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Posts with tag playstation 3

Engadget

Gamer Overcomes Disability with Custom PlayStation 3 Controller


Yeah, we may be hardened cynics -- our cold, black hearts have closed off to all but the most extraordinary tech-related stories, and we don't talk about the triumph of the human spirit a lot, but PlayStation 3 forum user KitsuneYume has us stepping outside our usual box today. With the help of an engineer, he made an "adaptive controller" that allows him to game with the pros despite serious disabilities. 20 out of 25 functions are accounted for by the system, and he uses his fingers, toes, and even his tongue to play -- your regular, everyday controller mod it ain't.

The creator said he uploaded the pictures to make sure folks who might need it are aware the technology exists, as he contacted Sony a while back and they weren't able to tell him where to look. We hope this helps gets the word out, because we think everyone should have and chance to lie, cheat, and steal their way through 'Fallout 3.'

[Thanks, Jason]

Does 'LittleBigPlanet' Live Up to the Hype?

Hype Check: 'LittleBigPlanet'

'Little Big Planet'

What it is:
'LittleBigPlanet' is rather unlike anything else you've experienced on a video game console. It's Sony's hope to bring alternative gamers to the PlayStation 3 (PS3) this holiday season, and is a wonderfully charming game to boot. From a purely gameplay perspective, it's an evolution of the fairly standard side-view run-and-jump style games (like the old 'Super Mario Bros.') way back in the day. No two levels are alike, largely because the entire game is all about expressing creativity, whether it be customizing your character to look exactly as you like, or building your own level from scratch to be exactly how you want it.

Or, if you're not feeling so creative, you can just download the levels made by others online, or play through those that ship on the disc with the game. There's no real plot here, and no real point either except to do whatever you want -- and have fun, of course. It's all wrapped in a lovely hand-made aesthetic that includes characters who appear to have been stitched from burlap and the levels composed of cardboard and styrofoam. It looks fantastic, but that hand-made feel goes well beyond looks.

Why it's different: 'LittleBigPlanet' is at the forefront of a new movement in video games that focuses on user-generated content. In this case, that means that anyone who buys the game can create their own levels and post them online to play. In fact, all the levels that are included with the game for playing offline could also be re-created through the game's unique level editor tool.

What we like: While most level editors are imposing and technical things full of menus that take hours and hours to begin to figure out, LBP's level editor is an intuitive cinch. Creating levels is actually a fun thing, driven by your character who floats around on a blank template, dropping blocks here and creating obstacles there -- all at your direction, of course.

You can even get a bunch of friends (either sitting next to you or online) in there to create levels with you, helping you out to build that giant roller-coaster level. In fact, the entire game is very multiplayer-friendly, supporting up to four players online or offline to run through any level. The controls are simple (run, jump, and grab are really all you need to worry about) and the little sack characters so undeniably cute (little beggars with big grins and burlap textures donning top hats and goofy clothes), that it's hard to imagine anyone not wanting to have a go at it.

New PlayStation 3 Game Delayed Over Potential Offense to Muslims

PS3 Title 'Little Big Planet' Delayed Over Qur'anic Phrases
'Little Big Planet,' a new highly customizable platform game for the PlayStation 3, is garnering attention -- for all the right and wrong reasons. Initial reviews and reaction to the game have been very positive, but the game has also drawn attention for a potentially offensive song on its soundtrack that contains phrases from the Qur'an.

Sony was alerted to the potential problem by a Muslim beta tester who alerted the company that some Muslims may be offended by the lyrics, since the Qur'an is considered to come directly from God.

Sony has recalled copies of the game and producing a new version with out the controversy-courting track. Manzoor Moghal, of the Muslim Forum, told the BBC he praised Sony's decision and quick action. [From: BBC]
Engadget

'Life with PlayStation' Begins Today


After making a false start earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment just announced the official, global launch of its free, Life with PlayStation PlayStation 3 (PS3) service. Initially, Live Channel will deliver worldwide news and information such as weather and live camera images from 60 cities around the globe -- more interactive content will be delivered in time. Check the video demonstration after the break for setup instructions and quickie overview.

