"GT5 Prologue" Official Chinese version expected to retail on Jan 17th 2008 in SG.

Yes, Sony is releasing Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (Traditional Chinese version) for the Asian market. It is expected to retail in Singapore on January 17th 2008 at SGD66 (RM150).

As an added bonus for you to buy the "demo", Sony will have a limited edition “PS3™ GT5P special bundle package” where they will throw in a nice black and red windbreaker. That's a real nice incentive for you to pick up the "demo" game, which is expected to be the same "demo" as the Japanese version.

Hurry, pre-order your copy soon as the windbreakers are limited in quantities.

PS3 Firmware 2.10 is available in US

Firmware 2.1 is out in US. It adds DivX (and xviD) and WMV support to the PS3. Also added are Blu-Ray Profile 1.1 which adds features like Pic-in-Pic capabilities (something HD-DVD have long time ago).

Firmware 2.1 is not yet available for Asian region yet (www.asia.playstation.com) but I am sure it will be there few hours later, so check it again later.

Semi-bricked Wii: What is it and how to unbrick it?

With many request for semi-bricked Wii and the solution to unbrick it, I have decided to share on how I semi-bricked my Wii and how I was able to unbrick it later.

Please note that Nintendo Wiis are region locked and accordingly, their firmware is also region locked. This mean that you can only update the Wii by using firmware from the same region. Wiis have 3 main regions: NTSC Japan (3.0J), NTSC US (3.0U) and PAL Europe (3.0E); the alphabet behind the firmware represents the region it beloings to.

Many Wii owners have accidentally semi-bricked their Wii when they installed the wrong firmware that don't correspond regions. Usually, installing firmware from a different region that you Wii will brick the "Wii Setting" menu, basically it gives you an error message stating a problem in accessing the Internet via the Opera browser.

This effectively prevents you from accessing the Wii Settings menu. Games will still load and play, but you simply cant change any settings on your Wii, thus the term "Semi-brick" used by myself.

This happened to me when I inserted Super Mario Galaxy JAPAN without noticing the game's region coding, and proceeded to install the firmware. After installing the firmware, my Wii Setting menu crashed with the prior mentioned error code. The games plays fine, but I am stuck with a locked Wii Setting menu.

The solution to this is rather simple. Just wait for the next Nintendo first party game to be released, get that game and make sure it is the same region as your Wii and load it up. Most first party titles by Nintendo comes with a firmware checker, it checks the firmware in your Wii and updates it to the latest version on the disc. Run the update if the disc prompts you to, and it should install the firmware as per the same region as your Wii, and unlocks the Wii Settings menu.

For me, I used Link's Crossbow Training. It ran on my Wii and asked for a firmware update. I installed the update, and behold, my Wii Setting menu is back up and running Firmware 3.0U.

So for those of you who had semi-bricked your Wii, feel free to try this method as it has proven successful to me and other users having the same issues.

Disclaimer: Following the method mentioned above don't guarantee absolute success, just simply coz it worked for me. Also, this method may not unbrick modded Wii. Leave your comments if it works for you.

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

Due to the excessive time from the previous update, the list of games out in MY stores is very long, and I have chosen to simply list the titles without the boxart. Fear not, boxarts will return very soon in the future.

Here's the long list, most of the big games of 2007 are now in stores, good luck in finding some of them.

PS3:
The Orange Box - (ASIAN) FPS
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men - (US) Action Shooter
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune - (US) Action Shooter
Assasin's Creed - (US) Action
Time Crisis 4 (with Guncon3) - (ASIAN) Light Gun Shooter
Timeshift - (US) FPS
Soldier of Fortune: Payback - (US) FPS
Beowulf: The Game - (US) Action

Wii:
Wii Fit - (JPN) Fitness
Trauma Center: New Blood - (US) Medical Sim
Soul Calibur Legends - (US) Action
Geometry Wars: Galaxies - (US) Shooter
Ghost Squad - (US) Light Gun Shooter
Link's Crossnbow Training (without Zapper) - (US) Light Gun Shooter
Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles - (US) Light Gun Shooter
Tomb Raider Anniversary - (US) Action Shooter
Super Mario Galaxy - (US) Platformer

