Apr Covered in this week’s reading list: Xi, MLB, and DLC.
Downloadable content announcements have sparked new conversation about Killzone 2 and SRPG gem Valkyria Chronicles, which is a good thing.
Read anything good this week and don’t see it on our list? Please share your links with the class in the comments below. Or, y’know, copy-and-paste lists of demands meant for people who didn’t write this post. You know who you are! :-)
The PS Blog weekly reading list (Week of April 6, 2009)
- Gameplay from Killzone 2′s DLC – Kotaku
- Killzone 2 Gets Expanded – IGN
- Exploring the Art of Uncharted 2 – IGN
- Why the PS3 is a better system – Lifestyle Examiner
- Chart Toppers: Killzone 2 Hits the Mark – GameDaily
- MI6: PS3-to-Facebook integration ‘coming quicker than some may think’ – Joystiq
- We Hammer Atlus With Hammerin’ Hero Questions – Siliconera
- Valkyria Chronicles: It’s Time to Buy This PS3 Exclusive Masterpiece – PlayStation LifeStyle
- PS3 MAG site reveals hidden messages – PopCultureShock
- PS3 games quality higher than other consoles – Edge Online
- Destructoid review: Hammerin’ Hero
- Xi update: new areas, games and mysteries – Joystiq
- What’s New About PS3 Tales of Vesperia? – Kotaku
- Side-scrolling Japanese homage Explodemon coming to PSN first – IGN
- I Can No Longer Write Off Sports Games – Sarcastic Gamer
- The Monsters are invading your Home! – Capcom Unity
- Korean pop group, Wonder Girls, sing about PS3 – Joystiq
- Resistance: Retribution PSP – CBS News
- Killzone developer says PS3 dev easier than PS2 – Gamers.com
(Average: 4.37 out of 5)
1
+ NickDude on April 12th, 2009 at 12:09 pm said:
xmb intergation with twitter would be nice. jus’ sayin, y’know.
2
+ skynidas on April 12th, 2009 at 12:10 pm said:
Comet Crash IGN Review: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/970/970360p1.html
3
+ ManaKnight on April 12th, 2009 at 12:10 pm said:
There’s word around that Nonaka Ryutaro, Valkyria Chronicles producer, mentioning how he hopes to create a sequel to the game. I certainly hope so. :D
Explodemon looks great.
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm said:
I hope so too.
4
+ skynidas on April 12th, 2009 at 12:12 pm said:
BTW Jeff, I know that Pixeljunk Eden Encore is coming out this week…but you know about any other game coming out on thursday? Crystal Defenders, Peggle, Smash Cars??
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm said:
I don\’t believe any of those titles you mentioned are coming out this week. We usually preview all upcoming titles week of.
5
+ destroyerofworld on April 12th, 2009 at 12:14 pm said:
http://kotaku.com/5206591/play-final-fantasy-vii-on-your-ps3-now
alot of people would like to no the status of this comeing to UK/US
6
+ dulcediana on April 12th, 2009 at 12:17 pm said:
Can say something about Yakuza 3 is possible for sony to try to make some type of deal with Sega of america to release the game on europe and america? cuz is a system seller in the same level of MGS4.
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 12:29 pm said:
This is definitely a question for SEGA.
7
+ jakinov on April 12th, 2009 at 12:22 pm said:
ERIC LEMPEL
- Universal Game Invites and Join Session Button(XMB)
- Voice Mail and Private Voice Chat in-game
- Add OPTIONAL sound for notifications(sign on, new messages,etc.)
- symbols and numbers that show friends online and new messages on the XMB and beside message box
- Auto Sync Trophies
- More developed profiles + mentioned options on profiles(refer to image below)
- Report feature to report issues and stuff
- Faster loading in-game XMB and profiles
- When you receive a message you should be able to push the PS button for it to automatically pop up as long as the notification is still there
- More Avatars
- XMB formovies, browser and PS2
The Profile Concept: http:*//i41.tinypic.*com/11t8q3p.jpg
Read more : http:*//boardsus.playstation.*com/playstation/board/message?board
.id=ps3updates&thread.id=62394
NOTE REMOVE THE ASTERIKS (*)
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 12:28 pm said:
Thanks!
