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All-in-one gadgets: Let the dream die
Business Week covers DoCoMo's plans for an all-in-one product that fills tech needs for everyone. The phone company insists that a handset with GPS, music, web, gaming, and other features is needed because there's no single killer app for customers; DoCoMo has to design broad devices so that certain features will replace all of the gadgets for specific users.The all-in-one device was a nice dream, but we don't think it'll ever materialize. As the article mentions, designing for so many uses means that you can't design well for each individual application. A circular wheel might work well for scrolling through songs, but it's weak for traditional games.Consoles walk a fine line between gaming machines and all-in-one devices. Even the Wii plays photos and MP3s (poorly). Are game companies trying for the all-in-one grail, or just grafting extra features onto a console to drive sales?
2006 belongs to PS2, rules Game Informer [update 2]
The new issue of Game Informer (#165) offers the editors' vision of the 'Top 50 games of 2006.' According to GI, while Wii and PlayStation 3 overpowered our attentions, PlayStation 2 quietly enjoyed the year's most fulfilling lineup, trumping Xbox 360's solid first year.Here's a breakdown of the number of Top 50 games per system (includes multi-platform titles): PS2: 20 (8 multi-platform) Xbox 360: 16 (10 multi-platform) PC: 15 (8 multi-platform) PS3: 6 (5 multi-platform) Xbox: 6 (all multi-platform) DS: 6 PSP: 4 Wii: 3 (GI lists 3 in table, but only highlights 2 games in article) GameCube: 0* Despite Sony systems featuring 30 of GI's 2006 favorites, Nintendo was selected as both top publisher and developer of the year; and Twilight Princess (for Wii) was elected as 'Game of the Year.' It's also worth noting that while PS2 featured a wealth of top-rated games, the console was also home to the majority of lowest-rated, compatible with six of the 'Top 10 Worst Games of 2006.'Update 1: because you all demanded it, here are GI's picks for PS3 games included in the year's Top 50 (in no particular order): Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Need for Speed Carbon, Call of Duty 3, Resistance: Fall of Man, Tony Hawk's Project 8, and Fight Night Round 3. Only Resistance is a PS3 exclusive.Update 2: specified number of multi-platform titles per system in Top 50 breakdown.*Twilight Princess was not included in the GameCube category.[Via print edition]See also: Winner of strongest fall lineup is ... PS2?
Pink PSP proves pretty popular
ITmedia is reporting that the pink PSP is doing quite well, with a 70% female audience, aged 20 to 40. This is a market largely ignored by Nintendo's efforts: younger than the Brain Age-obsessed moms, and older than the Nintendogs-loving girls. Accessories, like the pricey Samantha Thavasa pink PSP case sold out "instantly," proving that a simple color change can expand the PSP's market quite a bit.Of course, Sony seems to understand that everywhere except the US, where gamers have been limited to one PSP color: black, and black alone. When will Sony realize that this is just limiting their ability to sell more systems? Certainly, the upcoming Silver system which hits Japan this week will also help boost sales.[Via PSP-Vault]
Gaming may get embroiled in new scare
The public loves its scares. Since the advent of gaming, our beloved hobby has been under attack. The scares normally revolve around violence and how gaming is the root cause. The newest scare that might get tagged to gaming: WiFi. Currently, the scientific world is fighting over the health effects of WiFi. Some claim that WiFi destroys organ tissue -- didn't they try this with cell phones -- and another camp that says the first group is full of bunk. Since each major console, handheld and not-so-handheld, has some WiFi component, it is just a matter of time before gaming gets blamed. Gamers, gear up for another possible scare: games cause cancer. It is not a matter of if, but when some "intelligent" person figures out that a large chunk of those evil WiFi waves are being pumped out by various DS, PSP, or Xbox 360 units. That's fine by us, we're already fully aware the public-at-large latches onto the worst possible (and frequently wrong) aspect of anything different, we're used to being under fire.
