Games and Gadgets: How I see them.

Hackers working on PS3 have manged to run PS3 retail games back-ups off its internal HDD or via USB HDD! This may soon lead to piracy issues similar to Sony’s PSP UMD games being run off the Memory Sticks. While there seems to be more that needs to be done before this leads to mass piracy so rampant on the PSP, but things are slowly creeping towards that eventuality. Oh no!

While some are quick to point out that blu-ray discs can contain up to 25GB of data in one single layered disc, it must be noted that cross platformed games appearing on Xbox360s and PS3s does run on dual layered standard DVD (9.6GB) for the Xbox360 console. This simply means that current games are not using the limit of the blu-ray discs yet. So a 40GB HDD PS3 could still store up to 4 dual layered DVD games, theoritically speaking.

This will be very interesting to watch, as the PS3 is seemingly close to being fully hacked for piracy.

Link to the mumbo jumbo tech stuff here.

The installation is supposedly to improve loading times on the PS3, but there are contrasting reports that this may not work that well. Many have said that load times are just few short seconds faster than the DVD streaming of the Xbox360. I will test it out when I get the Xbox360 version soon.

I sure hope that this is not the sign of times to come, as I did not get consoles to bear with installation times.

Capcom had released a demo for their upcoming PS3 game, Lost Planet, last week’s Thursday to be exact. However, the demo was removed from PSN shortly therafter, as there were reported bugs in the demo with reference to its online features. The servers for the online play was also shut to prevent those who have gotten the demo from playing it online.

Capcom have since promised to release a clean, bug free version soonest possible back on PSN, but no mention of the bug or what it does. Or it could be a hidden / secret feature that was leaked in the demo version and Capcom just didn’t want us to find out? Guess we will never know while looking forward to the new improved demo.

Xbox360:

Well, that was fast. Shortly after Microsoft announced a USD 44.6billion offer for Yahoo! to the Yahoo! board, Yahoo! have officially announced that they are not interested in the deal, citing that the offer was too low for Yahoo!’s potential.

In the press release, “the Yahoo! Board of Directors has carefully reviewed Microsoft’s unsolicited proposal with Yahoo!’s management team and financial and legal advisors and has unanimously concluded that the proposal is not in the best interests of Yahoo! and our stockholders.”

“After careful evaluation, the Board believes that Microsoft’s proposal substantially undervalues Yahoo! including our global brand, large worldwide audience, significant recent investments in advertising platforms and future growth prospects, free cash flow and earnings potential, as well as our substantial unconsolidated investments.”, it adds.

Microsoft have since then said that they are still very keen on pursuing this merger/buy-out. Lets see how this unfolds.

PS3:

Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition - (Asian) Action

(Box art may not be the same)

UPDATE:
 

Devil May Cry Special Edition boxart is the same as regular boxart, as per below:-

Nintendo then did a study, and concluded that the problem arises from dust building up on the Wii laser lens. As Super Smash Bros. Brawl uses a dual layer DVD (the touted D9), the disc is more sensitive to dirty lens. A fix to this problem is to clean the Wii laser lens but its not something regular Wii owners can’t do on their own.

To fix this, Nintendo of Japan have offered to clean Japanese Wiis for free and even pay for the shipping fees. All you have to do is ship your Wii, warranty card and a copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl (to prove you actually bought the game, and not simply wanting a free service) to Nintendo’s service center in Kyoto. Only drawback, you lose your Wii for one week while Nintendo cleans your lens.

Be aware, please don’t send in your modded Wii and expect a free service, ya?

A Japanese online retailer have revealed Sony latest marketing strategy, a line of budget titles for PS3. These budget titles started life on the PS1, moving on to PS2 and now caught up to PS3.

According to the retailer, PS3 owners in Japan will soon be able to pick up “PlayStation 3 the Best” versions of Resistance, FolksSoul (known as Folklore elsewhere), Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gundam: Target in Sight, and Ridge Racer 7 for 3,800 yen each. That’s a saving of 2,200 yen per title.

Expect to see them by March 19th, 2008.

Microsoft is trying to revive Xbox360’s fortune in Japan by announcing an entry-level Xbox360. Consisting of a console bundle with an extra 256MB memory unit, wireless controller, and game pack, all for tax-inclusive ¥27,800 (about RM1000).

No mention of the games titles in the pack, this SKU will debut on March 6th, 2008.