XBOX LIVE ARCADE UPDATE: SENSIBLE WORLD OF SOCCER AVAILABLE AGAIN

Just an update to a previous story – According to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, the problems with Sensible World of Soccer have been corrected and the game is once again available for purchase via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Those of you who purchased the problematic version of the game should delete it from your hard drive and download the corrected version (at no additional charge).

• Sensible World of Soccer – Xbox Live Arcade
• Sensible World of Soccer now available for download – Major Nelson

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.10 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.10) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

The update adds a few new nice features including voice masking, DiVX and WMV support and Picture in Picture (PiP) support for BluRay discs that support the feature. Check out the full patch message below for details;

Voice Changer

• The Voice Changer feature has been added to voice / video chat. > See details.

Music

• You can now select [Type 3] as an option under [Settings] > [Music Settings] > [Bitmapping]. > See details.
• A new pattern has been added for the visual player. > See details.

Video

• DivX and VC-1 (WMV) have been added to the types of files that can be played. *1
• Blu-ray Disc Profile 1.1 is now supported. *2
• [BD Data Utility] has been added. *3

*1 To play VC-1 (WMV) format files, you must go to  (Settings) >  (System Settings) and set [Enable WMA Playback].

Copyright-protected files or files that were encoded by using DivX 3.11 cannot be played.

Files that are 2GB or more cannot be played.

*2 You can now use the "Picture in Picture" feature that enables playback of two videos at the same time with some Profile 1.1-compatible Blu-ray Discs. Features available vary depending on the disc.

*3 Management data that is used by the Blu-ray Disc is saved here. – PlayStation Network Update 2.10

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

• System Software Update (2.10) – PlayStation.com

XBOX LIVE ARCADE UPDATE: SENSIBLE WORLD OF SOCCER TAKEN DOWN

Just a quick note here for any of you who may have logged into Xbox Live looking for Sensible World of Soccer – Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb has advised that due to some technical problems with the game, SWOS has been pulled from the Marketplace temporarily. While the Major advised that everyone is working around the clock to get things right, there is currently no ETA for it's return. 

"This game has been pulled. I’ll post an update when it is available again. In the meantime, if you downloaded this busted version, please delete it and when the new one is available you’ll be able to downloaded it again (at no charge if you purchased it.) While you do that, I’ll go yell at some folks for letting this happen. Apologies and the moment the proper version is available I’ll update this post.

Update: The team is hard at work troubleshooting the problem, but it will take some time. Thanks for your patience.

Update: Ok folks, I am being told that I won't have another update until tomorrow (12/20) mid-day (PT). The teams are working through the night and doing everything they can to get this released as quickly as possible." – Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox Live director of programming

On a final note, if you purchased the game before it was pulled, there is no need to stress. As you can see above, according to Major Nelson, you will be able to re-download the fixed version of the game free of charge once it returns.

• Sensible World of Soccer – Xbox Live Arcade
• Arcade: Sensible World of Soccer (Updated) – Major Nelson

BIOSHOCK UPDATE AND PLASMID PACK NOW AVAILABLE

Just a quick note here for those of you with BioShock for either Windows or the Xbox 360 – an update for the game is now available via the Xbox Live Marketplace (Xbox 360 version) or your favorite file download site (Windows version).

This update not only fixes several issues with the game, including the game's "widescreen" issues (it will now play in true widescreen), but also adds new plasmids and tonics to further enhance the experience that is the City of Rapture. It's a free download, so be sure to check it out!

• BioShock – Official website
• The Cult of Rapture – 2KGames

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.01 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.01) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including system stability updates for both backward compatible titles and web browsing along with improved upscaling capabilities. There have also been a few reports that the update has bricked more than it's share of PS3's, so if you have the ability to back up your saves, I'd suggest doing it before upgrading just as a precaution.

Check out the full list of new features below.

