Archive for November, 2006
Quake 3 on Linux, on PS3
As you would expect, as intrepid PS3 owners experiment with the system’s Linux capability more and more of these types of applications are likely to appear.
This one shows the PC version of Quake 3: Arena being played through the Fedora Linux operating system on the PS3. Whilst the framerate is pretty much too slow for the game to be playable and the resolution is too small, it’s worth considering that this is all done just using the Cell processor. The RSX cannot be accessed by Linux based programmes. That should tell you just how powerful the Cell is on its own.
I can’t wait to see what other older applications these coders can get running, although I’m still awaiting the bits that could be put together into a comprehensive media centre.
Thanks ehandlr!
Virtua Overload
Posted by Tom in PS3 software, S, V on November 24th, 2006
Well kind of anyway; Jeuxvideo.tv has new videos of the PS3 versions of Virtua Fighter 5 and Virtua Tennis 3. Away from the “Virtua” theme they also have a video of the upcoming, and apparently hugely disappointing, Sonic The Hedgehog.
The first thing that stands out is that both Virtua titles look a lot better in movement than they do in the shots we have seen. Put mildly, they really stand out as with the best looking of next generation titles. Sonic, on the other hand, shows why the series is having problems in the 3D platform genre. I used to be a huge fan of the 2D game, but as this video shows things in 3D are completely confusing, particularly because of the camera and level design, neither of which seem to be sensible for a game involving a supersonic hedgehog. Graphically it falls far below the quality of the Virtua titles and as you can see, the person controlling Sonic gets into trouble at the same spot a couple of times.
Virtua Fighter 5 and Virtua Tennis 3 are due out in the Spring, Sonic is due out just before Christmas.
Simply follow the links to see what I mean:
Virtua Fighter 5
Virtua Tennis 3
Sonic The Hedgehog
Koei Cancels PS3 Exclusives
Posted by Blackstaffer in PS3 software on November 24th, 2006
Protests to the contrary, I think that exclusive titles are important for a console. Some people say that exclusives don’t matter. It just matters whether or not the games you like are on your system. Well, yes and no. Of course playing the games you like is the whole point of it all. But a system with more exlusives will draw more gamers who want those games. More gamers means a larger installed base. A larger installed base means it’s more likely a developer will write games for that platform. It’s all very circular, but getting exclusives is an important part of kick-starting a platform.
Which is why I don’t think it’s a good thing for the PS3 to have lost exclusivity on two titles by Koei. Blade Storm and Fatal Inertia used to be PS3 exclusive. Now Koei has said that they’ll be releasing those games for the PS3 as well. Both games will be European launch titles in March 2007, and no date has been given for the Xbox 360 versions.
I think that Koei has to make the decision that is best for their business. And that is probably exactly what they did. That doesn’t mean that it’s a good thing for the PS3 however. Ah well. I’m still looking forward to F1, MotorStorm, and Heavenly Sword come March 2007. At least those are still exclusive.
GRAW 2: maybe for PS3?
Posted by Blackstaffer in G, PS3 software on November 23rd, 2006
My friends and I enjoy playing Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter on the Xbox 360. We especially like Co-op Elimination, where the four of us are placed on a map with a bunch of bots to destroy. The bots could be a little bit more clever, but it’s still a lot of fun.
Ubisoft has not announced whether or not the PS3 will get a version of GRAW 2, unfortunately. But I’m crossing my fingers that the PS3 will get some GRAW lovin’.
Some details about the game have leeked out, however.
- Dynamic weather conditions
- Object translucency
- “God Rays”
God Rays is a graphical technique that simulates the way light goes around an opaque surface - New smoke effects
- Mexico and US locations.
Here’s hoping!
HDMI Cable Contest Closing Soon!
Posted by Blackstaffer in Talk on November 23rd, 2006
I’ll be ending the HDMI cable contest a week early because hardly anybody is signing up anymore. For those of you who aren’t aware, eHDMI.com is giving away two HDMI cables through this site! Go to the link below for details.
I’ll be announcing the winners on Tuesday, November 28th.
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