Maybe you've been sitting around wondering if there's a noticeable difference between titles on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Maybe you've been wondering if, as Ken Kutaragi has said, the next-generation of gaming started with the release of the PlayStation 3 and not the launch of the Xbox 360... and maybe, just maybe, you've been wondering if there's an article out there that can help you figure out the answer to those 2 mysteries.

Well, I'm here to tell you there is a place you can go to get those answers. 1UP.com has posted an absolutely great article where they take a look at several multi-platform titles on the 360 and PS3 and then took the time to splice together footage of each title into one video where the left side of the screen is the 360 version and the right side is the PS3. What you'll find is that when the games are put side by side, there really is no difference between the two systems as far as the selected games go.

I'm not trying to push either system here, because I truly do believe that people should play games, not systems - and if you can only afford one, you should pick the system that is going to offer you the most fun for your hard earned cash. All three of the next generation systems have games that I'd love to experience, and I look forward to eventually owning all of them. All I'm saying is that right now, for all of Sony's claims about how far ahead the PlayStation 3 would be compared to it's competition, there really doesn't seem to be much of a jump in quality. My guess is that most multi-platform titles are going to look fairly equivalent this time around, and it's only going to be the first party titles that are going to try and make the systems stand out in the crowd.

So without further delay, click here to head over to the 1UP.com article and see just how similar these games are on both systems.

Posted by nylatenite at 2:26 AM EST

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Sony has made an update for the PlayStation 3's system software available via the PS3's "System Update" feature or via a web based download that can be loaded onto the PS3 using a supported storage device. Unfortunately, v1.11 does not address any of the major issues with the PlayStation 3, but rather focuses on correcting some apparently minor issues.

If you've been surfing the gaming sites on the net today, you've probably noticed there's a lot of venom being spewed towards Sony regarding this update and the issues it seems to ignore. While I understand that it's better to release small updates frequently rather than wait to get the larger ones done, I do have to say that I really hope Sony plans on getting all the issues with 1080i support for games, 720p support for Blu-Ray movies and the myriad of issues with their online services interface fixed as soon as possible.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - right now it appears that the only exclusive game worth bothering with on the PlayStation 3 is Resistance: Fall of Man, and making matters worse, there really isn't anything else coming to the system worth getting excited about until March '07. Sony really needs to convince the early adopters that they made a wise choice in investing in a PlayStation 3, because early word of mouth can really help make or break a system. The last thing they need right now is people saying that the PS3 is overpriced, hard to find and broken to boot, because that will just further push buyers towards the Xbox 360 or Wii.

If you're wondering just what all the issues I'm talking about are, there's an excellent write up of the system over at ArsTechnica - check it out at this link. Anyway, before I ramble on incoherently for the next few hours, here's the update description as per Sony;

"System Software Update

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software update may include security patches, new or revised settings and features and other items, which will change your current operating system. We encourage you to check this page from time to time for software updates and to always maintain your system to use the latest version of the system software.

An update to the PS3™ system software was released on November 28, 2006. If you update your PS3™ system, the system software will be version 1.11.

Notices

• Do not perform updates using any data other than the official update data provided by Sony Computer Entertainment over a network or on disc media, and do not perform updates by methods other than those described in the product documentation. If an update is performed using data from another source or by another method, there is no guarantee of proper operation and Sony Computer Entertainment will not be responsible for repairs or service under warranty.
• System software included within this product is subject to a limited license from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Refer to http://www.scei.co.jp/ps3-eula.
• This update is for customers who own PS3™ systems sold in North America. DO NOT update your PS3™ system through this Web site if you purchased your system outside North America. There is no guarantee of proper operation with other models sold outside North America.
• If you have not updated to system software version 1.10, features and other items (listed below) not yet installed on your system will also be installed as part of this update.
• If you have already updated to system software version 1.10, only the feature revisions from version 1.11 will be added.
• If your PS3™ system software version is 1.11 (or later), you do not need to perform this update. To check the version of your system software, go to [Settings] > [System Settings] > [System Information]. The information is shown in the System Software field.
• Depending on the software title, you may not be able to play without first updating the system software.
• Depending on the system software version, screen images shown here may be different from the actual product.

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.11 update includes the following:

• General
  • You can now use PLAYSTATION®Network services.
  • You can now use the single tap text entry method on the on-screen keyboard for English and other European languages.
• Settings
  • [Audio CD Output Frequency] has been added as a feature under [Music Settings].
  • [Enable ATRAC] has been added as a feature under [System Settings].
  • [Cross Color Reduction Filter] has been added as a feature under [Display Settings].
  • [After 5 Minutes] has been added as an option to [Screensaver] under [Display Settings].
• Video
  • You can now select [Full Screen] under [Screen Mode] when playing video files saved on the hard disk or storage media.*
    *An appropriate USB adaptor (not included) is required to use storage media with some models.
• Network
  • You can now download and save music and video files on the hard disk under [Internet Browser].
  • You can now download the following types of content under [PLAYSTATION®Store].
    − PLAYSTATION®3 format software
    − PLAYSTATION®Network titles*
    * The term "PLAYSTATION®Network titles" refers to PlayStation format games (PS one) downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store and PSP format games distributed electronically.
  • Simplified and traditional Chinese characters can now be displayed under [Internet Browser].
  • [Online Instruction Manuals] has been added as a feature.
• Friends
  • New for 1.11: [Account Management] has been added.
• Other
  • The method of calculating hard disk capacity has been changed.
    * Free space on the hard disk is calculated as 1 GB (1024 x 1024 x 1024) = approx. 1,073,740,000 bytes. As a result, the free space value displayed may be less than the value that is mentioned under specifications in the product documentation. You can check hard disk free space under [Settings] > [System Settings] > [System Information].
  • Playability status with the PS3™ system has changed for some PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 format titles. To check on the latest status, visit the search site for compatible titles.
  • New for 1.11: Some PLAYSTATION®Network features have been revised.

