The Game developers were in high demand at San Diego’s 2009 Comic Con. On hand, to discuss “God of War III,” for the PS3, was Anthony Caiazzo. Caiazzo, the marketing manager for the game talks a lot about all of the things now possible in “God of War III,” which wouldn’t have been possible in the previous incarnations of the game.

I found what Caiazzo to say interesting, but not necessarily anything new. The game continues where “God of War II” left off and the action is aided by the legendary battle of the Titans versus the Olympians. The Gods look wicked sick, you can battle up to 35 enemies at a time (sounds dangerous), and the design seems to compliment what PS3 is capable of.

If you happen to be in San Diego, you can check out a live, working demo of the game at Comic Con. Otherwise, feel free to share your thoughts on this game in our comment section.

“God of War III” will be released for Playstation III in March of 2010.

Technorati Tags: God of War III, San Diego, Comic Con, PS3, Playstation, Video Game, Video, Live Demo

At Comic Con, Amy Henning, the Creative Director for “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” discussed the game. This is one of the titles I’ve been very excited about since I saw it presented at E3. Henning discusses Nathan Drake, and how this game expands on his character, from the first one.

I like how Henning focused on discussing the multiplayer for this game and how the fans helped to create a better multiplayer experience. She seemed genuinely thrilled by the creative masterpiece she helped to create. This game looks excellent. This is another, visually stunning game that shows off the PS3’s visual capabilities.

What do you think of “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves?” Is this a title you are looking forward to playing?

Technorati Tags: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Comic Con, Interview, Amy Henning, Creative Director, Video Game, Video, PS3, Sony, Playstation

The latest installment in the “Soul Caliber” series is coming to PSP. The release date has yet to be determined, but Namco Bandai released the trailer, plus gave the opportunity for extensive game play at E3.

Here is the trailer:

This trailer looks pretty cool. It almost makes me wish I had a PSP. It’s the only game system I don’t currently own.

I’ve also included some gameplay videos you can see what the game is all about. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Just leave a comment letting me know whether you plan to purchase “Soul Caliber: Broken Destiny” or not.

Technorati Tags: Video, E3, Debut Trailer, Soul Caliber: Broken Destiny, Sony, Gameplay, PSP

I didn’t want to stick this in the Sony Live Blog post. I thought this gameplay video was too good not to put this in its own separate page. This is just one of the many exciting titles that are being released for Playstation this year.

How cool do you think this game looks? I cannot wait for its release, personally!

Technorati Tags: Video Games, E3, Gameplay, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Gaming, First Person Shooter, Shooting Game, Sony, Playstation

The Big 3 get to have their say. This is Sony’s turn to shine. Sony is the last of the 3 to show of what they can do. Nintendo was eh. Microsoft wowed. Where will Sony fall?

Sony, like Nintendo did not open with a game trailer. It was a display of the systems it offers, at the very beginning. However, it is showcasing some of the games available on the system in the latter half of its intro. It is one heck of an impressive display.

Sony is so beautiful graphically. While I prefer the Xbox 360 hardware more, it’s hard to be upset with the kind of quality Sony PS3 can display.

11:13 AM Jack Tretton, the president and CEO of Sony is here to introduce what Sony has to offer. Tretton is far more charismatic than those introducing Nintendo. He joked about rumors and was ’surprised’ people showed up to see what people had to offer since the rumor mill might have spoiled all the surprises for the big three.

Over 600 games will be premiering on Sony systems this year. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Batman Arkham Asylum, Heavy Rain and The Beatles: Rock Band are titles coming out in 2009 for Sony systems.

11:16 AM: PS2 retails for $99 USD. Nearly 100 new titles will be available for PS2 in 2009.

11:19 AM: “Infamous” has become this summer’s biggest title. It’s exclusive to Sony. Sony will have 35 exclusive titles coming out in 2009.

11:20 AM: “Uncharted 2:Among Thieves” Tonight, you can join us in the “Uncharted 2″ Multiplayer beta. The demo shows how beautiful the world is. It’s stunning. This FP Shooter game looks like it’s going to a great edition to the Sony platform.

11:26 AM: “MAG” is being shown by Zipper Interactive. 256 players are pitted against each other on the battlefield. This brings the kind of worlds you’d see in computer MMOs to Sony PS3. The graphics are better than most MMOs.

11:32 AM: PSP has sold over 50 million units. There are a variety of PSP bundle packs. “Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines”, “Hannah Montana” with new, pink console for little girls in a partnership with Disney, “Rock Band: Uncut,” and “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children” will all be bundles.

The “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children” PS3 bundles go on sale at Gamestop today.

11:35 AM: The new PSP Go is, as expected, the new evolution in PSP design. It’s smaller and more portable. It has integrated WiFi. It’s build for the digital lifestyle. It’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the original PSP. You have plenty of room to store games. There is the ability to add more memory to the PSP Go.

