PlayStation

PlayStation 3 System Update 3.7 Trophy and Game Save Auto-Sync Fix Discovered

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 1, 2011 | 54 comments

Two of the great features added to the PlayStation 3 and exclusive to PlayStation Plus members with the most recent PS3 System Update 3.7 was the ability for trophies and game saves to be automatically uploaded. The idea was that you allocated a specific time slot for your PS3 to turn on every day, scan for new trophies or games and upload them online. After the process, your PlayStation 3 would then turn off on its own. From the looks of the gaming forums and comment sections on most sites, it seems that this feature went off without a hitch. However, there lies a minor part of the community who were not able to get the new feature to work, including myself. After trying some simple trouble shooting techniques like choosing different time slots, logging in and out of my account and disabling and enabling the feature again, it seemed like there was not much I could do. Surfing different forums all lead to the same conclusion: for a minority of users out there, this feature was/is not working. After having some contact with Sony on the matter, I’d yet to hear a confirmation of the issue and I was started to chalk things up towards just some minor machines not playing nice. As a last ditch effort, I decided to call the PlayStation customer support and to my surprise, not only did they acknowledge the issue, but had a work around as well. They also confirmed, though with no time table, that this bug will be hammered out in the next system update. After the jump, you can read our short walkthrough and find our Trophy and Game Save Auto-Sync Fix.

Sony Announces The Uncharted Dual Pack

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 31, 2011 | 28 comments

With the Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception release in just a few months, Sony wants more people to experience the first two games in the franchise. Earlier this week, Sony announced that they would be releasing Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves in one game collection.

Dubbed “The Uncharted Dual Pack,” the collection will feature both games and the Uncharted Super Voucher. This voucher gives players a code to download ALL the DLC released for Uncharted 2 as well as the Uncharted 3 announcement items like avatar items and the eye-catching dynamic theme.

While some would think of the timely re-release of both games as just another cash grab by Sony, the Uncharted Dual Pack is actually a great way to introduce the franchise to thousands of new PlayStation 3 owners who bought the system after the recent price cut to $249.99.

Here’s what Naughty Dog had to say about the franchise and its hardcore fans:

Here at Naughty Dog, we’re excited to bring these two critically-acclaimed games together for the very first time. As we focus on finishing up UNCHARTED 3, we look back and are humbled by the accolades we received for Drake’s Fortune, our first game in the series, and we never could have imagined that our second entry, Among Thieves, would go on to become the 2nd highest-rated video game of all time, receiving over 200 GOTY awards and over 41 perfect review scores. We want to thank all of you again for your continued support!

If you still haven’t tried any of the Uncharted games, Uncharted Dual Pack should be your next purchase. The game collection comes out next week (September 6, 2011) and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception arrives on 11-11-11.

Kevin Butler Leaves Flooring Company, Returns to PlayStation. Long Live Play

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 31, 2011 | 12 comments

It had been many months sense we’d heard from the vice president of all things PlayStation, Kevin Butler. To get a full understanding of the story, we first have to look all the way in 2009 when Mr. Butler joined PlayStation. He’s first position then with the company was Director of Game Accuracy. Due to rising popular with the gamers and non-gamers alike, Butler would soon find himself in the VP position and opposite of Jack Tretton, President of Sony Computer Entertainment America. Kevin Butlers fame would continue to grow and maybe even peaked during his 2010 Sony E3 press conference speech. KB as he’s known with the kids and the internets these days was most noticeably absent from Sony’s 2011 E3 press coference. KB who is known to represent PlayStation’s many different branches had held many different VP positions in the last few years including,

VP of The Cold Hard Truth
VP of First Person Shooter Relations
VP of Blu-ray Superiority
VP of Epic Gaming for All

PlayStation Store Update (08-30-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 30, 2011 | 45 comments

With PAX now behind us, it’s time to not just talk about gaming, but get back into gaming as well. What better way to do that than to visit the PlayStation Store and stuff your PS3 with some games, demos and or videos? Some noteworthy items for your digital consuming habits include:

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Multiplayer Beta (release date 9/2/11) (PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Exclusive)
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection ($9.99)
LittleBigPlanet 2 Toy Story 3 Costume Pack ($5.99)
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Resurgence Package – Sale (PS3) (now $7.49, original price $14.99)
FIFA Soccer 12 First Official Gameplay Trailer

After the jump, the full PlayStation Store update awaits you.

PAX Prime 2011 – StarHawk Interview

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 29, 2011 | 33 comments

There were many PlayStation-exclusive games on display at PAX Prime this year, and none came close to the massive crowds drawn by StarHawk, the exciting new sequel to WarHawk on the PlayStation 3. I had a chance to talk to Jay Van Beveren (HawkStar Jay), the Community Manager for StarHawk at PAX Prime about StarHawk’s storyline, gameplay, features, additions and refinements to the WarHawk formula. Hit the jump to check out the full StarHawk interview.

