PS3 owners probably already know that ModNation Racers is one of the best racing simulators on the console to date. The extreme customization options for creating your own drivers (including licensed characters), cars and courses are unlike anything else on the PS3 –personally I like to drive as Mario in Austin Powers’ Shaguar. The game’s load times however, are utterly atrocious.

Good news on that front today, as Sony announced via the PlayStation Blog that ModNation update 1.02 has gone live this morning. Aside from load time improvements in standard racing, you’ll also notice quicker online matches too.

Take a look below to see what other new features come bundled with the software update.

PSBlog

Load Time Improvements
While there are still loads, you will see decreases in load times throughout the game.

New “Casual” Difficulty Mode
We’ve added a “casual” difficulty setting in the options screen.

Challenge friends in XP Series
We’ve added the ability to invite your friends to XP Races & Series.

No more “Hot Lap” Cheaters
We fixed a bug that allowed players to cut the track and post unbeatable times in Hot Lap.

Get into Online Races Quicker
Along with improved load times, we’ve removed the online game room from the ModSpot so you can get into the race faster.

Improved Server Stability
We’ve addressed issues to improve intermittent disconnects that players were experiencing.

Three Challenges now more attainable
We wanted to provide you challenges, but didn’t want to sacrifice fun. We found 3 challenges that proved extremely difficult and changed the conditions to complete them. This includes:

• Devastator takedown on Wild Run
• Devastator takedown on Modobahn
• Sideswipe 3 opponents on the cliff side on Fracture

The Tin Bucket Unlocked!
Finally this is an item is unlocked and available to everyone by default.

Collector Card Improvement
Now see all player creations in their entirety.

Improvements to ModNation Racers don’t stop here, we are still constantly listening to the community and are committed to making ModNation Racers one of the most enjoyable experiences you’ll have on your PS3.

New features on Community.ModNation.com

Race Logs
Check out your series and XP race stats here.

See your Favorites
Now view your favorite creators as well as others’ favorite creators.

Search for Friends
Search for other players using the new icon next to login.

Rep Check
Check out you reputation under each creation type.

Related Posts

• 
  Wii beats out PS3 in this Netflix load time comparison
• 
  Peace Walker can be installed to speed up load time
• LittleBigPlanet “Leerdammer” update out this Monday, new trailer

Since the dawn of time, man has yearned to create LittleBigPlanet levels online.   Thanks to game update 1.21, you’ll get just that and other new features.  Aside from the online creation mode, some features of the update will include save and networking improvements, increased profile space, and backup capabilities.

Specifically, Media Molecule has announced that the game’s online network will work differently to find players closer to your location which will reduce lag times significantly.  Your saved game data will now be stored in the Game Data folder instead of the Save Data folder, which is said to make it faster.  You can now also backup your game profile and individual levels. Profile space has also been doubled, meaning twice the space for photos and costumes.

There are a ton of other new features, all detailed at the LittleBigPlanet site below.  In case you were wondering, Leerdammer is a sweet tasting creamy white cheese, which I guess is synonymous with mega huge game updates.

LBP

Related Posts

• 
  LittleBigPlanet 2 crosses the globe to deliver new Gamescom trailer
• Red Steel 2 trailer shows off its badassery [UPDATE]
• 
  LittleBigPlanet 2, details and first trailer!

Konami has released a free update for their WiiWare space shooter Gradius ReBirth. The game was initially released in March in the US and July in PAL regions.  Here are the notable changes you’ll receive with the update:

• Added BGM
• Score adjustments
• New ranking board (because of the score adjustments)
• Improved visuals
• Shows number of play times
• Stage select adjustments

The update is available by re-downloading the title at no charge.

Andriasang

Related Posts

• 
  Update your 3DS, get a free OK Go! music video
• Gradius gets its sequel in North America… 23 years later!
• Nintendo Channel update available