[Multi] Sony PlayStation Day London ’08 News
Posted by Jacob Lopez on 05.07.2008
A whole lot of news from the PlayStation Day '08 in London. It's a long read, so kick back and enjoy.
Multiple sources:
As you may all know, PlayStation Day '08 in London has just wrapped up and the news is extensive. There is a ton of new information from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and now we get to talk about it.
Mirror's Edge
EA Dice showed off a new teaser trailer for their upcoming game Mirror's Edge. You play in first-person as a super-sexy babe with brass cojones who fearlessly jumps from rooftop to rooftop across beautiful modern cityscapes.
Check out the video below:
The PS3 seems to be gaining some major popularity in Europe according to SCEE:
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's David Reeves announced in his recent keynote speech that the PlayStation 3 has officially outsold the Xbox360 in Europe.
Quote:
"I am delighted to be able announce today that we have sold more PlayStation 3s throughout Europe than Xbox 360 - even though they launched sixteen months before PS3."
He went on to mention that 12 million PSPs and 48 million PS2s have been sold in Europe, adding that, "These numbers are a testament to the strength of the PlayStation brand throughout our region, the ever-increasing number of titles being launched, the rich content on offer and its appeal to different demographics and cultures."
Reeves mentioned that 3.2 million gamers have registered on the Playstation Network and more than 57 million items have been downloaded from the PlayStation Store.
Sony will be revealing the new global hardware sales numbers next week. According to Reeves, it's all about high quality software and exclusive games, and he adds, "customers are buying into PS3 as the ultimate gaming system."
Resistance 2
Resistance 2 will have an 8-player co-op mode and 60-player online.
Fans of the series will have the chance to learn more about Hale and Chimera and where they came from. The co-op mode will have its own story, rewards and progression.
Chimera will be in the multiplayer according to Ted Price, President of Insomniac Games. Price also went on to mention that the 60-player mode needs intimacy to properly work. "Battles within battles" as he calls it.
5 smaller skirmishes between individual squads will be taking place in each 60 person fight. Every squad is assigned dynamic objectives and the squads will have to keep apart to avoid situations where players tread on each other's toes.
There will be a reward system in the game to give out bonus points to teamwork. The points can be used to earn rewards and level up, according to Price we will see more in the upcoming months.
Motorstorm 2
Also announced at the event was the official name for the upcoming Motorstorm game titled MotorStorm: Pacific Rift. The game's location is a tropical island filled with waterfalls, volcanoes and vegetation that will pose a hazard to smaller vehicles. Of course this game will introduce a new vehicle, the monster truck. The monster truck will be able to plow through obstacles and smaller vehicles with ease.
The number of tracks is also doubled from the first game, now you can look forward to racing on 16 tracks. The game adds a minor elements of strategy such as the ability to drive through shallow bodies of water to cool their engines.
The game will feature split screen multiplayer as well as 16-player online races.
Gran Turismo Racing Academy
The event also brought the announcement of what seems to be a contest that will give gamers a chance to test their driving skills in real life. Every step of the academy will be filmed and made available for download on the PlayStation network.
According to event coverage from Kotaku it seems that the contest will put two people in a sort of real-life racing tutorial. After the training, the two contestants will have their shot at being in the Dubai 24-hour race in January.
Men In Black Becomes the First International BD-Live Title
MIB will be the first BD-Live release for the international market.
The discs will include interactive features such as a multiplayer interactive trivia game and downloadable theatrical trailers.
Press Release:
PlayStation Day '08 Men In Black To Be First Blu-ray Title With BD-Live For International Market
London, (06/05/08) - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) announced today that it will launch its first BD-Live enabled Blu-ray title outside the US market, with the release of Men In Black in selected international territories* beginning 16th June 2008.
This release follows the recent Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 software update for PLAYSTATION 3 (Version 2.20), which made the PS3 the first Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player available on the market.