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 2.01 (with 2.00) update includes the following:

• New for 2.01: System stability during use of some PLAYSTATION®3 format software has been improved.
• New for 2.01: System stability has been improved for some operations, including the use of the Internet browser and  (Information Board).
• New for 2.01: System stability during output of upscaled PlayStation®2 format software images has been improved.*1
• New for 2.01: Functionality of the [Remote Start] feature has been changed to prevent an unintentional remote start. *2

*1 Applies only to models that support playback of PlayStation®2 format software. > See details

*2 If remote start via the Internet is enabled, the PS3™ system may turn on unintentionally, depending on the type of router in use. (In this case a remote play connection cannot be established.) To avoid unintentional power-up of the system, remote start via the Internet may be disabled automatically if a remote play connection is not established within a certain amount of time after the system is turned on. 

• Custom themes
• You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details

• Playlists
• You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details

• Information board
• [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details

• PLAYSTATION®Network category
• [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details

• Remote start
• [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details

Other new or revised features in version 2.01 (with 2.00):

• Overall
  • New grouping options for the [Group Content] feature have been added to the options menu.

• Settings
  • [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
  • You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
  • The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
  • You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.

• Game
  • [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
    *Available for purchase in early 2008.

• Network
  • You can now view video content (as a progressive download) as it is being downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store.
  • [Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™] has been added as an option under the Internet browser.

• Friends
• The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
• You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
  * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here." – PlayStation.com

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

• System Software Update (2.01) – PlayStation.com

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.0) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including the ability to customize the XMB's icons and backgrounds, the ability for the system to be started remotely (via the PSP) and… vibration feedback support for the Dual Shock 3 controller! (Coming in early 2008 according to the patch notes)

Check out the full list of new features below.

• Custom themes
• You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
• Playlists
• You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
• Information board
• [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
• PLAYSTATION®Network category
• [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
• Remote start
• [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details
• Other new or revised features in version 2.00:
• Overall
• New grouping options for the [Group Content] feature have been added to the options menu.
• Settings
• [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
• You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
• The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
• You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.
• Game
• [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
  *Available for purchase in early 2008.
• Network
• You can now view video content (as a progressive download) as it is being downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store.
• [Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™] has been added as an option under the Internet browser.
• Friends
• The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
• You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
  * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here.

Unfortunately, it looks like the ability to bring up the XMB while playing a game is still just a dream.

• System Software Update (2.00) – PlayStation.com

XBOX 360 CALL OF DUTY 4 MULTIPLAYER BETA UPDATE

In a post on his blog, Infinity Ward’s Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling confirmed that the Xbox 360 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will be ending on September 30th at 11:59PM. To cushion the blow of that news, Bowling also reported that on September 28th at 10:00AM PST, Infinity Ward will be raising the level cap to 25, unlocking all non-classified items listed in the weapons and perks menus.

"Friday Sept. 28th, (first thing aka 10 am PST) we’re going to be maxing out the level cap for the beta at Rank 25. This is going to allow you to rank up and unlock everything that’s not marked Classified including new weapons, perks, and challenges such as:

Assault Rifles:
> G3

Light Machine Guns:
> M60E4

Sniper Rifles:
> Dragunov

Perk 1:
> Claymore X2

Perk 2:
> Slight of Hand

Perk 3:
> Martyrdom

Next weekend (Friday 28th / Sunday 30th) is going to be a mad rush to level 25 as it’s official, come 11:59pm on Sunday the 30th the beta will be coming to a close. I know, I know… but don’t worry. It’ll only be a little over a month from that point that you’ll be able to get your hands on the full version of the game on November 5th." – Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling

While I’m absolutely thrilled about the level cap being raised, I really am not looking forward to having to go without CoD4 for a whole month. Beyond a few annoying bugs and exploits, which will hopefully be addressed in the retail release, the beta has been an absolute blast to play. Based on the multiplayer aspect alone, Call of Duty 4 is shaping up to be a must-buy title.

• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Official site
• Gold Like Your Mom’s Bridesmaid – FourZeroTwo

XBOX 360 RECEIVES MINOR SYSTEM UPDATE

According to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox 360 users should see a small update the next time they log onto the Xbox Live service. This update is not the oft-mentioned Fall Dashboard Update, but rather just another minor tweak to the 360 to allow use of the specialized controller that will be included with "Scene It?".

"Today the team is releasing a minor system update via Xbox Live. Over the next few hours, when you sign in to Xbox LIVE, you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. What’s in this update? Much like the update last month, the only thing this minor release will do is prepare your Xbox 360 for the Big Button Pad that is being released this holiday. Why do we need to release this update now? Simple: The certification team needs time to test the new controller against the retail hardware/software combination before it hits stores.

One more thing: no new features beyond this big button pad support are included in this update and, once again, this is not the ‘fall dashboard upgrade.’ When I have firm details on the next major update, I will share them." – Major Nelson

Despite the Major’s explanation, I really do question the wisdom behind this move. All too often these updates seem to cause mass console brickings and with Halo 3 launching in just a few days, it seems like taking an unnecessary public relations risk. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for everyone – please do the same for me.

• Xbox 360 System Update – Major Nelson

XBOX 360 CALL OF DUTY 4 MULTIPLAYER BETA TO INCREASE LEVEL CAP

According to a post over at Destructoid, Infinity Ward has sent out an e-mail notice advising testers that starting today at 1pm EST, they will be raising the level cap in the Xbox 360 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta from eleven to sixteen. This of course means new features, weapons and fun.

"Friday morning at 10 am PDT (1 pm EST) we’re going to be increasing the Rank level cap to Level 16. This is going to allow you to rank up and unlock more weapons, more perks, and more features; including Clan Tags (lv. 12). This is the first of several level increases we’re going to do throughout the beta, so keep playing, and we’ll keep you informed of incoming updates. Thanks to everyone currently playing for the tremendous amount of feedback we’ve been receiving; Keep sending it, and we’ll see you online!" – Infinity Ward (as per Destructoid)

This is welcome news indeed. I don’t know about you, but I just can’t stop playing this game – it’s actually delayed. my progress in BioShock – and that’s saying something.

• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Official website
• Call of Duty 4 beta level cap to be increased this Friday – Destructoid

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.92

If you own a PlayStation 3 and have logged onto the PlayStation Network in the last day or so, you have undoubtedly noticed that there is a new system update available for the console. System Update 1.92 doesn’t seem to add all that much to the mix, as according to the PlayStation 3 System Update page, the only addition in the update are some additional tweaks to backward compatibility.

"New for 1.92: Playability status with the PS3™ system has changed for some PlayStation®2 format titles. To check on the latest status, visit the search site for compatible titles (coming soon)." – PlayStation.com

My guess is now that the latest model PS3s are shipping without hardware based backward compatibility, we’ll be seeing that message in quite a few of the upcoming patch messages.

• PlayStation 3 System Software Update – PlayStation.com

MICROSOFT RELEASES MINOR XBOX 360 SYSTEM UPDATE

Some of you may have noticed that there was a mandatory Xbox 360 system update waiting for you when you logged into Xbox Live yesterday. According to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, the update is a relatively minor one that doesn’t add any new features to the 360, but rather is just some background work to allow the use of wireless guitars later this year.

"The only thing this minor release will do is prepare your Xbox 360 for the wireless guitars that are being released in a few months.
No new features beyond this wireless support are included in this update." – Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox Live director of programming

So there you have it – move along, nothing to see here.

• Xbox 360 System Update – MajorNelson.com

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.90

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3’s system software available for download via the PlayStation Network or the System Update page at PlayStation.com. The v1.90 software adds some new features to the PlayStation 3 including the ability to use custom wallpapers for the XrossMediaBar, emoticon support for text messages and upsampling for audio CDs. Check out the full text of the update note below to see all the newly added features;

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.90 update includes the following:

• Customizing wallpaper (Theme Settings)
• You can now display an image as the background of XMB™ (XrossMediaBar).

