PixlBit

Yes... you’re reading that headline correctly.

To much surprise, tucked in the middle of Konami’s Pre-E3 Conference video was the reveal of the “Metal Gear Solid HD Collection.” The package will feature MGS 2, MGS 3: Snake Eater and MGS: Peace Walker. Oddly enough, Metal Gear Solid wasn’t included, so Twin Snakes might be the most “HD” experience for players. Leaving that fact aside, the collection will not only be available for the PS3, but the 360 as well and will support 1080p graphics. Don’t worry though MGS purists; PS3 looks to be the system to own it on. The PS3 will get an exclusive feature, labeled “Transfarring,” which allows players to stop a game in progress, transfer their Peace Walker game file to a PSP, and continue where they left off.

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A Sony press release confirms a full return of PlayStation Network functionality, though an exact date still has not been specified.

Sony confirmed today that thePlayStation Network will be fully functional once again some time this week. According to the company, this includes the PlayStation Store, in-game commerce, ability to redeem vouchers and codes, Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3, PSP, Vaio, and other PCs, and Media Go services. Online multiplayer services have already been restored across all regions, with Asian territories only having returned three days ago on May 28.

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After a failed attempt at podcasting last night, Nick and Chessa take a mulligan and create a new version of the latest issue of PixlTalk.

Last night's podcast recording was doomed before it even began. After an hour and a half of complete and utter chaos, we were left with an unsalvageable mess that had to be scrapped as the official 33rd episode of PixlTalk. Instead, Nick and Chessa take a calm, rested, and sober approach for a much more organized and discussion-oriented recording.

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Nick takes a look at the claims and provides some counter points to the study.

Based on a PR email I just received from the University of Missouri, they have finally proven the link between violent video games and an increase in aggressive behavior. The study performed was a fairly simple one. A group of 70 participating children were each randomly assigned a violent or non-violent video game to play for 25 minutes. Immediately after, each of the participants were given the ability to give an opponent a blast of loud noise. The level of the noise blast was used as a gauge of aggression. As you might expect, the findings have indicated that those who played the violent game were more "aggressive" than those who did not. I don't want to get too in-depth, but I find these claims dubious, to say the least.

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