SCE
Latest
SGD '07: Jeanne d'Arc
This Level-5 developed PSP-exclusive strategy RPG is coming stateside this August. The game melts fantasy and history in a unique retelling of the classic story of Joan of Arc. Demon armies are trying to invade the human world, and it's up to five heroes to restrain the demon gods. As France and England battle during the Hundred Years' War, Jeanne must use a mysterious armlet to fight the demons and save the world. Sony is promising a 40 hour adventure with tons of customizable options. There will be over 150 different skills and abilities, and a total of 14 playable characters. Check out new screens from Sony's Gamers Day in our gallery below. %Gallery-3213%
Killzone public beta, an inevitability
Step aside, Halo fans. There's another game in town offering a public beta, and it's the PS3 exclusive Killzone. Seb Downie, aka motherH, revealed on the killzone.com forums: "Of course there is going to be a public beta. I have always said that any game that has an online mode needs to go through a public beta to ensure it works as intended." According to the post, "more on the beta" would be coming later this year. Lets hope the "more" refers to the beta itself and not simply an announcement of its arrival in early 2008. Sony needs all the help a killer title can bring to deflect the recent press on their earnings and outlook for the year ahead. [Via CVG]
Jeanne D'Arc readies up for North American release
The folks over at Gamepro have an early preview of Level 5's upcoming turn-based RPG, Jeanne D'Arc. Previous information has been gathered from the original Japanese release and now, we get a taste for what to expect when the anticipated title comes stateside. The game draws obvious inspiration from true-to-life Joan of Arc and appears to be much more light-hearted with its approach to the source material. Early impressions from the Japanese release seem overall, pretty positive. This title should satisfy gamers looking to satiate their hunger for more strategic game play, and having exceptional visuals is of course, a welcome addition to any party. Jeanne D'Arc is headed for North American shores in August. Until then, enjoy the screenshots!
Killzone Command Center opens, but where's the expansion?
Remember the Killzone downloadable content that we were supposed to get nearly ten months ago? This free expansion will expand the single player campaign and offer a crucial upgrade to the multiplayer: Infrastructure support. After a successful beta test, we assumed that the patch would come soon, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Delay after delay has plagued this free download, and even as the new Killzone Command Center website opens today, we still don't see the expansion available for download. So, what gives? Sure, the site is pretty, but we were expecting more. According to Gameplanet Store NZ, the expansion will finally come out on May 21st. We don't have official confirmation of this release date, but this is one of the few hints we have to work with. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer until Killzone fans get another fix. [Via Sony Protection Group. Thanks, Jack!]
Wipeout Pulse details bring sexy back to the PSP
If Lumines Live was how not to handle downloadable content, the PSP launch title Wipeout Pure is the poster child of how to. Sony's Studio Liverpool is bringing the hotness back to handhelds this year with Wipeout Pulse and an interview with "designer" (quotes by Eurogamer) Clark Davis shows they haven't exactly been sitting on their hands for the past two years Beyond improved controls and alternative track designs, players will be able to create their own campaigns and use their own MP3s for music. The Disruptor weapon, made famous in Wipeout XL is gone and instead replaced with a few new weapons that affect your game by screwing with your HUD or setting your engine ablaze. Downloadable content will be making a return and if it's anything like Wipeout Pure's, we'll have months worth of content to look forward to past launch. [Via PSP Fanboy] [Image by Jon Burgerman]
Wipeout Pulse interview reveals ambitious upgrades
Wipeout Pure is one of the best, if not the best, entries in the series. The PSP launch title featured brilliant graphics (which hold up to this day), the best handling of a Wipeout title, and a seemingly never-ending amount of content, thanks to brilliantly executed downloadable extensions released months after the game's launch. Eurogamer was able to talk to Clark Davies from Studio Liverpool about their upcoming PSP sequel, Pulse. Some highlights include: Improved controls. "The handling is smoother, the ships are more evenly balanced. We're confident that the control is the best and most accessible the series has seen to date." Grid creator for players to create their own challenges. The ability to absorb weapons remains. However, the Disruptor weapon is gone. In its stead are a few new weapons, some of which will affect your ability to play: "things like smoking engines, fire damage, HUD interference, etc." The adrenaline-pumping Zone mode is back, but this time there are no levels designed specifically for the mode. All levels will be playable in Zone, and all of them will get a visual makeover when playing in Zone. Downloadable content returns. When questioned why content is available at launch (why not put it on disc?), Davies reminded readers that "a game is finished about two months before it hits the shelf ... So it's the case that we've scheduled our time well enough so we can carry on working on extra content once the rest of the game is ready." We have to say this interview got us even more excited for this futuristic racing sequel. Even if the game didn't have improvements (if it were simply Pure with more tracks), we're confident it would still be fantastic. Let's hope to see more footage of the game soon.
