Category: PS3

PlayStation 3 Slimmer Coming in September

At Tokyo Game Show 2012, Sony Computer Entertainment unveiled a new and slimmer version of the PlayStation 3 console. The company claims that it’s smaller (volume) and lighter (weight) than the original PS3 by more than 50 percent. Compared to the PS3 “Slim,” this bad boy is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter. Other distinct features include a ridged top (like Ruffles!) and a “sliding disk cover.” The 250GB model will be available as part of an Uncharted 3 bundle for $269.99 on September 25, 2012. The 500GB model hits on October 30, 2012 for $299.99.

One curiosity that won’t be coming to America is the 12GB flash storage model, which will be available in Europe for €229. Similar to Microsoft’s entry-level Xbox 360, this model has a limited amount of local storage but can be upgraded later through peripherals. It would have been fascinating to see Sony Computer Entertainment America give this model a whirl at a very aggressive price. Sadly, it’s not meant to be.

As for the hardware that we will be seeing in North America, are any of you down for Sony’s new PlayStation? What do you think of the looks of the PS3 Slimmer?

Dragon Age III: Inquisition Details Confirmed

BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah has written a blog post on Dragon Age III: Inquisition. Sadly, it has nothing to do with the lovely musical number from History of the World, Part I. Here’s some of what Darrah had to confirm:

  • The next game will be called Dragon Age III: Inquisition.
  • We won’t be talking about the story of the game today. Though you can make some guesses from the title.
  • This game is being made by a lot of the same team that has been working on Dragon Age since Dragon Age: Origins. It’s composed of both experienced BioWare veterans and talented new developers.
  • We are working on a new engine which we believe will allow us to deliver a more expansive world, better visuals, more reactivity to player choices, and more customization. At PAX East, we talked about armor and followers… Yeah, that kind of customization. We’ve started with Frostbite 2 from DICE as a foundation to accomplish this.

As a BioWare mark and a fan of the series, I can’t wait for Dragon Age III. While I understood the second installment’s shortcomings, I liked it quite a bit and felt that its criticisms were overblown. One area where the criticism is warranted is its graphics. The majority of BioWare games have had average, though not necessarily bad, graphics. Dragon Age was no exception. I’m looking forward to seeing what DICE’s Frostbite 2 engine (used in Battlefield 3) bring to the table.

The game is slated for a Q4 2013 release. Any of you psyched for Dragon Age III: Inquisition?

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

There’s not a lot out this week, but the quality should more than make up for the quantity. Borderlands 2 is set to pick up where the critically-acclaimed original left off. One of the most exciting and popular new franchises this console generation, Borderlands thrilled fans with RPG-infused action and a distinct art style. Fighting game aficionados will want to pick up the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector’s Set. In addition to the great games in the series, this bundle includes a documentary, soundtracks, an art book, and a statue of world warrior Ryu (it lights up!).

Any of you picking up new games this week?

This Week’s Videogame Releases

The traditional summer drought has come to a close! Leading this week’s new releases is Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Fighting game fans and tournament players alike are amped for another dose of Tekken action. If you prefer balling to bashing then check out NBA Baller Beats. This Xbox Kinect game uses a real basketball as a controller. Watch Justin play the game and get the skinny from the producer in the video above. Fans of traditional sports games will want to pick up NHL 13. If you’re LTTP on the latest Battlefield game then Battlefield 3 Premium Edition will bring you the game and all the DLC in one convenient package. Lastly, Nintendo’s lovable pink puff celebrates his 20th birthday with Kirby’s Dream Collection: Special Edition.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Mercia: PlayStation Home’s Free-to-Play RPG

Mercia: Fractured Realms launches tomorrow on PlayStation Home. This free-to-play RPG takes your PlayStation Home avatar and puts it in a lovely sword-and-sorcery setting. Players can choose from ranger, fighter, and defender classes. Beating up baddies and hoarding treasure can be done alone or with friends. Naturally, there’s spell casting, weapon crafting, and armor customization to enjoy. Given the popularity of Home (yes, I know that most of you aren’t fans), Mercia has a ton of potential. It could be a WoW-ish hit and I can see Sony making a killing with premium options.

Of course I want to get your take on Mercia: Fractured Realms. Is it something you’d play? Do you think it will do well with the PlayStation Home crowd? Does the name make any of you think of this stupid song? Most importantly, are down for an RPad.TV Invitational adventure with Mercia?

This Week’s Videogame Releases

Are you ready for some football?!? Madden NFL 13 comes out this week, which is always a huge deal in North America. If you’d rather fight it out in the unfriendly skies then Damage Inc. Pacific Squadron WWII might be your game. It’s a particularly sweet week for PlayStation 3 owners, with God of War Saga, inFamous Collection, and Journey: Collector’s Edition to choose from.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Read My WWE ’13 Preview at EGM (Please!)

Kindly check out my preview of WWE ’13 over at EGM. The game combines the infamous “Attitude Era” of WWF with current WWE Superstars and Divas. The story mode uses clips and angles from the Attitude Era, which makes total sense. I mean, how do you top the award-winning writing from SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 and SmackDown vs. Raw 2011?!? One way to do it is by going back to the most popular era of WWE history.

Now here’s the part where I quote myself:

Out of the new features revealed at the preview event, the “spectacular moments” clips were my favorite. These are achieved during particularly brutal moments in a match. For example, spearing someone through the barricade will trigger a spectacular moment that shows the move replayed several times from different angles and at different speeds. It makes the match seem more like a WWE broadcast and highlights the impact of big moves. There are even spectacular moments specific to matches like Hell in a Cell or TLC. I was playing a Hell in a Cell match as Shawn Michaels and superkicked my opponent off the top of the cage. Both of us marked out while the spectacular moment was played over and over again.

Yes, I superkicked Chris Jericho off of the Hell in a Cell cage and completely marked out at the event. It was awesome.

I also love that several WWE Superstars have current and Attitude Era versions of their characters. For example, you can play as Triple H or Hunter Hearst Helmsley!

Anyway, please check out the preview when you have a chance. If you have multiple chances, please leave a comment over there too!

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Today’s Poll: Do You Use YouTube on Your Consoles?

Google recently announced the release of the official YouTube app for PlayStation 3. The Xbox 360 has had an official app for some time already. With some typical Nintendo Internet silliness, you can enjoy YouTube on the Wii too. Do any of you use YouTube on your home videogame consoles?

As for me, I never do. Between my computers, tablets, and phones, I have several options that offer better YouTube experiences. That said, I understand that my situation is unusual. Maybe lots of you use and enjoy watching YouTube videos on your consoles. Kindly vote in today’s poll and let me know what you think of YouTube for home consoles.

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

After several dry weeks, summer 2012 heats up with three big game releases. First up is Square Enix’s Sleeping Dogs. If you dig Grand Theft Auto-style games and Hong Kong action flicks then you’ll love this game. It’s pretty sweet. On the other side of the spectrum is The Last Story. This RPG was directed by the legendary Hironobu Sakaguchi, famous for his work on the Final Fantasy series. Finally, Darksiders II should dazzle gamers with a great blend of action and puzzles.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

GameKlip Brings DualShock 3 to Android Phones

Ever wish you could use a traditional console controller with your Android phone? Now you can, thanks to the GameKlip. This accessory allows you to use a PlayStation DualShock 3 controller with select Android phones. A wireless version is available for $15, while the wired version costs $23. Currently supported phones include:

  • HTC One X
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE
  • Samsung Galaxy S III
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus

The GameKlip is the creation of Ryan French, who makes and sells these accessories out of Seattle, WA. It’s cool that one guy is tackling an obvious problem with an obvious solution (for some mobile phone users, anyway). French isn’t stopping with this model of the GameKlip. He plans on releasing a variant that supports the Xbox 360 controller, as well as a model designed for tablets.

Any of you interested in picking up the GameKlip?