So, out of curiousity, do you and Und3rneaththeGUN get brunch together on weekends? You always post within a minute of each other, and always the same exact post.
I have this vision of you, sipping mimosas, laptops at the ready…
Just curious!
8
+ Und3rneaththeGUN on April 12th, 2009 at 12:22 pm said:
ERIC LEMPEL
- Universal Game Invites and Join Session Button(XMB)
- Voice Mail and Private Voice Chat in-game
- Add OPTIONAL sound for notifications(sign on, new messages,etc.)
- symbols and numbers that show friends online and new messages on the XMB and beside message box
- Auto Sync Trophies
- More developed profiles + mentioned options on profiles(refer to image below)
- Report feature to report issues and stuff
- Faster loading in-game XMB and profiles
- When you receive a message you should be able to push the PS button for it to automatically pop up as long as the notification is still there
- More Avatars
- XMB formovies, browser and PS2
The Profile Concept: http:*//i41.tinypic.*com/11t8q3p.jpg
Read more : http:*//boardsus.playstation.*com/playstation/board/message?board
.id=ps3updates&thread.id=62394
NOTE REMOVE THE ASTERIKS (*)
9
+ RICKDOEZ1 on April 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm said:
i only like chat on my xmb as im playin games or movies sony its easy to do just look at the crapbox360 if they can anyone can.do it b4 the wii do it thin i know for sure u love ur fans sony thx!!!!!!!
10
+ lcmnick on April 12th, 2009 at 12:27 pm said:
Jeff, seriously, just ban these morons.
11
+ drownedphoniex on April 12th, 2009 at 12:28 pm said:
ERIC LEMPEL
- Universal Game Invites and Join Session Button(XMB)
- Voice Mail and Private Voice Chat in-game
- Add OPTIONAL sound for notifications(sign on, new messages,etc.)
-symbols and numbers that show friends online and new messages on the XMB and beside message box
-Auto Sync Trophies
-More developed profiles + mentioned options on profiles(refer to image below)
-Report feature to report issues and stuff
-Faster loading in-game XMB and profiles
-When
you receive a message you should be able to push the PS button for it
to automatically pop up as long as the notification is still there
- More Avatars
- XMB formovies, browser and PS2
The Profile Concept: http:*//i41.tinypic.*com/11t8q3p.jpg
Read more : http:*//boardsus.playstation.*com/playstation/board/message?board
.id=ps3updates&thread.id=62394
12
+ Und3rneaththeGUN on April 12th, 2009 at 12:34 pm said:
@Jeff
Yes, we do enjoy brunch together on weekends. Thank you for asking.
13
+ hobb123 on April 12th, 2009 at 12:35 pm said:
will see anything about a infamous demo soon?
14
+ Neil_young2k5 on April 12th, 2009 at 12:38 pm said:
Add: Rockstar announces South Central Vehicle Pack 1 and 2 and makes the consumers of Midnght Club LA South Central Premium in suckers.
15
+ Jim777 on April 12th, 2009 at 12:49 pm said:
Jeff i want your job…. lol
16
+ commedieu on April 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm said:
EA’s mafia Space is GREAT!
But chatting is definitely needed for the poker.. its hard to play a 30-1hr game without saying a single word.
17
+ asop89 on April 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pm said:
Wow those demands from #5 & #6 are heavy modifications for the PSN profile, it’s like loading a website with all those details, if that ever comes to the PS3 i’ll never be able to load my profile due to my slow internet connection.
By the way Jeff, can you help me with a game purchase? right now i want to buy 1 game & it’s between Valkyria Chronicles & Call of Duty 4, i don’t know which to choose! :(
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm said:
Well these are definitely apples and oranges. I can say that you will not regret either purchase.
18
+ kingmeazly on April 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pm said:
Hey jeff thank the Sony team for all they have done to make the ps3 evolve into such a great entertainment experience will ya?
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 1:00 pm said:
Thank you. I agree, but they are by no means resting on any such laurels.
19
+ ExcelKnight on April 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm said:
Can’t wait for the Valkyria Chronicles DLC. The anime started in Japan and is actually pretty good!
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 1:00 pm said:
I watched that first episode and I agree!
