Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack Coming to PLAYSTATION Network On April 24th

Infinity Ward has confirmed today that the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack will be hitting the North American PlayStation Store on April 24, 2008. Europe will be receiving it a week later on May 1, 2008.

Details for the Double XP event on the PlayStation Network were also released by Robert Bowling. "Double XP weekend for North America from 12:01 AM PDT on Friday, April 25 to 11:59 PM PDT on Sunday, April 27. North American players will be able to play the new maps against members of the Infinity Ward team on Friday, April 25 from 5 PM to 8 PM PDT." A European Double XP weekend will also take place.

[PS3 Variety Map Pack Double XP Weekend Extravaganza] [GamingBits]

Call of Duty 4 PS3 to Get Double XP Weekend, Play With Infinity Ward

Sony Computer Entertainment is still certifying the new Call of Duty 4 Variety Map Pack, but things are probably busy with them and the upcoming PlayStation Store relaunch. Inifinity Ward's Robert Bowling tells us that PlayStation 3 gamers will get a Double XP weekend and a "Play With Infinity Ward" event when the map pack is released such as the Xbox 360 is. Good to hear.

[PLAYSTATION 3 Call of Duty 4 Double XP and 'Play With Infinity Ward' Planned]

Call of Duty 4 DLC In Certification, Game of the Year Edition

Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling updated us today on his blog that the upcoming Variety Map Pack DLC and patch for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare have went to Certification at Sony Computer Entertainment just last night. He says they are going for a Worldwide release, so expect to see it on any other store. He says the map pack should be hitting the PlayStation Network around the same time that Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition hits stores. He will provide more details on that this week.

[PS3 DLC In Certification]

PlayStation 3 Receiving Call of Duty 4 Map DLC 21 Days Later

The guys at Loot Ninja contacted Activision on the PlayStation 3 Map downloadable content for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. As you may or may not know, Activision is releasing a Game of the Year edition exclusively on the Xbox 360 (no PlayStation 3 love?) along with tokens for the maps on the disc. Loot Ninja updated when they got an e-mail back "Just heard from Activision. The Variety Map Pack will be EXCLUSIVE to the Xbox 360 for the first 21 days of release." I don't know about you, but if you ask me, that really sucks.

[Call of Duty 4 Map Pack Dated and Priced; Details on COD4: GOY Edition]

Call of Duty 4 Patch Released

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was finally patched for the PlayStation 3, receiving it nearly 2 weeks after it's Xbox 360 and PC versions. Load up your game and automatically install the patch, it includes the following.

• Optimized servers.
• New Kill cams (grenades, RPG's, airstrikes, claymores, and more).
• Quick Mute (allows user to mute annoying players by pressing X on their user ID in the lobby).
• Addition of "Recently Met Players" for the PlayStation Network.
• Improvements to the Sniper Rifles and Acog attachments (no more delayed shots).

[Call of Duty 4 gets patched]

Call of Duty 4 PlayStation 3 Patch Releasing This Week

Well, Robert Bowling of Infinity Ward got word from Sony that they are on the final stages of certifying the PlayStation 3 feature patch for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. He says we will definitely be seeing it go live this week. It's possible for it to come very soon.

[i haz PS3 feetur patch?]

Call of Duty 4: Killcams

Well, our patch is still in certification at Sony Computer Entertainment, but the PC and Xbox 360 have already received the new Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare patch. The new patch contains kill cams with Grenade, Grenade Launchers, C4, Claymores and Airstrikes. This is being demonstrated on the Xbox 360 version, to give you an idea of what it'll be like.

[Thanks Christoffer!]

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Patch Update

While the PC and Xbox 360 received their patch for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on Friday February 29, 2008, PlayStation 3 gamers are wondering where their patch is.

Infinity Ward updates us today on it's official blog.

"The PS3 feature patch is currently at certification at Sony and has been for about a week now. It’s going through it’s necessary channels worldwide for each respective region. We haven’t heard any problems back so that’s a great sign. We haven’t received any eta from Sony (which is typical for these types of things) but if I hear any indication of when you might be able to expect it I’ll pass it along."

Just a bit longer fellas. Should be out soon.

