playstation network

PSP-3000, PS3 160GB Announced

ps_logo_gray_95x95Sony's unveiled two new hardware items at Leipzig today along with a smattering of new titles. A third PSP model has been announced for delivery in under two months worldwide, the PSP-3000. The new model features a new and improved screen with better anti-glare and color depth and an integrated microphone. Headsets will still apparently work, as will the video out introduced in the PSP-2000 model.

Next Home Beta Coming This Month, Want In?

ps3_home_betaThemes on the PlayStation Store have been free, letting end-users advertise games and even make their own using special software, and today's Store update contains something clever. It's a PlayStation Home theme that, when downloaded, automatically enters you into consideration for an upcoming expansion of the PlayStation Home beta.

Pop Quiz Hotshot: Make Your Own

mybuzzquizscreenshot270608425These days all the movie Speed is known for is the 50-mile-per-hour bus ride. Dennis Hopper's taunt to Keanu Reeves character when giving him clues is "Pop quiz hotshot!" followed by the question. Back when I reviewed Buzz!

Sony Video On Demand This Summer, News Globe and PSP Store Later

playstation_logo_roundedcornersSony has revealed in a business meeting that their long-assumed-was-coming video on demand service will debut this summer in North America for PS3 and PSP users. Surprise, looks like they're actually going to deliver a video store. No mention of any affiliation with vendors like Netflix, which, as I'm a Netflix subscriber, is disappointing.

Last Time On Devil May Cry 4...

dmc4_coverDid you pick up Devil May Cry 4 for the PS3? Have you booted it up lately? You should. You just might be surprised by what you see.

One of the most exciting new trends for me as a gamer dad with growing real-world responsibilities is the rise of asynchronous online multiplayer gaming. That means that people can play online at different times and still have fun together. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else online, but Devil May Cry 4 has sort of an asychronous online multiplayer feature where it will tell you what your friends have done while you haven't been playing the game. Once you get to the main menu you'll see messages pop-up telling you all of the Accomplishments your friends have unlocked since the last time you logged in. If it's been a while or if you've added some new buddies on your friend's list this can add up quickly.

While you can go into the menus and dig up what your buddies have done, this advertisement of what your pals have been busy with in the game while you've been away is something I applaud Capcom for. There have been numerous chances for developers to impress us with something like this while waiting for Sony to get its act together with trophy support, and Capcom stepped up to the plate. It's an extra little incentive for me to jump in and play more of a good game, and while I hope DMC4 gets patched to add trophies, I'm not holding my breath. By itself this is the closest thing to trophies I've ever seen on the PS3, and I felt it needed to be highlighted once again.

Now if only they'd put online multiplayer into their Monster Hunter games for the PSP.

Gamers Get A Network Neutrality Wake-Up Call

logo-psuThe internet is so interwoven into everyday life for so many people on a personal level that it's hard to imagine a world without it. Throw in entertainment and the internet probably touches most of what you like to do for fun as well. For video game players the internet has become integral to their hobby. Whether it's Sony's PlayStation Network, Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade, or Nintendo's Wi-Fi online support someone with any of the big three machines has something to connect up with others.

PlayStation Universe has issued a wake-up call to gamers of all stripes about network neutrality. While I'm certainly glad that one of the bigger gaming blogs "gets it", I'd like to welcome PSU to 2006. They've got a couple of years of catching up to do and while I hope they keep a close eye on the network neutrality debate and report on it further, if you'd like to keep an eye on things yourself I highly suggest following BroadbandReports.com. Not only does it cover network neutrality when there are movements on that issue, it also covers other bigger internet service and industry related issues that could affect all of us -- gamers and online addicts alike.

If you'd like to see my own posts on the smoldering network neutrality debate, you can check out this thread.

For PSU's editorial, click here.

GTA IV 1.01 Early Results

20080507_gta4_perestroika_interior_358This dimly lit interior of the Perestroika club from Grand Theft Auto IV is shown with a tough-to-see profile of Niko at the far left with arms outstretched, aiming a weapon. Given that I didn't have anyone with me when I took this picture last night while playing the game on my PS3, you might wonder how I could be shooting and taking the picture at the same time.

The game had frozen during one of the missions, requiring a full reboot of the PS3. While the 1.01 patch might be helping, it hasn't fixed all of the problems with playing the single player game while connected to the PSN, and the real test won't occur until we hit peak gameplay times this weekend. Next patch, please.

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