TokyoGamesShow
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Lost Odyssey hits Japan, demo-style
The latest issue of Famitsu sports a bonus Lost Odyssey demo disc, arriving fashionably later than expected. We're assuming this is a playable version of the brief scenario that was previewed at Tokyo Games Show and not selected for best-in-show. Maybe a more intimate look will convince Japanese consumers (if they've even got a Box to play it on).
Joystiq @ Tokyo Games Show 2006
Our pals over at Joystiq just spent a relaxing weekend at Tokyo Game Show 2006 over in Chiba, Japan. The frivolities included a 0.8 mile line to enter the show (TGS is open to the public, unlike the now-deceased E3), a total "snoozer" of a Sony keynote, and of course that boring stuff like a PS3 price drop and Microsoft's HD DVD drive pricepoint stunner. So, if you think you can handle the lack of excitement, just hit that read link to experience TGS in all its blog-ed glory.
PictoChat users sign off on Ken's keynote
While waiting for Ken Kutaragi's Tokyo Game Show keynote to begin, we fired up our trusty DSs to capture the zeitgeist of the audience: a mixture of press, VIPs, camerapeople, and sneaky stowaways. Despite a slow start, the chatroom quickly filled up and, by the time the speech began, they were all chatting up a storm. Yes, we know, that DS users feedback on Sony's latest and greatest may seem a bit unbalanced, but only if you subscribe to a one console, one gamer mentality. Many of the people in this chatroom were just as excited to be there as we were, and just as hopeful that Ken had an ace up his sleeve.Read on for more clever quips and creative artwork from inside the Sony TGS keynote.
The first batch of Xbox Live TGS content [update 1]
As promised, Microsoft has released the first batch of Xbox Live content to correspond with the Tokyo Games Show. The following is available to all Xbox Live users: Half-Life 2: Episode Two trailer Tenchu Senran trailer Two map packs for Battle for Middle Earth II. A TGS picture pack Updates to Spades, Hearts, Backgammon and Bankshot Billards to add Vision support In addition, Japanese Xbox 360 owners (yes, all five of you) will get the following: Tenchu Senran demo Dead or Alive X2 E3 trailer Project Sylpheed trailer A word of caution: there is an error with the new BFMEII content. The first map pack is supposed to be free but is currently charging gamers 350 MS points. Major Nelson promises that the problem will be fixed soon. The second map pack will still cost you 350 MS points (about $4.38).One commenter on Major Nelson's blog, Cayne, summed up our sentiments perfectly: "I still don't get why stuff is only released in some countries. This is 2006 for god's sake. We have the intertube and everybody sees everything. The only thing it accomplishes is pissing everyone off eventually." We're not blaming Microsoft (as Kid Chemical points out, it's not exactly their fault) as much as we are lamenting over silly copyright issues: the Project Sylpheed trailer may be Japan-only right now, but don't be surprised if it winds up on YouTube or GameTrailers in the next day or two for any gamer in any region to view.[Update 1: clarified significance of referencing Cayne's comment.]
PSP GPS and cam get Japanese prices / release dates
Sony Japan has unveiled the launch dates, prices, and specifications of the official PSP GPS and camera peripherals. The camera, which will be available in Japan on November 2 at a recommended retail price of ¥5,000 (approx. $43 US), is a 1.3 Megapixel affair capable of shooting both stills and 30fps video in conjunction with a built-in microphone. The GPS receiver will be available just over a month after the camera on December 7, and will be priced at ¥6,000 (approx. $51 US). Although the camera will be bundled with software that will let you add effects to photos after they are taken, the GPS receiver doesn't come with any mapping software -- the (semi) good news is that carrying cases will be included with the two devices. Both peripherals will work with a handful of different PSP games, although it's not clear exactly how at present. If the official shots of the devices don't whet your appetite, you better book your plane tickets to Japan, because Sony will be showing them off at the Tokyo Games Show on September 22.
Nintendo denies Space World, speculates on Mario at launch
There is no Space World planned for 2006, according to Nintendo of America PR Manager Matt Atwood. The confirmation, told to Advanced Media Network, dispels some speculation as to when Nintendo would announce the Wii's launch details. As there is no Space World, and no one from Nintendo speaking at the Tokyo Games Show, the likely location for launch announcements will be at the Leipzig Games Convention during the August 23 "Wii Prove our Promise" presentation. As goes Nintendo's modus operandi, the secretive company cannot destroy a rumor without spawning a replacement. Atwood also told AMN that, since the official launch lineup has not been announced, Super Mario Galaxy might still make launch lineup. "Anything is possible," he said. That is not a confirmation by any stretch of the imagination, but just enough to tantalize the masses. O, Nintendo, why must you torment us so?[via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
UK gaming events this summer
This summer is shaping up to be great one, at least in terms of the number of UK gaming trade shows and conferences coming up soon. The great gaming fiasco of 2004 resulted in both of the major gaming trade shows in the UK (Game Stars Live and ECTS) being canceled when they decided to take place at exactly the same time, so it's great to finally see that the industry has picked itself up.Click continue to see a round-up of some future gaming events within the United Kingdom. Joystiq's UK contingent (consisting of Jennie and I) hopes to be able to attend as many of these events as possible so if you're also planning on attending make sure to leave us a comment. If we've missed a show or conference, let us know and I'll add your tip to the table.
