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PS3 At TGS - The Last Stand

Posted Sep 20, 2006 at 09:05AM by Christopher C. Listed in: Devil May Cry 4, Heavenly Sword, Killzone 2, Lair, Resistance: Fall of Man, Final Fantasy XIII, Games, Opinions & Analysis Tags: Microsoft, Japan, Sony, HDMI, Factor 5, Killzone
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The next gen wars are kind of like the Royal Rumble (bear with me while I explain the analogy).

Wannabe's like the Phantom Game Console clamber into the ring with visions of greatness, former champs and industry stalwarts like Nintendo dive in under the ropes looking for one more shot at title, precocious young tykes like Microsoft strut in with cautious optimism, while last years reigning champ Sony slowly pushes the ropes down as he swaggers into the ring, one leg at a time, assured of victory.

Just like the Royal Rumble, there's always one idiot who gets overzealous and is chucked out seconds after flying into the ring, much to the amusement of onlookers, he vows to be back but we all know he's gone for good.

At this point all bets are off, it's anybody's game. The old stalwart has a pretty good shot, he's a fan favorite, everyone's got a soft spot for him (I seem to remember Hulk Hogan winning the Rumble when he was in his late sixties, of course, the Hulkster never loses a fight ever, except to Mr. T). The precocious newcomer also has a pretty good chance of coming out on top, we'll call him the Heart Break Kid in this analogy. He's flashy with a bag of new tricks and he's promising the world. Well what about the reigning champ? Right now things don't look so good for him, he's kinda like Andre the Giant at this point, sorta slow moving and just wading through guys through sheer force of will, but he looks vulnerable, now he's on the ropes and it looks like his competitors are straining to lift him up and tip him over the edge. But it ain't quite that easy.

Most people have accepted that the PS3 will be the most powerful next generation console available,  it's also unquestionably the most versatile (HDMI+1080p+Interchangeable HDD's+non-proprietary memory formats and Blu-Ray FTW!). In addition, taking into account the PlayStation brands track record of stellar third party support it's a given that the platfrom will see an impressive number of solid first party titles, by all accounts we should be swearing over our first born children and worshipping at the altar of the Sony PlayStation 3... so why aren't we? Why is there so much hate in the media and press for Sony's big black bundle of joy? Why are we still wondering whether King Sony will have a hard time coming out on top this gen? Simply put, what's the weak link in the chain?

Here's a hint, it isn't the machine, it isn't the software lineup either, it's the people steering the ship. Well, perhaps that's not entirely accurate, it's more what they're saying and what they're not doing that's killing the PS3 in the media. Thankfully (and yet somehow frustratingly) the mouths at Sony have clammed up, and in the past few months we've heard little to nothing from Krazy Ken, Garrulous George and er... Cantankerous Kaz. In the next few days, that's all going to change. The Tokyo Game Show is Sony's last stand. What have they got that they might be able to wow us with? Let's see...


Killzone


Killzone PS3

No, it won't be at the show, let's just get that out of the way first. Most say Sony's intentionally keeping Killzone on the hush, hush for two good reasons:
  • In order not to harm or steal the spotlight for Insomniac's high profile PS3 launch title Resistance: Fall of Man.
  • They'd like to get it as close as possible to the level of visual fidelity seen that very first CG video from E3 2005.
Personally I think it's got more to do with the former than the latter, but we can always hope. Apart from interfering with Resistance's impending massive ad campaign, Killzone is being developed by a Western development studio, and TGS has traditionally featured and focused on games developed in the East.

Chances it'll be at the show? Very low, I'd say right around when Helghan freezes over, yuk, yuk! So when can we expect to hear some news on Killzone? Don't hold your breath, I doubt we'll be seeing or hearing much from the guys at Guerrilla till a few months after Resistance hits. Speak of the devil...