20
+ Onna76_NL on April 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm said:
May I be the first one to say I’m so *freaking* happy that Tales of Vesperia is “FINALLY” hitting the PS3?! That game is now my number 1 wanted game on the PS3, followed by Uncharted AT, R&C CIT, Atelier Rorona, End of Eternity and FFXIII.
I so hope for a Western release this year *keeping fingers crossed*.
21
+ commedieu on April 12th, 2009 at 1:01 pm said:
@ Jeff, Making fun of ps3 owners is really rubbing me the wrong way.
I think if you don’t have anything to comment on regarding xmb issues, you shouldn’t even bother doing so. Thats a tad annoying. Because everyone feels like you and everyone else, especially lempell, is ignoring the gigantic blog outcry for a response.
I’m just as irritated as most PS3 owners when it comes to the lack of communication outside of generic ‘oh we are workign on tons of things guys! and while you’re around.. buy more psn content!’ All people want is to have a single update about why these features ARE NOT EVER MENTIONED OF. Its like this blog pretends there isn’t a constant outcry for 5 basic features that are ignored daily. You’ll find people talking about boycotting the PSN store and other things just to get some simple basic information.
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 2:22 pm said:
Really, it\’s the opposite. The requests are heard loud and clear, and I knew that jakinov (and his doppelgangers) would be there within minutes to reiterate the same thing. Which is what happened.
This weekly link post update isn\’t really the best place forum for that kind of request, but I know he\’s posting here b/c he knows he\’s being heard.
On the other hand, we have people saying \’ban this guy for spamming\’, which is an unsavory option for me. However, we\’re getting to that point.
22
+ kingmeazly on April 12th, 2009 at 1:02 pm said:
OH by the way can i add you jeff?
23
+ jakinov on April 12th, 2009 at 1:02 pm said:
@15
Text is tiny in size so it loads fast, the graphics will most likely be stored on the hard drive the only thing it will have to load is the text, the trophy info, avatar, and some other things, which the profile right now mostly already does load.
Name, location, about, trophies info, avatar all there already.
Live also loads everything just fine too so there’s really no loading problem.
24
+ Enigma777 on April 12th, 2009 at 1:03 pm said:
WOW jakinov! That profile Concept is SEXY!
Also, I hope VC get a sequel (and that its released here!)
25
+ commedieu on April 12th, 2009 at 1:04 pm said:
If you care to know why hes posting the stuff over and over again, maybe read the forums. People just want answers, so spamming the blog is the ONLY way to get it done since there is no other actuall feedback/response from moderators or sony in any other forum.
People are sick of it. It wouldn’t hurt to just do a “state of xmb” type post where someone actually does some homework and gets a decent response to the community. An easy break down of: Universal Music, why or why cant it be done. XMB voice chat, why or why cant it be done. More avatars, why or why cant it be done. ETC. Instead of “hahaha i bet you have a bunch of loser friends who have nothing else to do but post on a blog i bet you two hang out together too!” Even if they did sync it, you are in no position to belittle them. They paid money for a console, they buy psn content, they would love some response from something they are putting money into, and investing time into.
26
+ remanutd5 on April 12th, 2009 at 1:05 pm said:
Jeff it was a good week not great as others , pulse need to be weekly and longer ( more content of whats happening in the playstation world ) , is it true that we are going to be able to but playstation merchandise, toy and other things from target entertainment??? have you guys thought about making your own tv show??? i mean you guys have three platform on the market and a lot of first and second party studios to make it happen lol , heck just make pulse a 30 minutes show and air it on tv with exclusive videos and news from all your studios all over the world , man one can dream
27
+ kingmeazly on April 12th, 2009 at 1:06 pm said:
lol thats what i like to hear :) glad the team is hard at work, including you, just dont kill yourself working to hard
28
+ Enigma777 on April 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm said:
I request a feature that allows you to report players! I’m tired of getting friend invites only to have people ask me to “share” my PSN games…. It’s getting REALLY annoying!!!!
29
+ dannygun on April 12th, 2009 at 1:15 pm said:
Happy Easter Jeff and all the guys at Sony
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 2:24 pm said:
Thanks dannygun, and to all of you as well.
