As most of you may know we originally planned to release the game around Easter, to be able to do that we were to have started full development in September last year, but as it transpired, we didn’t actually start until April 2011, which gave us our hoped late Summer release; but we ended up spending another couple of months on it, so here we are DONE AND DUSTED for release.

As such I’m extremely pleased to announce that Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD will release on December 27th in North America for $14.99. And we will be releasing worldwide! (all stores, except for the Far East/Russia/Ukraine and Portugal at this time).

We had planned on shipping with support for stereoscopic 3D and PlayStation Move and a few other little things, due to time limits we are not able to bring those features in this initial version. However we WILL be bringing them in an update in a couple months’ time, along with some other little extras we’ve got planned.

One of things we’ve been asked a lot over the past few months is if Stranger’s Wrath HD has a Platinum trophy, of course it does. This is a big game and can easily take at least 12+hrs to complete.

So what’s been updated in the HD version …

Characters

• All 84 character models have been updated with increased polygon counts and higher resolution textures.
• Wolvark Sloghandlers now release Slogs instead of Slegs.
• Professor Dimble now has glasses and an academic tome.
• New female voices have been recorded for two characters.
• Made Blisterz Booty unkillable.

Original Version (top) HD Version (bottom)

Original Version (top) HD Version (bottom)

Environments

• All environments have been given higher resolution textures.
• Most vegetation has been updated with increased polygon counts and/or higher resolution textures.
• A lot of environment now reflects in water where it didn’t before.
• Many, many pipes and barrels were rounded.
• New Easter Eggs added to the game.
• Added Blisterz Booty’s broken crud gun to the floor by his bola’d body.
• Sekto’s Office has been changed to more closely resemble than seen in the FMV.

Original Version (top) HD Version (bottom)

Audio

• All game audio (voice, sound effects and music) have been upgraded to 16-bit 44KHz from 8-bit 11KHz or less!
• Support for 5.1, Dolby Digitial and DTS.

Display

• Everything now runs at 720p, 60 FPS, and in widescreen.
• All menus have been updated with a new design based on original unused concepts.
• New posters now occupy the inventory menu when no bounty is accepted.

Difficulty

• All armour upgrades now actually increase Stranger’s health.
• Added difficulty levels to the game: Easy, Medium and Hard.
• In Easy mode:
• Stranger has twice the health
• Enemies have half the health and stamina
• Enemies’ stamina recovers half as fast
• In Normal Mode:
• Stranger’s health and armour for later in the game have been re-balanced.
• In Hard mode:
• Stranger has a third less health.
• Enemies stamina recovers a third quicker.

Unlockables

• 37 Trophies: 23 bronze, 8 silver, 5 gold, 1 platinum
• 37 pieces of unlockable concept art
• Five unlockable movies

Once again, thanks for waiting as long as you have, we certainly hope you’ll enjoy the game, and if the review scores we’re starting to get in are anything to go by, you will!

Happy holidays everyone!

We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and are excited for what’s in store this holiday season. As you know, the PlayStation 3D Display officially launched last week and our friends at Best Buy are offering a new promotion to celebrate. While supplies last, customers who purchase a 3D Display will be able to purchase a PS3 for only $100. A fantastic offer for those wanting to experience 3D gaming and entertainment right out of the box.

Just in case you missed it on Sunday, the new promotion was announced in a new TV commercial that aired for the first time nationally during the Falcons/Viking football game and it features everyone’s favorite executive Kevin Butler.

Hi everyone! It’s officially dark at 6pm and the crisp, woodsy smell in the air lets me know that the holidays are just around the corner. With so many great 3D-compatible titles, such as UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception, Batman Arkham City, and Assassin’s Creed Revelations, recently launched and coming, there’s no shortage of 3D entertainment on the PS3 system this holiday season. That being said, the 3D Display is sure to be a hit under the tree, so we thought we’d give you all a personalized tour of the product.

Featuring a luminous 24” LCD screen with full HD 1080p 3D presentation, the 3D Display delivers an incredible high-definition stereoscopic 3D experience, offering best-in-class visuals in both 2D and 3D for all of you gamers. As our first official gaming display, the 3D Display is enhanced for gaming with SimulView, a special feature that allows you to view individual, unique, full-screen images of gameplay in two-player mode.

We’re very excited to be able to deliver a comprehensive 3D package at an affordable price. We firmly believe that 3D games will lead the charge into 3D adoption and this bundle arrives when great 3D games are launching. The 3D Display bundle is available at a retailer near you for $499.99 (MSRP). It includes the 3D Display, a copy of MotorStorm Apocalypse, one pair of PlayStation 3D Glasses, and an HDMI cable. The 3D Glasses will also be available separately for $69.99 MSRP.

