A PlayStation 3 Forecast

post from Cathode Tan on 12 February 2008 01:10:00 AM. © Cathode Tan

There's been some industry talk about whether the PS3 will manage to outpace or continue to struggle behind the 360 (nobody seems to doubt it will continue to be a distant horse to the Wii).

Pending some massively stupid move on Sony's part (and that's always possible) - I'd say their future looks bright. Firstly, HDTV adoption is cresting ahead as set prices continue to plummet. I'm currently researching a 50" 720P plasma that will hit just around a grand by the time I'm probably going to pull the trigger. That's not that much more expensive than my 36" was back in the day.

Secondly, Blu-Ray is becoming the decisive winner in the "what-its-already-over" format wars for high def. When Netflix tells you to take your ball home the ballgame can't have many innings left (although follow up rumors suggest Netflix might have a download strategy for consoles which could help the 360 immensely).

So the "finally" here should be - and the PlayStation 3 is getting better games. Well, we've had Drake's Fortune and some people have managed to port some 360 code over without completely mucking things up. However, Sony has yet to make good on their "Gaming 3.0" promise or even the "year of software" one.

So the clock is ticking on Sony - but even more so for Microsoft. That optional hard drive and lack of a decent high def player will seem less and less attractive as people gear up for the slowly inevitable march to HD. I've been saying for like a year here that Microsoft will likely just suck it up and make a 360 with specs similar to a PS3, despite all their ranting about how that's not what gamers want or need. And maybe they were right - back then.

In 2008, I'd think a "360 Ultimate" would be already on the table. If Microsoft had a console with Blu-Ray and a HD for a reasonable price, it would get my consideration. Right now, I'm just looking for something that will hop along with the HDTV - and that console begins with a P.

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Hollywood's "hottest dynamic duo" will get your
heart racing

post from Gaming Nexus on 12 February 2008 12:21:00 AM. © Gaming Nexus

by: Randy Kalista
NEWS - In a misguided attempt to cross pop-cultural boundaries, EA and Xbox LIVE are bedding together for a Valentine's Day event involving Burnout Paradise ... and celeb couple Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, stars of MTV's The Hills. If you're still reading this, then go shoot yourself. On February 12 from 9:00pm PST - 12:00am, Xbox LIVE Gold members can score a chance to play with Heidi and Spencer, grab their Mugshots, and run the roads of Paradise City together. Players will also (and here's one redeeming point) get to chat with Burnout Paradise producer Craig Sullivan. And some other unnamed guest celebrities. To connect with Heidi, Spencer and Craig, send a friend request to BurnoutGWFHeidi, BurnoutGWFSpenc, and BurnoutGWFCraig on your Xbox 360. Other surprise celebs will be joining the couple and will be playing as BurnoutGWF1, BurnoutGWF2, etc., up through BurnoutGWF8.
More On : Burnout Paradise | Electronic Arts | Comment

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The Ashen Wastes added to LOTRO this Wednesday

post from Gaming Nexus on 12 February 2008 12:00:00 AM. © Gaming Nexus

by: Randy Kalista
NEWS - Keeping up momentum for their upcoming free content update, Turbine today revealed the live date for Lord of the Rings Online's Book 12: The Ashen Wastes -- which will be this Wednesday, February 13. Below is a points-of-interest video depicting some new features and areas that will be added to the game. North American players can pre-download The Ashen Wastes via torrent (don't worry, it's official Turbine stuff) so that you can get crackin' as soon as the servers are back up.

More On : The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar | Turbine | Comment

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