E3 2010: Sony - Game On

 Be you a reporter, fanboy or developer we all know that E3 is all about the games. Sony it seems also understand this, with their E3 press conference revealing a whole host of games across their range of services. So dive in and join us as we explore what Sony has to offer and uncover a few hidden surprises along the way!


 Just in case any of you were in any doubt, Sony are focusing on games at this years E3. Say what you will about Playstation move and the motion control "battle", games are in charge right now. Sony's big press converence was kicked off with a montage highlighting various Sony products and games, amongst them were Killzone 3, Little Big Planet 2, Metal Gear solid: Peace Walker and Grand Turismo 5. So all the usual suspects where there in force, but Sony goes much further then that as we're about to explore, it really feels that Sony have opened the flood gates.

 Going back to the "usual suspects" I should probably point out that usual doesn't mean bad. Not by a long shot. Titles like Killzone, Grand Turismo and MGS have become gaming icons over the years because of the quality the represent and the newest editions to the franchises are no exceptions. In many cases these games continue to push not only quality but also innovation as Sony begins to incorporate 3D technology and motion controls into games. Killzone 3 for example, is going to be released 3D and motion ready as soon as February 2011. Killzone game play was shown during the conference and features a blend to typical 'zone action and some new tweaks. Anyone who didn't notice that Killzone now features jet-packs should be sent straight out to the front line to see for themselves how cool they look. As a fan of this epic war story I can tell you I am looking forward to this one, the game-play videos that exist on-line demonstrate that the solid combat system we're used to is retained while Sony continue to strive for even more dynamic game-play.

  It's not all war though, as Sony have announced a deluge of titles including The Sly Collection, Grand Turismo 5, Shaun White Skateboaring, Tron Evolution, Crysis 2, SOCOM 4 and NBA 2K11. And all of these titles are allegedly going to be in 3D too, meaning that Sony have potentially a bumper crop of impressive material to take us into 2011. But this is just the opening salvo, during the course of Sony's press conference SCEA president Jack Tretton, reveals that a new Mortal Kombat game is headed to PS3 in glorious 3D and partnerships with EA, DICE and a young man by the name of Gabe Newell.

  Newell's appearance and support for Sony are perhaps the most surprising thing thus far as previously Newell had been an outspoken critic of the PS3 but now it appears he not only embraces the machine but has also promised the "best version" of Portal 2 for the PS3. EA also show their support for the PS3 by revealing   that the next instalment of Medal Of Honer will offer exclusive content for PS3 players, as will Dead Space 2. Watch out for limited editions of these games, with MOH offering an unscaled version of MOH Front-line while Dead Space offers an optimized Move version of the game included with it's limited edition version. 2K are also in on the action with PS3 exclusive content for Assassins Creed and Mafia in the pipework. There will also be a Final Fantasy MMORPG which will give anyone with exceptional amounts of time to burn the tool to do it!

  After going through Sony's commitment to 3D, Playstation Move and the push of the PSP (links to all of these topics follow below) Tretton ended by saying that there was one more surprise in store for the assembled press at the conference. This was the return of the Twisted Metal series, appearing on the PS3 for the first time. Admittedly I was always more of a Carmageddon fan but this is still exciting news for anyone interested in motor based carnage! This new games will reportedly feature two player split-screen action and new game modes, including "Nuke" mode involving strategic team play...and nukes.


  All in all it seems that there is a lot to be excited about regarding Sony's upcoming releases. They are plentiful and innovative, with Sony pushing 3D and motion controls with most of their games. And the above titles are simply the tip of the iceberg, check out our other posts to see what we can expect from Move and a host of upcoming PSP releases. Long may the king of games reign!

Check out further Sony E3 coverage here:
           
        
SonyE32010 – 3D http://tiny.cc/cgn17

SonyE32010 – Portable http://tiny.cc/8kwwh

SonyE32010 – PSN Plus http://tiny.cc/w8jqm


SonyE32010– Move http://tiny.cc/n20ri


SonyE32010 – Intro http://tiny.cc/gr0dx

E3 2010: Sony - Now In Amazing 3D-o-Vision!