Media Go is replacing the application to access files and move them between the PSP Go and the Computer.

Sense Me is new to the PSP. It will analyze your music library to make a music playlist based on your mood.

There will be an 80% reduction in the cost of tools for the PSP.

PSP Go will be available for $249 USD on October 1, 2009.

It will be easier to download media content directly to the PSP.

Today, Playstation Store will be releasing content from Showtime, E!, Magnolia Pictures, G4, and a variety of other media companies.

11:43 AM: “Gran Turismo PSP” has been announced. This will work well with the new PSP Go. There are features added specifically for a portable system. You can race together with up to four players. You can trade and share cars from your garage with the garages of your friends. The demo shows some of the most realistic car racing. These cars look real.

11:50 AM: Snake is coming back on PSP. The title has been announced as “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.” The setting is 10 years after “Metal Gear Solid 3.” It’s a true sequel set in the 70s. It will take advantage of the PSP elements. Kojima Productions is showing a demo trailer. The government of Costa Rica has no army and Snake is there trying to keep the peace.

The game will be available in 2010.

11:59 AM: “Resident Evil” is a franchise that has demanded strong demand from Sony gamers. It’s will be available on PSP next year.

12:00 AM Coming to PSP in 2009: “Little Big Planet,” “Jak & Daxter,” “Motorstorm,” “Petz,” “Echochromo,” “Hannah Montana,” and “Harry Potter” amongst other titles. There was a montage of many classic Sony titles that will now be available on Sony PSP.

Sony PSP Go will be available in multiple colors.

12:03 PM: PSN is adding at least 50 classic games from PS1 to the store. Today, “Final Fantasy VII” will be available.

12:04 PM: Playstation Network Home is available on the PS3. Over 100 virtual items will come to Home each month. A video shows how games are impacting the Home environment.

12:08 PM: A video is showing what is in store of PS3. This is another montage. It’d be nice if there were some titles. I feel bad for those new to gaming who might like a trailer, but are unsure what the game is. I noticed “Madden NFL 10,” “Brutal Legends,” “Ghostbusters,” “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” “Uncharted 2,” “Saw,” “Tiger Woods Golf,” “NCAA Football 10,” and way too many other titles to keep up with listing.

Capcom’s “Lost Planet 2″ is shipping in 2010.

12:14 PM: A new offering from Rockstar games, “Agent,” will be exclusive to Playstation.

12:15 PM: There is a demo of “Assassin’s Creed 2″ on PS3. This is kind of a funny choice for a demo. We’ve seen this before, yesterday. Why not show an exclusive PS3 title? At least they aren’t giving the same demo.

It will have over 30 unique weapons. Six additional weapons can be unlocked from the “Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines” PSP title, which can be ported to your PS3. Da Vin Both the PSP and PS3 “Assassin’s Creed” titles will be available Holiday 09.

12:22 PM: the “Final Fantasy: XIII” trailer is being shown. It is going to be available 2010.

12:25 PM: Sony has reclaimed the franchise back. PS3 will be the only console where you can play “Final Fantasy: XIV”. It, too will launch in 2010. The first teaser trailer is premiering at E3 right now. It actually looks better then “FF VIII.”

12:28 PM: Playstation Motion Controller is being shown. There is a prototype for the new controller looks like a round Wiimote. The design is probably going to change. The controller moves and shows an image of you with whatever you are tryingto play. It actually looks pretty fun. I just hope it doesn’t become the primary controller of the PS3.

They want to enable hardcore gamer games with this. It might work best with First Person Shooters. There is a lot that can be done with this new controller.

12:40 PM: Pirate Jack Sparrow is coming to “Little Big Planet!” My nephew will be so excited!!!!

12:41 PM: ModNation Racers is new and exclusive to the PS3. You can design your own Mod. This will be reliant on user created content. You can create your own tracks and then share your tracks with others. You can add weapons, barrels, bonuses and sheep to your tracks!

12:51 PM: “The Last Guardian” is debuting its trailer on Sony PS3. It’s a beautiful, mystical looking trailer. It quite reminds me of what we saw for “Fable 2″ last year.

12:56 AM: “Gran Turismo 5″ for the PS3 is debuting its trailer. These cars look awesome. I’m looking forward to this title.

12:59 AM: The trailer and live demo for the much anticipated “God of War III” is premiering. This looks sweet!

Technorati Tags: E3, Live Blogging, Conference, Sony, Video Game, Gaming, Game System

In a world where spouts at the top of a screen leak drops of liquid, one player will have to spin a series of round dials studded with different types of path formations in order to link those top droppers to the collectors at the bottom of the screen. Four unique play modes. Unlimited replayability. When drops start dripping, dials must spin. Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, PlayStation Network, Windows PC, and iPhone near you. No droplitz were harmed in the making of this game.

