Sony has issued another firmware update for the PlayStation 3 and according to reaction around the 'net, it would seem they've screwed the pooch yet again. Here's the text on what's changed with the v1.3 update;

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.30 update includes the following:

• Settings
  • You can now register the BD remote control in [Register Bluetooth® Device] under [Accessory Settings].
  • [BD/DVD Video Output Format (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [BD/DVD Settings].
  • [Backup Utility] has been added as a feature under [System Settings].
  • You can now select the hard disk format method in [Format Utility] and [Restore PS3™ System] under [System Settings].
  • The method of selecting output resolution has been changed in [Video Output Settings] under [Display Settings].
    
• Other
  • The compatibility of USB devices with PlayStation®2 format software titles has changed. For details on USB devices that can be used with system software version 1.30, select here"- PlayStation 3 System Update Page

While at first glance, that all seems quite innocuous, it's that "The method of selecting output resolution has been changed" message that has everyone up in arms. If you click the available link what you'll find is that Sony has changed the PlayStation 3's order of preference in regards to available resolutions. Previously, the PS3 would look for 1080p first, and if it were unavailable, check for 720p, then 420p and finally 1080i. Now, 1080i resolution has been moved ahead of 720p in an attempt to fix some of the issues the PS3 has been experiencing. The problem here is that while this may fix the Blu-Ray playback issue for those without 1080p capable televisions, most games run best in 720p.

My guess is I've lost many of you at this point, so I'll try to make this a bit clearer - hell, even I'm not sure if I fully understand what's going on just yet, so cut me some slack if I'm off target on this one...

• The PlayStation 3 has issues playing Blu-Ray movies in 720p (Blu-Ray Discs are produced for 1080p resolutions and scaled down to 720p if needed - which apparently the PS3 has problems doing right now)
• On televisions that only support 1080i or 480p, the PlayStation 3 tends to display games at 480p instead of 1080i. 480p is not a high-definition resolution, but is rather just considered "Enhanced Definition Television" (EDTV)
• In an attempt to fix the problems surrounding 1080i support, Sony made some changes to how things are handled with 1080i and set the default options on the PS3 to look for resolutions in the following order: 1080p - 1080i - 720p - 420p (EDTV) - 420i (standard definition)
• This would fix the issues with Blu-Ray movies on most non-1080p capable HDTV's (they would now show in 1080i not 720p as a default) and would mean that on tv's that only support 1080i or 420p, games would display in 1080i.
• There wouldn't be a problem, except that the PlayStation 3 does not have an option where you can set one maximum resolution for games and another for Blu-Ray Disc playback. As such, if you have a HDTV that doesn't support 1080p, but supports both 1080i and 720p, you'll have to change the options of what resolutions you want the PS3 to support each time you want to switch from playing games to watching movies or vice versa. (Because while the movies may look better in 1080i, the games don't because they're designed to run under 720p or 1080p)
• This is of course, not a user friendly option and strikes me as a bit of a pain in the ass.

So while it certainly is a welcome temporary fix for many, the ideal fix would be to either;

1. Correct the issues regarding 720p Blu-Ray Disc playback, so those who have and/or prefer 720p over 1080i could set their maximum resolution to 720p and still get the best of both worlds.
2. Make some changes to the PS3's system settings so users could choose one maximum resolution for games and one maximum resolution for movies. While not as ideal as actually fixing all the issues with different resolutions, this would at the very least take the pain in the ass factor created by having to flip between resolutions via the menu for the two out of the equation.

Here's to hoping Sony can get this all straightened out before an angry mob complete with torches start showing up outside Sony's headquarters.

Posted by nylatenite at 4:23 AM EST

Updated: Thursday, 7 December 2006 4:38 AM EST

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Just a quick note here - a demo of College Hoops 2K7 is now available in the Xbox Live Marketplace for Xbox Live Gold members. The demo weighs in at 961.64mb and should be made available to Silver members within a week or so.

Basketball is not my thing, so I'm really not one to mention else about this one. What are the odds of me posting three stories in a row about titles that really don't suit my tastes? Wow.

Posted by nylatenite at 4:18 AM EST

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A single player demo of Splinter Cell: Double Agent is now available for download to Xbox Live Gold members via the Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo weighs in at 505.86mb and would appear to be the same demo as the one I tried back at Digital Life '06. What this means is that the demo itself isn't really representative of the main gameplay elements (at least in the earliest missions, as I'll freely admit that I didn't get all that far into Double Agent) of the single player campaign. The demo focuses heavily on the action elements of the title while really downplaying the stealth aspects - so those of you who aren't really fans of sneaking around may find the demo a load of fun to play, but will ultimately find that the full game itself still requires a lot of stealth. (Mind you, that's not a bad thing if you're into stealth action games. Double Agent is certainly a great game - it's simply a case of it not being something that suits my tastes.)

As mentioned above, the demo is currently only available to Xbox Live Gold members - those of you with Silver accounts will have to wait about a week for the demo to trickle down. Unlike the Eragon demo, this one is good enough that I can't see it being removed before then.

Posted by nylatenite at 4:17 AM EST

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Another original title comes to the Xbox Live Arcade with Naked Sky Entertainment's RoboBlitz. This is another title that hasn't seen much in the way of hype, so I'm really not sure what to expect from the game. Based on it's description and the available screenshots, I'd have to say that the game plays like a cross between an adventure game and a platformer. While the game itself may not be familiar to most, the engine behind it is - RoboBlitz is the first Live Arcade game designed using Unreal Engine 3 - which probably accounts for it's high price.

