PSP Firmware 5.0, PlayStation 3 firmware 2.5 all the info

The PSP add PSP Store, enabling direct access to downloadable content, better still wallets (i.e. PSN accounts) are usable on both the PSP and Playstation 3 - including cash in your wallet.
On the PlayStation 3 side, there's a fair few more updates and as I have a bunch of new Macbooks to write about I'm going to be lazy here and simply copy the PlayStation blog verbatim to list them.

Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset - we've told you about the upcoming Bluetooth Headset and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation Bundle on the Blog. This latest firmware installment enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. On top of that, an added on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.

PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements - I know that many of you are busy collecting trophies and raising your PlayStation Trophy level. This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you?ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. 

The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend?s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
Friend status - Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.

Video - This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.

PlayStation Store - We've added a redeem codes option right on the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.

Power Save Settings - You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.

Background Downloading - You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under
[Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.

In-game Screenshots - this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.

Nothing particularly thrilling, but a few additions that I've been after for a while, especially background downloads and installs will be most welcome. I think it's safe to say I'm more anxious to see my Xbox updated than my PS3 in the current batch of patches, though.

Info: Trusted Reviews

Strippers mad professors and babes in adventure video game Runaway The dream of the Turtle Nintendo DS

Runaway, The Dream of the Turtle, the latest instalment in the internationally successful adventure series, is due for release on Nintendo DS on 31st October 2008 by Ascaron and Focus Home Interactive. The game puts players in the shoes of Brian, an adventurer searching the world for his girlfriend after they were separated during a plane crash.

In Runaway, The Dream of the Turtle players can look forward to meeting…

Brian Basco - a former science student and hero of the game. Players must direct Brian throughout the game on a quest to find his missing girlfriend, Gina.

Gina Timmins – Brian’s girlfriend is also an ex-stripper who always seems to be getting herself into troublesome situations. Gina must be found to complete the game.

Lokelani – this Hawaiian beauty is a bit of a man-eater and has travelled the globe collecting boyfriends along the way. Players can chat to her to gain hints on how to move the quest along.

Knife – an adrenaline junkie with a passion for extreme outdoor sports. Knife will try his hand at anything; rafting, parachuting, climbing and water skiing. He may even lend Brian a motorboat to assist his travels…

Joshua – a mad professor and total genius, who some say was abducted by aliens. Joshua provides Brian with vital clues, such as who he needs to talk to next to continue the mission.

Sushi Douglas – a computer geek of superior intellect that provides Brian with much needed assistance on his quest, such as secret door codes to locked doors.

Runaway, The Dream of the Turtle will also be available on Nintendo Wii early next year.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com / www.Runaway-TheGame.com
Developer: 93 Games
Release date: 31st October 2008
PEGI: 12+
Format: Nintendo DS
Genre: Adventure

Grand Chase - Champions PC video game mode

New Champion Mode Added to Challenge Knights and Increase Rewards

Grand Chase is an online action brawler set in a medieval fantasy world. It follows the story of a few brave young knights who join a group of nobles known as the “Grand Chase” to defeat an evil usurper to the thrown, a villainess known as Kaze'aze. Grand Chase combines traditional side-scrolling dungeon crawling with intense, skill-based player vs. player (PvP) matches. For more information, please visit the Grand Chase website: http://grandchase.ntreev.net/.

Ntreev USA, Inc. today hailed knights of Grand Chase to enter the new Champion Mode and battle the fiercest, toughest monsters Grand Chase has to offer. In this mode, dungeons will be difficult, but the rewards will also be greater! Better items will drop when players complete a Champion Mode dungeon, plus players will have the opportunity to earn special Crests to wear in-game to commemorate their glorious achievements. To earn a Crest, players must play in this difficult setting and defeat each dungeon a specified number of times.

