FW 2.40: in-game XMB and Trophies - 2.41 is live!

[solidsnakejej]

We're also closer to the complaints. In before something like "not all features work on all games" or similar.

I can't wait to see the meltdown on Neogaf after it releases after this thread (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321382)

4 Hours

[masteratt]

2 hours to go!

It's 6am here this better be the best demonstration I've ever watched.

Actually I'm not staying up waiting for this but still....lol

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Ok so.....wat.

[masteratt]

What do you mean what?
Sony is going to put up a 2.40 demonstration video up on the blog in 1 hour.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

I thought it was in 1 minute?

[TrueVCU]

stupid time zone conflicts!

[LaLiLuLeLo]

No I apparently just can't tell time or do addition. Carry on.

[JasonXe]

it be easier if everyone goes to sleep so it can come on faster.

[masteratt]

No problem.

30mins.....If they disappoint or rickroll us....*shakes fist at Sony*


Okay maybe if they rickroll us I'll laugh.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

it be easier if everyone goes to sleep so it can come on faster.

No I just happen to be up doing art.

[Jay Gee]

We've been RickRoll'd since 2006. Now it's time for some results.

[solidsnakejej]

first video
http://www.viddler.com/explore/sceablog/videos/40/


<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U9-JK07lVUk&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U9-JK07lVUk&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[masteratt]

AWESOMEEEEE!

Saw the Internet Browser sign too but it might be one of those "Wanna quit the game?" ones.

Once you see it in action you really want it.

Cool.
Anticipation for 2.40 just got a plus million boost.

[VG Aficionado]

Nice! And there's more to come. Really looking forward to it.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

I can dig it.

[Jay Gee]

Pretty much looked how I guessed it would. When you use custom soundtracks on LIVE, do you have to shut off the BGM first or what?

[masteratt]

Nope but who cares,

One thing this has over 360 is 'instant' game swapping (well, to a downloadable one).

And I think you can access way more option with in-game XMB than in game Dashboard which isn't actually in-game dahsboard, a new 'blade' pops up instead.

[Danji]

It sounded like (and is almost DEFINITELY) a set-up where it just plays music over what's going on. The PS3 dev-kits may have support for such a thing by now but the early PS3 launch titles almost definitely do not support such a thing.

By the way, CAN I GET A FUCK YEA FOR IN-GAME SOUNDTRACKS!?!?! SRSLY!!!

Woo..gonna go out and buy a damn Tony Hawk game when I get that update (and not have to deal with that terrible soundtrack).

Nope but who cares,

One thing this has over 360 is 'instant' game swapping (well, to a downloadable one).

And I think you can access way more option with in-game XMB than in game Dashboard which isn't actually in-game dahsboard, a new 'blade' pops up instead.

Agreed on all fronts (was considering them all while watching the video.)

Was I the only one who, about halfway through the video, though to their self "I let myself get worked up again by Sony and their fans..there is no in-game soundtracks still..damn.."? That pessimism peaked right when he started to show it off so it was a perfect storm of emotion right then. *chuckles*

..so..when do I get it? :o

[Raitei]

i remember the old days... when tony hawks had an alright soundtrack

[gibmonster]

my sound is a bit messed up right now so I can't watch the vid properly. It's still impressive though. Any idea when this update will hit?

[solidsnakejej]

Last I heard was within 3-4 weeks from last week so I'm thinking if it doesn't come out later this week we'll have to wait till E3 to get it.

It looks like the leaked trophies screens look similar to the trophy collection icon at about 1:20.

[Z]

custom soundtracks and messenging both in-game. perfect!

what else do they have to show in a second part?

also, I am extremely relieved that the custom music (the biggest feature for me) is done very well. I was worried that you won't have a control icon to jump, loop, shuffle and do other things like that. I was worried I had to manually go and select another track or something. now I can organize my music files depending on the moods and games I have. awesome! the only thing that I need a confirmation about is will this work with EVERY single PS3 game out there? it seems like it, but better make sure. anyway, I know the big ones will anyway. :)

now, everyone out there; prepaired to get owned online by me while I loop this doing it:
LUUtcpUCi-U

what a way to die...hearing that...*sniff sniff*

[masteratt]

what else do they have to show in a second part?
He clearly says 2nd part will be about the Trophies system.

[Z]

ah, right. thanks.

[solidsnakejej]

And there seems that there is quite a bit to cover with the trophies.

[Red_Eyes]

Pretty much looked how I guessed it would. When you use custom soundtracks on LIVE, do you have to shut off the BGM first or what?
So THAT'S how Sony's lawyers got around the patent.

[solidsnakejej]

Trophy comparison with friend?
http://www.sony-playstation.cz/1/t1.jpg

edit: forgot link
http://www.sony-playstation.cz/news.php?extend.2416

Better it looks like you can compare during a game(3rd choice)
http://www.sony-playstation.cz/1/t2.jpg

[masteratt]

holy shit, niiiiiiiiice.

[Red_Eyes]

http://i27.tinypic.com/nq8cg4.gif

[Jay Gee]

http://i27.tinypic.com/nq8cg4.gif
^ This says it all.

[Red_Eyes]

Peoples at Beyond3D had counted the pixils and XMB-In-Game is only running at 640P (not true HD), and at 25 fps only. Boo-who. LOL.

[Red]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/06/29/firmware-v240-walkthrough-part-1-the-xmb/

It's here.

[solidsnakejej]

Quick Rumor: 2nd video at 1PM BST/ 8AM EST bout an hour from now. That's when the embargo ends.
http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/06/30/rumour-ps3-trophy-system-revealed-at-4pm-today/

[Xclusion]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/06/29/firmware-v240-walkthrough-part-1-the-xmb/

It's here.

a little late my friend.

[Sephiroth_VII]

He clearly said it would work with the majority of games, so not all games, though I doubt many worthwhile ones will be affected considering PS3's launch titles...

[Red]

The Trophy Video is there in 55 minutes right?

[solidsnakejej]

The Trophy Video is there in 55 minutes right?

Well it based off of the embargo for the media that ends at 8 AM EST. It's not guaranteed.

[masteratt]

He said in a few days didn't he?

Also I'm not being a "negative vibe" here but can someone please tell me what the point of the search "feature" is?
I feel like I'm missing something because at the moment all they did is bookmarked google and put it on the XMB for you (more cluster) and it does exactly the same thing as going to google.com (easy if you bookmark or homepage it).

[solidsnakejej]

Official 2.40 press release (http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item109655/Get-more-from-online-gaming-on-PS3/) Still no date.:swear:


He said in a few days didn't he?
The video seemed to me to be shot awhile ago. So things might have changed from then.

[masteratt]

No date can mean a good thing.
They only announce dats if it's like "in two months we'll have" etc.

This was just plain advertising, like it's already out.
This or next Thursday is my guess.

[Red]

Shortly, we’ll be posting another video here on the PlayStation.Blog that shows the Trophy feature in action for the first time

Sounds definately like today for my ears.

[masteratt]

Good, good.

If another vid comes out today, it's definitely coming very soon :D

[solidsnakejej]

Yay it's up:pinky:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/sceablog/videos/41/


pixel junk eden and SSHD confirmed trophy support

[solidsnakejej]

New blog post with release date of July 2

Hello again, everyone! Very recently, we demonstrated a major new function enabled in PLAYSTATION 3 firmware v2.40: XMB access in-game. But that’s only part of the story, as the next system software update also introduces the Trophy system to the PS3. This video demonstration shows the system in action.

Super Stardust HD, a PLAYSTATION Network-exclusive released in June 2007, will be the first game to leverage Trophies and will offer a variety of trophies. Trophy support in Super Stardust HD will be available for first-time users who purchase the game soon after firmware v2.40 is released, while those who previously purchased and downloaded the title will be prompted to install a free patch.

PS3 users can expect to see additional games bringing Trophies support to their feature sets through 2008 and beyond, providing even greater opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and compete with friends. The following first-party games are also slated to offer Trophy support:

* BUZZ! Quiz TV
* LittleBigPlanet
* MotorStorm Pacific Rift
* NBA 09 - PS3
* PAIN
* PixelJunk Eden
* Resistance 2
* SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
* Warhawk

To further emphasize the community aspects of this system software update, the amount of people you can add to your PSN friends list has been doubled, to 100.

The update also adds a mini-control panel that you can use while playing music and an internet search feature powered by Google that allows you to initiate search directly from the XMB (similar to what we added to the PSP recently). In addition, when you’re using the XMB or accessing the XMB from in-game, the current time and date will be displayed in the upper right hand corner. There are a few more minor enhancements included in this update, once the update is live you’ll be able to read about them here.

Firmware v2.40 will become available for download on July 2nd. We hope you enjoy these much-requested features, and look forward to your feedback.


Can one of the mods put the release date in thread title?

[VG Aficionado]

New blog post with release date of July 2

Can one of the mods put the release date in thread title?

