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GamesCom 2009 opens to the public
GamesCom 2009 is now officially open to the public -- all that stuff yesterday was just for the media! Let the games and sweat-inducing quest for swag begin! See sad pictures of the huddled masses below, or video of a flying Republic Commando (Stormtrooper?) after the break. Oh, you want context for that one? Who needs context for a guy with a jetpack? Enjoy![Thanks to GamingOnly]
GamesCom ads around Cologne
GamesCom advertisements are everywhere in Cologne at the moment. Not only that, but it seems like the electronics retailers are taking advantage of the demographic currently in town. With 200,000+ attendees expected during the five-day event and GamesCom being open to the public (unlike E3 and GDC), it's really no surprise. We typically don't see marketing taking advantage of situations like this in the States -- well, excluding really big Final Fantasy XIII ads.Note: If you're attending GamesCom and see interesting gaming-related ads around Cologne, drop us a line. Please make sure to put "GamesCom ads" in the subject and have the pic linked (we can't take files, sorry) -- and make sure we get your name for photo credit.%Gallery-70553%
Watch pro skateboarders uncomfortably play Tony Hawk Ride
Was it this silly when Guitar Hero first launched, with professional musicians trotted out to awkwardly "play" the game? Watching an aging Tony Hawk, grey hair in-tow, contort his body on the skateboard peripheral shipping with Tony Hawk Ride is the very definition of wahjah. Try as Activision might, we're still not convinced we need yet another peripheral for our already cramped living rooms. Consider that we've already used our BalanceBoard for snowboarding, Sony's EyeToy is sounding more robust every day and Project Natal is promising a board-free skateboarding experience. See the common denominator? No new, large plastic objects in our houses! That's a win-win to us.
Learn all about Dragon Age: Origins' origins in this new trailer
If you've come to this post looking for the image of a near-naked lady being embraced in front of a fire, you can skip the Dragon Age: Origins trailer above directly to the 1:58 mark. Done? Sure you are.Now, allow us to direct you to the smattering of new screens from the game just below. If you actually checked out the whole new trailer you see above, you're likely just as excited we are about the upcoming BioWare joint. If only they could hold off on the hint of crazy industrial music that tinges the trailer, we'd feel all the more joyous for the game's early November release.%Gallery-70488%
Seen@GamesCom: Same location, different PS3 ad
Remember that awesome deal we saw yesterday before Sony's press conference at GamesCom? It was the one that had the PS3 and PSP for €399 -- a pretty awesome deal ... yesterday. Well, not only does electronics retailer Saturn hate "teuer" (translation: expensive), they apparently have lighting-quick gnomes changing banners.This morning we passed the same sign and behold: the new deal was the just-announced PS3 Slim and The DaVinci Code for €299. Not a better deal, but boy, is that ever efficiency at work.
New Sony Motion Controller video reveals pinata smashing, hair styling
Sony may not have done another full-on demonstration of its Motion Controller at this week's big Gamescom event, but it did at least put together a little video showing off some of its progress, and GameTrailers has now thankfully obtained the goods so everyone not there can have a peek. Of course, there's not exactly a whole lot in the way of actual new details, but we do get a glimpse of plenty of new potential applications for the controller, including using it as a paint brush, a magic wand, a torch, a bat to smash a pinata, or even an all-in-one hairstyling tool. Head on past the break to check it out for yourself.
Yesterday's PlayStation news, all in one place
Sony had itself quite a day yesterday, effectively reinvigorating the PlayStation brand with the $300 PS3 Slim and a host of upgrades and updates to the PSP, the PlayStation Store, and PlayStation Network. Now that the dust has settled, we thought we'd throw down a little recap in case you didn't catch it all -- it's clear that the lower-priced Slim has a lot of people talking about finally buying a PS3, but we think things like PSP Minis "snackable" games and the new PS3 firmware 3.0 might be equally important in the long run. Here's the full breakdown: Liveblog: Sony's GamesCom presser coverage live at Joystiq! Live from Sony's GamesCom Press conference (at Joystiq) PS3 Slim and PS3 classic: Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!) PlayStation 3 Slim unboxing and hands-on! PS3 Slim sized up: smaller, deeper, no Linux or PS2 compatibility Sony sneaks PS3 Slim through FCC under pseudonym, 250GB model discovered Sony finally hacks $100 from 'old' PlayStation 3 price, starting today Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer Editorial: A slimmer, cheaper, better PS3. Was that so hard? PSP: Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store Sony announces three new PSP-3000 colors for Europe PSP Minis, Digital Comics get their own promo videos
Namco Bandai announces Clash of the Titans for 2010
First off, welcome to all you Harry Hamlin fans who've been brought to our site by the headline! Unfortunately, we'll have to disappoint you: Namco Bandai's newly announced Clash of the Titans game is based on the upcoming film remake, not the HarHam-starring classic that you've come to love. The Games Republic-developed action game, which should arrive near the new film's spring 2010 opening, features 100 different enemies, and was originally tied to now-defunct movie-to-game factory Brash, but we'll try not to hold that against it. Expect more news and media regarding this title later today.
