Thursday, January 31, 2008

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds: Advanced Shot Mode

Sony Computer Entertainment's Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds is on it's way for a March 2008 release. One thing about this franchise is that there is always a new way to draw in the player to the sport.

In this game, there is a new mode called Advanced Shot Mode.In a nutshell, this is a more advanced way to aim your shot, while applying trajectory physics to your shot.

As a finale, we have the official boxart for the game. Expect to see this in stores March 2008.

[Hot Shots Update: Advanced Shot Mode]

Faith and a .45 Debut Trailer


If you like explosions, this is your watch. Deadline Games' upcoming Faith And A .45 for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 sure packs a whole lot of them, whilst using it's Bonnie & Clyde type gameplay. Enjoy the debut trailer!

Grand Theft Auto IV: Niko Acts Human When He Is Arrested

In the latest issue of the Official Xbox Magazine, there is a new (small) screenshot of Niko from Grand Theft Auto IV with two of the Liberty City Police Department cops behind him. Yes, he's getting arrested.

It's good to see Niko acts human and puts his hands up when he is getting arrested, unlike some previous games. Good to see Rockstar is improving on that.

[New screen shot, I think...No I am sure]

EA “Not Quite” Over PLAYSTATION 3 Problems

During a conference today, Electronic Arts' CEO John Riccitiello said that the PLAYSTATION 3 development has not quite caught up with that of the Xbox 360.

Riccitiello stated when asked “Not quite. There’s no doubt that Electronic Arts, along with many other publishers, had some challenges essentially meeting the technical specifications effectively on the PlayStation 3.

“Games where we led development on the PS3 platform, like Burnout, which is doing very well on the market today, we had no issue at all.

“But in circumstances where we either led with the Xbox 360 or ran parallel production, for the most part, we’re still experiencing some delay on the PS3. It’s a little bit more of a challenging development environment for us.

“It’s probably only a third of a problem for us as it was [nine months ago]. But there still remains some catching up to do on the engineering side for the PS3.”

Here is an idea, if using the PLAYSTATION 3 version as lead equals no problem, then do that, kind of stating the obvious here. Let's just hope Madden 09 looks just as good, or possibly better than the Xbox 360 version.

[EA “Not Quite” Over PS3 Hurdles]

The Orange Box DLC Eventually Coming to Consoles

If Valve/EA would ever release a patch for The Orange Box fixing all the issues, then maybe we would have use for this.

Doug Lombardi recently revealed that Valve is going to be bringing new maps to the console versions of Team Fortress 2 and Portal.

Lombardi wants all this new downloadable content to be free, just for us.

Just assuming, the first downloadable content for Team Fortress 2 will probably be the "Badlands" and "Goldrush" maps that are going to be available to PC gamers soon, along with the CTF-update of the "Well" map which was released a few days back.

To end it, Lombardi gave no details on any of the Portal downloadable content. We will just have to wait.

[Team Fortress 2 Maps, Portal DLC Coming Eventually]

Facebreaker: Official Site Opens

The official site for EA Canada's upcoming cartoon-type boxing game, Facebreaker, has officially opened. The site seems to be community based. There is an e-mail address on the page (facebreakercommunity@ea.com) and they would like to know your suggestions for things you'd like to see on the site. There is also a new screenshot, which you can see on the left there. Enjoy!

[EA SPORTS: Facebreaker]

Tekken 6: From the Arcade to PLAYSTATION 3

At the Taipei Game Show 2008, producers of Tekken 6, known as Namco Bandai were present.

Katsuhiro Harada, the series producer was present at the event. There isn't really anything new on Tekken 6, but they are quite deep into porting it onto the PLAYSTATION 3. Harada does mention that Virtua Fighter has been the inspiration for the Tekken series. All the characters from the previous Tekken games are going to make their PLAYSTATION 3 debut as well.

As for the online, the producer also mention possible downloadable content like new characters and data download.