Xbox360:
Black Site: Area 51 - (US) FPS
Mass Effect - (US) Action
Soldier of Fortune: Payback - (US) FPS
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men - (US) Action Shooter
Beowulf: The Game - (US) Action
Assasin's Creed - (US) Action
Need For Speed: Prostreet - (US) Racing
Bioshock - (US) FPS

PS2:
Puzzle Quest - (US) Puzzle
Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots - (US) Action
Fire Pro Wrestling Returns - (US) Sports Sim
Need For Speed: Prostreet - (US) - Racing
Petz: Catz - (US) Pet Sim
Petz: Dogz - (US) Pet Sim

Wii Photo Channel 1.1, revert back to 1.0 for MP3 support.

If you prefer to play MP3 music while you view your photos on your Wii, please do not update to Photo Channel 1.1 as this version only supports AAC format music (as reported earlier).

However, if you have update to version 1.1 but still prefer to have MP3 support, then Nintendo have provided the steps you need to perform to revert your Photo Channel back to version 1.0 (that supports MP3).

Here it is (if you dont wish to go to Nintendo's page):-

From the main menu, click the "Wii" button;
Select "Data Management";
Select "Channels";
Select "Photo Channel 1.1" and confirm you want to delete it;
After that, Photo Channel 1.0 will automatically be available again from your Wii menu.
If you ever change your mind, simply go back to the Wii Shop Channel and re-download Photo Channel 1.1!

For Wiis shipped in December 2007 and after, Nintendo have preinstalled Photo Channel 1.1 and you cant perform the steps above to get Photo Channel 1.0. New Wii owners will have to live with AAC support only.

Belkin's 2 - 1 HDMI switch avaiable in US & Canada now.

With limited HDMI inputs in LCD/Plasma TVs, there is a growing need for HDMI switches. Belkin have rolled out their own recently, and while the box are similarly spec-ed as others (HDMI powered, 1080P compatible, IR remote control for switching, housed in a box), its the price that sets Belkin's offering apart.

Retailing for USD$49.90 (RM175), its relatively cheaper than the other options in stores. Available now in the US and Canada, while Europe, Asia, and Australia gets it in March 2008.

Wii Fit out in Japan.

Wii Fit is out in Japan as of Dec 1, 2007. Nintendo of Japan's idea of getting their customers healthy via a console game is shipped with a new peripheral, the Balance Board. The Balance Board is wireless with its own sensors, and connects to the Wii effortlessly powered by 4AA batteries, and weighs slightly more that Wii itself.

Players, or rather users, loads up the game and steps on the Balance Board. Data such as age, height and clothing that you are wearing (it does affect your weight) needs to be entered, and Wii Fit will do the rest. It will give you your weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) and spells out your ideal BMI.

You can then choose to set your target BMI and planned duration to achieve it, and Wii Fit will help you work out towards your target. There are 4 main groups of exercises to be had: Yoga, Balance Training, Cardiovascular Workout, and Muscle Training. Each type has 9 to 15 exercises, and you unlocked new ones with points earned based on the amount of time you've spent working out.

Wii Fit allows up to 8 users with individual password access to secure your data and progress. Retailing at 8300Yen or USD$80 (RM280), the whole package consists of a Wii Fit disc (can call it a game?), Balance Board with wireless sensors and 4AA batteries. US will get Wii Fit sometime in January 2008.

Super Mario Galaxy disc contains Firmware 3.1 update, semi-brick modded Wiis!!

Super Mario Galaxy discs comes with Firmware update 3.1 for the Wii. Nintendo have apparently added some form of copy protection method in it.

Upon insertion of the SMG disc into the Wii, it will prompt for a Firmware update to 3.1. What happens next differs from different mod chip users. Some will report a black screen in the middle of updates, some reports of the screen "hangs" at 30+%, then shoots up to 100% (WiiKey: mine did exactly the same).

After the firmware update, SMG wont play and give you an error, stating that it has detected an unauthorised device within your Wii (that's the mod cip in case you are wondering). You will then need to reset the Wii. Also, it will freezes up your access to Wii settings (as some mod chips enables Wii game region change settings here). Luckily, other games still works.

