PSP Updates

PSP Go clock speed maxes out at 480Mhz according to FCC

Karl B. — 2009-07-03T13:58:02-07:00

Some documents from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are suggesting that the new PSP Go may be packing more power under its sliding exterior than what Sony has officially revealed.

Contrary to official statements from Sony that peg the PSP Go's top clock frequency at 333 MHz, the FCC's test reports indicate that the PSP Go actually maxes out at 480 MHz. Perhaps the extra power is for the in-game XMB. Games would likely still be locked at the 333MHz max for uniformity across all of the PSP SKUs.

You can check out the FCC reports here. The 480MHz max clock frequency is mentioned in page 3 of the Test Report 1 pdf. The official tech specs can be viewed here. You can also discuss this over at the QJ.NET PSP forums (thanks, bsanehi!).

Called it: Capcom announces new Basara game

Karl B. — 2009-07-03T10:43:33-07:00

While a lot of people were hoping that the Capcom teaser site was for a new Onimusha game, the fact that it was accessible from the Sengoku Basara portal kinda weighed the odds in favor of a new Basara game. And so it turned out to be just that.

Capcom has revealed that the next entry in the popular (more so in Japan than anywhere else) action series is Sengoku Basara 3. Actually, that's pretty much all they've revealed aside from a 2010 date and the two character silhouettes below.

Never really got into this series but it's interesting that the last date shown on the teaser site was 1600, the year when Tokugawa Ieyasu won in the Battle of Sekigahara. Maybe Ieyasu's the main protagonist in this one?

Capcom teaser site launched; new Basara game coming?

Video: Multiplayer action in God Eater promo vid

Karl B. — 2009-07-03T10:16:06-07:00

Yes, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Monster Hunter games, but it looks like Namco Bandai's God Eater is more than a mere clone for the popular Capcom franchise. It also has shades of Devil May Cry thrown in, so it actually takes from two Capcom franchises!

I kid, I kid. The game actually looks pretty awesome as I said in my previous God Eater post. That's just reinforced by this new promo vid. The graphics may not look like the best but I'll be damned if I don't play this, if only for that morphing gun-sword-chainsaw weapon. Oh, and watch out for a Rufus Shinra cameo! No, he's not really in there, but the dude sitting behind the desk sure looks like him.

Japan's getting this game in Fall 2009. Hopefully Namco Bandai makes use of that God Eater trademark they filed in the US a while back.

God Eater: Namco Bandai's new local multiplayer action RPG for PSP

Namco Bandai snaps up Dragon Ball rights from Atari

Karl B. — 2009-07-03T08:54:57-07:00

Image from DeviantArt

There were already a few signs hinting that Atari was having some trouble holding on to the Dragon Ball franchise. A couple of years ago, the publisher clashed with FUNimation over the game license. Namco Bandai announced last month that it had secured publishing rights to three new entries in the franchise.

Today, Namco Bandai has announced that it's finishing what it started. Starting in January 2010, they will be publishing Dragon Ball games on all major consoles and handhelds in North America. The publishing deal made with rights-holders Toei and FUNimation will run for five years.

This is a pretty big blow for Atari and a big coup for Namco Bandai. In fiscal 2008, about half of Atari's sales came from Dragon Ball games. You know, if you consider the earlier acquisition or Atari Europe, it kinda feels like Namco Bandai is taking over Atari piece by piece.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy gets September PAL launch, new Collector's Edition detailed

Karl B. — 2009-07-03T08:20:42-07:00

Scratch off that Autumn release you've noted for Dissidia: Final Fantasy. Square Enix has finally given a more specific release date for the game's PAL outing along with details about a new collector's edition.

