B3yond the Report 07.08.08
Posted by Mark Salmela on 07.08.2008
It’s the final week before E3. Come inside for all of the latest and greatest Sony news. Little Big Planet, SOCOM Confrontation, DC Universe, Soul Calibur IV, Midnight Club: Los Angeles, PS3 firmware 2.40, Qore, and more in the latest edition of B3yond the Report!
Hey everyone, it's been another busy week for yours truly, and I actually have to start out by letting everyone know that this edition of B3yond the Report will for once actually be really small. Besides the fact that there was little to talk about with the exception of PS3 firmware 2.40 I have been way too busy to sit down and crank one out. Column that is… I honestly also made the mistake of thinking E3 was this week instead of next week, which explains why I did my E3 predictions so long ago *go check them out here*. In good news it looks as if I'll either get to do impressions of Sony's E3 press conference right after it happens or take part in a post Sony conference impressions with the other games writers. Sony's E3 press conference is scheduled somewhere around noon eastern next Tuesday, so it might not be until that night before you see anything from me if my work schedule turns out to be super lame. Either way I should be back next Tuesday night with some sort of report on Sony's press conference, so take a look for that and a more updated B3yond the Report next Tuesday.
Apply directly to the keyboard, it's B3yond the News of the Week~!
PS3 firmware 2.40 released, then unreleased
The big news of the past week was obviously the whole fiasco regarding Sony's big 2.40 firmware update. Originally PS3 firmware 2.40 went live on Wednesday July 2, but the firmware has since been taken offline. PS3 firmware 2.40 included the long-awaited in-game cross media bar *XMB* access as well as Trophy support *PS3 version of achievements*. While many were able to upgrade, a select number of people did have problems. And before Xbots go crazy declaring "PS3 red ring of death" be warned that this problem happens to a very select number of PS3's. Check the link below if you don't believe me. I'm not trying to deny it ever happened, but it is a very small minority *although apparently vocal*. So if you didn't upgrade when it first came out, you're apparently going to have to wait a short while until these bugs get sorted out *probably firmware 2.41*.
Another problem people *including myself* had is that Super Star Dust HD is the only game that has Trophy support as of right now. Sure, Pixel Junk Eden will be out at the beginning of August and will include Trophy support right off the bat, but as of right now there's only one game for everyone to pillage. I like Trophy's and think the leveling up system is cool, but more games than Star Dust should have had them at launch. While Sony has promised that all major first party PS3 titles coming later this year will include Trophy support *such as SOCOM and Little Big Planet*, it seems that a lot of developers are choosing not to go back and add in Trophy support, most notably Resistance, Ratchet, and Call of Duty 4. Burnout Paradise and WarHawk will eventually support Trophies, but it won't be for a while. Also, very few games as of right now support in-game custom soundtracks, but that's another problem that will be fixed over time.
I think PS3 firmware 2.40 is really cool, and I do appreciate Sony for at least trying to improve the PS3 *man that spring dashboard update sure was something*, but I think Sony rushed this update a little too much to make sure they got it out as soon as possible. I guess if you take a look at the bright side of things, maybe Sony rushed it out because they looked at what they plan to talk about for their E3 press conference and decided they didn't have enough time when there are all these cool PS3 titles coming. Then again, maybe I'm just being optimistic.
Sony PlayStation Store update for the week of July 3
There was an update this week? I sure as hell didn't notice it.
Oh yeah, the July edition of Qore came out. It has features on Resistance 2, an exclusive demo of Naruto, and a bunch of tiny news pieces you can find on the internet for free. To be honest it's really dumb that a game like Naruto is held for Qore exclusive members, because that's not what Qore should be offering users. If Qore doesn't offer exclusives that otherwise wouldn't make it to the PSN like the SOCOM Beta *which still isn't out*, then Sony shouldn't produce Qore at all and might as well give everyone a refund because this isn't worth it.
Credit: Sony I expect more from you
B3yond the Tabloids!
Media Molecule released a couple of pre-E3 notes regarding Little Big Planet. First off Little Big Planet will run at a solid 30 frames a second and will display at 720p. Second, the game will support the PlayStation Eye, Trophies, and online voice chat. LBP has been in Beta for a while now and looks to be shipping worldwide either September or October *an official release date should be decided at E3*.
