Call of Duty: Elite Details

Call of Duty: Elite is the oft-rumored premium service for Call of Duty that Activision plans to roll out with Modern Warfare 3 in Fall 2011. It isn't quite what people expected, though. It won't make online COD multiplayer pay-to-play, and Elite won't actually require a monthly fee. It will offer additional features that you can pay for, but the core Elite service will be free. We have all of the details right here.

What Is Call of Duty: Elite?

Call of Duty: Elite was developed from the ground up by Activision's Beachhead studio to offer cutting edge features to Call of Duty multiplayer beyond just the game itself. It will launch with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on November 8th, 2011. Most of the features will be free, and online multiplayer won't cost anything, but there will also be a paid premium service available as well.

"The average Call of Duty player spends 58 minutes per day playing multiplayer. That is more than the average Facebook user spends per day on Facebook. And yet, right now, there are very few tools to unite and super charge that social community," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. "Whether it's allowing you to connect with your friends, or people of a similar skill level, people who live in your city, people who share your favorite passions, join competitive clans or social groups, or upload, view and comment on the incredible mass of player-generated content, or watch and comment on exclusive created content, Call of Duty Elite will give people more ways to connect with fellow players than ever before. Elite will also allow players of every level to improve their game with an intuitive suite of tools, and compete in tournaments for both real and virtual prizes."

No Really, What IS It?

Online multiplayer will remain free to play. Elite is, thankfully, something else.

Connect -Activision is still being kind of vague, frankly. Elite is designed to be a sort of all-inclusive community portal for Call of Duty multiplayer. It will be a stat tracking service (similar to what we get with Bungie.net for the Halo games, we assume), as well as a community building service. You'll be able to find people of similar interests and skill levels and then make clans to compete with and against each other and compete in tournaments. It is like social networking just for Call of Duty players that will greatly alter your matchmaking results so you'll be able to find players more similar to yourself instead of just getting thrown to the wolves like most multiplayer games.

Compete - Both in-game and real world prizes are being promised for users of all skill levels. The idea is that instead of struggling against skilled players, you can play against a bunch of scrubs and actually have fun. And at the same time, you'll still be rewarded.

Improve - Elite is also being touted as a sort of personal coach that will help you improve. You'll obviously improve simply by playing with people closer to your skill level, but the game will offer additional information based on your stats that will help you get better at the game.

What About the Premium Elite Service?

So, if online play in Call of Duty will still be free (other than your Xbox Live subscription), and most of the Elite features will be free, what exactly will Activision charge for with the premium membership? All we really know is this, taken from the press release -

"Call of Duty Elite will offer a premium membership with a wide range of state-of-the-art services, exclusive entertainment programming and all-inclusive game content for less than the cost of any comparable online entertainment service currently in the market."

As to what exactly that means, your guess is as good as ours. They didn't say how much it will cost, or what you'll get. Rumors indicate it could be as simple as special in-game tags or camo patterns or as big as getting new maps earlier / cheaper. We don't know for sure yet.

CoD: Elite Beta Coming to CoD: Black Ops Summer 2011

To test the service, CoD: Black Ops will get an update to serve as the beta test for Elite later this Summer. You can sign up for the beta here - Call of Duty: Black Ops Elite Beta Sign Up

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PS3 160GB Specs and Details

The new $499 160GB PS3 will hit North America in November of 2008. This new PS3 will have the largest hard drive to date, but it will feature the reduced functionality of the 40GB PS3 (which is the same as some of the 80GB PS3s). This limited edition bundle will come with a copy of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (which was my pick for 2007's PS3 game of the year), a download voucher for the PlayStation Network game PAIN (rag doll physics comedy game), a DualShock 3 wireless controller (features rumble), and the 160GB PS3.

Unfortunately, despite the large hard drive and included games, the 160GB PS3 bundle does not feature the functionality of some of the earlier PS3 models, namely the 60GB PS3 (which may still be the best PS3 to date).

The 160GB PS3 in the Uncharted bundle only has two USB ports, is not backwards compatible with PS2 game disks, and does not have any flash-card support built-in. The 60GB and some 80GB models have four USB ports, play PS2 disks (the 60GB version actually has an emotion engine built in, the 80GB PS3 uses software to emulate the PS2), and a built in card reader for various formats of flash memory. Some may be upset that the premium PS3 package has less functionality than some of the previous, cheaper versions.

Commentary aside, here is the rundown on the new 160GB PS3 in the Uncharted: Drake's Fortune bundle. Please note that these specs for the 160GB PS3 come directly from Sony.

