We're still learning what players want online, and what the "typical" behaviors are. But, it's evolving quickly, and I don't think that we can ever look at a particular online behavior and say that's typical. It's just, lots of people want to play lots of different ways, and we try to make games that will accommodate as many of them as possible.

But I think our community helps us out in a big way, because that is our direct access to the people who are playing games. We can get their opinions on what they want, very quickly, versus having to go into a game and listen to the chatter.

We're seeing those posts on the forums; they're emailing us, or sending us PMs and saying, "Hey, Insomniac, we want X, Y, and Z." And so, we can discuss those requests and decide whether or not to change the game around the next time, or include new features in our patches, etcetera.

A somewhat lengthy interview that's worth a looksee, especially if you're into any of the Insomniac franchises.

Peeking Inside Insomniac: A Conversation With Ted Price [Gamasutra]

Thankfully, for at least my own review purposes, the single player campaign should take you about 9 to 11 hours to burn through. That's totally reasonable. But if you plan on dedicating the time to do everything, unlock every level, find every briefing, max out every class, you've got about 18 days of your life ahead of you just playing R2.

And if you do, you're a more dedicated man than me.

"We've really upped the gore," says Price. It's possible to blow off arms, legs and heads. What's more, new weapons include a 44 Magnum, which fires bullets that you can detonate by remote. So, you could fire a buncha bullets in the wall and then detonate them. It's even possible to detonate those bullets that you've shot into Chimera. Instead of a health bar, when players are shoot, the screen goes reddish like Call of Duty. Should make the game much more immersive.

When asked about cross platform PSP remote play, Price said that was something they would not be addressing now. Maybe later? Maybe not? Who knows! Not me.

[Project Abraham]

Insomniac's Ted Price on Resistance 2 [Eurogamer]

So a new IP is coming from Insomniac in the semi far to far future? Sounds good to us.

Insomniac's Ted Price Talks 'Ratchet' Sales Surprises, New IPs [MTVmultiplayer]

Thanks, Mike!

Since the story broke, Manchester Cathedral has seen a significant rise in visitor numbers...Teachers tell us that teenagers in particular are interested to see a building which they thought was fictional.

We've actually made it a big focus to include more churches and now synagogues and mosques in Resistance 2.

On December 18, 2007, Sony filed a trademark for "Resistance 2" in relation to a video game. And while it's not uncommon for companies to go on the trademark defensive, ensuring that another company won't steal the title, we already totally knew that Insomniac is developing Resistance 2. You know, even though we don't at all.

Resistance 2 [trademork]

Champagne fountains are overrated.
And to top if off, there was a special "homage to Burning Man." Ouch. But I have a feeling Master Chief's Spartan armor can handle the Resistance flame war and still manage to sell another bajillion copies before the day is through.

RESISTANCE REINVENTED [threespeech]

It's been great to have a network that can facilitate the map-pack downloads, demos and trailers for both Resistance: Fall of Man and Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction. The number of users on PSN has been rising steadily and we absolutely plan to support them with more new content coming soon.

D+Pad Nov 2007 [via maxconsole]

I think some important lessons have been learnt. So we do forgive Sony for what they have done, even though they still believe they have done nothing wrong. In an industry that is breaking new frontiers, it is important that long held traditions of film and television are maintained. These traditions include having courtesy, respecting the dignity of your subject, and admitting when mistakes have been made. In so many ways Sony have failed to live up to these standards by disrespecting people of faith and the victims of gun crime here in Manchester.

- Game takes place in US
- Locales include Chicago and San Francisco
- Sgt. Nathan Hale may be back, may not, as lead
- 6 vehicles available in multiplayer
- 3 of those vehicles fly

Hmmm...flying vehicles. As long as the game doesn't turn into Star Fox Assault or Warhawk, we'll be happy. Oh, and Insomniac, feel free to use this box art. It's on us.

Exclusive: First-ever Resistance: Fall of Man 2 details [via gamesradar]

We specifically didn't want[Uncharted: Drake's Fortune] to be a launch title... We wanted time to really understand the hardware.