The first official screenshots of the Sony MMO DC Universe was released this past week, and I must say it's looking pretty good. Here's an example of the comic-book MMO.
All rumors can finally be put to bed, as Kratos will not be a character on the PS3 version of Soul Calibur IV. It would have been badass but the PS3 version already has Darth Vader which is good enough for me.
Another rumor that has been put to rest regards Mega Man 9. When the title was first announced for WiiWare some publications were quick to call out a PSN and XBLA version, well Capcom has since come out and denied any other versions. I do like the concept of making an 8-bit title in the year 2008 and personally I can't wait for Mega Man 9 on WiiWare. It's honestly the only Wii game besides Animal Crossing that I'm looking forward to.
Just a quick update, the Cagney update for Burnout Paradise has been delayed on the 360, while the update is still on track for a July 14th release on the PS3 version. To be honest this is the first time I've ever heard a delay for a 360 update/game while the PS3 version is still on track.
Man all of the news seems pretty negative this week, as Midnight Club: Los Angeles has been delayed until October 7, 2008. While I'm not the biggest fan of Midnight Club I have a couple of friends that are devastated by the news, so someone must care.
The roster for Mortal Kombat vs. DC was updated this past week. The confirmed characters are: Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Sonya Blade, Shang Tsung, The Flash, Catwoman, Superman, and Batman. 2 more characters will be announced at E3 and 4 more at Comic-Con in 2 weeks. If The Joker becomes a playable character I will automatically buy this game.
A couple of free downloads went up on the extras section of MGS4 last week, as players can now download the Raging Camo and the Laughing Camo free of charge. I expect to see the Screaming Camo and Crying Camo's updated later this month.
B3yond the Cinema!
Here's the awesome SOCOM Confrontation trailer. Look for Confrontation on October 14th for the PS3 *yes it was delayed*.
Here's footage of the Naruto demo that you'll miss out on in case you don't have a subscription to Qore. As you can see from the footage, you aren't missing much.
Here's a trailer for Pixel Junk Eden which comes out around the beginning of August. It'll have Trophy support for all your hoarders out there. It looks pretty cool so far.
The One Man Water Cooler~!
Sorry I don't have anything to say this week, to be honest there isn't much going around the game industry. It's pretty much the calm before the storm. Originally I had planned to do a prediction set of what I thought Microsoft and Nintendo would do for E3, but I'll sum it up quickly. I think Microsoft will announce a $50 price drop, show off Gears of War 2, Fable 2, Banjo Kazooie, and basically announce nothing new other than Lips *the SingStar rip off*, while Nintendo will show Kid Icarus, Wiimusic, a few new balance board games, and brag about how much the media loves Wii. There you go! I still think Sony will blow them away like last year.
B3yond the Mail!
To Guest#6384 (Guest): Honestly Guest, if you haven't figured out by now that Nintendo is purposely holding back Wii consoles because they want to keep up the longevity sales, then you're an idiot. They're pulling the same strategy that Ty did with Beanie Babies. They want to make it an impulse buy from normal consumers. That's not to say that it hasn't been brilliantly marketed and there are people who want it because of its unique controls, but in the end they're still withholding Wii supplies. You'll never convince me that in almost two years now Nintendo hasn't figured out how to increase the Wii supply chain enough to satisfy demand. Hell, you give me a fat paycheck or two and I will have he Wii shortage problem solved, tonight!
To Ant-LOX (Guest): I'm gonna be very upset if Sony doesn't sell the official PS3 Blue-Tooth headset separately from SOCOM Confrontation. I want to download SOCOM like I did WarHawk, but I really want that headset.
To Toddo (Registered) : It's debatable whether or not Cliffy B. really proclaimed himself to be better than Hideo Kojima. Anyways I'm over it by now, because either way Cliffy B. still isn't in the same league as Kojima. He probably never will be either.
As I said before I always read what you guys send me and I appreciate the comments, even if they're sometimes filled with hate. If you wanted a response to your comment and I didn't respond I apologize.
The 411mania Empire~!
The Full Circle by Joe Roche. Hey I was rushed to do the column this week and I still managed to find the time to "link to the other news writers". Oh silly Joe. But that's why me, Snake, and David R. love you. You big, huggable Xboy. Nintendophiles by Theo Fraser. The PC Centric Extravaganza by Chris Evans. The Select and Start News by Vincent Chiucchi. The 10th Hour by Derek Robbins.
