As a new year comes upon us we take the time to reflect on the previous year on what was new and what we loved as well as what we didn’t like. While many of us like to reflect back some of us like to hope for the future. In anticipation of the new year we’re also hoping 2010 will bring in many revitalizing changes and innovative upgrades. Along with many new changes Sony may be thinking about in the new year including a subscription based price add on for Playstation Network; more on that later though. We’re all gamers so let’s focus on some titles that we can’t wait to get our hands on.
God Of War
Since the release of the Playstation 3 fans have been waiting for it. It’s the return of Kratos this time on the hi-def Playstation 3. Recently a re-release of the first two God of War’s made it onto the Playstation 3 with satisfying results as far as visuals go. God of War 3 will look even better than both God of War 1 and 2 did on their re-release. God of War 3 is set after the events of GoW2 you’ll be able to learn more when you play the game yourself on March of 2010.
Heavy Rain
From the creator of Indigo Prophecy (or Fahrenheit for Europeans) David Cage brings us an “Interactive Drama” to play on our Playstation 3. With four different playable characters you embark on a the story revolving around “The Origami Killer” a serial killer that has been set to be the antagonist of the game. All four characters can permanently die in any point of the game changing the outcome of the story each time you play through. If you’ve played through Indigo Prophecy then you would know what to expect when it comes to gameplay for Heavy Rain. Rather than focusing on the core gameplay aspect of their video game they are more meticulous about their story and how you can make an impact on a character as well as how you can feel emotionally playing the video game. You can experience the interactive drama yourself in February of 2010.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)
Making its way onto the PSP Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker will revolutionize the way people play online on their portable handheld. In Peace Walker Kojima Productions is hard at work to utilize a way in order to have 4 different players play online together on a handheld in stealth missions. They can work together and share equipment and weapons and when teammates need it you’ll be there to resuscitate them or heal them to better health. On top of a great multiplayer game like all other Hideo Kojima games you can bet that Peace Walker will also bring an enjoyable single player experience to the table.
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Playstation Network
It seems that Sony has been considering adding premium service on to their Playstation Network consumer base that doesn’t include playing online. While gamers can still play their favorite video games online they can now have the choose to subscribe to Sony’s premium Playstation Network service to receive content that’s exclusively theirs. This may include some sort of interactive magazine they can open on their PSP or Playstation 3 XMB or even exclusive demo’s or videos that can be viewed by subscribers. Although they’re only thinking about it I think it would be wise for Sony to make this plan come into fruition especially when more developers are willing to put demos out their when money is involved. The following is a graph of the different types of subscription models they are approaching and what they may bring you:
3D Blu-ray
With the upcoming CES many have stumbled upon news of AMD and how it may be getting ready to show off blu-ray in 3D. With blu-ray going 3D you can count on the Playstation 3 taking full advantage of this innovative upgrade. AMD says it would expect Blu-ray stereoscopic 3D to be in store shelves around the second half or 2010, and along with this they also said that they will be working closely with all technology partners, including Sony, as the specifications for the format are finalized over the next couple months to ensure that there will be compatibility all across. With this knowledge it would be wise to think that with a compatible television (notably a Sony, Samsung or Mitsubishi) and the new 1.4 HDMI cable which supports several 3D stereoscopic formats. You will be able to experience 3D gaming in Hi-def on your Playstation 3.
2010 looks promising for Sony and all of the gaming industry. With a plethora of good games from the ever ubiquitous trend of amazing co-op experiences to look forward to in games like Peace Walker to games that will change the way we comprehend stories like Heavy Rain. In the end I think everyone will be really happy with at least one thing thing about their Playstation 3 by the beginning of 2011.