Key Features
Infinitely accessible, instantly addictive — Turn dials, open paths, and don’t let the droplitz go to waste! Casual and hardcore gamers alike will be mesmerized as they rotate and connect puzzle pieces to let the droplitz flow and earn high scores!

Four unique game modes — Distinct layers of complexity keep the challenge fresh with Classic, Zendurance, Power Up, and Infection modes! Learn how to deal with sluggish, infected dials; strategically use bombs to clear sections of the game board; speed up the action or just aim for the highest score in a limited amount of time.

Endless replayability — The timeless satisfaction of making combos, clearing boards, and earning top scores will keep you coming back for more. Ever increasing speeds and larger boards ensure that there will always be a challenge ahead!

Compete for high scores — Online leaderboards and 12 trophies/achievements mean that when you’re the best, everyone will know it. Score-based gameplay makes every game a competition to get to the top of the charts!

Technorati Tags: Atlas, Droplitz, Screenshots, Trailer, Gaming, Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, Puzzle Game

ACTIVISION’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED GUITAR HERO® METALLICA® NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE PLAYSTATION®2 SYSTEM AT NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL STORES

Santa Monica, CA – April 14, 2009 – Hailed as “Activision’s best Guitar Hero® yet” by AOL/GameDaily and “a must-play for fans” by IGN.com, Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® Metallica® is now available at retail outlets across North America for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. PlayStation 2 system rock stars can now experience the intensity of musical icons Metallica and over 20 additional bands. Shred on the guitar controller, rip on the drum kit controller and wail on the mic to a killer set list of over 45 explosive hits from both Metallica’s illustrious career and a wide variety of legendary artists personally selected by the band, such as Alice In Chains, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Foo Fighters, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Queen.

“Guitar Hero Metallica has garnered critical acclaim across the industry proving the widespread appeal and accessibility of both Guitar Hero and Metallica,” said Will Kassoy, Head of Publishing for the Guitar Hero franchise. “With a very successful launch on Wii™, Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, we are excited to bring the game to the huge PlayStation 2 system gaming community and expect it to quickly become a fan favorite for that platform.”

Guitar Hero Metallica allows fans to “spend an evening with Metallica,” and more than 20 popular artists, while performing in venues reminiscent of their epic album covers, themes from their music and real world locales. The all-new Expert+ drum difficulty setting, available for all platform versions of the game, features two bass drum kick pedals, offering an authentic Metallica experience with note-for-note tracking, and Metallifacts, which, after nailing a song, lets players enjoy a virtual concert filled with on-screen facts and trivia about the song being played.

Guitar Hero Metallica is now available for the Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems across North America. The game is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero Metallica, please visit guitarherometallica.com

Technorati Tags: Guitar Hero, Metallica, Video Game, Playstation, Gaming, Gamer, Console Gaming, PS3, PS2, Activision

KONAMI ANNOUNCES SAW FOR THE XBOX 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 AND WINDOWS PC

The Company that Invented the Survival Horror Genre
Partners with Lionsgate® and Twisted Pictures to Bring SAW,
the Most Popular Horror Film Franchise of All-Time to
Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Windows PC

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – April 13, 2009 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced SAW is being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. SAW will invite players to engage in a horrific game inside the treacherous corridors of an abandoned insane asylum that has been transformed into a gauntlet of terrors by Jigsaw, SAW’s maniacal antagonist. SAW will expand the survival horror genre by allowing players, for the first time to experience the terror of SAW on the game console, by pitting them against Jigsaw, his brutal traps and the mind bending puzzles that have become synonymous with the film franchise.

“Konami, partnering with Lionsgate® and Twisted Pictures to create SAW was a very organic synergy,” said David Daniels, Director of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “As the leader in the survival horror genre, it only made sense to align with one of cinema’s most iconic horror franchises to create an entirely new survival horror experience.”

“We are always looking for exciting opportunities to extend the SAW experience beyond the theater. Partnering with Konami, the creators of the survival horror genre, to bring Jigsaw to the video game console was great way to accomplish that.” says Aubrey McClure, Vice President, Promotions and Licensing for Lionsgate.

Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules of Twisted Pictures added, “Through the years, it has been important to us to consistently find new ways to engage and thrill horror audiences, this game is the next step, transporting fans directly into Jigsaw’s labyrinth.”

Developed by Zombie Studios and based on the incredibly successful film franchise from Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, SAW uses the incredible graphic capabilities of the next generation consoles, to create a terrifying experience that offers truly unique gameplay features that will allow players to pit their wits against Jigsaw and make their choice…live or die.

SAW will be released in North America this fall. For more information, please visit: www.konami.com/saw

Game Details:
Jigsaw has killed your partner and destroyed your life. Now he has trapped you in an abandoned insane asylum that he alone controls. If you can defeat his brutal traps and survive, you may just discover the truth behind what drives this twisted serial killer.

