[PS3] PlayStation 3 Discussion Thread

I don't know how old the news is, as I haven't been following much PS3 news lately, but I recently learned that Half-Life 2 is confirmed for the system.

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Some major announcements were made recently by EA's Studio Showcase 2006 Valve. Half-Life 2 for the PlayStation3 and the Xbox 360 will come with Episodes One and Two.

This may mean that we'll getting our grubby paws on the gravity gun before the end of 2006.

Episode Two for the PC will also be launched at the same time Half-Life 2 for the 360 and the PS3 is released. Other delayed promised games for the PC like Team Fortress 2 and Portal will be included free of charge when you purchase Episode 2. So PC stalwarts needn't feel left out.

If only the Xbox 360 and PS3 fans could get this same treat... Oh well. Being able to play Half-Life 2 might just be enough!

If HL2 makes launch, then I guess that makes it the game of choice for me, as I've never played the PC or XB version. The only thing I'm wondering is if the game still looks incredible when pitted against other next-gen launch games. Or maybe I just answered my own question.

Also, a rumored TGS list was posted.

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Here are the games we expected:

* Resident Evil 5
* Devil May Cry 4
* Assassin's Creed
* Grand Theft Auto IV
* Siren 3
* Metal Gear Solid 4
* Final Fantasy XIII
* Tekken 6
* Silent Hill 5
* Spider Man 3

Here are a few surprizes:

* Killzone 3
* Fatal Frame 4
* Onimusha 5
* Kingdom Hearts 3
* Sequel to Shadow of the Colossus
* Sneak Peak at God of War 3
* Ninja Gaiden 2
* Battlefield 3 or believed to be Battlefield 2142
* Sneak Peak at Zone of the Enders 3

It's most likely fake (it's way too soon for KH3), but who knows. It'll be a cruel joke if someone was lying about ZOE3 though.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Well, most of those games did debut on the PS2 (or PS1 even). Sony has as much right to make sequels to their greatest hits as Nintendo does (not numbering Mario and Zelda doesn't hide the fact that they're still sequels).

Besides, I believe the main purpose of the TGS is to tantalize people with established names. Save the original properties for E3 or in the magazines, but in this case the people want to see more MGS/FF/DMC footage above anything else.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

The lack of any real PS3 news leaves me flustered. I need more information on the games and features coming out to help ease the pain of losing $600. I'm especially interested in how PS3's online interface will work. I like a lot of the ideas Xbox Live has (downloading free demos), so I'm hoping Sony can follow up.

IGN says that they'll be having an overload of exclusive PS3 news starting next week, so let's see if their boast proves true. And then there's that french electronic show where Sony "might" reveal some more news by the end of the month.

How ya doing, buddy?

Looks like Sony is giving Resistence: Fall of Man the most attention of the launch games.

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Prepare yourselves for an invasion, because it looks like Sony is giving it everything that they've got when it comes to the sci-fi first-person shooter, Resistance: Fall of Man. Some may not buy into the aliens-invaded-us-during-WWII-and-all-the-earth's-forces-have-to-ward-them-off storyline, but maybe if bombarded with an ingenious marketing strategy they would deem it worthy of a second look.

We've all had the notion that this title would have heavy marketing, but just today, Sony confirms that hunch by releasing this statement through their official forum.

"Sony Computer Entertainment America will support Resistance: Fall of Man with a blockbuster multimillion dollar marketing campaign. This will include aggressive national television, print, online and viral advertising campaigns, full promotional support, dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support, broad-based public relations support, an immersive and interactive website and feature coverage in the Official PlayStation Magazine/Underground DVD."

If Sony's marketing strategy does not get your attention, then this entry from James Stevenson's blog, newest addition to the Insomniac family might.

"Obviously, the other fun part is getting to play games. We’ve had lunch tests of multiplayer in order to get 40 people online and playing Resistance at the same time. This works out really well – Insomniac brings in lunch for us, we scarf down the food and then wipe off our hands before picking up a PS3 controller and getting down to business. I’m looking forward to more of these as we get closer to launch."

