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Sony Settles With Geohot

Darren Resnekov
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In breaking news, Sony US has announced that they have come to an out of court settlement with infamous ‘hacker’ George Hotz. Patrick Seybold, Director of corporate communications and social media tells how the parties ‘reached an agreement in principle’, with Hotz consenting to a permanent injunction regarding posting information relating to the companies security systems.

This ends a 3 month case, which began when Hotz released information on how to ‘jailbreak’ the latest firmware on the PS3, put in place to try and hinder previous hacking attempts. Both sides are very happy that the litigation has been put behind them and quickly resolved. Riley Russell, the general counsel for Sony cites their motivation behind the case as being protection ‘of our intellectual property and out consumers’, something they believe they have achieved through the injunction. What I do find interesting is the fact that the PS3 was actually hacked months before this and without Hotzs help or collaboration. The PSJailbreak group had already released a way to play backup copies of games, and while Sony did take out injunctions against the sale of the device and also against resellers, not much more became of it. It was only when Hotz decrypted the firmware they had put in place to stop the jailbreaking dongles from working that things got complicated. Surely it would have been easier to prove a case against people who were profiting from these devices, something that Hotz never did or condoned.

While maintaining his innocence somewhat Hotz of course is glad to be out of court, and comments ‘It was never my intention to cause any users trouble or to make piracy easier. I’m happy to have the litigation behind me. It was also agreed that he had no part in any of the recent attacks on Sony’s servers or against them personally regarding the hacker group Anonymous.

Russell Wiley goes on to note that consumers should be able to enjoy all Sony’s products in a safe and fun environment and this was all done in an effort to protect the hard work of all those involved in designing hardware, software and the Playstation network. On the official Sony blog site he says ‘We appreciate Mr. Hotzs willingness to address the legal issues and work with us’ to close the case.

A quick visit to the official Geohot website reveals a new blog on his behalf apparently joining in on the boycott of Sony products, a move his legion of fanboys will surely follow. It all seems a bit childish to me and hey if you want to miss out on all the awesome games and technologically breaking peripherals coming out of Sony then that’s your prerogative. And to all those misguided people trolling gaming sites worldwide who say they will make it their mission to hack the PS4 on principle good luck to you. It took years of trying plus an internal leak to finally hack the PS3 and still only a handful of guys even understand it, plus you will have to purchase a unit to ‘hack’ and will more than likely stuff it up giving Sony your money and leaving you with a doorstop something they will more than likely welcome. And you will still probably end up in court.

Ubisoft CEO calls for new Consoles, and how Ubisoft can be NO.1

Darren Resnekov
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Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, famous for bringing the franchises Rayman and Assassins creed into our homes across multi platforms has expressed worry over the current state of the video games market essentially blaming old technology and a lack of new hardware available to consumers. His comments and insights into consoles life cycles and the introduction of new IP suggest he disagrees with such long intervals between console launches. He goes on to comment that consumers have more incentive to purchase for new consoles and as the life of the console matures, only the big established brands can compete.

Guillemot praises the introduction of new motion detection devices such as the Kinect and Move, as well as the 3DS and Sonys new NGP, but says not enough is being done by developers to take advantage of newer technologies in getting them to market.

After EA sold their stock in the company, Guillemot also believes that the French company can overtake the 2 major players standing at the pinnacle of the industry, EA and Activision. Previously with EA, essentially a major competitor to Ubisoft, owning a stake in the company meant they were always concerned about a takeover and were hindered in their acquisitions should they conflict with the strategies of such a large company as EA. With independence, Ubisoft is free again to do as they please and follow their own vision. Still way below the sales figures of EA and Activision, he believes that they are headed in the right direction to become the market leader having already moved up from 25th to 3rd in sales, and plans a heavy focus on the creation of new products.

Regardless of his view, only Nintendo may answer his call with many gaming analysts speculating on a Wii 2 announcement as early as E3.  Microsoft has no immediate plans for the release of their next console with as late 2015 being speculated by many. This would also fall in line with Sony’s 10 year plan for the PS3, with SCEA CEO Jack Tretton stating that the ‘PS3 is only now taking its stride 4 years after launch’. He has a firm belief that a consoles life cycle and ultimate success resides with it having ‘cutting edge’ technology on launch, not offering it as optional extras. While making some derogatory comments regarding the current Nintendo and Microsoft systems which he believes are outdated and technologically inferior, he of course has nothing but praise for the PS3 platform.

