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Friday, June 24, 2005
Resolution Revolution Request HiDef for Nintendo Today!
Resolution Revolution Request HiDef for Nintendo Today!
By: Richard Allen
Looks like some Nintendo fans are upset that the Revolution will not be HiDef. Well here is your chance to make yourself heard! Act now!
Link: Let's Start a Resolution Revolution - Give Us HD, Nintendo!
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D.Vader // 6/24/2005 04:47:00 PM //
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PlayStation 3 Controller Tid-Bit
PlayStation 3 Controller Tid-Bit
By: Richard Allen
It seems the PS3 controller will be smaller then the PS2's, at least if this is the final product. Now most people have clowned this design and have deemed it "the boomerang". I couldn't agree more. However, I would find it hard to believe Sony would change the design without good reason. The Dual Shock II controller was based on the Dual Shock which in turn was based on the original PS1 controller. From face value the new shap will make the shoulder buttons more accessable. It does appear to be more comfortable.
Source:
Actual size of a ps3 controller! - PlayStation 3 - PlayStation.com Forums
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D.Vader // 6/24/2005 04:09:00 PM //
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Nintendo Revolution Ad Puts Launch at March 2006
"This was sent to us from an unconfirmed source via email. It is pure speculation however. The individual claims to have access to non-public info, but says he only works in marketing and not in actual development. Apparently, it depicts an ad campaign to be launched at the same time as the Xbox 360 release later this year.
Personally, I think a March 2006 release to be too early, but your guess is as good as mine. I do like the ad's sophistication though, whether legit or not."
Personally, I think a March 2006 release to be too early, but your guess is as good as mine. I do like the ad's sophistication though, whether legit or not."
This seems fake. How is it that an Advertisement goes without notice except for some anonymous user. Time will tell.
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D.Vader // 6/24/2005 03:51:00 PM //
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Xbox 360 5 times the Rendering Power of other Next Gens?
"In the render bandwidth dept. Is that a good thing? Read on to find out...
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Not only does it allow you to live with deep and bitter regrets about what might have been, occasionally it allows you to look back and unearth hidden gems you didn't even know you possessed.
So it was today as we pored over our notes and recordings from Monday's ELSPA International Games Summit. You may remember we quite fancied the look of ATi's Assassin demo which we thought was probably our first true indication of the Xbox 360's graphical prowess.
We're still working hard to bring you that in all its full graphical glory (hopefully by end of play today) but in the meantime, we've been poring over some details on the 360's Graphical Processor which ATi's Richard Huddy provided during the presentation. Huddy claimed that the 360's GPU will have: "256 Gigabytes per second of render bandwidth," which he said was roughly, "fifty times the power of the original Xbox" and around "five times more than any other next generation console."
It sounds awfully impressive, but to be honest we're not the biggest tech bods on the planet so we're going to leave it to the more graphically gifted amongst you to decipher the significance in the forums below. However from what we can gather from our resident experts and Huddy's claims, render bandwidth is the graphical pipeline which consoles use to splurge all those saucy looking graphics onto your screen.
No matter how fast your console's CPU and GPU are, if you ain't got the bandwidth to make use of them, you might as well be on current gen. It also echoes certain of Microsoft's claims about the PS3's Cell processor at E3 in that it might be fast but the console wouldn't have the bandwidth to make use of that power.
Of course ATi being the supplier of the 360's GPU you can't say they are exactly unbiased but claim and counter-claim all adds to the great next-gen debate. Please feel free to enlighten us further in the forum below."
If this is all ATI can bring to the table to prove their prowess, I am unimpressed. I am certain this isn't the complete presentation, but nothing tells me this is actual gameplay footage. For one there is no first person or third person (avatar) views. I noticed the gentleman's black suit looks like it's made of plastic. It's not nearly as impressive as the Killzone footage. If you can get a high-quality version of that footage you can see the texture of the fabrics and such. I just can't understand how anyone thinks the Xbox 360 will be the king of the hill when hardware is concerned. PS3 is 2 terabytes of power. Xbox is 1. Raw horsepower is no indication of software, that being said faster hardware generally will yeild higher potential. This is proven with the current generation of systems, Xbox is clearly the superior machine over PS2 and GameCube. PS2 maintains it's spot due to the fact they have excellent coffer of developers that make a very wide variety of games for the system.
So it was today as we pored over our notes and recordings from Monday's ELSPA International Games Summit. You may remember we quite fancied the look of ATi's Assassin demo which we thought was probably our first true indication of the Xbox 360's graphical prowess.
We're still working hard to bring you that in all its full graphical glory (hopefully by end of play today) but in the meantime, we've been poring over some details on the 360's Graphical Processor which ATi's Richard Huddy provided during the presentation. Huddy claimed that the 360's GPU will have: "256 Gigabytes per second of render bandwidth," which he said was roughly, "fifty times the power of the original Xbox" and around "five times more than any other next generation console."