You can update your system software by any of the following methods:

• System Update »
  Update using the PS3™ system's System Update feature.
  
• Update using a PC »
  Download update data using a PC and save on storage media* or a USB Mass Storage device. Copy the update data to the PS3™ system's hard disk and perform the update.
  *An appropriate USB adaptor (not included) is required to use storage media with some models.
  
• Update using disc media »
  Update using update data that is included on a game disc." - Sony PlayStation 3 Network Update page

You can also check out the full text of the update description at Sony's PlayStation 3 Network Update page at this link. Those of you who are planning on downloading the update via your PC and transferring it to your PlayStation 3 can either use the provided link on the network update page or you can just click here.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:55 AM EST

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Microsoft needs your help in making sure that it's first cross-platform game is everything they want it to be. As such, they're going to hold a 3 month beta test of the Xbox 360 version of the game, and that's where you come in - Microsoft is currently accepting applications to get in on the Shadowrun beta test and all you have to do to apply is follow the directions posted at this link.

There are a few things you should note though...

1. This is only for the Xbox 360 version of the game from what I understand. They are not taking PC applications just yet. (I could be wrong though, as the page does ask a few PC oriented questions)
2. Use Internet Explorer to sign up - I ran into a few problems the first time I tried to register while using Firefox.
3. Remember that signing up does not guarantee that you'll be selected.
4. If you read the entire page, you'll also find instructions for how to sign up for Microsoft Game Studios beta test program at the bottom of the page.

Good luck to all those who register, and a big thanks to Kotaku for posting the link in the first place!

Posted by nylatenite at 1:53 AM EST

Updated: Tuesday, 28 November 2006 1:56 AM EST

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Gamasutra is reporting that Nintendo has announced that in it's first 8 days on the market, the company has sold in excess of 600,000 Wii and over 450,000 copies of The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess while racking up over 190 million dollars in total sales related to the console. In addition, Nintendo has stated that they fully expect to meet their goal of shipping an additional 150,000 - 200,000 consoles to the North American market weekly through the end of the year.

Those numbers aren't shabby by any length of the imagination, especially when you consider the console doesn't go on sale in Japan until December 2nd. I'd expect to see similar numbers coming out of Japan in the Wii's first 8 days there, and I expect to continue to see very strong sales here in North America. In other words, when you consider the fact that Nintendo is selling the Wii at a profit, someone is going to be getting one hell of a year end bonus.

From my perspective, the big question for Nintendo now is no longer if people are willing to try something new, but whether or not they can keep this momentum going and keep the public interested.

Posted by nylatenite at 1:07 AM EST

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The other day we reported on a story over at GameDaily BIZ that stated that Sony had acknowledged the PlayStation 3 issues in regards to televisions that don't support 720p or 1080p, and had stated that they were working on a fix that would be made available via a firmware update. Things have apparently changed since then.

Sony is still acknowledging the issue, but it appears that they aren't so sure about their ability to fix the problem. In an update to the original story over at GameDaily BIZ, Sony is now giving a more uncertain response into how they'll deal with the issue;

"Sony has contacted us to let us know that they may have spoken a bit prematurely. SCEA's Dave Karraker, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications, informed GameDaily BIZ that they currently cannot confirm that this 1080i issue will be resolved via a firmware patch. The official line is now that they are "looking into the issue and haven't stated any actions that will be taken regarding it." -GameDaily BIZ

C'mon Sony, give early adopters some reason to smile, will you? It's bad enough that the PlayStation 3 release schedule doesn't have much between now and March 2007, can you at least make sure that people can enjoy what little they do have?

Posted by nylatenite at 12:46 AM EST

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To say this week's release list is weak would be an understatement. It looks like most of the major releases for 2006 are now on the shelves and all that's left are the few titles that got delayed and a lot of filler material. In running today's lists, I noticed that there are very few Gamecube games left on future charts and only one original Xbox game. While I completely expected the Xbox to be dying out now that the 360 has been on retail shelves for over a year, it is surprising to see just how fast the Gamecube release list is emptying out. Twilight Princess will probably be the last major release on the console. It's always kind of sad to see consoles begin they're walk into the sunset, you know?