Blockbuster hit Men In Black will bring network connected features to international territories for the first time. These features include a BD-Live multi-player Interactive Trivia Game, as well as exclusive downloadable theatrical and home entertainment previews and a FAQ about BD-Live functionality.
Men in Black follows the exploits of agents Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) and Jay (Will Smith), members of a top-secret organization established to monitor alien activity on Earth. The two MiB find themselves in the middle of the deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist (Vincent D'Onofrio) who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies.
"SPHE is delighted to bring BD-Live to International markets for the first time," stated Matt Brown, EVP, International, SPHE, "This follows a successful launch in the US in March and is just the start of the exciting possibilities that will soon be available on high definition Blu-ray Disc."
BD-Live allows consumers to experience a variety of network connected options. In addition to exclusive content, BD-Live titles can enable an exciting slate of next generation possibilities, such as ring tones/wallpaper downloads, peer to peer interactions, live events and gaming activities.
BD-Live titles are compatible with the latest Profile 2.0 BD players. These models also support Blu-ray's "Bonus View" picture-in-picture feature that was available on previous Profile 1.1 BD players.
Siren Blood Curse
Siren Blood Curse will be coming to the PlayStation Network in the form of 12 TV-style episodes this summer.
Siren Blood Curse is a survival-horror title set in the Japanese village, Hanuda. A film crew from America is researching the legend of the ‘Vanished Village' where human sacrifice is said to have happened. Players will uncover the mystery behind the curse. Players will duke it out with zombies using a unique "Sight-Jack" system that will allow you to view the game from the eyes of the zombies. The game will be released in episodes, keeping gamers anticipating and waiting for more until the next download is made available.
Sony Bringing Indie Music to the PlayStation Network
The word straight from SCEE:
Movement (PSN)
Seeking out the greatest unsigned bands from across Europe, Movement is an exclusive PSN music experience which will open your ears, your PS3 and PSP to the best in international music. From French electronica to London grindie via melody driven rock from Germany, you'll hear it all courtesy of hosts Spencer and Martin who are tracking down the sweetest sounds across the continent in their VW Camper. With exclusive downloads on PSN and performances at PlayStation Day, movement will culminate with one band being selected by Spencer and Martin to have a professional promo video made. Look out for the entire madcap adventure on PSN soon.
More Good News for Euro Gamers Concerning Metal Gear Solid 4 Bundle
Looks like Europe will be getting the MGS4/PS3 bundle. June 12, Euro gamers will be able to pick up the bundle which will include a PS3, a SixAxis and a copy of the game. It will set gamers back about 439.99 Euros.
Official press release:
A Snake-Skinned Package with Real Veno
London - 6th May 2008: One of the legends of the PlayStation generation has taken his partnership with the platform to the next level. Solid Snake, the hero of the Metal Gear Solid (MGS) franchise, is, this summer, being bundled with PLAYSTATION 3 and a SIXAXIS controller offering millions of PS3 and MGS fans around the world the ultimate gaming combo.
Concluding Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid saga, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is set in a battle-scarred future where huge conglomerates fight for supremacy using armies of hand-picked mercenaries. This devastated world is seen through the battle-weary eyes of an older Solid Snake who has been charged with infiltrating a number of key locations across the globe, including the Middle East and South America. As such, the epic end to Snake's story offers ground-breaking combat elements, a refined control system that offers unprecedented control over the aged hero, and the tying up of key plot lines and loose ends.
Similarly, the accompanying Metal Gear Online features all the stunning stealth and combat elements of Guns of the Patriots, as it drops the player into a series of war zones and game options. With all-out 'Last Man Standing' battles to rescue and protection missions, Metal Gear Online effortlessly transfers the sublime control system of the series to an online competition, creating an absorbing battle between like-minded fans.
Available from June 12 and priced at 439,99 Euros this offer is one of the most exciting bundles to date - bringing two great servants of the games industry together for the conclusion of what has been one hell of a ride!
