SILVERSTONE, England, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced Gran Turismo®6 (GT6™), the latest version of PlayStation®’s best-selling franchise, will be released in Holiday, 2013. The news was revealed today by legendary Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi at an event held to celebrate 15 years of the 70-million-selling series.

GT6 Trailer

GT6 for PlayStation®3 will bring new levels of authenticity to ‘the Real Driving Simulator’ as well as introducing stunning new tracks and cars and a revised user interface. A new compact game engine will improve operation and increase the flexibility to expand it with downloadable content. Meanwhile, the game is also set for expanded connectivity with other devices such as smart phones and tablets and increased social and community functions.

All of the cars and tracks from Gran Turismo®5, which has sold over 10 million copies since launching in 2010, will be retained in GT6. But notable new additions to the already impressive line-up of historic cars, road cars and the latest race cars, brings the total car list to 1,200 at launch, with new cars set to be continually added online. Several thousand aerodynamic parts and custom wheels will be available for almost all cars, and players can personalize their own custom cars in game to the greatest ever level possible.

The UK’s famous Silverstone Circuit will be just one of seven new locations in Gran Turismo 6, taking the total to 33, with 71 different layouts available, 19 of them brand new. There will also be regular additions of new tracks set to be made available online. The improved course maker function will provide gorgeous scenery spanning several tens of square kilometers including the magnificent backdrop of Andalucia.

The theme of Gran Turismo’s innovative collaborations with partner companies will increase with the inception of GT6. A number of exciting new projects that blur the line between the virtual and real will be announced in the run up to the game’s launch. Not least of these is GT Academy, a collaboration with Nissan to unearth real racing driver talent that first ran in 2008. It was announced during the event that the competition returns for its biggest ever year in 2013, with the entry mechanic set to take place on an exclusive GT6 demo in July.

Other notable partnerships in the development of GT6 have been with tire manufacturer Yokohama Rubber and suspension company KW Automotive. Both companies are active in the commercial car industry and in racing, and they have acted as technical development partners for the game’s new physics engine, for its tire and suspension kinematic modeling, creating an even more realistic experience for GT fans.

“It is amazing to think that it is 15 years since we first released Gran Turismo,” explained Kazunori Yamauchi, during the announcement at Silverstone Circuit. “Things have changed a lot since then and now Gran Turismo 6 is a further evolution of my dream. We’re pleased to deliver GT6 to PlayStation 3 as we have a very loyal community on that platform. However, we have refactored the game to make it very flexible and expandable, with a view to making many future developments. I am very pleased with everything about the new game and the new additions, but the launch will be only the beginning for GT6. The game will continue to develop throughout its life. I already have many ideas for things I want to achieve in the next 15 years of Gran Turismo!”

The celebration of 15 years of Gran Turismo event at Silverstone included a demo of GT6 featuring the famous circuit. Guests were able to play the game in the familiar circular Gran Turismo race pods before having a chance to take to the real track in cars provided by Audi, Ford, Jaguar, KTM, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.

Further news about Gran Turismo 6 will be revealed at the forthcoming E3 and Gamescom events and on http://www.gran-turismo.com/.

Cars featured on the GT6 Silverstone demo (* denotes new to Gran Turismo):
Acura NSX ‘91, *Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale ‘11, *Alpine A110 1600S ‘68, *Audi Sport quattro S1 Rally Car ‘86, Ferrari 458 Italia ‘09, *Ferrari Dino 246 GT ‘71, Ford GT ‘06, *KTM X-BOW R ‘12, Lamborghini Countach LP400 ‘74, *Light Car Company Rocket ‘07, McLaren MP4-12C ‘10, *Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 ‘11, Nissan 370Z (Z34) (GT Academy Version) ‘08, Nissan 370Z Tuned Car (GT Academy , Version) ‘08, Nissan GT-R Black edition (GT Academy Version) ‘12, *Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 N24 Schulze Motorsport, Nissan Leaf G (GT Academy Version), *Tesla Motors Model S Signature Performance ‘12, Toyota 86 GT ‘12

