Namco Bandai has announced that Tekken 6 for (PS3, Xbox 360, PSP) has gone gold and is now making its way to the manufacturing process. The latest installment of Tekken will be packed with an entirely new online and offline gameplay and will feature the biggest character line up ever.
Ranked Match and Player Match - Rank up or work to improve your fighting skills by battling opponents worldwide in online versus mode with voice chat functionality;
Data Upload & Download - Create and upload customised ghost characters which accurately replicate your fight style; Any player in the world can download your ghost to take on your virtual self in a one-on-one battle even when you're not online; Upload replays of killer matches to share with friends and opponents around the world.
Scenario Online Co-op - New feature coming this winter as a free post-launch downloadable update; Jump into intense two player online co-op campaigns against AI controlled enemies and experience the dramatic large-scale action with friends around the globe.
Leaderboards - Battle Points: online only, split between World, Asia, America and Europe; Rank: overall on and offline ranking, from Beginner to TEKKEN God; Additional rankings include Ranked Match, Scenario Campaign, Time Attack and Survival.
Visceral Games has released a new developer diary of Dante's Inferno (PS3, PSP, and Xbox 360). This time, the developers discusses the fifth circle of hell, anger. Dantes Inferno looks very interesting so far. I wonder how will win? Kratos or Dante in the ultimate battle for Hades. Check out the video after the jump.
EEDAR's analyst Jesse Divnich predicts 400,000 PS3s were sold in September, edging out both Wii and Xbox 360 sales (375k and 370k units respectively) .Wedbush Morgan mega game analyst Michael Pachter has also published his September video game sales preview for the US market.
Pachter estimates PS3 console sales of 410,000 units, a 76 per cent increase year-over-year. This should be enough to topple both the Wii (390,000 units) and Microsoft's Xbox 360 (350,000 units).
"We believe that the recent round of price cuts may benefit the PS3 the most in coming months, given that unit sales last year were only 1.5 million for the September -- December 2008 period," claimed the handsome man. "The Xbox 360 has outsold the PS3 for the past 13 months, likely due to a higher perceived value proposition.
"We think that the PS3 will outsell the Xbox 360 in September, and may continue to do so for the rest of the year. Microsoft has the ability to lower price yet again, but we anticipate the introduction of a more feature-packed Xbox 360 in early 2010 (likely with a 250Gb hard drive) at the same $299 price point; we think that Microsoft will cut price only if it begins to lose significant market share to Sony."
An interview with Naughty Dog’s Evan Wells conducted by the Examiner has revealed some interesting clues regarding Jak & Daxter franchise, as well as the future of Uncharted franchise. When asked if Naughty Dog’s next project would be Jak & Daxter on Playstation 3, Evan responded, “I think you know I can’t answer that question. But I will say that all of us here love the Jak and Daxter franchise and would love to play in the universe again. Right now most of the studio is on a much deserved vacation and with all of the hard work that went into finishing Uncharted 2, we haven’t even decided what we’ll be working on when they get back.”
As for the future of Nathan Drake, Evan showed interest in the Uncharted franchise taking the jump to PSP, “We’d love to see Uncharted grow beyond the PS3. It would be interesting to see what sort of changes to the design one would make for a portable system. But right now Naughty Dog is purely focused on PS3 development so we can’t promise anything from us in the near future.”
So there you have it, Uncharted will eventually see the light on PSP/PSPGo and Jak & Daxter will be making an appearance on PS3 in the near future. Naughty Dog is a very AAA developer and they know there is a huge market for anything Jax & Dexter, it's a PlayStation mainstay.
One of Sony's most anticipated titles Gran Turismo 5 featuring head tracking, will have a realistic release date of March 2010 in Japan. "I don't think it's going to be that much later in the US and Europe," Yamauchi said. "This is based on our production schedule. The reason why the dates for the US and [European] regions are not decided yet is because their marketing is still discussing their issues. It shouldn't be too far off from [the Japanese] date for the other regions as well."
