15 years ago the PlayStation 2 was released. Let's take a look back!

15 years ago today (October 26th 2000) the PlayStation 2 was released in the US. So we here at The Gamers Talk, thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the greatest PlayStation 2 Commercials!

First let's start with some of the best PlayStation 2 Commercials

(1)

Get yourself ready for that PlayStation Tan..

(2)

99 Red Balloons.. Go by?

(3)

I think I'm turning Japanese?! I really think so..

Now we get to the weird and creepy side of things!

(4)

Huh.. Day Z was all over a PS2?! 

(5)

I have no words..

(6)

Um.. yeah the third place to play.. 

(7)

Not today bro! 

(8)

I'll be back.. looking for a puzzle piece.

(9)

Wait? What!

(10)

It's like the Safari Zone in real life.. Quick throw a rock! 

And last but not least  

(11)

The PlayStation 9! 

So there you go. Sony had some pretty weird and memorable commercials for the PlayStation 2 and well I'm still not sure what the heck number 6 and number 11 are about.. I do know I need to work on my PlayStation tan. 

Thanks for talking the time out of your Monday to read and watch we hope you enjoyed. Let us know what your favorite one was and what was your favorite PS2 Game? @TgTPodcast 

~Rick @tgtRick

Support is ending for 3 apps on the PlayStation Vita!

Support is ending for two apps on the PlayStation Vita and a third will effectively be killed off by a firmware update in April.

Sony already has removed the YouTube app from the Vita's PlayStation Store. The Vita will no longer support the app beginning April 20, though users who have it on their Vita may continue to use it.

Maps, however, will be stripped out of Vitas with a firmware update in March, and its removal means Near, the system's little-used social networking vehicle, will lose its functionality altogether.

Users may still view YouTube videos or use a map service through the Vita's web browser.

Near was intended to be a social networking app that allowed users to see who nearby was playing the same game. Users also could leave virtual "game goods" at real world coordinates for others to pick up and use in games.

Sony gave no reason for the removal of the two apps and the end of Near's functions. There is more information at FAQ pages for YouTube and Maps/Near.


SOURCE
PlayStation (Twitter)
PlayStation Support
PlayStation Support

Spotify coming to PlayStation?!

Spotify and PlayStation are teaming up to deliver a new service called PlayStation Music, which will come to PlayStation Network this spring.

The new service will close down PlayStation's old offering, Music Unlimited, on March 29. PlayStation users may then link their accounts to Spotify and play its free, ad-supported streaming music or its $10-per-month premium service that runs ad-free and is playable offline.

Eric Lempel, the vice president for Sony Network Entertainment, announced the partnership on PlayStation blog, mentioning that Spotify's music will be playable in the background of other gaming sessions. More features will be announced later.

The service will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Sony's Xperia smartphones and tablets. No mention was made of PlayStation Vita.

Music Unlimited currently is available in 19 countries, and it will shut down March 29. "Nearly all" of those 19 countries will be in the 41 markets where PlayStation Music will launch. A specific launch date was not given; Lempel said it would happen "this spring."

Current Music Unlimited subscribers will receive a free month of access from Feb. 28 to March 29.

10% PlayStation Discount

So that amazing (insert sarcasm here) 10% PlayStation Discount is only available for 3 days starting the 23ed info below 
"We hope your New Year is getting off to a great start! As promised, as a thank you to all of our PSN members, we are happy to announce the details of the 10 percent PlayStation Store discount.

The discount will be valid from 9:00 AM 1/23 PST through 9:00 AM PST 1/26. Simply use the promotion code for a one-time 10% discount off eligible items in a total cart purchase in PlayStation Store on PS3, PS4 or the web/mobile at store.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com. Some exclusions do apply, including subscriptions for PS Plus, Music Unlimited, PS Now and rental video content. The code must be redeemed at checkout and discounted transaction completed before 1/26/15 at 9:00 AM.

Use the discount on hundreds of thousands of items including blockbuster new releases, award winning indie games, game add-ons and season passes, pre orders, and an enormous selection of TV and Movies to own. You can find the code on PlayStation Store and via @PlayStation.

Also, for those PS Plus members impacted by the PSN service interruption over the holidays, we have started to roll out the 5-day PS Plus membership extension, no action is required on your part. You will receive an email in the coming days with a confirmation of details about the extension.

Thanks again for your loyalty"

The PlayStation TV $20 off..

