http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ Aeropause is an exploration in gaming culture, trends, technologies and innovations. en Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:57:27 +0000 http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/111#post-185 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:57:46 +0000 Shane 185@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <p>Weird! It's like Lemmings for Elephants. The music is kinda funky though. </p> http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/111#post-184 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:15:46 +0000 Paul Munn 184@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="437" height="265" id="viddler"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com//simple_on_site/fe752c49" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.viddler.com//simple_on_site/fe752c49" width="437" height="265" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="viddler" ></embed></object><br /> <br /> Elefunk isn't what I think of when merging the words elephant and funk, anyway. <a href="http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Games/Elefunk">Elefunk</a> is a new puzzler coming to the PlayStation Store today in which you build bridges and then have your pachyderm pals march up and down and across it, lemmings style, to get to the proverbial other side.<br /> <br /> I'm not one for puzzle games, unfortunately, but even I'm impressed with its low $4.99 price tag, and it will come with a free demo as well. Not everything on the PSN gets a demo, and I'm rather shocked that a game this inexpensive is getting one.<br /> <br /> "<em>This game uses real world physics - you must carefully select the proper materials to build a solid structure that is able to hold crossing elephants over these outrageous terrains and precarious situations. Play in three game modes, including Puzzle, where you must build with a limited amount of materials;Time Attack, where you race against the clock; and Multiplayer ‘Deconstruction’ mode, where you have to carefully remove pieces without causing the structure to fall.</em>"<br /> <br /> Another way it's not what I expect? No trophy support.<br /> <br /> Seen on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/17/funktastic-fun-elefunk-coming-to-psn/">The PlayStation Blog</a>. http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/84#post-125 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:29:51 +0000 Joe 125@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <p style="text-align: center;"> <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="433" height="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="flashvars" value="object_ID=755358&amp;downloadURL=http://ps3movies.ign.com/ps3/video/article/889/889370/DCUO_trailer_071408_flvlowwide.flv&amp;allownetworking=&quot;all%&quot;" /><param name="src" value="http://videomedia.ign.com/ev/ev.swf" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="433" height="360" src="http://videomedia.ign.com/ev/ev.swf" flashvars="object_ID=755358&amp;downloadURL=http://ps3movies.ign.com/ps3/video/article/889/889370/DCUO_trailer_071408_flvlowwide.flv&amp;allownetworking=&quot;all%&quot;"></embed></object><br /> <br /> So we finally got a look at DC Universe and it looks pretty good.  Obviously, you don't get to play as the great DC characters, but you will get to play alongside them in battle.   They mentioned scenarios like working with Batman to solve a crime, or joining with Lex Luthor to battle Superman.  The ideas are endless, but they did not explain how the mechanics of this would work.  Is it instanced for groups of players, or open to the entire server population.  No release date was set.  Also, I was disheartened when I watched this, as I felt that using this premise but in a Marvel setting, could of been great.  *sniff, oh well, at least it is looking good for one of the comic universes out there. http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/83#post-123 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:36:01 +0000 Joe 123@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <a href="http://www.aeropause.com/wordpress/archives/images/2008/07/playstation_logo-751623.jpg"><img class="alignleft alignnone size-medium wp-image-13535" style="float: left;" title="playstation_logo-751623" src="http://www.aeropause.com/wordpress/archives/images/2008/07/playstation_logo-751623.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="184" /></a>Here we are anxiously awaiting the start of the Sony press event.  Not really sure what to expect from Sony.  I am sure we will see some Little Big Planet, and I would love to see the Resistance 2 8-player co-op mode in action.  Killzone 2 looking good would be a great thing to lift the clouds off of that title.  A demo of a fully functioning XMB interface, and not the sort of working XMB that was in firmware 2.40.  Maybe some good PSP games that are in development.  Final Fantasy VII for the PSN store?  Get ready to see if any of these are true or not as we live blog the Sony press event for the readers.<br /> <br />  The show is starting with a montage of games that are coming to the system most likely in the upcoming year.  Oohh, a quick snap of Buzz on the PSP.  And some Yakuza 2 or 3 on the PS2 or PS3.  The montage ends with a big ass Rancor screaming at the screen.<br /> <br /> Jack Trenton comes out on stage.  He started off with some nice jokes, although his Jack Palance reference got a smattering of applause.  He feels the company is hitting their stride on the console.  He states 2008 is the year of the PS3.  Talking about how Blu-Ray is in every PS3, and that the Cell processor is powering IBM supercomputers.  