160GB PlayStation 3 (PS3) Specifications and Details Product Name PLAYSTATION 3 CPU Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.) GPU RSX Sound Dolby 5.1ch DTS 5.1ch, LPCM 7.1 ch, AAC, others Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM HDD 160GB 2.5" Serial ATA I/O 2x USB 2.0 Communication Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 202.11 b/g (WiFi), Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) Wireless controller (Bluetooth) DUALSHOCK 3 Controller Included AV Output 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p HDMI OUT x1 AV MULTIOUT x1 DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x1 BD(Blu-ray Disk)/DVD/CD Drive (Read Only) Maximum Read Speed: BD 2x (BD-ROM) DVD 8x (DVD-ROM) CD 24x (CD-ROM) Dimensions Approximately 12.75in (W) x 3.86in (H) x 10.8in (D) Weight Approximately 11 lbs In a press-release regarding the new 160GB PS3/Uncharted bundle Jack Tretton, President and CEO, Sony and Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) offered the following: "As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity. Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."

The new bundle should be a popular item over the holiday season, however, tech-savy PS3 fans may snub the system for cheaper PS3's that feature more functionality, if they can find them.

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PlayStation Plus Details

Yes, there is finally a pay-service version of the PlayStation Network, and it came bundled with the new PS3 firmware 3.40: PlayStation Plus.

PlayStation Plus, according to Sony, includes the following for either $49.99 annually or $17.99 for three months.

PlayStation Plus Features List:
Receive special discounts and free items from PlayStation Store. Take advantage of pre-sale opportunities. Obtain premium avatars and themes. Enjoy priority invite privileges to beta testing opportunities for select online games. Play some featured full-length games for a limited time prior to purchase. Automatically download and install game update data, video files and demo versions of some games. Automatically download system software update data. In essence, PlayStation Plus gives subscribers free games, discounts on PSN games and DLC, automatic downloads of demos, firmware and more, and priority Beta invites. Early, cheaper, exclusive, and sometimes free, PlayStation Plus offers a bevy of content for one price.

The content list is frequently updated, and rumors of additional features, like Hulu Plus video service, abound. But as a sample, here are some of the highlights available at launch to PlayStation Plus Subscribers: wipEout HD - Full Game Cuboid DLC Rally Cross - PSOne Game Age of Zombies - PlayStation Minis Infamous - Full game limited trial Fat Princess Avatars Gauntlet II - 50% off Mortal Kombat II - 50% off and much more So, unlike Xbox Live, PlayStation gamers will still be able to play games online and access content without an annual subscription, but those who do receive a premium content, rather than play, experience. Time will tell if the service is concrete enough for consumers to understand the value.

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DualShock 3 Release Details

The DualShock 3 has finally hit American shores, a full week earlier than expected. The new PlayStation 3 controller brings rumble to the system (a feature many users were upset about missing).

The new and improved DualShock 3 looks nearly identical to the Sixaxis controller that originally shipped with the PS3. Noticeably heavier, the DualShock loses the Sixaxis logo, but features both game activated vibration (rumble) while maintaining full tilt functionality (Sixaxis).

Initially Sony tried to assert that the reason the PS3 didn't support rumble was due to the fact that tilt/motion sensing wasn't compatible with rumble, and later that rumble was simply a "last generation" feature (poor Phil Harrison). In reality rumble is a patented technology owned by a company named Immersion. Sony had lost its initial lawsuit over the technology (Microsoft settled for tens of millions of dollars) and, thus, couldn't include it in their controller. The two companies have settled their differences, and now we all get to enjoy the controller that should have always been... albeit a year and change later than we all expected.

It should be noted that the DualShock 3 officially replaces the Sixaxis controller, which has now been discontinued. The DualShock 3 has an MSRP of $54.95.

Sony has also released the following list of PS3 games that are compatible with/support rumble via the new DualShock 3 wireless controller. Games marked with an asterisk require a downloadable patch in order to activate the DualShock 3's rumble feature. The patch should download automatically.

