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Sony 3D Launch Event: 3D Gaming Impressions

Paulmichael Contreras — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:17:17 +0000

3D is coming. Not only to television, but also to gaming. Most of us are likely not yet ready for this latest wave of technology, but PSLS was on the scene at Sony’s recent 3D Launch Event at their studio in Culver City, California. We’ve got some hands-on impressions with a handful of games due to be upgraded with this third dimension soon, and you’ll only find that info here, after the jump.

Ta-da!

The day’s events were scheduled to start at 11 AM, but with Southern California’s notorious traffic something was bound to happen. Right on cue, a nasty collision involving an officer occurred very close to the main exit to get to the Sony studio, and the I-405 was shut down for some time. Thankfully Sony delayed the event until around 11:30, and things rolled smoothly along from then on with a presentation (including Jack Tretton speaking about 3D gaming). Amongst 3D trailers for Resident Evil: Afterlife, Spider-Man, and Men In Black III, various games were also shown. The Fight: Lights Out, MLB 10: The Show, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, PAIN, Super Stardust HD, and WipEout HD Fury were showcased, in RealD 3D. The last four were available in the soundstage next door, and since not all of us will have a 3D-capable setup when the free update goes live later, live vicariously through PSLS with our take on how the games look and play in 3D.

First up, PAIN. A few select modes were available in 3D, and it only seemed to add depth to the scene. Nothing really popped out at you, mostly because a lot of the things you hit or “ooch” (bump the character with the directional pad) into do not fit within the frame. It is still a nice added effect, and PAIN’s version of bowling seemed to benefit the most from this.

Kinda hard to see the effect without the glasses...

Up next, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift. It is actually a demo and not the entire game, but what was there did impress. You really get a sense of just how far away an object is, and if you splash around in the mud or water it looks as if the streams are leaping out at you. Motion sickness or eye strain of any sort did not present itself, even at higher speeds. There was no perceivable degradation in graphical quality or framerate, either. It is the same game, only much more immersive.

Super Stardust HD followed that. This game was one of the first shooters available on the PSN, and the very first PS3 title to receive trophy support back in 2008. The game’s title screen really appears as if it stretches out into the vast infinity of space. Explosions fly out of the screen in front of you, and death (of your ship) has never looked so spectacular. This game is definitely one to show off your new 3D system with. Once again, the graphics and framerate appear just as good as in the original game.

Last but certainly not least is WipEout HD Fury. This game is a visual treat normally, but in 3D it skyrockets into a mindbending experience. You stare down the length of the track and it almost feels like you’re standing on it. Going hundreds of miles per hour. The HUD also appears to actually lift out of the screen and come in closer to you. Your eyes actually have to refocus to read the HUD at first, but after maybe a lap around any course most people’s eyes will have adjusted. This was easily one of if not the best 3D game Sony had playable at the event.

One thing to note, at least in this reporter’s experience, is that the 3D glasses were very comfortable to wear. While theater 3D glasses normally give me a weird feeling between my eyes, these stereoscopic glasses presented no sensation nor were uncomfortable after about half an hour of consistent wearing. Also each game gives you the option to enable the 3D mode or play in traditional 2D when a capable television has been detected. The future of gaming, perhaps entertainment may very well finally be in 3D due to the maturity of the technology, and this event has made a believer out of me.

Free 3D Gaming Coming Soon

Paulmichael Contreras — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:13:07 +0000

Soon in 3D!

Televisions worldwide are currently in the transition to the third dimension. At the front of this charge is none other than Sony. Besides a free firmware update apparently coming next month, a slew of games are rumored to have updates in the works that will help you enter this latest realm of gaming. Learn what games might be moving up a level in depth after the jump!

Coming in the form of simple software updates, the following games will supposedly receive patches to enable 3D gaming: WipEout HD, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, Super Stardust HD, and PAIN. These 3D-enabled games might also apparently come for free (via PSN vouchers, we’d imagine) with new 3D Sony Bravia televisions. There will likely be some texture and/or resolution downgrades when you enable that fancy new mode, however, so graphics lovers may have to think twice about doing so. So who’s in for this new wave of immersion?

3D PS3 Update Makes Us Feel Blu

Anthony Severino — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:46:16 +0000

Sony has long proved to be one of the biggest supporters of bringing 3D to homes across the globe. It makes sense for the Japanese consumer electronics giant to do so, as they have their hands in nearly every possible device that could support 3D imagery. TVs, cameras, our beloved PS3, and even the Blu-Ray discs that will store the massive 3D movies, Sony seeks to profit on any and all of it.

