Let me tell you a little bit about PlayStation Move Ape Escape. There are a total of 15 levels and you will cross between the past and present in pursuit of Specter, the leader of a monkey invasion. At the end of each mission, a review of your performance will display regarding how many monkeys you caught, your score and the details of any bonuses you have earned. You have a chance to compare your scores with players around the world, so try uploading your score every time you complete a mission and check the online leaderboards! Don’t forget to earn trophies as well.

As you progress through the game, you will unlock mini-games. Each of these use the PlayStation Move motion controller in a unique way and provide a fun change of pace from the story mode. So take a well-earned break from your pursuit of Specter and enjoy those mini-games.

We are very eager for Ape Escape fans old and new to try out the PlayStation Move version of the franchise. Pick up the full ape-chasing adventure today for $19.99, grab your PlayStation Move motion controller and start capturing those mischievous monkeys!

Augmented reality is a concept that’s starting to get a lot of buzz so we wanted to take a minute to break down our history with the technology and provide a sneak peak at what could be next. There’s a popular misconception that augmented reality is just “kid’s stuff,” but with more than eight years of experience under our belt, we’ve found there’s a wide variety of compelling and cool AR experiences that everyone can enjoy. We spoke to some of our resident experts from Sony Computer Entertainment R&D and Product Development to get their take on augmented reality through our platforms.

Back in 2003, when smartphones, tablet PCs, and even decent webcams were far from mainstream, we launched EyeToy on PlayStation 2, which included our first foray into augmented reality. Back then it was the only way to see yourself on-screen interacting with virtual objects in real-time. We then brought that unique experience to a portable level on PSP. With games such as Invizimals or EyePet , mobility was a key element as the PSP camera turned the entire world around you into a game.

PlayStation 3 gave us a significant leap in image processing and, coupled with PlayStation Eye, enabled AR games such as The Eye of Judgment. Last year’s launch of PlayStation Move on PS3 brought titles like EyePet and Start the Party, which added ultra-precise movement recognition to the augmented reality experience, enabling you to interact with virtual objects on-screen using the PS Move motion controller.

We’re no stranger to innovation and every so often we’re able to create an experience that changes the way you think about games. At this year’s Game Developers Conference , we showed off demos of augmented reality on NGP—our Next Generation Portable device . NGP builds on our experience with augmented reality over the years with PlayStation 2/EyeToy, PSP, and PS3/PlayStation Move. With front and rear cameras that combine real-time images of you and your environment, a brilliant 5-inch multi-touch OLED screen and rear multi-touch pad, internal motion sensors, and dual analog sticks, NGP offers new ways to interact that will change the way you think about augmented reality games… and possibly even change the way you think about reality.

What do you think about augmented reality? Do you have an idea for the next killer app for augmented reality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

]]> http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/04/08/from-eyetoy-to-ngp-playstations-augmented-reality-legacy-2/feed/ 89 http://blog.us.playstation.com/files/2011/04/AG-Lead-Image1.jpg 4.63Sr. PR Manager, SCEA 89 5 http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/09/08/playstations-15th-anniversary-comes-to-home-hudson-shows-the-love-new-community-theater-partner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=playstations-15th-anniversary-comes-to-home-hudson-shows-the-love-new-community-theater-partner http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/09/08/playstations-15th-anniversary-comes-to-home-hudson-shows-the-love-new-community-theater-partner/#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:30:11 +0000 GlassWalls http://blog.us.playstation.com/?p=35861 Firstly, to commemorate a very special moment in gaming history, we have a special video celebrating the 15-year anniversary of PlayStation up for you to enjoy in the Theater. It’s been a long time since we started, and I hope you’ll join us in celebrating our “birthday.” As a party favor, each person who checks out the video will get a commemorative ornament, nodding praise to the platform that started it all.