Aside: I played Uncharted at E3. I really liked the title, but Naughty Dog, PLEASE change how enemies are killed. In the demo I played, if you shoot someone a couple of times, they died. If you punched them a couple of times, they died. That makes no sense! Add a finishing moved like a neck snapping or something.
Not for Launch [Games Radar]

In an effort to rally around the steeple, the Church of England is asking the people of Japan to protest PS3 exclusive Resistance. The dean of Manchester Cathedral, the Very Rev. Rogers Govender says:

Today I want to appeal directly to the people of Japan to help us put pressure on Sony to respond. So I speak directly to those citizens who share our concerns.

The Anglican Church is upset that Manchester Cathedral was used as an shoot out with aliens and giant bugs. Let's forget for a moment, that your in-game goal is to protect Manchester and thus Britain and thus the world with your gunplay. Save humanity? What better place to do that than in a church. Brian Ashcraft

Church Asks Japan For Support [Yahoo! News]

Over the weekend, we posted that the Church of England was up in arms about Manchester Cathedral being used in Resistance without permission. Apparently, the Anglican Church is even considering taking legal action against developer Insomniac. But do they even have legal grounds to do so? According to British solicitor Alex Chapman:

The Church will have an uphill battle in a legal claim against Sony, and indeed it is likely that there is no basis for a claim... There is no law against insensitivity and as with many matters of this kind, it is the public reaction that might be more damaging than the legal one.

...public buildings are generally fair game for inclusion in videogames, films et cetera, and it is something that their owners just have to accept.

Insomniac Won't Comment
Uphill Battle [Games Industry]

Irritating thing about MotorStorm in Japan? No online. Irritating thing about Resistance online? The games were server based. So living in Japan meant that I'd only play with Japanese folks — Which is fine. But, you know, sometimes you want the death matches to have an international flavor. Sony just sent out an email saying that Resistance will be on region-less servers now, meaning Japanese people can play online with North Americans and Europeans. Other details? Sony also mentioned that a FolksSoul (Folk Lore) will be getting a playable demo starting June 1st, and the Japanese version of MotorStorm will *finally* be getting online. Guess I shouldn't have sold back Resistance. Guess I should buy MotorStorm! Brian Ashcraft

Thanks, Riyu!

PS3 Fanboy explains the new banning policy in Insomniac's Resistance: Fall of Man: offensive clan and user names will get you banned permanently, which actual cheating (lag cheats etc.) will merely get you suspended, on an increasing basis (first suspension is 24 hours, second is 48, and so on and so forth).

Over at PlayNoEvil, it's pointed out that this policy "does seem odd. Clan names are easy and cheap to detect and fix while cheats are a more serious threat to the game." Maggie Greene

Insomniac sets up a ban policy for Resistance [PS3 Fanboy via PlayNoEvil]

Hey reader people, don't forget about our super amazing totally bitchin' PLAYSTATION 3 contest! We are giving away a one-of-a-kind customized PS3, copies of Fight Night, Madden, Call of Duty, Ridge Race and developer autographed copies of both Resistance and Oblivion. To bring everyone up to speed:

The contest is based on Crecente's sadistic treasure hunts. Long-time readers will know what we're talking about. Basically, we give you a clue about a post we've done, and then y'all must go find it. If you find the correct post, there will be another clue, which you'll need to track down. And so on. This contest will have five questions, or "Missions" as I call them. The contest ends Friday March 30 at midnight EST. Send all your answers with links to kotakucontest@gmail.com with the word contest in the subject line. The winner will be randomly selected from the correct entries and announced the following Monday. Be sure to take a look at our rules. Anyone who posts answers on Kotaku or anywhere on the internet will be banned and made an example of. Here's your first mission:

Mission #1: The PS3 launch reached new levels of nutso. Save for one. One store's was just plain boring. Well, which one was it?

Can this contest get any cooler? CAN IT? Brian Ashcraft

Grandma from game site Old Grandma Hardcore just got a PS3 and Resistance. Here's a NSFW (language, yo, not nudity, NOT NUDITY) of her playing through and cussing up a storm. Grandma's been gaming since the 1970's, but using the word "fuckers" long before that. Brian Ashcraft

"Come on fuckers, die!" [Old Grandma Hardcore The Last Boss]

Sony just shoved a press release in the rusty ol' Kotaku mailbox. An update is bringing Resistance new online content that includes Team Conversion and Assault mode. To quote the presser:

Within this update, two new online gameplay modes will be added- Team Conversion and Assault mode. Team Conversion mode is the same gameplay mechanic as the existing Conversion mode except that gamers will play a team and both teams will start off as human and have one life on each side. The Assault mode is based around the concept of attrition where the objective is to wear down an opponent's defenses before destroying their base.

