PS3s Suffering From Global Network Lockdown [Psn]

All around the world, PlayStation 3 consoles simply aren’t working like they’re supposed to, with a PlayStation Network error preventing people from not just going online, but from playing some PS3 games offline as well. From Europe to the Americas to, well, my house in Australia, users (mostly of older “Fat” consoles, those released before 2009’s “PS3 Slim”) are complaining that upon booting their consoles up, they’re unable to sign into their accounts, check their trophies, use dynamic themes or access the PlayStation Network. That’s fine, Sony say there are PSN connection problems, and that they are “looking into it”. Problem is, the error does more than just prevent you from going online. It prevents you from playing certain games offline as well. The screen above is what I was greeted with when attempting to play Heavy Rain, and pressing out of it simply reboots the PS3, returning you to the main menu screen. It’s the same story for other games that feature dynamic trophy support. Sony say “stay tuned” for updates on the problem. In turn, we’ve emailed Sony for comment and will update if we hear anything more. While theories abound that this has something to do with the calendar (some users are reporting their date/time settings have been reset), bear in mind Sony has redesigned its PlayStation website over the weekend, so it’s likely the result of some tinkering under the hood for the PlayStation Network. Whichever it is, though, you have to wonder at the design process that turns a network outage into something stopping you from playing an offline, singleplayer title.

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PS3s Suffering From Global Network Lockdown [Psn]

DSi XL Hits North America Next Month For $190 [Live]

The DSi XL hits North America on March 28 for $189.99, Nintendo of America’s Cammie Dunaway told a group of writers gathered in San Francisco for the Nintendo Summit this morning. The DSi XL includes a larger screen and super-sized stylus. Dunaway also announced during the kick off to the event that “100 Classic Books” for the DSi XL will shop on June 15 for $19.99 and includes classics like Bram Stokers Dracula. You will, Dunaway said, hold the XL like a book to read on it. Check out our full, hands-on review of the Japanese version of the over-sized system here . Make sure to check back throughout today and tomorrow for our breaking news, previews and impressions from today’s event which includes 15 Wii games and eight DS titles.

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DSi XL Hits North America Next Month For $190 [Live]

DSi XL Hits North America Next Month For $190 [Live]

The DSi XL hits North America on March 28 for $189.99, Nintendo of America’s Cammie Dunaway told a group of writers gathered in San Francisco for the Nintendo Summit this morning. The DSi XL includes a larger screen and super-sized stylus. Dunaway also announced during the kick off to the event that “100 Classic Books” for the DSi XL will shop on June 15 for $19.99 and includes classics like Bram Stokers Dracula. You will, Dunaway said, hold the XL like a book to read on it. Check out our full, hands-on review of the Japanese version of the over-sized system here . Make sure to check back throughout today and tomorrow for our breaking news, previews and impressions from today’s event which includes 15 Wii games and eight DS titles.

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DSi XL Hits North America Next Month For $190 [Live]

Mark Beaumont, Capcom COO, Dies Suddenly [Update] [Breaking]

Capcom has announced that Mark Beaumont, its chief operating officer for North America and Europe, died suddenly this morning. Beaumont, in his late 50s, was officially Capcom’s executive vice president, officer and Head of North America, South America and Europe consumer software publishing. He was promoted to the position in 2008. He joined Capcom in 2005 from Midway, where he had been the executive vice president for publishing at Midway before joining Capcom in 2005. MCV reported the cause of death as a heart attack. Reached by Kotaku, Capcom representatives declined all comment beyond this statement, released by the company at 4:14 U.S. Mountain time: Our COO and dear friend, Mark Beaumont, passed away this morning. This sudden loss has left us with deep sadness. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We will remember him for his humor, passion and commitment to Capcom and our industry. He was a great leader and visionary and his spirit will carry on in everything that we do. Please join us in memory of Mark.

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Mark Beaumont, Capcom COO, Dies Suddenly [Update] [Breaking]

Want The Heavy Rain Demo Right Now? Here’s How… [Top]

Upcoming psychological thriller Heavy Rain won’t be out until February 23. The game’s demo is not scheduled until February 11. Today is February 5. So what, let’s get the demo. Sony has launched a website called “Precinct 52″, an alternate reality game of sort. This ARG asks players to submit four pieces of evidence. For those who want to play the ARG, stop now. For those who do not want to play the ARG and would like to submit the correct evidence (at least, correct at time of publishing) and get the demo right now, continue. Okay? Okay. The four pieces of evidence are: • Short cigarette (117b) • Origami bird • Coffee shop C (it says “diner”) • 117h (tyre tracks). Be care about which coffee shop you pick as there are several, and you must submit the correct one to get the code. Likewise, the writing on the “tyre tracks” is difficult to read. Precinct 52 [Sony Thanks dreamfall for the tip!]