B3yond the Wallpaper!
Well I have a special treat for everyone, as I am here to present to you the official B3yond the Report wallpaper. I recently tricked all of my fellow 411games comrades into giving me a little description of themselves, and it has led to the next strike in my war against the other news writers. A huge thanks to B3yond the Super fan Eric for the submission, and without further adieu, here's the official B3yond the Report wallpaper.
Download the official B3yond the Wallpaper here. It's available in many awesome resolutions. Here's a downsized version of the wallpaper.
B3yond the Report for life!
Signing Off!
Sorry for the short column this week everyone, as I said I just plain ran out of time. I've been working full time among other things and I promise to be back to my normal self next week. Hey, I've got to keep my streak going as being the longest games news writer to not miss a column *I think The PC column is second, but I'm not sure*. I've only missed one column since I started last September, and I had a guest writer for that week *Dan Owens*. I've also never missed a column since I changed the name back on April 1st. And besides, the firmware update was the only thing worth mentioning this week anyways. I'll be back in 7 with another *better* B3yond the Report, and I'll be back next Tuesday night with some sort of impressions on Sony's E3 press conference. Thanks for reading. Cya in 7!
Edit: I've decided that there is a chance that I may either do a special edition of B3yond the Report on Thursday or Friday in addition to my Sony conference coverage next Tuesday night. So you might see three columns from me next week *two B3yond the Reports, one Sony conference coverage* or if I cut one you might not see a B3yond the Report next Tuesday, instead you'd get a special Thursday or Friday edition. Either way I'll be around a lot next week, thanks for reading.
A scaled down B3yond column is still better than the other columns. I think your E3 predictions will be spot on. Sony WILL blow the others away. Hope you have a ball at E3.
Posted By: Snake211 (Guest) on July 07, 2008 at 11:04 PM
"The first official screenshots of the Sony MMO DC Universe was released this past week, and I must say it's looking pretty good. Here's an example of the comic-book MMO."
Ironically, the only reason I clicked on this article was because of the picture of the DCU MMO pic, and THAT was the only thing mentioned about it. One line. I know it's probably not up to you to pick what picture they use to entice people to click on your article, but that kind of sucks a little bit.
Posted By: Outlaw (Guest) on July 07, 2008 at 11:05 PM
sony said next gen wont start till they say so, have they said it yet?
Posted By: Mike Shinobi (Guest) on July 07, 2008 at 11:08 PM
I've heard 2.41 will be ready "midweek" according to Sony reps.
Posted By: Rod Oracheski (Registered) on July 07, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Yeah sorry Outlaw. I have no influence over what 411 says/advertizes regarding my column, to make up for it, here's more details regarding DC Universe *in case you don't read it this week it'll be posted again in the Mail section*
As I said I didn't have time to talk more about it, and Comic-Con is only two weeks away which is where more info will be released. I'll be sure to comment on it more in the future, sorry.
And sadly Snake I didn't have the time/money/seniority to go to E3 this year. I'll be watching it on TV/internet like everyone else. But that won't stop me from giving a very in-depth detailed report about E3, I'll be your one-stop full Sony E3 report. I'm thinking I might even do a special Thursday/Friday edition of B3yond the Report to cover E3.
Posted By: Mark Salmela (Guest) on July 07, 2008 at 11:29 PM
That would be awesome Mark. Thanks for going the mile for the Sony fans.
Posted By: Snake211 (Guest) on July 07, 2008 at 11:53 PM
You have absolutely no love for games based on anime franchises from what I can see, Salmela
Posted By: John (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Wow, thanks for going the extra mile. Not a lot of people would do that. I was already a reader of the column but you've probably cemented me as a fan now (even if you did buy the 360 GTA IV...I'll forgive you :-). That DCU MMO does look pretty bad ass too. Not sure exactly how it'll play, but it's fun to look at so far.
Posted By: Outlaw (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 01:56 AM
"You have absolutely no love for games based on anime franchises from what I can see, Salmela"
Everyone has a right to their opinion, because what he thinks about Naruto I think about Socom. I don't see anything in that Socom trailer thats awesome.
