This is shaping up to be a great sports weekend. Not only is the World Cup in full force, but the racing action should be fantastic. Kicking things off today is the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which gets under way in a couple of hours. Tomorrow afternoon is the Canadian Grand Prix, which may be run under adverse wet conditions.
Can you racing nirvana?
Happy Saturday!
Here we go. The schedule is set – Team USA takes on England today at 2PM EST. All hope is not lost if we cannot beat England; in fact, I would be thrilled if we salvaged a point. I think Slovenia is a must win, with Algeria being the critical game to determine if the U.S. advances out of Group C.
It looks like some are speculating that a Sony announcement of a PSP2 will be received with a lukewarm reception at best.
The 3DS might not be the only handheld coming out, as it’s widely rumored that Sony will announce a new PSP. Even if a PSP2 is unveiled, it won’t have a big impact, Greenwald believes. “Sony may also launch a new PSP, which likely won’t elicit much more than a yawn from attendees and investors,” he said.
Is the PSP as a brand really done? If yes, it is a damn shame. There was so much potential, but in my opinion the price point of the games, which are often very close to their big brother console equivalent, is the biggest factor in a lack of success.
The PSP2 really needs a lot of bells and whistles in order to captivate the portable gaming audience.
Final Fantasy fans everywhere are rejoicing that Final Fantasy IX (FFIX – of the original PlayStation fame) will be released next week for $9.99. This got me to thinking that it would be awfully nice if there was some way for those of use with FFIX and some of the other PSN PSX titles to convert our PSX discs to digital format.
I doubt it would be that difficult, and Sony could probably setup a digital copy system that would burn your PS3 SN into the digital copy to prevent piracy. Of course that would cut out a revenue stream for Sony, so it will never happen.
Yesterday my 250GB PS3 Slim arrived safely from Walmart.com via FedEx. Compared to Amazon, I did have to pay more for shipping and sales tax, but Amazon did not have a 250GB Slim in stock, so this was something I decided to absorb. Besides the two game bundle will allow me to dump something on eBay to make up for this modest amount that I would not have paid via Amazon.
Before setting up the new Slim, I used my USB HDD to back up my save data files and media. While I could have setup up both systems and tried to do a system transfer, the USB backup process was a fairly quick and not too painless of a process. Besides, I have been backing up regularly because I figure my original PS3 will die sooner or later. I have the process down; as I said, quick and painless.
My HVB and Heavy Rain save data were locked, and would not copy. I am not sure why these games are setup this way. In the case of HVB it sucks because I have to spend several hours re-unlocking content that I had previously unlocked. I like the game, but I am going to have to decide if I like it enough to unlock some of the decent content again. I am not as concerned about Heavy Rain because I did not get too far into the game before getting distracted with something else (and my PS3 suffering YLoD). With that said, I really do not want to play the opening chapters again; tedious and as a father, not something that I consider very fun.
I also decided to take a few minutes to write down some of my settings. It took me a long time to get wireless working correctly for Remote Play, so I figured it was worth a few extra minutes of effort. Probably wasted effort; I bet the Slim does not have any of the Remote Play issues (PS3 randomly turning on) I ran into with my original system.
Setup of the new Slim was straight forward, as was to be expected. I was quickly in the PlayStation Store looking at my previous downloads to re-download all my paid content and games. I am not sure why, but downloads are noticeably quicker with the Slim. While I was watching Game 4 of the Celtics/Lakers Finals, I quickly downloaded a slew of games and add-on content.
I did not see an option to re-download my MLB 10: The Show classic stadiums content, which was a pre-order bonus. I was surprised to see that this DLC sells for $9.99. Ouch! Talk about price gouging. For that price I would expect to see a whole slew of extras, not just classic stadiums, but I digress. I figured I was out of luck because the Heavy Rain Taxidermist preorder bonus chapter did show up in my cart as being previous downloaded. Since they were both entered via DLC codes, I am not sure why these are considered different.
I decided to put in MLB 10 to see if there was some sort of in-game option to reapply the coded. After the long update and install process, I jumped into an exhibition game and saw the classic stadiums listed as unlocked. Not sure how the game knew, but I am thankful it did realize that I had previously applied this DLC code. Now that the Braves are rolling, I hope the new roster updates have the “improved” first place in the NL East Braves, and not the sorry start of the season Braves. Sorry; another digression.