Also mentions Folding at Home  and its 1.7 million uses on the PS3, which is rather amazing.<br /> <br /> <!--more-->Mentions that that Sony will have 75 exclusive titles for its platforms.  The go right for the jugular with a showing of Resistance 2.  Graphics look awesome, but brown must be the new black.  A big ass Cloverfield looking monster is on the screen.  Okay, walking up a lot of stairs.  I like the way the weapons interact with the enemies.  But it looks a bit rough.  Still talking about the 8-player co-op, 60 player multiplayer, and the scale of the game.  Big battles, big foes, and solid gameplay.  Showing off a new level, twin peaks, Idaho.  The vertical scale of this game is awesome.  The second trailer looks a lot more polished and clean.  I wonder if the earlier footage is from an early build.<br /> <br /> Jack comes back on stage and moves right into Little Big Planet.  He focuses on the user generated content that will be made in this game.  States that Little Big Planet merges social networking and gaming, for a whole new experience for the family.  He also states it is a uniquely Sony-esque title.  Now starting off gameplay of Little Big Planet.  Adds a Boston jersey to his character.  The presentation is showing off the numbers for the Playstation brand.  Sony has sold 5 million units across the total Playstation brand.  Sony is focusing on the distribution in Latin America.  Worldwide goal of 10 million PS3s this year.  Greatest hits games coming to PS3 at $29.99, including: Resistance, Motorstorm, Call of Duty 3, Fight Night 3, and Need for Speed Carbon, Rainbow Six Vegas, Elder Scrolls, Assassins Creed and Ninja Gaiden.   The level dynamics look really good while doing the presentation, but they did not use any of the depth mechanics which would of been nice to see more of, as I had issues with that.<br /> <br /> They now move to covering the PS2, which is strange as I wanted to see more exclusives on the PS3.    They start off with some sports games, and then move to the Force Unleashed, Warriors Orrochi, Singstar, Yakuza 2, Madden 09, Mercenaries 2 are all shown in the montage for the PS2.  Jack mentions how great titles are still coming to the PS2, showing the strength of the console.  More Buzz is coming to the PS2, PS3 and PSP, and new theme packs will be on the PSN this year.  New PS2 bundle, called the Lego Batman bundle, and will come with a console, Lego Batman and the movie Justice League The New Frontier on DVD for $149.99 coming this fall.<br /> <br /> They are now moving to the Playstation Network.  The Playstation Network will now have a unified signon no matter where they sign on.  Says they hear the user complaints that they want to make the PSN the best experience for online entertainment.  Now showing off Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty.  It is a smaller game, but with high quality production values.  It is a continuation of the earlier Ratchet and Clank Future title.  Man this title looks great, and continues to show off how great the Ratchet and Clank Future titles look on the PS3.  The game is coming to the Playstation Network for $14.99.  PSN Titles this year include Crash Commando, Fat Princess, Pixel Junk: Eden, Pain: Amusement Park, flower, Siren Blood Curse, Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic are the titles shown in the montage.  They want to show quality, not quantity like their competitors.<br /> <br /> Gran Turismo TV shows off with custom racing events from around the world.  It will show lots of racing events within Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.  They will have Super GT, drifting, car reviews and others.  The racing is coming August 1st.<br /> <br /> The talk turns to trophies and Playstation Home.  It will be the definining quality of the Playstation Network.  It will bring trophies, games, movies and social networking to one platform.  Activision, Ubisoft, EA and others are committed to Home.  You can buy rooms from game levels and environments, and the details in the characters are nice.  It is still a Sims and Second Life experience.  It is hard to tell as they had a very small amount of footage.<br /> <br /> Video delivery is officially being announced today, and they will allow for both rental and purchase.  The purchases are portable to a PSP and can be on multiple devices at the same time.  Pricing for shows is $1.49 to $2.99 and videos are $3.99 to 5.99 for rental and $9.99 to 14.99 for purchase.  The interface for the video store is very nice, and I like the idea that you can buy the movies.  I wonder if the purchase pricing for movies is for HD as well.  Looks like purchase is limited to SD on the movie they showed.  They also stated that the video store will be available tonight.  Rather shocking, as I did not think it was ready. <br /> <br /> The PSP is a unique advantage for Sony.  They are announcing a new entertaiment pack for the PSP.  Ratchet and Clank Size Matters PSP pack will include a silver PSP, the Ratchet and Clank Size Matters game, a certificate for Echochrome and the movie National Treasure 2.  They also announced Resistance: Retribution on the PSP.  It looks really good.  The graphics for this title really show off the power of the PSP.  This will be a must have title for the PSP.  LocoRoco 2, Patapon 2, and Midnight Club are all coming to the PSP this fall, along with Force Unleashed, Madden 09, NBA 09: The Inside, Super Stardust Portable, Lego Batman, Buzz Quiz Master, and Valkyria Chronicles.<br /> <br /> Okay, coming full circle back to the PS3.  Developers like working on the PS3 because it is open source.  They mention the downloading a replay straight to YouTube.  Life Playstation is coming the end of the month, which will deliver weather and news to the console.  DC Universe is being shown off for the first time, presented by Jim Lee, a living legend.  