Is it worth buying? Having tried the demo, I can tell you I'll probably be passing on this one. The controls seemed a little too loose and as I'm already not a fan of platformers, the game just really isn't my thing. I'd strongly advise downloading the trial before you buy it.

Title: RoboBlitz
Developer: Naked Sky Entertainment
Publisher:
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/06/06
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Xbox Live: Yes
HDTV Support: 720p
Full Game: 1200 points ($15)
Demo?: Yes

Description as per Xbox.com

"Experience the power of the Unreal Engine 3 for the first time in an Xbox Live® Arcade game with RoboBlitz™. Independent developer Naked Sky Entertainment created RoboBlitz using the latest in game technology to deliver an innovative, high definition experience.

RoboBlitz is a fast-paced, 3-D action game with unique physics, inventive gizmos, creative weapons, and robotic characters. Take on the role of Blitz, a multi-talented robot who must activate an aging space cannon to save his world from a band of maladjusted space pirates. Set in seven distinct environments, RoboBlitz features 19 levels of puzzle-solving and high-intensity action. .

• Multiple levels: Play 19 levels of puzzle-solving and high intensity action set in seven distinct environments.
• Interactive demo: The free trial version consists of three engaging levels.
• Action and puzzles: RoboBlitz is a new breed of game blending fast-paced action, puzzle solving, and a playground of interactive physics.
• Advanced physics: Advanced physics simulation gives you real freedom to solve problems in creative and unexpected ways.
• Unique weapons: Use unique weapons including Fire-Cracker Rocket and Point-to-Point Tractor Beam.
• Changing difficulty: Choose your difficulty level for ease of use and high reparability. The Master Technician mode lets you unlock new achievements and bonus content.
• Content downloads: Expect premium downloadable content for this title in the future, providing new game play elements and unique challenges for RoboBlitz fans." - Xbox.com RoboBlitz page

Posted by nylatenite at 4:16 AM EST

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My all time favorite game designer, Sid Meier, took the time to sit down with the folks over at Gamespot and discuss the Civilization Chronicles boxed set, the experience of Firaxis being bought by Take-Two Interactive and the prospects of Civilization making it's way onto next-gen consoles. While the interview doesn't really break any new ground as far as things we know about the man, the myth and the legend that is Sid, it does offer some hope to dedicated console fans during the course of the latest generation of hardware - here's what Meier had to say about he possibility of the Civilization series coming to consoles;

"I think the latest consoles have the processing power to deliver fun experiences with the bigger strategy games. It's definitely something we've been keeping our eyes on, and we'll let you know where we'll go from here." - Sid Meier

While that's by no means a guarantee of any kind, the thought of being able to play Civilization on any console is enough to catch my attention, and as such, you're reading about it now. The one thing I would hope for should Civilization find it's way to consoles would be keyboard and/or mouse support. I just couldn't picture how annoying the later stages of a game like Civilization could get if you were just using a controller.

While that comment was certainly the highlight of the interview, Meier also mentioned another project that had somehow completely evaded me - Firaxis is bringing Pirates! to the PSP. You know folks, if Sony would just drop the price of the PSP a bit more and Pirates! was available on the system, I could easily see myself running out and grabbing one.

You know, therein lies the magic of Sid's game design - he creates games that offer such a rich and fun experience that gamers are willing to buy them time and time again, across platforms, as they get updated, etc. I can't begin to even count how many hours I've burned away with just the Civilization and Pirates! series alone. I guess as long as Sid keeps turning them out, I'll keep lining up to get them. He's truly still the one designer who's never sold me up the river on a purchase - and that's saying a lot. (Though I never bought the Civ III online kit, and that Civ III collector's Edition set came close though - where were all the promised goodies?!)

Those of you who want to hear more from Sid should check out the Gamespot interview by clicking on this link.

Posted by nylatenite at 1:14 AM EST

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I saw this over at Kotaku, and I really wish I had known about it earlier, because I would have scheduled a day off from work around this and joined the party. This wednesday, Barcade is holding their second annual Child's Play charity event, Funde Razor II, which includes a raffle for the truly stunning Guitar Hero compatible guitar shown in this Kotaku article. If you're in the New york area and you have a chance, why not head down to Barcade to have a good time in the name of charity? Think of the children!

Posted by nylatenite at 2:07 AM EST

Updated: Tuesday, 5 December 2006 2:16 AM EST

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The Halo 3 live action/CG teaser video shown during Monday Night Football is now available for download in the Xbox Live Marketplace. As you may well know, I'm usually not a fan of CG rendered trailers, but Bungie has a habit of hiding a lot of information about a game in their ad spots, so this one is more than welcome. By the way, am I the only one who thought that while that shield grenade was nice, it was more thrilling to see further proof that the original battle rifle is making a comeback in the game?

While writing this up, I also just found out that the video is up at YouTube already, so if you don't have Live or can't get to your 360 right now, check it out below.

Let the inevitable countdown to launch begin.

Still no love for video in the archives, so use the above YouTube link to see the video. 

Posted by nylatenite at 1:44 AM EST

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As we reported the other day, Microsoft and Bungie have opened up registration for this spring's beta test of Halo 3's multiplayer mode. Those interested in taking a shot at being selected for what is probably going to be the hottest Xbox 360 title of 2007 should head over to www.halo3.com, read the requirements and then start the process of filling out the application.

As you might well imagine, traffic on that site is extremely high at the moment, so if at first you don't' succeed, try, try again... and again, and again. Rinse, lather, repeat. Remember, signing up is not a guarantee that you'll be selected to participate in the beta, so keep your hopes in check.

Posted by nylatenite at 1:41 AM EST

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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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