Other additions include a Spectator mode that lets players, well, watch. Also, May will bring new maps and an online expansion that lets players challenge each other globally. Full press after the jump. Ya know, for people who like reading press releases. Brian Ashcraft

NEW RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN ONLINE CONTENT

AND FEATURES COMING THIS SPRING

Sony Computer Entertainment America and Insomniac Games today announced new features and online content for Resistance: Fall of Man , the top-selling PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 ) game. First, an update for Resistance: Fall of Man is scheduled to coincide with the European PLAYSTATION 3 launch on March 23.

Within this update, two new online gameplay modes will be added- Team Conversion and Assault mode. Team Conversion mode is the same gameplay mechanic as the existing Conversion mode except that gamers will play a team and both teams will start off as human and have one life on each side. The Assault mode is based around the concept of attrition where the objective is to wear down an opponent's defenses before destroying their base.

In addition, another new online feature is the spectator camera that allows players to either observe the action from the player's point-of-view or free-roam across the entire battlefield. Matchmaking also will become even quicker and more reliable, and the old radar will make a comeback as a new custom game option ideal for nostalgic players.

Then, in May, a map pack update is scheduled that will enable worldwide gameplay and allow players to purchase and download new multiplayer maps in-game. Insomniac Games has created two fresh maps to provide players with an entirely different feel from the maps released with the packaged game.

One of the maps is set in Westmorland, England where players will find the struggle against the Chimera continues among the snowy hills of northern Great Britain. The other map is set in Camborn, England where once again the British Resistance battles the Chimera. In Camborn, players will be able to take part in both above-ground and subterranean combat. The story behind the new maps is told as an extension of the backstory presented on the Resistance: Fall of Man website, www.rfomps3.com , and additional details will be revealed closer to the May release.

The May update also expands Resistance: Fall of Man by allowing players globally the choice to challenge one another. Players from around the world now will be able to hop online with one another and establish new friends and potential opponents. Leaderboards on www.myresistance.net will be filterable by region, and each territory will retain the ability to make announcements and hold events that are targeted to their players.

Minutes to spare, I dash to the press room—I always pass on these things—grabbing one of the amBX branded messenger bags and an Insomniac stamped camo bag. Very fannypack-ish. As I dig through my bag, I quickly realize we get the shaft. No Resistance for the press. Oh well.

So what goods were attendees at DICE 07 showered with? The bags, a DICE branded Xbox 360 face plate, a GameTap photo frame, a nice little notebook with a Target logo, a massive long sleeve polo with DICE embroidery plus various dry goods and over the counter drugs. Look for these items in a future Kotaku giveaway near you! Michael McWhertor

So I get on a plane, hardly sleep, walk through the freezing NYC streets looking for Gawker HQ and do not get sick. I get back to Japan, sit on my ass and work all day and get a sore throat. Go figure.

But! No biggie, and I even took a long overdue drive. Since buying a car, things like riding a bicycle or taking the train suddenly became bleh. That is, until recently. With the odd, Spring-like weather here, I've been riding my bike, taking walks and trains. My car just kinda sat there for a few weeks, but we, like I said, took it out today to see a lawyer about my family taking my crazy name. Weaving through teeny-tiney Japanese streets, I realized one thing: I suck at driving.

Here's what you missed while you slept.

• Jack Tretton sticks his foot in his mouth. Has a lot of money. Wants to give it away.
• Here we go: Manhunt Murder media field day gearing up
• A list of ten cool video game characters to argue with
• A cat post so brave that it compelled Brian Lam from Gizmodo sent me a late night IM

Sadly, I sold off my copy of Resistance to my local used shop. I mean, I liked Resistance, but felt it was a little unbalanced. The second half of the game got hard real fast. Still, liked it, but am done with it. The end.

