Articles posted by Niraj Shah

SOCOM: Confrontation will get trophies via patch

SOCOM: Confrontation is now available to purchase but for you "trophy whores" out there, you will be disappointed. The game does not feature trophies as originally suggested, rather according to Jeff Rubenstein, trophies will be added to the game "via a patch, within the next couple of weeks." The SOCOM team have confirmed that trophies will be coming soon, but no release date has been given.

There was also no mention if the trophy system will be retroactive. Any criteria you may have already achieved to unlock a trophy will need to be done again once the trophy update goes live. The official comment from Rubenstein follows:

"We’ve noticed a couple of comments today on the blog from gamers who purchased SOCOM Confrontation; you’ve been asking ‘Where are the trophies?’

Well, I just wrapped up a conversation with the SOCOM team, where they’ve confirmed the fact that trophies *will* be coming, via a patch, within the next couple of weeks."

High Velocity Bowling getting trophies

High Velocity Bowling is to get a free patch today adding lots of new features and improvements. Among the new features is trophy support, with 12 trophies to unlock. The update also adds voice chat to online head-to-head games, weekly leaderboards, in-game music playback, more trick shots, new ball bags and more. Check out the trophy list below.

Trophies:

Bronze:
- Score 180 or higher in an online game.
- Achieve an online rating of 1600 or more.
- Knock down a total of 500 pins in online games.
- Get 10 strikes in online games.
- Get 15 spares in online games.
- Win an online game.
- Play 3 online games.
Silver:
- Score 250 or higher in an online game.
- Knock down a total of 5000 pins in online games.
- Get 25 wins in online games.
- Get 75 strikes in online games.
Gold:
- Get 150 strikes in online games.

Head-to-head play, voice chat communication, and weekly online leaderboard:

Voice communication, friend list support and online leaderboards will be added in the new update. You will now be able to play with your friends online AND be able to chat with them using a PS3 headset or microphone. Feel free to chat and talk smack after comparing your stats and rankings on the online leaderboards that will be updated weekly.

Playlist with improved audio:

You can access the XMB while in-game for your own custom soundtracks, with support for playlists. Now with the new XMB custom music feature, you can bowl while listening to a mix of Beethoven, Frank Zappa, Britney Spears, Weird Al Yankovic, Gregorian Chants and Nirvana! And with the improved audio options, you?ll be able to crank up your tunes, character voices, and ambient sounds, OR turn them off altogether!

More trick shots:

The update adds two new challenges, and additional trick shots will be created for download in the future. These challenges will not only help you earn patches that you missed out on during your normal gameplay, but get you more stars for the leaderboards!

New ball bags:

There is a new and more realistic Ball Bag system in HVB. You can only bring four balls with you onto the lane in each bag, so you?ll have to choose wisely. You can name and save up to 24 different ball bags so you don?t have to individually choose four balls every time that you want to play. Be sure to mix and match so that there are some good hooking balls and some good straight rollers in your bag. This way, you?ll be prepared for any oil pattern or pin leave!

PS3 Firmware 2.50

After yesterdays PlayStation Network downtime, Firmware 2.50 for the PlayStation 3 is now available to download. Amount the new features we noted in our previous article, including in-game screenshot support and improved trophy interface, a few new features have also been released in the update. This includes DivX Video on Demand (VOD) and Adove Flash Player 9. You can update your console using the Network Update feature from the [Settings] Menu. See below for the full changelog.

New account management website:

Changelog:

