170w ago - Update: According to Examiner.com, the Heavy Rain PS3 patch update is causing more technical issues for gamers although Sony is investigating.

To quote: "Many are complaining about game crashes, audio skipping, save/loading problems, and some characters getting caught in furniture. Not all are complaining about the game, though.

For many, the game is running fine after the patch and they are enjoying the experience the game offers. Whether the problems are widespread or just a minor problem for some can't be determined, yet."

Heavy Rain was released just before the weekend on February 18, 2010 in Japan and has already received a 226MB PlayStation 3 patch update.

According to PS3Insider.de (linked above), prior to playing the game users will be prompted to download and install this PS3 patch file which reportedly fixes some lag issues.

To quote, roughly translated: "Add to Heavy Rain, a patch has been released. The patch has a size of 226 MB.

This struck us as we have once again brought the same test specimen. What changes...

171w ago - Xdev Studio Europe Producer John McLaughlin has posted a video announcement today on the PlayStation Blog that Crash Commando for PS3 is getting a price drop on PSN.

To quote: Staff Sergant McLaughlin is pleased to announce a permanent 2 Euro price drop starting on the 11th February, which means the game will now be selling for €7.99/£6.29.

The Crash Commando community are hungry for fresh meat so load up your rocket launcher, check your side arm, and make sure you have enough C4 to blow them all to bits!!

Don't forget to check out the in game store for extra character and map packs.

Stop Your grinnin' and drop your linen! Move out people... move it move it move it!!"

196w ago - French Web site UltimatePS3.fr (linked above) is reporting today that marketing posters have arrived at French retailer Micromania promoting the stock of "New PlayStation 3s".

This comes just days after the PS3 Slim was discovered in a Micromania database listing.

The posters give no details on price or dates, and the price is to be filled in at the retailer's own discretion.

To quote, roughly translated: While doubts remained about the arrival of a new model of PS3, we learn by a member of our forum Micromania received this morning a POP (picture support) aimed at promoting a new model. We knew the price was about to fall, now it is assumed that a new version of the console will be marketed.

This now removes any ambiguity: a new model of PS3 will land in our stores! The scenario that emerges is that the PS3 "Old" to 299 euros, the PS3 "New" to 399 euros. Confirmation or denial tonight with the press conference of Sony, for each of 19-hour Ultimate PS3.

Please note that to date, if the buzz of the web a new model called the "Slim PS3", this expression is currently seen anywhere.

202w ago - Today LittleBigPlanet has received a mysterious and sizeable 80MB patch v1.16 update, which some are speculating may be a new level pack... perhaps the rumored Ghostbusters one?

To quote from TheSixthAxis.com (linked above): LittleBigPlanet has received continous patches since its launch, and normally the larger ones have contained some important new stuff like the Metal Gear Solid content, as well as having cute little codenames like Appledore and Ricotta.

Not this one - today's unannounced update, 1.16, weighs in at 80MB and thus almost certainly contains future (and currently secret) DLC. For reference, the MGS content was roughly 65MB.

Naturally, nobody seems to know what's in the patch, but we eagerly await any information anyone might be able to dig up.

208w ago - The biggest surprise so far at E3 hasn't come from either the Wii or Xbox 360.

Instead, the PSP has stolen the limelight with announcements that LittleBigPlanet Portable, Gran Turismo and even a new Metal Gear game may be on the way.

John Koller (Director of Hardware Marketing) unveiled the titles and also speculated that a release could be due this Fall.

He also stated "This should definitely come as exciting news for PlayStation fans, as another portable Metal Gear would be quite the system-seller for Sony's new PSP."

Although no solid details are given, perhaps the mysterious Kojima countdown timer is connected with the new portable Metal Gear. Only time will tell.