Filed under: Blu-ray

We’re finally starting to see the full potential of BD-Live come to life. BD-Live is the final Blu-ray movie standard, and it adds interactive online content to movies. One of the first discs to take advantage of BD-Live is the Hellboy II Blu-ray disc. Those that own the disc will be able to take part in a live chat with director Guillermo Del Toro this Sunday at 6PM EST. If you’re interested in chatting, you need to register an account at UniversalHiDef.com and then log on to the movie using your PS3 (or BD-Live compatible Blu-ray player).

The potential of BD-Live is quite exciting. Should the Del Toro chat go well, we can only hope that other studios also add these opportunities to their Blu-ray movies.

Chat with Guillermo Del Toro in Blu-ray exclusive live chat originally appeared on PS3 Fanboy on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At first glance, this Xbox 360 controller mod doesn’t look as hardcore as some others we’ve seen, but its minimalism disguises its epicness. The modder took the controller apart and rebuilt it without the four face buttons or the direction pad, then placed a couple extra switches on the back that perform the same functions. The elaborate and not-at-all-easy process detailed beyond the read link results in a practical layout for hardcore types — with the buttons on the lower back, leet first-person-shooter players don’t have to take their hands off the sticks to perform actions like jumping and reloading, and the controller is less likely to rock due to alternating activity on the top and bottom. This isn’t the first mod to employ this idea, but the complete removal of the dead face buttons for better aesthetics sets it apart. Video after the break.

Continue reading Modder removes buttons from Xbox 360 controller, still finds a way to play

Filed under: Gaming

Modder removes buttons from Xbox 360 controller, still finds a way to play originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Videos and Screenshots, e-Distribution Games

We unearthed three PSN games from Creat Studios a few weeks ago. But, what the heck are they? Creat Studios has finally officially unveiled them. All three games will feature Trophy support, and will be released this Winter.

• Magic Ball, is based on the classic Breakout arcade game, with a magical twist. Check out a video here. The initial release will include over 40 levels and both local and online multiplayer support. 20 additional levels will be available at a later date.

• Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom will be the first mahjong game available for PlayStation Network, featuring a “storybook adventure,” with hand-drawn illustrations. In addition to the two gameplay modes, a level editor and level packs are also planned for post-launch release.

• Cuboid is a 3D puzzle game where players navigate ancient ruins, maneuvering a cube through a hole-filled grid. The initial release of Cuboid will include 66 twisted levels to engage players, with premium packs available later to include more levels and a custom level creator.

Screenshots: Creat Studios’ three PSN games revealed originally appeared on PS3 Fanboy on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As we’ve seen, it’s not exactly all that difficult for someone with the necessary skills to whip up their own gesture-based control system, but the folks at upstart Mgestyk Technologies seem to think they’ve got something a bit more notable on their hands, and they’re actually planning on selling it to the general public. While the complete details are a bit light at the moment, their system apparently makes use of nothing more than an “affordable 3D camera” and some custom software to capture even small hand gestures, which seems to work at least reasonably well in the video after the break — though we doubt many gamers will be quick to ditch their Razer or SteelSeries mouse. What’s more, while Mgestyk already has a waiting list going, they aren’t making any promises about an actual release date just yet, or a price for that matter, with them only saying that it’ll be “in the range of a high-end webcam.”

Continue reading Mgestyk system promises gesture control on the cheap

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Mgestyk system promises gesture control on the cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Reviews

Amid a sea of Resistance 2s, LittleBigPlanets, Dead Spaces and Mirror’s Edges it’s easy to miss out on some real gaming gems. Titles that don’t immediately spring to mind when you think of 2008’s must-have games, but which are nonetheless worthy of your attention. Valkyria Chronicles is one of those games and I’m putting my cards on the table in this, the review’s intro paragraph, so that there’s no ambiguity; Valkyria Chronicles is an amazing game. Here’s why.

Valkyria Chronicles is a Japanese Strategy RPG set in a fictional Second World War. You take control of Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia in order to prevent the evil Empire from invading your home country. The game places a lot of stock in its story, with many cutscenes throughout.

The first thing you’ll notice about the game is how beautiful it is. The overall anime style may be familiar to you, but you’ve never seen it done like this before. A textured overlay makes the game look like a watercolor painting on stretched canvas. An effect heightened by the very edges of the screen, which have been left blank and uneven. As if the artist has not painted all the way to the edge.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy review: Valkyria Chronicles

PS3 Fanboy review: Valkyria Chronicles originally appeared on PS3 Fanboy on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We love those two magic words: “Hello World!” It’s not even been a week since the DSi’s Japanese launch and someone has hacked the handheld, stirring up all our homebrew dreams in the process. The coder in question has yet to release any specifics, but the touchscreen seems to be blank (you can make of that tidbit what you will). Exciting, yes? Still, until any other details emerge we’re inclined to be a little skeptical. Just a little. In the meantime, be sure to catch the glorious video of the event after the break.

