Kuju confirms split from LucasArts

January 9th, 2007, 17:21 Posted By: wraggster

via eurogamer

Kuju has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that it has severed its publishing deal with LucasArts for upcoming PSP title Traxion.

The title was revealed at E3 last year, and won praise from the consumer press for its ability to incorporate MP3's stored on the PSP memory stick into gameplay.

"Kuju can confirm that we have agreed to sever the development relationship with LucasArts in respect of the Traxion game shown at E3 last year," said Ed Daly, studio head of Kuju Brighton.

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Sony boss: '360 is simply not as powerful as PS3'

January 9th, 2007, 17:16 Posted By: wraggster

via cvg

Sony president Kaz Hirai has fired a broadside at Microsoft's Xbox 360, saying that assumptions that the console is as powerful as the PlayStation 3 "simply is not true."

"No other next generation entertainment system pushes the envelope on advanced technology like PS3," Hirai told Blu-Ray Daily in a CES interview.

"People say that a high-capacity game delivery vehicle like Blu-ray isn't necessary in a next generation computer entertainment system. But you just can't expect that 9GBs of storage capacity found on today's DVDs are going to have enough space to hold tomorrow's games, he said. "Resistance: Fall of Man simply wouldn't be possible on any other system without using multiple discs."

Speaking about PS3's launch - and seemingly extending the gaming handbag scuffle to Sony's other competitor, Nintendo - Hirai said that "A worldwide launch for any console is quite ambitious. In fact, it has never been done before. I suppose if we had simply done a mild upgrade to the PS2 and not pushed the envelope so hard, it would have been easier on ourselves. However, if we did that every time, we wouldn't be Sony."

Hirai then touched on the console's manufacturing problems: "I don't think anyone could have foreseen the difficulties we encountered in the production of the blue laser diode for the PlayStation 3, which ultimately delayed the launch of PlayStation 3. We were asking our teams to develop millions of components for the PlayStation 3, like the Blu-ray Disc player and cell broadband engine, that had previously only been produced in the thousands."

PlayStation 3 is expected to launch in the UK in March.

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Tutorial: Get LocationFree Player flashed into 3.02 OE-B!

January 9th, 2007, 00:21 Posted By: IndianCheese

If you are one of the lucky, like me, who have a LocationFree base station, you know what a hassle it is to load up Devhook everytime you want to watch some TV because of its removal from OE firmwares. Well here is how you can revive the lost LocationFree Player in your flash!

As always, I take no responsibility for anything that happens to your PSP. It worked on mine, but it may not on yours for whatever reason.

Here's what you'll need:

• A PSP with 3.02 OE-B (3.03 OE-A could very well work, but has not been tested.)
• A dump of 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, or 3.03 firmware
• PSP Filer
• A LocationFree base station already registered to your PSP

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Super Spy 48 “Linear”

January 9th, 2007, 00:18 Posted By: wraggster

Matt Kindt’s on-line Super Spy comics are updated weekly! Each story is self-contained but read as a whole, they fit together to create a larger world. A world that also ties in to Kindt’s critically acclaimed graphic novel 2 Sisters. Check back every week for a new story that is guaranteed to feature spies, pen-guns, cyanide pills and duplicitous shenanigans.

Download at Perooz

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SnakeSP v7

January 9th, 2007, 00:15 Posted By: wraggster

Updated release by MrMr[iCE]

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Sony CES keynote reveals PSP importance

January 9th, 2007, 00:10 Posted By: wraggster

via pspfanboy

Did you know that Sony launched a new system in 2006? Yeah, I know. Crazy. Sony's hyping up the PLAYSTATION 3 machine, but it's nice to know that the PSP will not be ignored in 2007. In fact, the PSP continues to be an integral part of Sony's plan for world domination. Peter Dille teased PSP fans with the following tidbits:

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Gundam Musou Dated

January 9th, 2007, 00:02 Posted By: wraggster

via ign

Gundam Musou made its surprise debut just weeks ago, but it's already become one of the few PS3 games in Japan with a solid release date. A retailer blog reveals today that Bandai Namco Games has put the game on a fast track for Japanese release on March 1.

In case you weren't paying attention over the holidays, here's what all the fuss is about. Gundam Musou combines the mechs and characters of Gundam with the kill all mechanics of Koei's Shin Sangoku Musou series. The latter is known internationally as Dynasty Warriors. In fact, Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force is heading up development on Gundam Musou.