It sounds awfully impressive, but to be honest we're not the biggest tech bods on the planet so we're going to leave it to the more graphically gifted amongst you to decipher the significance in the forums below. However from what we can gather from our resident experts and Huddy's claims, render bandwidth is the graphical pipeline which consoles use to splurge all those saucy looking graphics onto your screen.
No matter how fast your console's CPU and GPU are, if you ain't got the bandwidth to make use of them, you might as well be on current gen. It also echoes certain of Microsoft's claims about the PS3's Cell processor at E3 in that it might be fast but the console wouldn't have the bandwidth to make use of that power.
Of course ATi being the supplier of the 360's GPU you can't say they are exactly unbiased but claim and counter-claim all adds to the great next-gen debate. Please feel free to enlighten us further in the forum below."
If this is all ATI can bring to the table to prove their prowess, I am unimpressed. I am certain this isn't the complete presentation, but nothing tells me this is actual gameplay footage. For one there is no first person or third person (avatar) views. I noticed the gentleman's black suit looks like it's made of plastic. It's not nearly as impressive as the Killzone footage. If you can get a high-quality version of that footage you can see the texture of the fabrics and such. I just can't understand how anyone thinks the Xbox 360 will be the king of the hill when hardware is concerned. PS3 is 2 terabytes of power. Xbox is 1. Raw horsepower is no indication of software, that being said faster hardware generally will yeild higher potential. This is proven with the current generation of systems, Xbox is clearly the superior machine over PS2 and GameCube. PS2 maintains it's spot due to the fact they have excellent coffer of developers that make a very wide variety of games for the system.
Related Links:
360 ASSASSIN DEMO REVEALS TRUE NEXT-GEN POTENTIAL
E3: Ruby demo part 1
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D.Vader // 6/24/2005 09:54:00 AM //
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Microsoft explains 1 billion goal with Xbox 360
"If you don't have dreams you have nightmares baby. Twenty five years ago Microsoft said 'let's put a computer on every desk in every home' and everybody thought that was nuts. The people who didn't think that was nuts went off and built very successful companies which changed the world.
I look at gaming and I think there's a false positive in the business where year over year numbers look very good. But we're in an entertainment medium which forces you to buy new stuff and obsolete ourselves very quickly, that's slowing down. We're the entertainment medium which forces you to pay $50 for our experiences, it's unsustainable. We're in the business that's facing higher production costs and we're not going to be able to increase the price of the consumer material. So I look at it and say, it looks good on paper, but if we want true growth we need to grow the market. Collectively we're not doing a good job, so we're not going to sell a billion Xbox 360s, I mean I'd love to, but collectively between handheld, PC and all the consoles, if the industry aspires to be as big as movies, music, TV, books, all the other entertainment mediums then a billion is a good number to aim for.
We could say "We want to be as big as books" but what does that mean? No a billion is a good number to hang your hat on, that's better than saying "we want to be as big as music". Let's go get that audience, that was the challenge I was throwing out to the whole industry and I think everybody has got to go and do their part. The way you guys write about it needs to be more inviting, to explain to people what's exciting about it. What game creators, what the hardware makers, how retail positions it, let's all step it up a notch, because everyone wants to play and it's an unbelievable entertainment medium. Let's step back and go get some more, that's what I meant."
I look at gaming and I think there's a false positive in the business where year over year numbers look very good. But we're in an entertainment medium which forces you to buy new stuff and obsolete ourselves very quickly, that's slowing down. We're the entertainment medium which forces you to pay $50 for our experiences, it's unsustainable. We're in the business that's facing higher production costs and we're not going to be able to increase the price of the consumer material. So I look at it and say, it looks good on paper, but if we want true growth we need to grow the market. Collectively we're not doing a good job, so we're not going to sell a billion Xbox 360s, I mean I'd love to, but collectively between handheld, PC and all the consoles, if the industry aspires to be as big as movies, music, TV, books, all the other entertainment mediums then a billion is a good number to aim for.
We could say "We want to be as big as books" but what does that mean? No a billion is a good number to hang your hat on, that's better than saying "we want to be as big as music". Let's go get that audience, that was the challenge I was throwing out to the whole industry and I think everybody has got to go and do their part. The way you guys write about it needs to be more inviting, to explain to people what's exciting about it. What game creators, what the hardware makers, how retail positions it, let's all step it up a notch, because everyone wants to play and it's an unbelievable entertainment medium. Let's step back and go get some more, that's what I meant."
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D.Vader // 6/24/2005 09:46:00 AM //
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Thursday, June 23, 2005
Is the Nintendo Revolution controller complete?
"I have just heard that Revolution dev kits have been received by at least one Japanese third party developer. The kit includes the controller. Naturally, no word on the big secret. I also cannot say how long this company has had the kit. But at least we know the controller design has been finalised and third party development of Revolution titles is well under way. I cannot name a source, but I can guarantee you this information is 100% accurate."
Whatever this means I don't see any pics from the big N.
Whatever this means I don't see any pics from the big N.
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D.Vader // 6/23/2005 10:10:00 PM //
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Call of Duty 2 Q&A - Xbox 360
We chat to Infinity Ward`s CCO about the forthcoming Call of Duty sequel...