On a final and funnier note, Harada mentions that 15 of the developers working on Tekken 6 lost their girlfriend due to their excessive time working on the game.

[Producer Talk Tekken 6 At Taipei Gam Show]

KILLZONE 2: Mathijis, The Third Faction

It seems that KILLZONE 2 will feature more than just the ISA and Helghast. In a recent preview for the title in The Official PlayStation Magazine UK, they reveal Mathijis, a third faction present in the game.

We don't know if the Mathijis will be helping the ISA, Helghast, or a side all their own. When we find out more, we will be sure to inform you.

[Revisting the Third Faction Question]

2007: PLAYSTATION 3 Sells 8.83 Million Consoles, Xbox 360 Sells 7.3 Million

Sony Computer Entertainment released the Q3 figures today displaying the sales of 4.90 million PLAYSTATION 3 units sold worldwide (in the third quarter of 2007). Adding that to the rest of the consoles sold in 2007 makes 8.83 million units, taken straight from Sony's numbers.

The PLAYSTATION 3 is starting to rise off it's feet as it did receive negative press in 2007. So you'd think the Xbox 360 would sell more that year, no? Wrong. The Xbox 360 sold 7.3 million last year, with the PLAYSTATION 3 beating it by 1.5 million units.

[2007 - Sony PS3 sells 8.83 million, XBOX 360 sells 7.3 million]

Devil May Cry 4: L'Arc-en-Ciel Trailer


The latest Devil May Cry 4 ad in Japan shows our two heroes Nero and Dante brawling it out. After watching this, all I have to say is: Nero really knows how to beat someone's face in. Enjoy!

US PLAYSTATION Store Update: January 31, 2008

Well, it's Thursday and that means we get our weekly PLAYSTATION Store update.
Demos
  • Conflict: Denied Ops demo (free)
Add-Ons
  • Folklore Add-Ons
    • Folklore Add-on 5 “Nightmares”($3.99)
    • Folklore Add-on 6 “Visions of the Tower” ($3.99)
    • Folklore Add-on Bundle 3 ($5.99)
  • Rock Band Songs
    • “Siva” by Smashing Pumpkins ($1.99)
    • “Working Man” by Rush ($1.99)
    • “Ten Speed (of God’s Blood…)” by Coheed and Cambria ($1.99)
PSP Games
  • Neopets: Petpet Adventures - The Wand of Wishing ($14.99)
Game Videos
  • Battlefield: Bad Company Haggard’s Blog (free)
  • Go! Sports Skydiving Trailer (free)
Theatrical Trailers
  • Prince Caspian Trailer (free)
  • Prom Night Trailer (free)
Blu-Ray Disc Trailers
  • Across the Universe Trailer (free)
  • Daddy Day Camp Trailer (free)
Themes
  • PixelJunk Monsters Theme 2 (free)
Wallpaper
  • (2) PixelJunk Monsters Wallpaper (free)
Yet once again, it's a pretty bad update. So many game videos were released this week, how come there is only two when Live gets videos by the bunch? This is the reason why we need a new PLAYSTATION Store and to ditch the weekly program. Enjoy!

PLAYSTATION Store Worldwide

EU PLAYSTATION Store Update: January 31, 2008

The European PLAYSTATION Store update is in for today, and it comes with two demos and a few PSone Classics. The full list below.

PSone Classics
- Fade to Black (£3.49/€4.99)
- Motorhead (£3.49/€4.99)
- Theme Hospital (£3.49/€4.99)

Demos
- Devil May Cry 4 demo (free)
- MX Vs ATV Untamed
demo (free)

Game Videos
- PixelJunk Monsters trailer
(free)

Sure, there is no excuse for one video, but at least there is a load of games to get. Enjoy!

Sony Game Divisisions Profit Rise, PS3 Sales Target Lowers

Sony Computer Entertainment's game division made some good money during the last quarter, thanks to the cuts of the PLAYSTATION 3 production costs and software sales. They are even revising their target sales for the PSP from 10 million to 13 million. Bad news is they are revising their target sales for the PLAYSTATION 3 downwards, from 11 million to 9.5 million. Yeah, we have no idea why they'd do that either.