Oh yes :cowboy:

[cliffbo]

holy shit, niiiiiiiiice.

i second that!!!!! at last, the moaning can stop and comparisons can too :)

[masteratt]

I thought I wouldn't care but this somehow feels less like dick comparison than Achievements lol!

Maybe it was the nice happy guy who introduced it :p

I'm LOVING this.
FINALLY what PS3 should have kicked off with is here :D

Seriously if anyone has any complaints about this update, sell your PS3 you ungrateful sh*t!

[Rockmond]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuckkkkk!!!!

[cliffbo]

I thought I wouldn't care but this somehow feels less like dick comparison than Achievements lol!

Maybe it was the nice happy guy who introduced it :p

I'm LOVING this.
FINALLY what PS3 should have kicked off with is here :D

Seriously if anyone has any complaints about this update, sell your PS3 you ungrateful sh*t!

:lol:

i like the fact that you can move from one PSN game to another without having to return to the XMB proper. best update yet!

[VG Aficionado]

Not that we need it, but here's the official announcement (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-30-2008/0004840922&EDATE=):

New PLAYSTATION(R)3 System Software Update (v.2.40) to Enhance Community Features


Update Includes XMB(TM) Access In-Game for Easier Communication with Friends and Trophies, a New Ranking and Rewards System for PS3(TM) Gamers


FOSTER CITY, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced details of PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) system software update 2.40, designed to enhance the way PS3 users play and interact with one another. Through regular firmware updates, SCEA has the ability to continually deliver new features to PS3 system that address the needs of its users. Now with the 2.40 update, PS3's community and in-game experience will be upgraded with new offerings that gamers have asked for. The update will deliver XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) access in-game, enabling PS3 users to connect and communicate with other gamers and utilize other XMB features seamlessly while playing most games.

In addition to being able to communicate with friends from within a game, PS3 users will also be able to earn Trophies following the 2.40 update. This new, integrated system enables gamers to tout their accomplishments via profiles, which also allow users to compare their skills to other members of the community. Firmware update 2.40 will be available on July 2.

"Today's PLAYSTATION 3 experience has evolved significantly from what we debuted at launch, and the 2.40 firmware update will drive the PS3 community experience forward at a time when the platform's momentum is stronger than ever, with the launches of several recent blockbuster titles and other exclusive content on the way," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA.

"We listen closely to our community, and we're proud to deliver new features that have been among the most requested -- XMB access in-game and Trophies. These features provide new ways for the PS3 community to easily connect, communicate and share gaming experiences with one another in and out of games."


XMB Access In-Game

XMB access in-game will enable gamers to interact with friends using messaging, view their friends' online status and profiles (including their -- all without interrupting the flow of gameplay. By pushing the PS button on the PS3 controller, the Home menu takes center stage over a game in progress. Depending on the game, XMB access will either automatically pause the game or it will continue to run in the background. With these enhanced communications features further connecting the PLAYSTATION Network community -- which has more than 9.8 million registered accounts worldwide as of June 2008 -- the Friends list capacity has doubled to 100 Friends.

Beyond utilizing Friends list features, XMB access in-game will allow users to sign-in to PLAYSTATION Network, manage PLAYSTATION(R)Store downloads, quit a game, and access various options within the Settings category. PS3 users can also quickly end their game and navigate directly to other PS3 system features simply by selecting to view content such as
photos or videos stored on the system's hard drive. XMB access in-game works with most existing PS3 games.

In addition to these enhanced community features, the 2.40 update lays the groundwork for gamers to customize their individual gaming experience by accessing the XMB during a game and selecting music stored on their PS3 system's hard drive. Once a music file is played, users can access a control panel via the XMB that enables them to pause, stop, or repeat the track; go to a different track; or shuffle. The 2.40 update provides developers with the tools that will enable them to offer personalized background music as an option in their games, and the supporting titles are expected to be announced in the future.

Additionally, the firmware 2.40 update includes Google-powered Internet search functionality on the XMB, allowing users to input search terms and be directed to a search results page without having to first open the PS3 Internet browser. PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system recently added similar Internet search functionality through a firmware update.


Trophies

Trophies offer a new and innovative way for gamers to showcase their gaming accomplishments. PS3 users can earn virtual trophies, which will be viewable on the XMB's Game category under a new Trophy Collection icon, and will also be touted through individual profiles. These profiles will serve as virtual representations of PS3 users, allowing them to personalize their identities and display their gaming accomplishments within the PlayStation community. Gamers will be ranked on a Level-basis depending on the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum trophies they earn across all games. They will also be able to see how much progress they have made toward the next Level, as well as compare their Trophies to friends.

Super Stardust(TM) HD, a PLAYSTATION Network-exclusive released in June 2007, will be the first game to leverage the Trophies system and will offer a variety of trophies*. The following first-party games are also slated to offer Trophy support:


-- BUZZ!(TM) Quiz TV
-- LittleBigPlanet(TM)
-- MotorStorm(TM) Pacific Rift
-- NBA 09 - PS3
-- PAIN*
-- PixelJunk(TM) Eden
-- Resistance 2(TM)
-- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
-- Warhawk(TM)*

*Requires a game update to be downloaded and installed.

PS3 users can expect to see additional first and third-party games bringing Trophy support to their feature sets through 2008 and beyond, providing even greater opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and compete with friends. SCEA is actively working with developers to ensure that Trophies are incorporated into new titles in the future.This is good... isn't it? :pirate:

[Killing Moon]

Thank GOD for the friends lists, man. Now I don't have to worry about only playing noobs on GRiD and GT5 (maybe) online anymore! I am VERY happy with this update :-D

[cliffbo]

this is incredible. i've just been reading the complaints about this update on another forum!!! evidently you don't get awarded trophies automatically if you've already beaten a game... you have to play it again. this is a master-stroke if you ask me. think of all those games that are gathering dust, or you never completed. devs will love this simply because it gives us another reason to replay or even re-purchase an older title.

[Killing Moon]

this is incredible. i've just been reading the complaints about this update on another forum!!! evidently you don't get awarded trophies automatically if you've already beaten a game... you have to play it again. this is a master-stroke if you ask me. think of all those games that are gathering dust, or you never completed. devs will love this simply because it gives us another reason to replay or even re-purchase an older title.

I don't see what's wrong with that. Seems to me that you just have to put in EFFORT to play the game.

OMGF *gasp*, can it be true?
Nah, seriously--didn't this happen with Achievements on Live as well?

[masteratt]

Wait what?
I HAVE TO PLAY GAMES?!?!??!?!?!

OH CURSE YOU SONY!!!!!!!!!!


Ok granted you have to play them again but so what.
cliffbo remind them that if that wasn't the case, people could just transfer save data and unlock trophies that way.

The way Sony did it, you obviously have to trigger something in the code so you DO have to play again to trigger it.

[cliffbo]

Wait what?
I HAVE TO PLAY GAMES?!?!??!?!?!

OH CURSE YOU SONY!!!!!!!!!!


Ok granted you have to play them again but so what.
cliffbo remind them that if that wasn't the case, people could just transfer save data and unlock trophies that way.

The way Sony did it, you obviously have to trigger something in the code so you DO have to play again to trigger it.

exactly! some people are just impossible to please.

i was wondering if that platinum trophy unlocks something neat for HOME. i recently saw a vid that showed someone accessing Hot Shot Golf via HOME and after he hit the ball and returned to his apartment, a golf bag with clubs appeared. what a great way of getting people to return to HOME, every time they hit platinum...

[VG Aficionado]

evidently you don't get awarded trophies automatically if you've already beaten a game... you have to play it again.

Evidently? Show me the official statement.

[masteratt]

Well I don't see how it can't be true.

How is the system going to know when it comes in late?
It can't go back and check the codes of the games you've played lol, only via checking save file which then would lead to everyone passing save files around for trophies.

[cliffbo]

Evidently? Show me the official statement.

go to N4G and take a look...http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-163176.aspx

it make sense anyway, so i'm sure it's true. as many people are pointing out: if it didn't require you to play again, you could share your saved game with anyone and visa-versa and have trophies for nothing

[VG Aficionado]

The already released games will need to be patched, or at least most of them that will support trophies. SSHD keeps track of plenty of statistics of your playing sessions and scores. The patch could analyze your game save and give you your trophies automatically.

Other cases could be games that already included some kind of trophy support, only that the code was never used. Uncharted was said to include trophy support. Lair was confirmed to include trophy code. MGS4 is rumored to include trophy code (and it includes a kind of trophies already).

Not that I'm saying it's going to be like that, but before someone jumps the gun and states that it's going to be the case for all games, how about waiting and seeing? It's a bit too early to tell for ALL games. We'd better keep the expectations on the low side though.

