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LGC07: Kojima-san introduces Metal Gear Solid 4's boss characters
Hideo Kojima whipped out his Genius-to-English dictionary again today in order to address the press at the Leipzig Games Conference personally, rather than through a translator. Showing off a new video, he introduced us to Metal Gear Solid 4's boss characters. After a short video showing all the bosses from past Metal Gear Solid games, Kojima asked us "but how can you improve on these? Let me show you."What followed was a spine-tingling in-game video showcasing each of the new bosses for the upcoming title. They come in the form of beautiful women transformed by a brutal war into sick, metallic beasts. A tentacle-wielding creature with a cruel laugh. A giant silver wolf with an echoing howl. A creature with wings and a jetpack, constantly screaming "rage!" and a floating puppeteer, complete with attached marionettes. All of them twisted, mechanical beasts.Keeping with the "Beauty and the Beast" theme, Kojima modeled these boss characters and their movements off of "real world beauties", one of whom, Yumi Kikuchi, stepped up on stage to declare how happy she is to be in the game -- and how much she loves Leipzig, naturally. Our anticipation for this game is at its highest yet. Q1 2008 can't come quick enough.
LGC07: Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer arrives
If you read about some of the technical issues this trailer was having yesterday at Leipzig, you might be a little confused when you first start watching this new Metal Gear Solid 4 video from the show. Be patient! Though you've seen the first half of this video before, we think the second half will be pretty eye-opening.We think you'd probably remember it if you'd seen scary metal dog in previous trailers, ditto for Lady Doctor Octopus, Flying Doctor Octopus and the guy who loves rage. Maybe it's just how they murder a bunch of people, but we're getting a rogue's gallery vibe here. What do you think?
LGC07: Rabbids attempt to invade Leipzig ... again
The Rabbid site brings us another gem of quick humor as the Rabbids attempt to get into the Leipzig Games Convention. Ubisoft already has the Rayman: Raving Rabbids sequel all locked and loaded for later this year. If the Rabbids continue to bring Ubisoft even more financial success, we hope that they spin-off into their own demonic-bunny platformer game and ditch Rayman -- or, at least, get top billing in the next title. If you missed the Rabbids attempt to break into the conference last year, you can find that after the break. Be sure to check out the Rabbid website for more clips and pics of the crazy Rabbids as they fumble their way to world domination and attempt to assimilate into our planet.[Via Game|Life]
Here are the nominees for the LGC07 awards
The nominees for the Leipzig Game Convention's Best of GC awards have been announced. Of the ten categories, eight are platform-specific, one is for online and one is for hardware.Leading the nominations by merit of being multiplatform is Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 with four nods (PS2, PS3, PSP and Xbox 360) followed by Enemy Territory: Quake Wars and Hellgate: London with two apiece (PC and Online). Ladies and gentlemen, please make your predictions before the winners are announced Friday, August 24. Full list after the break.
LGC07: New MGS4 trailer borked
Interested in seeing a new trailer for Metal Gear Solid 4? So were many in attendance at Konami's press conference during the Leipzig Games Convention. Unfortunately, as 1UP reports, technical glitches concerning the audio led to the publisher shutting down the trailer. "We apparently missed the important half -- everything we saw so far was just repeated from prior trailers," said 1UP.As previously noted, Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is holding a separate press conference tomorrow. With any luck, Solid Snake will be in better shape tomorrow. We hear at his age, he has good days and bad days.
PSP Lite launches September 5th in Europe with Simpsons Yellow, Spider-man Red
The race for PSP Lite is on! And ... Europe wins! The redesigned PSP-2000 will arrive in Europe on September 5th, and will feature two new movie-themed PSP systems to boot. "Simpsons Yellow" and "Spider-man Black and Red." We don't have pictures of these new models quite yet -- but our man in Leipzig should be able to steal a snapshot for you tomorrow. Unfortunately, according to Joystiq, it appears as though The Simpsons model is quite "gaudy."
LGC07: European PSP Slim launches with new colours
Yes. Colours with a "u." Some specially designed PSPs will be available only within Sony Europe's territories when the 2000 models launch on September 5th. In "Simpsons Yellow" and "Spider-man Black and Red" flavours, these new designs are clearly geared towards movie-buffs but also make a more colourful alternative to the current selection of black, silver and white. Americans will be able to choose from "Darth Vader White," black and silver -- if you really want a garish yellow PSP Slim, you can always import.