My wife bought a DS "non-game" called Kenkou Ouen Recipe 1000: DS Kondate Zenshuu. It basically creates a dinner schedule for you. It tells how long it takes to prepare each meal, number calories, etc. She's planning on using it next week and see how it goes. Dunno if anyone in Kotaku would be interested in how it goes, but I'll be taking pictures of the dishes. Whaddaya think? Daily updates in our notes to each or a gallery at the end of the week?

Enough! All this typing is making my throat sore. Nite, nite.

Hey everyone, we've been hard at work here at Insomniac on improving the game, we've decided to let you in on some of the upcoming improvements! They're coming in two forms: a server-side update for ranked games, and a downloadable client-side update. Here's some of the things we'll be changing:

Server-side (ranked game) update:

* Map size determined by the number of players in the game
* All maps available for ranked games
* Score limits for team deathmatch adjusted based on the number of players in a match
* Time limits added for all game types that were missing them

The more meaty downloadable update info after this commercial message from Continue Reading.

Client-side (downloadable) update:

* Added a game option to allow "map voting", which will allow players in a custom game to vote on a new map from the results screen
* Expanded tactical element of squads. In objective based team games (CTF, Meltdown, Breach), players will be able to select to spawn near their squad as well as all the previously available spawn points. Additionally, squad members will be displayed different on the map/radar so that you will be able to find them easier
* We've been busy refining the balance between the Chimera and the Humans in order to make both races more fun to play, and to give players improved tactical options (you'll have to wait on the specifics)
* We've improved the spawning algorithm to prioritize spawn points that are away from enemies and near teammates and squadmates
* Wins/Losses are now displayed on the character sheet
* We have replaced the Skeleton skin with a new skin, the Mechanic. We've determined that the Skeleton is much smaller and more difficult to see on many levels than any of the other skins. The skins were never meant to give a gameplay advantage, but to offer you the chance to customize your character as you see fit, and we don't want people to be at a disadvantage because they didn't pick any one particular skin. Never fear, the skeleton may make a return at some later date, in some form or other.

Man, I can't tell you how many times I've spawned right next to an enemy, or had them spawn behind me. As fun as it is to pop up unexpectedly and shoot some poor sap in the head, the change is probably for the best. And hallelujah to getting rid of that damn skeleton. The tactical changes are looking to fix my biggest gripe, which was feeling like I was completely alone in team-based games. I suppose getting myself a headset would help that too. *hides*

No concrete date has been made for the patch yet, but we'll have more details and the release date as soon as I get James all boozed up and vulnerable. Michael Fahey

Incoming patch for PS3 title Resistance: Fall of Man. What for? Online multiplayer. But what exactly? Don't know. Developer Insomniac's lead multiplayer programmer illuminates (sorta):

I can't yet talk about all the things we've changed, but I really think that people will be very pleased to see how responsive this is to some concerns that have come out since we went live.

We've addressed a few key balance issues and put a big focus on making it possible to more effectively use a variety of strategic and team-based tactics in the game. I'm very excited to see how people like the change when it releases. That should happen very soon, so stay tuned.

I used to loathe console patches. But if companies are going to use them to fine-tune games and make them better, by all means, do it. Brian Ashcraft

Resistance Patch [Eurogamer]

I invited my 12 year old nephew over on Saturday for his first look at the shiny new Wii and PlayStation 3 systems in my living room, hoping to capture some of those cute little kid moments that Crecente is always posting about his son. After about an hour of ooing and ahhing and a few rounds of DBZ on the Wii, I switch over to the PS3 for some Resistance action. Yes, I know it is rated M for mature, but I am pretty sure there is a responsible adult living somewhere close to my apartment in case things go horribly wrong.

I fire up the game, opting for some multiplayer to get him used to the controls before we dive into co-op. "How do you crouch?" he asks as we start the match. Kind of an odd question...would have thought firing or weapon switching would be more important. I kill him for a bit, but finally he takes me out with a well-placed grenade. As I am waiting to respawn, he walks over to my body and begins hitting the crouch button.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Teabagging your corpse!"