Final Fantasy XIV gameplay and emote footage
Holy giant roosters, Final Fantasy XIV gameplay footage has already made its way online courtesy of Gamescom and Gamevideos! Plus, the footage shows off some -- mildly standard -- combat sequences as well. To be fair, we're sure this video would be a lot more exciting if we understood German. As it stands now, we're going by the tone of the presenter's voice, which sounds slightly enthused but generally falls flat in the convincing department.While Mr. Presenter won't be winning any awards, the visuals for the game certainly seem to be worth of a gold statuette of some kind -- possibly something on a fine oak stand with a silver plaque. Oh who are we kidding, the visuals look flat out amazing. This is Square Enix and the Final Fantasy series we're talking about, after all.Check out both mentioned combat video and a nifty animation video after the break.
Sith Warrior officially the next SWTOR class
While not entirely unexpected -- especially since it was playable, but unnamed, at this year's E3 -- Star Wars: The Old Republic's Sith Warrior class has now been officially revealed and discussed by BioWare. We're expecting an official class page by Friday, but for now this Gamespot interview from GamesCom will have to sate our curiosity.It'll come as no surprise that in their effort to emulate classic iconic movie characters, BioWare has decided to make the Sith Warrior a physically aggressive front line fighter who dons somewhat heavy armor. So, if your aspiration as a little boy or girl was to grow up and become just like Darth Vader, here's your chance.Interestingly, while abilities such as Force Choke will be present in the Sith Warrior's skill set, the class leans between pure offense or a balanced defensive-offensive build. With such an emphasis on nitty gritty physical combat, many are starting to wonder if another Sith class will represent something akin to Emperor Palpatine, a heavy force user. We think there's a good chance that may happen, although it's all speculation until the actual reveal.
Marvel not doing 'crappy' movie games anymore, says exec
Marvel Executive Vice President of Global Digital Media Group (wow, long title) Ira Rubenstein tells Joystiq that Marvel is done making "crappy" movie-based games. The executive told us that while the company would like to have games tied to the release of movies, each character should stick to their own worlds. He used the recent X-Men Origins: Wolverine game as an example of what the company is looking to do. The M-rated Wolverine game was clearly not based around the PG-13 escapade in theaters. "We are not doing movie-based games anymore," Rubenstein said following yesterday's announcement of Digital Comics for PSN at Sony's GamesCom press conference. "Actually, wait ... we are not doing crappy movie-based games anymore. You can quote me on that." Oh, we did. Rubenstein tells us that work on Iron Man 2 has been in process since the first game wrapped. He wasn't involved in the first one, so he asked us not to blame him for that wreck. However, he swears the second one is going to be good. He's also really excited about the Thor game and seems proud with the team working on it. If Wolverine is any indication of future Marvel games, it seems that Rubenstein is doing his best to make sure fans of the comics won't be served watered-down Hollywood entertainment.
Fujitsu unleashes CELSIUS ULTRA specs, offers test drives at gamescom
And now we know what the "world's fastest" air-cooled gaming rig is made of -- a 3.33GHz Intel Core i7-975 and a pair of souped-up GeForce GTX 295s running in SLI. They're backed up by 12GB of DDR3 memory, a 150GB WD Raptor as an OS drive and two 1TB storage hangars, but you must be wondering where all that German ultra clocking is. Well, the motherboard is of Fujitsu's own making and a custom tweaker-ready BIOS is promised, but the truth is we really can't see anything overclocked especially for this rig. Which is not to say it won't be the most powerful pixel pusher in the world (this week), with hardware like that we're sure you'll be able to run Vista Business without a hitch... oh yea, that's the listed OS, and since we're spilling bad news, recommended price tag is €4,000. If you're anywhere near Cologne this week, head on down to gamescom, and if you ask really nicely, the Fujitsu people might even let you play on this fiery beast of a machine. See it undressed after the break. [Via Netzwelt]
Fable II 'Episodic' revealed, pay-as-you-play starts Sept. 29 [update]
Peter Molyneux announced, during the Lionhead press conference at GamesCom, that Fable II episodic adventures are on the way. The first chapter is free. Once players get to the ending they can opt to buy the next chapter or buy the rest of the game. The purchase takes place in-game and there are five episodes.The first episode will release on September 29 and no prices have been revealed. The game is fully compatible with Knothole Island and See the Future. We'll keep working on getting more information.Update: Microsoft has clarified that this is not an extension of Fable II, but rather the retail game broken up into serialized chapters formally titled Fable II: Game Episodes. Xbox Live users will be able to download the initial episode, which serves as a "shell" for the rest of the game, on September 29. The original game disc is not required to play, and those who grab part one will have the option to purchase subsequent pieces or the entirety of Fable II (think of it like an XBLA trial). If you've downloaded any of the game episodes and decide to spring for the retail disc, your saves will carry over. No per-episode pricing has been announced but we're chasing more details.
