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TGS 2009: Sony adding motion to existing titles, new RE5 with motion coming Spring 2010 [update]
During Sony's second press conference at the Tokyo Game Show, Capcom's Jun Takeuchi took the stage to demo the PlayStation 3's new motion controller with his game, Resident Evil 5. That's right, Sony will be bringing motion control to a handful of existing titles, including a re-released RE5 in Resident Evil 5: Director's Cut this coming Spring.Sony also showed off LittleBigPlanet being controlled by two people, one wielding a motion wand while the other used a DualShock 3. Apparently a mess of other titles will be getting the motion treatment -- 13 in total (seen here, mostly in Japanese see update below) -- with Flower and Pain standing out as notable examples. Update: We've got the full list right here.%Gallery-73849%
13 PS3 motion control games confirmed for next year, motion-enhanced Biohazard 5 coming Spring 2010
Sure, the company's Tokyo Game Show keynote was a bit of a bore, but in a second press conference for Japanese media, Sony did what it could to make up for it by revealing Biohazard 5: Alternative Edition, the first PS3 title we've heard of to support the new motion controllers -- and better still, it's due out Spring 2010. Also confirmed is the existence of 13 first-party titles with motion support coming at some point next year, including Pain, EyePet and Flower. Both Biohazard 5 (known in the US as Resident Evil 5) and a LittleBigPlanet tech demo were shown on stage, and pics from the announcement are being uploaded now, so stay tuned! Update: Some new details of the LittleBigPlanet motion control demo from our friend Ittousai of Engadget Japan. In the presentation, one player was playing the normal way via DualShock while a second person was "assisting" by means of the motion control.
NYC's public gaming school enters first semester, teaching with 'Troggles'
The first semester of New York City's Quest to Learn began last week on the 9th, with an inaugural class of around 75 sixth graders in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood taking classes that employ games (of all types) in learning. "One thing I want to emphasize: this is not a school about just playing video games ... this is a school that uses the system of games to deliver rich discussion," the school's principal, Aaron Schwartz, told Joystiq over the phone this morning. "We use games as a medium here." Education at Quest to Learn is delivered through a variety of means other than games, though game systems are a focus for teaching the specific subset of student that Q2L targets: "digital kids." We pressed him on exactly how the students will be using games like LittleBigPlanet to assist with education. "Right now, one of our classes called 'The Way Things Work' [math/science] is using clips from LittleBigPlanet to introduce this race called the 'Troggles' who are having problems with how things work," he said. " Our kids are studying simple machines, so the Troggles have reached out to our children for help building their machines." As the semester progresses, students will build on their knowledge by creating something a bit more complex -- a Rube Goldberg machine. "Some of them will be doing it in actuality, some may be doing it virtually, and from there they'll use LBP to understand other concepts." Quest to Learn plans on adding one new grade annually (up to 12) and is currently hiring teachers for next year.
LittleBigPlanet team wants to work with Studio Ghibli
Perhaps you've heard of Studio Ghibli, the studio behind some of Japan's most revered animations? (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, etc.) Media Molecule's Siobhan Reddy spoke to Develop about the company's success of collaborating with Japanese developers to produce content in LittleBigPlanet, such as the Metal Gear Solid level pack, and the Final Fantasy VII costumes. "They have been amazing. In fact, when we were in the US late last year we were introduced to Kojima and he told one of the level designers that he loved the design of the Metal Gear Solid pack."So what's next for the LBP team? Well, there's water -- but beyond that, the possibilities are endless. Reddy admitted that she would "definitely" like to work with "Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli." Imagine: a Princess Mononoke level pack, or a Totoro costume for Sackboy! While we're not sure if the LBP team will be able to get the attention of Miyazaki and company, we'd certainly like to see them try.
PSA: LittleBigPlanet demo releases next week
Nearly one year after its original release, LittleBigPlanet is finally getting a playable demo. Yep! Media Molecule's PS3 platformer is getting repackaged in a new "Game of the Year Edition," and the demo will coincide with its launch. You can download the LBP demo next week on the PlayStation Store: September 10th.While we're big fans of free demos, we're not entirely sure how effective a demo released so long after a game's release will be. Clearly, only a monster would have ignored LBP for so long -- how could someone possibly say no to a face like Sackboy's?%Gallery-71871%
A big batch of LittleBigPlanet PSP screens
Click to begin your LittleBig-screenshot gallery. Sony has just released a few more screens of the upcoming PSP version of LittleBigPlanet. Anyone who has played the PS3 game will find a lot of familiar environments and mechanics: jetpacks and swings, for example. Pay attention, and you'll even see an adorable Sackboy wearing a turban. We can't wait to dress our Sackboy in this new handheld attire!%Gallery-64980%
Media Molecule taking beta applications for LittleBigWater
We only have so much anticipation that we can distribute between this year's big titles -- however, we've had to move a considerable portion over to an unexpected release: The addition of water to LittleBigPlanet. We know, it's not even a game so much as a new game mechanic, but it should breathe new life into the title's million-level-strong homebrew community.Fortunately, we might not have to wait much longer for this digital precipitation to accumulate -- Media Molecule is now taking applications for a beta version of the water-infused LBP kit. You better believe we'll be there with bells on -- only, you probably won't hear them, because bells have an awfully hard time ringing underwater.