Summary of new Gran Turismo 6 features announced by Kazunori Yamauchi:

New Game Engine

Refactoring
Compact, nimble operation
Flexible expandability
A new rendering engine that pushes the limits of the PS3

New Physics Engine

New suspension and kinematics model
New tyre model
New aerodynamics model
Technical partnership with Yokohama Rubber and KW Automotive

1,200 Cars, abundant custom parts, and on-going DLC

From historic cars to the latest racing cars, the game contains a total of 1200 cars.
Multiple aerodynamic parts and custom wheels will be available for almost all cars.
Players can create their own personalised custom car in the game.
Cars will be continually added online

33 locations, 71 layouts

33 Locations and 71 layouts will be provided from day 1 (7 more locations and 19 more layouts than GT5)
More new tracks will continue to be provided online

New Course Maker

Massive scenery spanning several tens of square kilometers
A new course generation algorithm

Community/Club/Race Organizer

Players can form their own communities
Various community levels from local and domestic to global
Players themselves can create and manage their own online events

New User Interface

Balancing directional key operation and touch operation
Quick response
Shortening of loading times

Multi Device Compatibility

PlayStation
Smart Phone
Tablet
PC

At the same time as the PS3 version of GT6 the “Real Driving Simulator” launches, a mobile version and web application version of GT6, will be created to enjoy Gran Turismo’s massive community space.

Real/Virtual “Edge Effect” Activity
A variety of “Edge Effects”, the chemical reactions between the real world and the virtual world for which the Gran Turismo series is famous, are also planned for GT6. Exciting collaborations between various automotive manufacturers and collaborations with brands crossing different industries will be revealed gradually across the next six months.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develop and markets the PlayStation®2 (PS2®) computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system. SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994. PS2® further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP® is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3® is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors. PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Mobile, a cross device platform. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC., and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.

PlayStation, PS3, and Gran Turismo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. GT6 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

I got the chance to play the new Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise the other day with John Sweeny of 505 Games and I enjoyed it very much. According to John, “this version has all the fan favorites from the first one and we improved all the things that needed to be improved. We really listened to our players.”

There is a storyline:
When the bears of Perfection Island go on holiday to the fabled resort of Paradise Island, they do not invite Naughty Bear.
Angry and ready to exact revenge, he manages to secretly travel to the island with the other bears while duct-taped to the exterior of the bus.
Armed with a hit list of bears who have wronged him in his hands, Naughty is ready to make them pay… one by one.

And make them pay he will. Across 30 missions with an awful lot of bears to hunt down and kill, Naughty Bear is damn naughty. He’s got combos, special attacks, blocks, ultra kills and counters. He induces fear in his victims. They actually sense the danger and get scared and run away. This enhances the stealth aspects of the game. And it teaches valuable life lessons like how to grab other bears, drag them into the woods, and cut their faces off so you can wear them like masks. Plus the major lesson that part of being a good serial killer is biding your time and then embracing the terror that you spread. Hey – it’s all cool because it’s just a teddy bear!

In addition, there’s an almost RPG-like customization where you outfit Naughty Bear with clothes and weapons before each mission, choosing the most appropriate accoutrements for each level. Plus, there are lots of pop culture references and I really enjoy the way all the police officers look a bit porcine and have names reminiscent of pork products. I mean, who wouldn’t like hunting down cops named Pork Chop and Pork Shoulder?

Funny gruesome kills that remind me a little of a fantastic scene in God Bless America where they are pistol training with teddy bears.

Naughty Bear will cost $15 and is rated e10+. It’ll be out in October on XBLA and PSN.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced the North American release of UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception™, available exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Created and developed by Naughty Dog, the third installment of the award-winning UNCHARTED™ series follows hero Nathan Drake on a treasure hunting adventure to uncover a historical conspiracy tying together Sir Francis Drake, T.E. Lawrence and the mythological city, the Atlantis of the Sands. Harnessing the power of the PS3™ system, Naughty Dog raises the bar again for cinematic gaming through extraordinary visuals, comprehensive character development and action-packed gameplay that together provide gamers with an experience never before found in entertainment media.