Europe and other PAL territories will be seeing Dissidia: Final Fantasy across retail shelves on September 4. It's later than the US launch, but perhaps the CE package can make up for it. Here's what it contains:

Unique Dissidia: Final Fantasy clamshell packaging
Full boxed copy of the Dissidia: Final Fantasy game
Dissidia: Final Fantasy Best Selection Soundtrack Mini-CD: The Dissidia: Final Fantasy Best Selection Soundtrack Mini-CD includes a selection of music tracks from the game that are especially chosen for this Special Edition version by composer Takeharu Ishimoto. The Mini-CD will be presented inside a unique pochette and contain liner notes written by Takeharu Ishimoto.
Hardback, 48-page The Art of Dissidia: Final Fantasy artwork book: featuring character artwork, CG rendered art and more from across the game production.
Brady Games Official Miniguide: 32-page game guide printed in full colour, with character artwork, descriptions and walkthrough information to help you win the battle.
Exclusive Lithograph Prints: 2 Exclusive Lithograph prints, inside a unique Dissidia: Final Fantasy branded bandwrap featuring artwork not used to promote the original Japanese version of the game.

Note that the last item may be an EB Games exclusive, as the AU EB Games site says that it is. Even without a PSP to go along with it, all that content sounds loads better than the PSP bundle GameStop is offering. Shame the press release didn't mention any pricing details.

New Monster Hunter Freedom Unite quest now up for download

Karl B. — 2009-07-03T07:58:35-07:00

Capcom has put a new quest up for Monster Hunter Freedom Unite players to download. Compared to the three in the first batch it's a bit sparse, but hey, at least it's free.

The new quest, Triumvirate of the Sands, has players go up against a Daimyo Hermitaur, a Tigrex, and a Plesioth in the Desert area. It's daytime, so be sure to bring both Cool and Hot Drinks. There's also a new download title, "Bee Knees".

Triumvirate of the Sands

Reward: 12300z HR: no req.
Contract: 1050z
Time: 50 mins Zone: Desert (day)
Hunt: Hunt Daimyo Hermi, Tigrex, Plesioth!

To download new quests, just go to the Download option in the game's main menu. Make sure you have a wireless connection up. If you haven't decided yet whether or not to jump into the hunting lifestyle, check out our Monster Hunter Freedom Unite review.

Square Enix sues French retailer for selling pirated IP merchandise

Mabie A. — 2009-07-02T23:28:41-07:00

Square Enix is reportedly taking legal action against a lone French retailer for allegedly selling pirated Square merchandise. la soci t SAKURA, the retail store, operates in Paris and online, specializing in Anime/Manga/Japanese gaming merch.

Square Enix' suit's basis is that: [Square] "denounces SAKURA for the commercialization of products counterfeiting Square Enix's FINAL FANTASY and FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST trademarks and copyrights to the FINAL FANTASY series".

Anybody else selling pirated Squeenix stuff out there? You might want to close shop now.

Bankruptcy judge okays Warner Bros. buyout of Midway

Mabie A. — 2009-07-02T20:38:30-07:00

The buyout of Warner Bros. of publisher Midway has been OK'd by a bankruptcy judge, making the US 33 million acquisition a sure go. The deal is expected to finally close within 10 days, this according to the reports by the Chicago Tribune.

But despite this new ownership, a couple more Midway studios are left to fend for themselves, such as Midway San Diego and Midway Newcastle. They have 60 days to find new owners, or else face the consequence of being shut down. Sports franchises like Blitz and NBA Ballers are also up for grabs for any parties that may be interested.

Midway sued by movie producer over Mortal Kombat IP rights

24 million installed base for UK consoles recorded

Mabie A. — 2009-07-02T19:52:59-07:00

This is intriguing math. Gfk-ChartTrack of UK has released the data for console sales in the region up to June 27, 2009 and it shows that there is a stellar 24 million installed base in the UK to date, with 8.4 million contributing to that number in the past 12 months.

Who reigns supreme? No question to it, the Nintendo's DS is still the king of the handhelds with 9.1 million install base. That's 2.7 million more users in the past year. It is also reported that since its launch in April of this year, the DSi has already sold 300,000 units.