PSN To Get Violent With Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection Tomorrow

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 29, 2011 | 4 comments

Fans of the recently released Mortal Kombat (2011) can go on a trip down memory lane with tomorrow’s release of the much rumored and long awaited Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection for download on the PSN. The game collection will include Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Hit the jump for more information and a trailer of the game.

PlayStation 3D Display Promo Video Reveals TV Features, Release Window and More

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 29, 2011 | 5 comments

One of the big surprises during Sony’s E3 2011 press conference was the reveal of a new 24-inch LCD, PlayStation-branded 3D TV. This unique TV would bundle, at the time, Resistance 3, which has since changed to Motorstorm Apocalypse, one pair of 3D glasses and HDMI cable for $499. What sets this TV aside from others, besides the low entry price point, is the TV’s capability of displaying 2 different images at once. This means that, as long as you have another pair of 3D glasses ($69), you and your buddy can play Resistance 3 or Motorstorm Apocalypse multiplayer on the same TV, without actually seeing each other’s screen. This 1080p TV is capable of delivering this via the 3D glasses by pumping a separate 720p 2D image to each pair of glasses.

For those who also want pure 3D, the PlayStation 3D Display is capable of delivering pure 1080p 3D via your cable, PS3, or Blu-ray player as well. It should also be taken into account that this is a fully-fledged 2D HD TV as well, which is capable of taking any normal input like all traditional TVs and should not be treated any differently. Sony has yet to set an official date, though we can confirm that it will be some time in November. Sony has also decided to match similar offers from GameStop and Amazon by also including Resistance 3 in the bundle, though you will need to place your pre-orders by September 30, 2011 for that deal. With R3 slated to come out September 6th, fans who want the game when it comes out will still have to purchase the game on their own as your pre-order is only good for when the product ships and Sony will not be giving you R3 ahead of the TV’s launch.

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Netflix Users Continue to Prefer PS3 over Xbox 360

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 26, 2011 | 11 comments

The PlayStation 3 has been a unique gaming console from the beginning. A machine with a dedicated hard drive no matter which version you bought, native Blu-ray playback, and an architecture that lends itself to improvement. Over time, PlayStation 3 users have seen vast enhancements and features added to their machine, from a revised PlayStation Store, to XMB access during games, to 3D playback, and a host of video services. Just over a week ago, Sony also added NFL Sunday Ticket to their ever-expanding lineup that now includes:

Netflix
Hulu Plus
Vudoo (2D and 3D movies)
MLB.TV
NHL Game Center
NFL Sunday Ticket
BBC iPlayer (Europe)
LoveFilms (Europe)
Qriocity Movies (Coming Soon)
Qriocity Music Unlimited

With so many options available on the PlayStation 3, Netflix continues to be the king. The company which was known for their red envelopes just a few years ago has now become synonymous with video streaming. Netflix, which is available on nearly every device out there, ranging from iPhones, to iPads, and even the Sony Dash, is enjoying success on every platform. However, one machine continues to lead the pack as the most-used and preferred device for Netflix streaming, and that is the PlayStation 3. Even though the PS3 has always held a higher price point than its Xbox and Nintendo counterparts and has a lower market share than either of the two mentioned gaming consoles, it continues to hold the lead with 30.57% Netflix users choosing the device as their playback method of choice while the Xbox 360 lands at 24.94% and the Nintendo Wii at 19.55%. With the PS3 recently dropping to $249 and offering free online access while devices like the Xbox require a monthly fee on top of subscription pricing that is required from services like Netflix and Hulu, it is expected that the PS3 will continue to further its lead ahead of rival gaming consoles.

Discuss:

Do you prefer to watch Netflix on the PS3 or 360? Perhaps another device?

[Via Gigaom]

Sony Releasing A New And Improved PlayStation Home This Fall

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 24, 2011 | 28 comments

PlayStation Home was released as a public beta back in 2008. It was/is Sony’s way of integrating a social community around the PS3 and its games. And while a virtual world where players can chat with people, make friends, and customize their avatars sounded like a great idea just two short years ago, social gaming has taken a different turn lately.

So in order to meet the demand, Sony is releasing a new and improved PlayStation Home where players can stills socialize, but also be a place where they play more expansive game experiences inside the PS Home world. More information on the revamped PlayStation Home after the break.

PlayStation Vita To Support Cross Game Chat… But Not The PS3

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 23, 2011 | 5 comments

Who would have thought that the PS3’s most requested feature is only possible on its upcoming handheld brother, the PlayStationVita?

Sony revealed the Vita’s full specifications last week at Gamescom; and according to Sony Worldwide studios President Shuhei Yoshida, the PlayStation Vita will ship with 512MB of RAM that will allow the system to actually support the much-wanted cross-game chat function with the Vita’s Party feature. He had also said that the Vita actually has more RAM than the PS3.