“Naughty Dog once again takes a leap forward in cinematic gaming, setting the UNCHARTED franchise apart from anything else in the industry,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Product Marketing, SCEA, “Not only does UNCHARTED 3 deliver an impressive blend of interactive gameplay and stunning graphics, Naughty Dog has weaved an inspiring and personal story with genuinely relatable characters that consumers are going to want to pick up and play to the very end.”

In the franchise’s most compelling plotline yet, the tradition of exploring real-life historical mysteries continues with a quest for a legendary city lost to the sands in a desert that has ties to a lost chapter in the life of Sir Francis Drake, the reputed ancestor of Nathan Drake. Drake and his mentor, Victor Sullivan, travel through treacherous, new environments—including London, France, Syria, and the vast Rub’ al Khali desert—as they unravel a complex conspiracy involving an enduring secret society led by their main antagonist, Katherine Marlowe. The deeply emotional narrative and award-winning motion-capture performances in UNCHARTED 3 immerse players in the role of Nathan Drake as he tests the limits of his strongest relationships and is forced to confront his past and his very identity.

UNCHARTED 3 brings the story and characters to life through powerful set pieces and epic combat sequences only made possible by the Naughty Dog Engine 3.0. Pioneering sand technology recreates the harsh desert of the Rub’ al Khali with sand that displaces, swirls, and flows realistically in precise rendered detail. Effects such as fire and water have been overhauled to make each environment unique and interactive allowing gamers to rush through walls of water, aim and shoot through sloshing pools, and escape a chateau engulfed by fire that curls, billows, and smokes as it burns. UNCHARTED 3 can also be played entirely in stereoscopic 3D, which provides deeper immersion into the cinematic presentation and overall gameplay experience through such enhancements as an added sense of depth and scale to environments and an increased feeling of vertigo during set-piece moments.

Fast-paced gun combat, platforming, and puzzle solving all make a grand return alongside superior fighting mechanics. The enhanced melee combat system allows players to engage in brawl-style combat, with multiple enemies at once, using a combination of punches and kicks to shake off opponents. Drake can launch contextual attacks by using objects found in the environment, like an empty bottle, as improvised weapons. The game also features an expanded move-set including climbing backwards and traversal across physics-based objects, such as a crumbling staircase, a swinging chandelier or a fully realized, massive cruise ship that is tossed back and forth by a procedurally generated, real-time ocean.

Competitive Multiplayer and Cooperative Modes

In addition to the explosive adventure of the single-player campaign, UNCHARTED 3 returns with a full evolution of its cooperative and competitive multiplayer experience, introducing online players to expanded feature sets and deep social media integration. The dynamic cinematic experience and high-action, grand set-pieces that are hallmarks of the UNCHARTED series have been incorporated as playable components of the multiplayer maps. This brand new 10-player, action-adventure competitive multiplayer launches with a wealth of new and improved customization features that give players the freedom to define their own unique play styles within the game like never before. Leveraging Loadout slots, upgradable Boosters, Weapon Modifications, hundreds of mix-and-match character accessories and an emblem editor, the options are limitless for enhancing and personalizing in-game characters.

With multiplayer modes across 11 different maps, players can challenge each other in Three Team Death match, Free-for-All, Team Objective, Plunder, or the classic Team Deathmatch. Utilizing a new inherent player balancing system, matches are ensured to stay competitive by matching players based on player levels and by introducing Power Plays and gameplay modes, like Overtime and Sudden Death, to increase the intense competition between teams. Alongside the competitive mode, the local and online cooperative modes in UNCHARTED 3 encourage three teammates to play through rounds of objective-based scenarios, working together against the clock to collect and return idols or defend against waves of enemies with limited lives. Additionally, Co-op Adventure features a unique story arc found only in this mode that spans across five different levels as Drake and Sully embark on a mission to track down a rare and valuable Janus Head treasure. With a unique set of Co-op only Boosters and Kickbacks it’ll be up to the players to decide how they work together to solve all the Co-op missions.

