Backwards compatibility key to Sony's Gaikai deal?

June 2nd, 2012, 22:39 Posted By: wraggster

Industry rumour suggests streaming service will bring additional PS1 and PS2 games to PS3

A rumoured partnership between Sony and cloud gaming specialist Gaikai could be to bring more PlayStation and PS2 titles to current formats.
Sources have apparently told GamesIndustry International that the service will include past first-party games and will allow third-party publishers to sell their back catalogue to PS3 owners.

Publishers that have already signed up to Gaikai's PC offering include Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Capcom.
Rumours of a Sony deal with Gaikai emerged earlier this week. It is not clear if it includes PS Vita or other Sony devices, such as TVs and tablets.
The current model of PS3 is not compatible with PS2 games. Limited compatibility was featured in the launch models.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...ys-Gaikai-deal

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E3 2012: Platinum details Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

June 3rd, 2012, 22:24 Posted By: wraggster

The undisputed star of Konami's pre-E3 broadcast was Platinum Games' Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, with a new trailer showing how the game has changed since development duties were passed to the Bayonetta studio earlier this year.
Set nine years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4, players control Raiden, the cybernetic warrior last put in players' hands inMetal Gear Solid 2. "Now, Raiden has grown up," said Kojima Studios writer Etsu Tamari. "But he is still sutffering from the wounds of the civil war he fought. He's become a hero with a dark past, one constantly haunted by this guilt."
The game retains the focus on directional slashing that was in the original trailer for the game, unveiled in 2009. Footage showed Raiden jumping towards a helicopter, time slowing down as he slices it into pieces with his katana - though players will have several weapons to choose from. The mechanic can also be used to clear a path through obstructions, and game director Kenji Sato said players would be able to slash certain background objects and use them as weapons.
Rising, Sato said, is "first and foremost an action game," a logical consequence of it being in Platinum's hands: studio producerAtsushi Inaba said he believed his firm was "the best action game company in the world. Our goals are simple: we want players to enjoy our games, and for that experience to be as easy and intuitive to control as possible."
Raiden's movement is clearly as important as the slashing mechanic. There are air combos, and a Ninja Dash system used for traversal through the game's environments. With the HUD stripped away, it was often hard to tell just how much of the action was realtime as opposed to an in-engine cutscene, but it's fast, fluid, bloody stuff.
Kojima Studios creative producer Yuji Korekado, who was Rising's producer before the game was passed to Platinum, said: "Within the series, Raiden has always been a really cool character with incredible action scenes, but they were always cutscenes. Rising will allow players to control Raiden, and really enjoy those amazing action sequences for the first time as a player.
"When the decision was made to outsource the game, there really was only one choice. We knew it had to be Platinum, a company that has brought so many great action games to the world."
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will be released for PS3 and Xbox 360 in early 2013, with rumours building that a Vita version is also in the works. A demo will be included with the Zone Of The Enders HD Collection, and the game will be playable for the first time at Konami's E3 booth.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/e3-2...ng-revengeance

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Rumour: Assassin's Creed III Vita info unearthed

June 3rd, 2012, 23:05 Posted By: wraggster

It appears a Vita tie-in game for Assassin’s Creed III is in the works.
A NeoGAF forum user has posted details from an issue of Game Informer which supposedly contains a preview of Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation for the PS Vita.
The posting follows a VG247 report last week that the title was listed (and subsequently pulled) by retailer Zavvi.
If the information is true, Liberation takes place in New Orleans in the same time period as AC3, and features a female protagonist.
The game is in development by Ubisoft Sofia and will release alongside Assassin’s Creed III on October 30th. Multiplayer ‘tailored to the Vita experience’ was also mentioned.
No official word from Ubisoft yet. With E3 this week and specifically the publisher’s press conference later today, odds are we’ll know the validity of the info very soon.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/rumou...earthed/097253

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Sony intros Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition, lets your non-PlayStation ge

June 3rd, 2012, 23:17 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony to sell downloadable content at GameStops in Europe and Australia

June 3rd, 2012, 23:21 Posted By: wraggster

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Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: gaming

June 3rd, 2012, 23:27 Posted By: wraggster

In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right.
The summer months are home to one of the most bittersweet events in gaming: the Electronic Entertainment Expo. E3 flaunts the year's biggest news in video games, exciting players with peeks at upcoming titles, glimpses of new consoles and soul-crushingly distant release dates. Need something to kill time with? We can help. Sony andMicrosoft may not be unveiling next-generation hardware at this year's expo, but there are still a few things you can do to put yourself on the bleeding edge without a console. If you simply can't live without dedicated gaming hardware, however, you still have some options -- though you'll have to wait until the fall or beyond to get your hot little hands on Nintendo's upcoming Wii U. Read on, and we'll see what we can do about subduing your post-E3 anxiety.
Editors' Choice

	NVIDIA GTX 690 Looking for something to lord over the competition at your next LAN party? Try the GTX 690, NVIDIA's flagship Kepler graphics card. The epitome of overkill, this $999 beast features two chunks of silicone based on the firm's latest GPU architecture, giving users the benefits of running a dual-card, SLI configuration with a smaller energy footprint. Too rich for your blood? Take a look at the $499 GTX 680 and $399 GTX 670 to melt your eyes without liquefying your assets. Price: $1,000 at Newegg
You might also like...
	Sony PlayStation Vita If you're looking for the latest in console gaming, the PlayStation Vita is your ticket -- not to mention the industry's most powerful handheld to date. Dual-analog controls, a vivid, 5-inch OLED touchscreen and killer handheld graphics put the portable in a class of its own. Watch out for that battery life, though -- three hours isn't going to get you through even one state in that big cross-country road trip you were planning. If you're itching for a successor to the home consoles the Vita hopes to emulate, however, you'll need to wait for E3 and beyond. Until then, viva la Vita. Price: $240 at Amazon
	MSI GT70 / high-end gaming laptops It may not be sporting NVIDIA's aforementioned Kepler silicone, but the MSI GT70 is still a heck of a gaming beast, flaunting an Intel Core i7-3610QM 2.3GHz processor, a luxurious 17.3-inch screen, an NVIDIA GTX 670M mobile GPU and one of the best keyboard and touchpad combos we've ever used. It's not the only game in town either -- PC manufacturers are building a new generation of gaming portables, from lightweight rigs like the Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3, to oversized behemoths like MSI's latest number. Sure, you may miss out on the geek cred of building your own gaming setup, but there's something to be said for the portability of a laptop. Price: $2,000 at Newegg

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PSP gets its own homebrew online gaming network, outweighs Sony's own efforts

June 3rd, 2012, 23:42 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony's PlayStation Vita has a YouTube app headed its way by the end of June

June 3rd, 2012, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster

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Crytek shuns Wii U and Vita

June 4th, 2012, 18:18 Posted By: wraggster

'It is difficult to see a market with a critical mass of players such as Vita' says Cevat Yerli

Crytek will not be developing games for the Nintendo Wii U or PS Vita, the company’s CEO has claimed.
Speaking to German site Golem, Cevat Yerli said the Crysis developer currently had no plans to develop titles for the consoles, although users of its CryEngine platform may create titles for the systems.

He claimed that whilst the Vita was technically an appealing system for developers, he felt that it had come to the market “slightly too late”.
“For the Wii U, there will be games which run with the CryEngine, but that come from licensees,” said Yerli.
“The PlayStation Vita is currently too uncertain to us as a platform. Technically I find the Vita very appealing, you have fun with it, no question.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...Wii-U-and-Vita

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E3 2012: Assassin's Creed Liberation revealed for Vita

June 4th, 2012, 18:24 Posted By: wraggster

Ubisoft will release Assassin's Creed Liberation, a standalone adventure starring a brand new protagonist, for PlayStation Vita on the same day Assassin's Creed III hits shelves.
The game appears for the first time in the latest issue of Game Informer, details of which have been posted on NeoGaf. Set in New Orleans, Liberation is being developed by Ubisoft Sofia and stars a female, Afro-French assassin named Aveline.
This seems, then, to be a genuine departure from the main series. While Game Informer's preview apparently says that the game features "true Assassin's Creed gameplay," this will be the first game in the series not to feature Desmond. Bad news for Nolan North, then, but a nice change for the rest of us.
Expect more to be revealed during Ubisoft's E3 conference, which you can watch live here on Edge Online and kicks off at 11pm BST tonight.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/e3-2...-revealed-vita

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E3 2012: Sainsbury's reveals E3 game promotion

June 4th, 2012, 18:33 Posted By: wraggster

Sainsbury’s has kicked off a special E3-themed pricing promotion.
Using the voucher code SEE3TWE, gamers can pre-order some of the expected big hitters from this week’s E3 show at prices far below what you’d expect to pay on the High Street.
Offers include the console versions of Halo 4, Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution, Tomb Raider, BioShock Infinite and Borderlands 2 for just £31.99.
Titles like Resident Evil 6 and Prey 2 can be had for even less, while Call of Duty: Black Ops II (whose RRP is £54.99, don’t forget) can be pre-ordered for £36.
You can see all the deals here.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...omotion/097275

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E3 2012: CV leak suggests October release for GTA V

June 4th, 2012, 18:34 Posted By: wraggster

Grand Theft Auto V will be released in October, if information from a lead artist working on the game is correct.
OXM reports that a CV revealing the date was posted on Grand Theft Auto fansite GTANetwork, which was taken down completely shortly after.
The conclusion arrived at by the internet, of course, is that Rockstar stepped in in a damage limitation move.
Analysts recently pointed out that Take-Two’s financial predictions for the current fiscal year would not add-up without the release of GTA V before the end of March 2013, though a Q1 release next year was predicted.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...r-gta-v/097271

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E3 2012: Retailer lists Diablo III for PS3

June 4th, 2012, 18:36 Posted By: wraggster

Blizzard’s Diablo III could be heading to PS3, if a listing on German retail site Redcoon is correct.
Such an announcement would be a massive PR coup for Sony, with Blizzard’s high-profile IP being PC only for several years now.
That’s not to say that the SKU – if it’s even real – would be a PS3 exclusive, although the site does not contain any listings for an Xbox 360 version.
Blizzard has never officially announced a console version of the game, but admitted in 2010 that it was working on a “console concept” for the game.
Last year it said it was assembling a console team for Diablo. It has even mentioned an Xbox 360 version specifically.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...for-ps3/097267

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E3 2012: Battlefield boasts '15m players'

June 4th, 2012, 23:14 Posted By: wraggster

EA press conference highlights new features to blockbuster shooter

EA claims that Battlefield 3 now boasts over 15 million players worldwide.
At the 2012 E3 press conference, the publisher announced the shooter would recieve "hundreds of hours of new BF3 gameplay," including new weapons and maps, as part of BF3 Premium.

The service, which includes all expansions for the game, will be available for $49.99 on PS3 today, with later releases on Xbox 360 and PC.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...ts-15m-players

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E3 2012: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive dated

June 4th, 2012, 23:35 Posted By: wraggster

The long-awaited follow-up to Valve's popular multiplayer shooter will be released on August 21st.
The game is currently in development for PSN, Xbox Live Arcade and Steam. It will cost approximately $15 on all platforms.
Global Offensive will feature new maps and weapons, as well as updated version of classic Counter-Strike maps such as de_dust.
The game was announced in August last year. It is the fourth game in the series, which started with the original Counter-Strike in 1999.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be playable at both the Sony and Microsoft booths during E3 this week.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...e-dated/097301

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Splinter Cell: Blacklist coming to Xbox 360, PC, PS3 in spring 2013

June 4th, 2012, 23:44 Posted By: wraggster

Ubisoft Toronto is working on Splinter Cell: Blacklist, shown in a dramatic trailer at the Xbox 360 conference. In the trailer, Sam Fisher (voiced by a new, non-Michael Ironside actor) infiltrates a desert warzone; this time, he's taking out a terrorist organization called the "Blacklist."

Kinect functionality is featured, allowing you, as Sam, to yell at dudes to distract them (and your family). You can also command troops, to call an airstrike, for example.

Spy vs. Mercs competitive multiplayer returns, and there's a cooperative mode as well. The game is due spring 2013.

Update: Ubisoft has released the first details on Splinter Cell: Blacklist, announcing the sixth console title in the series will hit the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Sam Fisher's return marks the first production from Ubisoft's new Toronto-based team, with support from Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Shanghai.

In the game, "a group of rogue nations have had enough of the United States' military presence in their countries. In an effort to force the withdrawal of the U.S. forces, they mastermind 'The Blacklist,' a countdown of escalating terrorist attacks on U.S. assets."

