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Downloads spotted at Tokyo Game Show
If you're lucky enough to be going to Tokyo Game Show, you'll see that Sony's offering tons of game demos at their PlayStation Spot kiosks. There are eleven in all including Monster Hunter Portable 2nd, Homestar Portable, Ridge Racers 2, Bounty Hounds, LocoRoco, Exit, and more. According to Famitsu, you will need firmware 2.81 to run these demos. Hopefully these TGS demos will eventually make their way to the internet so that all of us can enjoy them. Who doesn't love game demos? [Update 1: Actually, some of these demos should appear online because some of them will be saved to your Memory Stick. Previously, Spot downloads will be erased from memory once the system was turned off. Notable game demos that will be saved on the disk include Bounty Hounds and Exit.] [Thanks, steve! Via MaxConsole]
TGS: See Blue Dragon gameplay (finally) [update 2]
Xboxyde has scored actual in game footage of the would be killer app for Microsoft in Japan, Blue Dragon. Split into two parts, the video shows off the game's graphics and combat system. For the RPG buffs out there, it's worth noting that battles are not random and that enemies can be seen before the player decides to engage them (or not). Beyond that, the game is very nice to look at. We know that a lot of readers will disagree on this point, but these graphics are solid and polished beyond belief. The gameplay, on the other hand, looks fairly standard. There are big chests with items in them, turn-based battles, summoning techniques, and a boss battle (complete with craptastic rawk music). Granted, the quality of the video makes it difficult to pick apart the intricacies of the combat, but it all looks pretty traditional. Then again, it also looks an awful lot like Dragon Quest -- a game so popular in Japan it's practically a national holiday when a new sequel is released. Will bundling Blue Dragon with a core system be enough to entice Japanese buyers? Only time will tell.Update: It looks like Xboxyde's servers are getting beaten up by the demand for this video. See the embedded YouTube video after the break.Update 2: Fixed some weird formatting.
Today's TGS Marketplace content
The first batch of Marketplace content has (mostly) gone live. For your downloading pleasure, the following is now available.DOA X2 E3 Trailer (Japan)Project Sylpheed Trailer (Japan)Tenchu Senran TrailerHalf-Life 2 - Episode 2 TrailerTGS Picture PackTenchu Senran Demo (Japan)There are also map packs available for BFMEII, though one of them -- Aragorn's Journey -- is supposed to be free, it's not working correctly right now. Don't download it or you will be charged. The other pack -- Northern Badlands -- is not supposed to be free so, you can grab it for 350 MS Points if you want. Also, as of this writing, the Half-Life 2 - Episode 2 trailer doesn't seem to be up. We're not really sure if this counts as TGS content, but several XBLA games have been updated to take advantage of the Vision camera.360 at the Tokyo Game Show:HD-DVD for $170, $250 Core w/ Blue Dragon1080p for 360!
TGS: HD-DVD for $170, $250 Core w/ Blue Dragon
More 360 news out of Tokyo, Microsoft has announced that the HD-DVD drive for the 360 will launch November 17th at a price of ¥19,800 ($170). This pretty much confirms the oft speculated $200 price when the device ships stateside -- then again, Microsoft is rather fond of giving the Japanese insane price cuts.Speaking of price cuts, Microsoft also announced that they will be releasing a new core system bundle in Japan this holiday. Priced at ¥28,900 (~$250), the new core comes with a copy of Blue Dragon. That's right, for half the price of the low end PS3, the Japanese can get a copy of Hironobu Sakaguchi's latest. Futile or not, Microsoft is going to war in Japan. Stay tuned for more TGS goodness.360 at the Tokyo Game Show:1080p for the 360!
TGS: 1080p for 360! [update 1]
Joystiq has some rather astounding news from the Tokyo Game Show today. A software update later this year -- we would guess the scheduled fall update -- will add full 1080p capability to your Xbox 360. Still no word of an HDMI cable, though. Right now this is only via component or VGA. Still, Microsoft is promising immediate upscaling of all existing games and DVD movies. Huh, it looks like the 360 is capable of "True" high definition after all. The question is: can it play games in 4D? Stay tuned to X360F and Joystiq for more breaking TGS info.Update: Changed confusing image.