[Call of Duty 4 Patch Update Info For Playstation 3]

GDC 2008: Details on Upcoming Call of Duty 4 "Feature Patch"

Infinity Wards communications manager, Robert Bowling, confirmed some of the upcoming features for the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare PLAYSTATION 3 patch.

- Optimized servers
- New Kill cams (grenades, RPG's, airstrikes, claymores, and more)
- Quick Mute (allows user to mute annoying players by pressing X on their gamertag in the lobby)
- Addition of "Recently Met Players" for the PlayStation Network
- Improvements to the Sniper Rifles and Acog attachments (no more delayed shots)

"(With the new kill cams) you can watch from when the grenade leaves the enemies hand all the way to the explosion that kills you," said Robert Bowling.

PLAYSTATION 3 gamers can also expect servers to run smoother. The four hour "Downloading Game Settings" bug was due to DemonWares servers having to handle the massive amounts of PlayStation 3 users logging in. With the new optimizations, no more problems should occur anymore.

[GDC: Call of Duty 4 "Feature Patch Details"]

Call of Duty 4 Getting Map DLC

Later on this year, Spring 2008, Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is getting some map add-ons for download on the PLAYSTATION Store.

"We've demonstrated our commitment to delivering the best multiplayer experience in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and that continues with our plans for new downloadable content," explains Infinity Ward's Community Manager, Robert Bowling. "We're excited about the new maps, and the added gameplay variety, and we can't wait to wrap things up and get online with everyone."

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was the best selling game of 2007. What do you do when you have a game like that? You get more money.

Call of Duty 4 Clan Name Glitch

A new Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare glitch has appeared today. It doesn't really have any use. Watch the video to see what I'm talking about, it lets you change the clan name's color.

[New Cod 4 Buttons Start, Select, L3, R3, L2, R2, Up, Down, Left, Right]

Call of Duty 4: Get It for $20 Off Online

If your still looking to get a game that may be a little late for a Christmas arrival, GameStop got you covered.

GameStop is selling Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for $20 off it's original $60 price tag. Thats right, you can get Call of Duty 4 off the GameStop online store for only $40.

Get it at the link below.

[Buy: Call of Duty 4]

Famitsu: Star Ocean PSP Reviewed, HAZE, Devil May Cry 4 News

The latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu comes in today with new reviews and news. Lets start with the reviews.

PLAYSTATION Portable
Star Ocean: First Departrure: 8, 7, 8, 8
- Movies and characters done well, will please fans.
- Battles are easy for the first half, start to require skill later.
- Can take a while to do everything.
- Limited field of view and long map movement times make it seem like a poor fit for the PSP.
- Map expanded too much, and you can't save on it.
- Interface is unusually convenient.
- Story has its charming points.

PLAYSTATION 3
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: 10, 9, 9, 9

This weeks issue also brought us news on some upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 titles such as HAZE and Devil May Cry 4. You can view this information below.

HAZE (Spring 2008) (PS3)
- First person action-shooting game.
- Using the wonder drug "Nectar" to enhance one's mind and spirit, one can increase one's strength and focus.

Battlefield: Bad Company (2008) (PS3/Xbox 360)
- To survive on the battlefield, you have not only weapons but an abundance of soldier's tools.
- Up to 24 players.
- 90% of objects are destructable.
- Can poke holes in cover to fire through.

Frontlines: Fuel of War (Spring 2008) (PS3/Xbox 360)
- Your gear is near-future weaponry modeled after that of a modern soldier.
- Due to playstyle, various unusual skills may be usable.
- You can customize a character with gear and skills.
- Vehicles and aircraft are usable.
- Up to 32 players.

Mystereet Portable: Yasogami Kaoru's Challenge (Spring 2008) (PSP)
- Adding to the PS2 ADV, a collection of short mysteries called "Yasogami Kaoru's Challenge." This mode focus on Kaoru using quizzes to crack the culprits' secrets, and is good for play in free time.
- Adds "Scenario 3.5" to the main game.

Devil May Cry 4 (January 2008) (PS3/Xbox 360)
- Nero's demonification isn't like Dante's; instead, a blue and white demon grows out of his back and helps with attacks.
- Nero's abilities and their effects are improved when demonized.

