How the NGP Will Play Your Old PSP Games

January 31, 2011 at 12:22 PM

Sony's Next Generation Portable is compatible with PlayStation Portable games. They'll run entirely through emulation, but without a UMD drive, that entire library of games won't be of much use on the NGP.

The exception to that is the collection of PSP games that have seen a release on the PlayStation Store. The unitiated might think that's the large majority of games, given that it's the only source for games on the PSP Go, but that PSN lineup doesn't nearly entail everything that's out there. While Sony has already said that it will continue negotiating with third parties to release downloadable versions of PSP games, it's also going to be giving NGP owners access to PSP games in another way.

Speaking with Gigazine, Sony has revealed that it's working to re-release PSP games on the NGP's new proprietary, flash-based memory cards. The process wasn't detailed, nor were any specific games mentioned, although third parties were mentioned so it might not be an all-Sony lineup of PSP games that are re-released.

Media Files
media?id=3875717

Why It's a Good Time to Be a Macintosh Gamer

January 31, 2011 at 11:26 AM

Feature

Why It's a Good Time to Be a Macintosh Gamer

With Steam support, the App store and major developer involvement, Macintosh gaming is on the rise.

By: Dustin Quillen January 31, 2011

Gaming probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you look at a Mac. Sure, Apple's had its share of flirtations with videogames in the past -- reports even indicated that the company nearly purchased Halo developer Bungie -- but you'd be forgiven for sticking with a Windows-equipped PC when it comes to computer games.

Over the last year or so, however, there's been an effort to bring about a sort of gaming renaissance on Apple computers. From the launch of Valve's Steam client for Mac last May to this month's release of the App Store on OS X, plenty of proven distribution methods exist on the platform. But are game makers -- and, more importantly, game players -- taking advantage of them?

Media Files
media?id=3875924

1UP's Dead Space 2 Giveaway

January 31, 2011 at 10:53 AM

**1UP's Dead Space 2 Giveaway
How To Play**

Whens the last time you played a game that scared the crap out of you? We've been playing Dead Space 2 all week, so we've been sleeping with the lights on. To celebrate the release of one of the scariest (and most badass) FPSes in video games, we'll be giving away copies for both PS3 and 1UP. If that wasn't enough, we're throwing in copies of the latest Dead Space flick, Aftermath. We have copies on Blu-ray, DVD, PS3, Xbox 360, so everyone can join in on the fun. Want you're chance to win? Here's how it'll work...

We'll post a secret message on our homepage, right next to our Top Story area. Here's a pic:

How-To

1UP's Dead Space 2 Giveaway

January 31, 2011 at 10:53 AM

**1UP's Dead Space 2 Giveaway
How To Play**

We'll post a secret message on our homepage, right next to our Top Story area. Here's a pic:

How-To

1UP's Dead Space 2 Giveaway

January 31, 2011 at 10:53 AM

**1UP's Dead Space 2 Giveaway
How To Play**

We'll post a secret message on our homepage, right next to our Top Story area. Here's a pic:

How-To

Dungeon Siege 3 Might Be The Game That Boosts Obsidian's Reputation

January 28, 2011 at 8:52 PM

As much as I like games from Obsidian Entertainment, they have enough of a reputation that I usually have to give a caveat when discussing them. "Knights of the Old Republic 2 is great, but incomplete." "Fallout: New Vegas is great, but buggy." "Alpha Protocol is snazzy, but janky." But even after just a short play-session of Dungeon Siege 3's opening, I think that it might end up being the title that could finally be caveat-free.

One consistent issue that comes up a lot when looking at Obsidian's games is that, since the company tends to use other developers' tools and intellectual property, you run into a lot of technical glitches and quirks. Sure, they do their best, and it's always good to build on an existing foundation, but weird bugs manage to show up anyway. For Alpha Protocol, the problem went a little deeper; that aspects of the fundamental gameplay were, at times, either counterintuitive or simply broken. These issues lead to a lot of salt grains being taken when someone talks about their next game being better.