[Sony's Games Division Profits Up, PS3 Sales Target Down]

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Interview


Hayden Blackman, the man leading the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed project by LucasArts, talks about the upcoming force-enabled game. Learn about the storyline, tone of the game, and how different choices you make can affect the fate of your character. Enjoy!

Folklore: Final DLC Coming Tomorrow

The final add-on packs for Game Republic's Folklore are arriving on the PLAYSTATION Store tomorrow (most likely). Without further adu, here they are.

Folklore Add-on #5 “Nightmares”

Add to the original storyline as you discover what is causing O’Connell’s nightmares. Wake Charlotte from a deep sleep, undertake the mysterious quest to find out why Livane attacked a tree and complete the Faery Photo mission started in The Origin of Belgae Pack.

This pack also includes a suave top hat and tux for Keats and provides the opportunity to encounter Automata, a Large, robotic Fire Folk that fires a beam of hot magma.

Folklore Add-on #6 “Visions of the Tower”

Continue the awe-inspiring adventures of Ellen and Keats with this Add-On. Learn the reason behind the puzzling sightings of the tower, find out why so many faeries are becoming lost, receive a surprise letter and begin to understand the motives of the Faery Lord.

Also included are an additional Folk, and a new outfit for Ellen, fashioned in the Hell Realm.

It is sad to see the Folklore downloadable content come to an end. Look on the bright side, it just makes room for all the great things to come.

[Final Folklore Add-On Packs Coming Soon]

Warhawk 1.3 Brings Custom Paintjobs, Xzibit Welcome

The upcoming 1.3 patch for Warhawk contains a bit of new look. If your a designer or photoshopper, read on.

Sony Computer Entertainment and Incognito Entertainment are holding a contest to see who can make the best paint job scheme. Seventy (70) of these entries will be included in the patch. Check out the contest below.

[Warhawk Paint & Insignia Contest!]

Faith And A .45: New Preview

Deadline Games' Faith and a .45, a Bonnie and Clyde type game, has some new information today.

You control a man named Luke, with Ruby who tags along as your AI partner. Cooperative play is available as well though, online or offline, meaning a player can take control of Ruby at any time. The players work by awarding eachother. If Luke does a good job, Ruby will offer him a kiss.

There is a sheriff named Duke who is constantly hunting down Luke and Ruby. There will be boss battles as well. Your weapons can be upgraded. The main story is based on your decisions, so you craft your gameplay. The title is set to release sometime in 2009 or possibly even 2010.

[Previews: Faith and a .45]

EA Announces Facebreaker: Cartoon Style Boxing Game

It seems Electronic Arts is taking the cartoon thing a little too far. First it was FIFA Street 3 and now a cartoony boxing game?

Today, EA Canada announced the development of Facebreaker for the PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. Since EA Chicago, developers of Fight Night Round 3, is out of the picture, they felt a gap in the boxing series.

The fun thing that you can do in this game is straight off the title, literally break each other's faces. According to EA's Peter Moore in a press release, "Arcade boxing takes me back to my roots in this industry, and this game signals our shift to adding more approachable fun to our product lineup."

The March 2008 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly will feature more information and screenshots on Facebreaker.

[EA Announced Facebreaker]

Grand Theft Auto IV: Niko Bellic Wanted In Brooklyn

In Brooklyn, NY, don't be surprised if you come across a couple of these wanted ads for Niko Bellic. It's just Rockstar starting their viral marketing for Grand Theft Auto IV.

he poster warns that Bellic is "wanted for questioning in connection with a shooting at a nightclub in the Hove Beach area of Broker" explaining that the perpetrator is of eastern European descent "which narrows it down to about 95% of the Hove Beach community." The poster adds some humor as well "Even we can't arrest that many foreigners" and suggests that Bellic be shot on sight.

