In our upcoming BioShock interview, 2K Marin programmer Jake Etgeton reveals that the PS3 version of BioShock will feature new interactive load screens and graphical enhancements due to the use of Blu-ray and the ability to install data on the PS3 hard drive.
"There are improvements, such as interactive load screens which takes advantage of the increased space on the Blu-ray disc," said Etgeton. "The downloadable Challenge Rooms also offer a slew of new graphical and gameplay content, albeit outside of the fictional universe."
When asked about the PS3 install and how it will affect the game, Etgeton explained, "BioShock PS3 uses a standard one-time 5 GB install. It only takes 10 minutes, and there’s even a fancy movie accompanied by Bing Crosby’s 'You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me' to help pass the time if you’re not off making a tasty, preparatory sandwich."
"Installing to the PS3 hard drive allows us to 'stream' textures and audio faste... More »
Per Alan McDermott (Audio Lead, Evolution Studios) via PS Blog today:
Since Day 1, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to put a soundtrack together that would have the right vibe for a festival of racing like MotorStorm. You see, Music is one of those things that no one is ever “wrong” about. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone knows best, but no one is ever wrong!
After countless discussions with various people involved in creating the Festival Infrastructure around the MotorStorm racing events, my challenge was set: I needed to put together a lineup that not only fit with a racing game, but one which could feasibly be the Festival line up to end all Festival line ups.
It had to be Anarchic, Aggressive and Raucous. That was the easy part. The tough part was making sure that the soundtrack became as much a signature of MotorStorm as the racing itself was.
Per Grace Chen (Senior Manager, PLAYSTATION Store) today:
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update. Enjoy!
Qore
Qore Episode 5 ($2.99 for episode / $24.99 for Annual Subscription)
Episode 5 celebrates Halloween with a scary game roundup. It also includes exclusive access to SEGA’s Valkyria Chronicles demo, some spooky/creepy artwork and new shooting galleries.
File Size: 1.68 GB
Games
Linger in Shadows ($2.99)
Linger in Shadows is a unique interactive digital art experience that uses the SIXAXIS controller to manipulate the very fabric of time and reality. Groundbreaking graphics and interactivity raise the bar for what is possible on PlayStation 3. Download Linger in Shadows and experience a truly unique journey that will change the way you think about games and art.
File Size: 100 MB
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords ($14.9... More »
Yes folks, it's October, which means that the crazy end-of-year games rush has begun. A boggling number of games are due out over the next few months, so let us guide you towards the titles we really think you should be keeping an eye on.
Remember though, most of these recommendations are based on previews, so wait until the final review verdict before picking any of them up.
1. Animal Crossing: City Folk - Wii, 16th Nov US, December EU
It might not be the great hardcore hope Reggie claims it to be, but the Wii version of Animal Crossing certainly promises to be the definitive entry in the series. It's got proper online play, mic and keyboard communications, Mii support, a new city area full of customisable gear to pick up and connectivity between Wii and DS. In other words, it's got everything Animal Crossing always needed. AC is one of those games you either love or just don't get at all, but if you're the former, this will be a must.
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Taku Imasaki (Producer, SCEA) of the PS Blog writes today:
Hello Blog Readers and GT Fans! I enthusiastically return to the blog with very good news. Hitting on our promise to continue to evolve the GT series, a new update for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is NOW available. This update adds three new vehicles to the game’s line-up, plus a number of gameplay and performance enhancements we think you’ll be excited about. Here we go…
New Vehicles All three vehicles and manufacturers have special ties to Gran Turismo developer Polyphony Digital. They will be added to their respective Dealership areas in GT5 Prologue.
GT by Citreon - The “GT by Citroen” concept car is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between French automaker Citroen and Polyphony Digital. The formal debut of the vehicle took place yesterday at the Paris Motor Show, coinciding with the release of today’s update to the game. A video of the “GT by C... More »
Hitachi has announced anti-counterfeiting functionalities on memory chips without microprocessor such as memory cards, tickets or cartridges.
The Japanese company announced today the development of a mechanism for attesting the authenticity of memory chips using highly secure digital signatures.
Since the mechanism requires neither a CPU nor a computational unit, high security can be attained at a very low cost. As a result, counterfeited or altered memory devices can be recognized as such, with a wide range of applications, including memory cards for digital cameras or handheld video game consoles, cartridges for consumer products, admission tickets or gift coupons.
In order to establish that digital contents are authentic and have not been tampered with, digital signatures usually involve cost-intensive computations and require an important processing power. For instance, in some scheme... More »
Per Grace Chen (Senior Manager, PLAYSTATION Store) today:
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.
Downloadable Games
WipEout HD ($19.99)
It was there back at the beginning and now it’s taking the franchise into the future: WipEout HD is set to deliver 1080p High Definition visuals running at a breathtaking 60-frames-per-second. WipEout HD features a selection of the best tracks taken from previous versions of the franchise, meticulously crafted and fully reworked to showcase the processing power of PS3. Available exclusively on PSN.
File sizes: 997 MB
Burnout Paradise PSN ($29.99)
Welcome to Paradise City, the ultimate driving playground. Burnout Paradise is set in a vast open-world, filled with events and challenges that will push your driving and riding skills to the limit. So grab your first set of wheels and head on out into the city; what happens next is complete... More »
One of the most exciting updates ever on the European Community. Burnout Paradise reappears with trophies support at €29.99.
Here's the complete list below:
Playable content
PlayStation 3 * WipEout HD full game (£11.99/€17.99)
* Burnout Paradise full game (£24.99/€29.99)
* Mega Man 9 full game (£6.99/€9.99)
* Mercenaries 2 demo
* Beijing 2008 demo
* Mega Man 9 demo
PlayStation Portable * Burnout Legends full PSP game (£14.99/€19.99)
* Burnout Dominator full PSP game (£17.99/€24.99)
Add-on content
* Buzz! Quiz TV "Video Games" quiz (£3.49/€4.99)
* Rock Band DLC (listed after the break)
* High Stakes Poker add-on 2 (free)
Videos
* PES 2009 trailer
* Valkyria Chronicles trailer
* Ferrari Challenge trailer
* Pure launch trailer
* PAIN Amusement Pa... More »