PlayStation Vita

Our PlayStation Vita 3G EU Unboxing

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 24, 2012 | 12 comments

While there’s been plenty of PlayStation Vita unboxings during the past two days from the US release, there’s been less coverage of its European release. Launched alongside the US release, European territories were also treated to a PlayStation Vita Wi-Fi and PlayStation Vita 3G + Wi-Fi model. The following video puts our newest member of the team, Gar, front and center on camera with a PlayStation Vita 3G EU unboxing for your viewing pleasure. If you got a PlayStation Vita, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section.

Editorial: How I Accidentally Bought a PlayStation Vita

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 23, 2012 | 34 comments

Editors Note:
In lue of the PlayStation Vita one year anniversary, this post is being bumped to the top for your reading pleasure and or dismay. But hopefully pleasure!

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Let me begin this story by setting the mood and, if you prefer (and I would highly recommend so), you reading it with a 1920’s detective noir film narrator in mind. It was Tuesday morning, to be specific, February 21st. Like most days, after a quick workout and coffee, I began to wander the internet in search of stories to bring to the site. Of course, that’s a routine I follow every day, but something about it was different today. Today marked the day before the PlayStation Vita release, Sony’s newest portable gaming device. Now, I might not be the world’s most hardcore gamer, but, ever since I was a little kid, I’ve never missed out on a PlayStation launch before. PSone, PS2, PSP, the bonanza that was the PS3 launch, and, finally, the PSPgo. However, this time, things would be different. I’m older now, a bit wiser (I hope) and a little more conscious about spending my money. So unlike past events, this time, I would stick to the sidelines.

I decided that the coverage on the site wasn’t enough for this device so I began to look around blogs and tweet people that I knew at Sony. What was I looking for? A chance to win a PlayStation Vita which, of course, I wanted? No, because I’ve never won a contest like that. Instead, I wanted to see if there were any Sony-sponsored launch events in the LA area. If New York was getting the PlayStation team out there, along with DJs and head Sony VPs, surely LA, where teams like Sony Santa Monica and Naughty Dog are based, would have an event? Heck, Sony’s US PlayStation division is in Foster City while San Diego houses the PlayStation Q/A division. Surely there would be an LA event.

My digging would point me towards Sony Century City, the first Sony rebranded retail outlet that is to pave the way for a new generation of Sony retail stores. The store, which has already been a host to many events, would surely have something planned and low and behold, they did. From 7:00pm-3:00am was the planned event with giveaways, a chance to be in the next Uncharted DLC and of course, the midnight launch of the PS Vita. I already knew that I wasn’t planning on buying one. So why was I going there, you ask? Coverage for the site is the simple answer. With my Cyber-shot in one pocket and Bloggie Live in our editor’s purse (My god those things are useful! Indy with his satchel was on to something!), we were off to Sony Century City.

Retro City Rampage Preview – Coming To A PS3 And Vita Near You

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 23, 2012 | 18 comments

Originally only to be released for Xbox Live Acade and WiiWare, Indie mega-game Retro City Rampage is now set to release on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in May of this year. Announced as part of the PAX 10 in 2010, Retro City Rampage is an 8-bit game that plays like an open-world modern shooter. The game takes the best parts of classic and modern games and puts them into 8-bit form.

I had been following the game’s development since its first announcement almost two years ago. A few months ago, I had a chat with VBlank Entertainment’s Brian Provinciano, the creator and developer of Retro City Rampage and he game me an overview of what the game was about.

“It’s kind of like Super Mario meets GTA meets a celebration of the entire history of video games. So steal cars, shoot people, jump on them like Mario stomps Goombas, collect coins, collect powerups and you get the idea.”

Hit the jump to learn more about Retro City Rampage.

Playstation Vita: Top 5 Most Anticipated Post Launch Games

by Chris Quibol | Feb 22, 2012 | 1 comment

With games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, WipEout 2048, and Lumines: Electric Symphony launching alongside the Playstation Vita, there isn’t a shortage of great games to play on the brand new portable. However, the strength of a system comes with future releases, and the future lineup for the Vita is shaping up to be a diverse bunch. Augmented reality games, games that utilize the system’s front and rear touch screens, and console-like experiences fill the Vita’s future releases. So, what games will you be playing past this initial launch lineup?

We break down our top five most anticipated Vita games post launch. Hit the jump to see the full list.

