PSP Go
Just as expected, Sony just announced the PSP Go at E3 just now -- Haz Kirai called it the "worst kept secret at E3." The slider handheld has a 3.8-inch LCD, built-in Bluetooth and 16GB of internal storage, all in a case 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the original PSP-1000 -- a weight savings we're guessing is directly attributable to the loss of the UMD drive. That's right, the Go doesn't have a UMD drive -- games will instead load in through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation Network. That's not the end of the classic PSP, though -- Sony says it will "live on." New PSP titles will be distributed through both UMD at retail and online simultaneously -- Sony's beefing up the desktop client and renaming it Media Go for easier access and syncing with Playstation Network media, but you'll be able to get PSN content directly from the Go as well. The PSP's music features have also been beefed up with a new auto-playlist feature called Sense Me, which sounds a lot like Pandora or iTunes Genius playlists, and there's a new video delivery service being rolled out. You will now also be able to purchase and rent videos straight on to your PSP from the PS Store.
Don't expect the loss of UMD to lower the price, though: the Go will be $249 when it launches on October 1 in North America and Europe and November 1 in Japan.
There is also a media manager that will replace Sony's current manager called MediaGo (probably no Mac support, boo!)
M.A.G.
We saw some gameplay at this press conference. Whats good was that it was a full 256 player game! Check out the screenshots below:
Hannah Montana PSP
No explanation here...
Gran Turismo PSP
Yes, this was like the game they unveiled three years ago. Some more tech specs:
"It's running at 60fps," he says. "Gran Turismo PSP contains 800 cars, 35 tracks" and multiple variations of each track.
"Single player mode contains standard races, time trials, and drifting." You can also earn your licenses, in GT fashion. "Though it is running on such small hardware, Gran Turismo offers a full-size" experience.
"Another feature that is also geared specifically for PSP is the trading and sharing of cars" from your garage to your friends.
Because there are 800 cars in the game, it'll be difficult to get it by yourself. If you work with your friends, you'll have a much easier time.
Game will use Ad-Hoc mode for races. No mention of online infrastructure.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
This is a "true sequel" to Portable Ops - it's not a spin-off and it's not a side-story.
The first in-game footage takes place in Costa Rica. "A nation without a military" must turn to a "nation without a government." In this game, Big Boss is already seemingly in control of Outer Heaven. The visuals are notcieably improved over the first Portable Ops game, with improved lighting.
"Worldwide anticipation becomes reality!" it says. I think our anticipation turned to annoyance after the third or fourth countdown for this title. "Monstrous foes incapable of feeling pain." Shockingly, we see four clones of Big Boss all taking aim at a giant Metal Gear-esque mech. Clearly, Kojima is preparing a mind-frak with this one again, folks. The trailer ends with two Snakes entering a box labeled "Love Pack."
Resident Evil Portable
"Ever since Resident Evil first brought gamers to the fictional town of Raccoon City in 1996" the series has enjoyed great success on the PlayStation platform. "We're very proud to welcome Resident Evil to the PSP at this time." It'll be a "whole new game" made specifically for the portable.
More PSP Games Confirmed
Footage of LittleBigPlanet PSP takes the big screen, in addition to the new Jak & Daxter game.
Home
Home is "only possible on PlayStation 3." Guess that rules out a possible PSP version, right?
He's (Jack Tretton) giving us a rundown of all the publishers they're working with on Home – lots of big names in there. Some stats meant to encourage us that Home is gaining traction with gamers. Now a trailer meant to show us "how far the platform has come since we launched it six short months ago."
Agent
Agent is Rockstar North's new PS3 exclusive. Unfortunately, no other details yet.
Assassins Creed 2 and Assassins Creed PSP
Sony not only showed more Assassins Creed 2, they revealed that there will be locked content for the game that can only be unlocked with the new PSP version of Assassins Creed.
Final Fantasy XIII and XIV
Jack announced Final Fantasy XIV! "And PlayStation 3 will be the ONLY console" that XIV will be available on when it launches in 2010. Wait, what? Final Fantasy XIII and XIV are launching in 2010? Awesome
The all CG trailer asks heroes to "take their blades" and "answer the call of destiny." Final Fantasy XIV is ... real? And online! It's an MMO! Final Fantasy XIV Online.
Playstation Motion Controller
Richard Marks was here to show off the first PlayStation motion controller, the PS2 EyeToy. The latest camera will enable "a completely new set of experiences" using a new controller. "It has a variety of buttons" and sensors. He cautions that the controller in his hand is a prototype, and will most likely change.
The live demonstration shows a rendered (and dull looking) living room that moves around to follow the wand. "This is true 1 to 1 tracking."
Unlike Microsoft's Project Natal, Sony says they've learned "some experiences need buttons," which is why there's still a controller involved. The system is said to be "sub-millimeter" precise, and it was demoed drawing and playing a shooter -- it's sort of the middle ground between Natal and Wii Motion Plus. Sony says it'll launch in the spring of 2010, but we don't know what pricing will be like yet.
While it may look bad, this is only a prototype and the design and looks may change. Im guessing the camera tracks the controller's motion. Its very accurate tracking.
LBP
Nothing great. Jack reveals that there are 900,000 created levels, and 2 million players. He also revealed that Disney will join the LBP world with some "Incredibles" and "Jack Sparrow" DLCs.
ModNation Racers
This game looks like a mix of LBP and Mario Kart. It does look childish (like LBP), but does look really cool and fun. Involves custom "Mii" looking characters driving tiny cars. You can also create your own tracks, and maybe even easier than LBP's create mode.
Some Gran Turismo 5
More trailer footage of GT5. There appears to be a rally portion of the game, and a Nascar portion as well. It seems like all the Nascar cars are there. So, Nascars fans get ready, GT5 is coming.
God of War III
Shown at this Press Event was about 7 minutes of gameplay shown. Unfortunately, we did not get to see the end of the level. Thats when they surprised us with a few words. There will be 20 more minutes in addition to what was shown today, so we can see the ending of it. The visuals look amazing. Lots of fun gore. If you notice, the more bloodier the fights get, the more blood Kratos has on his body. Now thats thorough visuals. The gameplay seems very fun but I cannot say so until I actually get my hands on it.
