Gaming News - May 2006

Foster City, CA (May 4, 2006) - Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced its line up of new software titles due out this year for the PSP and PlayStation 2

From Sony:

The PSP system and PlayStation 2 bring unparalleled gaming experiences to consumers, and with the addition of these action-packed first-party titles that span across multiple genres, consumers can look forward to a wide variety of exciting entertainment experiences for the coming year.

"Our goal for 2006 is to continue to lead and define the market for interactive entertainment and our exciting software line-up for the PSP and PlayStation 2 does just that," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president, co-coo, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "In addition to providing gamers and retailers with exciting sequels to best-selling franchises, we're continuing to broaden the portfolio with terrific new content from some of our best development teams, further demonstrating our dedication to our long-term vision for the PlayStation 2 as well as evolving the multimedia capabilities of the PSP system."

Following a record-setting launch last year, the PSP system has quickly become a cultural icon and a market-altering force with more than 17 million units shipped worldwide. As of this month in North America, there are more than 100 games available for the PSP system and more than 350 feature films, TV programs and videos from major studios combining with downloadable content from the Internet to create an unmatched library of entertainment content. The PSP system has also served as an important driver in retail sales, bringing in more than $1.6 billion as of calendar year 2005.

As the only gaming platform to enjoy such widespread global success, to date, more than 103 million PlayStation 2 units and approximately one billion pieces of software for the PlayStation 2 have shipped worldwide, making it the fastest-selling gaming platform in the world. According to The NPD Group, PlayStation 2 continues to lead console unit market share with 55.6 percent in the U.S., more than double of any other console on the market to date. PlayStation 2 also leads on the software front with nearly a 70 percent lead over any other competitor when it comes to software titles available at market in March. (Source: The NPD Group as of March 2006)

Below is a list of the highly-anticipated first-party PSP system and PlayStation 2 titles due out this year:

ATV Offroad Fury Pro (Available October, 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

The most intense handheld off-road racing package is back with ATV Offroad Fury Pro for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. In addition to racing on ATVs, players can now choose from more than 30 total vehicles, including MX bikes, buggies, and Trophy Trucks to compete on 64 all-new tracks, including tracks from the original ATV Offroad Fury titles. Supporting up to four players via wireless multiplayer connectivity, gamers will speed through more than 30 visually stunning environments with six distinct terrain types and can choose from more than 60 unique tracks. Featuring five new events, new vehicles and mini-games, and cross compatibility with ATV Offroad Fury 4 for the PlayStation 2, ATV Offroad Fury Pro will provide players the opportunity to tackle the trickiest off-road courses anytime, anywhere.

ATV Offroad Fury 4 (Available September, 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

The multi-million selling ATV franchise is back this Fall for an all-new installment of intense racing action with ATV Offroad Fury 4 for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Select your favorite ATV, or for the first time in franchise history, MX Bikes, Buggies, and Trophy Trucks to race through 72 tenacious tracks on six different continents. Featuring an all-new story mode, players will be able to live the life of a rookie rider and earn a path to the ranks of professional racer. Additionally, ATV Offroad Fury 4 adds cross communication capabilities with ATV Offroad Fury Pro for the PSP system, including vehicle exchanges and upgrades, shared online communities, and the ability to share user created circuits. The game will support up to eight players online, with other key features including a track editor as well as extensive vehicle tuning and customization options.

Gangs of London (Available Fall, 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Created by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's London Studio, developers of The Getaway franchise, Gangs of London was designed specifically for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system and will be presented in stunning graphic-novel style narratives. Dynamic storylines enable each player to experience their own unique progression in nearly 60 different missions that immerse gamers in an elite criminal underworld in modern day London. Offering a variety of gameplay modes including Story Mode, Gang Battle, Free Roaming, London Pub Games and a unique Game Sharing mode, Gangs of London provides intense free-roaming gameplay perfectly tailored for a handheld system.

God of War II (Available Q1, 2007 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Santa Monica Studios, God of War introduced a groundbreaking, combat action-adventure videogame based on Greek mythology that went on to capture more than a dozen "Game of the Year" Awards. In God of War, players were introduced to Kratos, a mortal warrior, who set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there. In God of War II for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, players will retake the role of Kratos. Armed with the deadly blades and aided by new breath-taking magic and new brutal combat moves, the journey will take players 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 competes in epic boss battles in his quest to the far reaches of the earth in order to alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed, his fate.

Killzone: Liberation (Available October 31, 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by Guerilla, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Killzone: Liberation for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system is a third-person action game that puts the players into various missions to rescue hostages from the evil Helghast. Inspired by the events in Killzone for PlayStation2 computer entertainment system (released in November, 2004), the story continues in Killzone: Liberation with the battle against the Helghast still raging on. Featuring an intelligent third person camera system, Killzone: Liberation allows players a more tactical surveillance viewpoint to view their action and read the enemy's behavior during gameplay. Set in an intense postmodern war reminiscent of the previous PlayStation 2 title, Killzone: Liberation features the unique graphical style to showcase pure grit and realism. During gameplay, players will have access to online and offline missions, supported with a variety of weapons that are unique and innovative, inspired by modern military equipment.

Lemmings (Available May, 2006 / Rated "E" for "Everyone")

Developed by Team 17, Lemmings delivers the ultimate in puzzle gameplay, perfect for quick, on-the-go gaming on the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. In Lemmings, players will guide a group of cute, but hapless little creatures within each level from an entrance point to an exit point. Fast reflexes and quick wits are necessary to ensure the Lemmings don't walk to their doom. Disaster is at every step, including the perils of raging rivers, steep cliffs, pits of lava, and mechanical spikes that stand between the Lemming masses and safety of the exit. Lemmings will feature more than 150 levels, including new puzzles exclusively for the PSP system. In addition, the game will host a new mix of music, custom level creation, and wireless capability for players to share newly created levels.