Xbox 360 fall update adds 1080p output, HD DVD add-on hits Japan for $170 US
Even though we expected the Tokyo Game Show to be the coming out party for the Playstation 3, Microsoft just couldn't let them get all the limelight and Engadget has all the details. First, the Xbox 360 HD DVD external drive finally has a pricetag and launch date -- in Japan. ¥19,800 (about $170 US) and November 17 are the magic numbers, now the question is will the US be rounding up to $199 (or £199)? We'll have to wait to find out for sure but with X06 kicking off on the 27th, there's no way we'll be waiting too long. The other big news of the night is that the fall dashboard update will add 1080p output via analog to games and movies. If you have a TV (or projector) that takes 1,920x1,080 input via component or VGA you'll be able to select it in the dashboard and move on. Does this mean HD DVDs will play in full 1080p via component? AACS would seem to answer a big no to that question, but until more details are released we can't say for sure. Future games will have the option to render natively at 1080p (DigDug HD?) while current games will be upscaled. Looks like Sony isn't the only one supporting "the true definition of HD".Update:Word from Microsoft's press conference in Japan pegs the price at ¥20,790 ($180~ US) and a launch on November 22. This conflicts with previous info straight from Microsoft so we'll keep waiting to get all this straightened out and some local info.
Tokyo Game Show and X06 footage on Xbox Live Marketplace starting tomorrow
Microsoft had a pretty good response (1.5 million individuals downloading 5 million pieces of content over several days certainly qualifies as pretty good) to their Bring Home E3 event on Xbox Live, allowing Xbox 360 owners to download large amounts of trailers, demos and high definition video direct from the show floor, so for the next nine days they'll be doing it all over again. With the Tokyo Game Show and their X06 event in Spain coming in the next few days, they plan on making over 100 pieces of content available including HD video from the show. Since our passes to the shows appear to have been lost in the mail, we're definitely feeling this. Add in the ability to queue up 5 downloads at a time added in the Spring dashboard update and it's even easier to get everything posted for the next nine days. Make sure that you do because some of it will disappear forever after September 29th. We're still playing the Lost Planet demo from E3, as good as reading about all the HD gaming coming our way is, we'll take actually experiencing it at home any day.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
TGS and X06, live from your living room
We reported a few weeks ago that Microsoft was planning on bringing TGS and X06 home this year, much the same way they did for E3. Microsoft has now made it official, launching this page detailing what 360 users can expect. If you had a 360 during E3, you know the drill. Expect lots of game demos, trailers, content downloads (Alan Wake theme? F*ck yeah!), and behind the scenes videos. Coverage is set to begin September 20th -- That's Wednesday for those of you keeping score -- and will run through September 29th. We can't wait. It's things like this that make us glad we're 360 fanboys. Check out the press release -- including some of the hot ticket games -- after the break.
Okay, okay, THIS is the official TGS game list
We're not even going to bother trying to replicate what our pals at IGN did. They've taken it unto themselves to fully transcribe every game being shown for every system by every company. They boast over 570 games and guess what? The Gamecube and Xbox each have one game! Kind of a pity. Anyway, IGN does bring up a good point: E3 was probably scaled down because it was afraid of something like this. There are way too many games and way too many consoles being introduced and supported right now. Even when Nintendo doesn't exactly bring its first-party hand to the table at the TGS (it typically refrains from going to TGS), there are still third-party titles to be shown. It's madness! A small piece of this blogger is glad he's not going to TGS because, simply put, there's way, way, way too much to look at. Sensory overload, more or less. Go ahead and check out IGN's list. It's quite large, so we'd recommend skimming through your favorite developers/publishers.
Tokyo Game Show -- game totals by console
Sure, sure, this has been reported most everywhere -- why should we miss out on the exciting world of numbers? Here's the breakdown of games by console for the Tokyo Game Show: PS3: 18 PS2: 100 (!) PSP: 33 Wii: 5 Xbox360: 20 Nintendo DS: 52 PC: 127 Mobile: 125 Sony definitely has the majority of games overall, but takes a close second-place in the next-gen zone. The PS2 library is insane! We left off Gamecube and "classic" Xbox because each only a few games being shown. Want them by genre? Sure! 129 Action games 76 RPG's 49 Simulation games 35 Puzzle games 33 Adventure games We're assuming "action" games includes FPS games, since they've got, well, action. And there's always a lot of them.
