Ask PS3 Fanboy: Resurrection edition [volume 05]

You've sent in your questions last weekend and now you're hungry for some answers. We've selected 15 questions out of a huge flood of e-mails (all thanks to you dear readers!) to answer in this week's column. We're really happy with the response we've received and glad we decided to resurrect this feature. You'll find all 15 Qs and As after the break.

If you don't see your question answered today, keep checking back every weekend -- we'll be sure to answer all intelligent, fun, and relevant questions that you may have. If you haven't asked us anything yet ... why haven't you? Send an e-mail to majed @ ps3fanboy.com with the subject "Ask PS Fanboy." Also, keep an eye on Ask PSP Fanboy for all your PSP-related questions.

Your answers await:

Hector G., Mike B. asks: When will the Home beta be available for those who downloaded the Home theme?
PSF answers: The closed beta is scheduled for the end of the month. That means, if you've been selected to join the beta, you'll be notified within the next week through the e-mail you used for your PSN account -- if not already.

Villiersz asks: Do you know if the SOCOM: Confrontation Headset will be sold separately since it's an official Sony product?
PSF answers: Yes. The SOCOM headset is the official PS3 headset, and will be marketed as such. Expect to see it as a stand-alone product at retail stores.



Kalil S. asks: Is there anything new with 80GB PS3 coming in September and will it come with a DualShock 3?
PSF answers: There is nothing new bundled in with the latest 80GB models, but there are some notes on the hardware you need to know about. The new 80GB SKUs have the same exact functionality as the previous 40GB units -- meaning two USB slots, no memory card readers, and no PS2 backwards compatibility -- and will be available at the same price of $400. Basically, you're paying for a 40GB PS3 model with an extra free 40 gigs of HDD space. It will replace the current 40GB units on the market for both Europe and North America.

The question now is: what's going to happen to the old 80GB units which are still currently available in North America? Are these going to be discontinued as well or will they continue to be sold and produced? So far, it looks like they'll still be around. As for your DualShock 3 question, yes, it was mentioned that the new 80GB SKUs will have them. Besides, the Sixaxis has been discontinued in North America since April.

Rob D. asks: I know that at E3, Sony said that the new 80GB PS3s would be coming in September. Still, are we looking at September 1st-September 30th, or, given how Sony has been less-than-stellar at keeping to announced timelines, would we be lucky if we saw it at all before Christmas? As well, if the information is out there yet, do we know if the new core system will have the 90nm chip or the 65nm?
PSF answers: Sony won't miss hardware dates, especially with this one since the new SKUs (as answered in the question above) are exactly the same as the current 40GB models with the only difference being the larger HDD. Both Europe and Australia have solid dates for the new units -- note: neither Europe nor Australia have 80GB units currently on the market like NA; we suspect North America's date is kept shrouded in mystery to buy time for Sony to figure out what it wants to do business-wise/production-wise with the competing high-end/low-end machines. The date is still September for now, and we wouldn't worry about a release outside that timeframe.

Now, about 65nm. If memory serves right, the current 40GB models all have the 65nm. If you're following our logic about the new 80GB units being exactly the same as current 40GB systems ... then they most definitely have them.

Brad asks: Will Sony release SIREN: Blood Curse on Blu-ray for America soon?
PSF answers: Currently, there are still no plans for a North American Blu-ray release for Siren: Blood Curse. Japan's Blu-ray version is out, and quite recently Europe's was announced. Just keep in mind you can always import the European version and it should work fine on your system ... you'll just be dishing out a few extra bucks. With that in mind, Europe's disc has yet to be priced, but we suspect it shouldn't be too far from the Japanese version (5,980 = €36, 28, or $55).

Cory H., Matt. Y. asks: I was wondering if you would be able to help me find out what happened to the game Sony showed at E3 2005...the game is called Eyedentify.
PSF answers: Considering the success of the PlayStation Eye (read: it's not successful), a release of Eyedentify looks unlikely. Even then, if other SCEE titles like The Getaway and Eight Days are any indication, all signs suggest a canceled title. We'll definite do some snooping around though, and see if we can find anything out at Leipzig later this month.

Cooper, Jason, John ask: Why doesn't Canada get the video store and when do you think we will get it?
PSF answers: To put it simply, the main reason why there is no store in Canada is -- like in most cases -- due to licensing and distribution rights. You have to remember that while the United States and Canada belong to the same region, they're two different countries with their own sets of laws. Perhaps the laws in Canada make such business ventures expensive and/or more complicated (Quebec comes to mind). We're sure Sony would want to pursue a Canadian video store, but if setting it up and working out the logistics take too much time and money, then it might not be as profitable and viable for Sony. Like any (read: all) businesses, profit is priority -- it is the one thing that'll keep them in good position and be able to bring the goods to you.