[JasonXe]

eew you go to n4g. :p

[cliffbo]

eew you go to n4g. :p

yes it has its bad points but its the best aggregate (think that's the word) site out there at the moment. Gametab got a bit boring.

edit. i take your point VG, i was really only drawing attention to it to demonstrate how narrow minded internet users can be

[Z]

Evidently? Show me the official statement.

in the official video walkthrough they mention it specifically at the beginning part that when the firmware is out, you won't automatically have all the trophies for the things you already did. you have to get them again.
I don't know why it couldn't be done, but it isn't a problem really. this is a feature that is just releasing on the 5th of next month. now, there is absolutely nothing lagging PSN behind other than perhaps not supporting every single game with these two major features. maybe that is an initial quirk as well and in the near future all PS3 games coming out onward will have to support them?

eew you go to n4g. :p
it is a very convenient news bulletin collection from various sites, just like gametab (http://www.gametab.com/) only better since it doesn't limit itself to a pre-set of addresses. you don't have to click on every single 'no site'.

[Z]

He clearly said it would work with the majority of games, so not all games, though I doubt many worthwhile ones will be affected considering PS3's launch titles...

I think that not supporting all games is just an initial thing, as with any new feature coming out of any kind. there are always initial overlooks or small sacrifices. I think Sony having finally made this, they will make it mandatory for any future game to support it. also, you can bet all the important games out there will have a patch.

[JasonXe]

just avoid the comment section in n4g or your mind will blow up from fanboyism.

[Mr. Brightside]

I'm loving the little features such as playing music and having the internet while playing game. That makes it kick that much more ass. 2 more days woop woop! I'm excited as much as having a new game come out.

EDIT: oh and just remembered. I'm going to use GTA Vice City soundtrack while playing GTA IV. Lulz!:pinky:

[cliffbo]

lol... latest complaint! it doesn't automatically pause the game when you access the XMB... oh and joystick is disappointed that you can access everything on the XMB... Sony should have limited what you could do. the mind boggles!

read it and get P****d

http://www.gametab.com/news/2643766/

[Z]

just avoid the comment section in n4g or your mind will blow up from fanboyism.

like with YouTube and other sites with public commentary, I go there for the main content and immediately leave. I NEVER venture in any of those backward thinking idiocies of human existence. I seriously have NEVER been as shocked and scared of the level of human stupidity than i was with YouTube comments. after the internet allowed anyone to reflect their intelligence through their commentary, I fear more than ever that our future is similar to the envision of the future in the movie idiocracy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/).

[Z]

lol... latest complaint! it doesn't automatically pause the game when you access the XMB... oh and joystick is disappointed that you can access everything on the XMB... Sony should have limited what you could do. the mind boggles!

read it and get P****d

http://www.gametab.com/news/2643766/

fuck! I seriously thought you were joking...wow.

[cliffbo]

fuck! I seriously thought you were joking...wow.

if we didn't get exactly what we wanted in this update, that would be annoying, but as it stands i find it hilarious. people are hurting all over the net, but none of them own a PS3

[JasonXe]

not a big deal, just press the damn start button.

[AbominatioN]

lol... latest complaint! it doesn't automatically pause the game when you access the XMB... oh and joystick is disappointed that you can access everything on the XMB... Sony should have limited what you could do. the mind boggles!

read it and get P****d

http://www.gametab.com/news/2643766/

A quick press of the PS button brings up the in-game XMB, although it doesn't automatically pause the game. Actually, as Sony pointed out to us, some current games will pause ... others won't. Sony isn't mandating that future games pause when the XMB is called, leaving that decision up to developers.


Oh shit! So next time I have to reply to a msg and I'm in the middle of a fight in WARHAWK, since the XMB can't pause the game (hell, I can't pause it manually either while online fighting) I will scream "EVERYBODY... DON'T FUCKING MOVE!! I MUST REPLY TO A FRIEND/CHANGE MUSIC"

How stupid/biased are some people!?

[LaLiLuLeLo]

So.....so when I'm playing a game...and someone sends me a message....
....
...
...
I CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!?!?!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/Lalilulelo/gifs/1200863955934.gif

[Red_Eyes]

like with YouTube and other sites with public commentary, I go there for the main content and immediately leave. I NEVER venture in any of those backward thinking idiocies of human existence. I seriously have NEVER been as shocked and scared of the level of human stupidity than i was with YouTube comments. after the internet allowed anyone to reflect their intelligence through their commentary, I fear more than ever that our future is similar to the envision of the future in the movie idiocracy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/).
Thank God there is PSINext.

[cliffbo]

some comments from IGN:

Chris Roper's Take

What Sony showed us of 2.40 looks awesome. I never really missed custom soundtracks, but the Trophy stuff is fantastic. I'm a big fan of the 360's Achievement system, not for overall points, but rather to show how much I've done in a single game. Sony's version looks to cater to my tastes better than a somewhat random number scheme, which is great.

Also, the Level system is brilliant. My Xbox 360 GamerScore is somewhere close to 17,000 right now. If I get an Achievement worth 10 points, that doesn't mean a whole lot at this point. But on the PS3, if I'm at Level 12, I know that every Bronze Trophy brings me one step closer to Level 13. In the scheme of things, it still doesn't mean anything in the overall betterment of my life (getting to Level 50 won't earn me a pay raise at work or a free dinner), but it is one more little thing for me to obsess over and will start getting me to prefer playing the PS3 version of a game rather than its all-things-equal 360 counterpart.

Greg Miller's Take

Once this Trophy thing gets going, I'm done with Achievements.

With one morning meeting, Sony has made me ready to buy every cross-platform title on the PlayStation 3 instead of its Microsoft-bred competitor. Sure, points are nice, but now I'm Leveling up? You mean to tell me that Sony's turned my gaming into an RPG of its own? You mean that everyone's going to be starting from square one and have an equal chance at being king of Trophies?

Sign me up.

The Profile pages will show you a users' Level. Addiction +1.
Seriously, everything I saw during our eyes-on with 2.40 impressed me. The ability to play custom music looks like it'll be fun, the in-game XMB works just like you think it should, and Sony honestly seems like it's ready to improve the feature as it goes. Sure, it's weird that calling the XMB up doesn't automatically pause the game and I'd like to see the Levels of my friends when I glance at the who's online section, but during our session, Sony was already talking about Phase Two and Phase Three additions and plans.

It's nice to know that it's committed.

Sadly, it's going to suck waiting for developers to get Trophies in their games, but the promise of Stardust and every major first-party, 2008 release being ready to roll with the system is a nice silver lining. Plus, they're working on a Warhawk Trophy patch, so I'll be set once that hits.

I'm excited. Really, really excited. Since the PS3 launched, I've been waiting for Sony to say "This is why you should play games on our system." The independent, original award system 2.40 is implementing is a great first step towards an answer to that question.

The PSN is about to become a community.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/885/885177p3.html

[GTAce]

Wow so positive. :laugh:

[cliffbo]

Wow so positive. :laugh:

take a look around the net at the moment. it's incredible the effect this is having...

they're turning PSN into an RPG... i can't wait to see where this goes

[Diresu]

take a look around the net at the moment. it's incredible the effect this is having...

they're turning PSN into an RPG... i can't wait to see where this goes

Until it comes out and people move onto "waaah it doesn't have *insert giant list of unnecessary crap here* "

[cliffbo]

Until it comes out and people move onto "waaah it doesn't have *insert giant list of unnecessary crap here* "

that's already happening, but 95% of the posts are incredibly positive... this will shift consoles and make people buy the PS3 version instead. Sony just played their first Ace

[GTAce]

Ace is always good. :hugegrin:

[Old_Timer!]

See guys like I said awhile back, this is what Ken Kutaragi was trying to say. But we just couldn't see his vision, his HOM3 and now his virtual world is here W3LCOM3 4D! W3LCOM3 CHANG3.....

[masteratt]

I think the The Flop has been shown and Sony has 3 of a kind with Ace.
They also did not just Call MS's bet, they raised it ;)

[cliffbo]

I think the The Flop has been shown and Sony has 3 of a kind with Ace.
They also did not just Call MS's bet, they raised it ;)

totally agree! that levelling up system is going to evolve... i just feel it

[Diresu]

that's already happening, but 95% of the posts are incredibly positive... this will shift consoles and make people buy the PS3 version instead. Sony just played their first Ace

Hope so. They are really stepping it up. Now make with the J-RPG's damnit.

[cliffbo]

my only question: will trophies be available to singleplayer games?

[cliffbo]

the level up system will make it easy to match players online

[OG_Monkey]

what you mean?

[GTAce]

What he wrote?

[TimmyJ]

Didn't care for achievements, don't really give a monkey's about trophies. In-game messaging and custom music though? *snoopy dance*

[OG_Monkey]

What he wrote?

yea he wrote:

the level up system will make it easy to match players online

and i was like:

what you mean?

he means like matchmaking? The levels have input on who your gonna matched with online?

Didn't care for achievements, don't really give a monkey's about trophies. In-game messaging and custom music though? *snoopy dance*

I might care for trophies if its real cool to look at and stuff in Home, but untill then i dont care about it either.

