112w ago - Today it was announced that Sony's TV and movie video streaming service Crackle is heading to the PlayStation 3 console for free.

PS3 owners will find Crackle via the built-in Web browser, and the homepage will have a direct link available.

To quote from GamesRadar.com (linked above): Crackle, an ad-supported video streaming service that just so happens to be owned by Sony Pictures, announced a sweeping expansion today.

It's now available on numerous devices including Sony Blu-ray players and TVs, as well as Roku boxes and, of course, the PS3.

Crackle works like Hulu, but it has a stronger focus on movies, with hundreds of films available, as well as original programming.

Among the studios supporting Crackle are Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, and Sony Pictures Classics. Incidentally, those are all Sony Pictures studios. The company says it adds 20 new titles per month.

112w ago - Sony Online Entertainment Lead Designer Stephen Bokkes has made available a video announcing that Free Realms hits PSN today and includes Voice Chat and PS3 Trophies.

To quote: Today, as a PS3 gamer, you should ask yourself only one question: where can I race a demolition derby car against my friends, build a fun house for my friends to come play in, battle monsters as a stealthy ninja, own a parrot and talk like a pirate, raise a dragon pet that poops hot coals, and ride a rainbow unicorn off into the sunset?

Starting today, the answer is Free Realms! That's right, Sony Online Entertainment's popular online virtual world makes its way to the PlayStation Network today and you can all play it for FREE.

Free Realms is the first casual, free-to-play MMO ever to be offered on the PlayStation Network and definitely has something for everyone to play, adventure and experience.





Players can take on endless amounts of roles including ninjas, warriors, or wizards, while participating in a variety of activities such as adventuring for treasure, playing a soccer game, decorating their player house,...

112w ago - PlayStation Network Director of Marketing Brandon Stander has announced today that 2011 MLB.TV is launching today, which includes new features for opening day as well.

To quote: The Major League Baseball pre-season is coming down the home stretch, and with Opening Day of the 2011 season just two days away, we're excited to announce 2011 MLB.TV for PS3 is now available on PlayStation Network.

For the 2011 MLB season, the MLB.TV team is introducing significant advancements, including an improved user interface, more integration and more sophisticated tools for live streaming. Check it out as our own Jeff Rubenstein walks you through the highlights:

Some of the new 2011 upgrades include:





• Highest Quality HD Streaming - Speed detection technology gives users ultra-HQ video access (NexDef 4.5 mbps) depending on available bandwidth.
• Enhanced Audio - In-game alternate audio selection allows users to overlay the home or away team's broadcasters over the live video or use the "Park" option to include the ballpark's natural sounds.
• Quick-Access Stats - View player cards with full career stats, league leaders,...

112w ago - Square Enix Head of Public Relations Sonia Im has shared a video announcing that The 3rd Birthday teleports to PSP today with Dissidia 012 Bonus.

To quote: The 3rd Birthday launches today on UMD and via PSN!

While your PSP may still be hot from Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy, you should definitely add The 3rd Birthday to your "play" list.

It has all of the makings of a game that ensures my PSP is rarely idle: Awesome graphics, gameplay that's gets as deep as I want it to be, teleporting ("overdive" system), plus I love games that get the shooting mechanics right on a PSP.

Hope you have as much fun as I predict I will!

A few quick bits of info and then onto the gorgeous launch trailer!





• A true action-RPG hybrid: Resist the Twisted's vicious onslaught in a third-person shooter, with a heavy dose of character progression and customization.
• Strategic gameplay: The new Overdive System gives players a tactical advantage as they make split-second decisions on the battlefield.
• All-star production staff: Including producer Yoshinori Kitase (Final Fantasy series), director...

112w ago - Zipper Interactive Senior Community Manager Jeremy Dunham has shared some new video footage today of the SOCOM 4: PS3 Multiplayer Map.

To quote: Today's the day that players who nabbed SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs Multiplayer Beta vouchers in copies of Killzone 3 or at PAX East 2011 can now redeem their early access codes!

In celebration, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at two SOCOM 4 multiplayer maps that haven't really been seen outside of Zipper Interactive yet - Von Heine Express and Cesspool!

Von Heine Express was actually one of the last MP maps we finished; the idea behind it was to create an environment that captured the spirit of our classic SOCOM II map, Fox Hunt, but was built on the themes of SOCOM 4 and made for great sniping scenarios.

Set on the coast of Southeast Asia in a makeshift military base that comes complete abandoned train cars, Von Heine Express is a favorite here at Zipper and has only been seen publicly once - at PAX East 2011 where it was part of that event's SOCOM 4 Championship Tournament. Check out the video below for a flythrough!





Another map that we're happy to unveil is Cesspool. Cesspool was one of the earliest MP maps developed...