The SIXAXIS 07.24.07
Posted by Mike Minotti on 07.24.2007
Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s and Persona 3 prove that the PS2 is not dead yet. Also, news on a Heavenly Sword demo, possible Metal Gear Solid related announcements, and much more in this week's SIXAXIS.
A bit of a slow news week, which is to be expected post-E3. Things are sure to pick up again as we approach the Tokyo Game Show this September. We do have one of the bigger Playstation related game releases in some time this week, thanks to Guiter Hero Encore: Rock the 80s. So even in these quiet times, there's still plenty to talk about it. Let's get down to it.
News
Metal Gear Solid 20th Anniversary Party tonight. Two new MGS products to be revealed.
It wouldn't be the SIXAXIS without some Metal Gear Solid news, now would it? The Metal Gear Solid 20th Anniversary Party is going to be held tonight in Tokyo. Kojima himself will play through some of Metal Gear Solid 4 for those in attendance. Hopefully videos will surface online shortly after.
Also, according to Kotaku, two new MGS products will be announced at the event. Of course, the term "product" is a vague one, and does not necessarily mean "new games". It'll probably be something more along the lines of another animated graphic novel for the PSP. At best, maybe it'll be a sweet MGS compilation for the PS3. Or maybe we'll see the MGS: Portable Ops 2. Let the speculation begin!
1.90 PS3 Firmware Update Coming Soon
The aforementioned firmware update has just hit Japan, and is expected to hit the States in the next few days. The biggest new feature is the ability to create custom wallpapers for the XMB. Other new features include Emoticons (I'm assuming that they're fancy smileys) that can be easily sent to friends while chatting. An "eject disk" option will also be accessible simply by pressing the PS button.
No playable demos for Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII this year.
This news comes from Japanese gaming publication Famitsu. I know many thought that a demo for FFXIII may come out this year, but I'm not surprised by this news. FFXIII will probably be coming out very late in the 2008 calendar. I don't think Versus XIII will even be out by 2008.
Expect more information and videos concerning both games at the Tokyo Game Show.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on PSN
This sort of came out of nowhere. As of last Thursday, Symphony of the Night is available for purchase on the PSN Store at a price of $9.99.
This game is, in my opinion, the best of the Castlevanias. If you've never played it, or haven't done so in awhile, I think there are worse ways to spend ten dollars.
Hevanly Sword Demo coming to Europe this Thursday
Hopefully the demo will be hitting other territories around the same time. I really expected this to show up during E3, but I suppose good things come to those who wait. I'm interested to see if this game is the "God of War killer" some are proclaiming it to be.
The Weekly Releases
Guitar Heroes are sure to be pleased.
PS3
NASCAR 08 – 7/23. I guess NASCAR fans will appreciate this. Although I suggest they may be better of waiting for the next Gran Turismo.
PSP
Alien Syndrome – 7-24. I know this was an old Sega game, now updated for the PSP and Wii. It's a top down shooter. And it's made by Sega. I advise caution.
Final Fantasy II Anniversary Addition – 7/24. FFII with updated graphics for the PSP. I've heard that FFII may be the series most awkward installment (nice way to say "worst"), but FF completists will want to check this out regardless.
PS2
Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s– 7/24. The last Guitar Hero game to be developed by Harmonix, this game has all of the features of GH2 with a brand new set list of 30 songs. I still lament the fact that Wrathchild was the Iron Maiden song they picked. Why can't I get some Hallowed Be Thy Name love?
NASCAR 08 – 7/23. Like the PS3 version, but with worse graphics.
NHRA: Drag Racing Countdown to the Championship 2007 – 7/24. For some reason, I find the name of this game to be hilarious.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 – 7/24 - An RPG that combines hardcore grinding with dating sim. Hardcore RPG fans should definitely check this one out. At least give it a rental.
Survey of the Week
Last Weeks Results
Sony's E3 was...
Great. They have begun to turn this consle war around. 29%
Pretty good. I feel good about owning a PS3. 29%
Meh. Could have been better, could have been worse. 27%
Bad. They had the worse showing of the big 3 at E3. 15%
The Water Cooler
I really wish I knew if/when the new PS3 SIXAXIS is coming. We've been hearing so many rumors for so long now. I just wish an announcement would be made.
I have to admit, I want my rumble back. It's not something I consciously miss while I'm playing a game, but it is something I consciously appreciate when it's being used properly in a game. How many other people remember being wowed when Psycho Mantis "telepathically" made your controller move in the original Metal Gear Solid?
The MGS games, in particular, have always used rumble well. That's why I'm hoping that they have the feature back in time for MGS4. At the same time, I'm interested to see how that game will use the motion controls for leaning and ducking. It sounds like a great idea on paper.
Also, I'm concerned about what I'm going to do with the four non-rumbling SIXAXIS controllers I have once the new ones are released. You think Sony will let me trade them?
Yeah, I don't think so either.
YouTube Theatre
Here's a trailer for Persona 3, in case you're mildly interested and want to see what it looks like. The trailer is filled with a lot of anime, but there is some in-game stuff in there. Again, this is very Japanese, but I know a lot of Playstation fans dig that kind of thing.
Pictures for Ashish
I'm afraid that my picture of that mean cat from last week may have scared people. Here's a cute kitten to make up for it.
I don't want to cram pimpage
Angry Gaming has a diary of Damian's time spent in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.
Nintendophiles has some good post-E3 thoughts on Nintendo, including stuff on Mario Kart and the ultra hot Super Mario Galaxy.
411 Games Fact or Fiction has Damian Sarcuni and Owain J. Brimfield discuss a variety of gaming subjects, including Peter Moore's recent move to EA Sports.
It's over
Who knows what next week will bring? Best come back here to find out.
