Zero Punctuation: DC Universe Online

Yahtzee is a British-born, currently Australian-based writer and gamer with a sweet hat and a chip on his shoulder. When he isn't talking very fast into a headset mic he also designs freeware adventure games and has a novel coming out soon. His personal site iswww.fullyramblomatic.com.

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See a new Zero Punctuation review each Wednesday only at The Escapist.

And as usual, NSFW

Netflix Without The Embarrassing Disc For PS3

Sony finally figures out what Microsoft did over a year ago, and integrates Netflix into the Playstation 3 platform. Previously PS3 users had to use a physical disc if they wished to stream Netflix movies. While this wasn't a deal breaker by any stretch, the physical wear and tear of a required disc to stream was never a good idea. Especially when PS3's main rival Xbox 360 never needed a disc and had a software only solution that was part of its platform. This also appeals to the lazy in most people, since you no longer have to swap out a disc if you would like to stream a movie.

I personally didn't like the fact that if I scratched up the disc (with a 4 year old in the house, it's always a chance), I couldn't stream a movie until a replacement disc arrived.

The update will roll out on Monday October 18th.

[Crunchgear]

Slow And Frequent Updates Kills The PS3 Experience

Although I'm more of a Xbox 360 gamer, I do occasionally fire up the PS3 for some God of War 3 or Guitar Hero love. But one thing that I always thought was just an issue with me, turns out to be an issue with many PS3 casual gamers. It always seemed to me that when ever I turned on my PS3 there was a mandatory system update that you had to take, or you couldn't play your game. And unlike Microsoft who only does maybe two major updates a year, Sony does them routinely. Minor features (some that are not even wanted) that could be saved until Sony has one massive update every half year. But no, Sony likes to nickel and dime you with these stupid mandatory updates, which many times kills the game experience.

During those updates you can't do anything else on the PS3, but sit there and wait. I thought there was something wrong with my download speed or PS3 wireless connection, but according to Ben Kuchera of Ars Technica you're only getting 2.5Mbps from Sony which is about the low-end of DSL. So between download and install you're looking at about 30 to 45 minutes before you can play said game, and by then, I'm on to something else.

Ben Kuchera article about this is great, and he hits the nail on the head about this subject like you wouldn't believe.

Thanks to Gizmodo for this.

[Ars Technica via Gizmodo]

Redbox still working on getting games to its rental kiosks

Do you have any idea how effen cool it will be if Redbox kiosks start spitting out video games? Think about this: you would be able to get your beer, Funyuns, and rent the latest gaming titles at one location. The future is near, friends and Redbox is still pursuing the game rental market.

Actually, Redbox is experiencing some technical difficulties. You see, Warner Bros, Twentieth Century Fox, and NBC Universal have cut off access to their collective libraries because they do not get any revenue from the rental kiosks. Plus, Redbox is stating that 20th Century Fox and Warner Home Video are somehow stopping the company from purchasing movies at retail from Target and Wal-Mart.

Welcome to the jungle, Redbox. The movie industry makes it worse here everyday.

The company is staying somewhat quiet about its gaming plans. Redbox hasn’t officially announced any partners or game publishers that are on board yet, but trials are underway in Reno, Nevada and Wilmington, North Carolina. Some kiosks in those areas have been renting out discs for $2 a day since this summer.

Mitch Lowe, president of Redbox, at the Reatuers Global Media Summit,

“We are talking early and often with the content providers of games so that we start out with a much better understanding of what we’re doing,”

Redbox is likely learning from its trials with the movie studios and probably do not want the same thing to happen if they do in fact offer games. But if all the kinks are worked out, games should be a big hit for Redbox. The expensive infrastructure is already in place. The company already has 20,600 kiosks nationwide, with further expansion planned for the northeast and Florida. Throw some Assassin’s Creed 2 and Modern Warfare 2 discs in the machines, and they will likely be sold out within hours.

[via CrunchGear]

PS3 Slim Is........ Slim.

Well the photos of the new PS3 Slim have surfaced and I have to say I do like the new look. I'm not sure if this will help sales any, but I know that Sony is crossing all of their fingers and toes. The new matte finish leaves less finger prints then the PS3 fat, but considering that it's not an iPhone, I'm not sure if that was ever a problem. The shape is virtually the same but the new unit is lighter, only has 2 USB ports, and no card reader. The smaller shape makes it less stable on its side, so if you want to keep it vertical, a $24 stand will be available in September.