So updating to Firmware 3.1 effectively semi-bricks your Wii. Update at your own risk. Meanwhile, I will be looking for some solution here (ie.WiiKey update to 1.9g)

PS3 Firmware 2.01 released.

US users have reported that Firmware 2.01 for PS3 is available for download today. This update is to adress the issues of freezes and other performance glitches caused by V2.00.

As of posting, the Asian Firmware 2.01 is not posted on the PSN yet. Keep checking, it will soon.

Nintendo Wii turns ONE too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nintendo Wii, you turned ONE too this week.

Wii: Launched on Nov 19th 2006 in US, Dec 2nd 2006 in Japan and Dec 6th elsewhere.

Wii had a stellar first year, outselling all "new-gen" consoles (PS3 and XBox360) by at least 2:1 ratio. Its performance was so impressive that by September 2007, it had overtaken Xbox360 as the most sold new-gen console, despite Xbox360 having a full year head start.

While many games on Wii are shovelware (games that are easy ports from PS2 or other consoles), there are several biggies amongst them. Wii Sports, Zelda: Twilight Princess, Resident Evil 4 Wii, Metriod Prime 3, Super Paper Mario, Ghost Squad, Medal Of Honor: Heroes 2, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and the latest, highest rated game ever (complied from review averages) Super Mario Galaxy.

As Wii is the only new-gen console that offers one SKU (PS3 had 4, XBox360 had 5), this makes buying the Wii clearer, but not necessarily easier. Wii have been sold out all over since its launch, and despite Nintendo's claim of producing 1.8 million units a month. Good luck in getting yourself one this holiday season (I have one since early this year).

Going ahead, its crucial for third party games develor to make money on the Wii, as Nintendo is the traditional winners when it comes to games on its systems. With a weaker system graphical processors than its competitors, Wii need to rely on variety and unique gameplay immersion to continue win gamers hearts and lead in its second year.

Sony PS3 turns ONE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sony PS3, you turned ONE this week.

Some history in case you are wanting to get the facts:-

PS3 - launched on Nov 11th 2006 in Japan, Nov 17th 2006 in Japan and Sept 07 in Singapore (my region).

Had a stumbling first year, with reports from games developers that its a bitch of a system to develop for. Sony's PR liken this to PS2, where it too had the same comments early part of its life.

Games are often delayed and Sony PS2 exclusives (Devil May Cry 4, Silent Hill 5) were lost. However, towards its first birthday, PS3 redeemed itself with several high quality games like Heavenly Sword, Call of Duty 4, Assassins Creed, exclusives Ratchet & Clank Future and Uncharted, have propelled the system back on track.

Also, in Nov 2007, Sony rolled out the cheaper 40GB version, which proved to be a hit despite it losing several features. Also, Nov is the roll out month (in Japan at least) for the rumble enabled Dual Shock 3.

The next year is expected to be better for the PS3, with a cheaper console in the markets, and bigger exclusive games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII is hoped to push the system to greater heights.

Pics from Engadget.

Mass Effect ban in Singapore lifted with M18 rating.

Mass Effect fans in Singapore can rejoice. The game, which was banned in Singapore last week, have been approved with an M18 rating by the Singapore Media Developmental Authority. It will be available in SG stores next week.

According to The Strait Times (a local SG newspaper), the Board of Film Censors "will selectively use games ratings to 'enable highly anticipated games to be launched in Singapore' until it puts in place a games classification system in January." Singapore's MDA banned the BioWare game due to the "alien lesbian love scene" found within the game, making Singapore the only country in the world to ban it.

Now Singaporean gamers can breath a sigh of relief while seeing the anticipated scene with bated breath.

PS3 Firmware V2.01, to be out soon.

Expect to find PS3 Firmware 2.01 any day now. Apparently Firmware 2.00 causes some lock-up problems when you are accesing the information boards or when the PS3 is gathering data for the info scroll.

Sony will rectify this with Firmware 2.01 but no details on when it will be available. I will post it here when its available. In the meantime, you can disable the info boards and scroll if it freezes your PS3. I did.