Yeeeeeah. Adorable. Think we'll stick to card games and fighters from here on out. My brother-in-law can handle the proper testicle etiquette conversation. Michael Fahey

Here's an issue that's been nagging me since I got my PlayStation 3 on Friday. I'm playing Resistance online, and suddenly the map will come up, or the score. I didn't hit the controls to bring these up...they just pop up on their own. Then at times I'll lose control, spin around, or sometimes even fire without wanting to. At first I thought it might be my general suckage at FPS games, but several readers have now complained about similar situations. Doesn't seem to happen when I am plugged in via the USB cable...only when I am wireless, and generally only when I am playing online.

PC-Doc touches on the same issue in his PS3 rant, suggesting it is a problem with the bluetooth screwing up, which makes complete sense. Will I have to just buy a really long USB cable like he did?

Now that eBay is delivering more PS3's into players' hands, is anyone else running into this issue? If so I fully plan on using it as an excuse for my low Resistance rank. If you accidentally get team killed by Fahey, remember it's all Sony's fault. Michael Fahey

PS3 WTF? [PC-Doc]

Been playing through my fair share of Resistance (man, the second half of single player gets HARD real fast!). The online experience so far has been alright. I play on a Japanese server, but don't yet have a headset for voice chat. The most players I've seen online at one time in a Deathmatch has been around 12. But what if there were 40 people in one game, doing the same thing at the same time? The game's Chief Tech Officer, Al Hastings, explains:

Ultimately what you care about when you're trying to achieve a locked frame rate is the worst-case scenario—that point in the game where too much is happening or too much is on screen and you can't finish all the processing in the allotted time slice. One of the reasons this is getting harder is that games are less predictable and less scripted than they have been in the past, so as game developers we can't fully control or predict all the scenarios that the player might end up in. The ultimate example of this is a 40-player online game. If all 40 players chose to run into the same room at the same time and throw grenades at each other, you have the definition of a worst-case scenario.

Actually, I'd kinda like to see that worst case scenario. Brian Ashcraft

Roundtable Discussion [Siliconera]

So I spent several hours last night trying to sign up for PS3 Online.

I'd get through the first half, sometime two-thirds, and once to the end, before the system would just time-out on me on the PS3 and kick me back to start all over again.

I think if I didn't have keyboard handy to help with the data entry I probably would have discused the controller through my big screen. But I did, so a cooler head prevailed.

Finally, this morning, after several attempts I was able to get through the entire process, but not before discovering that either someone has decided to use my last name (one that is completely original to my family and I worldwide) as their user name or Sony just doesn't like Crecente as a username.

Fine, I thought, I'll use Kotaku. No, no I won't. That too was unavailable. So I finally went with KotakuCrecente, assuming that no one would use that and it worked.

So far, this online experience isn't starting out so happy. Has anyone else had problems registering? Oh and get your ass on Resistance multiplayer so I can get to being shot. Brian Crecente

Here I am with your nightly bad news! Certain HDTV owners might not be in the for the high(er) definition visual experience they expected this weekend, as we're hearing rumblings that HDTV owners who don't have a 720p capable set are going to have to settle for less, nor scale up for more.

After a handful of forum posters discussed the issue last night, mega site IGN has done some testing to confirm the potential problem.

Gamers who own older HD sets that feature only 480i, 480p, and 1080i resolution input capabilities will have to settle for the display quality being downsized as the game boots in its 480p mode rather than upscaling the image from its more desirable 720p mode to the TV's 1080i. We tested this development on older HDTV sets with games designed for 720p but not 1080i — Resistance: Fall of Man, NHL 2K7, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, and Need for Speed Carbon. Sure enough, the system downshifted all four titles to 480p rather than moving up to 1080i.

Bummer. I'm glad I'm going HDTV shopping now armed with this knowledge. Hopefully, Sony can address this issue with a future update. Michael McWhertor

PS3 Downscales 720p on Incapable TVs [IGN]

No forks, no electrical outlets and no smoke stacks means one thing: The annoying launch ads are over. Thank goodness! Here's a Resistance spot with that one-two punch of in-game footage and designer furniture. Brian Ashcraft

This afternoon was spent with one goal in mind: Find Japanese people for Resistance online play. I logged on repeatedly right up until evening approached, but there was no one there. Online play was dead.