Dynasty Warriors is one of Japan's biggest series. Gundam is... well, it's Gundam! With a release hot on the heels of VF5's 2/8 Japanese release, the PS3 software situation looks like it will be improving in a big way shortly.

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VF5 in 1080p?

January 9th, 2007, 00:01 Posted By: wraggster

via ign

One of the big selling points for the upcoming PlayStation 3 version of Virtua Tennis is its support for 1080p resolution -- a huge update over the arcade version's 720p. So the big question was, would Virtua Fighter 5 get the same treatment?

The answer was presumably no, until an image of the back of the Japanese version's box appeared on Japanese fan sites today. Shown below, the supposed box image indicates that VF5 will join the small list of early PS3 titles to support "true HD."

In an attempt to determine the authenticity of this image, IGN booted up its massive network of Cell-powered image processing terminals, but found that JPEG files won't be readable until an upcoming firmware update. So, we looked at the image real hard and determined that it just might be the real deal.

We haven't been able to verify the legitimacy from Sega itself yet, however. And, to be honest, we're a little skeptical, as if 1080p support is included, why hasn't Sega been hyping it up like it has with Virtua Tennis?

We'll see if we can dig a little deeper, but at the very least, expect a firm answer to the 1080p question when VF5 hits Japan on February 8, and America a few weeks later.

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Age Calculator v1.0

January 8th, 2007, 23:47 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from Dark Merlin:

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Mist of Chaos pushed back a month

January 8th, 2007, 23:44 Posted By: wraggster

via siliconera

Idea Factory’s first Playstation 3 game, Mist of Chaos is getting bumped back from February 2007 to March 22, 2007. It’s not a long delay and more time will hopefully make Mist of Chaos a better final product. So what’s the deal with Mist of Chaos? It’s a strategy RPG from the makers of Spectral Souls and Generation of Chaos. The screenshots show a large number of units and open battle fields, which could make Mist of Chaos stand out compared to other strategy RPGs. Also Mist of Chaos is going to be the first strategy RPG on the Playstation 3 and it’s going to be interesting to see how (if?) Idea Factory uses the extra horse power of the PS3 to spice up the genre.

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Treasure of Pharaoh v1.0 Final

January 8th, 2007, 23:34 Posted By: Vega

Snowmydog (interesting name) has released the final version of his game Treasure of Pharaoh.

For anybody that didn't download the previous version, Treasure of Pharaoh is supposed to be a more updated clone of Lode Runner. What is interesting here is that he has included a cool map editor for you to design your own levels, along with 50 brand new levels and he even went as far to include an animated ending.

Here's the changelog:

* An easy to use map editor, now you can design your very own special map for fun.
* Auto merge custom map pack. This function is for sharing custom maps between friends. First, get the custom maps(CUSTOM.MAP) from your friends. Then rename it to (UPDATE.MAP). Copy to your memory stick. Start the game. The game will automatically read the UPDATE.MAP and merge to your custom map pack. It's permanent, you only need to do it once. After the merging, the system will delete the UPDATE.MAP. All operations are automatic and easy to use, you don't even need to press a key!
* 50 new levels.
* The original 150 levels compiled as "Tuktankhamun" map pack. Additional 50 levels compiled as "Khufu" map pack. "Darius" is reserved for custom maps.
* Each game pack has an individual game save slot. Don't worry, the old game save is compatible with this version.
* Some maps have been adjusted to make them more fun.
* Serveral bugs fixed.
* AI has a minor adjustment.
* New animated ending

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments
via snowymydog

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UK PS3 for £335 ?

January 8th, 2007, 22:24 Posted By: wraggster

According to a scan from the Magazine Which the PS3 will sell in the UK for £335

Scan Via Comments

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Preposterously priced PlayStation

January 8th, 2007, 22:13 Posted By: wraggster

via tokyo times

The surprising availability of the PlayStation 3 in both the U.S. and Japan has been well documented – although they do appear to be selling in Tokyo, albeit at a rather more sedate pace than perhaps predicted.

Yet despite this, and the fact that the new PlayStation is region free for gaming, one optimistic Akihabara outlet has outrageously opted to try and sell an imported PS3 for the truly preposterous price of 128,000 yen (1,082 dollars) – just over double the price of an identical Japanese machine.

