playstation

It's that time of the year again. A time to turn off the lights and snuggle up with a game that's guaranteed to scare you silly. We've compiled a list of titles that are sure to keep you awake at night and a few that will be haunting you early next year.

But consider yourself warned; these games are not for trick-or-treaters.

Have a favorite scary game you'd like to share? Be sure to comment below. You can also check out which games made last year's list or watch our CNET TV feature that covers what we think are the seven scariest video games of all time!… Read more

Here's another reason to purchase a PlayStation 3 over a standalone 3D Blu-ray player to go with your 3D TV.

A total of 51 3D games are expected to be available for the console by the end of November, with 48 of these titles already being sold. This includes download-only versions from the firm's PlayStation Network (PSN). Non-gamers can also utilize the PS3 to play back 3D Blu-ray movies in 1080p quality with high-resolution surround sound.

Do note that some of the game titles may not be available in your country. We've marked those with PSN versions with an asterisk. … Read more

We Americans sure do love our shooters, and this fall, DICE and Infinity Ward are competing for your hard-earned $60. Separated by a mere two weeks, Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3 represent a significant chunk of the already-crowded holiday gaming season.

Of course the question on everyone's mind is, "Which one is better?" We don't think it's fair to say either one at this early juncture, especially since we've only had limited time with Modern Warfare's single-player campaign, and practically none with the multiplayer mode.

So while it's too early to crown either title as the winner, you'll just have to settle for our look at Battlefield 3 to start things off.

Jeff: I first saw Battlefield 3 in action late last year at a behind-closed-doors event in New York. The game was running on a very high-end PC, and the gameplay I witnessed was nothing short of remarkable.

The console version (I'm playing it on Xbox 360) of Battlefield 3 sure has its own polish (I highly recommend installing the optional texture pack the first time you boot it up), but in terms of graphics it barely compares with how amazing this game can look on PC. Let me get that out of the way first; if you've got the hardware to run it, make sure you check Battlefield 3 out on a souped-up PC.… Read more

The PlayStation Vita won't be out for the holidays, Apple stores are closing during a memorial for Steve Jobs, and Android's Ice Cream Sandwich version comes with several new camera features.

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

BlackBerry data disruptions hit North American users, Apple devices can update to iOS 5 today to get iCloud, Wall Street protesters are leveraging a new messaging app, and Sony locks down accounts to fight another hack attack.

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

Nearly a year after its release, Gran Turismo 5 for PlayStation 3 is still getting huge updates based on fan feedback, according to Sony's official PlayStation blog.

Later this month, Polyphony Digital will roll out a big refresh to the popular racing title that boasts many noteworthy improvements. The best part is that the update will be free, and that the game is getting a price cut from $59.99 to $39.99 in the U.S.

All cars will now have an interior view, a feature previously only available for premium vehicles. There's also word of shortened load times (Gran Turismo 5 has one of the most epically long install times of any PS3 game) and improved menu response, which was a somewhat annoying issue previously when players just wanted to get into a quick race.

Another nice addition coming to GT5 is the ability to save progress during endurance races. In the past, events like the Indy 500 were very tedious, because if you shut off the PS3 you'd have to start over. NASCAR fans will also be delighted to see the addition of 11 cars from this year's season. … Read more

At today's Apple event, a new iPhone was announced. Surprise, surprise: the iPhone 4S is a modest upgrade, at least in terms of design. However, it shares a benefit with its larger iPad 2 cousin: significantly improved graphics.

It's no longer a secret or even an aspiration: the iPhone and iPod Touch are now the most popular gaming handhelds on the planet. The Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita are, at best, hopefuls trying to steal away Apple's newfound crown. So, how does Apple's latest iPhone hold up the mantle as the reigning gaming handheld du jour?

In short: by continuing to do what it does best.… Read more

Obsessed with Battlefield 3?

On October 25, custom-case maker Calibur 11 is set to drop PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 cases that give the consoles a BF3-themed vibe. The cases cover the console, requiring no disassembly. It's worth noting that once fitted, the Calibur 11 mod requires one to keep the console vertical. While some may find this type of product gaudy, there is a certain cool factor. … Read more

What was that I heard about the British being mild-mannered? A dad in England apparently didn't get the national memo.

According to a report in the Plymouth Herald, Mark Bradford admitted to attacking a teenager after the sharp-shooter took Bradford's character out during a round of Call of Duty online.

Bradford's breakdown came after the boy teased him about the triumph.

The attack broke up what otherwise might have been an unremarkable moment where both were playing on PlayStations from different residences and communicating over microphones.

Bradford, 46, reportedly drove to the teen's address to carry out the choking assault that resulted in a scratch and reddening of the boy's neck. It's funny when Homer Simpson does it to Bart, but the humor dries up quickly when it happens in the real world.

According to the report, Bradford, a father of three, may have some mental health issues. He is currently out on bail and is due back in court October 24.

Correction, 1:41 p.m.: The story originally misstated Bradford's relationship to the teen. The boy was not Bradford's son. … Read more