Electronics giant Sony has announced their move into the tablet market unveiling 2 devices to eager journalists and technology specialists. The tablets, codenamed S1 and S2 will both be Playstation certified so they can play PSOne games as well as any other applications or titles approved by Sony for use. Both the devices will use the Android Honeycomb 3.0 platform and feature dual core Tegra processors, the differences coming in the design and screen size.
The S1 features a 9.5″ screen and is shaped more like a traditional tablet with what seems to be a folded stand on the back, whilst the S2 features dual 5.5″ screen designed more like a Nintendo DS. Sony says that the dual screens can be used to display a single page or for multiple functions.
To add to this, Sony has said that their Qriocity and Reader Store will be available through both tablets. The S1 can apparently also control Sonys Bravia Tv range.
Dark Energy Digital has announced that their game, Hydrophobia Prophecy, will be coming to Steam and PlayStation Network soon. This reinvention of the title includes upgraded graphics, brand new gameplay mechanics, new levels, a reworked back story with alternate ending, recast voice acting and more. The enhancements have been made in response to data gathered from the Hydrophobia Listening Post where players voted and commented on the features of Hydrophobia Pure.
“We could’ve just ported Hydrophobia Pure over to Steam and PSN after the positive response it received, but we decided to go much further. The community really blew us away with the incredible response to Hydrophobia Pure and the outstanding level of feedback on the listening post, so we wanted to return the favour and ensure we created a bigger and better experience in every possible respect with Hydrophobia Prophecy for Steam and PSN” – Pete Jones
Following the astonishing response to the listening post, Dark Energy has developed a new in-game dev feedback system called Darknet which launches in Hydrophobia Prophecy. Darknet allows players to deliver specific opinions at any point during the game, which are automatically augmented with contextual data about the game state at that time.
“In the modern, interconnected world we think there should be better lines of communication between players and developer, which is exactly what Darknet delivers. Gamers have shown us how much they appreciated being involved in the development process and we have responded. We’re really excited to be bringing Hydrophobia Prophecy and Darknet to PC using Steamworks because the ability to update the game seamlessly and regularly through Steam is a perfect fit for our commitment to acting upon feedback from the community. It also means we can update the Darknet system itself to ensure we continually adapt to serve players who want to participate more effectively.”
Hydrophobia Prophecy will launch on Steam on 9th May and can be pre-purchased for just $10.19 / £7.64 (including 15% pre-purchase discount) with a PSN version to follow.
“Hello there Nin2-Jump. What’s that?! Your coming to XBLA?! THIS WEEK! FOR ONLY 5 %&*>-ing dollars?! Whoa, you kinda snuck that one in like a ninja.”
“Nevertheless, I dare say that your gameplay looks pretty interesting, and my, is that an original concept too? I see. The graphical art direction and style looks unique as well. What was that last point now? 100% of the profits from the game will be going to help Japan, up until June 30. That will surely be appreciated.”
“I think this game is worth the money. Thank you.”
Since PSN is experiencing a little power down time, Sucker Punch Productions is extending the inFamous 2 user-generated content beta for a undefined amount of time. And since gamers have to agree to online generated user agreement to play the beta in the first place, they have also stopped giving out codes to participate in the electrifying game preview. It seems that either way you look at it, this is probably a good move by the developers and it may help quell some of the frustration caused by the PSN meltdown/rebuild. We’ll let you know when the beta will be ending as soon as possible.
If your in the market for a Nintendo DS Lite, and you must absolutely buy from the might G, then you better hurry. As soon as all stock is cleared, Gamestop has no plans to reorder the device, as they intend to focus on selling the the 3DS, DSi and DSi XL. Never fear though, as most other retailers have no current plans to do the same. Read that as CURRENT though. It is more than likely only a matter of time.
It appears that the little device just isn’t so popular now, huh? The poor little guy probably hates 3D just as much as I do too.
Ever since the Xbox 360 Kinect was launched, it has sold like gangbusters, breaking sales records and becoming a household item. One unexpected market for the Kinect though was the hacker community. Already, there have been so many new ideas invented using the console accessory that the potential seems limitless. Microsoft and the developers of the tech behind the Kinect have supported these efforts and are launching a development kit for Windows OS that will allow engineers even more freedom to tinker with the device. Peep the trailer below for more details.
The FTC has concluded a study in the United States in which they sent secret shoppers who were under the legal age into stores. These minors endeavored to purchase to video games that were above their age level. The results of the study were very interesting, and they prove that the the game industry CAN self regulate itself, and therefore the need for government intervention is moot. Hear that government? MOOT!
ESRB President Patricia Vance said: “The strong support that the ESRB ratings have enjoyed from retailers is crucial, underscoring their firm commitment to selling video games responsibly.
The FTC issued this report to Congress saying that, despite enforcement improvements across the board, “more needs to be done.”
Lovin’ the Gears of War 3 beta? Or did you enjoy the Halo Reach beta? Maybe your just a born tester. Whatever the case, Bungie would still love for you to apply to test their new stuff. Specifically, mobile and Playstation 3 testing will be done, and you can check out the position details here: http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=31298 Let us know if you apply and get in. Then be sure to tell us all their secrets. Muahaha. 😉
So, any ideas as to what they are working on? What do you want them to be working on?
Like many 3DS users, one of the main things I have been waiting for is the May update to take place as it will officially launch the eShop for the Nintendo 3DS, allowing for demos, 3D videos, and other goodies to be downloaded on the system as well as the new virtual console and 3DSware. Best Buy now have made a new listing of a prepaid cash card for the Nintendo 3DS which is now available for pre-order which seems to work much like the standard Nintendo point system, allowing for users to replenish the eWallet for more purchasing and at the same basic price-point of just $20.
While this “leak” of sorts isn’t anything surprising really, it does make me wonder if standard Nintendo points will not be valid for the 3DS’ online selection. I can say though that I am praying to the Nintendo gods that we see some classic titles for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color such as Shantae, Pokemon Red/Blue, and Metroid II all see a release on the eShop eventually and if all those come to be, my real wallet will surely be put through the wringer. In a couple of weeks though, this update will be live and all answers will start to trickle out so now it is just a game of patience until then.
For those who crave brain teasing titles or just really enjoyed the Nintendo DS’ offering of Left Brain Right Brain on the Nintendo DS, Majesco have now released the ambidextrous developing brain game on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Featuring ten different mini-games, this app will let players sharpen their skills by training the left and right hemispheres of their brain with activities based on speed, accuracy, association, recognition, memory and strategy.
Left Brain Right brain also features four different modes, Hand Exercises, Balance Check, Left Hand vs. Right Hand and Ambidexterity Check, along with a multi-player mode via WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity to let two players go head to head (or brain to brain) to see who has the better balance. You can grab this App for yourself via the itunes Appstore for the iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore/ at a low price of just $.99. I now expect all you lefty’s (and even right handed folk as well) to get on this and begin your training at once so you can have the upper hand at things for now on (quite literally, in this case).