Bomberman fans unite! Visit the new Hudson Gate game space when it is released in PlayStation Home this Thursday, September 9th. Explore the “discs” of this futuristic space and place your bets on the regular Dolphy races, unlock unique rewards, and even pick up Bomberman outfits. Purchase your own Dolphy Room Apartment, where you can raise your very own Dolphy to take part in races. Raise your Dolphy right and you’ll be rewarded as it streaks its way to victory!

Also this week, we have more MAG items including the RAVEN armor now available to further complete your collection. Lockwood’s sweet generosity is definitely not lacking this week either. This week, you’ll find the Lollipop collection of outfits or both male and female, a ton of new furniture and for the ladies, a luxury leather handbag delivering some serious bling in a diamond ring.

Finally, we have a new partnership in the Home Community Theater to announce — GamerIndepth!

As one of Home’s longest-running fan groups, it seemed only natural to further connect with them. I was able to get a burning question answered by several members of GamerIndepth.

GlassWalls: “I have a question for each of you. You’ve all been supporters of Home for a long time, and now we’re partnering up in the Community Theater. Where do you see the future for both of us heading?”

From Narde15: “Home is such a unique and cutting-edge application that I don’t know how to answer that question. What I can say is that as long as GamerIndepth is around it will keep its ear to the ground and continue to shine the spotlight on everyone making positive noise in PlayStation Home. That’s what we’ve always been about and with the support of the Home Team and the community, we’re not going to limit ourselves.”

From Hippe: “The future looks bright for ALL those that love Home. The future of both Home as an application and the community depends on the bonds we establish with each other. The Home of tomorrow will not be the Home of today. It continues to evolve daily and I hope GamerIndepth can be a part of that evolution every step of the way.”

From homeboy79: “The future of Home looks brighter everyday. The community’s involvement in Home is ultimately key to its success. This is where we come in. I’m confident that together we will continue to provide the highest quality of media and material that is for the community, by the community.”

From YowsahsItsMeesh: “Being an avid Home user soon after open beta was released it has truly been an experience to watch Home evolve into what it has become today….I can definitely see future partnerships such as ours, drawing in more gamers and non-gamers alike, and taking social gaming to an entirely new level.”

There you have it. Go check out their first video playing now in the Home Community Theater.

See you in Home!

Today, our focus will be on the game world as we reveal to you all the Seven Wonders of Ys Seven — seven locations that help define the game and keep its story moving. So sit back, relax, take in the new trailer and enjoy!

1. Altago City

The centerpiece of the game’s story. This is where Adol and Dogi first make landfall in the Altaginian countryside. And, unlike most of the cities they’ve visited over the years, it does NOT offer them a particularly warm welcome. Still, that doesn’t make this trade capital any less impressive! Not only is the city a real sight to behold, it also includes a sprawling port for some of the largest naval vessels in the world. Its sheer size and magnificence makes it one of Ys Seven’s wonders, and its seedy, intricate history makes it a true contender for the #1 spot.

2. Shrine of Origins

Unearthed only recently, this mysterious cave contains artifacts from a distant time, featuring unknown markings. A sense of mystery pervades every last crevasse, and to any travelers who dare traverse its darkened spirals, I can offer only one piece of advice: LOOK UP!!

3. Ancient Tree of Shannoa

Arguably the largest tree in the world, with sap that can purify water and make plants grow instantaneously. As a result, its girth is constantly increasing, and its life-giving properties have brought hope to the humble Shannoans for generations. Though healthy, its inside does seem to be hollow, and many rumors have been spread as to what one may find therein. The truth, however, is far more intense than any could have possibly predicted.

4. Flame Shrine of Segram

No one knows exactly when the Flame Shrine was built, but the Segramites would not hesitate to tell you why: It exists to honor the Great Flame Dragon, whose endless supply of lava and brimstone has become a valuable resource to all those who dwell within the desert. Sure, it may not sound like much, but the fire guarded within this sanctified place is eternal, and its power has been known to ward off evil and burn contaminants from the air.

