Backlog Conquering - Rain - The Fourth and Final Part

I Accidently used my laptop's mic to record this video, so it sounds different to any of my recent videos.

This is the fourth and final video in my playthrough of Rain on PS3. In this video i play through the final couple of chapters of the game. i don't go on to play through the memory collecting mode.

The game continues to play well. the main issue with controls is my own controller which is suffering with stick drift. The graphics continue to impress. there were moments which had an almost cinematic feel to them. the contrast of the city in the previous video compared to this was stark and it looked great when it came back.

This will be the final video in this series. If i plan on getting extra trophies, there is no platinum, i won't be recording it.

Backlog Conquering - Rain - The Third Part

Welcome to Backlog Conquering.

This is the third video for Rain. Like Part 2, this video is less than an hour and sees me playing from Chapter 4 to the start of Chapter 6.

The game continues to play well. the main issue with controls is my own controller which is suffering with stick drift. The graphics continue to impress. there were moments which had an almost cinematic feel to them. a memorable highlight was walking along the side of a bride.

Backlog Conquering - Rain - The Second Part

This is the second video for Rain. This part isn't quite an hour, but starts immediately at the start of Chapter 3. There is no Part 1 as, for some reason, that video didn't record video. it did record audio from the game and i also was commentating. so there's a chance it'll be an unlisted video in the near future.

As for Rain, this PS3 game played really well. apart from the initial load screen, there was no obvious loading whilst playing. Gameplay tho is less positive as sometimes it's very clear where you're to go. then there are other times when it's not clear what you should be doing next. to help overcome the latter, i do die in this video many times.

Sony Announce Playstation Rewards, A Loyalty Program Coming First To The USA

Sony have announced Playstation Rewards, a free loyalty program thats coming first to the USA and the PS3. the initial launch of Playstation Rewards will be 28th October, but it'll be in a beta phase only open to Playstation Plus and Gamer Advisory Panel Members. The Playstation Rewards program is designed to award those users who are actively involved with Playstation, and currently the PS3. the more users participate, the more progress you make through the 3 tiers in the program, Select, Pro, and Legendary. as you progress through each of these, the rewards you earn increase.

In the beginning the rewards will be Exclusive PSN avatars, Dynamic Themes and Home content. There will also be a chance to win exclusive merchandise and experiences, the first being an all expenses paid trip to CES 2011, Consumer Electronics Show. Future rewards. Sony have also revealed that whilst this program starts on the PS3, they hope to include the PSP in the future.

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Have Released A New Gameplay Video For Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One

Sony have released a new gameplay video for Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One. this video comes with commentary from Insomniac North Carolina Studio Director Chad Dezer. he describes what's happening in the video, providing tips on how to beat enemies and how to work together. he also reveals the games back story, how all 4 of them ended up together. examples of the games tech are also revealed, like the use of the games camera to show the player the landscapes. new weapons, enemies, and techniques are also shown in this video.



From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Reveal The 11 Game Demos On The PlayStation Move Bundle Demo Disc

Sony have revealed the game demos that are going to be included with the PlayStation Move Bundle Demo Disc. Sony have also released a trailer showing each of the 11 games being introduced and played. The 11 games are:

* Beat Sketcher
* echochrome ii
* EyePet
* Kung Fu Rider
* Sports Champions
* Start the Party!
* The Shoot
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
* Time Crisis: Razing Storm
* Tumble
* TV Superstars



Sony have also announced that you can install all the game demos to a PS3 and then give the demo disc to another Playstation Move user.

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Have Released A Video Monatge Celebrating 15 Years Of Playstation

In celebration of 15 years of the Playstation Brand, Sony have released a video showing a brief montage of the last 15 years.

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Announce Playstation 3 Firmware 3.42 Is Out Now

Sony have announced that Playstation 3 Firmware 3.42 is out now. this is a mandatory update that addresses "security vulnerability in the system software."

There are various reports from across the web that this update has stopped the PS3Jailbreak, and other exploits, from working. There doesn't appear to be any new features added with the update, just a security fix.

From EU Playstation Blog

Konami Announce A PES 2011 Demo Is Coming Out On 15th September On The PlayStation 3 And PS + Subscribers Get It 8th September

Konami have announced that a PES 2011 demo is coming out in the UK on the 15th September. Playstation Plus Subscribers will get access to the Demo on the 8th September. A PC version of the demo will be available online at www.konami-pes2011.com, whilst a Xbox 360 version will come later. On offer in the Demo, you get to play as either FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich or Copa Libertadores pair Chivas Guadalajara and Internacional. there will also be a video presentation included that shows the games features.

Press Release

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH today announced it will release a free demo of its forthcoming PES 2011 on September 15th, with subscribers to SCEE’s PS+ service able to play the demo from September 8th.