The poster also features a website and e-mail address for the Liberty City Police Department (LCPD). The site isn't quite running yet, but the auto-email responder shows the picture on the right.

[Grand Theft Auto IV Wanted Posters Popping Up In Brooklyn]

Burnout Paradise Demo Going Offline February 1, 2008

No readers, they are not taking the demo off of the PLAYSTATION Store. The Burnout Paradise demo's multiplayer features are simply going offline tomorrow in order to give those who purchased Burnout Paradise the best online experience possible.

[Burnout Paradise - Multiplayer demo going offline this Friday]

Tekken 6: Nancy-MI847J Gameplay


Yesterday, a new challenger was revealed for Tekken 6 named Nancy-MI847J. Well, see how hard this Nancy robot really is as this Japanese gamer gets taken down easily. Enjoy!

Europe Bundle: 40GB PLAYSTATION 3 With Ratchet & Uncharted

A new PLAYSTATION 3 starter pack may be on it's way to Europe tomorrow.

The new pack comes with a 40GB PLAYSTATION 3, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, two controllers, and all the other small things included in the basic PLAYSTATION 3 package. The new package will be selling for €499.99 (£371.40).

James Armstrong, Vice-president and Delegated Advisor of Sony Computer Entertainment for Spain and Portugal, stated"This Starter Pack arrives at the appropriate moment, just after a successful campaign of Christmas that has demonstrated to us that the Spanish public is receptive our proposals and the innovating technology that PS3 offers. This new supply will let grow the number of users of Playstation 3 who will enjoy their ample supply of entertainment".

[New Uncharted/Rachet PS3 Starter Pack Coming Tomorrow?]

The Bourne Conspiracy: Official Trailer


I wouldn't call myself a fan of the Bourne movies, but they were pretty enjoyable. Now, Jason Bourne is back at it again in his own cat and mouse style espionage action adventure video game, The Bourne Conspiracy. Enjoy the video!

SAW Coming to the PLAYSTATION 3

The recent Brash Entertainment press event brought word of a new video game based on the Saw movie franchise is in development.

The game is scheduled for release in October of 2009, meaning we have a long way to go before Jigsaw comes for you. The game will be running on the Unreal III engine and is coming to most likely the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360. In the meantime, you can check out the game's official site.

[Saw Announced]

Final Fantasy XIII Information Coming to PSM3 February

The February issue of PSM3 magazine will feature some more information on Square Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy XIII. This information will probably remain the same as the new Famitsu and V-Jump information, but in more understandable terms.

We will update you next month when we find out what this information is.

[PSM3 to have Final Fantasy XIII info in Feb]

Street Fighter IV: Couple of New Screenshots


It seems that Capcom just won't stop throwing some of their Ryu and Ken fighting at us. This is what therapy is for guys. Introduce some new brawlers so we can see some more style of the game. All in all, Street Fighter IV is looking pretty good. I'd just like to see some more stages and fighters. Enjoy!


HAZE: Split-Screen Co-Op Gameplay


A lot of great next-generation shooters are all missing one thing (for some odd reason), and thats split-screen play. Luckily, HAZE still sports that wonderful feature. Enjoy this new video of some co-op split-screen gameplay.

Square Enix Talks Final Fantasy XIII Release Date, Nothing New

Recent news on the internet states that Square Enix is going to be throwing Final Fantasy XIII this year (2008).

Today, Square Enix made a statement about the release situation.

A statement issued by Square Enix read: "Although information regarding the release date of FINAL FANTASY XIII has been reported by certain videogame websites, Square Enix itself has yet to make an official statement on this topic. Any reports of a confirmed release date are erroneous and should be disregarded.

"Square Enix will make an official announcement in the future concerning the release date when it has been determined."

[Square Enix hit back at FINAL FANTASY XIII release date rumours]

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Just Cause 2: New Details Revealed

Today, we bring you some new info on the sequel to the PS2's Just Cause, which is convienatly called Just Cause 2.

