CTA introduces assault rifle controller for PS3

Oscar Mike, Tango down and so on and so forth.

CTA have brought us some shamelessly bizarre pieces of gaming tat in the past (remember this?), but it's latest PS3 offering raises (or possibly lowers) the bar. Pithily named the CTA Assault Rifle Controller for PS3, it's... well, it's an assault rifle-shaped controller for the PS3. Sort of.


So you plug in the USB stick, point it at the TV and get right down to whacking Tangos by aiming down the sights, right? Well, no. It's not a light gun; it's just a toy rifle with PlayStation controller buttons on it. It's less the Wii steering wheel, and more like a racing controller that's shaped like a car bonnet. For $65.

CTA released a video ad for the accessory, in which a man named Ben wears an army costume and tells us that "the assault rifle for the PS3 is the number one piece of equipment any gamer needs to wreak havoc in first person shooter games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 or Battlefield Bad Company 2". Then he runs into a crowd of Battlefield enemies, fires blindly into the air and doesn't hit any of them - but what the CTA Assault Rifle lacks in accuracy and practicality it makes up for with a built in speaker that makes gun sounds (even when the rifle isn't synced to the PS3, Ben tells us).


The CTA Assault Rifle controller for PS3 is out in the States in August. In the meantime, you can check out the video ad for CTA Assault Rifle here. Stay tuned until the end for a shot of Soldier Ben leaping out menacingly from behind a potted plant.

Motion control for all PS3 games - Sony

SCEA CEO Jack Tretton believes the company's new motion control technology could be used on all PlayStation 3 games.

Sony and Microsoft's motion control technologies were the talk of E3 - with Microsoft's Natal seeming more technologically impressive. But is the PlayStation 3 solution more practical for most games? SCEA's Jack Tretton believes so. "Personally, it’s very difficult for me to perceive God of War 3 being played with the Wii controller," he said. "It’s a different experience that doesn’t lend itself to certain types of games. [But] I think our [motion] controller can be used with every game that’s on the system now and every game we’re working on." I've a suspicion for all Natal's wow factor Tretton may be right. Source: CNBC

http://ps2.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles/art.view.php?id=18128

PS3 Dual Shock 3 controller gets silver color on June 24

The PS3 Dual-Shock 3 controller is about to meet a new silver sheen. The silver colored PS3 controller will release this June 24th and is available now for pre-order on EBgames.com for $55.

Naturally, the controller’s only difference is the new look, otherwise its functionally exactly the same. Hopefully more colors will follow though cause this thing looks NICE if you ask me. Previous to this the controller was only available in black (In the U.S.).

Features of the Dual Shock 3 Silver-colored controller include:

* Pressure-sensitive buttons Feel the controller vibrate with each hit, crash or explosion.

* Sixaxis highly sensitive motion technology Your natural movements become part of the action. And the controller becomes a natural extension of your body. The Sixaxis motion-sensing system allows users to maneuver the controller itself. With this system, sensors read when a player angles, tilts, thrusts, or pulls the controller, all in real-time and with high precision. And it’s available in both the Sixaxis wireless controller and the Dual Shock 3 wireless controller.

* Bluetooth technology means no wires. With the Dual Shock 3’s Bluetooth technology you can play completely untethered.

* Multiplayer gaming Connect up to seven wireless controllers at one once for serious multiplayer gaming.

* Charging Charge the Dual Shock 3 with the PlayStation 3 system using the controller’s USB cable. And you can even plug it in during gameplay, so you’ll never miss a beat.

* Compatible games So many compatible games! Check game for compatibility.

http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2009/04/20/ps3-dual-shock-3-controller-gets-silver-color-on-june-24.htm

Review : Street Fighter IV Fightpad for Xbox 360 and PS3

Score: 90 Putting up a Fight!
This past weekend I was out helping a friend on a home theater shopping expedition trip and I was overjoyed to see that the Mad Catz Street Fighter IV Fightpad for Xbox 360 was finally in stock.

These are full-size gamepads specifically designed for fighting games with a highly responsive and thumb friendly digital D-Pad and six flat buttons on arranged on the three by three Capcom style layout. I gladly handed over my $40 and could not wait to take it home and crack open the space plastic and get my greasy mitts all over it. It is stylish and looks cool to boot.

The controller is bigger than I expected and feels really good. It is nice and smooth with an ergonomic design. I was pleasantly surprised by the rubberized back and it is pretty obvious that they spent a lot of time talking to fighting game fans about how to make a good controller for fighting games.