Gran Turismo 5 Feature List
Cars - Over 950 Cars
Courses - Over 20 Locations - Over 70 Variations
Physics - New Physics - Overturning of cars - Damage - Movable objects on the course - The newest Hybrid cars and electric cars Arcade Mode - Single Player - Split Screen 2 Player GT Mode - World Map - My Garage - Car Dealer - Tuning Shop - Championship Race - License Test Online - Open Lobby - Text / Voice Chat - Private Room - Online Photo Album - Online Replay Album - Export of replays to YouTube Photo Mode - Photo Drive - Photo Stage Gran Turismo TV - Improved UI - Export of video to the PSP - Progressive downloading
With Sony currently driving and riding the motion control bandwagon, what is very surprising is the lack of any news from Microsoft in reference to Natal. Just to refresh you, in case you've happen live on the other side of the moon for the past 12 months. Natal is Microsoft's foray into motion control made possible buy the purchase of Israel-based 3DV, IDB Holding Corporation's Elron Electronic Industries and its subsidiary, Rafael Development Corporation.
Natal's claim to fame is the ability to do away with any type of controller and the player be the controller. Beside a spectacular staged demo at this year E3 we have not heard anything else from Microsoft about Natal. The last bit of news we heard about Natal was, EA will be holding off “Grand Slam Tennis” so it can benefit form the freedom of motion controls. So we know for sure there is one game confirm for Natal and that is "Grand Slam Tennis".
My biggest concern about Natal, is the lack of news, no R&D videos, no organized leaks, no nothing. Does this tech work? Is Microsoft positioning Natal as an all new game system all together? What games are in the works for Natal? Is Alan Wake a Natal Lunch title? And most importantly does the tech do what it says it does? Only time will tell--we will have to wait and see. What are your thoughts?
The internet is on fire with the recent leak of a Sega PR document discussing Sega's intent on release previous Sega's Classic Games on the PS3 PSN. If this is in deed true someone somewhere screwed up in a major way.
Here's what the document says:
PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential)
CEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN (GTA Vice City/Sonic/etc)
For co Marketing money show PS3 controller on TV ads – similar to EA Madden Spots, NCAA, etc…
This isn't all the document reveals, either. It contains a number of Sega inner workings, such as the revelation that the publisher feels that Alpha Protocol is too challenging for the mass public, a Bayonetta action figure is being considered by the marketing arm of Sega, and Aliens vs. Predator could ship on a hybrid Blu-ray that contains the movies. There's also talk of Sony motion controller plans and PSN Dreamcast games! And the the biggest bomb shell--being the addition of a PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential) if this document is true, those who picked up a PS3 with out B/C will be able to jump for joy.
The supposed leaked document reveals a torrent of information about what Sega and Sony future plans are: Copy of the doc is after the jump please feel free to review and speculate.
SCEA Meeting Aug 5th Notes Aug 6 2009 – DRAFT FOR COMMENTS
Objectives of Meeting Dyer agreed to regular quarterly meetings with SOA
Sony PS3 SCEA reiterated plans to sell 13 million PS3s this year Big announcement back half of year they can’t talk about (potentially price cut of PS3 to reach hardware goals) SCEA commented on indexing between PS3 and 360 SKUs, should be around 2:1 to garner most favorable treatment.
Motion Controller Spring 2010 launch (March in JP) No bundle/pricing details yet, should come Sept 1 Plan on selling 4-5MM units WW SCEA agreed to provide a list of Sega IP that would work well with the motion controller, Virtua Tennis was an example Motion Controller support allows easy way to differentiate PS3 SKU Other differentiation opportunities include PSP/PS3 interoperability – think of features that would make users want to buy both PS3 and PSP SKUs.
Alpha Protocol Michael Foster, product evaluator, said AP felt barely RPG. Initial level too challenging for players. “Mass Effect felt more RPG.” Review notes sent to John Merlino a few weeks prior. After meeting Gerald mentioned AP is a high priority for his team.
Planet 51 Sell in of PS3 SKU – SCEA noted that other movie titles on PS3 had underperformed as well (inc. Transformers) this cycle. Dyer suggests contacting Susan at Walmart and asking what she wants in the pack to sell this SKU (movie tix etc) Other possibilities are Hybrid movie disc (BD 25 or 50 with Game and Movie on same disc).