What 3D titles have you played? Are you excited about SimulView? Let us know!

When PlayStation unveiled the 3D Display at this year’s E3, it provoked excitement among PS3 owners as well as many, many questions. We can now put one of those questions to bed: You’ll be able to pick up the 3D Display when it’s widely available this November 13th.

With the launch date drawing near, we’ve sought answers to many of your in-depth questions. Read on to learn much, much more about PlayStation’s first official gaming display. If we’ve missed any questions, be sure to let us know in the comments!

Will you be picking up the 3D Display this November?

General Questions

When will the 3D Display be available?
The 3D Display will be widely available on November 13, 2011.

I pre-ordered the PlayStation 3D Display from a retailer that was offering a free copy of Resistance 3, but I notice that the promotion is no longer being promoted on the website. Am I still getting Resistance 3 for free?
Yes. If you pre-ordered the PlayStation 3D Display from a retailer that advertised a free copy of Resistance 3 on or before September 30, 2011, you will still be getting a copy of the game with your shipment. The offer officially ended on October 1st, 2011 and that’s the reason retailers had taken down the promotion from their website.

What do I get in the box?
The 3D Display was made to play 3D games right out of the box. For the MSRP of $499.99, you get the 3D Display, one pair of 3D Glasses, MotorStorm Apocalypse Blu-ray game, and an HDMI cable. All you need to do is hook up your PS3 system and you’re ready to go.

Does the 3D Display work in normal 2D mode?
Yes. You can choose to play games and watch movies in regular high-definition 2D.

What’s the difference between Active 3D technology used on the 3D Display and Passive 3D technology used on Passive 3D displays?
The most notable difference between the two is the 3D resolution. With active 3D, you get full HD 3D playback. With passive 3D, you will get half the resolution. Active 3D displays require active 3D glasses and passive 3D displays require polarized passive 3D glasses. The 3D Display supports active 3D and the highest resolution.

What 3D games are available right now on the PS3 system?
A full list of currently available 3D games is available here. Check back soon — it’s updated frequently!

Technical Specifications

What inputs and outputs does the 3D Display support?
The 3D Display features two HDMI 1.4 inputs and one component cable input, plus a stereo headphone output.

What does Edge LED backlighting and 240Hz refresh rate mean?
Edge LED backlighting offers improved contrast and brightness relative to normal (CCFL) LCD displays. Additionally, the technology allows for a super slim design. 240Hz is currently the best-in-class refresh rate. With such a high refresh rate, you get reduced crosstalk in 3D mode, which realizes clear 3D images.

What does the integrated subwoofer do? Is the built-in sound superior to comparable displays?
The 3D Display’s integrated subwoofer enhances low-frequency audio, giving an extra kick to bass-filled sound effects. This means that booming explosions, growling demons, and throaty engines will sound more immersive compared to the tinny audio provided by many display speakers. You can also connect a stereo headphone jack and use your favorite pair of stereo headphones, or use the new Wireless Stereo Headset that interfaces directly with your PS3.

SimulView Questions

What is the advantage of SimulView?
This special two-player feature is unique to the 3D Display in that it significantly enhances two-player mode in select games. Ordinarily, two-player mode is played in split-screen format. With this unique two-player feature, each player gets their own full (2D) HD screen while wearing the 3D Glasses for the 3D Display.

Can I use SimulView with other Sony 3D TVs?
At this time, the 3D Display is the only display on the market that supports the SimulView two-player gaming feature.

What will I need to play a game with this special two-player feature?
The 3D Display, two pairs of 3D Glasses for the 3D Display, a PS3 system, a PS3 game that supports the special two-player feature, and a buddy.

What games support the SimulView feature as of launch? Will future games support SimulView?
At launch, you’ll be able to play MotorStorm Apocalypse, Gran Turismo 5, Killzone 3, and Super Stardust HD. We’ll have more titles to share soon.

Do both players need to use the new 3D Glasses for SimulView to work?
Yes. Each player will need to have a pair of the 3D Glasses for the 3D Display as these are currently the only 3D glasses available that support SimulView.

Do you expect that any existing games will be updated to add SimulView support?
Yes. We are continuing to evaluate all games that would be candidates for SimulView and working individually with each respective development team to determine if enabling SimulView makes sense.

Will the 3D Display work with anything other than my PS3 system?
Absolutely. While the 3D Display is optimized for any HD gaming console, it features three HD inputs (two HDMI, one component) that allow you to connect to your PS3 system, cable TV box, and PC. You can also connect your PS2 and PSP using their component video output..

