Doom 3: BFG Edition is set to launch on PS3 in October of 2012, bringing with it the first two games in the iconic series. It means you’ll be able to play the entire Doom series on PS3 for the first time and see for yourself why many consider these games to be some of the most influential shooters of all time.

We caught up with Eric Webb, producer from game developer id Software, at E3 2012 to talk about how the game has been buffed up for PS3.

PlayStation.Blog: How do you think all three games stand up today on PS3?

Eric Webb, Producer, Doom 3: BFG Edition: I think they all stand up really well. One of the first things we did when we first started work on it was pay attention to how the controls feel. There’s something about the DualShock 3 controller and its dual analog sticks that feels really good when you’re holding it in a game like this. It gives it a different life and almost makes it an entirely new experience. So I think it’s really cool on PS3.

PSB: What does stereoscopic 3D bring to the game?

EW: We were really surprised when we first had a look at it in 3D. John [Carmack, co-creator of the Doom series] went through quite a few different iterations of the game to help us figure out how best to fit the technology in. Just like adding DualShock 3 controls to the original Doom, 3D really brings Doom 3 to life. It’s interesting when you’re playing; you almost lose all of your peripheral vision and get sucked into the experience. I’d go so far as to say it’s the best implementation of stereoscopic 3D I’ve seen in a game so far. It really does draw you in.

PSB: Did you ever talk about PlayStation Move functionality?

EW: No. We didn’t really want to touch the core mechanics of the game. PlayStation Move is really cool technology but we’d have had to fundamentally change how the game works and we wanted to keep it as close to the classic experience as we could.

PSB: How about the first two games – was anything tweaked there for PS3?

EW: They are pretty much straight ports, but I will say that they run really fast at 60 frames per second, even with four-player split screen play going on. If you’ve got a big TV that’s really going to stand out. The guys basically wrote it from scratch to get it working on PS3.

PSB: What would you say attracts players to Doom 3 over games like UNCHARTED and the Call of Duty series?

EW: Working in the art department back when we made the original the version of Doom 3, one of the things that I’m really proud of personally is the fact that id Software was one of the first studios to bring in a film animator to add that movie aesthetic to games. I think we see other games coming out that are maybe a little bit derivative of that kind of thing – people are co-operating now between film and games and bringing that same type of look to it.

I think the game feels fresh. It was very modern and very aggressive, and you had to have a very high end PC to run it back in the day whereas now it’s running happily on PS3 in 720p high resolution. It’s really the best conversion we could have done for the game, I’m confident to say. It has good gameplay, good art, good style. It just lasts.

PSB: So there’s the addition of the mounted flashlight to the game. Has anything else been modified for PS3?

EW: We’re making textural improvements to the characters and demons. We’ve completely rewritten the network code so that multiplayer is a better experience. In addition there’s also the Lost Mission Pack, containing seven new levels. They pick up from a certain part of the story line in the main game – without giving too much away, it’ll all make sense when you play it. You’re a different guy in a different part of the base but it’s the same world.

PSB: The Doom games are the formative experience for many shooter fans. What’s been the reaction to this version?

EW: We’ve been incredibly surprised with the feedback from the show floor. Doom is obviously very important to us and we feel very passionate about it, but you never really know until you bring it to an event like E3 what the reaction is going to be. We were convinced it was a good idea to rework the game like this, and it was great that John [Carmack] was so passionate about the 3D stuff – because that added some new tech and got the team’s creative engine running again, so to speak – but you just never know. So the response has been really humbling.

It’s funny. You start to hear really interesting stories about people’s first experiences with the games. The first time I played the original Doom, my dad brought it home on a floppy disc. That told me two things: first, my dad was cooler than me at that point; second, I didn’t know how they were doing it but I had to get involved with it.

PSB: Much of the team who worked on the futuristic shooter, Rage, contributed to this. What do you think they brought to Doom 3: BFG Edition?

EW: Those guys learned a lot of lessons about how to work with AI and craft it into something really believable. When they came across to work on Doom 3: BFG Edition they had this incredible toolkit at their disposal, and they could focus more on making the experience great as opposed to fighting the technical hurdles on the way to finishing the game.

PSB: How do you balance staying true to the original game with making improvements?

EW: Your first inclination is to make big sweeping changes because it’s something that you’ve looked at for a long time, so it doesn’t feel fresh anymore. We’ve really focused on keeping the core experience there. From talking to people on the show floor, a lot of them weren’t too happy with the idea of the flashlight as something separate. So integrating the flashlight into your main weapon seemed like a no-brainer, yet even then we still had people say they wanted to play the original way.

Another piece of feedback we had was that the game was too dark, so we’ve lit it some more here and there and tried to lead the player’s eye a little more. So there’ll be two modes – the original, unchanged version of Doom 3 and the updated one.

