Killzone 3 Double XP Weekend



Watch out for these guys during your fun weekend.

   Guerilla Games and everyone in part with Killzone 3 would like to welcome you back to Playstation Network. They have decided to have a Double XP Weekend! The Double XP Weekend lasts from today, Friday the 20th, until Monday the 23rd. This will be a perfect chance for you to try out the Steel Rain DLC while raking in the XP!

  Call of Duty: Black Ops is also having a Double XP Weekend, so which one will you choose? I know I will be torn between the two! However, as it is harder to level up in Killzone 3, I would suggest heading on over to Helghan. See you on the battlefield!

Black Ops Double XP Weekend

  Grab your "noob tubes," and get ready to hit that Prestige Mode button everybody, because this weekend is Double XP on Black Ops. Starting today, Friday the 20th, the Double XP weekend will last until Tuesday the 24th. Also, a "24/7 Nuketown playlist," will be included for those intense close combat moments. With a 5 day Double XP weekend, you should not have any problem making it to level 50.

Resistance 3 Campaign

The official box art of Resistance 3!

  It's up to Joseph Cappelli to lead the resistance against the intruding Chimera now. The game will include battles that extend from Oklahoma all the way to New York City. The campaign should be as epic as the last one, and you can read more about that on the Playstation Blog. Word has it that there may be multiplayer beta coming "later this year," which will most likely not be any time soon; however get out your shotguns and keep an eye out for those chameleons, because Resistance 3 is coming. Below is the full footage of the Dark Woods mission.

Playstation Network Restored



Playstation Network has risen from the dead!

   After what seems to be the biggest devastation to ever occur in Playstation history (second being, in my opinion, SOCOM 4's flop), the Playstation Network has returned. Its downtime had lasted about 24 days, but it is now functioning in some aspects. Most importantly, online gameplay has returned, as has Playstation Home. People can now catch up on their much needed multiplayer gaming. When you first sign on to the Playstation Network, you must change your password. The password must include eight characters including numbers and letters. Be aware, you are not entering your old password. If the password confirmation does not work on your Playstation system, an e-mail will be sent to the address corresponding with your PSN ID.

  According to a previous Playstation Blog post, a free 30 day subscription of Playstation Plus will be issued to all users. This can get you a free download of Killzone 3's new DLC, as it was available on the Playstation Store. However, Playstation Store is a service that has yet to be restored, and is still "undergoing maintenance."

  Everyone who has an account on any Sony Online Entertainment game will enjoy a free month subscription. On Playstation 3, for example, I will be enjoying a free month of the MMORP DC Universe Online. For more information on these gifts, click here.

  Enjoy, everyone, and a warm welcome back from Game Ghost.

Service Restoration Delayed

  Earlier this week, Sony conducted a press conference to address the Playstation Network and Qriocity hack. We had been informed that some services would be up and running this week; however, this is not the case. Due to the Sony Online Entertainment attack, in which they weren't aware of,  the restoration of online gameplay along with other services will not be accessible today or possibly early next week. In fact, Sony has yet to announce when the services will be repaired.

  Sony has stated they have been testing their "incredibly complex system," and are trying to restore their services as soon as possible. System checks and other security tests are being analyzed. It can be concluded that we won't be able to play anytime this week; however, this is just a prediction. The extent of the Sony Online Entertainment intrusion that obtained credit cards has proved to be a large hindrance and has put Sony into a even bigger predicament.

  Check out Sony's official statement on the Playstation Blog.

Sony Nearly Complete in Service Restoration

  Today, Sony has posted on Playstation Blog (US) that Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment are in the final steps for testing the new security system. Once again, they claim to have been"working around the clock," trying to fix it. Sony claims this is a major step and even a "milestone" to the full restortion of Playstation and Qriocity services. There is still no set date of the network coming back

online.

  Also, according to Joystiq, experts have found out one of the primary reasons that the network intrusion occurred in the first place. It has been found that Playstation lacked a firewall, and had been using a somewhat expired version of an Apache software that were unpatched. According to a professor at Purdue, Dr. Gene Spafford, Sony knew several months ago that they lacked an updated, more secure network. According to The Consumerist, the issue was "reported in an open forum monitored by Sony employees."

Dr. Gene Spafford

For more information, click either The Consumerist's or Joystiq's link above!

Assassin's Creed: Revelations - Revealed [UPDATE]

Somebody find this man a cane.

  That's right, the fourth installment of the Assassin's Creed series has been announced. Thanks to Game Informer, who supposively has been in contact with Ubisoft, we know all our questions will be answered in this game. In fact, it is expected to be the final game of the Assassin's Creed series. Taking place in Constantinople during the rise of the Ottoman Empire, this game should be full of action, wealth, and adventure. The game is anticipated to release sometime in November.

  Have a look at Ezio - he has become a very old man. In the game, he will be over 50 years old. Hookblades are used to navigate ziplines and utilize your motion for deadly combos.Also new to the game are bombs. As crazy as it sounds, using a new crafting system, Ezio can hold up to 300 bombs. Multiplayer modes will be more story based. Most exciting about the multiplayer is the ability to customize your your assassin! I can not fatham the myriad of events that could take place. With Assassin's Creed Brotherhood having such a riveting twist ending, who knows what could happen in the final game. Without a doubt, Assassin's Creed Revelations is a game that no one will want to miss out on.