What resolutions does the 3D Display support?
Any resolution up to and including 1080p (1920 x 1080 progressive scan).

3D Glasses Questions

Why are the new 3D Glasses better than current offerings?
The 3D Glasses are noticeably lighter and less obtrusive than existing active 3D glasses. Due to advancements in 3D technology they also suffer from less “crosstalk” in 3D images. They also feature an integrated rechargeable battery that you can charge using the included micro-USB cable instead of installing a new battery. The new 3D Glasses also support the SimulView feature, which enables two players to enjoy their own full (2D) screen while wearing the 3D Glasses for the 3D Display in supported games. Finally, retailing at $69.99, the PlayStation 3D Glasses are more affordable than most Active 3D glasses on the market.

Are the new 3D Glasses universal?
Yes. The new 3D Glasses are universally compatible with Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Sharp ACTIVE Shutter 3D ready displays that use IR emitters; however, we do not guarantee its performance on other TV/monitors.

How fast do the built-in rechargeable batteries charge?
The glasses are fully rechargeable via the included micro-USB cable. If you need a quick charge, three minutes of charge will get you approximately three hours of 3D play. If you want a full charge, 30 minutes of charge will get you approximately 30 hours of 3D play.

What is crosstalk and how do the 3D Glasses minimize crosstalk?
Crosstalk is 3D distortion that occurs when active 3D glasses are not communicating properly with the 3D display. This occurs most often when a user is watching 3D content and the glasses are not in a “normal” viewing angle (for example if you’re laying down on the couch sideways and your head is tilted). With the 240Hz refresh on 3D Display and 3D Glasses, this effect is minimized.

Are these 3D Glasses meant only for gaming?
No, they excel with 3D content of all types. While the glasses have been optimized for the 3D gaming experience, they offer best-in-class 3D quality.

What do the buttons on the 3D Glasses do?
You can turn on the 3D Glasses by simply sliding the battery switch on, which appears on the front inner right ear piece. Once the glasses are on, and you’re playing a SimulView-enabled game, you can switch between the 1st player and 2nd player view at any time by pressing the small circular power button, which appears on the top of the glasses above your nose bridge. If you hold the small circle power button for several seconds, you will power down the glasses.

Directly to the right of the small circle power button lies the micro-USB port, which enables you to recharge the glasses.

Further Questions

When it will be available to pre-order in Canada? (via @zantes)
It’s currently available for pre-order in Canada at participating retailers.

Does it have a TV tuner? (via @Super_Bundy)
The 3D Display is not equipped with an internal TV tuner or antenna, though it will support video input from an HDMI- or component-compatible cable box. Contact your local cable provider for technical specifics related to receiving television programming.

Will the 3D Display work with 3D PC games? (via @PepsiCat321)
Yes. The only requirement is that the output from the PC needs to be HDMI standard format.

How adjustable is the stand for the 3D Display? (via @jll544)
The 3D Display can be titled backward by 10 degrees.

Will he 3D Display support the new PS3 Remote Control? (via @BigE559)
Yes. It will support the new PS3 Remote Control.

When using SimulView, are the two images displayed in 3D for each viewer? (via @TheReal_JohnnyX)
The two images are in fullscreen 2D. The 3D technology is used to separate the image into two distinct 2D views.

Does the 3D Display feature wall-mounting brackets? (via @Percio78)
No. The design does not accommodate a wall-mounting bracket.

Does the 3D Display come with a remote for controlling volume or selecting inputs? (via @sonicsam66)
No. The display has integrated controls on the back of the panel, but does not include a remote. It does, however, support the new PS3 Remote Control.

Can I use another gaming console on the 3D Display?
Yes. The 3D Display supports any HD gaming console.

Will there be bigger screen sizes available in the future?
PlayStation is evaluating different possibilities, but there is nothing to share at this time.

What about the availability of the 3D display outside of the US? (via @nicksak)
The PlayStation 3D Display will be available in Canada, Europe, and key areas of Asia, including Japan.

Does the 3D Display support SimulView using two different sources/inputs? (via @DeathByNumbrs)
No. SimulView support is currently limited to a SimulView-enabled game on the PS3.

Does the 3D Display require a separate 3D emitter?
No, you will not need to purchase a separate 3D emitter. The 3D Display features a built-in 3D emitter that integrates seamlessly with the unit – you won’t even know it’s there.

Hi everyone! Today, I’m back to talk to you about my favorite topic – PlayStation hardware! By now, you’ve probably seen that the official PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset is available now at a retailer near you. We’re very excited to bring you this advanced PS3 peripheral and we thought we’d take some time to walk you through the key features.