Bayonetta Collectors edition with Bayonetta Action Figure Novo recommended launching PSN demo around Xmas based off a Jan 5th Ship date with 2-3 week run out to launch. 3-4 weeks is usually ideal demo timing with fresh content every week leading up to launch (trailers, insider video about PG heritage, video blogs). Vancouver 2010 HOME, Olympic destination would garner a lot of positive attention from SCEA Should be doing same with Bayonetta, Marvel etc. Easy to launch in all territories. HOME merchandizing opportunities (clothes etc). Sonic Racing Open to DLC to differentiate PS3 SKU – not ratchet and clank but other characters maybe characters from Rare or Fable universes
Yakuza Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game). Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles. SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity.
AVP Another great HOME candidate AVP avatars Hybrid BD disc with movie
Iron Man 2 Great candidate for HOME space – explore Tony Stark’s lab etc. Should have one for Marvel in general.
PSU2 Could do bundle at GameStop with PSP 30-35K units on UMD, Go, or both.
Valkyria 1937 Could bundle with PSP as well. Vanquish and Aliens: CM Opportunity for PS3/PSP interoperability (see Eidos Batman, Army of Two, Assassin’s Creed for good examples). If we offer that SCEA would be really interested in having us at their booth next E3.
Thor SCEA would like a look at the code soon. Sonic Anniversary Could put out collectors edition with all old sonic games on one BD disc. “Best of Sonic” for around $99. SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes (like Castlevania’s flip it over/backwards) PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential) SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN (GTA Vice City/Sonic/etc) For co Marketing money show PS3 controller on TV ads – similar to EA Madden Spots, NCAA, etc…
London Olympics Perfect opportunity for Motion Controller integration. DC Digital Titles If we provide a list of DC titles SCEA will let us know which ones they’re interested in having exclusively. If we give them a long period of exclusivity they’ll give us more marketing support.
PSP Titles For SKU differentiation it’s best to offer features that are slightly different from PS3 version. Titles that are coming up on PSP are Assassin’s Creed II, GTA China Wars, Resident Evil, Little Big Planet – all massive franchises. SCEA has a specific PSP deck which they can send up with their hardware director for a chat.
With the recent release of the PS3 Slim, comes another new piece of Sony hardware. Sony Ericsson’s Aino is the world’s first mobile phone able to access video and music stored on the games console’s hard disk or on any device connected to it. It’s a very interesting device that is clearly part of a broader strategy by Sony to put the PS3 at the center of an Digital HD 3D do it all, multimedia device.
Once the phone has been registered with a PS3 running on a broadband home network — a procedure much like pairing two Bluetooth devices — you can connect with the console over the internet from anywhere in the world. The PS3’s distinctive XMB “crossbar”, a menu that will be familiar to users of the console, is reproduced on the screen of the phone, allowing you to take control of the PS3 remotely.
This lets you, for example, command the PS3 to scroll to the video folder so you can choose a film. Select play and the console compresses the video to the size of the phone’s 3in display, streaming it over the net to the handset, with no apparent time delay.
Sony will be providing some very cool technology to developers to use for the PS3 in the near future. Gigapan has started the incredible super high resolution movement with imagery that our feeble minds cannot comprehend.
Sony will be jumping onto the bandwagon to capture stunning images at gigapixel resolution. But providing the same sort of effect by linking multiple documents and items together and allowing you to zoom from one to the next. The video after the break shows a number of demonstrations, including what looks to be a release calendar that, inside each cell, contains high-resolution photos and even videos of whatever is releasing that day.
Also demo'd is a new voice recognition library for the PS3, dubbed PS3VR which is currently featured in SingStar. Sony PS3VR will be able to understand about twenty different languages. With extreme zoom, facial recognition, voice recognition and 3D right around the corner Sony may be able to finally capture some of their magic back.
With GamesCom out of the way, there's still another games event on the calendar: the Tokyo Game Show. For this year's TGS, Sega will be showing off a pretty balanced lineup that includes handheld sequel Valkyria Chronicles 2, the PS3 and Xbox 360 RPG End of Eternity, and PS3 exclusive Yakuza 4. Here's the complete list:
* The House of the Dead Overkill (Wii) * Bayonetta (PS3/X360) * Chin Sports (Wii) * Let's Make a Pro Soccer Club! 6 Pride of J (PSP) * Phantasy Star Portable 2 (PSP) * End of Eternity (PS3/X360) * Puyo Puyo 7 (Wii, NDS, PSP) * Valkyria Chronicles 2 (PSP) * Yakuza 4 (PS3)
Note that according to Andriasang, Yakuza 4 isn't listed at the official site but is included in press materials Sega handed out hence its inclusion.
