PlayStation 3 Firmware (v3.00) Update

IN OTHER NEWS! (more interesting news in my opinion)

PlayStation 3 Firmware (v3.00) update has also been confirmed.
This new update has a fair few little updates and tweaks to the system, hopefully resulting in an all-round better experience.

The update will include:

• “What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.

• Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.

• Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.

• PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.

• Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.

• Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

What? Don't believe me? Well why not check this video out:

There will also be other minor tweaks to the system. I'm hoping that one of the tweaks will be for the internet browser, as currently it feels more like a cheap, last minute add-on.

-- BIZNITCH --

PS3 Slim FINALLY REVEALED!

Well, the news is finally out- PS3 Slim hits the stores come 1st September (2009).
And with it, all those wonderful photoshoped images been before can be erased from your minds and replaced by these beauts:

Personally, I prefer the look of the original, but then again I always do. I prefer the bigger iPods, the original DS, PS2 etc.

And if that isn't enough for you, here's some hard facts for you, in video form.

So if you want one it will either cost you 299 euros, 299 dollars or 29,980 yen. Although they failed to mention how much it'll be in pound sterling, so I presume we in the UK will get it for free.

-- BIZNITCH --

Sack Boy had an Accident ....

I've been feeling a bit guilty lately. When I first brought my PS3 home the first thing I done was play LittleBig Planet. I spent HOURS on that game. Then after completing it there was a vast array of custom made levels. THEN went on the PSN to download new costumes for the little fella.
Life was simple back then....

But now my games collection is increasing, the demos are coming thick and fast and the PS Store is releasing more and more classic games that can't be ignored, my Sack Boy sits alone in the corner...

New costumes are fun and all, but nothing more than aesthetics. What we need to rejuvenate this brilliant game is something new... Some new element to enhance the gameplay... Something... Wet?

That's right- LBP was gone all Kevin Costner. We're still awaiting more news, but this is enough to tickle my interest.
This will definately make me pick the game back up and give Sack Boy a great, big, plutonic cuddle!

Next week- some MANLY news.

-- BIZNITCH --

Mondays Star Buys (17th August 2009)

This weeks star buys from Shopto for the PS3 are the following:

• Saints Row 2 (very good game reminds of GTA San Andreas)
• Fight Night Round 4
• Rise Of The Argonauts

(Click the picture to go to the deals)

This weeks PSP star buys are the following:

• Sega Rally
• Virtua Tennis 3

(Click the picture to go to the deals)

This weeks PS2 star buys are the following:

• Buzz! Junior: Dino Den Solus
• Buzz!: The School Quiz Solus
• Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz
• Buzz! Sport Solus
• Buzz! Junior: Jungle Party Solus
• Buzz! Junior: Ace Racers Solus
• Buzz! POP Quiz
• Buzz! The Big Quiz Solus

(Click the picture to go to the deals)

Earthworm Jim- soon to be on the PSN!!

As you are all aware, I've been totally immersed in the PSN these past few weeks- trying out demos, buying small games and generally giggling over the back catalogue of retro games. The release of FF VII alone made me giggle with glee for weeks on end. And now I feel the Cheshire Cat-esque grin on my face has no chance of subsiding with the promise of another great classic game, one which sits close to the top of my all time favourite games list-

EARTHWORM JIM

I found this nugget of info on another gaming site-
Gameloft has announced it will be delivering the classic platformer Earthworm Jim to digital distribution platforms and mobile phones. Originally released on 16-bit systems back in 1994, Earthworm Jim stars the titular invertebrate who wears a super suit which grants him the power to fight the evil forces of Queen Slug-for-a-Butt. It's not clear, yet, whether this is an all-new game or a straight port of the original. As of this writing, Gameloft could not be reached for clarification.

"The game, with its humorous and edgy style, is a great fit for today's gamer who craves a fully immersive experience that is fun and easily accessible," said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president, Gameloft.

"Earthworm Jim resonates with millions of people worldwide and we are excited to have one of the best developers in the industry create this game for a new audience," said Herve Caen, CEO, Interplay.

Interestingly, SEGA announced last week that the original Earthworm Jim is a candidate for the next SEGA Classics release on Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) and PlayStation Network.



Can you say "GROOVY!"

-- BIZNITCH --