Media Files
media?id=3875881

Mindjack Review

January 28, 2011 at 8:22 PM

When I first saw Mindjack last August, I commented that it had a lot in common with my favorite game of 2009 -- Demon's Souls. The comparison was a natural one, as both make it possible to invade another player's game as either a friend or foe.

Alas, I was being far too generous. In every way that Demon's Souls is engaging and innovative, Mindjack is careless and colorless.

Media Files
media?id=3835696

Today in Gaming - 1/28/11

January 28, 2011 at 6:28 PM

There was nothing quite as exciting today as yesterday's onslaught of information about Sony's new Next Generation Portable, although we did get a lot of information from Nintendo by way of its financial results for the third quarter. There's also this cool new trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic that puts a lot of voice acting on display.

A look at some of the day's news:

The 3DS' digital store, officially called the Nintendo eShop, is coming (at least to Japan) in May by way of a firmware update. It'll also include a DSiWare transfer function and an internet browser.
Nintendo has a new Kirby game and something called Pandora's Tower coming for Wii. Pokemon Typing DS will come with a Bluetooth keyboard.
QuakeCon 2011 is dated: It'll run from August 4 through August 7 in Dallas, Texas.
PayPal is helping Blizzard's battle against World of Warcraft gold sellers by threatening to prevent sellers from using the payment service.

Media Files
media?id=3574686

New Kirby, Bluetooth DS Keyboard in the Works

January 28, 2011 at 3:55 PM

Nintendo's financial results for its third fiscal quarter, which ran from October 1 through December 31, 2010, have revealed two new Wii games in development and that a keyboard will be coming with Pokemon Typing DS.

Kirby's Epic Yarn, strongly as it was received, was a clear departure from the norm for a Kirby game. Nintendo has a new Kirby game in development at HAL Laboratory that allows for the more traditional gameplay expected from the series, described as allowing gamers to "inhale enemies, spit them out, and morph." Nintendo president Satoru Iwata noted that it's scheduled for release on Wii later this year, although that date is likely meant for Japan. For what it's worth, Epic Yarn released three days later in North America than it did in Japan.

Media Files
media?id=3852093

Gallery: Unique Russian Nesting Dolls from Double Fine's Next Big Game

January 28, 2011 at 3:44 PM

Feature

Gallery: Unique Russian Nesting Dolls from Double Fine's Next Big Game

THQ sends a set of Stacking-themed Matryoshka dolls to promote the Brutal Legend developer's upcoming game. Find out what's inside.

January 28, 2011

A blank desk. This is where it all begins. (It can only get better from here).

Media Files
media?id=3862947

WoW Gold Sellers Faced With PayPal Bans

January 28, 2011 at 1:31 PM

It's hard to play World of Warcraft for long without seeing an advertisement in the chat window for one of the seemingly endless supply of gold-selling websites. Blizzard's battle with gold sellers is thankfully now getting some assistance from PayPal, one of the most popular payment methods on the internet.

After receiving complaints from Blizzard regarding IP violation, PayPal sent out notices to the infringing parties threatening to cut off their ability to use the service. Sites were given the option to object to the report if they've been falsely accused; those who are selling WoW gold have no recourse but to stop if they're interested in continuing to use PayPal.

Harmless as it might sound, gold selling can seriously hurt an MMO's in-game economy and helps to encourage the hacking of accounts and botting -- and that's not to mention those annoying advertisements in the game's chat or the workforce being exploited to farm the gold in the first place. There might never be an end to this struggle, but Blizzard can at least hope to make it more difficult to pull off.

Media Files
media?id=3747696

Shift 2: Unleashed Turns a Hardcore Racing Sim Into a Social Experience

January 28, 2011 at 1:05 PM

In its 16 year history, the Need for Speed brand has always been closely associated with arcade/action racing experiences -- typically story-based affairs set in underground competitions with the type of driving that would probably land you a night in jail. But ask Jesse Abney, producer at EA for Shift 2: Unleashed, and he'll tell you Need For Speed: Shift changed all that. Abney admits that while fun arcade style racing has always suited the brand, Shift's focus on realism gave NFS players something they never expected. Back in 2009 we agreed; Shift was a competent entry in the simulation genre and the sequel promises to build on that success with more than the usual "bigger/better" approach, based on some hands-on time at a recent preview event