Please note the release date of consoles is pure speculation gathered from trusted gaming analysts not fact based announcements.

Commodore 64 Returns

Chris Cerami
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Alongside the original IBM PC and the Apple II, the Commodore 64 is perhaps one of the most classic computers of all time. While it wasn’t the most popular home computer in North America, it was one of the most widely used units across Europe from its release in 1982 until the early 90’s. Why am I telling you all of this? Well, Commodore has come back into being recently and has started selling Commodore branded PCs once more. Most exciting, however, is the PC compatible Commodore 64.

This screen is like instant nostalgia to millions.

Now this isn’t a Commodore 64 that you would buy in stores in 1982, but you would never guess by look at it. This is a fully functional modern PC built into an exact replica of the original C64 shell. Available in several different packages and price points, ranging from barebones to ultimate, there is a model available for any fan of classic computing. It also offers access to an official Commodore OS 1.0 emulator with classic Commodore games for those who wants to relive the golden age of home PCs without the hassle of finding a retro setup.

For more information on specs, prices, and how to order, hit up Commodore’s website. For any North American readers who don’t understand why this rig is so awesome, check out Lazy Game Reviews on YouTube, which offers retro reviews of tons of classic gaming PCs.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Escalation Map Pack Detailed by Major Nelson..

Dustin Spencer
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A few days ago, we brought you a story about the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops map pack being leaked by Australian retailer, GAME. It now seems that since the cat is out of the bag, both Activision and Microsoft have decided to come forth with some new details of just what the Escalation pack will hold, as revealed through Major Nelson’s official blog:

Today Activision has announced Escalation, the next game add-on for Call of Duty: Black Ops and that it will be available first to Xbox LIVE members on Tuesday May 3rd. Escalation, the second downloadable content pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops, contains 5 all-new maps; featuring 4 Multiplayer maps and an epic Zombies experience with all-new playable characters. In Multiplayer, battle it out in Hotel, on the roof of a Cuban luxury hotel and casino against the vivid backdrop of old Havana; Convoy delivers intense, close-quarters combat at the scene of an ambushed US military convoy; Zoo takes you on a wild ride in an abandoned Soviet Russian Zoo, with danger at every turn; Stockpile pits players in a remote Russian farm town housing secret WMD facilities.
For Zombies fans, “Escalation” features a unique Zombies experience.

These new details don’t give us a whole lot of information, but they do certainly help paint a better picture of what to expect for the 5 new maps included. As of now, there is no official price-point for the Escalation Map Pack at the moment, but I would expect for it to be around 1200 points. We will bring you some more updates for this developing story as more is revealed in terms on a PS3 & PC release, but for now all of you Black Ops players on the Xbox 360 can rejoice as your next map pack is just under a month away.

Dragon Quest VI Headed to the PAL regions…

Dustin Spencer
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Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation has been out in the states for around two months now, but it seems now that Nintendo of Australia are preparing to release the title to the rest of the world due to a new rating which has surfaced on the evil Australian Classifications Board. For those curious, DQVI has received a PG rating for “Mild fantasy violence, themes, sexual references,  and simulated gambling”. This news doesn’t quite set this release in stone, but I would say an announcement could be surfacing just about any day now that the slime is out of the bag, so to speak anyway.

We recently reviewed Realms of Revelation (you can check that review out here), and it certainly is a small beast of an RPG which no fan of the series should go without. Now it is just time to wait this one out and hope that the eventual announcement for the game’s PAL release comes soon. Keep checking back, as we will let you know once an official date or any sort of news on this release surfaces.

BloodyRayne: The Shroud “currently on hold” for 3DS release…

Dustin Spencer
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While we have been heavily anticipating the release for BloodRayne: Betrayal, one title which I completely forgot about has now resurfaced online due to a small message confirming a delay. BloodRayne: The Shroud was originally announced last year during E3 for the 3DS, but nothing has been heard since then. Today, a small reminder of the title came via the series official Facebook page which stated:

“The 3DS title is currently on hold. We’ll be sure to share any news when it’s available”

If Betrayal were not just announced, I might have found a reason to be disappointed, but for now the brand new side-scroller will satisfy my appetite until we eventually hear more about the 3DS version. I am all for any developer focusing on one project at a time as it usually creates a non-rushed, much polished final product, so hopefully this will be the case and we will not hear “cancelled” anytime in the future.

