May 2006 Archives

More concern over PS3 pricing, Blu-Ray

Two recent articles, from Ars Technica and CNN Money, discuss potential problems with the pricing of Sony's upcoming PlayStation 3. Ken Fisher's article for Ars discusses whether the built-in Blu-Ray of the PS3, considered a key in the electronics giant's plan for resurgence, is a blessing of or a curse.... [More]

Sony denies pre-owned PS3 game rumors

Joystiq reported last week that Sony had filed for a patent that would stop pre-owned PlayStation 3 games from being sold. The patent read in part: "Since only titles for which legitimate software has actually been purchased and which have been initially registered in the machine table can be used,... [More]

20GB PS3 package not coming to the UK?

In an interview with UK-based magazine MCV, Sony Computer Entertainment UK exec Ray Maguire cast doubt upon a launch of the 20GB PS3 across the Atlantic. Along with concerns about the launch of the 20GB SKU, Maguire also commented on Sony's pre-pay card for online purchases, stating that "It’s not... [More]

Nintendo's Miyamoto on Sony's PS3 strategy

In a recent interview with The Edmonton Sun, Nintendo exec Shigeru Miyamoto talked about Sony's next-gen strategy as it was revealed at E3, and also had comments about Sony's use of Wii-esque motion sensing in the PS3 controller.... [More]

Sony exec Kawanishi talks PS3 homebrew

In recent comments made to Japanese gaming site Impress Watch, Sony executive Izumi Kawanishi made a few statements concerning Sony's plans for handling the homebrew community's interest in the PS3. Interestingly enough, many of these ideas go against what up until now has been Sony's policy regarding homebrew on its... [More]

PS3 Pre-orders coming in October

According to a post at Evil Avatar, GameStop and EB stores won't be accepting any PS3 pre-orders until early October. No further information such as expected launch units, possible bundle requirements, etc.... [More]

Sony's Harrison talks PS3 controller, pricing

Sony exec. Phil Harrison talked extensively about the PS3 in a recent interview with GamePro. In the interview, he mentions that the 20GB model will still support playback of Blu-Ray movies, talks about the controller, the importance of the HDD, backwards compatibility, and interoperability between the PS3 and PSP. Here... [More]

PS3 pricing putting Sony's console lead at risk?

According to an ABI Research study, Sony's console pricing strategy for the PS3 is extremely risky, and may ultimately jeopardize the company's market leadership position. The report goes on to highlight the threats to Sony's dominance, namely the appeal of Nintendo's Wii console to casual and new gamers, and Microsoft's... [More]

Hellboy

Based on the popular comic, Hellboy takes players on a fresh adventure featuring the franchise's fusion of action, atmosphere and humor. As a brawler, the game lets players unleash Hellboy’s superhuman abilities as they smash their way through hordes of enemies and also team up with a friend in cooperative... [More]

Alone in the Dark

The latest installment of the franchise that was the original survival horror gaming genre, Alone in the Dark will feature an edge-of-the-seat survival experience with real-time physics and environmental interaction within a detailed, open game world.... [More]

SCEA pres Hirai defends PS3 pricing

In an interview, Sony Computer Entertainment America president Kaz Hirai responded to media critism that the price of the company's upcoming PlayStation 3 is too high. Monday evening Sony announced that the PlayStation 3 would be released starting at $499 for the 20GB version and $599 60GB version with several... [More]

Konami debuts first PlayStation 3 games

Konami has officially announced its first titles for the PlayStation 3 — Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Coded Arms Assault, and Hellboy. All three of the games aren't expected until sometime in 2007.... [More]

2K Games announces its E3 PS3 lineup

2K Games has announced its E3 limeup, which includes three sports games for the PS3, as well as a game that was already known, The Darkness. Full descriptions and release information for the four titles can be found below.... [More]

Sony's Kutaragi: PS3 is 'too cheap'

Following Monday's pre-E3 press event, SCE head Ken Kutaragi spoke with Japan's IT Media and made a surprising statement regarding the PS3's price: "It's probably too cheap." Kutaragi also said SCE was planning on having two millions units available for the PS3 launch, with two million more to come before... [More]

Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones 2007 [working title] is LucasArts' first internally developed project for PlayStation 3. Indiana Jones returns for his most incredible interactive expedition ever. Set in 1939, this epic, original story — written for the first time under the direction of George Lucas — puts you in the fedora of... [More]

Warhawk

A remake of an original PlayStation classic, Warhawk lets players experience the thrill of white-knuckle aerial combat with hundreds of enemy fighters, armored assaults and high-intensity infantry combat in an all-out war fought both on the ground and in the skies.... [More]

Rockstar announces Grand Theft Auto 4 for PS3

Rockstar Games has announced the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise — Grand Theft Auto IV. The game will be available for the PS3 at the console's launch, if not slightly earlier — Rockstar's site currently lists Oct. 17 as the release date for both the PS3 and... [More]