  It's an exciting time to be a gamer at the moment, not only are there more and more quality games being released but we are currently living through a break-through moment in the way we play games. 3D is set to change the way we experience games like nothing before it and Sony seem to be leading the charge!


 While Sony seem to be investing a lot in new games and content for the PS3 and PSP at the moment they also seem to be investing in the way we play our games. During this years E3 Sony press conference, SCEA group president Kaz Hirai made a bold statement about how he sees Sony's position in the future of 3D gaming. He says he wants to do for 3D what the PS3 did for Blu-ray and goes on to claim that there will be 20 native 3D titles on available for the PS3 by March 2011.

  These are indeed fight'en words, especially when you consider that the games in question aren't gimmicky parlour tricks but fully fledged core titles like Killzone 3 and Grand Turismo 5.

  It's hard to be sceptical about Sony's commitment to this endeavour because they are already well under way in their mission. It has already been reported that the PS3 will be a fully functioning 3D console by 2010 and with Sony's 3D ready Bravia range of TV's, a firmware update supporting 3D and 3D versions of games like Wipeout HD and Pain already available on PSN this is a reality.

  The only question is cost. For anyone who has already bought a HDTV the cost has been considerable so the cost of a further upgrade to 3D and the corresponding glasses could be prohibitive. However, all new tech costs a lot at first and you consider the Sony's strategy in integrating the cross-bar into the Bravia range you can see how Sony are enticing customers with a fully integrated entertainment hub.

  But perhaps I digress here, the point is that 3D games are coming to Playstation and I for one want in!

Check out the rest of our Sony E3 coverage here:


SonyE32010 – Portable http://tiny.cc/8kwwh

SonyE32010 – PSN Plus http://tiny.cc/w8jqm


SonyE32010– Move http://tiny.cc/n20ri

SonyE32010 – Intro http://tiny.cc/gr0dx

SonyE32010 – Games http://tiny.cc/2gtsz

E3 2010: Sony - The Portable Parable

  The PSP could almost be regarded as the black sheep of the Playstation family, it's a little different and often misunderstood. However, this could all be about to change with Sony's compact console about to receive an impressive push as this year's E3 revels.

  The PSP is often over looked in my opinion, many of my friends have disregarded it citing lack of quality games. Where this idea has come from is a little lost on me, there are many great games available of the PSP which are well worth a look in. The Ratchet and Clank series is both charming and playable, Metal Gear Acid and Killzone: Liberation both sit proudly in my games collection and the ability to play PS1 games after purchasing them through PSN gives gamers both an extended library and a good nostalgia trip to boot.

  That said, the PSP Go came and went so I guess at least the name was apt and Sony seem to be raging a constant war against hackers intent on modding the console for various nefarious reasons. However, while Sony may not be happy with people doing strictly illegal things to their PSP's it's actually good for business - in a way. It only takes one look at the various Dreamcast mod sites on the internet to see how an easily hackable console retains interest.

 Now it seems though that the PSP's luck could be about to change. At this year's E3 Sony announced that it sees the PSP as the only portable option for "serious" gamers and announced a ton of new titles for the system.

 For those of you into the God Of War series (I'm not) there will be a new title in the series called Ghost Of Sparta charting the origions of Kratos. During a montage a selection of other new games where teased including Modnatrion Racers, Ace Combat Joint Assault, Gravity Crash Portable, Dragon Ball Z Tenkachi, Hot Shots Tennis Get a Grip, Madden NFL 11, Patapon, Tetris, EyePet, Piyotma, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, The 3rd Birthday, Persona 3 Portable, and Ys: The Oath in Felgana 


 Oh joy! Tetris! Seriously through there's a lot to be getting on with there and that may not be all that the PSP has going for it over the next few years. If Sony's new PSN Plus service takes off it could give gamers even more reason to own a PSP. Think about the extra PS1 classics, Mini games and discounts that could be used to expand the PSP using the free content available for plus. No news on how this would work with the subscription service but I'll be finding out as soon as PSN Plus hits the "shelves". 


 No matter what happens it looks like it will be an interesting time to be a PSP owner and it could be about time the rest of you caught up. Check back with JustSandN for updates!  