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Want The Heavy Rain Demo Right Now? Here’s How… [Top]

Project Needlemouse Is… Sonic 4, Episode I [Breaking]

SEGA has announced Sonic 4: Episode I. It is, as GameSpot reports, a 2D downloadable game with 3D visuals. The announcement is part of the Project Needlemouse build up SEGA has been pushing since last September 2009. “Needlemouse” refers to Sonic’s codename when the game that would become Sonic The Hedgehog was initially being pitched. While teasing this Project Needlemouse project, SEGA has stated that the game is a return to Sonic’s 2D roots and that the blue hedgehog will be the only playable character. The game will pick up after Sonic & Knucles, but, as “Episode I” indicates, this is a new story arc. When asked if this means the title is episodic, associate brand manager Ken Balough told GameSpot: “As mentioned, I think the best way to view it is as a first part in a much larger adventure. When Sega released Sonic 3, ultimately it was the part 1 of a story that saw its conclusion in Sonic & Knuckles. In that same spirit, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a bigger story, and this is that first chapter. I think it’s also safe to say that by the end of the episode one, fans will be very excited to see what’s in store for episode two!” So that’s a “yes” to episodic Sonic? The game will feature traditional Sonic mechanics like spin dash, power sneakers and whatnot, but also an added “homing attack”. Sonic 4: Episode I will be heading to the PSN, Xbox LIVE Arcade and WiiWare this summer. It’s possible to use motion control with the Wii version and SIXAXIS controls with the PS3 version. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 Q&A [GameSpot]

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Project Needlemouse Is… Sonic 4, Episode I [Breaking]

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City Announced for PS3 and PC [Breaking]

Released on the Xbox 360 in October 2009, Grand Theft Auto : Episodes from Liberty City is coming to the PlayStation 3 and Games for Windows – LIVE. Episodes from Liberty City is a compilation of the episodic downloadable content for Grand Theft Auto IV and includes expansion packs The Lost and Damned (originally released on Xbox LIVE in February 2009) and The Ballad of Gay Tony (originally released in October 2009). “It’s been a long time coming, but we are proud to finally deliver Episodes From Liberty City for the PC and PlayStation 3,” said Sam Houser. “We appreciate the patience of our PlayStation 3 and PC fans worldwide, and we look forward to putting the games in your hands this March.” Both episodes will be available together on one disc on March 30. The PS3 version is priced at US$39.99, and the episodes are individually available on the PlayStation Network for $19.99 each. According to the title’s publisher, Games for Windows – LIVE players can enjoy 32-player multiplayer matches and an advanced video editor, and all fans will experience new songs on the updated soundtrack as featured across Liberty City’s 13 diverse radio stations, alongside in-game television and Liberty City’s own internet.

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Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City Announced for PS3 and PC [Breaking]

Strong Line-Up of DLC for Guitar Hero 5 Coming in February

Guitar Hero cranks up the heat in February with a strong lineup of weekly downloadable songs that are sure to satisfy fans’ musical appetites; some examples are Black Sabbath, 30 Seconds to Mars, Breaking Benjamin, and more.

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Strong Line-Up of DLC for Guitar Hero 5 Coming in February

Strong Line-Up of DLC for Guitar Hero 5 Coming in February

Guitar Hero cranks up the heat in February with a strong lineup of weekly downloadable songs that are sure to satisfy fans’ musical appetites; some examples are Black Sabbath, 30 Seconds to Mars, Breaking Benjamin, and more.

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Strong Line-Up of DLC for Guitar Hero 5 Coming in February

Japanese Newspaper Denies It "Misinterpreted" Nintendo DS Successor Claims [Breaking]

Speaking with Japanese newspaper the Asahi Shimbun, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata was quoted about the DS handheld’s successor. Nintendo has since claimed that Iwata’s comments were ” misinterpretated “. That newspaper has fired back, saying its reporting was indeed accurate. Nintendo took issue with the original reporting by the Asahi Shimbun, stating that the paper’s reporter ran something that the Nintendo chief didn’t say. Kotaku posted a direct translation of Iwata’s remarks about a DS successor: “[It will have] highly detailed graphics, and it will be necessary to have a sensor with the ability to read the movements of people playing.” When asked for a comment, Charlie Scibetta, Nintendo of America’s senior director of corporate communications told Kotaku, “Mr. Iwata did not make any comments regarding the functions of Nintendo’s future hardware systems. The answer to the reporter’s question was misinterpreted.” Kotaku Japan contacted the Asahi Shimbun regarding Nintendo of America’s claim that the answer was misinterpreted by the reporter. The newspaper, one of the largest and most respected in Japan, issued this statement (below) to Kotaku Japan : “The article quoted Nintendo President Satoru Iwata’s comment accurately.” Kotaku’s translation of Iwata’s comments in question are accurate as well. Asahi Issues Statement [Kotaku Japan]

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Japanese Newspaper Denies It "Misinterpreted" Nintendo DS Successor Claims [Breaking]

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