Sony Media Event

Covered by Jeb Haught

 

At a recent press event in L.A., I was lucky enough to experience most of Sony's fall lineup on both the PS2 and the PSP. This small gathering felt just like playing games at home with friends, complete with a seemingly never-ending stock of beer. In addition, I was able to grill developers of each game to see what sets them apart from others.

Screenshot of Shadow of the Colossus (Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment America)

PS2
Surprisingly, several popular franchise titles, like Socom 3 and Ratchet: Deadlocked, were M.I.A. As a result, I started out with what I consider to be the best title at the event, Shadow of the Colossus. In this unique game, made by the developers of Ico, the player takes on the role of a young warrior armed only with a bow and a magical sword. He must defeat several giant (and I mean GIANT) enemies that seem to be made of stone. The only way that he can accomplish this daunting task is to literally climb his way up their gigantic bodies and plunge his sword into their weak spots. Defeating some of these colossi is made even more difficult by the fact that some of these giants fly through the air or swim in the ocean. I am very impressed with the sense of scale and ethereal feel of this game and look forward to its release.

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai is loosely based on the oldest recorded story in Japanese history. Players can choose between two noble samurai who must take on supernatural forces and slash their way through hordes of enemies. Several graceful, yet deadly, moves are available that can sometimes seem almost too powerful. If the outcome of the fight looks bleak, super moves with slow motion camera effects can occasionally be used that give the player a much needed edge. My only complaint is that the levels are small and pieced together instead of being one large area.

Eyetoy: Kinetic finally give gamers the ability to actually get in shape while still playing a video game. Using the eyetoy camera peripheral, it features actual training programs that are broken up into different categories. These programs force players to move their arms, legs, and body in ways that mimic authentic workouts. Players can also create their own training programs and string them together however they choose.

One unexpected title that was showcased is Neopets: The Darkest Faerie. This action adventure game is based on the popular online game and lets the player switch between two main characters that each sport different abilities and attacks. For instance, one character is good at melee attacks with various hand weapons while the other utilizes magical distance attacks. Neopets looks like it will be a great adventure for both young and old.

Screenshot of Gretzky NHL '06 (Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment America)

NBA '06 was playable on both the PS2 and the PSP. This title features a new behind-the-scenes story mode and the ability to cultivate rookies into superstar players. In addition, players with mad skills can influence other players and even the crowd. The PS2 version includes over twenty addictive mini games that can help relieve the stress of managing a b-ball team while PSP owners can look forward to trading virtual cards that feature authentic NBA ballers in action.

Gretzky NHL '06 for the PS2 and PSP was also playable. Both versions introduce the ‘Wayne vs. Wayne' mode where players can temporarily call upon the master of hockey, Wayne Gretzky, to assist them on the ice. This gives the player a 6 to 5 advantage and forces their opponent to double up on defense. In addition, players are rewarded through ‘Team Chemistry', which includes sharing the puck and playing good defense. For the PSP version, two exclusive arcade-style modes have been added, 3 vs. 3 Countdown and NHL Showdown.

 

PSP
Fans of the MediEvil series will be thrilled to see their bony pal on the PSP in MediEvil: Resurrection. Sir Daniel Fortesque must defeat the nefarious sorcerer Zarok and his undead army before they take over the land. Several characters and areas from past MediEvil games make an appearance as well as new friends and enemies. Our hero has access to twenty different weapons and over one hundred moves to use against the undead army. MediEvil: Resurrection is a PSP exclusive and should make a welcome addition to its portable library of games.

Screenshot of The Con (Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment America)

The Con is an unusual fighting game that places gamers in the seedy world of illegal fighting matches. Each character's appearance can be customized, and several fighting styles are employed, from Jeet Kun Do to street boxing. This title also incorporates tag team fighting and a unique over-the-shoulder view to place you in the middle of the action. In-game money can be accrued by betting on your own matches or even betting on the opponent and throwing the match. But don't let the crowd know your intentions or you won't get the payoff. The Con should be an interesting fighter for the PSP.

Kingdom of Paradise is the last title that I previewed. It is a Role Playing Game set in the ancient lands of feudal Japan that lets players create customized martial arts combos using earned moves. These maneuvers can then be used against multiple enemies or large boss enemies. Of course, several weapons and items can be gathered along the way. In addition, the character's attributes can be upgraded to create the ultimate warrior! Unfortunately, this title doesn't look like it will be released in 2005, but should be worth the wait.

 

Sony seems to have a strong lineup for the holiday season for both the PS2 and the PSP. When you add in the sequels to their already established franchises (most of which weren't available at this event), lucrative sales are almost guaranteed! For those of you who can't wait, MediEvil: Resurrection, Gretzky NHL 2006, Sly Cooper 3, and Genji: Dawn of the Samurai will be released this month (September).