SAW is a third-person perspective, survival horror game based on the SAW film franchise, which has grossed more than $665M worldwide and sold more than 28 million DVDs. The game features many of the deadly mechanical traps seen in the film, as well as terrifying new ones. Players will pit their wits against Jigsaw as they navigate his world in an attempt to evade and escape his gruesome traps, while also struggling against his minions in brutal combat by using weapons found within the environment.

SAW, the video game, is based on a treatment from Zombie Studios and the creators of the SAW franchise, Leigh Whannell and James Wan.

The timeline for the game takes place between the movies: SAW and SAW II, giving the game its own story, yet fitting within the narratives of the movies.

The story centers on Detective David Tapp who awakens in a decrepit, abandoned asylum. He has been captured by his longtime nemesis, Jigsaw. Obsessed with catching this serial killer, Tapp’s mission has consumed him and ruined his family, resulting in divorce, mental imbalance, and abandonment. Worse yet, this frantic hunt destroyed Tapp’s career while he watched his long-time friend and partner get killed by one of Jigsaw’s traps. Now Jigsaw has the upper hand and has captured the detective. Tapp must play a deadly game—the likes of which he has been investigating for years—to escape, and in order to do so he must survive the lethal traps and puzzles that Jigsaw has put in place for him and others. But each victim has a dark connection to Tapp. Will Tapp save them? Can he survive his obsession to find the Jigsaw killer?

Product Features
Traps of Lethal Cunning – Jigsaw has laid out a gauntlet of torturous traps for a handful of innocents. Only you stand between them and the most brutal death imaginable. Think quickly and act! The clock is ticking.
Choices of Conscience – The player is forced to make difficult moral choices. Who lives and who dies in the game is determined by the player’s choices.
Mysteries Revealed – Unanswered questions from the films are finally laid to rest. Gamers will discover the origin of Jigsaw and why he devoted his life to games, while also finding out what happened to the characters from the first SAW movie.
An Ecology of Terror – The asylum in which Jigsaw has trapped you is abandoned, but it is far from empty. It is a living world of horror populated by Jigsaw’s minions and the insane souls they torture… and they have no intention of letting you leave.

Gaming information can be found on the Konami website linked above.

Technorati Tags: Konami, Saw, The Video Game, Video Game, Gaming, Game, PC, Console Gaming, Jigsaw

ZEN PINBALL ROLLS ON AS THE FIRST ARCADE PINBALL TITLE FOR PLAYSTATION®NETWORK

From the Creator of Pinball FX Comes the Next Generation of Arcade-Style Pinball

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – April 14, 2009 – ZEN Studios, the creator of the highly popular Pinball FX franchise, is pleased to announce that its fast-paced arcade-style pinball videogame, ZEN Pinball is coming exclusively to PlayStation®Network (PSN) this spring.

“The PlayStation Network has a wide variety of great game offerings but it’s lacking a classic arcade pinball game like ZEN Pinball,” said Zsolt Kigyossy, managing director for ZEN Studios. “This is a title for everyone’s game library, as ZEN Pinball combines fast paced action and realistic graphics with the thrills of traditional pinball. It will certainly be ongoing fun for our players!”

ZEN Pinball sets a brand new standard for realistic ball physics and graphical detail in pinball video games employing cutting-edge visuals, challenging tables, true-to-life ball and table physics and combines them with innovative features not found in any other pinball game.

With a variety of in-game missions, head-to-head online multiplayer bouts and multi-day worldwide tournaments, ZEN Pinball offers the ultimate arcade experience for both casual gamers and pinball enthusiasts alike. In addition to the regular All-Time and Weekly scoreboards, ZEN Pinball features Score Speed, Best One Minute, and Multiplayer Ranking scoreboards, letting players test their mettle against pinball players from all over the world!

ZEN Pinball key features:
Includes four full-featured tables-V12, Tesla, Shaman and El Dorado
Multiplayer modes include local, online, and worldwide tournament competitions
Realistic Operators Menu lets you change settings and view advanced play info
Fun extras such as slow motion and the ability to save a game in progress
Coming soon – A variety of new downloadable tables!

Technorati Tags: Playstation Network, Sony, Zen Pinball, Games, Gaming, Coming Soon, Spring

In Hammerin’ Hero, if it moves, hammer it. Pummel your way through 12 arcade-style, old school beat ‘em up stages, including city streets, an amusement park, a TV studio, a baseball stadium, and more. Ever wonder what happens if you hammer something over the head in deep space? Underwater? The only way to find out is with a copy of Hammerin’ Hero for PSP system!

Technorati Tags: Hammerin Hero, PSP, Sony, Handheld Gaming, Available Now, Screenshots