After the tremendous success of Call of Duty the production of the sequel is now well underway on both the PC and Xbox 360 versions. As would be expected a new engine and bundles of new technology are but a couple of the exciting aspects integrated into the title, thus cementing a brand that has already captivated gamers. Call of Duty 2 lets players experience four individual soldier’s stories as they overcome insurmountable odds in multiple campaigns. Players have the freedom to follow each of the four storylines through for the ultimate character-driven experience, or they can engage in the historic battles chronologically for quick hitting action. Derek dela Fuente spoke with Vince Zampella, Chief Creative Officer at Infinity Ward, who created the first offering, about the exciting elements which will go into this much anticipated title!"
After the tremendous success of Call of Duty the production of the sequel is now well underway on both the PC and Xbox 360 versions. As would be expected a new engine and bundles of new technology are but a couple of the exciting aspects integrated into the title, thus cementing a brand that has already captivated gamers. Call of Duty 2 lets players experience four individual soldier’s stories as they overcome insurmountable odds in multiple campaigns. Players have the freedom to follow each of the four storylines through for the ultimate character-driven experience, or they can engage in the historic battles chronologically for quick hitting action. Derek dela Fuente spoke with Vince Zampella, Chief Creative Officer at Infinity Ward, who created the first offering, about the exciting elements which will go into this much anticipated title!"
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D.Vader // 6/23/2005 02:47:00 PM //
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E3 Demo Only Represents 75% of PlayStation 3's Power
"Japanese site says Sony’s PlayStation 3 demo was running on an inferior developer kit that’s 75% speed of final version
Back at Sony's PlayStation 3 presentation at E3, the company and its publishers showed off a number of demos and presentations, some of which were running in real-time on a developer's prototype machine. Naturally, one of the questions that were raised by the audiences was whether the actual console--which hits stores in spring 2006--would be able to run its games with as much graphical integrity. The answer is yes, according to Web site ITmedia, which reports that the finalized PS3 will be exceedingly more powerful than its current developer’s machine.
ITmedia revealed that the Cell chip used in Sony's current PS3 developer machine is running at only 2.4GHz, which is just 75 percent of the actual speed of the machine's final spec of 3.2GHz. The report also reconfirms that the graphics processor unit used in the machine is not the real RSX chip that will be used in the final product, but another GPU that Nvidia has yet to officially announce."
Back at Sony's PlayStation 3 presentation at E3, the company and its publishers showed off a number of demos and presentations, some of which were running in real-time on a developer's prototype machine. Naturally, one of the questions that were raised by the audiences was whether the actual console--which hits stores in spring 2006--would be able to run its games with as much graphical integrity. The answer is yes, according to Web site ITmedia, which reports that the finalized PS3 will be exceedingly more powerful than its current developer’s machine.
ITmedia revealed that the Cell chip used in Sony's current PS3 developer machine is running at only 2.4GHz, which is just 75 percent of the actual speed of the machine's final spec of 3.2GHz. The report also reconfirms that the graphics processor unit used in the machine is not the real RSX chip that will be used in the final product, but another GPU that Nvidia has yet to officially announce."
Related Links:
You looked at the machine for development of Playstation 3 (Google Translated)
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D.Vader // 6/23/2005 09:07:00 AM //
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Sony prepared for Xbox 360 onslaught
"In a direct response to Microsoft's recent tough talk regarding its intention to sell 10 million Xbox 360s in one year, Sony has declared that it's prepared to deal with the competition.
'We're ready,' Sony Computer Entertainment's European president David Reeves defiantly claimed while addressing a crowd at the International Games Summit in London. 'First mover advantage is there if you have momentum, but not really if you're standing still.'
Reeves' bullish comments suggest that the current Xbox's popularity is nowhere near the level it needs to be for Microsoft to have any real advantage.
One person who would probably disagree with this claim is Microsoft's Shane Kim, who in recent months hasn't been shy in pointing out that last Christmas Xbox actually outsold PS2 in the US - a fact that would suggest Microsoft actually does have the momentum required to really damage Sony's market dominance next generation.
So, is Sony really ready for the Xbox 360? Or is the company simply taking the oncoming Microsoft threat too lightly?"
'We're ready,' Sony Computer Entertainment's European president David Reeves defiantly claimed while addressing a crowd at the International Games Summit in London. 'First mover advantage is there if you have momentum, but not really if you're standing still.'
Reeves' bullish comments suggest that the current Xbox's popularity is nowhere near the level it needs to be for Microsoft to have any real advantage.
One person who would probably disagree with this claim is Microsoft's Shane Kim, who in recent months hasn't been shy in pointing out that last Christmas Xbox actually outsold PS2 in the US - a fact that would suggest Microsoft actually does have the momentum required to really damage Sony's market dominance next generation.
So, is Sony really ready for the Xbox 360? Or is the company simply taking the oncoming Microsoft threat too lightly?"
