There was a time when E3 was a really, really big deal. Now, it’s simply a really big deal. One of the biggest factors of its whole big dealness comes from the console manufacturers’ press conferences. They typically range from the epic (introduction of the Wii) to the horribly, horribly wrong (introduction of the PS3 and real-time weapon changing). So how did this year go for Sony?
Video store on PSN
It’s hard to grade an announcement like this, similar to how it was the announcement of Final Fantasy 13 going to the Xbox 360. On one hand, this is a huge deal and what many PlayStation fans have been asking for. On the other, they’re simply matching what the Xbox 360 already had, and without lower prices. On top of that, Microsoft one upped this announcement already this year with the introduction of Netflix on the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, it just makes Sony look a step behind.
New PSP bundle
Yawn. This is big news for the PSP? A new game, system, movie, and memory stick combo all for $199? Maybe if they had dropped the price to $150, but as it is this is mostly a non-issue.
DC Universe Online
Wait a second, wasn’t Microsoft working on this? Nope, that was a Marvel Comics MMO. Sony is actually launching a DC comics MMO. Good for them, and good for an MMO (that isn’t titled Final Fantasy) finally coming to home consoles.NOT DONE
$399 80GB price point
What’s this? Some actually creative pricing? Sony has announced a new bundle for an 80GB upgrade to the current 40GB system. Wait, what does that mean? Basically an 80GB PS3 with no backwards compatibility for $399, unless Sony isn’t telling something. Still, that brings it more into line price wise with the Xbox 360, plus a year of Live.
God of War 3
Well, it was announced when a flashy CG trailer. And, that’s about it. Of course, this was already a given, so not really big news.
MAG: Massive Action Game
This was probably the crown-jewel of any press conference this year. So, you like big action games? How about 256-player big? That’s broken into more manageable 8-player squads, but still, it’s all part of one battlefield. It’s either Sony’s killer-app or something that will flop horribly. Titles this ambitious have little wiggle room.
New Ratchet & Clank, Pain, Fat Princess, and others for PSN
Tired of yearly game installments? What about yearly expansion packs via downloadable content? That seems to be the direction Ratchet & Clank is headed. Along with it come a new Pain: Amusement Park, Fat Princess, Crash Commando, and others. Definitely a step up from many of the, let’s be honest, shovelware titles found on XBLM.
Resistance 2 beefs up while Retributions heads to PSP
An exclusive third-person Resistance title is headed to the PSP, while Resistance 2 went epic. A boss that towers over any other in gaming history? Check. 60-player online matches? Check. 8-player online co-op play? Check. Kitchen sink? Eh, three out of four ain’t bad.
Final Verdict
Sony brought a mixed bag to this year’s press conference. In many ways, such as with the new PSP bundle, they failed. But in more significant ways, such as with MAG and Resistance 2, they succeeded. It isn’t that Sony blew away the press conferences of Microsoft and Nintendo, but they did do enough to showcase actual games that will give them a competitive advantage. That’s good news for Sony and PS3/PSP owners.
Grade
B
Loading ...