PSB: And trophy support must have been a fun feature to implement…

EW: Yeah, we sat down with the design team and really just let them riff. It was a little tricky adding trophies to a game that’s so well established, but I think fans will be impressed.

Hello again Sony fans! Phillip Asher here from Trendy Entertainment with some of the best news you’ll hear all week – Dungeon Defenders is launching TODAY on the PlayStation Network! It’s been a long time coming, but we’re excited to finally be here and have our hard work on PSN for all of you to enjoy.

To commemorate today’s fantastic news, we wanted to give all of you a sneak peak at some of the awesome and EXCLUSIVE pets (or familiars) you can get simply by playing Dungeon Defenders with Playstation Plus.

Dungeon Defenders is a tower defense/action RPG/hack-and-slash hybrid that supports four player, drop-in/drop out co-op with persistent and fully customizable characters across four classes. And on top of all that , there are pets: unique and upgradeable familiars that follow you and assist you in your quest, either by attacking enemies, healing you, repairing your towers, granting you extra mana, or more!

Here are the exclusive Playstation Plus familiars:

Cowboy Monkey: Has dual-banana pistols that he shoots at close-range, and a sniper-banana rifle that he unleashes at far range, and wears the PS Plus logo on his hat (!)

Drakon the Dragon: A special dragon that has very good stats for its level, this critter will attack any nearby enemies with flame.

Naimi the Fairy: A special fairy that has very good stats for its level, she’ll heal you and nearby allies when you need it.

Cog the Robot: A special robot that has very good stats for its level, it’ll bash nearby enemies with a barrel-roll attack, knocking them back and doing serious damage.

We hope you enjoy Dungeon Defenders and hope to see you online later this week!

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.

To get you even more excited – we wanted to bring you the first cinematic from the game that sets the stage for our heroes’ intergalactic adventure:

We’ve got even more great content for you to check out today as well. Want to see the Behind the Scenes and learn how All 4 One was made? Check out the first Dev Diary from the folks in North Carolina!

That’s all for now, we hope to see and play with you online tonight on planet Magnus! Dibs on Qwark!

How goes it, PlayStation fans? Hopefully you’re doing well, because all of us here at Trendy Entertainment are feeling awesome. It might have something to do with all the awesome cable TV that was on last night…or it might be because we can finally and officially announce our launch date for Dungeon Defenders on PSN. Ready…October 18th!

For those of you who might not know, Dungeon Defenders is a four-player co-operative Tower Defense action-RPG. You can create heroes from four distinct classes to defend the land of Etheria. Throughout your journey you can customize and level your heroes, forge equipment, gather epic amounts of loot, collect and raise pets, play through multiple difficulties, and more.

But that’s not all! Today we’re also debuting our next developer diary video. This third of the series goes into all the details one of the most important and most FUN parts of the game – the Combat phase. This is where your strategies, tower and trap placements, upgrades and approach (and those of up to three of your friends if you’re playing local or online co-op) will be tested by wave after wave of baddies that are hell-bent on destroying your Eternia Crystals. The Combat phase is not only about testing out your defenses, but also testing out your skill. That’s where the action-RPG part comes in. You’ll have to take on the enemies first hand, and be able to pick up all the sweet loot they drop as well.

Of course, you can still build, sell, repair and maintain your towers in the Combat phase. But unlike the Build phase, enemies can and will interrupt you as you work.

And all you PS3 folks are in for a real treat – the PSN version of Dungeon Defenders is the ONLY version to feature 3D and Playstation Move support!

We’re happy, excited and downright STOKED to be able to confirm our PS3 launch date today with the PlayStation.Blog – it has been one of our most-asked questions from fans since we announced the title over a year and a half ago. Stay tuned for more updates and developer diaries as we get closer to launch – and don’t forget to check out Dungeon Defenders on PSN October 18th for the low low price of $14.99!

Fellow Spartans -

The wait is over! Kratos storms store shelves everywhere in the form God of War: Origins Collection—the compilation of God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta on a single Blu-ray Disc, available today! Now fans and newcomers to the franchise can complete the God of War experience on their PS3 for the first time. And so far, members of the media have given God of War: Origins Collection a strong thumbs up. GameTrailers.com called the game “a gift worthy of Olympus,” while MTV.com said “God of War: Origins Collection is an absolute steal.” Other early reviews include IGN.com (9/10), GamesRadar.com (9/10), GamePro (4/5), Game Informer (9.5/10), 1UP.com (A-), Machinima.com (9/10), Complex.com (8/10), DigitalTrends.com (9/10), DualShockers.com (9/10), PlayStationLifestyle.com (9/10), CraveOnline.com, and the Arizona Republic—just to name a few.