-QJ.Net

Interesting. While Resistence was one of the launch games I was interested in, I'm still reserved on making it the priority game considering it's an FPS. For a look at what next-gen can do, I was leaning toward games like Lair, Heavenly Sword, or Assasin's Creed. FPS games can always cut corners.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Last I checked, my Gamestop was taking pre-orders, but I'm still deciding which store is the best place to reserve it. There are some factors to consider, like which store will offer the best bonus (if any), which ones offer the best warranty (for $600, you'd better be able to replace it if it breaks without any hassle), and so on.

FELIPE NO

It's a slick menu, but I hope you'll be able to customize it with buttons, wallpapers, and even sounds of your choice.

Today may be the day for some big PS3 announcements.

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Leipzig Will Be Ground Zero for PS3 Announcements
Posted Aug 20, 2006 at 01:16AM by Alaric S.

Listed in: Rumors
Tags: Sony, scee, Europe, Leipzig, Leipzig Games Convention, Sony Computer Entertainment According to SPOnG, that is. The team said they had a chat with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) about the you know what and they claim the drought of PS3 info is about to end. The team said the company will make a series of "major announcements being made this coming Monday from Leipzig." What's in Leipzig aside from dancing horses? The Leipzig Games Convention, of course.

Sony's opening salvo is perfectly timed, a day before the convention opens, to hog the spotlight. "We can assure you that this first unveiling will...be something...very unlikely to have foreseen, coming from way out of left field. Suffice to say it brought a smile to our face as we think it will do yours" the SPOnG team continued to tease.

After the lukewarm reception of the PS3 at the E3, the entire Sony organization (except Phil Harrison) appeared to have gone into mute mode. But the silence is about to be broken and let's hope this time it will be more than dancing horse's manure hype.

The only question I have is what time of the day will we be receiving the announcements. It figures that I also start my next class today (but I'll have a PC in the classroom, so it'll be all good).

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I laughed until I found out it was true. Then I just sighed.

So how long does this show last anyway? I just read that the MGS4 trailer should/will be available this Wednesday.

Of other interest, Resistence is reportedly improving in the graphics department. They say there will be a world of difference from E3 until launch day.









Looks nice (especially the alien, which is a far cry from the jaggy screenshots in the recent EGM), but I'll still wait for more news before I decide which launch game will be worth getting.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Armored Core 4 trailer.

http://ps3.qj.net/Hot-Hot-Trailer-Fo...g/49/aid/62764

Looks outstanding....IF it's all realtime.

It's always been my one major gaming dream to be able to fully simulate the experience of piloting a sleek, heavily armed robot across cityscapes, underwater, and the endless sky. I think a major part of the experience has to do with visuals, so surely the PS3 should be the system that will finally bring the mech experience to life.

Just imagine if they make a ZOE 3 with graphics like that.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Yeah, it does seem fluid enough, which should be the norm for all future mech games. But I also hope the visuals can match the CG, at least by the time Armored Core 5 comes out.

Unreal Tournament 2007.





http://www.gamescathedral.de/gamesca...rder=0&thold=0

Good God.

The video was sort of "meh" though.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

http://www.gfdata.de/archiv08-2006-gamefront/2083.html



I still can't get over how shiny, shiny, shiny the PS3 is. I'm going to have to keep a cloth inside my room at all times to polish off the inevitable dust and fingerprints.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

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I was disappointed that the trailer for Lair was just a pre-rendered scene,

You sure? It looked pretty realtime to me. At least, I'm hoping it was, considering that the screenshots have been pretty awesome so far.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Good to know, because that last shot with the sunset looked VERY promising, especially since this is a first generation PS3 game. Good times ahead...

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I am immediately reminded of Vampire Hunter D. A sarcastic talking hand for Dante would be a pretty cool addition.

Bleh.