Sony unveils its PSP Tokyo Game Show lineup
With E3 seemingly now a shadow of its former self, the gaming industry's focus may shift to the Tokyo Game Show, which just so happens to be only a mere seven days away. TGS 2006 goes from Sept. 22 through 24 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. And to whet your appetite, Sony has released a preliminary list of the PSP lineup that should be in playable form at the event. Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (Namco Bandai Games) Bounty Hounds (Namco Bandai Games) Boxers Road 2: The Real (Ertain) Gundam Battle Royale (Namco Bandai Games) Homestar Portable* (Sega) Jan-Sangokumusou (Koei) Jeanne D'Arc (Sony Computer Entertainment) Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (Konami) Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops* (Konami) Minna no Golf-jou* (Sony Computer Entertainment) Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (Capcom) Navigation Software* (working title) (Edia) Ratchet and Clank Portable (working title) (Sony Computer Entertainment) Sarugettchu Piposaru Racer (Sony Computer Entertainment) Tales of the World Radiant Mythology (Namco Bandai Games) Tenchi no Mon 2: Busouden (Sony Computer Entertainment) (* – supports GPS)In addition the already mentioned games, Sony will show new video of 35 more titles. I believe the big story here is how effectively the GPS games use the add-on. If Sony can get software that show the peripheral is more than a gimmick, the PSP may be able to gain some ground on the DS. (Via Gamespot)
Gamespot lists its most anticipated TGS 2006 handheld games
I think I can actually begin to feel the excitement of the Tokyo Game Show emanating to me through the internet. And it seems Gamespot feels the same as they've listed their most anticipated games to be shown at TGS.They listed four handheld games they are most excited about are Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Lumines II, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, which just so happens to be the only Nintendo DS game to make the list. Take that you blasted Nintendo fanboys!(Via Gamespot)
More Tokyo Game Show lineups: Namco-Bandai edition
Here's Namco-Bandai's list of TGS games -- all but Captain Tsubasa will be playable. Take a deep breath and browse on! Mobile Suit Gundam Target in Sight (PS3) Ridge Racer 7 (PS3) Tales of Destiny (PS2... is this a remake of the PSX game, or is this Abyss?) Battle Stadium D.O.N. (PS2) .hack//G.U. Vol.2 (PS2) Dragon Ball Z Sparking! NEO (PS2) Captain Tsubasa (video only) (PS2) Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Phantom Blood (PS2) Naruto Kinoha Spirits!! (PS2) Digimon Survivors Another Mission (PS2) Kamen Rider Kaputo (PS2) Gundam Seed Destiny Federation vs. ZAFT II Plus (PS2) Tales of Fantasia Full Voice Edition (PSP) Ridge Racers 2 (PSP) Bounty Hounds (PSP) Ace Combat X Skies of Deception (PSP) Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology (PSP) Gundam Battle Royal (PSP) Gunpei Reverse (PSP) Tales of the Tempest (DS) Corner Shop 2 (DS) Gintama (DS) Oto wo Tsunagou! Gunpei Reverse (DS) Battle Stadium D.O.N. (Gamecube) Idol Master (360) Trusty Bell (360) Culdecept Saga (360) Gundam Operation Troy (360) Whew! Information overload! Not to mention... Gundam everywhere! There are a lot of games here and the PS3 and 360 both have at least one high profile title to look forward to. Ridge Racer 7 will be playable and that's awesome. We hope. What do you guys think?
More Tokyo Game Show lineups: Konami edition
Here's another bulleted list of things you'll be hearing more about by the end of September! Isn't it exciting? Check it out. Elebits (Wii) Coded Arms Assault (PS3) Mahjong Fight Club (PS3) Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3) Mahjong Fight Club National Competition Version (PSP) Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops (PSP) World Soccer Winning Eleven 10 Ubiquitous Evolution (PSP) Silent Hill Origins (PSP) Mahjong Fight Club DS (...DS) Boktai DS (...DS) World Soccer Winning Eleven DS (oh, forget it...) Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS) Otogi Juushi Akazukin (DS) Survival Kids Lost in Blue 2 (DS) Well, there were some other games for the PS2, arcade, mobile, and PC, but they didn't exactly raise many brows. Nothing for Microsoft's system, either. You can check out the full list at IGN, but the rest isn't much to get you excited about.
Koei and Capcom release TGS lineup
Sure, they're two different companies, but why make you read two different pieces on each when we can slap 'em both right here for you? First up is Capcom's TGS playables list: Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) Lost Planet (360) Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP) Gyakuten Saiban 4 (AKA Phoenix Wright) (DS) Ryusei no Rockman (MegaMan stuff... always with the MegaMan! We want another MegaMan Legends game! Those were the best. MegaMan X, X2, X3, and X4 were good too. Heck, SNES and prior were all golden, excepting X4 of course.) Ahem. Sorry. MegaMan was one of the first dozen games every played by yours truly, so there's a bit of a loyalty and love for the games. Now then, Koei, how many Dynasty Warriors games will you be showing us? Fatal Inertia (PS3) Bladestorm (PS3) Ni-Oh (PS3) Mahjong Taikai IV (PS3) Samurai Warriors Wave (Wii) Samurai Warriors 2 Empires (PS2) Sangokushi 11 (PS2) G1 Jockey 4 2006 (PS2) Harukanaru Toki no Naka De (PS2) Dynasty Warriors Mahjong (PSP) Dynasty Warriors Mahjong (DS) Pocket Scenario Series Harukanaru Toki no Naka De (DS) Nobunaga's Ambition (PS2 and Windows) Okay, so there's more emphasis on Samurai Warriors now, but still. What think you, gentlemen and ladies? Does Koei and Capcom have a good lineup? The PS3 titles seem very tempting, and dare we say, Lost Planet does too? It does.
