Jeff Rubeinstein "Debunks" In-Game XMB Rumors

On a PlayStation.Blog comment, a loyal PlayStation fan asked "Please either confirm or debunk the ingame XMB/HOME/Achievements coming VERY soon rumours !!".

Jeff Rubeinstein replied saying the below.

"If by “VERY soon” you mean this week - debunked.

I see the same rumors, and they’re just that - rumors. Literally 95% of what I’ve read this week is just groundless speculation. But hey, that’s the game biz."

Either he is hiding the secret or he is just saying very soon but not this week at GDC 2008. Hmm, I guess we will find out SOON enough.

[PS.Blog Comment #24]

GDC 2008: Sony to Unveil In-Game XMB & LittleBigPlanet to Home Interaction

LusoPlay have received information from Sony Computer Entertainment that Sony will be unveiling in-game XMB along with LittleBigPlanet to Home integration at the Game Developers Conference 2008.

Along with that, they will have a big announcement on Home, the public beta is here. Details will come at the show. This is getting exciting!

[Home news from GDC 08]

Rumor: First PLAYSTATION 3 Accomplishment Images?

A user by the name of SonyGuy32 has posted on the PSN@Home forums claiming to have pictures of in-game XMB and the first PLAYSTATION 3 accomplishments.

There are more at the link, whether they are real, we don't know. But they are all great to look at.

[In game xmb/PS3 Accomplishments]

In-Shirt XMB: Sony's Sense of Humor a Tease?

At the Game Developers Conference 2008, some of the T-Shirts Sony are giving away say "In-Shirt XMB". Hm, seems that Sony has a sense of humor for all the PLAYSTATION 3 users wanting in-game XMB.

Seeing these T-Shirts could be a hint though. I don't think Sony would display this just to piss off every PLAYSTATION 3 owner. Is XMB just a few days away? I think so.

[In-Game XMB: Sony gets a sense of humour]

LittleBigPlanet's Voice Chat Features Lip-Syncing

Lets just let LittleBigPlanet become even better. In the latest issue of Edge Magazine, they preview LittleBigPlanet. They reveal that in addition to the emotions you could express with your sackboy, there are plans to lip-sync the voice chat. That means the characters will move their lips in a pattern that you would when you talk. That's pretty neat.

[LittleBigPlanet planning lip-synching voice chat, filters]

Ninja Theory Concept Hints New Game in the Works

The official website for the Ninja Theory team (developers of Heavenly Sword) has undergone a major overhaul. The new website features flash banners on every page.

One of the flash banners that we've came across is a new piece of art that isn't from Heavenly Sword. On the main page of the site, the team wrote some teasing words.

"Right now we're working on an exciting new concept that has got everyone we talk to buzzing. We can't say a lot except that it's going to be great to work on and should be even better to play! It'll take all the things we loved about Heavenly Sword and make them bigger and better than ever before.

There are some teaser elements on this new look website...and don't forget, this website is the very best place to check regularly for updates and news...especially the forums."

So, could this piece of artwork be from their upcoming project? When will it be revealed? Hopefully, GDC 2008 will be the place. Maybe not.

[ninja theory limited]

Unreal Tournament III Coming to Europe February 22, 2008

For all the Europeans, we got good news. In just a few days, you'll be able to get your hands on Epic's Unreal Tournament III. On February 22, 2008, thats your day to pick it up. The game has already sold 1.2 million in the areas it is available in, and it's just going to rise.

Get your reserves down.

Overlord Coming to the PLAYSTATION 3

According to Dutch PLAYSTATION 3 gaming site, PS3Party, Triumph Studios will be bringing their successful Overlord to the PLAYSTATION 3, again to be published by Codemasters.

The game was a good success on the Xbox 360 and PC, selling over a million copies worldwide. Perhaps it will do the same when it arrives on our console.

[Overlord to PS3]

Toshiba Announced Discontinuation of HD-DVD Service: Blu-Ray Wins

What your hearing is true people, Blu-ray is the official winner in the DVD format war.

Today, Toshiba announced the discontinuation of their HD-DVD service. They will no longer develop, manufacture, or market HD-DVD products due to recent changes in the market (everybody going Blu-ray exclusive). However, to all the people that for some reason bought an HD-DVD player, they will still continue to provide support for their customers. Don't call asking where the new movies are however.

Congratulations Blu-ray for your victory in the format war!

[Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses]

Capcom: How Much Do You Want Bionic Commando Rearmed to Cost?

Capcom asks us today, 'how much do you want Bionic Commando: Rearmed to cost?' Do you want to spend $10 or $15?

"Some think that we can go the simple "meta-emulation" route, put on a fresh coat of paint, and release the game without any tweaks or new modes," said Ben Judd on the Bionic Commando Blog, "After all, that is the standard right now. Most of these games sell for $10 but aren't anywhere near the quality of BCR."

Just because I like Rock Band songs, I'd say $10 would be good for me. But as of this morning, there was an unanimous $15 tag on the game.

[Capcom Asks: 'How much do you think we should sell Bionic Commando Rearmed for?']