The demo will be available for PlayStation®3 via PlayStation®Network with a PC version available from www.konami-pes2011.com. The download will enable fans to play against the computer or offline multi-player matches with a choice of four clubs: either FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich or Copa Libertadores pair Chivas Guadalajara and Internacional. A video presentation is also included outlining the full game’s content in readiness of the game’s UK launch on October 8th 2010.

A release date for the Xbox 360 demo via Xbox Live Arcade will be announced shortly.

THQ Announce Red Faction: Battlegrounds For The Playstation 3 PSN and XBLA

THQ have announced Red Faction: Battlegrounds for the Playstation 3 PSN and Xbox 360 XBLA. Red Faction: Battlegrounds is the first downloadable title in the Red Faction series and it is set to come out in 2011. The game will be playable at GamesCom and it can be found at the THQ Booth at Business Center at Hall 5.1, Both B10, and on the show floor at Hall 8.1, Booth B31.

Red Faction: Battlegrounds is a multiplayer, up to 4 players either Local or online, vehicular combat game. there are several game modes to choose from, including Survival, Annihilate and Flag Frenzy. Gameplay will take place on and below the surface of Mars. Players can also demolish buildings and vehicles using a variety of weapons.As players rank up, they are rewarded with unique content that will be playable in Red Faction: Armageddon on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Press Release

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., August 16, 2010 – Mechs or tanks? The age-old debate will be settled on Mars as THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced the development of Red Faction®: Battlegrounds™, the first downloadable title in the history of the acclaimed Red Faction® sci-fi/action franchise.

Scheduled to explode onto to Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation 3 system in 2011, Red Faction: Battlegrounds is a fast-paced multiplayer-focused vehicular combat game in which fast-attack vehicles, heavy tanks and combat walkers wreak havoc above ground and beneath the surface of Mars. Staying true to the Red Faction universe, players can demolish anything that stands in their way, from military compounds to enemy vehicles, using advance Martian artillery and explosives.

Developed by THQ Digital Studios UK and executive produced by Volition, Inc., Red Faction: Battlegrounds pits four players either locally or online in a variety of game modes, including Survival, Annihilate and Flag Frenzy. Players rank up and are rewarded with unique bonus content that will be playable in the upcoming Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC game, Red Faction®: Armageddon™.

“The pick-up-and-play multiplayer action of Red Faction: Battlegrounds adds a completely new perspective to the acclaimed Red Faction franchise," said Kevin Kraff, Vice President of Global Brand Management, THQ. "Just as in other Red Faction games, you can pretty much blow up everything. Only this time, you do it with your friends using hulking mechs, armored tanks and combat walkers."

Red Faction: Battlegrounds will be playable at Gamescom 2010 in Cologne, Germany, from August 18-22. THQ will be located in the Business Center at Hall 5.1, Both B10, and on the show floor at Hall 8.1, Booth B31.

About Red Faction: Battlegrounds
The signature destructive gameplay from Red Faction®: Guerrilla™ comes to the downloadable arcade with Red Faction: Battlegrounds! Jump into your favorite tank or mech using your Gauss Cannons, Rocket Launchers and Singularity Bombs to destroy the competition, and environment along with it. Battle your way through treacherous Martian deserts, terraformed enclaves and more in a variety of different multiplayer modes and single player challenges. Rank up by defeating the competition and unlock new content including maps, vehicles, weapons and even items for the upcoming Xbox 360, PS3 and PC game, Red Faction: Armageddon.
About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, , Volition, Inc, Red Faction, Red Faction: Armageddon, Red Faction: Battlegrounds and Red Faction: Guerrilla and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Microsoft, Xbox 360 and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or in other countries and are used under license from Microsoft.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the release and features of Red Faction: Battlegrounds videogame and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Sony Have Released An Updated Firmware 3.41 For Those Having HDD Issues

Since Sony released the latest firmware, 3.41, there had been some complaints on the internet. most of these complaints come from people unable to install a new HDD to the system. In response Sony has released a new version of 3.41, minor changes have been made to it so it doesn't need a different number. If you have been experiencing issues since the original firmware 3.41 was released sony suggests you try this updated firmware.

Sony finishes off by saying "e apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, and appreciate your understanding and continued support."

From EU Playstation Blog

Sony Reveal PS3 Firmware Update 3.41 And PSP Firmware Update 6.31. PS3 Firmware Is Out Now

Sony's USA Playstation Blog has revealed and detailed the PS3 firmware update 3.41 and PSP firmware update 6.31. The Playstation 3 update adds a new section to the PSN Store, both the Game and Video sections. the new "You May Like" section will provide alternative purchase selections, based on the purchases other PSN users have made after buying the item your looking at. This new feature will go live by the end of July. The PSP Firmware Update is a minor update and "system software stability during use of some PSP format software titles has been improved".

