Review: Eden of the East the Movie I – The King of Eden (Dub)
Review: Love Roma, Vol. 1 (Manga)
Ani-Gamers Podcast #037 – Spicy Wolf, Made with Real Wolf!
Review: Fate/Extra (PSP)
Drunken Otaku: The Drops of God – First Sip
(Runtime: 28 minutes)
Sony's press conference certainly ran a little bit too long for my taste, but it was much, much more entertaining and useful than Microsoft's trainwreck just a day earlier. If you're into audio rather than text, why not listen to our Sony press conference wrap-up podcast with me, Elliot, and Kit? Or, if you're a text guy/girl, head after the break to check out all of the details on the new PlayStation Move motion control accessory, the surprising announcement of the integration of digital distribution service Steam on PlayStation 3, and Sony's new Xbox Live-esque premium subscription service for PSN. Either way, it's sure to take less time than the actual conference.
As Nintendo wisely did with their press conference, Sony left one main presenter in charge of the proceedings, which was Jack Tretton, President of Sony Computer Entertainment America, in their case. Early on in the conference, Tretton discussed Sony's dedication to 3-D gaming, showcasing gameplay footage (and a Feburary 2011 release date) from Killzone 3. Most importantly, though, the PlayStation 3's 3-D capabilities will only work if you a) buy a 3-D television and b) buy 3-D glasses. With the unveiling of Nintendo's 3DS less than three hours prior, it was pretty difficult to take any claims of traditional 3-D seriously.
Speaking of major changes to the PS3, Sony simply wouldn't stop talking about PlayStation Move, the new motion control device that uses a glowing ball at the end of what is essentially a Wiimote to track movement in 3-D space. The Move wand itself will hit stores in the fall of this year: September 15 in North America, September 19 in Europe, and October 21 in Japan. In terms of pricing, I was surprised to see fully fleshed-out details from Sony, including prices for the wand ($49.99), the suspiciously-similar-to-the-Wii-Nunchuck "navigation controller" ($29.99), a bundle with the Eye camera, Move controller, and Sports Champions game ($99.99), and finally a bundle containing the contents of that bundle with a PS3 ($499.99).
Yes, that's right, you have to purchase three accessories the wand, navigation controller, and Eye camera to play a first-person shooter like, say, Killzone 3, with the Move. And as luck would have it, Killzone 3, Ruse, NBA 2K11, Time Crisis, and Echochrome will all have Move functionality on launch day, while games like Resident Evil 5 will receive software updates patching in the optional Move controls.
Sony is also now poised to offer a premium subscription service on the PlayStation Network (PSN) called "PlayStation Plus" that will provide "exclusive digital content" such as preferred early demos, discounts on products in the PSN store, early access to betas, and even some free game downloads. The service will cost $49.99 for a year and $17.99 for three months, very much like Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold service, but PSN gamers can still play online without subscribing to PlayStation Plus. PlayStation Plus will be available "later this month."
To promote their slate of third-party titles, Sony brought in EA Chief Operating Officer John Schappert, who announced "unprecedented support" for the PlayStation 3, including, um, "exclusive, limited-edition, PS3-only" versions of Dead Space 2 and the Medal of Honor reboot? That sounds pretty precedented if you ask me. After a few more trailers from EA, we were left with release dates for Dead Space 2 (January 25, 2011) and Medal of Honor (October 12, 2010) as well as confirmation of "unlockable beards" in the latter. Yes, my friends. He said UNLOCKABLE BEARDS.
Finally, the most important announcement of all to many gamers, even those who don't own PS3s: Gabe Newell of Valve stepped onto the stage and put down many of his gripes with the PS3 (while, I can only assume, simultaneously picking up a large bag of money) in order to announce that PC/Mac digital download system Steam will be launching on the PlayStation 3. We don't quite know how it's going to work, or even if your games purchased on PC will carry over to PS3, but we do know that Portal 2 will be coming out on it! The trailer shows some serious promise, but I'm going to need to see more before I'm sure if I'm interested or not.