My kids seemed somewhat concerned that the Slim does not play PS2 games, however these days PS2 games rarely if ever get played. The PS2 has a great library, and I own plenty of classics, but there are just not enough hours in the day. When I am PS3 gaming, it is almost always with a PSN or PS3 title. I have been dumping a few PS2 titles on eBay in anticipation of getting a Slim, so I think I am “over” this major difference in the new Slim, which obviously does not “do everything” as the ads would imply. My personality may drive me to really miss PS2 compatibility (“want what I cannot have”), but in a pinch, I do still have my original PS3; if it comes to that extreme.
I’ll also probably miss the front loading memory slots; plugging in a camera memory card or PSP memory stick was a nice convenience on the original PS3. I can see why Sony removed these to save money; the Slim has two USB slots (original system has four) and of course the Slim can connect to a media server.
I will not miss the extra noise, heat, and constant worry about when my original PS3 is going to blow up. The PS3 is mouse fart quiet, and after several hours of being on, there was very little noticeable heat. My original PS3 would have been blazing hot and annoyingly loud. So that is a worthwhile improvement.
As they say, Slim is in. It’s Friday! Happy Gaming!
I never thought I would tag “realism” and the Wii in the same heading, but here we go. This brief review from joystiq caught my attention.
For veteran golfers, MotionPlus provides an expert level of precision that not only calls for practiced, realistic swinging, but it also makes the experience feel less like a game and more like a sport. You don’t control ball spin in the air — everything boils down to your swing and knowledge of how real-world golf is played. It’s a leap forward for me, who’s used to dealing with analog stick putting and driving.
Of course everyone has a different opinion on what equates to fun and a realistic gaming experience. If EA has somehow managed to make a semi-realistic experience on the Wii, moving beyond the gimmick phase of all things Wii, then I am impressed. Not that I am a golfer, but my kids would love to tear into something like this!
Not really. Just thought I would mess with everyone to start off the day.
It seems like everyone is doing it these days, and now Sony is officially in on the act with their Bravio 3D TVs and the long awaited (not really; just f’ing with everyone again) 3D upgrades to a few PSN games and demos.
So no, I am not going 3D anytime soon. The concept may be cool. Can you imagine stereoscopic 3D boobies? I just cannot envision myself sitting around in special glasses over my regular “blind as a bat” glasses.
Then again, we will be in the market for a new TV and audio system over the next six months or so. Why not go 3D? It just seems like a fad, which will quickly fade away like a bad memory.
After much ado about nothing, I decided to pick up a PS3 Slim system. I was kicking myself for missing out on the Amazon “Father’s Day” bundle, which included Little Big Planet: Game of the Year Edition (henceforth LBP:GOTYE) and an HDMI cable. Of the different bundles I found, this Amazon bundle had the best bang my gaming / entertainment dollar.
On a sudden impulse I decided to check out Walmart.com, which has several different PS3 250GB Slim system bundles ranging in price from $339 to $399. Each bundle is slightly different with different game choices, Blu-ray movies, and accessories.
I selected the $349 option which included a choice of two Greatest Hits titles. I decided on InFamous and LBP:GOTYE. I have been interested in both games, but have held back on a purchase due to, in no particular order: (A) not having the time or energy to invest in a new game (B) trying to save a little money (C) have plenty of other games in front of these two (D) knowing I would not get my money’s worth from either title.
I decide to go with a new PS3 because I know my original system will not last. All the research I did points towards another system failure, perhaps as soon four months. While the YLoD repair can be fairly easily accomplished, I do not have the fortitude to do the fix on a moment’s notice; as in the system failing right when we are ready for a Family Movie Night). During most gaming sessions the fan is whirling at 1000s of RPMs per second; sometimes at extremely loud and disconcerting speeds.
At least that is my excuse. I told Tonya that this would be my Father’s Day present – lucky me.
I have never ordered from Walmart.com; I had to pay a little more than I do for Amazon Prime shipping, and I have to pay for sales tax. Sucks. Things I do when I get a burr in my butt.
Based on the way the original PS3 stumbled out of the gates, I never expected to see this day come, this deep into the systems lifecycle. I think the Slim has been with us since fall 2009, yet they continue to be in short supply.