Sadly, thats all the real information this week's Famitsu brings us.

[Via NeoGAF]

Call of Duty 4: PS3 Connectivity Patch Coming

Robert Bowling, social relations manager of Infinity Ward, updated the Charlie Oscar Delta forums today about an upcoming patch making it's way to the PLAYSTATION 3 version of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. The new PLAYSTATION 3 exclusive connectivity patch will include the following.

US Data Center For NAT Server
Will make all US players connect to US data center and EU users connect to EU data center. This will optimize performance for all users in those areas.

Fixed 'Downloading Game Settings' Error
Fixed error with conflicting packet interaction.

Port 3095 Issue Corrected
Players were required to have port 3095 open in order to host. Now players who have port 3095 blocked can still host matches.

Matchmaking Optimization
Server search will end upon acquiring a certain number of good servers. Added "prefer" servers with best ping, this will optimize and expedite players finding and joining good matches.

The patch is set to hit sometime in the year future. No actual date was mentioned.

[Via Charlie Oscar Delta]

Call of Duty 4 Patch Details

My friend over at Infinity Ward, Robert Bowling, has posted the details of the upcoming Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare patch on his blogger site.

The upcoming patch is huge, and includes many new features. He also notes that "The Playlist changes apply to both the 360 and the PS3 versions, but the PS3 will have different patch changes." The patch details below.

Multiplayer Playlist Changes
The multiplayer playlists in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare are always evolving based on community feedback and stats we track behind the scenes. We're focused on constantly keeping the game fresh and tweaking it based on your feedback, so expect the following Playlist changes to be hitting soon:

Team Deathmatch
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.

Mercenary Team Deathmatch
* Brand New Playlists: No Clans / Parties allowed.
* Players who don't want to be matchmade with clans (or people in parties) can team up with fellow lone wolves and play some TDM.

Free-for-All
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.
* Score Limit Change: 100 Points

Domination
* Map Added to Rotation: Ambush - now available in map rotation.
* Map Added to Rotation: Bloc- now available in map rotation.
* Map Added to Rotation: Pipeline - now availalbe in map rotation.

Ground War
* No changes.

Sabatoge
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.

Headquarters
* Map Added to Rotation: Ambush - now available in map rotation.
* Map Added to Rotation: Bloc- now available in map rotation.
* Map Added to Rotation: Pipeline - now availalbe in map rotation.

Search and Destroy
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.

Team Tactical
* Map Added to Rotation: Ambush - now available in map rotation.
* Map Added to Rotation: Bloc- now available in map rotation.
* Map Added to Rotation: Pipeline - now availalbe in map rotation.

Hardcore Team Deathmatch
* Brand New Playlist: 100% Hardcore Team Deathmatch Only
* No longer switched between Hardcore Search and Destroy and Hardcore Team Deathmatch
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.

Hardcore Search and Destroy
* Brand New Playlist: 100% Hardcore Search and Destroy Only
* No longer switched between Hardcore Search and Destroy and Hardcore Team Deathmatch
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.

Old School
* Rule Set Change: Free-for-All Only w/ Old School Rules
* Increased Health (slightly)
* No Health Re-gen
* Score Limit Change: 100 points
* Map Added to Rotation: Showdown - now available in map rotation.

Cage Match
* Rule Set Change: No Longer Old School Mode
* 1 v 1: Normal Rules
* Map Added to Rotation: Countdown - now availalbe in map rotation
* Map Added to Rotation: District - now available in map rotation

Oldcore
* Playlist Removed

Team Objective
* Playlist Removed
* All gametypes included now available individually.

Upcoming Patch Updates (Seperate from above Playlist changes):

Addition of Host Migration
* If Host of lobby leaves, all players will be deposited back to the lobby where next best host will be selected before new game restarts. Players will no longer be kicked out of game entirely.

Improved Network Performance For Larger Games
* 18 player games now require more bandwidth to host, resulting in smoother performance for players.

Optimized Server Selection for First Match
* Server selection is now optimized to select best bandwidth servers associated by LSP.

Updated Spectator "Chase Cam"
* Change Spectator Mode: Switch between First Person and Third Person.
* 360 Degree rotation around character you're spectating.

