Help needed with PS3 mercenaries 2 online play

Snoopy_rules

Please can someone help me. My son has just bought this game and is trying to play online co op with his friend, but it won't work, it won't connect up. They have tried it both ways round with one trying to host and then the other but still no joy. As per usual Ea games website is no help whatsoever. He plays loads of online games so all his settings should be correct. Please can anyone with the game tell us what we need to do. Thanks

gaming_guy

do you know the NAT type of the ps3?

http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/connecttest.html

NAT 2 is the better setting to have. if you have NAT3, then you need to set up port forwarding or put the ps3 in the DMZ

Snoopy_rules

Sorry can't see what the difference is between Nat 2 and Nat 3. We have a bt homehub 2 if that is any help. The ps3 is connected wirelessly. I think he is trying to connect witha friend in USA will that make any difference? I know he plays all his other games such as call of duty no problems. Whats DMZ? Thanks

gaming_guy

nat 3 is more restricted than nat 2.

to check the nat type of the ps3, go to Settings > Network Settings > Internet Connection Test on the ps3 and run the connection test.

DMZ - demilitarized zone, its mainly used for servers (behind a router that need to be acessed from over net) but you should be able to get nat 2 when the ps3 is in the DMZ

Snoopy_rules

gaming_guy wrote: »

nat 3 is more restricted than nat 2.

to check the nat type of the ps3, go to Settings > Network Settings > Internet Connection Test on the ps3 and run the connection test.

DMZ - demilitarized zone, its mainly used for servers (behind a router that need to be acessed from over net) but you should be able to get nat 2 when the ps3 is in the DMZ

Just run the test and it shows as NAT2 also upnp is available whatever that means. Is there anything else we need to check please.

gaming_guy

there should be a list of ports in the game manual that need to be forwarded (however since upnp is enabled, you shouldnt have to do this).

it may be a problem with the games servers or the other players connection.

i'm assuming you are registered on the playstation network?

Snoopy_rules

Yes he is registered on the playstation network. If he tries to to join a cooperative game on mercenaries in any form either quick match, custom match or friends lobby all he gets is the message 'cannot join game, game is not available at this time'. Any other clues? Do you have the game? Just wondered if he is doing something wrong. Thanks

gaming_guy

i dont have the game, but when googled for the ports mercs 2 uses i came across this (warning: strong language in video comments).

edit: does it prompt for a game update when you start the game?

if it does, then install the update as you wont be able to play online until you update

Snoopy_rules

When he first played the game yesterday he did the update. Don't know what to do next. I will have to see if any of his online gaming mates have the game, hopefully they can talk him through it. Thanks for all your help it is very kind of you.