Hulu.com Malfunctions for PS3 Owners

It is no secret that the built-in internet browser on the Playstation 3 is unstable causing frequent crashes, even on tame sites like YouTube.

1up.com reported yesterday that PS3 users are being frustrated again when the popular TV, movie, and video media site Hulu.com met PS3 owners with a nasty message reading:

"Unfortunately, this video is not available on your platform. We apologize for any inconvenience."

This comes despite the fact that PS3 owners have enjoyed the video service ever since its launch in 2007.

Engadet.com has determined that it is likely that the change has been made specifically to block video streaming to the Playstation 3.

This could possibly be a devastating move for Hulu.com since its revenue is generated by advertisements coupled with video streams.

By eliminating the PS3 user base, they would limit the number of hits the site will receive and reduce their advertising revenue.

However, it is likely that Hulu is simply updating its service to better accommodate the PS3 browser since videos will occasionally malfunction on the PS3 brower which not only affected the site's videos, but advertisements as well.

If the advertisements don't play, Hulu doesn't get paid.

This all comes days after Sony releases update 2.80 for the PS3 which allows users to text chat with friends in-game among other minor updates.

It is possible that Sony made its own browser incompatible with Hulu, but that would be unwise as well since the beauty of the PS3's browser is that it makes the PS3 a more multimedia based plateform.

Nevertheless, I suggest a full boycott on Hulu.com until the matter is resolved.

Gamer Profile: Katie Leach - Hardcore Gamer

Below is an audio slideshow I put together for a project I completed for an online journalism course.

Profiled is Katie Leach a Saginaw, Michigan, resident and now Sophomore at Central Michigan University.

She talks about her gaming habits as a female and discusses the representation of women in video games:

New Information on Sony's "Motion Controller"

The next console war is going to be a "motion control" war thanks to the popularity of the Nintendo Wii.

The inevitable announcements were made at Microsoft's and Sony's E3 2009 press conferences when both console giants outlined their plans for entering the motion control bout against Nintendo.

However, Sony's unnamed "motion controller" rose more questions than it answered.

Not any more.

Kotaku.com reported on more information on Friday as Sony is currently in talks with developers about the new peripheral.

According to the report, the Sony motion controller is slated to launch in the Spring of 2010 and will utilize the Playstation Eye's bulit-in microphone for voice recognition.

Also, up to four of the "wands" can be used at once although tracking and sensing the "wands" may take some added processing power which may slow the console down.

These "wands" will have a bulit-in rumble feature and might be used in conjunction with existing Playstation 3 controllers for a quasi Wii remote/nunchuk relationship.

Lets hope to hear more soon as well as some sort of name of the device because words like "motion controller" and "wand" are about as appealing as the "engineering design" of the controller shown at E3.

Project Natal Demostration on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"

Check out Microsoft's "Project Natal" on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon:"

Nintendo To Let Gamers Skip Difficult Levels with "Demo Play"

Time to forget about buying that $20 strategy guide or scouring the internet for the secret of completing dreadful levels.

Nintendo will allow gamers to by pass difficult portions of select Wii games by allowing the console to take over in what famed director Shigeru Miyamoto has dubbed "Demo Play."

According to an interview with USA Today, Miyamoto said the new technology will first be available in the Fall release of "New Super Mario Bros. Wii":

In New Super Mario Bros. Wii, if a player is experiencing an area of difficulty, this will allow them to clear troubled areas and take over when they're ready. And yes, we're looking into this for future games.

This looks to be a new Nintendo is attempting to appeal to a wider audience and prevent discouraged gamers from surrendering interest in a particular game due to its difficulty. Gamers will also be able to stop "Demo Play" and continue playing the game whenever he or she chooses.

However, this could likely be abused since many gamers could use this feature to skip to the end of a game and reveal information to others. Besides, completing the game is the point of playing in the first place. It would be difficult to foresee hardcore gamers succumbing to "Demo Play" and should result in a badge of shame.

Nevertheless, consumers have the ability to skip sections of films or TV shows on DVD or Blu-Ray, why not video games?

"Scribblenauts" Takes Gamespot.com's E3 "Best Game of the Show"

Coming out of no where, the Nintendo DS title where players spell any object on the lower screen and will have it appear on the top screen takes Gamespot.com's top honor for "Best Game of the Show" at E3 '09.

"Scribblenauts" is due for the release on September 15, 2009 and will feature over 200 different levels where the only limit to the way the player solves the game's many puzzles is his or her own imagination.

Click below for Gamespot.com's video review of all their awards from E3 '09:

"Uncharted 2" Named 1up.com's E3 2009 "Best in Show"

E3 2009 began a week ago and amazed the gaming community with major announcements from a wireless controller for the Xbox 360 to a sequel to the "Metroid" series.

Publications are now in gear to examine and reflect on the video game conference.