Ken Kutaragi to retire, go back to space ship
As of June 19th, the man behind the Spider-Man font, behind the PlayStation 3's slick design, behind the massive damage control Sony is still trying to get a hang of will be retiring. Yes, Krazy Ken Kutaragi will be stepping down from his position as CEO at Sony Computer Entertainment. He will be replaced by the less krazy Kaz Hirai -- he doesn't get the capital letter yet.The following are excerpts from a press release from Sony detailing the resignation: "Kutaragi has said that he has been considering this decision for some time. He stated that, in the six months since the appointment of Kazuo Hirai as President in December, the new generation of management, led by Mr. Hirai, has continued to develop...Sony and SCE will continue to seek Mr. Kutaragi's input and ideas from a broad perspective, while continuing to support him as much as possible in the realization of his dreams." He's passing on the torch to Kaz Hirai and the new, fresh, young management team! Good. It's a good thing to know what's best for the company, even at your own expense. We salute him for that. But... what are his dreams? The PS3 Grill?While this is heartbreaking news for those who think Kutaragi was doing a stellar job with the PS3, recall that he was given a promotion recently that consequently took him out of most day-to-day operations of Sony and the PlayStation 3. As a parting farewell to all the shoddy promises given by Kutaragi, as well as a few things to make us giggle, we're sticking some famous quotes from the man, the legend, the mystery: Ken Kutaragi. Goodbye, Krazy Ken. You had a good run, but it's time to step aside. Have a great retirement! "[We want] consumers to think to themselves 'I will work more hours to buy one'. We want people to feel that they want it, irrespective of anything else." "The PS3 will instill discipline in our children and adults alike. Everyone will know discipline." "The PS3 is not a game machine " [Via Joystiq]
Sony's Ken Kutaragi announces plans to retire
In March, The Wall Street Journal said Ken Kutaragi was a "stumbling block" for Sony; now they're reporting that the controversial chairman and group CEO for Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. -- and father of the PlayStation brand -- will be retiring his post effective June 19. Of course, the 57-year-old exec was recently kicked upstairs, removing him from day-to-day operations following what many considered to be a botched strategy for the PlayStation 3. Kaz Hirai, who replaced Ken in December, will be promoted to CEO of SCE. And Kaz, you better start practicing. You've got some large shoes to fill ... four-dimensional shoes that require dual HDMI soles to output 120 footprints a second. But seriously, we'll miss your krazy quotes, Ken!Update -- SCEI statement: "Kutaragi has said that he has been considering this decision for some time. He stated that, in the six months since the appointment of Kazuo Hirai as President in December, the new generation of management, led by Mr. Hirai, has continued to develop. With the March introduction of PS3 in Europe completing the successful launch of PS3 worldwide, Mr. Kutaragi has identified SCE's Annual Shareholders' meeting in June as the ideal timing to pass on the torch to the new generation of management. Mr. Kutaragi will now apply his extensive technological knowledge and leadership skills to take on new challenges beyond the world of PlayStation. Sony and SCE will continue to seek Mr. Kutaragi's input and ideas from a broad perspective, while continuing to support him as much as possible in the realization of his dreams." Read - PlayStation Creator Plans to Retire (WSJ subscription reqd.)Read - Kutaragi to step down as Sony game unit CEO (IDG)
First-ever Wipeout Pulse trailer!
Wipeout Pure is one of our favorite games on PSP, and the newly announced sequel has us quivering in anticipation. Wipeout Pulse looks to bring even more trademark futuristic racing--only this time, it's going online. Check out this first trailer of the game, provided by IGN.
Killzone Infrastructure gets delayed, but now supports headset
Killzone fans want Infrastructure support--and they want it now! Unfortunately, it appears that this downloadable addition has been delayed yet again. According to a PlayStation forum post, "We still have too many bugs that need fixing before we can be 100% happy with the patch. We want it to be as good as possible and releasing it right now would not be fair on you guys, so we have decided to postpone it a couple of weeks." In the midst of bad news, there's still some good: the single-player extension will be free, and the multiplayer mode will support microphone use, so you can taunt other players online: "Good news is, we have the all clear to make Chapter 5 a free download. We have been expecting this and have been 99.9% sure it would be, but we could not announce it without the blessing of the higher ups. Also I want to confirm that it will allow Voice comms for those with headsets, but that is all I want to tell you about it right now. " This Killzone patch cannot come soon enough. [Via PSP-Vault] See also: Killzone: Liberation downloadable demo
New WipEout game targeting PSP
Eurogamer has all the details on the new WipEout game for PSP. Entitled WipEout Pulse, the game is set to contain 24 reversible tracks, ad hoc and infrastructure multiplayer and, as you might expect, all manner of hovering vehicles attempting to blast each other into tiny smithereens. In fact, the smithereens are said to be so tiny, they are more deserving of the label, "smithereenies." New features planned for WipEout Pulse are magnetic strips which force vehicles to cling to the track -- even if the track should decide to enter a loop or uncalled for vertical drop -- along with custom MP3 playback via Memory Stick and an online-enabled photo mode. As with the previous PSP title, WipEout Pure, Sony promises plenty of downloadable content for the game once it launches this September.
