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Namco considering motion control in Soul Calibur IV
While the chances of us getting platform-specific characters, like Spawn, aren't very likely in Soul Calibur IV, Namco is hard at work at offering other bonuses. In an interview with 1up, Katsutoshi Sasaki, the game's director, said his team at Project Soul is looking into the possibility of including Sixaxis motion control. He said it's "something that we're considering, but we'll have to come up with some good ideas for it first." But that's not all. In the same interview, lead programmer Masaaki Hoshino said they're also hoping to give gamers the ability to save their custom characters to the PS3's memory card and take it to a friend's house to do battle.Although it seems like it would be difficult for the developers to include any sort of motion control that would make sense, toting your custom characters on a memory card would be pretty handy. All we care about, though, are Ivy's friends and finally some Soul Calibur online action!
Rumor: Rumbling Sixaxis to debut at TGS
Not since Ross and Rachel has there been a more volatile "will they/won't they" than Sony and the rumbling Sixaxis. We know that Sony and Immersion are BFF now and we've heard plenty of rumors. Now, Pro-G is saying that developers have been receiving System Development Kits (SDKs) that support rumble. Admittedly, this is similar to something we've heard before and would probably be just another rumor to add to the pile were it not for the timing.See, we've got TGS coming up this week and we heard 1UP staffer and Sony loyalist Shane Bettenhausen say on this week's 1UP Yours podcast that the DualShock 3 was "confirmed" and that it would be seen at Tokyo Game Show. Between the timing of his statement, Pro-G's story and TGS being so close, we're starting to think Rachel will get off the plane we're finally going to lay eyes and hands on the thing. Here's hoping.
Today's cuddliest video: LocoRoco Cocoreccho trailer
Little LocoRocos, you're so happy, you make us happy, too. We love watching you bounce and squish. Oh, to tickle a LocoRoco would make us burst with joy. We'd explode with rainbows, of course. (That's a mildly NSFW link, all you weekend laborers.)Sony's PS3 LocoRoco Cocoreccho! "interactive screensaver" um, thing will launch next week in many parts of the world. But the Sixaxis might not let us pet the little creatures. Cocoreccho! isn't quite a game, and we're still not quite sure what it is. But this newest trailer at least annotates some of things players can do, while the earlier video left us guessing.Watch the cuteness after the break, or imagine it on a crisp HDTV with the direct HD feed.
Loco Roco PS3 rolls out next Thursday, first day of TGS
PlayStation 3's pseudo-screensaver casual title Loco Roco Cocoreccho will plop down onto Europe's PS Store next Thursday, September 21 -- which, not coincidentally, is the first day of the Tokyo Game Show. It will cost £1.99 (EUR 2.92, US $4.00).Cocoreccho is also slated for release September 21 in Japan. No word on the North American release, but our understanding of the squeeze theorem coupled with traditional territorial game release schedules (Japan 1st, North America 2nd, Europe 3rd) tell us that the game will likely hit stateside next Thursday, as well. We'll let you know when we confirm that.In the title, the player will utilize the Sixaxis' motion controls for interactive with the game world. Can we get a reviewer's guide for this title, too?
