Wow, if you thought last week's release list was short, you haven't seen anything yet. While the list may be short this week, that doesn't mean that it's empty. Castlevania fans get the latest Nintendo DS installment of the series with Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, PSP owners get Metal Gear: Portable Ops and PlayStation 3 owners get Fight Night: Round 3.

Beyond those titles, there are a few other potential winners in the pile, but nothing that really jumps out as a potential must have. I've got Castlevania on pre-order at Gamestop, but they seem to be waffling on whether or not I'll be getting my pre-order bonus 20th anniversary kit, and let me tell you this - if they don't come through with the shiny baubles, I'm going to be mighty pissed off.

Here's what should be hitting store shelves this week;

• Barnyard - WII - 12/5/2006
  
• Brothers in Arms: D-Day - PSP - 12/5/2006
  
• Cartoon Network Racing - DS - 12/5/2006
  
• Cartoon Network Racing - PS2 - 12/5/2006
  
• Grand Theft Auto Trilogy - PS2 - 12/5/2006
• Hard Rock Casino - PSP - 12/5/2006
  
• Ice Age 2 - WII - 12/5/2006
  
• Kirby: Squeak Squad - DS - 12/5/2006
  
• Lionel Trains: On Track - DS - 12/5/2006
  
• Mercury Meltdown Remix - PS2 - 12/5/2006
  
• Metal Gear Portable Ops - PSP - 12/5/2006
  
• Star Wars: Lethal Alliance - PSP - 12/5/2006
  
• The Ant Bully - WII - 12/5/2006
  
• WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2007 - PSP - 12/5/2006
  
• Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin - DS - 12/6/2006
  
• Fight Night Round 3 - PS3 - 12/6/2006
  
• Rayman - PC - 12/6/2006
  
• Rayman: Raving Rabbids - PS2 - 12/6/2006
  
• Star Trek: Legacy - 360 - 12/6/2006
  
• Star Trek: Legacy - PC - 12/6/2006
  
• Zatchbell: Mamodo Fury - GC - 12/6/2006
  
• DNA - PC - 12/7/2006
  
• SpaceStation Sim - PC - 12/7/2006
  
• X3 Reunion 2.0 - PC - 12/7/2006
  
• Full Auto 2: Battlelines - PS3 - 12/8/2006
  
• 18 Wheels Haulin' - PC - 12/9/2006
  
• Fly the Airbuss A380 V2 - PC - 12/9/2006
  

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

Posted by nylatenite at 1:07 AM EST

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I don't know if you've noticed, but Sony did some restructuring this week, where they basically moved Ken Kutaragi up (and somewhat out of the way) and put Kaz Hirai in direct charge of Sony Computer Entertainment. There's a lot of speculation right now about what this move means - If you remember, Microsoft did something similar right after the Xbox 360 launch. Some claim that it's indicative of Sony preparing to move away from manufacturing game consoles and return to being a software developer while others feel that Kutaragi is being groomed to take over for Sir Howard Stringer as head of Sony Corp. at some future date.

My take on it? (none of what follows is official, just my own speculation based on what I've seen and read) - I personally don't buy the "Sony plans on making the PS3 it's last console" speculation, but I do believe that Sony is getting ready to concentrate on software (Hirai's specialty) over the now completed hardware end of the PS3 (Kutaragi's specialty) - Again, this would be very similar to Microsoft moving J Allard out of the way when the 360 launched and moving Peter Moore into the spotlight.

There's been a general sense that while Kutaragi may have pushed the limits on the PS3 hardware, he doesn't grasp just how important the software end of the business is - as indicated by his allowing so many potential exclusives slip away and the generally poor way Sony has been dealing with third party developers.

Hirai supposedly has a much greater understanding of just how important the games are to a system and rumor has it, he plans on trying to repair a lot of the damage that's been done to Sony's rep with third party developers. Only time will tell if it's too late for that.

Again, this is just my twenty-five cents on the situation - your mileage may vary.

Posted by nylatenite at 2:07 PM EST

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MAME32, the Windows GUI version of MAME, has also been updated to incorporate the u4 changes listed below. As with the regular version of MAME, MAME32 110.4 centers around a lot of background 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 10:19 AM EST

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The third interim update for MAME v.110 is now available. MAME v.110u4 centers around some behind the scenes fixes, so unless you've been having problems with the most recent build 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 10:18 AM EST

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The other day I filled you in on how to sign up for the Xbox 360 Shadowrun beta test... well, today I've got one better than that for you. Microsoft will be opening sign-ups for this Spring's multiplayer beta test of Halo 3 on December 4th. Yes, you read that right, Halo-freaking-3.

Those interested in getting into the beta (and let's be honest, who isn't interested in getting into this beta test) should head over to www.halo3.com on December 4th and fill out all the forms required to put your name into consideration for the test. As with the Shadowrun test, just signing up does not guarantee you'll be selected, so be prepared for the possibility of being rejected. Good luck!

Posted by nylatenite at 1:58 AM EST

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Another quick note. Microsoft has fixed the issues they were having with 1080p video playback on the Xbox 360 via a dashboard update that should be available in all regions at the time of this posting. As per Xbox Live's Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, the dashboard update will correct the following issues;

• Improved support for HD video output over VGA, including 1080p resolution
• Improved plug and play performance for wired headsets when being used with wireless controllers 
• Changes made to recently played games list to improve accuracy

Xbox 360 users should be prompted to download the patch automatically the next time they log onto the Xbox Live service.

Posted by nylatenite at 1:57 AM EST

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Just a quick note here - the much sought after Nintendo Wii Component Cables are back in stock over at the Nintendo Online Store. If you've been looking for them everywhere with no luck, head over there quick and get your order in before they run out! They'll set you back $29.95 + any applicable tax and shipping charges. Here's the linkage - Wii Component Cables

Posted by nylatenite at 1:56 AM EST

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You know, I could have sworn I ran this story last week, but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere on the site - forgive me if this is a repeat. Microsoft has announced that Gears of War broke the million unit mark in only 8 days on the market, making it both the fastest selling game of 2006 and the fastest selling Xbox title of all time. The title has also taken over the overall #1 slot on Xbox Live from Halo 2 and is being credited with a 50 percent increase in Xbox Live Gold sign ups. Not bad for a new IP, not bad at all.

While we're on the subject of Gears of War, over in the official Gears forums, Epic VP Mark Rein disputed Microsoft's earlier statement about Gears being a trilogy by stating that if the demand was still there, they see no reason to stop at three. The way they see it, the world of Sera is a big enough place to tell quite a few stories;

"Gears is a trilogy? If we can keep making quality games that fans obviously love (see announcement) then why would we have to stop at three? I don't see the Metal Gear Solid, Mario, Grand Theft Auto or Final Fantasy series (among others) stopping at three and they're still delivering compelling entertainment content that's easily worth the money (see Unreal Tournament as well). There's definitely, as many of you have pointed out, a lot more to learn about what's really happening on the plant Sera and in the lives of the members of Delta Squad" - Mark Rein, Vice President, Epic Games

Posted by nylatenite at 1:55 AM EST

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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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