Whoot! In game XMB is coming on Wednesday (July 2nd) along with the rest of the unimportant stuff in the 2.40 update for the PS3. Eric Lempel hosted video’s on Sony’s PlayStation Blog showing off the new features including the in game XMB and the new ‘Trophy System’.
The first 1st party games that have been announced to feature trophies are: WarHawk, LittleBigPlanet, PixelJunk Eden, PAIN, Super Stardust HD, BUZZ! Quiz TV, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, NBA 09, Resistance 2 and SOCOM: Confrontation.
Games like SSHD, WarHawk and PAIN will have updates coming down the pipeline to add the trophy feature and the other games will have them at lauch. According to Lempel both 1st & 3rd party developers have the tools to patch in the trophies for their games but players will have to play said games again if they want the trophies.
That sounds like a bit of a waste of time but if you think about it it stops people downloading saves and cheating the system. However it does mean that i’m gonna have to play all of my games again to get the trophies and with games like Uncharted, Stranglehold and Heavenly Sword I think a rental is on the cards because i’ve traded them in. That also means that if RockStar decides they want them in GTA i’ll have to play GTA again too. So it’s good and it’s a bit annoying but hey at least we’ve got it now.
The PS3 also gets the ‘internet search’ feature added to the XMB like the PSP has just got in it’s latest firmware (4.00). There has also been an update to the profile screen which now shows your tophies and your “level”, this is all explained in the videos.
I will try and get the videos so you can see the stuff for yourself but in the meantime go to the PlayStation Blog and check em out. You can also see more screens over at Kotaku.
Yet another music game leak today and it’s from another survey. A Kotaku tipster has provided this leak which shows a survey detailing playable rockers in ‘Guitar Hero: World Tour’. Apparently Sting, Ozzy Osbourne, Ted Nugent, Billy Corgan, Travis Barker, Hayley Williams, Zak Wylde and JIMMY HENDRIX will be playable characters in the new game.
There were images of Corgan in a motion-capture suit floating about the interwebs for a few weeks leading people to believe that the Smashing Pumpkins frontman would appear in the game. The survey also mentions that other who are “yet to be confirmed” but where revealed in an Intellisponse leak. Currently unconfirmed artists include Korn, System Of A Down, The Doors and rumored artist Tool are all set to join the Guitar Hero 4 roster.
Here’s the full description from the survey:
“In this new Guitar Hero game, join up with your band mates to form the ultimate super group and rock your way to the top. Shred on lead, rhythm, or bass guitar (three options on one guitar controller), rip on drums, or belt it out on the mic as you rock together on the greatest classic, modern, alternative, pop, and metal hits. 85 songs by artists including Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, System of a Down, Ozzy Osbourne, Interpol, Muse, Tool (at least three songs and a dedicated venue), and dozens more come together to form the coolest set list ever. You can even play as your favorite rock star, choosing from characters like Sting, Ozzy Osbourne, Ted Nugent, Billy Corgan, Jimi Hendrix, Travis Barker, Hayley Williams, and Zak Wylde. If none of these are your style, then you can create your own character, including character construction, instrument creation, band logos and album covers. Then take it to a whole new level by jumping into a fully-integrated recording studio to lay down, upload, and share custom tracks online – for virtually unlimited rock. This game features the most authentic instrument peripherals on the market, including an all-new wireless guitar controller with the first-ever touch-sensitive neck slide, dedicated Star Power button, and ability to palm-mute. Also, the new killer wireless drums have ultra-quiet pressure-sensitive pads, raised cymbals, and are easy to set up and take down. Or, use the microphone to become the ultimate frontman. This new Guitar Hero game lets you rock together and rock for all.”
This new GH is really intriguing me now. If Rock Band dosen’t get some Hendrix it’d be a shame. This game is really tempting me now. Plastic instruments FTW!
It was announced a few weeks back that Turbonegro would be appearing in Rock Band 2 (amongst others) making them the 1st band to be semi-confirmed for the game. Another leaked survey has revealed some new details for the Rock Band sequel this survey said (i’ve turned into Les Dennis) things about the game having “120 of the biggest rock anthems from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s” which would include “songs from gods of rock AC/DC and many, many others”
The survey also mentioned improved “instruments, character creation and online modes” it was noted that the drums specifically would see an improvement but no details were disclosed.