Sony's PlayTV turns your PS3 into a TV tuner / DVR, plus VoIP on PSP, DualShock 3 rumors
The PS3 rumor mill is working overtime today, delivering not one, not two, but three whoppers that should have fans and foes alike feeling alive with pleasure. The first top-secret super-rumor comes direct from the BBC, a small, but fairly trustworthy news organization, who is reporting that Sony's game box will be getting a digital TV tuner (at least in the UK) which allows you to record your favorite shows à la TiVo, called PlayTV, which will also let you transfer those shows onto your PSP. Of course, this news was announced by Sony at their not-so-secret Leipzig Game Convention keynote, so you can probably bank on this one. Additionally, Sony has partnered with Britain's BT Group to bring video and voice telephony to the PSP via the Go!Messenger software, which is set to launch in January of 2008. In other, less official PS3 news, word on the street is that the DualShock 3 -- not the infamous SIXAXIS -- will be compatible with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, at least based on a second-hand report from the Japanese game magazine Dengeki PlayStation. The report has fueled suspicion that the new controller pictured in silhouette in recent GT5 ads is actually the DualShock 3, and that the controller will be made available coupled with a GT5 demo. We'll have to wait and see on this one, so try and stay tuned.Read -- LGC07: SCEE announces PlayTV for PS3, "watch, record and replay TV shows"Read -- BT, Sony unveil PlayStation with video callingRead -- DualShock 3 rumbles with GT5 Prologue, Japanese gaming mag claims
Sony denies the rumble Sixaxis, admits upgrades
Sony is denying recent reports that rumble Sixaxis' are ready to shake things up for consumers. Sony spokesman Dave Karraker tells GamePro that they have not added rumble to the Sixaxis and have no announcements regarding the feature. Although, if we're going to get technical with the word play, we know that Sony hasn't added rumble to the Sixaxis yet ('cause we don't have them) and, as for the future, they have no announcement at this time. They didn't actually deny the reports that developers have Sixaxis' with the rumble feature though, but of course, that's if we're getting technical. At this point, in all fairness, the rumble Sixaxis is merely rumor and speculation.What Karraker did say is that the motion sensing abilities of the Sixaxis have been enhanced and developers are currently working with those. He says, "We recently sent out to the development community some new prototypes that have a slightly enhanced sensitivity for the analog sticks and the motion sensing within the Sixaxis controller ... This is not a new controller, but is part of the normal development and evolution of controllers." This follows along with statements already made by Kaz Hirai that the Sixaxis will continue to evolve and we should expect more iterations in the future.
Sony kinda denies rumble coming to the PS3
Man, Sony must really love teasing us: just a couple days after we got word that rumble-enabled SIXAXIS controllers were leaking out to developers, Sony's director of corporate communications Dave Karraker told GamePro that the company has "not added rumble [to PS3], and have no announcements regarding this feature." That's a non-denial denial, if you ask us -- way to be sly, Sony. Karraker also confirmed that updated SIXAXIS controllers with refined motion-sensing features were shipping out, but characterized that as "part of the normal development and evolution of controllers." Here's hoping the SIXAXIS evolves itself a rumble unit sooner rather than later.[Via PC World]
Sony insists they haven't added rumble to controllers
Dave Karraker from SCEA recently responded to the mostly confirmed rumors of a rumbling Sixaxis controller by stating, basically, no such controller exists. He did confirm that better motion-sensing controllers were in the works, but downplayed it as more of a controller update than a new controller. He said that "[Sony] recently sent out to the development community some new prototypes that have a slightly enhanced sensitivity for the analog sticks and the motion sensing within the Sixaxis controller ... This is not a new controller, but is part of the normal development and evolution of controllers."While this may seem disheartening, this may be a PR tactic utilizing semantics. Rumble, as far as controllers are concerned, involve rotating hammer weights, causing the controller to shake. That feature is not coming to the PS3. But Karraker might have been dancing around the word rumble, when the proper term is TouchSense technology. Know what we're saying? Of course, maybe we're wrong. But we like dancing, too, Sony![via Digg]
Rumor: Rumble Sixaxis in developer hands
Website Inner Bits says they can "confirm" that prototypes of the new rumble Sixaxis are in the hands of "various Sony developers." They say that Sony could make the announcement about the new Sixaxis as early as Leipzig, or hold off until more games support the new features. Sony probably wouldn't want to make all those "rushed technology" stories pop up again.Inner Bits also says that a new version of the Sixaxis is quietly replacing those currently on the market. Allegedly Sony improved "the fidelity of motion sensing" so now there isn't so much of a "dead zone." Of course this is all still currently rumor and speculation, but we are hoping that the Sixaxis will rumble this year.
Rumbling SIXAXIS controllers already going out to devs?
