Archive for October, 2006

While backward compatibility is old news, it’s very reassuring to see it actually tested and confirmed by members of the press. It’s also nice to hear that Sony is now showing the press retail units with final, shipping hardware.

They tested both a PS1 and a PS2 title and both worked as expected. There was no improvement in image quality, which is a minor disappointment, but the important thing is that it is reliable. When I get my PS3, I definitely plan to make heavy use of the PS2 game support.

repdetect2: Of note is that the PS3 does appear to respect region lockout of older titles. The japanese version of Kingdom Hearts 2 was a no go…

PlayStation 3 Backward Compatibility Testing

Toys R Us had their big PS3/Wii preorder day today. Reports are scattered across the web. It sounds like a lot of people eagerly camped out overnight in tents.

Apparently, not only were people camped out overnight for the PS3 and the Wii, but for some new Elmo doll? I understand camping out for a new game console, but an Elmo doll?!?!

Congratulations again to those who managed to secure a pre-order. I admire the dedication of people who actually camped at stores. Personally, I can’t do that kind of thing. I’ll wait until January or February when supply will hopefully be easier to come by.

PLAYSTATION®3 Camping & Pre-Orders

Metal Gear Solid 4 is arguably one of the PS3′s most anticipated titles. Unfortunately it won’t be out until mid next year and that can seem like a long time. Especially when you’re looking forward to it like I am. If you haven’t played any of the Metal Gear titles however, this is actually perfect timing for you. To truly appreciate and understand what could be the last Solid ever, now is the perfect time to play through the whole series.

Prepare yourself for some excellent gaming, and a gripping story that will give the name Solid Snake a whole new meaning for you:

Part I: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – PS2

This is where it all starts. This gives you the framework of who Snake is, what he has been fighting against for so long, and how he became the legend that he is. Without giving too much away, you will learn the political intrigue surrounding the rise to power of some very important people.

Part II: Metal Gear Solid – PS1

After a long period of retirement, Snake is called back into action to negate the actions of Metal Gear REX. During this process, some startling revelations are made about Snake, and how he fits into a much bigger picture.

Part III: Metal Gear Sold 2: Sons of Liberty – PS2

With the blueprints for Metal Gear REX out in the open, Snake continues to do what he can to minimize the damage this has caused. With an amazing opening sequence on the George Washington Bridge, Snake continues in his investigation. Over the course of this mission, revelations will be made to Snake that shake him to his very core. And one name will become a legend: Raiden.

All of these games are now considered to be bargain titles, and can be had from a used game shop very cheaply. With the expense of PS3 games on the horizon, enjoy some excellent gameplay at an affordable price

Apparently someone was curious about the inside of the SIXAXIS and decided to take it apart. I always wondered what that infamous battery looked like…now I know.

Chinagba Forum

Famitsu reported (link via Kotaku) that publically playable PS3 kiosks have arrived in Japan. Playable games include Devil May Cry 4, Power Smash 3 (Virtua Tennis), Gran Turismo HD and Ridge Racer 7. I suspect they will provide different demos for North America kiosks, specifically Resistance and MotorStorm.

Now when will these arrive outside of Japan? There are less than three weeks until the PS3 is launched in the US, so kiosks can’t be too far off. I’ve seen the PS3 section set up at my local Target last week (without an actual PS3) and I’ve read various unconfirmed reports of non-playable PS3 kiosks. I can’t wait!

The Playable PS3 Kiosk Finally Storms Japan

As the days go by, more and more companies are getting their hands on the PS3 and providing us with feedback.

What caught my attention about this one is that they talk about Blu-ray movie playback, give us more high quality pictures, and actually lead in to a very good and detailed review. Since it’s a Japanese to English translation the read is a little choppy, but worthing checking out

Watch Impress

The latest issue of Famitsu PS2 has, what could be, some very interesting information. In a Q&A with Hori (maker of various peripherals for the PS1/PS2), they stated they had ideas on how rumble functionality could be implemented.

If Sony doesn’t want to do it, why not Hori? The only catch is that it would require support from software developers, and therein lies the rub.

IGN

Sony has released images of the PS3 browser and the store front. Looking quite different from the XBOX Live Marketplace, it appears clean and polished. Hopefully Sony keeps a card or two up their sleeve and more items are prepped for download than what has already been disclosed.

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