Jim Lee starts geeking out on Everquest and how he had the first level 50 paladin.  You will create your own hero in DC Universe and join with or fight against the DC Universe characters.  Damn this game looks awesome.  Graphics are sharp and the environment is totally interactive.  Being able to be good or evil should be awesome.  No timeframe as of yet. <br /> <br /> 80 GB PS3 package coming this fall for $399.99 but will be feature same as the 40GB model, which means no backwards compatibility.  This is a bit of a downer, as I hoped it would at least be the semi compatible version of the console.  The price is good, but you have to make sure to keep a PS2 around if you want to play your old titles.  A montage of development teams discuss how much easier the development is on the console now.  The developers like to mention the hard drive in every console.  Another montage with Little Big Planet, Metal Gear Solid 4, Quantim of Solace, SoCom Confrontation, Ghostbusters, Resistance 2, The Agency, Naruto Ninja Storm, Mirror's Edge, Resident Evil 5, Singstar, Guitar Hero World Tour, NBA 09: The Inside, Buzz: Quiz TV and Killzone 2.  Not all exclusives, but still a great list of titles.  Now looking at 2009 including God of War III, which they have a trailer.  Lots of lightening effects, and thunder, and it looks great.Next up is Infamous.  This is a good looking game.  lots of dynamic environments, and the title is running very smooth. <br /> <br /> Surprise announcment, called MAG, from Zipper Interactive.  Jack Trenton states that this game cannot happen anywhere else (not even the PC?).  The game is an MMO, and that it will support up to 256 players at one time.  Teams are broken up into 8 player teams inside of that 256 player battles.  You can also have character customization.  The game looks good, and if they pull it off, it will be an amazing feat. <br /> <br /> Final thoughts.  The conference was lacking in energy, but presented a lot of titles.  It would have been nice to see more exclusives for the PS3, but it does look like it is hitting its stride at this point in its development cycle.  Where was Killzone 2.  We got a brief glimpse of it, but it would have been nice to see it get its own featured segment as it was suppose to be the big deal game from three conferences ago.  I like the idea of being able to purchase movies and transfer them to my mobile device, but I want to have HD movies, and it does not look like I can buy HD movies.  Probably due to Sony wanting to sell Blu-Ray discs.  Let us know what you think of the press conference in the forms or the comments. http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/81#post-121 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:13:36 +0000 Joe 121@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <img class="alignleft" style="float: left; margin: 3px;" src="http://www.aeropause.com/archives/ourmic.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="190" /><br /> <br /> This week, the summary is going to be short and sweet, just like Craisins.  First off, Stephen and Joe take the time machine to last week's podcast for a little more Rock Band 2 vs. Guitar Hero World Tour debate, before coming back to the present to discuss E3 predictions.  Also see the fun mix of children + plus Craisins x a podcast = great recording moments. <br /> <br /> Download the podcast from <a href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/www.aeropause.com/podcast/AeroPodcast40_20080712.mp3"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">here</span></a> or subscribe to the podcast using one of the services below: Also <a href="http://www.digg.com/podcasts/Aeropause_3"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">make</span></a> sure to review us on <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=261408563"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">iTunes</span></a> and <a href="http://digg.com/podcasts/Aeropause_3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">Digg</span></a> the podcast.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/aeropodcastfeed.xml"><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/phpbutton.gif" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=261408563"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="Aeropause - Aeropodcast - Aeropodcast" width="61" height="15" /></a> <a href="http://www.digg.com/podcasts/Aeropause_3"><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/100x20-digg-button.gif" alt="" /></a> <a href="zune://subscribe/?Aeropodcast=http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/aeropodcastfeed.xml"><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/zunelogo.jpg" alt="" /></a> <a onclick="window.open('http://www.podtrac.com/PodtracPlayer/podtracplayer.aspx?podcast=http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/aeropodcastfeed.xml', 'linkname', 'height=235, width=450, scrollbars=no')" href="javascript:void(0)"><img style="vertical-align: top; border-width: 0px;" src="http://www.podtrac.com/PodtracPlayer/playerbutton1.jpg" border="0" alt="Podtrac Player" width="147" height="48" /></a><!--one post end--><!--post title as a link--> http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/74#post-108 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:07:21 +0000 Paul Munn 108@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <a href='http://www.aeropause.com/wordpress/archives/images/2008/07/xbox_60_logo_306x199.png'><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/wordpress/archives/images/2008/07/xbox_60_logo_306x199.png" alt="60" title="xbox_60_logo_306x199" width="306" height="199" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13518" /></a>This weekend's rollout of the new 60GB Xbox 360 Pro edition to replace the 20GB version actually does something to unite both Sony and Microsoft in the console market. Now both manufacturers' best system could end up being a 60GB system.