PR: SOE announces Brotherhood of the Blade for PSP.

[schild]

LAS VEGAS, NV - Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – January 4, 2005 – Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online (MMO) gaming, today announced a new launch title for the PSP™ handheld entertainment system. Untold Legends™: Brotherhood of the Blade™.  Developed and published by SOE, Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade will be one of the few original titles developed in North America, and the only multiplayer action role-playing game (RPG) available at the system’s launch.

            “We have assembled a top-notch development team that has worked hard to develop a completely original title for the PSP handheld system,” said John Smedley, president, Sony Online Entertainment. “The dev team has tailored every feature such as the wireless multiplayer gameplay, stunning 3D graphics, and the entertaining Action RPG gameplay specifically for the PSP handheld system, and the results are absolutely spectacular. We strongly believe that Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade has what it takes to be a huge success on the PSP handheld system.”

With fast-paced, hack ‘n slash action, randomly-generated environments, monsters and items, beautiful 3D graphics and wireless cooperative multiplayer gameplay, Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade offers a compelling, on-the-go gameplay experience never before seen on a handheld gaming device. Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade introduces four customizable playable races: an original storyline; cooperative multiplayer gameplay via the PSP handheld system’s WiFi feature; easy simplified controls that offer depth of gameplay without complexity; and beautiful, vibrant environments that take full advantage of the PSP handheld system’s technical capabilities.

 

About Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade

Journey to a world beyond the realms of imagination and engage in battles to save Aven, a timeless city of safe haven and the last remaining stronghold of Good in a world of Evil. As a dark threat looms and a gathering of unknown forces grows stronger, heroes have been called and the Brotherhood of the Blade has been formed. It is up to you and your chosen brothers to unravel the mysteries of this looming peril. Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade offers on-the-go action-RPG combat, intense multiplayer battles and a completely original adventure for you to uncover.

    * Action RPG: Wield your blade and cast powerful spells in this action-packed, hack ‘n slash RPG exclusively for the PSP handheld system.
    * Epic Adventure: Create a unique hero and set out into the wilds of Unataca to battle powerful creatures, save your city of Aven from imminent extinction and unravel the mysteries of a looming peril.
    * Wireless Multiplayer Gameplay: A wireless multiplayer mode features gameplay through the PSP handheld system’s wireless feature. Connect directly with multiple PSP handheld systems for the ultimate in hack ‘n slash action with no wires!
    * Four Playable Character Classes: Select from four unique character classes including an ancient order of valiant Knights, a foundation of brilliant Alchemists, an order of noble Druids, and a race of feral hunters known as the Berserkers. Each character class has unique fighting abilities or magical spells.
    * Beautiful 3D Environments: Battle through more than 100 diverse levels that come alive with brilliant 3D graphics, stunning lighting, dynamic visual effects and highly-detailed player characters and monsters.
    * Organic Game Experience: Play in randomly generated environments and fight against unique monsters for a different experience every time you play.
    * Items and Artifacts: Collect hundreds of items, usable gear and rare magical artifacts to aid in your battles.
    * Character Customization: Modify your hero for a completely customized look and ability set.
    * Hordes of Monsters: Battle over 150 types of monsters with 50 unique models and textures.
    * Challenging Boss Monster Battles: Engage in strategic combat with humongous bosses, each with their own distinctive combat techniques.

Talk amongst yourselves. This isn't an advertisement, I just happen to be a total PSP fanboi. Are you excited? I'm excited.

[Riggswolfe]

No

[schild]

That's ok, you don't have to be excited. You pay for two MMOGs at the same time. ^_^

[Shockeye]

I drool.

[MrHat]

Di-a-blo?

Nice, too bad I don't have any friends to play with.

For the multiplayer, is it possible to interface w/ a "PSP Basestation" in order to connected via the internet to others?

[schild]

That's exactly what I'm hoping for. The psp has 802.11b built in. If there's net connection, I will concede that Nintendo must back out of the portable market right now. Right frickin now. Before the PSP comes out. Shit, they should've pulled out when the PSP was announced 9 months ago.

[MrHat]

My curiousity is definently peaked.

I wasn't going to pick up either of these unless I had mad funds laying around.

I may now.

[Flashman]

Looks good.

Any idea what the retail price will be on the PSP and on the games?

[schild]

Gut instinct says $189.99 or $179.99 on the PSP and $39.99 on games if they really want to bury Nintendo.

[stray]

I was pretty damn close to getting a DS today. Good thing they have shit for games atm.

So you guys feel you've wasted your money then?

[schild]

I really loved the 2 games I got the DS and probably got my moneys worth out of them (assuming they still release FFIII, Animal Crossing and Metroid Hunters). Anyway, the two games were XY/XX and Tiger Woods 2005. Being that I'm a whore for portable gaming and the way the screen is lighted on the DS makes GBA games about 50x better makes it worth the purchase almost alone. That said, if I'd not gotten it until january, I probably would have passed on it. The PSP should be out between 2/15 and 3/15.