Posted By: TWilliams (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 03:14 AM
You heard it would be ready mid-week? It was ready this morning. Tuesday morning isn't mid-week...
Posted By: David (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 05:21 AM
*enjoying 2.41*
:-D I'm glad that released the update ASAP. There will be less fodder for Microsoft fanboys to argue. About your *supposed* $150 dollar charge, the only people are heard this from...was trolls on gamefaqs that post on the PS3 boards. I've heard from my friend, Richie, the he didn't have to pay anything for sending his launch PS3 to be fixed (because it was messed up because of the update). I feel that you may have trollish tendancies...
I call shenanigans!
Posted By: David (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 05:35 AM
Dave, what the hell are you talking about with the $150 charge?
Posted By: hater (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Okay Mark, as you know I do not yet own a PS3... And I keep hearing you talk about that Pixel Junk game... I'd never seen or heard of it before... Then you show this little trailer, so i have to ask... What the hell is that game? Color me intrigued.... What are those little tadpole things doing?
Posted By: Toddo (Registered) on July 08, 2008 at 11:22 AM
"You have absolutely no love for games based on anime franchises from what I can see, Salmela"
Maybe he just doesn't like gay anime targeted at 7-year olds.
Posted By: Steve307 (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 01:11 PM
"You heard it would be ready mid-week? It was ready this morning. Tuesday morning isn't mid-week..."
Midweek was the rumour, Dave - don't be childish. If you really want to be a dick though, Tuesday is the third day of a seven day week which can quite easily be called midweek.
"About your *supposed* $150 dollar charge, the only people are heard this from...was trolls on gamefaqs that post on the PS3 boards. I've heard from my friend, Richie, the he didn't have to pay anything for sending his launch PS3 to be fixed (because it was messed up because of the update). I feel that you may have trollish tendancies..."
Try reading - I specifically said they hadn't mentioned a charge and that I hoped it wouldn't come up later.
Not that facts have ever stood in the way of your fanboy ramblings.
Posted By: Rod Oracheski (Registered) on July 08, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Actually, they were not fanboy ramblings...and I retracted my statement. However, the message was not approved...for whatever reason. Ya know? Stuff like that happens, but it doesn't matter either way. I apologize for jumping the gun.
Question, you consider someone enjoying the fact that Sony fix a problem being a fanboy? It took Sony how long to fix this problem? Now, if I wanted to be a "fanboy" I would point out the problems with one of its rival that have yet to be resolved (if they did resolve it, how many YEARS did it take them?).
But that is neither here nor there, I'm a strong supporter of video games in general (PS3, Wii, 360 being my favorite...in that order), and you are a strong supporter of Microsoft. Such is life...
Posted By: David (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Was Dave thinking about using the frickin RROD argument again? Granted the RROD was a big problem. They fixed it. if every time sony has a problem the only thing you can bring up about the 360 is the RROD, isn't it getting a bit redundant? Get a new frickin argument Dave. Good god man.
Posted By: HATER (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Rod is such an xbot. stop talking things you don't know about, especially about Sony.
Posted By: Snake211 (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 08:54 PM
RROD is STILL there. I know these lemming hive mind xbox fans are dumb to begin with, but this is just stupid.
M$ did a half assed job of fixing it. Sony did in a few days. Sony obviously has its customers in mind.
Posted By: Snake211 (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Good to see that the Sony geeks are still so insecure. I am curious how come whenever something goes wrong with the PS3 they quickly try to draw attention away but referencing a different system. Face it, your PS3 has as many problems and any other system. Well except the Wii which destroys all So anyways what games are good on PS3 anyways? I mean ones that are original and not just a Metal Gear Solid 43 or whatever number they are on when they drag poor tired Snake out of the grave?
Posted By: Rob391 (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 10:07 PM
All you have to do is go to any 360 forum to see that the RRoD problem is still alive and well. I refuse to buy one until it's fixed for good. I'm content with my PS3, Wii, and DS.
Posted By: Steve307 (Guest) on July 08, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Steve, if you have a Ps3, there's is no need for a 360. It has no AAA exclusives to speak of, and the games are usually better on the PS3 or the PC
Posted By: Snake211 (Guest) on July 09, 2008 at 02:29 AM
Good games on the PS3?
