PSN Philippines?

Official PSN support from Sony? This is a good news for Filipino gaming community! While their site is still under construction, we'll just wait and see what Sony's got in store for us.

According to their website, services will be available this coming March 26, 2010.

UPDATE: Now online! Enjoy!

Heavy Rain

How far are you prepared to go to save someone you love? This is the central question of Heavy Rain.


Heavy Rain is a very interesting game that is focused on drama and emotional response wherein a very unconventional control scheme is used. Onscreen prompts lets you press buttons in sequence, move the analog sticks in specific directions, shake the controller, and more to interact.


This is another PS3 exclusive game that is worth purchasing; however, my hands are already full of game backlogs at the moment. I will be getting this soon! (watch out!) This is a must buy for every PS3 owners.


Heavy Rain is now available for download through the PlayStation Network. Try it to believe.

Microsoft Surface

A revolutionary computer that responds to hand gestures and real world objects! This will be the future of computers. The newest product of Microsoft Surface.

Surface is a multi-touch surface computer that is also able to recognize physical objects (ex. digital camera, cellphones) and allows direct control of digital content such as photos, music, documents and maps through user(s) hand gestures.

This product is initialy intended for hospitals, military, retail establishments, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. However, I also find this very interesting for gaming use (There's only one game I know that fully utilize this technology R.U.S.E).

The product was launched preliminary last April 17, 2008. As what I have read this thing will cost $10,000 to $15,000. Want to own one?

Apple iPad

Apple's newest device is the most frequently discussed topic around the gadget blog, forums and the whole web. I did not see the device personally but have read reviews, blogs and articles about it. Thus, it is completely fair enough to show the readers what are my thoughts on this luxury.


Apple iPad features a larger screen 9.7″ display at 1024×768 pixels. A 16Gb to 64GB Flash Drive (prices vary according to storage size). A powerful 1GHz Apple A4 Chip (for better browsing and gaming experience). A WiFi 802.11n. A Bluetooth. A 3G and a 10 hours battery life. The iPad can run all iPhone applications out of the box. But, running it on full screen will be pixelated due to upscaling.

What's missing is a built in camera (I guess there will be a hardware add-on for this soon) No Flash support (so no YouTube and Flash videos) and NO MULTITASKING (what the.. c'mon it's already 2010). I know Apple can add/upgrade features later through a firmware update. (but why not include this feature during the release)

To me the iPad is a half-baked device as it lacks software and functionality. The idea maybe great but, there is no surprise here as it just looks like a larger and beefed-up iPod Touch.

UPDATE: iPad will be available in the US at $499 on April 3, 2010. With its high price I just hope that I can get my hands on this thing someday.

MAG

Massive Action Game (MAG) is an online multiplayer-only first person shooter game exclusive to the Playstation 3. This game is chaotically fun that it can accomodate 64 up to 256 players on a single map.


It's already out in the market and the only thing that is holding me back from purchasing is that it is quite expensive wherein it lacks single player mode. However, this is a must buy for FPS fans out there.

White Knight Chronicles

A JRPG PS3 exclusive game developed by Level5 and published by Sony. This was released in Japan last December 25, 2008 and will be releasing an International edition this coming February 2, 2010. This is so interesting that I got to rank it up on my PS3 game wishlist this 2010.

Watch out for more information when I get my hands on this game.

It only does EVERYTHING

Sony's new campaign for the Sony PlayStation 3 and the new tagline is: "It only does everything".

At $299 or about 14,000 Philippine peso think again!

With the release of their smaller, cheaper but improved version of their console. There's no reason why you shouldn't grab one. It's totally a steal, as the console can do quite a lot.

Weird thing is... It just can't play PS2 games.

PS3 DIY

PS3 DIY (do it yourself) a simple guide for anyone who dares to fix, clean and upgrade hard drives on their own.

Here's a teardown of a PS3 from ifixit.

• PS3 Classic

• PS3 Slim

15 Years of Playstation

Happy 15th Anniversary Playstation!