Using emoticons

• You can now use emoticons when creating messages under [Friends].

Entering text in the Internet browser

• You can now enter text directly into text entry fields of Web pages using a USB keyboard.

Upsampling audio CD output

• Upsampled output of audio CDs is now supported.

Other new or revised features in version 1.90:

• Settings
  • [44.1/88.2/176.4 kHz] has been added as an option in [Audio CD Output Frequency] under [Music Settings].
  • [Type 2] has been added as an option in [Bitmapping] under [Music Settings].
  • [On] has been added as an option in [BD 1080p 24 Hz Output (HDMI)] under [BD/DVD Settings].
• Video
  • The [Image Quality Adjustment] option in the control panel has been changed to [AV Settings].
  • You can now play AVCHD-format video files that are saved on Memory Stick™ media or on the hard disk of a video camera.
  • You can now operate the (Slow (Back)) and (Frame Reverse) functions when playing video files saved on storage media or on the hard disk.
• Game
  • You can now adjust screen display settings while playing PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 format software.
• You can now sort games that are saved on the hard disk.
• Network
• [Add to Bookmarks] has been added as an option in the [File] menu of the Internet browser.
• Friends
  • When an avatar is displayed during a voice / video chat, the avatar now moves in response to audio.
• Overall
  • [Eject Disc] has been added in the options menu for discs.
  • You can now select [Group Content] when changing a file or folder icon.

For further information on how to use the above features, head on over to the PlayStation 3 System Update page at PlayStation.com.

• PlayStation 3 – System Software Update – PlayStation.com

XBOX 360 BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY UPDATE

Microsoft has added another batch of original Xbox titles to the Xbox 360 Backwards Compatibility list. Here’s the list of what titles have either been added or updated this time around;

• America’s Army (New)
• Auto Modellista (New)
• Bass Pro Shops Trophy Hunter 2007 (New)
• Blinx 2 (New)
• Bloodrayne 2 (New)
• Burnout (New)
• Crash Bandicoot 4 (New)
• Crash Bandicoot 5: Wrath of Cortex (Updated)
• Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (New)
• Drive to Survive (New)
• Drive to Survive (EM) (New)
• ESPN College Hoops (New)
• ESPN NHL 2K5 (New)
• Evil Dead Regeneration (New)
• Exaskeleton (New – Japan only)
• FIFA Street 2 (New)
• Full Spectrum Warrior: 10 Hammers (New)
• Guilty Gear XX #Reload (New)
• Harry Potter: And the Chamber of Secrets (New)
• Harry Potter: And the Prisoner of Azkaban (New)
• Hot Wheels: Stunt Track Challenge (New)
• Jet Set Radio Future (Updated)
• Justice League: Heroes (New)
• King Arthur (New)
• Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders (New – No Xbox Live Access)
• Magic: The Gathering: Battlegrounds (New)
• Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects (New)
• Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (New)
• Mech Assault 2 (New)
• MLB Slug Fest 2003 (New)
• Morrowind (New)
• MotoGP2 (New)
• Myst III: Exile (New)
• NBA Live 2002 (New)
• NCAA Football 06 (New)
• Nobunaga no Yabou Ranseiki (New – Japan only)
• Outlaw Golf 9 More Holes of X-mas (New)
• Outlaw Volleyball: Red Hot (New)
• Outrun 2 (New)
• Outrun 2006: Coast to Coast (New)
• Pac Man World 3 (New)
• Panzer Elite Action: Fields of Glory (New – EMEA only)
• Pro Cast Sports Fishing (New)
• Project Gotham Racing (New)
• Project Gotham Racing 2 (New)
• RoadKill (New – No Xbox Live Access)
• Rogue Ops (Updated)
• Sega GT 2002 (Updated)
• Sega GT Online (New)
• Shadow Ops (New)
• Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (New)
• Silent Hill 2: Dreams (New – US/EMEA only)
• Sponge Bob Square Pants: Lights, Camera, Pants! (New)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee (New)
• The DaVinci Code (New)
• The Sims 2 (New)
• The Urbz: Sims in the City (New)
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2X (New)
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 (New)
• Transworld Surf (New)
• Trivial Pursuit Unhinged (New)
• Winning Eleven 8 (New)
• Without Warning (New)
• WWE Raw (New)
• Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dawn of Destiny (New)

Unfortunately, ESPN NFL 2K5 is still waiting to join the ranks of the backwards compatible – I had been hoping with APF2K8 on the horizon that the ESPN Football franchise would see some BC love. Click here to see the full list of Xbox games playable on the Xbox 360.