In the balance of the conference, Sony managed to announce "PS3-exclusive day-one content for Mafia 2," a PS3-exclusive pack of missions and a November 16, 2010 release date for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, a November 2, 2010 release date for Gran Turismo 5, and finally ... a new game in the Twisted Metal franchise on the PlayStation 3. Phew! Overall, the press conference felt much more disjointed than Nintendo's, since most of the announcements were cut up among multiple speakers and trailers, but it contained enough information to keep hardcore and casual audiences interested (at least until they fell into a coma from sitting way too long at one conference).
For more news and commentary out of E3 2010, check out our E3 2010 label page.
I’ve got to say, it’s an epic week for downloadable titles, a week worthy to follow in the wake of the truly epic Cho Aniki release a few weeks prior. While Mega Man 9 certainly steals the show on PSN and WiiWare – don’t worry XBLA yours is coming next week – there are still a plethora of interesting titles to behold from all the consoles. So lets just jump right in, we’ve got a lot to cover.
With all the great alien slaughtering of the original, 8 player co-op, and the ability to record in-game video, Duke Nukem 3D should help wet our appetites for both Duke Nukem Forever and the unfortunate Duke Nukem movie.
Vectorman (VC, 800 Points): Released back in 1995 by BlueSky Software for the Sega Genesis, Vectorman was sort of Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Country as they were both games that looked phenomenal at the time.
However, history has shown that it was Donkey Kong Country’s masterful level design that bumped this sleek, green robot from the spotlight. Vectorman would later make his return in Vectorman 2 a year later, but would then go dark soon after. For you long-time Genesis fans out there, this one’s for you.
Burnout
The release will also include, for free, all of the additional content that has been added to the game so far, including the motorcycles update that hit last week. Burnout Paradise is a title that has received a lot of mixed reactions for its non-linear take on racing, but no matter where you fall, for 30 bucks, you just can't pass this on up.
Mega Man 9 (WiiWare/PSN, 1,000 Points/$9.99): Time to step into the Way-Back Machine and revisit the late 1980s, when Mega Man 2 was on top – before it slid from grace into its cookie-cutter formula. Recapturing the 8-bit visuals, 8-bit music, and 8-bit grab you by the cohunes difficulty it what Capcom has been aspiring to with their latest true Mega Man release since Mega Man 8 on the PS1.
To those who step up to the challenge of Mega Man 9, you can expect a hardy portion of bottomless pits, spike traps, and Game Over screens to be sent your way. And with some planned DLC on the way, the pain just keeps on coming!
[via Game|Life, Joystiq, 1UP]
Welcome back from Labor Day, kiddos! You guys didn’t work too hard on your big day off, did you? I know I didn’t, which is why Up for Download is coming at you a day late this week and, not only that, this is probably the shortest one to date. All is quiet from the Xbox 360’s camp now that they’ve wrapped up their string of summer hits (the only thing I could gleam out of them was news of a patch in the works for Castle Crashers). PSN mostly just has The Last Guy, but we already talked about him; while this week’s biggest release comes to us from Nintendo of all places.
Super Mario RPG (VC, 800 Points): Another of the great RPGs for the Super Nintendo finds a home on virtual console this week. Back in 1996, Super Mario RPG was a completely out of left field collaboration between Square Enix (then Squaresoft) and Nintendo. Bringing together both worlds, the game had both the simple charm and solid controls of a Mario as well as the imagination and polish of a Final Fantasy. If you haven’t before, definitely check this one out today!
Warhawk Operation: Fallen Star (PSN, $7.99): Fallen Star is the third expansion pack for the online third person shooter Warhawk. The expansion can be purchased separately or, for those of us late to the party, as a pack with the other two expansions for roughly $16. The pack will include a new jetpack and some rebalancing of the older maps to accommodate the jetpack’s awesomeness. Oh, and don’t forget to snag the update that was released last week as well as it includes, among other things, some tutorials to aid those who really are late to the Warhawk party.