5. Holy Precincts of the Wind

This multi-tiered structure seems to defy gravity, floating in mid-air in a most impossible manner. Built to honor the Great Wind Dragon, these Holy Precincts serve as a place of worship for the mysterious Kylosian people, who are known to don sacred capes and ride its wind currents all the way to the blessed tower in its center. If you’re afraid of heights, though, this may be the scariest wonder of them all!

6. Ruins Island

TRULY a wonder, this island seems to have once held a thriving city, but all of that now lies at the bottom of its many sunken ruins. Those who draw near find their compasses spinning wildly, and have been known to lose all sense of direction. As a result, this wonder is currently forbidden — off-limits to all by order of Altago’s regent, King Kiemarl. Still, just because it’s off-limits to locals doesn’t mean it’s off-limits to visitors, right…?

7. ???

To even say the name of this final wonder would be most inconsiderate of me! Indeed, even revealing its exact location would ruin the surprise of discovering it on your own. But trust that this is, without a doubt, the greatest wonder of them all — and truly, it is unlike anything else in the world…

Want to learn more about Altago? Perhaps you’d like to know about the Cave Byway, or the Moonlight Path, or the Desert of Despair… or maybe you’d like to hear about the Dragon Sanctums, or the lake beneath the Altaginian Highlands?

Well, tough luck! I’m not about to spoil the whole game for you. You’ll just have to pick up your own copy of Ys Seven on Tuesday, and find out for yourself what’s happening in the land of Altago! And believe me, you won’t be disappointed. This may be an action-packed title driven more by its gameplay than its story… but there are still plenty of people to see, places to go, things to do, and monsters to eliminate (or be eliminated by!).

With Ys Seven in your UMD tray (or on your Memory Stick), you’ll never be bored — no matter where you go or what you do, there’ll always be a whole world for you to explore at ludicrously high running speeds, right in the palm of your hand!

Before I school you with the PlayStation goodness, let me introduce myself. You may (or may not) recognize me from Destructoid, where I managed and hosted all their video pieces and features as the Editor-In-Chief of video. After an amazing two years with Dtoid I am happy and honored to call SCEA and the PlayStation.Blog my new home. If you follow our Twitter (which you should — @PlayStation) you may also recognize my PlayStation ink that I proudly wear on my left arm.

My goal is to enhance your PlayStation.Blog experience with all things video, and showcase the amazing talent and work that goes on behind the scenes with brilliant first-party and third-party titles, and even hardware.

Let’s hug it out now, my fellow PlayStation brothers and sisters, as you hit the jump and check out this week’s new releases.

PlayStation 3

Superstars V8 Racing — The last time Milestone dabbled in the arts of racing games was back in 2006’s Corvette Evolution GT. Based on the Italy-based Superstar Series, this is the first game to feature car racing at the Portimao and Magione race tracks.

Disney Sing It: Family — If anyone is going to have a guilty pleasure when it comes to singing Disney tunes in the shower, it’s going to be this guy. Designed for up to eight players and one microphone, Disney Sing It: Family has a healthy collection of songs from films like Toy Story, Mary Poppins and Aladdin.

PlayStation Network

Earthworm Jim HD — Dude, it’s Earthworm Jim! What more do I need to say? If you’re not familiar with the classic 16-bit title, then you’ve been missing out. But don’t take my word for it: Senior Media Editor for Gameloft Jen Kye schooled us all earlier this week when she announced its August 3rd debut on PSN. Earthworm Jim in HD? Sold.

PlayStation Portable

Warriors of the Lost Empire — The fine folks of UFO Interactive Games deliver a simple but yet addictive RPG title. Warriors of the Lost Empire isn’t short of dungeons, NPCs and quick load times to boot (according to UFO Interactive Games). Your diverse taste in heroes will be rewarded when given the choice to be a Highlander, the Dark Seeker, the Amazon, or the Gladiator.