The description of RB2 also talks about players being able to “develop and personalize artwork and apparel in game, which you can then order as actual merchandise and be mailed to you”
These ‘leaks’ sound quite exciting and you all know how much I love Rock Band but Guitar Hero: World Tour does seem to be getting better daily. I really don’t want more fake instruments in my house.
Filed under: Gaming News | Tags: E3, Half Life 2: Episode 3, PC Gaming, Valve
It was rumored earlier this week that Valve would be showing off some stuff on, the highly anticipated, ‘Half Life 2: Episode 3′ (Leeds United 0 – thanks Yhatzee) at E3. Today Valve have responded to these claims and have denied that the game was to be shown at the show. However it is likely Valve will be at E3 probably showcasing ‘Left 4 Dead’.
Filed under: Next Week In Rock Band | Tags: Crüefest, EA, Harmonix, Motley Crüe, Papa Roach, Rock Band, Trapt, Vesuvius
This week Harmonix and EA have decided to bring us new DLC in the form of ‘The Crüefest Pack’. This pack ‘celebrates’ Crüefest and will feature three of the artists performing at the festival. Of course Motley Crüe are in here.
The tracks are:
- ‘Down At The Whisky’ – Motley Crüe
- ‘Time Is Running Out’ – Papa Roach
- ‘Who’s Going Home With You Tonight’ – Trapt
I’m not expecting anything special with these tracks and that’s the way I like to approach DLC i’ve never heard. I will give these a listen before Thursday but I probably won’t be rushing to get these. Not really into metal but the last Crüe track (‘Saints Of Los Angeles’) surprised me and is actually quite good, but whatever.
Those tracks will be available on the Xbox Live Marketplace (Tuesday/Wednesday) and PS Store (Thursday). The tracks are priced at $0.99 each (80 MS points) or $2.99 (240 MS points) for the pack.
Not only are we being given this but Harmonix is releasing ‘Promised Land’ by Vesuvius for free along with the usual paid for DLC on the above days. Nice of ‘em that. I will download that song (it sounds terrible) because it’s free and well…why not.
- Sorry for the bad image quality over the past few days. Nothing to do with me or the quality of the images it’s something new WP are doing I hope they go back to the old way, y’know when images looked good.
Remember the newly announced PS3 ‘video store’ from earlier this week, course ya do. Anyway it turns out that it’ll currently only be supported by Sony. They are in negotiations with other studio’s but nothing is official (yet). The service set for a ‘Summer 08′ release should be out soon after E3 and with Sony Pictures on board it’s not like there’ll be a lack of movies anyway.
Filed under: Gaming News | Tags: PS3 Exclusive, Shirokishi Monogatari, Sony, White Knight Chronicles
A lot of people seem to have this thing for a PS3 exclusive RPG called ‘White Knight Chronicles’ (or Shirokishi Monogatari in Japan). I personally am not in to RPG’s much (so this game currently does not interest me). I do like the fact that this seems like a BIG PS3 exclusive and will get more people to buy the console. You never know I might like it. The game was thought not to be coming out this year but I’m gonna say this is coming out before Christmas.
Another big annoucement out of Sony’s ‘corporate strategy meeting’ earlier this week, and I didn’t think anything would be worth reporting.
The image also shows some of the big titles coming out during Sony’s fiscal year 2008. I’m surprised to see ‘Secret Agent Clank’ up there.
Filed under: Gaming Rumors | Tags: Gaming Rumor, HDTV, Microsoft, Samsung, Xbox 360?
Now regular readers may know that i’m a die hard PlayStation fan and that stuff concerning other consoles is not a regular feature of the XeNonX Blog but when browsing Kotaku I came across this.
There was a rumor this week that surfaced in US gaming mag EGM that Microsoft would be letting other companies manufacture Xbox 360 hardware, supposedly meaning consoles. Could the above image be the first proof that the rumor was true? Personally I don’t think so. It would make sense for MS to outsource production because of the RROD thing but other than that I see no reason.