 Get your fill of Sony E3 here:

SonyE32010 – PSN Plus http://tiny.cc/w8jqm

SonyE32010– Move http://tiny.cc/n20ri

SonyE32010 – Intro http://tiny.cc/gr0dx

SonyE32010 – Games http://tiny.cc/2gtsz

SonyE32010 – 3D http://tiny.cc/cgn17



 

E3 2010: Scott Pilgrim vs The World Game

For those of you who are keeping up with the daunting (yet so exciting) event that is E3, you know there are some killer game titles coming to a console near you very soon. One that I am barely able to contain my excitement for is the much anticipated and long awaited Ubisoft (guided by Brayn Lee O'Malley) release of Scott Pilgrim vs the World.

Some of you will know what I'm talking about because you have read the amazing Scott Pilgrim graphic novels writen by O'Malley and published by Oni Press, and yet others of you are remembering a trailer for a cool looking movie featuring Michael Cera and directed by Edgar Wright under a similar title. Well, you are both right, although the comic came first. Edgar just did a nice little interview in the latest issue of Game Informer (I about peed my pants from excitement) and talked about working with O'Mally and briefly mentioned a few points about the game. Both the game and the movie started production almost simultaneously and while the game is based off the artwork of the comic, Ubisoft took some things from Wright's storyboards. Wright is also hoping to tie some of the game's graphics into the movie. Needless to say, that is one movie premiere I will be at and anticipating. (side note: movie is scheduled to hit theaters August 13th and the final book will debut on July 20th)

Alright, enough about the movie, lets move onto the meat of this post... the game. I could sit here and rant on and on about how amazing it is and how it has such a great reto feel and use such eloquent and prolific words... or, I could just show you the trailer. Enjoy!

Video Games Scott Pilgrim vs. The World E3 2010: Exclusive Debut Gameplay Montage HD

XBox 360 Playstation 3 Nintendo Wii

Now tell me you aren't completely in love? You can't!! That was the single most amazing thing I've seen since Google had Pac Man on their homepage. Now while showing how awesome this game will be there are a couple of things the trailer didn't tell you, things like release details and back story.

As far as the actual release date, it's said that on August 10th Scott Pilgrim will grace the PSN. Now now, all you soul 360 users, don't worry, it will eventually come to XBL, there is just no telling when. But I assure you, as you have seen in the trailer, it will be well worth the wait. The game being strictly DLC actually excites me a lot and I hope more games move to this medium. I for one work way too much and always during normal store operating hours, so for me to buy a game and instantly have it (after a download) all from the comfort of my own couch is something I have become a huge fan of.

Now for those of you living under a rock who have no clue what you just witnessed in the trailer, let me explain a few things. Scott Pilgrim is in a band. He meets an awesome girl named Ramona Flowers and falls for her, hard. Unfortunately for poor Scott, to be with the girl of his dreams he must defeat her seven evil ex's. This is a very rough and extremely basic premise of the story, to learn more you really need to read the novels.

All in all, everything surrounding Scott Pilgrim is amazing, from the artwork to the story to the movie and ending with the game. Along with a review on the movie you can bet you will be hearing from me about the game the second it comes out. Now I'm off to dig through some more of what E3 has left in it's wake to find some more awesome stuff to share with you!

The Terminator: A Mini Review

Judgment Day was inevitable. Like an unstoppable storm the clouds rolled over mankind and extinguished it's light, giving rise to the time of the machines. But not all hope is gone, before humanity ended Big Head Games and Dark Horse Comics worked together to produce a final battlefield where humanity would stand against the machines and win it's right to exist. It is the year 2010 and Drew has been sent back in time to fight on this electronic battle ground and deal with the machine menace one and for all...

Well that was a mistake. I'm not sure that I was sent back in time to save mankind from annihilation (sometimes the lines between reality and fantasy get a little blurred), but if I was, I would rather let the bombs drop then play The Terminator. I'm sorry guys, but it really is that bad.

However, before I move on to give this game the sound, public panning it deserves allow me to get those of you who have not been introduced to Big Head Games' shooter up to speed. Back in February The Terminator, a top down shooter produced by Big Head Games, appeared on the Playstation store as one of the systems new "mini" games. The concept was fairly simple as top down shooters have become a mainstay of digital games, but The Terminator appeared to offer greater appear because of it's link to the franchise of the same name and the apparent involvement of Dark Horse Comics who produce the Terminator comic book line.