UPDATE: Naturally, right after I write up this post news breaks of Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, Shredded Nebula, and...wait for it...Gin Rummy all coming to XBLA this week! The post also comes right as I'm walking out the door to go to class; looks like you kids are going to have to do some homework on this one. Thanks Kotaku!
[via 1UP, Joystiq]
This week in Up for Download marks the end of the Summer of Arcade releases, which is going out with a bang – or should I say a crash – with The Behemoth’s long awaited Castle Crashers hitting XBLA. Nintendo’s Virtual Console continues to drag itself along with Samurai Shodown 2 and Ys books I and II, while the truly unique The Last Guy sees a release on the American PSN. All-in-all I’d say it’s been a pretty good summer for downloadable titles, and here’s hoping for more of the same!
Castle Crashers (XBLA, 1,200 Points): At long last we laymen shall finally have the chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of crashing a castle. Much like The Behemoth’s first title, Alien Hominid, Castle Crashers is another beat’em up sidescroller with some RPG elements mixed in for good measure. Packed to the brim with four player co-op, lots of unlockable characters, and damsels in distress aplenty, this game is by far my most anticipated game out of this Summer of Arcade.
Helix (WiiWare, 1,000 Points): So let’s say you’re planning on buying one of these newfangled Wii Fit balance boards so that you can whip yourself into shape, but you can’t find one anywhere. Looking to fulfill your workout fix, you turn to Ghostfire Games’ Helix, a rhythm-action fitness title that has you holding a Wii-mote in each hand while you flail your arms out to trance music. In retrospect, you decide that jumping jacks are a better deal.
The Last Guy (PSN, $9.99): If you haven’t already checked out the demo for this title then what I’m about to say might not make a lot of sense to you. From SCE Japan comes a bizarre mash-up of a game that combines equal parts pac-man and zombies. The idea is that you are a caped crusader traversing the streets of some very high resolution satellite photos of major cities collecting a line of people who you escort to safety. Needless to say, there are lots of zombies and other monsters who are trying to stop you.
Kratos for Hot Shots Golf (PSN, $1.99): If you’ve been enjoying Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, but find that it just isn’t…well…angry enough for you then why not toss in God of War’s Kratos to kick up that rage factor; puts John Daly’s putter throwing to shame.
[via Joystiq, WIRED]
Sony Computer Entertainment of America had three big hardware announcements to make today during the Games Convention in
The new PSP will be bundled first with the upcoming Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters game available in October of this year for $199.99, and will be released on its own for $169.99 later this year.
Second is the announcement of the wireless PS3 keypad, which will connect to the top of your SIXAXIS or Dualshock 3 controller. This new device will be Bluetooth compatible and will feature hotkeys which will take you to the XrossMediaBar. Expect to see the keypad hit retail this November along such community focused titles as LittleBigPlanet and Playstation’s Home. A price has not yet been announced.
Last but not least is the announcement of the new 160GB SKU of the Playstation 3. The new console will be available as a limited-edition bundle package with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, a Duelshock 3 controller, and a voucher for a copy of Pain on PSN. All of this will be made available in
Up for Download is changing things up a little bit this week. Those of you who are keeping score at home might notice the absence of such triple-A releases as Neo Turf Masters (VC) and Midnight Pool (WiiWare). Well, that’s because Up for Download is, as the industry likes to put it, streamlining its operations a bit and will now be spotlighting releases that we should take some interest in, without all the fluff. Enjoy the taste of this week’s line up, now with half the calories of the original!
Galaga Legions (XBLA, 800 Points): After successfully reenergizing the Pac-Man franchise with Pac-Man: Championship Edition, developer Namco-Bandai is looking to work that same magic with the arcade classic Galaga. New game modes, flashy colors, and a pulsing techno beat is what you can expect from the fourth title in Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade release this Thursday.
Mega Man (VC, 500 Points): The title that helped put Capcom’s Keiji Inafune on the map in the gaming world is back to put a little twang of nostalgia in our hearts as we gear up from the upcoming release of Mega Man 9. That is, it would if we hadn’t already smashed Cut Man to pieces on the NES, Genesis, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, and just about on any other console you can think of.