Resistance Logo


Resistance: Fall of Man

Wait, didn't I just say traditionally Western developed games don't feature at TGS? Yeah, but like the article title suggests, this really is the PS3's last stand. Resistance is a launch title and Sony can't afford not to utilise a stage as grand as TGS presents to convince gamers that Resistance can go the distance, add to that the fact that the Ratchet and Clank games (also developed by Insomniac) sell surprisingly well in Japan, and it's pretty much assured we'll be seeing and playing the game in Tokyo. Well, that and the fact Sony have confirmed it'll be there.

What's the latest nooz on the Resistance effort?

Pretty interesting actually, word is that Resistance has come a long way since E3, with new lighting and enhanced models added to the mix have a look at these comparison screens compiled by Wollan of NeoGAF:

Resistance


Yeah, it's looking that good. Where the original Killzone was once touted as the  PS2's Halo killer (to the detriment of the title and the developer) it seems that some people (Shane Bettenhausen of 1up)  are drawing  parallels between Resistance and the boost Bungie's Halo gave to the Xbox at its launch: "It's totally Halo, while GoW branches into a weird GRAW-meets-Resident Evil 4, by-way-of UT, direction. Sure, it looks choice...but 8-player max "stop-n-pop" gameplay isn't exactly Halo. And well, people like Halo. If Resistance can out-Halo Gears...Xmas should be terribly interesting." Couldn't agree more Shane... that said I'm totally stoked about Gears.

At this point it seems as though Resistance will receive the fill brunt of Sony's launch marketing push. The game's apparently almost done, with Insomniac focusing on polish, polish and more polish right now. If you're still under the impression that this is just another WWII shooter, think again, Resistance is going to be huge for PS3.


DMC


Devil May Cry 4

The DMC series is 2 for 3 outings so far, the first was a stellar action adventure title that debuted on the PS2 and gave gamers a taste of fast paced over the top action of the incredibly stylish sort. The second was craptacular (that is to say, bad, and not in a good way) and that's all we'll say about that. The third was a huge return to form that not only expanded the design of the first, but breathed life into the formula. DMC 4 promises to do even better. Dante reportedly takes a back seat to newly introduced protagonist, Nero (pictured  in the first screen dealing much damage to some  malcontent marionettes. He's armed with a stupefyingly powerful double barreled revolver, a highly  customizable giganto-sword called the "Red Queen", and a demonically possessed right arm that loves to deal damage in large doses.

DMC - Image 1    DMC - Image 2    DMC - Image 3 


So what's the new news? Well we're hearing word that the game is surprisingly far along, with 2 years of development behind it. Capcom have said Sony specifically hinted to them that the title be ready as close to the PS3's launch as possible. Capcom, kudos to them said "Hey, this is DMC4, we won't rush it!"

The latest issue of Game Informer magazine also hints at the possibility (however slight) that DMC 4 might make use of the PS3's online capabilities in some form. (Cross your fingers).

Expect it to not only make an appearance at TGS, but to be playable as well.


Heavenly Banner


Heavenly Sword

I think people are going to be pretty surprised at the scope of this project when we finally get a good, proper look at this game. What we've seen so far has been confined to a relatively small arena in the game world, the concept art we've got a glimpse at promises wide open sand covered vistas, forests at night, and ancient temples all waiting to be explored.

There's still a big question mark hanging over Heavenly Sword despite it's positive showings at both previous E3's. E3 2006 proved that the game's combat mechanic was pretty solid, but we're still waiting to see just how deep, varied and engaging the game really is. Of particular interest is the game's story, which we still don't know an awful lot about to be honest, we know Andy Serkis (of Lord of the Rings fame) will be providing and directing most of the game's extensive motion capture work, and that... well, not much else.

Again it might be a little odd to see a game developed in the West being showcased front and center at the Tokyo Game Show, but when you consider the content of Heavenly Sword and it's obvious Wushu influence, it makes sense doesn't it? The basic gameplay at E3 already seemed pretty tight, and the spit and shine applied to the game in the year between its showings at E3' 05 and E3 '06 was pretty impressive so we're looking forward to seeing what it looks like now.


