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NYLatenite's Gamer's Paradise News Archives
Saturday, 23 December 2006
GRAN TURISMO HD CONCEPT NOW AVAILABLE IN PLAYSTATION STORE

Sony has released the free PlayStation 3 Gran Turismo HD Concept demo a day early, and based on this report over at Kotaku, I'd suggest you download the demo as soon as you possibly can, because come Christmas there are going to be quite a few more people hitting Sony's online service. The demo weighs in at 625mb and should include the following features;

"Upon downloading Gran Turismo HD Concept, PS3 users have access to the Eiger Nordwand course and can compete in Time Trial races to collect and unlock new cars. Upon unlocking the initial 10 cars, the player has access to 10 more "Tuned Cars," as well as access to a new driving mode called "Drift Trial."

In the "Drift Trial" mode, the player can master the art of drifting and achieve ultimate control of their car. Furthermore, when connected to the PLAYSTATION®Network (PS Network), the player can upload their times and view the Top 10 rankings for each car and mode, as well as play and save replays online.

Featured Automobiles in Gran Turismo HD Concept (Year, Manufacturer, Model)
In order of appearance in game (available in stock and "tuned" versions):
1995 Suzuki Cappucino
1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster
2004 Honda Integra TYPE R
1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
2005 Lotus Elise 111R
1994 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
2006 Ferrari 599

Additional Information About The Game Modes in Gran Turismo HD Concept

In "Time Trial" mode, the player selects a car and must complete the Eiger Nordwand course within the target time indicated at the top of the screen. Each time the player beats the target time, a new car is unlocked and made available for selection. As stated, upon unlocking all of the cars, the player can access tuned cars, along with the option to race Eiger Nordwand in the opposite direction.

In "Drift Trial" mode, the players drifting technique is tested, rather than their lap time. The player earns drift points based on their drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course. For each evaluation zone, the results are based on the number of flags and a numerical figure. The point total from all zones determines the players drift points for the lap and is counted toward the rankings.

The following settings are available during gameplay: 1) Transmission the player can select either Manual or Automatic. 2) Stability Management (SM) the player can turn this ON or OFF during gameplay. ASM is designed to prevent vehicle skidding by controlling each of the four wheel brakes independently. 3) Traction Control (TC) Level the player can set the TCS level, which senses drive-wheel slip and prevents wheel spin. 4) Tires the player can select front and rear tires from nine types of brands." - Sony press release

For more information, check out the full text of the Sony press release here, the Kotaku article here and the Sony Store (via the PS3) for the full download.


Posted by nylatenite at 8:02 PM EST
PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.32

Sony has released another firmware update for the PlayStation 3. V1.32 includes both the 1.30 and 1.31 updates and appears to add some new functions for online gaming. Here's the description of the patch as per Sony's network updates page;

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.32 update (with 1.30 and 1.31) includes the following:
  • Settings
  • Game
  • 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.
    • New for 1.31: 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 1.32: The online gaming functionality of the system software has been updated."- PlayStation 3 system update page

The update can be obtained via direct download from the PlayStation 3 system update tab or via PC by downloading the update from the PlayStation 3 system software update page, copying it to a supported storage medium and then using that medium to copy the file to the PS3 hard drive and install from there.


Posted by nylatenite at 8:02 PM EST
MICROSOFT EXTENDS ALL XBOX 360 SYSTEM WARRANTIES TO 1 YEAR

Yesterday, Microsoft announced that they will be extending the manufacturer's warranty on all Xbox 360 consoles from the current 90 days to one year. This change does apply retroactively, and Microsoft has announced that they will be sending out refund checks to anyone who had to pay for an "out-of-warranty" repair of an Xbox 360 within their first year of ownership. Those checks should be arriving in 8 - 10 weeks, so don't spend the cash on last minute holiday shopping just yet. Take it away Microsoft;

"REDMOND, Wash. — Dec. 22, 2006 — In a move to benefit customers, Microsoft Corp. announced today that it will change the Xbox 360™ warranty from 90 days to one year from the date of purchase in the United States and Canada. Microsoft extended the warranty in these territories to be consistent with the standard one-year Xbox 360 warranty that is available throughout most of the world. The news is reason to celebrate this holiday season; it applies to both would-be purchasers and those who already have Xbox 360 and are still within their first year of ownership.

Effective today, the one-year warranty is now the standard for the Xbox 360 console. Customers who experience hardware issues with their Xbox 360 within one year of purchase can have their consoles repaired at no cost. Moreover, the new warranty policy is retroactive, so consumers who may have already paid for an out-of-warranty Xbox 360 repair within one year of purchase will be eligible for reimbursement of their console repair charges.

“Customer satisfaction is a central focus and priority for the Xbox 360 system,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “In addition to jaw-dropping features such as high-definition graphics, an amazing variety with a catalog of over 160 games, and social online and entertainment experiences on Xbox Live®, the Xbox 360 system now offers this extended warranty upgrade. It is truly the industry’s most compelling home entertainment offering.”

