gameplay from time to time.Kevin McCann, president of Novastrike's developer, Tiki Games, says the game is the first self-published title* available on the PSN. McCann rightfully points out that self-publishing might not mean much to gamers, but for small cash-strapped developers it makes PSN a nice option in the ever-increasing pool of digital distribution outlets. Not having to worry about delisting probably helps too.*Everyday Shooter was self-developed, Sony published it.%Gallery-18141%
PSN Thursday: Prince of Persia wallpaper
Not actual wallpaper OK, last week's PSN update was lacking, but this week ... well, this week we're just not going to comment on it. There's a couple of Prince of Persia wallpapers and the weekly Rock Band content. Beyond that, there's not much else. Check it out after the break if you don't believe. We'll take this opportunity to mention that PixelJunk Monsters is awesome -- particularly on two player local co-op -- and we recommend at least trying the demo.Europe got a little somethin-somethin, which can be found over at PS3 Fanboy.