<br /> <br /> I've heard that this new model should have the Jasper chipset, something that might end the red ring problems for Microsoft. Or it might not. Last week's CAGcast added another rant to the long line of anti-Microsoft rants describing the hardware to date as garbage. Wombat's third Xbox 360 died recently and rather atypically this is his first RROD. He said that Microsoft doesn't deserve any more customers. He said that if it were a car, the 360 would have been completely pulled off the market. If it was made for kids every last one would have been recalled. And if it was food, all of Microsoft would be in jail. When CheapyD and Wombat sat down to think about why Microsoft sales are generally poor given its head start and feature set, Wombat admitted that maybe, just maybe the decrepit hardware was to blame, stunting their image and growth past a certain point.<br /> <br /> I'm hopeful that the Jasper chipsets [a] actually are in the new 360s and [b] fix the red ring problem not because I want Microsoft to succeed -- they have no problem doing that on their own despite this handicap -- but because I feel for consumers that are repeatedly getting the short end of the stick. When a company repeatedly abuses its loyal fan base over and over again the way Microsoft has with their refusal to fix this problem I can't help but pity those who return to their abuser thinking "this time it'll be different".<br /> <br /> Give the <a href="http://www.cheapassgamer.com/?f=277">the CAGCast Back To E3 Preview</a> episode 126 a listen for more information. http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/41#post-53 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:10:22 +0000 Joe 53@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <img class="alignleft" style="float: left;" src="http://www.aeropause.com/archives/ourmic.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="190" />Joe flies Solo this week, as the rest of the gang has prior commitments.  He thinks it is just their Grand Theft Auto Addiciton kicking in.  But we have NPD numbers, trophies for Sony and no multiplayer in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.  Special thanks to Stephen for mixing this one, and our music is provided by <a href="http://www.aeropause.com/archives/ourmic.jpg" target="_blank">Revolution Void</a>.<br /> <br /> Download the podcast from <a href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/www.aeropause.com/podcast/AeroPodcast33_20080517.mp3"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">here</span></a> or subscribe to the podcast using one of the services below:  Also <a href="http://www.digg.com/podcasts/Aeropause_3"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">Digg</span></a> us and review us on <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=261408563"><span style="color: #0e5f7d;">iTunes</span></a>.<br /> <br />  <a href="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/aeropodcastfeed.xml"><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/phpbutton.gif" alt="" /></a>  <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=261408563"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" alt="Aeropause - Aeropodcast - Aeropodcast" width="61" height="15" /></a> <a href="http://www.digg.com/podcasts/Aeropause_3"><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/100x20-digg-button.gif" alt="" /></a>  <a href="zune://subscribe/?Aeropodcast=http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/aeropodcastfeed.xml"><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/podcast/zunelogo.jpg" alt="" /></a> http://www.aeropause.com/forums/topic/23#post-27 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:44:30 +0000 Paul Munn 27@http://www.aeropause.com/forums/ <a href='http://www.aeropause.com/wordpress/archives/images/2008/07/burnoutparadise_roadrageonline.png'><img src="http://www.aeropause.com/wordpress/archives/images/2008/07/burnoutparadise_roadrageonline.png" alt="burnout paradise road rage online" title="burnoutparadise_roadrageonline" width="302" height="155" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13441" /></a>Hello Burnout Paradise fans, start up your PS3 right now, put the disc in, and get just under 400 megs of free gaming goodness from your friends at Criterion Games. Yes, EA publishes Burnout Paradise, but the developer Criterion has been sowing loads of goodwill with a year of free updates for the game. This latest update has three new online play modes including online marked man and online road rage, new cars, and new events. I'm pretty sure timed challenges even made it into the mix too.<br /> <br /> Don't have a PS3? Sure just start up your Xbox 360, pop the disc in, and ... oh. The Xbox 360 version of the Cagney update has been held until at least July 24th. That's two full weeks away. Tsk tsk.<br /> <br /> Ok, ok, to be fair my 360-playing friends got to miss out on our PS3 firmware near-death experience so they've been sitting pretty. Mostly. If you don't count another high profile Xbox 360 death as <a href="http://gamesblog.ugo.com/index.php/gamesblog/more/i_am_not_buying_any_arcade_titles_until_i_have_a_working_360/">Wombat's system recently kicked the bucket</a>. Was that his fourth?<br /> <br /> The next update from Criterion for the PS3 version of Burnout Paradise should get trophy support and at least some retroactive trophy support at that. See you online!<br /> <br /> Via <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/burnout-paradises-cagney-update-delayed-on-360-until-july-24/" target="_aero">Joystiq</a>.