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07

EA's popular golf franchise starring Tiger Woods will make its way to the PS3 as expected. Company executives gave a brief demo of the game at this year's E3. While EA did not get into specifics, the company did show a playable demo and have released the one screen shot... [More]

NBA Live 07

EA's popular basketball franchise will make its way to the PS3 as expected. Company executives gave a brief demo of the game at this year's E3. While EA did not get into specifics, the company did show a playable demo and have released the one screen shot below.... [More]

Gran Tursimo HD

During Sony's special event at E3 this week, gamers finally got another taste of the upcoming Gran Turismo title for the PlayStation 3 — the first look at the game since last year's video of "Vision Gran Turismo." The latest version of the game, now called "Gran Turismo HD," is... [More]

PS3 controller unveiled, motion sensor added

As expected, Sony revealed the newly design controller for the PlayStation 3 at its pre-E3 media event. The controller, which is based on the PS and PS2 controller designs, features a sophisticated in-controller six-axis sensing system that measures roll, pitch and yaw, as well as side-to-side and vertical acceleration.... [More]

PS3 to launch in Europe and Australasia on 23rd march 2007

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced that PLAYSTATION(R)3 will be launched in the PAL territories of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia on 23rd March 2007 at a price of EUR599 (GBP425, AUD 999.95, NZ 1199.95). This is now some time after the North American launch. Responding to retail... [More]

PlayStation 3 launch titles revealed

At this evening's Sony pre-E3 press event, the list of launch titles for the upcoming PS3 console was revealed. The following games will be available at the PS3 launch: + Assassin's Creed + Gundam: Mobile Suit + Coded Arms: Assault + Ridge Racer 7 + Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway... [More]

Final Fantasy XIII

A tale of souls from a futuristic civilization illuminated by the Light of the Crystal. This eagerly anticipated title takes full advantage of the PlayStation 3 system's advanced hardware, providing tangible, intuitive controls while delivering seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and stunning in-game cinematics. The latest in cutting-edge technology has... [More]

Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Harmony is realized in this alternate tale of Final Fantasy XIII. Not merely a sequel, but a wholly independent story unfolding in a different world with different characters. This title will appear alongside Final Fantasy XIII on the PlayStation 3 system, and when coupled with Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy... [More]

Square-Enix announces 2 PS3 Final Fantasy XIII titles

Square-Enix has announced its next installment in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XIII. For the first time in the franchise's history, multiple games are being developed for multiple platforms — including two for the PlayStation 3. The entire project is being called Fabula Nova Crystallis - Final Fantasy XIII.... [More]

Virtua Fighter 5

Sega's Virtua Fighter 5 will debut exclusively on the PS3 next Spring. Expect a total knock-out. "This latest installment in the critically-acclaimed series will elevate the arcade fighting genre to all-new heights as it takes true advantage of the capabilities of the next-generation hardware," according to the developer.... [More]

Sony launches new PlayStation campaign

Outside the Las Angeles Convention Center, home of E3 2006, Sony has launched a new ad campaign featuring the slogan "Play Beyond" and the PlayStation logo. The ads feature a message that at this point is unclear. One ad features a game of paper-rock-scissors in which the players hands have... [More]

Sega announces E3 lineup for the PS3

Sega of America has announced its lineup of PlayStation 3 games that will be previewed at E3 2006. Included in the list of games is the new Sonic the Hedgehog, which is celebrating the original's 15th anniversary, and Full Auto 2: Battlelines, a PS3 exclusive. The full list, including descriptions,... [More]

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic, celebrating his 15th birthday, is coming to the PS3 in a game based in the human universe. Sonic will feature interactive 3D environments and a large cast of returning and new characters. The story takes place in the world of Soleanna where Princess Elise is keeping watch over a... [More]

EA readying Madden NFL 07, Army of Two

Electronic Arts today revealed that it is developing Madden NFL 07 and Army of Two for the PlayStation 3. While Madden isn't expected to be shown at next week's E3 conference, attendees should be able to check out Army of Two. Both game descriptions are available below.... [More]

PlayStation 3 in battle over 'undecided' gamers

According to recent research by IGN, the battle for the market share lead of next-gen consoles will be decided by the 14% of gamers that are still undecided about their console allegiance. The PS3 leads all of the consoles right now with 36% of the audience claiming loyalty to Sony's... [More]

Motorstorm

A true off-road racer, Motorstorm is set to include multiple types of off-road vehicles including ATVs, trucks, buggies, motorcycles, and rally cars. Some unique features of the game will be realistic track wear, and mud build-up throughout the races. More details on gameplay and release information are expected at E3... [More]

Developers discuss the PlayStation 3, online play

Next Generation has posted an interview with seven leading industry figures concerning the Sony PS3, and it's online service. The overall views on Sony's online service is that remains a key component in Sony's next-gen strategy, and that the overall effect the console's Blu-Ray drive is still difficult to gauge... [More]