Coming in second place is Nintendo's home console, Wii, with 5.4 million gamers secured in its lawn, with 2.3 million additional installed base coming in June 2008. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 is also quite enjoying attention from the UK gamers - 3.9 million installed base thus far, with 1.7 million joining in the club the past 12 months.

As for the PS3, it sits at 2.2 million, with 900,000 units up from the same period last year. Sony's handheld, the PSP, has sold 3.3 million units, experiencing an increase in sales with 500,000 units sold the past year.

In total, that would amount to 24 million units gaming consoles sold. Despite what your leanings may be, or which console you prefer to be on top, the good news here is that the gaming industry in UK is apparently thriving, with all platforms getting positive movement in sales for 2008.

Media Create charts for 06/08 to 06/14: Japan warming up to Xbox 360, Infinite Space is top software

Sony: UMD-less PSP has always been the plan

Mabie A. — 2009-07-02T17:33:53-07:00

It would seem that Sony's had plans of coming out with a UMD-less PSP all along. According to Sony's product planning division head honcho, Naoya Matsui, "We'd planned to release a PSP model without a UMD drive since the very beginning."

Further elaborating on this statement, "But if we'd simply release the hardware, there wouldn't have been much for everyone to enjoy," he said in an interview with Japanese site GameBusiness. "We needed to prepare the right environment for it first - things like the transferral (sic) of content with the PS3 and PSN, and PC software to manage content like music and movies such as Media Go."

Of course, they had to wait first until digital content is at a competitive playing field with physical media, and now the time is right.

The PSP Go will simultaneously launch in the US and Europe on October 1, while Japan will get it a month later.

PSN US - PlayStation Store Update 07/02

Mabie A. — 2009-07-02T16:14:23-07:00

You know what comes next after the European PS Store Update, yes? That's right, it's the US PS Store Update for the week of July 2, 2009. And it's a hefty one to serve you fine too, in time for the 4th of July weekend. So in case you're feeling a little lethargic to join in on the festivities, at least you'll have something else to do to keep you busy.

Among those stashed in this week's goodie bag are add-on packs for MotorStorm Pacific Rift, Cross Edge, the Capcom Classics Collection Remixed for the PSP Store and more.

PS Store for PS3

QORE

Annual Subscription - July 2009 (US 24.99)
Episode 14: July 2009 (US 2.99)

DOWNLOADABLE GAMES

Punisher: No Mercy (US 9.99)

ADD-ON GAME CONTENT

High Velocity Bowling Ball

Pack 6 - 4th of July Americana (US 0.99)
Pack 7 - Route 66 Americana (US 0.99)

LittleBigPlanet Sacktue of Liberty Costume (Free)
MotorStorm Pacific Rift

Monarch Signature Livery Pack (Free)
Speed Expansion (US 9.99)

Cross Edge

Safety Pack (Free)
Additional Dungeon 2 (Free)
New Costume Set 1 (US 3.99)

Quantum of Solace: The Game 007 Camille Map Pack (US 4.99)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 The Predator (US 7.50)
Guitar Hero World Tour

"21st Century (Digital Boy)" by Bad Religion (US 1.99)
"Linoleum" by NOFX (US 1.99)
Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack (US 5.49) - Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring 21st Century (Digital Boy) by Bad Religion, Linoleum by NOFX and Ruby Soho by Rancid. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

Rock Band

Blue Morning, Blue Day - Foreigner (US 1.99)
Feels Like the First Time - Foreigner (US 1.99)
Headknocker - Foreigner (US 1.99)
Foreigner Pack 01 (US 5.49) - Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Foreigner Pack 01. This pack includes: Blue Morning, Blue Day, Headknocker, and Feels Like the First Time by Foreigner.
Hey John, What s Your Name Again? - The Devil Wears Prada (US 1.99)
Image of the Invisible - Thrice (US 1.99)
Sweet Talk - Dear and the Headlights (US 1.99)
Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02 (US 5.49) - Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02. This pack includes Sweet Talk by Dear and the Headlights, Hey John, What s Your Name Again? by The Devil Wears Prada, and Image of the Invisible by Thrice.
Weapon of Choice - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (US 1.99)