[MrHat]

I really loved the 2 games I got the DS and probably got my moneys worth out of them (assuming they still release FFIII, Animal Crossing and Metroid Hunters). Anyway, the two games were XY/XX and Tiger Woods 2005. Being that I'm a whore for portable gaming and the way the screen is lighted on the DS makes GBA games about 50x better makes it worth the purchase almost alone. That said, if I'd not gotten it until january, I probably would have passed on it. The PSP should be out between 2/15 and 3/15.

What other features does it have? You know, since you seem to be a breathing commercial.

[schild]

I don't understand what you mean by features. I mean, if someone is within range with Tiger Woods, we can play 9 holes at the drop of a hat. It's a pretty neat little system. Unfortunately, it'll get shit for support. It's really like they made it as an adapter to play Wario Ware & XY/XX properly. I'm not sure what they were thinking as it seriously has limited potential (the 2 screen thing).

I'm slightly upset with the money I dropped, but like I said, I've probably gotten my money's worth. I play it more than my GC, but nowhere near as much as my PS2/Xbox or PC.

As far as the PSP goes, it's uhm...powerful and has really tiny optical discs with information on them. They can hold a lot more than a DS cartridge and uhm, they have third party support? As it turns out, this isn't the 80s anymore and the number one thing it seems to judge a system by is their third party support. PS2 has Atlus, Namco (more than the other systems), Working Designs, Nippon Ichi, and a number of other Japanese companies putting out top notch games all the time. Microsoft has almost every good US and European Company in the bag and has the best looking, sounding and controlling of the cross platform titles (particularly if you picked up the Japanese Controller S). Nintendo has Nintendo. That's enough for me to say the DS is probably the last Nintendo system I'll probably ever spend my money on. I don't want nor need another Mario. Fucking plumber.

[Flashman]

Seems to me like the DS would be a pain in the ass to hold as well. With the two screens folded out, it seems pretty bulky to hold.

Not to mention, do you have to use the stylus to play any of the games? Can't see myself on the subway standing up trying to hold the unit with one hand and using a stylus ( or that thumb attachment thingy)

Seems like the PSP is much more comfortable to use. also,  I'd rather have one wide screen than 2 smaller ones and have to focus attenttion on one or the other.

[Kenrick]

Wow, that really looks like Dungeon Siege.

[Krakrok]

Or Baulder's Gate: Dark Alliance.

[schild]

Or the other game soe made: Champions of Norrath.

We could play the naming game all day, point is that the PSP is like a portable console. Not a portable gaming system. And it has wireless connectivity out of the box. Consoles don't even have that. Next gen better.

[Lum]

Or the other game soe made: Champions of Norrath.

Actually Champions of Norrath was made by Snowblind, the developers of Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. SOE published it, and of course owns the license.

I'm waiting on the PSP to actually come out before getting too excited. I've heard horror stories about horrible battery lifetimes, and if it doesn't last 6 hours (a plane ride, in other words) it doesn't really matter how shiny it is to me.

[schild]

Shows how well I can read the shelf above my monitor. ~

Edit: Latvian is hard.

[Soukyan]

On the SOE game, the graphics look meh. I'm sure it'll be a neat little hack-n-slash a la Dungeon Seige or BG:DA, etc. etc. etc. Looks like they have the usual lack of variety for mobs, but then again, it's only a few screenshots.

As to PSP, it should be a great little system although I don't do handheld systems so I won't be buying one either way. I certainly wouldn't buy one based on that SOE game though. There should be far better games coming out for it.

[plangent]

Ooh, Elder Gazers!  Nice.

I wonder if the usb ports can accept a charge?  If so, it might be possible to leech off a laptop battery.  That might be a decent workaround if there's no other power supply around.

[eldaec]

My first thought with those screenshots was 'hello? view horizon of less than 6 feet?'. Just how annoying might that get in practice?

My second thought was 'meh', why wouldn't I prefer to play a decent version on a PC?

I find it hard to imagine circumstances where I have enough time and comfort to get into an rpg, but not enough time and space to get out my laptop. (still less a mutiplayer rpg)

I mean, if someone is within range with Tiger Woods, we can play 9 holes at the drop of a hat. It's a pretty neat little system.

Now for something like this I can see the point. (though it remains hideously dependant on everyone having the same system, and having bought the same game, and having bought whichever wireless or link cable widget you need)

[Signe]

I keep forgetting what a PSP is, but that game looks fun.  Maybe I'll buy one if I can be assured they will make a significant number of games I'd play.  I mostly like  rpg games and combat games ala Soul Calibur II.  Regardless of what you all might think, they are girly games.  No golf for me.  I don't understand golf.

[stray]

No golf for me.  I don't understand golf.

Hot Shots Golf is girly. You'd probably like that.

