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GameDaily's steps to revitalizing the PSP
Sony's in need of some PR recovery for its multimedia gaming handheld. GameDaily listed a few suggestions, many of which should lead to the PSP's success:1. Drop the UMD movies already. Yes, I completely agree. But considering the lack of UMDs on the release schedules, I think Sony's unofficially officially given up. What we DO need is Sony's Connect to materialize some time soon. Apple now distributes movies for the iPod; I want Sony to distribute movies for the PSP's beautiful widescreen display. Now. And for cheap. 2. Lower the system price. We've heard tons of rumors of a price drop. I don't think it'll happen: what's more likely is Sony continuing to "update" its Value/Core/Giga packs. Not that the latest one was any good. 3. Fix the D-pad. I completely agree. There's something wrong when pre-order bonuses involve giving away free replacements for the D-Pad. 4. Get more exclusive games. I don't really agree with this point. While the system has been struggling early on, there's a lot to look forward to, as evidenced by Tokyo Game Show.
Gangs of London and SOCOM demo UMDs spotted
It appears that Sony's been making a lot of demo UMDs lately. The Killzone: Liberation UMD seems to be sent to random PlayStation Underground members and will also be available on newsstands in the next Official US PlayStation Magazine. But there are two more UMD demos to be clamoring for now: Gangs of London, which we assumed would no longer arrive after the game's website stopped taking orders for demos. SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2's demo UMD can be secured by pre-ordering the game at GameStop. That seems a little dumb (aren't demos supposed to help uninterested people in purchasing the game?) but maybe you can hassle your local GameStop employee to give you a disc for free, sans pre-order.[Via IGN Boards]
Killzone demo UMDs spotted
Over at the Gamespot forums, one lucky fan seems to have secured a copy of the Killzone demo on UMD. I'm guessing these are going to replace the never-to-be-heard-from-again Gangs of London UMD demo that Sony promoted about a month ago? I'll be checking my mailbox every day, and so should you. If you're interested in being able to get more demos from Sony in the future, head over to their official website and register your PSP.
UMD price drop leads to sales jump in Japan
While the news probably doesn't come as any surprise to you, it has apparently taken the execs behind the UMD movie scene quite some time to pinpoint price as the primary culprit of the lagging sales. The higher-ups at Warner Home Video reported that its UMD films weren't selling well awhile back -- presumably to no one's surprise but their own -- and even Wal-Mart has been teetering on dropping the slow-selling discs from its precious shelf space. In a less-than-revolutionary announcement, it seems implementing a "permanent sale" on UMD movies in Japan has increased sales nearly tenfold; pricing 22 (and counting) titles at ¥980 (about $8.46) has prompted PSP owners to snatch these up in unprecedented quantities, which is somewhat telling of where these things should've been priced at from the start. While we aren't exactly sure if this indefinite sale will make the jump to US shores, this "discovery" is a rare step forward for the flailing format, and we can only hope this reduction becomes the norm on all UMD flicks.[Via MobileMag]
Captain Obvious: UMD price drop brings huge sales
After taking a few weeks off, Captain Obvious is back with some news on the recent Warner Bros. UMD movie price drop in Japan -- you see they dropped their little movies to 980 yen or about $8.50 for us Yanks -- and listen, it's positive. Well, it depends on how you define positive. After UMD movie sales seemed to suffer over the past few months, the peeps at Warner Bros. decided to run a promotion where for a "limited time," their movies would be available for that low price your 'Cap mentioned above. Apparently, in Japan, limited time means forever, as Warner Bros. decided to make that price drop permanent. The result? An increase in sales that boomed to ten times past previous sales numbers. Now, what does the Captain have to do to get the U.S. some UMD price drop love? We'd like to call out to other studios and demand a price drop ASAP! What do you have to lose?
Cheaper UMDs skyrocket sales 1000%
In America, poor sales of UMDs have led to retailers simply getting rid of the format altogether, or putting them in bargain bins, never to give them another look ever again. In Japan, however, Warner Bros. is trying a new strategy of trying to sell more UMDs. For the past few months, Warner Bros. has released movies at an official price of 980 yen (about $9 US). Surprise! For some reason, UMDs sold a lot better at that price. In fact, according to Gpara.com, it sold 10 times as more than normally.Haven't we been telling companies for the longest time that if you want us to care about the format, it has to be dirt cheap? Looks like WB finally understood that. But can we hope that the rest of the market stops beating themselves with stupid sticks?[Via PSP-Vault]
That should be on XBLA: Power Stone
Last week we took a look at Bubble Bobble as a likely candidate for Xbox Live Arcade. This week: Power Stone. One of the first games released for SEGA's ill fated Dreamcast, Power Stone was a gorgeous and innovative fighter in it's day. Part Smash Brothers and part Jackie Chan, Power Stone allowed players to use anything and everything to win a fight. Of course, the eponymous power stones were a big help as well. Read on to see why this overlooked Capcom classic would make a great addition to Live Arcade.
