Final Fantasy XIII shown on Xbox 360. Odin summon revealed. New PS3 trailer shown

Odin Final Fantasy XIII summon revealed at E3 2009 (Xbox 360 screenshot)
Microsoft rolled out another one of its big games at this years E3 2009 Microsoft Press Conference, and that title was Final Fantasy XIII. For the first time Square Enix showed off the game in real-time, running on an Xbox 360 and being played right before the captivated audience.

Square Enix’s Yoshinore Kitase announced that the developer is targeting a spring 2010 North American launch for Final Fantasy XIII (which will also hit PS3 at that time).

The audience got to see two of the characters in action (rebel protagonist Final Fantasy 13 characters Suds and Lightning) as they fight a giant mech boss. Who is ultimately defeated with the worldwide first-look at summon Odin! Whom the characters now fight alongside.

See the game yourself from the press conference in this video.

In addition, Sony was also keen on showing off Final Fantasy XIII for the PS3. They did so with an all-new trailer for the game, shown at Sony’s E3 2009 Press Conference. Here is the new PS3 trailer.

Modern Warfare 2 videos show off single player campaign

Modern Warfare 2 gameplay screenshot for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Release date is November 10, 2009
Modern Warfare 2 made its gameplay debut at Microsoft’s Xbox 360 E3 2009 Press Conference where the game was shown live and in motion as they played it on stage.

It will be released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on November 10th this year!

Modern Warfare 2 truly takes the series in a whole new direction with some outstanding set-pieces and really fun looking gameplay during the single-player campaign. But words don’t due the game justice, give it a look in this debut single-player gameplay video.

Tony Hawk shows Tony Hawk: Ride

Tony Hawk: Ride screenshot with skateboard controller
The birdman himself, Tony Hawk, was on-hand at E3 2009 to demonstrate Activision’s newest title: Tony Hawk Ride.

The game comes complete with a physical skateboarding peripheral that was created with the input of Tony Hawk and other professional skateboarders to create an all-new way to play the originator of the skateboarding genre.

Looks completely fascinating to me. Especially given the fact that I never got into the Tony Hawk series and have never skateboarded myself. This is something I’d definitely like to check out. And I think Activision is very smart for pursuing this road. The game will be out on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii this Fall (and will likely cost close to $100).

The Beatles: Rock Band debut trailer

The Beatles: Rock Band gameplay screenshot
Electronic Arts has shown off The Beatles: Rock Band at E3 2009 in an all-new trailer that will give you a good look at how the game will actually play.

As you can tell from the trailer below, the game will essentially give you what you’d expect from Rock Band, except with The Fab Four and their music dripping through every one of its pores.

As previously reported, the game will include harmonizing (so there can be multiple vocal tracks), and features entirely accurate motion capture for The Beatles model’s; Giving them animations and mannerisms that are about as fitting as you can get. Along with stylized backgrounds and great visuals all around, the trailer takes players through several points in the career of The Beatles from playing in the basement circa 1963 to the rooftop of Abbey Road and under the sea for Octopus’s Garden. You’ll also notice that the game will age the band members appropriately depending on what point in their career you are playing.

The game also features replicas of the band’s real instruments, including John Lennon’s Rickenbacker 325 guitar, Paul McCartney’s Hofner bass, George Harrison’s Gretsch Duo Jet guitar, and Ringo Starr’s drums with classic black oyster pearl finish, as well as a Ludwig-branded Beatles kick drum head.

With 45 songs the game is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a top-notch band experience or a historic look at the legendary Beatles. And even if you aren’t a fan, the game definitely looks fun enough to possibly make you into one.

Lego Rock Band debut trailer

Lego Rock Band lets youngsters rock out as Lego people
Harmonix and Traveler’s Tales have released the first official trailer for the upcoming Lego Rock Band for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and DS.

Sadly the trailer does not show how the game is actually played, but rather concentrates on what you can expect from the game’s graphics and Lego people singing popular hit songs.

As we’ve previously reported the game will be aimed at the younger crowd and will be released this Fall.

Get a first glimpse of the game in this E3 2009 trailer.

Sony E3 2009 press conference roundup: Final Fantasy XIV: Online, The Last Guardian, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, GT5, Agent, ModNation Racers, Resident Evil PSP, and PS3 Motion Controller confirmed

The Sony E3 2009 press conference was held today and showed off a ton of new footage and some new game announcements for the PlayStation platforms.