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Sometimes old news is still news worth writing about, especially when it's "insider" information about the PS3 launch, PS3 games, and the PSP. Hey, just because other people have known about it since before August 18 doesn't mean that everybody has had access to it, right? More importantly, people aren't done talking about it yet, and there's still lots more to be said.

More than a week ago, The Professor told us about an article over at genmay.com, and here's what that article had to say:

"The launch lineup is shrinking."

* Bad News: What was supposed to be 30 titles (both 1st and 3rd party games) has gone down to 15 titles (Scrivener couldn't get more specific because the list "literally changes by the hour").
* Good News: Postponing some of the games means more development time. This means better quality. Example: Heavenly Sword was revealed at E3 but will be released in March. But it now has "layers and layers of detail" and "looks like f***ing Advent Children" and has gotten a "God of War type violence upgrade."
* Killzone 2 is still in development and is PS3's "secret weapon." Scrivener says, "Announcements are being held back until closer to the PS3 launch as it's going to generate a monumental amount of buzz."
* Lair will be held back to at least summer of 2007, but promises to be "absof***inglutely incredible" thanks to "unscripted AI-driven massive scale battles (we're talking Helms Deep here)" where you control a single dragon and rider. Basically the AI is "playing an RTS with itself" and your character simply tries change the tide of the battle.
* Resistance: Fall of Man is supposed to be a mix of Half Life 2 and Call of Duty. Scrivener says, "I f***ing hate both those games so I was not terribly impressed with the single player. Now multiplayer is a whole different beast, because the weapons are strange as f***." Also, the system checks the distances and environment and mimics the distortion caused by echoes and all that. Unfortunately, the game won't be out until the first part of 2007 or later.

Scrivener also got into the whole Blu-ray debate: the Xbox 360 uses DVD9 while the PS3 uses BD discs. This means that a PS3 disc will fit in more data: that means more details, more textures, and just more. What Scrivener basically said was:

* There was a demo of an upcoming sports game (Scrivener couldn't say which game).
o One was on Xbox 360 (DVD9) connected to an HDTV (720P).
o The other was on PS3 (BD50) and HDTV (720P).
o The PS3's was better.
* The reason why the BD50 one was better: the 360 could have handled the high resolutions, but they won't fit on the disc. So the 360 suffers. 85% of the games in development for the PS3, according to Scrivener, will not fit on a single DVD9.

Also according to Scriviner: BD is the way to go. Why? He has his reasons: 80% of manufacturing plants are adopting Blu-Ray, Sony has clout in the movie industry, and BD movie costs are now $20 to $30.

Well, Scrivener is not an unbiased writer, but he has a reputation for not making stuff up. While we at QJ have yet to come to a consensus about the whole BD-vs-DVD thing, we'll leave you with some things to think about:

* Do you think that having your game shipped in more than one disc is a problem?
* If the future of next-gen consoles is all about better processing speeds and all that, do the game cinematics really need to be squeezed into a CD, or could they just be rendered on the spot as you play the game?

-QJ.net

It's funny how this supposed expert is trying to hype up the PS3 while delivering bad news about the game delays at the same time. I thought Resistence was a 100% confirmed launch title. There's absolutely nothing to look forward to this November if all these games are delayed (aside from ports like Half Life 2 and FEAR).

FELIPE NO

First official PS3 box-art.



I like it. No more giant logo on the top. Keeping it to the side frees up space.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I liked the idea of changing the Blu-Ray header color from blue to black. It gives the box more of a Playstation look, and it should help people differentiate from movies and PS3 games.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

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During a conference held last week by an unspecified "Sony PlayStation management" representatives with market analysts, Sony clarified rumors and reports about the cut down in PS3 shipments for its November launch.

According to a report filed by Colin Sebastian, an analyst from Lazard Capital Markets, Sony representatives explained the actual breakdown of shipments for the PS3's premium and core units saying that the split between the 60GB with HDMI output units and the 20GB ones will be 80-20 percent respectively.