Sony says: PSP will become a virtual PS3
Sony Computer Entertainment corporate executive Izumi Kawanishi shared some insights today in a report titled "PSP will become a virtual PS3." The article goes over emulating PS1 games on the handheld, and the obvious difficulties in translating some games that involve using more than one analog stick and use more shoulder buttons. According to Sony, emulation was always technically possible, but only now is the broadband penetration high enough to warrant 600MB downloads for players. "We felt that there was now an environment where true e-Distribution could be realized."It appears that e-distribution of games is a high-priority for Sony. Services like Steam (PC) are becoming more and more popular with users and publishers, and Sony understands the appeal for many of us. Downloadable demos will be a continued trend for all kinds of games: PS3, PSP and PS1. Also, it was confirmed that you will not need a PS3 to download content to your PSP (for those that were worried).But the future of digital distribution doesn't stop there:
New questionable PSP rumors surface
I know how you all love rumors, and a new set of them have been making the rounds the last couple days. A gen[M]ay forum poster supposedly has access to all sorts of Playstation inside information, and he says Sony has huge plans for the future of the PSP and PS3.Any kind of announcement like this should be met with a high degree of skeptivity, especially since a lot of his post is filled with blatant and hate-filled fanboyism.Here's what he had to say: The PSP's GPS peripheral is currently on hold; The PSP PS1 emulator will be included in a firmware upgrade in October; The Playstation online store for the PSP and PS3 will launch before Nov. 13; A new PSP entertainment pack is coming next month. It will retail for $250 and will include a 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, and the Lords of Dogtown UMD. No headphones will be included; Sony has plans to use the PS3-PSP connectivity similar to the Location Free Player in that you'll be able to see your PS3's screen on your PSP as long as they're both on the same network. However, this feature may not be ready in time for the PS3's launch but should be soon after; Sony plans for more than 200 new PSP titles between now and the end of the year; and The reason for the UMD flop can be blamed on Sony's "hands-off" approach concerning certain UMD stipulations, like pricing and extra content. Because of this, movie studios began releasing less than stellar movies with next to no special features. Sony isn't ready to give up on the UMD and plans to rectify this by instituting a $15 MSRP cap and all future UMDs must have the same features as their DVD equivalent. Some of the information doesn't sound too far fetched, but unless Willy Wonka has secretly taken over at Sony, I don't think it will be able to push out more than 200 games within a little more than months. Oh well, it's fun to wonder, right? Check out the link for rumors concerning the PS3.P.S. Can anyone find my very special, made up word of the day?(Via the gen[M]ay forums)
Rumor: PSP redesign coming before March 07
People love talking about a redesign of the PSP. Heck, PSP Fanboy ran a contest to see fans make up their own crazy contraptions. Well, a very believable scan of PlayStation Magazine seem to suggest that Sony's working hard on one, and it's coming very soon: March 2007, two years after the US release of the handheld. The article states that Sony's taking a page from Apple (very much like Nintendo), and will provide the same core functionality, while providing a new aesthetic and non-game affecting additions. The biggest changes appear to come in size and memory: the theoretical system will have 8GB of hard disk space, be smaller, and have a retooled UMD drive, all at the same price as the current model. EyeToy will also be integrated into the system, and function as the upcoming external version for current PSP owners.A redesign has worked wonders for the DS, and Sony's portable can certainly benefit from the same image boost that Nintendo received when retooling their handheld. Sony just has to remember one thing: ensure that a redesign doesn't interfere with current PSP owners from playing future games. Also remember, until Sony confirms otherwise, we're taking this story as a rumor.Read - Page 1 of magazine scanRead - Page 2 of magazine scan[Via QJ]
XBLA: Like a PSP without the crappy UMDs
Sharp-eyed reader DA360 noticed that Lumines Live for XBLA and Lumines 2 PSP are the same game -- except for the price:If you look at game play videos and screenshots, you will notice one huge striking similarity between Lumines Live and Lumines 2 for PSP, their actually the SAME EXACT GAME, only the name is different. From the interface, to the music, to the features (the Lumines 2 for PSP will have downloadable videos like Lumines Live), and even the little face character on the bottom right. It might almost be best for them to just call it Lumines 2 on XBLA.Lumines Live will ironically more than likely cost less than its PSP counterpart, since more than likely it will cost between $30-$40, maybe even $50 on PSP, and we will be paying roughly around $15 (or 1,200 MS points). This will also make it the first modern Xbox Live Arcade game to have a full retail version on another platform.Ouch. At least PSP owners have that vibrant library of UMD movies to ease the sting (ha!). Remember their plight next time you're complaining about the price of XBLA games.