The Sony PS3 Slim is officially out for only $299.00. You now get a standard 120GB HDD that is easily replaceable, if 120GB is not enough for you. The biggest feature Sony deleted from the new PS3 Slim was Linux. Sarah Ewen of SCEE’s technology group had this to say:
“The reasons are simple: The PS3 Slim is a major cost reduction involving many changes to hardware components in the PS3 design. In order to offer the OtherOS install, SCE would need to continue to maintain the OtherOS hypervisor drivers for any significant hardware changes – this costs SCE.
One of our key objectives with the new model is to pass on cost savings to the consumer with a lower retail price. Unfortunately in this case the cost of OtherOS install did not fit with the wider objective to offer a lower cost PS3.”
Following the massive Sony GamesCom press conference confirming Sony's new model, GamesRadar US takes their new prize out of the box and into our monitors.
Those GamesRadar folks sure are lucky. We already saw them unbox a PS3 Slim, and now they've laid their hands on another piece of Sony hardware: the PSP Go.
Storage: The Go will offer 16GB of built-in flash memory, and it's expandable via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot. There is no UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive on the PSP Go. While that no doubt allows for the smaller size (and, we hope, the potential for better battery life), it also means there's no way to play existing PSP software you might own on the PSP Go.
Controls: While the layout may be different, the control scheme on the PSP Go is little changed from earlier PSP models: a four-way d-pad on the left, the standard quartet of geometrically coded Sony controls (circle, square, cross, triangle) on the right, select/start buttons in the center, and the PlayStation "home" button to the left of the screen.
Wireless: In addition Wi-Fi support, the PSP Go adds Bluetooth capability to the Sony handheld platform for the first time. That should allow standard Bluetooth headsets (and, presumably, A2DP headphones and speakers) to pair with the PSP Go. In the leaked video, Sony rep John Koller also specifies the ability to tether the PSP Go to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The advantage of that isn't highlighted, but that would potentially allow Web browsing and online gaming via a tethered phone with a 3G data connection (when Wi-Fi access wasn't available). Another possibility (though pure supposition) is that you could pair a PS3 controller (which is Bluetooth-enabled) to the PSP Go.
PS3 integration: Again, it appears the existing interoperability between the PS3 and the PSP line will be carried over to the PSP Go. That includes the ability to cross-load some games and media, as well as the Remote Play option (access PS3-based content from the PSP over the Internet).
SCEA has announced that the PlayStation 2 God of War games will be coming to PlayStation 3 on a single, HD-enhanced Blu-ray disc. Previously hinted at in a consumer survey, the God of War Collection will feature "reworked" versions of both games, running at 60 frames per second and 720p resolution. The port is being handled by Bluepoint Games, the team behind the PSN-exclusive shooter, Blast Factor. Hopefully, the games will be more than simply upscaled, giving original PS3 owners a reason to partake in the double dip.
The Blu-ray collection will be available this holiday season, and will cost $39.99, the same price as buying both of the games on PS2.
During E3, Sony showcased a prototype for a new controller launching next year. I have a lot of questions, so Richard Marks and Anton Mikhailov sat down to give a recap of Sony new MoCo Technology, two of the main brains behind the new controller, to get some insight on the E3 demo, the back-story behind development, and the future of this new technology.
DJ AM, a playable character in Activision's forthcoming DJ Hero, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment Friday.
Adam Goldstein, as he was known in real life, was a performer with a well-known history of drug addiction, and recovery from it. He was 36.
Tim Riley, the Activision vice president of music affairs, released a brief statement on word of Goldstein's death: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of DJ AM. We hope that his work on the game will be a fitting tribute to his creative spirit and musical talent."
So it doesn't sound like the tragic development changes anything about DJ AM's appearance in the game, due for release Oct. 27.