To celebrate the unveiling of Champion Mode, Ntreev USA will be hosting a special “Hail, Champions" event during the weeks of October 14th-28th. Players will receive three extra tickets for the opportunity to tackle Champion Mode dungeons for each day they log in. As a bonus, players who are awarded a crest during the event will also receive prizes, including armor sets, wings, jewels, Gacha coins and cash points. Crests will be awarded according to the number of dungeons cleared by October 28th.

For more information about the individual crests and the Title Acquisition Event rules, please visit the Grand Chase Hail, Champions announcement

PlayStation 3 BioShock 2 Sea of Dreams video game teaser trailer

Players who complete the new PlayStation 3 port of BioShock will unlock a teaser trailer for BioShock 2 Sea of Dreams.


What do we learn about the sequel, currently in development at 2K's Marin, California studio? Not so much.

The teaser features a young girl - looking like a slightly grown-up Little Sister - standing on the Atlantic Coast, holding a Big Daddy doll. 

Meanwhile, behind her, a cityscape begins to form in the sand.

Oh, and it's now called BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams. Let the speculation begin.

Watch the trailer here...

Miss Chic - Business Lady PC video game

GFI presents 4 brand new Miss Chic series of games. In the lineup you can try yourself as a couturier, a make up pro, a hair stylist, an interior designer or a decorator.



The improved version offers multiple opportunities:

• save created images in the Gallery: see your progress and analyze mistakes
• new! See your image entire while visiting different salons, you'll see all changes of your image: nail polish at the jeweler's, makeup at the hairdresser's, etc.
• multiply items and units through gameplay
• each page supplied with handy information on game features

Miss Chic - Business Lady



Feel a grown-up, a confident person and a self-made successful business lady! The game Miss Chic: business lady contains all modern tendencies of office dress-code, hundreds suits and dresses, cut to a latest fashion, unique haircuts and makeup trends. 12 mini-games and a unique bonus game "Patchwork blanket" are awaiting for you.

Rock Band 2 video game Nintendo Wii questions answered

“Rock Band 2″ owners get to export their “Rock Band” songs for a small fee. As a Wii owner, can I do that, too?

Nope. That feature was added post-release as a patch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Nintendo doesn’t allow patches, which means that functionality can’t be added to “Rock Band.” Maybe next time, but don’t count on it.

Grr, okay. Fine. How is Harmonix handling downloadable content on Wii?

It will follow the same weekly release pattern as seen on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. After the Wii version launches, the releases will be the same on all three platforms. The only difference is Wii owners can’t buy song bundles.

Wait, no song bundles?! Why not? Does that mean we’re not getting full albums, too?

Slow down, buddy. The reason Harmonix isn’t producing song packs for “Rock Band 2″ on Wii is because of how Nintendo handles content on their store. Nintendo doesn’t allow multiple versions of the same content, so everything will be sold as singles — including full albums. Essentially, Wii owners will miss out on bundled song savings. This could change if Nintendo’s policy does.

Okay, phew. That makes me feel better. But how am I going to buy the songs?

You’ll purchase them through the in-game store featured in the other versions of “Rock Band 2.” The only difference is that Nintendo won’t allow Harmonix to funnel Wii Points transactions through “Rock Band 2.” You need to purchase Wii Points outside of “Rock Band 2″ first. The in-game store will recognize those.

That sounds reasonable. Here’s a trickier question: “Rock Band” on Wii didn’t have downloadable songs. Will Harmonix have that back catalog at launch?

No. However, Harmonix wants entire “Rock Band” downloadable content back catalog online for Wii users. At launch, Harmonix will release 30 “fan favorite” downloadable songs. Harmonix wasn’t able to point out specific songs just yet. From there on out, Harmonix will be releasing the regularly scheduled weekly music, as well as slowly filling up the Wii’s missing songs.

Let’s say I decide to start stocking up on all these downloadable songs. My Wii is going to fill up pretty fast. What do I do when the internal memory is full?

