Sony At E3: 11th Hour Predictions

This is potentially Sony’s biggest E3 for years, and they really don’t have to do an awful lot to come out on top of Microsoft this time.  We’ve already covered how easy it should be for them, but just as a little warm-up let’s have a look at some last minute predictions.  Feel free to add your own in the comments, of course, and we’ll see who’s right later tonight!

PSN Premium

Pretty much a lock, Sony’s upgraded, expanded PlayStation Network will offer content, features and options above and beyond the current free service, which won’t be crippled in any way.  We’re looking towards discounts, cross game chat and early access to new stuff for those willing to pay the fee, which is probably going to be around £5 a month.

PSP 2

Rumoured for ages, but only just starting to come together, Sony showing off a new hardware might smart with those of us that splashed out £225 on a PSPgo but will invigorate the handheld market if the new machine is powerful enough to cause a stir.  Expect motion control, touchscreen and plenty of iPhone-like apps in the future.  If it’s true, of course.

HD Remakes

We’ve already had God of War, but we’re also expecting the Team Ico Collection – a bundle of the classic PS2 titles Ico and Shadow of the Colossus; and, hopefully a Sly Cooper remake pack which is apparently also going to be in 3D.  Sony have hinted that they’re interested in lots of these HD remakes, so perhaps we’ll see something tonight in addition to the two above.

The Last Guardian

And sticking with Team Ico – if The Last Guardian doesn’t appear in a newly playable form (complete with release date) we’ll eat our Sony-shaped hats.  The studio’s latest title, one that looks to surpass the previous two games in terms of scope and scale, could very well be the highlight of Sony’s show if it’s present.  Here’s hoping.

Killzone 3

A cert, a lock.  Guerrilla’s new first person shooter will very probably appear first on the roster tonight, setting the tone for the rest of the show.  Very few people have seen the game up close and personal so we’re desperately crossing our fingers in the hope that we’ll get an extended playtest live on stage.  And possibly even a little bit of multiplayer.

LittleBigPlanet 2, Motorstorm: Apocalypse, inFamous 2

The ‘other’ big games we already know about will surely be there in force, and tonight will be the first chance anyone gets to see inFamous 2 in action, if indeed it’s there.  Sackboy’s latest is a lock too, almost definitely, and we’ve already confirmed that the same level of Motorstorm we’ve played will be there for everyone to enjoy.  Games like this will set Sony’s show apart from Microsoft’s if they focus on them.

Move

But then there’s Move.  I’m not a big fan, personally, of motion control but if Sony can show us that the tech can be backed up with quality gaming then I’m in.  However, if they concentrate a big portion of the conference on throwaway casual titles then I’ll be up all night ranting about ‘loss of focus’ and moaning like never before.  Move can be great, but don’t over do it.

3D

I don’t know how Sony plan to show off the 3D tech to the journalists present unless they can come up with some massive screen and a big bucket of 3D glasses.  Sure, games will be ‘on the show floor’ in 3D for the public to experience, but as for the expo conference tonight?  I’m sure we’ll hear about it, but probably won’t be seeing much of it.

Surprises

And then there’s the surprises.  The exclusives and the exclusive steals, the stuff that makes E3 the biggest show on Earth for the gaming world.  I honestly don’t have any ideas what might make up this portion, but I’m hoping for big things from big players in the industry.  Sony’s first party studios can deliver, but I’m expecting a few third party treats too.

Here’s to 8pm tonight, then…