Sony also said that because they have refined and improved their BluRay laser supplies (yep, the same stuff that's also reportedly causing the cutdown in production), the production of PS3 units is expected to increase to an additional 1.2 million units per month.

The representatives also said that another 800,000 units will be shipped throughout the rest of the year in addition to the 400,00 units that are set to be sent out specifically for the console's November 17th launch. Sony expects a total of 1.2 million units to hit both US and Japan shelves by the end of December.

As for the services that will be made available at the PS3 launch, Colin Sebastian commented that a wide variety of network functionality will be ready such as gamer rankings, video, audio, and text chat, and limited content downloads including casual games and game updates. However, due to storage and bandwidth constraints, fully downloadable games won't be made available.

Regarding the machine's internet browsing capabilities, there are conflicting statements about its availability come November. We'll try to get the official word about this and update you as soon as as possible.

Sebastian's report also said that the TGS will prove to be an important event for the company, as this is where Sony will reveal in detail their online service, including the leveraging of the company's music and video divisions within the network application. Sony also announced that their new PSP entertainment bundle will include a UMD movie, its ATV Off Road Fury, and a 1GB memory stick. However, the company did not say how much this new pack will sell for and when it will be made available.

-QJ.net

Whether or not Sony keeps its promise and delivers a sufficient amount of units come launch day, I have a question.

I understand there's going to be the usual crowd of people who will line up for hours on end to get the system, but what about someone who reserves the system in advance (even though last I checked, pre-orders still aren't being taken at GS or EB)? Will that person also have to wait in line, and if so are their chances of securing a system guaranteed on account of the pre-order, or just merely increased?

I've never been in a situation like this before (my dad got me the N64 in christmas, and I purchased the PS2 during its post-christmas run, around March), so I'm wondering how it works for someone who reserved the system in advance versus someone who will brave a ridiculously long line.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Sounds about right. Does this mean, in theory, that I wouldn't have to show up exceptionally early, since my reserve would be "safe" as long as I show up within the day? Well I suppose that depends on the number of systems that store would receive, so I should ask the workers about that beforehand.

I'd stick it out in a large line if I had to, but it's so much better if I didn't have to.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

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It has been revealed today by a radiOPM podcast that the November issue of OPM (the Official Playstation Magazine) will feature a secret PS3 launch game that they "cannot talk about". This week, they have provided a couple of clues in their podcast: the game is five words long and that it is a launch game that you have "not heard of and won't hear of until the November issue of OPM" hits the shelves.

They also revealed that an actual PSP demo for the game Killzone: Liberation will be included in the OPM November issue if you buy the issue from a news stand. Subscribers will not get the UMD demo. Overall, the November issue of this magazine looks to be very interesting and we can't wait to get our hands on it!

One thing, don't count on guessing the PS3 launch title they have described correctly, they also said that the cues they have given are "completely useless", but be sure to leave any speculation in the comments! The discussion on the November issue of OPM begins at 40:20. Check out the download of the podcast below!

-QJ.Net

Ooh, secret game. Fun.

unless it turns out to be something like crash bandicoot: who cares anymore.

EDIT: The rumored secret game is....

Spoiler:

The Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion

Makes sense, given the recent rumors. Plus, it would be pretty awesome as a launch title.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Oblivion confirmed for launch.

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The-Elder-Scrolls-Four-Oblivion. Well, that's five words.

Well, if you folks remember our piece on the speculated Official Playstation Magazine feature of a secret launch title, you all had your own opinions on what it could be. Personally, I'm partial to the We All Still Love Katamari comment, but I digress.

If this is to be believed, then some of our commenters were quite right in saying that the secret title being talked about was a PS3 version of Oblivion. It does fit some of the criteria mentioned on the previous article, though it's something we've heard of previously rather than something completely new.

In any case, this was potentially leaked in 1Up Yours, the 1Up podcast. Whether or not it was meant to be interpreted as the secret title is beyond us, but it's still nice to dream, right?

