PlayStation 4 will have a day-one patch, lacks sleep mode at launch

The PlayStation 4 will require a day-one patch to add a number of features to the console at launch, which does not include the ability to put the console in sleep mode, Sony announced today.

Update 1.50 is approximately 300 MB and will add promised features including:

• Remote Play using the PlayStation Vita
• Second screen gaming using the PS4 Link app for PlayStation Vita and mobile devices
• The ability to record and share screenshots and video
• Use of Ustream and Twitch apps
• The ability to play games as they are downloading
• The ability for four users to log into the PS4 simultaneously
• Party chat
• Facial recognition and voice commands
• A background music player
• Online multiplayer through PlayStation Plus
• Blu-ray disc and DVD player capabilities

At launch, players will be unable to put the PS4 in suspend/resume mode, which will set the console into a low-power sleep state and allow users to jump back into their game when resuming use.

Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox One console will also launch with a day-one patch set to add certain features and functionality.

The PlayStation 4 will launch on Nov. 15 in North America and on Nov. 29 in Europe.

 

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Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls adds The Mystic to its Artisans

Diablo 3‘s Reaper of Souls expansion will see the addition of a new Artisan, Myriam Jahzia, the Mystic. She’ll aid players in their quest to keep the forces of Hell at bay by Enchanting and Transmogrifying their items, Blizzard explained in a post that reintroduces the Mystic.

Enchanting in Reaper of Souls allows players to re-roll one of the properties of a rare or legendary class item for another, possibly better random property. Players are required to pay a gold and material cost to complete the Enchanting process, but the Mystic’s skills will likely pay off for players looking to tweak an item that’s not perfectly suited to their needs.

Transmogrifying an item in Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls lets players alter the appearance of that item without sacrificing its properties. Players who prefer the look of a particular armor item, for example, can visit the Mystic and pay in gold to change its style, leading to better dressed heroes. There are some restrictions and rules that govern Transmogrifying in Reaper of Souls, which Blizzard details at the official Diablo 3 site.

The Mystic was originally planned to appear in Diablo 3, but the developer removed her from the game after determining that her function was redundant in the game’s customization system.

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls is scheduled for release in 2014 on PC and PlayStation 4.

 

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Saints Row IV’s Enter the Dominatrix Will Cover the Town in Sex Workers

 

Saints Row IV’s Enter the Dominatrix is out at long last. It was originally supposed to be part of Saints Row: The Third, then it was expanded into the entire fourth game minus the title, and now it’s DLC for the fourth game. And here’s the launch trailer…with the great line – and I use that term loosely – “Holy shit this town is covered in sex workers!”

Enter the Dominatrix is free if you have the Saints Row IV Season Pass, but you can also buy it separately for $6.99. Deep Silver says the DLC contains “New weapons, new friends, new enemies, new missions, and some kickass (REDACTED FOR EXCESSIVE AWESOME).”

Check out the trailer below!

 

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EA on Favoring the Xbox One Over PS4: “I’m Sure You’ll See” Programs That “Make Things Much More Balanced”

EA Labels President Frank Gibeau had already tackled the notion that the company is favoring the Xbox One over the PlayStation 4 by saying that they are “platform agnostic” and “we did tactical deals with both Sony and Microsoft throughout [the PS3/Xbox 360 generation].

In the newest issue of Edge Magazine, the subject of the Xbox One FIFA bundle and favoritism was brought up yet again, with Gibeau saying in response, “We’re not tilting Microsoft’s way, we are firm long-term supporters of Sony. I’m sure you’ll see tactical programs between us and Sony in the future that we haven’t announced, but will make things much more balanced.”

While we wait for those unannounced programs, EA will be taking advantage of the business models the PS4 and Xbox One offer, as Gibeau explained:

It won’t be about DLC any more, but rather subscriptions or F2P mechanics. Fortunately, we’ve already gone down that path with FIFA Ultimate Team, Battlefield Premium and some of the things we’ve done with Mass Effect. It’s not just DLC – we think of these as live services, so we give you microtransactions, free content, episodic stuff.

As for the prospects of a digital-only future, Frank believes it is possible, but “not probable.”

 

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Missing Rayman Legends PS Vita Invasion Mode Content “Will be Added Via a Free Patch, at a Later Date”

When the PlayStation Vita version of Rayman Legends launched it was discovered that there was some missing content when compared to Rayman Legends on consoles.

Addressing the situation, Gary Steinman, Communications Manager, took to the Ubi Blog and offered up the following explanation:

Due to a longer development time than expected, we couldn’t initially include the Invasion Mode – essentially, a second take on existing Rayman Legends maps — in the Vita version of the game. However, we can confirm that the Invasion Mode will be added via a free patch, at a later date.

With more than 100 levels, online Coop and challenges, Kung-Foot mini-game, 5 exclusive touch challenges developed specifically for the VITA and 2 exclusive costumes, Rayman Legends already includes a lot for customers to love, and features the same outstanding graphics and gameplay design as the home console versions.

 

 

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