Dual Shock 3 out in Japan, is compatible with PS2 games.

Dual Shock 3 is out in Japan this week, retailing at Yen 5,500. Some PS3 games have rumble support out of the box (Ratchet and Clank Future, Uncharted), while some required updates (Resistance).

And its is rumble compatible with PS2 games too, guess now we know why Sony chose to use the older rumble technology as they rejected the new generation rumble technology from Immersion.

Good luck in finding one locally, but I won't give up hunting so soon. Else, you can import it as with all PS3 related stuff, its region free.

Pic from Engadget.

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

PS3:
Clive Barker's Jericho (US) - FPS

XBox360:

Assassin's Creed - (US) - Action

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (US) - Action

Wii:

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (US) - Sports

WWE Smackdown! VS Raw 2008 (EU) - Fighting

Victorious Boxers: Revolution (US) - Sports

Lego Star Wars : The Complete Saga (US) - Action

Asterix in the Olympic Games (EU) - Sports

PS2:

WWE Smackdown! VS Raw 2008 (EU) - Fighting

Asterix in the Olympic Games (EU) - Sports

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

Wii:

Super Mario Galaxy (JAP) - Action Platformer



The Simpsons Game (US) - Action

Ben 10: Protector of Earth (US) - Fighting

Bee Movie Game - (US) - Action

Namco Museum Remix - (US) - Retro Compilation





PS2:

Ben 10: Protector of Earth (US) - Fighting

Bee Movie Game (US) - Action

The Simpsons Game (US) - Action

Wii Photo Channel V1.1 updates loses MP3 support.

Nintendo's upcoming update for its Wii Photo Channel will remove MP3 support in favor of the AAC format. This means that after updating to Photo Channel V1.1, you can no longer enjoy MP3 tracks playing in the background while you view your photos off your SD card.

New Wii available in the markets effective December 07 will also have Photo Channel V1.1 pre-installed, so new Wii owners can only play AAC track for background music.

For current owners of Wii, you have the option of NOT updating you Photo Channel, be warned.

Bug: Wii Guitar Heroes outputs mono sound!

Some owners are reporting that the Wii version of Guitar Heroes III are hearing less audio. Not only the game does not support Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound (its a feature as advertised), the game apparently only outputs in MONO.

Activision is looking into the problem, but offers no timeline or correction method (I think its an online patch for download) for the audio fix. You just have to rock in MONO sound for the time being.

Or just dont go rushing to the stores to get the bundle until they fix it.

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

Wii:

Guitar Heroes III bundle with Guitar Controller (US) - Music


Battalion Wars II (US) - RTS


Manhunt 2 (US) - Action


Ghost Squad (JPN) - Shooter

PS3:

Guitar Heroes III bundle with Guitar Controller (US) - Music

Xbox360:

Guitar Heroes III bundle with Guitar Controller (US) - Music

Note: GHIII with guitar controller retails at RM399 for PS3, Wii and X360 as mentioned above. Wii gets a white Les Paul while PS3 and X360 gets the black version.

Update: Uncharted US demo now region unlocked for all.

Christophe Balestra, Co-President at Naughty Dog, have apologised to PS3 users outside US that have spent time downloading Uncharted: Drake's Fortune demo (me included). He posted this in Playstation blog:

"We’re really sorry about what happened and didn’t anticipate this at all. We just didn’t know people from other territories could connect to the US PLAYSTATION Network Store and download demos … now we do! We’ve been too busy working on the game to wrap our head’s around the infrastructure of the PSN.

We absolutely did not plan the demo to be region locked. As soon as we figured out the problem existed, Sam Thompson called me and I jumped into my car, drove to the office and fixed it right away. It’s an honest mistake and we didn’t try to prevent anybody from enjoying the Uncharted demo. I feel even more sorry because most of the people who experienced the problem are in Europe and I’m European myself.

So again, we’re really sorry about what happened and it wasn’t done on purpose. The good news is it’s now fixed and a new demo of Uncharted has been posted to the US PLAYSTATION Network Store so the entire world can enjoy it."