The PS3 on the other hand will never be able to do it as the system only has 256MB. And when a player starts a game, all of the system’s available memory is dedicated to that game, which negates any chance of multitasking. That means, there is literally no memory left to do any voice-chat outside of the game that is being played.

In an interview with Eurogamer, SCE Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida said this about PS3 cross game chat:

“Once a game gets RAM we never give it back, it’s not possible to retrofit something like that after the fact.”

Well, at least players can still enjoy the cross-game chat feature on their Vitas, since it’s never going to be added to the PS3 in the future.

Ask Twisted Metal Creator David Jaffe YOUR Questions At PAX Prime

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 21, 2011 | 0 comments

PAX Prime, a yearly convention for gamers, by gamers, is going to be held in Seattle from August 26 to the 28th. During that time, SonyRumors staff writer Jan will be interviewing Eat-Sleep-Play-Studio-founder and Twisted-Metal- and God-of-War-creator David Jaffe

Jan will be talking with him about his studio’s upcoming Twisted Metal reboot, God of War, future plans, and other such topics.

And to make sure that the interview covers every important topic that YOU, the SonyRumors readers, care about, you will have the chance to ask him the questions that you deem important.

So on that note, we ask that you please write down your questions for David Jaffe in our comments section below.

We look forward to reading them, and we are sure David is looking forward to answering them at PAX Prime.

Ninja Gaiden 3 To Feature Playstation Move Support

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 20, 2011 | 15 comments

Tecmo Koei recently announced that Ryu Hayabusa’s latest outing, Ninja Gaiden 3, will have PlayStation Move support as one of its key selling features when it releases next year. It’s the first Ninja Gaiden title that won’t be directed by series creator Tomonobu Itagaki and the first one to feature motion control for its deep combat system.

Itagaki’s replacement at Team NINJA, Yosuke Hayashi, had this to say about PS Move support for Ninja Gaiden 3:

“Ninja Gaiden 3 is all about slicing and chopping through flesh and bone, and PlayStation Move bring players even closer to the game’s protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa. The game will be compatible with all Move peripherals and it will feature full compatibility with this exciting new hardware.”

Ninja Gaiden 3 will also feature some new additions to gameplay; sneaking and stealth kills are now available and the heads-up-display (HUD) only shows itself when Ryu is in a fight and hides as he traverses the environments.

The game is set to release some time in 2012.

DISCUSS:

Would you prefer playing Ninja Gaiden with a traditional Dualshock 3 controller, or test your mettle using the new motion control scheme for the PS3 (Controller + PS Move)?

[Via EpicBattleAxe]

Infamous 2: Festival Of Blood Coming In November

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 18, 2011 | 10 comments

It looks like Cole’s second Infamous adventure may not be finished quite yet. Just like Red Dead Redemption, Sucker Punch is hoping to supplement its seminal franchise with a (un)healthy dose of undead DLC. The company announced earlier this week that it will release Infamous 2: Festival of Blood to the PSN later this year. Hit the jump for more information on the Infamous 2: Festival of Blood DLC.

Elevator Action Deluxe Arriving On PSN

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 18, 2011 | 26 comments

Earlier today, Taito announced that they will be bringing an HD re-make of the original Elevator Action for the PSN. Basically every level, room, character, and design will be the same, but with reworked, HD visuals.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a re-make without some new features; and Elevator Action Deluxe will bring new weapons and new multiplayer modes.

Elevator Action Deluxe will cast players as a spy tasked to infiltrate a high-rise building filled with elevators. The object of the game is to collect secret documents while avoiding enemy fire. Elevator placements become more and more complex the further into the game a player gets.

Elevator Action Deluxe will be released on the PlayStation Network on August 30, 2011 in North America and August 31, 2011 worldwide.

[Via Joystiq]

Sony Announces PSP E-1000, Priced at $99

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 17, 2011 | 36 comments

Just when you thought it was out, they pull it right back in. At its Gamescom press event in Germany, Sony announced a new SKU that will be added to the PlayStation Portable family. What differentiates this SKU from the others?

It’s at a $99 price point.
It doesn’t have Wi-Fi
It features a cool, black, matte finish (reminiscent of the PS3 Slim)
It only supports UMD Games

Those who thought the PSP was already dead were surprised when they heard that the new $99 PSP E-1000 will be released later this year. The PSP E-1000 will release with a number of PSP Essential titles like Invizimals, Eyepet, FIFA ’12, and other games.

The PSP E-1000 ditches the Wi-Fi, therefore saving Sony money in production and lowering the SKU’s price point to a low $99. That means you won’t be able to play SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 online. You’re basically stuck with single-player modes.

However the new SKU looks like a great buy for RPG fans as they will be able to play their favorite RPG’s like the Persona series on-the-go for cheaper. Those who prefer to buy their PSP games from PSN will have to download the titles using the Media Go software that connects PCs to the PSP.

DISCUSS:

If you do not have a PSP as of yet, will the $99 price point entice you to finally purchase the system? Or will you wait for the PlayStation Vita to come out?