Here’s the official list of games supporting the DUALSHOCK 3 at launch: (PS3) SCEA - Formula One Championship Edition* (PS3) SCEA - MotorStorm* (PS3) SCEA - Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3) SCEA - PAIN (PSN) SCEA - High Velocity Bowling (PSN) SCEA - MLB 08: The Show (PS3) SCEA - Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3) SCEA - Resistance: Fall of Man* (PS3) SCEA - Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (PS3) SCEA - Go! Sports Ski* (PSN) SCEA - Folklore* (PS3) SCEA - Heavenly Sword* (PS3) SCEA - Warhawk* (PSN / PS3) SCEA - Super Stardust HD* (PSN) SCEA - Snakeball (PSN) SCEA - Toy Home (PSN) SCEA - PSOne Emulation (PSN) SCEA - Piyotama (PSN) SCEA - PixelJunk Monsters (PSN) SCEA - Blast Factor* (PSN) Sega - Condemned 2: Bloodshot (PS3) Ubisoft - Lost: Via Domus (PS3) Ubisoft - Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2* (PS3) EA - Burnout Paradise (PS3) KOEI - Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3) Capcom - Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) Atari - Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit (PS3) Disney Interactive - Turok

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Sony PSX Details

Targeting the year-end shopping season in Japan, Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc. launched two models of PSX, a new generation HDD+DVD recorder, created through the convergence of electronics and games technologies of the Sony Group.

Empowered by two key semiconductors ("EmotionEngine" and "Graphics Synthesizer"), CPU and graphics rendering processor used for PlayStation 2, PSX has realized a high-speed high-definition GUI (Graphical User Interface), the likes of which have never been experienced before. This first-of-a-kind GUI enables speedy and easy access of various content to be enjoyed on PSX, with the same level easiness as switching TV channels with a remote control.

PSX is also equipped with various features as a digital media player, providing storage and playback of a variety of entertainment content such as high-resolution, mega-pixel images from digital still cameras and music from various package media.

Since PSX is designed to run various features by firmware via a powerful hardware engine, users can upgrade or add new features later by accessing the network.

The two PSX models of DESR-5000 and DESR-7000 are equipped with maximum capacity HDD respectively to accommodate various features in serving as a digital home electronics product as well as a game device for enjoying PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games.

Sony Marketing (Japan) aims to accelerate the expansion of the DVD recorder market by positioning PSX as the key to home entertainment and the core for digital electronics products throughout the living room.

Model Names Launch Dates Planned, MSRP
250GB HDD+DVD recorder [DESR-7000] December 13, 2003 99,800 yen
160GB HDD+DVD recorder[DESR-5000] December 13, 2003 79,800 yen
160GB "PSX" analog controller(DUAL SHOCK2)[DESR-10] December 13, 2003 3,500 yen

DESR-5000/7000 Main Features

1. High capacity HDD+DVD recorder
PSX, "DESR-7000" and "DESR-5000" are equipped with 250GB and 160GB HDD respectively, largest HDD capacity*2 in each class as consumer DVD recorder. This enables recording up to 325 hours*3 of video content on HDD with DESR-7000 and 204 hours*3 with DESR-5000.
*2: As of October 6, 2003, surveyed by Sony Marketing (Japan).
*3: When recorded at SLP mode.

2. High-quality GUI
By using a PS2 based real-time operation system, comfortable operation never experienced until now, has been achieved. Advanced GUI with full color and half transparent display.

3. Firmware upgrade
Features can later be added or upgraded via the network. (Details to be announced on the Sony Marketing website as available.)

4. High speed dubbing from HDD to DVD
The speed of dubbing from HDD to DVD is 12 times maximum. PSX adopts DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW*4.
*4: Subsequent upgrades via the network.

5. Various recording/playback features
PSX supports various user-friendly features, such as enabling users to watch recorded content on the HDD without waiting for the recording to finish, watch recorded content on the HDD while recording another program or play games while recording programs, etc.

6. Equipped with ghost reduction tuner
Analog terrestrial tuner is equipped with ghost reduction tuner.

7. Progressive scan DVD video output
Progressive scan DVD video output supports high-resolution pictures.

8. Memory Stick slot
Memory Stick slot is available on the front side of PSX. Digital still mages stored on a Memory Stick can be transferred to the HDD and displayed on a large TV monitor.

9. USB port
USB port is available on the front side of PSX for a connection with digital still cameras*5 and USB game controllers.
*5: At launch, only Sony digital still cameras are supported. There are plans to support others in the future.

10. "PlayStation"/ PlayStation 2" game software
More than 5000 PS and PS2 game titles can be played on PSX*6. Online games can also be enjoyed through the PSX network services.
*6: Due to the fact that there is only one USB port for PSX, some peripheral combinations may not be supported.

11. Compact size
Simple and translucent design in line with latest digital electronics products. Compact design (312mm width) for both horizontal and vertical positioning.