Update 2: The role of Sam Fisher will no longer be played by Michael Ironside,EW reports. The part will now be played by Eric Johnson, who will be lending both his voice and body to the title as Ubisoft will be employing performance capture technology to implement his acting into the game.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/sp...aled-for-xbox/

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Sine Mora takes flight on PS Vita 'soon'

June 4th, 2012, 23:45 Posted By: wraggster

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HTC to make PlayStation phone

June 5th, 2012, 20:13 Posted By: wraggster

Taiwanese OEM joins Sony's PlayStation Certified licence programme.
The move has been rumoured for a few months now, and a short statement from HTC has made it official.
For Sony, this is a minor breakthrough as the firm has been keen to expand the range of Playstation compatible devices away from just its own handsets.
Sony (then Sony Ericsson) launched the The Xperia Play in spring 2011 as its first PlayStation phone. The device features PlayStation-branded buttons, a flip-screen and links to the PlayStation Suite platform, which allows gamers to download PSone and Android software.
"HTC is focused on delivering innovative mobile experiences for people everywhere and SCE's immersive world of gaming will bring compelling entertainment to HTC One customers across the globe," said Kouji Kodera, chief product officer of HTC.
In another corporate re-think, Sony will rename PlayStation Suite to PlayStation Mobile and seek to accelerate the expansion of PlayStation Certified devices further.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...n-phone/018214

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Nyko Free Fighter joystick brings flexible controls, arcade flair to the PS3

June 5th, 2012, 20:21 Posted By: wraggster

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E3 2012: Sony announces Wonderbook

June 5th, 2012, 20:27 Posted By: wraggster

Following an introduction from Sony's Andrew House at the company's E3 2012 conference, a slightly bemused Dave Ranyard came on stage to talk about his team's latest project, Wonderbook.
"Welcome to the reinvention of the story book," he said, just after commenting on how surprised he was that Sony had managed to keep it a secret until now.
Wonderbook uses PlayStation Move to augment the traditional story book with interactivity and on-screen effects.
Placed in front of the PlayStation Eye camera, Wonderbook uses the AR techniques we're now familiar with to bring books to life, but does so with a little more panache than usual.
Sony couldn't have chosen a more fitting writer than J.K. Rowling to demonstrate its ambitions for the technology, and the Harry Potter author'sBook Of Spellswill be the first title to be published.
As you might imagine, the book teaches players various spells from the Harry Potter universe with the PlayStation Move controller acting as a wand.
The demonstration showed the Incendio spell being learned, the book being set on fire by an escaped dragon. The player can blow out the flames by waving their hands, before wiping soot from the pages.
Although not explicitly mentioned, it sounds like David Tennant is the narrator, too.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/e3-2...ces-wonderbook

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E3 2012: EA steps up PS3-Vita connectivity

June 5th, 2012, 20:28 Posted By: wraggster

Sony has announced at E3 2012 that a DLC update will enable PS3 players of LittleBigPlanet 2 to control the game using a PS Vita.
Announced on stage moments ago by SCEA president Jack Tretton, the 'cross-controller' DLC will let players use the Vita's front and rear touch capabilities on their PS3 in singleplayer, and enable simultaneous multiplayer on PS3 and Vita. It will also add a new story mode, costumes, stickers and decorations.
Sony also confirmed that SuperBot's Smash Bros-style fighting game, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, will also be released for Vita, and will support cross-platform multiplayer with the PS3 version.
http://www.edge-online.com/news/e3-2...a-connectivity

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E3 2012: European PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection detailed

June 5th, 2012, 23:36 Posted By: wraggster

The European version of Sony’s PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection has been detailed by SCEE.
As revealed at Sony’s E3 presentation last night, PS+ has been revamped with a significant amount of extra content on offer to those who sing up to Sony’s annual £40 subscription service.
As of tomorrow (Wednesday June 6^th) subscribers will be able to access ten full games free of charge. Three of the list will change each month, with a minimum of ten available at any one time. That’s two fewer than US gamers are set to receive.
The debut offerings will be Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Chime Super Deluxe, Darksiders, Renegade Ops, Outland and Oddworld: Strangers Wrath HD.
In addition, three Sony titles – InFamous 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, Motorstorm Apocalypse – will be available for the next 12 months.
On top of that there will be a PS+ Game of the Month each month, with Sega’s Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown claiming the June spot.
Exclusive to European PS+ subscribers will be an additional scheme called PlayStation Plus Presents, which will each month offer a free indie title. This kicks off with shooter Retro/Grade later this summer.
A total of over 45 games will be offered within the first 12 months – beating the numbers promised by Sony America.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...etailed/097431

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'Hatsune Miku' bringing synthesized vocal music gaming to North American Vita

June 5th, 2012, 23:37 Posted By: wraggster

In Japan, Hatsune Miku Project Diva F is a big enough game to command its own Vita hardware bundle, featuring a special-edition console and everything. In North America, it's something I randomly happened upon in Sony's E3 2012 booth, completely unheralded and unexplained. This difference in status makes sense, given that it's a music game about, starring, and featuring music by a virtual anime idol with a synthesized voice. In Japanese.

Called simply "Hatsune Miku" in its demo station, the game has you hit X and O in response to on-screen prompts (X and O icons flying into them), along with timed touchscreen swipes and directional presses, while Miku dances around on the screen. You're graded on the timing of each hit, and if you miss, it pops up as "WORST" which hurts pretty bad, guys.

The song I played was called "Catfood." Did I mention that I was surprised to see this in North America? There was no release info, or really anything. Just a demo unit sitting there.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/ha...ming-to-north/

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Tekken Tag Tournament 2 receiving Snoop Dogg stage [Update: Now with trailer!]

June 5th, 2012, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster


Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will receive a new stage featuring the Doggfather of Hip-hop himself, Snoop Dogg, Namco Bandai just announced during a press conference at E3. Players who pre-order the game will receive "early access" to the level, which features Snoop upon a massive throne, surrounded by, uhm,hip-hop females.

A video for a new Tekken-themed Snoop Dogg song called "Knock 'em Down" was also debuted, wherein Snoop's Tekken Tag Tournament 2 house party was disrupted by women stripping after lost rounds, as well as choreographed kung-fu fights between Tekken-playing party goers.

Update: While it may not be the music video we saw during the event, both Snoop's new song and his stage can be seen in the trailer above.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/te...op-dogg-stage/

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Portal 2 In Motion' DLC incorporates PlayStation Move

June 5th, 2012, 23:39 Posted By: wraggster

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Dead or Alive 5 enters the retail arena on September 25

June 5th, 2012, 23:42 Posted By: wraggster

The latest entry in the Dead or Alive series launches on September 25, Tecmo Koei has revealed. Dead or Alive 5 gets a visual facelift and incorporates some more interactivity into its levels, but will retain the same four-point counter system seen in Dead or Alive 4.

It is also revealed today that Sarah Bryant will join fellow Virtua Fighter character Akira at launch.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/de...-september-25/

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Sony reveals $40 PlayStation Move Racing Wheel for LittleBigPlanet Karting and more

June 5th, 2012, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony demos Cross-Play, announces Cross-Controller DLC for Vita and PS3

June 5th, 2012, 23:47 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony announces white PS Vita bundle with Assassin's Creed III: Liberation

June 5th, 2012, 23:48 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony is bringing Hulu Plus, Crackle to PlayStation Vita

June 5th, 2012, 23:49 Posted By: wraggster

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E3 2012: Dust 514 gets Vita app

June 5th, 2012, 23:51 Posted By: wraggster

NeoCom' provides social elements and gear customization on the move

CCP, the developers behind EVE online and its interconnected spinoff shooter Dust 514, has announced a companion Vita app to accompany the highly anticipated PS3 release.
Dubbed 'NeoCom', the app will make Dust's social elements, character management, and equipment customization available on the go.

Dust 514 will be free to play, with players able to purchase cosmetic upgrades for weapons, characters, and vehicles, making the Vita app - which means players can purchase upgrades whenever and wherever they like - even more important to CCP's overall strategy.
The game beta will launch on June 29.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-gets-Vita-app

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Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed titles coming to PS Vita

June 5th, 2012, 23:55 Posted By: wraggster

PS Vita getting some critical support from heavy hitting franchises.
Sony confirmed that there will be a Call of Duty release on Vita in Fall 2012. Called Call of Duty Black Ops Declassified, the game will have a focus on online play and is expected to release later in 2012
Also announced is Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation for the PS Vita. Based on the unsuccessful Louisiana rebellion of 1768, it will have the first female protagonist in the history of the franchise.
Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation will be launching in a bundle with a white PS Vita in October. Additionally, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale was formally announced for PS Vita with full cross platform play with the PS3 version for up to six players.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ing-to-ps-vita

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Sony PlayStation Wonderbook hands-on

June 5th, 2012, 23:57 Posted By: wraggster

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PSOne Classics coming to Vita

June 6th, 2012, 00:59 Posted By: wraggster

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LittleBigPlanet 2 DLC turns the Vita into a PS3 controller

June 6th, 2012, 01:00 Posted By: wraggster

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E3 2012: Sony: 'We're not first, not cheapest'

June 7th, 2012, 00:15 Posted By: wraggster

Jack Tretton discredits speculation PS4 will be first next-gen machine

SCEE CEO Jack Tretton has stepped in to counter speculation that Sony is aiming to make the PS4 the first released console of the next generation machines.
Speaking to GameTrailers Tretton stated: "We've never been first, we've never been cheapest, it's about being best."

"And I think if you can build a better machine and it's going to come out a little bit later, that's better than rushing something to market that's going to run out of gas for the long-term."
While no news came of the PS4 at this year's E3, the industry is poised to begin working with the next generation machines, and more information from Sony and Microsoft is expected to arrive relatively soon.
No concrete details of the launch and form of the 'PS4' and 'Xbox 720' have yet been released. While the Wii U has long been paraded in front of the public, a launch date and price remain a mystery, beyond an expected release this year.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...t-not-cheapest

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E3 2012: Sony admits Vita neglect

June 7th, 2012, 00:31 Posted By: wraggster

Sony has admitted that it "totally under-represented" its PS Vitahandheld during its E3 2012 conference on Monday.
As our Sony E3 conference report pointed out, all Sony showed for Vita in terms of games was Assassin's Creed Liberation,PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, and a logo for Call Of Duty Black Ops: Declassified.
Shuhei Yoshida, head of Sony Worldwide Studios, told VG247 that, despite there being 25 Vita games playable on the E3 show floor, the company had deliberately chosen not to make a big fuss about it during the conference, because it was trying to keep its event as short as possible.
"It was our fault for not spending enough time on PS Vita content," Yoshida admitted. "We have 25 games on the show floor, playable during E3. And many of them are fantastic-looking games. We could have shown more during the press conference.
"The PR team's one big focus was to make the conference shorter this year. We have been criticised for having a long conference in the past. So this year's focus was [to] make it very compact and impactful. We [had] to cover PS3, PS3-exclusive titles, thirdparty partnerships, PS Move, and new initiatives on PS Mobile and network services.
"If you really look for new information on PS Vita games coming out this year and early next year, we totally under-represented that."
All of which is fine - and Yoshida points to LittleBigPlanet, Jet Set Radio and Soundshapes as titles that could have been included in the press conference - but Sony's show on Monday was anything but compact and impactful.
There was the overlong Wonderbook demo, and the extended looks at Far Cry 3 and Assassin's Creed III, two Ubisoft titles that are anything but PS3 exclusive, their inclusion justified by exclusive DLC. There was surely plenty of scope for those to be cut down, making room for Sony's plans for Vita.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/e3-2...s-vita-neglect

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GameStop: Next-gen consoles WON'T block pre-owned

June 7th, 2012, 00:33 Posted By: wraggster

Industry insight or wishful thinking? Global games retail giant GameStop believes that the PS4 and Xbox 720 won’t incorporate pre-owned blocking technology.
Since the turn of the year separate rumours have suggested that both the Next Xbox and the PS4 would utilise methods to either prevent gamers from playing games that they purchased second-hand or severely limit the functionality of pre-owned titles.
However, Gamasutra reports that in an investor meeting with Baird Equity Research GameStop has asserted that both machines “will support used games, with no systems in place to lock out used game sales”.
Of course, even if the consoles arrive with no pre-owned blocks then retail might still find the next generation increasingly challenging.
Platform holders are expected to increase the focus placed on digital releases, with both day and date digital releases alongside retail and more aggressive pricing.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/games...e-owned/097537

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E3 2012: Sony rules out Vita price cut

June 7th, 2012, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster

Hopes of a PlayStation Vita price cut announcement at E3 have come and gone, and Sony reckons the price of the system will not be reduced any time soon.
“Oh, absolutely," Sony Worldwide Studios chief Shuhei Yoshida told Eurogamer when asked if he was happy with the current price of the system.
"From the value for money standpoint, we think we have a good price for what the system is. And our priority is to achieve the potential through more games and services.
"Of course people who are looking to buy are also talking about the price of PS Vita, especially when they have to buy a memory card as well. That's something we have to spend time to cost reduce and address in the future. But now, our laser focus is to increase the content and to realise the potential of the system."
UK sales of the console currently stand at around 10,000 units and are lagging significantly behind the sales posted by its predecessor the PSP upon its release.
Global sales as of the end of March had reached 1.8m units. Sony has forecasted combined Vita and PSP sales of 16m units for the current fiscal year.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...ice-cut/097535

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Hatsune Miku not planned for North America, at E3 as 'sneak peek'

June 7th, 2012, 01:13 Posted By: wraggster

Yesterday, when I found Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F for Vita in Sony's E3 booth, I interpreted that as evidence of a North American release. After all, it was a game being shown at E3. However, that isn't actually the case.

Today, I went back to the booth and spotted a Sega rep next to the demo. He informed me that the game wasn't actually planned for North America; it was just being shown off at E3 as a demo. A brief image on a big screen inside the booth called it a "sneak peek" of a game coming to Japan.

In short, it was at E3, but isn't actually intended for North American release. That's quite unusual.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/ha...as-sneak-peek/

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Dead or Alive 5 brings back tag matches, cuts DOA 4's online lobbies

June 7th, 2012, 01:15 Posted By: wraggster

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Vita PSOne Classics to be rolled out gradually

June 7th, 2012, 01:16 Posted By: wraggster

PSOne Classics will soon be compatible with PlayStation Vita, finally. However, the launch won't just be flipping a switch on all the PSOne Classics available on PSP and PS3. Instead, Vita PSOne Classics will be rolled out gradually starting this summer, Sony informed Joystiq today.

If you've previously bought any newly Vita-compatible PSOne Classic, you'll be able to download it for free on Vita. The exact launch lineup wasn't announced, but expect it to include the games shown at Sony's press conference: Wild Arms, Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy 7, Twisted Metal 2, Arc the Lad, Cool Boarders 2, and Jet Moto.
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/vi...out-gradually/

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Buy a PSVita (Wi-Fi + 3G) and get a Free 4GB Memory Card and a Selected Game for £15

June 7th, 2012, 11:58 Posted By: wraggster

Amazon are doing one of their deals where you get a free 4gb mem card and a game for 15 quid when you buy a PSvita. Games include the likes of Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Fifa 12,

Check it out here --> http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.h...pf_rd_i=506846

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E3 2012: Gaikai denies Sony takeover deal

June 7th, 2012, 19:56 Posted By: wraggster

David Perry refutes the involvement of his company. Attention back on OnLive?

Gaikai boss David Perry has denied that his company is in talks with Sony over either a streaming games deal or a takeover.
MCV reported last week that Sony was close to agreeing a buyout of a streaming games firm. Gaikai then appeared to become the front-runner after issuing a very provocative E3 announcement tease.

Perry, however, has denied the involvement of his company – placing the attention once again back on OnLive.
"I wasn't even at the Sony press conference," Perry told Eurogamer when asked if such a deal exists.
"I was sitting in my hotel room, and I know everyone was like, 'Oh my god, are they going to announce cloud gaming?' And I was like, 'No, they're not going to announce cloud gaming.' I wasn't even there!"