Street Fighter Alpha (PSN, $5.99): Set before the events of Street Fighter II, Alpha was never quite able to recapture the rabid fanbase the forerunner enjoyed - despite its technical superiority. The title was originally released in arcades back in ’95, and later received a port to the Playstation in ’96, bringing with it an expanded Super Combo system, as well as the ability to block in mid-air.
Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty (PSN, $14.99): This bite-sized sequel to Insomniac’s own Tools of Destruction promises to deliver the same platforming and puzzle solving elements that made the original such a hit. Clocking in at about three to four hours in length, Quest for Booty isn’t without a few new tricks up its sleeve to help draw in a new crowd of gamers that perhaps haven’t tried a Ratchet title before. (Shame on them!)
The Force Unleashed [Demo] (XBL & PSN, Free): While the actually release date for Force Unleashed is a ways off, we can still get a taste of the action this Thursday, August 21st. The demo will be set in the TIE Fighter Construction Facility, seen in some recent GDC footage, which is under siege by Rahm Kota, an exiled Jedi General, and will introduce players to the force grip ability.
[via Joystiq, Opposable Thumbs]
Criterion Games has announced that their open world racing title, Burnout Paradise, will be made available for download on PSN this fall for $29.99. Released back in January of this year, Burnout Paradise has undergone some significant changes recently which include the planned addition of motorcycles, new game modes, and a price drop – which are all features which will be included in the downloadable version.
In the press release following this announcement Criterion Studio Manager Fiona Sperry stated:
“Our mission at Criterion is to provide the most entertaining gaming service possible. In order to do that, it’s key that we have the ability to deliver content to players in ways that work for them…Download packs with meaningful new gameplay are the perfect way for us to keep entertaining fans and keep them playing, even months after launch.”
Stephen Totilo, of MTV’s Multiplayer Blog, raised an interesting point in his write up of the announcement, saying that: “[Burnout Paradise is] the first third-party, multi-platform disc-based title of this generation to be announced as downloadable for only one console.” He then goes on to question whether this will become a new battle ground for third party console exclusives. Perhaps Criterion has stumbled onto something bigger than they realize.
[via PS3 Fanboy]
This week, boys and girls, I think there’s something out there that we can all get excited about. The NES classic Bionic Commando lives again on the PS3 and 360 - although one version might just be a cut above the other. Those looking to get a taste of Fable II can also check out Pub Games and twiddle away their money before the game even starts. Then, on the Wii, we see the release of two TurboGrafx16 titles that nobody has ever played along with the first episode of Strong Bad's new adventure game. Enjoy!
Bionic Commando: Rearmed (XBLA, 800 Points): All right kids, put away your Lost Planets and your Spider-Man 2’s, because the undisputed grappling hook master is back. Originally released for the NES back in 1988, this remake promises to expand upon everything we know and love about Bionic Commando while also throwing in a graphics overhaul and some multiplayer to boot (though, we did lose the exploding Hitler head).
Fable II Pub Games (XBLA, 800 Points): As I reported earlier this week, Pub Games is a collection of parlor games set in the universe of Fable II. In this medieval casino players will be able to gamble away their money and, if they're lucky, will end up having a nice chunk of change to use when they start up their character in Fable II.
Star Parodier (VC, 900 Points): This shoot’em up from Hudson Soft is meant to be a parody of their Star Soldier series and was released back in 1992 for the TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM. Featuring a humble cast of Bomberman, Paroceaser, and PC-Engine (get it?), this title isn’t meant to be nearly as challenging a title as the one it’s mocking. Star Parodier has also enjoyed some critical acclaim since its VC debut, however this is one that I would have to try before I made a purchase.
Break In (VC, 700 Points): It’s a billiards game; if you enjoy this genre then you should already have a title that you enjoy very much and shouldn’t download this game, if you don’t enjoy this genre then you should go play something else and not download this game.
