A new PlayStation 3 firmware update is now available to download using the [System Update] feature. This optional update improves system stability during the use of some PlayStation 3 titles, including the Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune freezing issues. It’s taken Sony two weeks to release a patch for the reported issues, but at least it’s finally here.
If you are a Qore subscriber, the first wave of voucher codes for MAG have been sent. If you haven’t received your code yet, don’t worry as more invites will be send over the next few days. The beta starts this Thursday, September 17th 2009 and runs until November 8th, so you have plenty of time to play the game. The email subject of the email is “You’re in: Welcome to the MAG Beta”.
A new Command & Conquer title is coming to the PlayStation Network on September 17th 2009: Commander’s Challenge. In Commander’s Challenge you can play as any of our 3 factions: Allies, Soviets, and the Empire of the Rising Sun. There are 50 single player missions to choose from, each focusing on specialized AI personalities and tactics. Once you complete a mission you unlock a specific unit and several additional missions.
The VidZone application for Europe has been patched with several bug fixes and improvements. The application came out in mid-June this year for a selected number of countries in Europe, and this is the first major update to the application. The patch adds fill 16:9 widescreen playback, PlayStation Network presence and improved search functionality. Check out the complete changelog below.
If you currently own a older PlayStation 3 model and are thinking of moving to the new PS3 Slim, there are a few things you should know. There are some advantages and disadvantages with the new console, though it depends on how you intend to use it. Firstly, the new model is obviously smaller and lighter than the older models and it’s also more energy efficient, saving you some money on your electricity bill if you are a regular gamer. There are also other issues to consider.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves allows players to take control of Drake and embark on a journey that will push him to his physical, emotional and intellectual limits to discover the real truth behind the lost fleet of Marco Polo and the legendary Himalayan valley of Shambhala. The sequel has 48 trophies to collect, and look as easy as Drake’s Fortune to obtain.
Fat Princess is getting downloadable content soon, called New Pork. “Due to the tremendous success of Fat Princess on PSN”, says developers Titan, “we are pleased to announce a host of new content for you, our loyal fans.” New Pork is just the beginning of a wave of downloadable content coming to the PlayStation Network exclusive. Unfortunately, pricing and the release date of the first downloadable pack have not been revealed yet.
In an interview with EDGE Magazine, Christophe Balestra, Naughty Dog co-president, said “Uncharted used 30 per cent of the PS3’s SPUs, and this time we’re maxing it out,” he said. “That means we can blend and switch animations a lot quicker, and we have more facial joints in-game for characters to react with believable expressions.” In order to use the full power of the PS3, Naughty Dog shifted processes from the main processor and shifted them onto the SPUs.
As the PlayStation Network is available in many countries with different currencies, it’s natural that the prices of games and other content varies on the PlayStation Store. The games in North America are slightly cheaper than those in Europe and the UK, though this depends on the currency fluctuations. Earlier today, we came across a big discrepancy in Sony’s pricing which has nothing to do with currency fluctuation.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves has officially gone gold in North America, which means development on the game is complete. That means only 32 days until it hits store shelves. If you can’t wait for the game to come out, pre-order the game and get exclusive access to the multiplayer beta which is scheduled to start later this month.