Throw in the £3.99 price tag and the Terminator should be a promising prospect. It's a simple shoot 'em up set in the Terminator universe with endorsement from a cool, gritty comic label and a low price tag to boot. Apart from somehow being the worst game in all creation, what in Cyberdyne's name could go wrong?

Just that. It's t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e. I actually find my self at a loss with where to begin with my execution of this game because it has so many faults for me to exploit it's like I've been given every comic, game and movie ever for free and I have no idea what to do first. I guess I'll do things the other way around and mention the games one redeeming feature and then go on to rip it's horrible little glass eyes out. So hear goes...


I quite liked the fact that in the game you can "salvage" terminator heads in the same why that they do in the films/comics giving the game the tiniest shred of association with the source material. That's it. Out of the entire game the only thing I like is that you can walk over things and pick them up and even this has it's down side. You see, normally pick-ups and collectibles are a good thing but when you pick up a health pack your character, I assume it's Kyle Reese, makes this odd sound which sounds like Macho Man Randy Savage taking a particularly pleasing dump. I'm sorry to lie that image on you but it truly does. It made me laugh the first time but after that it just reminded me how terrible the sound in the game really is. The few sound effects that there are sound dull and flat while the background music cuts out after a minute stripping away what might be called a layer of depth if the games developers had any idea of what depth actually is. 

Then there's the fact that the game is just ugly to look at. Eye bleeding ugly. Now I know it's meant to be a small portable game (it appears on the PSP was well as the iPhone) so I can understand a little fuzz when shown on a full sized television screen, but anyone who has used a PSP or iPhone will tell you that these devices a capable of some impressive graphics. The Terminator's graphics are murky, simple and frankly an insult to the machines intended to play it. One particular gripe is that the firing animation is a single frame that looks to have been drawn in paint. It doesn't even flicker, I mean top down shooters in the 90's had better animation, come on Big Head put a damned flicker in there!

Usually bad graphics and sounds can be over looked with the advantage of good game play so we should be thankful that Big Head are at least consistent. The controls stink. In many was am thankful because I don't have to back peddle about all the nasty things I have said because like the rest of the game the controls are essentially toilet water so I can continue to flog it until either I get fed up or it dies. The Terminator is clearly an attempt to create a dual stick shooter on a console that has no dual sticks which has been ported to the PS3, which it does with no change to the games control system. You basically move with the d-pad or left stick and shoot with the face buttons which depending on which one you go for fires in a different direction. Yuuuurk! It's incredibly lazy that when the game finally does find a duel stick platform that no change was made. I have no idea how this works on the iPhone and I refuse to even think about it. The saddest thing about this is that if this were even 5% of the games that Killzone: Liberation is then Big Head could have copied that control system but alas.

So that's it, The Terminator in all it's feted, stinking evil, putrid glory, you may have noticed that I haven't mentioned the games' features or the inclusion of Dark Horse, well this is mainly because they don't exist. Apart from the campaign there is a free play mode but after seeing the campaign you'll never want to play it and the inclusion of the Dark Horse Comic brand it just name dropping, which is probably the biggest insult to fans.

My only advice for anyone who has paid for this game is to take the three hundred and ninety nine pennies you just wasted, sharpen the edges and fire them out of a cannon into your PS3, PSP or iPhone and terminate it. It's what your console would want you to do to save it's soul.

GameCentral

Hello,

Just a quick one this quiet Sunday evening. Who used to read GameCentral on Teletext? I did, I loved it, and still do! I always loved GC because of the fair reviews and previews. The offered news each day which was always very accurate, and of course the inbox feature, where the editors at GC would choose letters and emails sent in that carried a point. There was very rarely a day gone by where I wouldn't have checked in to see the latest news and reviews. That all changed on Friday...

The powers that be at Teletext decided that they couldn't justify having this silly hobby of computer games as a drawing point to their pages. So, they cut the life support. The readers and creators were angered. There was shouting, crying, screaming and even an online petition to save GameCentral! It has however proved semi successfull though, as although you can no longer read GC on teletext itself, you can read it online: http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/

It's well worth checking out, even if it's just every now and then!

--Mike--