At this point there should not be any shortages unless Sony is creating artificial demand or unless they are about to do a system refresh of the Slim. There have been some recent rumors that Sony may have found some manufacturing efficiencies that would further cut costs. Maybe that is what we are seeing as Sony attempts to clear out the current batch of Slim systems.
I have written a couple of times about Amazon quickly selling out of their “Father’s Day” bundle. I checked this morning to see if anything else was available and noticed that this bundle is selling for $539-550 from third-party suppliers. $200+ profit is in line with system launch shortages and is pretty damn impressive.
This will be worth watching to see how it plays out next week during E3 and over the summer. I think I am committed to getting a Slim, so a few more of these types of posts are forthcoming. You have been warned.
This morning I decide to pick up 3D Dot Games Hero on Amazon after seeing a deal for a $10 video game credit. I keep telling myself I will not do this again. I have too many other games to complete and enjoy before starting something new, and I do not have enough time to really enjoy what I have.
Of course I said screw that noise! The reviews are all over the map indicating that reviewers either love or hate this one. I have a strong suspicion that I am going to fall in the enjoy camp. Impressions forthcoming this Thursday (or Friday … or weekend as time permits).
Over the weekend I wrote about some of the upcoming PS3 250GB bundles timed to be release for Father’s Day … or E3. Take your pick. Today I noticed that the Amazon Little Big Planet Game of the Year Edition was sold out.
The listing shows “Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes”
Pretty impressive that this bundle Slim sold out so quickly. Are PS3 Slim systems really selling like hot cakes, or is Sony playing the artificial shortage game to create higher demand? Looking on the bright side, I will save some money and not order this bundle that I was strongly considering.
I came across this article yesterday, which provides a simple easy to use guide, complete with plenty of images, explaining the process to upgrade the HDD on a PS3 Slim. This really is a project that anyone can and should tackle in order to have plenty of room in your PS3 for all your gaming and media needs.
It’s that time of year again, when I swear off purchasing college football annuals, but always yield to temptation. The Phil Steele annual is always my favorite, for the sheer amount of content and the entertaining commentaries. A week or so ago, the ajc.com posted this Phil Steele blurb about the 2010 Dawgs:
“If I was going to pick another one out of the stack there,” [off the radar teams] Steele said Friday on ESPN’s College Football Live, “I would have to say the Georgia Bulldogs. I think they’ve got a shot of even winning the SEC East and could very well run the table.
Probably. Not sure how a team with a new QB can be on anyone’s radar, but it is always fun seeing your team has some degree of hope. The Phil Steele annual goes on sale today; I’m sure I will end up picking one up sooner rather than later.
Two PS3 games that I have been watching closely are Red Dead Redemption and ModNation Racers. They both look like fun games for different reasons, however I know right now I just do not have time to get bang for my buck if I make a new game purchase.
Watching these two games on metacritic and reading their scores shows some interesting dynamics with what the mass media mega gaming sites consider exceptional gaming vs. what most users expect out of a game.
For the first example, take a look at Red Dead Redemption. The reviewers have given Red Dead Redemption “universal appeal” for a score of 95 based on 56 critic reviews. For the most part the users that have voted disagree, giving the game a much lower 7.8 based on 290 reviews. What gives? The users that bother to vote are clearly not happy with some aspect of the game.
Let’s look at the second example in reverse. The reviewers have given ModNation Racers an 82 (based on 67 reviews), while 66 users have given the game a 9.3 rating. The spread is much closer than a previous sample, however the user votes is considerably lower. This one almost has the look of a JRPG; the critics give them lukewarm scores while the fanboys rush to defend their favorite genera.
I don’t think I can draw any conclusions with these examples, however if I had to guess I would say that the reviewers love open environments, and are tired of Mario Kart style games, while the actual gamers would rather spend time with the create, share, play concept.
At least they are in Japan. According to joystiq, the week of May 24-30 saw PSP Go systems increase a lofty 45%, which sounds really good until you realize the system is dead last in those being tracked, selling a mere 1,232 systems. Ouch.
Sony better bring some PSP excitement to E3 if they have any hope to salvage their portable gaming platform. Of course most of us would like to see some sort of iPhone, iTouch, version of the PSP. I could care less about the phone aspect, unless it was open to any carrier. Instead will we see Sony focus on a 3D version that no one really cares about? I mean seriously, are you going to have to keep up with funky 3D glasses just to play your favorite games in 3D?