A new preview with IGN reveals new details. Some of these improvements include better enemy AI, a targeting system where you can aim at enemy body-parts, better vehicle handling along with better vehicles, and less empty space on the game's maps.

This new Just Cause takes place on a fictional Malay Island, leaving South American to the first game. Read the full preview at the link below.

[Just Cause 2 First Look]

PSP Firmware 3.90 Released: Skype Is Here

Today, Sony Computer Entertainment released PSP firmware update 3.90 featuring Skype, now on your PSP. The full update is listed below.

* Support for PLAYSTATION Network titles has been expanded.
* Skype has been added as a feature under Network.
Ok, so I guess what we just said was the full update. Remember, Skype is exclusive to the PSP-2000 models. If your confused on how to use Skype, you can view a video tutorial here.

IGN: Exclusive PLAYSTATION 3 Preview Coming Thursday

According to IGN's latest Podcast Beyond, IGN will be having an exclusive preview this Thursday to a PLAYSTATION 3 game with a special guest tied to that preview as well.

They also mention that the PlayStation.Blog will feature two new posts this Thursday as well. It may be an announcement or something tied to the preview.

[Podcast Beyond 30]

Tekken 6: New Character Nancy-MI847J

A new Tekken 6 character has surfaced in the international arcade version of the game today.

This character, who is a bot named Nancy-MI847J, is one huge bot with a huge lifebar. It supposedly can attack you even when it's getting hit, barley defends, but once again, has a huge life bar. Your supposed to get a new item once you beat him, but nobody has done it yet.

We will probably see this in the PLAYSTATION 3 version of the game when it comes to the states.

[Via Tekken Zaibatsu]

FIFA Street 3: Meet The Teams

The release date for FIFA Street 3 is only a few weeks away, so let's rev up our Adidas shoes by checking out the teams of the game.

The game features countries such as Italy, France, Brazil, Mexico, and Germany. Each of these teams has their own star ratings out out of 5 stars. The numbers you see next to each team is their star rating as appeared in the game. Personally, I'm looking forward to kicking some ass online with Italy. Enjoy!

National Teams
- Australia - 3.5
- Brazil - 4.5
- Cameroon - 3
- Czech Republic - 4
- England - 4
- France - 4.5
- Germany - 4
- Greece - 3.5
- Italy - 4.5
- Mexico - 3.5
- New Zealand - 2
- Portugal - 4
- People’s Republic of China - 2.5
- Scotland - 3
- Spain - 4
- Sweden - 3.5
- Turkey - 3.5
- USA - 3.5

Street Teams
- Stocky - 3.5
- Urchins - 4
[Via PastaPadre]

SCEE: No Plans to Release 120GB PLAYSTATION 3... In the UK

There has been rumors that Sony Computer Entertainment is cooking up a 120GB PLAYSTATION 3 since stores like GameStop and Best Buy are dropping their the 80GB units. This new model will come with plenty of storage, and the DUALSHOCK 3, according to rumors at least.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe denied this though. SCEE told GamesIndustry that it does "not currently have any plans to release a 120GB PlayStation 3 in the UK".

It's funny how they just said the UK rather than "Sony does not have plans to release a 120GB PLAYSTATION 3". You never know.

[Via GamesIndustry]

Alone In The Dark: PLAYSTATION 3 Clarification

This is just a little clarification. I've noticed on some forums on the internet and even in the comments of this site, many people thought that Alone In The Dark was canceled for the PLAYSTAITON 3. This was due to Todd Slepian saying in a new interview that it's coming out this Spring for the PS2, Wii, PC and Xbox 360.

Fear not my fellow readers, as the PLAYSTATION 3 version is not canceled. I've confirmed with Atari that the PLAYSTATION 3 version is not canceled, it is just set to come out later in the year. The versions of the game coming out in Spring are the PS2, Wii, PC, and Xbox 360 versions.

