Firmware 2.4 Well On Its Way

I'm Gon' Need Some Metal Polish

OK...first of all,how come my readers can't send me any cool tips like these?


According to PS3Fanboy.com , somebody left this picture of PSN Trophies that will be available with Firmware 2.40 update. It seems authentic to me, though I am aware of talented digital imaging graduates with no jobs out there....R.C. I'm talking about you. So, it is up to you to decide whther this is real or bogus.

Then, when confusion was still intact at PS3Fanboy, another person who apparently claims to be a developer sends this picture in. Which features a user profile page that shows persons gamer level(which are earned by collecting trophies of all sorts) that gets harder to level up as players level goes up such as in CoD4.This developer person also alleges that, tapping PS button will bring out in-game XMB which will do most of its functions though some features will need players to quit game before accessing. Also, holding PS button will bring out the pre 2.40 menu options.

Verdict: I don't know how trusty these sources are, but it sure looks real.
Click Here to see original article.

PSN Down on 06/24

PlayStation Network will not be accessible on June 24th for a scheduled maintenance that will last approximately 6 hours. The maintenance is supposed to start at 8am PT, and end by 2pm PT. Also, this goes for entire PSN. So, don't try logging onto PS Store either, because it too is down. Well, go out and enjoy some fresh air my fellow gamers, it will be good for you....

A Sad Day in KTG History...

It has been a loong week for me, and it looks to be an even longer one for me, as my beloved PS3 will go under surgery...It turns out, Blu-Ray player on my PlayStation 3 was a faulty product and most PS3 Model#CECHG01's are undergoing repair and/or replacement. But, one thing that was positive in this ordeal has to be Sony Help Center repairing my PS3 that has gone over its warranty period for free. They could have asked the service fee of $149, for it has been a while since warranty expiration. Thank you Sony.

PS3 Gets Firmware Update 2.36

Last week Ps3 owners everywhere received the latest firmware update, 2.36. It doesn't really bring anything new to table. rather, prepares PS3s for the most anticipated update ever in the never ending line of firmware updates,ever perfecting our PlayStation consoles, Firmware update 2.40....ahhh, the goodness of in-game XMB is finally here, with his buddies game trophies(equivalent of gamer points on xbox live)

Battlefield: Bad Company PS3 vs. 360

If these videos are to be believed PS3 is the "clear" winner.

GTA IV Pushes Only 630p On Ps3...Let me Make Things Clear.

Ever since GTAIV launch, fanboys on both sides have been comparing their version of the game.
It is no different than one guy telling another his d***k is bigger than the others, and the other responding "but you only last a minute".
*Both systems have advantages over the next, Ps3 version installs itself in the beginning but then load times are shorter than 360.
*Ps3 suffers from aliasing in comparison, but has less pop-in issues.
*360 reaches higher frame-rate, but both versions seldom drop below acceptable frame-rates and Ps3 has a further draw distance, and clearer signs on buildings and such.

The list goes on and on...but one I personally love, 360 pushes 720p and Ps3 (pushing 630p)can't. It is true that Ps3 version is slightly inferior to 360 counterpart when it comes to counting lines, but that doesn't mean the machine can't push the polygons. It was a decision made by Rockstar to make both versions different, because where Ps3 fails in polygons, it makes up for it by better lighting, better particle effects and more. Also, on a 42" Tv while sitting 4-5' away from the set, the difference of 630p and 720p are almost non-existant(unless you have a bionic eye that counts all 720 lines in an instant). Halo 3 runs at 630p... I don't think much 360 players noticed.

Verdict; there is no clear winner here...just go play a game that borders perfection, whatever system it may be.

Battlefield: Bad Company Preview

Last week, I downloaded playable demo of BF: Bad Company. And I've been playing online ever SINCE! It may not have the realism found in Call of Duty 4, but it sure has a lot of fun packed in. First of all, being able to destroy walls to get to my objective is probably the most satisfying feature in a multi player game(even though, I can't drop in on people by blowing up the ceiling :{ ). When playing Single Player campaign; BC, plays a lot like another FPS published by EA, Black. From how enemies seem to survive half a clip of bullets to how players can get swarmed by what feels like a never ending enemy assault...it feels quite similar to Black. Which is not a bad thing at all...I loved that game, and I can truly say...Bad Company is on the right path to snatch some CoD fans. Even with the 720p only support.