At a little past 10pm, I finally found a game. How was Resistance's online play? Pretty much like the rest of the game: Familiar. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. But after waiting all day for this, I have never been so excited to get sniped by random people. Brian Ashcraft

ANYWAY! Here are a couple new shots, just to get you geared up for this Friday. Enjoy! Michael McWhertor

Resistance: Fall of Man Screen Update

Brand new console and new game, but no one to play with. Sad, but true. Yes, I do know a few other people here in Japan with a PS3 and Resistance, but I wanted to check out the various facets of online play earlier today. Besides clans and whatnot, there are several different modes: Team-based Games (includes "Breach, Meltdown, Capture the Flag and Team Deathmatch") and Free-for-all Games (includes "Deathmatch and Conversion mode games"). I tried to get in on a Free-for-all, but the game's matchmaker couldn't find a game. Same with the Team-based mode. Sure, the game, the console and the network are still wet behind the ears. Plus it was mid afternoon when I did this, so I'll check back later this evening. Hopefully, it'll have a pulse then. Brian Ashcraft

Another PlayStation 3 launch game bites the dust.

Following yesterday's announcement that Sega's next-gen Sonic the Hedgehog would ship after November 17th and the cancellation of NBA Live 07, comes word from Bethesda that The Elders Scrolls IV: Oblivion would also see a delay.

The game is now schedule to ship in the first quarter of 2007, with no specific reason given for the delay, but we're guessing the limited number of PS3 launch units, combined with alleged issues on the downloadable content front might have something to do with it. PC gamers and Xbox 360 owners will still get their expansion, Knights of the Nine, before the holidays.

You know what this means? More money for extra copies of Resistance! Michael McWhertor

The Elder Scrolls Forums: News and Information

Sony has confirmed that all PlayStation 3 titles will be using the same central account to utilize online content. Speculation to the contrary has been bandied about since last week, when Insomniac Head Ted Price announced that Resistance would not use the PS3's centralized buddy system, instead featuring an unique in-game buddy list.

Resistance is using it's own buddy list system to help facilitate clans, parties, match-making, and ranking - all features that the PlayStation 3 operating system cannot currently handle. Sounds like something that needs fixing to me. Sony's involvement with online gaming on their platform needs to amount to more than a 'Hi! My Name Is...' sticker that never falls off. Michael Fahey

PS3 titles to use single online sign-in [GameIndustry.biz]

Now that Resistance: Fall of Man is in the bag, what's up for Insomniac Games? A little vacation, probably some press events, maybe they'll finish weather treating that patio. Oh, right, and the next Ratchet & Clank for the PlayStation 3!

From the Insomniac newsletter:

Those of you who are waiting for some Ratchet & Clank news, here's a quick update. We are in full production on our R&C PlayStation 3 game. That's all we can share at this time, but you'll be hearing and seeing more from us in the not-so-distant future.

The game's existance should clearly come as no surprise, as Sony gave us a glimpse of the next-gen shooter-platformer at E3, but at least it's now official. We'll have more furry bat-thing and robot-guy fun to look forward to soon. Michael McWhertor

The notoriously picky Japanese game mag Famitsu has filed its reviews for PS3 launch titles. The scale is 1-10, and most fall in the arch nemesis IGN 7-9 range (though, Famitsu is willing to dip below that). Here's the round-up, plus the mag's comments:

• Miyazato Golf Club: 7, 7, 7, 7
Good temp. Can't accurately determine where your shot will fall. Doesn't really look next-gen.
• Genji 2: Days of the Blade: 7, 7, 7, 8

Bad camera, but looks great. Challenging for noobs. Good controls and good amount of content.
• Resistance: Fall of Man: 9, 8, 8, 8

Standard FPS gameplay. Excellent netplay. Very high standard of next-gen.
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire: 8, 8, 8, 8

Superb Mobile Suits models. Great textures. Systems are problematic. Tons of options and unlockables. Opinions on this title are divided, apparently.
• Ridge Racer 7: 9, 9, 9, 9

Total satisfaction. Loads of content. High quality graphics and sound.

Looks like RR7 and Resistance are the must gets, which I'll be picking up here in Japan. Yous? Brian Ashcraft

Famitsu Scores Launch Games [QJ.Net]