Taking the online experience to the next level, Naughty Dog has integrated popular social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube in groundbreaking ways to create a compelling community experience, leveraging these popular social media platforms to share timely, relevant in-game content and activity to a broader network of friends. Players will be able to view their full list of Facebook friends, share treasures and post videos, providing a quick and easy way to participate with friends online outside of PlayStation®Network. An enhanced Cinema feature delivers a new suite of editing tools, including a rewind button and full camera control, to create highlight reels and the ability to upload them to YouTube and Facebook directly from within the game. With the launch of UNCHARTED TV, as players direct and publish their own unique content, the best user-generated content and videos from YouTube will be highlighted within the multiplayer interface.

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception is available exclusively for the PS3™ system for $59.99 MSRP and will include an Online Pass activation code that provides access to free online multi-player gameplay for the household. Also being released today is the PlayStation 3 UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception hardware bundle for $299.99 MSRP. This limited edition bundle includes a 320GB PS3™ system, a full Blu-ray™  copy of the highly anticipated UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception game, and a free month of PlayStation®Plus, a premium subscription service that gives consumers access to added features including automatic downloads, online storage for game saves, free games, exclusives, and discounts.

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception is rated T for Teen by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).  For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® systems, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, PSP®go and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations. Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.

Simultaneously Launching “PlayStation Certified” License Program to Provide PlayStation Content and Development Support for Android Based Portable Devices

TOKYO, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE)today unveiled “PlayStation Suite” (PS Suite), delivering the PlayStation experience to Android based portable devices*(1). Through this entirely new initiative, users will be able to enjoy PlayStation content on an open operating system for the first time in PlayStation history.

In the dramatically evolving and diversifying mobile market, the number of users who enjoy games casually on a variety of devices including mobile phones, smart-phones and tablet PCs, has been increasing significantly. By offering “PlayStation quality” content to this rapidly growing market, SCE will not only deliver the PlayStation experience to a wider base of users around the globe, but will also be able to offer game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to these devices.

In providing the PlayStation experience on Android based portable devices, SCE will commence a “PlayStation Certified” license program for hardware manufacturers. Through this program, SCE will offer necessary support, including development support as well as logo licensing, to ensure the delivery of PlayStation quality experience across various devices.

On the software front, SCE plans to provide PS Suite content within this calendar year, starting with original PlayStation games*(2) (PS one classics) that will allow users to enjoy “PlayStation quality” gameplay on their Android based portable devices. SCE also plans to open PlayStation Store where users will be able to download content in an easy to use environment, directly via the Android based portable devices. Moreover, SCE will provide a new game development environment in an effort to ensure new and compelling content is delivered on PS Suite, which will also offer opportunities for a wider base of developers and publishers to further expand their business on various portable devices.

Newly developed content for PS Suite can also be enjoyed on the next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP), which SCE announced today. Users who have never experienced PlayStation content can get a taste of the PlayStation experience through PS Suite and from there, they can enjoy the ultimate portable entertainment experience that is only possible on NGP.

SCE will vigorously enhance the entertainment world, delivering the PlayStation experience to a wider base of users.

*(1) Android 2.3 or beyond is required.
*(2) PS one game console software title. We will announce the titles when ready.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation 3 (PS3 ) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

Zumba Fitness for Connect

Excersize program, the fitness party, latin and international rhythms.  Grew in Miami, all about the party, have fun and move, 60,000 locations, 7.5 million people take a Zumba class every week.  They’ve sold millions of DVDS and this is the next thing.  Men, women, kids, parents all play together.

