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New firmware readies PSP for VidZone content

by Majed Athab { Jun 11th 2009 at 5:30PM }

A minor firmware update for PSP arrived this morning. This brings the portable handheld up to firmware version 5.51. The EU PlayStation blog notes this new update "improves PSP System software stability during use of some features," though doesn't provide any further details. We here at Joystiq hypothesize this quick little fix is readying PSP for the VidZone service which just launched today.

The firmware is roughly 27MB, which is a file size close to the VidZone update on PS3 (23MB). For those unfamiliar with VidZone, it's a service that gives PSP and PS3 users free access to music videos via PSN. It's currently only available in specific European countries, so don't go rushing out to download all at once.

Team Fortress 2's Spy murders Sniper, both receive updates

by Griffin McElroy { May 16th 2009 at 11:30AM }

We thought Valve had straight up flipped their melon (whatever that means) when they started announcing the upcoming changes to Team Fortress 2's hawk-eyed class, the Sniper. A bow and arrow? Okay, fine -- but a shield that prevents you from getting backstabbed? Why not just allow them to turn on God Mode? However, our worries were assuaged by the latest revelation for the Sniper update, in which said Sniper gets Julius Caesar'd by a Spy -- the proud recipient of yet another TF2 update.

The betrayal-prone class will be getting two new tools in the update -- the Cloak and Dagger Spy Watch, which allows you to stay camouflaged indefinitely (as long as you're standing completely still) and the Dead Ringer Spy Watch, which instantly cloaks you for eight seconds when you get hit, dropping a fake corpse in your stead. Oh, we're going to do terrible, terrible things with that.

Quake Live update adding new maps, Mac and Linux support coming soon

by Griffin McElroy { May 3rd 2009 at 1:00PM }

We understand that much of the appeal for id's free-to-play browser shooter Quake Live comes from the rich veins of nostalgia that lie therein -- but that doesn't mean we don't expect the game to improve upon the franchise's roots. Fortunately, id Software just clued in their forumgoers to a few welcome additions coming to Live in an update that's due out mid-May -- an update that will bring new maps, tutorial modes and better mid-match team balancing.

However, the forum post also mentioned a ton of changes they're planning on rolling out in the near future, like the addition of Mac and Linux support, private servers and matches, and the revivification of awards and leaderboards. For further details on their plans for improvement, check out id's latest forum update!

[Via Big Download]

Dawn of War II getting major update this month

by Griffin McElroy { May 2nd 2009 at 10:00PM }

If you've spent the past couple months enjoying THQ's Warhammer-ed RTS, Dawn of War II, you might want to brace yourself for a massive influx of new content coming soon in "Patch 1.3." Chief among these is a new 2v2 multiplayer mode (as well as two new maps which compliment this mode), UI improvements, push-to-talk voice chat, new squad decorations and a few "significant" AI improvements. The update is due out in "early May," which is ... right now! Keep an eye out for a firmer launch date -- we're sure to hear it soon.

The best of WoW Insider: April 14-21, 2009

by Mike Schramm { Apr 22nd 2009 at 12:01AM }

Patch 3.1 has been out for a week now in the World of Warcraft (in fact, patch 3.1.1 is coming out today), and players have tons to do -- we're all raiding Ulduar, playing around with dual specs, and leveling up through the Argent Tournament to become Champions of our own factions. In fact, there's a lot of new stuff in World of Warcraft, so if it ever gets overwhelming, worry not -- Joystiq's WoW Insider has you covered. Here's our most popular posts in the past week.

News

WoW Insider's Guide to the Argent Tournament
It's joustin' time in the World of Warcraft. Here's what you need to know.
WoW Insider's Patch 3.1 FAQ
Frequently asked questions about last week's patch, answered just for you.
Ghostcrawler on the mechanics behind Armor Penetration
One of the game's devs talks about one of the tougher damage dealing mechanics to figure out.
First day for Champions on the Argent Tournament
The very first class of Champions arises.
Curse, WoW Interface band together to block WoWMatrix
A small shakeup in the addon world leaves a few players hanging right around patch day.

