SplitFish has announced a new technology it has developed to bring "force feedback technology" to the PS3's SIXAXIS rumble-less controller. Just how does this work? We'll let SplitFish describe it!
From SplitFish: "This low power consumption force feedback technology called "Sensor
Effects -- SensorFX" uses no moving parts to produce meaningful sensory
feedback. A broad range of intensity and sensation compliment the ability
to derive feedback sensations from isolated areas on the controller, to
isolate one side or the other, movement from front to back or all areas at
the same time. As an example, a gamer playing a race game can feel
variations in pulse, strength and collision location and to feel intensity
differences between a smooth guardrail swipe and a full frontal slam into a
wall.
The SensorFX feedback system can be sold as an add-on to existing
controllers or as an imbedded feature that is part of a standard
controller. The SensorFX PS3 add-on version is simply connected to the USB
plug on the PS3 controller, similar to SplitFish's MotionFX.
The patent pending SensorFX has two modes, one for games that have
force feedback support already built in and the other mode that relies on
motion tilt sensing and button use and other actions to trigger the
SensorFX tactile feedback. SplitFish will work with video game publishers
and next-generation hardware manufacturers in an effort to establish
standards for this directional force feedback technology."
We'll post images as soon as they are available. SplitFish has previously managed to merge control technologies that are a gaming generation apart. Watch for our upcoming video review of SplitFish's MotionFX add-on for the PS2's DualShock controller, which brings motion controls to Playstation 2 games. We'll post a link here.
Microsoft has released a list of ten games destined for the Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA). Starting in Februrary, here's a list of what is to come to XBLA (not in order of release):
- 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
- Alien Hominid HD
- Band of Bugs
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Catan
- Eets: Chowdown
- LUXOR 2
- Paperboy
- Root Beer Tapper
- Worms
SEGA has launched the official web site for Armored Core 4. Check out screenshots, movies and more at the site. Armored Core 4 is coming to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in March 2007.
From the site: "Armored Core 4 takes full advantage of next-generation hardware to bring you a brand new gameplay experience, while also featuring improved versions of familiar mech battle elements and AC parts.
The new AC program engine, redesigned from the ground up, brings faster action, smoother controls, endless battlefields, and the deepest, most intuitive mech customization system ever designed."
Today, THQ announced that Saints Row will be headed to the PS3 in Spring 2007. The "sandbox" action game crosses over to the PS3 from its previous Xbox 360 release.
The press release notes: "Developed by renowned internal studio Volition, Inc., Saints Row brings the hugely popular open-world genre to Sony's new console for the first time and will mark the first open world online experience available through the PLAYSTATION(R) Network.
"Saints Row has established itself as one of the most successful original properties in next generation gaming, and we're excited to bring the groundbreaking experience to PLAYSTATION 3 system fans worldwide," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "Bringing the open-world genre to the PLAYSTATION 3 system for the first time will help grow the Saints Row fan base and expand the open-world online community."
A demo for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (GRAW2) is now available from the Xbox 360's Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo is about 626 megs. In addition to the demo, a 480p and 720p gameplay music video with the exclusive "Gimme Danger" music track by Frank Black is available for download.
From the Xbox 360 Dashboard: "Following up the 2006 platinum seller Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (GRAW), Ubisoft brings the sequel GRAW2, with more of what fans loved about the original with 12 single player missions, 14 multiplayer maps, and a 6 mission coop campaign. You are the Soldier of the Future 2.0. All systems have been upgraded to give you more power and control on the battlefield. Following the failure of the “coup d’etat” in Mexico City Mexican rebels have gathered their remaining forces along the US border. Lead your team of elite Special Forces for the first time on US soil - straddling the border between Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas. The Ghosts have less than 72 hours to stop a nuclear attack."
I recently came across a posting at Xbox360fanboy.com that spoke of a custom Xbox Live achievements program. Unfortunately however, the program only generates pictures of your message within the familiar Xbox Live message box. Well, just thought you guys would be interested. The program can be found here.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is upon us (soon!) from the Xbox 360's Live Arcade! Here are four screenshots of the side scrolling classic on the Xbox 360.
From Microsoft: “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” from Konami is a faithful version of this legendary classic updated for Xbox Live Arcade and featuring the game’s full soundtrack and memorable side-scrolling vampire-hunting action."
According to a report at Planetxbox360.com
, EA sports BIG announced that a demo of their upcoming basketball game NBA Street Homecourt would be coming to Xbox Live. The demo should arrive in February and showcase the games all-new engine. More information and screenshots can be found at the official game website.
God of War fans scoping around for a God of War 2 Demo can look to GameStop/EB Games come mid-Februrary. The gaming retailer will be offering a mid-February God of War II demo disc to whet the bloodlust of Kratos fans for the March 2007 PS2 release. Place a pre-order at a GameStop/EB Games store to secure a demo.
Look over to Corey Barlog's blog (the director of God of War 2), where you will also see a shot of a "Two Disc Set" box cover for God of War II.
From the Corey's blog: "In regards to the demo, it has been out in QA for a while now and is on target to get finished and pressed in the beginning of February. I have the list of people that will be getting demos and they should be the first to go out! So keep an eye out for a posting about that."
So be in the know with Corey or place a pre-order from GameStop/EB Games. No details were posted online at EB Games/GameStop, but keep a lookout for it. Check your local EB Games/GameStop retail store.
A network update is available for the Sony PSP. Download the PSP Firmware Update 3.10 for the following updates:
- Support for PLAYSTATION Network titles has been expanded.
- Support for the MPEG-4 AVC format has been added under [Location Free Player].
- [Dynamic Normalizer] has been added as a feature under [Sound Settings] in [Settings].
