Posts Tagged ‘future’
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Just a few days ago we let you know that Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time would officially be hitting store shelves on October 27th exclusively for the Playstation 3. Well, today, we bring you a cinematic trailer for the game that was recently showcased at this year’s PAX.
In terms of gameplay footage, don’t expect much, but if you’re looking for some plot hints and other story information, this video is for you.
Again, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time will be out for the Playstation 3 on October 27th, 2009.
Industry Says Controllers Not Going Anywhere
The ultimate evolution of video games is the sci-fi scheme where there’s no necessary equipment. Whether it’s on a projected holographic interface or via a direct neural shunt into the brain, it’s the ultimate in virtual reality with players only being limited by their imagination. Unfortunately we’re ages away from that sort of immersive experience, but the Wii has spurred the industry a little closer to that idea.
After being called a gimmick by both industry types and gamers alike, the Wii has shown that motion controls are the future- or at least one possible future. Both Sony and Microsoft have unveiled their own version and the latter’s Project Natal does away with controllers altogether, utilizing a camera and motion-recognition technology.
Though industry members aren’t saying it’s a doomed proposition, some are saying that controllers will always have their place. Miyamoto in his interview with Wired said that holding a tangible item in your hand which gives you some sort of physical feedback and sensation is essential to creating a truly interactive experience. Ubisoft’s Yves Guillemot points out that while the idea of a more physical game can be fun, gamers don’t always want to play something that’ll have them panting for breath after a few battles. While some could make a quick jump from this argument to the stereotype of overweight gamers chowing down on junk food while playing marathon gaming sessions on the couch, many gamers look to their hobby more for relaxation.
This essentially boils down to one of the big difference between casual and hardcore games. Most casual games are quite simple in their premise, being played for nothing more than their own sake. Hardcore games often feature a storyline which can go on for hours, meaning that if gamers only sat and played for ten minutes a day or so it’d take months or even years to complete some games. Throw in the grind factor on many games and you’ve got a recipe for long hours of playing. With all the more slow, strategic types of games on the market as well which won’t exactly benefit from motion controls and you’ve got a whole ton of reasons why the controller is here to stay.
PSP MMOs in the Future
I’ve stated it over and over again that the PSP is a poor, poor platform that is ignored by the developers and inundated with bad ports despite having excellent hardware and potential to be great.
Sony Online Entertainment seems to be on the path to make the platform stand out, as company president John Smedley has publicly opened up the possibility of MMO games for the PSP that could make it better than the DS finally.
Speaking at a panel conference on the future of the genre, Smedley commented on the PSP’s wireless internet capabilities and how well the console has sold worldwide, noting that the company sees a future where we will see “full MMOs that are designed for the PSP.”
However, we won’t be playing World of Warcraft on our handhelds anytime soon. “You could have a pet-training system that literally connects to our online gaming where you can mess around with your pet," said Smedley, specifically citing SOE’s upcoming free-to-play MMO FreeRealms.
That concept might eventually evolve into a full blown handheld MMO that changes based on connectivity. Let’s hope for the best!
Bionic Commando Trailer Shows Tarzan-Like Action
One day after the announcement of a Bionic Commando remake, and we’ve already got a trailer. Whether the later section of the trailer reminds you of Tarzan or Spiderman, the gameplay does seem to be a bit repetitive, swing after swing, after.. swing through an apocalyptic metropolis, which looks quite awesome to be honest. Let’s hope that Capcom can vary the play, and not just attempt to beat Spiderman at his own game.