Strong Bad Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (WiiWare, 1,000 Points): here is a title that has two strong points going for it: it’s developed by Telltale Games (Sam & Max), and is based on the popular Homestar Runner flash series. And as you might have guessed from the title it’s just the first episode in what looks to be a long line of point-and-click adventure games for the Wii and PC.
Bionic Commando: Rearmed (PSN, $9.99): just like XBLA, PSN is also getting this remake of the old NES classic – but with a few extra twists. First, the Playstation’s d-pad is the superior d-pad – having four separate directions instead of one big button means more precision. Second, there’s remote-play for Bionic Commando action on the go, if you have that kind of money. Third, there will be achievements trophies added on in a latter patch, so don’t worry.
[via Opposable Thumbs, Joystiq]
The Summer of Arcade is now in full swing, and this week marks the release of Braid - a title which will probably be the hardest sell of all since it doesn’t have an “Evolved” or “Rearmed” or “HD Remix” after its name. Then we have the Virtual Console, which is a little less awful this week. Hopefully the WiiWare shooting gallery Wild West Guns will restore some faith in the service after last week's Pong Toss. Finally there's PSN, which has some slim pickings, but the Ratchet & Clank pseudo-sequel Quest for Booty and The Last Guy are both set for an August release!
Braid (XBLA, 1200 Points): From the mind of independent developer Jonathan Blow comes Braid, a title which promises to melt some brains with its bizarre, time-manipulating puzzles. The game will also be melting a few wallets with its hefty price tag ($12), but don’t let that discourage you from checking out the totally free demo for the new puzzle/platformer.
Sonic the Hedgehog (VC, 500 Points): I grew up with Sonic and out of all of his Genesis releases I’d say this one is the weakest. Compared to Sonic 2 and 3, the original is so much slower paced and focuses too much on the puzzle solving aspect for my taste. Though, eating all that Cookie Crisp and watching Power Rangers might have had something to do with that.
Splatterhouse 2 (VC, 800 Points): Now, unlike Sonic, I didn't spend any of my childhood slaying monsters in Namco’s side-scrolling beat'em up Splatterhouse. Released back in 1992, the series is now getting a next-gen remake and is also the first title on the Virtual Console to receive the M-rating. Alpha moms beware…
Wild West Guns (WiiWare, 1,000 Points): I watched George Stevens’ western classic Shane this weekend, and at no point during the movie did I see any of the following: flying sombreros, hot air balloons carrying TNT, or tiny men in purple suits rushing the screen. Obviously Mr. Stevens had no idea what the real Wild West was really like, unlike Gameloft’s shooting gallery Wild West Guns.
PixelJunk Eden (PSN, $9.99): Last week’s biggest demo is this week’s biggest game release on PSN. As the third installment to the PixelJunk series,
[via Joystiq, PS3 Fanboy]
(Ed: Sorry, I didn't have a chance to post this on it's normal Monday date. Enjoy.)
Just this week Microsoft announced their "Summer of Arcade" release schedule. This is a list of five potential XBLA blockbusters that'll carry us into the Fall gaming season (including Castle Crashers, FINALLY). Not to be outdone, Sony and the PS3 are dropping a classic rhythm action title on us, as well as the beautifully rendered third installment to the PixelJunk series. Then there’s Nintendo...which, yeah...doesn't really bring much to the table this week.
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (XBLA, 800 Points): The first of Microsoft’s "Summer of Arcade" releases, Bizarre Creation's Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is the sequel to one of the biggest titles on XBLA. Packed with new games modes, four player local co-op (no online, sorry kids), and the same bright, flashy colors we’ve all come to enjoy, Retro Evolved 2 is a must-have for any 360 owner.
Chase H.Q. (VC, 600 Points): Released back in 1988, this arcade racer from developer Taito has a very strong cops-and-robbers vibe to it. Behind the wheel of a black Porsche 928, your mission is to intercept wanted criminals in high-speed chases. The game was well-received and spawned two sequels with multiple iterations on the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and TurboGrafx-16.