Seeing as the PS3 has always been touted as being truly “future proof”, it comes as no surprise the PS3 will be able to support not only 3D video gaming, but 3D movies thanks to the PS3′s Blu-Ray drive. The PS3 firmware update for 3D gaming is coming this Summer to coincide with the launch of Sony’s 3D Bravia line-up. However, it seems as though those of you looking to beat the summer heat by sitting in your air conditioned house, “chilling out” while watching some 3D movies on your PS3′s Blu-Ray drive, are going to have to sweat it out a little bit longer.

Sony has revealed that unfortunately, even though a 3D gaming update for the PS3 is coming this Summer, an update for 3D Blu-Ray movie support on the PS3 is due out later in the year. This means you may want to buy one of the many available 3D Blu-Ray players already on the market, that is if you are eager for 3D movies and don’t feel like waiting for the PS3 to come around and update.

It’s not all bad news though, the PS3 will eventually get that 3D Blu-Ray update. Also to coincide the 3D gaming update, 4 of Sony’s past titles will get 3D support. Those games are Pain, WipEout, Super Stardust HD and Motorstorm: Pacific Rift.

Will you be buying into 3D this summer?

[Source]

The Top 10 Dynamic Themes for the PS3

Cameron Teague — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:06:01 +0000

During this last update to the PlayStation Store, PS3 owners received yet another edition of Pulse presented by the PlayStation Network. On this edition Sony has revealed the Top 10 most downloaded dynamic themes for the PS3. Some of these really catch your eye while others leave a lot to be desired but we will let you be the judge of that. Check out the top 10 list below.

1. LittleBigPlanet ‘Sackboy on the Run’
2. South Park
3. Heavy Rain
4. Afrika
5. Ratchet and Clank
6. Flower
7. PixelJunk Monsters
8. Pain
9. Star Trek: TOS
10. White Knight Chronicles International Edition

Existing PS3 Franchises To Get Motion Updates

Matt Baker — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:10:25 +0000

Sony reveals their plans to integrate motion controls to some of the already existing franchises on the PlayStation 3.

LittleBigPlanet, Pain, Flower and Resident Evil 5: Alternate Edition are the games that are known to be receiving an update so far. Speaking in the Official PlayStation Magazine UK, Michael Denny, senior VP of Sony Worldwide Studios Europe talked about games supporting Sony’s motion controller:

When you give our development teams exciting new technology, it’s great to see the experiences they come up with.
And that’s both in terms of new concepts and new games, but also the application of those technologies to our existing franchises.
We are both working on new games and looking at applications to our existing franchises.

A 3D patch for the PlayStation 3 was recently leaked as well.

Top 5 Most Difficult PS3 Trophies

Matt Baker — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:34:22 +0000

As a PS3 gamer, you can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction when you see that trophy icon pop up in the corner of the screen and hear that little ‘ding.’ They are fun, enjoyable, time consuming and add more value to the title you’re playing. The hardest trophies are geared towards people who thrive on challenge (or for people who are against buying ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie Game’ for an easy platinum, just to up your trophy level).

For all you hardcore trophy hunters out there, PSLS brings you our list of the Top 5 Most Difficult PS3 Trophies to obtain.

WipEout HD: Beat Zico (Gold Trophy)

Equal or beat the lap time of 30.82 seconds on Anulpha Pass (Forward), Speed Lap, Venom using the Piranha.

This trophy, to some, is utterly ridiculous. One would need to race this track absolutely flawlessly to beat Zico.

Call Of Duty World At War: Hardened War Hero (Gold Trophy)

Complete the game on Hardened or Veteran difficulty. (Solo only)

For those who have tried this, you must have a lot of broken controllers. This trophy requires you to battle grenades with every step. (Trophy Guide)

Super Stardust HD: Late Boomer (Silver Trophy)

Bomber – Get 15 bombs

They must have made this trophy just to piss gamers off. This trophy literally takes over a few hundred tries, if you are lucky. Only attainable by using the bombs you are trying to get, just to get more bombs. (Trophy Guide)

Bioshock: I Chose the Impossible (Gold Trophy)

Complete the game on Survivor difficulty without using a Vita-chamber

You thought life was fair? Try this trophy. You have to complete the game without continuing. The game does allow you to reload saved games, but you have to be extremely skillful and persistent to get this trophy.