Customers who have already paid out-of-warranty repair charges within their first year of ownership can expect reimbursement checks for the amount of their console repair in approximately 10 weeks. Reimbursements will be automatically distributed, so customers need not contact Microsoft. Customers who have questions regarding this policy change or experience any hardware issues should visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/contact where they can check their warranty status, find troubleshooting information for common issues and find Xbox support contact information." - Microsoft press release

As the release made no mention of how this will affect those who purchased the 2 year extended warranty directly through Microsoft, I contacted Xbox support and was told that the extension is also being made to the extended warranty program - so if you bought one, add 9 months to it's expiration date. A follow up call to the support line re-confirmed this fact and, after a bit of confusion, confirmed that Microsoft will be sending out updated extended warranty paperwork as well.

For more information, check out the full text of the press release here.


Posted by nylatenite at 6:07 PM EST
BETHESDA MAKES XBOX 360 OBLIVION ADD-ON FREE UNTIL 2007

Bethesda has announced that they will be making the Xbox 360 version of "Mehrune's Razor", one of the content packs for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, a free download for Xbox Live users until December 31st 2006. Following that date, the pack will return to it's usual 250 point ($3.13) price, so hop on it now it you're interested. There will be no refunds for those people who previously purchased this expansion.


Posted by nylatenite at 6:06 PM EST
Friday, 22 December 2006
SEGA ANNOUNCES VIRTUA FIGHTER 5 COMING TO XBOX 360

Chalk up another lost exclusive for the PlayStation 3 - Sega has announced that Virtua Fighter 5 will be coming to the Xbox 360 as well as the PlayStation 3. According to the company's press release, the PS3 version of the game will still be hitting retail in North America on February 20th, but will now be followed by an Xbox 360 version sometime late in the summer of 2007;

"SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (December 21, 2006) - SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that the highly anticipated arcade fighting game, Virtua Fighter™ 5, will make its way onto the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system. Virtua Fighter 5 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 in North America and in Europe late summer 2007. The game will also be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on February 20, 2007 in North America and will be available in Europe simultaneously with the system's launch in March 2007.

"SEGA delivers the most technical fighting game experience on Xbox 360 with this installment of the award-winning Virtua Fighter series," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President Marketing, SEGA of America. "Virtua Fighter 5 takes full advantage of Xbox 360's hardware with action-packed gameplay, customizable characters, stunning graphics and highly detailed 3D fighting environments."" - Sega press release

That's gotta sting. The question here is how much of an effect the extra few months between the two versions will have on sales. I may not have an answer on that, but I do know that someone over at Sony had better start locking up some exclusives asap.

Check out the Sega press release at this link for more details.


Posted by nylatenite at 1:53 AM EST
Thursday, 21 December 2006
NEW HALO 3 VIDEO AVAILABLE IN THE XBOX LIVE MARKETPLACE

Major Nelson is reporting that a new video documentary on Halo 3 is now available in the Xbox Live Marketplace. This 7 minute video focuses on the Covenant Brutes and the improvements made to them for the game. Again, I'm feeling under the weather at the moment, so I'll let the dashboard description of the video fill in the details for you;

"In the second Bungie “Vidoc” we take a long hard look at the ferocious new antagonist for Master Chief, the Brute. Now that a tentative alliance has formed between Humans and Elites, the fighting focus of Halo 3 switches to the monstrous Brutes. These tenacious foes have improved graphically with the advent of the Halo 3 engine and the power of the Xbox 360, but more importantly, their tactics, weapons, vehicles and AI have all followed suit, making the Brutes the worthiest opponents the Chief has ever faced. See how the designers, artists and programmers set about the herculean task of replacing a fan favorite – the mighty Elite – with an unforgettably ferocious adversary. See how Brutes behave in packs and as individuals with brilliant new animation and AI. Take a first look at the new Brute graphics, weapon and armor designs and finally, get the first ever public glimpse at Halo’s legendary Campaign." - XBLM Dashboard Text as per Major Nelson

For those of you who don't have an Xbox 360 or access to the Xbox Live Marketplace, the full video has already appeared on YouTube, so you can check it out below! It may not be as pretty as the Xbox Live version, but it'll do in a pinch. Enjoy.

Still no love for video files here in the archives (someday....), so click here to head over to YouTube to check out the video. 


Posted by nylatenite at 12:19 AM EST
XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS - NOVADROME

Yet another original game has come to the Xbox Live Arcade this week in the form of Stainless Software's Novadrome. I'm coming down with some kind of bug at the moment, so I haven't really had a chance to give the game a try, but it appears to be some type of Twisted Metal / Vigilante 8 clone, so expect a lot of car combat. Some early word I've seen on it has been negative, so you may want to download the trial before making any kind of a commitment to the game.