Sorry if today’s posts seem a little short, but my internet connection was down until roughly 3:30am. As you can imagine, I’m now not only trying to get everything online at once, but I’m also tired as all hell. At least it gave me time to finish The Darkness. While I don’t have time to post a full review of the game at the moment, I will say this – The Darkness is a highly enjoyable game that’s bolstered by solid writing and excellent voice acting. If you take your time with the game, playing it the way you can see the developers meant for it to be played, you’ll find it’s going to take you on one hell of a ride.

(Editor’s note 4:37am – I’ve once again lost my internet connection – not sure what time any of today’s updates will get posted, so ignore any confusing references to time)

HUGE XBOX 360 DASHBOARD UPDATE COMING MAY 7TH

Microsoft has confirmed that the features showcased in that leaked Gamespot video are in fact, true and have announced that the update in question will be hitting on May 7th of this year.

At the heart of the update is the addition of Windows Live Messenger to Xbox Live, allowing chat and instant messaging between Xbox 360 owners, Windows PC users and Windows Mobile users;

“Your Xbox Live® friends list is about to get a whole lot bigger. Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of Windows Live™ Messenger on Xbox 360™, connecting friends across Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft® Windows®-based PCs and Windows Mobile®-powered devices.

With this update to Xbox 360, friends and families can easily connect and chat directly from their television using Windows Live Messenger, a network of more than 20 billion relationships and more than 260 million active accounts.” – Xbox.com

To assist with the use of Live Messenger, Microsoft will also be making a mini-keyboard attachment available for Xbox 360 controllers. Why? While the Xbox 360 does allow the use of standard PC USB keyboards, many users don’t have a setup that makes standard keyboard use practical and the keyboard attachment should address some of those issues.

The attachment, as shown below, looks to connect to the bottom of the control, possibly through the headset port, with a pass through for headset connections – though it appears some type of adapter will be needed unless the headset port changes in the production version. While no price was made available at the time of the announcement, Microsoft did state that the keyboard would be available some time this summer.

The update isn’t all about Live Messenger though – we’ll also be seeing enhancements to the dashboard’s layout, achievement notifications, download management, and more. Check out all the new/updated features being added below;

• A richer Achievement notification pop-up will showcase the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value without needing to leave the game to check the Achievements list.
• Enhanced family settings features for Xbox Live communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.
• A new Xbox Live Marketplace blade lets Xbox Live members access the content they seek—whether it is game content or TV shows and movies (available in the United States)—from one place on Xbox Live.
• Updates to Xbox Live Arcade allow owners to quickly see which Xbox Live Arcade games their friends are playing and join in the fun. Xbox Live members can also compare progress of leaderboard scores and Achievements directly with all friends on their friends list. Expanded “Tell a Friend” capabilities make it easier than ever to boast about Achievements and high scores.
• Expanded “Tell a Friend” capabilities make it easier than ever to boast about Achievements and high scores.
• A new option in Auto Downloads provides faster access to the entire collection of free, trial-version Xbox Live Arcade games.
• New progressive download controls provide easy access to optimal viewing options by letting people fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume as their video is downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace.
• Extension of the background download functionality will allow owners to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete.

Now let’s just hope that we don’t see another mass-bricking of 360’s following the update. Check out the links below for more details;

• Instant Messaging Comes to Xbox 360 – Xbox.com
• Windows Live Messenger – Microsoft

GAMESPOT LEAKS MAY 7TH XBOX 360 DASHBOARD UPDATE NEWS?