Related Links:
Halo 3 and Fable 2 in the works
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D.Vader // 6/23/2005 09:05:00 AM //
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MicroSoft Japan promises slate of Xbox 360 launch titles
"Xbox boss Yoshihiro Maruyama says gamers can expect seven or eight Japanese-crafted titles at launch; no comment on price or release date.
One of the major impediments to the growth of the Xbox installed base in Japan was the paltry number of titles geared specifically for Japanese gamers, available at launch and during the console's ongoing lifespan.
With former Square Enix executive Yoshihiro Maruyama now guiding Xbox ops in Japan, the story will be different for the 360--or so Maruyama hopes.
In an interview published in the current issue of Famitsu, Maruyama said he expects Japan will see a 'good line-up' of titles at launch--somewhere in the double digit range. He added that seven or eight will be Japanese-developed games.
Maruyama also confirmed that a few of the launch titles will be first-party titles produced by Microsoft Japan. He declined to specify if among the launch titles will be those from noted Japanese game developers Tetsuya Mizuguchi, Hironobu Sakaguchi, or Yoshiki Okamoto--designers already committed to delivering 360 titles.
Maruyama hinted that Okamoto's game would not be included in the launch line-up as his title is still in the "middle stage" of development.
Maruyama said additional titles from Japanese developers are in early prep stages--for release in the future, but that it's too early to disclose what those games are.
When asked if he expects Square Enix to release titles on the Xbox 360, Maruyama said that he hopes they will, and that he continues to lobby with Square Enix officials.
While Maruyama commented previously that the Xbox 360 is being aimed for a Dcember launch in Japan, he told Famitsu that Microsoft is still trying to figure out the exact timing of the launch.
When asked about price, Maruyama was also mum, but said the price would be "within the range of other game machines." Pricing, he said, would be announced before the end of the summer. "
One of the major impediments to the growth of the Xbox installed base in Japan was the paltry number of titles geared specifically for Japanese gamers, available at launch and during the console's ongoing lifespan.
With former Square Enix executive Yoshihiro Maruyama now guiding Xbox ops in Japan, the story will be different for the 360--or so Maruyama hopes.
In an interview published in the current issue of Famitsu, Maruyama said he expects Japan will see a 'good line-up' of titles at launch--somewhere in the double digit range. He added that seven or eight will be Japanese-developed games.
Maruyama also confirmed that a few of the launch titles will be first-party titles produced by Microsoft Japan. He declined to specify if among the launch titles will be those from noted Japanese game developers Tetsuya Mizuguchi, Hironobu Sakaguchi, or Yoshiki Okamoto--designers already committed to delivering 360 titles.
Maruyama hinted that Okamoto's game would not be included in the launch line-up as his title is still in the "middle stage" of development.
Maruyama said additional titles from Japanese developers are in early prep stages--for release in the future, but that it's too early to disclose what those games are.
When asked if he expects Square Enix to release titles on the Xbox 360, Maruyama said that he hopes they will, and that he continues to lobby with Square Enix officials.
While Maruyama commented previously that the Xbox 360 is being aimed for a Dcember launch in Japan, he told Famitsu that Microsoft is still trying to figure out the exact timing of the launch.
When asked about price, Maruyama was also mum, but said the price would be "within the range of other game machines." Pricing, he said, would be announced before the end of the summer. "
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D.Vader // 6/23/2005 09:04:00 AM //
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Nintendo Revolution to be Manufactured in China
"New details on Nintendo's next-gen system emerge.
According to reports from press agency ZAKZAK, Nintendo plans to manufacture its next-generation console in China. Not a surprising move, since Nintendo picked China as the manufacturing location for its current-generation system, the GameCube. The reason, according to Nintendo, is to lower the cost of building the system, which of course lets the company bring systems to market at a much lower cost.
Perhaps more than any other console manufacture, Nintendo has tried to expand its presence in China. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata believes expanding in the East, including not only China but India as well, is an important step in the upcoming console race. Usually, a company will never officially release systems in China, leaving gamers to import them from Japan.
Currently, not much is known about the successor to the GameCube, code-named the Nintendo Revolution. All anyone knows for sure is that Nintendo will make available a vast library of classic Nintendo games for download on the system and that its controller and interface will be highly unconventional. Also of note, is Nintendo's recent confirmation that the Revolution will not support HD."
Perhaps more than any other console manufacture, Nintendo has tried to expand its presence in China. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata believes expanding in the East, including not only China but India as well, is an important step in the upcoming console race. Usually, a company will never officially release systems in China, leaving gamers to import them from Japan.
Currently, not much is known about the successor to the GameCube, code-named the Nintendo Revolution. All anyone knows for sure is that Nintendo will make available a vast library of classic Nintendo games for download on the system and that its controller and interface will be highly unconventional. Also of note, is Nintendo's recent confirmation that the Revolution will not support HD."
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D.Vader // 6/23/2005 09:03:00 AM //
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Wednesday, June 22, 2005
More Nintendo Revolution Controller Images
More Nintendo Revolution Controller Images
By: Richard Allen
Yet another contoller. One appears to have 2 handed ninja-grip action, the other is just a horrible pic, but evidently it has no buttons it works through sensors that detect the movement of the player/controller. I am not making any claims that any of these are real. Most are probably fan mock-ups that have been mistakenly represented as the real mccoy.