  Thank you, Game Informer, for the first look!

Battle: Los Angeles to Include Resistance 3 Demo

"Om nom nom nom nom!"

  According to G4, Battle: LA is scheduled for June 14, 2011 on Blu-ray. Included with this

phenomenal movie is Insomniac Game's newest Resistance 3 demo. As we know, Joe Capelli will be the main character in Resistance 3. The demo will take place on the broken boat level, and a video of the level can be found below.

  Honestly, Resistance 2 had some creepy scenes that made me want to stop playing, but it was worth it. The fear is the best part of the game. This peculiar level looks very fun. Resistance 2 was a great game, and the campaign was one of the best I've ever played; Resistance 3 looks like it may live up to those expectations.

DC Universe Online to Use "Super Servers"

This is literally painful to look at.

   First of all, DC Universe is one heck of a game. Though many people look down upon it due to its pricy montly fee, I must say it is one of my favorite all time games. Creating your own superhero from costume to powers and to be able to use him in an MMORPG has been a dream of mine. Sony Online Entertainment did a great job with this.

  However, the main problem has been its lengthy queue times. To fix this problem, SOE added multiple servers. The problem was really never solved. To solve the problem, all servers will merge together into four large "super servers." They will consist of two for the European users and two for the US users; PS3 and PC users in one of each. Though this seemed like a chance to get the coveted cross-platform play, the servers will remain seperate.

  I would include the original post, however, Sony Online Entertainment and Sony have faced yet another hacker attack! Therefore, SOE's websites have all been shut down. If online gameplay returns this week as scheduled, I'd recommend you get this game; however, I must warn you about the dreadfully long download time!

SOCOM 4 on Amazon for $40

  Although this game hasn't gotten the greatest reviews, this is a good chance to pick up your copy of SOCOM 4. With about twenty dollars taken off, why not get a brand new game? The sellers look legitament, and have good reviews; however, you can get it from Amazon itself for $48.95. Personally, I'm not a fan of the game due for one reason: it has forgotten its roots. I've always been a fan of the SOCOM series since SOCOM's first. SOCOM 4 is not a bad shooter, though. You can order now and hopefully you'll get your copy when the Playstation Network comes back up. Click here to check out the deal. 

Hirai's Address and Sorry Gift from Sony!

Right now I'm trying to keep up with everything the staff is saying, so I'll be posting in bullet points.

•  As of now, all I've heard is that there will be 30 free days of both Playstation Plus and Qriocity! 
• They have once again confirmed no credit card information has been stolen for sure.
• They have asked the FBI to further investigate the external intrusion.
• Around 10 Million users with active credit card accounts on Playstation Network.

• Security action being taken: Moving data server, moving from San Diego to a more advanced security location.
• Detection capabilities are being improved, therefore preventing unauthorized intrusions.
• Information can only be changed through validated e-mail or currently used Playstation System.
• Customers must be vigilant, and check credit card activity and statements.
• Check activity through Playstation's customer support system.
• Change all passwords regarding Qriocity and Playstation Network

• Aiming to restore all services this month, this is big.
• Sony will not contact you in any way about your information, DON'T respond to those e-mails!
• Sony claims Anonymous has released personal information on executives and their family members.

  An example would be made out of this situation, without a doubt. Never has a gaming network been hacked and consequently been shutdown for so long. All services will be restored in the next month, let's hope it comes quickly. 

  Most importantly, the following will be back up this week:

• Online gameplay - time to get going on all of your new games
• Friends List
• Qriocity Music Unlimited
• Acount Management - Take control of the situation by changing your password
• Playstation Home
• Chat (Text and Voice)

 

Brink is Around the Corner - Pick up Your Pre-Order Bonus!



  Brink is right around the corner. If you're not familiar with Brink, I like to consider it a Mirror's Edge, Assassin's Creed, and MAG hybrid. The story takes place with the oceans rising quickly, and the only safe haven is the Ark, a man made island. Factions must fight for survival. With its quick SMART system movements, your blood will be pumping. Pre-order now to get these bonuses before the release date sneaks up on you! With a release date of May 10th, you should pre-order as soon as possible.