First up is 1up.com who released their top picks from E3 2009 with "Uncharted 2: Among Theives" taking the award for "Best in Show."

Other winners were "Bayonetta" for best action game, "Modern Warfare 2" for best shooter, and "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" for best Wii title.

As we wait for other video game publications to make their selections, gamespot.com released their picks for the top ten game announced at E3 2009:

* Metal Gear Solid: Rising
* Final Fantasy XIV Online
* Left 4 Dead 2
* Golden Sun DS
* Metroid: Other M
* Super Mario Galaxy 2
* New Super Mario Bros. Wii
* Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
* Halo Reach
* The Last Guardian

Be sure to check back at VGF for more top picks from E3 2009.

New "Legend of Zelda" Teaser Concept Art

Although Nintendo failed to mention anything about an upcoming "Legend of Zelda" title for the Wii at their E3 press conference, "Zelda" creator and game design guru Shigeru Miyamoto held private question and answer sessions at E3 last week where he discussed the next adventure in the series.

Possibly appearing in 2010, the new "Zelda" title may focus on memories and interpretations of events from various viewpoints of different characters.

Concept art was revealed for the game, but photography was not allowed.

However, G4TV.com published the concept art released by Nintendo. However, only to yeild questions as to what the picture is suggesting to eager "Zelda" fans:

Below is also a transcript from gamespot.com of what Miyamoto had to say about the next "Zelda" adventure:

[6:59] In terms of the Zelda franchise, in general, they've been having discussions back in Kyoto about where to go next.

[7:00] "Obviously, graphics have improved, but as a team, we've been sitting down to look at the gameplay and what we can do with it to move Zelda forward."

[7:01] His idea of what a new Zelda game would be is to have players travel to different areas, which would link visits in the game.

[7:01] "And to create memories of the characters you meet--your individual memories of what you experienced in the game."

[7:01] "How you interpret that dungeon, how you interpret that dungeon, et cetera."

[7:03] "We're doing repeated experiments with different kinds of games and different kinds of gameplay."

[7:04] "To be honest, I really wanted to show off a new Zelda at this E3. However, rather than bring you something, we wanted to focus on development."

[7:04] Up comes concept art for the new Zelda game, which shows Link in his Twilight Princess incarnation.

[7:04] The team is "targeting" next year, and is building in so much Wii MotionPlus capability that the game might require it to play.

[7:06] Miyamoto said that they are trying to juggle all the game's elements. He prefers action games, so he's into swordplay, but other team members want to focus on role-playing game elements.

Scribblenauts Trailer

Take a look at the innovative new title for the Nintendo DS where you can write nearly any phrase and the object will appear on-screen.

Everyone seems to be amazed by this game and was recently named 1up.com's "Most Innovative Game at E3."

"Castlevania: Lords of Shadow" Trailer and Screenshots

Konami recently announced a new "Castelvania" title which will be a departure from titles in the series.

"Castlevania: Lords of Shadow," due for release in 2010, is being developed with a partnership with Kojima Productions and is the purpose for the unusual "mask" seen on the company's teaser site.

As the Konami press release reads:

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow takes place at the end of days. The Earth's alliance with the Heavens has been threatened by a dark and malevolent force - the mysterious Lords of Shadow - darkness reins the world. Across this shattered land, the souls of the dead wander unable to find peace, whilst creatures of evil roam free wreaking chaos and death upon the living.

Gabriel is a member of the Brotherhood of Light, an elite group of holy knights who protect and defend the innocent against the supernatural. His beloved wife was brutally murdered by the evil forces of darkness and her soul trapped for eternity. Neither living nor dead she realizes the horrific truth of what is at stake and guides Gabriel to his destiny - and hopefully salvation for the world... but at what cost?

Voicing the many characters of the game include screen actors Patrick Stewart, Robert Carlyle, Natasha McElhone, and Jason Isaacs.

Dave Cox, Producer on the title and Head of Product Planning for Konami Digital Entertainment said he is delighted with the development partnership between Mercury Steam and Kojima Productions:

We are also delighted to be working with Kojima Productions who have supported the development of the game and our intended goals with their keen vision and expertise. This is a world's first! A dream team up between a western development studio and one of Japan's most revered and innovative creators.