The big feature is the big D-pad. It is a joy to throw fireballs, dragon punches with it and I was actually pulling off Zangeif pile drivers without too much effort. It does not begin to compare to the D-pads on the Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 controllers. This bad boy is raised and highly responsive. I never felt like it was registering a command that I didn't intend to give it.
The buttons were also a joy to behold and are just are asking to be mashed. They were flat mesas and had a good click response. I was pulling off super moves with E. Honda and Chun-Li with ease. It was a little weird to have the RT and RB buttons mapped to the buttons on the front of the controller. There are two buttons on the top that are mapped to the LB and LT buttons. I had to adjust the button mapping for Street Fighter II HD Remix and Street Fighter III but it worked flawlessly post-remapping. It was also easy to pull off three button combo presses.

I like this pad more than the Sega Saturn and NeoGeo gamepad and that is saying a lot. This is as good as the likes of Hori. The Xbox 360 needed this gamepad at system LAUNCH. I will never ever play a fighting game using the Xbox 360 controller ever again now that I have this bad sucka.

There is a weird three position toggle switch on the back of the controller so you can have the D-pad control the left and right analog sticks. It has this since there are no analog sticks on the pad. There is an adjustable Turbo button functionality but no macro (thank God.). There is also the back and start buttons down by the mini guide button on lower part of the face and a standard Xbox Live headset jack. The Messenger Chat Pad is not going to fit. The Xbox 360 version of the pad is wired via USB while the PS3 pad is wireless.

The biggest disappointment that I have with it is that there is no rumble. Both Hori and MadCatz themselves have included rumble motors. I like rumble with my fighting games and since MadCatz was able to fit rumble motors in the PS2 RetroCon I don't see why they left them out of this pad.

MegaMan 9, Castle Crashers, Castlevania, Ikaruga, Soul Calibur IV and all these old school XBLA games are going to smoke with this.

At $40 it is cheaper than getting a full size joystick and this might be my default Xbox 360 for most games that don't need analog sticks. I loved this gamepad. it is the best thing to a retro gamepad on the Xbox 360 and PS3 and even if you are going to lay down the serious cash for a joystick I think that this is a great gamepad to have in your arsenal of controllers.

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/digitaljoystick/archives/162124.asp?from=blog_last3

Peak Starpex Guitar Controller Review

It’s difficult to believe that three years ago today we were playing Guitar Hero on our PlayStation 2 with its squeaky 3/4 sized plastic Gibson SG controller. Within a short time the franchise evolved into a full band experience with Rock Band and Guitar Hero World Tour. With each new game came new guitar controllers officially licensed by Gibson, Fender, and various third-party controllers such as TAC and Nyko.

While some gamers may be satisfied with the standard, first party plastic controllers, others may be looking for a more realistic experience. Enter the Peak Starpex PS2/PS3 wireless guitar controllers, the first full size, wooden guitar controller in wide supply.

As Jen & Smeeguel have shown in their unwrapping photos, the Starpex has the construction of a real electric guitar with the guts of a plastic guitar controller. The Starpex controller measures 38 3/4 inches from the end of the headstock to the tip of the metal strap knob. The widest point in the body measures at 13 inches, which is a tad too large for my real Gibson SG style guitar case. The wooden neck measures at 18 1/2 in. long and features five fret buttons, and five solo buttons.

Peak offers three different guitar models- Black Sunburst, Dead Starburst (dark red) and Obsidian (black). Each model has a heavily high-gloss, varnished body, bolted neck, real metal tuning pegs, metal screws, and metal strap knobs. The varnished body is prone to finger prints and smudges (much like the PS3.) The wood is perfectly sanded and contains no niches or irregularities. Peak’s Starpex is absolutely gorgeous.

From far away one can mistaken the Starpex as a real guitar. This happened often while I was running errands in New York City. While waiting for a friend in SoHo, a car stopped in front of me at a red light. The driver opened his passenger window and asked “Hey, is that a real guitar or a Guitar Hero controller?” Imagine my surprise! I walked towards the car, lifted the controller up, and told him that it was a full sized wooden controller for Guitar Hero. He asked who made it and I promptly responded “Peak!” The driver thanked me and drove away at the green light. Several minutes later my friend arrived and we had lunch at a diner. Entering the diner I must have stuck out like a sore thumb. A kind, middle aged waitress came over and asked “Are you playing for us today?” For a few seconds I struggled with an explanation that she could understand. The waitress asked “Is it broken?” I promptly responded with “No, it has buttons.” She then realized that it was more of a toy and dropped the subject.

The first thing you’ll notice is the size and weight of the guitar. The Rock Band 2 Fender Stratocaster looks remarkably smaller next to the Starpex. When paired next to my real guitar it’s more difficult to distinguish the two. The two guitars are equal in size, but the Starpex weighs just a bit less.