I think the biggest improvement to the PS3 Slim is the ejection button is an actual button, instead of the "sensor". I don't know how many times I've stood there like an idiot waiting for the "sensor" to pick up my finger and eject the damn disk. That's almost worth me selling the PS3 fat that I own and picking up one of the PS3 Slims. Gizmodo did a side by side test between the two units and made a surprising discovery that the PS3 Slim disc drive is noticeably louder than the PS3 fat. That is unfortunate, because as any Xbox 360 owner will tell you, louder is not better.

Not sure why Sony felt the need to change the form factor so soon for the PS3, as it took at least 5 years before the form changed for the PS2. I think getting quality games for the PS3 would have been a better approach.

Zero Punctuation: “Red Faction: Guerilla”

OK, I don’t care what Yahtzee says about the game.  I think I’m getting it.  There have been a lot of great reviews.  But as usual, his reviews are always funny and very NSFW.  Enjoy.

Yahtzee is a British-born, currently Australian-based writer and gamer with a sweet hat and a chip on his shoulder. When he isn't talking very fast into a headset mic he also designs freeware adventure games and writes the back page column for PC Gamer, who are too important to mention us. His personal site is www.fullyramblomatic.com.

Worst Game Ports Ever!

Street Fighter II port on the C-64. What were they thinking?!?!
We all have played them, great games that originally came out on a competing system which were ported to your system in a way that left you wishing for death to the programmers or project managers who botched the hell out of the game you waited to play for so long.
In the old days the Atari 2600 had a port of Pac-Man. To this day, if I met who was responsible for that abomination I'd (to this day) give them the finger. Especially since Ms. Pac-Man was much more faithful to it's arcade counterpart.
Recent times saw the first version of Madden for the PS3 running around 25 frames per second. No, it's not always the fault of the system you're playing on; it's the crap job the company of the game title did that left you saying, "I paid $50 plus dollars for this?!?!?"
This site has a list of ports that truly sucked. It's a trip down memory lane of rushed titles and programming incompetence.
I want to see your most hated ports here on Cowbell Tech. Let the venom flow free!!!

E3 2009: Final Fantasy News

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It's a very Final Fantasy E3.

First was the bombshell revelation that Final Fantasy XIV is in the works and will be an MMORPG for both the PlayStation 3 and PC, then some cool new action from Final Fantasy XIII, and now comes word that Final Fantasy VII, regarded by some as the best Final Fantasy RPG, is available right now for download on the PlayStation Network for both the PSP and the PlayStation 3.

Personally, I'm not "into" Final Fantasy. I've really tried to get into this series, as it seems to mean so much to so many people, but the truth is, I'm just not able to enjoy it. It's just not my thing. What about you? Are you into Final Fantasy? Which number is your ultimate favorite?

[via G4TV]

Zero Punctuation reviews Valkyria Chronicles

Here’s the next review from Zero Punctuation.  I love it when he forces himself to play a JRPG.  Hilarity always ensues.  And as usual it is very NSFW.

Yahtzee is a British-born, currently Australian-based writer and gamer with a sweet hat and a chip on his shoulder. When he isn't talking very fast into a headset mic he also designs freeware adventure games and writes the back page column for PC Gamer, who are too important to mention us. His personal site is www.fullyramblomatic.com.

Harmony® Adapter for PLAYSTATION®3 is out!!

Well, the wait is finally over.  Those of us who have Logitech Harmony universal remotes can finally use it to control their PS3.  In case you didn’t know, the only way previously to use a remote with your PS3 and have access to all the commands, including power on/off, was to buy Sony’s Bluetooth Remote.  Well Now you can add this little box and have access to all commands from Logitech Harmony Remotes.  It’s still a little pricey right now at $59.99, but Logitech’s prices usually go down pretty quickly.  It’s available from Logitech directly or amazon.com. 

Bible Bundled With PS3

I have to say that when I saw this picture I was thinking to myself that Sony has truly gotten desperate. But the more I think about it the more it makes sense to me. It looks like somewhere in Poland there’s an “unofficial” PS3 bundle that comes with Ratchet & Clank, Gran Turismo Prologue, Ridge Racer 7 and…....The Bible?

Pismo Swiete Stary/Nowy Testmanet translates to "Sacred Scripture Old / New Testament."

