The PS3 was indeed a gamble, not just for Sony but for the developers as well. Whether you like the console or not, there is no denying that the PS3 is paving the way for the real next generation. However, some of its supporters are now at the edge of their seats, with fingers crossed, praying to their gods for profits.

One such example is Namco Bandai. Not to say that they are regretting the decision, can you blame the company if they desperately need to sell half a million copies for each game? "We have to sell at least 500,000 copies per title worldwide to make a profit on PlayStation 3 games," revealed company president Takeo Takasu. Accordingly, the money they had spent for graphics alone totalled 1 billion Yen (US$ 8.6 million).

Also, Takasu expressed concerns whether Sony was able to deliver the promised 400,000 units or not. Analysts are saying that the company was only able to provide around 150,000 units last week. Rocket science is not a pre-requisite for anyone to conclude that console shortages mean lower software sales.

Namco Bandai actually produced two titles for the PS3 namely Ridge Racer 7 and Mobile Suit Gundam.

A lots of screenshots and videos have already been prepping you guys for Gundam: Crossfire when it launches for the PS3, and we gotta admit we enjoyed the trailers for this latest installment of the Kidou Senshi Gundam franchise. But barring the hardcore fanboys of the Gundam series (this author is guilty of being one), most of us don't have any real ideas on what these Mobile Suits will be bringing to the game's multiplayer table.

So, with that in mind, we're providing you with a who's-who of the game's MS, with matching profiles, stats, famous pilots, and series behind each MS. This list is still missing some of the more famous MS seen in the game, such as the Kampher, or even the might RX-78-2 Gundam (AKA "White B*****d" to Zion), so we'll let you know once their data's been picked up.

RGM-79 GM ("Jim")
The bread and butter of the Federation forces, the GM was built as a mass-production model of the famous RX-78-2 Gundam. Being a low-cost model, it doesn't have the Gundam's Luna-Titanium armor, core-fighter system, extra beam sabre or beam rifle. But while it's only outfitted with a beam pistol, a beam sabre, and vulcans, the GM's superior agility and numbers helped the Federation win the One-year war against Zion. Also the butt of a lot of Start Trek "red shirt" reference jokes due to it being a cannon-fodder MS.
Tech Specs:
Head Height: 18.0 meters
Base Weight: 41.2 tons
Full Weight: 58.8 tons
Generator: 1250 kW
Thrusters: 55,500 kg
180° Turn: 1.6 seconds
Sensor Radius: 6000 meters
Armor: Titanium Alloy
Armament: 60mm Vulcan gun x 2, Beam Saber, Beam Spray Gun

On to the Mobile Suit roster after this jump!

Last time, we had some very devastating news from the boys up at Valve that Half-Life 2 and Portal's release will be delayed until February of 2007. We brought you a lot of gameplay videos to help you recuperate from this awful, awful news, but it seems like videos aren't enough, so here are some more details to keep you preoccupied until February arrives.

At Leipzig, Valve demonstrated each of the troop types available to players with accompanying short clips to explain their characteristics in detail. First of the bunch is the Engineer, a mechanical genius that sets up automated turrets that open fire when an enemy strays into their path. Next is the all brawn Heavy Trooper, that will cut through enemy lines like a hot knife through butter, hadn't the Sniper got a clean shot out of him.

Then there's the Spy, who would pounce on his unsuspecting victim using a handful of shifty techniques. The Scout, uses an old school baseball bat with lightning fast speed to put out enemies as well as make for a daring escape. If blowing up things is more your deal then the Demo man is for you. Light up some TNT and watch from afar as enemy troops go flying. Last, is the ever trusty Soldier. Who could contest with a rocket launcher carrying Jarhead that could wipe out enemies in a single shot?

As the PS3 slowly makes its way towards its release date, we have one upcoming game that's definitely showing its quick, sleek appeal, and that's Fatal Inertia. The game lets you take control of a finely tuned destructive racing machine as you go around different tracks trying to win the race and, just maybe, utterly destroy the competition in the process.

You have everything from cluster bombs to powerful shields at your disposal, though one of the more interesting ones is the rocket booster, which latches onto an enemy car and forces it to move erratically as the booster pushes it in the direction it chooses.  You can also choose a particular type of vehicle, with strengths and weaknesses to boot. For instance, the Aurora-class vehicles are fast, but tough to drive, while the Mercury-class types aren't as quick, but are much easier to handle.

Till the console comes out, we won't have much to go on as to how the game will ultimately play out. Koei's treating us well, however, with more screens for their racing game. Enjoy!

 
 
 

We've been wowed by the promise of Fatal Inertia vehicles - dizzying speed, fastest acceleration, and superior handling. But having the fastest and meanest car is not enough to survive the futuristic hover racing game developed by Koei using the Unreal Engine 3. You need a set of weapons to outmaneuver and outrace opponents and send them crashing to the ground.

Fatal Inertia has eight different weapons that can be picked up during a race. Get to know them and start planning out your strategy before the game launches on November 17.

Magnets

As the name suggests, this type of weapon causes other ships to be attracted toward your target like a homing beacon. It's very useful when you find yourself being sandwiched by rivals. Shoot a magnet to a pesky vehicle and watch it veer away from your vehicle. These magnets add weight of rival vehicles making it much difficult for pilots to steer their ships.

Cluster Bombs


Equipped with proximity sensors, each cluster bomb has 10 magnets that fly out toward opponents upon detonation. They fly in straight line so it takes a lot of aiming skills to get the bomb close enough to your target.

Rockets

Of course, rockets are staple weapons in any battle involving ships. They are essentially magnets with rocket boosters that can cause other vehicles to spin out of control. It's pretty standard feature, but it also allows players to drop rockets onto their own tail to give a massive burst of speed.

Force Shield


This protects your ship from all forms of attack, albeit temporarily. And while you feel safe when the force shield is activated, you have to remember that it deactivates your other weapons.


Know more about the weapons of Fatal Inertia after the jump!