The Associated Press reported that police found prescription medications and a crack pipe in Goldstein's apartment in New York. Paramedics discovered him shirtless and wearing sweatpants in his bed at 5:20 p.m. on Friday. A friend had called police, alarmed that he was unable to get into the home. There was no evidence of foul play.
Sony is continuing their Japanese dominance with the recent release of Warriors Orochi Z the latest entry in Koei’s crossover series between the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors franchises. The game is not a full sequel but a combination of the previous two titles - which were not released on the PS3 - with additional new content. The game sold 112,000 units in its first week.
A few days ago, Star Ocean 4 designer Yoshinori Yamagishi ranted on about how video game storytelling could exceed books or film. Yesterday, it's Mad Max director George Miller. According to the filmmaker, "Games were the poor cousin to feature films when it came to storytelling but I think it's flipping. Games allow you be much more like a novelist." George Miller is currently teaming up with God of War II director Cory Barlog to make a Mad Max game.
Miller continues, "I'm curious how much you can engage with the characters through the game-play," "It's the opportunity to make a novel." George Miller has a great point with a few games this generation merging the power of storytelling and great graphics, with such games being Bioshock and Heavenly Sword.
Star Ocean 4 producer game developer Yoshinori Yamagishi thinks game storytelling can eventually superseded other mediums. According to Yoshinori, "But in a game developer's case we always have to think about how players might react to each depiction of a character or storyline, and that's the part we can't predict," Yamagishi continues. "Nevertheless we have to make these predictions to a certain degree, and incorporate this into our work." He adds that this is more of a challenge.
"But if we manage to get over this hurdle," Yamagishi says, "then I regard video games as a greater medium to provide people with deep emotional and exciting experiences."
Bioshock with it's great twist at the end has shown developers that an engaging spellbinding tale can be woven for a console if done right. Heavenly Sword for Sony PS3 also prove you can have complex acting in a game to drive it's story while merging advance graphics. Killzone 2 has used advance graphic and sound as a weapon of immersion. Video games is currently in it's infancy and has unlimited possibilities for growth and advancements, as technology evolves at the current pace Video Games one day will surpass movies and other mediums in it's ability to tell a story and engage it's audience.
Last week, the Xbox 360 enjoyed a boost in sales from the release of Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope. This week, PS3 sales more than doubled to 36,513.
It has Sega’s Yakuza 3 to thank for its jump in sales, with the game selling 372,000 units in its first week in the software sales chart.
PS3's performance eclipsed even the Nintendo DSi – which fell by 6,000 units to 35,827. Technically, though, the DS was still the best selling hardware platform of the week, with DS Lite sales of 11,774 making for a combined total of 47,601 units.
By now, I’m sure you have all heard the great news that LittleBigPlanet will be coming to the PSP this Fall 2009. LBP will be built from the ground up especially for the PSP(plan to play LittleBigPlanet on the new PSP 2), fans can expect new SackBoy adventures with the same play, create and share experience made just for gamers on-the-go — not to mention, brand new levels and environments — all of which are being created specifically for the PSP!
With Sony recent announcement at SCEA's annual Destination Playstation retail and publisher event about a few blockbusters being release this fall for the PSP 2. This revelation only adds credence to Sony's new push to revive the PSP as a portable entertainment platform and steal some glory form Apple.
Kotaku is reporting, David Perry, chief creative officer at Acclaim is currently has knowledge about existing software that is in development for the PSP 2. Perry also hints about a UMD-Free PSP coming fall 2009. "Perry believe it will be done through digital downloads and direct connect to a computer"
This is a pretty interesting move for Sony, to go all out Digital Distribution for the PSP 2. Currently the Sony PS3 is the only console right now that has fully embraces Digital Distribution through the PlayStation Store. With Apple on the forefront of DD of movies through the Apple store and the iTouch/iPhone helping user in DD for games, Sony may be able to capitalize on the PS3 install base and the PSN as their version of the Apple Store. Is Sony ready to take on Apple iTouch and the Nintendo DSi this Fall? How would the big game shops accept a gaming device without physical media? Would the PSP 2 be B/C?
Namco Bandai has announced that Tekken 6 for (PS3, Xbox 360, PSP) has gone gold and is now making its way to the manufacturing process. The latest installment of Tekken will be packed with an entirely new online and offline gameplay and will feature the biggest character line up ever.
