Firmware 2.41 Available

After all the troubles and problems with the new Firmware, they have come up with another update. With the new Firmware 2.41, it should fix all the XBM issues that the old Firmware had. The update ought to be released shortly. Eric at Sony had said this,

As many of you know, we released PS3 firmware update v2.40 last week, but had to take it offline temporarily because, for a limited number of users, the XMB wouldn’t display after the update was installed.

It is about time they have fixed this problem. Like I’ve already expressed in countless other posts, Sony has a problem with not having grade A projects on release. Just look at the PS3 and now the Firmware. They should have gone through a more thorough process of testing and should have alleviated this problem in the beginning. Although, it is a relief to finally get this update. Cheers!

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Via: Videogamer247

Tales of Heart screenshots surface

It is official, or nearly so anyway! The next episode in the Tales game will soon make way on to Nintendo’s DS. Tagged Tales of Heart, the game has been developed by Team Destiny and the RPG’s theme song is by Deen. It would feature “Combination Aerial LMBS” battle system and other players would be able to join in the battle if conditions are not met. It has also come to be known that Tales of Heart will feature bonus-cut-scene options. The cut-scenes could be viewed either in 2D or 3D Anime Art or CG animation. But whether both these options would be available in the same version or be a part of different retail versions is still not very clear. The two screenshots that are doing the rounds seem good enough and this could be yet another economic title on the DS.

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Behold, Fable II Collector’s Edition details unveiled

Microsoft and Lionhead have made some announcements regarding Fable II. These include host of details regarding the package contents and the release of a Collector’s Edition. One of these is obviously a price tag of 80 bucks. Fable II Collector’s Edition will come with a bonus disc (which will include a video of the behind-the-scenes making of video). A collectible Hobbe figure, and an Xbox Live trial card are some of the other freebies that gamers can expect. And the in-game content remains mysterious but what is known is that gamers would be required to have Xbox Live account and hence the free trial card.

Also announced are some of the details of the standard edition, which by the way would be $20 cheaper. Three mini gambling games – Keystone (combination of craps and roulette), Spinnerbox (a take on slot machines) and Fortune’s Tower (a luck style of game) – would be available on both the game’s versions. But these mini-games would actually be made available in August itself. The Collector’s Edition of Fable II is available for pre-order and those who go for it would have free access to the Live Arcade compilation, which otherwise would cost 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Release date of Fable II is unconfirmed as of now; nonetheless expect it no later than October.

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Viking Smackdown, a motion sensing iPhone game

Taking after the Wii, the sensation of motion control, the iPhone has a game out that makes use of this function. An ad agency, Hello Viking’, has just released ‘Viking Smackdown’. The game is based around a Safari theme that manages to take control of the phone’s built-in accelerometer. To get the game, you can just visit VikingSmackdown.com from your iPhone’s browser.

The point of the game is try to get your Viking to throw his axe as far as possible by tilting your phone to the side. Once you do this, a power meter appears then just wait for it to fill and then tilt the phone right-side up to send the axe hurtling towards your mark. The farther your axe goes, all the better.

Sony and Nintendo move into Asia

With Sony and Nintendo firmly in place in places like the US, UK, and Japan, they are looking to move further into Asia. In a means to increase revenue and bring gaming to more of the world, Nintendo is set to release 20 Nintendo DS titles in South Korea. Nintendo has already started offering technological assistance to a South Korean game developer, which has been working on titles including a simulation game that makes use of the touch screen on the Nintendo DS.

As for Sony, they are sending in teams of top game writers, developers and whatnot to train people in Taiwan. This could be a good sign for all of you in and around that country. At least we know they are going to be getting some good experience and are going to send out grade A games.

Top 5 RPGs of all-time

Gaming comes in many forms. It can come in FPS, RTS, MMO, RPG, MMORPG and others but we are focusing on the RPG aspect of gaming and what made it, what it is today - with the Top 5 RPG games of all time. We have come up with a list of what has made the RPG class unique and different from all other games with some of the classics and well known appearing on the list. For starters, our number five pick is GTA, San Andreas.

For the hardcore gamer, a New PSP Handgrip

Now available, the PSP 2000. The handgrip that extends the PSP to form a big controller which makes it easier to maneuver and hold. With pearskin on the back for perspiration, this attachment makes it ideal for the hardcore gamer. It fits snug with the PSP and has room for the battery pack and a place to insert the game. For all of you console gamers, this is definitely a must buy for it brings support to the L and R buttons and has a stand function to display in your home as a decoration. With the low price, this is definitely something that should sell fast with great expectations. The supported colors are white and black and the price is around $10 USD.Catch some more pics after the jump.

Bizarre 5 second stopwatch game has Japan (and me) hooked

There are a lot of things I just don’t understand about the Japanese. Like how can they live in such small spaces, how can they bear to have mascots printed on literally everything, and how the hell do they tolerate hentai! Just kidding! But the Japanese really have come up with some rather precarious fads that in the rest of the world would get kids beat up and have office workers termed “the weirdo in accounts” or something like that.

Power yourself with Packard Bell's gaming laptop ipower X2.0

Packard Bell is all guns blazing to enter the gaming arena with its highly customized gaming laptop ipower X2.0; though, a new field for Packard, the gamers notebook may give complex to the likes of Acer Predator and Asus ARES. What attracts me is the clout with which it’s designed solely by Packard Bell having options of either Intel Core 2 Quad or Core 2 Extreme CPUs. Its dimensions reads 510mm x 217mm x 530mm and its black shiny finish makes it the best looking case we’ve ever seen. A Blu-ray drive, 7.1 audio, TV tuner and gaming peripherals together with a corresponding keyboard and monitor are available in addition. Other specs include a 17-inch screen, 2x DDR3 RAM, Bluetooth connectivity and a screen resolution of 1900 x 1200. I am keeping my fingers crossed as it’s due for a release sometime in the 4th quarter.

Source: Pocket-lint

Fourth gen Sony PS2 set for UK launch

A new edition of the bestselling PlayStation 2 video game console is all set to be launched by Sony this October. The fourth generation PS2 is expected to be slimmer than its predecessors with a built-in AC power adaptor. The new model will retain its reputation as an entry-level console which helps first timers to enter the gaming zone though it has already become a cult-favorite with gamers across the world who are expected to lap up the new model as a sort of a coveted bit of gaming memorabilia. The console, which will launch simultaneously in Europe and India, is expected to retain the current price point of £94.99 and not be a discounted version.

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Source: Digital Spy