The new keypad add-on.
So… what has Games Convention 2008 in Leipzig brought us so far? Well, several interesting tidbits, actually, and it’s only the beginning of the second day of the convention proper. Eat that, E3.
Sony, for one, has let some details slip about the new PSP model. The PSP 3000 will hit North America this October, in plenty of time for the annual post-Thanksgiving shopping orgy. It will be shipping bundled with Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, and also as a “Core Pack” that will retail for $169.99. On the technical side of things, the PSP 3000 will feature an improved screen with a wider color gamut, higher contrast ratio, and anti-reflection technology that will make it easier to see in outdoor lighting.
They also added that they’re releasing a 160GB model of the PS3. The new PS3 model will be introduced in North America as part of the limited-edition Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune bundle some time in November for a whopping $499.99. The North American bundle will include the game an console, as well as a DualShock3 controller and a PSN voucher for PAIN.
Sony has also announced a new Bluetooth enabled keypad add-on for PS3, that snaps onto the controller, due to ship sometime late in November. According to their press release, the keypad will be compatible with all typing situations you may encounter on the PS3, including chatting in the upcoming Home, and can even be used as a touch pad to move the on-screen pointer.
Additionally, they’ve announced EyePet, a virtual pet game for use with the PS3’s Playstation Eye camera peripheral. The game features a simian-like pet that lives in an on-screen version of your room, captured by the camera. The pet will be able to interact with it’s environment, recognizing objects and people. EyePet will be available in late 2009 in the PAL market… release dates for other regions haven’t been announced as of yet.
Microsoft had at least one interesting bit of news… and that was the new limited-edition green wireless controller. Not exactly big news in and of itself, but apparently the thing, in addition to being really butt-ugly, has an enhanced D-pad that can register movement in 32 directions. Unfortunately (and bizarrely), it’s only releasing in Europe as a tie-in with Pro Eva 2009, and only for a limited time, starting October 24.
On the actual games end of things, Komani has a new action title in the works for PS3 and 360 called Lords of Shadow, described as a “dark fairy tale” in which the player takes on the role of the mysterious Gabriel in an epic battle between good and evil. It’s scheduled for a 2010 release, and definitely sounds like my kind of game… I think I’ll keep an eye on this one.
EA has given a release date of February 20, 2009 for The Sims 3. They’re planning a simultaneous global release (has anyone actually managed that yet?).
Quantic Dream showed a nifty trailer for Heavy Rain that even includes some gameplay. I’m not sure what I think of the gameplay itself yet, but the game certainly is looking very nice. See it here.
Capcom’s Dead Rising port for Wii (subtitled “Chop till you Drop”) also got some screen time with the debut of its trailer, which includes gameplay footage. See it here and see some more here.
Ubisoft showed a nifty playthrough of the entire first area of the next Prince of Persia title (which was playable at E3… but now us lesser non-industry people can see it first hand). See it here.
So there you have it… the most interesting bits and pieces from GC 2008 thus far. The convention continues through the 24th, so expect more.
Nikki Blight: is still trying to find that damn princess... when she's not writing fresh code for the217.com.
Comments
nikki (nikki) says:
(Posted August 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm)
The Wire and PALGN, among others, are saying 32-directions. Either way, I still stand by my comment that it’s a butt-ugly color. 
Thanks for the heads up on the contest!
Franklin (Franklin) says:
(Posted August 27th, 2008 at 2:33 pm)
I think early reports had it at 32 directions (which is rather excessive, haha) but sites like IGN have reported the new d-pad to go in 8 directions - and that it is still a noticeable improvement.
No problem about the heads up, by the way! If you or anyone you know enters, be sure to let them know to send me an e-mail and I’ll give their design a vote. Cheers.
Franklin Keane
http://www.6hrpower.com
Franklin6hrpower@gmail.com
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is still trying to find that damn princess... when she's not writing fresh code for the217.com.
Franklin (Franklin) says:
(Posted August 21st, 2008 at 12:35 pm)
Actually, that enhanced 360 D-pad goes in 8 directions, not 32. I think it’s really cool that it’s tied in with PES 2009 (which looks amazing), but I heard that they kept in mind the upcoming release of Street Fighter 4 too.
Hey Nikki, I imagine you already have a PS3 and an Xbox 360? If not, or in case some of the readers don’t, I wanted to let you know about this Stacker 2 t-shirt design contest going on now where if you win you get a PS3 or Xbox 360 (your choice), 10 t-shirts with your design on it, a year’s supply of 6 Hour Power energy shots, and a copy of Codemasters’ Rise of the Argonauts. You design it online, and it’s surprisingly easy to do. There are less than 180 entrants now too, so you have to like your odds. Check out the details here: http://www.brickfish.com/Entertainment/Stacker2?tab=overview
I work with them so let me know if you have any questions. If you enter, shoot me an e-mail and I’d be happy to vote for your design. By the way, I hope you don’t mind me commenting on your post. Good luck to those entering.
Franklin Keane
http://www.6hrpower.com
Franklin6hrpower@gmail.com