Now you would think that this would be the outrageous part right? Well you have to give it to the commenter’s at Gizmodo, because they have some of the best follow-ups to a post. Check some of the quotes:

• “Jesus saves.... after he passes each level.”
• “There should be a Saving Private Ryan snipping game so one can read bible verses while handing out justice.”
• “OK So hold on...... The PS3 is selling so bad that it needs the help of a HIGHER POWER to get it off SHELVES???? OHH man this is just Classic.”
• “This brings up an interesting question? What would fit best in a bundle with other consoles? Naturally, I would package a copy of "The Ring" with XBOX 360.”

Maybe someone thinks you need to come to Jesus after purchasing a PS3.

Hit the jump for the rest.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Demo Available Soon

I’ve never been a big fan of this series, but obviously a lot of gamers love it. So it brings me great joy to let you know that Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children demo will hit the streets April 16th on Blu-Ray. The ads are already running in Japan, but our friends at G4TV have provided us with a look.

Enjoy.

[G4TV]

Little Big Planet Delayed

This is from PLayStation.Blog.

 

"During the review process prior to the release of LittleBigPlanet, it has been brought to our attention that one of the background music tracks licensed from a record label for use in the game contains two expressions that can be found in the Qur’an. We have taken immediate action to rectify this and we sincerely apologize for any offense that this may have caused.

We will begin shipping LittleBigPlanet to retail in North America the week of October 27th. Sorry for the delay, and rest assured, we are doing everything we can to get LittleBigPlanet to you as soon as possible."


Well, I'm glad that they caught it in time. Hate to have another replay of Kakuto Chojin.  (BTW, I actually own this game.)

Yahtzee Lets "Too Human" Have It

My favorate Britton is going after "Too Human".

I can't believe this kind of humor is free!!!

'God Of War 3' Teaser Trailer

This game alone is a reason to own a PS3.....

I'm finally excited about a PS3 game!!!

[G4TV]

Niko Intros Cooling Systems For Xbox 360, PS3

One of the things that I absolutely hate about my game consoles is the excessive heat that the Xbox 360 and the PS3 kick out. For the PS3, this only results in a loud fan that comes on that is as equally noisy as the Xbox 360 drive. For the Xbox 360 it gets a little more serious, with the possibility of the video card going belly up, resulting in a bricked console (I speak from experience).

Well coming in September, Nyko will intro two new cooling units designed to prevent your console from frying. The Intercooler TS for the Xbox 360 ($24.99) and the PS3 ($34.99) will hit stores, with the PS3 model offering variable fan-speed control. Both models will have “TempSmart” which automatically adjusts the cooling system, based on the temperature near the console. Both snap on the back of the console, and can be used on either horizontal or vertical.

[Crunchgear]

Playstation 2.40 Firmware Updates Bricking Some PS3's

The most highly anticipated 2.40 PS3 firmware update that brings long awaited cool in-game stuff, is bricking the consoles. Yes, if you haven't updated your PS3 system with this update, don't!

Sony has already pulled the update because of all the issues, and for the unlucky ones who've already bricked their machine, Kokaku might be able to help you out. But if you haven't, just hold off until the fixed update is released.

[Kotaku via Gizmodo]

PS3 Update 2.40

Hehe, I saw this on Ctrl+Al+Del and just had to giggle a little bit about it. I just realized that since I've gotten my PS3, I've still played Boogie Bunnies more than I've used the PS3 in total. I am gonna give the Orange Box a try before this coming weekend is over. And the controls for NCAA 2009 just don't seem as intuitive and responsive as the 360 version. Maybe I just have to get used to PlayStation controllers again (will they ever make a controller for a man sized hand?)

Zero Punctuation video review of Metal Gear Solid 4

Well the fast talking British-born, currently Australian-based writer and gamer is back at it again, and he makes me a little thankful that I didn't purcase MGS4 when I got my PS3.

PS3 2.40 Firmware Update Details

The most anticipated firmware update for the PS3 version 2.40 will be held back. At least until E3 when Sony can announce it during their presentation in 3 weeks. This update will bring many features to the PS3 that should’ve been there from day one. Most of the features plays catch up with the Xbox 360, with in-game XMB-access and achievements finally being added to the console. Here are some of the in-game XLB features that will come with the update:

Friend category

View, send, receive messages

Manage downloads

Set the vibration feature of the controller

Sign in to PlayStation Network

Register friends

Manage Bluetooth devices

Terminate the game

Music category

Use the system BGM

Work the system BGM operation panel

Settings category

Assign controllers

View profiles

Game category

Set audio devices

Use the voice changer

Now we just need a good game to take advantage of the new features!!!

Thanks to Gizmodo for this info. [CVG via Gizmodo]

UPDATE: Here's a video of the new Trophy system