Checkout the E3 trailer below on the game that is due for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 in 2010:

"Super Mario Galaxy 2" Trailer

"Super Mario Galaxy" is back and this time Yoshi's along for the ride:

"Metroid: Other M" Trailer

"Metroid: Other M" looks to be a third-person action-adventure title for the Wii coming in 2010:

"Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker" Trailer

"Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker" appears to be the story of Big Boss and the creation of "Outer Heaven":

New Super Mario Bros. Wii Trailer

Mario returns to his roots in four-player action:

Final Fantasy XIV Trailer from E3

Final Fantasy XIV - a Playstation 3 Exclusive:



Also, a live site for the game has launched:

Final Fantasy XVI

Check out some of the screen shots from the site below:

E3 '09: Sony Press Conference Reactions Podcast

Click below to listen to my podcast reaction to Sony's showing at E3 2009 and take a look at some of the photo highlights:

Powered by Podbean.com

Sony Answers Nitendo and Microsoft with Motion Sensor Controller

Sony's E3 press conference yielded another big announcement for the future of the industry in the same way Microsoft's "Project Natal" did yesterday.

Enter: Sony's new motion controller.

Coupled with the PS3 iteration of the "Eye Toy" camera, the duo combines the Wii remote precision and functionality with "Natal's" 3D camera interface.

The demonstration on the press conference stage unveiled an engineering mock-up of the controller which houses a glowing sphere at the tip that can change color.

During the demonstration, the player was able to change the object he was holding in his hand visually via the camera and used the object in real time, interacting with objects in the environment.

The devices used ranged from swords, to whips, to maces.

They even showcased a first person mode where the player was able to physically move in environment and the action on screen mimicked the movements due to the camera.

Next, the demonstrator showed how the motion controller is precise up to millimeters and drew on a digital surface as if he was drawing on paper.

Finally, the demonstration took to a medieval engagement with a sword and shield as the demonstrator swung the sword and defended with his shield in real time. Additionally, archery gameplay was showcased and looked very similar to archery shown in "Wii Sports Resort" hours earlier at Nintendo's press conference.

Sounds like the "Natal."

Almost makes you wonder if they had any idea they were working on similar projects. Although "Natal" appears to be further developed and integrated with Xbox Live functionality whereas more of the Sony's unnamed motion controller was shown in real time.

E3 '09: Podcast Reactions to Nintendo's Press Conference

Below are picture highlights and my podcast reaction to Nintendo showing at E3 '09:

Powered by Podbean.com

Amazing new "Star Wars: The Old Republic" Trailer

MMORPG or awesome "Star Wars" film? You decide:

E3 '09: Microsoft Press Conference Podcast Reaction

Highlights

• "Project Natal" Rivals Nintendo Wii Gameplay
• New "Halo" Titles Coming to Xbox 360
• "Metal Gear Solid Rising" Coming to Xbox 360
• Xbox Live, Facebook, and Twitter Team Up
  

Powered by Podbean.com

Halo 3: ODST Trailer

Halo fans rejoice, a first look at the new E3 '09 "Halo 3: ODST" trailer:

Microsoft's "Project Natal" Trailer Shown at E3

New "Project Natal" Makes Xbox 360 Owners "The Controller."

Just announced at Microsoft's E3 press conference is a new 3D camera which makes the player the controller.

How does work?

The camera - named Natal - uses a three-dimensional camera which track the players movement and responding accordingly to on-screen feedback.

A video displayed the various ways in which Natal will "change" interactive entertainment such as using your hands to steer an imaginary steering wheel in racing game or virtually fighting an opponent with real life actions.

Xbox 360 developers look to hopefully simplify the Nintendo Wii's motion sensor remote by removing any necessary buttons and relying on body movement as well as facial and voice recognition.

The Xbox Live Dashboard was controlled on-stage via hand movements and a virtual painting was constructed on the stage without the use of a controller.

However, what was possibly most impressive was Natal's usage with a virtual simulation of a young boy called Milo.

Introduced and explained by "Fable 2" creator, Milo interacted with a demonstrator in a video where they carried on a conversation and Milo reacted with an emotional response depending on the question. Also, the demonstrator drew a physical drawing and showed it to the camera of Natal where Milo interacted with a digital replication of the image on screen.

This new technology, if properly implemented and utilized could prove to a revolutionary step forward for the industry - baring that gamers want a physical experience where a lofty amount of space is required to use the new camera.

Look for more information on Natal as well as podcast commentary on Microsoft's showing on VGF as E3 '09 continues.

The Beatles Rockband Unveiled!

New information and images on the exciting new "The Beatles" version of the Rockband series is unveiled at E3 '09.

First, check out the official trailer on their web site.

The first edition of the game's set list is as follows:

• I Saw Her Standing There
• I Want to Hold Your Hand
• I Feel Fine
• Day Tripper
• Taxman
• I Am The Walrus
• Back In The U.S.S.R.
• Octopus’s Garden
• Here Comes The Sun
• Get Back

Players can also perform at the following venues:

• Cavern Club
• The Ed Sullivan Theater
• Shea Stadium
• Budokan
• Abbey Road
• Rooftop

Checkout the first photos of the game below as well as the replica instruments:

Watch the Microsoft Press Conference LIVE on VGF

Watch live video from G4TV - LIVE at E3 2009 on Justin.tv