Pokémon Global Link Launching April 13th!

Dustin Spencer
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After a small delay, Nintendo are finally ready to launch the heavily anticipated Global Link for Pokémon Black & White. Starting April 13th, players will be able to use their Game Sync option on the C-Gear to access the Global Link via the internet where they can view some customizable, web only content, exclusive to the site. There are a ton of features that the Global Link holds and anyone with a broadband internet connection as well as Pokemon Trainer Club account (which can be obtained at www.pokemon.com) can freely log on and begin this brand new tool for either version of the game.

For those of you who have not been following just what the Global Link actually has to offer, here is a quick rundown on what to expect.

Dream World
The Pokémon Dream World will allow players to interact with their Pokémon as well as other trainers in a fully customizable world that will boast several mini-games as well as exclusive content and activities. Once a player “tucks in” in a Poké of their choice, they will be able to access the Dream World which boasts a watercolor like setting. The possibly greatest feature of the Dream World is that many non-Unova Pokémon make appearances through mini-games, and after befriending these said monsters, trainers can then transfer them to their own games.

Players also have a home that can be customized to their liking with a garden that will let you grow berries that you can use in your own game. Any berries or other items found are kept in a treasure chest to be later transfered to either Black or White. You can also visit other trainer’s homes and assist them in berry growth, share items, or simply just check in on their design choices.

Battle Union
Battle Union is sure to be the most visited of the Global Link’s locales, as this are is where the true competition will lie. After gaining access to to Random Matchup Rating Mode in his or her copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version, players can view their stats and have full access to check out the world leaderboards. Think of it like Pokémon Stadium, but you are now against the world rather than the second player on the Nintendo 64.

The Global Link will also be home to hosting various events such as item giveaways and Pokémon distribution. Right now, any user with a Trainer Club account to meet an Eevee evolution in the Play to Befriend a Pokémon game in Pokémon Fun Zone, which will soon be fully able to transfer to either version of the two newest Pokémon games.

This Global Link feature is honestly the biggest thing to hit the series since Pokémon Stadium was introduced years ago and this feature should alone add a lot of life for players who are already finished with Black or White’s main story. I am sure over time many more exclusive events will be announced, so stay tuned and we will let you know as each one drops on the Global Link.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River – Co-op trailer

Jack Joly
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Co-op has to be one of the best features of any game as there’s nothing quite like playing alongside a couple of friends. It’s also a redeeming factor for any bad game as co-op can make anything bearable. Fortunately, it looks like Operation Flashpoint: Red River is going to be good enough that resorting to co-op to get any entertainment won’t be the case, only a bonus for those who want to share the fun with friends.

Codemasters have released a new gameplay trailer based on co-operative play for Operation Flashpoint: Red River. It shows the CSAR Fireteam Engagement mode, as Fireteam Bravo gets behind enemy lines to save downed pilots trapped in enemy territory.

Patapon 3 trailer is “bigger, badder” than ever

Jack Joly
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A Patapon 3 trailer entitled “Bigger, Badder” has been put out ahead of the title’s launch later this week on PSP.

With the Japanese line of Sony Computer Entertainment’s development studios in charge, the game is a rhythm-based war experience. You must tap different combinations of buttons to the rhythm of the background track, with each action commanding your fighters in different ways into battle against beasts and ultimately, the seven evil spirits.

Where it differs from the other games is through a number of new enemies to fight, a creation tool for your own ‘Hero’ fighters, and the welcome addition of eight player co-op.

Brink will be releasing a week earlier than planned

Jack Joly
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Bethesda Softworks have revealed today that their anticipated shooter, Brink, will be releaseing a whole week earlier than planned as they’ve pushed the schedule forward, following an efficient production process that is wrapping up faster than expected. Brink will now first be available for purchase in North America on May 10th instead of May 17th, in Australia on May 12th instead of May 19th, and in New Zealand and Europe on May 13th instead of May 20th.

“Production wrapped on Brink earlier than we planned and we didn’t see any reason to keep gamers from getting their hands on this highly anticipated game as soon as it was ready,” said Pete Hines, VP of PR and Marketing for Bethesda Softworks. “It’s apparent from the tremendous reaction so far that people are eager to jump online and play, and if we can make that happen earlier – we’re going to.”

Is anyone excited that they will be able to get their hands on Brink that little bit earlier? Will you be buying it on its new launch day, have you already pre-ordered it, or doesn’t it interest you?

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