The image was sent into Kotaku by an ‘anonymous tipster’ who also provided some details about the TV (4 USB ports, 512mb hdd(?), ring of light style on button) and a serial number (XS40R360A). Now this does sound pretty believable especially with that EGM rumor but other than that I consider this just good photoshoppery (for now).
Is it just me, or does that TV look quite nice anyway?
Kaz had another ‘big’ announcement for us PS3 owners out there today a new app for the console called Life With PlayStation’ is coming to a PS3 near you…ummm…soon? Anyway it looks pretty cool, basically it allows you to access news and weather reports from around the globe. Apparently it’s possible to read full articles with the service and users can set their own choice of background music whilst looking at the virtual earth. It sounds ok in theory, don’t know if i’d use it though.
you can check out some pics over at Kotaku
Filed under: Gaming News | Tags: PlayStation, PS3, PSN Video Store, PSP, Sony, Tech
Sony seem to have held some sort of event in Japan today there’s not too much of interest on the PlayStation front but these shots have come out of the event which made up part of a presentation by Kaz Hirai. Basically these images finally show Sony’s plans for a video download service. It sounds cool in theory, but will anyone use it? That is the question. There was also a look at how Sony want to roll out this service across all of their tech.
The service will apparently launch in ‘Summer 08′ for PS3 (and possibly PSP) with the service being added to Sony’s laptops and phones e.t.c with the service finally being brought across all Sony tech by 2010.
If any more exciting stuff does surface i’ll put it up but I doubt there will be.
Filed under: Crazy Ass Ramblings | Tags: Gamer Fashion, Lol, Yhatzee, Zero Punctuation
Just checked out the latest ‘Zero Punctuation’ review over at the escapist only to find a nice little bit of advertising at the end. After rewinding the vid and checking out the link I found that a website called www.splitreason.com has just released a line of ‘Zero Punctuation’ t-shirts. I checked out the link and this is what I found.
There’s two more but i’ll post a link to those ones. I think these are great I love the ‘ZP’ stuff and will definitely be picking these up. I love the assassin one it’s hilarious.
Here’s that link to the other stuff.
CVG seem to have somehow aquired some sketchy details about the PS3’s long awaited 2.40 firmware, y’know the one that’ll have in-game XMB. Ok so I said details they’re a bit vague but I’m sure you can figure ‘em out.
- 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
A few of these sound like existing functions of the PS button but the obvious ones are there. Another bit of news from CVG is that it won’t be “soon” to be released as Sony previously stated. Apparently the update will come around E3 time in about 3 weeks. Not too bad, it’s not like us PS3 owners aren’t used to delays.
Yep, apparently there’s a World Of Warcraft song coming to GH3 on Thursday (26.06.08). Apparently it’s a thrash metal song called “I Am Murloc” brought to us by Blizzard’s in house band. I will be downloading it but playing it might be a different story. WOW now joins God Of War, Halo & Portal as franchises with songs in music games. The song will be available for free on the PS Store & Xbox Live Marketplace.
Yeah I ‘forgot’ to put up WGDYG? last week so I’m gonna do it a little earlier this week. Over the past two weeks I’ve gamed quite a lot actually, i’ve pretty much finished college until September giving me a hell of a lot of time to play games. I might have to catch up on that list of stuff I should’ve played. Anyway here’s two weeks worth of ‘What Games Do You Game?’.
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots – It was pretty obvious, wasn’t it? I am a self proclaimed Metal Gear Solid fanboy so what else would I be playing. As you may or may not know I have finished MGS4 and loved it. I’ve not tried MGO yet but have started the campaign again on a harder difficulty and will be playing that for a while longer.
- FIFA 08 – It’s made it’s comeback! I’ve been playing a little bit more FIFA lately and it’s as good as ever, I can’t wait for FIFA 09 it should be amazing.
- Rock Band – The everpresent entity (that might be a bit to far) that is Rock Band has also been one of my most played games over the past two weeks and with the announcement of more Weezer it just keeps getting better.
- Top Spin 3 – A new addition to my collection 2K Sports’ Top Spin is really cool. It’s not as arcadey as Virtua Tennis 3 which, for me, makes it a hell of a lot better. Not played too much of it but it’s a great game. It’s cool online and definitely one to be played in multiplayer.