Lair

Lair


There are those who say Factor 5 makes great looking games that are all glitz glamour and little substance, well, the company's track record kinda supports that claim. Star Wars Rogue Leader and Star Wars Rogue Squadron for the Gamecube were technical achievements that stand out as amazing examples of graphical wiz-bangery, but most would agree that they weren't too tasty when you got to the meat and potatoes of the gameplay.

That said Factor 5 have always delivered a polished experience, and there are rumblings that Lair looks absolutely stunning. For some reason we've only caught glimpses here and there of the title, some of it real time footage, and some CG pre-rendered sequences. It looks like at TGS we'll finally find out exactly what Lair is about. Here's hoping it lives up to the hype.


Final Fantasy XIII

FF


What's new? Not much, actually pretty much nothing right now. This'll be our first major look at FFXIII since its unveiling at E3. It'll be interesting to see how well it compares to Mistwalker's Lost Odyssey.


Sony's Secret

Unknown


Hey, I'm not privy to any info here, I'm just saying I really can't see Sony coming to TGS without some sort of surprise, whether it's hardware (putting rumble in the Sixaxis?) or software related (will the real GT, please stand up?) I'm sure they've got something waiting in the wings to ensure they seal the deal.


Ultimately the most exciting thing about the PS3 at TGS is that pretty much anything could happen. Despite the fact that we know the consoles specs, price and launch numbers, we still don't know all that much about what will truly make or break the console, the games. So um, what games are you guys looking forward to at TGS?

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26 Comments


Sort by:
   by 1st (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » 1st
DAMN IT !!! IF U ARE FIRST, THEN DON'T SAY IT !!!

Yea ! Nice job !

   by 2nd (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » 2nd
Yea, i totally agree. I hate those "first post!!!" noobs -.-

   by chief (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » oh well
when all is said and done i will still be getting my ps3 at launch and nothing will stand in my way, seriously how does ms think that upgrading there firmware so that there games will be in 1080p(didnt they say it was not needed) will change anyones mind from getting a ps3. i guess what kaz said was right, it goes like this "we cant seem to shake em, its like we do one thing and bam there goes ms taking notes and copying." somthing like that.

   by Enigma (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » It Begins
All i can say is that someone is looking to come out all guns blazing, and i cant wait to see what the secret is hmmmm.

   by hmm (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » Well
This is the TGS and all the stops are pulled out from the ground and Sony will finally tell the world they are here. Now granted MS will have some nice doozies too but they did kind of give a good portion of it away today so the hype is nice right now but once Sony reps open their mouths with all the good times to hear all will forget what MS tried to do.

Seriously though I don't know why MS goes to TGS and do a pre-show. It's kind of silly they lose all the thunder for all was said days earlier.... I mean that's why Nintendo is vurtually a no-show for they said everything already last week.

   by Dave (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » n00bz
You forgot MGS4.

   by phalanges - 2006-09-20
 » Sony's secret?
A $50 price drop for the PS3....I know, wishful thinking.

   by daz (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » no.7
to be honest a $50 price drop wouldnt suprise me, infact i think it would do sony the world of good to drop the price, even if its only by $25. Shed loads are already on pre-order, and with the Playstation brand being so huge, it'll sell shed loads and a price drop between $25-$50 would certainly get more people jumping on the Ps3 Bandwagon

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   by chief (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » wtf
will $50 do, sh#t they better make it a $100 price drop

   by Paramore - 2006-09-20

Or better yet, 100 dollar price drop. MS would ***** their pants.

   by the alert (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » ps3 power in motion
release one ps3 model the 60g one .and sell it for 499. that would blow
wii.360 away for good.

   by hmm (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » Unfortunatly
That would blow sony away for good too. Remember sony is already taking a large loss for selling the ps3 at this affordable price. If they drop it another 100 dollars it would almost for sure have them lose well more than they can afford. Besides 600 is a good price I'm a believer though sometimes it may not sound it I really am. PS3 will sell well end of story but it's not gonna matter if it has 80% or 20% of the people MS, Nintendo, and Sony will all make another console when the time comes.