Sony Emphasizes the Importance of "Social Gaming"
SCEE also mentioned their emphasis on "social gaming". The concept is similar to Nintendo's "expanded audience". Mentioned were the EyeToy games and the Buzz! Series, that allows players to play trivia games.
It's a hefty one, so here's a press release:
06/05/2008 17:30 Get closer to friends and family with PlayStation
London, 6th May 2008- With PlayStation, games have never been more family-friendly. We've created up the genre of 'social gaming': games where players of all ages socialise through gaming. For the kids and the young-at-heart, there are EyeToy games that burn physical as well as mental energy. We've got puzzle games that everyone will want to try- whether at home or in the car - and we're also allowing you to take TV on the move. You can even team up as a family to challenge your overseas relatives to a round of online quizzing over PLAYSTATION Network (PSN) - and when it comes to keeping in touch further, we've just given PSP (PlayStation Portable) video and voice chat capabilities.
PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3): the next generation system that brings you High Definition gaming, Blu-ray movies, internet browsing, music, TV and entry into the online community of PLAYSTATION Network.
Buzz!: Quiz TV (PS3)
Buzz!: Quiz TV for PS3 is the next-gen game that takes the Buzz! experience into the future and across the world via the online PLAYSTATION Network. Arriving this June, it'll give you instant access to quizzes on almost any subject you can think of, and will be supported by vast downloadable and user-generated content. The game's Blu-ray disc comes with wireless buzzers and contains a whopping 5000 questions, divided into five selectable channels to suit every quiz fanatic - it's a quiz where you choose the content. Not enough questions on your subject of choice? Write your own. New online quiz community MyBuzz! links directly from the internet to the game and allows players to write and upload personalised quizzes plus download quizzes created by other online players which suit their questioning needs. The disc is also your gateway to online gaming and content, connecting you to Sofa vs Sofa mode, in which you can team up with everyone at home to challenge up to three other teams of gamers online, as well as to extra downloadable quiz packs and quizzes written by other Buzz! users.
echochrome (PSP and PS3)
In echochrome, it's not what you see, it's the way that you see it - and the more pairs of eyes involved, the better your chances of solving the dozens of fiendish puzzles ahead. The world of echochrome consists of a series of crazy mazes inhabited by the endlessly wandering Walker, and your goal is to help him get where he wants to go - despite being faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles and hazards. The trick is to open your mind and let your imagination run riot: by rotating each maze and changing your perspective on the action, you might just be able to change reality... A brand new and brain-busting puzzle experience, echochrome will have you asking everyone you know: "Can you see the answer?"
PlayTV (PS3)
Television how, when and where you want it; Play TV lets you pause, rewind and record free-to-air digital television using your PS3 and, best of all - after a one-off payment for the peripheral, the service is completely free. End family squabbles as you watch one channel while recording another through a dual TV tuner, stream television anywhere using a wi-fi connected PSP or pause television should household events demand your attention - Play TV offers access to great TV without the pocket-punching bills this later this year.
Folding home (PS3)
Developed by Stanford University, Folding home uses the combined power of interlinked computers around the world to perform mathematical calculations that help with research into protein folding - research that could lead to breakthroughs in the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer's, CJD, Parkinson's and various forms of cancer. In 2006, it was realised that a network of interlinked PS3 processors could boost the project's output to unprecedented levels thanks to the power of the PS3's Cell processor. All you need to do to play a part in Folding home is to select the project's icon in the Network column of the Cross-Media Bar (XMB), then leave your machine running.
PLAYSTATION Network (PSN)
The online home of PS3, PLAYSTATION Network is where you'll find some of PlayStation's most innovative and fun games for you to download at wallet-friendly prices. You'll also find downloadable extras, free online gaming, voice chat, video chat, web surfing and more.
