Solving the Case Behind Mandatory Blu-Ray Installs on PlayStation 3

We all hate mandatory installations, not just because it takes up time, but it takes up valuable space on our PlayStation 3's.

Devil May Cry 4 was released with a mandatory 5GB 20-minute installation and fans were pissed. Christian Svennsson told MTVGamer that Capcom didn’t realize the issue would “blow up.” He says the company will take the response into account for future releases.

Turns out, after quizzing several developers, that the reason is Blu-Ray. It's Blu-Rays "fault" because it's different technology than a DVD, not that it's slow. The issue comes from the reading differences of DVD and Blu-Ray. DVD Drives read data at differing speeds while Blu-ray reads at one speed. That means if you add more data onto the disc, the loading times will be longer. Thats when installations were thought of.

Hopefully, this will be gone in the future.

[The Mystery Behind PlayStation 3’s Sometimes Mandatory Installations]

Hot Shots Golf 5 Online Lobby Is a Mini-Home

The online game lobby for Sony Computer Entertainment's recently released Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds is pretty awesome. When you look at it, it is sort of like a mini PlayStation Home. You create a mini-avatar and chat with other players in the game lobby, while being able to access the XMB friends list. You can also entert and create custom tournaments with you and your friends.

[Hot Shots Golf Online Lobby is Awesome!]

Hot Shots Golf 5: Hole In One Interview

Keisuke Futami, the lead artist over at Clap Hanz, talks to us at GDC 2008 about the art style of Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds. He speaks of the new shot system as well. Enjoy!

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds: Long Drive Trailer

Sony Computer Entertainment released a new trailer of the fifth installment in the Hot Shots Golf series, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds. Watch as they long drive to the hole. Enjoy!

PLAYSTATION 3 and The Forced Installs

I don't know if it is just me, but the installations on the PLAYSTATION 3 are starting to get annoying. First, when we opened our PLAYSTATION 3 boxes for the first time and visited the PLAYSTATION Store, we downloaded a demo to find we had to wait another minute or two to let it install, sort of like a PC.

Then, games like Unreal Tournament III started coming in. The game is awesome, and it's great that Epic included an option to install to shorten load times and such, and not a required installation. It seems as though including the install influenced some developers.

Then, Capcom released Devil May Cry 4. The bad thing is when you first load up the game, you have to sit through 20-25 minutes of install time, and can read a back story with repeating pictures for that time. Then they announced that the upcoming Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds is going to require a 5GB installation. Shortly after that, they said that Lost Planet: Extreme Condition will require a 5GB installation.

Now, I don't know about you, but even though the waiting times are enormous, thats 15GB of space used up on your PLAYSTATION 3 right there. Most the PLAYSTATION 3 user base has their standard hard drive on their system being the 20, 40, 60, or 80 gig consoles. Many people use their PLAYSTATION 3 as their general media player as well, meaning less space for movies, songs, pictures, and even demos.

Now I ask, are these forced "space-takers" here to stay? How many more games are we going to see this in? We will only find out as the time goes by. To tell the truth, I don't even want that 5GB Devil May Cry 4 gave me.

EU PLAYSTATION Store Update: February 14, 2008

Well, Thursday means PLAYSTATION Store update. Here is the update for the Europeans.

Games
- Riff Everyday Shooter (£4.99)
- Feel Ski (updated game file)

Demos
- Everybody’s Golf World Tour demo (free)

Add-Ons
- Guitar Hero 3: Classic Rock Track Pack (£3.99)

Game Videos
- Conflict: Denied Ops Teaser Trailer (free)
- Conflict: Denied Ops Dev Diary#1: Destructibility (free)
- Conflict: Denied Ops Dev Diary#2: Environmental Breadth (free)

Theatrical Trailers
- Spiderwick Chronicles trailer (free)
- The Waterhouse trailer (free)
- Vantage Point trailer (free)

Wallpapers
- Resident Evil 5 Wallpaper (free)

Themes
- Super Stardust HD Theme (free)

Enjoy the update! Make sure you pick up Everyday Shooter!

Following the Devil: Hot Shots Golf 5 Requires 5GB Installation

In a new hands-on with Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, it was revealed that the game, just like Devil May Cry 4, will require a 5GB installation upon first entering the disc.

I don't know about you, but I don't think 5GB game installations will become much of a fad if they continue. With most PLAYSTATION 3 users using the HDDs that came with the console, they are going to want space for their games.

Let's hope this doesn't continue in the future.

[PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Hot Shots Golf Out of Bounds]

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]

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds Coming to the PLAYSTATION 3

Yes, what we knew as Hot Shots Golf 5 in Japan is now coming to the US dubbed as Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds.

The big headed anime looking golf palyers are going to be hitting your PLAYSTATION 3 this March. Over the next few weeks, expect to hear some more about this new title, such as new characters, the game soundtrack, online play, and more.

View screenshots of this game here and here.

[Introducing Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds]

Hot Shots Golf 5: Three New Range Screenshots

Sony Computer Entertainment has released three new screenshots of the range in their upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 golf title, Hot Shots Golf 5. Enjoy these three new beautiful nature shots.

Hot Shots Golf 5: Three New Screenshots

Following Sony's announcement of Hot Shots Golf 5 arriving to the US shores this March 2008, they've released three new screenshots as well. These new screenshots show the elegance of the game, with some new style.

Hot Shots Golf 5 Coming March 2008

Hot Shots Golf 5 tore up the Japanese chart when it was released in Japan. Sporting attractive graphics, great gameplay, and cute characters, why wouldn't it?

It seems that the game will finally be hitting the United States this upcoming March 2008. A demo will probably be on the store soon before that as Japan had one.

[Via PS3Fanboy]