Source: Nintendo Revolution controller scan & Rumour : Nintendo Revolution Controller? UPDATE
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 04:41:00 PM //
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Xbox 360 Operating System Tid Bit
"'It's actually derived from the old operating system, so while we use off the shelf parts and if you use the old system, you can see why from a hardware point of view. From a software point of view we looked at some of the core for Windows which was customised around game developers' needs and we've basically taken that same software base and adapted it to the hardware and then enhanced it. So from a game developer point of view, we talked to the Rare folks and we announced we'd moved Kameo from Xbox one to 360, they bought Kameo over to the Power PC platform, I think it took them four weeks, thirteen months ago. If they were to go though that same exercise today, I think it would take a game designer about two days for the same process.'
'Two days of effort to get there, much more effort to take full advantage of it. The APIs are the same, the base system is the same and we've actually taken a lot of the complexity out. The Friends list? The Friends list UI is built in, so we've actually simplified some aspects of the operating system.'"
'Two days of effort to get there, much more effort to take full advantage of it. The APIs are the same, the base system is the same and we've actually taken a lot of the complexity out. The Friends list? The Friends list UI is built in, so we've actually simplified some aspects of the operating system.'"
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 04:32:00 PM //
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Final Fantasy VII Headed for PlayStation 3?
"There has been talk of updated Final Fantasy VII games since the original reached western shores back in 1997. The RPG was a massive success, a blow to Nintendo and a triumph for Sony. Everyone bought it and a new breed of SquareSoft fans were born.
Although we���ve seen four subsequent games and several spin-offs, a true update, set in the Final Fantasy VII universe, is yet to be delivered, in spite of endless rumouring that a new game is underway.
Well today a fresh rumour is awaiting the Internet grindstone, with respected US magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly claiming that there is indeed a new FFVII in the works at Square Enix. And for PlayStation 3, no less.
EGM offers no source for its rumour claim, though this would seem an easy fix to the dual problem of delivering an early-lifecycle RPG to the PlayStation 3 and sating the desire for more FFVII."
Although we���ve seen four subsequent games and several spin-offs, a true update, set in the Final Fantasy VII universe, is yet to be delivered, in spite of endless rumouring that a new game is underway.
Well today a fresh rumour is awaiting the Internet grindstone, with respected US magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly claiming that there is indeed a new FFVII in the works at Square Enix. And for PlayStation 3, no less.
EGM offers no source for its rumour claim, though this would seem an easy fix to the dual problem of delivering an early-lifecycle RPG to the PlayStation 3 and sating the desire for more FFVII."
Related Links:
Final Fantasy VII Tech Demo
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 01:56:00 PM //
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PlayStation 3 Dev Kit & RSX Chip Images
CLICK TO ENLARGE
PlayStation 3 Dev Kit & RSX Chip Images
By: Richard Allen
A european game site called "GameFront" has an image of the PS3 Dev Kit. It's a bit anti climatic, of course they are not trying to sell these to the public, so they aren't very pretty. Also TeamXbox has dug up some alledged RSX GPU images.
Source: www.gamefront.de & www.teamxbox.com
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 01:36:00 PM //
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Ridge Racer Ready for Xbox 360 Launch?
"What new console wouldn’t have a Ridge Racer title at launch? Many rumors have been floating around the web the past few days about the Xbox 360 receiving Ridge Racer as a launch title. This would be very interesting because the current Xbox doesn’t even have a Ridge Racer title.
Many of the rumors state that this would be a brand new Ridge Racer built from the ground up exclusively for the console. Who knows, though? We will report on any updates as soon as it becomes available."
Many of the rumors state that this would be a brand new Ridge Racer built from the ground up exclusively for the console. Who knows, though? We will report on any updates as soon as it becomes available."
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 01:08:00 PM //
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160-180 Million Units of Xbox 360, PS3 & Revolutions by 2007
"Microsoft corporate VP Peter Moore said that he expects the games market to grow to 160 to 180 million hardware units in the next-generation; at present, the combined installed base of the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube is around 130 million units.
He reiterated his colleague J Allard's comment, made at E3 last month in Los Angeles, that the next-generation could touch a 'billion consumers' - but clarified slightly, saying that he was referring to the industry as a whole, including all three next-generation consoles, rather than simply to Xbox 360.
Speaking about the factors which will drive the growth of the next generation, Moore talked about the industry's need to broaden its audience, both geographically and demographically - and highlighted the growth of high definition television as a key factor which will drive next-gen consoles to new consumers"
He reiterated his colleague J Allard's comment, made at E3 last month in Los Angeles, that the next-generation could touch a 'billion consumers' - but clarified slightly, saying that he was referring to the industry as a whole, including all three next-generation consoles, rather than simply to Xbox 360.