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-takeover-deal

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E3 2012: Ubi considers ZombiU for SmartGlass, Vita

June 7th, 2012, 23:41 Posted By: wraggster

Ubisoft's survivial horror game ZombiU is a key launch game for Wii U, but the publisher isn't ruling out the idea of bringing it to other platforms.
Speaking to IGN, a Ubisoft exec said the game could potentially be ported to Mcirosoft's new Xbox SmartGlass technology or the cross-play between Sony's PS3 and Vita.
But such a conversion wouldn't occur until well into 2013, and only if it holds true to ZombiU's original concept.
"ZombiU at its core was designed to be a great Wii U game and in order to make that work on other platforms, they would have to change a lot of what makes the game cool," said senior vice president of sales and marketing Tony Key.
"And I'm not saying that can't be done, but not in the next six months, you know?"
Key added that Ubisoft has considered bringing Wii launch title Red Steel to other platforms, but could not do so without losing the core appeal of the game: the motion controls.
However, the similarities between the Wii U GamePad and the multi-screen technologies on Xbox and PlayStation means Ubisoft will have more opportunities to bring its Nintendo exclusives to other platforms.
"There's definitely going to be knowledge that we gain from developing for Wii U that we'll be able to transfer not only to SmartGlass technology but to also to even the cross-talk on PlayStation 3 and Vita," said Key.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...ss-vita/097602

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Sony undecided about Gamescom attendance

June 7th, 2012, 23:45 Posted By: wraggster

Update: Shortly after giving a non-committal to Gamecom 2012 attendance, Sony and the Koelnmesse reached an agreement that will put the company in a booth comparable to last year's booth. The main exhibits at the show should be comparable to what they have at E3 with new franchises, PSN titles, Wonderbook, and PS Vita features especially cross-connectivity.
Original story: A Sony representative has told GamesIndustry Internationalexclusively at E3 that the publisher is still uncertain about attending Gamescom in Cologne this year.
Speaking to Games Industry Germany's Christoph Holowaty, SCE's German communications director Guido Alt said that a decision is yet to be reached on whether or not the platform holder will have a presence at the show.
"We have to judge if it makes sense to exhibit at gamescom every year," said Alt. "We are still negotiating with Koelnmesse. What I can say is that we did not sign a contract so far."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...com-attendance

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Wii U lead isn't important, contends Sony's Rohde

June 8th, 2012, 01:39 Posted By: wraggster

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LittleBigPlanet 2 Vita Cross Control adds incredible griefing possibilities

June 8th, 2012, 01:40 Posted By: wraggster


You can do a lot with LittleBitPlanet 2's upcoming Vita Cross Control patch. In a game already filled to bursting with creative opportunities, the additional Vita features are honestly a little staggering. Sure, you could make intricate levels, leveraging every touch and tilt gimmick, every unique cooperative possibility.

You could do that, but why bother when the Vita opens up a whole new world of ways to screw with your friends? Check out our demo with Media Molecule's David Dino above.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/li...e-griefing-po/

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Understanding Sony's lessened focus on 3D at this year's E3

June 8th, 2012, 01:42 Posted By: wraggster

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E3 2012: Sony 'still supporting 3D gaming'

June 8th, 2012, 01:57 Posted By: wraggster

The chief executive at SCE Europe insists the company has not abandoned its stereoscopic 3D gaming initiatives, despite the technology's absence at Sony's E3 press event this week.
During the company's E3 conference on Monday there was no mention of how the 3D PlayStation monitor announced at last year's show has fared at retail, and nor were special glasses offered to attendees to watch the latest PS3 gameplay demonstrations in 3D.But in an interview published earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO Jim Ryan told CVG the company isn't marginalising 3D.
"I just think that it's something that's now moving into the mature phase," he said. "You only have so much time at these things, and there was an attempt at yesterday's conference to make it shorter - which I thought was excellent.
"3D was the new thing two years ago, it's not the new thing anymore - it's just part of the bedrock of content development and publishing," he added.
Asked if major first party games will still be supporting 3D as standard, Ryan said: "Where appropriate, yes. Not where it doesn't make sense, but where appropriate - absolutely."
In the same interview, Ryan said Sony is "very relaxed and confident about the prospects for Vita this year and beyond" due to a range of upcoming "killer content".

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ing-3d-gaming/

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E3 2012: Sony 'relaxed and confident' about Vita's prospects

June 8th, 2012, 01:59 Posted By: wraggster

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO Jim Ryan has told CVG the company is "very relaxed and confident about the prospects for Vita this year and beyond".
In an interview published earlier today, the executive said upcoming content will help give the platform a lift Japan - where sales of the new handheld have fallen sharply since launch.
"We're not at the stage of thinking about price cuts," Ryan said. "In Europe we're three months in - in Japan a little bit longer. I think that all history in the Japanese market indicates that it's real killer content that provides the stimulus to hardware sales - and that continues to be the case. There's a lot going on - a lot of very Japanese specific content that wouldn't really resonate with the Western world. We're very relaxed and confident about the prospects for Vita this year and beyond."In the west, Ryan expects new entries in established first and third-party series to drive Vita adoption.
"We obviously launched Vita with a very strong launch line-up, easily the strongest of any other platform that I've been involved with - and that's all of them. As you say though, there's still a lot of content to come. We have Little Big Planet to come, and then on the third party side FIFA, BioShock, Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed. So, in my mind it's a line-up of real quality - and a good balance across various genres."
Ryan added of the newly-named Black Ops Declassified: "It's fantastic that it's coming at Christmas time, and I think that it's going to provide a huge stimulus for the platform."
Company CEO Kaz Hirai revealed in May that worldwide Vita sales stood at 1.8 million units at the end of the company's financial year on March 31, 2012, almost four months after the handheld's release.
He called it a "good start", but acknowledged that "software and services must be strengthened" if the company's to hit its targets for the current business year, which include ten million Vita sales.
Sony recently announced a limited-time Vita price cut of 50 Euros (£40) in France, which runs from June 1 to July 15.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...tas-prospects/

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E3 2012: Sony: New innovations show PS3 has a long way to go

June 8th, 2012, 02:03 Posted By: wraggster

Despite an increasing number of indications that the current generation console cycle is at its closing stages, a key executive at Sony has said the PlayStation 3 still has mileage for a significant amount of key new content.
Jim Ryan, the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, told CVG that a key theme from Sony's E3 press conference was the volume of new IP - something which could be seen as the building blocks for new franchises."What struck me listening to the conference was the sheer amount of innovation - at our conference at least," Ryan said.
"I think that's really indicative of a platform that's got a long way to go yet."
While Sony received positive reactions for new IP projects such as The Last of Us and David Cage's Beyond, console rival Microsoft drew in criticism for its demonstrable dependency on sequels.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ong-way-to-go/

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DCEmu Hot Summer Gift Guides - PSVita

June 8th, 2012, 02:12 Posted By: wraggster



Well the Summer has arrived and its time to take a look at whats Hot in the Console, Mobile, Gadget and Gaming Worlds.

Today its the turn of the PSvita or Playstation Vita, Sonys new handheld which is extremely powerful with many improvements over the PSP Console, heres our list of whats hot this summer:

PlayStation Vita



Dont bother with the 3G version its pretty much pointless, stick to the Wifi version which is cheaper but also in reality superior:

Sony's PlayStation Vita retains the familiar general form of the PlayStation Portable hardware series while dramatically improving on virtually every aspect of its use with powerful and exciting new features including: dual touch pads at the front and rear, dual cameras at the front and rear, dual analogue sticks, a 5-inch OLED screen, six-axis motion sensors and a three-axis electronic compass and exceptional built-in connectivity via Wi-Fi*. Taken together this makes for a handheld gaming device that truly signals the entry of handhelds into the world of Next-Gen gaming.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-PlaySta...9114170&sr=8-1

Uncharted: Golden Abyss




Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a single player Adventure game that brings the trademark active gameplay of the Uncharted series to the small screen like never before. The most prominent of the launch title for the Sony PlayStation Vita handheld Golden Abyss features an all-new story revolving around the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake, as well as controls optimized for play on the PS Vita. Features include: a combination of touch pad and motion-sensing controls, as well as Adventure and Puzzle-solving gameplay.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=3010556011

Gravity Rush




Gravity Rush is a single player Action-Adventure game with RPG and Platforming game elements that is specifically designed for PlayStation Vita. Utilizing PS Vita specific functionality such as the gyro motion sensor of the PS Vita, highly refined graphics and touch control capabilities, and a rich storyline rendered in a crisp comic/animation-like style, Gravity Rush provides an engrossing 3D experience in which the usual laws of gravity cease to exist. Additional features include: simple shoulder button-based controls for gravity-altering move, varied enemy and boss battles, and beat-em-up combat.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=3010556011

Resistance: Burning Skies





Set in a brutal, alternate 1950s universe, the Chimera attack on America has just begun. New Jersey firefighter Tom Riley, responds to a routine 911 call and comes face-to-face with the brutal Chimera in the initial days of their invasion on the east Coast of the US. He is separated from his wife and daughter and takes up arms against the Chimera to find them.
Being a firefighter, Riley can never stand idly by when people are in peril and there are several moments in the game where the player will be faced with situations where they can perform selfless acts of bravery in order to rescue people from the Chimeran hoard.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=3010556011

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Sony PlayStation Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition

June 9th, 2012, 10:33 Posted By: wraggster

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E3 2012: Sony says competitors 'are losing the plot'

June 9th, 2012, 10:46 Posted By: wraggster

PlayStation outfit stakes a claim to being the choice for 'gamers'

And so it begins. Sony has lashed out at rivals Microsoft and Nintendo for neglecting the core gamer in their respective E3 presentations.
“The reaction to the press conference has been just amazingly positive,” Sony’s head of digital games Jack Buser told VentureBeat. “While some of our competitors, seemingly, are losing the plot, forgetting what built this industry. It was the gamer. And our press conference really drove that home.

“We showed amazing partnerships with our third parties. We showed incredible titles from our first parties. Last of Us, you saw that? Beyond: Two Souls. You see these titles and they represent some of the… I’m biased, but these are the best games I’ve ever seen, and they’re exclusive to our platform.
“These are the types of games that gamers want, and they’re pushing what a console game can be to the next level.”
Seemingly unworried by the criticism aimed at all three platform holders this E3, Buser went on big up his own company’s performance.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...osing-the-plot

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E3 2012: Sony still keen on 3D, despite E3 no-show

June 9th, 2012, 23:15 Posted By: wraggster

There was a time when Sony wouldn’t stop talking about 3D. That time was a long time ago.
But despite the lack of 3D focus from the platform holder at this year’s E3, Sony insists that it’s still committed to the technology – albeit in a more selective way.
“It's something that's now moving into the mature phase,” Sony Europe CEO Jim Ryan told CVG. “You only have so much time at [E3 presentations] and there was an attempt at yesterday's conference to make it shorter – which I thought was excellent.
“3D was the new thing two years ago – it's not the new thing anymore. It's just part of the bedrock of content development and publishing.”
It had also been suggested at one point that stereoscopic 3D support had become mandatory for first party Sony games. If that was the case, it certainly is not any more.
“Where appropriate, yes,” Ryan replied when asked if major first-party games still support 3D as standard. “Not where it doesn't make sense, but where appropriate - absolutely.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...no-show/097695

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E3 2012: Xbox 360 has "more than 2 years left", says MS

June 9th, 2012, 23:17 Posted By: wraggster

The Next Xbox may be just around the corner, but Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer has predicted that the Xbox 360 has over 24 months of live left in it.
"Right now the Xbox 360 is really healthy and it's doing incredibly well,” he told GameSpot. “I think the 360 has a lot more than two years [left]. It has legs for a long time.
"The nice thing about the Xbox 360 right now is – if you look – we're the number one console globally. We're able to bring in new content and still support the best of the core games.
"It's a platform that has really reached scale; this is the time when you really see the great content showing up. The future in a lot of ways is always tomorrow: [things like] the SmartGlass technology and Windows 8 [show that] things are going to constantly evolve.“
There are two ways one could interpret the statement.
The first is that it will be another two years until the Xbox 360’s successor is released. The second, and far more likely, is that Microsoft plans to support its legacy platform after it launches the Next Xbox.
Still, with Xbox 720 expected to hit in Q4 2013, that means Microsoft is only committing to a year’s worth of Xbox 360 support post launch. That’s an improvement over the original Xbox, which was famously and unceremoniously dumped by MS the moment the 360 arrived.
Sony, meanwhile, has proved an expert at evolving the long tail of its products, with the PS2 still selling strongly in some countries five years after the arrival of PS3.
Indeed, publishers such as EA still release games on the platform.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/e3-20...says-ms/097694

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PSPE progress

June 10th, 2012, 02:12 Posted By: wraggster

Hlide here.

PSPE progress is quite slow. I'm working on the graphics engine emulation (namely GE) and learning about OpenGL features. My intent is to have a complete accurate and fast emulation of GE using some special features of OpenGL 3/4.X. But those features are quite new and demand more time to master them. Right now, I'm struggling with one feature (transform feedback) which refuses to work with PSPE whereas it perfectly works with a standalone program.

In fact, there is no reason to release a new version of PSPE as long as GE emulation is not advanced enough to allow some commercial games to run. And I fear it may take a long moment until we reach this step.

But PSPE is not dead.

http://www.pspe4all.com/news.php

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Wagic 0.11 Released!

June 10th, 2012, 02:17 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2010/03/13/wagic-0-11-released/

I’m excited to announce a new version of Wagic today, version 0.11.1. We added so many new cards in this version that the numbers don’t make much sense anymore, so you will see that the main menu displays now 2 numbers: the number of cards, and the number of unique cards. Wagic 0.10 had roughly 5100 cards (4000 unique), and Wagic 0.11 ships with around 30 new sets for a total of more than 9300 cards (more than 4700 unique). So if we don’t count reprints, that’s more than 700 new cards for you to play with!Many thanks go to the team of developers, who are the soul of this project, and to the people who helped during our alpha and beta tests.
What is Wagic?


Wagic is an heroic fantasy card game (currently available for the Sony PSP, Windows, and Linux) in which you fight as a sorcerer with your creatures and spells. As you win epic battles against the CPU, you earn credits that allow you to improve your army, unlock new cards and other game modes. Wagic is open source, community driven, and extremely customizable. It is available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and French.
Wagic is entirely fan-made, but is frequently compared to commercial games for its replay value and its graphics.
What’s new?