[Diresu]

Achievements I didn't care for mainly because a popup saying "you unlocked <crap go here>" Isn't exciting. If there is a tangible reward then i might get into it. Ala being able to unlock visual trophies I can gawk at inside home etc.

[Cyrus]

I'm kinda disappointed if this is all there is to the update. Yeah, trophies and partial ingame-XMB are great but I was expecting something else that would be very cool from all the insider comments. They were all saying "there's some other very nice stuff coming, not only ingame-XMB/Trophies"..

Still a very welcome update and I'm quite sure I'll get very addicted to collecting trophies.

[cliffbo]

what you mean?

lol... i read your other posts. level 10 on warhawk matched to level 9 - 11 would make it very easy to have fairer games without newbies getting flamed by more experienced players

[chartwel]

I'm kinda disappointed if this is all there is to the update. Yeah, trophies and partial ingame-XMB are great but I was expecting something else that would be very cool from all the insider comments. They were all saying "there's some other very nice stuff coming, not only ingame-XMB/Trophies"..

Still a very welcome update and I'm quite sure I'll get very addicted to collecting trophies.

i still expect more too, from the comments that were being mentioned. though, i expect some of the surprises are being saved for E3.

[cliffbo]

I'm kinda disappointed if this is all there is to the update. Yeah, trophies and partial ingame-XMB are great but I was expecting something else that would be very cool from all the insider comments. They were all saying "there's some other very nice stuff coming, not only ingame-XMB/Trophies"..

Still a very welcome update and I'm quite sure I'll get very addicted to collecting trophies.

i still expect more too, from the comments that were being mentioned. though, i expect some of the surprises are being saved for E3.

don't you dare!!! don't for one minute think this is Achievements. there's more to the levelling up than meets the eye.

[OG_Monkey]

lol... i read your other posts. level 10 on warhawk matched to level 9 - 11 would make it very easy to have fairer games without newbies getting flamed by more experienced players

thats what i thought you mean. You mean level from the trophies or level as in your actual rank. If its trophies thats kind of stupid

[cliffbo]

here's a thought for you: what if you have to be level 10 or level 15 or level 20 to get certain add ons for HOME (like the bubble machine) what a great way of making people play more and visit HOME more

[masteratt]

Nice thinking cliffbo.

Certainly exciting times ahead.

[Z]

I am disappointed that trophies aren't 3D. I thought we could have something to look at and turn it around. I really miss PS2 save files animations...

[cliffbo]

I am disappointed that trophies aren't 3D. I thought we could have something to look at and turn it around. I really miss PS2 save files animations...

the 3D version is going to appear in HOME :)

[TimmyJ]

One minute's silence for the save file animations of the PS2 :'(

[Marjoh]

One of the thing I'm most excited about that not many seems to care is access to the accessories from the game. Certain games, Madden 08 for example, has a higher master sound so you could not hear the other player's voice through the TV speakers. With this, you could simply change the voice output through the headset. Neat!

Hopefully you could access the video output as well. We have a 1080p set, but I play mainly with 720p output.

[cliffbo]

it's worth the read:

Firmware 2.40 Impressions
In-game XMB, custom soundtracks and Trophies, here we come. First screens inside.
by Chris Roper

US, June 30, 2008 - The moment that everyone has been waiting for is finally upon us. With the release of firmware update 2.40, Sony will finally add features like in-game XrossMediaBar access, custom soundtracks and Trophies to the PlayStation 3. Greg and I had a chance to see the update in action a few days ago, and based on what we saw, you should be excited. Read on for details, and look for our personal impressions at the end.

Perhaps the biggest part of the update for some folks is the ability to access the XrossMediaBar while playing a game. We're not talking about a scaled-down version of the XMB here - the whole thing pops up when you hit the PS button. A fair number of features will ask you to quit the game to use them, like hitting up the PlayStation Store, starting a movie or changing your display settings, but everything is accessible. For stuff that does ask you to quit, the PS3 will take you right to the option when you choose to leave the game. So, if you choose to head into the PlayStation Store and do opt to quit the game you're playing, you won't have to scroll back over to the PS Store icon a second time; it'll take you there automatically after quitting.

You can view your Trophies under the Game category.
While that's cool, it's the stuff that does work in-game that's awesome. Your Friends list is fully accessible, be it for seeing who's online, checking or sending messages, adding friends or whatever else. You're also able to change accessory settings while in-game, so if you choose to hop online and want to turn on a headset, you no longer have to quit out of the game to do so.

Note that the in-game XMB access only works for PlayStation 3 titles (both downloadable and disc-based games). You can't do this stuff while playing a PSone or PS2 game, nor while watching a movie. It sounds like you may eventually be able to access the XMB while watching a movie at some point in the future, but this is still pending at this point, and will likely be based on user demand (so start sending letters to your local senator).

Accessing the XMB while in-game is done by tapping the PS button. Holding the button for a couple seconds will bring up the old menu, where you can change controllers or shut down the system. The 2.40 update will add a new option to the Game menu that lets you quit a game, so you'll be able to hop out of a title from either menu once the update hits, which is cool. One thing to note is that tapping the PS button to bring up the XMB doesn't always automatically pause whatever game you're playing. It's technically not a major issue and just requires that you hit Start before the PS button, but it's certainly worth noting as you can't use it to essentially pause cutscenes that otherwise wouldn't allow it.

There's a new mini control panel for music playback, helpful while in-game.
Along with being able to manipulate your Friends list, possibly the coolest ability with the in-game XMB access is the ability to play your own music. Yes, we're talking custom soundtracks here. Note that this ability has to be added to a game to enable it, so it won't work with existing stuff unless the games are patched, but it's an option that will likely hit many upcoming titles.

You can go in and play any track on your system, obviously. The cool part though is that Sony has added a compact control panel at the top of the Music category that gives you quick access to oft-used functions, like play, pause, skip and whatnot. You can also change the volume with the panel, so you can turn down your music a bit if it overpowers the game's audio effects. While there won't be any games to support this at 2.40's launch, we did see a demo of it working with PixelJunk Monsters Encore, so it's obviously a candidate for a patch down the line.

While all of the in-game XMB stuff is awesome, Trophies are what take the update's cake. Much like Achievements on the Xbox 360, you'll earn Trophies for completing specific tasks in a game (a notification will pop up in the corner of the screen to tell you when you've earned one). The difference though is that instead of being worth a rather arbitrary point total, you'll earn either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Trophy for each accomplishment. Each Trophy has a behind-the-scenes point value (that you probably won't ever see), with developers allotted a total number of points they can use per game. So devs could pop in only a handful of Gold Trophies, a ton of Bronze Trophies, or mix and match with a few Silver tossed in, up to the point limit for the game. There will be "large scale" and "small scale" Trophy amounts, likely split between downloadable and retail games. So, like on the 360, full-fledged titles should offer more Trophies than smaller downloadable games.

Each game will also have a single Platinum Trophy assigned to it, which is only unlocked once you've earned all of the other Trophies. This Platinum Trophy plays nicely into the new Level system that will be introduced in 2.40. Instead of simply having a total number of Trophies (which is also viewable), each PSN profile will also have a Level. Each Trophy takes you closer to the next Level, though like an RPG, you'll be required to gain more Trophies to advance to each successive Level (it'll take longer to get to Level 3 than Level 2, in other words). Platinum Trophies will give you a ton of "experience" towards your next Level, so if you have a game where you're missing just one Bronze Trophy, nabbing that last one will give you a huge Level boost as it'll also automatically earn you the Platinum Trophy. Though there's technically a Level cap on the server end, Sony will continue to up the cap so that gamers should never be able to hit the maximum. Level 1 billion, here we come.

To view your Trophies, you'll head under a new Trophy listing under the Game category in the XMB. Clicking on this will list all of the Trophy-supported games you've played in a descending list to the side, much like the saved games listing appears. Next to the icon and name for each game, you'll see the percentage of Trophies that you've earned for the game, and hovering over the title will also show you a visual percentage meter. Clicking on the game will then give you a list of all available Trophies, and tell you the time and date that you earned any of them.

Highlighting a Trophy will show you quick details.
It's important to note that while games can be patched to offer support for Trophies, the rewards can't be given out retroactively -- you'd have to go back and play through each game again. This makes sense given that someone could copy a completed save for a game that they've never played from a friend and automatically unlock all of the Trophies.

Super Stardust HD will be the first game to be patched and offer Trophy support. Sony is planning on releasing the patch within hours of 2.40 hitting the wire, so it won't take long for players to be able to start filling up their collection. Warhawk and Pain will also get updates at some point in the future, with numerous other titles on the TBD list. As far as upcoming titles go, Sony promises that every major first-party game slated for release later this summer and onward will have built-in Trophy support. SOCOM: Confrontation and Resistance 2 were called out as examples during our meeting, while the press release also mentions BUZZ! Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, NBA 09 and PixelJunk Eden. PixelJunk Eden will be the first game to have Trophy support upon its initial release.