Fight Night Round 4: XXL (Gold Trophy)

Win the heavyweight championship belt in online world championship mode.

This should be a platinum on its own. This is probably impossible to reach, unless you have the rest of your life to play a boxing game. To win the Heavyweight championship belt online, you have to be first place in the world. Since there are around 100,000 boxers online and growing, its would be nearly impossible to achieve this trophy.

Which trophies do you believe are difficult and frustrating? Let us know in the comments section below!

Pain Dev Working on Unannounced PS3 Blu-Ray Title

Anthony Severino — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:33:33 +0000

Idol Minds the development team responsible for the PlayStation Network title Pain, one of the most unique titles for the platform, have let slip that they are currently working on an unannounced Blu-Ray disc-based PS3 title. Likely a PS3 exclusive.

According to Daniel Morrison (modeling/texture/lighting) artist for Idol Minds, they are working on an “unannounced PS3 Blu-Ray title”. He reveals via his personal Linkedin profile that he is doing the modeling and texture assets for this “unannounced” game.

Nothing more is known about this title, but since it’s coming from the team behind Pain, it’s sure to be plenty of fun. Be sure to stay connected to PlayStation LifeStyle as any new developments come to light about this upcoming project from Idol Minds.

PlayStation Store Top Downloads 11/20/09

Cameron Teague — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:48:40 +0000

Below is a list of the top downloaded items from the PlayStation Store for the week ending November 19th. The list sees the Warden’s Keep DLC for Dragon Age: Origins retain the top spot, while newcomer Braid takes the number 3 spot. The biggest jump up in the rankings came with Marvel vs. Capcom taking the jump from 12th to 8th. Call of Duty is still showing strong with plenty of content in the top 20. The full list is below so check it out.

PSP Pinball-izing Popular PlayStation Brands

Paulmichael Contreras — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:25:19 +0000

Pinball fans who own a PlayStation Portable or PSPgo rejoice! Soon it appears you will have more than just the Gottlieb Collections to keep your flipper fingers happy on the go. A recent ESRB listing indicates various PlayStation brand-themed pinball games are headed our way.

According to the new listings, there will be four games in the Pinball Heroes line:

Pinball Heroes: High Velocity Bowling
This is a pinball game designed around the artwork and themes of the video game High Velocity Bowling. Players use flippers to hit the ball toward pins, bowling balls, or a jukebox target to earn points.

Pinball Heroes: Hot Shots Golf

This is a pinball game designed around the artwork and themes of the Hot Shots Golf video-game series. Players use flippers to hit the ball into a miniature putting green, around a water hazard, and onto fairway targets to score points.

Pinball Heroes: PAIN

This is a pinball game designed around the artwork and themes of the video game PAIN. Players control flippers that cause balls to slide over manhole covers, cross over street ramps, and bounce off construction-colored bumpers. The game contains over-the-top sound effects, which are triggered when the ball bounces off certain bumpers: a character screams, “Ouch,” “yeow,” “oww,” and “ugh”; there is commentary such as “Show me where it hurts,” “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you,” and “What am I a trampoline?”

Pinball Heroes: Uncharted

This is a pinball game designed around the artwork and themes of the video game Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. Players use flippers to hit the ball around a crashed airplane, into silhouetted character targets, and off bumpers shaped like gold coins to score points.

Since there are four separate entries here, it is likely that each of these games will end up either as individual PSP Minis. No information about these games have surfaced other than the descriptions available on ESRB’s website, but as soon as more is revealed expect to read it here first! Which ones are you most excited for?

[Source/Via]

160GB Uncharted Bundle Gets Its Fortune Reduced

Jonathan Leack — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:24:49 +0000

Since the official announcement of the PlayStation 3 Slim, many consumers have been asking about the differences between the old and new PlayStation 3 models. Only hours after the announcement, several websites opened up the new PlayStation 3 Slim to see exactly what’s different about this new model.

Weeks later, it has been confirmed that the new PlayStation 3 Slim is almost identical to the old PlayStation 3. However, some people genuinely prefer the architectural design of the old model. Thankfully, the 160GB PlayStation 3 Uncharted bundle has been reduced on Amazon to the low price of only $349.99 with free shipping.

The 160GB Uncharted bundle includes the original PlayStation 3 model with a 160GB hard drive, the AAA title Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, and a voucher for the PSN title PAIN. The low price of $349.99 on Amazon also includes free super saver shipping, so the only fee added on top of the listed price is sales tax.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic low price. Head on over to Amazon now and pick up this soon to be gone at retail bundle.