The PlayStation TV, Sony's game-streaming microconsole, is selling for $20 under the $100 list price at a number of retailers, GameSpot reports.

Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart are all listing the base price for $80 and the controller and game bundle for $100. The list price is $100 and $140. Big question is! Does this make you want it??

Good News Playstation Minecraft players

4JStudios is working to bring the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim-themed Minecraft DLC pack to PlayStation consoles, Mojang has confirmed. "Coming Soon'ish"

The Skyrim Mash-Up pack was released for Minecraft's Xbox 360 edition last year and offered players textures, character skins, music, a redesigned UI, and a chance to explore locations from Bethesda's RPG in Mojang's indie blockbuster.

Bad News EA NHL fans!

EA Sports revealed the modes for NHL 15, and it looks like PS4 and Xbox One owners will just have to be happy with the upgraded graphics and physics as the popular EA Sports Hockey League won't be present in the next-gen versions of the game.

"As a franchise, we’re 100% committed to the EA SPORTS Hockey League," EA Sports producer Sean Ramjagsingh wrote on the EA Sports website. The reason for the omission from the next-gen versions of the game came down to a lack of confidence on the part of EA in the quality of the mode. "We’re a franchise built on quality," he said.

Another notable mode that will release on Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, but not their newer counterparts, is the Online Team Play mode. However, unlike EASHL, OTP is planned to be added to the next-gen versions of NHL 15 in a future content update.

The remaining confirmed modes for all versions of the game are as follows:

.Play Now

.Be A Pro

.Be A GM

.Online Versus

.Hockey Ultimate Team

.NHL Moments Live

This is a big omission for fans of the series, who've come to enjoy the competitive EASHL mode first introduced in NHL 09.

Huge leak may show us everything Sony has planned for the PS4 at E3!

Before Sony has even sent out one invitation for its press conference, a major leak may have revealed everything the company was planning to show on stage.

DualShockers reports that an anonymous source with information from contacts within Sony and the BBH New York marketing firm has obtained a detailed list of Sony’s entire press conference, including every new PlayStation 4 announcement, every game demo and every publisher that will take the stage in June.

The full leak follows below, with the bold text signifying information that DualShockers has double-sourced.
Uncharted PS4 3 Minute Trailer showcasing ”In-engine” footage interspersed with gameplay segments. Visuals are supposedly unprecedented and set a benchmark for console graphics. Summer 2015 release date. It looks absolutely stellar. Features tropical setting and differing time periods with Nate/Francis.

Media Molecule’s new title will be a landmark title for Morpheus. 3D world building, beautiful, quirky visuals.Extremely creative and fun. Possibly related to the ”Entwined” trademark filed last week by SCE (not sure). Late 2015.

Gran Turismo 6 is coming to PS4 as 1080p 60FPS repackaged title in the vein of Gran Turismo 7: Prologue. Stunning visuals, extra features (social connectivity, new tracks, dlc etc). Coming mid-late 2015.

God of War 4 teaser will be present – will be CG with snippets of in-engine footage. A little early for reveal, but is designed to offset negativity surrounding canceled new IP and generate excitement – also to partially offset CG announce of Gears of War at Microsoft presser.

Late 2015. Date wont be announced.

Kill Strain trademark is related to Syphon Filter reboot for PS4.

Sony Bend working on revamping the franchise. Stealth, beautiful visuals and a possible Winter 2014 title. Bend finally getting to join the big boys.

Wipeout is also making the transition to PS4. Source is unsure of who is developing it, but hints that it could be Sony London, Evolution, or Firesprite.
Quantic Dream has a trailer prepared – unsure whether it is penciled in for Gamescom or E3.

Sony will be watching Microsoft’s presser earlier in the day to gauge whether additional titles will need to be slotted in to dampen hype. 

Expect Dark Sorcerer- like visuals in real time. Off-topic, but still relevant – they are close to deal to become a Worldwide Studios developer, along with Ready At Dawn.

Speaking of Ready At Dawn, The Order:1886 will get a stage demo. Big title for Fall 2014.

Sony is expecting great things from said title – franchise hopes rest on its performance.

Ninja Theory working on a PS4 exclusive – possible Heavenly Sword sequel which was shelved a number of years ago. Quite far into development.

Sony London will be at E3. First AAA title in many years. 3rd person title. Gorgeous. They’re back with a bang, 

Guerrilla Games bringing their RPG to E3. Provocative setting – very interesting. Insane visuals as usual. A good reaction to the title is expected. Will please the hardcore.

