Sony E3 2011 Conference Overview

PS3
software
- Battlefield 3: Battlefield 1942 exclusive to PS3 copy.
- Bioshock Infinite: Move support; PS3 copy includes original Bioshock.
- Dust 514: from CCP, developers of EVE Online. FPS, connected to EVE on PC; supports Move, Home space; PSV support; exclusive PSN.
- God of War Origins Collection: remastered in HD and 3D.
- ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection: remastered in HD.
- Infamous 2: release date 7 June; creation tools via Move.
- LittleBigPlanet 2: deeper Move controls.
- Medieval Moves: new Move IP from Zindagi Games.
- NBA2k12 - Move support.
- Need for Speed the Run: 7 exclusive cars for PS3.
- Resistance 3: single player campaign demoed; Sharpshooter bundle $150.
- Ruin: compatible with PSV version via save transference.
- Saints Row The 3rd - exclusive DLC.
- Sly Cooper Thieves in Time: 2012 release.
- SSX - Mount Fuji track exclusive to PS3.
- Starhawk.
- Star Trek - move support and exclusive DLC.
- Star Trek PSN - exclusive to PSN; move support.
- Uncharted 3: single player campaign demoed; beta: 20 June; Subway initiative for early MP access.

------------------------------

PS VITA
hardware
Vita: means life; OLED screen, dual cameras and analog sticks, touch screen and rear touchpad.
Price: wifi - $249, wifi+3G - $299.

software
- at&t: official provider of 3G PSV.
- Bioshock PSV: new title based on Bioshock universe.
- Party mode app: cross chat.
- LittleBigPlanet.
- ModNation Racers - new title; access to all PS3 creations.
- Near app: social networking between PSV owners.
- Ruin: action RPG from SCE San Diego
- Street Fighter X Tekken: Cole from InFamous is a character.
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss: developed by Sony Bend.
- Wipeout 2048 - play against PS3 users.

------------------------------

PSN
- CinemaNow partnership. stream TV and film.
- Playstation Suite: PS content on non-PS hardware.

------------------------------

MISC
- Playstation branded 3DTV - 24 inch; desperate image feature; bundled with 3D glasses, HDMI cable and Resistance 3 - $499.

TGS 2010: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation3

Software
3D support:
-Disaster 4: Summer Memories, Everybody's Golf, Final Fantasy 14, Gran Turismo 5, Metal Gear Solid Rising

Ape Escape Fury! Fury!:
- anime cutscenes.

Dynasty Warriors 7
- Developed only for PS3.

Firmware 3.5:
-3D bluray support.
-21 September.

Gran Turismo 5:
-My Home service: accessible from web and a hub for accessing messages, albums, friends list.
-Weather effects: rain and snow shown.
-Night time racing.
-X1 Prototype vehicle in game.

Gundam Musou 3:
-Cel shaded art style.
-December release for Japan.

Ico/ Shadow of the Colossus:
-HD Port for PS3.

Ni no Kuni:
-2011 release in Japan.
-No assets used from DS version of game.

Project Dark:
-Developed by From Software.
-Design philosophy similar to Demon's Souls.
-2011 release.
-PS3 exclusive.

The Last Guardian:
-2011 release.

Yakuza: Of the End:
-Fight Zombies.

Hardware
320gb:
-21 October release in Japan.



-------------------------------------


Playstation Portable

Software
3rd Birthday:
-Possible vehicle and turret sequences included

Cardboard Warmachines:
-Anime sequences, cross media with an anime version.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy:
-Spring 2011 in Japan.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Final Mix:
-January release in Japan.

Hardware
AKB48:
23 December release in Japan.

Monster Hunter:
-Special bundle for release of Monster Hunter 3rd.

GC 2010: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation3

Software
Gran Turismo 5:
- November 3 official launch date for SCEE region.

Infamous 2:
-Cole model revised back to original.

Killzone 3:
-Mech suits.

LittleBigPlanet 2:
- Story trailer revealed.

MAG:
-PS Move support.

Medal of Honor:
-MOH Frontline exclusive to PS3.

Mortal Kombat 9:
-3D support.

Play TV Live:
- Community features such as chat, text chat during programmes, and programme recommendations.

