iPlayer 3 coming to PS3

MCV is reporting that the BBC will be bringing their 3rd version of iPlayer to PS3 consoles.

The report also notes BBC’s praise to Sony for providing a high quality playback experience, as well as the statistics that 6% of all iPlayer viewers were using the PS3 version, compared to the Wii’s 4%.

E3 – Items of noteworthynessness

Here are a few reasons why the E3 convention of 2010 was such a winner.

The 3DS obviously getting the first mention because it was the star of the rather Nintendo-dominant show.
A new handheld from Nintendo that is backwards compatible with previous DS games, but now adding two cameras, analogue control, motion sensing and a unique “3D display” similar to that of digital 3D TV’s and movie theatres, only no need to wear those glasses.

The 3DS had a lot of demo’s on display, with some big names already seemingly working on new titles for the device. Demo’s included franchises such as Metal Gear, Kingdom Hearts, Street Fighter and Resident Evil, not to mention several other Nintendo franchises such as Ocarina of Time of the Zelda fame and Star Fox 64, both of which demonstrated sharper graphics than their N64 past-lives.

The Wii had a few promising titles on display too, a new Kirby game being one of them which has Kirby being a piece of yarn, walking around a fabric-type world in a classic sidescroller with a twist. Kirby can manipulate the softness of the stages in order to progress, from unzipping things to creasing the backdrop fabric itself.
Epic Mickey also appeared and looks to be quite good with it’s paint/erase gimmick in a world that oozes Disney fan service.
Donkey Kong Country Returns was also there. The developers have quite a task on their hands, to create a sequel to what some consider the best sidescrolling series of all time.

The last amazing thing of E3 would be Civilization V which I expressed my love for a few months ago when it was first announced. More details emerged including gameplay footage and some information on how deep the game will go. If it plays as good as it looks, I’m sure it will become the new standard in strategy games.

There was also XBOX and Playstation stuff going on. The usual motion-control things and a few cross-platform titles that will fly off the shelves but nothing too striking. I do own a PS3 myself so, I’m not entirely biased.

LucasArts Gear on Playstation Home

Sony and LucasArts strike a deal that delivers Star Wars and Indiana Jones content to Playstation Home, Sony’s virtual world for the PS3.

Content currently includes clothing and props with furniture coming later. Currently these items are limited to the US with no ETA on arrival to Europe, if any.

Datel’s “Space Dock” allows USB HDD’s for PS3/360

Datel have revealed details about their upcoming product “Space Dock”.

This little USB device will plug into an XBOX 360 or PS3. What it will do is read 2.5″ or 3.5″ SATA HDD’s with capacity’s of up to 1TB. This will supposedly eliminate the agro in adding removable storage to these consoles. The PS3 version also backs up saved games automatically.

No release date is mentioned, but there will be an MSRP of £24.99.

Mega Man 10 – Release dates revealed

This game will be available exclusively as a download through all the mainstream console download services.

Mega Man 10 will be released first on WiiWare on March 1st, followed by the release on Playstation Network on the 11th, then coming in last on Live Arcade on the 31st.

Square to spend millions on FFXIII UK advertising

Millions of pounds will be spent on the marketing campaign for Final Fantasy XIII, MCV understands.

The publisher plans to make the game’s launch “a true event” with a heavyweight TV campaign that will kick off on March 1st and run through Easter and into April, including spots during football matches.

“We aim to make Final Fantasy XIII not only the biggest game release, but one of the biggest entertainment releases of Q1,” said UK product manager Grant Tasker.

Square Enix has also arranged its biggest ever investment in video-on-demand media, and expects its national bus-side advertising to reach an estimated 75 per cent of the UK’s population.

Final Fantasy XIII will hit 360 and PS3 on March 9th.

Hori release Street Fighter IV-based Arcade Stick

Hori will release their Real Arcade Pro Premium VLX series of home arcade sticks at the end of this March for PS3 and XBOX 360 for a modest ¥30,000 (£215).

This kit is modelled after the Vewlix arcade cabinet, which is used for Street Fighter IV machines. It uses authentic Sanwa parts and can even be opened for maintenance, just like the real machine. Adding to the authenticity is its size, measuring in at almost 60cm in length!

For those who don’t live in Japan, you can get yours from Play-Asia who will soon be taking pre-orders for both console versions.

Project Needlemouse = Sonic The Hedgehog 4

Sega’s mysterious Sonic game, codenamed Project Needlemouse, has been revealed to be Sonic The Hedgehog 4 – Episode 1.

The game is a continuation from the Sonic games of the 16bit era and will play in a similar way. Further episodes will be released later, spanning all major console platforms, with the XBOX360 and PS3 including 1080p support and the Wii supporting motion controls.