12. Less Noise
Silent operation through heat control and temperature-actuated cooling fan.

-from Sony

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Sony PS3 Network Details

SCEA has unveiled the PS3’s online and network services. Which they claim will “offer distinctive benefits to consumers and developers alike.” The PS3 will have a wide array of network capabilities, with basic features offered absolutely free from day one. These features will include a web browser, downloadable content and, more than likely, a few surprises.

According to Sony, developers will benefit from the open platform policy of SCEA, which will allow them more freedom and creativity in the development of their games and online/network services. This approach is similar to the PS2’s online services which allow for developers to create their own systems for online play, rather than one consistent experience, such as Xbox Live. However, it appears that Sony will be implementing a central sign in function, so that gamers don’t need to have separate user names for each title.

The PS3’s network will be accessible through the XMB (Xross Media Bar). This interface is essentially an expanded version of the PSP’s XMB interface. Central to the PS3’s XMB will be gaming; network and web connectivity; and other entertainment contents such as movies and music. The XMB interface, already featured on more than 20 million PSPs (worldwide), allows PS3 users to experience multiplayer games across the network; communicate with other players via chat, voice or video; browse the web; download gaming content; store/view pictures and video; download and listen to music; and shop online. The XMB and its content can be controlled using the traditional input of the Sixaxis controller, controlled by tilting the Sixaxis, or one can plug in a USB keyboard into the PS3 and type, which will be extremely useful for web surfing.

Through the online PlayStation Store, visitors can find such items as game demos, game-related content (microtransactions) and downloadable casual games. Unlike Xbox Live, there is no size limit (50MB on XBL), so gamers will be able to download both 2 and 3D content, including titles developed by Sony Computer Entertainment World Wide Studios exclusively for download and play only on PS3, such as Blast Factor. Downloadable first party games will cost less than $15 at launch. More content will be added on a regular basis. There will be no fee to use Sony’s PS3 online services.

The PS3 Network will also support transferring downloads to the PSP. This means that gamers will be able to purchase PSOne titles via the PS3 network and transfer them to their PSPs for play. Sony has yet to release full details on PSP and PS3 connectivity.

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PS3 Slim Specs and Details

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) has released details about the new PlayStation 3 (PS3 model #CECH-2000A). The svelte charcoal black PS3 Slim sports a much smaller case and a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PlayStation 3 Slim is slated for retail release on September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories at a discounted retail prices (RRP) of US$299 and €299. The PS3 Slim will drop in Japan on September 3, 2009 (odd, in that Sony usually releases in Japan first), with a retail price of 29,980 yen (including tax).

In a bold move, Sony has discounted the remaining stock of 80GB PS3's to US$299 from August 18 and €299 from August 19. Also in North America, the price of PS3 with 160GB HDD will be reduced to a RRP of US$399 from August 18. Of course one has to ask if it isn't worth waiting a couple of weeks to own the new version of the PS3 Slim with a 120GB HDD for the same prices as the 80GB PS3 Phat.

According to publisher, "The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home."

In some ways the PS3 Slim seems like an effort to erase the negative, and long lasting legacy of Ken Kutaragi. From his statements about the PS3 being worth a week's play to the use of the "Spider-Man" font, the smaller, more energy efficient PS3's is not only cheaper, and not only does the emblem on the console looks more reminiscent of the PS2 logo than previous branding, but Sony now writes PS3 "PlayStation 3" instead of the all caps "PLAYSTATION 3" companies and journalists were asked to use. Rather than trying to differentiate it, Sony is placing the PS3 firmly under the PlayStation brand.

Sony describes the new PS3 Slim as continuing to provide, "cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network. The new PS3’s storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store*1. PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network."

The PS3 Slim is being supported by a number of AAA games headed down the pipe, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racer, Gran Turismo 5 and more.

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LA Noire - DLC Trailer + Details News

The first instalment of DLC for Rockstar and Team Bondi's LA Noire will go live next week on June 21st and we've just been sent a  trailer for it, which you can find below.
Entitled the 'Nicholson Electroplating Disaster', this DLC once again follows Cole Phelps as he attempts to get to the bottom of a case from LAPD's Arson Desk.
Rockstar has priced the DLC at £3.19 over PSN and 320 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live. Alternatively, gamers can get much better value for money by purchasing the Rockstar Pass, which grants access to all of the pre-order incentive Cases for LA Noire as well as all forthcoming DLC.
The Rockstar Pass is currently available at a discounted rate of £7.19 and 800 Microsoft Points over PSN and Xbox Live respectively, although this offer is only available until June 21st.
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