Archive for 2006
Sony and Microsoft lose hundreds of millions on next-generation
The shift to the next generation of consoles is costing their parent corporations dearly. GameDailyBiz has an article up claiming that the gaming division at Sony may lose almost $900 million this year, thanks to rollout costs for the PS3.
The 360, already in the marketplace, is looking pretty solid. However, in among increased Microsoft revenue announcements (up 13% for the quarter over last year) and a healthy number of shipped systems by the end of June (almost 5.5 million) is a hard statistic.
From the Gamastura article: “As for specifics on the Xbox 360 and Xbox’s financials, the company’s Home and Entertainment division, which includes the Microsoft Xbox video game console system, PC games, the Home Products Division, and TV platform products for the interactive television industry, lost $388 million for the quarter on $1.06 billion in revenue, a sharp increase from the $175 million loss the previous year.” A reminder that these systems may be successful, but they’re costing to get out there. Via: Slashdog.org
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In Doshin the Giant (AKA Kyojin No Doshin) on the Nintendo GameCube puts the player in control of the eponymous yellow giant with an auspiciously large outie belly button, and the player is given the godly power to raise or lower land to please the local island population or turn evil and wreak havoc.
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Sonic the Hedgehog (PS3, 360)
Sega is giving their classic and famed mascot Sonic the Hedgehog (known around town as “the Blue Blur”) a complete makeover in his newest console game, simply dubbed “Sonic the Hedgehog”. As the title suggests, no subtitles or numbers have been added because this truly is marking a new beginning for the speedy hedgehog, and in his re-imergence Sonic Team wanted to avoid confusion while wiping the slate clean by disconnecting this new title from anything Sonic-past. No “Adventure” or “Heroes” connection here. GameSpot recently tried a playable version of the game at Sega’s E3 pre-show, and here are the details:
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DS Lite to hit Australia/NZ before America!
In what definitely comes as a rare surprise, it looks like the Land Down Under will recieve the much lauded Nintendo DS Lite before the system launches in North America on June 11th. The Australian and New Zealand release date for the system is set for June 1st, a full 10 days before the US release. But this early launch will come at a price . . . literally. The system will cost a hefty AU$199.95 (= US$154), which is more than it will cost in the US, where it will retail for US$129.99, which will be the same price as the regular DS. So far no reason has been given for why the Oceanians will be getting their system earlier than the Americans, but hey, they’ve been left out long enough. Let them shine with an early DS Lite release!
Sony PS2 & PSP E3 lineup
Nothing yet on the Playstation 3, but it sure is nice to see Ratchet & Clank joining Daxter on the Sony portable. Here’s Sony’s Playstation 2 & PSP list of E3 showings:
ATV Offroad Fury 4 (PS2)
Gangs of London (PSP)
God of War II (PS2)
Killzone: Liberation (PSP)
Lemmings (PSP)
LocoRoco (PSP)
NBA ‘07 (PS2 & PSP)
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP)
Rogue Galaxy (PS2)
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 (PSP)
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault (PS2)
World Tour Soccer ‘06 (PSP)
Electronic Arts E3 lineup
Here’s EA’s diverse lineup for this years E3. It’s worth a read.
EA SPORTS branded E3 line-up:
Along with playable demos that showcase deep new offerings of Madden NFL 07, EA will feature tech demonstrations of NBA LIVE, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR and FIFA Football behind closed doors in the EA SPORTS Lab. These demos will illustrate the new tools and development philosophy that drives gameplay and feature innovation in EA SPORTS games on next generation consoles.
Click on “more…” below for the full games list.
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SOCOM sequels strike PS2 & PSP
SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive confirmed two games are in development. Here’s the detailed features list.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault SOCOM (PS2):
* U.S.Navy SEALs Combined Assault offers all new 4-player cooperative gameplay and classic 32-player competitive gameplay. Both multiplayer game modes will have an expansive list of community features - including friends list, chat functionality, a detailed ranking structure, expanded stat tracking and more.
* Mission design, layout and enemy behavior will allow you to decide how to approach a given enemy, whether through stealth or raw offense.
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Sega Called The Club With Bizarre Creations
Sega and Project Gotham Racing developer Bizarre Creations have announced the top secret project the two have been collaborating on. Called The Club (working title), it’s a third-person shooter heading to next-generation platforms.
“The Club is a loosely organised and highly illegal underground entity”, said Sega, “The Club is a meeting ground for those seeking the ultimate in vicarious thrills, and those who want to watch them. You have been entered into the sport, and against the odds must fight for survival. Set in a variety of unusual and evocative locations scattered across the globe, you will be wielding high-powered weaponry in a bid to earn your escape. Your first task is to survive, but you must kill according to their rules - quickly, relentlessly and with style.”
Eidos announces game based on Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs movie
Eidos today announced details for Reservoir Dogs on the Xbox, PlayStation 2 & PC. Based on the Reservoir Dogs movie and coming out in autumn 2006.
Based on Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic and staying true to the original plot and chronology, this intense third person shooter follows the progress and planning of that famed heist, filling in some of the blanks left from the film: What happened to Mr. Blue and Mr. Brown? Where did Mr. Pink hide the diamonds? What actually happened at the heist? These questions and more will be answered as the game unfolds.
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DS Lite hits US June 11 and a Live Mario performance while you wait
While American gamers anxiously await their DS Lite to arrive in white-only on June 11th (for $130) amongst other reasons to play the New Super Mario Bros. Here’s a Live Performance of the first level from Super Mario Brothers to tide you over.