Features

Wrath 101: Emalon the Storm Watcher
There's a new boss in the Wintergrasp Vault, and here's a quick guide to taking him down.
The Queue: Service with a smile
You ask, we answer. That's how it works.
How to get the Turtle Mount
Want to get your hands on the brand new aquatic mount? Here's a few tips.
How to activate Ulduar's hard modes
Sure, anybody can raid Ulduar. But can you do it on hard mode?
Lichborne: Top Death Knight DPS builds and patch 3.1
With dual specs out, everybody wants to know which builds are best. Our Death Knight column breaks down which talent points to look for in patch 3.1.

WipEout HD update adds online podium, invites, spectator mode

by Xav de Matos { Apr 7th 2009 at 5:00PM }

One of the fastest, melt-your-face (and your pants) racing experiences is getting a supercharged boost tomorrow (April 8). WipEout HD update V1.3 is set to introduce a host of new options to futuristic racing fans, including the ability to easily invite friends into games and an online podium that details the top-three racers after an event or tournament.

The update also introduces online badges for all participants -- regardless of finishing position, players have the chance to win one of 33 online badges in recognition of how they preformed in the race. Whether players who use the edge of the track for guidance like bowling alley gutter bumpers are "badge worthy" is still unclear.

The V1.3 update also introduces a Spectator Mode for race latecomers. If an event is underway when a player connects they will be able to watch the race unfold from various camera angles and are added to the game lobby during the next session. A full list of features, plus new online match customization options, are after the break.

Continued →

Sniper getting next TF2 class update, still working on 360 update

by Griffin McElroy { Apr 3rd 2009 at 12:30PM }

All of the monkeyshines which occurred this past April Fools' Day weren't completely without newsworthiness. For instance, Valve's April 1 update revealing the Sniper's newest (and fakest) armament -- weaponized jars of urine -- was a hint that the Sniper class would be the next Team Fortress 2 class to get the update treatment. In fact, Valve promises it will be the biggest update thus far, with new maps and gameplay tweaks. In addition, a second update, due to arrive before the Sniper pack, will add "some new content for all classes." Probably no jars of urine, though.

Also, if you're a member of the incensed mob of players of the (mostly) non-updated TF2 for the 360, the latest Valve update includes word that the developer is still working to bring new content to the console. So please, put down that torch and pitchfork. You'll put someone's eye out.

Skate 2 getting custom soundtracks today

by Majed Athab { Mar 23rd 2009 at 2:00PM }

Skate 2 may offer some excellent variety with its 50+ song soundtrack, but sometimes you just feel like skating to your own tunes. Developer EA Black Box knows this and has announced that it is finally patching custom soundtracks into the PS3 version of the game.

The update, which releases today, will include some minor bug fixes, removal of exploits and other adjustments. You can check out the full list of fixes after the break. Also, for the first song on your custom soundtrack ... go with some real hardcore thrash metal.

Continued →

PSA: Run! Left 4 Dead's Tank now bats 1000

by Xav de Matos { Mar 15th 2009 at 7:30PM }

Before this glorious weekend began, Valve listed a few fixes the latest update of Left 4 Dead addressed. Apart from your standard server and back end issue fixes -- listed after the break -- Valve saw fit to update the Tank. Clearly the unholy creature was taken down a notch because of his behemoth desire for absolute destruction, right? Actually, the Tank was given the ability to hit all survivors with one melee strike. In essence, he's more ruthless than ever before.

Of course the repercussions of such an evil act will mostly be felt in the game's Versus Mode but we can't help but wonder which side Valve is on. Is it their aim to ruin survivor morale for the actual (and inevitable) zombie apocalypse? Perhaps Left 4 Dead was designed by zombies, for zombies, to test the human spirit and to see how resilient we really are. We don't know your little game Valve but we're watching you. Oh, and stop asking us to web cam you pictures of our skulls -- it's weird. Wait a minute...

Continued →

Lips getting complete overhaul with title update

by Jason Dobson { Mar 9th 2009 at 9:30AM }

Microsoft has announced a number of changes coming to your living room Lips performance, just in case the latest batch of content wasn't enough to make you press your mouth to the game's sparkly mics. The coming title update includes several fixes and "highly-requested" features, such as leaderboards and a much-needed option for microphone calibration.