New footage of Gran Turismo 5's cockpit view
Slowly but surely, interesting morsels of information are streaming out of Leipzig. Here, Jeux-France managed to capture some new video of Gran Turismo 5. Over four minutes of glorious real-time gameplay to feast on. We could say things like "that looks great!" But, we think you're more than capable of making that judgment yourself. [Thanks, Stefan Torestam! Via N4G]
LGC07: Go!Explore with PSP GPS technology
SCEE has unveiled plans to release Go!Explore, a satellite navigation package for European PSP users. In collaboration with TeleAtlas and NavNGo, Go!Explore will offer in-car and pedestrian GPS navigation supporting 11 languages and available in 7 different geographic locations. The package combines a GPS receiver and UMD software, and is upgradeable through purchased PSN content. Go!Explore is due out next year for "an affordable price."In December 2006, Sony released a PSP GPS receiver in Japan (pictured).
LGC07: PSP's on-demand video service launches in Europe 2008
Having your demands met is something you likely strive for and throw tantrums about on a daily basis. If said demands happen to involve portable video devices, you'll be pleased to note that Sony and Sky's on-demand video service for the PSP is set to launch in Europe next year. Dubbed "Go!," the service will allow PSP owners in the UK and Ireland to access content and watch it on the "Go!". You see, that's a well-researched title.In the "oh snap" section of the press release, it's stated that, "Unlike other services, the Video Download Service will launch with a rich selection of high quality entertainment." In your face, other services! The content, which can be downloaded to the PSP via Wi-Fi or transferred from a PC, will run the gamut of sports, movies, music, animation and the vague "entertainment." Exact pricing details will likely be revealed closer to the launch in 2008.
Go! Video Download Service lets PSP owners buy videos through PC or Wi-Fi
The Go! Video Download Service will launch in early 2008, and will be the first official PSP video download service in Europe. Users will not only be able to access Sky's content, which includes sports, entertainment, movies, music and animation -- they'll also have access to third-party channels and content. This is the first time Sky has offered video content through a non-Sky branded service.Additional pay-per-view services will be provided for new release movies and high profile sporting events. Users will not only be able to download the content from a PC, but they'll be able to download directly to their PSP systems through wi-fi. "Both truly mobile and with a best in class high-quality screen, PSP delivers a great on-the-move video experience. Working with such a well known content brand, we will be able to offer PSP owners access to the best in cross-genre Sky content, available through the first official video download service. This really will make PSP the standout all-in-one portable gaming, video and music device", commented David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. [Update: Kotaku has confirmed that this service is unlikely to ever come to America. "There is nothing really nationwide in the U.S. that delivers video content over the air by subscription. So, until that happens we won't be seeing that in the U.S."]
LGC07: Buzz! Quiz TV for PS3 coming to Europe in March
Sony is bringing its popular (in Europe, at least) quiz series Buzz! to the PlayStation 3 with Buzz! Quiz TV, set for release in March 2008. The game sports 5,000 questions over five channels: Music, Movies and TV, Sports, Knowledge and The Lifestyle Channel. And, of course, high-definition graphics.Downloadable Quiz packs will also be released via the PlayStation Store. According to the press release, "Many will be specific to individual countries or even towns – just imagine playing a quiz on your local football team, for example." You can also create your own quizzes and upload them online via MyBuzz community site for others to play and rate.Online multiplayer is done "Sofa vs. Sofa," according to Sony. Up to four couches can take each other on to see who knows the most trivia -- any higher than four and it screws up the online Feng Shui.Buzz! Quiz TV is due out in March for Europe. No word yet on a release in other territories.
PlayTV brings HD DVR features to European PS3 systems
In Leipzig today, SCEE announced PlayTV, a TV tuner and personal video recorder (PVR) for the PS3. PlayTV will be available in UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL territories to follow in the future. [Update: Kotaku has confirmed that the service is unlikely to come to America. "The problem with the DVR is that the U.S. doesn't have terrestrial digital television yet, so while some cities like San Diego have it not nearly support in the U.S. to make it worth the effort for Sony. When that changes, and it will, Sony will be on the ball, Harrison said."]PlayTV will allow users to watch, pause and record live TV. PlayTV can also record individual shows, or entire series to the PS3 hard drive. The videos can then be watched from the PS3, or can be transferred to the PSP to watch on the go. PlayTV will provide a 7-day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG2) utilizing the "widely available" DVB-T format.The peripheral will feature two TV tuners that are 1080p compatible, allowing users to view, record and play full HD television signals. Through the PlayStation Network, the program will be constantly updated, to improve the service and offer new functionality.See the full press release after the break.
LGC07: Go!Messenger PSP enables IMing, voice and video chat
SCEE has put a name to the BT-developed software that will enable a suite of VoIP functionalities on PSP: Go!Messenger. The Go!Messenger XMB application will be installed with a future firmware update due in January (or downloaded separately), enabling European PSP users to instant message each other using a redesigned virtual keyboard (we're still waiting on a physical QWERTY pad to materialize). In addition, the PSP headset and Go!Cam can be used for voice and video chat.Go!Messenger has been developed in conjunction with BT, the UK's leading telecommunications and broadband internet provider, which services more than 170 countries. Initially, Go!Messenger will only be available in select European territories and will remain limited to Wi-Fi hotspot availability. No plans to expand the chat services beyond BT's jurisdiction have been announced.