As for when you'll get it, we're not really sure. If we knew, we'd have posted it on the site by now. When they're ready, they'll tell us. Here's a good example: We were hounding around for some information on US Greatest Hits about a month before E3 and the response we got from Sony was "we currently have no plans for that right now." Well, it turns out that they did, didn't they? There's a time and place for everything and we'll let you know as we get it.

Jameson C.: Recently I've been intrigued by "Fat Princess." However when I saw the screenshots I noticed the large puddles of blood. This concerned me as my mother does not allow me to play M-rated games because of my seven year old sister. I am worried because the rating of Bionic Commando prevented me from playing it even though there is only one gory scene. My question is, do you think the blood in Fat Princess will prevent it from reaching the young teenager audience and do you think the ESRB will be as strict with its rating?
PSF answers: Jameson, Fat Princess will have massive amounts of gore and violence. There's decapitation and flying limbs. There's no way this game will be anything less than M-rated ... unless all the gratuitous violence is significantly toned down. With that said, we're sorry to say that it looks like you'll be lucking out of this one.



Ross M. asks: Do you know when Guitar Hero: World Tour comes out, how much will it cost in British pounds, and what the track lists is?
PSF answers: Release date is still Fall 2008 for both North America and Europe. As for how much it will cost in pounds sterling, haven't got the foggiest mate. We'll let you know as soon as we get it. We're sure it's still being debated over as it will play a very strategic role in penetrating the European market (especially with Rock Band's overinflated price). Lastly, the tracks. The full list has yet to be officially confirmed, but you can have a look at the most comprehensive list compiled thus far over at the Guitar Hero forums. Not all 85 songs, but there should be enough there to keep you satisfied.

Gerry M. asks: Why isn't Heavenly Sword a Greatest Hit title?
PSF answers: It is in Europe, just not in North America. Criteria for Greatest Hits/Platinum are 1) that the game has to have been available for nine months on the market and 2) have sold 400,000 copies. Since Heavenly Sword has been out for almost an entire year now, it must not have sold 400K in North America. If that's not the case, then maybe SCEA is holding out for a second wave of discount games during or after the holiday season.

Punjabiice asks: I have a tough choice to make and I was hoping you could help me. My question is: if you had to choose three games out of the following, which would you choose? The choices are: Fallout 3, Resistance 2, Fracture, Mercenaries 2, Saints Row 2, Dead Space.
Andrew answers: Fallout 3, Resistance 2 and Dead Space.
Jem answers: My choices are: Resistance 2, Dead Space, Fallout 3. Easy!
Majed answers: That's easy. Fallout 3, Resistance 2, and Dead Space.
Alan answers: "The same thing as everyone else!"

Jorge T. asks: I have a question regarding three upcoming multiplatform games that I'm very interested in but that I'm afraid will be more sorry PS3 ports. Has anyone at PS3 Fanboy seen any gameplay footage of Fallout 3, Far Cry 2 or Dead Space that is running on the PS3?
PSF answers: Fears about multiplatform games should be alleviated. Most of EA's games, for example, now lead on PS3 instead of 360. Both Mirror's Edge and Dead Space were shown at E3 on PS3 systems, for example.

Neil S.: In the PlayStation 3 manual it says to use a low-powered vacuum to clean the vents on the PS3. Are there specific brands or particular vacuums which would be okay to use?
PSF answers: While we're definitely not experts on vacuuming technology, we'd have to recommend using a hand vacuum. Cleaning the vents is simple and only takes a few seconds, so getting a small, not too powerful hand vacuum will make things easier -- you can easily just grab it, use it, and then stow it away. Get one with a rechargeable battery and you can use it for other things like cleaning your desk or the insides of your car. Those things shouldn't be too expensive and range around $20-50. Black & Decker is a pretty good brand.



Fenil S. asks: I'm about to finish Uncharted for the first time on easy. I plan on playing through it again on Crushing. When starting that Crushing game, can I carry-over medals, rewards and stuff, without it affecting trophies? If yes, then can I use one-shot kills/unlimited ammo in Crushing (assuming I've unlocked it) and still get trophies? Also, can I go back via Chapter Select and play through Chapters once I've finished the game on easy to get trophies using unlocked weapons etc.?
PSF answers: Definitely import your medal data -- don't you want 1000 medal points? You get tons of fun stuff for doing that! However, you won't be able to use cheats in Crushing mode ... at all. Any gameplay-changing cheats will be disabled. Once you're done with Crushing, feel free to replay any previous chapter on an easier difficulty to get any remaining trophies (and yes, in easier difficulties you can use cheats and still earn trophies). Also, as a reminder, to unlock Crushing mode, you need to have finished the game on the Hard difficulty setting first.

Luke D.: What games on PlayStation 3 can you get trophies on?
PSF answers: Um, Luke ... check here for all your trophy needs. We'll be updating this space frequently as we collect more news regarding trophies. So watch this space!


Ask PS Fanboy returns
Sony intros iPod, HD-ready Xplod CD units
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode