Today's Specials Archives - Page 37 of 89

PlayStation Suite Brings PSone Games to Android, NGP

At a recent press event, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. revealed PlayStation Suite for Google Android and the Sony NGP handheld console. PS Suite will be available later this year for phones running Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or later. I’ve known for a while that the upcoming PSP Android Phone will be initially limited to PSone games, but never found a source that would let me reveal it in an article. The presser took care of that problem. Here’s the official word:

In providing the PlayStation experience on Android based portable devices, SCE will commence a “PlayStation Certified” license program for hardware manufacturers. Through this program, SCE will offer necessary support, including development support as well as logo licensing, to ensure the delivery of PlayStation quality experience across various devices.

On the software front, SCE plans to provide PS Suite content within this calendar year, starting with original PlayStation games (PS one classics) that will allow users to enjoy “PlayStation quality” gameplay on their Android based portable devices. SCE also plans to open PlayStation Store where users will be able to download content in an easy to use environment, directly via the Android based portable devices. Moreover, SCE will provide a new game development environment in an effort to ensure new and compelling content is delivered on PS Suite, which will also offer opportunities for a wider base of developers and publishers to further expand their business on various portable devices.

The release of PS Suite will help patch one of Android’s glaring weaknesses: gaming. Some of you are thinking, “Yeah, but they’re old games!” To which I say, “So the hell what?!?” While I’ve enjoyed several iOS games, as an enthusiast gamer I much rather play a classic PSone game with depth. Besides, there are enough casual PSone games that will satisfy Android users looking for those kinds of experiences.

PS Suite will also give the platform’s detractors another chance to cite the fragmentation “issues” of the platform. That said, I would bet a large amount of money that it won’t be nearly as much of an issue as the press makes it out to be. I suspect that by the time it’s released, the majority of Android phones that are capable of using PS Suite will be running Android 2.3. That percentage would be even higher if you eliminated Samsung’s glacial update pace (I kid, I kid). The more legitimate fragmentation concern is how (if?) touchscreen-only phones will handle PS Suite games.

Despite any fragmentation problems, I believe that this is a huge move for Android gaming. How about you? Does the potential of PS Suite make Android a more attractive and well-rounded platform? Do you think fragmentation will be a problem for the PS Suite initiative?

Reflections on the Sony NGP’s Hardware Capabilities

Now that you’ve had a look at the Sony’s NGP’s specs, let’s examine the overall hardware offering. For years I’ve been hearing gamers complain about…

Please be sure to click the YouTube video above before you start reading this article. It adds ambiance. Ready?!? Now that you’ve had a look at the Sony’s NGP’s specs, let’s examine the overall hardware offering. For years I’ve been hearing gamers complain about the PSP’s lack of a second analog stick; the NGP addresses this issue…but the hardware is so much more. Let’s break it down.

Five-Inch OLED Screen: While the size of the NGP’s screen trumps the 4.3-inch display on the PSP and 3.8-inch display on the PSPgo, the tech is probably the more interesting issue here. The PSP uses a TFT LCD display, while the NGP uses the considerably different OLED technology (similar to what’s used in the Samsung Fascinate). OLED offers better viewing angles, superior contrast, potentially improved battery life, and richer colors…but there are some caveats.

While OLED definitely has a brighter appearance than LCD, color snobs feel that the tech produces over-saturated and over-pronounced colors — particularly reds, blues, and purples. OLED and LCD screens consume roughly the same amount of power when displaying white and bright colors. When the screen displays black and dark colors, OLED has a power-saving advantage.

It would be wise for Sony to use dark colors for as many UI elements as possible and encourage its development partners to do the same. It’ll really help the battery life. While purists have issues with OLED’s color output, most consumers don’t have a problem with it and many of them prefer it over 100 percent accurate reproduction. It’s kind of similar to how many consumers prefer the overly warm pictures produced by Sony’s consumer digital cameras over the more accurate ones taken with Canon’s consumer-level goods.