GAME VIDEOS (Free)

Pulse 7/2 Edition
MotoStorm Pacific Rift
Speed Expansion Pack Trailer
Adrenaline Expansion Pack Trailer
Bayonetta E3 Trailer

PS Store for PSP

DOWNLOADABLE GAMES

Capcom Classics Collection Remixed (US 19.99)
Mind Quiz (US 9.99)
Tom Clancy's Splinter cell Essentials (US 19.99)

ADD-ON GAME CONTENT

Rock Band Unplugged

"Losing My Religion" by REM (US 1.99)
"Sin Wagon" by Dixie Chicks (US 1.99)

GAME VIDEOS (Free)

Pulse 7/2 Edition

NOTE: means also available from the PS3 Storefront

More themes are listed in the source link.

Other PSN News:

Playstation Store Europe Update 07/02

Ryan F. — 2009-07-02T11:13:10-07:00

The Playstation Store update for Europe is now available. This week, you have three excellent PSN games that includes the PS3 exclusive Punisher: No Mercy, an old school classic James Pond: Robocod, the massive PSP hit game Monster Hunter Freedom Unite plus four other PSP games, new add-on contents for MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, LittleBigPlanet and more.

Downloadable Games

Numblast ( 3.99/ 4.99)
Punisher: No Mercy ( 6.99/ 7.99)
topatoi: The Great Tree Story ( 7.99/ 9.99)

Trial (and unlock)

Red Baron Arcade (Trial free unlock key 6.29/ 7.99)

PSone Classics (PS3 & PSP compatible)

James Pond 2: Codename Robocod ( 3.99/ 4.99)

Add-On Game Content

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10

0.5 Putting Equipment ( 0.79/ 0.99)
0.5 Short Game Apparel ( 0.79/ 0.99)
0.5 Short Game Equipment ( 0.79/ 0.99)
1 Accuracy Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Accuracy Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Power Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Power Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Putting Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Putting Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Short Game Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1 Short Game Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Accuracy Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Accuracy Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Power Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Power Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Putting Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Putting Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Short Game Equipment ( 1.19/ 1.49)
1.5 Short Game Apparel ( 1.19/ 1.49)
2 Accuracy Apparel ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Accuracy Equipment ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Power Apparel ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Power Equipment ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Putting Apparel ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Putting Equipment ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Short Game Apparel ( 1.59/ 1.99)
2 Short Game Equipment ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Advanced Drivers ( 1.19/ 1.49)
Advanced Fairway Woods ( 1.19/ 1.49)
Advanced Irons ( 1.19/ 1.49)
Advanced Putters ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Advanced Wedges ( 1.19/ 1.49)
Expert Drivers ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Expert Fairway Woods ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Expert Irons ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Expert Putters ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Expert Wedges ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Intermediate Drivers ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Intermediate Fairway Woods ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Intermediate Irons ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Intermediate Putters ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Intermediate Wedges ( 0.79/ 0.99)
Max Stats Costumes ( 2.39/ 2.99)
The Predator Fantasy Course ( 4.79/ 5.99)
Spyglass Hill ( 4.79/ 5.99)
Course Pass ( 1.59/ 1.99)

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift Expansion Speed ( 4.79/ 5.99)
MotorStorm: Pacific Rift Monarch Signature Livery Pack (free)
LittleBigPlanet Sacktue of Liberty Costume (free)
Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires

Kempo Armour Set (men) (free)
Royal Armour Set (men) (free)
Artemis Armour Set (women) (free)
Queen Armour Set (women) (free)

Guitar Hero: World Tour

21st Century Digital Boy by Bad Religion ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Linoleum by NoFX ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Ruby Soho by Rancid ( 1.59/ 1.99)
Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack (This pack contains all three tracks listed above) ( 4.39/ 5.99)