We've been expecting SIXAXIS controllers to get their shake on ever since Sony and Immersion settled that little patent dispute of theirs, and that glorious day seems like it's inching ever closer, with game-industry gossip blog Inner Bits reporting that rumbling SIXAXIS prototypes are already in the hands of developers, and that they'll be unveiled in two to three months -- or whenever Sony's happy with developer support. Inner Bits is also saying that updated SIXAXIS units with refined motion-control features are already starting to filter onto shelves, so it looks like the controller devs at Sony have been busy the past few months.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Dress up your Sixaxis, keep grease away
If you're looking for some strange accessories to accent your PS3 in ways you think immature or silly, turn your attention elsewhere! We've got some very serious add-ons to your Sixaxis to present to you today and they demand only serious gamers consider their purchase. We're being sarcastic, if you couldn't tell, but we do have some peripherals that you may find interesting.What we're talking about today are not unlike those plastic/rubber covers you can put on CDs to prevent them from scratching (we refer to them as Disc Condoms). We're talking about skins for your Sixaxis -- not just skins, but skins that change color with body heat! They retail for a little over $10 and come in a variety of colors, so if you're really OCD about keeping grubby hands off your precious Bluetooth controller, invest in one of these. The strangest part: these Sixaxis skins are officially licensed by Sony. What do you guys think? Worth it, or pass?[Thanks for the pics, Dustin!]
Rumbling SIXAXIS already in the hands of developers claims Innerbits
Innerbits.com, a blog run by "a few guys working in the games industry" who "want to address rumors, and a give a voice to game developers who would be otherwise afraid to speak up," claims that rumbling SIXAXIS controllers are now in the hands of a select few developers. The information on these prototype controllers is still kept very tight to Sony's chest. Apparently the details will be revealed over the next two or three months, with Leipzig the obvious venue of choice. We'll be there to let you know if that's the case.Innerbits also reports that controllers bundled with consoles are quietly being swapped out with newer versions. Nothing too exciting, just improved motion sensing. We're reminded that hardware updates occur all the time without us being told. Remember the removal of the Emotion Engine?Finally, we're told not to get too excited about the patent for PSP/Dual Analogue controller connectivity. Companies patent hundreds of things that never see the light of day. We're going to remain hopeful, but not hold our breath.[Via N4G]
PSP patent presents possible DualShock / Sixaxis controls
Those of you disappointed by the PSP Lite's omission of a second analog nub may want to settle down into a comfy chair and peruse patent #0070174531 which envisions a "control docking unit" that could be "configured to accept a portable processing unit and provide alternate control operation of the portable processing unit." It's a stretch, but we think "portable processing unit" is patentspeak for "PlayStation Portable." Though the attached image above shows a DualShock, the patent specifies a "wired or wireless communication link" which gives us dreams of wire-free Sixaxis PSP control. Couple that with the PSP Lite's TV-out functionality and whaddya got? ... actually, it looks an awful lot like a PS2. But one you can take with you, so count us in.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Sony patent shows the SIXAXIS getting friendly with a PSP
So the PSP "lite" didn't exactly usher in a golden age of dual analog stick gaming that many Sony fans have been pining for, but it looks like a stop-gap savior might be in the works all the same. Sony has applied for a patent to hitch its DualShock or SIXAXIS controllers to the PSP as a sort of dock, allowing for wired or even wireless control of the PSP. Of course, dual analog control won't be much help on most PSP games, but gamers will be able to enjoy that downloadable PSX content as it was originally intended. That is, of course, if this harebrained scheme ever makes it to market.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Mod adds rumble to PSP
While there may be one very obvious Sony gaming peripheral that's screaming out for a rumble feature, that hasn't stopped modders from looking at adding the functionality to other Sony gadgets. A modder by the handle of FOO-f00 has given the PSP a basic rumble feature through a bundle of wires and circuitry that somehow translates the speaker volume into a signal that a motor can use. FOO-f00 made it so it only activates once a high enough pitch is reached, but we'd imagine the result is far from a perfect rumble feature. Still, the project is very much a proof of concept: and an awesome concept at that.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Rumor: Even more features for the new Sixaxis?
Let the speculation begin! Kaz Hirai has tempted us yet again with his fancy words and vague confirmations. He has let slip the new Sixaxis will contain a few more features in addition to the TouchSense rumble capabilities. In fact, he said, "a variety of other things." Unless he means the TouchSense. In that case, boring! Otherwise, we could see anything from a new set of buttons (L4 and R4, really?) or a remote volume control for game music. Maybe a microphone? How about a magnifying glass? We'd really like to see your most inventive ideas to incorporate into the controller, so why don't you go nuts and give us your "features" to add?