Ratchet and Clank All 4 One
-Fall 2011 release; 4 player drop-in-drop-out co-op.

Resistance 3
-2011 release.

R.U.S.E:
- Supports PS move.

Virtua Tennis 4:
- Supports PS move; 3D support.


Hardware
New SKUs:
- 320 gb PS3 with Move starter pack (349 euro), and 160gb (299).



-------------------------------------


PSN

Catch up TV:
-6 new channels, including ITV, Animax and Yahoo.

Mubi:
-Film streaming; PPV and subscription options; 18 countries availability on launch.



-------------------------------------


Miscellaneous

PS3 Sales:
- 38 million.

E3 2010: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation3

Software
Assassin's Creed; Brotherhood
-Multiplayer beta exclusive to PS3.
-Exclusive content.

Dead Space 2:
-Limited edition includes DS: Extraction with Move support.

Echochrome 2:
-Move title

Final Fantasy 14

Gran Turismo 5:
-Top Gear test track
-November 2 2010 launch.

Heroes on the Move:
-Move title
- Ratchet, Jak and Sly combined.

Infamous 2:
-Ice powers added.

Killzone 3:
-live demo in 3D
-February 2011 worldwide release
-Compatible with PS Move at launch

LittleBigPlanet 2:
-Competitive scoring system
-Make your own games with elaborate tools.
-Create HUD's.
-Trailer shows off user creations in 24 hours with no tutorials from the developers, including a working RTS title.

Mafia 2:
-Exclusive DLC at 1 on PS3 version.

Medal of Honor:
-Exclusive content for PS3 version: limited edition includes a remastered version of MOH Frontline.
-Title is modern day and work was done with actual soldiers, military and weapon personnel.
-New character: Deuce.
-Multiplayer designed by Dice.
-October 12 2010 release.

Portal 2:
-Best version on any console according to Gabe
-Coming 2011

Singstar Dance:
- Uses Move

Sorcery:
-Move title.
-Play as a magicians apprentice.
-Flick at screen to attack.
-Spells include frost which freezes enemies
-Spells can be combined: fire and wind create a fire storm.
-Fix environments with magic.
-Change into different animals.
-Release: Spring 2011.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11:
-Move enabled through upcoming patch.
-1:1 movement.
-Power is important.

Twisted Metal:
-By Eat. Sleep. Play - David Jaffe.
-Flight added.
-Emphasis on team play.
-2011 release.

Hardware
Playstation Move
-Launch fall 2010.
-Bundle with PS Eye, Move and Sports Champion for $99; PS3 bundle $399.
-Level of precisio
-Level of precision like realism.
-Camera and controller creates 1:1 tracking.
-Developer praise montage.


------------------------------------


Playstation Portable

Software
Eyepet

God of War: Ghost of Sparta

Invizimals

Patapon 3

The 3rd Birthday

Valkyria Chronicles 2


-------------------------------------


PSN

Home:
-Sony E3 booth recreated in Home.

Playstation Plus
-Subscription based PSN.
-Exclusive digital content, priority to betas, PSN store savings and free content like select PSN games.
- $49.99 for a year; $17.99 for 3 months.
First 3 months free.

Tester 2



-------------------------------------


Miscellaneous

3D:
- Motorstorm, Killzone 3, Gran Turismo 5, Sly Cooper Collection, Crysis 2, Mortal Kombat, Tron, The Fight, Eyepet.

Coca Cola:
-Cross over advertising with Playstation products.

EA:
-Exclusive content for Medal of Honor and Dead Space 2

Kevin Butler:
-Surprise attendance.
-Advertises PS Move.
-'Every gamer is a true gamer'

PS2:
- 2nd most played console of 2009.

PSP ad campaign:
-Like PS3 ads, with Marcus.
-'Step your game up'

gknova6.com not Resistance 3?

A recent article over at System Link made an interesting theory that the viral site gknova6 may in fact be related to an upcoming Resistance title instead of the heavily believed Call of Duty 7: this may not be the case.

It is a nice guess until further digging into the registrar information reveals that the original assumption of Call of Duty 7 may indeed be the correct one.

The registrar information for gknova6 reveals the registrar to be Markmonitor.com. It comes as no surprise that the exact same registrar belongs to Treyarch's official home page.