PlayStation minis

Widgets Odyssey 2 – Aboard the S-Pace, our five heroes must once again thwart Yagor’s diabolical plans. Visit new planets, meet new creatures and play more mini-games as you guide our friends in their quest to save the cosmos.

Arctic Adventures: Polar’s Puzzles — Play as Polar in 50 brand new brain-freezing puzzles from the icy north on the Icetruck to the explosive Oil Rig. Will you solve them all and prove to be smarter then the average bear?

I grabbed a PlayStation Move and a Navigation Controller and dove into a combat sequence several chapters into the game. Several details quickly became apparent:

Aiming is much, much easier. I was able to pop headshots, even at long ranges, with impressive accuracy using the PlayStation Move’s reticule aiming. You move your character with an analog stick (via the Navigation Controller or a DualShock 3), then squeeze the trigger on the PlayStation Move to draw your weapon. Once your shot is lined up, you press the Move button with your thumb to fire the shot. Easy!

From what I played, the new PlayStation Move aiming controls will be a big help to players who had difficulty adjusting to Resident Evil 5’s default analog stick control scheme.

Knifing is easier, too. In the original version of Resident Evil 5, swinging your knife was a two-step process: you pressed and held one button to ready the knife, and another to swing it. But using PlayStation Move, you can “waggle” the motion controller to immediately swing the knife at any time. It’s handier in a pinch, and makes close-quarters battles feel faster and deadlier. It’s also easier to smash open crates and barrels to find those all-important healing herbs.

Reloading works through a similar process: you pull the trigger to ready your weapon, then “waggle” the PlayStation Move control to reload. These tweaks make the game feel faster and nimbler, freeing up precious seconds during heated combat sequences.

Chris and Sheva are more maneuverable. By shifting the run button to the left-hand Navigation Controller (or a DualShock 3), Resident Evil 5 frees up your right hand for aiming and knifing. This has a liberating effect on the game’s pacing by encouraging more hit-and-run tactics — a must when battling tough bosses such as the chainsaw-wielding Majini. Much like the other enhancements to the PlayStation Move control scheme, this makes playing Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition a nimbler, easier process.

If you already own a copy of Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition for your PS3, you’ll be able to download a free patch close to the launch of the PlayStation Move (September 19th in North America) to enable the new motion-control scheme. This will only work with RE5 copies labeled “Gold Edition” — the original version of RE5 won’t be receiving the patch, for technical reasons.

Moving forward, all new “Gold Edition” versions of Resident Evil 5 that hit store shelves after the launch of PlayStation Move will come with PlayStation Move support included on the disc. Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition also comes with all the DLC add-ons, including the new “Desperate Escape” and “Lost in Nightmares” scenarios, as standard features.

Have any other questions about Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition’s new PlayStation Move control scheme? Ask away in the comments and I’ll see what I can dig up.

As you’ll see in this electrifying new gameplay, Cole has some new melee combat and cool new super powers. Be sure to watch out for Cole’s new super-charged Ionic Vortex.

We’ll have much more to come on inFAMOUS 2 in the coming months, so be sure to watch this space!

The “Step Your Game Up” campaign is all about providing a deeper look into what makes a PlayStation Portable gaming experience more complete and enjoyable than anything else you’ll find on the market. This campaign introduces a new, younger voice to the PlayStation Nation, the fast-talking, quick-thinking, quasi self-appointed Marcus Rivers. By now you’ve probably seen the first ad in the series, “Step Your Game Up,” where Marcus officially steps up to the plate, giving Kevin Butler a run for his money as well as reason to offer him the job. Marcus makes it clear from the start he’s taking no prisoners — he’s a gamer looking for real games to play on the go.

