E3 2006: The PSP Reel
Source:
IGNImpressions of a number of games we've already played.
May 9, 2006 - Sony Computer Entertainment was not
expected to puts a big focus on its PSP presentation at this year's
pre-E3 event -- it was always going to be all about PS3 -- but we still
couldn't help but be disappointed with what was shown. Only one
surprise title was in the line-up of games shown, and one game in the
reel was actually already out stateside (a few others have already been
brought out elsewhere but are premiering in the US this year.)
First up on the PSP
reel this year was the sequel to the disappointing Ape Academy game,
here with more minigames and the came cartoony look. From there, SCE
went to the world premier Planet PSP -- a cool interactive travel guide
non-game that casual PSP owners can take with them when they go out to
see the world. Following that was the incredible PSP Killzone:
Liberation (curiously left without its PS3 companion, although us PSP
players will take this incredible-looking game as a winfall.) We also
had LocoRoco, SCE Japan's brilliant tilt-around game played with gooey
little characters. Gangs of London, SCE Soho's multiplayer gang game
followed that, built upon the basis of the Getaway franchise. After
that, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror ... and considering that this game was
released months ago for PSP, we're not sure why (even though it is an
incredible game for the system, and a defining online experience.) This
was followed up with World Tour Soccer 2, SCE's new and improved footie
sim. And then there was Talkman, finally bringing the Japanese and
European language translator app/game to America.
Where was Ratchet & Clank PSP? We don't know, but we've played
it, and it's already pretty rad. Where was SOCOM 2 for PSP? Where was
ATV Offroad Fury Pro? What about Hot Shots Golf 2 and its GPS
capabilities? Where was anything from any of the hard-working third
parties working on PSP? Much of this will be debuted on the E3 show
floor on Wednesday, but of the pickings SCE put together, it wasn't the
kind of showing we expected from a console just now leaving its infant
first years behind. Look for much more happy PSP impressions and
anticipation when the E3 show starts on Wednesday.