Art of Fighting 2 (VC, 900 Points): It's another of the early SNK fighters released for the Neo Geo back in 1994. Now, I’ve played Art of Fighting 2, as well as several other 2D brawlers for the Neo Geo, and my advice to you would be to save your money. There are a dozen fighters on that console that haven’t seen a release yet that'll better warrant your 900 Nintendo dollars (and they also don't look like they've been molded out of clay).
Pong Toss: Frat Party Games (WiiWare, 800 Points): It is my sincere wish that history does not record JV Games’ Beer Pong Pong Toss: Frat Party Games as the first in a long line of college idiocy related titles. The classic sport of bouncing a ping-pong ball across a table into a plastic cup has been recreated here for up to four players in the game’s two available modes: Championship and Speed Pong. I say just keep holding out for Mega Man 9. It'll be here one of these days.
Parappa the Rapper (PSN, $22.99): One of the early rhythm games for the original Playstation is now available via PSN. From developer NaNaOn-Sha, the game has you timing button presses to bizarre hip-hop tracks, some of which feature a material artist with an onion for a head. The title has been a bit of a cult classic since its original release back in 1996, and it’s good to see it living on through PSN (and PSP).
1942: Joint Strike (PSN, $9.99): We all remember Capcom’s shoot’em up remake from last week with its release on XBLA. This title never earned that slot on my line up though since, after playing the demo, I started having terrible flashbacks to my time with the Dreamcast top-down shooter Ikaruga. Sure, they’re both legendary titles, but I find that the bullet hell shooters just drive my patience (and my controller) to a breaking point.
PixelJunk Eden demo (PSN, free): Hoo boy, I’ve been hearing a lot of positive buzz surrounding Q-Games’ latest title. From what I’ve seen, you play as a tiny dot with the ability to stick to and swing from the various plants which grow and change as you navigate the level. It’s a bizarre title, that’s for sure, but an interesting one that I definitely want to check out soon. Look forward to the game’s full release later this week.
[via Gamasutra, Kotaku, and PS3 Fanboy]
Gabe and Tycho’s action/RPG title, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, is now slated for release on the Playstation Network and will be arriving later this autumn. The announcement came from developer Hothead Games, who also stated their intent to release the upcoming episodes along the same pricing structure as with XBLA.
Penny Arcade Adventures has enjoyed a modest critical and commercial success since is debut on the 360 and later on the PC through Steam. With a PSN release, this bizarre mash-up of offbeat humor and 1920's pulp action hopes to further extend that success even further.
[via CVG]
(Ed: Welcome to "Up for Download," a new weekly column written by our own Maxwell "Pigeonflu" McGee. In each entry of this column, Pigeonflu will go over the newest titles being released on the Playstation Network, WiiWare, and Xbox Live Arcade, while giving his opinions on each one. So, without further ado, here is Up for Download: 7.21.08 Edition.)
A couple of good old fashioned shoot’em ups is what we’ve got up for download this week on 360 and Wii. A classic title is revisited while two others make the debut for the first time. PSN also rolls out their third installment of the Siren series which follows in Alone in the Dark’s episodic footsteps. It’s an interesting selection this week and one that’ll hopefully become the norm for downloadable titles instead of the exception.
1942: Joint Strike (XBLA, 800 Points): Another of the potentially great remakes is headed for the 360 curiosity of Capcom studios. This vertical shooter has received much praise from the enthusiast press since its announcement and might even earn a slot on my arcade line-up.Go! Go! Break Steady (XBLA, 800 Points): The break out title from Little Boy Games, an independent game studio based out of
Jade Empire (Xbox Original, 1200 Points): Another of the excellent action RPGs from Bioware which arrived after KOTOR but before Mass Effect on the original Xbox. The title enjoyed much critical acclaim upon its release and, unlike the other two titles, is available for download today (Monday the 21st).
Super Fantasy Zone (VC, 900 Points): A 1993 release from developer Sunsoft, this title looks a cross between a horizontal shooter and Kirby’s Dreamland and is apparently the last title in a long line of Fantasy Zone games. Just take one look at it and you’ll see what I mean!Gley Lancer (VC, 900 Points): A vertical shooter originally released back in 1992.