PS3 becomes home to FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008
Do you have what it takes to be the world's best virtual football player? The FIFA Interactive World Cup begins this October, and the Grand Final will take place in the Sony Centre in Berlin next May. Players will be able to compete in one of twenty FIWC Qualifier Events around the world, or online through the PlayStation Network. Not only will players be vying for fame, but the grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $20,000 USD. The FIWC will be open exclusively to PS3 players.Simon Rutter, VP Sales & Marketing for SCEE commented: "With the added realism that PS3 brings to FIFA 08, we have every belief that now is the time to truly make an impact with the FIFA Interactive World Cup, We're looking forward to PS3 fans helping to make the tournament every bit as iconic for gamers as the real FIFA World Cup is for football fans." While Xbox 360 enjoys a superior version of American football in Madden 2008, it appears that the rest of the world will enjoy a superior soccer game on PS3 through FIFA 2008. Which game of "football" will reign supreme? Registration for the FIWC opens today at www.FIFA.com/FIWC.
LGC07: SCEE announces PlayTV for PS3, "watch, record and replay TV shows"
As expected, Sony just announced PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and PVR (think TiVo) for the PlayStation 3.But we already knew that, you want to know the details! PlayTV has two high definition tuners allowing you to watch one channel while recording another all in 1080p. It uses the European Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format meaning a US release isn't possible in this configuration. You can store shows on your PS3 or transcode and transfer them to your PSP for viewing on the go and, speaking of PSP, you can use the handheld's Remote Play feature to program or watch your PlayTV while away from home. They promise the interface and guide will of course be beautiful and lightning fast, but until we can try it out for ourselves you'll just have to take their word for it. Just in case it's not the be all and end all of set-top boxes, Sony says, "PlayTV will evolve with time, with great added value functionality being updated via PlayStation Network; a feature that sets it above all other set top boxes. PlayTV will never be out of date." ... At least not for Europeans. PlayTV will hit Europe "early in 2008" with other PAL territories to follow. We've asked SCEA to comment on a North American version.
Go! Messenger brings IM, voice and video chat to PSP
Sony has officially unveiled PSP's upcoming VOIP service, to be called Go! Messenger. The program will be downloadable and installed into the XMB in a future firmware upgrade. Through it, PSP owners will be able to instant message each other using a "new and intuitive on-screen keyboard." By using a headset, users will be able to voice chat; and by using Go!Cam, video chat will also be enabled. "With Go!Messenger, PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication functionalities to all the existing multimedia experiences," said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "Enabling more than 8.5 Million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through Video or Voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP.'' The service has been developed in partnership with BT, one of the world's leading telecom providers. Sony plans on adding even more functionality to the PSP through Go!Explore and the Go! branded video download service. European PSP owners will have a lot to look forward to -- hopefully, SCEA will follow-up with its own American service.
EA finally makes sports game that (shock!) runs at 60fps on PS3
Maybe EA has finally learned the importance of the PS3 community. Maybe they finally tackled the challenges of developing for Sony's next-gen hardware. Or maybe EA wanted gamers to just shut up about the 60 fps debacle caused by Madden 2008. Whatever the reason, EA representatives were keen to make note that the upcoming FIFA 08 was, in fact, running at 60 fps on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. At Leipzig, the development team showed the game off on PS3, highlighting that the game wasn't sloppily ported for our platform. Rather, it was developed from the ground-up for both platforms. That's the way it always should've been, EA.
LGC07: New Track & Field on DS celebrates 25 years of competition
The Konami press conference at the Leipzig Games Conference has elucidated an impressive feature list for the recently revealed DS title New International Track & Field. The game is a celebration of 25 years since the first version was released as an arcade game. Not only will the new version include over 20 different athletic events, but there will be unlockable Konami characters to play as. The first two such characters to be announced are Pyramid Head from Silent Hill 2 and Sparkster from Rocket Knight Adventures.All the new characters for the game are being designed by Udon Entertainment and the final title will include extensive online features, including 4-player matches either locally or via Wi-Fi, downloadable content, online rankings, leader boards and detailed player profiles. The game will also include a ticker "news feed," which promises to update anyone playing online whenever any world records are broken via a news ticker across the screen.We've embedded an ad for the game after the break. If you're sitting in a quiet office, note that it's filled with grunting and screeching.%Gallery-6233%
Video download service to be unveiled at Leipzig
Can you smell it? It's Leipzig Games Convention ...And finally, the PSP video download service will be unveiled. Yes! It'll be real! Considering how this will be a collaboration with sky, the service will most likely be for our European friends only. As previously mentioned, sky's programming includes hit shows like 24, Lost, The Simpsons, Deadwood, and more. Stay tuned for more details.[Thanks, Joel!]