Users
- You now have an option to set the PS3 system to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has been completed. This option is available when you are turning off the system under [Users] > [Turn Off System] while content is being downloaded or installed.
Settings
- [BD/DVD Settings] has been renamed as [Video Settings].
- Under [Video Settings], the [Cinema Conversion] and [Upscale] options have been renamed as [BD/DVD Cinema Conversion] and [BD/DVD Upscaler], respectively.
- [Sequential Playback] and [50 Hz Video Output] have been added as options under [Video Settings].
- [DivX VOD Registration Code] has been added under [System Settings]. You must use this registration code to authenticate and register the PS3 system to be able to play video files that are compatible with the DivX VOD (Video On Demand) service on your system. For details, visit divx.com/vod/
- [Power Save Settings] has been added as an option under Settings. To save power, the PS3 system and Wireless controllers can be set to turn off automatically after a certain period of inactivity.
- Under [Accessory Settings] > [Audio Device Settings], the method for reconnecting Bluetooth devices has been changed.
- Under [Accessory Settings] > [Keyboard Type], you can now choose the following keyboard types: [German Keyboard (Switzerland)], [French Keyboard (Canada)] and [French Keyboard (Switzerland)].
- In the keyboard layout for [German Keyboard], the "Y" and "Z" keys have been switched and the "Q" and "A" keys have been switched.
- Under [Printer Settings] > [Printer Selection], you can now select printers that support network connectivity. You can also select HP printers using the [HP] option.
Music
- You can now select one of nine volume output levels using the [Volume Control] setting on the control panel (or the mini-size control panel).
- [Pause] has been added as an icon on the mini-size control panel.
Video
- You can now select one of nine volume output levels using the [Volume Control] setting on the control panel.
- [Scene Search] has been added as an option on the control panel.
- You can now use the [Mosquito Noise Reduction] setting for video content that is saved on the hard disk or storage media. Use this setting to reduce mosquito noise that appears on the edges of visual images.
- During BD (BDAV) and DVD playback, a technique known as "chroma upsampling" is now automatically selected based on the movement of objects within the video content and then applied to enhance images in the content.
Game
- [Sync with Server] has been added as an option under [Trophy Collection].
- By pressing the PS button while playing PLAYSTATION 3 format software, you can now view information from the [Settings and Connection Status List] option under [Network Settings]. This feature is not available for use with some PLAYSTATION 3 format software.
Network
- Support for Adobe Flash Player 9 has been added to [Internet Browser]. "Adobe" and "Flash" are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
PlayStation Network
- The way to disable the automatic sign-in option and the way to sign out from PlayStation Network have been changed.
- In PlayStation Store, the design of the [View Downloads] and [View Cart] buttons has been changed, and a [Redeem Codes] button has been added.

[Originally Posted On: 15/10/08 09:25 AM]

System Software Ver. 2.50

Users

You now have an option to set the PS3 system to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has been completed. This option is available when you are turning off the system under [Users] > [Turn Off System] while content is being downloaded or installed.

Settings

[BD/DVD Settings] has been renamed as [Video Settings].
Under [Video Settings], the [Cinema Conversion] and [Upscale] options have been renamed as [BD/DVD Cinema Conversion] and [BD/DVD Upscaler], respectively.
[Sequential Playback] and [50 Hz Video Output] have been added as options under [Video Settings].
[DivX VOD Registration Code] has been added under [System Settings]. You must use this registration code to authenticate and register the PS3 system to be able to play video files that are compatible with the DivX VOD (Video On Demand) service on your system. For details, visit divx.com/vod/
[Power Save Settings] has been added as an option under Settings. To save power, the PS3 system and Wireless controllers can be set to turn off automatically after a certain period of inactivity.
Under [Accessory Settings] > [Audio Device Settings], the method for reconnecting Bluetooth devices has been changed.
Under [Accessory Settings] > [Keyboard Type], you can now choose the following keyboard types: [German Keyboard (Switzerland)], [French Keyboard (Canada)] and [French Keyboard (Switzerland)].
In the keyboard layout for [German Keyboard], the “Y” and “Z” keys have been switched and the “Q” and “A” keys have been switched.
Under [Printer Settings] > [Printer Selection], you can now select printers that support network connectivity. You can also select HP printers using the [HP] option.

Music

You can now select one of nine volume output levels using the [Volume Control] setting on the control panel (or the mini-size control panel).
[Pause] has been added as an icon on the mini-size control panel.

Video

You can now select one of nine volume output levels using the [Volume Control] setting on the control panel.
[Scene Search] has been added as an option on the control panel.
You can now use the [Mosquito Noise Reduction] setting for video content that is saved on the hard disk or storage media. Use this setting to reduce mosquito noise that appears on the edges of visual images.
During BD (BDAV) and DVD playback, a technique known as “chroma upsampling” is now automatically selected based on the movement of objects within the video content and then applied to enhance images in the content.

Game

[Sync with Server] has been added as an option under [Trophy Collection].
By pressing the PS button while playing PLAYSTATION 3 format software, you can now view information from the [Settings and Connection Status List] option under [Network Settings]. This feature is not available for use with some PLAYSTATION 3 format software.

Network

Support for Adobe Flash Player 9 has been added to [Internet Browser]. “Adobe” and “Flash” are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

PlayStation Network

The way to disable the automatic sign-in option and the way to sign out from PlayStation Network have been changed.
In PlayStation Store, the design of the [View Downloads] and [View Cart] buttons has been changed, and a [Redeem Codes] button has been added.

