E3: Impressions of Sony’s E3 conference.

As most of you probably know Sony had their E3 conference a little while back showcasing new and upcoming games for the PSP, PS Network, and PS3. I must say, it was a lot better than last year’s fiasco where “$599 USD,” “RIIIDDGE RAAAACCEEEER” and “MASSIVE DAMAGE” was repeated over and over again across the gaming community. They even managed to poke fun of themselves when Jack Tretton asked Kaz Hirai if he was playing “Riiidge Raaaceer”.

I was genuinely impressed with most of the content they showed at the event. Some stuff I didn’t find as interesting, such as the new PSP model that is apparently 33% lighter or something. It also had TV out, which is pretty cool. Maybe one day I’ll pick one up and pass on my old one to Keen. Aside from the PSP redesign they showed a myriad of promising games that should help the PSP a lot. God of War: Chains of Olympus, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, and Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles were just some of the titles that had me convulsing in anticipation. Later everyone was surprised when our friendly neighborhood Wookie, Chewbacca, stepped out to help showcase the new Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron PSP exclusive and special edition entertainment pack featuring a white psp with vader logo on the back. Pretty cool, I’d say. If I were to pick up a new PSP it might as well be that one.

There was some other cool stuff there, including Echochrome. Some trippy looking puzzle game available over the Playstation Network. Made my head hurt just looking at it. It’s pretty interesting now that you will be able to purchase some future games over the PSN instead of buying the blue-ray disc. I knew that Warhawk was going in that direction but I had no idea that SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation was going to also be available via that format. I wonder what the benefits of downloading it over the PSN will be.

I mostly waited through it all so I could hear about the PS3 games coming out. There was a lot of great stuff shown. I’m mostly looking forward to stuff like Ratchet and Clank, Heavenly Sword, Folklore, Little Big Planet, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, and pretty much the rest of the games listed. I noticed the “Internets” gave a slight shudder as millions of fanboys around the world suddenly cried out at the sight of Metal Gear Solid 4. I never really understood the fascination with that series. Don’t get me wrong, though; The games are a good deal of fun. It just feels like people act like they are Jesus in video game form or something. Personally I find most of the action sequences to be over the top and the story, which most people claim is the best part, is pretty trippy and I find in most parts lacks cohesion. But that’s just me.

All minor complaints aside, I found it to be slightly better than the other two conferences this year. Sony sure seemed to push HOME a lot. Hopefully that will work out and not end up feeling clunky when trying to join up with friends in games. With great portable titles, trippy PSN games, the Chewbacca defense, and MGS4, it was quite the solid showing.