The Wireless Stereo Headset brings you an exceptional sound experience, a rechargeable battery, simple setup and a streamlined design that is as durable as it is comfortable. Available for $99.99 (MSRP) from retailers nationwide, the Wireless Stereo Headset gives you an audio advantage and high-quality voice quality (with a retractable microphone) at a seriously affordable price point. And yes, the official Wireless Stereo Headset pumps up more than PS3 games – Netflix, Blu-ray movies and more will benefit from the Wireless Stereo Headset’s crisp audio quality.

And don’t forget there are more official PS3 accessories coming your way this fall. Keep your eyes peeled for the Urban Camouflage Bluetooth Headset as well as a fan-favorite Urban Camo DUALSHOCK 3 controller hitting stores this November. And of course this November will see the release of the PlayStation 3D Display – PlayStation’s first official gaming display!

Are you interested in the Wireless Stereo Headset? What multiplayer games do you like to play on your PS3? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

Check out the video below to learn all about the 3D Display that is launching in November.

The brilliant, ultrathin, 24” LED 3D Display is enhanced for gaming with SimulView technology, delivering individual full HD screen action to each player in two-player mode. Key product specs include:

• Full HD 1080p resolution and 240hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth play
• 3 HD inputs (2 HDMI and 1 component) so you can hook up your PS3, cable TV box, and PC
• Built-in speakers and subwoofer for a more immersive audio experience.

With the 3D Display pre-order offer and so many amazing titles coming to PS3 in 3D this holiday, like Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection, and more, now is the time to jump into 3D gaming.

PlayStation has long been synonymous with technology and innovation and with the upcoming launch of PlayStation Vita, this year is no different. In addition to delivering an unparalleled gaming experience with PS Vita, we’re expanding the PlayStation 3 offering with a number of new products that will bring you some of the most immersive gaming experiences on the market.

Among the new technology unveiled at E3 is the 3D Display, which features a 24” LCD screen with full HD 1080p 3D presentation. Available at retailers nationwide starting this fall, the 3D Display is uniquely enhanced for gaming with a special two-player feature, offering best-in-class visuals in both 2D and 3D. The 3D Display utilizes an exclusive feature that optimizes two-player mode by delivering individual full HD screens, giving each person their own full screen view of the action on the same display while playing co-op or head-to-head. With an ultra-slim PlayStation inspired bezel design and built-in speakers and subwoofer, the 3D Display is big on image quality and sound and delivers all of your HD media simply by connecting to PS3, PC or cable TV box. It’s perfect for bedrooms, dorm rooms or wherever you want to play the best 3D console games.

We also announced official 3D Glasses, which are optimized for gaming with comfortable stylish design and built-in rechargeable battery – a perfect match for the 3D Display. You’ll get a pair of these with the 3D Display, but you can also purchase them separately for $69.99 (MSRP) – and you’ll probably want to, given the new exclusive feature on the 3D Display. In addition, the 3D Glasses will work with a variety of active shutter type of 3D TVs and displays.

Each 3D Display will include one pair of 3D Glasses as well as an HDMI cable and a copy of Resistance 3 on Blu-ray disc—all of $499.99 (MSRP)

Resistance 3, The Doomsday Edition is without a question the best way to experience the upcoming title from Insomniac Games. The bundle, which includes a copy of the game on Blu-ray disc, a PlayStation Move motion controller, navigation controller, PlayStation Eye, and PlayStation Move sharp shooter, will be available at retailers nationwide on September 6, 2011, for $149.99 (MSRP). Taking advantage of the sharp shooter’s authentic, ergonomic design and pinpoint precision with the PlayStation Move locked in, the Chimeran menace will have nowhere to hide.

Not long ago, we announced the official PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset , and we’re very happy to see the positive response you’ve all had. With unparalleled virtual surround sound, the Wireless Stereo Headset is a great way to completely wrap yourself into your favorite games. As we’ve mentioned before, we here at PlayStation are always looking for new ways to enhance and expand your gaming experience. Marrying the best software lineup in PlayStation history with offerings designed to fully immerse you into the gameplay, there’s never been a better time to be a PlayStation 3 owner. I can’t wait to use these in my home too!

Read more about PlayStation at E3!

• E3 2011: Introducing PlayStation Vita, Starting at $249
• Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception – E3 2011 Preview
• Introducing DUST 514, a Persistent Shooter from CCP
• Resistance 3 E3 2011 Trailer, Doomsday Edition Revealed, Demos in L.A.
• BioShock Infinite to Support Move, PS Vita Game In the Works
• Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest Coming to PlayStation Move this Fall
• E3 2011: It’s An Exciting Time to be a Member of the PlayStation Family