I wish I could summarize this release in a few words, but the truth is, this is once again a release packed with incredible new features. An amazing amount of new cards of course (who said “as usual”?), but also cool improvement such as the card filter, which (finally) allows you to tweak your shop experience, and browse your collection much more easily than before. Windows and Linux users will also love the new “key bindings” feature to be able to setup the keys of the game to their liking. This will also be useful for PSP players who want to switch their circle and cross buttons. Here’s a more complete changelog:

• • More than 4000 new cards, of which 700 are unique. Wagic now has around 9400 cards (more than 4700 unique). Thanks to the card coders, especially Dr. Solomat!
  • New cards database system, which allows to code more cards faster and reduce the number of duplicate bugs (thanks Psyringe)
  • Filter system in the Shop and in the Deck Editor allow you to efficiently buy new cards and search your collection (thanks Jeck)
  • Key bindings to customize your keys (thanks Jean)
  • Simplified translation mechanism for cards
  • Shop improvements (Mixed boosters, price changes,improved booster flexibility)
  • New parser keywords: cantBeBlockedBy, power/toughness qualifiers for targets
  • New tasks in the tasks menu
  • Internal changes to fix compilation issues on linux 64bits and Mac. Wagic should now compile for these platforms with little work
  • Added support for HQ pictures on PC platforms
  
  
• http://wololo.net/download/

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SKFU launches a fund raising operation to hack the vita

June 10th, 2012, 02:18 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/09/vita-sk...rder-a-devkit/

Famous PS3/Vita developer SKFU just announced on his blog that he is running a donation drive to get a Vita development kit. Those “kits”, if my understanding is correct, contain a debug device (a special version of the Vita that can run unsigned code), as well as afull SDK and documentation. In the case of the PSP, access to those kits helped dramatically to hack the device, according to SKFU.They are fairly expensive though (2000 euros), and since SKFU says he has no intent to actually use the kit for anything else than helping the scene, he is asking for the community’s financial contribution to the project. He has also plans (that are kept under wraps due to the legal risk for his contact who will be acquiring the development kit) to give access to that devkit to a number of trusted devs, in order to make fast progress on vita hacking.

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VHBL contest: deadline extended, it’s still time to submit your entry!

June 10th, 2012, 02:19 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/09/vhbl-co...it-your-entry/

Hey guys, since I got a bunch of emails requesting for a bit more time, I am extending the deadline of our VHBL contest to next week, June 16th.This is a double contest, either submit a new VHBL menu (not so easy, but extremely cool) or a youtube video (easy and cool!), and there’s 167$ in cash prizes to win!
Details here

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VHBL 4th release: work in progress

June 10th, 2012, 02:20 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/08/vhbl-4t...k-in-progress/

VHBL is a homebrew loader for the PSP and the Playstation Vita. Since it relies on exploits in specific games available on the Playstation Network, Sony usually removes the exploited games within hours following my announcements.In order to allow a maximum number of people to benefit the exploit before Sony pulls the games, we are regularly doing “confidential” releases (a.k.a. Ninja Releases) to trusted members of our forums at http://wololo.net/talk, using new exploited games.

We’ve done 3 releases this year so far, using exploits in Motorstorm, Everybody’s Tennis, and Super Collapse 3.
I recently ported VHBL to a 4th exploit, and confirmed it works fine on the Vita. This time, you’re going to have to trust me that I am running VHBL on a new exploit, since I cannot easily prove that this is not running under the Super Collapse 3 exploit. Here is a short video showing the PSP emulator GPSP, running Advance Wars
The author of this exploit wants to stay anonymous for now, and hasn’t taken a decision on a release yet for personal and technical reasons. In particular, the exploited game is not available in all stores (something that’s become the norm now, we usually suggest people to bypass that limitation by buying PSN cards from some online retailers). That being said, I am (and hopefully, other people are too) working on porting VHBL to other games in parallel. If one of the ports is successful, I’ll try to discuss with the various devs involved which exploit would be the best to release, so I am confident we will have a release ready soon enough.
My current goal (but that might change), is to wait for Sony’s next move (firmware 1.68?) before doing a new release. This is, of course, if I am done in time with the port, and if I can convince one of the owners of the exploit(s) to do a release.

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Syscall internals

June 10th, 2012, 02:21 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/07/syscall-internals/

I assume you understand what is a syscall and how syscalls are called from user space in PSP. If not, please read Freddy’s post.We are going to take a closer look at what happens in kernel space, where syscalls are intercepted and served. This is a pretty technical post so get some coffee.

When a syscall is issued (called) from user space, the syscall exception handler which is installed in interruptmgr will take control. The hardware will put a pointer in coprocessor register r12, which leads to a fixed size (0×4010) table in memory. Let’s call it syscall table. The first 4 words of the table are the header, and the rest are slots for function pointers.
The struct of the syscall table header is like this:
struct syscall_table {
u32 unk_0;
u32 seed;
u32 table_size; // always 0x4000
u32 total_size; // always 0x4010
u32 func[0]; // 0x1000 slots of function pointers
};
The most important field is the seed, which is generated randomly when the system boots up. Meanwhile, register r21 of the coprocessor has a value by which you can index into the function pointer slot. The Kernel then reads the value of that slot, and jalr (jumps) to it, which is the real implementation of the syscall.
We, as a user space process, have no privilege to write or read the syscall table directly, because the table is within kernel memory space.
The syscall table is initialized in loadcore, when system/game boots up. The seed is generated at that moment, and never changes until next bootup. All the slots in the function pointers table will be initialized to an address in loadcore, which does nothing but returns an error number (0×80020001).
When a module is loaded, it has to register its exported function in loadcore. The registration in a word is to find a proper slot(s) to store the function pointers, then assign a syscall number to it.
The Kernel first decides how many slots reserved for the module. The algo is as below:
reserved_slots_cnt = (random() & 3) + 1 + exported_syscall_cnt;
Then kernel will decide which slot index to start, with this algo:
start_index = random() % exported_syscall_cnt;
BTW, the random() function is reading the Count register.
Then from the start_index, the kernel copies the function addr into the table in a
fixed sequence (the order follows the sequence of exports).
At this point, the exported function has already been assigned a syscall number, which is calculated as:
syscall_num = seed / 4 + slot_index;
Note that at this moment, all function pointers are masked by 0×80000000, i.e., any attempt to call this syscall will be trapped by a Bus error. This is how Sony protects un-imported syscalls.
Note also the reserved slots count for certain module is larger than the total amount of exported functions. Therefore, the spare slots are filled with a fixed address, which triggers break exception. It brings more trouble for syscall estimation.
As a sum up, the algo for filling the syscall table is as below:
for (i = start_index; i < reserved_slots_cnt + start_index; i++) {
int index = i;
if (index > reserved_slots_cnt)
index = index % reserved_slots_cnt; // wrap at the end

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[PS3] More dongles info decrypted by oct0xor

June 10th, 2012, 02:23 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/06/ps3-mor...ed-by-oct0xor/

PS3 hacker oct0xor, who was already behind the base work that led to initial reverse engineering of the True Blue dongle, just twitted that he can decrypt True Blue’s stage2, as well as critical information from other clone dongles.

I can decrypt @TrueBlue Stage 2, @Cobra EBOOT.BIN, @ps3usercheat cheatlist.dat and lv2 stage 1 and 2, right on PC.
You really can call me “DongleBreaker” now Thanks to @flat_z who was with me all along.

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A Stable Firmware for Prometheus?

June 10th, 2012, 02:29 Posted By: wraggster

via http://psp.dashhacks.com/2012/06/03/...are-prometheus

Coldbird and the guys on the PRO team have built a more stable platform for Prometheus and its PRO-C baby.

If you are using the Prometheus online client then you know there have been some bugs in the past due to how the online client was working with the firmware. Well now your CFW of choice has now been updated to work better with Prometheus, how? Originally there where some issues with the code one of which forced you to exit with the VSH menu. Also to note this version of the 6.XX PRO-C has be built to work with Prometheus and will be the basis for all future updates to the online client, so you shouldn’t have to update again for quite some time if at all.


http://forum.prometheus.uk.to/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=220

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Prometheus Vs Other Online Options

June 10th, 2012, 02:30 Posted By: wraggster

via http://psp.dashhacks.com/2012/06/02/...online-options

Thanks to the hard work from the guys at PROCFW there is now another option play our favorite PSP games online.

Now you may be thinking “we already can play PSP online Infrastructure mode, Xlink Kai and Adhc party” and you're right as there are already a few different ways to play online but this is why Prometheus is still a good option. As we all know there really aren’t a whole lot of games on the PSP that allow for infrastructure play. There are around ten or so reasonable games that support it despite the length of the life span of the PSP so that just about kills the infrastructure option right off the get go.

Xlink Kai allows for Adhoc play online but requires special compatible network adapters and requires that you be near your PC to play your games which is a similar problem that you face with the Sony Adoc Party service. With this you need to have your PSP near your PS3 to play online. So that's where Prometheus comes in its free, it allows you to play wherever and whenever and it works with your CFW enabled PSP, what else could you ask for? Now all of that said you should know going in that this only works with second gen PSP’s and newer (aka Slim PSP’s).

This could be a very good thing for all of you SOCOM fans because well its shutting down. That’s right the servers for SOCOM on the PSP and PS2 are shutting down forever leaving you to play your games in single player or Adhoc only making Prometheus a pretty good idea if you like playing online. Have a look below at what everyone is playing online right now.

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Pcsp 0.5.5

June 10th, 2012, 02:32 Posted By: wraggster

Although we are working hard with our new pspe4all emulator ( www.pspe4all.com ) i play a litle bit with pcsp in order to fix some very obvious bug that left behind.

One of them was some holes in the new VEH memory system that cause games , demos to crash. So here it is an update version of latest pcsp with fixed VEH and some other small fixes.

Project is also built with the latest QT 4.8.2 and vstudio 2010. I have included the vc 2010 runtime in case pcsp doesn't open.

Enjoy


http://www.filefactory.com/file/23ww...csp_v0_5_5_zip

or

http://depositfiles.com/files/ugqu9j3g4

http://www.pcsp-emu.com/news.php

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****PSN 0.7b

June 10th, 2012, 02:39 Posted By: wraggster

Last week, the team with Rebug, the Psn retraced our consoles with firmware 3.55, it is the turn of Drizzt and its software is designed ****PSN but this time with all firmwares. new / fixed: - Added spoof 4.11 ****PSN 0.7b Official site: https://github.com/drizztbsd/****Psn

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Pokemini v0.5.2

June 10th, 2012, 02:48 Posted By: wraggster

via http://gbatemp.net/

justburner has updated PokeMini to version 0.5.2. This Pokemon-Mini emulator is available for several systems, including DS/DSi and PSP. See the change log for what's new in this release, and be sure to check out the project page linked below for more information about this homebrew.


QUOTE: Change Log (06/03/12)

• Opening .minc files now opens the linked .min files
• More accurant PRC timing and triggering
• Minor changes
  
  Debugger Only:
  
  • Recent ROMs list
  • Drag & Drop ROM files support
  • Added file association to .min and .minc files
  • Moved PRC Counter from Timers Window to Misc. Window
  • Added more special registers for printing and controlling the debug output
  • Reorganized the menu
  • Improved the memory content components
  • Added 16-bits memory filler into memory viewer
  • All viewers and main window position & size are now saved
  
  
  
  Win32 Only:
  
  
  • Fixed command-lines and closing code
  • Recent ROMs list
  • Drag & Drop ROM files support
  • Added "Pause when inactive" window option
  • Added file association to .min and .minc files
  
  
  
• http://code.google.com/p/pokemini/

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PS3 4.11 Spoofer and Rebug 0.7 for CFW 3.55 released

June 10th, 2012, 02:56 Posted By: wraggster

modrobert writes: "Evilsperm and Cyberskunk have released Rebug Update Package 0.7 (3.55.2) and 4.11 Version Spoofer 2.2 (3.55 ONLY). Quote from Team Rebug: 'Thought we would give everyone a few days of PSN ACCESS with 4.11' In other words until Sony releases a new firmware version with 'minor changes'. Have fun while it lasts. Please note that this fails with the latest True Blue firmware since it already includes a spoofer."

http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=3019

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True Blue improves security measures against clones

June 10th, 2012, 02:57 Posted By: wraggster

[source: truebluejb2.com] New packaging for True Blue incorporating security measures and an updated picture identification reference for clones. Due to the recent emergence of clones we are introducing a new packaging system and a security sticker on the dongle itself to help ensure customers receive original True Blue dongles.

http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=3020

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True Blue open discussion...

June 10th, 2012, 02:59 Posted By: wraggster

modrobert writes: "I visit many console hacking related websites daily when checking news and there seems to be a growing number of people bashing the True Blue dongle for PS3. Being a console gamer and hacker I'm having trouble understanding the reasons for this hatred so feel free to enlighten me by posting comments. Some background: I like leeching console games and playing them, and have been buying hardware to do so dating all the way back to the SNES/Genesis era.



The image above is a partial screen capture from a file listing on the AKIRA board (multinode bbs running AmiExpress /X) back in 1995. Note the '20MB/SMC' part there, SMC stands for Super Magic Card which is the backup device used to play this game on a SNES (Super Famicom). My point is that I fail to see what makes True Blue any different?"
http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=3023

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Sony's Shuhei Yoshida reinforces importance of indies to PS Vita

June 10th, 2012, 23:23 Posted By: wraggster

Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida says that indie developers will be key to the success of the PS Vita. He wants the platform to offer a variety of experiences, from immersive AAA titles to bite-sized entertainment.
"The whole development process of Vita was us watching the smartphone and the tablet market grow and blossom," Yoshida told Gamasutra. "We've seen lots of small games sold digitally through the app stores of each device, and that's something we thought is a great addition to the whole offering of video games to the consumers."
"We do not necessarily see the smartphone replacing the portable console market," Yoshida added. "It's true that many casual people already own smartphones, and spending a dollar for a game is a very easy thing to do. People who really like games want more immersive, deeper games. In addition, they also enjoy short-form, small games."
SCEA's Pub Fund is focused on funding indie developers and Yoshida says Tale From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack from Drinkbox Studios (which was funded through the program) is one of his favorite games.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ies-to-ps-vita

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PlayStation Plus 'amplified' with more games, all other offers remain in place

June 10th, 2012, 23:31 Posted By: wraggster

During Sony's E3 2012 press conference, Jack Tretton announced the addition of a bunch of new games to PlayStation Plus as part of an "amplified" PS Plus relaunch. However, it wasn't clear exactly how the service was changing, beyond the offer of LittleBigPlanet 2 et al. the next day. Is PS Plus all about new full-size games every month for members?