Resistence: Fall of Man, Devil May Cry 4, Rachet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Virtua Fighter 5, Unreal Tournament 3, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Super Stardust HD, Battlefield: Bad Company, Singstar, Rockband, Guitar Hero 3, Pixel Junk Monsters, Assassin's Creed, Army of Two, Burnout Paradise, Grand Theft Auto IV, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Fight Night Round 3, Hot Shots Gold: Out of Bounds, Call of Duty 4, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit, Echochrome, Oblivion, Folklore, Heavenly Sword, Mortal Kombat II, Motor Storm, The Orange Box, Pixel Junk Monsters Encore, Skate, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, and Warhawk.
There you go. I didn't include sports games like NBA @K, Madden, etc...but that covers a bunch of different genres.
So, how does that crow taste, Rob391?
Posted By: Guest#8816 (Guest) on July 09, 2008 at 02:31 AM
guest 8812843,
your list SUCKS. every game on there is superior and manly on the 360 while the exclusives are disgusting flops that arent worth the $500 ps3 price tag. how does the crow taste? like a rottweiler's anus.
lmao listing games better on the rival system. you have no balls and no honor.
Posted By: Marvin Shadowhearts (Guest) on July 09, 2008 at 03:26 AM
Is it just me, or is it really starting to look like every comment, whether pro PS3, or Pro 360 is being made by the same person? There has certainly been a lot of talk about Balls and honor... Ridiculous.
Posted By: Toddo (Registered) on July 09, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Toddo,
A lot of homosexual references. Maybe these guys like thinking of balls...who knows? Be careful, they will tell you "it's okay t be curious." >_
Posted By: David (Guest) on July 09, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Common sense prevails as every time someone PS3bot post a comment to me it is disproven by someone else so I don't have to say anything. Face it boys, your system is last in sale and that won't change no matter how Sony tries to copy the Wii (motion controller) or 360 (WTF are trophies??).
Posted By: Rob391 (Guest) on July 09, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Dave,
People calling me gay doesn't bother me, never has. I'm comfortable enough with myself to know it's not true and not let immature comments bother me.
What does bother me is the inability of people to just enjoy a game no matter what system it is released on... Hell if they started making NES games again, I would totally bust mine out of the closet just to get some of that goodness. MGS 4 contrary to what the fans of Xbox say is a good game, if you appreciate that type of game. Same with Halo, if you appreciate FPS's Halo 3 is a good game. Ratings for both games may come to be founded as slightly inflated due to excitement, but who cares?
Posted By: Toddo (Registered) on July 09, 2008 at 02:48 PM
well, crapcom is making nes games with megaman 9. i was around for the originals and i dont want nes garbage
crapcom has---you know...
Posted By: Mike Shinobi (Guest) on July 10, 2008 at 01:25 AM
"NES Garabage"?!?! Since when is innovating the video game industry at the time garbage. Are you seriously going to talk crap about anything involving Nintendo when they are the undisputed leaders in the gaming market today AND yesterday??? Wow, just wow, you are and idiot. Go play your glorified Blu Ray player and cry over MGS4 Rehash.
Posted By: Rob391 (Guest) on July 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM
LOL look at the tears flow on rob. he thought i was calling the nes garbage and cried. i was talking about how they are making mega man 9 with nes graphics. you have been baited and i still rule. ha ha ha ha
btw i dont even own a ps3 and mgs is a garbage series
Posted By: rob's tears (Guest) on July 11, 2008 at 12:04 AM
What's with these kids nowadays?
MGS series are critically acclaimed and very worshipped by gamers. Saying its garbage makes you look foolish. MGS4 didn't get 10/10 on GS for nothing.
Posted By: Snake211 (Guest) on July 11, 2008 at 01:08 AM
I apologize completely. I misread your statement and while my tears are not flowing I will admit my mistake. I still say that Mega Man 9 might be okay, even with the toned down graphics. Also hey Snake, GTA 4 got a 10 as well, you want to tell me it is not a rehash?? I mean I own/enjoy GTA 4 and I am in no way under the assumption that it covered ANY new ground. MGS4 is just another part of the Metal Gear Series, nothing more. An overdone, repeat with little new to offer besides graphics..
Posted By: Rob391 (Guest) on July 11, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Rob has been humbled.
meanwhile mgs is overrated non sensical garbage. ha!
Posted By: Mike Shinobi (Guest) on July 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
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