Future PSP plans revealed at Comic Con
You wouldn't necessarily think that San Diego's annual Comic Con would be a hotbed of videogame news, but this year's event proved different, as Sony revealed a number of exciting future plans for the PSP. At a seminar called PSP University (man, we sure wish we could have spent our college years at that institution), company execs confirmed that the portable console will indeed work as a remote for the PS3, and that the upcoming firmware update will support RSS video feeds for the built-in web browser. Furthermore, Sony is apparently in talks with wireless providers to provide more Nintendo DS / Wayport-like hotspots for online gaming, and is also looking at ways to bring downloadable movies to PSP owners -- which sounds to us like another foot in the grave for the almost-dead UMD. Not all the news here is good, however, as those folks expecting a Sony-branded keyboard for their console will likely be in for a disappointment; in fact, the company has no plans whatsoever to improve text entry on the PSP at all. Other new info centered around games and demos, and since that's not really our bag, we'll leave those details to other fine publications like Joystiq and PSP Fanboy.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Target discontinues UMD movies
With dwindling Hollywood support and anemic sales dragging it down already, the UMD format is unlikely to be pleased by news that all Target stores will cease selling films stored on the proprietary PSP format. Though UMD games are quite safe, this latest move is likely to cast further doubt on the format's viability in the realm of movies. Those looking to place blame will likely find some good targets in the pricing of the discs, the general lack of bonus features compared to their DVD counterparts and the fact that for Universal Media Discs, they aren''t very "universal" at all. One retailer's move is hardly a death knell for UMD movies, but perhaps the PSP would be better off by forgetting Hollywood and shoving its solid games library (which has made great strides in the last few months) back into the spotlight. Of course, those already enamored by portable movies should probably rush to their nearest Target before the shelves are empty and the format forgotten. Here are some of the titles you might want to remember it by (all chosen at random, of course): Cheaper by the Dozen Crash Cruel Intentions Cursed Doom Dumb and Dumber Gone in 60 Seconds Never Die Alone [Via PSP Fanboy]
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UMDs killed at Target
The UMD movies keep on coming but it appears that Target stores simply don't care. GamePro recently got the scoop that UMDs are now discontinued in all Target stores, as of last week. Could this be the beginning of the end of yet another one of Sony's proprietary formats? What will the death of UMD mean for Sony's other format baby, Blu-ray? And more importantly, if UMD does ultimately fail, what lessons will Sony learn? (none?)I know I haven't bought a UMD movie in ages. Personally, I prefer not to pay an extra $10 for a movie that doesn't come with extras and only plays on a single device. I think a majority of Target customers PSP owners share the same opinion.
PSP third in sales, yet first in quality
Jason Anderson, director of research for the International Development Group (IDG) revealed his company's predictions for the future of console and handheld sales. In commenting on everyone's favorite handheld, Jason said that while the PSP has been, and looks to be for the immediate future, third place in terms of sales behind Nintendo's DS and GBA, the handheld looks like it will be reaching 14.4 million gamers in 2007 and 17.6 million by 2008. Anderson also gauged the overall quality of games on each platform, using Game Rankings to compile average scores for each system's games. In this manner, the PSP blew away all other handhelds, and closely resembled the results seen for home consoles such as the PS2, Xbox and GameCube by maintaining an overall quality percentile just below 70.