LocoRoco (Available September 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, LocoRoco is an innovative 2D platform/action game available exclusively for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Featuring unique controls utilizing the "L" and "R" shoulder buttons, players are tasked with controlling via "tilting or bumping" the landscape of the LocoRoco in order to help them navigate through the level and keep out of harm's way. With more than 40 stages, players control and guide the LocoRoco through vibrant, thriving and lush worlds filled with slippery slopes, swing ropes and more. Featuring six different types of LocoRoco that include their own voices and actions, players will be enchanted by captivating music that communicates the joyous world of these LocoRoco. In addition, LocoRoco features the rewarding LocoHouse, three mini-games, and wireless features.

NBA '07 -- PlayStation2 (Available September 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by SCEA San Diego Studios, NBA '07 for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system delivers the most detailed and engaging NBA experience both on the court and behind the scenes. Picking up where NBA '06 left off, NBA '07 hits the hardwood with new features, enhanced gameplay, and "The Life: Volume 2." In the sequel to "The Life," gamers are exposed to the successes and failures of life in the NBA both on and off the court -- this time as the league's star player. An all-new Smart Shot Indicator provides a visual gauge of the impact defense has on shot opportunities, and a new Power Boarding System is now in place to offer a true 3D approach for players to position themselves for rebounds. Additionally, NBA '07 includes refined core gameplay elements including new mechanics for stealing, passing, and shot selection as well as more intuitive AI.

NBA '07 - PSP system (October 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by SCEA San Diego Studios, NBA '07 for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system brings fast, fluid gameplay and delivers the most engaging portable NBA experience available. Featuring new mini-games, players can participate in an all-new rhythm-based dunk contest as well as carnival-style games including pop-a-shot, skee-ball, and pinball. NBA '07 also features a new Conquest Mode, where players take a team and challenge NBA squads across the country, as well as a new Pick Up Mode, where gamers can choose from 10 randomly selected NBA players for a full game match-up.

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (Available Q1, 2007 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by High Impact Games, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is an all-new action platformer made exclusively for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters returns the franchise to its roots with hallmark Ratchet & Clank gameplay sure to please fans of the series. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters features all new gameplay for Ratchet's brainy robotic sidekick, Clank, who steps out from the shadows to assume a prominent role alongside Ratchet. Capturing all of the humor from previous PlayStation 2 installments with engaging cinematics, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters will allow up to four players to compete in action-packed wireless multiplayer gaming.

Rogue Galaxy (Available October, 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Developed by Level 5, Rogue Galaxy for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system delivers an unparalleled role-playing game (RPG) experience with visually stunning backdrops, an immersive storyline with plenty of unexpected twists, and a proprietary combat system that gives the player total control of an epic adventure. Set in a vast world, this action-RPG allows players to run, jump, swim, climb, and engage in combat real-time, as they explore active environments in a quest to locate a legendary planet. Players can control up to three characters at a time, each colorfully brought to life within highly detailed environments. In addition to the compelling storyline, gamers will have access to multiple sub-quests and be able to generate custom weapons and items by creating their own factory.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 (Fall 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

In SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, players will command a secret subset of the most elite and deadly fighting force on the planet through broad combat experiences including new non-linear mission progression, over 40 authentic real world weapons and a huge area of operation spanning multiple terrain types and environments. Multiple players will once again be able to form clans and take on their friends for team based high-action gameplay via a Wi-Fi connection. Up to 16 players in close proximity in Ad Hoc mode, and online in Infrastructure mode, can compete wirelessly through three new game types across all new multiplayer maps and original SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo maps. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is complete with a variety of new gameplay features including non-linear mission progression and a persistent performance rating system. In this system "Command Equity" points can be used to add new weapons to the armory or purchase in-game air strikes and supply drops, and a new "Local Influence" rating system gives players access to black market weapons and intelligence from locals.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault (Fall 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

Protect America and freedom from enemy forces in urban and rural warfare in SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2's top online gaming franchise continues its assault with an all-new 4-player cooperative play, improved enemy behavior and tactics, and new vehicles and weapons. Command the most feared Special Forces team ever assembled through a single, massive Area of Operation with varied missions spanning across multiple diverse regions. Players will have the ability to select an individual tactical mission area that was previously completed, and play it as a stand-alone, or 'Instant Action', mission in 4-player online cooperative play. Players can then customize these Instant Action missions for nearly endless replay. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault will also contain the full SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs multiplayer online game with all maps, patches and updates included and it will be completely compatible with SOCOM 3 Online multiplayer. Improved Crosstalk functionality between SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault allows each game to have even more dramatic effects on the progression of the other, in addition to unlocking special features across the titles.

World Tour Soccer '06 (Available June, 2006 / Not Yet Rated)

As four year's worth of waiting brings about soccer frenzy and 32 nations prepare to compete in Germany this summer, World Tour Soccer '06 for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system lets soccer fans bring the game with them anywhere, anytime. Redesigned specifically for on-the-go gaming, World Tour Soccer '06 offers a multitude of quick and thrilling game sessions and the opportunity to take on the world's best from Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Europe. To highlight the fundamentals of the sport, World Tour Mode takes players through 10 all-new challenges that emphasize passing, ball control, possession, and style of play. Through Ad Hoc mode, World Tour Soccer '06 supports up to four players wirelessly and the unique game sharing feature allows players to compete head-to-head with only one copy of the game. World Tour Soccer '06 embraces the brilliant and stylish play of Pavel Pardo as he joins the franchise as its newest cover athlete. Pardo, who has over 110 international appearances, will take a break from his starring role with Club America in Mexico's first division to represent Mexico in this summer's World Cup.