Speaking about the factors which will drive the growth of the next generation, Moore talked about the industry's need to broaden its audience, both geographically and demographically - and highlighted the growth of high definition television as a key factor which will drive next-gen consoles to new consumers"
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 09:06:00 AM //
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Will the real Nintendo Revolution please stand up!?!?
"Shady source sends suspicious pics of Nintendo's next-gen console - will it be called Revo?
The web has been awash with unofficial, unconfirmed and sometimes downright unconvincing images of Nintendo's Revolution and its controller for months now.
And even though president Satoru Iwata unveiled the console at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, that hasn't stopped the shady pics spilling forth.
The latest batch of images landing on our desktops in a brown paper email show off a slightly redesigned Revolution casing, a new logo and a new shortened name - Revo. Still no sign of the Revolution's enigmatic controller, though.
The source of these images - who wishes to remain anonymous - claims to have a friend working for an advertising agency with links to Nintendo. These images are allegedly concept work intended exclusively for internal use amongst high-ranking Nintendo of America executives.
When we contacted Nintendo to check out the images we were unsurprisingly hit with the standard response: "Nintendo does not comment on internet rumours and speculation."
So, again, we should emphasise that these images are totally unofficial.
The redesigned Revolution shown in these images is slightly slimmer than the model shown at E3, has a less glossy casing, and has an 'R' logo engraved into the side of the console. Another image shows this logo in detail. While like everything contained in these images it remains totally unofficial, it certainly looks better than the dull logo paraded at E3.
Our source also claimed that Nintendo plans to shorten the Revolution name to 'Revo'. An Italian company is said to already own the trademark, but our source mentions that Nintendo is in negotiation to use it.
These images also offer a possible glimpse into Nintendo's plans for advertising and marketing the Revolution. Our source claims it will be Nintendo's darkest and most adult campaign yet, focussing on change and aggressively attacking the competition. You can see this rumoured attitude in the phrases "Every once in a while... Things change for the better," and "Message for the competition: Game Over."
Finally, the source claims that while no-one knows exactly when the Revolution will launch it will hit shelves sooner than expected. He claims that Nintendo does not want to lag too far behind Sony and Microsoft, and wants to surprise them with a shock launch.
Grind the gristle in your own rumour mill by checking out the images, and we'll keep you up to date with the latest official - and unofficial - next-gen happenings."
The web has been awash with unofficial, unconfirmed and sometimes downright unconvincing images of Nintendo's Revolution and its controller for months now.
And even though president Satoru Iwata unveiled the console at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, that hasn't stopped the shady pics spilling forth.
The latest batch of images landing on our desktops in a brown paper email show off a slightly redesigned Revolution casing, a new logo and a new shortened name - Revo. Still no sign of the Revolution's enigmatic controller, though.
The source of these images - who wishes to remain anonymous - claims to have a friend working for an advertising agency with links to Nintendo. These images are allegedly concept work intended exclusively for internal use amongst high-ranking Nintendo of America executives.
When we contacted Nintendo to check out the images we were unsurprisingly hit with the standard response: "Nintendo does not comment on internet rumours and speculation."
So, again, we should emphasise that these images are totally unofficial.
The redesigned Revolution shown in these images is slightly slimmer than the model shown at E3, has a less glossy casing, and has an 'R' logo engraved into the side of the console. Another image shows this logo in detail. While like everything contained in these images it remains totally unofficial, it certainly looks better than the dull logo paraded at E3.
Our source also claimed that Nintendo plans to shorten the Revolution name to 'Revo'. An Italian company is said to already own the trademark, but our source mentions that Nintendo is in negotiation to use it.
These images also offer a possible glimpse into Nintendo's plans for advertising and marketing the Revolution. Our source claims it will be Nintendo's darkest and most adult campaign yet, focussing on change and aggressively attacking the competition. You can see this rumoured attitude in the phrases "Every once in a while... Things change for the better," and "Message for the competition: Game Over."
Finally, the source claims that while no-one knows exactly when the Revolution will launch it will hit shelves sooner than expected. He claims that Nintendo does not want to lag too far behind Sony and Microsoft, and wants to surprise them with a shock launch.
Grind the gristle in your own rumour mill by checking out the images, and we'll keep you up to date with the latest official - and unofficial - next-gen happenings."
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D.Vader // 6/22/2005 09:02:00 AM //
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Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Microsoft aims for 10m Xbox 360s within 16 Months!
"Microsoft wants to sell 10 million units of the Xbox 360 within 12 to 16 months of the launch of its next generation games console.
The target was announced by Xbox marketing boss Peter Moore at a video games conference in London.
The 360 is due to go on sale before Christmas in the US, Europe, and Japan.
Sony's PlayStation 3 is due out in spring 2006 and Nintendo's Revolution later next year. Microsoft is counting on being first with its Xbox 360.
It wants to take an early lead in the battle to dominate the next generation of consoles."
The target was announced by Xbox marketing boss Peter Moore at a video games conference in London.
The 360 is due to go on sale before Christmas in the US, Europe, and Japan.