The registrar for Insomniac's official home page is Godaddy.com, which happens to be the same registrar for all four viral websites related to Resistance 2.

While we will only officially know until the viral website reveals the game ultimately being marketed, it is a strong assumption that Resistance 3 is by no means related to gknova6: but I suppose you never know.

GDC 2010: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation 3

Hardware
Playstation Move
- motion controller.
- bundles include standalone controller, with the playstation eye and a whole PS3 bundle.

Playstation Move sub controller
- 2nd controller to assist the Move for use in traditional games.

Software

Eyepet:

- trailer shows off the PS Move adding new motion control actions to the game beyond the existing PS Eye movements.

LittleBigPlanet:

- demo showcasing the PS Move.

- one person controls the Sackboy while the other player uses the Move to manipulate the environment.

Gran Turismo 5:
- will ship in 2010.

Motion Fighters:

- black and white 3rd person fighting game where 2 PS Move controllers are used for each arm of the character.

Move Party:
- family title which uses the Move, PS Eye and mic.

- similar in design to the original Eyetoy games by including a bunch of mini games like hitting objects, painting and cutting hair.

Socom 4:
- includes support for the motion controls with use of the Move and sub controller.

Sports Champion:
- includes a variety of games including Gladiator Fight, table tennis.

TGS 2009: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation3

Software

Gran Turismo 5:
- March 2010 release; new physics and damage text/ voice chat online; youtube export feature; export videos to PSP.

Hardware
Final Fantasy 13 bundle
- Lighting edition; comes in pink and white with a 250gb HDD
Motion controller
- Jun Takeuchi from Capcom shows off Resident Evil 5; dualshock in one hand with motion controller in the other; LittleBiGplanet also shown; games list includes the likes of Eyepet, Flower, High Velocity Bowling and PAIN


------------------------------------


Playstation Portable

Software

ROOM:
- Home for PSP, cuter looking style


Hardware
PSP 3000:
-priced at 16800 yen from October 1; +- $184/ R1350; Gran Turismo and Winning Eleven bundles planned
PSP go:
-November 1 launch in Japan; 400 - 450 titles planned for launch


-------------------------------------


PSN
Comic service:
-Manga titles in catalogue; available in December; titles include Dragonball and One Piece
Home
-v1.30
Music service.
New PSN service:
-Focus on Mainichi Issyo
PS1 Classics:
-Final Fantasy 8 hitting PSN

-------------------------------------


Keynote

Home:
-user base doubled from 4 million at start of year to 8 million currently.
The Last Guardian (PS3):
-new trailer shown.
PSPGo:
-launches November 1 in Japan; will be 700 titles available for download on launch in US; 400 for Japanese launch.
PSN Video store:
-will be available to all Europeans by Spring 2010.

GC 2009: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation3

Software

Eyepet - bundled with the PlaystationEye
Heavy Rain - new character
Home - Singstar space with video jukebox and music quiz; Audi space ;new dance moves, animations, character customizations and a camera item
Uncharted 2

Hardware
Motion controls - Teaser video for now but fully shown at TGS 2009
Playstation 3 Slim - 120gb, 33% smaller, 36% lighter, available 1st week September at 299 Euros


------------------------------------


Playstation Portable

Software
Eye of Judgement
Minis - New titles for PSP on the PSN store with a 100mb size limit; 15 titles on launch October 1st with 50 titles through 2009. Includes Tetris, MiniGore, Fieldrunners, and Hero of Sparta
Gran Tursimo PSP - Anyone who registers their PSPGo in the first 10 days from launch get GT PSP free!
Loco Roco Midnight Carnival - exclusive download title

Hardware
PSP 3000 - new colours -- Turquoise Green, Lilac Purple and Blossom Pink.