The SRN Call of Duty Vita Wish List

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 21, 2012 | 22 comments

Now that we know that Activision is going to be releasing a Call of Duty title on Sony’s brand new PlayStation Vita this fall, What should the publisher do to make Call of Duty: Vita worth it’s price?

Here is our wish list:

Multiplayer – Whomever is developing the game should take the time and include a fully-featured multiplayer experience like that available on consoles. Don’t skimp out on game modes, weapons, and killstreaks. If you’re going to bring Call of Duty to the Vita, might as well bring the big guns

Elite Compatible – With millions of players already part of the Call of Duty Elite program, it would make a lot of sense to add the COD Vita game’s stats to the subscription. Be it the free version or the premium, Vita players should be able to access Elite as an in-game or vita main screen app. This would bring a multiplayer and community focused atmosphere that the Vita would stand to gain from.

Touch Compatible – Being able to control killstreaks like chopper gunners, mortars, or even UAV using the Vita’s touchscreen would definitely add to the experience. Imagine being able to manipulate and customize weapon loadouts by having to touch your on-screen gun and adding accessories onto it by dragging. Kind of like Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’s “Gunsmith” mode but on a smaller screen.

Perfect Controls – Yeah the Vita has two analog sticks, but Activision must (MUST) ensure that the controls are smooth and are as tactile as the console version. Without L2/R2 for grenades will become a problem for many COD vets and the developers have to find some way to make grenade throwing much easier for Vita players. (Perhaps use the Vita’s back touch pad as a grenade button?)

Communication – Because the Vita has a built-in microphone, this will require all players to use it for communication with their teams. Be it for trash-talking, griefing, cooperation, or just plain conversations, Call Of Duty: Vita should take advantage of it’s built-in mic for a better community.

Developer Pedigree – If you’re going to bring COD to the Vita, get your best developers working on it. Please DO NOT pass it on to a brand-new developer with no COD experience. Basically Activision has two choices, Infinity Ward/Sledgehammer Games or Treyarch Studios. (I’d much rather have Treyarch working on it since I loved World at War.)

Character-Centered Story – The problem with Modern Warfare’s campaign is that players who haven’t played the first two games have no idea why Soap and Price were vital to the story. Not only that, but they ended up playing too many characters and too many viewpoints to actually give a crap why World War 3 was happening. A Vita COD experience should focus on one character or squad that’s knee-deep in either political or wartorn situations. This would help players empathize and follow the protagonists throughout the length of the adventure.

Despicable Antagonist(s) – As dangerous as Makarov was in MW3, I didn’t hate him at all. Basically because the game didn’t spend enough time giving me reasons to hate the guy. He didn’t even kill Ghost in MW2. Give us a bad guy that everyone will truly love to hate. Then we’ll give you our wallets.

PlayStation Vita System Software Update v1.61 Goes Live

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 20, 2012 | 4 comments

Just ahead of the PlayStation Vita’s US release, Sony has issued a new firmware update v.161 for the portable console. The PS Vita system update v1.61, which is now live and ready for download for those who may have imported or gotten their console ahead of time, is designed to bring some new features like maps while enhancing previous apps like the Photo application.

A new application, Maps, has been added to the home screen.
In addition to photos, you can now take videos using the Photo application.
You can now publish stories about the products that you rate in PlayStation Store to Facebook.
In Near, players’ information is now displayed on the Discoveries screen. On this screen, a list of the online IDs of up to 100 players that you have encountered, and the number of times that you encountered each player, are displayed. Tap an online ID to display that player’s profile screen.
The Mac OS version of Content Manager Assistant for PlayStation has been released. The Windows version has also been updated.

For those lucky enough to have a PlayStation Vita already, simply navigate to Settings > System Update and download away. The majority of those who pre-ordered will have to do this starting tomorrow, when the PlayStation Vita officially launches.

Call of Duty Coming To PlayStation Vita This Fall

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 20, 2012 | 24 comments

PlayStation Vita just hit the jackpot

According to Guy Longworth, Senior Vice President of PlayStation Brand Marketing at Sony, Activision’s extremely popular Call of Duty is coming to the PlayStation Vita later this year.

As of this writing, there are not definite details on its developer, its title, or if it will be a port or a brand new game. All we know so far is that the game will be a first-person shooter and will replicate the home console experience (including multiplayer) on the PlayStation handheld.