Fixed "Playlist Older Than Host" Error
* Player will no longer get error when entering games.

Optimized Corrupt Create-a-Class Handling
* Players will no longer be kicked from game when their create-a-class data is corrupted.

Added Kill Cam To Everything
* Kill Cam view Added: Air Strike Bombs (Follows bomb from plane to target)
* Kill Cam view Added: Grenades (Follows frag from hand to ground, then rotates to view target)
* Kill Cam view Added: RPGs (Follows RPG from launch to target)
* Kill Cam view Added: M203 Rounds (Follows round from launcher to target)
* Kill Cam view Added: Claymores (Views from behind claymore until explosion)
* Kill Cam view Added: C4 Packs (View from pack rotating to watch target)
* Kill Cam view Added: Martrdom (View from grenade rotating to watch target)

Optimized Old School Experience
* Added Unlimited Sprint
* Doubled Magazine Size
* Added Ragdoll Cam

Additional Start Spawn Locations in All Maps
* Added a minimum of 9 extra start spawns on each side of all maps.

Optimized Sniper Rifle / ACOG Scope Accuracy
* Sniper Rifles and ACOG scope accuracy improved due to fix.

Fixed Weapon Sprint Bug
* Bug which gave players more sprint when using particular weapons.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Review

When I heard my doorbell ring the day I received this game, I knew it was going to be a great day. Upon receiving Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare from Infinity Ward, I loaded it up into my PLAYSTATION 3 and started getting into the action.

Win an 80GB PLAYSTATION 3 With Six Games

Sony wants to know if you love the PLAYSTATION 3, and to reward you for the console love, they are giving away three PLAYSTATION 3 80GB bundles along with five games and the Motorstorm packaged in the 80GB. All you must do is:

• Create a two-minute video explaining why the PLAYSTATION 3 is the best next-gen gaming console.
• Be as creative, original and enthusiastic as you can be.
• Upload your creation to your favorite video hosting site.
• Don't use any copyrighted materials.
• Email the link to your video, plus your name, street address and email address to: Playstation_community_support@playstation.sony.com
• Make sure you include PS3 PDA in your video title so it can be easily found.

If Sony picks your video as one of the lucky three, you are going to win:

• 80GB PLAYSTATION 3 w/ Motorstorm
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
• Heavenly Sword
• Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
• Warhawk

Anyway, good luck all you PLAYSTATION 3 lovers, start showing your affection at the link below.

[Enter: PS3 Contest]

Best Call of Duty 4 Programmers on PLAYSTATION 3 Version

In the new issue of PSM3 Magazine, Infinity Ward studio head Vince Zampella explains that they weren't taking any chances with the PLAYSTATION 3 version of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare:

We had our best programmers on the PS3 [version of Call of Duty] and it shows...

Yes it does show, the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on the PLAYSTATION 3 almost looks flawless. Good job Infinity Ward.

[Via Kotaku]

Call of Duty 4: Behind the Scenes Multiplayer

Take a behind-the-scenes look at what Infinity Wardr put into creating the incredible multiplayer in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

PSM3 Reviews: Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty 4, & More

The latest issue of PSM3, a UK based PLAYSTATION 3 magazine, comes jam packed with some great new reviews. Take a look at those below.

Assassin's Creed 81%.
Overall: All the basic mechanics are there, but kinks in the design keep Creed from greatness.

Call of Duty 4 94%.
Overall: A triumph of set-piece design, special effects and impeccable FPS action. Mindblowing.

Need for Speed ProStreet 79%.
Overall: A touch repetitive, but a confident, high speed, return to form for Need For Speed.

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga 80%
Overall: Terrific games but TCS is pointless if you've played them before. But if you haven't, get it.

Beowulf 41%
Overall: An avoidably bad game with shoddy design and a lame, thankless combat system.

The Simpsons Game 70%
Overall: Flimsy platformingand lame combat, but so funny its hard to care. Fans will go nuts.

Kane and Lynch: Dead Men 58%
Overall: Bland characters, action-by-numbers. Easily the most disappointing game of 2007.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock 90%
Overall: Nothing much new - except for the most dazzling playlist to grace the series yet. Great.

[Via GT Forums]