-------------------------------------


PSN

Digital Reader - graphic novels, indie titles; includes Marvel; not just for comics.
Firmware 3.0 - interface changes; whats new section; animated themes

PSN - relaunch design for September 1
Video Download Service - Rent and buy films - PSP and PS3; launches November
Vidzone - expanding to new PAL territories

E3 2009: Sony Conference Overview

Playstation 3:
Hardware:
Motion control - similar to Wii remote but requires eyetoy; true 1:1 tracking; first person shooter demoed; RTS demoed;


Software:
Agent - Rockstar PS3 exclusive; late 1970's espionage
Assassins Creed 2.
Final Fantasy 13.
Final Fantasy 14 - PS3 exclusive; online like FF11
God of War 3 - first public demo shown.
Gran Turismo 5 - rally, nascar, car damage.
Infamous.
The Last Guardian - Trico project.
LittleBigPlanet - new Disney costumes coming;
MAG - first public demo shown.
ModNation Racers - kart racer, LittleBigPlanet esque; PS3 exclusive
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

------------------------------------------------------------

Playstation Portable:
Hardware:
PSP Go - no UMD; does not replace PSP 3000 or UMD; 16gb internal flash memory, built-in wifi, bluetooth support; $250.
Hannah Montana PSP 3000 bundle - new lilac colour.
Rockband Unplugged PSP 3000 bundle


Software:
Assassins Creed: Bloodline.
LittleBigPlanet.
Gran Turismo - full scale game, 60 frames per second, 800 cars, 35 tracks; many single player modes such as time trial and drifting; ad hoc for up o 4 players; trading of cars with other players
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker - 10 years after MGS3; Kojima deeply involved with script and producing; made by MGS4 team
Resident Evil Portable- new title.

Media Go - simpler way to connect the PSP to the PC in order to receive PSN content.
Sense Me - sense listening habit, recommend playlist.
Video PSN - native for PSP; includes new channels such as E!, Manga and Showtime.

Beware Bale, a new Batman Beckons!

A tip from my sister has sparked some new outrageous information regarding the third of Nolan's reinvented Batman trilogy. According to my sister, DC Comics came to the decision with Warner Bros. to have Christian Bale dropped. Who is taking up the cape after Bale? My sister's son. And from what she gathered, the sudden dismissal of Bale was not about the money! Sadly, Bale is going to be missing out on the arrival of the Riddler, who currently has no attached actor, or actress. Yes that's right, alternate early drafts of the script are being written to have the Riddler as a female in case an 'Edwin A. Salt' problem occurs. Here are some pictures she took of the casting event on October 31st:

The exhilaration of getting the role sure shows!

The light is blinding him... he is perfect for the role of the dark knight!

*script spoilers*
"Rachael... you're alive?"

Is... is that a gun?!?!?!?

Apparently Nolan wants a fight sequence where Batman has to adjust his mask during combat... it will add to the "cool factor" so he claims.

Hope you all enjoyed Halloween :)

The Summary that is South Africa

As a South African there has always been one thing I've always hated: South Africa. It all really started with the whole Hansie Cronje debacle and then I no longer supported the national cricket team. But it stems further then that: for all the great scenery that encompasses South Africa, relatively warm weather throughout the entire year, and the whole vibe of Durban, my city, there is also a whole lot of mess. Be it the insane level of crime and violence, the even higher failure rate to lower the levels of crime and violence, the awfully inadequate government with the supposedly next president facing corruption charges.. heck, we don't even have a Starbucks. Regardless I think it's pretty obvious that South Africa is caught up in a flux of dire circumstances.

What you are about to see is a live news broadcast with the financial department (the local currency is doing severely worse then normal compared to foreign markets... no wonder Playstation 3's cost double the price than in America). While funny, I still feel sorry for the humiliation which follows (and you should to), but nothing summaries the instability of the country more then the following video:




Luckily Mr. Nhlanhla Nene took the situation well:
'The wheel came completely off'

Nene chuckled at the thought of the number of people who had watched the 26 second clip. "It was quite embarrassing because you know you can imagine when the millions are watching..."

He said colleagues had teased him about it since.
News24 article

Good on you Mr. Nene, at least something is right in South Africa :)

GC: Sony Conference overview

Playstation Portable:
Hardware:
PSP 3000 - A new model, not new PSP. Has enhanced LCD for more intensity and less glare. A built-in microphone. 8 bundles, all at R2,287, either with FIFA, Go! Communication, Buzz!, Harry Potter

Software:
Loco Roco 2

------------------------------------------------------------

Playstation 3:
Hardware:
80gb sku - going for R4586. Launch in EU on 28 August.
160gb sku - going for R5161. Launching in EU October 31, same functionality as 80gb.
Play TV - 19th September in EU.
Wireless Keypad - Attachable to the PS3 controller. Has a touchpad for mouse usage.

