Sony had a rough start to the beginning of the PS3’s lifecycle and they know that. In the last 18 months however, they have recovered and have drastically improved their online service and the quality of their first party titles. Various leaks and have often ruined their big news for games conventions, but I think they’ll genuinely throw a few curve balls this year. Strangely, Sony have taken to planning their E3 much earlier than usual, which suggests a confidence in their unannounced titles.
Between now and then, I’m expecting a few announcements to be made. Bearing in mind that we have GDC in March still ahead of us, these announcements could be made at this event too. I believe Sony have the keynote this year also.
Sony often have the most pressure of all three console manufacturers to come out guns blazing, as they traditionally go last in order of keynotes at E3. Usually their keynote lasts for around 90 minutes. In previous years they have wasted time talking too long about numbers and the Playstation 2. With the sales of PS2 software declining, I believe its high time Sony look to the future and only discuss PS3, PSP and PSN at the convention.
Syphon Filter PS3 – This one has been in development for a while. We’ve had various leaks about Motion Capturing for the title from a company and several internal sources have indicated its on its way. For those of us with our ear to the ground, it’s not a surprise that this is coming. I definitely think this will be at E3 and I think the gameplay itself will shock people. Recently other outlets have predicted this, such as HipHopGamer, so its announcement has to be close.
Twisted Metal PS3 – Everyone and their grandfather knows that this game exists. David Jaffe tries to duck and dive the suggestions that it’s in the works, but it definitely is. I’m leaning more towards a GDC announcement for this title.
Killzone 3 – Killzone 2 was practically finished and ready to ship by Christmas 2008. The developers now have a very robust engine (which they have already refined) and recent insiders have hinted that this game will be released at the end of this year. I think it’s a likely stunner for E3 2010. I’m expecting 3D technology compatibility and compatibility with Sony’s motion controller. They’ve worked closely with Studio Cambridge in the past, who have a vested interest in motion controlled gaming, so it’s a real possibility. Online Co-op would be another excellent addition to the series and I’m expecting the competitive online mode to blow peoples socks off. Hopefully we can play using different character skins this time around, as running around as a shotgun wielding Radec would be fantastic.
inFAMOUS 2 – The original inFAMOUS was built on quite an outdated engine and sources suggest that the sequel is being developed on a highly optimised PS3 centric engine. InFAMOUS is easily one of the most enjoyable sandbox games I’ve ever played and I can’t wait for the sequel, given the firsts excellent ending. I think it will be announced at E3, but won’t see release until early 2011, possibly in March.
Motion Controlled Games – Sony have already set up a keynote at GDC which will show of the motion controller’s capabilities to developers. We know from TGS 2009 that Sony have 10 games at least planned for the motion controller at launch, and that they are looking into getting other games patched to use the controller, such as Heavy Rain. Seeing as though the controller is due out towards Christmas, I believe an official name will be given between now and E3 and two games will be demoed on stage at E3. One of these games might be Studio Cambridge’s title, as recently I have deduced from certain individuals that it might be more casual than we were initially expecting.
PS3 Firmware/ PSN Premium – This will definitely come between now and E3. We’ve had various trademarks such as ‘Playstation Cloud’ and surveys hinting at the breakdown of the pricing plan. Personally, I’m all for this service as the current features will remain free to all. I think Sony will dedicate a significant amount of their presentation (be it E3 or GDC) to PSN. They’ve made it abundantly clear that PSN will be on other Sony devices and it will unify all of the subsidiaries of Sony. Unfortunately, it looks as if Cross Game Chat will be a feature exclusive to the premium service. I wouldn’t be surprised if the XMB became compatible with the motion controller.
StarHawk – Warhawk is hands down one of the best online titles on any of the major home consoles. Dylan Jobe’s LightBox Interactive has a multi-game and multi-year exclusive contract with Sony, much like EatSleepPlay do. Last year a trademark was filed for this title and recently Jem Alexander, community manager of the EU Playstation Blog has gone on record to say that he has seen Dylan’s game. This is an indication that the game is far enough along to be shown.
Motorstorm 3 – I think this will be a GDC announcement. Motorstorm Pacific Rift was announced at GDC and released in the same year. I’m expecting the same thing to happen this year.
Agent – This big 3rd party exclusive will be releasing towards the end of this year. I am certain Sony want this in their E3 presentation, and while they are at it, the Housers will probably announce. . .
Grand Theft Auto 5 – Similar to what SquareEnix did at E3 2009, I’m expecting a GTA5 announcement to follow the footage of Agent. I’ll even go one further and say that another GTA for the PSP will be announced. This however, might be for the PSP2 and held off.
Resistance 3 – A Billboard gave this one away. I think Insomniac will release this in 2011, around February. It wouldn’t make sense to release this in the same year as Killzone 3, and I think the game will benefit from the extra polish. Resistance 2 was considered a let-down by many fans of the original title, and I’m sure Insomniac have listened to their fans and balanced the game a lot better.
Outside of E3, such as at GamesCom and TGS, I’m expecting announcements of Legend of Dragoon 2 (I’d be chuffed if this was at E3), Dark Cloud 3, additions to the TV streaming service such as ITV Player and 4OD, the announcement of the PSP2 at TGS and rather a lot of 3rd party exclusives. Grandia 4 will probably be announced somewhere long before these events however, so I’ll say at SquareEnix’s press event in May.
Comments?
Nice read, although a bit safe, expected some hint sence you have source wink ;)
ReplyDeleteStill well written and good stuff, better than what some big sites have.
SF - i really hope HHG knows something and that SF for PS3 is that awesome...can't wait to see it.
BTW it's me too pawned.
I have to play things safe unfortunately. I can't post any exclusive things here because I'm too easy to trace, and therefore my sources are!
ReplyDeleteA guy on NeoGAF reckons the PS3 motion controller will get a wireless nunchuck too. Thats definitely some good news.
Yeah i know and agree with you, why put yourself in danger for nothing. No prob, still great read.
ReplyDelete