(Random story: A friend and I were snapping pictures in London. My Canon accurately displayed the dreary weather. His Sony made it look like Jamaica.)

ARM Cortex A9 and SGX543MP4+: There’s some crazy, crazy power in the NGP. The ARM Cortex A9 used here is quad-core, as opposed to the dual-core variant being used in the Nvidia Tegra 250. Depending on the clock speed Sony chooses for this baby, it should trounce Tegra 250 products in terms of power and efficiency. Keep in mind that Tegra 250 products (Motorola Xoom, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Droid Bionic) are shipping within the next few months, while the NGP is a holiday 2011 release. Of course you’d expect a device released in the second half of the year to pack better tech than what’s released in the first half of the year.

As for the graphics chip, the PowerVR SGX543MP4+ is basically a multi-core version of the SGX found in the iPhone 4, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S phones, etc. Android enthusiasts will recall Samsung’s Hummingbird processor trouncing the competition in terms of graphics. The PowerVR chip was the reason why. Roughly a year later, gamers will reap the benefits of a multi-core version of that chip.

When you put it all together, do you get PlayStation 3-level graphics as rumored? Of course you don’t…but I expect the NGP to produce visuals that are close. Like I said earlier in the month, “I’m sure the PSP2 will serve up visuals that are comparable to what the PS3 offers. I’m also sure that the PSP2’s best graphics will be less impressive than the PS3’s best.”

Wrapping it Up: I hope this article gave you a better understanding of the Sony NGP’s power potential. While others are trying to dazzle you with sheer specs and telling you something is awesome simply because it’s quad-core (which is admittedly kind of awesome in a handheld console), I wanted to help you understand the relative value of an OLED screen, an ARM Cortex A9, and an SGX543MP+. If you have any questions, fire away in the comments section (please).

Sony NGP (PSP2) Photos and Specs

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has announced the successor to the PlayStation Portable — meet codename NGP (next-generation portable)! Before I start editorializing about the system, I wanted to arm you with specs and photos.

CPU ARM® Cortex™-A9 core (4 core)
GPU SGX543MP4+
External Dimensions Approx. 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm (width x height x depth) (tentative, excludes largest projection)
Rear touch pad Multi touch pad (capacitive type)
Cameras Front camera, Rear camera
Sound Built-in stereo speakers
Built-in microphone
Sensors Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), Three-axis electronic compass
Location Built-in GPS
Wi-Fi location service support
Keys / Switches PS button
Power button
Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left)
Action buttons (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square)
Shoulder buttons (Right/Left)
Right stick, Left stick
START button, SELECT button
Volume buttons (+/-)
Wireless communications Mobile network connectivity (3G)
IEEE 802.11b/g/n (n = 1×1)(Wi-Fi) (Infrastructure mode/Ad-hoc mode)
Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR ?A2DP/AVRCP/HSP?

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Random Thoughts (Not a Review) on Black Panther

A few weeks ago I snagged a copy of Marvel Knights: Black Panther, a collaboration between Marvel Knights Animation and BET. I’m a fan of the character and the comics, so I was definitely curious about the DVD. However, I went into it apprehensively since it was released as a web show in 2010 with little fanfare. I was pleasantly surprised by the DVD; it’s unique, violent, well acted, and true to the comics. Here are some random thoughts on Marvel Knights: Black Panther.

Good: The art style is fantastic. Most of the scenes are only partially animated, which gives the series a motion-comic feel. A skeptic would say that this was done to save time and money, but the effect is used so well that I’m giving the creators the artistic benefit of the doubt. Additionally, the use of colors gives each location a unique feel. By switching up the color palettes, Wakanda, Egypt, Washington D.C., etc. have distinct looks. I love what the artists and animators did with the series — very cool stuff.