We asked Jack Buser, Senior Director of PlayStation Digital Platforms, to clarify for us just what was changing with the "instant game collection." "Everything that you've enjoyed from PlayStation Plus remains very much the same. It's still the same PlayStation Plus," Buser said. "So if you love the huge discounts, if you love the exclusive access to betas, if you love the other things that are also delivered by the service, you're going to see that those other things are still a part of PlayStation Plus -- the cloud saves, the automatic updates, all that other stuff."

Really, the only difference is more free games, which we think everyone will agree is an improvement. "What we've announced is that we're amplifying the free games aspect of PlayStation Plus," he said. "We are really ratcheting that up, because that's what the community told us they wanted to see." As before, everything you download will remain playable until your membership lapses, so if every month is like June, your game collection is going to get very big very quickly. If your PS3's hard drive can handle it, that is.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/pl...ther-offers-r/

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Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer'

June 11th, 2012, 00:16 Posted By: wraggster

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No Call of Duty XP event planned for 2012

June 11th, 2012, 00:25 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony's 'wacky' Tokyo Jungle headed to North America and Europe

June 11th, 2012, 00:27 Posted By: wraggster

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Uncharted is a 'pillar franchise,' nothing to say about its future just yet

June 11th, 2012, 00:29 Posted By: wraggster

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E3 2012: Sony: 'Second screen Vita functionality will play key role'

June 11th, 2012, 00:39 Posted By: wraggster

Sony's European CEO Jim Ryan has said the platform holder still has plans to allow PS3 owners to use the PS Vita as a second screen when playing PS3 games.
Both Microsoft, with its SmartGlass technology, and Nintendo, with the GamePad controller, extensively demonstrated the second-screen functionality of their consoles at E3.Although Sony didn't quite fall in line with the trend, Ryan said in an interview with CVGthat the feature was key a initiative for the PlayStation business going forward.
"One of our main strategies is this broadening of the PlayStation ecosystem - whether it's the use of Vita in some sort of second screen capacity or whether it's like the announcements yesterday of PlayStation Mobile," he said.
"We think that ubiquitous access to content is something that consumers are expecting and are entitled to. It's one of the great things about a company like Sony is that we can provide it. We're very pleased to do that."
Elsewhere in his interview with CVG, Ryan also claimed that Sony is "very relaxed and confident about the prospects for Vita this year and beyond".

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...play-key-role/

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CFW Pro C

June 11th, 2012, 12:33 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/10/release-cfw-pro-c/


Some of you might think this is old news, having seen Pro CFW C released a long time ago on other websites. This is not. Yesterday, Pro CFW C “fix 3″ was added to the official list of downloads on their google code page. This is in my opinion the first really stable release of Pro CFW C, and this is why I am updating our download page only today.



The beta versions had a few issues, including a bug in the CIPL flasher which could cause bricks. Thankfully, this issue of course only happened on hackable motherboards which could be fixed with Pandora batteries. This is now fixed with this release, and I personally verified it on my PSP 1000.

The major improvement of Pro C over Pro B is the possibility to access the Prometheus online system, a free gaming service that allows you to play adhoc games online. In other words, your PSP believes you are in the same room as your friends, and allows you to play adhoc games over the internet. We discuss here why this is a great solution compared to alternatives such as adhoc party or xlink kai.

If you are new to the world of Custom Firmwares on the PSP, or interested but worried about the installation process, do give it a try. The times have changed: installing Pro CFW is risk free (the default installation process is designed to be less risky than installing an official firmware, by not touching any critical files), and is a two-steps operation. An up-to-date and noob-friendly tutorial on how to install it can be found on my cfw for dummies guide.

Pro CFW gives you access to hundreds of homebrews and emulators, plugin support, recovery utilities to repair your psp, additional Ram on most models of PSP, integrated iso supports, and today access to a free online gaming service, that supports more games than the official Sony solution. In simpler words, there is no good reason to stay on Official Firmware today on a PSP.


DOWNLOAD VIA COMMENTS

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Cubicle Shooter City v0.1 – PS3

June 11th, 2012, 12:35 Posted By: wraggster

Recycle today for a better tomorrow! Cubicle Shooter City is a top down dual stick shooter that uses the city generator I made for Hero City 2 and the character models from Cubicle Shooter. To be honest I’m not very happy with how it turned out. It performs poorly and I think it looks ugly. Does anyone want me to continue working on this? What would you like to see added or changed? There where a few things I was planning to do but now I think I’m most likely going to just abandon this.
in b4 someone gives me shit for making a new game and abandoning it to move on to other things instead of sinking 20 years of my life into perfecting its mediocrity.
I will definitely be working on UFO Racer this month, I’m also going to be posting source code soon and for any of you with a homebrew enabled Wii I’ll be making Wii ports of Cubicle Shooter City and UFO Racer very soon. So you have all of that to look forward to.
Download it at Brewology.com
Download it at PlatonicRobot.com

http://thatotherdev.com/2012/06/04/c...city-v0-1-ps3/

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PS3 homebrew source code + PSL1GHT

June 11th, 2012, 12:35 Posted By: wraggster

Here is an archive with the source code for the most recent PS3 versions of the following games.
Cascade Beneath
Cherophobe
Cylinder Dodge
Don’t Get Crushed
Elongated Reptile
Gambol
Goodbye World
Hero City
Maze Generator
Neo Tanks
Neo Trail
Sketch Fight
Slime Roll
Swingball 2
That Other Pong
The Jarred Mind 3
The Unmapped Forest
They Do Not Die 2
UFO Racer
We Are Nowhere
Winter’s End
The archive also contains the extremely outdated pre compiled copy of PSL1GHT that I used to develop those games.
Download it from PlatonicRobot.com
http://thatotherdev.com/2012/06/06/p...-code-psl1ght/

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UFO Racer v3.1 – Wii & PS3

June 11th, 2012, 12:36 Posted By: wraggster

The completely remade 3D edition of UFO Racer is finally on Wii! The Wii port even features motion controls like it did in the 2D version that preceded this.
Along with porting it I’ve made a few improvements. The high score is saved every time you finish a lap, there is now on screen text telling you what your time was from the previous lap, there have been slight changes to the track geometry and texture, the track is now loaded from an external file (it was previously hard coded into the game) and the font used for on screen text has also changed.
It’s a minor update for PS3 but there will be more to come in the future. I’m planning to add a level editor.
Links:
Download the Wii version from PlatonicRobot.com
Download the PS3 version from PlatonicRobot.com
Download the PS3 version from Brewology.com

http://thatotherdev.com/2012/06/10/u...-v3-1-wii-ps3/

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PS3 SPU Emulation v0.8.1

June 11th, 2012, 12:50 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

PS3 SPU Emulation v0.8.1 is released. It's a PS3 SPU emulator for Windows by KDSBest, which allows x86 PCs to emulate the SPU for those wondering.

http://www.mediafire.com/?lzx47x8z7791ga2

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rpcs3 SVN r40

June 11th, 2012, 12:57 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

rpcs3 SVN r40 is compiled. rpcs3 is an open source PlayStation 3 (PS3) emulator for the Microsoft Windows. Current versions can run only small homebrew for PS3. Developers are planning to make it to emulate PS3 on its speed in the near future.

rpcs3 purpose:
- Make PS3 developers easily test their apps and homebrews on PC without crashing their PS3 or moving their apps from PC to PS3.
- Just playing PS3 games on your PC and have fun! ( In the future )

rpcs3 SVN Changelog:
r40
SPU:
- Code cleanup.

PPU:
- Emulated more instructions & syscalls.

ELF64:
- Fixed loading sys_proc_prx_param section.

rpcs3:
- Implemented OpenGL gs renderer.
- Added gs_basic_triangle.elf (test for OpenGL gs renderer, work correctly).

rpcsp:
- Fixed some log messages.

http://www.mediafire.com/?xu65lz0wf3d0oco

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Jpcsp SVN r2570

June 11th, 2012, 13:03 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

Jpcsp SVN r2570 is compiled. JPCSP is the most advanced PlayStation Portable(PSP) emulator, allowing you to play your PSP games on a PC. Even though Jpcsp is written in Java, it can already reach 100% PSP speed on a lot of commercial games... and the emulator performance is constantly increasing. Jpcsp takes full advantage of dual-core processors, matching the PSP dual-core architecture. Even a quad-core can give a small performance improvement by leaving free CPU cores for the Java JIT Compiler and the graphics cache.

Jpcsp SVN changelog:
r2569
Implement ELF import containing Vstub: this should fix application showing
"'xxx' has size 6" while loading a module.
r2570
Improved handling of texture mapping in 2D: always use UV-mapping. Improved compatibility of sceGuTexMapMode.

http://www.mediafire.com/?8e9u68gge4afabi

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RetroArch PS3 v0.9.6

June 11th, 2012, 13:09 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

RetroArch PS3 v0.9.6 is released. RetroArch PS3 is a native port on the PS3 Platform. RetroArch PS3 is an ultimate emulator by the name of PetroArch (over half a year in the making). The list of system emulators it uses is impressive: SNES9x Next, FCEUmm, Final Burn Alpha, Gambatte, Genesis Plus GX, VBA Next, and even PrBoom. Not only that, this game system can suppose consoles such as Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, etc.







Here is the release of RetroArch PS3 – a multi-system emulator/game system. Expect a lot more from us in the coming months. Included in this package are the folloing emulators/game engines :

* SNES9x Next (Super Nintendo)
* FCEUmm (Nintendo NES)
* Final Burn Alpha (0.2.97.26 – latest version – arcade)
* Gambatte (Game Boy/Game Boy Color)
* Genesis Plus GX (Sega Genesis/Sega Master System/Sega Game Gear)
* VBA Next (Game Boy Advance)
* PrBoom (Doom 1/Doom 2/Ultimate Doom/Final Doom)

After over half a year of development (well, slightly more) and lots of preparation work, we can finally present you with RetroArch for PlayStation3.

HOW TO INSTALL THIS:
——————-

ON DEBUG PS3
————
Put the PKG file ‘retroarch-ps3-v0.9.6-debug.pkg’ on your
USB stick, put it in your PS3. Go to the PS3 XMB – go to the Game tab -
Select ‘Install Packages’, and install the PKG file.

ON CFW P3
———
Put the PKG file ‘retroarch-ps3-v0.9.6-cfw.pkg’ on your
USB stick. Put it in your CFW PS3. Go to the PS3 XMB – go to the Game tab -
select ‘Install Packages’, and install the PKG file.

ON CFW Kmeaw P3:
—————-
Put the PKG file ‘retroarch-ps3-v0.9.6-cfw-kmeaw.pkg’ on
your USB stick. Put it in your CFW PS3. Go to the PS3
XMB – go to the Game tab – select ‘Install Packages’,
and install the PKG file.

HOW TO USE THIS:
—————

On first startup, RetroArch will select one of the dozen or
so emulator/game cores. The name of the core currently loaded will
be shown at the top side of the screen.

You can now select a ROM that this core supports and load it in
the Filebrowser.

To select a different core in the menu – press Select to go to the
Settings screen. From here, go to the ‘Retro tab’, and select
‘Default emulator core’. Press X to go to a filebrowser where you
can select a different core. Press X to confirm, then exit
RetroArch. Start up again to boot up to the new emulator core.

To change to a different core ingame – press R3 to bring up
the ‘Quick Menu’. Select ‘Change libretro core’. Press X to
go to a filebrowser where you can select a different core.

INGAME CONTROLS
—————
During ingame operation you can do some extra actions:

Right Thumb Stick – Down – Fast-forwards the game
Right Thumb Stick – Up – Rewinds the game in real-time
(‘Rewind’ has to be enabled in the ‘Settings’
screen – warning – comes at a slight
performance decrease but will be worth it
if you love this feature)
RStick Left + R2 – Decrease save state slot
Rtick Right + R2 – Increase save state slot
RStick Up + R2 – Load selected save state slot
RStick Down + R2 – Save selected save state slot
L3 + R3 – Go back to ‘Menu’/'Quick Menu’

WHAT IS RETROARCH?
——————
RetroArch is a modular multi-system emulator system that is
designed to be fast, lightweight and portable. It has features
few other emulator frontends have, such as real-time rewinding
and game-aware shading.

WHAT IS LIBRETRO?
—————–
Libretro is the API that RetroArch uses. It makes it easy to
port games and emulators to a single core backend, such as
RetroArch.

For the user, this means – more ports to play with, more
crossplatform portability, less worrying about developers having
to reinvent the wheel writing boilerplate UI/port code – so that
they can get busy with writing the emulator/porting the emulator/game.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
——————–
Right now it’s unique in that it runs the same emulator cores on
multiple systems (such as Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, etc).

For each emulator ‘core’, RetroArch makes use of a library API that
we like to call ‘libretro’.

Think of libretro as an interface for emulator and game ports. You
can make a libretro port once and expect the same code to run on all
the platforms that RetroArch supports. It’s designed with simplicity
and ease of use in mind so that the porter can worry about the port
at hand instead of having to wrestle with an obfuscatory API.

The purpose of libretro is to help ease the work of the emulator/game
porter by giving him an API that allows him to target multiple
platforms at once without having to redo any code. He doesn’t have
to worry about writing input/video/audio drivers – all of that is
supplied to him by RetroArch. All he has to do is to have the emulator
port hook into the libretro API and that’s it – we take care of the rest.

PLAYSTATION3 PORT
—————–
The PS3 port of RetroArch is the most developed of the two right now.
It has all the features the standalone PS3 emulators had, with the
addition of:

- Game-aware shading in every emulator now (*)
- Real-time rewinding
- More shader features (motion blurring, etc)
- Switching between emulator cores seamlessly, and ability to install new libretro cores

Included with RetroArch PS3 are a bunch of shaders – including the
latest versions of the popular xBR shader. It is possible to use two
shaders simultaneously to get the best possible graphical look.