Molyneux announces Fable III at GamesCom, coming 2010 [update]
Peter Molyneux has just announced Fable III is coming later in 2010. You'll play as the son or daughter of your Fable II hero and start a revolution to become the ruler of Albion. We'll update with more details soon. He's just dropping so much info right now. Be back soon!Update: Added details after the break.%Gallery-70430%
Slow down and watch this new Uncharted 2 trailer
Is your day wrapping up? Sorry, but we can't let you leave until you've watched the Uncharted 2 trailer from this afternoon's Sony press conference. The Big S has finally uploaded the full direct-feed footage, filled with dramatic slow-mo moments and great hair. The trailer ends on what looks to be an exhausted Nathan Drake. Hey, Nate! Were you blogging about the PS3 Slim all day, too? Man, we're tuckered. Let's grab a beer. %Gallery-70387%
PS3 Slim drops optional OS install feature
If you've been cracking your knuckles in anticipation of running StarCraft or penguin-infested operating systems on your new PS3 Slim, there's some news than needs to be brought to your attention. According to the official PS3 Slim press release, "users will not be able to install other Operating Systems to the new PS3 system."Also, stop cracking your knuckles like that. It's creeping us out.
Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!)
Hardly a surprise, but Sony got on stage today at GamesCom and confirmed what we've all known deep down in our hearts: the new, slimmer PS3 is really real. It'll be out in the first week of September (September 1 in North America and Europe, September 3 for Japan), and will retail for $300 (or 300 Euro, or 29,980 Yen). It's smaller and lighter, has a 120GB HDD, and packs "all the same features" of the regular PS3 while consuming 34 percent less power and taking up 32 percent less space. Existing PS3 SKUs have their prices dropped a hundie apiece tomorrow in anticipation, so be sure to grab a space heater while you've still got a shot -- though we're not sure why you'd pay $300 for an 80GB PS3 when you can wait a couple weeks and get 120GB in a cuter package. A couple pics of the unveil are after the break. The new 3.0 firmware will be released concurrently with the PS3 slim, which should provide a breath of fresh air for existing machines. Other new features of the PS3 slim include BRAVIA Sync, which allows you to control the PS3 XMB over HDMI through your BRAVIA TV remote, and System Standby to shut off the PS3 when the BRAVIA TV is off. Sony also claims this new machine will run more quietly than existing PS3 systems, which is good news for people who like to watch movies or have conversations in the general vicinity of their game console. There's also a Vertical Stand, which will retail for $24. Not so awesome is Sony's removal of the Install Other OS feature... farewell, Linux. We hardly knew thee. Update: We've got press shots! Check 'em all in the gallery below, and be sure to pore over that to-scale comparo pic up top. There's one from above as well, which reveals that the new model is actual "deeper" than the PS3 fat. Update 2: Video! Our main man Jack Tretton talks up and shows off his spanking new slim PS3 after the break. We've also got a full rundown of the specs for your perusal, and added some new information above.
Sony announces three new PSP-3000 colors for Europe
Sure, Sony's had plenty of big announcements at Gamescom today, but fans of lowered expectations aren't out of luck either, as the company's once again gone back to the paint shop and brought out three new colors for the still-sticking-around PSP-3000. Those include the all new "turquoise blue" and "blossom pink" colors, the former of which will come bundled with LittleBigPlanet, as well as the "lilac purple" model that's already made an appearance in the US (which'll also get the same Hannah Montanna Entertainment Pack). Still no word on the new colors getting a release over here, but it looks like folks in Europe will be able to get their hands on them in November.
Sony announces new PS3 Slim, coming first week of Sept. [update: now with pics!]
click for high-res PS3 Slim gallery digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/sony-announces-new-slimmer-ps3-coming-first-week-of-sept/'; We know, we're as shocked as you are! Sony has used the GamesCom stage in Cologne to announce the oh-so-tiny PS3 Slim. The good news is that the system sports both a slimmer form factor (33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter and 34 percent less power use) a 120GB hard drive and the tidy price tag of $299 (or €299, £249, and ¥29,980). It boasts all the same features as the current PS3, which means still no backwards compatibility with your PS2 games. If you've been holding off on buying a chunkier PS3 until the inevitable release of its slimmer little brother, your wait will finally end in September. %Gallery-70349%
Sony finally hacks $100 from 'old' PlayStation 3 price, starting today
After begging, pleading and imploring Sony for months on end to lower the barrier to entry on its PlayStation 3 console, the company has at long last relented. Starting today (supposedly, anyway), all existing PS3 consoles will retail for $100 less than they did yesterday, though it looks as if most e-tailers have yet to ratchet their tags down to reflect the change. Of course, you could wait just a few more days and snag a PS3 Slim for the low, low price of $299, but the question is -- will you? Do tell in comments below.