Sony's PlayStation 3 is due out in spring 2006 and Nintendo's Revolution later next year. Microsoft is counting on being first with its Xbox 360.
It wants to take an early lead in the battle to dominate the next generation of consoles."
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D.Vader // 6/21/2005 11:56:00 AM //
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PS3 Worldwide spring 2006 or Q3 2006?
2 conflicting stories have hit the net, one says PS3 by Spring 2006 the other says by Q3 2006. What's true? At this point it's to early to tell. I believe Sony is still on the Spring 2006 worldwide kick. I am not sure where UBI is alluding to a Q3 2006 release. Now hopefully this won't fall under the Duke Nukem Forever category, "it's done when it's done". Both stories are quoted below.
"PlayStation 3 fans might not want to hear this news, but remember, this is only an 'estimation'. Third-party video game publisher Ubisoft is estimating a launch in the third-quarter 2006.
Ubisoft are among the first to know specifics related to hardware production schedules in order to coordinate development time for future games. Ubisoft's estimation will have the PS3 launching close to one year after Microsoft's Xbox 360.
Microsoft Xbox 360 is scheduled to release in November 2005.
A launch one year after Xbox 360 would secure Microsoft game sales even before the PlayStation 3 hits the store shelves. Such a gamble is unlikely for Sony, which is determined to continue the next-generation console domination.
Only time will tell."
Ubisoft are among the first to know specifics related to hardware production schedules in order to coordinate development time for future games. Ubisoft's estimation will have the PS3 launching close to one year after Microsoft's Xbox 360.
Microsoft Xbox 360 is scheduled to release in November 2005.
A launch one year after Xbox 360 would secure Microsoft game sales even before the PlayStation 3 hits the store shelves. Such a gamble is unlikely for Sony, which is determined to continue the next-generation console domination.
Only time will tell."
"Sony exec's hopeful expression of PS3's UK release starts simultaneous worldwide launch speculation
The possibility of a worldwide launch of Sony's PlayStation 3 hardware has been mooted by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss David Reeves, after he made a gentle and easy-to-misinterpret remark regarding the console's launch.
Speaking at the ELSPA International Games Summit in London this morning, the SCEE president and COO remarked, "I like to think the PS3 will launch in Europe around the same time as Kutaragi-san has already mentioned - spring 2006."
Despite being far from official confirmation, this brief hint at the Euro arrival, which matches the date set for the Japanese launch by PlayStation MacDaddy Ken Kutaragi, has sparked speculation suggesting that Sony is also now intending to perform a simultaneous worldwide launch in order to minimise the advantage that the Xbox 360 could take from its own early arrival.
A worldwide release would be a good move for Sony, minimising the effect of Microsoft's own worldwide launch of the Xbox 360 and damaging the company's chances of meeting its bold '10-million-consoles-in-one-year' claim.
It was generally expected that the PS3 would not make it to Europe until Christmas 2006 at the very earliest, which would give the Xbox 360 a whole year head start in the region.
This could, potentially, be a massive blow for Sony as Europe is the company's second-biggest region worldwide, with only the US boasting a bigger installed user base."
The possibility of a worldwide launch of Sony's PlayStation 3 hardware has been mooted by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss David Reeves, after he made a gentle and easy-to-misinterpret remark regarding the console's launch.
Speaking at the ELSPA International Games Summit in London this morning, the SCEE president and COO remarked, "I like to think the PS3 will launch in Europe around the same time as Kutaragi-san has already mentioned - spring 2006."
Despite being far from official confirmation, this brief hint at the Euro arrival, which matches the date set for the Japanese launch by PlayStation MacDaddy Ken Kutaragi, has sparked speculation suggesting that Sony is also now intending to perform a simultaneous worldwide launch in order to minimise the advantage that the Xbox 360 could take from its own early arrival.
A worldwide release would be a good move for Sony, minimising the effect of Microsoft's own worldwide launch of the Xbox 360 and damaging the company's chances of meeting its bold '10-million-consoles-in-one-year' claim.
It was generally expected that the PS3 would not make it to Europe until Christmas 2006 at the very earliest, which would give the Xbox 360 a whole year head start in the region.
This could, potentially, be a massive blow for Sony as Europe is the company's second-biggest region worldwide, with only the US boasting a bigger installed user base."
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D.Vader // 6/21/2005 11:52:00 AM //
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Nintendo Revolution games set to retail at $60
"Video game retailer GameStop has listed several Nintendo Revolution software titles to its online store with a retail price of $59.99.
Games currently listed include Mario Revolution, Super Smash Bros. Revolution, Zelda Revolution, and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Revolution.
The $60 price tag follows the footsteps of rival Microsoft's Xbox 360 games, all of which have been set at $59.99.
Current video games retail for $39.99 - $49.99.
Nintendo has not confirmed the retail pricing of the Revolution or games, but the system is expected to cost less than Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3.
The jump in video game prices are a result of high development costs for new video game hardware and software. Next-generation video game systems like Revolution, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3, will incorporte state-of-the-art processors and graphics chips to create stunning graphics.