Sony keeps up solid streak of PSP marketing snafus
So those graffiti ads didn't go down so well, "take a running jump here" didn't really take off, and that whole "racism is awesome" campaign in the Netherlands wasn't so hot -- lesson learned, right? Not so much. While it seems Sony has had its fill of offensive messages -- for now, at least -- they've managed to pull off one of the least convincing viral marketing campaigns in recent memory, sparking that special kind of public outcry that it seems we all keep pent up for Sony offenses. The controversy centers on these "all i want for xmas is a psp" fools you might've seen floating around YouTube. Bloggers "charlie" and "jeremy" have been posting up ridiculous rap videos, remarkably slick print-out ads and oh-so-indie t-shirt iron-ons in an effort to convince "j's parents that a psp would be teh perfect gift." Oh, and you all can feel free to use the material for your own ad campaign on the 'rents. Sounds harmless, and we're sure it would be if Sony just put its name on the proceedings from the get-go, but waiting for Something Awful forum members to point out Zipatoni (Sony's apparent viral marketing firm on this campaign) as the domain registrar, and everybody else to laugh at the sheer audacity of Sony for thinking they'd get away with this one, probably wasn't the best foresight on Sony's part. Feel free to peep a couple ridiculous YouTube vids after the break, but just make sure you don't get sucked in, it's all a scam we tell you! Oh well Sony, at least those Bravia ads are still pretty neat.[Via Wired]
All I want from Sony is better advertising
The Internet is filled with tons of awful, awful things. And the people of Something Awful make their living looking for the Internet's worst. They discovered a Sony-owned and operated blog called "all i want for xmas is a psp." While many PSP enthusiasts will agree with an idea like that, the blog is clearly corporate. Watch this video, found on the site, which features a suspiciously old looking white "teen" that performs a video so bad, it's not even funny. Do you think this kind of advertising would work... on anybody?[Via Joystiq]
Sony marketers are horrible liars, pretend to run fansite
PSP fansites are popping up all over the internet. The demand for the portable system is at an all-time high as enthusiasts can't contain themselves. Rather, they opt to start seasonal fansites evangelizing the portable's many benefits not to mention its huge list of AAA and exclusive games. PSP fansite All I Want For Xmas is a PSP is no different. It was started by two "kids" -- one of which raps and looks disturbingly old for a kid -- in an effort to entice their parents to buy them a PSP for Christmas. Furthermore, the site only uses lower case letters, always references "two" as "2," embraces hip phrases like "here's the deal," publishes fake user-generated comments like "this is the best site ever" under the alias of True Gamer, and posts homemade rap videos full of stage props and trite "izzies." The above video is sure to reach the top spot on YouTube by tomorrow. It just screams street cred.The only problem is the registered domain where this lame video is posted is owned by a marketing company called Zipatoni, presumably one hired by Sony. And we can't think of an individual stupid enough to post such a video only to get laid into worse than the Star Wars kid had it. I won't even quote the atrocious lyrics for fear you might throw up a little in your mouth after hearing. You almost had us, Zipatoni. Almost!!! Dense marketers usually do an excellent job in fooling ignorant consumers with such authenticity.[via Something Awful; indeed it is]
UMD Movies for PSP: The new 8-track!
GameSetWatch suggests UMD movies may become the new 8-track of today as studios slow down and likely stop releasing the PSP format. Even Sony, oft criticized for its proprietary formats including the short-lived MiniDisc, are releasing less than half of Sony-published movies in UMD form. So what does it all mean? UMD bargains and rarities galore for collecting geeks seeking movies and music. But you better hurry up. Scarcity drives the price up quick.
LocoRoco Christmas demo arrives [update 1]
Sony has posted a Christmas-themed downloadable level of LocoRoco on its Japanese website. The demo does not require players to own a retail copy of LocoRoco, but PSPs must be updated to firmware v3.02 to play. Here's the step-by-step install guide: Download the EBOOT.PBP file Connect PSP to PC (via USB) Open the PSP/GAME folder Create a folder named "NPJG90001" Place EBOOT.PBP file in the folder See also:LocoRoco Halloween demo [requires firmware v2.81 or higher]Update: corrected required firmware version.