   by Hardgamer (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » Gran Turismo
Maybe the surprise will be Gran Turismo 5 for PS3...

   by lansingone - 2006-09-20
 » i remember now
thats right sony said thay will show somthing off at TGS, and that it would be somthing that would keep us excited till launch. and here it is a few days before TGS, i wonder what it is

   by nic (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » !
i wouldn't be suprised if they put the price UP by $100. thats what happened with the ps2 in NZ on release.

   by Manny (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » PS3
Whatever it is I'm sure it will catch everybody off guard. I don't even want to try and guess because I'll just be wasting my time. I mean look at the motion sensing controller, no one saw that comming right. I'm just excited to find out what's new with Sony. I would love it if the showed up with Killzone and it looked as good as it did on the trailers. That would just shut M$ the hell up and it would give PS fans tons of ammunition to rag on 360 fanboys.

   by neis (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » price drop or show worth?
I think dropping the price would be suicide considering how much PS3 production costs...what they can do is show why it would be worth that kind of money and throw in things in the bundle.

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   by non fanboy (Unregistered) - 2006-09-20
 » Foolish fanbiotches
Look at all of these broke ass fanbiotches "wishing" for a "pricedrop"!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!!

get a job!!!

   by TheProfessor - 2006-09-20
 » Well they said secret hardware will be shown as well
There is no question Sony will own TGS, with all the announcements already. Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Level 5 RPG, Resistance looking amazing, GTHD launching Dec 5, Ridge Racer 7 on launch (Japan). Lair and DMC4 playable. New MSG4 trailer with gameplay video (screenshots are shown in the latest famitsu)

All they have to do now is announce Silent Hill 5. Announce Final Fantasy 7 Remake for launch. Increase the hard drive size since they are getting cheaper. New Eye toy included in the box. God of War 3 video. Dragon Quest 9 confirmed. New Ico team game shown. Some online demonstrations and as a finally I crap in my pants at 3AM while reading this on some blog site with pictures and all.

   by Vecha - 2006-09-20
 » heh
"Announce Final Fantasy 7 Remake for launch"

if sony did this...they wouldn't have to worry about the other games.

   by RommelTJ - 2006-09-20
 » Theories on the surprise.
How about interchangeable cover thingies for the PS3. Its always cool to be able to customize your stuff. It would kick XBox ass if you could change the whole color of the case, not just the faceplate. Plus, its trendy right now, with all those people buying ipods and all. I hate Ipods....

-or-

How about the return of the PS3 boomerang controller as an optional accessory. Was I the only one that liked it? The thing looks retro as hell. I love it.

Anyway, great article Christopher Rabbit.

   by [BOT] Bob - 2006-09-20
 » yeah
I really liked the original controller design. The only reason it seemed bad was because some people heard a couple of people whining about it and then automatically agree whilst no one had even touched. WTF?

   by Brawling_Mad (Unregistered) - 2006-09-21
 » i wonder....
perhaps the surprise is tht they are gonna assisinate bill gates, now THT would be good news!!

also, wheres MGS4!!!!!! they have gotta show tht at TGS, its HUGE!!! the japs love it aswell.

@ 18, i do have a job, i am a fanboy, i have the money for the console, and a price drop would be nice. Now, wheres the basis for your comment????

   by #3 (Unregistered) - 2006-09-21
 » yea about note
yea about taking notes a little thing called a HARD DRIVE. im pretty sure sony came up with that idea all on their own along with their motion sensing controller. and oh wait another sony invention...online gaming! remember how sony said that wouldnt work last gen? remember? im sure u did when u where on xbox live ;)

   by hmm (Unregistered) - 2006-09-21
 » It'll be good
I don't think they'll announce FF7 remake for launch but think about it for a second when did FF7 come out? That's right 9.3.97

So maybe they'll announce a 10 year anniversery FF7 remake coming out in 07! HA if only right

   by s man (Unregistered) - 2006-09-21
 » re: yea about note
@24, Actually I think the Dreamcast was the first console to do online gaming. Those were the good ol' days. When seaman was thriving and powerstone was king.



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