Good: The story is true to the comics, with only a handful of changes. This isn’t surprising since former BET president and Black Panther writer Reginald Hudlin developed the project. The most noticeable difference is switching out Rhino for the Juggernaut. Obviously Rhino makes much more sense as a villain in Africa, but I’m going to hazard a guess that there was a licensing issue. If you’ve read the Black Panther comics then you’ll be satisfied with this adaptation.

Bad: My only major complain about the series is its opening theme song. Composed by Stephen James Taylor, the song is based on the Bantu language and meant to be in the Wakandan language. It doesn’t work. At best, it’s a little silly. At worst, it’s gratingly annoying.

Good: The voice acting is top notch. Djimon Hounsou is fantastic as T’Challa/Black Panther. Hell, I can even see him playing the role in a live-action movie. Alfre Woodard and Kerry Washington are also excellent. Marvel fanboys will love Stan Lee’s brief role as General Wallace. The direction and acting are among the best in an animated series based on a comic book.

Good: Those of you that love gritty action and violence will dig this series. It doesn’t pull any punches. You’ll notice that after seeing the first decapitated head mounted on a spear.

Bottom Line: Black Panther isn’t the most popular character in Marvel Comics, but he’s one of the most important ones. Due to advancements in technology and large deposits of vibranium, Wakanda is one of the most important countries in Marvel’s version of Earth. I’m thrilled that the Black Panther series has been released on DVD. If you’re into the character or want to enjoy a unique animated series, I recommend buying it.

BioWare Reveals Facebook Unlockable Dragon Age II Content

BioWare has revealed the unlockable content for Dragon Age II that can be snagged through its Facebook game Dragon Age Legends. Players can obtain Evra’s Might (ring), Evra’s Trophy Belt, Air of Confidence (ring), the Ivo Family Crest (necklace), and Dura’s Blue Flame (necklace). Here are the descriptions from BioWare’s Ethan Levy:

Evra’s Might
When Evra gained notoriety by defeating the Blood Sisters of Vehnstel, he was wearing his signature ring. Although the massive size of the solid gold ring attracts attention, it served a more practical purpose for Evra: he used it to punch demons in the face, sometimes felling them in a single blow.

Evra’s Trophy Belt
This grisly belt is filled with monstrous teeth, chipped blades, scraps of fur, and armor fragments. Each piece is said to be a trophy collected by Evra during his many adventures.

Air of Confidence
After averting a disaster at the Circle of Markham, Evra was given this ring by the First Enchanter. Though the Air of Confidence is not as eye-catching as his other famous ring, it is said that Evra always wore it, even when sleeping. The exact magical properties of the Air of Confidence are a subject of much speculation amongst minstrels.

Ivo Family Crest
Evolving over the years, the crest of House Ivo has become much more ornate than Paragon Ivo’s original design. This ancient golden amulet bears the original crest. Though the engravings are simple, the stark lines are somehow deeply stirring.

Dura’s Blue Flame
This weathered silver amulet has passed through many hands over the years. A deep blue sapphire almost glows in a certain light. Although time has faded its intricate engravings, the amulet has a certain majesty about it.

As I mentioned last November, social gaming is a great way to get audiences on the hook for a retail game. Dragon Age Legends will whet the appetites of longtime Dragon Age fans and possibly create some new ones. Getting unique items to use in Dragon Age II is just a sharp, sharp move. I can’t wait until Dragon Age Legends is out of beta!

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Source

StarCraft II Custom Mods Available Now

The StarCraft II mods “Aiur Chef”, “Left 2 Die”, and “Starjeweled” are available for beta testing on Battle.net now. “Aiur Chef” is a spin on Iron Chef, “Left 2 Die” is a take on Left 4 Dead, and “Starjeweled” is inspired by Bejeweled.

I totally forgot to post this yesterday! The StarCraft II mods “Aiur Chef”, “Left 2 Die”, and “Starjeweled” are available for beta testing on Battle.net now. “Aiur Chef” is a spin on Iron Chef, “Left 2 Die” is a take on Left 4 Dead, and “Starjeweled” is inspired by Bejeweled.