30
+ SabbathRider on April 12th, 2009 at 1:16 pm said:
I would rather that Sony spent their time developing brand new; better ways of improving the Playstation 3. As opposed to just implementing things which can be found elsewhere. One of the main features that makes the PS3 so unique is its stand out differing style and features from its competitors.
One thing, just one thing that I would like you guys to work on doing before adding any new features. Please, from a European customer; put European content on a par with its American Counterparts. We are still without many of the same fantastic features as they have, movies, network games at the same time and quore (or something of the like).
You guys are doing a great job, keep it up.
31
+ XgargunoX on April 12th, 2009 at 1:17 pm said:
hey jeff…
when are we getting fat princess info? we were supposed to this week but that didnt happen
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 2:24 pm said:
Looking like you\’ll hear from the team this week.
32
+ jakinov on April 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm said:
@27
Being different for having slow communications, and not supporting developers for helping consumers play online with friends easier aren’t things to be proud of being different for. It has the same features right now it’s competitors have more.
33
+ hife on April 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm said:
Simmer down Commedieu. I think your anger is misdirected. I’m sure the guys here at the PS blog have some pretty strict orders on what they can or cannot talk about.
I totally understand the frustration (though I don’t share it), but there is no need to lash out at Jeff.
34
+ Ripyealip on April 12th, 2009 at 1:21 pm said:
ERIC LEMPEL
- Universal Game Invites and Join Session Button(XMB)
- Voice Mail and Private Voice Chat in-game
- Add OPTIONAL sound for notifications(sign on, new messages,etc.)
- symbols and numbers that show friends online and new messages on the XMB and beside message box
- Auto Sync Trophies
- More developed profiles + mentioned options on profiles(refer to image below)
- Report feature to report issues and stuff
- Faster loading in-game XMB and profiles
- When you receive a message you should be able to push the PS button
for it to automatically pop up as long as the notification is still
there
- More Avatars
- XMB formovies, browser and PS2
The Profile Concept: http:*//i41.tinypic.*com/11t8q3p.jpg
Read more : http:*//boardsus.playstation.*com/playstation/board/message?board
.id=ps3updates&thread.id=62394
NOTE REMOVE THE ASTERIKS (*)
35
+ ExcelKnight on April 12th, 2009 at 1:24 pm said:
@25
I would love to have that as well, but that same system being abused by those same people could definitely be a problem.
36
+ RizlaTML on April 12th, 2009 at 1:32 pm said:
@15
get faster internet :)
i agree the xmb needs some improvments… would love to see em…
i kudo’d that post in the forums… the ones thats being spammed… i like many features of it… the msg notifcation is HIGH on my list… sound and a lil icon would be great… sometimes i turn around from ps3 and dont realise a msg has been sent… or i go out for a smoke and come back and dont check my friends list everytime to see if ne1 sent a msg…
bah i dunno… some1 please do something about that before ne other feature…
37
+ xI-Red-Ix on April 12th, 2009 at 1:32 pm said:
LMaO i love how they(or him with multi-acc.) keep repeating
but the only thing that i’d love to have is
MAG beta info!
either way keep it up jeff
38
+ Dogofthunder on April 12th, 2009 at 1:42 pm said:
Happy Easter, everyone!
@28 I hear you, I can’t wait for more Fat Princess news. Maybe they’ve moved up the release date? Hey, a guy can dream! ;)
39
+ DeforMAKulizer on April 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm said:
Splendid week, and can’t wait to see what you guys have in store for us this week =D
Thanks for everything Chris, and Jeff… =D
40
+ traininvain90 on April 12th, 2009 at 1:47 pm said:
Happy Easter! =]
41
+ JaKhris on April 12th, 2009 at 2:42 pm said:
Happy Easter. ;)
I’m looking forward to the Killzone 2 DLC, looking good.
Concerning Facebook and PS3, well…I use Facebook, I just don’t see how it can be used on PS3, really (more than with the browser I mean). I would rather have Skype, just like on the PSP, that would be nice, but that’s just me thinking out loud.