LittleBigPlanet PSP loses multiplayer, and maybe its soul
Like a child with all the world's toys at his disposal but no one to play with, Sackboy drifts lonesomely across the 2D plane. At first glance, the confines of LittleBigPlanet PSP appear to be punishment for the heaps of joy he carelessly reaped with his now missing friends -- even with complete strangers -- as they indulged in orgies of pure fun in the PS3 version. Had he taken these spontaneous acts of foolishness and delight for granted, Sackboy wondered."The one thing we've lost is multiplayer," senior producer Mark Green explained of LBP PSP to Eurogamer at GamesCom this week. "The system is physically capable of doing multiplayer, but perhaps not with the full physics system. On the technical side of things you lose a third of the processing power or a third of the system memory just to do multiplayer at all. With those limitations we couldn't achieve it." Couldn't achieve what? Joy?Green did clarify that the PSP game will feature "full" level creation and sharing (online/ad-hoc) modes. Additionally, further tweaks to LBP PSP include downsizing the game field to one 2D plane (no foreground and background planes) and so-called improvement upon the original's floaty jump mechanic. Did we also mention there's ... no multiplayer?
LittleBigPlanet PSP creation mode looks just like PS3 version
Playing only makes up for one third of the "Play, Create, Share" motto. We know LittleBigPlanet for PSP plays a lot like the PS3 version. But, how's the creation aspect? Sony Cambridge shared a new trailer at Gamescom today highlighting the creation tools of LBP PSP.For better or for worse, it looks exactly like it did on the PS3. The Pop-It tool seems to drive the familiar experience, giving players access to a variety of textures and objects. The PS3 editor certainly has been successful so far (creating over a million levels so far), but those that expected a more streamlined process for the handheld version may be disappointed.
LittleBigPlanet receiving moisture in upcoming content pack
It looks like the content patch designed to make LittleBigPlanet's level creation tools more "versatile" has been revealed! The video above does a good job of dramatically unveiling the feature, but we won't beat around the bush -- Media Molecule will introduce water into the game in an upcoming DLC pack. Some of the best user-made levels have had aquatic themes -- we can't wait to see what folks can come up with once this gets released.Of course, we'll have to wait out the deluge of Super Mario Bros. World 2-2 remakes before we get to these little nuggets of originality. It's cool, though -- it's not like there aren't plenty of other textured playgrounds we can romp around in.
LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year edition coming Sep. 8, $59.99
Looks like the reports and retailer listings were accurate: LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition exists and it's coming to stores on September 8 for the same ol' $59.99 you can currently find the non-GOTY variant at. So what does your ... well, just your waiting get you above and beyond the existing release? Media Molecule has hand-picked 18 "extraordinary" level creators to each build a level "specifically for the GOTY edition." Not enough? Perhaps seven "packs" from the PlayStation Store – including the Metal Gear Solid Level Pack and Costumes Pack – would be enough to entice you? Says here that's "nearly a $30 value." Still not biting, eh? Lastly, a "limited supply" of LBP: GOTY discs will include a voucher granting you access to the ModNation Racers online beta, the next game in Sony's "Play, Create, Share" series. If you're still not convinced, we don't think the trailer after the break is going to change your mind, but we still think you should watch it. Sackboy ... he's just so cute.
European PSN update for August 13
Are you ready to be "taken for a ride?" You really don't have a choice in the matter -- Marvel vs. Capcom 2 landed on the European PSN today, pulling any who dare to boot up their PS3s into her slavering, ever-addictive maw. Then again, if you're in the market for a bit of edutainment, then LittleBigPlanet's "History Pack" sounds like it'd be right up your alley. Or, maybe you just want to incorporate some bizarre MMORPG microtransaction elements into your Madden NFL 10 experience -- you're set there, too. Man, what an all-inclusive PSN update! Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Amazon lists LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year Edition
If you have yet to get your hands on Media Molecule's super-adorable platformer toolkit LittleBigPlanet, you may want to go ahead and wait a while. According to IGN, Amazon put up a listing for the rumored "Game of the Year" version of the game, which not only costs $49.99, $10 less than the list price of the original, but also includes extra content. Though the Amazon listing has been removed, IGN has decent proof of its existence: a box art image (see it in full after the break), which promises "Bonus content valued at $30!" What content is it? Who valued it at $30? Is it some portion of the existing costume and level DLC? Will free or user-created DLC be included? And, most importantly, when is this thing coming out? Since all we have is a report about a nonexistent retail listing, the amount of detail we know is pretty little.