There you go. It was not Sony's decision to region lock the demo and Naughty Dog have corrected themselves by unlocking the demo. So its safe to go to US PSN and download the demo now.

I am doing so as I post this, and if the demo dont work on Asian PS3 again, read about it here soon.

Uncharted (US) demo is region locked.

For PS3 owners outside of US who wanted to try playing Uncharted: Drake's Fortune demo and wish to spend some time downloading the demo, you can stop wasting your time.

The game's demo available in US PSN since Nov 8th is region locked. Unless you are having an US PS3, you will not be able to play the demo. This is because Naughty Dog, the game's developer, have locked the demo for US region players only. Reason given by Naughty Dog is that the in game video will not work for PAL PS3s. This is false, as my NTSC type SG registered PS3 will not play the demo either.

This is the first time any game demo have been region locked, and if this is the sign of future region locked demos, this will not bode well for Sony and PS3 for the long run. Gamers are now used to the idea of region free games and demos and any move to region lock games will further alienate PS3 loyalists.

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

PS3:

John Woo Presents: Stranglehold (US) - Shooter



John Woo Presents: Stranglehold Collectors Edition
- Inclusive of Hard Boiled blu-ray movie



The Simpsons Game (US) - Action




Xbox360:

TimeShift (US) - FPS



Naruto: Rise of Ninja (US) - Fighting



The Simpsons Game (US) - Action



Wii:

EA Playground (US) - Minigames Collection



Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal (US) - Action



The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Nights (US) - Platformer

PS2:

Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal (US) - Action

The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Nights - Platformer

PS3 Firmware 2.00 available for all regions, from Nov 8th.

PS3 Firmware 2.00 is out as of today. This latest firmware update adds several features to the PS3 but none are earth shattering as many owners had hoped.

The features of Firmware 2.00 are:-

• Remote Start - The PS3 now needs only be in standby mode to allow remote start by your PSP. Previously the PS3 need to be switched on to be accessed by PSP.


• Information Board - Scrolling headlines featuring Sony selected news. RSS feeds to be added in future updates.


• Themes - You can create and share theme; customize backgrounds, icons and fonts with companion PC software; and you can get more via PlayStation.com and PlayStation Store.


• XMB Color Selector - Control the mood of the PS3 to suit yours.


• Music & Photo Playlists - You can now create your own custom playlist.


• Additional Sorting Options - You can now sort your music by year.


• DualShock 3 support - Finally, your PS3 is ready to rumble to games that support it.


• PLAYSTATION Network XMB group - A new icon for PlayStation Store.


• Canon printer support - Allowing you to print to your Canon printer, used to support Epson printers only.

While these features wont make the PS3 cooler to challenge Xbox360's Halo 3 or Wii's Super Mario Galaxy, the options to create themes and XMB color selector helps to make your PS3 more to your liking while you play PS3's best game to date, Ratchet & Clank Future.

Go to your own region's system update, and good luck in downloading the Firmware as Sonys' servers are pretty much fully loaded now (I have failed to get the firmware few times now).

Guitar Heroes III's faulty guitar controller connections FIX-IT.

Some of the new Guitar Heroes III Les Paul guitar controller appear to have connection problems. The root cause seems to be at the connection point between the neck and the body of the guitar.

In order to save box space and mother earth (but it could be due to saving cost, but what do I know?), the Guitar Heroes III Les Paul guitar controller was "broken" into two parts, the neck and the body. These two parts are to be assembled to resemble a full guitar by connectors, and here is the problematic area.

It seems that the PCB board surface (on the neck) and the pin connectors (on the body) does not maintain contact very well. Several options were posted on the internet by ingenious users, and here are two ways.


The Simple FIX:



As per pix above, affix a 3M Utility Hook on the body and strap a rubber band onto the neck. This will improve the connection, but may not last too long (even if the 3M hooks do have very strong and lasting adhesive backs).


The complicated FIX:

By this method, you will need to loosen several screws on the neck, pry the fret part open, and re-position the PCB board. Its not as complicated as it sounds, but it does take some technical knowledge (using a Torx screw driver) and finesse touch (prying open a plasticky part). Click here to see the instructions and pictures.