Software:
EyePet - Adopt a virtual animal which you can stroke and play with and so forth. Uses the eyetoy camera presume.
DC Universe Online
Free Realms
Heavy Rain - A QTE system seems in place.
InFamous
LittleBigPlanet - 29th October is the release date.
MAG
Motorstorm 2
Ratchet and Clank
Resistance 2
Singstar Disney - music from Disney animations such as The Lion King.
Singstar Turkish Party - German exclusive it seems.
Singstar Volume 3 - an update will allow downloaded music to be playable on your PS3.
Siren
The Agency

Fat Princess [PSN]
Fl0wer [PSN]
PixelJunk Eden [PSN]
The Last Guy [PSN]
Wipeout HD [PSN]

------------------------------------------------------------

Playstation Network:
Software:
Vidzone - music streaming service which is apparently free for early 2009. For use with PS3 and PSP.
Misc - Video service coming?

E3: Sony Conference overview

Playstation 2:
Hardware:
Bundle with LEGO Batman and Justice League: New Frontiers DVD - R1140

Software:
Buzz! (2008)
LEGO Batman
Madden NFL (2008)
Mercenaries 2 (2008)
NCAA Football (2008)
Singstar (2008)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour (2008)
Yakuza 2 (2008)

------------------------------------------------------------

Playstation Portable:
Hardware:
Bundle with Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, National Treasure 2 UMD, a 1GB memory stick, and echochrome PSP voucher - R1520

Software:
Buzz! Master Quiz (2008)
LEGO Batman
Loco Roco 2
Madden
Midnight Club Los Angeles Remix
NBA 09
Patapon 2
Resistance Retribution (2009) - by Sony Bend, a third person title.
Star Wars: Unleashed
Super Stardust Portable

------------------------------------------------------------

Playstation 3:
Hardware:
80gb SKU - same functionality as 40gb?

Software:
50 Cent: Blood on the Sand
Buzz Quiz TV (2008)
DC Universe Online - Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Joker, Bane.
God of War 3
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue - Pay Per View content coming
Ghost Busters
Guitar Hero: World Tour
HOME - Dedicated rooms. Graphical update.
inFamous (2009)
Killzone 2
LittleBigPlanet (October 2008)
MAG: Massive Action Game - Zipper Interactive. 256 players possible online!!!
Mirror's Edge
Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
NBA 09
Quantum of Solace
Resident Evil 5
Resistance 2 (2008)
Singstar
Socom: Confrontation
Soul Calibur 4
The Agency

Crash Commando [PSN]
Fat Princess [PSN]
Flower [PSN]
Pain: Amusement Park [PSN]
Siren: Blood Curse [PSN]
Ragdoll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic [PSN]
Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty [PSN]

------------------------------------------------------------

Playstation Network:
Software:
Single user sign-in for all Playstation customers
Video rental service - Sony, Fox, Disney, Warner, MGM, Lionsgate, 20th Century and even Funimation. Studio backgrounds replace normal backgrounds. 85 films from Sony available on SD. HD rental also available for certain titles, with purchase as an option at R115. Files can be transfered to you PSP.
Life with Playstation - News and weather with google earth.

Dual Shock 3 EU release in end July?

I originally posted this article in another blog of mine on Tuesday 20 May 2008, but have since disbanded that blog.

Upon pre-ordering Metal Gear Solid 4, I noticed that the Dual Shock 3 was yet available in South Africa or any other PAL territory for that matter, with the latest known date being a simple 'imminent'. So I proceeded to get hold of Sony Playstation South Africa so as to inquire about the release date for the Dual Shock 3. Their reply was for me to buy a third party controller from Logitech. As I am the sort of person who only buys official products (though on the rare case will go third party), I replied, detailing how the official Sony Dual Shock 3 was only available in Japan and America, and how I wished to know the release date for the Dual Shock 3 from Sony. The reply I received, from an alternate source that I do not wish to specify in case their relationship with Sony Playstation becomes damaged, was:

We have been advised that SCEE will be launching the Dual Shock 3 at the end of July in all PAL territories.

End of July? After Metal Gear Solid 4? Considering that the Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle for European territories does not include a Dual Shock 3 but a Sixaxis, I think the end of July might be correct.