The Playstation 3 Firmware update is now Live, but as i said above the "You May Like" section won't go live until the end of July. I have tested my PSP, but that update is not out as yet.

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Announce The Little Big Planet 2 Release Date Is 16th November And Detail Pre-Order Incentives

Sony have announced that Little Big Planet 2 is coming out in the USA on 16th November. Sony have also detailed the pre-order Incentives being offered. all pre-orders will come with the Animal Costumes:

Amazon.com pre-orders will also receive Ratchet & Clank costumes

BestBuy and BestBuy.com will get a Toy Story Alien costume as well

GameStop and GameStop.com will get a Tron Costume as well as the animal Costumes

Sony have also teased another set of costumes, which they'll reveal more later, by showing Gonzo

Sony have also announced that there will be a Little Big Planet 2 Collectors Edition. This Collection comes with the game, a 7" Plushie of Sackboy, 2 "Game Ends" (book ends), 5 exclusive Little Big Planet 2 PSN Avatars, and Codes for Sackboy Costumes:

• Disney / Pixar’s Toy Story 3’s “Aliens” Sackboy Costume
• Disney’s TRON: Legacy “Clu” Sackboy Costume
• The Muppets’ “The Great Gonzo” Sackboy Costume
• PlayStation’s “Ratchet” Sackboy Costume
• PlayStation’s “Clank” Sackboy Costume
• Even More Animals’ “Crocodile” Sackboy Costume
• Even More Animals’ “Vulture” Sackboy Costume
• Even More Animals’ “Cobra” Sackboy Costume
• Even More Animals’ “Mandrill” Sackboy Costume
• PlayStation’s “Jak” Sackboy Costume
• PlayStation’s “Daxter” Sackboy Costume

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Have Released A New Gameplay Trailer And Screenshots For Dead Nation

Sony have released new screenshots and a gameplay trailer for Dead Nation. The Gameplay trailer is designed to show that the Zombies in the game aren't completely mindless, they still have a piece of who they were. the trailer shows what happens when the main character comes up to a baseball stadium and find a coach full of ex players. On the Playstation blog, they say that there will be a large number of zombie types that reflect on the locals and jobs they do when they became Zombies. A Larger GamesCom announcement/reveal is teased also.



Screenshots


From EU and USA Playstation Blog

Sony Announce The Sly Collection Will Cost $39.99 When it Comes Out This Fall And All Games Support 3D

Sony Have Announced that The Sly Collection will cost $39.99 when it comes out in the Fall in the USA. Sony has also announced that 3D support is in all 3 games in the collection, it was previously announced that only Sly Cooper 3 would have 3D. Sony are showing off the collection at this Years Comic-Con.

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Detail The Automatic Download Feature In Playstation Plus And Reveal Its First Demo

Sony have detailed how the Automatic Download feature works, for those who are a Playstation Plus Subscriber, and revealed the first demo that takes advantage of this new feature. The First Demo that will take advantage of this is Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days. the Demo is coming to the PSN on 20th July for Playstation Plus Subscribers, and on 27th July for regular Playstation 3 users. However, if your Playstation 3 is set up for Automatic Downloads, your Playstation 3 will download the demo, assuming your console is turned of, from 20th July.

Sony have also detailed how the Automatic Download feature works:

• turns on your PS3 system every 48 hours (during the timeframe you designate)
• checks for content
• downloads anything available to your PS3
• shuts off your PS3 system
• If your system is on during the timeframe you designate to check for updates, your PS3 will check for updates after it is turned off, during its next designated timeframe. This will likely be 24 – 48 hours later.
• If you already have the demo/firmware update on your system, PlayStation Plus will not push the demo to your system. (This is true even if you get the demo and then delete it.)

With the Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days Demo:

• You must be an active PlayStation Plus subscriber to enjoy the convenience of automatic downloads (which also delivers firmware updates and game patches).
• If you turn on the Automatic Download feature before Monday, July 19, expect to have the Kane & Lynch demo pushed to your system July 20th or 21st. during the timeframe you designate in your settings.
• If you turn on the feature between July 20 – 27, you can expect to have the demo pushed to your system within 24 hours, during the timeframe you designate in your setting.
• You’ll get the demo more quickly if your PS3 is not turned on during the timeframe you designate to check for updates, because the auto download feature of PlayStation Plus looks for content while your PS3 system is turned off.

From USA Playstation Blog

Sony Announce The Hulu Plus App Is Out Now And Detail How To Access It

Sony has announced that Playstation Plus subscribers are now able to download the Hulu Plus App from the PSN, in the Playstation Plus Section. the app is only 28MB and once its installed, you need to start it and request an invitation to Hulu Plus. If you are accepted into the preview period, you will be granted access to Hulu Plus, as long as you pay the $9.99 per month Hulu fee. Hulu Plus will be available for all Playstation 3 owners in the next few months.