Playstations Released

+ December 3, 1994 - PS1
+ March 4, 2000 - PS2
+ July 7, 2000 - PSOne
+ November 3, 2004 - PS2 Slim
+ December 12, 2005 - PSP-1000
+ November 11, 2006 - PS3
+ September 20, 2007 - PSP-2000
+ October 16, 2008 - PSP-3000
+ September 3, 2009 - PS3 Slim
+ November 1, 2009 - PSP Go

Note: Japanese site! (links contains a little english language). SCEI (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.) Japan.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

I have recently acquired a closed beta key for Battlefield:Bad Company 2 courtesy of Gamespot.

I have downloaded the game and played a couple of violent rounds. So far it has exceeded my expectations. Here's my initial impressions.

The online gameplay is great, lagless? (I'm not sure at the moment needs thorough testing). Graphics and sound is also good.

(Watch out for more soon)

This game will be available this March 2010.

God of War Collection

This game is a compilation of both God of War 1 and 2 in one Blu Ray disk remastered to work on Playstation3. The biggest changes on these games are on the graphics, now running on Hi-Def (It actually runs at 1080p on my HDTV). The game content, textures, models, animations and everything are still the same as the original releases.

Plus
++No need to have a backwards-compatible PS3 to play them as the collection.
++Increased resolution resulted in improvements on graphics area as it run on High Definition.
++Very smooth movements due to increased framerate (60fps).
++Full Playstation Network (PSN) trophy support.

Minus
--The cut scenes looked like an upscaled DVD.
--Button trigger graphics during boss battles/finishing moves is looks terrible.
--Black bars on all sides using full pixel settings (1:1 pixel mapping).

These games were the best titles in Playstation2 now made even better on the Playstation3.

Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion

The long wait is over and my copy's finally here. Now get ready for the next battle.

Tekken 6 is the latest installment of the Tekken series. This game features the largest game character roster to date! Master 40 (yes forty) different characters with each of its own unique fighting styles. Out of that massive roster 6 of it are brand new faces. In addition to it are character customization, with every imaginable detail, with endless possibilities.

GAMEPLAY
The gameplay mechanics are still the same as the previous series (I'm glad they stick to the formula). With added features to enhance gameplay experience one of it is the dynamic, interactive and destructible environments wherein stages go through dynamic changes and/or break holes through floors to open new battle area. Secondly, is the rage system which is giving characters more damage per hit when health bar is below a certain point giving them an edge for a comeback and lastly, is the bound system that will cause the opponent to bounce off the floor leaving them open for another juggle or combo (sweet!).

GRAPHICS
The graphics is fine but not that smooth it is only sub-High Definition which is contradictory to ("Advanced high definition graphics and 3D animation technologies create the most impressive HD visuals in Tekken history") what their site told us. I have not seen the arcade versions though, which according to reports is great.

SOUND
The sound is great! Although, I don't really care about the sound unless, it sounded weird and unpleasant.

OVERALL
Of all the fighting games this has the best and enjoyable gameplay mechanic that any fighting fan should get. But due to its major flaws graphically and online playability. it is still not the best fighting game around (which for me is SF4).

I think that Namco's move on going multi-platform have disappointed a lot of Tekken fans around the world due to bad porting between two different consoles. However, in exchange out of it they got more money in their purse.

UPDATE:

Tekken 6 version 1.02 patch is already out which address the online lag issue. The online gameplay has improved from ultimate lag to minimal/lagless but it depends on the distance and connection speed between the two players.

I have tried playing with friends with different ISP's [(Globe to PLDT),(Globe to any ISP)] and lag is still present. However, on the same ISP's (Globe to Globe) is just fine and if lag is present it's tolerable.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Just got myself a copy of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves last October 14, 2009. This game is breathtakingly amazing. Wow! definitely a must buy for all Playstation 3 owners and a must try for those who do not have the console as this is an exclusive Playstation 3 game.

Is there really a need for me to review this game? This is just too obvious! Anyway, watch out for my simple review after I finish this game.

UPDATE:

I have just finished this game and I tell you. This is the best game I ever played in my entire life.

Uncharted: Drakes Fortune

I brought Uncharted: Drakes Fortune at a retail price just before iTech reduced their price and availability of Greatest Hits Edition.