Elefunk (PSN for PS3)
A herd of elephants needing safe guidance through a series of perilous levels requires a guide, so help steer the jungle giants to safety this May. Across 20 levels, create safe passage across ravines, rivers, fires, pits and swamps with the materials available to you. Plus, swap construction for Deconstruction in a specially designed multiplayer game where players must disassemble a structure as carefully as possible without letting the structure, or imperilled elephants, fall...
Buzz! Junior (PSN for PS3)
This summer, we're bringing the fun of the children's Buzz! Junior range to PSN with bundles of mini-games for PS3 owners to download at pocket money prices. Buzz! Junior titles offer all the fun, easy play of Buzz! controllers, but with wacky mini-games of skill and speed rather than trivia-based play - they're perfect for youngsters to play with friends and family. Buzz! Junior: Jungle Party will be the first to arrive on PSN in a download featuring five great mini-games from the original PS2 version - now in 720p High Definition; it'll be followed by similar downloads from Buzz! Junior: RoboJam and Buzz! Junior: Monster Rumble.
PixelJunk Eden (PSN for PS3)
After sowing seeds with its Racers and Monsters, PixelJunk puts down roots on PLAYSTATION Network with PixelJunk Eden. Leap and swing between lush alien vegetation in a truly innovative platform game which constantly evolves over time as you move through the perfectly realised undergrowth, hunting treasures and smashing enemies from his path. Destroyed enemies scatter pollen across the landscape, which the player must collect and use to pollinate seed pods before using the new growth to progress further.
PlayStation 2 (PS2): the world's best-selling entertainment system that offers you great gameplay and the biggest social gaming brands
EyeToy Play: PomPom Party (PS2)
Limber-up for the first cheerleading game for PS2, which comes bundled with real pompoms to help every wannabe-cheerleader pull off some groovy moves. As you follow the directions on-screen and shake your pompoms to the music, the EyeToy Camera will detect your movements and score your routines. So keep that rhythm going, and soon the whole block will be bouncing to your cheers in EyeToy Play: PomPom Party - it's arriving in time for Christmas in late 2008.
EyeToy Play: Hero (PS2)
The ultimate quest for all budding adventurers - embark on a fantastic journey through a colourful, exciting fantasy world. EyeToy Play: Hero includes its own toy sword for you to wield; the EyeToy Camera will detect your sword's movements as you perform feats of bravery throughout the land. Watch your adventure unfold on-screen, hone your swordplay, and maybe one day you'll be considered a true hero of the kingdom! It's arriving in time for Christmas in late 2008.
PSP (PlayStation Portable): the handheld entertainment system that offers games, music, film, TV, communications, GPS mapping and more
Buzz!: Master Quiz (PSP)
Turning PSP into the ultimate social gaming experience, Buzz! makes his handheld debut in Buzz!: Master Quiz. Keep friends and family amused and entertained on the move, on holiday or on the bus as Buzz! hits the road, free from its front-room beginnings. Play solo or get involved with new multiplayer rounds such as Pass Around (which enables six players to play Buzz! with just one PSP!). The ultimate PlayStation quiz experience has hit the road - are you along for the ride this July?
Go!Messenger (PSP)
Keep in touch using your PSP with a revolutionary new addition, which turns your handheld system into a wireless communication tool featuring video chat, voice chat and instant messaging. It allows PSP owners to instant message each other- then, just add a headset and voice messaging and voice calls become possible. Add Go!Cam, the USB camera for PSP, and video calls and video messaging become a possibility. Go!Messenger is out now - it's another reason why PSP is becoming a travel essential.
SKYPE (PSP)
Skype, the online communication software that allows Internet users to call each other free of charge*, has now arrived on the new Slim and Light PSP. Talk to any one of the hundred million Skype users worldwide with free voice calls, managing your contacts list and checking which of your friends are online via your PSP. You can opt into the SkypeOut and SkypeIn features, which connect Skype callers with landline and mobile users - and you can do all of this from any wireless hotspot - anywhere in the world.
That is all we have for you today. Of course check in with 411 for more news on some of the upcoming titles as is unfolds.