A Call of Duty game on the Vita would do much to help the platform sell in North America. Just like how Monster Hunter sells PSPs by the millions in Japan, a COD title will definitely bring Sony’s newest handheld into the the casual gamer’s hand. That’s not including the millions of hardcore gamers that salivate at the news of a new COD for their Vita.

Discuss:

Would you prefer a port of Modern Warfare 3 or a brand new Call of Duty game on your Vita? Let us know in the comment section below!

iFixit Rips Apart a PS Vita. We Cry

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2012 | 0 comments

It’s sometimes referred to as gadget porn and other times, it’s the best way to make a grown man, techie, or gamer cry. Whatever your views are on iFixit, it doesn’t matter as the folks over there have once again taken a brand new and perfectly-functioning device and taken it apart. This time, the upcoming PlayStation Vita handheld was at the tip of the scalpel where the team over there took their time taking apart the PS Vita and documented with photos for your viewing pleasure. Though nothing shocking was discovered, it’s easy to see why the device is so powerful with circuits and boards crammed in every part of the machine Sony engineers could find in order for it to offer all that it does.

A few more scandalous shots and source link after the jump.

Sony Announces Vita-Compatible PSP Games

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 9, 2012 | 20 comments

Less than a week before the First Edition PlayStation Vita hits retail, Sony announces more than 275 digital download PSP and PS Mini games that are compatible with the Vita on day one. Now in addition to the 25+ Vita launch games, players can still enjoy their favorite PSP games on their shiny new handheld.

So if you’ve ever purchased a PSP game from the PlayStation Network, you’ll be able to download and install that same game on your Vita for no extra charge.

Hit the jump for the full list of Vita compatible PSP games.

No PSP Discs To Vita Transfer For the US

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 8, 2012 | 14 comments

During the PlayStation Vita’s Japanese launch in December, Sony also revealed a program where PlayStation Portable owners could insert their UMD into their PSP, register the game with PSN, and re-download it for the PlayStation Vita for a small fee which usually ranged between $6-13. Not a bad way to bring games like Final Fantasy: Crisis Core and Metal Gear: Peace Walker to the PS Vita. With the PlayStation Vita releasing date nearly upon on us (February 22nd for those playing at home), Sony has slowly trickled out news for soon-to-be Stateside owners, and, this time, it isn’t good.

Unlike Japan, the US will not be gaining access to similar programs where you can technically re-buy an old PSP game for a small fee. Currently, the UMD Passport program will stay exclusive to Japan though the folks at Kotaku have reached out to Sony for further explanation. Though a bummer, we have to take into account that most people will probably want their PS Vita for new games and new experiences so I doubt this will be a big deal to the majority of would-be owners. However, it’s still a blow for those who were looking to ditch their PSP while being able to relive the old glory days. Expect the internet to be up in arms in 4..3..2..

Mortal Kombat Vita Filled to the Brim With Extra Content

by Jan Hutchings | Feb 2, 2012 | 0 comments

Those of you who missed it the first time around can rejoice as Mortal Kombat is set to arrive on the PlayStation Vita soon. And the best part about it? MK on PS Vita is virtually identical to its PS3 counterpart; meaning 60 frames-per-second fighting, graphical presentation, characters, stages, fatalities, moves, and—oh yeah—playable DLC characters right off the bat.

In addition to the available extra characters like Rain, Freddy Krueger, Kenshi, and Skarlet, the throwback MK1 and 2 ninja costumes for Sub-Zero, Reptile, Scorpion and other ninja characters will also be available as part of the Vita release. If you thought extra features ended there, you’ll be surprised to hear this:

NetherRealm Studios is including 15 additional PS Vita-exclusive costumes which include MK3 style garbs for the Ninja characters. As well, the developer is adding two more mini-games like the Test Your Balance (where players have to their characters balanced on a board using the sixaxis motion control) and a secret one that we’ll just have to find out about when we get the game.

And finally, according to Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat for the PS Vita will have an exclusive challenge tower in addition to the first one seen in MK (PS3). That’s 150 more excruciating challenges to conquer for high rewards.

Monster Hunter Finally Coming To The Vita

by Jan Hutchings | Jan 31, 2012 | 17 comments

Before any announcements had been made, a Sony official said yesterday that Monster Hunter will be showing up on the PlayStation Vita in the coming months.

CEO of PlayStation France, Philippe Cardon, stated in a recent interview that had Monster Hunter been available during the Japanese Vita launch, the system would have sold much better.