Saints Row 2 has 3.5GB install, no trophy support

With the North American release of Saints Row 2 today, we were eager to try the game out. After popping in the disc, were surprised to see a patch already available for the game. Patch v1.10 is 33MB in size but unfortunately trophy support is not included.

PlayStation Network downtime today

The PlayStation network will be down for maintenance tonight between 9:00PM and 2:00AM. The announcement was made on the SCEE forums but the post did not state why maintenance was being carried out. We speculate that the network is being prepared for the upcoming PSP and PS3 firmware updates, which are said to be released soon. During the downtime, you will not be able to sign-in to the network.

However, if you sign-on before, you will have no problems playing online. As you may have read, the PSP will be getting access to the PlayStation Store in firmware v5.00, and new features will be added to the PS3 PlayStation Store.

PS3 Firmware 2.5 details

PlayStation 3 Firmware update v2.50 in coming soon and with it comes several improvements and new features. With the release of the official bluetooth headset this month, the firmware update will add new features to support High Quality audio mode. Also, the trophy system will be getting an interface enhancement to make it easier to compare trophies. As for new features, the firmware update will add in-game screenshot support, power save settings for wireless controllers and background downloading features.

Changelog:

Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset – enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. Plus, on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.
PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements – This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you?ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend?s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
Friend status – Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.
Video – This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.
PlayStation Store – The redeem codes option has been added to the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.
Power Save Settings – You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.
Background Downloading – You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under [Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.
In-game Screenshots – this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.

TGS 2008: PlayStation Home to launch on Nov 19th 2008

At the Tokyo Games Show 2008, Sony has announced that PlayStation Home will be released to the public on November 19th 2008. Home has already been delayed twice since it was announced almost two years ago. The extended closed beta of PlayStation Home is currently under way but in just over a months time, everyone will be able to enjoy Sony’s virtual world. On launch, a variety of third-party content will be available from many game design companies.

PlayStation Home

Ryoji Akagawa of Sony said that around 24 game design companies would provide the content needed for Home – but didn’t give much else away. Xbox 360 is developing a similar virtual community called "New Xbox Experience". Microsoft’s John Schappert said:

"Our goal is to make the Xbox experience more visual, easier to use, more fun to use and more social…We focused a lot on friends and other experiences outside just playing games."

PlayStation Home

PlayStation Video Store update for Oct 10th 2008

This week content for four television series and over 30 new movies have been added to the PlayStation Video Store. New TV content includes It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Star Trek VIII: First Contact. As for new movies, a few that stand out from the list of over 30 include King Kong, The Hitchhiker?s Guide to the Galaxy and Con Air. As for this week’s top 20 movie downloads, Iron Man is on top followed by Grandma’s Boy in second place and Speed Racer in third.

Television:

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Star Trek VIII: First Contact
Superjail!, Season 1
Watchmen Motion Comic, Chapter One & Two

Movies:

Charlotte?s Web 2
Cobra
Con Air
Crocodile Dundee II
Curly Sue
Date Movie (Unrated)
Doctor Zhivago
Domestic Disturbance
Extreme Ops
Grandma?s Boy
He Said, She Said
High Crimes
Joy Ride
Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead
Keeping Up with the Steins
King Kong
Mean Girls
Open Water
Return from Witch Mountain
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
The Abyss
The Addams Family
The Happening
The Hitchhiker?s Guide to the Galaxy
The Hunt for Red October
The Little Prince
The Sandlot
The Siege
Transporter 2
Untouchables
Vanilla Sky
World Trade Center
Wrong Turn

WipEout HD patch now available in Europe

A patch for WipEout HD is now available to download in Europe. Patch v1.1 solves some of the bugs that were reported with the game. Unfortunately, if you played the game while having more than 50 friends, then it is possible that your game savedata has been corrupted and will need to be deleted. Once the update is installed, users should delete any savedata and then launch the game to create a new profile. Luckly, any trophies that you have unlocked will remain on your PSN profile.

The patch is currently available in Europe only, but one for North America will most likely be released soon. The official comment on the update is:

"If at any time you have had over 50 users in your friends list whilst playing Wipeout it is possible that your saved data has become corrupted.

If this situation applies to you, we strongly recommend once this update has installed you quit the game and delete your saved data using the saved data utility in the XMB, then relaunch the game to create a new profile."

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