Video game projects are now multi-million dollar investments that require scripts, storyboards, and music composition, similar to the Hollywood feature film.
While Nintendo could adopt lower pricing to Revolution games, it may want to stay at level competition with Sony and Microsoft in order to maintain a larger profit and not undervalue Revolution titles.
Nintendo is expected to reveal more about Revolution before the end of 2005."
Now what about PS3 being a Special Steak Dinner?
Games currently listed include Mario Revolution, Super Smash Bros. Revolution, Zelda Revolution, and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Revolution.
The $60 price tag follows the footsteps of rival Microsoft's Xbox 360 games, all of which have been set at $59.99.
Current video games retail for $39.99 - $49.99.
Nintendo has not confirmed the retail pricing of the Revolution or games, but the system is expected to cost less than Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3.
The jump in video game prices are a result of high development costs for new video game hardware and software. Next-generation video game systems like Revolution, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3, will incorporte state-of-the-art processors and graphics chips to create stunning graphics.
Video game projects are now multi-million dollar investments that require scripts, storyboards, and music composition, similar to the Hollywood feature film.
While Nintendo could adopt lower pricing to Revolution games, it may want to stay at level competition with Sony and Microsoft in order to maintain a larger profit and not undervalue Revolution titles.
Nintendo is expected to reveal more about Revolution before the end of 2005."
Now what about PS3 being a Special Steak Dinner?
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D.Vader // 6/21/2005 11:14:00 AM //
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Monday, June 20, 2005
World Of Warcraft May Come to Xbox 360
"Blizzard is known for making outstanding PC games in almost any genre, but now it may try to dominate the console world as well. With it's recent success with World Of Warcraft, Blizzard may be looking to expand it's user base. And what better place than the next generation of consoles that will have better online functionality in the form of the next XBOX Live?
'We've been in contact with Microsoft...,' said Paul Sams, VP of Business Operations at Blizzard. 'World of Warcraft was really built with a focus on PC, and while I think it certainly could get to Xbox, it's not something that at this moment we've decided to do.'
With MMORPG games like Phantasy Star, Everquest, and Final Fantasy XI all having a prior claim to the console MMO market, World Of Warcraft would be stepping into a whole new ball game. Especially with the lack of keyboard and mouse for consoles, which is what may be holding Blizzard back. So at this point in time, its more or less a waiting game."
'We've been in contact with Microsoft...,' said Paul Sams, VP of Business Operations at Blizzard. 'World of Warcraft was really built with a focus on PC, and while I think it certainly could get to Xbox, it's not something that at this moment we've decided to do.'
With MMORPG games like Phantasy Star, Everquest, and Final Fantasy XI all having a prior claim to the console MMO market, World Of Warcraft would be stepping into a whole new ball game. Especially with the lack of keyboard and mouse for consoles, which is what may be holding Blizzard back. So at this point in time, its more or less a waiting game."
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D.Vader // 6/20/2005 11:14:00 AM //
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Early Next-Gen Analysis Shows PS3 as Leader
"DFC Intelligence will be releasing detailed forecasts in June. As mentioned we will be releasing multiple scenarios for the industry, and these scenarios will be constantly revisited over the next several years. Right now, our best case scenario for each system has the Xbox 360 at 40%, the PlayStation 3 at 50% and the Revolution at 35%. Obviously these scenarios are mutually exclusive, the best case scenario for the 360 is definitely not the best case scenario for the PS3 or Revolution and vice versa.
The main point we stress with our forecasts is flexibility. The interactive entertainment market is driven by hit products that simply can not be created by will, even from the largest company with the best business plan. Nintendo once looked invincible, now many have written them off. It is surprising how big players can face sudden falls from grace. Beware of any publisher that puts too much investment into any one system. Successful publishers will have their eggs spread across many baskets. DFC Intelligence releases all kinds of numbers designed as roadmap for the future. Nevertheless, predicting the future is something we always do with the caveat that we could easily be wrong. Proceed with caution."
This is a very long winded article, but contains some very good points. As the article points out these forecasts are always in motion.
The main point we stress with our forecasts is flexibility. The interactive entertainment market is driven by hit products that simply can not be created by will, even from the largest company with the best business plan. Nintendo once looked invincible, now many have written them off. It is surprising how big players can face sudden falls from grace. Beware of any publisher that puts too much investment into any one system. Successful publishers will have their eggs spread across many baskets. DFC Intelligence releases all kinds of numbers designed as roadmap for the future. Nevertheless, predicting the future is something we always do with the caveat that we could easily be wrong. Proceed with caution."
This is a very long winded article, but contains some very good points. As the article points out these forecasts are always in motion.
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D.Vader // 6/20/2005 11:10:00 AM //
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Sunday, June 19, 2005
Kameo: Elements of Power Xbox 360 Screenshots
Image Source: ign.com
Voodoo Extreme has some screenshots of Kameo. Looks to be more of a "kiddy" title. More information below.
Related Links:
Kameo: Elements of Power Xbox 360 Screenshots
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D.Vader // 6/19/2005 07:24:00 PM //
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