Good question. “Rock Band 2″ on Wii supports streaming from an SD card. When a Wii’s internal memory fills up, “Rock Band 2″ looks for a SD card to download songs to. All of the songs can stream off the card, so there’s no fretting over what is or isn’t actually filling your Wii’s limited memory space.

Harmonix really seems to have it together with this version. Did they find a way to get around Nintendo’s confusing Friend Codes system for multiplayer?

Sadly not. Friend Codes are a Nintendo requirement. You can’t get around that.

Source: MTV

Halloween creepy video games scary Dead Space, Silent Hill and Disgaea 3 - Absence of Justice

Dead Space video game - video game gamezplay post

Gamers can check out the newest trailers and get all the latest dev team news at the Dead Space website www.deadspacegame.com

A refreshing change from all the video game sequels these days, "Dead Space" is a new thriller that combines a sci-fi story line with "survival horror" game-play elements. It's no surprise the game makers refer to it as a cross between "Alien" and "Resident Evil."

"Dead Space" takes place 500 years in the future, when a rescue team travels to deep space to investigate a mining ship that abruptly ceased contact with Earth while orbiting above an ominous-looking planet. You play as an engineer, Isaac Clarke, tasked to restore the Ishimura's communications systems. While roaming the ship's eerie corridors, Clarke discovers vicious aliens have decimated the crew. And they're still here.

As you play from a third-person perspective, you navigate Clarke around gorgeous, high-definition environments with no icons, numbers or maps on the screen to remind you this is a video game. Instead, you'll keep an eye on the back of the protagonist's spacesuit because it tracks his health (indicated by a glowing turquoise meter). There's also an air supply timer (ideal for zero-gravity sequences), and on the back of most weapons, such as pulse rifle or contact beam, you'll see a digital number that counts down how much ammo is left. The only things that ruin the suspension of disbelief are pictures of floppy disks you'll find strewn throughout the spaceship, which is where you can save your progress during the game.

"Dead Space" offers plenty of action, with the ability to target and dismember aliens; puzzle-solving challenges, such as getting machinery to work or opening locked doors; handy gadgets, such as gravity boots and purchasable items using found credits; and a Hollywood-worthy script, tense atmosphere and a music soundtrack (beginning with a haunting rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star").

Silent Hill: Homecoming video game gamezplay post



The first "Silent Hill" video game on next-generation consoles takes advantage of the machines' graphical prowess, but in the end it's virtually identical game play to what we've seen since the franchise debuted on the original PlayStation in 1999. This is fine for those who want more of the same, but might disappoint those looking forward to an evolution in the series.

As 22-year-old soldier Alex Shepherd, you awaken at the beginning of "Silent Hill: Homecoming" strapped to a stretcher and wheeled into a seemingly abandoned hospital. The dark halls are only illuminated by your flashlight, as you hear babies crying and see ghostly images of your missing kid brother, Josh.

While attempting to find a way out of the hospital — after finding a map, solving puzzles and fighting off bizarre creatures (such as faceless nurses who eerily gyrate toward you) — you'll find yourself back in your hometown of Shepherd's Glen. Most of the residents are gone, a foreboding fog blankets the streets and monsters are roaming about. Could this have to do with the neighboring evil town of Silent Hill? You'll find out, as you'll visit there, too, as you attempt solve the mystery behind your brother's disappearance and make sense of your disturbing nightmares.

The combat has improved over past versions of the game, allowing you to easily take on baddies with weapons and objects (including fights against enormous "boss" characters). The camera is also better this time around as it aids your view of the towns instead of obstructing it.

"Silent Hill: Homecoming" might not break new ground in the popular survival horror series but shouldn't disappoint fans looking for a nail-biting adventure.

Source: USA Today

Disgaea 3 - Absence of Justice



PlayStation 3, $49.99 "Disgaea 3" features a Halloween-worthy cast of demons, witches and, well, exploding penguins.
It's a strategy game rather than a survival-horror game, and it aims to make you laugh rather than scream.
Mao (really), the top student at the Evil Academy, is determined to dethrone his father, the overlord of the Netherworld.
To become powerful enough, he has to endure dozens of strategic contests, accumulating a team of versatile comrades along the way.
The battles are very challenging and sometimes quite lengthy, so devoted admirers of "Disgaea" will get plenty of value.
But the graphics haven't advanced at all since the PlayStation 2 chapters, and NIS hasn't added enough new features to make "Absence of Justice" worth most players' time. Two stars.

Alone in the Dark video game new PS3 feature - Fact Sheet

Alone in the Dark new PlayStation 3 Features

• Full 360° camera control - enhanced camera controls allows complete freedom of the camera and better handling of first person view camera movement for even more immersive gamezplay.
  


• Fine-tuned controls - quicker and smoother reactivity of the hero's movements in third person view make for more rapid movements in nail-biting situations.
  


• Inventory system more accessible - more logical jacket inventory system with the ability to combine objects using only the D-pad, and more fluid hero movement makes item selection a breeze.
  


• More tips - players will get all the help they need to get through every situation and get the most out of the gamez.
  


• Spectral Vision tuning - a tutorial explains the need to burn roots in order to gain spectral vision and difficulty tuning means less spectral vision is required to reach the end of the gamez.
  


• Improved car dynamics and handling - car handling has been tuned to make driving a car a walk in the park in every situation, including increased suspension and reduced drift.
  


• 59th Street level tuning - one of the game'z most exciting sequences just got better. 59th Street has been tweaked for a more satisfying race against the fissure with difficulty tuning, an added checkpoint at Columbus Circle and clear voice directions given by Sarah.
  


• Brand new thrilling action sequence - an exclusive new sequence has been added in Episode 6 for even more pace and variety of gamezplay in the episode.
  

Children benefit from playing video games - say parents

Results From Sony Online Entertainment and Yahoo! Survey Available This Week

Parents across America are recognizing the benefits of their children playing videos games, according to a new study from Sony. The results, published exclusively in the new November issue of Family Circle magazine, suggest parents are seeing improvements in hand/eye coordination, problem solving and typing skills.

In addition to basic education elements, the survey suggests video games are teaching children to think strategically. The majority of video games require players to follow rules, think tactically, make fast decisions and fulfill numerous objectives to win. This resonates with the 70% of the parents surveyed who have seen their children’s problem-solving skills improve since they started playing video games.

Yahoo!’s website, Shine (http://shine.yahoo.com), which reaches 10 million women each month, hosted the survey throughout June 2008. The study found that 87% of parents who participated in the survey are spending time playing video games with their children. “Family video game nights are becoming incredibly popular with the variety of games out there,” said Linda Fears, editor-in-chief, Family Circle magazine. “Parents and children of all ages are finding games to play together, no matter what each person’s experience level.”

Other key survey findings from the survey:

• Most (75%) of respondents have attributed educational value and improved hand/eye coordination to video game usage.

• 84% of respondents reported an increase in their child’s typing skills from playing PC/online games.

• 72% of respondents say their kids play games online with other people sometimes or all the time.

• More than 80% of respondents say their children play video games in a common area of the house (i.e., family/living room or computer room).

With the vast majority of games on the market rated E for Everyone (ESRB, 2007), parents have many options when choosing games for their children, an important fact for the almost 80% of parents surveyed who say they purchase all their children’s video games. “The ultimate parental controls are parents themselves,” said John Smedley, president of SOE and father of four.

Many games, including the upcoming free online game Free Realms from SOE, offer opportunities for kids to play online with others. “The good news is that parents are involved with and aware of what their kids are playing,” said Smedley. “The even better news is that parents and kids are playing together.”

How to play - Master of the Monster Lair - build your own dungeons

Tired of Crawling Through Dungeons? Why Not Learn to Make Your Own?