Sucker Punch busy at work on an inFAMOUS: Second Son DLC. Really cool. New powers. Possible new setting. E3 debut.

Sony Japan Studios debuting two, maybe even three titles. Project Beast – spiritual successor to Demon Souls. The other is The Last Guardian. Retooled for PS4, possible Winter 2014 title. The Other title is shrouded in secrecy.

Evolution will give Driveclub some time in the limelight. It’s shaping up to be incredible with jaw-dropping visuals. Demo release will be timed with the press conference.

Alongside this ample selection of new games, the source also noted that Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Konami, Capcom, Warner Bros, Activision, Square Enix and Take Two will all make appearances on stage during the event.

Rockstar was originally included on this list, but the source followed up to clarify that Sony might make announce a next-gen release for Grand Theft Auto V on Rockstar’s behalf.

Beyond new games, Sony will also bring more huge titles to the Instant Game Collection, show off Project Morpheus, talk about the Sony Entertainment Network and PlayStation Now and announce a price drop for the PS3 and PS Vita.

PS4 will be the focus of the press conference, but Sony will show some love to its various platforms and services throughout.

Check back in to see how accurate this anonymous source was when TgT settles in to cover the conference live in Los Angeles next month.

The PS4 will require a day one system update (software version 1.50)

The PS4 will require a day one system update (software version 1.50) in order to enable Online Multiplayer, Remote Play, video recording and pretty much every other PS4 feature we've been promised.

The update will be approximately 300MB and includes the following features:

Remote Play: Users will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link (Depending on network environment or titles, remote play performance may vary outside of the home). We anticipate that most PS4 titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play. The latest PS Vita system software version, to be released soon, will be required to use PS4 Link.

Second Screen: Users can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles. PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games with their mobiles devices. For example on The Playroom, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.

Record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay effortlessly: The PS4 system provides dedicated, "always on" video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game – the video uploads as the user plays. At the PS4 system’s launch, users will be able to share their images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.

Broadcast and spectate gameplay: The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling users to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch). There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends’ PS4 gameplay from PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast.

Play as you download: This feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will support this feature When a game is purchased, users can start playing after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be downloaded in stand-by mode.

Multi log-in: A maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games, and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.

Party (Voice chat): By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.

Face recognition and voice commands: Users with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, users can use either the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the system, among other features; please refer to PS4′s online manual for recognizable voice commands.

Background music player: Users can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here (LINK: http://www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/music-unlimited/why-music-unlimited/).

Online Multiplayer: PlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including the ability to easily join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party voice chats.

Blu-ray Disc and DVD player: Users can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, users must connect to the internet to activate this feature.

PS4 launches November 29 in the UK.

Without the update we're not sure exactly what the PS4 will be capable of doing.

Source: PlayStation Blog

Be a hero

Dear TgT Friends and Family

I could use your help. I've decided to be a team captain for Extra Life 2013 and I'm hoping you'll join my team and our efforts to raise funds for kids. You can register to join my team and select a Children's Miracle Network Hospital near you to support with your efforts. While we're each raising life-saving funds for our respective hospitals, we'll be adding to our team total, and probably having the time of our lives doing it.

Our team fundraising goal is $150 and every team member can help get us closer to that goal!

You can register totally free by doing a quick search for my teams' Extra Life page at www.extra-life.org.

I hope to have the pleasure of your life-saving company.

All you have to do is sign up join our team and continue gaming

Sincerely,
[Rick]

Join us at http://www.facebook.com/ExtraLife4Kids

The Last Guardian News

Sony has announced that they are waiting for a more appropriate time to reintroduce The Last Guardian to the gaming community. As many of you know, this title was originally unveiled at E3 2009 with an expected release of 2011, but since then has left many gamers in the dark. We expect Sony to unveil The Last Guardian again at E3 2014 for PlayStation 4, which would warrant the reasoning as to why the title hasn't come out yet. We will keep you posted on this title from Team Ico when we get any updates from it. #TheLastGuardian

GRAVITY RUSH 2 Teaser Trailer

GRAVITY RUSH 2 Teaser Trailer TGS 2013) Fans of the popular PlayStation Vita title Gravity Rush are in luck since Team Gravity has released a teaser trailer for what looks to be a continuing story to the popular indie title. It's still not clear if this will be DLC or an entirely new sequel to Gravity Rush, but it's nice to see that Team Gravity will be bringing something new for Gravity Rush players. If more news is announced about this mysterious teaser trailer, we will let you know.