* Check out Opium2k’s manual shaders for Zelda 3 and others – you can
find DLC packs for RetroArch at this site:

https://code.google.com/p/retro-arch/

EMULATOR/GAME CORES GBUNDLED WITH PS3 PORT
——————————————
The following emulators have been ported to RetroArch and are included
in the first PS3 release of RetroArch:

- Final Burn Alpha (Arcade – various) [version 0.2.97.26]
- FCEUmm (Nintendo Entertainment System) [recent SVN version] (*)
- Gambatte (Game Boy | Super Game Boy | Game Boy Color) [version 0.5.0 WIP]
- Genesis Plus GX (Sega SG-1000 | Master System | Game Gear | Genesis/Mega Drive) [version 1.6.0] (**)
- SNES9x Next (Super Nintendo/Super Famicom)
- VBA Next (Game Boy Advance)
- Prboom (for playing Doom 1/Doom 2/Ultimate Doom/Final Doom)

All of the emulators listed above are the latest versions currently
available. Most of them have been specifically optimized so that they
will run better on PS3 (some games would not reach fullspeed without these optimizations).

* This port was previously called FCEU Next.
** This port was previously called Genesis Next.

WHAT EXTENSIONS ARE SUPPORTED BY EACH CORE
——————————————

- Prboom: WAD|wad
- SNES9x Next: smc|fig|sfc|gd3|gd7|dx2|bsx|swc|zip|SMC|FIG|SFC|BS X|GD3|
GD7|DX2|SWC
- Genesis Plus GX: md|smd|bin|gen|zip|MD|SMD|bin|GEN|ZIP|sms|SMS|gg|G G|sg|SG
- VBA Next: GBA|gba
- FCEUmm: nes|NES|unif|UNIF
- Gambatte: gb|gbc|dmg|zip|GB|GBC|DMG|ZIP
- Final Burn Alpha: zip|ZIP

ZIP SUPPORT
———–
FOR EACH CORE (except for Final Burn Alpha): When you press ‘X’ on a
ZIP file in the File Browser, its contents will be extracted to the
/dev_hdd1/ partition. From there, you can load the ROM and play.

FOR Final Burn Alpha: Selecting a ZIP file from the Filebrowser will
load that game directly.

What can you expect in the future?
———————————-
- A public release of RetroArch Wii that is on the level of RetroArch
PS3/RetroArch 360
- An official Android port of RetroArch (no, no App Store ‘fee’ – ‘free’
as in beer AND as in libre)
- Port of NxEngine to libretro – runs Cave Story (PC version is already done,
now for the consoles…)
- Port of MAME 0.72 to libretro
- Port of VICE to libretro
- Port of ScummVM to libretro
- More emulators, more games that will run on RetroArch
- Lots of other crazy ideas that might or might not pan out

Credits
——-
- Mudlord for his Waterpaint/Noise shaders.
- Hyllian for the xBR shader.
- Opium2k for the nice manual shaders (bundled with PS3 release).
- Deank for assistance with RetroArch Salamander on CFW PS3s and Multiman interoperability.
- FBA devs for adopting the libretro port.
- Ekeeke for help with the Genesis Plus GX port.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sikh37s0ozx9vc7

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NesterJ AoEX R3

June 11th, 2012, 13:16 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

NesterJ AoEX R3 is released. This is based on NesterJ 1.12 Plus 0.61 RM, so it includes features like rewind mode, cheat codes support, rotated/mirrored screen, sepia palette, support to rare mappers (the pirate bootleg FF7 works on it), etc. NesterJ is a NES Emulator for PSP. It is a modified version of NesterJ.

NesterJ AoEX R3 Changelog:


R3:
+Fixed some crashes (i.e. Mario Bros Classic (E) is fixed now, possibly other games too)
+Fixed minor cosmetic issues on rewind submenu

http://www.mediafire.com/?8n0fpzcfeyx7677

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Sony admits PS3 price was "a factor" in 3rd place current-gen finish

June 12th, 2012, 12:32 Posted By: wraggster

Yes, in terms of what was “in the box” the PS3 has always represented good value.
But Sony has at last conceded – albeit in a roundabout way – that the console’s £425/$600/¥60,000 launch RRP has played a part in its fall from the top of the console race to third place.
After enjoying a market-leading position with both PSOne and PS2, PS3 has been well and truly “beaten” by Wii this time around, and the ongoing strength of Xbox 360 in the US means that, in global sales terms, PS3 is the third most popular machine of this generation.
"It's a lot of factors," SCEA’s hardware marketing boss John Koller told Kotaku when asked why PS3 hadn’t “won” the current generation.
"We've been pleased with overall sales. And also very pleased with just how well then consumers who have purchased PS3s have attached and buy software. We have a very profitable consumer.
"Why we're in third... you know, there's a lot of things that happen in the market that cause sales to occur. I think we've been very staunch in our belief that there's a certain value behind the PS3 and there's certain kinds of games for the PS3 that have stood behind that.
“There's no secret that we opened behind a high price point. And certainly others got a relatively nice head start on us because of that. That's certainly been part of it.
"But we absolutely have no regrets. This has been a very good cycle for us, and I think if you ask any publisher they'd say the same thing. It's been good, and we think it does portend good things for the future for PlayStation."
When pressed further on whether PS3 would have sold better at a lower RRP at launch, Koller replied “potentially”.
It shouldn’t be forgotten, of course, that PS3 has still sold a whopping 63m units worldwide. It’s hard to categorise that as anything other than a success.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/sony-...-finish/097791

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Grasshopper to publish student games on Vita

June 12th, 2012, 12:36 Posted By: wraggster

Five student-made games will be published on PlayStation Vita by Grasshopper Interactive later this month.
The titles were chosen from a selection of nine submissions from the Game Campus Festa student development programme – a special scheme that Grasshopper operates in conjunction with Japanese schools.
Ideas for the games were submitted last June, Andriasang reports, with development beginning in September and final submission made in February.
The five winners are Uni Uni Union (puzzle action), Eledive (puzzle action), Octalide (action), Volt (puzzle action) and Mou Sou Srur Shike Nai (puzzle).
All five games will be released on PSN in Japan on June 21^st.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/grass...on-vita/097747

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Assassin's Creed 3 made possible by annualised releases

June 12th, 2012, 12:38 Posted By: wraggster

Ubisoft has stressed that the impressive Assassin’s Creed III has only been made possible due to the annualised release of the franchise.
Some critics had attacked the publisher’s decision to elongate the Assassin’s Creed II world with two subsequent console releases – Brotherhood and Revelations.
"We have multiple groups now working [on the series]. We started this one in January 2010, the same time as Brotherhood and before Revelations," creative director Alex Hutchinson told Eurogamer.
"The core team on this one has been working at it for almost three years, which is something you can almost never get in the industry these days – it's too expensive, too risky.
“So we need the other projects to support that kind of development – these big jumps.”
Hutchinson, when questioned, remained coy about whether of not ACIII will get the same kind of annualised treatment in 2013 and the years ahead.
"I think we've become much better at planning forward in the franchise so we have ideas," he stated.
"But we also know players love new characters and radical changes so we're still figuring a few things out. I don't know. I think it would be kind of neat at some point to say 'Connor is a character, he lived in this big epic game, that's his story', instead of trying to drag it out too much.
"But then again, it took up 18 months in terms of casting actors, building 20 or 30 versions of the outfit... just working on all these things to get it right, so it's not something you can do quickly."
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/assas...eleases/097734

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PS Vita Firmware Update 1.69 Available Now

June 12th, 2012, 12:40 Posted By: wraggster

New firmware is available for PlayStation Vita. Update 1.69 is entirely optional to download, and according to Sony’s Eric Lempel, it’s designed to “[improve] software stability.”
Update 1.69 is 97 MB in size and should download fairly quickly. Remember: if the update is going slowly, you can always attach your Vita to your PlayStation 3, which should let it download faster.
Other than improving “software stability,” does Update 1.69 also open the door for new additions promised soon, such as YouTube and PSone Classic support? Only time will tell!

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/1...-available-now

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Does a Lack of Trophies Turn PlayStation Gamers Off?

June 12th, 2012, 12:46 Posted By: wraggster

If there’s one thing we rant and rave about on IGN’s PlayStation podcast -- Podcast Beyond -- it’s games being released without PlayStation Trophies. First introduced back in 2008, Trophies became mandatory for every retail and PSN game released during and after January, 2009. But there are a few exceptions to the rule.
Exceptions range from PSone and PS2 Classics to re-released games (we’re looking at you, Resistance: Fall of Man and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion). But another exception has to do with PlayStation Minis, games designed to be played on PlayStation 3, PSP and Vita. And in a conversation with The Sixth Axis, developer James Marsden of Futurlab thinks it’s a major problem.
“Lack of Trophies in Minis is probably the single biggest turn-off for most gamers. At least that’s the impression we get from feedback on our games,” Marsden told the site. He went on, however, noting that “the second most asked for feature of Minis is high scores/networking ability,” something else PlayStation Minis lack. He concludes that if Minis could also have demos on PSN -- yet another thing not allowed for that specific type of game -- “it would make sales skyrocket, as there are some gems on Minis, and perfect for the PlayStation Vita.”
Marsden notes that he and his team have asked Sony to change the rules and that they would “definitely” patch their games if Trophies and networking abilities were allowed.

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/1...ion-gamers-off

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Final Fantasy III Coming to… PSP?!

June 13th, 2012, 01:41 Posted By: wraggster

In a rather strange and altogether puzzling move, Sony and Square-Enix have announced that Final Fantasy III is coming to the PlayStation Portable. That’s right, not the PlayStation Vita. The PlayStation Portable. (However, it’s worth noting that the game should technically be playable on Vita should you choose to download the game to it.)
First discussed by Andriasang several days ago, the PSP version of the game is essentially a port of the Nintendo DS version that came to that handheld back in 2006. It’s due out in Japan on September 20th and will cost 3,990 Yen (approximately $50) on UMD and 3,300 Yen (approximately $41.50) on the PlayStation Network.
Further details note that the port will support 16:9 ratio, “a gallery mode with BGM and illustrations, the option for switching to the original Famicom/NES music, and an auto battle option that doubles the battle speed to two times.”
Final Fantasy III originally came to Famicom in April of 1990 and shouldn’t be confused with the SNES iteration of Final Fantasy III released in the west in 1994, which is in fact Final Fantasy VI. Initially scheduled to come to the Wondersawn in the early 2000s, western gamers didn’t get their hands on the game (legally and properly translated, anyway) until the 2006 Nintendo DS release. It was the last primary Final Fantasy game to be released in the west.
There’s no word yet on a western release of Final Fantasy III for PSP, though we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/1...-coming-to-psp

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PlayStation Home's Aurora attracts 1 million unique visitors

June 13th, 2012, 01:53 Posted By: wraggster

nDreams' free-to-play game space hits key milestone, will continue to grow this year
nDreams


Aurora, a free-to-play game space within PlayStation Home, has now hosted more than 1 million unique players.
Aurora, developed by the UK studio nDreams, was launched in Home last year. Since then it has been visited 7 million times by 1 million people, a "double-digit" percentage of whom spent money on its range of games and activities.
"We continue to be impressed with the PlayStation Home platform," said nDreams CEO Patrick O'Luanaigh. "The functionality possible in Home is incredible now, and the platform is seeing some great FPS, action adventure, RPG, and social games appearing, with the graphical quality of the PS3 and strong online multi-player elements taking advantage of the core Home technology.
"It has a strong passionate community, and it is a fantastic place to try out innovative concepts and original games."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...nique-visitors

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Yoshinori Ono: "Street Fighter 4 was an unwanted child"

June 13th, 2012, 01:56 Posted By: wraggster

Producer says 6.4m selling title was considered lost cause, internally
Capcom

www.capcom-europe.com

Yoshinori Ono, the Capcom producer who headed up production on Street Fighter IV, Super Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter X Tekken has revealed that the publisher considered the IP to be "a dead franchise" not worth reviving as it "doesn't make any money".
Combined, the various iterations of Street Fighter IV have sold over 6.4 million copies across several platforms earning high 90s Metacritic rankings on PC, 360 and PS3.
Speaking to Eurogamer's Simon Parkin in a deeply personal interview spanning his career at Capcom, Ono talks about how difficult it was to persuade the publisher that it was worth rebooting the series with its first new game in nearly a decade.
"The company kept telling me: 'It's a dead franchise. It doesn't make any money," says Ono. "'We have series that make money like Resident Evil and Onimusha. Why bother with a dead franchise?'
"Eventually I was given a small budget to create a prototype. That wasn't really down to me pestering my superiors so much as all of the journalists and fans started making a lot of noise and pressuring Capcom. This was a strategic plot on my part. I had been asking all the journalists to make noise about the series when out and about.
"Until the day of release, Street Fighter 4 was an unwanted child. Everyone in the company kept telling me: 'Ono-san, seriously why are you persisting with this?"

"I would always tell them that it was their responsibility to tell Capcom, not me as I don't have the power. Journalists and fans have the power to move Capcom - not producers. With so many voices crying out for a Street Fighter game Capcom could no longer ignore it any more and so they gave the green light for a prototype and they asked me to create it. It's a miracle that happened after a decade...
"Until the day of release, Street Fighter 4 was an unwanted child. Everyone in the company kept telling me: 'Ono-san, seriously why are you persisting with this? You are using so much money, budget and resources. Why don't we use it on something else, something that will make money?' No-one had the intention of selling it, so I had virtually no help from other departments - they were all reluctant, right up to the day of release."
Ono paints a dramatic picture of professional life at Capcom, illustrating the incredible high-pressure and workload which eventually culminated in him collapsing and being admitted to hospital following a promotional tour for Street Fighter X Tekken earlier this year.