E3 Expo logoHere’s a list of the keynotes:

  • PS2 outsold next gen systems in April 2009. Sony is committed to the PS2 which is in its 9th year as long as players keep supporting it. More than 2,000 titles available. Over 122 titles for PS2 including some of the biggest titles. Today’s PS2 users ultimately PS3 users. 22 million PS3’s sold globally last year. Fiscal 2010 will be an increase of 13 million PS3’s, an increase of 30%. Latin America sales have nearly tripled. PlayStation Network grew to more than 24 million worldwide in 2008.
  • Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Naughty Dog has had a 15-year standard of pushing PlayStation products to their limits. Multiplayer beta starts tonight! Active cinematic experience unlike anything else out there.
  • MAG (Massive Action Game) demo shows 256 players can play it together online. Release date is Fall 2009.
  • Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines release date on PSP is November 10, 2009.
  • Kaz Hirai showed off the PSP Go handheld, he jokes it’s E3’s “worst kept secret.” While previous images showed it as having a black color, but his unit has a white color. At 249.95 Dollars (in America) and Euros (in Europe) on its worldwide release date on October 1, 2009.
  • The new Media Go application allows you to access all PlayStation Network media from your PC. Video delivery service will now be available on PSP just like on PS3. Allowing you to download movies directly to your PSP. A host of new networks joining the program. More content that is easier to get onto your PSP.
  • Kazunouri Yamauchi of Polyphony Digital came on stage to announce Gran Turismo PSP. Running at 60FPS on the PSP Go. It includes 800 cars, 35 tracks and 46 variations of those tracks. Mission challenge mode including legacy license mode. Up to 4 players can race together online. Car swapping is allowed between garages. Focus on getting together with friends to race and exchange cars.
  • Hideo Kojima came on stage to announce Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for PSP. Story takes place 10 years after MGS3 in the 1970’s. It’s the true sequel of the Metal Gear franchise. Hideo produces the game and will write the script along with the main MGS4 team developing, it’s not a spin-off. Takes place in Costa Rica with 4 Solid Snake clones. Release date in 2010.
  • Resident Evil PSP-exclusive original title announced from Capcom for release in 2010.
  • PlayStation Network now has 24 million registered users in 55 countries. More than 475 million pieces of content downloaded. 90 exclusives titles online. 50 PS1 classics being added to the Store in 2009. Final Fantasy VII will be available today.
  • Home has gathered 6.5 million users worldwide after launching six months ago. Jack Tretton claims 85% are return users.
  • Agent game from Rockstar announced exclusively for PS3.
  • Patrice Desilets came on stage to demo Assassin’s Creed II. Desmond is back and this time he uses the Animus to visit an ancestor (Etzio) in the Renaissance. Leonardo Davinci’s flying machine is used to fly around the city of Venice, using the fires around the city to keep afloat. The double blade is used to assassinate two enemies at the same time. 30 weapons in the game. Assassin’s Creed: Bloodline unlockable exclusive weapon available in AC2 when you hook up your PSP to the PS3. Release date for both AC games is Holiday 2009.
  • Final Fantasy XIV: Online announced as a PS3 exclusive! Megaton! Release date in 2010.
  • PS3 Motion Controller prototype was shown to work together with the PlayStation Eye camera. Example includes holding Ratchet’s weapons in your hand and waving it around to strike enemies. Tech demo applications make it look like a mix between EyeToy games and the Wii Remote. Tracking is done at sub-millimeter precision. And movements are tracked everywhere and the software can correct for your changes, so everything stays playable. Release date in Spring 2010.
  • ModNation Racers announced exclusively for PS3 by developer United Front Games . A modern take on classic kart racing with powerups and expansive environments. It’s seen as the second in a series of user-generated content games that LittleBigPlanet started with on PS3. Customizable characters, cars, and tracks that you can create and share with everyone online. They created a track within 5 minutes. Release date in 2010.
  • The Last Guardian was announced as a PS3 exclusive. Previously known as Project TRICO, it’s the third title in the ICO trilogy. It was shown off for the first time, with a more detailed version of the previously leaked trailer.
  • Another PS3-exclusive, Gran Turismo 5 was shown for the first time in a trailer.
  • The first few minutes of gameplay were shown for the PS3-exclusive God of War III. Release date is March 2010.
  • Filed in:

    Nintendo E3 2009 press conference roundup: New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Metroid: Other M, Golden Sun DS, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mario vs Donkey Kong 2, Mario & Luigi 3, and Wii Vitality Sensor oddity

    Nintendo just wrapped up their E3 2009 Press Conference where they delivered a gaggle of new and old games. While a majority of what they showed off had already been announced, there were quite a few surprises as well and some bold new directions for the company.

