I must first warn everyone to be wary of the new dowload able demo/trial for the 360 and PS3. "Rocketmen: Axis of Evil" is a very unoriginal Contra meets Asteroids meets Cell Animation hybrid that had almost no flare and nothing to make me want to ever EVER buy it (despite the feature to do so being placed right in the main menu).

The game was not only aimed at a particularly younger demographic (so much in fact, it reminded me of an educational game i.e. mathblaster), but it had far too many unimpressive interruptions that reminded me of the codec transmissions of the Metal Gear series... only MUCH less impressive and dulled down. I would normally go in-depth on a review.. but I just couldn't stomach this game anymore.

I also discovered how DAMN difficult it is to achieve the "bandit 4x4" ribbon necessary to rank up to Lead Wingman in Warhawk. I finally did it, but my Kill to Death ratio took a steep dive in the process. I'm still however, very pleased with myself.... although the new customization options that came with the rank were not worth the HOURS of getting pwned by noob toobs in an effort to run people down with a jeep 5 times in a game.

ON A GOOD NOTE:

The esposa heard me complaining about the new and TERRIBLE NYKO PS3 controller with vibration (see previous article).

So she EBAYED me a Sony version of the Dualshock3 and I'm expecting it any day now. I'm exited to have the ol' rumble back in town.

Subsequently I've been doing research on why the Rumble feature wasn't added earlier. It is the source of many a flamewar online and it is actually a subject that involves another next-gen console.. the Xbox 360.

According to Wikipedia, it comes down to a messy lawsuit that was filed against BOTH Sony and Microsoft.

"In 2002, Sony and Microsoft were sued by force-feedback company Immersion for patent infringement for the use of vibration functions in their controllers. While Microsoft settled out of court, Sony continued to defend the case. Sony lost and was required to pay considerable retroactive royalties ($82 million) to Immersion, for the seven years that the DualShock controller had been on the market, and suspend the sale of the controllers in the United States (including all PlayStation and PlayStation 2 console packages containing them). Sony unsuccessfully attempted to appeal the decision, and the judgment was speculated to be a contributing factor in Sony's removal of vibration functionality from its original PlayStation 3 controller, the Sixaxis. Sony came to a settlement with Immersion, with an announcement on March 1, 2007 that two companies were planning to "explore the inclusion of Immersion technology in PlayStation format products."

There are rampant claims that Sony decided to hold off on the vibration technology in an effort to screw consumers out of money by having to buy 2 controllers. Sony did however call the vibration "Last Gen" when they originally tried to focus more on the Sixaxis controller which has its ups... and downs.

There are plenty of people who are angry at the 55$ price tag as well. This is however still cheaper than its equivalent in either the Wii or the 360 (that is assuming you buy the nunchuck AND Wiimote to make a full controller... and that you buy the rechargeable battery pack version of the Xbox 360 controller to make things comparable).

In conclusion, I'm exited to have a controller that will utilize both "last gen" and Sixaxis support.

Tags : DualShock 3 : Immerson Lawsuit : PlayStation 3 : Rocketmen: Axis of Evil : Warhawk : Wii : Xbox 360

Comments

By: Dragonfly

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On: 04:48 Mar 10th, 2008
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*laughs* I remember that comic.

To be quite honest, the whole Dual Shock thing has always been a mess, and basically a load of bullshit on Sony's part.

Which is probably why the PS3 had performed so poorly. Because customers aren't entirely idiots.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 06:28 Mar 10th, 2008
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The whole vibration thing was a mess on everyones part. Sony's the one who got screwed over and I think that's why they tried to play rumble off (which really isn't that big of a deal). I just read a good interview with a Sony VP in last months EGM where he talks in depth about the rumble situation and backwards compatibility.

I think their are to many misconceptions out there concerning Sony and it's platform. Sony itself could do a better job and they are slowly. It's nice to see someone doing some research or remembering back to the lawsuit. I am still surprised people don't know about this case.

By: boa

On: 07:29 Mar 17th, 2008
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I'm glad the PS3 is getting rumble, the rumble pads should even be in the PS3 box by the time I get one ^_^

By: deanogee

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On: 04:07 Mar 20th, 2008
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boa;45047

I'm glad the PS3 is getting rumble, the rumble pads should even be in the PS3 box by the time I get one ^_^

Dualshock3 but the dualshock 1 is exactly the same right but not wireless??

its like going back on yourself...

Im surprised the controllers didnt have the rumble...:disgust:

By: EvilxBunny

On: 04:11 Mar 20th, 2008
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eh.. it was just bad luck for sony... that someone apparently copyrighted ANCIENT technology