Continue reading DSi already hacked, greets us with a lusty ‘Hello World!’

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

DSi already hacked, greets us with a lusty ‘Hello World!’ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Interviews

Insomniac has been a terrific supporter of Sony platforms. Although not owned by Sony, the independent developer has crafted a number of hit titles for PlayStation systems, from Spyro to Ratchet & Clank to Resistance. The partnership between Sony and Insomniac has been quite beneficial for both parties — Sony gets exclusive AAA titles to market for their platform, while Insomniac gets the resources of Sony. Unlike other publishers, Sony isn’t overbearing as well: “Our relationship with Sony is one where we develop autonomously. Sony certainly gives us great feedback on the games, but we’re in control of the development process, and that is a great place to be. Especially with a partner as powerful as Sony.”

Being an exclusive developer has given much more attention to Insomniac’s games. For example, could Resistance have done as well were it a multiplatform FPS game? “Because we were a launch title, we did get a lot of additional exposure simply because it was synonymous with the PlayStation 3. And it’s hard to break into the genre; and it’s cool that we were able to do it with a brand new entry.”

However, the success of multiplatform titles does appear lucrative to Price. Speaking to Gamasutra, he also adds that We see games that are multiplatform succeeding wildly, and doing great, and that too is a fantastic place to be.” That doesn’t mean Insomniac is planning on making games on Xbox 360 any time soon — however, as an independent studio, they’re certainly free to keep that option available.

[Via 1UP]

Insomniac’s Ted Price says multiplatform development is ‘fantastic’ originally appeared on PS3 Fanboy on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming

We’ve seen a few accessories for augmenting the gaming experience on the iPhone which would give the device awesome functions similar to a game controller, such as the elusive and yet-to-materialize iControlPad and the totally fake JoyPod. Well, Marware’s Game Grip is sort of like that — silicone sleeves that your phone fits into — except that it doesn’t actually do anything beyond providing ‘handles’ for your phone while you game. Oh, and it exists. So let’s refer to it as the ‘enjoyment enabler’ of your iPhone 3G or iPod touch 2G which can be used with headphones (just like normal), can be charged while gaming (just like normal), and has a ‘cord management system’ (kind of not normal). If that’s not enough to convince you to reach for your wallet, the “lifetime guarantee” and ludicrously zany look of the thing will probably get you to bite… it’s $49.99 and available for pre-order right now.

Marware’s Game Grip for the iPhone complicates what should be simple originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Deals and Bargains

The good folks at Cheap Ass Gamer have crafted a list of all video game-related Black Friday deals. For those not in the know, Black Friday is the term used for post-Thanksgiving sales. These are usually when retailers make their best prices available, as they all compete for early Christmas shopping attention. We’ve scrubbed the list to show only PS3 deals, but make sure you check out CAG for the full list, especially if you own more than just a PS3.

Best Buy

• Get Ratchet & Clank Future and Casino Royale (Blu-ray) free with any PS3
• Guitar Hero III Special Edition Bundle w/2 wireless guitars and Slash faceplate - $79.98
• NBA 09 - $37.99
• Soulcalibur IV - $37.99

Circuit City & K-Mart & Sears

• Guitar Hero III Special Edition Bundle w/1 guitar - $54.99

Radio Shack

• DualShock 3 controller - $29.99

Continue reading Get ready for Black Friday deals

Get ready for Black Friday deals originally appeared on PS3 Fanboy on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

If you managed to pull in the reigns and hold off on Fanatec’s wireless Porsche 911 Turbo Racing Wheel back in April, you can get a beautiful alternative right about now with even more utility. Today, the outfit has introduced the limited edition Porsche 911 Turbo S Racing Wheel for Xbox 360 — which, contrary to its name, actually plays nice with the PlayStation 3 and PC. Of note, there are three variants from which to choose: a 911 Turbo S Edition, Clubsport Edition, and Pure Edition, all of which are licensed by Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH and feature a 900° steering angle. You’ll also find a 6+1 shifter, and if you opt for the Clubsport Edition, you’ll get high-end pedals that are actually crafted from aluminum and feature a load cell pressure sensor for the brake. The pain? $250, $400 and $150 in order of mention, 90% of which is totally paying for that logo in the middle.

Fanatec’s Porsche 911 Turbo S racing wheel plays on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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