In the least surprising boxing statement to be made since "Mike Tyson is batty," Electronics Arts today officially announced a Fight Night game for the PlayStation 3. Gamers have been all but certain the franchise was headed to the console since Sony's pre-Electronic Entertainment Expo 2005 conference, when a live tech demo of the game was shown as EA's centerpiece of the event.

Of course, the only thing not certain was the game's title, seeing how Fight Night Round 3 has been out for the current-gen systems and the Xbox 360 since early this year. Though some gamers thought EA may punch out Round 4 for the PS3, the game will, in fact, be titled Fight Night Round 3.

That's not to say it will be the exact same game. FNR3 for the PS3 will feature some exclusive content, including a mode known as Get in the Ring; details on the new feature were not available. Also in the PS3 version is ESPN integration, which can currently be seen in newer EA Sports games. [UPDATE] EA gave GameSpot some first details on Get in the Ring. The mode could be perfect for those who love the idea of getting punched in the face--it will be entirely in first-person. More details to come later.

Fight Night Round 3 for the PS3 is scheduled to be released in North America and Europe this holiday season and is currently in development at EA Canada. EA did not mention whether or not the game would be a launch title. ...

Naturally, Sony wants to make a big deal of its upcoming PlayStation 3, and part of that means devoting not just one, but two Web sites to the console. The official Japanese PS3 Web site, which was formally opened today, has been joined by a PS3 Concept Site. Aside from some downloadable PS3 wallpaper, the site is running a video interview with Polyphony Digital's leader Kazunori Yamauchi. Throughout the video, which runs a bit longer than 10 minutes, the Gran Turismo creator discusses what the PS3 means for his flagship driving series and gaming in general.

"We were surprised at how big a leap the increased resolution brings," Yamauchi said. "I think the users will be very surprised, too." Yamauchi believes video games are particularly well suited to the high-definition format, noting, "games have unusual potential in that they are the fastest, easiest way to produce high-quality, high-definition content. High definition might be more influenced by games than by movies."

Of course, if the graphics are flawed to start with, the sharpness of high definition would only call more attention to imperfections. That puts an extra strain on developers, who can't rely on small imperfections to be covered up by a standard-definition display.

"For the first time in video games, we can render graphics that are on a par with movies in terms of realism," Yamauchi said. "This makes life very hard for the developers... It demands even more detailed work than in the past. The amount of data incorporated into games has also increased dramatically. It's very gratifying, but also very hard."

Of course, there are advantages to having that kind of power to play with. Yamauchi noted that the upcoming Gran Turismo series' PS3 debut will take advantage of the PS3 to up the series' draw distance. "In the past, you could only see about 30 [meters] in front of you, at the most," Yamauchi said. "Now, you can see several hundred [meters]. This changes the handling and feel of the gameplay greatly."

He was also very upbeat on the next-gen console's physics-modeling capabilities, noting its applications to the motion of the cars, outside environments, and spectators.

"To be honest, I can't really say the [original PlayStation] or the PlayStation 2 were able to sufficiently represent the realistically modeled physical world we wanted [in previous Gran Turismo games]," Yamauchi said. "With the PS3, we will be able to perform true physical modeling for the first time."

Regarding PS3 network connectivity, Yamauchi said he expected it would provide something "a bit different from the usual Internet experience" people have during day-to-day surfing. By bringing the Internet to millions of television screens, Yamauchi believes that the PS3 will go beyond games. "The PS3 is not just revolutionary for video games; it's revolutionary for television, to put it simply."

Yamauchi summed up his high expectations for Sony's next-gen console with his closing words: "Our job is to make games and deliver them to the user. But at the same time, we want to change society. So for us, the PlayStation 3 is our weapon for revolution." ...

Source: A tipster who provided a YouTube video of some horrid football.



What we heard: One of the improvements Electronic Arts has made to its football juggernaut Madden NFL series in the last few years is the addition of the Superstar mode. In SS mode, gamers create a player, choose a position, and bring him up through the league, controlling only the player and going to whatever team the business of football takes him.

As such, control over the rest of the team (including play calling) is by default under the control of the computer. Imagine one gamer's distress then when the CPU-controlled quarterback started heaving bombs...in the wrong direction.

A GameSpot reader tipped Rumor Control off to a bug that sees pigskin chuckers throwing balls into their own end zone "at least four times" in each Superstar mode game. A video posted on YouTube shows the alleged bug in action, with Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb showing off his incredibly powerful arm and incredibly wrong sense of direction. The result is a massive loss of yards and often a safety--game glitch 2, user 0.

The tipster claims that it affects the European versions of the PlayStation 2 edition of the game, and digging through various message boards, including the ones over at the official Madden NFL 07 Web site, seems to confirm this.

It's currently unclear whether or not the glitch is widespread or isolated to a few copies of the game. However, given that the game was released in Europe only this past Friday, its magnitude should be known soon.

If there is a bug going around, it's likely that EA will fix it--it just may take a while. The company set precedent this year with its agreement to swap out copies of NCAA Football 07 for the PSP that were experiencing a "ball-spotting" glitch with new copies. EA offered $15 off any purchases made at their online store as apologies for the inconvenience.

Until EA acknowledges the bug and decides to do something about it, it looks like European Madden fans will have to work on their franchise modes.

The official story: EA did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Looks not bogus. Expect word from EA soon. ...

Gamespot have done a rumour control article, here it is in full:

...