Gravity Rush 2

Fans of the popular PlayStation Vita title Gravity Rush are in luck since Team Gravity has released a teaser trailer for what looks to be a continuing story to the popular indie title. It's still not clear if this will be DLC or an entirely new sequel to Gravity Rush, but it's nice to see that Team Gravity will be bringing something new for Gravity Rush players. If more news is announced about this mysterious teaser trailer, we will let you know. 

Sony press conference in Tokyo

At the Sony press conference in Tokyo, the company also announced that it will be launching a 64GB memory card for Vita as well as several new games including God Eater 2, Gundam Breaker, Final Fantasy 10 and Phantasy Star Nova. There will also be limited-edition bundles of the Vita with some of the upcoming games. Sony expects about 100 Vita titles by the end of the year.

PS Vita TV

Sony revealed a ton of stuff tonight at its pre-TGS press conference, but perhaps the biggest surprise (well, other than a PS Vita redesign) was the unveiling of an all-new piece of Vita-related hardware. It’s called PS Vita TV, and it lets you play Vita games on your television... and do a bunch of other stuff, too.

More info

PS Vita TV is a tiny piece of hardware. It’s about as big as a deck of cards, measuring 6cm by 10cm. It’s the smallest PlayStation hardware ever.
The idea of PS Vita TV is to let you play Vita games on the big screen using a DualShock 3 controller, but there’s actually more to it than that. While PS Vita TV has a card slot for Vita games, and accepts Vita memory cards, it will also let you use video streaming services (such as Hulu) and more. It will even let you play your PlayStation 4 via Remote Play with DualShock 4; this functionality will come later via system update. No us release date was given

PlayStation 4 release date

PlayStation 4 will release on November 29th, 2013 in Europe and November 15 in the US and Canada. Revealed during Sony's Gamescom 2013 press conference, the $400 next-gen console's date will compete with Microsoft's November release window for Xbox One.
PlayStation 4 has already surpassed 1 million pre-orders worldwide. It will launch in 32 countries.
You can pre-order the PlayStation 4 now. 

New Game Plan, For ps4 and ps3

Today at Sony's Gamescom 2013 press conference, Sony announced that gamers that buy Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed IV, Call of Duty: Ghosts, or Watchdogs on Playstation 3 will be able to buy the digital version for Playstation 4 for a "significantly discounted price" once it becomes available, presumably when the PS4 launches on November 15 in North America.

Although not stated explicitly, this program seems to be a direct response to GameStop's promotion that allows gamers to trade in their current-gen versions of games to get them on next-gen for just $10 more.
EA, Activision, Ubisoft and Warner Bros. were named as partners in this program. Presumably more games will be announced as part of this digital upgrade program in the coming weeks. 

Minecraft!! is coming to PlayStation 4

             Sony has announced that Mojang's Minecraft!! is coming to PlayStation 4 at launch! November                                                                                    15th 

XCOM:Enemy Within?!

XCOM: Enemy Unknown fans may soon find themselves with new content to play according to an online listing for something called XCOM: Enemy Within. Three listings for the new title have appeared on South Korea's Game Rating Board website, each for a different platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Entries for encrypted Enemy Unknown files containing the phrase "XCOM EW" can also be found on SteamDB, a website that tracks content found on the Steam network. Unfortunately, these listings lack any details and therefore provide no indication of what Enemy Within is -- it could be a sequel to Enemy Unknown or, more likely, it could be an expansion for it. That more XCOM is on the way comes as no real surprise. Alongside the announcement of iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch versions of Enemy Unknown at PAX East in March, Firaxis teased that something new was in the works. A short video clip was shown of The Council, which you report to in Enemy Unknown, informing you of a "new threat." No further details have been provided since that time. Between the listings on SteamDB's Enemy Unknown page and the fact that it was less than a year ago that Enemy Unknown was released, an expansion would make sense. Such a release would fall in line with publisher 2K Games' approach with many of its other recent games, including BioShock Infinite, Civilization V, and Borderlands 2, all of which have or are continuing to see a great deal of post-launch support in the form of expansion packs and DLC releases. Would you prefer to see Enemy Within released as an expansion or a sequel? What would you like to see in such a release? Let us know in the comments.

TheGamersTalk Videocast update july 30th