Pirates: The Key of Dreams (WiiWare, 1000 Points): Our third shoot’em up for download this week, Pirates is developed by Oxygen Games and supports up to four players. The game is apparently meant to be the prequel to the DS title Pirates: Duels on High Seas which is set for an August release.
Siren: Blood Curse (PSN, $40 total/$15 per episode): From SCE's Japanese studio, this latest installment in the Siren stealth/horror series will be available this Thursday. The game will follow an American TV crew trapped in a remote Japanese village and will be available as a complete package or as individual episodes.
President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Jack Tretton, spoke today at the Sony E3 press conference in Resistance 2 (PS3): hailed as the biggest FPS of this year, the demo for Resistance 2 was all about scale. 8 player online co-op, 40 player multiplayer, massive levels, massive bosses, you get the idea.
Little Big Planet (PS3): an interesting and well executed showing of LBP had one of the game’s characters, Sack Boy, running through a custom-made level while highlighting the speaking points that Jack Tretton was discussing at the same time. October 2008 set as the release date.
Buzz: Quiz Show (PS3): more of the same, slated for a September 2008 release.
DC Universe Online (PS3): an MMORPG for the PS3 and PC, very little actual information was given, save for the fact that you can be either a hero or villain. No release information given.
God of War III (PS3): a brief trailer was shown, no gameplay footage however. Release date set for sometime next year.
Infamous (PS3): this dark superhero title is set for a Spring 2009 release date.
MAG (Massive Action Game) (PS3): the last game shown at the Sony event, MAG is an online FPS which supports a whopping 256 players divided up into 8 teams. Skill trees for individual characters were mentioned, as well as a progressive campaign mode. Release information was missing.
PS3 Game Montage: Quantum of Solace, MGS4, Socom: Confrontation, Ghostbusters, SCIV, The Agency, Naruto: Storm, Mirror’s Edge, Resident Evil 5, SingStar, Guitar Hero: World Tour, NBA08: The Inside, Killzone 2. These titles are all said to be coming later this year.
Resistance Retribution (PSP): a brief trailer was shown which had you controlling your hero in a third-person perspective. The game was dated for Spring 2009.
PSP Game Montage: Patapon 2, LocoRoco 2, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Madden 09, NBA09: The Inside, Super Stardust Portable, Lego Batman, Buzz: Master Quiz, and Valkaria Chronicles. These titles are coming between this and next year.
Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty (PSN): this expansion for the original R&C Future will be available for download from the PSN store this summer for $14.99.
PSN Game Montage: Crash Commandos, Fat Princess, Pixeljunk:
PS2 Game Montage: Madden 09, Tiger Woods 09, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Warriors Orochi, SingStar: Pop Star 2, Yakuza 2, Madden XX, Mercenaries 2. These games, Tretton said 130 PS2 games total, will be release in 2008.
Also announced during the conference was the formation of the PS3 Greatest Hits series. Greatest Hits titles will retail for $29.99.
Tretton also spoke at length about the streamlining process Sony has been doing with their PSN network. Now you will have only a single PSN log-in account to take you anywhere in the service whether you’re on your PC, PS3, or PSP.
Also unveiled for the PSN was a new video distribution service. This service will allow PS3 owners to rent or buy movies or TV shows on their PS3 in either HD or stand definition. Content that you’ve purchased can also be viewed on the PSP. (Ed: America's largest anime distributor, FUNimation, is listed as one of the partners bringing videos to the service)
A new pay-per-view automotive enthusiast channel was also announced as part of Gran Turismo V: Prologue. The service starts August 1st and will available within PSN, presumably, for the owners of GTV: Prologue.
The $399.99 80GB PS3 was also officially announced and is coming later this year.
Phew, that was a lot to cover, but now the big three are finished. It’s been an interesting E3 to follow thus far, with more to come both today and tomorrow. Personally, I’m going to go enjoy a little break from all the news and go play some games!