For third-parties, Sony promises that many developers are working to add Trophies into their games for this fall and onward. For the near future, Sony will not require that developers feature Trophy support in their games as some titles may be too far along to easily add them. However, at an undisclosed point in the future, all PlayStation 3 releases will indeed be required to make use of Trophies. We're hoping that's sooner than later.

With regards to Home, we're told that Trophies will in fact have some sort of tie-in to the online universe, though perhaps not on a one-to-one basis. From the way it was put during the meeting, my guess is that not all Trophies will have Home representations, but that many of the bigger ones will. So, while you might not get a Home version of a "Complete Stage 1" Trophy, I'm guessing that you will get stuff for things like finishing a game or completing other major tasks. Again though, this bit is all educated guesswork on my end.

You can compare Trophies with others easily.
While viewing your own Trophy collection is fun, the whole thing would be moot if others couldn't see your rewards and vice-versa. This is where the new profiles come into play. Clicking on someone's name in either your Friends or recently played list, you'll be presented with one of the new profiles. Each profile has three pages that you can flip through with the L1 and R1 buttons. The first page displays their name, icon, visual representations of their eight most recently collected Trophies, their total number of Trophies earned and their current Level (along with a progress meter to show how close they are to their next Level).

The second page shows you a tiered list of how many Trophies they've earned, so you can see if they've stocked up solely on Bronze rewards or if they're also picking up Silver and Golds along the way. The third and last page is a personal information sheet, with their PSN ID, an information blurb where players can write whatever they want about themselves, and a list of the languages that they happen to speak.

At the bottom of someone's profile page, you'll find icons for performing one of three tasks -- you can send them a message, start a voice chat, or, best of all, compare your Trophies. When you pick this last option, the system will display all of the games you've played in a descending list with your Trophy percentages shown side-by-side. Clicking on any game will then change from showing all of your games to showing all of the specific Trophies for said game. If you've used the Achievement comparison system on Xbox Live, you'll have a good idea of how this works.

Sony promises that the 2.40 release serves only as the introduction of Trophies, and that more features will work their way out in the future. For instance, a web-based interface for viewing your Trophies is in the works, and Sony is also working on giving you a quick-glimpse at someone's progress by incorporating a Trophy count or something similar for inclusion next to their name on your Friends list, so that you don't need to click on everyone's profile to have an idea of how everyone stacks up to one another.

The overall Trophy list gives you a quick percentage of overall earnings.
While in-game XMB support, custom soundtracks and Trophies are certainly 2.40's biggest features, there are a handful of other nice additions on their way in the update. A clock has been added to the upper-right corner of the screen, for instance, while a quick Google search option has been added to the XMB, just like the one that recently hit the PSP. And, perhaps best of all, the Friends list cap has been doubled from 50 to 100.

Perhaps the best news is that you'll have access to all of this on July 2nd, a mere two days from now.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/885/885177p1.html

[cliffbo]

just to keep the Meh, ball rolling lol

Rumor: Firmware 2.40 - Minor Messaging Improvements

With all these big new exciting features coming, sometimes it’s important to know the small things which you don’t know about. One of our insider sources has informed us that the message size limit has increased significantly - meaning you can send larger files via attachments to your friends. Another improvement is that there is an increase in the amount of messages you can hold before they have to be deleted. Both of these features may be useful for people who constantly send messages between people via PSN.

Firmware 2.40 will hit PS3s worldwide July 2nd.

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2008/06/30/rumor-firmware-240-send-larger-photos/

[GTAce]

:rockon:

[Hisham]

I dunno about anybody else, but trophies and achievemnts are both fluff... They don't really matter lol. It is not like I am going to be playing for trophies and such... Just like I don't "play for achievements."

Ingame XMB is what I am really looking foward too.

[Domination]

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The lion has been let out of its cage. Be careful what you wish for.

[Jay Gee]

I dunno about anybody else, but trophies and achievemnts are both fluff... They don't really matter lol. It is not like I am going to be playing for trophies and such... Just like I don't "play for achievements."

Ingame XMB is what I am really looking foward too.

Trophies as a standalone is indeed fluff. But the Home integration is where they'll play a major role.

[Diresu]

Trophies as a standalone is indeed fluff. But the Home integration is where they'll play a major role.

My thinking too. When you can see it in 3d as a tangible reward. Not that ima do things like play shit games to raise my score like lot of xbox people do but I might go out of my way to get trophies in the games I do play and like just for completion's sake.

[masteratt]

I dunno the pointless levelling up thing with the trophies might grab my attention lol

Of course if HOME integration comes :drool:

[Raitei]

what i was hoping for was cross game invites, or game invites from xmb (like you can do in home, all join together then launch straight into the online part of a game, least thats how i think it works)

[Jay Gee]

My thinking too. When you can see it in 3d as a tangible reward. Not that ima do things like play shit games to raise my score like lot of xbox people do but I might go out of my way to get trophies in the games I do play and like just for completion's sake.
Oh, most definitely. I'm not going out to rent/purchase Denied Ops just to level up, that's for sure.

[VG Aficionado]

2.40 FAQ online in a little while (http://twitter.com/SonyPlaystation/statuses/847173652)

[VG Aficionado]

Here it is:

Firmware v2.40 FAQ

+ Posted by Eric Lempel // Director, PlayStation Network Operations

Hi again! It’s great to see the positive reaction to the unveiling of system software update v2.40. We can’t wait for you to finally go hands-on with XMB access in-game and the Trophy system – and it’s less than 2 days away. Not surprisingly, a number of you have posed questions both here and on other forums. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Will voice-messaging/private chat be featured in 2.40 as well? If not, can we expect to see this feature added in the future?

We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat, but for this update, we wanted to focus on text messaging as the key priority for communications that our users have asked for.


Can you use the web browser in game?

No, you must exit the game before browsing the internet.


Will In-Game XMB come up during playback of PS2 games, Blu-Ray discs, and DVDs?

The XMB is an exclusive feature for PS3 game titles. Accessing the XMB during gameplay was the top request from our users, which we focused on for this update. However, we continually engage PS3 owners for feedback and will evaluate the opportunity to offer XMB access during movie playback in the future.


Can we go to the display settings and change anything there in-game (resolution, input, etc)?

No, you must exit the game before changing these settings.


Will it be possible to change in-game the sound output?

Yes, sound output changes are supported.


Will we be able to access the PLAYSTATION Store while in-game?

No, but you can view your downloads in progress.


Will we be able to stream music (either via media server or USB drive) for custom soundtracks or is it relegated to music stored on the HDD?

Currently only music stored on the HDD is accessible in games that support this feature. We’d also like to reiterate that Firmware v2.40 merely enables custom soundtracks. It’s up to developers to include this feature in upcoming games (or to patch existing ones).


Does 2.4 enable cross game invites? Will it down the line?

No, cross-game invites are not available in this system software update. We are evaluating opportunities to expand on the new features delivered in 2.40.


Will trophies be mandatory for all games release here on out?

We are working with developers to ensure that Trophies are supported across the board in the future.


Where is each player’s trophy stat info held? I am going to upgrade my hard drive and I don’t know if the trophies will still be on my account if I earn some and then get a new hard drive.

Trophies will be attached to users’ PSN ID. Trophy data needs to be synchronized to the online account on PSN to be transferred to the new PS3 system.


Will the patch automatically allocate unlocked trophies according to your saved files or would you have to do it again?

No, Trophies aren’t retroactive.


Can we view PSN profiles/Trophies from a PC using a Web browser? Will there be an API for web developers to access the PSN data, so online profiles can be created?

We’re evaluating these opportunities to expand where Trophies can be experienced.


Can you only compare trophies with friends that are online?

As long as a friend has a PSN account, you can compare trophies with them regardless of their online status.


Is there a limit to how many trophies the devs can put set by Sony?

There’s not a limit on number of trophies, but there’s a value assigned to each trophy. Developers must balance out the trophies that are available to stay within an overall value based on whether the game is considered large-scope or small-scope. Essentially, a user that has unlocked every trophy in one game would have the same level as a user that unlocked every trophy in another title, all titles (depending on scope) have the same overall impact on a users’ level.


Will new games have a cool little icon on the back saying “trophy compatible?”

We’re currently working on how Trophy support will be messaged to the consumer on our software packaging.


When you get a trophy, does it make a noise?

Currently, no.


Once again, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance the PLAYSTATION 3’s system software throughout the console’s life cycle. Consumer feedback has contributed greatly to the contents of Firmware v2.40, and continues to be appreciated. Don’t forget, this Firmware will be available for download on July 2nd.After reading it, rather than being a huge update it seems like it's just the ground for developers to implement a lot more features and the beginning of PS3's complete feature set. I guess anyone expecting to get all the remaining features at once has been too naive.

[Segitz]

I am just glad, you can set up your audio stuff in-game... it is a really needed feature!!!