“The games available at launch in Japan do not correspond to the typology of the Japanese public. It lacks a particular game, Monster Hunter, scheduled for the coming months; had it been there from the start in Japan, the story would have been different.”

Many say that the Monster Hunter franchise single handedly catapulted the PSP into many Japanese homes, so many in fact that other developers started creating games that imitated Monster Hunter’s addictive quest/hunting/crafting gameplay. Given the franchise’s system selling power, there’s no doubt that the PS Vita will get a massive sales spike once the game releases in Japan.

There’s no official release date as of this writing. We’ll keep you posted as more news comes.

PlayStation Vita 3G Cannot Play Multiplayer Games on 3G

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 18, 2012 | 2 comments

We’ve just recently learned about AT&T’s 3G pricing structure for the PS Vita Wi-Fi + 3G model. We’ve also known from past reports that, on 3G, the PS Vita would be limited to 20MB downloads. This meant that the PS Vita with 3G would be capable of download small games, DLC material and updates for gaming. On the social side, trophies, chatting, and location updates in addition to GPS could be used to enhance your experience. So where does this leave gaming on the PS Vita with 3G?

After talking with several members of the PlayStation team during CES, it seems that the PS Vita with 3G won’t be gaming on 3G after all. The possibility is left open for some small games that might require light internet connectivity like Words with Friends (this is purely an example and I’m not indicating such a game is in the works for the PS Vita); games like wipEout 2048 and Call of Duty have been ruled out. The limitation in this case is purely reliant on the lack of 3G strength, speed, and fluctuations of signals that one can encounter versus a lack of power from the PS Vita. It’s also to easy to see why developers might not want to support something like this if they can never properly rely on the number of users in a game with proper up and down speeds. Although this might seem like bad news, the frustration that one can encounter when trying to frag someone online while they skip around due to lag is a good enough reason to not support it in my eyes and keep online multiplayer to Wi-Fi only. Multiplayer fans should be hopeful of the future with 4G coverage growing and the potential to an updated PS Vita 4G model in the future.

Netflix Coming To PlayStation Vita

by Jan Hutchings | Jan 12, 2012 | 23 comments

CES 2012 – Sony announced that the PlayStation Vita will recieve a Netflix app of its own. While one can watch the streaming service on their TV, Blu-Ray players, tablets, and PC’s, it’ll be great to be able to stream movies over the Vita’s 3G and Wi-Fi.

Since its release on the PS3, the Netflix app has become one of the most popular (and most used) program on the game console. For those who don’t know what Netflix is, it’s a movie streaming service with a monthly flat rate. This means that subscribers can choose to watch anything from the thousands of movies, tv shows, and documentaries available on the service.

And since the PlayStation Vita has a high definition OLED screen, it stands to reason that video quality will be much better on it as compared to Android phones and other pocket media players.

According to Sony, the Vita Netflix app is not yet completed but will be available to Vita owners shortly after release.

PS Vita 3G AT&T Data Prices Revealed (poll)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 2, 2012 | 4 comments

As we creep closer to the PS Vita’s US launch date, we can expect more details to be revealed about the device. We already know that on February 22nd, the PS Vita will launch with a $249 Wi-Fi and $299 Wi-Fi + 3G variant from AT&T with a host of games like Uncharted: Golden Abyssand wipEout 2048. What’s been a mystery till now has been the pricing of the 3G data plans from AT&T. Many pondered if the 3G enabled handheld would gain some kind of special pricing from AT&T, seeing how it’s a different type of machine versus the iPhone or iPad. Now, we have the answer to that and it’s a big no.

In what should now be no surprise, AT&T is offering their traditional data plans for the PS Vita 3G model with two options:

250MB of data – $14.99/month
2GB of data – $25/month

Like the 3G data plan on the iPad, AT&T requires no monthly contracts and users can activate the 3G for a month period at their time of choosing from the machine (we believe since you can on the iPad). With PS Vita games coming on a flash card and or being downloaded via Wi-Fi (there is currently a 20MB download cap via 3G), it’s unclear how much data will be utilized to play games online with the Vita. Rumors have also circulated around AT&T offering a combined data plan, allowing you to share your data between machines (say iPad and Vita) but that’s something that’s entirely up to AT&T and out of Sony’s hands.

The PS Vita 3G also has other features like “Near Me” which shows you what those around you are playing and their scores. With a built in GPS, users can also play location based games and use maps.