The demo – This is a combination of dance and excersize so everyone has fun with 30 tracks and routines.  There’s new interactive Zumba content running with Connect. Connect tracks 6 points on Samantha’s body and will critique her motions.

There can be up to 4 players in a turn based competition.  For the Wii there is a belt to track your hips where all your movement originates.  You can learn the steps training, set a workout calendar, intermediate and hard also.  Genuine motion capture “a little bit like a dancing iPod commercial” in color and look and feel.

There’s a party meter and more stuff begins to happen when you build the party meter.  I see more stuff on the screen but it doesn’t lok like it really affects game play.  Working closely with Microsoft and are excited to be a launch title for Connect in November.

Lots of hip rolling.  Merengue to reggae to calypso, a lot of rich styles and it’s not my thing with all the dancing.  I bet Tina would love this.  Sarah would probably not be amused.  The music is fun.  I think that someone who has taken a Zumba class would be pretty pleased to dance along with this.  I’d prefer splattering enemy brains out the side of their heads from the bushes 500m away, but for a Zumba fan this would be fun.

There’s a strong connection here for Backayard.

My routine was much more like dancing than working out.  But it was fun and I did start sweating within 2 minutes.

There will be DLC – use Live to connect to Zumba.com and Facebook to build community.  Zumba is the dancing so it could be fun with someone else- Zumba Attack with something like a dance battle and there is a turn based mode where up to four people can play against each other.

Paintball – Greg Hastings

$39 on 9/14

Can play with him, all about furthering paintball, the gameisbuilt on authenticity, 360, PS3, Wii.  All the gear, all the guns, 100 pros, 62 fields based on 12 real locations.  Rated E10+, not that many E10+ FPS out there.  It’s a violent tournament, just with paint not bullets.  Up to 20 player multi-player on 360 and –s3, up to 8 player on Wii.

Lots of running and diving into bunker, then change stance so you can pop up and down, then change stance so you can pop left and right.  You can switch hands with the gun so you can get a better angle.

There are also team aspects to game play.  You can command your guys or leave them alone.

Three types of paintball – speed ball with inflatable bunkers that people hide behind in arenas.  Woods ball is a massive outdoor field.  Rec ball is a mix of the two played on any course.  This is the first game with wood and rec play modes.

Will be DLC.

Babysitting mama

No blood but there is diaper changing without poo or urine.  This brings baby sitting to a whole new level.  Uses a plush doll that you jam the wiimote into it’s back.  Basically you can hold the doll and do stuff with it and the wiimote sense it.

The baby laughs or cries through the Wiimote.  This is Cooking Mama for baby sitters.  There are 6 different babies and about 60 different activities.  Some are baby care, some are baby mini games.  Fun, not a baby simulator because there are some silly things.  It’s apparently a lot of fun for six to nine year olds.  Little girls will be happy they got a new doll and a new game.

Ten story arcs, November release data scheduled.

It was sort of fun, kind of like holding a real baby but not because it isn’t fragile.

Swords

Wii motion plus support $29.99 T rated for families

Brutal action scenes without gore.  It is, you guessed it, a sword fighting game.  One to one sword fighting movements, seven different angles of attack with 8 different fighters.  Unlock swords and get new powers. Plus four mini games that are basically like mini games.  One includes hordes of zombies coming at you over and over again.  Multiplayer so there is 2 player split screen.

Monster Tale for DS,

estimated March 2011 ship

Puzzle game play on the bottom screen, exploration on the top.  The bottom screen is a pet raising Tamogotchi game and the top is a platformer.  You wake up in a monster world that has been taken over by bad kids.  Elie meets Chomp and they need to save the monster world from the bad kids.  Explore and earn new abilities.  Definitely kid safe.  Would appeal to those who want to explore, learn, solve puzzles, and use new things.  Also involves training Chomp – give him cookies and he becomes one thing, give him apples and he becomes something else.  Interaction between the “two screens” and the evolution of Chomp creates depth in the game.

Title: Heavy Rain
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Format: PS3 BluRay Disc
HD Format: 720p
ESRB Rating: M
Players: 1

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

In a city somewhere on the US east coast (at times it reminds me of NYC, other times of Boston), young boys are kidnapped, only to be found three days later, drowned in rain water, with an origami figure on their chests. Such shenanigans have been going on for over a year. Twelve boys have been taken. Creepy clowns and kooky carousels abound. What can a father do to keep his son safe? Or as the mysterious killer says, “How far would you go to save your son?”

Such is the premise of Quantic Dream’s newest PS3 title, Heavy Rain. There is some history here as this is the krackerjack developer that brought us Indigo Prophecy roughly five years ago. So we’re talking about a development house with a strong reputation for high production values and compelling story lines. In those respects, Heavy Rain does not disappoint. Playing this game is like stepping into a movie where you can pick what happens. It’s sort of like a choose your own adventure for PS3.

The story is complex and it sucked me in. It was like I started to play and thought it was boring and then all of a sudden it was four hours later and time for bed. The emotion of the game comes along and sweeps you away. Which is a good thing, but it’s important to understand that this game is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a thrill-a-minute romp then look elsewhere. If you are looking for a deep dark emotional and frightening story, then this is it.

This is a psychological crime thriller that has its moments where it is simply beautiful and purely gripping. You play as four separate characters: Ethan Mars, an architect whose sone has been kidnapped; Scott Shelby, a private investigator; Jayden Norman, and FBI Agent, and some really hot chick who ends up being more important than you think she’ll be named Madison Paige. The only thing you’ll remember about this last woman is that when playing as her you get to soap up your breasts in the shower, take a tinkle in the toidy, and strip for a pimp. These are mature themes that will definitely grab your attention. The four story-lines intertwine and play off of each other which is very cool.

The game starts in a sort of happy and almost mundane level. You’re Ethan Mars and you work from home. The fun includes getting dressed, brushing your teeth, and walking down stairs. It’s really a tutorial level just to learn how to control the game. The highlight of the first level is setting the table. I’m not kidding. And, for some odd reason, you are using your mother-in-law’s china to set the table for your 8 year old’s birthday party. Who in their right mind would do that? So these plates are being used at a kiddie party but if you set the table too fast your wife freaks out.

Then next level involves the family going to the mall. This is where I have to be critical of the game, very critical. In order to keep the story on track, you are forced to navigate through a finite set of choices in a heavily scripted sequence. And bang, your son gets hit by a car and dies.

The screen fades to black. The world is bleak, sad, miserable. You, Ethan, are miserable. The world is gray. It’s two years later and no one wants to talk to you, especially your son Shaun. Your wife left you. Apparently you are too stupid to take care of yourself or anyone. And frustration creeps in when you realize that the character is a moron. One son has died and this guy can’t even watch his other son when he plays. And then I realized that this is not an open world. This is not freedom of choice. This is very far from something like Grand Theft Auto. The game is on rails with the illusion of being open. It seems to me that forcing me to do some things and giving me 2 choices for something mundane is not an “interactive story”. This is very much like a graphical Zork, an old-style text game that presented you with some choices and was written as a bunch of if-then statements. Same thing but with more graphics. I also want to know why everyone has called this game beautiful when it is a paltry 720p. What is the point of the PS3 being 1080p if first party titles can’t even be high def?

As you play through the game it gets better. It gets better in terms of controls and choices along with the story roping you in emotionally and psychologically. Choices start to matter. During a liquor store robbery I tried to sneak up behind the felon but I couldn’t so I had to reason with him. Some things in this game outright pissed me off. For example, while you are playing the FBI agent, a suspect pulls a gun on the local cop who is your partner. You have the suspect dead to rights. I warned him three times to drop the weapon and then I shot him. That is how I would handle the situation. If I had to repeat the level 100 times I would do that 100 times. No way I would warn someone to put his gun down and then let him continue to point it at my partner. And then Heavy Rain tells me I’ve done it wrong. Very frustrating.

Yet I kept getting sucked back in. The story is that good. I have to hand it to writer, director, and studio head David Cage at Quantic Dream. Frustrated as I was, I needed to find out who the origami killer was. I really did. I kept playing until the end and I enjoyed it.

Heavy Rain is a solid game of this genre.  It is an emotional roller coaster, not a thrill a minute romp.

Full-Scale Sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3 – Features New Game System and Original Story by Hideo Kojima

El Segundo, Calif. – June 2, 2009 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced the launch of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, on the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Developed by legendary Hideo Kojima – the mastermind behind the most successful video game tactical-espionage series of all time – this latest PSP installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system leaves off as players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. Scheduled to launch in 2010, the game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind. Additionally, download and hardware bundle will be available.

“With Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Kojima Productions has once again pushed the limits of the PSP system, by creating a groundbreaking sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker lets players take the action and excitement of a console game to the PSP system.”

Mother Base, AI Weapons, and Multi-Player Elements Revealed as
METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER Heads to PSP this May

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., has confirmed that its forthcoming METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER title for PSP (PlayStation Portable) will be available on UMD format on May 25th, 2010. The next official chapter in the story of Naked Snake (a.k.a. Big Boss), METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER is a stunning stealth-action title, set shortly after the events of METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER, and drops the user into a 70s Cold War scenario. As interest continues to grow in this stunning new title from series creator Hideo Kojima, he and his Tokyo-based Kojima Productions team have also revealed several key new elements to be found in the game.

The first major reveal is the Mother Base offshore plant, which acts as a hub for items and personnel collected within the game. During the course of METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER, users can recruit felled adversaries and transport them to the Mother Base sea rig by using the Fulton Recovery System. Recruited soldiers each have unique attributes that allow them to support Snake and other characters in a variety of ways. By gathering more staff, players will be able to expand Mother Base and gain access to new functions. Mother Base also acts as a development area for Snake, where collated information can be used to create and also upgrade all-new armaments .

METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER also introduces new AI Weapons – giant unmanned behemoths that Snake must overcome to complete his mission. These include hover, airborne, and tank-style vehicles. Each AI Weapon can speak and even sing during battle using VOCALOID technology, hinting at a surprising level of intelligence.

Finally, Kojima Productions has also confirmed the PSP game will boast extensive multi-player elements, allowing four-player co-operative missions, and a stunning three-against-three battle royale, wherein six players can form teams and engage in huge linked battles via the Sony handheld’s Ad Hoc capabilities. Further details will be released shortly, with Kojima Productions looking to the ever-popular METAL GEAR ONLINE for inspiration.

METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER adds a wealth of new elements to the popular stealth series, with players giving CPR to felled colleagues, battling huge boss adversaries and enjoying another twisting plot that will surprise and thrill in equal measure. The story continues in May…

Patapon
Sony Computer Entertainment
PSP
Single player
“E” for Everyone
Rating: 8 out of 10.

When Sony first showed me Patapon in December, I didn’t know what to make of it. Firstly, it’s rhythmic, and I love rhythmic games. It’s a side scroller, not a plus in my book. But it is cute, very cute. If you’re not a lover of cute, then maybe you’ll find the art interesting – it was designed by the popular French graphic artist, Rolito and the 2D art involves catchy abstract shapes, and colorful environments.
The principle of game play is that you have to lead the Patapons through a series of epic battles against opposing armies and gigantic monsters. You control the Patapons by pushing buttons that make drumbeats and send commands like march, attack, and defend. There are six different drumbeats that are combinations of X, O, box, and triangle. For example, circle, circle, box, circle might mean charge. You have to push the buttons in time to the background music, which is also in time to the action. If you chain a bunch of commands together, then you unlock a special mode where your attacks do more damage.

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