[OG_Monkey]

I dunno about anybody else, but trophies and achievemnts are both fluff... They don't really matter lol. It is not like I am going to be playing for trophies and such... Just like I don't "play for achievements."

Ingame XMB is what I am really looking foward too.

Haha hell yea, it was so annoying having to exit the game etc just to see your messages and reply yesterday. Also, i just noticed but can i not send voice messages?

Also for something in the future, how about a update to playstation.com like xbox.com...where i can view friends list, add/remove, view messages, all that.

[dnpmakkah]

I excited for Home again.

[TrueVCU]

When you get a trophy, does it make a noise?

Currently, no.


This has to be the most useless question ever XD

[OG_Monkey]

Haha no, its pretty useful as ever achievement gamer on the 360 loves the boop sound of relief

that sound will/might become as important to trophy gamers too, "the sound of relief"

[LaLiLuLeLo]

More like the sound of compulsion.

[OG_Monkey]

compulsion:

1. the act of compelling; constraint; coercion.
2. the state or condition of being compelled.
3. Psychology. a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, esp. one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.

...i dont get it :shifty:

[JasonXe]

i like co op achievements like collecting stuff with a buddy and showing him/her where some of them are at. It adds replay value to a game after completing it.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

compulsion:

1. the act of compelling; constraint; coercion.
2. the state or condition of being compelled.
3. Psychology. a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, esp. one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.

...i dont get it :shifty:

I blame this mostly on you being a teenager.

But I like you (most of the time) so I'll explain it. Doing things compulsively means you feel like you have to do them, even though you damn well know you don't fucking have to. There's no reason to be doing these things, you're just doing them so they can be done. Haven't you heard of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or hearing someone called OCD? Keep up nucca.

[TrueVCU]

short version: Dance, puppet, DANCE!

[OG_Monkey]

I blame this mostly on you being a teenager.

But I like you (most of the time) so I'll explain it. Doing things compulsively means you feel like you have to do them, even though you damn well know you don't fucking have to. There's no reason to be doing these things, you're just doing them so they can be done. Haven't you heard of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or hearing someone called OCD? Keep up nucca.

ooooooooooooh, haha!

[TrueVCU]

:duh:

sorry man, but it was kinda obivous

[LaLiLuLeLo]

It's why 360 Achievements are so successful.

[TrueVCU]

ba zing

[OG_Monkey]

:duh:

sorry man, but it was kinda obivous

oh yea, like you would bust out of a crowd and be the weird one to go:

Compulsion; its like Psychology. You see, its a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, esp. one that is irrational or contrary to one's will. according to my data at least

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3139/steveurkel29ww.jpg

[LaLiLuLeLo]

So what you're saying is, basic comprehension makes us super nerds.
Man your mom musta put kool-aid in your bottles as a baby.

[OG_Monkey]

no, i mean that unbelievable definition

[GTShotoKen]

So what you're saying is, basic comprehension makes us super nerds.
Man your mom musta put kool-aid in your bottles as a baby.

:lol:

[LaLiLuLeLo]

no, i mean that unbelievable definition

Nigga that shit ain't hard. Read a book.

Anyway. 2.40! Woohoo! High five!

[OG_Monkey]

Haha!

[Red_Eyes]

I dunno about anybody else, but trophies and achievemnts are both fluff... They don't really matter lol.Well, maybe it doesn't matter for you, but for a lot of peoples, it matters.

CoD4 is a great example that achievements and trophies matter to peoples.

All those peoples attempting to complete all the achievements to unlock those Golden Guns in CoD4. And the Leveling Up is also a great idea. Just look at all those peoples attempting to level up in CoD4 to get the highest Prestige Badge. People want that kind of stuff, you know, trophies, rewards, leveling up, etc. Something to show off.

*Edited.

[Smokey]

Yeah, just like Leveling Up and unlocking Achievements didn't matter in CoD4... And those Prestige Badges didn't matter...
And people obviously didn't care to about achievements to unlock those Golden Guns...

to be honest ive been sitting on 55 second way through for like a coupla days after i got it. all i want is for our team to win & me try & be on top at end of game :)

[Red_Eyes]

to be honest ive been sitting on 55 second way through for like a coupla days after i got it. all i want is for our team to win & me try & be on top at end of game :)
I edited what I said. What I meant was that it didn't matter to some people, but to most peoples, it matters. I mean, it's not that they solely play for the trophies. Rather, it's more like, hey, I love playing what I play, but look, I also get rewareds as a bonus. Cool.

[Smokey]

to be honest id love to get a Gold AK-47 but im too damn lazy to use other guns as the AK is my baby lol

[masonite]

how do you get the gold guns? other than desert eagle?

[rotorhead]

i use the m16 with stopping power it's like the finger of God, red dot on target pull trigger and mutter under my breath "I smite thee" and they drop to the ground in a crumpled heap.


psn Nemesis1
add me if you like

[masonite]

MP5, silencer, 3 frags (yeh i'm one of those wankers ;)) UAV jammer, dead silence... Silent in every way :) it makes Bloc lots of fun...

[LiquidEagle]

MP5, silencer, 3 frags (yeh i'm one of those wankers ;)) UAV jammer, dead silence... Silent in every way :) it makes Bloc lots of fun...

Same for me, except I used a G36C (or something like that), made Overgrown fun as hell for me :)

[Smokey]

how do you get the gold guns? other than desert eagle?

get 100% on all guns in that section

[masonite]

Same for me, except I used a G36C (or something like that), made Overgrown fun as hell for me :)

yeh, thats another nice one, but the accuracy bugs me a bit, its hard to use at distance without the red dot.


get 100% on all guns in that section

Ah, cheers, i'll have to give it a go.

[dendj55]

Here it is:

Will voice-messaging/private chat be featured in 2.40 as well? If not, can we expect to see this feature added in the future?

We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat, but for this update, we wanted to focus on text messaging as the key priority for communications that our users have asked for.


Not to sound like a hater, but I am a bit disappointed that you can only reply to messages with the 2.40 update and not have cross game voice chat.

I was under the impression that Sony wanted to make its communications on par with Xbox Live in all ways, not just text wise.

[section]

Check blog.us.playstation.com faq about 2.40., voice communication may be on the way. They say they wanted first to concentrate on text messaging. It's still a catch up game but getting better all the time. Personally I don't need these features at all but these are great for those who do.

[VG Aficionado]

It's just the beginning rather than an update that implements everything at once.

By the way, there's a change in the FAQ:

When you get a trophy, does it make a noise?

Currently, no. How quickly things can change - there *will* be a sound effect when you unlock a Trophy.

[masteratt]

You can sense from the FAQ that this is strictly the groundwork, Sony has a LOTTTTTTT more in the works for expanding the features in 2.40.

How fast they can do it is another question though.

Tomorrow we finally get this baby :drool:

[cliffbo]

I dunno about anybody else, but trophies and achievemnts are both fluff... They don't really matter lol. It is not like I am going to be playing for trophies and such... Just like I don't "play for achievements."

Ingame XMB is what I am really looking foward too.

i can see exactly what you are saying, but i bet my life that when those little green bars start to grow, you'll be hooked, especially if they finally implement a nice 'Briiinggg! sound when you finally get a trophy... that's one of the addictive features of RPGs. especially if that little 'Briiinggg' sound brings with it new content of something for HOME

[Z]

this is the only firmware I ever looked forward to. I even marked it's release on my calender.
the next two weeks will be awesome:
2nd: FW update
3rd: Hancock
5th: moving day (personal event ;) )
6th: crazy download night (personal event ;) )
8th: Batman anime Gotham Nights
12th: my girlfriend flies back home
15th: E3!
16th: The Dark Knight

:)

[VG Aficionado]

You can sense from the FAQ that this is strictly the groundwork, Sony has a LOTTTTTTT more in the works for expanding the features in 2.40.

How fast they can do it is another question though.

Tomorrow we finally get this baby :drool:

Indeed. Actually, I read somewhere that there are three phases of features to be implemented and that this is just the first one. Also, it looks like the devkits have the option to force a custom soundtrack on a game, which is why Lempel turned PixelJunk Monsters' music off to avoid overlapping. However, this is not guaranteed on retail units as the devkits have extra RAM.

[cliffbo]

nice!

James Orry
PS3 Trophies will have sound effect
By James Orry - 01/07/2008 - 11:35am GMT

Just like Xbox 360's Achievement unlocked sound, PS3 gamers will get a Trophy earned jingle.
image03111 - PS3 Trophies will have sound effect

When the PS3 'Firmware v2.40 FAQ' went live there was a little disappointment amongst PS3 gamers when they learned the PS3's answer to Achievements, Trophies, would not be announced in-game with a sound effect.

Well, things have now changed. According to Sony Computer Entertainment's Jeff Rubenstein there will be sound.