Square Enix loves the DS
At this month's Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix is gonna be all about the DS. Half the playable titles they plan to show are for the Nintendo handheld. Now that's what we call a coup. Look for lots of news and video later this month from Chocobo no Mahou Ehon (Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book), Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker, and Final Fantasy III.We know you're especially excited about that last, since we never bring you Final Fantasy III news. Ever.
Xbox 360 pre-TGS briefing set for Sept. 20
IGN reports that Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox 360 press briefing two days ahead of the Tokyo Game Show September 22:Officially, the company plans on showing off its Japanese Xbox 360 titles for the rest of the year and sharing its strategy for the Japanese market. We presume there will be plenty of long-awaited details on Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon, but there should be some big surprises as well.How about some news on the Fall dashboard update. Speaking of updates, what's on your wish list?
Square-Enix reveals lineup, Roman Numerals grow confusing
Over at IGN, they've released the lineup of games by Square-Enix to be shown at the Tokyo Game Show. While we won't try to correct some of the Japanese translation, we think they muffed up on one of the Roman Numerals for a game. We'll display the list below.Playable games Chocobo no Mahou Ehon (DS) Dragon Quest Monsters (Mobile) Dragon Quest Monsters Joker (DS) Dragon Quest: Fushigi na Dungeon (Mobile) Final Fantasy III (DS) Final Fantasy XI (PS2, Xbox360) Front Mission 2089 (Mobile) -- darn, if only it were a new console title... Pokemate (Mobile) Project Sylpheed (Xbox 360) Seiken Densetsu IV (PS2) aka Dawn of Mana Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden (Mobile) Non-playable, video only Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3) Final Fantasy V Advance (GBA) Final Fantasy VI Advance (GBA) Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP) -- this was written as VIII on IGN. A small error, but if anyone is a crazy FFVII fan (there are many... too many) they'd shake their heads in shame. Lots of games, none all too earth-shattering. Aside from Dawn of Mana and the videos, not much appears to be worthwhile. If only there would appear a Vagrant Story sequel. Please, Squeenix! Anything spark interest among you? Let us know.
Microsoft brings TGS and X06 home
Remember back at E3 when the Halo 3 trailer was available on Marketplace before Microsoft officially unveiled it at the show? That was only part of the barrage of E3 content that was piped directly into our 360s. It made it a cool perk to have the latest and greatest hardware, allowing thousands of 360 owners to get a piece of E3. It looks like Microsoft plans to continue that tradition at this year's Tokyo Game Show and its own X06 (I had to decline a trip to cover the latter, stupid wedding!). TGS coverage will start on September 20th and run through the 24th. X06 will run September the 25th through the 29th. There is a chance that US and European gamers won't see all the TGS coverage, but Japan got most of the E3 coverage so, it's stands to reason this will be the same.Now we can all look forward to previews of the latest and greatest. Expect more of Blue Dragon, Gears of War, Viva Piñata, Blue Dragon, Fable 2, and Blue Dragon. And, since it's TGS, you'll probably see some Blue Dragon. In all seriousness, we really dug Microsoft's coverage of the last E3 ever, and hopefully this will recapture the same excitement.[Via Xboxic]
The winner of Leipzig? PSP
NOTE: This editorial is the opinion of Andrew Yoon, and does not represent the opinion of PSP Fanboy, Joystiq or Weblogs, Inc.Every video game convention, there's a "winner" of some sorts. It's pretty safe to say that the Nintendo Wii "won" the last E3, proving that waving around our hands can be fun. Not only did the Wii prove that the control scheme works, there was an amazing list of exclusives, from Nintendo's own Mario to third party efforts, like Red Steel. Nintendo wowed the crowd at E3 because of the amazing quality and potential of the games for its system.Did Nintendo pull the big win at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany this year? No. Did Microsoft? No. Sony took the win for this year's show, but not because of a great showing of PlayStation 3 goods (there were none at the show), but because of Konami's absolutely excellent lineup of upcoming PSP games. Yes, you heard me right: PSP "won" Leipzig.