LittleBigPlanet pod replica making eBay a bit more adorable
This seems like one of those things that, when a Sony representative sees it, it elicits a sharp forehead smack, accompanied by the following exclamation: "Why didn't I think of that?" A clever eBay user known as "thegroovygamer" recently put a lovingly crafted LittleBigPlanet pod replica on the virtual auction block. Of course, it wouldn't be an exact replica without two additional items: A DualShock 3 controller, and a little Sackboy to inhabit it.We would have bought an armful of these bundles had Sony released them in the thick of LittleBigPlanet fever last fall. Oh, heck -- we'd buy an armful now. Just throw in a few sticker sheets, and we'll get out our checkbooks.[Thanks, Corey!]
Media Molecule details the LBP History Kit
Media Molecule has officially spilled the beans on the upcoming History Kit that was recently revealed on the Japanese LittleBigPlanet site. In addition to the cutesy, historical costumes seen above, the History Kit will come packed with new objects, decorations, stickers (140 of 'em), sounds, music and a background, all available on August 13 for $3.99 / €3.99 / £3.19.Check out a trailer for the History Kit, and a list of its contents -- politely cribbed from Media Molecule -- after the break.
Impact International to put Sackboy on everything
Well, that took long enough! Toy News Online is reporting that Impact International has secured the rights to produce plush Sackboy figures -- and a whole mess of other goodies -- for Sony. The UK, Ireland and the Middle East will be getting "plush items, bean toys, mugs, bobbleheads and bags" based on the iconic figure from LittleBigPlanet. Additionally, Brazier and Co. are on board to make "PVC figurines," and even a "limited edition-themed version of Sackboy" -- whatever that could mean (other than a higher price tag). The various Sackboy-themed items will be hitting stores this October. Various other Sony IP (God of War, InFamous, MotorStorm, WipeOut, Killzone and Resistance) will be getting the poster treatment by way of GB Eye Limited, though no date has been set for the release of those. We'd get upset that this stuff wasn't announced for the US but, ya know, we work on the Internet. It's a global community, folks! [Thanks, Trix_Bol!) [Image credit]
LittleBigPlanet PSP 'purchased levels' section spotted
When was the last time you paid for new levels in LittleBigPlanet? There are only three answers to that question -- "never," "when I originally bought the game" or "when I bought the Metal Gear Solid pack." Despite almost weekly DLC packs since LittleBigPlanet's October release, players continue to clamor for more levels. With only one level pack having been released, it's an understandable request -- after all, in the same timeframe players have amassed over one million levels themselves. If a "purchased levels" section of the PSP version -- discovered at a recent Sony event by Siliconera -- is to be believed, we could be seeing plenty more level packs coming in the future. To the PSP version, at least. You wouldn't have a dedicated section built in without some content to fill it with, right?
LittleBigPlanet PSP to 'Cross-Talk' with PS3, unlock bonus content
When LittleBigPlanet PSP was first announced, we instinctively guessed there would be connectivity with the PS3 game. Looks like we were right. Players that own the original game will be able to unlock bonus content through a feature Sony is calling "Cross-Talk." No details on what the bonuses will entail, but we wouldn't be surprised if owners of both are treated to some exclusive costumes.In addition to confirming PS3 connectivity, a leaked retail sellsheet notes that Sony will be planning a "multi-million dollar marketing push" for the game -- makes sense, when you consider the PSP Go is launching this year. Finally, Sony also confirmed plans for a PlayStation Network demo of the game. For the millions of PSP owners that don't have a PS3, this will undoubtedly the very first taste they get of LBP's "Play, Create, Share" motto.[Thanks, Stephen H.!]%Gallery-64980%
LittleBigPlanet PSP about 40% littler than PS3 version
... if you're counting the number of levels, that is. While the PS3 version of the game came with over 50 levels in the story mode (including the score challenges), the PSP game will only come with 30, according to a recently-released SCEA fact sheet. It makes sense that the PSP game is smaller in scope and scale; it is still a handheld game. Considering the PS3 game had the generous space of Blu-ray, and the PSP game must fit on a single UMD, it's no surprise the PSP game is smaller.So long as the PSP development scene matches even a tiny fraction of the PS3, we're sure to forget the smaller number of story levels. Who knows? Maybe PSP will get an extra one million levels to play one day too.%Gallery-64980%
Upcoming LittleBigPlanet DLC to make creation more 'versatile'
Save for a few of the game's beefier DLC packs, a majority of the downloadable content for LittleBigPlanet has been purely aesthetic. Not that we mind being able to dress our Sackboys up like Cole McGrath -- but we'd prefer something that makes the already rich level creation engine just a little bit richer.Fortunately, during the Develop Conference earlier this month, Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healy announced that an upcoming piece of DLC will add "lots of exciting things that make it into more of a versatile creation tool." He didn't get any more specific than that, but added that it would make fans "very happy." Hey, if it helps our levels not look like something a six-year-old drew in Sunday school, we'll be pleased as punch.