You can download the podcast from us and move one hour and fifteen minutes into the podcast to get to the part where they mention Oblivion. Of course, we could always be looking at some super exclusive hit like KATAMARI COOKING MAMA: HYPER BATTLE or something.

Well, that's pretty much every 360 game I was interested in.

And here's how PS3 boxes will look.



Too bad they didn't go with the black border idea.

UPDATE: Here's the back of the box.



The border wouldn't be so annoying if it wasn't transparent.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Seems Oblivion being a launch title was a false alarm.

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There was recently a small uproar after 1up's Friday podcast came and left with a small hint of something for the PS3. During the podcast, one of the staffers (Luke I believe) started to say the following when in regards to Oblivion - "cause I've heard that the PS.." It seemed as if he was cut short of his full comment, and as a result Sony fans flocked to the conclusion of Oblivion on the PS3.

However, based on previous statements made by Bethesda and on a reliable "inside" source, the recently announced title that will be revealed in the November issue of OPM is not Oblivion! This may come as great news for some as they didn't enjoy Oblivion, or it may come as bad news to those who never purchased the 360/PC version. However, I can confirm that the title taking its place will surely not let PS3 owners down! I will not reveal the title today however since I love consumers in suspense, and leaking the information early is never a good thing!

-QJ.net

I hope it gets ported eventually. As for what the mystery title is, I won't hold my breath for anything major.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I'm officially cutting QJ.net off as a reliable source. First the Oblivion news proves questionable, now they've revealed that those Sonic boxart pics were bogus.

At least now there's hope they won't use that transparent blue border. Maybe.

FELIPE NO

I'd give it a shot, but 500 words is a pretty small length. Also I wonder if I should research on the type of lingo that was commonplace at that timeline.

I don't like the fine print that says that you must pay for travel costs. I'm a Florida resident, so I wonder if it's worth shelling out the cash to fly to California, just to enter an online tournament where I'll likely get my ass handed to me (not much of an FPS pro).

"I won the Resistence Writing Contest, and all I got was this lousy T-Shirt."

Also I can't find the contest on the site. All I get are some stars.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, and a new RPG from Level-5 confirmed.

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Japanese gaming bible Famitsu has reported in its latest issue that a new title, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, is currently under development for the PS3. PS3 fans should expect that more about Ryu Hayabusa will be revealed by September 22 during Sony's pre-TGS conference, and of course, during the Tokyo Game Show.

The magazine affirms that "it will be a complete edition of Ninja Gaiden." It reports that Racheal will be a more playable character. Racheal is the scantily-clad female character who makes a few appearances in other Ninja Gaiden games. Famitsu also reports that in the new PS3 release, the system of combat and the graphics will be improved, there more weapons will be available, and it will become possible to use two swords simultaneously, among other things.

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According to Famitsu, an RPG called White Knight Story is being developed for Playstation 3 by Level-5. Level-5, in case you're wondering, is based in Chuo-ku, Japan and is known for the PS2 game Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. Little information was shed about the game except that it proposes a gameplay that includes fighting supersized monsters. We will keep you updated on new information about this game. In the meantime, check this shot of the Famitsu page that features the game.

So basically it's like Shadow of the Colossus, but an RPG. I'm immediately interested.



Jam it back in, in the dark.

Link to the Shiggy photoshop, please. Also the gaming-age picks aren't working.

Everyone's convinced Sony is going to drop some major announcement in tonight's conference, but has this been set in stone? Top speculations include a cheaper price and the ever talked about FFVII Remake.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Gold.

Do you mean Shane of EGM? If so, then there might be some surprises in store after all.

At this point, things can only go up, unless Sony decided to announce another price hike or the removal of some features. But I don't expect either of those to happen.

GAF is also going on about Silent Hill 5 for some reason. :/

Also, someone needs to make a gif of Snake doing the barrel roll (text included).

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.