  If you pre-order at GameStop, you'll get some awesome bonuses. They call it the "Doom Pack." The following is according to GameStop's website:

• Unique "Hellspawn" body tattoo
• Exclusive UAC (Security) and Cacodemon (Resistance) customized skins for the Bulpdaun SMG
• Exclusive UAC Marine Body Armor (Security) and Lost Soul Screaming Skull (Resistance) t-shirts, exclusive UAC beanie cap (Security) and DOOM bandana (Resistance)

  If you pre-order at Best Buy, you'll recieve the Fallout Pack. This is based off the popular Fallout series. Not wearing shirts is pretty cool to these folks. This is according to Best Buy:

• Unique Fallout Vault 101 body tattoo
• Exclusive Vault 101 (Security) and Fallout New Vegas Vault Boy (Resistance) customized skins for the CARB-9 SMG
• Exclusive Fallout Vault 101 (Security) and Fallout New Vegas Vault Boy (Resistance) T-shirts
• Exclusive Vault-Tec beanie cap (Security) and Fallout bandana (Resistance)

 

  At Walmart, you can get the coolest looking, in my opinion, gear. The Spec Ops Pack. According to Walmart, you can get:

• Exclusive weapon: the Hockler Machine-Pistol
• Exclusive GreenEye Combat Optical Scope
• Exclusive Security Sloani Combat Mask
• Unique Dogtag body tattoo

Remember, release date is May 10th 2011!

Portal 2 on Amazon for $34.99

  The buzz around the web is all about Portal 2. This is a great deal that Amazon is offering. I have not had a chance to play this game myself, but as far as the reviews and gameplay videos go, it looks like a great game. Amazon always seems to have deluxe deals on the newer video games, and if you don't have this intriguing scientific shooter, like me, now is the time to get it. I may have to take control of this opportunity.

  If you're interested in this deal at all, click here: amzn.to/kgtWjc

  This post has been updated from the original, as Amazon has lowered the price again.

Dust 514 Cross Platform Play

   You're probably like many people in saying, "What the heck is Dust 514?" To put it bluntly, Dust 514 is a First Person Shooter going where no MMO has gone before. Do you have a Playstation 3 but all of your friends have an Xbox 360, or vice versa? Here's your chance to play with them. Dust 514 is a spin off of Crowd Control Production's (CCP) EVE Online. What's that? EVE Online is an MMORPG that involves you, a bunch of factions to join, and the endless wonders of outer space.

  So what is the big deal about Dust 514? Dust 514 will be a three way platform play - PC, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. While the PC users are high in space in their decked-out ships and whatnot, they are commanding the ground troops and providing air support. That is where the PS3 and Xbox 360 users come in. These two groups of people will be the soldiers on foot, battling it out.

Check out the trailer!



  Go to EVE Online's website with the link in the first paragraph, or go to Dust 514's website for more information on this awesome looking MMORPG!

Red Faction: Armageddon Pre-Order Bonuses

  Looking forward to getting the new Red Faction game? Joystiq has provided information on two of its pre-order bonuses! If you head to Best Buy, you'll get the Recon Pack! You'll receive Recon Armor, the XNG-5000, and the Arc Welder. And if you head to GameStop, you'll receive the Commando Pack. You get the Commando Armor, Laser Pistol, and Plasma Thrower! Release date is in early June!

  I would advise you to check out the Joystiq link above, as they provide some humorous yet informational videos, and you will get to see what you're getting.

Hirai Addressing PSN Breach at 1 A.M. EDT

Deputy President Hirai looking jolly.

  

  Deputy President of Sony, Kazuo Hirai, will be addressing the public at 2 PM tomorrow (1 A.M. EDT). Thanks to Reuters for posting this information. This event may have been sparked by the fact that Sony is being sued in several cases.

  Not only is the PSN intrusion caught the attention of the executives of Sony, as it should, it has caught the attention of the U.S. Government. The FBI has now been investigating this "external intrusion."

Playstation Conducting Q&As

Playstation's Homepage is cluttered with Q&A Services

  Unless you've been living under a rock, you would realize that the Playstation Network has been undergoing maintenance for the last week Why? It is understood that hackers, some believe to be a group called "Anonymous," (classic name) have hacked the Playstation Network. Consequently, Playstation has shut down the PSN to further investigate the "external intrusion."

  In that note, Sony has conducted, as of now, two Q&As to inform the Qriocity and Playstation users of the good and bad. 

  Most importantly, no data will be lost; friends list, downloads, save cloud, etc. And Sony has also announced that there is so evidence that credit card numbers have been obtained, but it could be possible. Be on the look out of any strange activity in your credit card account. 

  You can read the both of the Q&As here http://bit.ly/mItNZe and here http://bit.ly/kik7DC.

Win $40,000 in Killzone 3 Challenge

  Do you love to brutal melee the heck out of some Helghast? Do you love to obliterate ISA forces? Well grab two squadmates and prepare for Killzone 3's 3v3 Tournament hosted by Virgin Gaming! Remember, it is essential to have two people on your team. If you're interested in winning 40 Grand, then click here to start registering with your friends! http://virgingaming.com/kz3/

Click the invite tab to start! Good luck, soldiers. 

Note: The beginning date of the tournament has not been announced, yet, and with the Playstation Network's current condition, the tournament will most likely be delayed.

Site Launch

  Welcome to Game Ghost! On this site, I will update you on the latest Playstation / Sony news reports. Later this year, I may begin to provide Xbox 360 / Microsoft and possibly Nintendo news; however, as of now it will remain strictly Sony and Playstation. (Non-Playstation exclusive games will also be included.) I made this site to pursue my interest in journalism. News will most likely be provided daily, as long as the internet is accessible.

Thanks for visiting, and may the blogging begin!