"Actually on my way home, I got an email from Eric [Lempel, director, PlayStation Network Operations] asking me to update this post; there *will* be a sound effect when a user unlocks a trophy. You'll be hearing it soon enough. Hopefully a lot," explained Rubenstein in the comments section of the official PlayStation Blog.

PS3 firmware 2.40 is scheduled for release tomorrow.

http://www.videogamer.com/news/01-07-2008-8689.html

what if the sound effect was from the game!!!! 'Snaaaaaaaaake!'

[Sephiroth_VII]

Along with being able to manipulate your Friends list, possibly the coolest ability with the in-game XMB access is the ability to play your own music. Yes, we're talking custom soundtracks here. Note that this ability has to be added to a game to enable it, so it won't work with existing stuff unless the games are patched, but it's an option that will likely hit many upcoming titles.
Please tell me they're going to make it mandatory in the future :cry2:

[Z]

I don't think he turned the original music off to avoid overlapping. in fact, playing a soundtrack while the original one in the game is playing is well is the dumbest thing. he mentioned why he would turn it out and i think it was to make it easier to explain or something- I forgot why exactly but it wasn't a big deal.

[Z]

Please tell me they're going to make it mandatory in the future :cry2:

I think they will and they have to. it is just the initial release quirks that some titles may get away of not implementing these features at first. it would be stupid of Sony not to make it mandatory and also competition will pressure others to implement them in case that happens.

[JasonXe]

Along with being able to manipulate your Friends list, possibly the coolest ability with the in-game XMB access is the ability to play your own music. Yes, we're talking custom soundtracks here. Note that this ability has to be added to a game to enable it, so it won't work with existing stuff unless the games are patched, but it's an option that will likely hit many upcoming titles.

Are you shitting me?

[Viper]

Along with being able to manipulate your Friends list, possibly the coolest ability with the in-game XMB access is the ability to play your own music. Yes, we're talking custom soundtracks here. Note that this ability has to be added to a game to enable it, so it won't work with existing stuff unless the games are patched, but it's an option that will likely hit many upcoming titles.
Are you shitting me?



That's the coolest feature?

[cliffbo]

are you shitting me?

nobody read my post above about sound effects!

[Viper]

Would be frustrating as hell without a sound wouldn't it?

I mean you usually hear a chime or ding of some form when you achieve something in any game so why should trophies be any different?

[JasonXe]

Can i create my custom sound when its unlock like "Bringer of pain!!"?

[VG Aficionado]

I don't think he turned the original music off to avoid overlapping. in fact, playing a soundtrack while the original one in the game is playing is well is the dumbest thing. he mentioned why he would turn it out and i think it was to make it easier to explain or something- I forgot why exactly but it wasn't a big deal.

Well, that would be the point of avoding overlapping :cowboy: I mean, a developer at NeoGAF said that both soundtracks could actually be playing at once, but that's both detrimental and pointless.

are you shitting me?

nobody read my post above about sound effects!

Maybe because I posted it already (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showpost.php?p=1901566&postcount=396)?

[cliffbo]

Would be frustrating as hell without a sound wouldn't it?

I mean you usually hear a chime or ding of some form when you achieve something in any game so why should trophies be any different?

in the original interview there was no sound effects implemented. this is brand new news today!!! what i'd like is a sound effect from the game to be used. 'Snaaaaaake!' for instance

[cliffbo]

Well, that would be the point of avoding overlapping :cowboy: I mean, a developer at NeoGAF said that both soundtracks could actually be playing at once, but that's both detrimental and pointless.



Maybe because I posted it already (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showpost.php?p=1901566&postcount=396)?

lol... erm... that could be it

edit: why can't you play your own soundtrack in all games. surely if you can exit to the XMB, you could simply turn the music off of the game and play your own music like that. why would you need a patch for that?

[Z]

of course there will be a sound effect along with the visual pop-up. are you people mad? what, you think they would going to pull off a mime show?

[Epix]

I have a favor to ask of anyone who doesn't mind uploading a file for me. I don't want to start a new thread or derail this one so PM me if you have some free time. Thanks.

[GTAce]

Already doing it Epix!

Cant wait for tomorrow.....

[jaxmkii]

in the original interview there was no sound effects implemented. this is brand new news today!!! what i'd like is a sound effect from the game to be used. 'Snaaaaaake!' for instance

im going to use FFXII level up jingle.*


*if it can in fact can be chaged.

[Raitei]

MGS alert noise

[Sephiroth_VII]

I love how everyone presumes we'll be able to use our own sounds for that feature xD

[Raitei]

ermmm... no?

cliff said he would like that, and that he'd like the snaaaaaake noise..
i said the alert noise...

maybe jax thinks it will definately be there though, i cant really speak for him

[OG_Monkey]

Can i create my custom sound when its unlock like "Bringer of pain!!"?

Rofl, that'd be awesome. If they don't Microsoft better. Custom Sounds FTW

MGS alert noise

Haha that'd be even cooler!

[cliffbo]

new news:

Okay, here’s what we can say about the details:

* Trophies will be retroactive, so, if you’ve achieved something today, the day the update arrives (not Cagney, we want to emphasise) that will be reflected in your Trophies.

* Your Burnout Paradise save game has always been locked to your PSN id - so there’s never been any chance of trading save games - your progress is your progress (we have a way of thinking ahead for this kind of stuff!)

* The Save Game Analyser works with a special export file that is exported when you do a manual save from the game, not your encrypted save game file - so there’s no chance that anyone could hack that

* That’s as much as we can reveal right now - if you know us and our site, we’ll let you know as soon as we are confident to do so

Thanks for all of the support and positive comments, guys - we really appreciate it.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/01/trophies-timed-challenges-for-burnout-paradise/comment-page-1/#comment-77737

[Diresu]

Criterion just fuckin rules. These guys go out of their way to give fans what they want. Other devs should take note.

[cliffbo]

some other rumoured features!!!!

Rumours: (UPDATE) Extra Updates In 2.40
Translate-me-do
38

Thanks to reader Ben Torode, we've got a proper translation of this Watch Impress article, detailing a number of new features coming to 2.40 not yet mentioned by SCEA, as far as we know:

1. The way to quit games has also been modified in line with these changes, and a game can be exited by pressing the PS button during a game and selecting "Game" > "Quit Game" from the XMB.

2. On the XMB in general, added functions include a clock displayed on the XMB, a function to delete all entered text in the entry field when using text entry with a keyboard, and a function which displays an icon to indicate when operation of the PS button is disabled.

3. In "Users" under the XMB, an item has been added to power off the PS3 console. Under "Settings", options have been added to automatically power off after a system software update, and "assign controller", "controller vibration function" settings have been added under "accessory settings".

off

4. Under "Photos", as well as photos within a playlist becoming printable, when photos are sorted by month or year taken, an ascending and descending order option has been added.

5. Under "Music", a mini control panel can now be displayed while playing music, as well as "MP3 Surround" being added as a playable file type.

6. Under "Video", "Frame Noise Reduction" and "Block Noise Reduction" can now be configured for vidoes stored on the HDD or storage media, and upconverting output is also supported. Additionally, Blu-ray Disc upconverting, DVD Video DTS-ES and DTS 96/24 and Blu-ray Disc DTS-ES Matrix playback is supported.

7. Under "Internet Browser", "Search" has been added to the menu. Under the friends list, the number of friends that can be registered has been increased from 50 to 100, and the information screens of friends redesigned.


http://thesixthaxis.com/extra_updates_in_240_rumours_1247_tsa.aspx

[masteratt]

A bit confused here:

A simple example here- Say one trophy is "Reach Level 9 in whatever game" and then someone gives you a save file at level 8 and then you just beat that and get to Level 9, how will the game know you didn't cheat?

Is this it?:
The Save Game Analyser works with a special export file that is exported when you do a manual save from the game, not your encrypted save game file - so there’s no chance that anyone could hack that
But then this is just Criterion?

[Sephiroth_VII]

Good question: We don't know :drunks:

[Raitei]

masteratt, i dont think theres a way of stopping that

[Segitz]

Hm... they should (for games like SSHD) just take your PSN highscores... I doubt, I can force myself to play this game this much again^^

[VG Aficionado]

http://uk.ps3.gamespy.com/articles/885/885361p1.html

GameSpy: Is there an official list of available games slated to patch with trophies on or around Wednesday beyond Super Stardust HD, PAIN, Warhawk, and PixelJunk Eden?

Lempel: The only game that will officially be patched on the day of the firmware update is Super Stardust HD. The other games announced on the PlayStation blog will eventually update. We can officially confirm that besides the titles we've already announced, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune will also receive a patch at some point in the foreseeable future.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Finally, a clock!

[Sephiroth_VII]

I'm sad that there won't be an update for MGS4, it could work perfectly with the badge system, awarding you Bronze and Silver trophies for the fairly easy badges, while FOXHOUND and up would earn you Gold.

[VG Aficionado]

^Who said there won't be?

Oh, another video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgINVMVc-fU), although there's nothing new in there.