After that collapse, generally attributed to an incredibly high workload, there were fears that Ono would be forced to retire, but the producer says that he only had a week away from work before being packed off on a trip to Rome to Capcom's yearly Captivate event.
"I woke up and walked to the bathroom," Ono says of the morning after his return from the Street Fighter X Tekken trip. "When I opened the door the room was abnormally steamy. Stranger still: the steam was rising. It kept rising, up and up, and I didn't understand what was going on. It was like I was suffocating. Then, when the steam reached my head level I passed out cold and collapsed onto the tiles.
"My wife was at home and heard the crash. Later she told me that she ran into the bathroom. There was no steam, just my body on the floor. She called an ambulance and I was rushed to hospital. When I came to, the doctor told me that my blood acidity level was on par with someone who had just finished running a marathon. He asked me: 'Ono-san, what on earth you been up to?' I told him that I woke up, went for a bath and simply passed out. He didn't believe me. I guess I have been working too hard. You could say my health bar was on the dot."
Ono is also keen to put to bed any rumours that he was told to rest up by his employer after the incident, clarifying that he had little choice in the matter.
"Nobody told me to take a rest. When I returned to work, Capcom didn't even acknowledge that I had been in hospital."

"Whoever told you that is lying," Ono tells Parkin when the stories about Capcom wanting him to take time off are raised. "The situation is the complete opposite. Nobody told me to take a rest. When I returned to work, Capcom didn't even acknowledge that I had been in hospital.
"There was no change in my schedule. I was at home for an entire week before the doctors allowed me to return to work. When I returned to my desk there was a ticket to Rome waiting for me. There's no mercy. Everyone in the company says: 'Ono-san we've been so worried about you.' Then they hand me a timetable and it's completely filled with things to do."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...unwanted-child

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Sony kicks off back to school promotion with a free PS3 or Vita for VAIO PC buyers

June 13th, 2012, 02:02 Posted By: wraggster

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European Vita PS Store offering rotating game sales through July

June 13th, 2012, 02:12 Posted By: wraggster

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Status Report: the PlayStation Vita, three months in

June 13th, 2012, 02:13 Posted By: wraggster

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Survey Hints at Gran Turismo Vita, New PS Plus Features

June 13th, 2012, 23:29 Posted By: wraggster

The power of the IGN community strikes again. This time, the hero is reader Adam Latham, who has informed IGN PlayStation of an online survey he was asked to take that seems to hint at all sorts of special goodies on the horizon... or at least gauging how interested he’d be in these hypothetical products and offers.
For starters, Mr. Latham was asked about Gran Turismo on PlayStation Vita. “You told us earlier how interested you would be in buying the PS Vita version of the latest Gran Turismo game,” the survey reads. “Knowing that you might be able to get a discount on the PS3 version of the game, how interested are you now in the PS Vita version?”

Another question inquires about future PlayStation Plus offers, a topic we’ve covered in the past. The survey reads: “Imagine that as part of PlayStation Plus, every time you bought a game on either PS3 or PS Vita, you would be entitled to get the game on the other console absolutely free. So, if you bought Resistance on PS Vita, you could download Resistance on PS3 for free. Or if you got FIFA on PS3, you could download the PS Vita version for free.” The Resistance analogy is a little strange since there aren’t literal analogs on both the console and handheld like there is for FIFA, but it seems the focus is more on the idea than anything else.

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/1...-plus-features

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The 10 Conspicuously Absent PlayStation Games of E3

June 13th, 2012, 23:34 Posted By: wraggster

E3 2012 is behind us, but many PlayStation gamers have since been left with more questions than answers. Sure, we got to see the quirky brawler PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, the thrilling post-apocalyptic exploits of Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us and David Cage’s next masterpiece-in-the-making with Beyond: Two Souls. We even got a taste of Assassin’s Creed on PlayStation Vita and, unfortunately, a demo for Wonderbook that lasted approximately 20 times longer than it should have.
But there were also plenty of notable absences at Sony’s E3 press conference and subsequent showing on the floor of the LA Convention Center. Most of the games chronicled below have been announced, others alluded to in passing and one in particular that’s probably wishful thinking getting the best of us. Still, where are these games, and when can we expect to learn more about them?
Let’s jump in...
Agent and Grand Theft Auto V
We put these games together (instantly making our list 11 games long instead of 10) because they’re both from Rockstar. The PlayStation 3 exclusive Agent has clearly been turning the corner towards vaporware after years in development hell (it was announced in a cursory way in 2007 and outright revealed in 2009). However, Rockstar’s publisher, Take-Two, did announce about a year ago that the game is still in development. But is it really? Mum’s the word, though screenshots of the game surfaced late last summer. Consider this one in limbo, at the very least.Grand Theft Auto V, on the other hand, is very real and is likely coming within the next year to all applicable consoles (making it the only game on this list that’s not a PlayStation exclusive). As perhaps the most eagerly awaited game in the entire industry, its absence from Sony’s E3 conference perhaps isn’t all that notable, though it was nowhere to be seen anywhere at the show. Then again, that’s just how Rockstar typically rolls.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified
Before E3, one of the safest bets seemed to be a reveal of whatever Call of Duty game would be coming to PlayStation Vita. Announced at E3 last year, Call of Duty could very well be the most important game dictating the long term success or failure of Sony’s handheld in the west. Indeed, Activision’s support could be pivotal. A true triple-A shooter could easily turn the tides in Vita’s favor. So Sony gave it a big showcase during its press conference, right?Wrong! Sony showed us a logo and gave us a title – it’s called Black Ops Declassified and it’s likely an entirely different game than what Activision will be releasing this fall on consoles and PC – but we saw nothing else. We saw no screenshots, no video, and we don’t even know who’s developing it. All we know is that the game is still slotted to come out later this year, and its utter absence from the show other than a passing mention means one thing and one thing only: it’s still not ready to be shown. And if you’re looking forward to this game, that should worry you.
Dragon’s Crown
The beautiful Vanillaware side-scroller Dragon’s Crown still exists and is still under development, but it was once in real danger. Initially slated to be published by UTV Ignition, Dragon’s Crown quickly entered a temporary state of limbo. An animator on the game later confirmed that it was still in development, however, and UTV Ignition laterhanded off the game to prolific Japanese publisher Atlus, allowing the company to save the day.
But Dragon’s Crown is no small and inconsequential title, and its absence from not necessarily Sony’s press conference but rather from the show floor at either Sony’s or Atlus’ booth indicates that it’s not quite ready for primetime. Atlus itself said the game would be more expensive than initially projected and will come out in 2013, but as it’s a PlayStation 3/Vita crossplay game, you’d think Sony would encourage Atlus to show it off more. But Dragon’s Crown was nowhere to be seen, making Vanillaware fans the world over quite sad.
Final Fantasy Versus XIII
Final Fantasy Versus XIII being cancelled isn’t necessarily an unsafe assumption to draw. At the very least, it’s stuck in a severe state of development hell, having now been in flux for over six years. It was originally shown off in 2006 and is still slated to be a PlayStation 3 exclusive, unlike its core companion, Final Fantasy XIII. But there’s very little reason – if any at all – to be excited about Final Fantasy Versus XIII, mostly because there’s scant evidence that it actually exists at all.Still, Square-Enix and Sony could have used Sony’s E3 press conference as a conduit to completely blow the game out. Prove to us it exists, show us gameplay and let us know when it’s coming. We’re getting precariously late in PlayStation 3’s lifecycle, and finally showing the game at TGS later this summer is probably the last chance Square-Enix is going to get (unless it wants to unveil and release the game rather unceremoniously). Either way, Final Fantasy Versus XIII is a clearly defined signal to other developers not to bite off more than they can chew.
Infamous 3
OK, fine. We don’t even know if Infamous 3 exists, but we really, really want it to. Whether on PlayStation 3 or (better yet) PlayStation Vita, you have to assume that Infamous 3 will eventually come to light. SPOILERS: Sure, the story of Infamous 2 sorta-kinda seals the fate of the series’ lightning-wielding protagonist, but there must be more stories to tell in that universe. And I don’t think any Infamous fan would mind seeing Cole return, even if the story has to bend a bit for it to happen.But perhaps the PlayStation community’s desire to see more Infamous really revolves around something else entirely. We want to know what Sucker Punch is working on, and we’re eager to get any hints that lead us down the right path. Sucker Punch is one of Sony’s finest fully owned studios, and its pedigree from Sly Cooper through Infamous and Infamous 2 is well-established. But Sly Cooper is now in the hands of Sanzaru, meaning two things: either Sucker Punch is working on Infamous 3 or a new IP. Either would be fine, but the former would be more exciting.
Killzone 4
As our very own site notes, the project rumored to be Killzone 4 exists, but it hasn’t a title nor has it been confirmed for any particular platform. What we do know is that the Sony-owned developer Guerilla Games is growing and working on multiple projects at the same time. Three of them, in fact.
With the help of another Sony-owned developer -- Sony Cambridge -- Guerilla Games is toiling away on Killzone Vita (more on that below). And they also revealed that they’re working on continuing the Killzone series on PS3 in addition to working on – wait for it – a game that isn’t Killzone. So what does it all mean? It means that Killzone 4 is, in essence, set for PlayStation 3... or there's more Killzone 3 DLC in the pipeline. But if it was Killzone 4, wouldn’t the company have shown it at E3? Or will this be Sony’s big GamesCom reveal, considering Guerilla Games is a European studio? Or... could Killzone 4’s title just so happen to jive with the PlayStation 4? Hmmm...
Killzone Vita
As promised in the Killzone 4 write-up, here we are, talking about Killzone Vita. A joint collaboration between Guerilla Games and Sony Cambridge, Killzone Vita exists. We’veseen some screenshots and heard some chatter, but that’s about it. Again, with the studios working on it being European, could it be that Sony is simply biding its time until GamesCom in Germany, where it can reveal Killzone Vita in all its (assumed) glory?
Regardless of what the situation is with Killzone Vita (and let’s hope it gets a different name at some point), the fact that it’s very much in development should be a great sign for those of us anxious to play just about anything on Sony’s new handheld. Still, E3 would have been a great platform for Sony to get everyone excited about its upcoming FPS, especially considering how disappointing Resistance: Burning Skies was and the fact, as mentioned above, that Black Ops Declassified is still a figment of our imaginations.
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault
If there are two things Insomniac Games likes to do, it’s make great games and concoct inappropriate innuendos for its Ratchet & Clank titles. The devs certainly have the latter down pat with Full Frontal Assault, but we just don’t know about the former yet. That’s because the recently announced game was nowhere to be seen at E3, a bit of a surprise considering Sony’s rather barren roster of exclusives for PlayStation 3 this fall.
But let’s look at this a little more… philosophically… shall we? Insomniac Games is working on its very first non-Sony game in Overstrike (which will come to both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). And Insomniac seemed to be walking away from Sony at the speed of light by announcing that it was finished with its post-apocalyptic PlayStation 3 exclusive trilogy Resistance. That’s what made a new Ratchet & Clank announcement so surprising (even if it’s the 10th anniversary of the series and even if it’s going to be joined by an HD collection). The E3 press conference could have been a great time for Ted Price to come on stage and show everyone that Sony and Insomniac Games do indeed have an ongoing and meaningful relationship. Right?
The Last Guardian
Seriously, what else can be said about The Last Guardian before it’s considered a dead horse adequately beaten? Team ICO has been working on the game for over six years, and it’s still not out. Since the internal Sony developer released its tour de force Shadow of the Colossus in 2005, Team ICO has released exactly nothing on PlayStation 3, begging the question “just what’s going on over there?” Quite a bit, as it turned out. Team ICO’s Fumito Ueda left Sony as did The Last Guardian’s executive producer. All we know now is that the game is purportedly making progress.
Still, Sony’s silence seemed to indicate that perhaps it was ready to really show the game off at E3 this year and prove to the world that it exists, it’s going to be great and you can expect it sometime soon. But there’s still no word on the project. As The Last Guardian struggles through development hell (or at the very least development limbo), it also rapidly evolves into a project that can’t possibly live up to the hype or justify its development cycle. Fact is, the story behind the development of The Last Guardian will likely be more interesting than the actual game itself, but at this point, any news is good news.
Warrior’s Lair
Speaking of development hell, we conclude our list with Warrior’s Lair. Originally known as Ruin, the game was renamed to Warrior’s Lair and then fell completely off the radar. When word leaked that the game’s developer Idol Minds was removed from the project, we learned that Sony San Diego was charged with finishing the game. And suddenly, a promising Diablo-like experience for both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita went from one of the shining stars on the horizon to a game that appears to be significantly behind schedule.
Remember: Warrior’s Lair was first showed at Sony’s E3 press conference in 2011, where it proved the power of cloud save transfers between Vita and PS3. People were impressed and excited. Sony clearly believed in this project, which makes its falling off the radar even more distressing. E3 would have been a great time to show some good faith in the project and bring it back to the fore, a logical step considering the lack of Vita games at the conference overall. But Warrior’s Lair was a no show, and who knows what its status is now?