Rock Band

Blue Morning, Blue Day by Foreigner ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Feels Like The First Time by Foreigner ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Head Knocker by Foreigner ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Foreigner Pack 01 (this combines all the above tracks in one pack) ( 2.49/ 3.99)

Hey John, What s Your Name Again? By The Devil Wears Prada ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Image of the Invisible by Thrice ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Sweet Talk by Dear and the Headlights ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02 (this combines the above tracks in one pack) ( 2.49/ 3.99)
Weapon of Choice by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club ( 0.99/ 1.49)

Videos(free)

WipEout HD Fury Trailer
Battlefield 1943 Coral Sea Trailer
MotorStorm: Pacific Rift Adrenaline Expansion Trailer
Batman: Arkham Asylum Combat Trailer
Batman: Arkham Asylum Breakout Trailer
Batman: Arkham Asylum Invisible Predator Trailer
Bayonetta Second Climax Trailer
Mini Ninjas Hiro Gameplay Trailer
Astro Tripper Trailer

PlayStation Store via PSP and Media Manager
Downloadable Games (also available via the PS3 store)

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ( 24.99/ 39.99)
Numblast PSP ( 3.99/ 4.99)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (available from Friday the 3rd of July - 29.99/ 39.99)
Donkey Xote ( 7.99/ 9.99)
Super Hind ( 15.99/ 19.99)

Add-On Game Content (also available via the PS3 store)

Rock Band Unplugged

Losing My Religion by R.E.M. ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Sin Wagon by Dixie Chicks ( 0.99/ 1.49)
Still Alive by GLaDOS and Jonathan Coulton ( 0.99/ 1.49)

Playstation Store Europe update 06/25

PSP homebrew - Bookr-Mod 2009-07-01

Ryan F. — 2009-07-02T09:01:22-07:00

A new update for the Bookr-Mod has been released by the unknown Chinese homebrew coder. Bookr-Mod is an enhanced version of Bookr, a PDF/DJVU/TXT reader for the PSP. Notable features in the latest update includes support for Custom Firmware 5.50 and PSP-3000 with HEN.

Changelog:

More CFWs supported and bugs fixed
Support for Custom Firmware 5.50 and PSP3000 with HEN
Some small bugs have been fixed.

Download: Bookr-Mod 2009-07-01

PSP homebrew - Bookr-Mod

Custom Firmware 5.50GEN-B now available

Ryan F. — 2009-07-02T08:26:27-07:00

As promised, PSPGen together with GENyUS has released the much awaited Custom Firmware 5.50GEN-B. This is great news to all GEN users especially when news broke days ago that Sony has successfully implemented a security update that prevented Custom Firmware 5.00 M33 users from accessing the Playstation Store. Fortunately, Custom Firmware 5.50GEN users were safe.

The new update will be available for all PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 owners with TA-088v1 and v2; sadly, owners of PSP-2000 with TA-088v3 mobos and all PSP-3000 are not yet supported in this update. And since this is an update, you need Custom Firmware 5.50GEN-A installed in your PSP.

Custom Firmware 5.50GEN-B changelog:

The bug that prevented disabling the VSH Menu has been resolved.
The select button can either start the Recovery (Recovery in VSH), the VSH Menu (default) or do nothing at all (for those who use the remote play between PSP and PS3)
Updated network off M33
Evangelion Jo can be launched.
Pandorisation options are available in the VSH menu and Recovery
Option Flash1 Format: adding a check that prevents the Flash1 format if it is in the VSH.
3 new functions in the VSH Menu

Shutdown device (turn off)
Make Normal Battery (Replace the battery in standard mode)
Make Pandora Battery (pandorise battery)

Download: Custom Firmware 5.50GEN-B

Did you know (part 2)? Dissidia originated from Kingdom Hearts

Mabie A. — 2009-07-01T22:48:08-07:00

Last time, we brought you the trivia about Dissidia originally being made for the PlayStation 2. Today, we have another delightful small-talk piece concerning the game that every PSP owner's got to be waiting for, Dissidia: Final Fantasy. This time, it's about DFF originating from Kingdom Hearts. Did you know (part 2)?