Why Blu-ray will succeed where UMD failed
Blu-ray. Less then a week to go and people are still thinking about the last major format from Sony to fail: Betamax. Oh wait, was it UMD. You remember these discs right? They are movie discs that play directly in the Sony PSP. The only issue with them is that they do not play in anything else, they cost nearly as much as a full DVD and they don't have anything extra on them. There have been reports of Walmart ditching the format altogether we all know that when Walmart can't see it, really no one else can ether.iP3K blog has a right up on why Blu-ray will not fail like UMD did. It is an interesting read for a lazy Monday, but he doesn't address the whole Betamax thing, just UMD. We don't think that many of you picture Blu-ray falling by the wayside like UMD did, but still, you might want to check out the post.[via Digg]
Loco Roco bundle releasing in Japan
To celebrate the release of the insanely fun Loco Roco, Sony Computer Entertainment of Japan is releasing a bundled PSP, in both black and white, including the game, memory stick, and fashionable PSP case complete with UMD pockets. The case itself will be on sale also when the bundle releases on the 13th of next month, so all you Japanese gamers with PSP firmly in hand and in need of proper casing should check that out. That is, unless your PSP is prone to receiving large amounts of abuse every day.
Commence rampant PSP part deux speculation!
We've already had a fair share of PSP revision B speculation (flash memory, hard drive, mini form factor], and the weeks leading up to the annual gaming gala known as E3 will only bring more. We have here the first two entrants: The reputable Shacknews claims the PSP follow up is "a successor rather than a redesign of the current system" while acknowledging recent rumors of a redesign. They're saying hard drive is in, UMD is out, and the system is known simply as the "PSP 2." Oh yeah, they say it "may" appear "in the next three years." While this may be accurate information, that's like saying we're pretty sure there's gonna be a PlayStation 4.The much more dubious source of New Tech Spy claims a shamelessly DS-esque touchscreen PSP (or PSi, for interactive, get it?) will introduce a smaller form factor, a bevy of wireless capabilities (WiFi, WiBro, UMTS, EVDO, WiMax), and maybe even some transmutational powers to turn that pesky lead into shiny, shiny gold. Yeah, we're skeptical.[Thanks, SuicidalMuskrat and boots]Read - New "PSP 2" in the Works [Shacknews]Read - Sony's new "Smaller" PSP with Touch-Screen [New Tech Spy]
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children reports from Hollywood
For the Final Fantasy fans lucky enough to be near Hollywood yesterday night -- and in line for free tickets during the middle of a regular workday -- there was much rejoicing to be had as Advent Children celebrated its U.S. theatrical premiere in style.Siliconera has a write-up on the event with quotes from most of the American voice actors in attendance, who, along with the audience at hand, watched the film in English for the very first time. Lip synching may have been off due to the low-resolution print the actors had to work with, but even Rachel Leigh Cook -- pictured here with her character Tifa Lockheart -- declared herself a new fan of Final Fantasy after the show.Helpful Joystiq Contributor epobirs also had something to report from the screening yesterday, where he gives us an Ain't-It-Cool style rundown of the event. If you want the rest of his reflections on the requirements of the Academy in Oscar nominations, as well as what it takes to "assert your hetero nature ... after watching a movie packed with metrosexual men," simply continue reading below for more. Siliconera's report can be found by clicking on the image of Ms. Cook above or the Read link below. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children will be out on DVD/UMD April 25th.[Thanks, epobirs; image of Tifa courtesy of Eyes on Final Fantasy]
Hollywood's UMD support dwindling -- Blu-ray next?
According to an article released by the Hollywood Reporter, Sony is losing support for its UMD format as a viable option for movie distribution. Dramatic cutbacks in production of UMD formatted films have been made by many of the major Hollywood film studios. In addition, it's been rumored that Wal-Mart is on the verge of dropping UMD movies from its inventory entirely. Some of the more telling statements fired off by studio execs and representatives — and published by the Hollywood Reporter [via Gamasutra] — include: "[The PSP] is a game player, period" [anonymous] "Our focus right now is much more aimed at HD at the moment..." [Paramount] "[UMD is] awful. Sales are near zilch. It's another Sony bomb — like Blu-ray" [Universal] Comparing the current state of the UMD format to a hypothetical forecast of Blu-ray's success is dangerous. For one, UMD is only supported by the PSP (for now), while a range of compatible players will back the PS3's Blu-ray format. However, the statement from Universal could be indicative of Hollywood's general paranoia about the "HD era," which has already forced the delay of the launch of Blu-ray products. Still, Sony would do well to learn from the UMD-Hollywood debacle and focus on what the PS3's core audience is interested in, indeed, "a game player."[Thanks, Sense]