    E3 Expo logoHere’s a list of the keynotes:

  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii The DS hit returns to Wii in an all-new side-scrolling Mario platformer that supports up to four-players at once! The camera pans out as players control Mario, Luigi or different colored Toads (yellow and blue) as they cooperate and compete for coins and ranking while making their way through side-scrolling Mario stages that players know and love. Players will even race to touch the flagpole at the end of the stage in classic Mario style, with extra points awarded to those who can touch it within three seconds of the other players. Not much details were revealed but they did show off a new Propeller Suit which allows Mario to shoot high into the air and then float down with a shake of the Wii Remote. The game does support up to four-players locally but I’m not sure if it will be online . . . let’s hope cause if not that just killed it right there in my opinion. Still great to see a new 2D Mario game even if it looks too close to New Super Mario Bros. for comfort if you ask me. Release date is Holiday 2009.
  • Wii Fit is best-selling game since launch in U.S. and around the world. Making the Wii Fit Balance Board rank up there with standalone console systems as having a huge install base of its own.
    Wii Fit Plus formally announced. Six new strength and Yoga exercises. 15 new balance board games like juggling and skateboarding. Including one that is like a Mario platformer that has you running forward and jumping over oncoming logs. You can mix and match activities however you want. You can target areas of the body for strength or toning, etc. It also keeps track of total calories. Release this Fall as both a standalone game or packed with the Balance Board.
  • Wii Sports Resort starts players off in a Sky Diving mini-game where your Mii will directly match your motions of the Wii Remote as you soar through the sky. Tiling the Wii Remote down will make him gain speed, eventually you’ll meet other Miis in the air in this elaborate intro. New mini-games were shown like archery, where you need to actually make the motion of shooting a bow & arrow at a target while taking in other factors like wind. Another super cool game is Basketball, where you actually must make a real shooting motion to shot the balls into the hoop. Looked super fun.
  • Games that will support Wii MotionPlus include Wii Sports Resort, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (will include the Wii MotionPlus packed in), Grand Slam Tennis and Virtua Tennis 2009. In addition to other titles like Red Steel 2.
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers, the anticipated standalone Wii release in the Crystal Chronicles series goes in a much more single-player focused and epic direction. Focusing more on storyline the game looked much more like what you’d expect from Square. Releasing September 29, 2009.
  • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days new trailer shown. Coming in September 2009.
  • Mario & Luigi 3: Bowser’s Inside Story releases this Fall on DS in North America and Europe. In this third Mario & Luigi RPG game, the Mario Bros. find themselves on the inside of Bowser, literally. Looks like more of the same clever puzzles, hilarious situations and crazy animations that you know and love.
  • Golden Sun DS announced with slogan “The Sun Rises Again.” New DS RPG is third game in the series and returns with all new 3D graphics. Releases in 2010.
  • New James Patterson game called Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion is a novel-based adventure title for DS specifically aimed at women. Three playable characters. Interactive novel style with hardcore adventure game puzzles to solve and an in-depth story based on the books. Release date is October 13, 2009.
  • Cop: The Recruit is new adventure game from Ubisoft that gives players furious and fast-paced open world action/driving. Features top-down driving with third person shooting. Looked fun.
    Style Savvy are new fashion games for teens and young girls. You can completely customize and dress up your avatar, customize shops and compete in runway contests. Based on the hit Japanese “Girls Mode” games.
  • Nintendo DSi sold over 1 million. 400,000 DS Lites sold in the DSi launch month.
  • Flip Note Studio animation program (which looks very cool and makes use of the DSi camera) is due this summer.
  • Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: Minis March Again will allow players to design levels from the ground up. Power-ups, enemies, etc. Upload levels for friends. Releasing as DSi download June 8th (this Monday!).
  • WarioWare DIY (Do It Yourself) announced. Control everything in the game by the player by creating your own microgames. When you have completed your microgame you can share it with others.
  • Facebook support comes to DSi this Summer allowing you to upload your DSi photos online and share them with FaceBook friends directly via your DSi. (Wow, First Xbox 360, now DSi. Facebook is on a roll!)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks will be playable on the show floor. So expect much more info on it soon.
  • Nintendo talks gaming in general. Over 295 million Active players in Japan, America and 6 countries in Europe. Another 149 million who might be interested. Those are the people Nintendo is trying to target.. For every two players playing there is 1 who would play says Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. Appealing to these new players could decide the fate of an entire platform.
  • Wii Vitality Sensor unveiled. Device recognizes your pulse to measure stress levels. A new way to relax with a videogame. The vitality sensor will let you see the information relating to the inner world of your body. Pretty crazy and out of left field. No software was announced though but Nintendo promises it is coming in the future.
  • Super Mario Galaxy 2 announced! First time Nintendo will release a second core Mario title (and the first true sequel it would seem) on the same platform. Brings Yoshi into the fold. Yoshi can use his tongue to latch onto objects in the air and shoot from object to object. Looks as great and well developed as the original game with outstanding and unique level design. Very nice.
  • Metroid: Other M announced as new third-person action game collaboration between Nintendo and Team Ninja! The game is a 2.5D action-platformer-brawler that looks mighty impressive and will delve further into the story of Samus than ever before. She even talks! Game may even be Mature-rated.
  • Filed in:

    Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 announced for all in 2010

    Lego Harry Potter baby
    Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are teaming up with the LEGO Group, to merge two of the world’s most popular brands with the creation of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4.

    Based on the first four Harry Potter books and movies that tell the story of Harry’s first four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 offers an engaging mix of magical gameplay and light-hearted humour. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is being developed by TT Games and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and is scheduled for release in 2010. While no specific game systems were announced, it’ll probably be a big multiplatform game.

    LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will give gamers the chance to experience the magic and adventure of Harry Potter in a new and uniquely LEGO way. Playing as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as well as other favourite characters, gamers will have the opportunity to attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and complete tasks to earn house points. Throughout the game, players will also have the freedom to explore iconic settings from the wizarding world including Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade!

    The magic of Hogwarts invades the world of LEGO. Watch the Lego Harry Potter teaser:

    “Harry Potter is one of the world’s most popular and inspirational heroes, and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will appeal to a generation of gamers who grew up immersed in the Harry Potter books and films, and also loved playing with LEGO toys,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game is geared for players to experience a good mix of puzzle solving gameplay with exploration and battle in some of the most beloved Harry Potter environments, plus a few other surprises.”

    Filed in:

    Crysis 2 goes multiplatform on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3

    Crysis 2 logo
    Electronic Arts announced that it has agreed to a deal extension with Crytek, the award-winning developers of the Crysis universe, to publish Crysis 2.

    Renowned for their technical excellence, artistic craftsmanship and commitment to quality, Crytek is building Crysis 2 on their new state-of-the-art multiplatform game development solution CryENGINE 3 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. No release date was mentioned, so don’t expect it this year.

    “The development of Crysis 2 marks a major stepping stone for our studio,” said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. “This is not only the next game in the Crysis franchise, it’s the first title we are developing for consoles and the first title being built on CryENGINE 3. We are excited to have the support of EA Partners again as we work together to make the launch of Crysis 2 a huge event.”

    “Nothing speaks more to the success of the EA Partners program than when a studio the caliber of Crytek continues to work with us,” said David DeMartini, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “Crytek is already one of the elite PC development studios in the world and we are excited to have the opportunity to partner with them in bringing their award-winning technology and gameplay to more platforms and a wider audience with Crysis 2.”

    Watch the Crysis 2 teaser trailer:

    Trauma Team game announced for Wii by Atlus due spring 2010

    Trauma Team game characters art
    Atlus U.S.A. announced Trauma Team for Wii, an entirely new medical entertainment experience from the makers of the award-winning Trauma Center series. Trauma Team is currently scheduled for release in spring 2010.

    Encounter unprecedented depth across six distinct fields of medicine: play as a general surgeon, diagnostician, E.M.T., orthopedic surgeon, endoscope technician, and medical examiner. Follow the story as never before with all-new dynamic story sequences inspired by Japanese animation and comics; each dramatic chapter comes vividly to life with distinct style! Hand-drawn art, innovative animation, and quality voice acting perfectly capture the raw intensity, excitement, and danger of every heart-pounding moment!

    Bigger, more exciting, and more balanced than ever before, Trauma Team is the ultimate medical entertainment experience!

    Blog Widget by LinkWithin
    Filed in: