E3 2004: Sony's Conference

[Razor Blade]

I can't let Fawad have all the fun. Okay here's the latest from Sony.

Sony held their press event this morning on a soundstage in downtown LA, and Gaming Horizon was there to bring you all of the news. The conference featured new information on previously announced titles, the unveiling of the new PSP handheld, and even a discussion of the “cell” which is what many consider to be the heart of the PS3. Other than the PSP, there wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but there were a lot of little interesting tidbits throughout the show.
About halfway through the event, the PSP was brought out, and it’s safe to say that everyone was impressed. The device is bigger than expected, but it does feature a great looking 4.3 inch 16x9 LCD screen. Details were extremely sketchy on battery life as three different example were given, ranging from 2.5 hours to 10 hours. The PSP will use a proprietary 1.6 GB disc, which Sony is also pushing as a new way to deliver music and movie content. Final Fantasy: Advent Children was announced as being one of the first movies that will be released for the system, and a Spiderman 2 trailer was shown as well. A brief Incubus video was shown to demonstrate how music companies could combine a traditional album and music videos into one sleek portable package. There wasn’t much talk about the games, but there were quite a few interesting things in the video montage that was show. Gran Turismo 4 mobile, a new Ape Escape, a game that looked like it could be a new Metal Gear, Tiger Woods, NFL Street, NBA Street, Soccer, and Need For Speed Underground were all part of the video. The graphics were astounding and looked on par with early PS2 titles. The system will support the wireless standard 802.11b to enable gamers to take on each other without having to sit next to each other. There was also a diagram showing the PSP hooked up to a PSP, something which will open up huge possibilities. The PSP is set for release at the end of the year in Japan, and the end of the 1st quarter in the United States and Europe.

Sony also took the expected step of lowering the price of the PS2 to $149. This price will be effective for both the basic system and the one that includes the network adapter and ATV Offroad Fury 2. A number of games that will use the Eye Toy were shown, and one of the more interesting titles that will use the peripheral will be the next Dance Dance Revolution game, though no mention was made on how it would be used. As expected, Sony also trumpeted the success of the network adapter, and they also a mentioned a mass storage device that could be used in lieu of a hard drive or a memory card.

Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal was also revealed to be an online enabled game, and the development team provided a demonstration of what is in store. Two teams of four fought to take over each other’s base, in what can only be described as feverish action. There were all sorts of gadgets being used, and there were plenty of AI defenses in place around the bases to make things interesting. Yes, you CAN turn your opponents into sheep.

The rest of the event featured little surprises. There were several video packages that showed footage of games that will be at the show, some new footage and some old. The videos of DRIV3R looked very impressive, and the short clips of the new Mortal Kombat were very sharp. Last but not least, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was announced as a Playstation 2 exclusive title, though that was the extent to which the game was discussed.

All in all there weren’t many surprises, but when you’re in the position that Sony is in, you don’t really need to surprise people.

[Raziel]

Originally Posted by Razor Blade

..but when you’re in the position that Sony is in, you don’t really need to surprise people.

Wrong, it's surprises that keep people interested in you, stay idle and you'll get a damn hard slap in your face, Nintendo learned that with the N64.

[Razor Blade]

Originally Posted by Raziel

Wrong, it's surprises that keep people interested in you, stay idle and you'll get a damn hard slap in your face, Nintendo learned that with the N64.

LOL. You know I didn't write all that right. Anyways here are some shots from the event taken this morning.

[Raziel]

In all honnesty, this year's Sony's E3 show didn't impress me, sure the PSP is a nice and powerful system, but, what else ? I mean, dunno, it lacks something, dunno how to express it, it doesn't give me the feeling it'll be a winner.

[Razor Blade]

It's been going on for only a couple days. There's still much more to be shown off. Ever hear of surprises?

>>I mean, dunno, it lacks something

Hm I wish I could tell what your talking about. Honestly I think it will be a great contender in the Handheld Market. It's got the looks, the hardware, the thirs party develoers, the titles coming soon for it, the fans, I mean other than what the games actually play like and the price, it IS awinner in my eyes. But I can see how many people would be skeptical. I mean everyone was with the original Playstation. Some people find it hard to accept new things.

[INCA]

I'm just happy that the psp looks like something that you wouldnt be embrassed to carry around. Still i know nothings set and it could be complete crap, but i think its gonna be good competition in year or two for handheld market.

[Syed Fawad]

Originally Posted by Raziel

In all honnesty, this year's Sony's E3 show didn't impress me, sure the PSP is a nice and powerful system, but, what else ? I mean, dunno, it lacks something, dunno how to express it, it doesn't give me the feeling it'll be a winner.

E3 didn't impress? I'd rather wait till its over before I make my word on it

I say, this E3 has gone quite well. All we need now is a nnouncement of a new console by Sega

If it be a handheld, then I'l personally be going berserk for at least 24 hours.

[ShadowDancer]

Originally Posted by Syed Fawad

E3 didn't impress? I'd rather wait till its over before I make my word on it

I say, this E3 has gone quite well. All we need now is a nnouncement of a new console by Sega

If it be a handheld, then I'l personally be going berserk for at least 24 hours.

Is Sega going to have a press conference and if so, when is it going to be?

[Razor Blade]

Wel if they do it would most likely be at the end to go out with a bang.

[Syed Fawad]

Originally Posted by Razor Blade

Wel if they do it would most likely be at the end to go out with a bang.

I hope you're right, but Sega announced recently about another Phantasy Star Online, could this be their "big surprise"? I hope not.

[Razor Blade]

I hope not too. That is kinda weak. I mean I am more exited that they will be developing for the PSP and DS. If it isn;'t as big as a console or hardware peice thats fine, but at least make it a wicked game or something.

[Syed Fawad]

Originally Posted by Razor Blade

I hope not too. That is kinda weak. I mean I am more exited that they will be developing for the PSP and DS. If it isn;'t as big as a console or hardware peice thats fine, but at least make it a wicked game or something.

I agree man. Say got any info on Sega's conference?

And got any links to the MGS3 trailer?

[Razor Blade]

Not really. I don't think they had their conference yet actually. The latest news from Sega is that they confirmed development for the PSP and DS and announced 2 titles for each. Puyo Pop Fever and Project S for PSP and Sonic DS and Project Rub for the DS

I'll update more and make a thread as soon as I get more info

(I can't find the trailer anywhere!)

[Syed Fawad]

Originally Posted by Razor Blade

Not really. I don't think they had their conference yet actually. The latest news from Sega is that they confirmed development for the PSP and DS and announced 2 titles for each. Puyo Pop Fever and Project S for PSP and Sonic DS and Project Rub for the DS

I'll update more and make a thread as soon as I get more info

(I can't find the trailer anywhere!)

Well, IGN has a crappy quality one. It is divided into 6-7 parts each of 35Mb!

Not for 56kers