Sony's second half of 2005 @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 02, 2005

News: A half dozen titles for the half dozen months at the end of 2005.

Sony has released word today that they have six new titles lined up for the last half of 2005 for the PS2 and PSP. Most were games that were already on track for other territories and have now been given the green light for America.

For example, Genji and Wanda and the Colossus (now Shadow of the Colossus) were Japanese only releases until this morning. Similarly, MediEvil Ressurection would have been a UK exclusive release.

But now they're coming to America and here's a quick rundown on each title from Sony:

Neopets: The Darkest Faerie (Available August 2005)

Developed and created by Sony Computer Entertainment America, Santa Monica, and Neopets Inc., Neopets: The Darkest Faerie is an action-adventure game that extends the online entertainment of Neopets.com and provides a fully interactive offline experience. In Neopets: The Darkest Faerie, players enter the land of Neopia for the first time in 3D and journey with Neopian characters on an adventure to rid the world from the evil Darkest Faerie. Together they will travel through new lands, meet strange inhabitants and discover a mystery unseen by Neopian eyes.

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai (Available Fall 2005)

Developed in conjunction with Game Republic and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai is an intense 3D action-adventure game. Inspired by the 11th century Japanese literary masterpiece, Tale of Genji, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai provides a dramatic samurai plot fused with fantastical Japanese mythology. This historic samurai tale is set against the beautiful and elegant environments of feudal Japan, and delivers a story of two noble warriors engaged in a crusade against mythical forces controlling Japan. In addition, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai features authentic swordplay choreographed by Japan's leading swordsman, and production directed by acclaimed industry veterans.

Shadow of the Colossus (Available Fall 2005)

Developed in conjunction with the developers of the critically acclaimed ICO that released in 2001 exclusively for the PlayStation 2 system, comes a new adventure -- Shadow of the Colossus. In Shadow of the Colossus, players take the role of a young man seeking the truth of an ancient tale of power hidden in a mystical land. Shadow of the Colossus is a majestic journey through ancient lands to seek out and destroy gigantic mythical beasts. With a trusty horse at your side, players explore the spacious lands and unearth each Colossi. The uneasy task of defeating a Colossus relies on intelligent puzzle solving and action oriented gameplay. Armed with strong wits, a mystical sword and a sturdy bow, players use cunning and strategy to topple each behemoth.

MediEvil Resurrection (Available September 2005)

Developed in conjunction with Cambridge Studios, MediEvil Resurrection puts players in the role of Sir Daniel Fortesque to embark on a gothic journey of redemption to defeat the evil sorcerer Zarok. Inspired by the myths, characters, and environments of the popular PS one franchise, MediEvil Resurrection provides players with an enchanting storyline filled with numerous levels and gameplay locations, supported with various characters, enemies, weapons, and mini-games that take place in the realm of Gallowmere. In addition, using Wi-Fi gameplay via Ad Hoc mode, players can compete head-to-head in various arcade-style mini games.

The Con (Available October 2005)

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Santa Monica Studios and Think & Feel, The Con is an innovative 3D fighting game based on an underworld where illegal fighting tournaments exist and high-stakes gambling takes center stage. During gameplay, players can train their fighter to fight solo or in a team of three in Story Mode where their ability to build up a team and implementing match-up strategy plays a huge role. In addition, utilizing Ad Hoc mode that enables wireless gaming, The Con allows players to compete in various head-to-head fighting matches. Throughout gameplay, players can learn re-programmable fighting combinations based on five different brawling disciplines -- Boxing, Wrestling, Kick Boxing, Tae Kwon Do and Jeet Kune Do.

Neopets: Petpet Adventures - The Wand of Wishing (Available November 2005)

Developed and created by Sony Computer Entertainment America, Santa Monica, and Neopets Inc., Neopets: Petpet Adventures - The Wand of Wishing is an action RPG game that brings the hidden world of the petpets to life in 3D for the first time. Players can choose from a variety of popular petpet characters to play and, utilizing the wireless Ad-Hoc mode, they will also be able to compete head-to-head in the Battledome and buy, sell and trade special items in the search to recover the fabled wand of wishing.

Sony went on to say that they would have twelve games available on display at E3 that would be released by the end of the year. So I guess there might have a few surprises in store.