If you plan on purchasing this guitar for a child I’d suggest you hold off for a few years. Children generally play on smaller (1/2, or 3/4 sized) guitars due to their size. Teenaged and adult players who have never played a real guitar may have difficulty adjusting to the larger guitar. It’s important to practice proper basic guitar posture when handling any guitar. Without proper posture you may be susceptible to arm or back injury. But don’t worry, after several songs you’ll be comfortable and you’ll feel like a pro.

Guitar Strap:

The Starpex guitar strap measures at 2 inches wide and approx. 52 1/2 in long. For a premium guitar it contains a very generic guitar strap. On two occasions the guitar strap separated itself from the guitar body. If you prefer to play standing up (and jumping around on stage like Smeeguel) then this may be a concern. For the hardcore Endless Set list players you may want to invest towards a more comfortable, reliable guitar strap. This will help minimize the shoulder weight and fatigue when rocking out for several hours.

Wireless Module & USB Adapter:

The Starpex has both a wired and wireless connection for PS2 and PS3. Peak provides a 15ft cable for wired connection, and 2.4 GHz for wireless connection. The Wireless Module (left) fits directly into a PlayStation 2 controller port. The USB Adapter (right) is able to connect to the Wireless Module for PlayStation 3 wireless connectivity. The USB Adapter also contains a Home button to access the XMB. Unfortunately the Starpex guitar lacks a Home button so you’ll have to press the USB adapter or a use standard PS3 controller.

Up until recently most guitar controllers were not Guitar Hero/Rock Band cross-compatible on PlayStation 3. PS3 fans had to purchase multiple game-specific controllers or bundles just to play with friends. Peak’s Starpex contains a switch in the USB Adapter for Rock Band & Guitar Hero compatibility on PS3. (Note- the Starpex is compatible with all guitar games on PS2.)
As of November 24th all first and third party guitar controllers are compatible for all music games on PS3. The Starpex’s basic functions will work regardless of the setting. Switching the controller to the “GH” setting while playing Rock Band will disable the toggle switch, hammer on solo buttons during solos, and “big rock endings” with solo buttons. Solo buttons will function if strummed. Keep this in mind when switching games.

Gameplay:

The Starpex manual states “[Starpex controller] is not meant to take the place of a standard analog controller as it cannot perform all of its functions. If you are unable to navigate the screen using the Peak Guitar Controller, disconnect it and insert a [compatible controller.]” As I mentioned earlier the Starpex controller does not have a Home button on the body. To access the XMB users must press the Home button on the USB adapter. In addition to the missing Home button, the Starpex does not include navigation buttons on the body. If you wish to toggle left and right between options you must use a standard controller.

The Starpex features a pair of five button wooden frets. The neck contains fret markers placed similarly to a real guitar. Each fret button is beveled and color coded on the edges. Fret buttons are slightly larger in size and spacing. Smaller hands will have to stretch a bit more for Green to Orange notes but not by much. The Starpex solo buttons are much larger compared to the Rock Band Stratocaster’s solo buttons. The Strat gets the upper hand in terms of realism, but the Starpex’s solo buttons are far more playable. Guitar solos are now easier thanks to Starpex’s large solo buttons. If you’re having trouble with the “Flawless Guitar Solo” PS3 trophy, consider playing with the Starpex.

With the Starpex you won’t have to worry about mushy strummers, broken whammies, dropped notes and double strums. The frets are raised and shaped similar to the GH2 (Xbox 360) Xplorer controller. The frets are noisy but they don’t make as much noise as the Rock Band 1 Strat. The Starpex strummer functions similarly to the GH3 Les Paul strummer. During rapid strumming this guitar did not miss a beat. The Starpex frets are more sensitive then on other controllers. This allows you press lighter on the frets, which keeps the action very low for faster gameplay. The lower action gives the guitar a more comfortable and realistic feeling. After hours and hours of play the guitar worked flawlessly.

Overdrive/Star Power:

Just like all guitar controllers the Starpex features a motion sensor which triggers Star Power. In addition to the motion sensor the controller features an Overdrive/Star Power button. The Star Power button is located underneath the strum bar and the on/off indicator. The button is not much wider than your pointer finger, which makes it difficult to access during difficult songs. If you’re left handed this button becomes even more difficult to access. When pressing the OD/SP button Star Power will activate after a one second delay. Though it sounds very minor this delay can be problematic in gameplay. During dangerous situations multiple hits of the OD/SP button could risk the player of failing. Like most guitars (especially with the GHWT) the Select button will active overdrive. Unfortunately, the Select and Start button are located far towards the bottom of the controller. The most reliable method for Star Power is good ol’ fashion motion sensing.