Oh, and the Art of Uncharted 2 is awesome, can’t wait to get my hands on that game. :)
42
+ Spadez69 on April 12th, 2009 at 2:43 pm said:
hey jeff, when is more info on infamous coming, i wanna know tha release date, more about the demo, or at least a live chat with suckerpunch. u dont understand i cant wait for that game! i tried e-mailing them about this stuff, but they havent answered baack yet(didnt expect them 2 either :P)
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 2:52 pm said:
I *do* understand. More info coming very soon.
43
+ Zonnes on April 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm said:
Hey Jeff,
You know, every now and then, we will hear a “ZOMG! X Game will be coming to be PS3″ and when you check out the source it’s from someone like Hiphopgamer or such, the downside of this is that most people don’t know the source, and when they don’t see the “rumor” before the post, they just think it is real, only to be disappointed later and blame Sony for it.
There are more of it, and sometimes, it gets really annoying, like the supposed insider info for Firmware 2.70, and I think you actually saw how most people were letdown by FW 2.70 even though it was a great update.
I am sure we will likely see many rumors like “ZOMG! Kingdom Hearts 3 will be announced at E3!!!!” or so, which will most likely cause many people to be disappointed by the actual show no matter how great it might be.
So, I would really like to see Sony makes official announcement of ruling out some of the obvious rumors and fake articles. And I think you are the best guy suited to do this since you take a lot of your time by checking to see what’s happening in the gaming world.
Thanks.
+ Jeff Rubenstein on April 12th, 2009 at 2:54 pm said:
It\’s a good point. And as much as I\’d like to say that the fact that the rumors were *so wrong* would make people think twice, I know that\’s not the case.
Bottom line: If you don\’t read it here or from another official source, it\’s just not true. Kingdom Hearts info comes from (and only from) Square Enix. Firmware info debuts here. and so on…
44
+ Stoffinator on April 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm said:
Hey Jeff
Do you know if there will be a Sony’s Gamers Day this year in Europe? I believe it was this time last year they had one.
45
+ safil on April 12th, 2009 at 3:04 pm said:
Hey Jeff, Happy Easter to you and yours!!!
I also agree that this isn’t the best place to comment on the XMB and the perks we want but, like you said, we post cause we know we are being heard. And I agree totally with the spamming part but then again, he and others keep on posting b/c we don’t hear anything on when/if things are gonna happen, if in fact they are coming, and the progress. we get the feeling that you guys are hearing us but brushing us off at the same time. We/I appreciate everything you, Chris, Lempel and others are doing but, the one most important thing to us and I believe sony as a whole is, some answers on the in-game invites, voice chat/messaging, etc… If you can acknowledge that our requests are being heard and give us some info to nibble in the meantime until they do come out, I guarantee that you wouldn’t hear from us as much until the firmware update. Please, we’re sorry if your getting annoyed at us posting the same thing all the time but, when you feel as passionately as we do that the PS should have been had these perks than you too (if you didn’t work for sony) would be posting up until some info came forward. again, thanks for everything you guys do… we greatly appreciate it…
46
+ TRIX_BOL on April 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm said:
Hey, thanks for this weekly reading list Jeff.
Is inFAMOUS going to release before E3’09 or after?
By the way, please let Konami know that fans only want MGS4 story mode trophies “If they are working on them”. Because the majority of fans didn’t like MetalGearOnline!
47
+ MainEv3nt_69 on April 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm said:
any info on when the video store or psn cards are coming to Canada?
48
+ XgargunoX on April 12th, 2009 at 3:07 pm said:
thanx jeff cant wait for fat princess and infamous
49
+ KazeEternal on April 12th, 2009 at 3:09 pm said:
http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/final-fantasy-vii-now-available-on-the-playstation-store/
Forgot about FF7 on the JP store there Jeff. Thats news man, big news! Lets hope the US store and Square Enix USA can see the validity of this.
50
+ Zonnes on April 12th, 2009 at 3:10 pm said:
Jeff, the problem is, sometimes it happens from Sony. I am talking about stuff like the supposed 11 unannounced games to be shown at TGS 08, people were constantly talking about what are the games at that time, but the fact of the matter was that the whole thing was something taken out of proportion from Sony’s official (Japan) website.
I think it would be much better for Sony to clarify some rumors, you know, like how Infinity Ward smashed the fake rumor about PS3 being the lead platform for Modern Warfare 2, it’s much better this way, I think.