I know that I am already late at this. This game was released way back 2007 and with all the good games coming and already out in the market this game still the most talked about and of highest recommendation for every new PS3 owner. Anyway, before any game could rain on my party here's my take on this.

STORY
The story is very impressive where there is not one scene in the game that is unrelated to it in other words it has a well written script. At the first chapters where Nathan Drake explores to the jungle where all you do is platforming, solving puzzles and hunt for hidden treasures is the part most gamers will probably get bored into it (to be perfectly honest I'm one of these gamers). Then as you go deeper to the story you will become interested and entertained with it for sure and that is enough to keep your attention until the very end.


GRAPHICS
The graphics are gorgeous with great attention to details. Animations are almost realistic with solid frame rates, lighting and shadows are just amazing. If there is one thing worth bragging here is its rendition of water specially during the upstream speedboat scene going to the monastery is just very realistic.

SOUND
The sound effects and background music are also the best that I've heard. surround sounds are emulated perfectly using the TV speakers and even better surround using the HTIB (Home Theater in a Box). Gun fires are very satisfying though, with sound output on every fire varies differently from low to high powered weapon and emulated on par with real weapon counterpart. With every fire and kills I make I don't deny the fact the smiles that came out of my face.


GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is good controls are perfect, covering and aiming are simple as well as unarmed combat. This is the first action adventure game that I've played that doesn't have a map I was confused and somewhat lost at first but, I tell you this even without a map you will not get lost in this game with hints switched on. Enemy AI's are very good I tell you they will attack and use anything they got to kill you. To some, the game is tough and plentiful enemies can make firefights frustrating.

VALUE
The game is short about approximately 9hrs of playtime. But, unlockables and trophies will add extra playtime and replay value into it.

OVERALL
This is my favorite PS3 game the quality and experience of this game is superb, the best that I've played so far. My only regret is why I haven't purchased this game earlier or at the same time I purchased my PS3. If you have a PS3 then, this game should be sitting right next to it.

HDMI

HDMI - One Cable. One Standard. The future-ready way to connect HD.


High Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI Comprised of Hitachi, Panasonic Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony Corporation, Thomson and Toshiba Corporation, the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Founders have joined together to define a next-generation digital interface specification for consumer electronics products. HDMI is also supported by major motion picture producers, as well as satellite and cable companies.


Common Versions

HDMI 1.3, 1.3a, 1.3b - There are no difference between these HDMI versions for consumers. These minor revisions to the specification typically relate to manufacturing or testing issues and do not impact features or functionality. In addition, all HDMI versions are fully backward compatible with all previous versions.

HDMI 1.4 - This is the newest HDMI standard and it's more powerful, with plenty of new capabilities pushing the boundaries of high definition experience.

Some HDMI cables do have specifications such as 24AWG and 28AWG. AWG is an acronym for American Wire Gauge and the number before it, is the thickness of the wires used. The higher the number the thinner the wire gets.

Please visit official site for more information.

PS3 Slim

PLAYSTATION®3 120GB system (Model No. CECH-2000A)


Today in Germany. The PS3 Slim was unveiled by Sony at GamesCom 2009 August 19, 2009 at about 1:00 am. Existing console price drop starts tomorrow August 20, 2009. (Philippine date/time)


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Hard Drive

• 2.5' Serial ATA 120Gb (CECH-2000A)
• 2.5' Serial ATA 160 - 320Gb (CECH-2100A)

Communication

• Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi*
• Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
• Wireless Controller Bluetooth (up to 7)

A/V Output

• Screen size: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• HDMI + Bravia Sync
• Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
• Digital audio: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1
• Blu-ray/DVD/CD DRIVE "read only"

I/O

• USB 2

Dimensions (mm)

• 290 x 65 x 290

Weight

• 3.2 Kg

CPU

• Cell Broadband Engine™ 45nm

GPU

• 65nm RSX (CECH-2000A)
• 40nm RSX (CECH-2100A) NEW!!!