From USA Playstation Blog

UK PSN Update 14/07/2010

Special Offers
PS3: After Burner Climax [£3.99]
PS3: Worms [£5.19]
PS3: Lead and Gold: Gangs Of The Wild West [£5.49]
PS3: Little Big Planet – Monsters Costume Kit [£1.19]
PS3: Little Big Planet – Monsters Level Kit [£1.59]
PSP: Buzz Quiz World [£9.99]
PSP: Little Big Planet – The Wilderness Theme Level Kit [£1.19]
PSP: Little Big Planet – The Temples Theme Level Kit [£1.19]
PSP: Half Minute Hero [£11.99]
PS1: Disney's Tarzan [£3.19]
Minis: NormalTanks [£1.74]

New PSP Essentials
World Of Pool [£6.29]
WWII: Battle Over The Pacific [£6.29]
Breath of Fire 3 [£7.99]
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded [£7.99]
Darkstalkers Chronicle [£7.99]
Mega Man Maverick Hunter x [£7.99]
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite [£7.99]
Power Stone Collection [£7.99]
Burnout Legends [£7.99]
Staeshift [£6.29]
Capcom Puzzle World [£7.99]

PS3 Games
FirstPlay Episode 015 [£0.99]
FirstPlay 90 Day Subscription [£8.99]
DeathSpank [£9.99]
Trine – New Level “Path to new Dawn” [£0.79]
Death Track – Hari 108 Gamepack [£0.79]
Red Dead Redemption – Out laws To The End Co-Op Pack [Free]

Demo's
Blur

Guitar Hero 5
Avenged Sevenfold Track Pack [£4.39]
“Afterlife” by Avenged Sevenfold [£1.59]
“Almost Easy” by Avenged Sevenfold [£1.59]
“Scream” by Avenged Sevenfold [£1.59]

Rock Band
“Get Out” by The Vines [£0.99]
“He's A Rocker” by The Vines [£0.99]
“Orange Amber” by The Vines [£0.99]
“Outtathaway” by The Vines [£0.99]
“Ride” by The Vines [£0.99]
“Future Perfect Tense” by Sweet Billy Pilgrim [£0.99]

Rock Band Network Latest
“Dogs Can Grow Beards All Over” by Devil Wears Prada [£0.99]
“The Girl at the Video Game Store” by Parry Gripp [£0.59]
“Top Back” by Alias Unknown [£0.59]
“Trippolette” by Andrew Buch [£0.99]
“you All Everybody” by Drive Shaft [£0.59]

DJ Hero
None

Karaoke Revolution
None

Videos
None

Wallpaper
None

Theme
None

Dynamic Theme
None

PSN ID Avatars
Crash Commando – Army Chick [£0.20]
Crash Commando – Colonel Chaos [£0.20]
Crash Commando – Gangsta Rapper [£0.20]
Crash Commando – Grunt [£0.20]
EyePet – Food Bowl [£0.20]
EyePet – Pet Lying On Back [£0.20]
EyePet – Angel Pet [£0.20]
EyePet – Bowling Pet [£0.20]
EyePet – Pet With Paws Up [£0.20]

PS1 Classic
None

PSP
Pro Cycling Manager 2010 [£31.99]
TNA iMPACT! Cross The Line [£23.99]
Armored Core: Last Raven Portable [£11.99]
SOCOM : Fireteam Bravo – Australian SASR Pack [Free]
SOCOM : Fireteam Bravo – Kommando Spezialkräfte [Free]
SOCOM : Fireteam Bravo – Special Air Services [Free]
SOCOM : Fireteam Bravo – Korean 707 SMB Pack [Free[

Minis
Car Jack Streets [£3.49]
Pallurikio [£3.49]
Archibald's Adventures [£2.49]
Star Hammer Tactics [£2.49]
Piyotama [£3.19]
Championship Manager 2010 Express [£4.99]

Demo
None

Theme
None

Wallpaper
None

Video
None

Sony Ask Fans What Games They Want To See As Part Of Playstation Plus

Sony's EU Playstation Blog has been asking Playstation 3 fans what games they want to be part of the Playstation Plus Service. to put your opinion across, simply head to the Article and post a comment using this form, stating which game you want from each category.

PSN titles
PS One Classics
minis
PS3 titles for Full Game Trial

From EU Playstation Blog

Sony Announce MLB.TV Live Game Streaming And Catch Up Game Streaming Will Be Free From Today Through To Sunday

Sony have announced that in celebration of fathers day this weekend, they are offering, for free, live streaming MLB matches and a selection of old games available to stream from today through Sunday. the MLB.TV App is only available in the USA and can be downloaded from the Media category on the Playstation Store.

From USA Playstation Blog