NEWS: God Of War, Part Deux

Kratos lookin' badass as ever...

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced today the upcoming Q1 2007 release of God of War II, available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Santa Monica Studios, God of War introduced a groundbreaking, combat action-adventure videogame based on Greek mythology, and went on to capture more than a dozen "Game of the Year" Awards, including the prestigious Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences "2005 Overall Game of the Year Award." In God of War II, players get reacquainted with the vicious ex-Spartan warrior Kratos and embark on the continuing epic odyssey.

Famed award-winning God of War creator David Jaffe will continue to oversee development of God of War II and comments, "In the gaming world, it's rare that a sequel equals, let alone eclipses the original, but I think this is going to be the exception to the rule in terms of quality, gameplay and story. I always said that God of War was my dream game, well no longer, God of War II really is the game I've always wanted to play."

Storyline Description for GOD OF WAR II
God of War saw Kratos, a mortal warrior, set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there. In God of War II, Kratos sits atop his Olympus throne, as the new God of War – far more ruthless than Ares ever was. To end his continued torment, Kratos must journey to the far reaches of the earth and defeat untold horrors and alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed, his fate. God of War II sets an epic stage for a devastating mythological war to end all wars.

Gameplay Description for GOD OF WAR II
In God of War II, players retake the role of Kratos. Armed with the deadly blades and blistering rage, players will be aided by new breath-taking magic and new brutal combat moves. The journey will take them through vividly striking environments where they will be faced with a labyrinth of challenging puzzles and mini-games intricately woven into the story. The violent world of Greek mythology will come to life in gory detail as Kratos encounters new mythical characters, and compete in epic boss battles in his quest.

NEWS: Sony Unlocks PSP Potential

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) recently announced that it will continue to further expand the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform with new attractive accessories, features and services responding to active demand throughout the world.

Since its launch, the PSP platform has evolved continuously with system software updates adding new and attractive features such as Internet browsing as well as playback and storing of high-quality video. SCEI will further continue to update the system software and expand the world of entertainment with the PSP. SCEI's next software update release will include a Macromedia Flash player and the RSS Channel function will be extended, which enable users to playback and save Internet radio content and entertainment movies directly on their Memory Stick Pro Duo.

As part of SCEI's passion to spread the entertainment world of PSP, it has been introducing its "PlayStation Spot" in Japan since February 2006. There are now more than 150 locations at train stations, complex cafés and games shops where PSP users can easily enjoy various contents such as play-testing trial games for free. SCEI will further extend its location base so that more PSP users could have easier access to the "PlayStation Spot".

For expanding the potential capability of the PSP hardware, a new camera (PSP-300) and a GPS receiver (PSP-290) will be introduced this autumn (circa September 2006). By adding these new attractive peripherals, new features such as motion tracking technology of Eye Toy, developing the new game titles by utilising the video chat function, portable navigating system with GPS function are highly anticipated.


The Eye Toy that attaches to the PSP's USB port



The GPS Receiver that (also) attaches to the PSP's USB port

SCEI will also start a new download service offering selected popular PlayStation format titles from the past. By reviving software assets, users will be able to enjoy playing PlayStation titles anytime, anywhere on their PSP.


Note: I know the pictures are a little small and hard to see and drool over the actual PSP's add-on devices, but I'll get the hi-res ones as soon as they are available.

NEWS: PS3 Launch Date For Real!

The Sony PlayStation 3 finally gets a firm launch date

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) announced today that it would launch the SONY PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) early November 2006 in Japan, North America and Europe simultaneously. With a monthly production capacity of one million units, SCEI will push forward a powerful product launch to spread the platform rapidly throughout the world, together with a strong and attractive lineup of PS3 game titles.

PS3 incorporates the final specifications of BD (Blu-ray Disc), and with the overwhelming computing power of PS3, it enables playback of BD software at a high bit rate. With a maximum storage capacity of 50GB (dual-layer) and robust security, BD is a highly anticipated storage medium that delivers digital entertainment content such as games and movies at an unparalleled level of image quality.

PS3 is compatible with a vast lineup of television sets currently out in the market, from standard-definition TV to full high-definition TV.

Users can also connect PS3 to high-speed broadband network through Gigabit Ethernet and comfortably enjoy a wide-range of rich and exciting content and services over the network.

SCEI, together with the support and cooperation of game content creators around the world, will strongly promote the creation of a new world of computer entertainment available on PS3.