Warning, do this at your own risk and success is not guaranteed. But if it helps to improve the connection, try ahead.

Note: The pix are of the Xbox360 controller, there are no information if the PS3, Wii or PS2 versions suffer similar problems, but as the controllers are built similarly, I suppose the problem may exist on Sony's or Nintendo's versions too.

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

The flurry pace of games being let loose to MY stores is hectic, with games appearing shortly after (and BEFORE) it is released in their native region. I discovered Call of Duty 4 for PS3 in my regular store last night, way ahead of its US release date of November 5th.


PS3:

Call of Duty 4 (US) - FPS



XBox360:

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (US) - Flight Sim



Wii:

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (US) - Puzzling Adventure



Note: I was told Call of Duty 4 is sold out by now, but you can call Wega Enterprise in KL at +603 2141 8688 for more news on availability (for Malaysians only).

Metal Gear Solid 4 slithers to Q2 2008

More sad news for PS3 fans. Metal Gear Solid 4, the PS3 exclusive game that many PS3 owners are waiting for, will be delayed further to Q2 2008. Originally time slotted for Winter 2007 then to March 2008, and now to Q2 2008, which could mean anytime from April (highly unlikely) to June (probably) 2008.

Let the weeping begin.

Spiderman 3, the 2 Blu-Ray Disc Special Edition, in MY stores now.

Spiderman 3 (2 discs Special Edition), of the blu-ray flavor, can be found in local video stores now (although you may need to do a bit of walking to find them on shelves). One store indicates the price of the blu-ray set at RM179.00.

Happy hunting.

Latest Game Titles available in MY stores.

Xbox360:

Guitar Heroes III (US - Game only) - Music Simulation

Clive Barker's Jericho (US) - FPS

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary (US) - Action

Wii:

Rockstar Table Tennis (US) - Sports Simulation

PS2:

Guitar Heroes III (US - Game only) - Music Simulation

Glitch: Copied and printed Eye of Judgement cards, plays fine.

It seems that the security features (the special ink with magical properties) used to print the cards for PS3's Eye of Judgement game has flaws. You can copy the cards, print them using regular color printers, and the Eye Play camera will still read them fine.

While the game itself has anti cheater codes (like limiting total numbers of special cards) in built, this does seem to be a big problem for Sony and developer Wizards of the Coast. Players can now find the special and rare cards online from other players who will scan these cards and post them online, perhaps some entrepreneurial ones will start charging a small fee for access to these cards. This will surely hurt Sony and Wizards as they see future income in terms of expansion card packs sold to players.

I suppose a patch by Wizards will be out soon, but as there is already a way to copy and use the cards with the distribution power of the world wide web, Sony and Wizards stands to lose big time if they cant come up with a solution. Lets not hurt Sony any further, financially.

Pic source: http://kotaku.com/

iPhone available in MY, but don't work with Maxis.

Local handphone shops have the unlocked iPhones! Prices range from RM2000++ for the 4GB version and RM3000++ for the 8GB version.

While the stop sales reps are unsure of the iPhone firmware version, I am pretty sure its the V1.02 Sim unlocked with the tools available from the internet. Be warned that if you upgrade the firmware to V1.1.1, you are guaranteed to brick your new toy.

Contrary to earlier reports, these sim unlocked iPhone will not work well with Maxis where you can only make outgoing calls and not receive incoming calls (defeats the purpose of having a handphone, doesn't it??). Its report that this is apparently a Maxis internal problem and its not native to the iPhone itself. This was confirmed by several readers as well.

These sim unlocked iPhone works well with Celcom and DiGi, so if you are a subscriber and have deep pockets, get your paws on one today from the local shops.

Transformers, the 2 Disc Special Edition DVD in MY stores now.

Transformers, this summers biggest blockbuster, is out in MY stores in a 2 disc standard defination DVD.

Featuring the movie on one disc while housing a set of informative features on the making of the movie on the other disc, this DVD is a must have for fans of the movie, like me! Please take note that the discs are full of hidden items (including Michael Bay's commentary track), so have fun hunting them.

So head to your nearest local DVD store to get them.