Researchers at Rutgers University don't seem to have lost any of their homebrew skills, taking an Xbox and an Essential Reality P5 gaming glove to create a low-cost alternative to traditional virtual reality rehabilitation systems -- systems which can cost up to ten times as much. This project uses some custom-made software to deliver exercises designed to help stroke patients regain hand movement, with one "game" consisting of wiping "dirty pixels" off four vertical bars, while another asks the patient to make a fist fast enough to scare a butterfly off the screen. Of course, the system isn't quite up to snuff with the more expensive options -- it has poorer accuracy and no force feedback, for instance -- but the researchers say it could still be a boon to clinics that can't afford the pricier gear and could even potentially be further modified to allow for home-care with monitoring via an Internet connection.

More Info ...

News from Divineo China:

All the back orders will be shipped at once , new orders will be shipped within 3 days.

More info about the M3lite:



The M3 Lite is the answer of M3 team to the Nintendo DS Lite. It is a full blown M3 adapter that will perfectly fit into your Nintendo DS Lite GBA cartrige slot without sticking out, and with all the functions of the M3 Adapter.
It is using Micro SD card and comes with 3 cases (Black, White and Ice Blue) for perfect integration in the design of your Nintendo DS Lite.

Specifications & extra information

Compatible with all GBA games without any patching required and without any
problem during gameplay. NDS games require patching.

Excellent Save compatibility. It support all saves types with the RTC function.

Capacity is very flexible and only depends on the card you use, which now are up to 4GBypte (32Gbit) on the market.

GOLDEN FINGER (CHEAT Code ) employs the IPS system that prevails in the world, with more diverse and powerful distinctive functions than CHT. The unique Auto IPS feature completely prevents computer crash.

With unique Super Real Time Save Function, easily operates and it can revive without limits.

CF/SD card +Reader can be used as a U disk and it only needs drag here and there when the game is burning.

Saves money: CF/SD card can also be used in digital camera and other products, and you can share your card as you need it without the need to buy a dedicated card for your NDS/GBA.

Supports GBA Games, FC games, Emulator games, GBA Movies, E-book, Cartoon books, browse pictures, enjoy music and so on.

Supports 4-key reboot to Rom menu function, and supports 4-key reboot beginning function.

Very safe for your Micro SD card. ...

News from Divineo China:

All the back orders will be shipped at once , new orders will be shipped within 3 days.

More info about the M3lite:



The M3 Lite is the answer of M3 team to the Nintendo DS Lite. It is a full blown M3 adapter that will perfectly fit into your Nintendo DS Lite GBA cartrige slot without sticking out, and with all the functions of the M3 Adapter.
It is using Micro SD card and comes with 3 cases (Black, White and Ice Blue) for perfect integration in the design of your Nintendo DS Lite.

Specifications & extra information

Compatible with all GBA games without any patching required and without any
problem during gameplay. NDS games require patching.

Excellent Save compatibility. It support all saves types with the RTC function.

Capacity is very flexible and only depends on the card you use, which now are up to 4GBypte (32Gbit) on the market.

GOLDEN FINGER (CHEAT Code ) employs the IPS system that prevails in the world, with more diverse and powerful distinctive functions than CHT. The unique Auto IPS feature completely prevents computer crash.

With unique Super Real Time Save Function, easily operates and it can revive without limits.

CF/SD card +Reader can be used as a U disk and it only needs drag here and there when the game is burning.

Saves money: CF/SD card can also be used in digital camera and other products, and you can share your card as you need it without the need to buy a dedicated card for your NDS/GBA.

Supports GBA Games, FC games, Emulator games, GBA Movies, E-book, Cartoon books, browse pictures, enjoy music and so on.

Supports 4-key reboot to Rom menu function, and supports 4-key reboot beginning function.

Very safe for your Micro SD card. ...

Codemasters' TOCA racing series is being taken for a spin on PSP in TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge, an original TOCA title for Sony's handheld that's due out this winter in PAL territories.

The game features the series' typical, hefty spread of cars and famous race tracks and keeps intact realistic damage and physics to beef up the experience. Codemasters says that the emphasis is on "burst play" in this title with what's called the World Challenge mode providing the meat of the racing action.

Describing World Challenge as the game's progressive central game mode, Codies further informs, "As the piston-pumping heart of the game, the World Challenge will see players competing through a series of international championship tiers, each packed with skill tests, specialised events and championships that span different racing styles."

It continues: "Each World Challenge tier is designed to enhance and expand your race driving skills and experience. First, a series of tests and events will build your racing prowess in areas such as damage control, using the racing line, manoeuvring, timely pit stops and braking accuracy. Now you're ready for the main event: the tier's specialist Championship season with a series of closely-fought multiple car races on different circuits. Come first overall in the championship and you'll move up to compete in the next tier of the World Challenge."

Outside of World Challenge mode, there's the likes of Free Race and Time Trial to get to grips with along with 12-player wireless multiplayer racing. TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge additionally supports Game Share, allowing up to four players to put pedal to the metal in multiplayer with a single UMD.

Screens and News at CVG ...

It was predicated by many analyst’s that the PSP will have a price drop to 149.99 in time for the holidays. This statement was then denied by Sony but now it looks like they are reconsidering this as countless PSP's are literally stockpiling in their warehouses. Quite a few major retailers are also saying that the PSP to DS sales ratio is getting pitiful, and a few major publishers are putting the pressure on Sony to find a way to sell more handhelds. Sony tried to release PSP’s in “limited editions” and in different colors, but that didn’t pull in as many sales as they would have liked. (Although it has helped them a bit.)

Currently the plan is to lower the PSP to 179.99 and maybe pack in a free game. Another option is sell it for 199.99 but throw in 2 free games. These games would obviously be old cheapies but its still better then paying full price. This would be in time for(or just after) the holiday season as predicted before. They will also be once again lowering the price of their PS2 to 99.99.

This is all obviously subject to change, but so far it looks like at least some of these things will go through. (Unless PSP sales kick into overdrive soon.) ...