We’ve always known the PSP is for gamers and gamers have high expectations when it comes to content. A skinny app just isn’t enough when you’re used to full-length franchises, exciting storylines, and great graphics. With PSP and PSPgo you can take your console experience with you anywhere with blockbuster titles like God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Patapon 3, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3, Twisted Metal: Head On, ModNation Racers, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, MLB 10 The Show, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (more), Madden NFL 11, Fat Princess and more. Not only can you enjoy a true in-depth gaming experience wherever you are, but with PSP you can also access your favorite movies, TV shows and music wherever you go. Moving forward, PSP fans can look forward to a series of ads that carry on the tradition created by Kevin Butler, showcasing the value and innovation behind PSP and PSPgo while inciting a few laughs along the way.

We gave you just a sneak peek of the new ads at E3 and can’t wait to share more with you over the course of the next several months. Keep an eye on the PlayStation.Blog as well as www.marcuspsp.com for more details on what’s to come. In the meantime, here’s another look at what we have in store for you — for more of the latest ads, head over to www.marcuspsp.com.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an upcoming action-RPG for the PS3 that combines ferocious first-person shooting, sneaking, and thought-provoking conversation with a huge cast of seedy characters. Deus Ex: Human Revolution serves as a prequel to Deus Ex, a critically acclaimed role-playing game that hit the PS2 in 2002. As in the original Deus Ex, DX: Human Revolution boasts a staggeringly wide range of influences: cyberpunk from Blade Runner and The Matrix, intellectual concepts borrowed from philosophers such as Michel Foucault, and conspiracy theories ranging from The Illuminati to Area 51 to the Knights Templar.

Set in 2027, DX: Human Revolution follows the same spiritual path as its predecessor. The world is literally falling apart at the seams, a murky mish-mash of unchecked technological advancement, crumbling social structures, and widespread bureaucratic corruption. You play as Adam Jensen, a security specialist for a cybernetic technology corporation, who is implanted with state-of-the-art bio-augmentations following a violent attack on his employer. Now Jensen is tasked with tracking down the group responsible for the attack. And he uncovers, uh, a lot more than he bargained for.

Deux Ex: Human Revolution plunges players into a dark, despairing world riddled with soulless corporations, corrupt governments, and elaborate global conspiracies.

Seen in early form on the PS3 at E3, DX: Human Revolution’s environments pop with detail. I spotted towering LED signs, sprawling trans-urban skylines, shimmering laser displays, and rain-slicked streets, topped off with a thick haze of grit and smoke. The non-player characters that populate Shanghai are more than a mere window dressing — they go about their daily routines, offer clues or side-quests, and throw their hands in the air if you draw a weapon. Your interactions with them are also varied: you’re able to browbeat, sweet talk, or lecture them using dialog options such as “Advise” and “Insist.” This allows for a wide variety of approaches to each conversation, meaning that your ability to read your subject’s reactions and react accordingly will be as valuable as your trigger finger.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution’s environments and characters buzz with detail on the PS3.

When it comes to nuts-and-bolts combat, though, DX: Human Revolution is packed with options. If you prefer the non-lethal approach, you’ll be able to sneak past enemies or knock them unconscious. If you prefer bloody-bones butchery, you’ll find plenty of outlets for violence. Jensen’s augmented body is studded with knives, concussion grenades, and other tools of destruction, and you’ll have access to a wide range of high-tech guns. You’ll also find many ways to upgrade your physical augmentations, from enhancing your hacking ability to using an invisibility cloak to adding heat-seeking capability to your rocket launcher. Depending on which upgrades you choose, your game experience could be radically different. Boosting your physical strength, for instance, doesn’t only enable massive melee damage — it enables you to move large objects that might help you avoid a fight altogether.

Kill, avoid, or sweet talk: the decision will be yours.

While waiting for Deus Ex: Human Revolution’s early 2011 release on the PS3, now’s a great time to experience — or re-experience — the original Deus Ex: The Conspiracy on PS2. Give it a whirl, and let me know what you think of the storyline and RPG elements in the comments.