Hirai says more Sixaxis iterations on the way
In an interview with Kikizo, Sony global president Kaz Hirai alludes to future iterations of the Sixaxis controller. Hirai says that they're "obviously looking" at what do do with the Sixaxis now that they've come to an agreement with Immersion. He says they're actually looking at a variety of things they can put into the controller and they'll say something when they're ready to. Hirai points out about the controller, "I mean, as you know, that's also an evolving peripheral, if you will, in that we started out with the original PS1 controller with no analogue, and it's come all the way to this point, so obviously, as we go forward, it's not the final model for a PS3 controller, so we'll see what comes down the road." It is impressive to think that the same controller, with minor tweaks every few years, has been a staple of the PlayStation going on 15 years. So, when will we finally hear about what's going into the next Sixaxis? There's still plenty of conventions left this year.
Reimagined Sixaxis pictured on Force Unleashed site [update]
An off-axis Sixaxis has been spotted on the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Yahoo Games page, adding a new set piece to the tired rumor that the PlayStation 3 controller is up for a redesign, which may or may not include rumble support. As pictured, a revision could possibly follow the offset analogue stick alignment currently used by Microsoft for Xbox 360 gamepads (and also by Nintendo for Gamecube). Of course, this crude Photoshop job is hardly confirmation of that design choice, as clearly the creator has simply swapped the d-pad and left stick (notice the indented d-pad outline behind the repositioned analogue control). Did the page-maker pull from a shoddy Google Images source or what?Update: Remember Charlie Tang's redesign from our January 2006 contest...?Update 2: Sony PR director Dave Karraker calls it a "bad artist rendering" that's in the process of being corrected. [Via GameDaily][Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Rumblaxis coming in September -- Tokyo Game Show
A lot of people were disappointed that Sony's little conference at E3 didn't talk about the upcoming Rumblaxis controller (it's pronounced Rum + Blaxis because that's really the coolest name we could think of), but PS3 Fanboy was not surprised. We've been informed that Immersion has filed for some patents and with it, indirectly filed for the release dates of their new Sony peripheral device that "will now bear Immersion's Feel The Game® TouchSense® Technology logo." When are these peripherals to be released? September.If you're having trouble connecting the dots, the Tokyo Game Show is generally in September. Sony had to save some of its announcements so they could steal the show at TGS, much like we feel they did at E3. So, for those worried, the Rumblaxis is coming in September and you know what? We would expect the announcement at TGS to go something like "hey, we're releasing this Rumblaxis controller we're holding in our hands tomorrow at your favorite retailers. Enjoy!" We can't wait.[Thanks, Dubbedinenglish!]
Blinky red lights to feature in new Sixaxis controller - will rumble join it? [UPDATE]
Dutch site PS3Focus.nl has a section of a TV report about today's price cut. The interesting thing about this piece of footage is that it includes a couple of seconds close up on someone using a Sixaxis controller. Not particularly exciting normally, but in this instance there's something a bit new. A bit glowy. Check out the image above. We speculated about the glowing red PS button on the 80GB box this morning, but seeing the flashing red button in someone's hands makes us even more ... speculative. It's clear, then, that another controller is on the cards and will be released before too long (if not for the 80GB launch, then before). The question is, does the upgrade just include a bit of extra illumination, or will we see rumble joining the party? It's probably a fair bet to say yes, but we're not going to say anything definite until confirmation happens at E3. Which it should. Mixed messages? We like to keep you guys on your toes.The other question is whether that light is going to be blinking on and off constantly during gameplay. If so, that could get quite annoying. What do you think? Check out the video footage and let us know.[UPDATE] Patrick Seybold has posted a comment on his post stating that the red light "is not a sign or indication of a new/different controller with the 80GB model." It is a feature of the debug model. This doesn't change the fact that we know that the rumbing Sixaxis is on its way at some point in the future. Just not necessarily bundled with the 80GB PS3. [Thanks Tesley!]