Crisis Core demo to premiere at Jump Festa [update 1]
Jump Festa attendees will score hands-on time with Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII on Saturday. This year the annual anime and manga party, sponsored by Shueisha (publisher of Jump Comics), will feature the first playable public demo of Crisis Core. Jump Festa has traditionally served as a platform for premiering new media, including video games. Sony and Sqaure Enix have yet to reveal plans to offer a downloadable version of the demo on the official PlayStation website or elsewhere. Update: A Crisis Core producer has revealed Square Enix's intention to offer a downloadable version of the demo by years' end. See also: Crisis Core trailer emphasizes PSP shortcomings, offers hope
Sony ignored among 2006 Spike TV major awards winners
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Sony_ignored_among_2006_Spike_TV_major_awards_winners'; Spike TV has released the list of its 2006 Video Game Awards winners, expunging all temptation to tune into the televised presentation this coming Wednesday. While the results hold little standing in the industry, it's interesting to note that Sony has seemingly fallen out of popularity with Spike TV's award ceremony, perhaps implying a shift in popular brand.Last year, Sony enjoyed (at least shares in) Game of the Year, Best Action Game, Best Original Score, Best Graphics, Best Handheld Game, and Best Technology; this year, Xbox 360 is tied to all of those awards (except 'Best Technology' & 'Handheld Game'), along with Studio of the Year, Best Shooter, Best Multiplayer Game, Best RPG, Best Racing Game, and Most Addictive. Sony currently has stake in none*.Sure, PlayStation 3 hasn't even been on the market for a month, but Wii managed to earn the 'Breakthrough Technology' award, and Twilight Princess nabbed Critic's Choice; plus, with New Super Mario Bros., DS won out over PSP. Is 'Comeback Company of the Year' in the cards for Sony in 2007?*Oblivion will end up on PlayStation 3 next year.
Japanese hardware sales, 27 Nov - 3 Dec: wiivolution edition
FREEDOM. Perhaps you've heard of it. Perhaps you've read about it in a book or on a juvenile delinquent's garish MySpace page. Perhaps you've heard it dissected on political radio shows. Perhaps you've felt its impact on your head in a melodramatic and decidedly non-hilarious art film. But have you tasted it? Have you breathed it in through your cavernous nostrils and your gingivitis-playground-for-a-mouth? We thought not. Turn to the person / gamer next to you, stick out your tongue and take a deep and deliberate breath. That pervasive quality in the air, that unique taste, much like a fresh yam having just been dipped into the salty ocean -- that's freedom. It is all the more obvious now that the heartless DS Lite has at last tasted defeat and been ejected from its position of tyranny. Oh, how it has been thrown from its offensive pop-culture ... throne. How it tumbles from its domain of abuse and influence, freeing us all after more than 30 consecutive weeks of monotonous enslavement.Farewell, DS Lite. We stab at thee with our freedom blades and rejoice! The day is won and your body of chart predictability is perforated with truth. Like Swiss cheese. Of truth.- Wii: 350,358 [New Entry!]- DS Lite: 176,901 24,477 (12.15%)- PS3: 31,436 1,226 (3.75%) - PSP: 23,917 6,898 (22.39%) - PS2: 23,115 3,148 (11.99%) - Xbox 360: 4,053 2,954 (42.16%) - GBA SP: 1,572308 (24.37%) - Game Boy Micro: 1,252 17 (1.38%) - Gamecube: 821 245 (42.53%) - DS Phat: 140 72 (33.96%) - GBA: 22 5 (18.52%) - Xbox: 11 11 (N/A)[Source: Media Create]See also: Previous Japanese hardware sales charts
Gamestop sells porn-packed used MemoryStick
Dallas' NBC 5 News has the story of a Fort Worth mother who bought a "refurbished" PlayStation Portable MemoryStick from Gamestop only to find it filled with pornographic videos and photos. Sandra Hemm bought the stick as a birthday present for her son, whom she described as "pretty devastated" over the discovery. Frankly when we were his age we would have just been thrilled at our luck.A Gamestop spokesman said the company was investigating the incident and that standard procedure is for used cards to be wiped clean before being sold. As a precaution, local reporter Scott Friedman recommends parents try out used MemorySticks for themselves before handing them over to the kids. Or, you know, you could just shell out the extra $5 for a new stick and not worry about it.
Burnout Dominator announced, again
After getting its spot blown up, EA was forced to come clean about Sony-exclusive Burnout Dominator. As previously divulged, the game will be released for PlayStation 2 and PSP (a separate Burnout is in development for PS3 and Xbox 360). Criterion refers to Dominator as a celebration of the franchise's roots, as it debuted on PS2 five years ago -- in other words, there's still a huge install base to reap profits from.It seems that Dominator will be an inelaborate installment, as neither version features online play (excluding ad hoc support for PSP); and Criterion hasn't bothered with snazzy 'CrossTalk' bonuses. Instead, the developer will include a series of skill-based challenges that highlight the addictive elements of the series.It's the same ol' crack, but there are still plenty of us smoking. Dominator is due early next year.