Tapei Game Show 2008:: Dragonball Z Burst Limit Gameplay


Some brand new gameplay of Atari and Namco Bandai's upcoming Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit has surfaced from the Tapei Game Show 2008. The new gameplay shows Goku and Nappa brawling it out. Enjoy!

[Via eNe3]

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue: 7 New Screenshots


Along with today's release date announcement for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (April 17, 2008), Sony Computer Entertainment threw out some more screenshots of this highly anticipated racer. Like what you see? It's just the icing on the cake, as we still have Gran Turismo 5 to look forward to.

CryENGINE 2 to be Showcased on PS3/X360 At GDC 2008

Come this GDC 2008, Crytek Studios will be demonstrating their CryENGINE 2, the engine that runs Crysis, on the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360for the first time. This will be shown to a select audience only.

What does this mean? Perhaps Crytek is developing a title for next-gen platforms, or porting one. I guess we will find out soon.

[Via WorthPlaying]

Skaterboy Tell Em: PS3 Exclusives & More

A new insider, whom Surfer Girl says is fairly credible, has risen from inside the Blogger universe. This new insider is ironically named Skaterboy.

His posts aren't much PLAYSTATION 3 related (the new ones at least), so we dug through some of the comments he answered from his recent posts and found all we could that are related to the PLAYSTAITON 3. All the below is according to Skaterboy.

- Regarding PS3 exclusives to be announced this year: Well, there's Rockstar's new Western game (which I'm starting to doubt will stay PS3-exclusive forever), a new game from Nippon Ichi, a Shin Megami Tensei (which may or may not have "IV" in the title; also, note that there will be other SMT games for other platforms), Eat Sleep Play's new game, Uncharted 2, Twisted Metal, one game from Factor 5 (they've scrapped one of their PS3 projects, it seems), Gran Turismo for Boys (the new PSN version), a new exclusive from Namco, something from Konami, and Sega may or may not get around to confirming Yakuza 3 for the US (once they finish localizing part 2), and Level 5 should be ready to talk about Rogue Galaxy 2 later this summer. Those are just a few that come to mind.

- Regarding Sly Cooper on PS3: Next fall at the earliest.

- Regarding Jak & Daxter on PS3: Sony wants them to make Uncharted 2 first.

- Regarding Twisted Metal on PS3: For a while I thought they'd have something for this Fall (not necessarily the full-blown next game in the series though), but it's looking like next year.

- Regarding Viewtiful Joe on PS3: Never, but don't give up hope on the series entirely (but I must warn you not to get your hopes up about it, either).

- Regarding Dark Cloud 3 on PS3: If it ever happens, it won't be until after Rogue Galaxy 2.

- Regarding Ubisoft's Heroes: It looks better than the LOST game (which I don't think looks bad, by the way). I don't know much about the show (I know, I'm living under a rock), but I think fans should enjoy it. It'll be unveiled in May, for a release late this year, I believe.

- Regarding exclusive GTAIV Content for PS3: Nope.

- Regarding The Crossing & Left 4 Dead coming to the PS3: Once the PS3 implementation of Source is improved, The Crossing will be considered. If Left 4 Dead comes to PS3, Valve/Turtle Rock's involvement will be pretty minimal.

- Regarding new information on games such as Eight Days, The Getaway, Eyedentify, and other quiet titles: Those will probably be split between E3 and Sony Gamer's Day. Depends on what else Sony has ready to show at each event.

- Regarding new information on inFAMOUS: You'll be seeing it before too long (maybe before E3), and it looks to be coming along pretty well. Sucker Punch also isn't abandoning Sly, in case there was any question about that.

- Regarding Kingdom Hearts 3: It will be Wii exclusive. (this one I have a hard time believing)

- Regarding the console for Time Splitters 4: PS3 and 360, and almost certainly a unique Wii version.
You can read more at his blog. Whether it's all true, I'm not sure. I guess we will find out soon though, as more gaming events draw closer.

