GC 08 - DualShock Keypad

More Sony news from Leipzig, they've announced a keypad attachment for the DualShock 3 similar to that of the Xbox 360's texting option.

"Tokyo, August 21, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would release the Wireless Keypad, a new peripheral for SIXAXIS™ and DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controllers for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®), this holiday season throughout the world. It will be introduced in North America in late November. It will be also introduced in Japan, Europe and Asia by the end of this year.

The highly anticipated Wireless Keypad is designed to fit precisely into the unique shape of SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controllers, and can be easily attached or removed. By using the product instead of the on-screen keyboard, users will be able to enjoy text chat communication more easily and comfortably in their hands, just as they would use familiar portable communication devices. It supports text chat in PlayStation®Home as well, and enables users to enjoy interactivity playing on-line titles and enjoying entertainment content more smoothly.

Equipped with Bluetooth® functionality, the Wireless Keypad can be paired to PS3 by simply connecting the keypad to the USB cable that comes bundled with the PS3 system. Also, two shortcut buttons, a Communication Button and a Message Box Button, are placed on the lower part of the Wireless Keypad, enabling users to jump to pre-set features on XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) such as “Friends” and “Message Box” during game play, which help PS3 users to smoothly communicate with each other. Additionally, a Touch Pad Button allows PS3 users to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touch pad, allowing them to easily maneuver the pointer while web browsing, simply by sliding their finger on the keypad surface."

Personally, I think Microsoft did a better placement job on their pad, I can't imagine reaching my thumbs up that high just to type in numbers. However, the option for keyboard is welcome, especially for online games like Metal Gear Online where no one seems to have a mic.

GC 08 - PSP-3000 announced

From SCEE's Press site:

"Leipzig Games Convention, August 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment IEurope. (SCEE) today announced that it would launch a new PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system (PSP-3000) with an advanced LCD screen supporting higher image quality, to become available in stores in Europe, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand from 15th October 2008. PSP-3000 will be available as a bundle, including one software title for a RRP of €199.

SCEE will offer a variety of bundles that take advantage of the new PSP features, including a Go! communications bundle, and a variety of games bundles including our own Buzz!™: Master Quiz, as well as FIFA ‘09 and Harry Potter bundles from our third party partners.

In addition to offering the functionality and ergonomics of Slim & Lite the quality of the screen has been improved to offer crisper colours with more definition when outside in natural light. PSP-3000 also includes a built-in microphone, maximising the communication features of products such as Go! Messenger and Skype™. ..."

Also, according the to details after the press release, there are a number of colors set for the new model: Piano Black, Pearl White, and Mystic Silver. They're the same colors the previous PSP came in, minus Darth Vader.

Looks I'll finally have a reason to get a PSP. Sure I wanted the current PSP-2000, but why bother with this new model on the horizon?

Note the Home button is swapped with the PS3 familiar PS Button; the hole next to the PSP logo is the mic; and all the bottom row buttons have taken on an oval shape.

GC 08 - House of the Dead: Overkill

Yesterday at Leipzig, Sega announced a new House of the Dead game, entitled Overkill, exclusively for the Wii being developed by Headstrong, formerly Kuju most recognized for creating Battalion Wars.

The game is built from the ground up specifically for the Wii, so all the assets are new and look pretty smooth. The game will take place in a small town and seems to mostly involve some carnival, and follows the characters G, fresh out of the academy, and some police man named only Washington. Obviously, co-op is a no brainer, and a variety of weapons will be at your disposal, but there will only be a handful, and not say, 20-30.

The team is very adamant about making a great title, so I would expect good things from them. They are trying to do the best with the franchise as they can, and I'm sure it'll turn out well. Look for the game in 2009, and check the trailer below.

GC 08 - New Mad World Trailer

The new trailer shows off some more implements of destruction and fighting styles, including regular hand-to-hand combat and combat while wielding two swords. From what I can tell, there will be a ton of different ways to dismember your foes, so the variety should be really cool and keep the gameplay from getting boring.

I'm not too sure about the comic book exclamations, like "Vroom" and "Pow" and all that, but it worked for XIII I reckon, so it shouldn't get too annoying.

Game looks good though and I can't wait to play it. Check the trailer below.