November NPD: big franchises, new consoles drive industry sales up 34% [update 1]
The above headline shouldn't come as a great surprise to many gamers, what with November having been a deadly obstacle course of top-tier franchises and console debuts. Surviving the month with wallet unscathed was quite impossible, a fact clearly reflected in the NPD's sales data for the period which typically sees manufacturers clash in full force, guns blazing. Consumers caught in the cash crossfire spent an impressive $1.7 billion in total, with console, software and accessory sales all seeing notable increases. The NPD's Anita Frazier told GameDaily BIZ that she expects this to be a record-breaking year for the industry, with total sales expected to come in at $14 billion. In the interest of having you maintain consciousness, we've put the most pertinent information into those convenient bullet-point things (it also ties in nicely with our earlier gun metaphor):Console Sales (units) DS: 918k PS2: 664k Game Boy Advance: 661k Xbox 360: 511k Wii: 476k PSP: 412k PS3: 197k Software Sales (units and sales grossed) Gears of War: 1 million -- $61.5 million Final Fantasy XII: 896k -- $49 million The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: 412k -- $20.2 million Guitar Hero II: 356k -- $20.2 million Check out the full report for even more numbers and commentary -- mind you don't go cross-eyed.[Update 1: PSP information added.]
Japan gets PSP GPS, others can import
The plug-in GPS Receiver for PSP was released today in Japan and inevitably, has been made available to potential importers via Play-Asia ($68.70, includes shipping to US). Its usefulness is currently limited, as the navigation software (of Japan's roadways) has yet to be released; though Sega's constellation navigator is available.In addition, the device is compatible with Metal Gear Solid: Potable Ops, but limited GPS usage in the game doesn't exactly warrant the $70 splurge. The receiver will also be compatible with the next installment of Hot Shots Golf, which is due out early next year in Japan (as Minna no Golf-jou).
"Remote Play" feature now has a tutorial!
Still scratching your head at the Remote Play function on your PS3? Do you want to access files from your PS3 on your PSP very, very badly? Videos, photos, music... it's all waiting for you! Luckily, someone's spotted a video that explains the process and have forwarded it to us... and we're forwarding it to you! Overall, it doesn't seem to be all too complicated, but it just doesn't seem like common sense, either. Either way, how cool is it that you can watch the trailer of Lair on your PSP? It's pretty cool. We've got to tip our hat to this -- we're glad to finally see the Remote Play function explored. Keep in mind, though, you need the 60GB version of the PS3 to explore this option, although adding a wireless adaptor to your PS3 might work. Feel free to try it out if you'd like.[thanks, rivithed!]
Japanese release day highlights: 12.07.06
It's getting really cold in Japan. Like, two pairs of socks cold. And as the outside gets colder, the inside gets warmer. Inevitably, we stay indoors more and play more games. This is the time of year when Thursdays become even more important to us. And today's shop for new games should be a particularly warming one. Here's what we plan to pick up in Osaka's Den Den Town: Blue Dragon (the biggest Xbox 360 game in Japan to date -- a 3-DVD set that scored 37/40 in Famitsu) Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 (aka Yakuza 2 -- by orange-skinned Toshihiro Nagoshi; PS2) Ape Escape Racer (like Mario Kart, but with more monkeys and some disco balls; PSP) PaRappa the Rapper (Chop Chop Master Onion gets cut up and refried for the PSP) Power Pro Kun Pocket 9 (big-headed baseball from Konami; DS)
GPS for PSP finally goes on sale
We've rumored, ogled, and previewed, but it's time to get official, folks. The GPS Receiver for the PSP launches Thursday in Japan, for the low price of $60, at least according to Play-Asia.com. No word on how much it'll cost you if you buy it direct from the source, although our previous post suggests a ¥5,000 ($43) price point. PSP News reports that it'll work nicely with a few titles, including "Minna no Golf-jou," "Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops," "Planetarium Creator Ohira Takayuki Kanshuu: Home Star Portable," and "Navigation Soft." How did we ever navigate the world without this GPS antenna perched atop our PSP before?
Download Tekken 5 on PS3, for PS3
According to GAF, Famistu is reporting that Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection will be offered as a downloadable PlayStation 3 title. The PS3 version will be an arcade port (Dark Resurrection was also released on PSP) with new content, including a playable Jinpachi. The game will also be enhanced for high definition displays. Release date and cost have not yet been disclosed, though Dark Resurrection will almost certainly exceed Xbox Live Arcade's current peak price ($15). Still, Tekken 5 has a bit more to offer than the likes of Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat 3, no? Should Microsoft be concerned?