Now don’t take this at 100% face value, but according to MyGamerCard.net, Gamespot accidentally posted the below video about the new features coming to the Xbox 360 Dashboard on May 7th. The video was supposedly taken down almost immediately at Gamespot, but resurfaced on YouTube a short time later. Since Gamespot hasn’t mentioned the video one way or another as of yet, there’s really no way of knowing if they were just posting a video they saw somewhere, if this was actually one of their in-house produced videos or if they have nothing to do with the video at all.

I will say that the guy saying “yippee” in response to one of the features is what tripped my “I’m not sure if I believe this” radar. Check it out below;

As for what’s actually showcased in the video, I’ll say this…

1. They talk about the new Achievements message, but don’t actually show an example of it. I, for one, would love this feature as I freely admit I probably hit the guide button every time I get an achievement to see what it was for – unless it was something obvious and/or expected.
2. Am I the only one who got really nervous when they were talking about low-power background downloads and the fact that the 360’s cooling fans would shut off during this process?

• Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard Update – MyGamerCard.net
• Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard Update Video – YouTube

GRAN TURISMO HD CONCEPT V1.2 RELEASED

Sony has once again made an updated version of Gran Turismo HD Concept available for download via the PlayStation Store. Version 1.2 weighs in at 632mb and as with the previous versions is available free of charge to all PlayStation 3 owners with a PlayStation Network account.

GALACTIC CIVILIZATIONS II UPDATED

Stardock has released v1.2 of Galactic Civilizations II, and the update is a big one feature wise. As per the official Gal Civ 2 website;

“Owners of Galactic Civilizations II can now get the latest update to the award-winning strategy game.

Galactic Civilizations II v1.2 has a TON of new features, enhancements, tweaks and fixes based on player feedback.

There are hundreds of changes to the new version, some of the highlights include:

• A myriad of user interface enhancements. Basically we listened to what users wanted improved in the game’s UI and made dozens of updates to the various screens to make managing your intersellar empire and fleet much easier.
• A new combat system. Previously the combat system overwhelmingly favored the attacker to the point that there was little reason to focus on defenses on a ship.  The new system has ships attacking at the same time.
• Updated Computer AI.  The AI has been further enhanced to provide not just a challenge at higher levels but to play more intelligently at all levels.  As a reminder, at difficulty levels lower than “tough” (AI set to “intelligent”) the computer players are actually penalized in resources.
• A Modding User interface.  Players can now create their own mods more easily and users can easily select between them.
• Stardock also has provided a very detailed example mod that includes an alternative game interface, an alternative set of aliens to play against, an alternative tech tree, and more.  Total conversion mods should be very easy to do with the new system.

On top of those changes include hundreds of minor tweaks. To get an idea of the scope, THIS LIST is only a partial list of changes we made to the game from v1.11 to v1.2.

Galactic Civilizations II should be at most retail outlets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.  You can also purchase it directly on-line from here and download the game immediately while waiting for your box (or you can select download only). 

The update is available through Stardock Central or as a stand-alone download.  Players will need their serial #s to register the game before playing.“– Galactic Civilizations 2 website

FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 UPDATE

There hasn’t been much word on Forza Motorsport 2 since E3, however an update on the official Forza website states that the game is currently being prepared to be shown to automobile licensees for approval

“In last week’s Pitpass Report, I mentioned that the team was busting ass on finishing a build to use for licensing purposes, meaning that we have to show manufacturers what the final car models will look like in their pristine and damaged forms. If they like what they see — everybody happy. If not, our 3D vehicle artists bear the brunt of the revisionist labor.” –Che Chou, Community Manager

It’s nice to hear that the game is at least moving along at a pace as I was worried when Microsoft had nothing to show beyond a CGI trailer at E3 when the game is scheduled for an October release. Looks like they were just too busy trying to get the game done to make a full demo. Here’s to hoping the manufacturers like what they see.