GamesCOM 2009

When I saw some of the big game sites covering Gamescom 2009, I didn't think much of it because I had never heard of it. However, according to Wikipedia, Gamescom is Europe's E3. That's quite a claim to make, but the previews and announcements coming out of this freshman convention seem to back up such a claim.

In my opinion, the most substantial of these announcements is the official revelation of the PS3 Slim and the accompanying price drop. The new $299 price point should prove to open up the PS3 to a whole new audience. The unit hits the stores in just a couple of weeks: hopefully not too late for Sony to strengthen the platform.

I saw some interesting footage for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for PSP. The video said in no uncertain terms that the game will feature some kind co-op mode, which means that I really need to find another Metal Gear-loving PSP owner.

I also saw an interesting trailer for PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe for PSP, which is PixelJunk Monsters, the Encore levels, and a whole new island. Goti Goti island will feature at least 11 new levels. PJM Deluxe will also feature co-op via "ad-hoc and infrastructure" (translation: you can play with someone sitting next to you or someone across the interwebz). I'm still a PixelJunk Monsters addict, so I'm looking forward to some on-the-go tower defense action.

Quantic Dream revealed a new character in their new Heavy Rain trailer. This game is looking more and more awesome. Enough said.

As awesome as the graphics are for Heavy Rain, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves looks just as good (or at least the cutscene footage would lead you to believe as much). If it's as good as the first Uncharted, it's sure to be a big hit.

Sony also made a few minor (but still awesome) announcements including, but not limited to:

• A digital reader service is being developed for the PSP, which will feature Marvel Comics as well as some other unrevealed non-comic materials. If DC comics jumps onboard... so shall I!


• PSP Minis appears to be Sony's attempt to capitalize on the type of byte-sized gaming that is so popular among iPhone users. The games are capped at 100 megabytes and are rumored to be priced at $1, $2, and $5.


• Supposedly, Sony's first party development studios are working on some games using motion control technology. This could be cool, or it could be lame. Who knows?


• PS3 firmware 3.00 is also on it's way. It doesn't appear to be as major of an upgrade as 2.40, but the new firmware does appear to feature some cool interface upgrades.

...and those are the high points. Did I miss anything important?