Quake Wars Review!

PS3 Version

Just 2 days ago, I got my hands on Quake Wars...and I have to say, I am a huge fan of the series, or I should say I was until I switched to consoles to get my daily dose of games...Since then, it has been one disappointment after another. I do recognize that Id doesn't really work on console versions themselves, but rather let other studios handle the task, but I'd expect them to be more thorough on their check ups, so the games can be as great as their PC counterparts. Because, this game is nowhere near as good as anyone would expect a game baring the Quake name should be. Also, this game originally came out in '07 for PC. So, by now there should be more improvements on it, instead of porting an uglier version, for any console owner to even consider buying this title.

PC Version

Graphics: 6

The game does have good draw distance, which lets snipers and those using vehicles take shot from really far away. But, that is just about the only good thing I can come up with. Bland and ugly textures followed by uglier character models that move as if someone just copy and paste the codes from Quake 3.



Sounds: 5

There are some useful hints by the AI, letting players know what is happening around them..and just like in graphics department this is the only good thing. Rest of the thing is straight from Quake 3: Arena, down to the cling sound that indicates your hits.



Gameplay: 5

There are quite a few weapons, and the character classes that truly feel different, but with virtually no tutorial on how to utilize them correctly, it is really hard to get into this game. Adding to that, are the weak weapons. One has to really unload on their opponent before they go down. Even sniper rifle need at least two shots before taking down your enemy, unless it is a headshot. But one thing should be clear...in my experience, I saw no lag. Id's engine really delivers on that promise.

Overall: 5.25
It is a rental, if you wish to appreciate just how good a game CoD4 or Vegas 2 is, when played online.

Pictures, courtesy of GameSpot.

Haze Review!

Announced back in E3 ’06, Haze has been in development by Free Radical, the creators of N64’s acclaimed shooters Golden Eye and Perfect Dark, for years. It was first announced for all, Xbox360, Ps3 and Pc. Later on Free Radical dropped 360 and PC versions of the title. But, focusing on one system did not really make any difference to the end result. For a game that had all the time in the world for programming and polishing, it is really bad. In a crappy storyline, Shane Carpenter fight the good fight. But choosing between fighting fractions feels like watching 2004's election episode of South Park. Players are asked to pick between a giant deuche bag and a turd sandwich.

Graphics: 5
When players first start the game, they will realize Free Radical has taken the time to create their own graphics engine, too bad the modeled it after Halo 2’s engine. It certainly could be handled by Xbox, I mean even those details that pop in as player get close to team mates and other character remains from Halo 2 days. Aside from decent particle effects, this game has very dated visuals, from backgrounds to characters, to how the characters move.

Sounds: 4
Audio, is no better than what is offered visually. Horrible voice acting…”Mantel Grunts: Boosh!” more like Deuche! Add, extremely repetitive one-liners to that, which gets even worse as Shane Carpenter joins the rebels, because they are Latin American….we get to hear the same one liner in both English AND Spanish, like it’s an episode of Dora the Explorer.

Controls: 5
Although Haze controls rather well, it still fells missing something due to lack of creative weaponry and number of different baddies, which is 3, Elites and soldiers with 2 kinds of weapons( assault rifle or shotgun). Add, vague waypoints and bugs in every corner…you get Haze.

Presentation: 5
While playing through Haze, I realized it was just too boring to go it alone, so I started hosting an online Campaign. I must Admit, it was really fun playing with 3 other players that will help me when I’m down, unlike my AI teammates who would rather walk all around me, instead of reviving my soon to be dead body. Another thing, AI teammates like to do is; cut in front of me as I’m sniping…so I can take them out at the same time.
I know I keep adding to the list…but put a check mark on cinematic that don’t skip.
And I Conclude this review these words; Rent this game if you wish to try it…but do not waste your money on a purchase.

Overall: 4.75
RENTAL

Know Thy Game Going Ps3 exclusive...

As most of you know, I do not currently own a wii, therefore I have been posting other websites reviews for that console. But recently my buddy who has xbox360, got the red ring of death on his console, he sent it to Microsoft with power brick and everything, when we received it, he plugged everything excitedly just to see that, console he got back was totally fried, we called Microsoft, and they told us to send it back to them right away... Anyhow, cutting to the chase, I refuse to review games on a faulty product that will break every other month.

I apologize to all xbox360 and wii owners for alienating them.