E3 2006: The PSP Reel

News Via IGN

Sony Computer Entertainment was not expected to puts a big focus on its PSP presentation at this year's pre-E3 event -- it was always going to be all about PS3 -- but we still couldn't help but be disappointed with what was shown. Only one surprise title was in the line-up of games shown, and one game in the reel was actually already out stateside (a few others have already been brought out elsewhere but are premiering in the US this year.)

First up on the PSP reel this year was the sequel to the disappointing Ape Academy game, here with more minigames and the came cartoony look. From there, SCE went to the world premier Planet PSP -- a cool interactive travel guide non-game that casual PSP owners can take with them when they go out to see the world. Following that was the incredible PSP Killzone: Liberation (curiously left without its PS3 companion, although us PSP players will take this incredible-looking game as a winfall.) We also had LocoRoco, SCE Japan's brilliant tilt-around game played with gooey little characters. Gangs of London, SCE Soho's multiplayer gang game followed that, built upon the basis of the Getaway franchise. After that, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror ... and considering that this game was released months ago for PSP, we're not sure why (even though it is an incredible game for the system, and a defining online experience.) This was followed up with World Tour Soccer 2, SCE's new and improved footie sim. And then there was Talkman, finally bringing the Japanese and European language translator app/game to America.
Where was Ratchet & Clank PSP? We don't know, but we've played it, and it's already pretty rad. Where was SOCOM 2 for PSP? Where was ATV Offroad Fury Pro? What about Hot Shots Golf 2 and its GPS capabilities? Where was anything from any of the hard-working third parties working on PSP? Much of this will be debuted on the E3 show floor on Wednesday, but of the pickings SCE put together, it wasn't the kind of showing we expected from a console just now leaving its infant first years behind. Look for much more happy PSP impressions and anticipation when the E3 show starts on Wednesday.