New Firmware Makes PS3 Social
July 2nd 2008 12:39
One of the major weapons of PS3 bashers since it’s inception has been the almost total lack of social compatibility online. Compared to the 360 (Or so I’ve been told since I don’t play one) the PS3’s online experience has been very lackluster, not even allowing you to invite someone into a game while playing. But, the greatest thing about the Playstation 3 is it’s almost creepy ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its users, and this need is no exception.
On Monday, Sony officially announced the newest firmware update, 2.40 which is due for release today and will answer the cries of online gaming junkies everywhere. You know that nifty Xross Media Bar (XMB), the user interface of the PS3 and the PSP’s home screen? Well, the new firmware update will allow you to access the XMB and all of its features in-game. That's right, you can scroll over to the Network option and shoot an invite to a friend, and on some titles, you’ll even be allowed to access your music collection in place of the game default music.
According to Sony, the in-game XMB access will not only be limited to multi-player. It sounds as though it will entirely replace the black, limited option screen you’re brought to by pressing the PS button. This will allow you to configure your system settings, monitor your downloads, sign in to the Playstation Network all while in the game. I assume that you will also be able to quit the game and shut off the controller and system as well.
The update will also include a trophy system for select online titles with bronze, silver and gold trophies to be awarded upon completion of several titles. According to the official press release announcement:
“Super Stardust™ HD, a PLAYSTATION Network-exclusive released in June 2007, will be the first game to leverage the Trophies system and will offer a variety of trophies*. The following first-party games are also slated to offer Trophy support:
* BUZZ!™ Quiz TV
* LittleBigPlanet™
* MotorStorm™ Pacific Rift
* NBA 09 - PS3
* PAIN*
* PixelJunk™ Eden
* Resistance 2™
* SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
* Warhawk™*
*Requires a game update to be downloaded and installed.”
No mention yet of a release date for the on-demand video, but I’m sure that it’s not far off. Even die-hard XBOX fans have to admit that Playstation 3 has come along way since it’s sub-par debut. Sony has been smart enough to realize that their worst critics and most trusted advisers are the people who buy and use their product, and have engineered a system which is constantly reshaping to fit those needs.
In this writer’s opinion, the only reason why Sony should even think about a PS4 (and probably already are) is because most of their market is capitalist, and sooner or later they will have to release something new to compete. With proper firmware updates, this system has potential to stay relevant for years to come. Eventually processor speed, hard-drive storage and RAM will catch up to them, but the sheer capability of this machine is staggering in comparison to anything of it’s kind on the market, and that is not just my bias talking. I think anyone with a passion for gaming, or even a much more vague passion for home entertainment in general, really must agree.
On Monday, Sony officially announced the newest firmware update, 2.40 which is due for release today and will answer the cries of online gaming junkies everywhere. You know that nifty Xross Media Bar (XMB), the user interface of the PS3 and the PSP’s home screen? Well, the new firmware update will allow you to access the XMB and all of its features in-game. That's right, you can scroll over to the Network option and shoot an invite to a friend, and on some titles, you’ll even be allowed to access your music collection in place of the game default music.
According to Sony, the in-game XMB access will not only be limited to multi-player. It sounds as though it will entirely replace the black, limited option screen you’re brought to by pressing the PS button. This will allow you to configure your system settings, monitor your downloads, sign in to the Playstation Network all while in the game. I assume that you will also be able to quit the game and shut off the controller and system as well.
The update will also include a trophy system for select online titles with bronze, silver and gold trophies to be awarded upon completion of several titles. According to the official press release announcement:
“Super Stardust™ HD, a PLAYSTATION Network-exclusive released in June 2007, will be the first game to leverage the Trophies system and will offer a variety of trophies*. The following first-party games are also slated to offer Trophy support:
* BUZZ!™ Quiz TV
* LittleBigPlanet™
* MotorStorm™ Pacific Rift
* NBA 09 - PS3
* PAIN*
* PixelJunk™ Eden
* Resistance 2™
* SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
* Warhawk™*
*Requires a game update to be downloaded and installed.”
No mention yet of a release date for the on-demand video, but I’m sure that it’s not far off. Even die-hard XBOX fans have to admit that Playstation 3 has come along way since it’s sub-par debut. Sony has been smart enough to realize that their worst critics and most trusted advisers are the people who buy and use their product, and have engineered a system which is constantly reshaping to fit those needs.
In this writer’s opinion, the only reason why Sony should even think about a PS4 (and probably already are) is because most of their market is capitalist, and sooner or later they will have to release something new to compete. With proper firmware updates, this system has potential to stay relevant for years to come. Eventually processor speed, hard-drive storage and RAM will catch up to them, but the sheer capability of this machine is staggering in comparison to anything of it’s kind on the market, and that is not just my bias talking. I think anyone with a passion for gaming, or even a much more vague passion for home entertainment in general, really must agree.
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