PS3 Informer

Analysis: Why Sony Won E3 2008

Sony's E3 2008 Press Event was held at the Historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Housed here were award-winning Kiefer Sutherland for "24" and Tom Hank's for "Forest Gump". Now, Sony recognizes their celebrities: Kratos the God of War, Sgt. Nathan Hale for leading the Resistance, and LittleBigPlanet's Sock Boy on 65 Sony branded XBR television screens. Random video cut-scenes began Sony's E3 introduction from upcoming titles then fading into a flood of triangle, circle, x, and square symbols; leading to the entrance of Jack Tretton, President & CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. Tretton began the conference with why this is "the year of the PS3" and our reason why Sony won at E3 2008.

Sony's 65 XBR Television Screens at the Shrine Auditorium with a PS3 at each base

Sony leads the gaming industry by having gaming content play on Blu-Ray technology for the PS3. Blu-Ray's capacity is the reason why games such as Metal Gear Solid 4 are possible. Sony continues to lead the gaming industry through innovation and creativity by creating "genre defining, kick-ass games," said Tretton.

At Sony's E3 2008 conference, it's all about the software. North America has over 75 exclusive titles. Sony maintains a 10 year vision on each PlayStation, which is why PS2 is receiving 130 titles versus its rival black box console with a green circle which discontinued support. With the PS2 receiving support from developers, you can expect the PS3 to churn-out a variety of intense, amazing, and social games for 2008 and next.

The PS3 will release intense sequels, Resistance 2 and Kill Zone 2, placing shooters in epic battles. Amazing titles, Flower and PixelJunk: Eden, will graphically blow your mind away with their beauty and simplicity. And for the first of its kind, a social game where a hard-core gamer and his "6 year-old daughter" can enjoy self-generated content in LittleBigPlanet's create, play, share design. Sony is also revolutionizing online gaming with a 256 player, shooter called MAG (Massive Action Game) and DC Universe. MAG is only possible on the PS3 architecture because of it's ground-breaking, large scale combat. MAG looks incredible and is the epitome of "genre defining, kick-ass games." MAG will only host human players in 8 player squads and offer helo drops and attack-by-air assistance. I cannot wait to throw my first grenade and yell, "frag out!"

Cloverfield-like Chimera in Resistance 2

Another Sony online revolution is the very much-anticpated PlayStation Home. Home will offer a deeper online community experience, unlike the uncreative revamped XBOX 360 dashboard, through its 3-D virtual world. Home is comparable to a Second Life environment. This 3-D interactive world is a place where the user can customize an avatar, meet friends, and play with others. A gamer can show-off gaming accomplishment earned by trophies within in their invitation only apartments. Home is more than just bragging, but a gaming community. A community where resident can visit living "game" environments. A living game environment is a space specifically decorated after actual PS3 games. In these game spaces, you can meet like-minded gamers and presumably launch an online game. Also while exploring Home, there's other activities: arcade games, music, and movies. Arcade games consist of mini games, bowling, and billards. If a resident rather skip 'the games' and head out on a date (which is possible in a virtual world) with another Home user, then head to The Theatre and watch a movie together. No decent movies on the silver screen? Then skip the 'theatrics' and head to the Music Zone for dancing. Oh yes, the avatars dance! It's uncertain if movies and music are available for purchase in Home, but the potential is present. Home is expected as an open beta release in Q3 2008.

Available now on the PSN, is Sony's new video store. Movie goers can rent and download at will through the PSN Wallet service. Studios on-board are: MGM, Disney, Lionsgate, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Sony, and WB. At competitive prices (read more about Sony's competitive pricing), movies cost $9.99 - $14.99 and rentals from $2.99 - $5.99. Rentals are available in standard and high definition. Additionally, television shows are available at $1.99 per episode. The video content is transferrable from PS3 to PSP via USB cord.

PSN Video Store

Moving onward from the PSN, we can't forget to mention the PSP. From recent bundle successes like Dexter and God of War, the PSP will be available in new bundles: Madden 09 (blue PSP) and Ratchet and Clank (silver PSP). Like its big brother, the PSP will have great sequels and titles coming this year and next: LocoRoco 2, Patapon 2, Resistance Retribution, and Super Stardust Portable.

Sony is bringing it, and their bringing it big! If all this E3 news isn't enough? Sony announced the 80GB PS3 available in September at $399. The $100 PS3 price-cut will market as the "Core Pack." With Sony revolutionizing online gaming with Home, offering PSN video store, releasing highly anticipated titles, and maximizing PSP versatility, it's evident why Sony won E3 2008! This is the year of the PlayStation!

$399 80GB PS3 available September 2008