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/1...on-games-of-e3

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Wii U a "potential risk" but Sony puts faith in new IP

June 14th, 2012, 00:20 Posted By: wraggster

Making financial commitment to new titles is easier with 64m users, says Ryan
Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony Computer Entertainment is a Japanese videogame company specialising in a variety of areas in the...

www.playstation.com

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

eu.playstation.com

Sony has acknowledged that Nintendo's forthcoming console the Wii U may turn the heads of technology consumers, but it's confident a portfolio of new brands can keep audiences focused on the PlayStation 3.
While many publishers are relying on established franchises and sequels to tread water during the final years of the current generation of consoles, Sony is still investing in brand new IP, evidenced by Naughty Dog's The Last of Us and Quantic Dream's Beyond: Two Souls taking centre stage at E3 last week.
"It becomes economically easier if you've got an installed base of 64 million," said Sony Europe boss Jim Ryan, of creating new intellectual property six years after its console was first released. "Making that financial commitment to this sort of thing is a lot easier than if you've got 6 million."
"It becomes economically easier if you've got an installed base of 64 million"
Jim Ryan

Nintendo tried to dominate last week's E3 with software reveals and more details of the Wii U to a mixed response from attendees. And with price and release details still up in the air for the new console, Sony doesn't yet feel threatened by the new hardware.
"It's obviously a potential risk but we feel really good about our content," said Ryan. "Obviously, it comes down to content. There are people who buy gadgets for the sake of the gadget, but that's pretty niche. We feel good about our line-up that we showed at E3. We're very excited about publishing it. We've got 30 million (hardware sales target) for this year, it's a big number but we've got the tools to go out and deliver that."
While Sony's PlayStation 3 portfolio looked strong, its PlayStation Vita showing was muted during the conference, with only a number of hardware bundles and a brief mention of a new Call of Duty title for release this year - although only a logo and no footage of the title were shown.
"The dating of Call of Duty isn't something I would call a little announcement," offered Ryan. "Yes, there's wasn't any demonstration of the game but having that franchise on the platform before Christmas is a huge bit of news. Obviously Activision is the publisher of the game so what can be shown is down to them but having that, Assassin's Creed, FIFA and LittleBigPlanet, those four blockbuster IPs on the platform ahead of Christmas makes us feel pretty confident," he added.
The Vita handheld has been criticised for a lack of new releases, with the quiet showing during E3 adding fuel to critics who say Sony is neglecting the console so shortly after release. But Ryan insisted that the console will deliver the content demanded from early adopters, and there is no change to Sony's roadmap for the machine.
"Yes, there's wasn't any demonstration of the game but having that franchise on the platform before Christmas is a huge bit of news"
Sony's Jim Ryan on Call of Duty Vita

"Over the balance of this year we see 60 new titles coming to the platform. There is breadth and depth, so I think anyone who has invested in the platform should feel reassured by that.
"In terms of content that's going to release in the rest of 2012 there's no change. Obviously just the time lines for development would mean that if we had made any decisions about changing strategy it would be next year or the year after that it would reflect itself in what's available in the market.
"There is, as with all platforms, the people that you sell to in the first year aren't the people that you sell to in year's five or six, that's the nature of the beast. Have we abruptly changed course in 2012? Absolutely not," he said.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...aith-in-new-ip

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Ubisoft rubbishes Vita naysayers

June 15th, 2012, 00:13 Posted By: wraggster

Those who are already writing Vita’s obituary are significantly jumping the gun, publisher Ubisoft has stated.
Ubisoft was a key supporter of the handheld with three launch titles and at E3 showed off a Vita version of Assassin’s Creed III.
“It’s a really good platform and we’ve always liked it,” Ubisoft’s senior vice president of sales and marketing Tony Key told IGN.
“The way it’s designed, it’s a beautiful piece of hardware. It’s got cool features that you can’t get anywhere else. And Assassin’s Creed, we believe, is the right type of game for that system.
“It’s definitely too early to say that Vita’s not going to be a success.”
Key also claimed to be pleased that other big IP – most notably Call of Duty: Black Ops II – has been confirmed for the system.
“Assassin’s Creed III is not the only big Vita game coming this holiday, and I think that’s a good thing,” Key added.
“We’re actually very happy that there’s another big Vita game coming for Christmas from a competitor because we think that will raise all boats. It’s going to generate a lot of interest in the Vita this holiday season. Sony’s going to be spending a lot of money and resources to make sure that the Vita is there and it’s relevant and it’s doing well.”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ubiso...ysayers/097929

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ASA rejects Mass Effect 3 ending complaints

June 15th, 2012, 00:16 Posted By: wraggster

Advertising regulator the ASA has rejected complaints claiming that EA mis-sold Mass Effect 3 by deceiving players about the extent to which they could alter the game’s ending.
EA’s ad for the trilogy-ending RPG stated that “the decisions you make completely shape your experience and outcome”.
However, the game’s release was followed by an online outcry by some fans. They were unhappy that the ending, ultimately, was not determined by the player’s actions across the three titles and was instead dictated by the EMS (Effective Military Strength) amassed in the final game alone.
The ASA received three official complaints claiming that EA “misleadingly exaggerated the variety of outcomes available in the game and the differences between the outcomes”.
EA said in a statement defending the game that “they did not consider the "ending" experience of Mass Effect 3 (ME3) was limited to what appeared in the final cut scene, and that the consequences and implications of player's choices were actually presented during the last three to five hours of the game”.
It added that “almost every decision a player made in the game would impact the EMS score in some way, and they therefore considered that each decision would impact the player's experience during the last hours of the game”.
In a statement explaining its rejection of the three complaints, the ASA concluded: “We considered that the three choices at the end of the game were thematically quite different, and that the availability and effectiveness of those choices would be directly determined by a player's EMS score, which was calculated with reference to previous performance in the game(s).
“We also acknowledged that there appeared to be a large number of minor variations in the end stages of ME3, and that those were directly impacted by choices made by players earlier in the game(s).
“Whilst we acknowledged that the advertiser had placed particular emphasis on the role that player choices would play in determining the outcome of the game, we considered that most consumers would realise there would be a finite number of possible outcomes within the game and, because we considered that the advertiser had shown that players' previous choices and performance would impact on the ending of the game, we concluded that the ad was not misleading.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/asa-r...plaints/097922

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Tony Hawk dev working on Call of Duty

June 16th, 2012, 23:22 Posted By: wraggster

But Neversoft yet to reveal whether it will be working on a new entry into the series

Tony Hawk developer Neversoft is supporting development for Activision’s blockbuster Call of Duty franchise.
It is unclear however whether the studio is to create a brand new entry into the popular series, or if it will be working with Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games and Treyarch with development.

A statement on the company's website states: "We have moulded our team into a crack squad of eager developers ready to push the first person action genre in support of Activision's Call of Duty franchise.
As well as creating the Tony Hawk series, Neversoft has also worked on Guitar Hero, releasing six games in the franchise.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...n-Call-of-Duty

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Fuzzy's World Space Golf 3D (Luadev) - PSP

June 17th, 2012, 13:30 Posted By: dgila

This is the first thing I've ever programmed
It is a 3D minigolf for PSP, a remake of "fuzzy's world of miniature space golf"(1995) from Pixel Painters.
It uses Luadev (created by deviante) to read lua scripts and 3d objects.
Here is a video

www.youtube.com/v/UKGnPB9D1Ao

This is the download Link
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/757056/Fuzz...PSP/FuzzyW.zip

It is still uploading so it might not work

Hope you like it

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Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz isn't as dangerous looking as it sounds

June 17th, 2012, 16:20 Posted By: wraggster

As we all know, when you add a "z" in the place of an "s" to any word, that word becomesextreme. Such is the case with Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz, though the latest trailer paints the game as anything but extreme. And that's good, because we were getting pretty worried about buying safety gear.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/su...-looking-as-i/

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PS3 controller goes 'metallic gold' at GameStop

June 17th, 2012, 16:21 Posted By: wraggster

All right, here's the setup for a classic prank. First, buy this GameStop-exclusive"metallic gold" PS3 controller when it comes out in October. Then, invite a friend over. When he or she is out of the room, swap the normal PS3 controller you were using for this new one, then start crying loudly.

When your friend comes in to find out what's wrong, explain that you've been suddenly granted the Midas Touch and you're cursed with a life devoid of contact with anything but gold.

Then – and this is crucial – yell "GOTCHA" before your unwitting target can ask what's wrong with you or note that the controller looks an awful lot like plastic, and that they can see the hastily hidden packaging anyway.

Those of you in Europe can play along too: it's being released as a "limited edition" this month. Have fun!

http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/accessor...culsive/102832

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Confusion of war in Medal of Honor: Warfighter's multiplayer

June 17th, 2012, 16:22 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony on The Cloud: It's "absolutely inevitable"

June 17th, 2012, 16:34 Posted By: wraggster

It would seem that Sony is indeed preparing to embrace cloud gaming - will PS4 offer a cloud service?
While companies like Gaikai and OnLive continue to push ahead with cloud gaming technology, the console manufacturers are still very much focused on selling you a physical game disc. Even the next-gen hardware from Sony and Microsoft are very likely to play discs, but Sony is clearly evaluating how to offer a cloud service - it's just a matter of when.
Speaking to GamesIndustry International during E3, when we asked Scott Rohde, Sony Worldwide Studios vice president about cloud technology, he commented that it's "absolutely inevitable that it's going to be a part of what everyone does."
He added, without getting into specifics on cloud gaming, "It just makes sense. And so, over the next five years, you're going to see everything evolve to that state because people want access to their data anywhere."
Rohde declined to say whether Sony is actively preparing a cloud games service. "Will there be a streaming service? Will there be a partnership? I'm not going to answer those questions right now. But, like I've said ten times, like a broken record, the industry is always evolving," he stated.
That said, Rohde's boss, Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida was a bit more forthcoming in a talk with MCV. "We're looking at what OnLive is doing, and the tech around that, and considering how this can be a part of PlayStation," Yoshida said.
The problem right now for Sony is that web infrastructure is not consistent across territories and some gamers would not be able to enjoy a PlayStation cloud service.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ely-inevitable

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Sony survey hints at cross-platform digital discounts for PS3/Vita games

June 17th, 2012, 16:41 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony: PlayStation Mobile will avoid app store "junk"

June 17th, 2012, 16:42 Posted By: wraggster

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PS Vita Firmware 1.69 patches the Super Collapse 3 exploit

June 18th, 2012, 12:51 Posted By: wraggster

The “incoming” 1.69 firmware for the Vita that I blogged about a few minutes ago is actually already available to some people, and early reports confirm that this update does patch the Super Collapse 3 exploit. I can also guess with a high level of confidence that it does not bring anything else than that



If you want to keep VHBL working on your Super Collapse 3 game, I recommend you do not update for now.

http://wololo.net/2012/06/12/ps-vita...pse-3-exploit/

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ISO Loaders & why they don’t work on HBL

June 18th, 2012, 12:52 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/12/iso-loa...t-work-on-hbl/

The most requested feature ever for the HBL, is an iso loader: many “developers” promised the release of an iso loader for HBL, but nobody managed to code one so far. To understand what an iso loader is and why it won’t work on HBL, first, we have to know what a .iso file is.



What are isos?

The ISO 9660 is a filesystem standard for optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and even UMDs use it). It’s pretty simple to implement if you’re a developer, and it’s widely documented.

An .iso file is just a raw disc image, that you can burn on a disc, or mount with some software, that does nothing but implement the ISO 9660 filesystem.

If you have a CFW, and your CFW can run isos and has a vsh menu, you’ll notice an option in your vsh menu called “ISO Driver”: usually, a custom firmware has more than just one implementation of the filesystem (driver), each one can have its advantages and works differently (some implement caching, other implement .cso support, and so on).

The OFW itself has an ISO driver, as UMDs use that filesystem aswell: some CFW drivers just patch that driver to make it work with your .iso files.

Now you may be asking yourself “Can’t HBL do the same?”

Well, it can’t patch the OFW driver as it is a kernel module, it’s in kernel memory, and HBL runs in usermode: it can’t just write to kernel memory! It can’t implement a kernel mode driver (like the ones CFWs have) because that requires access to some kernel-only functions (such as sceIoAddDrv).

Yet, an .iso dumped from an UMD contains some resource files and…an EBOOT.BIN, what’s that?

Couldn’t HBL implement the iso specifications?

The EBOOT.bin inside your iso is just a usermode executable (ELF or PRX), so HBL could technically implement the 9660 filesystem, get that EBOOT.BIN and load it?
Not so fast! First of all, the executable is encrypted, and decryption requires kernel access. But this could be easily bypassed by decrypting the executable on a hacked PSP.

The main problem is that some games come with some kernel modules bundled with them (not sure why, backwards compatibility probably).

When the PSP system executes a game from an UMD, it looks for those modules, and allows the game to load them in order to override some OFW modules.

Doesn’t that make the system somewhat vulnerable? Probably, but since only certified software houses should be able to burn images onto UMDs, it’s not very risky.

The HBL just can’t load those modules, as loading kernel modules requires kernel permissions; mounting the ISO as a “legit” UMD would make the OFW do that for us, but that requires a kernel mode driver.














So, when HBL executes a game which requires some of those “extra” modules, the game will just not work, as it will most likely check if those modules were loaded or not.

Conclusion

I hope now you understand why we developers, find so annoying such requests. Also, let’s face it, most people who ask for an iso loader are pirates: I’m not saying people who really backup their own games to protect them don’t exist, but they’re just a small part of the “group”.

Again, I tried to keep this as simple as possible, if you didn’t understand something, let me know in the comments

– Freddy

http://wololo.net/2012/06/12/iso-loa...t-work-on-hbl/

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Release: PS3UserCheat dongle reverse engineered by oct0xor (and why it matters)

June 18th, 2012, 12:53 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/13/ps3-rel...hy-it-matters/

A few days ago I mentioned oct0xor’s breakthrough on the PS3 scene, as he and a few others started digging into the many dongle “hacks” on the PS3. The goal was simple: it is today clear that on a PS3 CFW, no dongle should be needed to add any extra features. Everything is done by software hacks, and the dongles are just here (with their DRM friends) as a money source for the guys who came up with the hacks.In theory, that wouldn’t be so bad (I do understand that hackers want to make money with their work), except when it’s unethical. Such is the case of the True Blue dongle (“pay to play pirated games”), or the PS3USerCheat dongle (“pay for cheat codes that we stole from a free project”), and I assume this is the thinking behind oct0xor’s actions.
Today he reverse engineered the PS3UserCheat dongle, and released a package that replaces it entirely.
This basically means the end of that dongle (unless you’re reaaaaally stupid and want to pay people for something that is basically free), and I want again to emphasize that you shouldn’t feel bad about this, since the team behind that dongle was stealing cheat codes from a free project.
PS3UserCheat is among the PS3 dongles one of those with the easiest encryption/DRM pattern. This is, however, still a breakthrough, as oct0xor says:

oct0xor mentioned he will be reverse engineering two other dongles, one of them being True Blue, but that is of course another level of difficulty.

1/3…. Who’s next ?

Download Via Comments
http://depositfiles.com/files/z4az6a3gi

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VHBL on 1.69? Check!

June 18th, 2012, 12:56 Posted By: wraggster

via http://wololo.net/2012/06/13/vhbl-on-1-69-check/

I mentioned a few days ago that we still have a few exploits available for VHBL. I decided to update to 1.69 today and see if these exploits still work, and, as you can see in the video below, they do.

In this video I am running Super Street Fighter 2 on snes9xTYL, the famous SNES emulator.



No promise yet on a release, the exploit is not mine, and I am still investigating other exploits and see if they can be ported to VHBL as well. As I explained before, even though we have lots of user exploits, not all of them are suited for a VHBL port, so unless we have several valid options I’d rather keep this one for a “big” firmware update, such as the one that should bring us PSX compatibility in a few weeks…



(yeah, I suck at gaming, stop telling me)

Stay tuned.

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