Anyway, like I was saying, there really isn't much to note on the release schedule this week. Wii owners get a version of Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Nintendo DS owners get Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates and PC owners see the first expansion for Battle for Middle Earth II in The Rise of the Witch King. Like I said, there's not much to get overly thrilled about here, though I am interested to hear about how Splinter Cell turns out on the Wii. Here's what you can expect to see this week;

• Cartoon Network Racing - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• Hamsterz Life - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• Hard Rock Casino - PS2 - 11/28/2006
  
• Hard Rock Casino - PSP - 11/28/2006
  
• Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: Race to the Rally - PC - 11/28/2006
  
• Horsez - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• Lionel Trains: On Track - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• March of the Penguins - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• Pimp My Ride - 360 - 11/28/2006
  
• Totally Spies! 2: Undercover - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• World Championship Poker: All In - 360 - 11/28/2006
  
• Xiaolin Showdown - DS - 11/28/2006
  
• Air Cargo Pilot - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• Barbie: 12 Dancing Princesses - PS2 - 11/29/2006
  
• Boeing Dreamliner Pilot - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer - PS2 - 11/29/2006
  
• Cartoon Network Racing - PS2 - 11/29/2006
  
• DMZ: North Korea - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• Mercury Meltdown - PS2 - 11/29/2006
  
• Model Train 3D - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• Online Chess Kingdoms - PSP - 11/29/2006
  
• Rayman 4 - GBA - 11/29/2006
  
• Shrek Smash & Crash - PSP - 11/29/2006
  
• Splinter Cell: Double Agent - WII - 11/29/2006
  
• Superman Returns: Fortress of Solitutde - GBA - 11/29/2006
  
• The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II - The Rise of the Witch King - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• The Sims 2: Pets - PSP - 11/29/2006
  
• Ultimate Pinball Pack - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• World War II Online: Battleground Europe - PC - 11/29/2006
  
• SpaceStation Sim - PC - 11/30/2006
  
• Barnyard - WII - 12/1/2006
  
• Catz - DS - 12/1/2006
  
• Open Season - WII - 12/1/2006
  
• Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• DK Bongo Blast - GC - 12/2/2006
  
• DS Air - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles - Ring of Fates - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• GoPets - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• Great Invasions - PC - 12/2/2006
  
• Heroes of Annhilated Empires - PC - 12/2/2006
  
• Monster Bomber - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• Panzer Tactics DS - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• Puzzle de Harvest Moon - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• Rampage: Total Destruction - DS - 12/2/2006
  
• The Fifth Disciple - PC - 12/2/2006
  
• Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 - DS - 12/2/2006

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

Posted by nylatenite at 12:44 AM EST

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MAME32, the Windows GUI version of MAME, has also been updated to incorporate the u3 changes listed below. As with the regular version of MAME, MAME32 110.3 centers around driver updates, so you may want to hold off on upgrading until the next full release - just to be on the safe side.

Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.

Posted by nylatenite at 3:45 PM EST

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The third interim update for MAME v.110 is now available. MAME v.110u3 centers around a few driver fixes, so unless you've been having problems with a few games (most specifically Konami titles) or are into testing the changes in each update, you may want to consider holding off for the next full release.

The updated files can be found at the official MAME page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see what's new in this update.

Posted by nylatenite at 3:45 PM EST

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For those unaware of the situation, owners of older model HDTV's that can only display 480p (EDTV) or 1080i (HDTV) signals are finding that the PlayStation 3 is scaling games designed for 720p or 1080p down to 480p rather than displaying the titles at the higher 1080i resolution. GameDaily BIZ is reporting that after a short delay, Sony is now stating that are aware of the problem;

"A small number of older High Definition television sets found in the United States only have 1080i inputs for HD signals. Those televisions will currently only play some PS3 titles at 480p resolution. PS3 games render images at either 720p or 1080p for High Definition, and you need 720p input on the TV to play select games that do not support 1080p. This is an issue on the side of the individual television sets, which do not accept 720p input, so when a game outputs an HD signal only at 720p, these select TVs have to display the game at 480p instead." - GameDaily BIZ

According to GameDaily BIZ, Sony plans on fixing the issue via an as of yet undated PlayStation 3 firmware update. Hopefully they'll soon have something to say about the Blu-Ray playback issues as well. Someone seriously needs to wake up over at Sony, because of late they've seen nothing but bad publicity on top of bad publicity.

Posted by nylatenite at 4:10 PM EST

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If you remember, back around E3, Sony told us that the PlayStation 3 hard drive would be upgradeable using regular off-the-shelf drives. Well, it looks like they weren't lying on that one, as GamersReports has posted a tutorial on how to swap your 20 or 60 gigabyte hard drive out for a much larger drive. As with anything that involves opening up your console, we'd like to remind you that while it's a fairly simple process, it could void your warranty, it could screw up your PlayStation 3 and if you're not comfortable mucking around with hardware, you probably shouldn't even attempt it. We're pretty sure you'd rather have to transfer files via memory cards rather than have to buy a whole new $500+ system.

For those of you who are determined to try anyway, check out the GamersReports tutorial at this link. Be sure to read everything thoroughly first before you begin (most specifically the parts on drive size and speed)

Posted by nylatenite at 1:01 PM EST

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