Let homebrew live on the PS3

COME on, Sony - don't you think it's about time you actually start listening to the people who are helping keep your company afloat in these difficult times?

The PS3 is a great piece of kit, but it is really suffering through a lack of support and creativity.

One way to solve this is to let the floodgates open to the wonder that is Homebrew.

These third-party pieces of software could help make the PS3 an invaluable home entertainment system, opening it up to more users by allowing it to be used for more than games, movies and the web.

Software developers out there are keen to get involved in creating applications and software for the PS3, but keep getting their creations shut out when Sony issues a new software update to keep the software doors closed.

Well, I say - open those doors! When you compare the endless software and applications available now on PCs, many of which are out there to download as freeware, then there is no reason why we couldn't see the PS3 take these onboard. 

It works like a PC, can use operating systems, and is very flexible in its use - if only those in their ivory towers stop and see this.

Then things could reach the stage where desktop PCs may become redundant, as all you would need is a PS3 with a keyboard and mouse - the world would literally be at their feet.

So, stop tinkering with the long-awaited and highly disappointing Home, and give PS3 owners what they want - everything!

Where are the games?

WELL, it's that post-Christmas lull when nothing seems to be coming out for gamers.
The next big launch is Killzone 2, but that's not until next month, so for now we have to make do with games already on the market.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I've noticed that shops like Gamestation are offering some good deals on games, whether it's two for £30 or even two games for £20 - like a copies of Stranglehold and Assassin's Creed that I managed to pick up.
Plus, I have also been filling my gaming time recently playing a cut-price new Saints Row 2, which I missed on original release but have been enjoying greatly - dare I say it, even more so than the infamous Grand Theft Auto 4 - while switching between this and Tomb Raider Underworld.
So, the one good thing about this lull period is, that it actually gives me time to play my existing games properly!

Secret Santa!

YES, it's that time of year again when families and friend exchange presents - and shops exchange some of those same gifts for things people actually want!
But I have to say, I wasn't expecting much when it came to Secret Santa time at my work. We all stood round, with various sensible (chocolates, smellies) and not so sensible (a lung-shaped ash tray!) presents were unveiled.
Then it was my turn.
I opened the DVD-shaped package to discover - a copy of Conan on the PS3!
Now, bearing in mind that the budget was just £5, I thought my gift-bearer had done incredibly well.
And, despite some of the reviews, I have been having great fun slashing and splicing baddies in this retro title.
A nice surprise!

We can finally go Home!

SO, Home has finally arrived for all of us to have a go.
Only had a quick look at it so far, but the graphics are certainly impressive, and the environments - albeit limited at the moment - do look cool. But we all have to remember that this is still at beta stage, so things can and will change - and its time now to make your voices heard.
If you can think of improvements, spot glitches, praise certain points, then let Sony know via the official forums.
That's the only way you will get the Home experience you really want.
My first issue is the queuing - what's that all about? It's too much like real life, not Second Life!
Have you got any issues or comments about Home? Let me know...

Xmas comes early!

ANYONE else noticed that all the new games and big launches, like Resistance 2, have all come early this year?
Whether it's because all games are more expensive, or companies know people are cash-strapped, the release of games has come much earlier than normal this year.
I guess at least it gives us more time to pick and choose what we want to buy.

SPEED monsters will be celebrating the arrival of the next in the Need For Speed series, out now on PS3.

Need For Speed: Undercover by EA puts players in an all-out chase where they are the hunted - and the hunter. Players must get behind the wheel and risk everything to infiltrate a ruthless international crime syndicate and take them down. The man you are after is a maniac behind the wheel, and he's driving like his life depends on escape, which maybe it does. He's the one with all the answers you need, you will track him down.

Needless to say, that fleet of police cruisers in your rearview mirror won't make things any easier. It will take all of your experience - and every ounce of skill - to outrun the law, take down the enemy, and unlock the truth that puts an end to this chase once and for all.

The game puts you right into the the thick of the action, as you race into an action-packed story of pursuit and betrayal. Take on jobs and compete in races to prove yourself as you try to infiltrate and take down an international crime syndicate.

On the streets you will have to fight off the cops and others as you take down your prey in high-speed, high stake multi-car chases.

The action is made more adrenalin-fuelled as the AI of the cops is new and vastly improved, meaning more aggressive and intelligent cops focused on taking you out fast and by any means necessary.

Players can tear across the massive highway system and discover the open world of the Gulf Coast Tri-Cities area, with three unique cities connected by an extensive highway system.

What's most important about this is that the cars are really great fun to drive, giving you real feedback to your moves and driving style.

This is an impressive addition to the Need For Speed series.

Prepare to board this game!

GET ready to take to the slopes for some fast and furious snowboarding - all from the comfort of your own home on the PS3!

Shaun White Snowboarding by Ubisoft brings you all the thrills and spills of the snowboarding world, covering peaks from all over the globe. The great feature about this game is that it features open world mountains. You can choose how you ride and where you go - its completely up to you!Players can try to conquer the extreme peak conditions, creating their own paths in the back country, or compete with fellow riders in the terrain parks.

The single-player mode is great fun, picking your challenges, whether its a straight race to the bottom of the mountain, or pass through the flags, or numerous other challenges.

And once you get used to the controls, it is quite satisfying pulling off a great aeriel trick perfectly.

Gamers can play in a world where their friends are always around. Do your own runs on mountains populated by real gamers, or join your friends for a quick session from anywhere in the mountains.

You can even throw snowballs, hike to access secret spots, film friends doing crazy tricks. and even upload your videos online to share with the world.

Built on the Assassin's Creed engine, this game creates an immense world with great visuals and realistic interaction with other boarders.

Ubisoft has worked closely with Shaun White to infuse the gaming experience with authenticity, personality, and humour. Shaun is a friend and mentor in the game, and will help you with your skills. And if you are deemed worthy, you may even be able to play him in the game...

It's been a long wait for a good snowboarding game to arrive on the PS3 - and this doesn't disappoint!