[Skaterboy Tell Em'] [Thanks Joe & Christoffer!]

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Dated: April 17, 2008

Sony today revealed the release date of the highly anticipated exclusive racer, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Developed by Polyphony Digital, Prologue will be releasing on April 17, 2008. That is just about two weeks from the release of Gran Theft Auto IV. Two great releases within two weeks? Sounds like a deal to me. The press release below.

Gran Turismo(TM) 5 Prologue Races to North America on April 17 Exclusively on PLAYSTATION(R)3

Billion Dollar Selling Franchise Sets Date and Price for the Racing Phenomenon's Next Iteration

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the April 17 North American ship date for Gran Turismo(TM)5 Prologue, available exclusively on PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)). Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be available for $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD) and as a download via PLAYSTATION(R)Store. The BD version will offer added value with an exclusive behind-the-scenes High Definition (HD) video feature called "Beyond the Apex."

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, an intense precursor to Gran Turismo(TM)5, features over 60 meticulously detailed vehicles from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Audi and Nissan. Users will experience the vehicle-specific physics technology and intricate graphical rendering that Polyphony Digital is renowned for. Additionally, for the first time in the history of the franchise, users can race online -- at 60 fps (frames per second) in stunning 1080p HD* -- with up to 16 vehicles at a time on beautifully rendered tracks from around the globe, including Daytona International Speedway(R) and a London City track.

"Ten years following the introduction of Gran Turismo(TM) on PS one(R), Gran Turismo 5 Prologue delivers the most realistic and technologically advanced racing experience on any platform," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "With 1080p graphics, revolutionary online features like Gran Turismo(TM) TV and the new in-cockpit racing view, the world'sbest-selling racing franchise will once again set the standard for racing games."

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will feature various innovative and revolutionary modes to harness PS3 system's capabilities while further developing an automotive lifestyle and global community. Among them is Gran Turismo(TM)TV, a new dedicated online channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION(R)Network that delivers worldwide motorsport programming and manufacturer content. Additionally, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will support online racing events to foster community competition. A new in-cockpit view will provide a unique perspective for racers and features real-time gauges and human animations that accurately represent the true performance and handling of each vehicle. To extend the realistic driving experience, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is also compatible with the new DUALSHOCK(R)3 controller, which has vibration functionality.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating forGran Turismo 5 Prologue is "RP" for "Rating Pending." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

USA Today Agrees: 2008 Is the Year of the PLAYSTATION 3

USA Today recently let out their list for the top eight promising games for 2008. Out of the eight games, four are for the PLAYSTATION 3, two on the Xbox 360, two on the Wii, and one on the PC.

The games they are looking forward too for the PLAYSTATION 3 are Grand Theft Auto IV, LittleBigPlanet, KILLZONE 2, and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

If you ask me, USA Today agrees that 2008 is the year of the Sony Computer Entertainment PLAYSTATION 3.

[Eight promising games for '08]

Buzz! You Have a Lawsuit Sony

Seems that Sony Computer Entertainment's Buzz! family trivia series games have gotten them a lawsuit.

Buzztime Entertainment, a Carlsbad, California company filed a lawsuit against Sony due to violation of some of their trademarks.

Buzztime doesn't hold a trademark for the word "buzz" in gaming, but it does hold trademarks for "entertainment in the nature of interactive games played via interactive television and an interactive global computer network," and "equipment for playing a plug and play game, namely, video game machines for use with televisions, video game interactive remote control units, video game cartridges, and interactive video game programs." Buzztime Entertainment is accusing Sony of "malicious, fraudulent, knowing, willful, and deliberate" violation of their trademarks, as they claim that Sony is trying to market their games under the association of the original Buzztime published games.

Buzztime is pleading the court for actual damages, punitive damages, legal fees, and an order to block SCEE's pending trademarks registration from the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Its ashame what some people will do to get their hands on a bit of green.

[Via PSU]