Normally a safe and quiet town, South Arc has come under attack by monsters infesting the nearby forest. As the town’s most ambitious young orphan, and the only person without a real job, you are charged with the responsibility of ridding South Arc of its monster infestation. You’ve just made friends with a magic talking shovel that can help you build a dungeon that will lure monsters inside. Once inside, you can use your strength and magic to exterminate the beasts - hopefully finding some rare items on the way out. But wait… how’s one young boy supposed to defend the whole town from an army of monsters?

The first step in mastering your skills and protecting South Arc from hordes of monsters is to understand the resources at your disposal. The citizens of South Arc are more than willing to help you with your quest. Most of the villagers own shops and, despite your working to save their lives from monsters, are totally willing to charge you a small fee for their services. These shops, along with some friends and local landmarks, will be the key to your success. Come, learn about the special town of South Arc.

OWEN’S HOUSE

At Owen’s House, Owen and his friends can rest between trips to the dungeon - fully restoring the party’s HP and MP. Resting overnight will also give monsters a chance to enter your dungeon, sometimes leading to new events. Owen and Kate gain stat boosts by eating meals at Owen’s House – not by defeating monsters, as I knew you were thinking. The benefits they receive depend on the type of meal they eat, so try to find rare ingredients in your dungeon.

MONSTER LAIR

Just east of town is where you’ll start building your monster lair. By digging tunnels and placing rooms, you can create the ultimate dungeon, which will attract monsters of all sorts. Then, you can vanquish the beasts and claim their treasure! In the course of your adventure, you will befriend a Mimic Slime, who can copy the attributes of different monsters. It can duplicate different body parts to change its stats and learn magic from enemies as well. Fight lots of different monsters to find the best combination of attributes to mimic!

THE RUINS

The “Ruins” are located in the northeast corner of town. Go there to connect over DS Wireless Communication and share dungeons with a friend. Each player must load their saved game, enter the Ruins, and select “Exchange Dungeon.” When the communication screen is displayed, one player selects “Send a Dungeon,” and the other player selects “Receive a Dungeon.” Dungeons received from friends will be saves as Ruins.

HOW TO DIG

At first, the dungeon is just a cave with one open floor space. You must use the magic shovel to dig holes and enlarge the dungeon. Face the area where you would like to dig a hole and press the A button. The magic shovel will dig an open space in the direction you are facing. Every time you dig a hole or place a room, it will reduce the shovel’s MP by 1. If the shovel runs out of MP, you cannot dig any more holes or place any more furniture for the rest of the day. If you would like to fill in a hole that you have dug, face the empty hallway and press the A Button. This will also reduce the shovel’s MP by 1.

HOW TO USE FURNITURE

At the Furniture Shop you can buy rooms to place in your dungeon. These rooms will attract monsters, which will enter your dungeon overnight. To place a room in your dungeon, face a spot where you have made a hole and press the B Button. A list of the furniture you currently have will appear. Highlight the room you would like to place using the Control Pad, and press the A Button to set it down. This will reduce the magic shovel’s MP by 1. You cannot place any more rooms if the shovel runs out of MP. To remove a room, press the A Button and the room will be returned to your inventory - doing so requires 1 shovel MP.

EQUIPMENT SHOP

At the Equipment Shop, you can buy and sell weapons and armor. The Trader doesn’t have much in stock at first, but as you find equipment in your dungeon, you can sell it to her to increase the shop’s inventory. Occasionally, she’ll ask you to retrieve unusual items from your dungeon for her, and she’ll reward you with unique equipment. You can also sell unwanted goods to her to make some cash!

MAGIC SHOP

At the Magic Shop, you can buy spells for use in combat and dungeon exploration. Both offensive and healing magic are sold here. In addition, Owen can learn spells used to travel magically through the dungeon. Once you purchase a spell, it can be used by any party member capable of casting it. You can acquire items by buying them in the Magic Shop or finding them in your dungeon. Some items are only used in battle, while others can be used while exploring.

Master of the Monster Lair is scheduled to release for Nintendo DS on October 21.

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