Autolog, a feature which debuted in last fall's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, crosses-over into Shift 2: Unleashed, and Abney hopes this "social network for racers" will continue to cultivate competition. As a refresher, Autolog tracks you and your friends' progress over the course of play and updates track records, top speeds, and even includes a wall for the complete bragging rights package. At the end of a competitive race, players can recommend the course to a friend, and fuel the trash-talk at the push of a button. You can also share replays, or photos of your worst wreck. Abney tells me that there are elements of Autolog embedded into every portion of Shift 2: Unleashed; from best times nestled in the track loading screens to simply pressing the back button (presumably select for PS3 users) in the main menu to access the feature. He hopes it'll continue to push players to stay competitive, since nothing beats competing against friends. And for the more obsessive types, there'll be an iPhone app released (similar to Hot Pursuit) at some point to update you when you're not repeatedly checking needforspeed.com.

Media Files
media?id=3864280

QuakeCon 2011 Set For August 4-7

January 28, 2011 at 12:35 PM

This year's QuakeCon has been dated: It will take place from August 4 through August 7. As always, the free event will take place in Texas. More specifically, it'll be located in Dallas as it has been four out of the last five years.

One of the big attractions of QuakeCon is the Bring Your Own Computer LAN party and the accompanying tournament where gamers compete for money. It's described as the largest LAN party in North America and the largest free LAN party in the world. If that's not your scene, there's a whole event going on with panel discussions, contests, entertainment, and games on display -- particularly those from id Software and Bethesda, the latter of which will let gamers try out some if its upcoming games for the first time.

Rage comes out just over a month later, so it will undoubtedly be prominently featured at the show. And who knows, maybe Doom 4 will make an appearance, as was expected last year before it ended up being a no-show.

Media Files
media?id=3835754

3DS Download Store Coming to Japan in May

January 28, 2011 at 11:37 AM

One of the disappointing realizations about the other new handheld we recently learned about was that the 3DS' digital store wouldn't be available from launch. Some details on the service have just been released through a Q3 financial results briefing, including an idea of when gamers will be able to get their hands on it.

Officially called the Nintendo eShop, the service will allow you to download trailers and demos in addition to all sorts of games: Virtual Console titles (including classic Game Boy games), DSiWare games, and new games specifically made for the 3DS. It was noted both the Wii and DSi's online stores haven't "provided the users with a sufficiently easy and accessible interface" due to being based on browser technology. The separation between the Wii's Nintendo Channel and Shop Channel also led to a disconnect between promotions and actual sales. That's been resolved for the eShop, according to Nintendo: "[W]e will be running a drastically redesigned shop for Nintendo 3DS in which you can more comfortably purchase software through downloads. Our goal is to make Nintendo eShop a place where you feel like stopping by and enjoying window shopping."

At least in Japan, the eShop will be coming in "late May." It'll be delivered through the system's first firmware update, which will also add an internet browser and the ability to transfer DSiWare purchases from the DSi to the 3DS. Another firmware update is planned for sometime after the launch of the eShop which will grant users with a limited number of transfers to move downloaded games from one 3DS to another.

Media Files
media?id=3869160

SOCOM 4: How It's Both Newbie-Friendly and Faithful to the Veteran

January 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM

I have a confession: before yesterday, I had never played a SOCOM game in my life. That's not to say I was never interested in the franchise, but for one reason or another I never got around to checking the series out. Perhaps that will change with the release of SOCOM 4, which according to developer Zipper Interactive, "redefines" the SOCOM experience -- but what exactly does that mean to a newcomer?

The SOCOM franchise is best known for its multiplayer, and that's still the case with SOCOM 4. There are nine maps available -- ranging from jungle bases to destroyed city highways-- that allow up to 32 players apiece. Some of the different gameplay types include Uplink (SOCOM's take on the Capture The Flag formula), Last Defense (which sees both sides fighting over three control points), and Suppression (your more typical team deathmatch), as well as a fourth mode that Zipper was not announcing at this time.

Media Files
media?id=3875788