[masteratt]

I'm pretty sure MGS4 will get Trophies.

Wasn't Konami pressuring Sony to get the Trophies out before MGS4 release?

[Sephiroth_VII]

^^It's just not confirmed yet, so I'm assuming the worst possible situation ;)

[VG Aficionado]

You may also assume I'm going to kick your e-ass with my SSHD e-penis :norris:

Er... that didn't sound as cool as I thought it would.

[GTAce]

You can kick with your penis???

[VG Aficionado]

:look:

[Rockmond]

You can kick with your penis???

rofl

[Sephiroth_VII]

We'll see about that, I have confidence in my penis-kicking skills :cowboy:

[GTAce]

YouTube it please i dont want to miss that penis-kick-fight.

[masteratt]

Sounds like you just want to see penises.

[GTAce]

No i want to see kicking penises from Seph and VG! :thumbr:

[masteratt]

It's 2nd July in 30mins in UK, I wonder when 2.40 will hit.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Probably midnight Pacific Time. If that.

[GTAce]

It's 2nd July in 30mins in UK, I wonder when 2.40 will hit.

It is already 2nd here. :-p

[Jay Gee]

Hooray for Uncharted support! Hopefully, the games that are first party and haven't launched will have the trophy support the day that they do.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Sounds like you just want to see penises.
Don't we all? :ghey:
No i want to see kicking penises from Seph and VG! :thumbr:

Uh, I mean, yeah, of course, I just want toi... look at my own penis kick some other guys' penis?

Ew, let's end this here :barf:

[Segitz]

Could you guys stop talking about penises?

I mean, not that it makes me like... uncomfortable (I mean, I see a giant penis every day in the shower and in the mirror), but... this is a PSi3 board, and that doesn't stand for "Penis Size, 3 Inches"

It's 1AM now... nothing up yet

[GTAce]

:lol:

[Chrome]

If your PSN goes down ppl it's a network error so don't go changing your modem/router settings.

[jaxmkii]

ehhh ill check in the morning

[jaxmkii]

If your PSN goes down ppl it's a network error so don't go changing your modem/router settings.

we know the drill

[Coded-Dude]

i opened this thread hoping to read updated info about the f/w, and i find talk of penises. :wtf:

[Sephiroth_VII]

It's up!

Downloading now :hugegrin:

[Alias]

Caught it at the right time. Installing!

[Coded-Dude]

yay! :clap:

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Woohoo! :queer:

Edit: There is indeed a date/time display in the upper right. Huzzah!

[OG_Monkey]

finally

[masonite]

Downloading now :)

[Hisham]

It might have just bricked my console... I have had a black screen for the past 10 minutes...

NVM, after a hard reboot, it started working.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Ok, SSHD only updates when logged in with an American account. I guess the Europeans will see it sometime next year -.-

[Omegacell]

I got the update just fine and I'm in the UK?
Have 3 trophies so far:D

[rotorhead]

Seems like movie clips now only output the channels they are encoded in, ie 2 channel comes out as 2 channel PCM rather then 5.1 which would prevent me from doing dolby Prologic II. Now I can apply Prologic II to stereo shows. Sadly they still haven't fixed MP3s which output as 5.1 even when they are 2 channel.
Another cool thing seems that you can ingame msg people in the player Met list. Which in COD4 will include people in the current game.

[Z]

d/l-ing!
man, I tell ya, custom-soundtracks will make me play a lot of games that I have moved on from. when I'm finished, I'll do a lot of experimentation.
actually, MGS4 gave me a brief test to this by offering the in-game iPod. :)
man I never died as fast before using it, but it was so beautiful I didn't mind dying. lol

[Sephiroth_VII]

I got the update just fine and I'm in the UK?
Have 3 trophies so far:D

I didn't :whogives:

Anyway, I just scored my 7th trophy(first silver, yay), so I'm gonna get some sleep and wake up to find that everybody has the Platinum trophy already...

[VG Aficionado]

I just checked the in-game XMB on PixelJunk Monsters and it's awesome! Not laggy and in-game messaging works great :)

SSHD keeps on restarting my system. I observed it doesn't get to download the update as there's no network activity, so I guess it could just be that the update isn't available for some countries yet.

[Smokey]

so how are trophies aquired?

[masteratt]

damn im on ps3 now as mentioned SSHD wont update (in UK)....but other than that annoying thing everything is working awesome. runs much smoother than i thought it would.

great work Sony :cheers:
NOW GIVE US MORE TROPHIES!!!!! :whip:

[Z]

okay, WTF?! only Monsters and Stardust support this? what's that 70% of released games support it? and why do I need to download Stardust all over again just for a patch? I am trying all my other games with custom soundtracks and I keep getting the same message:" this game does not support this feature" or something to that extent.

I am angry.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa188/shmookins/angrybaby-1.jpg

[Segitz]

i opened this thread hoping to read updated info about the f/w, and i find talk of penises. :wtf:

It's up!

Downloading now :hugegrin:

Combinating those two posts makes me shudder^^

SSHD keeps on restarting my system. I observed it doesn't get to download the update as there's no network activity, so I guess it could just be that the update isn't available for some countries yet.

Same here, but 3rd time was the charm... 288MB update bitch^^

Got quite some trophies already :D the 20 bombs was a bitch, but I got it...

Since I don't have the SP addon, I cannot get all trophies in SSHD, which is quite a bitch really... why do I need an addon to get all trophies?

[Z]

wait a sec...custom soundtracks aren't even supported on Stardust as well. WTF? only one game supports this?! and after gong through the trouble of downloading 300 terabytes for Stardust, even though I don't even like the game....

I am disappointed. this is bullshit.

[VG Aficionado]

^^Would you prefer to have less trophies? :cowboy:

Hehe, these SSHD trophies seem easy to get :norris:

[Bsack]

So considering I did rainbow everything on PixelJunk Monsters does that mean I have to do it all over again just to get all the trophies for recognition of my achievement?

[VG Aficionado]

If it gets trophy support, that is. Maybe not: Burnout Paradise and WarHawk are supporting them retroactively and more games should follow suit.

[cliffbo]

2.40 includes hidden PSN Store upgrade

Posted Jul 2nd 2008 6:00AM by Jem Alexander
Filed under: News
The new look PSN Store is definitely something to behold, even if we've mostly gotten used to what it looks like by now. Unfortunately, it suffered from not caching images properly and, as a result, slow loading of items on the store. If you're someone who's particularly annoyed by this, then you'll be happy to hear that firmware 2.40 seems to have brought with it a little surprise which makes the store run a lot smoother. This is true of both the US and the EU stores.

Not only that, but a new "view mode" has been added to both, so now you can have the store items laid out in more of a list form, rather than just an image. Not only does this make it easier to see what each item is at a glance, but it also shows the price, even if the item is not highlighted. This is definitely our preferred method of viewing the store. If we find any more 2.40 surprises, we'll be sure to let you know.

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/07/02/2-40-includes-hidden-psn-store-upgrade/

some people are reporting that certain PS2 titles are now working on their PS3 that didn't before the update. anyone else noticed this?

also: anyone experienced a lock up? lots of PS3 owners are reporting problems after downloading the update

[Raitei]

no lock ups, but my ps3 did randomly reboot itself.

XMB seems slow, constantly needing to get the icons

[cliffbo]

no lock ups, but my ps3 did randomly reboot itself.

XMB seems slow, constantly needing to get the icons

which model do you have? i'm assuming 40GB

[Xclusion]

wait a sec...custom soundtracks aren't even supported on Stardust as well. WTF? only one game supports this?! and after gong through the trouble of downloading 300 terabytes for Stardust, even though I don't even like the game....

I am disappointed. this is bullshit.


Stardust already has custom soundtracks just go to options then audio.

[rotorhead]

My USB hard drive displays content a lot faster now.

[Raitei]

60gb

so, as it goes, the only game/s currently supporting trophies is/are:

SSHD

anymore im missing?

[Sephiroth_VII]

Not to our knowledge, though updates should arrive swiftly.

[Derrick Barra]

Anyone else notice that the Web Browser is going A LOT faster now? Now if it only didn't crash the PS3 every five seconds and supported a higher level of Flash...

[Matt]

Does anybody have the link to download the FW on PC?

[Sephiroth_VII]

Here you go (http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/SystemUpdate).

[GTAce]

I dont want to say much, only that 2.40 ROCKS!!!!!!!!!

[OG_Monkey]

In game XMB isn't slow to you all?

[GTAce]

Its "slow" of course, but its okay.
Only thing i dont like is that my GT5P theme shows a "?" as icon for the internet search and trophies.
Well it fits to the search icon but looks a bit stupid for the trophy collection. lol

[Black Dragon37]

I wish Sony made it mandatory that all games should allow custom soundtracks.

[Kiosko]

My Trophy section displayed a ?, but after a few rounds of Condemned 2 online; I checked back and it showed my username and the Trophy Picture.