Memory

• 256MB XDR Main RAM
• 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

Removable Media Slots

• None (only through USB ports)

Optical Drive

• Blu Ray Drive (can also read CD's VCD's and DVD's)

Power

• 250W

Backwards Compatibility

Due to the availability of an extensive line-up of PS3™ system titles, the 120GB PS3™ system is not backwards compatible with PlayStation®2 titles, but does maintain backwards compatibility for some original PlayStation® titles through digital downloads.

Now who says the PS3 is doomed and the slim has a slim chance of overtaking its competitors.

UPDATE!!!

Newer versions of PS3 Slim are already out in the market with the shrunk down 40nm RSX graphic chip resulting to a cooler, greener and power efficient console as opposed to 65nm launch models.

CrossMediaBar XMB

CrossMediaBar XMB - a Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE).


The interface is used on Playstation Portable (PSP), Playstation 3 (PS3), Sony's Blu Ray Players and some of the Bravia TV's. In addition, Sony has also added the XMB to its latest range of VAIO laptops.


It is the most easiest and user friendly that I have used. It is self explanatory icons spread horizontally across the screen, selecting icons reveals several options vertically above and below the selected icon thus, forming a cross.

Navigation is very simple any device that uses this kind of interface has an up, down, left and right arrow keys into it such as the 4 way Directional pad or D-pad on Playstation Portable and Playstation 3. As for Blu Ray players and Bravia TV's a D-pad looking button is visible on a remote.

Did you know that?

The interface won the Technology & Engineering Emmy Award for "Outstanding Innovation and Achievement in Advanced Media Technology for the Best Use of Personal Media Display and Presentation Technology" in 2006.

Click here for a web based user guide for PS3's XMB

Windows 7 : Expiration

My copy of Windows7 Ultimate beta build 7000 have expired and I have followed it since the start of countdown until expiration. Sorry for the crappy pictures.

The nagging of pop-up message started from 15 days daily countdown to 10 hours hourly countdown until hour reached zero. Too bad this is the only time I took a picture.


After hour reached zero and about approximately 2 hours of continued usage I got a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD so I guess this was the end of it. but when I restarted my computer out of curiosity and "what if's" I was amazed my copy of Windows7 booted-up and still working.


However, the nagging will never end along with the BSOD within 2 hours of usage.




So this is it! I think I will reformat my computer and temporarily install WindowsXP until Windows7 will be commercially available.

My simple preview on Windows7 click here

Battlefield Heroes

Battlefield Heroes - is a cartoon-style action first/third person shooter game developed by EA Digital Illusions CE or DICE for short.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Operating system: Windows XP or Windows Vista
CPU: Intel Pentium 4/AMD Athlon 1.0 GHz
RAM: 512 MB (1Gb on Windows Vista)
Video Card: 64MB DirectX compliant video card, Pixel shader 2.0 and above. (AGP and PCIe only)
Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible
Hard Drive space: 1Gb of space is required to install the game
Internet connection: 256kbit Cable/DSL connection

UPDATE:
This is a good game. However, I got kicked-out frequently from the server due to "ping too high" or "server is full" error.

WarRock

Fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping online shooter at its best!

War Rock allows players to experience the thrill of modern day warfare with up to 32 players online. Players have access to some of the most technologically advanced vehicles and weapons systems currently available. The Jindo 3D game engine brings the action to life with its patented physics engine which can display the most realistic special effects and animation. Players can operate vehicles like the Humvee, motorcycles, tanks, jet planes, boats, and many more. Through the Play Now system, users can play anytime they want. Users can choose and play with more than 20 different vehicles manufactured in various countries that are even upgradeable during battle. Source: WarRock.ph


This realistic online FPS (First Person Shooter) game is highly addictive wherein it features land, air, and sea combat which adds fun factor into it. The graphics are not that great but are acceptable. And best of all its FREE. However, items are available for purchase at the Item Shop to completely take the game to a whole new level.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:
OS: Windows ME/2000/XP
CPU: P3~800MHz
RAM: 512MB
HDD: 900MB
Graphics Card: Radeon 8500LE/Geforce MX400
DirectX: 9.0c

Recommended Specification:
OS: Windows 2000/XP
CPU: p4~2.0GHz+
RAM: 512MB or more
HDD: 900MB
Graphics Card: FX5700/ATI 9200 or better
DirectX: 9.0c or better