Title: Novadrome
Developer: Stainless Software
Publisher: Buena Vista Games
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/20/06
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-8
Xbox Live: Yes
HDTV Support: 720p
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Demo?: Yes
ESRB Rating: E10+

Description as per Xbox.com

"Blast, smash, and crash your way to victory as you fight for survival among friends and foes alike in the arenas of Novadrome. Abducted by robots from the planet Nova, you must stop your captors before they launch a full-scale invasion against Earth.

Use your speed, wit, and determination to defeat robot gladiators and other abductees in a series of combat-driving competitions in high-powered armored vehicles equipped with front-mounted automatic weapons.

Destroy others or be destroyed in the arenas of Novadrome!

  • Action: Get ready for frantic eight-player combat driving action set in a far-out alien world.
  • Vehicles: Choose from more than 20 off-road buggy style vehicles.
  • Arenas: Compete in 15 arenas full of non-stop, furious action. Combat arenas feature upgrades, power-ups, obstacles, and mines.
  • Weapons: Use a wide range of dynamic vehicle-mounted weapons. Destroy your enemies and acquire their weapons as power-ups.
  • Bosses: Experience adrenaline-pumping boss encounters, humans in vehicles versus a variety of gladiatorial robot opponents to battle.
  • Modes: There are multiple gameplay modes and event types to choose from such as Career mode, Arcade Challenge, Free Play, and Multiplayer modes.
  • Leaderboards: Experiment with the various modes and master your gameplay to top the online Novadrome leaderboards.
  • Achievements: Increase your Gamerscore by 200 points with 12 diverse acheivements."- Xbox.com Assault Heroes product page

If you're wondering what I thought of last week's XBLA release, let's just say that Assault Heroes has quickly become one of my favorite Live Arcade games - definitely worth a purchase in my opinion.


Posted by nylatenite at 12:08 AM EST
Wednesday, 20 December 2006
ESA PRESIDENT DOUG LOWENSTEIN STEPPING DOWN

The Electronic Software Association (ESA) has announced that after 12 years of service, founding president Douglas Lowenstein will be resigning in early 2007 in order to found a new trade association in the investment industry. The ESA will begin a search for a replacement immediately.

"I have been honored to represent the amazing companies of the ESA, to serve as their advocate and to be part of an industry which is having such a profound and positive effect on our culture and the world of entertainment," Mr. Lowenstein said. "Like our industry, the ESA has grown and matured and is now stronger and more robust than ever before. The future of video games and its trade association is very bright indeed."" - ESA press release

I'd be willing to bet even money that somewhere along the way, Jack Thompson tries to say that he was somehow responsible for Lowenstein resigning.

Click here for the full text of the press release.


Posted by nylatenite at 1:50 AM EST
PLAYSTATION 3 VIRTUA FIGHTER 5 DATED, FLOW AND GRIPSHIFT DELAYED?

Just some PlayStation 3 game updates from around the web;

Those of you who are really curious about flOw should head over to the game's original flash site here and see what all the fuss is about.


Posted by nylatenite at 1:50 AM EST
SONY APPLIES FOR ANOTHER MOTION CONTROL PATENT

ArsTechinca is reporting that on December 14th, Sony applied for a patent governing a "hand-held controller having detectable elements for tracking purposes." - In short, Sony is applying for a full-ranged motion detecting controller along the lines of the Wii. Here's the general explanation of what it is they're looking to do according to the patent application;

"Some embodiments provide a tracking device for use in obtaining information for controlling an execution of a game program by a processor for enabling an interactive game to be played by a user. The tracking device comprises a body having a section to be oriented towards a screen when a progress of a game provided via execution of the game apparatus is displayed upon the screen; and at least one photonically detectable ("PD") element assembled with the body, a position of the photonically detectable element within an image being recordable by an image capture device when the section is oriented at least partly towards the screen, wherein positions of the PD element at different points in time are quantifiable to quantify movement of the body in space." - Sony U.S. patent application # 20060282873

The patent application goes into greater detail in other sections, but it appears that the device will either be designed as a controller itself, a piggy-back device for existing controllers (#2 in the claims section of the patent application) or as a wearable attachment that would work in conjunction with a controller. The application further states that the device would use LED's and texture scanning for positioning information and would be able to track velocity in addition to movement.

While the application doesn't give any specifics as to how it would all work, at least not in layman's terms, and the application may not be anything more than Sony just thinking out loud, it is something to keep an eye on. The one thing that I'd love to see Sony file a patent application for would be some type of new vibration feedback system. (Sony, just pay Immersion, or whoever holds the "rumble pack" feedback patent already and get the Sixaxis shaking!)

For more details, check out the ArsTechnica article here and U.S. Patent Application 20060282873 here.


Posted by nylatenite at 1:49 AM EST

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