Deal of the Day: Killzone gets cheap
Amazon.com has a somewhat random deal today: Killzone: Liberation is now available for $26.48 with free shipping. Now's probably a good time to pick up the game, considering how a new Infrastructure multiplayer patch will be publically available soon. PSP Fanboy commenters will be quick to note that Killzone is one of their favorite games on the system: would you like to join them? [Via CAG]
Wipeout Pulse gets custom soundtracks & Infrastructure
As we revealed earlier, Wipeout Pulse is heading to PSP. This sequel to Wipeout Pure will feature a number of enhancements over the previous iteration of the series: Pulse will feature 24 new tracks. Licensed music from Mason, Loco Dice and Stanton Warriors. Multiplayer via Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure Eight new teams, including "EG-X". New "Mag-strip" feature allows ships to magnetically stick to tracks. This will allow certain tracks to feature loops, 90 degree plummets, and other mind-destroying tricks. Custom soundtracks allow playback of MP3s stored on Memory Stick. Photo Mode captures in-game screenshots. Like Wipeout Pure, the game will feature downloadable content, such as new tracks and songs, immediately after release. Check out Eurogamer for screenshots of this hotly anticipated sequel. The game will hit Europe this September.
Check your Pulse: Wipeout sequel named
The Wipeout franchise is known for its notorious sense of speed, and incredible high-stakes weapons-based racing. At a European convention over the weekend, the title of the upcoming PSP sequel was supposedly revealed: Wipeout Pulse. What kind of mind-shattering courses will Studio Liverpool create for Pulse? What kind of daredevil antics will we perform as the speed (and our blood pressure) rises? More details will be forthcoming in an official press release. Wipeout Pure is still one of PSP's best titles, and the prospect of a sequel has us already shivering with anticipation. [Via IGN]
Saturday PSP background explosion
Every week you can count on PSP Fanboy to bring you new backgrounds for your PSP and help keep it as fresh as a summer's day. This week we have an RPG related background, a puzzle/RPG background and an action game background. You'll just have to keep reading to see what these backgrounds are for yourself. Backgrounds after the jump ...
Jeanne d'Arc comes to US this August [Update 1]
Jeanne d'Arc has easily been one of our most anticipated games for the system. Sony Computer Entertainment of America has just announced a US release date for this strategy RPG, and it's a little sooner than we thought. This August, players will be able to take on Level 5's latest SRPG, based very loosely on the story of Joan of Arc. Check out our previous coverage of the game, and don't forget to look at the beautiful new English screenshots, after the break. [Update 1: Sony has opened a sparse, but beautiful, official website for the game.]
Killzone multiplayer beta participants selected
Those who signed up for the Killzone multiplayer beta and haven't checked their e-mail in a while, may want to sort through the porn and pills spam, because you may have been selected to participate. I know this because I got selected and readers have e-mailed us to say they were also selected. While I'm under non-disclosure about the specifics of the multiplayer, I can say if you're a fan of Killzone: Liberation than you'll love the multiplayer. Don't feel too bad if you weren't selected for the beta, the multiplayer should be made available to everyone soon and we'll be sure to let you know when that day comes. [ Thanks Kevin ]
First in-game Killzone 2 screenshots in OPM UK? [update 1]
So, the UK's Official PlayStation Magazine claims that in next month's issue, they will have the first ever in-game screenshots of PS3's Killzone title. They call it a teaser. The magazine comes out on March 30th, supported by this lofty claim: "Killzone 2, Sony's incredible future shooter breaks cover! OPM has first in-game shots and hard info." Is this true? Is this make-believe? Something's funny, though. The magazine comes out on March 30th, making it the April Issue... something weird always happens in magazines during the April Issue. But, what is it? Why? We actually know, but we'd like you to fill in the dots and riddle us this: do you think the "something strange" could be this announcement? Will it be for real, or will it just be... a "teaser"? [Update: Oh, yeah. We were right. Go us.]
PSP redesign denied, confirmed, re-denied
Sony has said "No" to a PSP redesign on several occasions. Now a conflicting report from SCE UK managing director Ray Maguire says a "smaller, lighter" PSP will be introduced in the future. However, a day later the head of SCE UK PR fed us this line: "There are no immediate changes planned for PSP." Did someone miss the memo?Actually, both of them are probably telling the truth in a sneaky corporate kind of way. Most gaming systems get plastic surgery a few years after their launch. The DS was transformed from a clunky brick to sexy machine we're proud to carry around. It took four years for Sony to release a slim version of the PS2, which means the PSP could be overweight for another two years. A redesign is on the horizon, but that horizon could be a lot further out that we think.
More Killzone multiplayer beta invites sent out
Reader Szs315 shot us an e-mail to let us know that Sony is now widening the Killzone multiplayer beta. I actually got an invite to sign up for the beta and so I did. Now I just have to wait and see if Sony loves me enough to allow me to participate. If they snub me on this, they better let me in on that Home beta. Readers who want to partake can go to http://pspbeta.us.playstation.com on their PSP's browser. Then cross your fingers, wear a rabbit foot and write a 7 on your forehead in hopes to boost your chances of getting into the beta. [ Thanks Szs315 ]