Also on the way is a "significant change" to Lips' scoring system, promising an overhaul of how the game detects changes in pitch and vibrato. After the update, Microsoft notes that players will no longer be able to simply blow into the mic or mumble their way through tunes and still hope to reap galactic rewards. No exact release date has been announced, though we expect the change to drop on stage sooner rather than later, and have already begun massaging our vocal chords for our next off-tune performance.

[Thanks, Ofri]

Wii System Menu updated to 3.5 in Korea

by JC Fletcher { Mar 5th 2009 at 4:30PM }

A preview of what's on the way for the rest of the world: four months after 3.4, Nintendo has sent out Wii System Menu version 3.5 in Korea. The specific feature changes are as yet unknown, but in terms of security updates, it includes IOS254 code, which, like IOS9, blocks the use of the PatchMii program (a custom update manager tool).

The new menu apparently adds some kind of updates to the Shop Channel, and adds a "Region Select Channel," which the Wiibrew wiki suggests is nowhere near as exciting as it sounds. Until we find out for certain that this somehow blocks new installations of the Homebrew Channel, or removes existing ones, we're going to refrain from panicking. And even in that case, we don't mind waiting a week or so for someone to fix it.

Fallout 3's 'The Pitt' dated March 24, new screens

by Ben Gilbert { Mar 5th 2009 at 12:55PM }

Bethesda just made the release date of Fallout 3's second DLC pack, "The Pitt," officially official: Tuesday, March 24. Like last month's "Operation: Anchorage," the upcoming DLC will come in at 800

($10) on Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live simultaneously. Also, Pete Hines from Bethesda confirmed that the recently released patch for the game "is specific to DLC and is required to play The Pitt. It doesn't address anything with the base game outside of that."

In tandem with the confirmed release date, Bethesda also dropped a trio of new screens that you can check out below in our gallery.

Gallery: Fallout 3: The Pitt

TF2 Scout update live, game on sale this week on Steam

by David Hinkle { Feb 25th 2009 at 8:24PM }

Now that we've seen that hot new shotgun, it's about time we got a chance to use it. Well, we're glad to report that the Scout update has gone live, bringing with it a host of new achievements and items for the fleet-footed character class. And don't forget about those new maps, either!

If all of this is piquing your interest, yet you haven't played the game, know that Steam is offering Team Fortress 2 for only $10 up until Friday. You'd be crazy not to check it out at that price.

Gallery: Team Fortress 2 Scout Update

Source - Scout update details
Source - Team Fortress 2 for only $10

MotorStorm Pacific Rift update now live

by Jem Alexander { Feb 18th 2009 at 10:25AM }

The first big MotorStorm Pacific Rift update patch is now live and available to download. Simply start the game up and the update will begin automatically. As announced, the patch fixes several bugs in the game, including save data corruption and a sneaky Boost exploit. The copy protection has been removed from save files, so you can now back up your saves, just in case they do get corrupted.

The latest PS Blog post also hints at another update coming soon, "which has some very cool new content in it, especially if you have a bit of a penchant for collecting cool stuff, or if you're the type of person who enjoys PS3 Trophies." Nothing more is said, but it sounds intriguing. Looking back on how much DLC the original MotorStorm received, we won't be surprised to see a few more tracks and/or modes heading our way.

The case of the mysterious dash update has been solved

by Dustin Burg { Feb 4th 2009 at 10:15AM }

Putting our Sherlock Holmes-like skills to work, we're proud to say that the mystery surrounding the mysterious dashboard update has been solved. Well, more or less solved.

Weeks ago, a select few Xbox Live subscribers were prompted to download an Xbox 360 dashboard update while the majority of folks didn't. The update upgraded the dashboard version from 2.0.7357.0 to a newer 2.07363.0. This week, everyone was prompted to download the HDMI audio fixing dash update and, lo and behold, the new dash version is the same as the mysterious update from weeks ago. So, either Microsoft felt the need to do a trial release of the HDMI audio update a few weeks back or just accidentally released it to a select few. No matter the case, all Xbox Live subscribers should now have a 2.0.7363.0 dash version. Mystery solved.