Again, it was Tetsuya Nomura who blew the cover away from this surprising tidbit in an interview found in the recently released Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Ultimania, a guide book for the game.

Here's the transcription of that particular portion of the interview:

Where did the idea to use the Organization members for the multiplayer come from?

Nomura: We made a game where characters from various FF games got together to battle, Dissidia, but that was a project we were originally thinking of using for KH. However, deciding it would be a bad idea to make Disney characters fight each other, it never materialized for KH and ended up shifting to FF. Even this time we thought that it would be difficult to bring out Disney characters and have them fight each other in multiplayer, and wondering what to do, we arrived at the idea of using Organization XIII.

These guys were still connected to Disney, but we thought it would be okay because they were original KH characters. Also, with all their attributes and weapons being different, it would be easy to show their individuality, so made a scenario where you could play as Organization XIII in multiplayer. After deciding that, when we were thinking about which time period we should place the scenario in, we thought if we cut out the one year that Roxas was in the Organization it would link well with the multiplayer idea.

Green light back on: Jack Thompson Debate to go on at SGC09

Mabie A. — 2009-07-01T21:19:23-07:00

The July 4th SGC09 debate between anti-gamer, former Miami lawyer Jack Thompson and gamer/ attorney Mark Methenitis is all set and raring to go, despite the hump on the road yesterday morning, nearly resulting into Thompson's cancellation from the event. Reportedly, Thompson had several complaints to event host Screw Attack outlined below:

he objected to a one- or two-line introduction ("I have never been introduced with 1 or 2 sentences. Nobody can be introduced in that fashion...")
he objected to a user-created parody video posted (and since removed) on the Screw Attack site; Thompson may have believed the video, "Questions Not to Ask Jack Thompson" at SGC," was official Screw Attack content

But that's not all, so it seems. GamePolitics was unwittingly made witness to the preparations chaos that the committee is going through because of the back and forth of demands from Mr. Thompson. Recounts GP:

As recently as this morning, however, Thompson demanded that a post by a Screw Attack user be removed. While it was not taken down, the author, who was also behind the parody video that Thompson found offensive, e-mailed the disbarred attorney a lengthy apology; that seemed to satisfy Thompson.

Next, Thompson e-mailed Skistimas a "proposed text" to be used as his introduction at the debate. The 12-sentence intro mentioned his 2008 lifetime disbarment very briefly, referring to it as "illegal" and blaming the loss of his law license on "lawyers for Take-Two, the makers of the Grand Theft Auto games."

GP asked Skistimas whether the introduction would actually be used at SGC09. Skistimas told us, "I have yet to review his intro but Jack and I will work together to find an intro that fits both his needs and the time format of the debate at SGC."

A conference call between Thompson and the Screw Attack team planned for noon today was canceled when the parties decided in late morning that the debate was back on and Thompson was satisified.

This debate should be entertaining, at the very least.

More Jack Thompson News:

Megan Fox talks Transformers

Glenn M. — 2009-07-01T20:45:57-07:00

We've already heard Shia LaBeouf talk Transformers, and he ended up dissing the Wii. But what about his co-star and leading lady, Megan Fox? She too has a few words to share about their latest project and you can catch them in this video.

People can go on and on about her acting. Uhh..whoever said she was known for acting? Besides, you gotta give her points for not overhyping the movie more than it already has been. People came to see the Transformers, not some Oscar-winning acting, and she makes sense of that somewhat.

The video game, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is out in stores now for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, DS, PS2, and PC.

More on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen:

Bruckheimer remains positive: video game-movie adaptations may still work, tasked to lure women to gaming

Mabie A. — 2009-07-01T18:29:20-07:00

Despite the lackluster appeal of movie adaptations of video games, super Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer remains positive that one day, they just might get it right. And it won't suck the living daylights out of us anymore.