Needless to say it remains unsold.

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Blue PSPs at SuccessHK

January 8th, 2007, 22:01 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHK are the Blue PSPs that were released just before Xmas, for those of us in Europe this our just about our only way to get hold of the Blue PSP because other shops are too scared of Sony.



The price is a decent USD 196.00 (about 98 Pounds)

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PSP-Softbag with hand string - PINK

January 8th, 2007, 21:31 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHK



Product Features of SONY PSP PSP-Softbag with hand string - PINK
Soft case size: 195 x 7.5 x 108 mm (width x height x depth)
Strap size: 189 x 3.3 x 9 mm (width x height x depth)
Color: Pink
3rd party product

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PS3 Controller Battery (3rd Party)

January 8th, 2007, 21:28 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHK



More Description of Playstation 3 PS3 Controller Battery (3rd Party)

the PS3 console battery is designed on the basis of specification size of PS3 controller inside battery. It can help to prolong the using time of the PS3 controller. Attach with a USB charge cable, you can charge the controller at any time. It is convenient, succinct and practical.

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XCM Multi-Consoles Component Cable V2

January 8th, 2007, 21:21 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released today from Play Asia



features
Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™/PS2™
Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
Support Dolby Prologic.
Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
Support Stereo Sound
Support Optical Signal
Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/ 1080 P) technology.

Price: US$ 19.90 (~10.42 GBP)

Buy at Play Asia

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New DVD players resolve battle of formats

January 8th, 2007, 21:10 Posted By: wraggster

via postgazette

Many consumers have put off buying new high-definition DVD players, wary of the battle between two competing formats. Now, some electronics hardware makers are hoping to make the question moot by rolling out machines that play movies in both formats.

The two new formats, known as HD-DVD and Blu-ray, have been duking it out to become the next-generation DVD format of choice, each offering high-resolution video to match the HDTV sets that more families are buying.

But at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, at least one hardware provider, LG Electronics Co., is expected to showcase DVD players that work with either technology. Hewlett-Packard Co. will also have products that support both formats in the marketplace this year, a source close to the company says. Others are expected to follow suit.

The news should come as a boon to consumers who are weighing which player to buy to go with their new big-screen, high-definition TV sets. While regular DVDs work on the new sets, DVD players specifically designed for HD offer exceptionally sharp pictures and more features.

But the burgeoning format war between the backers of HD-DVD and Blu-ray has caused many consumers to pause before taking the plunge into high-definition movie discs. Many studios aren't releasing movies in both HD-DVD and Blu-ray, so choosing one player or another could mean that the high-def version of a favorite title isn't available. Universal Pictures, for example, releases movies only in HD-DVD, so its remake of "King Kong" isn't available in Blu-ray. Walt Disney Co., News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox and Sony Corp. release films only in Blu-ray, meaning there is no HD-DVD version of Disney's "Pearl Harbor." Viacom Inc.'s Paramount Pictures and Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. release movies in both formats.

The new dual-format players will work by using optical drives and integrated circuits that can run with both HD-DVD and Blu-ray. Developing the drives proved tough because they needed to pull data from two different places on the discs, close to the top edge for Blu-ray and closer to the middle for HD-DVDs.

For now, the dual-format players are likely to carry high price tags, expected to be around $1,200 or higher. That's actually lower than some of the Blu-ray players out there -- Pioneer Corp.'s Pioneer Elite BDP HD-1 costs $1,500, although Sony and Samsung Electronics Co. offer less-expensive players at $1,000 and $800, respectively -- but more than double the $500 it costs for a Toshiba HD DVD player.

Sales of stand-alone DVD players have been slow, but there is an alternative for consumers looking to try high-def discs: game devices. Sony's PlayStation 3, which costs around $500, comes equipped with Blu-ray. And for $200, consumers can pick up an attachment that plays HD-DVD movies for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360, which costs $300 to $400.

About 695,000 consumers own either a Blu-ray or an HD-DVD player, according to Tom Adams of Adams Media Research in Carmel, Calif. But only about 25,000 have purchased stand-alone Blu-ray players. Another 400,000 consumers have Blu-ray because they bought a Sony PS3 game console. Meanwhile, about 120,000 or so have a stand-alone HD-DVD player while about 150,000 have an HD-DVD upgrade kit for their Xbox 360 game consoles, Mr. Adams says. He adds that those numbers are well in excess of the 300,000 DVD-player sales in 1997, when that technology rolled out.