Thanks to Joe Barclay for the tip!

160GB PlayStation 3 with Uncharted for $299.99

Jonathan Leack — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:17:36 +0000

For those of you who would prefer the old style PlayStation 3 over the PS3 Slim, the revered 160GB PlayStation 3 Uncharted Bundle is going for a hot price.

Sears is selling the 160GB Uncharted Drake’s Fortune bundle which includes Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and a PAIN PSN voucher for only $299.99. This offer is available both in-store and via shipping. The 160GB bundle was $499.99 only a week ago, so this is a great opportunity to pick-up what many consider to be one of the best PS3 bundles to date.

Rumored PS Store Content for 08/13/09

Anthony Severino — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:00:22 +0000

This week PS3 owners finally get their hands on this summer’s most anticipated fighter, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. Other than that, this week is really lacking in confirmed content. However we got you covered with our rumored content. As for DLC we have the LittleBigPlanet History Pack, along with the usual Guitar Hero World Tour, and Rock Band DLC (admittedly the Rock Band content is looking enticing). Still no word on Trine, but it’s still in the rumored section, as we know for sure it’s been submit to Sony. Now it’s just a matter of when developer Frozenbyte fixes the bug that’s been found. Check out the full confirmed, rumored, and coming soon content after the jump…

This week, like the previous few weeks we are trying a new format, where we outline which region will be getting what content. We are also now giving you a preview as to what’s coming in the following weeks on PSN, along with our regular rumored content.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 [US]

LittleBigPlanet DLC – History Pack [US, EU]

Rock Band DLC [US, EU]

Gorillaz “Clint Eastwood”
Gorillaz “Feel Good Inc.”
Gorillaz “Re-Hash”
Janis Joplin “Piece of My Heart”
The Band “Chest Fever (LIVE)”
Jefferson Airplane “White Rabbit”
The Who “Magic Bus (Live at Leeds)”

Guitar Hero World Tour DLC [US, EU]

“The Silence is Deafening”- Awaken
“Nothing All the Time”-H is Orange
“I’ll Never Know”-Hundred Reasons

Next Page: Rumored Content…

Bring the PAIN Home Next Thursday

JohnDraisey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:01:26 +0000

The folks at Idol Minds have put a tremendous amount of support into their PSN title, PAIN, garnering significant praise from their customers. But just to top things off, the developers have supposedly decided to make one last effort to promote their painful party game.

The official word comes from the team’s blog, but according to our sources, PlayStation Home users will be able to explore and enjoy the new PAIN Home Museum inside Sony’s social application as soon as next Thursday. No word yet on specific features within the museum, but we’ll make sure to keep you posted as the situation develops.
[Source]

PSN Getting More ‘Pain’ful

Anthony Severino — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:57:34 +0000

Since developer Idol Minds released Pain back in 2007, we’ve seen a steady supply of DLC. Be it, additional characters, game modes, or new environments, there is enough Pain to justify a visit to the emergency room. Soon Idol Minds will be bringing the ‘pain’ once again.

At Comic-con, yet another new game mode called Shotbloks was revealed, along with an new environment titled, The Museum. Both of which are currently shooting for a mid-August release.

Shotbloks features 5 levels, each with it’s own castle which you are tasked with destroying. The mode also includes Clockbloks which puts a time-trial spin on Shotbloks.

The Museum, which takes place at the “Stiff-sonian” includes Idol Minds’ take on some famous paintings, among other things. It also features a giant whale hanging from the ceiling that if you happen to land in it’s mouth, you’ll be ejected via it’s poop-chute.

[Source]

Europe Gets PAINful Blu-ray Release

Adam Wolfe — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:28:11 +0000

If you live and Europe and have been putting off buying Pain because you would rather have a hard copy then your prayers have been answered. Next week Pain is receiving the Blu-Ray treatment throughout all of Europe.

On June 24th in Europe, June 25th in Australia and New Zealand and in the UK and Ireland on June 26th Pain will be hitting store shelves for €24.99/£19.99. This is a complete collection containing all of the previous DLC. You will be getting all the levels Downtown, Abusement Park, Movie Studios and Sore Spots as well as some additional characters. Unfortunately the upcoming DLC the Museum will not be included.

Pain was the most popular PSN game of 2008, so isn’t it time you get your hands on it. If you’re still unsure if you want to buy it check out our review to make your decision easier.

[Source]