Modification:

Peak designed the guitar for easy modification. A connector on the bridge will allow for a foot pedal. All of the electronic and wooden components can be separated from the body for modification. Personally I’d prefer a metal bridge, with metal Start and Select buttons similar to the custom guitar from Funde Razor 2006.

Conclusion:

Disregarding the navigation and Star Power control issues, the Peak Starpex is the best controller I’ve ever used. For those who dream of being a rock star this is the most realistic experience you’ll have on a guitar controller. At $179.99 it will cost you more than a music game bundle but it’s worth every penny. Unfortunately for XBOX 360 owners this controller is only available for Playstation 2 and 3.

Peak’s Starpex guitar can be found at various locations including Circuit City, and Costco for $179.99. On Dec. 10th Funde Razor NYC will feature the Peak Starpex at the Guitar Hero World Tour free play area. At the end of the night we will give away both guitars to some lucky people.

http://www.rockgamer.com/2008/12/01/peak-starpex-guitar-controller-review/

Sony Playstation 3 Kit

SONY PLAYSTATION 3 ACCESSORY KIT: - The newly designed SIXAXIS Wireless Controller for the PLAYSTATION 3 system enables gamers to harness the potential of the world’s most advanced computer entertainment console. Developed by refining the popular original PlayStation controller, the de facto standard in gaming with several hundred millions units sold worldwide, the SIXAXIS wireless controller features motion- sensing technology to detect natural and intuitive movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of the user’s body. - The PLAYSTATION 3 Blu-Ray Remote Control enables users streamlined access to the PLAYSTATION 3 system’s disc features. Unlike standard infrared remotes, the Blu-Ray Remote control uses Bluetooth technology so it can be used without having to point directly at the PLAYSTATION 3 system. - The HDMI Cable for Sony Playstation 3 allows you to connect your PS3 to any TV with a HDMI connector, giving unprecidented picture quality.

http://www.supergamebox.com/2008/09/20/sony-playstation-3-accessory-kit/

Thrusts, Feints and Slashes, via Controller

From Errol Flynn’s swashbucklers through George Lucas’s light-saber duels, mass entertainment probably still has no better frame for the elemental mano-a-mano conflict than a sword fight.

Purely as a matter of aesthetics, video games have lagged behind movies in conveying the athleticism of close-quarter combat. The difficulty has been in allowing players precise, tight control over their visual avatars while retaining the fluidity of motion that makes a Jackie Chan scene or a fight from “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” so enthralling.

Games still haven’t matched Hollywood yet in pure martial-arts eye candy, but with the new Soul Calibur IV from Namco Bandai, they are getting close. The latest high-definition graphics technology is finally allowing fighting games to meld the theatrical qualities of film with the fantasies of a great comic book. And Soul Calibur IV offers some of the most kinetic, balletic, gorgeously rendered over-the-top fighting experience on the market today.

Almost all of the game’s dozens of characters maintain distinct styles, not only in physical appearance but also in combat dynamics. A lithe young woman flies into a spinning triple back flip of silk and steel, then offers a quick backhand stab to the kidneys, while a hulking barbarian wearing a rhino’s head tries to crush her with an immense spiked club.

Soul Calibur is principally about swords of every variety, but fans of giant maces, staves, falchions, nunchuks, halberds or other exotic hand-held weaponry won’t go disappointed. The franchise’s alternately saccharine and mildly endearing story revolves around the conflict wrought around 1600 by two quasi-sentient swords, Soul Calibur and its evil twin, Soul Edge.
But story isn’t what you come to a fighting game for. While it’s one thing to make such a game interesting to watch, it’s another to make it something that both hard-core fans and casual droppers-in can find fun to play. Straddling that line may be Soul Calibur’s deepest strength.
In that sense, fighting games and sports games face similar challenges in the new video game market, where the audience is expanding, and where old-school gamers are becoming merely a constituency among many.

For years both sports games and fighting games added in more and more complications so that their serious fans would have more to sink their teeth into and more ways to demonstrate their skill. With some fighting games, as with some sports games, it can take literally dozens of hours to become merely mediocre.

That may be fun for a cadre of die-hards, but it’s not fun for most people. The problem is that if a game is made too easy, it can turn off those core players who are the most loyal game consumers. Soul Calibur manages to square the circle neatly. For me fighting games have usually fallen into two categories: impossibly arcane (the more common) or mindlessly simple. Going into Soul Calibur, I expected to be wiped out constantly until I either bore down and memorized 15 button combinations or set every option to Easy.

Neither happened. After 15 hours on the PlayStation 3 (the game is also available for the Xbox 360), I never got too frustrated and yet I was still getting better. I could pick the game up and just start mashing buttons, watch the pretty special effects and do fairly well, and then, as I was ready, begin to pay attention to learning special moves and applying strategy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/arts/13soul.html?ref=arts