[Via Playstation.Blog]
Engadget

Criterion Collection Uses PlayStation 3 as Reference Blu-ray Player


Yeah, you read that correctly -- the obsessive audiophiles / videophiles at the Criterion Collection use Sony's PlayStation 3 as its reference Blu-ray player. In all honesty, we can't say we're too surprised. Time and again, Sony's latest console has been rated very highly as a dedicated BD deck, and the plentiful firmware updates ensure that it's always at the forefront of whatever interactive functionality is next.

This snippet of factual goodness was extracted from a recent writeup that took an in-depth look at how the CC would be revamping its home theater, and even famed calibration guru Joe Kane gave his approval at using the console for playing back Blu-ray Discs. The real kicker? They also settled upon a DVIGear HDMI cable over one of those obscenely overpriced Ogre cables -- and that was after running clean out of coat hangers. [From: Sound and Vision Magazine via CNET]

A Photographic Ride Through the New PlayStation Store


Those of you who didn't stay up late last night and check out the new PlayStation Store on your own now have nowhere to go. Stuck inside your cube with no early lunch, no way to slip out at 3:00 -- nada. Thankfully, the crew over at PS3 Fanboy has the goods to satisfy your appetite until you get home. Tap the read link for a gallery of hands-on shots, and chime in below with your likes / dislikes once you've had a chance to meander around yourself. [Source: PS3 Fanboy]
Engadget

PlayStation Video Download Service is Live


The long delay until Sony launched its video download service (actually more like a few hours), is over. High Definition and standard definition (SD) rentals, and SD purchases from an assortment of movie studios is now available in the Playstation Store by selecting the video button at the top left. Need to know what's available in your region but aren't near your PS3? Check out the website for a list of what awaits. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Engadget

Newest PlayStation 3 Firmware Out Now


Sony's 2.41 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 is apparently out and riding the network updates. This according to our readers and those of the official PlayStation Blog. Now deep breath, install, and hope your system doesn't hang like it did for the few 2.40 unfortunates. [Source: PlayStation Blog]

[Thanks, David]

'Metal Gear Solid 4' Launches With (Surprise) a Big Party



Long before people lined up for the launch of new cell phones, they lined up for the launch of new video games. And in fine fanboy tradition, Los Angeles' hardcore showed up for the midnight launch of Konami's long-awaited Metal Gear Solid 4 -- all for the chance to buy the game the minute it went on sale, and to have it signed by some of the game's creators.

The 400-odd person line stretched around the block at the Best Buy in Hollywood, at the busy corner of La Brea Ave and Santa Monica Blvd. At the front of the line was Tony (see gallery), a young man who had waited for nearly 24 hours for his chance to get a copy of the game. We asked him how it was going.

"Yeah, I'm sleep deprived," the bleary-eyed Metal Gear superfan told us. He looked excited, but a bit defeated. "The crazy thing is, I had my PS3 stolen a couple of months ago, so I don't even know where or how I'm gonna play it once I get it home." At this very moment, as if by some spectacular twist of fate, Konami PR manager and all-around good dude Jay Boor stepped in and, upon hearing Tony's tale, handed him his business card. "Hit me up, man," he said. "I'll fix that. I'll definitely fix that." Amidst all of the conspicuous consumption, the look on Tony's face at that moment was one to be remembered.

All the while, press and industry folk mingled in the surreal urban courtyard, surrounded by such bastions of retail consumption as Best Buy and Target, feasting on sushi and various foodstuffs from Baja Fresh. And as they drank and ate, the diehard fans stood long into the night, patiently awaiting their chance to play what assistant producer Ryan Payton called, "the best Metal Gear game we've ever made. Pants down." And all in all, it was a good night.

Florida Man Kills Neighbor Over Missing PlayStation 3

Keith Stoddard Jr.Edward Keith Stoddard Jr. really likes his PlayStation 3 (PS3). So much, in fact, that if you were to touch it, he may just kill you. Such was the fate of his neighbor, Douglas F. Abrams, who Stoddard suspected of stealing his PS3.

Police reports say that during an argument over the missing console late Wednesday night, Stoddard shot Abrams, fatally wounding him. After police showed up on the scene, Stoddard surrendered and is now in Land O'Lakes jail in Dade County, Florida.

Love your console, people. Just don't get jealous if it drops by the neighbors' house for some tea. [Source: Bay News 9, via PS3Fanboy]

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