[Kairos]

That's exactly what I'm hoping for. The psp has 802.11b built in. If there's net connection, I will concede that Nintendo must back out of the portable market right now. Right frickin now. Before the PSP comes out. Shit, they should've pulled out when the PSP was announced 9 months ago.

2004 PSP sales in Japan: 352,295

2004 Gameboy DS sales in Japan: 1,286,074

http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten.htm">Source

Nintendo is not likely paralyzed with fear at this point.

[Alkiera]

And on top of all that, the PSP doubles as a Nerf-esque office-combat weapon!

Alkiera

[Raph]

On the view distance, that's because the camera is zoomed in all the way. It works just like Champions or similar games, where you can push the camera in and out.

Think of it as CoN on a handheld.

[Shockeye]

2004 PSP sales in Japan: 352,295

2004 Gameboy DS sales in Japan: 1,286,074

http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten.htm">Source

Nintendo is not likely paralyzed with fear at this point.

Let's try to think a little harder instead of throwing out some numbers and making a quick cute remark, shall we?

Sony has sold everything they have shipped. You are trying to spin this like they have equal number of boxes on the shelf. They do not. Nintendo should be worried because the PSP launch titles are far and away better than what Nintendo had for their DS.

[eldaec]

Nintendo should be worried because the PSP launch titles are far and away better than what Nintendo had for their DS.

Nintendo should be worried because Sony have enormous piles of money and a better marketing group.

The launch title thing is only true if you assume people want the same thing on their handheld as on their settop console, or PC. Admittedly this may be the case for people who aren't me.


On a different track, I don't see the words 'Online' or 'Internet' anyware in the release. The only other games that weren't wholly online I remember from SOE are CoN and LoEQ. Is this a new direction for SOE?

[Rodent]

If what Nintendo has been saying about continuing the Gameboy-brand is true I see no reason why they should back out of the handheld market. Hell it's pretty much the only market they have left.

The PSP may very well prove to outsell the DS but when/if Nintento releases a new GB system with a new pokémon I doubt they will find themselves in second place. Kids still frenzy everytime.

The PSP looks nice though. Doubt I will be picking it up however. I hardly ever play my GBA SP, and I don't think the PSP would see much more action.

[schild]

That's exactly what I'm hoping for. The psp has 802.11b built in. If there's net connection, I will concede that Nintendo must back out of the portable market right now. Right frickin now. Before the PSP comes out. Shit, they should've pulled out when the PSP was announced 9 months ago.

2004 PSP sales in Japan: 352,295

2004 Gameboy DS sales in Japan: 1,286,074

http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten.htm">Source

Nintendo is not likely paralyzed with fear at this point.

Being the owner of a DS, I'd like to say, on the most base consumer level - I fear for Nintendo. They will have less titles on the shelves after 6 months than the PSP will have at launch. Assuming 3/15 is the launch date.

[Kairos]

I admit, my comment was a little snotty, and I actually know fuck-all about either console. I just found it a little silly to proclaim doom for Nintendo so hastily, after they've completely dominated the handheld market in Japan, North America, and Europe for the last 15 years. It's Nintendo's safest revenue stream, and I can't imagine they'll sit idly if it ever gets seriously threatened.

[schild]

They won't sit idly, but we all watched as Sony brought about Nintendo's console demise. It's only fitting they kick around the gameboy a bit before going in for the kill.

[Disco Stu]

They won't sit idly, but we all watched as Sony brought about Nintendo's console demise. It's only fitting they kick around the gameboy a bit before going in for the kill.

The gamecube still has the best console games that you can't get on the PC and STILL made Nintendo money. Nintendo will be in the game for at least the next two generations. Fuck the DS sold more units in a month than the IPOD did in 18 and the IPOD is keeping Apple alive.

[schild]

They won't sit idly, but we all watched as Sony brought about Nintendo's console demise. It's only fitting they kick around the gameboy a bit before going in for the kill.

The gamecube still has the best console games that you can't get on the PC and STILL made Nintendo money. Nintendo will be in the game for at least the next two generations. Fuck the DS sold more units in a month than the IPOD did in 18 and the IPOD is keeping Apple alive.

The DS has no games. Well, 6, after 3 months.

Anyway - I didn't know the Gamecube had Ninja Gaiden, the Dead or Alive Series and Links 2k4.

I'd also like to add the the PS2 has better console titles as well. On my shelf right here are Katamari Damacy, all the Nippon Ichi Games, Shin Megami Tensei, Final Fantasy games (the real series), and ICO.

My favorite GC games aren't even made by Nintendo. Meh on you. It's also not just the iPod keeping Apple alive, but the iPod music store, schools giving laptops (read: iBooks) to their students, and a number of other reasons. The iPod is just keeping them heavy in the black for each fiscal year.

The DS will have it's hands more than full with the PSP and it's third party supporters. Nintendo is going to have to rethink their portable gameplan. To not think that is blatently retarded.