In case you forgot, here’s a quick refresher on what this package includes:

-Two award-winning PSP classics (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) on PS3 for the first time
-Both games running in high-definition 1080p resolution with full stereoscopic 3D support
-Only $39.99, and just in time for the holidays making it a great gift option
-PSN Trophy support that will challenge even the best players
-Dolby 5.1 / DTS surround sound
-Full DualShock 3 Wireless Controller compatibility with rumble support

Bonus content includes the God of War Game Directors Live round table video, Legionnaire Kratos skin, and the Forest of the Forgotten combat arena—all on the same Blu-ray Disc

Last, but certainly not least, in honor of today’s God of War: Origins Collection release, we’re releasing a new launch trailer; Watch it above and let us know what you think!

It’s been a while since we’ve updated you on the remastered ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection, but we did want to remind you about its upcoming launch on September 27th! As a special treat, we’re proud to unveil the final box art and inside packaging for the collection, depicting stylized artwork from both titles. In addition to full 1080p HD, stereoscopic 3D support, and 7.1 surround sound, this re-release contains a ton of exclusive bonus footage and behind-the-scenes content that will await you on September 27th. Full details are available here.

Additionally, we wanted to confirm that The Last Guardian is not on the schedule for this year’s Tokyo Game Show. However we can assure you that Ueda-san and the rest of the development team are hard at work to bring his lofty vision to life and deliver the very best gaming experience possible.

Why two commercials, you ask? Well, we have two great approaches for Resistance 3. One involves the story of Joseph Capelli’s journey. In some ways this ties us back to the very first live-action prologue trailer that showed us the first glimpse of Resistance 3’s grim new world. Here you get a glimpse of the emotions and story that make up our game. We really feel like this ad wonderfully captures and encapsulates Resistance 3. Take a look:

Hope you liked that commercial and it got you pumped for the game’s launch. That said, what’s a huge PS3 exclusive without a Kevin Butler commercial? Maybe it’s best if you just watch.

So what do you think? Keep your eyes peeled as you watch TV over the next couple of weeks to spot these ads in the wild!

One other item I wanted to point out for our New York readers, the PlayStation Lounge in New York City will have the first seven chapters of Resistance 3 on-hand for you to go try out over the holiday weekend from 1:00 to 4:00pm Eastern Time on Saturday. Furthermore, they also have a limited quantity of the awesome Olly Moss posters that you’ve see us give away. Go check it out to get a taste of what you’ll be playing on September 6th!

That’s all for now – let us know what you think of the commercials in the comments below!

This 3D Sci-Fi/action film stars Paul Bettany and Maggie Q and is based on the acclaimed graphic novel series. Go here to learn more about this action-and-feature-packed Blu-ray release.

Re-mastering both of the God of War PSP games in full HD for the PS3 God of War: Origins Collection definitely had its share of challenges for us. The first goal we had was simply the daunting task of up-rezing the engine and content authored on a PSP running at 480 x 272 resolution and 30 frames per second to 1920 x 1080p at a steady 60 fps on the PS3. This required a custom PS3 version of our engine, coded in-house exclusively for the Origins Collection, as well as a painstaking process by art team. We ended up going through every single character in the game and doubling or tripling polygon count by hand, as well as up-rezing and re-painting every texture across both games at 4x resolution on both characters and environments.

Being gluttons for punishment, we also decided from the beginning of the project that just re-mastering content from PSP resolution to 1080p wasn’t necessarily challenging enough (as a quick aside…we were wrong), so we also wanted to take advantage of our custom PS3 engine and try to implement full stereoscopic 3D support. After a first pass of 3D implementation and careful playthroughs of both games in 3D, we identified certain trouble areas with and addressed them with techniques such as near-screen fading on certain particles and camera focal plane compensation for a smooth and enjoyable 3D experience. The quality of the final result of the 3D on the Origins Collection so surprised us that it actually sold myself and a number of others on the team 3D TVs in general. Personally I wouldn’t want to play the games any other way after being able to experience it firsthand.

Besides adding upscaling in-game content and 3S support, there was one other challenge that is worth noting (and elicited groans of despair from both artists and programmers alike). Between Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta we had over an hour of pre-rendered cinematics, and the gap in video resolution between our PSP source footage and full HD was so extreme that no matter how many custom video up-scale solutions we tried, there was just a glaring quality difference between the 1080P real-time gameplay and the video. It was pretty demoralizing for us to play the game in beautiful HD and hit a cinematic trigger where Kratos looked like he was rendered through a dirty sock, so we realized we would just have to bite the bullet and properly re-render all cinematics in full 1080p. To do this we ported all of our cinematic scenes to the PS3 and, months and terabytes of data later, had every single frame re-rendered in HD through the new Origin Collection’s engine. From there we had to up-rez all of the post production effects and re-composite every single cinematic again in HD, giving us a final result that blended seamlessly with the in-game quality.

Needless to say, all of the above made for quite a laborious process for us, but we were set on doing justice to the original games that we put so much blood, sweat, and tears into. We hope this effort really pays off for God of War fans able to experience both PSP games in glorious 1080p!