Asked why the adaptations haven't been working thus far, he answered:

I couldn't tell you that. They just haven't quite captured the imagination of the audience yet, but they will. I think it will definitely happen, whether we do it or other people do it.

What I could tell, though, is that there is a lot of high expectations yet again for his adaptation of Prince of Persia. Come to think of it, we ourselves continue to hope that one day these adaptations will work. No matter how much these films fail in the box office, we still wait for the next adaptation anyway.

Anyhow, Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks is also hopeful that Bruckheimer can work his magic and take MTV "out of its comfort zone of rhythmic gaming like The Beatles: Rock Band (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii) and attract more females," following their deal back in 2007.

Story-driven.

Said Toffler:

I see more of a connection to women coming to gaming as being a spark for Jerry Bruckheimer's style of storytelling coming to gaming. Gaming is really starting to explode with women, particularly story-driven games like The Sims. I think Jerry has managed to bring both men and women into his storytelling from Pirates of the Carribean to National Treasure. He does a great blend of action in storytelling and moving narrative forward.

Not too lofty considering how data does support the statement that women are more inclined to gaming now than before. Although I would have to ask: The Sims is story-driven?

Triple threat - WWE, THQ, Jakks Pacific over license issues

Glenn M. — 2009-07-01T17:16:57-07:00

When license agreements turn sour, you know what's coming next. For World Wrestling Entertainment, THQ, and Jakks Pacific, the result is a Triple Threat matchup between the three companies, jockeying for position over the WWE Smackdown vs. Raw franchise.

WWE has sued the THQ-Jakks joint venture twice, looking to have their licensing agreements terminated, while the game and toy companies locking horns and duking it out over WWE-branded games' royalties.

The current game licensing deal is set to expire on December 31st later this year, but Jakks has said that they will be exercising their right to renew their contract for five years more. That's all the way to December 31, 2014. THQ, on the other hand, responds with a lawsuit of its own, claiming that it had not yet decided whether it would renew ties with WWE or not.

As it is, THQ is seeking declaratory judgment on three issues:

THQ wants to determine if Jakks can or cannot unilaterally renew the WWE license as part of the terms of its joint venture with the toy maker.
THQ claims it is not obligated to consent to a renewal of the WWE license.
The restriction prohibiting THQ from publishing any wrestling-based game without Jakks for at least a year after the termination of the WWE agreement can not be enforced under California law, the publisher claims.

Jakks also says that they've entered arbitration proceedings with THQ with regard to this and other issues pertaining to the WWE license. THQ has not given any comment on the matter at this time.

We'll keep watch over the developments of this Triple Threat matchup, and you can bet these guys can't knock their ref out with a light nudge.

PSP homebrew - (fxPR) MKULTRA Mod

Glenn M. — 2009-07-01T16:32:19-07:00

NoEffex has released his "mod" of MKULTRA, although he did recode a good portion of the actual engine, despite the "mod" name to the brew. He did quite a number on the app, so it ought to be worth a look.

Developer notes:

Despite the "mod" title, I recoded a pretty good portion of the actual "engine" per se, what loads the cheats, what applies the cheats, what saves, and so on, rather than just editing the looks and calling it my own.

It also uses a custom malloc set that, even though it's a kernel module, it uses user space for saving cheats, which there is an abundance of, as opposed to the 4 or so mb of kernel ram.

I also removed the search, decoder, and browser as usually it's unused, and a huge chunk of memory. I don't have any screenshots on hand, and there's no readme. If you need a readme, it works the same exact way as NitePR, except it loads infinitely quicker, and when you save it rids of all your foolish little comments that wreak havoc on the memory and it saves the addresses in " X" as opposed to " 08lX", thus it can take up to 14 bytes out of every line of cheating, and with that, I had to recode the loader, which instead of load 2 bytes->parse->load 2 more it does load whole thing->parse and it works fine.

Download: (fxPR) MKULTRA Mod
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forum

More PSP homebrew:

PSP homebrew - DayPR Rev 5.1 Beta: bug fix release