Some consumers have dodged high-definition players because they already own top-of-the-line DVD players that add higher resolution onto regular DVDs so they look crisper on HDTV sets. For those viewers, there might not be much advantage to the newer technologies.

San Francisco computer consultant Tyler Dikman, for example, owns a high-end Denon 3910 DVD player that he uses with a 60-inch Sony Grand Wega rear-projection HDTV set. Mr. Dikman had heard the buzz about next-generation DVDs for a couple of years and shelled out $1,000 for a Sony Blu-ray player in November. After watching movies like Paramount Pictures' "Mission Impossible III" and Columbia Pictures' "The Fifth Element" on the new player, he decided that, although the text was crisper on subtitles and there were fewer glitches like blurring, overall the Blu-ray movies didn't look much better than regular DVDs on his Denon player. The Sony player also wouldn't play his audio CDs. He took it back to a Best Buy Co. store last month.

"I was waiting for this night-and-day difference, and I don't feel I got it," says Mr. Dikman, who says he still plans to buy a high-definition DVD player once the players have overcome snafus like the CD issue. Sony says there may be changes in future models, and overall, consumers have responded favorably to the product. "Of course, performance is affected by several factors, including what other components are included in the home theater system, how they are connected to one another and how the content was encoded," a Sony spokesman says.

Even if more hardware companies introduce dual-format players this year, it doesn't mean the Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD war is over for the movie studios. The same goes for the the major hardware backers of each side: Sony for Blu-ray and Toshiba Corp. for HD-DVD. "We're fully expecting a couple of years of format war," says Mr. Adams.

Both formats offer similar extra features, including an option to inset smaller video clips into the main movie. That allows the movie to run with discreetly placed boxes showing, say, directors discussing their techniques.

The two formats allow consumers to get extra information with the click of a button while watching a movie. In Universal's "Miami Vice" on HD-DVD, users can click on a button to get a series of on-screen pop-up boxes with details like who made the boats or planes in a scene, what some of their features are and how much they cost. In Fox's globe-trotting "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" in Blu-ray viewers can turn on a "trivia track" feature explaining tidbits like where each scene was shot.

Because the Blu-ray-capable PS3 game consoles came to market only late last year, and many buyers are using them primarily for games, HD-DVD movies were far outselling Blu-ray titles, Mr. Adams says. Before the PS3s were shipped, HD-DVD titles were outselling Blu-Ray titles by two to one, he estimates, although the difference has narrowed considerably in recent weeks.

Both sides are offering plenty of incentives for consumers. The HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 comes with "King Kong" in HD-DVD, for example, and anyone who buys a Toshiba HD-DVD player can choose three out of 15 movie titles as by-mail freebies. The first PS3 shipped with the Columbia Pictures movie "Talladega Nights" bundled in the package, and buyers of Blu-ray players receive coupon booklets good for $70 in rebates off various titles

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SIXAXIS wins an Emmy for Technology and Engineering... wait, really?

January 8th, 2007, 20:53 Posted By: wraggster

via engadget

We interrupt our regularly scheduled CES blogathon to bring you some important industry news from the world of video games: the PlayStation 3's new (sort of) SIXAXIS controller has been honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with a Technology and Engineering Emmy. Details are scarce, but the award will be handed over at an awards presentation being held tonight at ... wait, CES! Everything is captured in its gravitational pull, there's no avoiding it. Regardless, we're not sure exactly why the Sixaxis is receiving this honor, short of it being a technology product that undoubtedly involved some engineering, but we can't help but think something in the world of television must have been more deserving of such accolades.

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PS3 Nyko Charge Link Cable

January 8th, 2007, 17:14 Posted By: wraggster

New from Divineo UK



Charge Link by Nyko is a wireless controller USB charging cable for Playstation 3 that can be used while playing (easy with its 10 feet/3 meters length). It can also be used with any Mini USB device and as always with Nyko the quality standard is just perfect and the cable comes a special shield that insure high quality protection and high lifetime.

Specifications & extra information

• Simultaneously charge and play with the PS3
wireless controller
• Can be used for various USB compatible devices
• Extra long 10ft cable
• Includes Velcro wrap for clean and convenient storage
• Unique woven cable shielding improves cable durability
• Can be used with other Mini USB devices such as the PSP and digital cameras

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