Check out these screens from BlizzCon 2010 if you need a refresher. If you’ve had a chance to try out these mods, please let me know what you think of them.

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Coffee Talk #291: Your PSP2 Predictions and Wishes

I want to hear your PSP2 predictions. What do you think the system will have? What do you wish it will have? Are you expecting an OLED screen and 3G? Do you think it will pump out PS3-level graphics? Is it a lock for a holiday 2011 release?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your favorite movie robot, Kristin Bell being the new Neutrogena girl, or Rafael Nadal failing at the Australian Open (*snicker*), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

In less than 24 hours, Sony will be holding a press conference on the PlayStation Portable 2. At least, that’s what most experts are thinking. A few believe that the company will also unveil the PSP Android phone, but I don’t think it will; that’s a Sony Ericsson product and February’s Mobile World Congress makes more sense for it. Besides, two sources have told me that the PSP phone only plays a portion of downloadable games, not every PSP game available digitally. It’s an exciting product, but I expect the enthusiast press to knock its limitations because…well, that’s what those guys are best at. I don’t think that the PSP2 should have to share a stage with its (probably) gimped cousin.

Anyway, I want to hear your PSP2 predictions. What do you think the system will have? What do you wish it will have? Are you expecting an OLED screen and 3G? Do you think it will pump out PS3-level graphics? Is it a lock for a holiday 2011 release? Put on your magic hat a predict the future (please)!

Coffee Talk #290: What’s Your Keyboard of Choice?

After years of solid use, my Logitech Wave is on its last legs. I wanted to see what keyboards you guys and dolls like. Do you have a preferred keyboard? Or do just use the one that came with your PC?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Rafael Nadal hopefully breaking his leg so he doesn’t win the Aussie Open, Verizon confirming $30 unlimited data for iPhone, or your favorite gourmet soda, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Although the Wave has served me well, I miss typing on a mechanical keyboard. Most models are membrane or scissor-switch these days. I’m pretty sure that my next keyboard will be a mechanical, partially because I miss the crisp feel of those keyboards and mostly because I want to see if I can type loud enough to annoy my neighbors. Razer is supposed to send me a BlackWidow Ultimate for review and I’m hoping that it’s everything I want in a keyboard.

Now let me know about your keyboard preferences (please!).

PSP2 to Feature OLED Screen and 3G Chip?

The latest batch of PSP2 rumors claims that Sony’s next portable gaming system will feature a multitouch OLED screen and 3G connectivity. The 3G would, presumably, be used for wireless multiplayer and game downloads. At least, that’s the word according to Nikkei.

As most of you know, Sony is holding a press event on Thursday and most pundits expect a PSP2 announcement. Past rumors include the PSP2 being capable PS3-level graphics.

An OLED screen makes sense since it offers more vibrant colors and potentially better battery life compared to LCD technology. 3G would be extremely useful, but it will be interesting to see how Sony handles the cellular chipset since various regions use different frequencies for 3G connectivity. It will also be interesting to see if there’s a charge for wireless service; some have speculated that the limited 3G would be free and subsidized by Sony, similar to how Amazon offers free 3G on its Kindle e-readers. Of course it takes much more data to download and play games compared to downloading a tiny e-book.

What do you think of the latest PSP2 rumors? Are you more interested in the system now that it’s purported to have an OLED screen and wireless 3G connectivity?

Source via PC Magazine

This Week’s Videogame Releases

January’s slow trickle of quality games continues! Dead Space 2 will satisfy gamers looking for outer space thrills and chills. If you played your cards right, you can even get a set of DS2-inspired armor for use in the upcoming Dragon Age 2. If you’re looking for some multiplayer PSP action then Square Enix’s Lord of Arcana should do you good.

Any of you picking up new games this week?