Fifteen Candles: PlayStation's Best of E3 2006

Written by Adam Woolcott  on May 18, 2006

Specials: Molly Ringwald not included

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PlayStation 2
PS3 was the big story, but PS2 was still there. Unlike the Xbox, which one could consider non-existent seeing MS didn't even bother mentioning it during their conference, Sony's 2nd and still vital console was no slouch at all Ц especially if you're an RPG fan. Actually, the end of the PS2's 'hardcore' lifecycle is mirroring the PS1's, with hordes of role-playing games and a couple top franchises taking their final bows before the next-gen move. Perhaps you're waiting for a PS3 price drop Ц Sony's making sure their 100 million selling beast still has plenty to choose from while you wait.

#5: Final Fantasy XII
FFXII is still my most wanted game, but by now it's less about anticipation and just waiting for the October release. Most people know its greatness by now; rave reviews from importers, the perfect scores in Famitsu, over 2 million copies sold in Japan, etc. It's just a matter of hanging on for another 5 months while Square-Enix translates the game fully. However, the build for this year makes the wait a bit tougher; the combat engine appears better than ever and the English dub is looking to outclass Final Fantasy X's mostly strong voice acting. It's kinda funny how FFXII seemed like an afterthought seeing Square announced the 13th game, but I'd take a bet that FF12 will take a great many people by surprise when the game ships.

#4: Lego Star Wars II
The original Lego Star Wars was a surprise hit with all ages; kids, parents, and grown ups Ц in general people who love Star Wars. If it wasn't for games like Knights of the Old Republic it might be the best game in the SW universe. Until of course, the sequel. Subtitled The Original Trilogy, LSW tackles the classic movies, which has even more attention brought upon it compared to the relatively quiet sequel. To counter the ease of the original, LSW2 features scalable difficulty; if you suck the game will compensate, but if you're kicking ass and taking names, it'll ramp it up until you hit a wall and again compensate, finding the sweet spot of challenge. At least that's what they claim. Confession time though; I'll probably buy this for PSP. The system is perfect for a game like Lego Star Wars.

#3: Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria
Now that Tri-Ace is done making stories about Radiata, they can get on to what a select handful of people really wanted; a sequel to cult hit Valkyrie Profile, a game so rare more people haven't even seen it in a store than actually own it. However it's not a sequel; Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria is actually a prequel that takes place many years before the days of Lenneth Valkyrie. You'll be playing as Alicia, a normal girl...well until she's possessed by a valkyrie named Silmeria who gradually takes over her body. The same 2D real-time battle system from the original remains, and VP2 contains the same art style as the original; only so beautiful you'd doubt it's really a PS2 game. Yet another title that shows Square Enix is heading to the next-generation with a serious bang.

#2: Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Whaddya know, another RPG. Xenosaga has always been a love it or hate it affair; I'm on the love it side, but many despise the cutscenes that can last up to an hour, while ignoring the numerous gameplay sequences. At one time this was the 3rd of 6 titles in a Xenosaga arc, but due to the poor reception to Xenosaga II, Episode III will be the finale. It's going out bringing the thunder though Ц all the mystery, treachery, lies, and Testaments will reveal itself, bringing the strange plot of Gnosis, Zohars, Lost Jerusalem, Abel's Ark, and why the Swaine family loves segment addresses to the forefront. The franchise has always been heavy on philosophy and religious undertones, and Xeno III will continue that trend. At least this game doesn't suffer the fate of Xenosaga I+II on DS, which forever will be lost as a Japan only game. If you're going out you might as well go out swinging and that's what Xenosaga III looks to do in November.

#1: God of War II
Everyone knows God of War, it racked up dozens of awards and critical acclaim. Now just a year later we're looking at the PS2 exclusive sequel. Many raised their eyebrows over the announcement that it's a PS2 game, but it works to Sony's advantage Ц if they want to keep people into PS2 even with PS3 on shelves (which makes money for Sony since they profit on all PS2's sold), God of War II is the game to anchor it around. And it's not like you can't pop the game into your PS3 when it comes out, unless Sony really pulls a Microsoft with the backwards compatibility mess. Anyway, God of War II is truly bigger, badder, and more Ц Kratos is even more brutal than ever, and can get Icarus wings (which was taken from the original if you watch the director commentaries) for flying, and the new Blades of Athena set up the ability to swing from your blades for crossing impossible chasms. It shouldn't be impossible for a God, but hey, there's a reason for it Ц he lost the God powers. With games like God of War II waiting around for PS2 owners, it's much easier to swallow waiting for PS3 goodness down the line.

PlayStation Portable
A year ago Sony's PSP might as well not existed at E3; while there were some games around, there weren't any real stunners on the show floor that could become system sellers. Not this year. Of all the Sony consoles at this year's show, it was PSP that impressed me the most, with plenty of good titles and now some really big franchises are coming its way, and sooner than you think. Now that Sony is done pushing movies and the multimedia stuff, it seems they're back in the most important fold: gaming, and it shows. It might not be enough to really dominate the DS (which also has some great games coming), but the PSP is absolutely not going anywhere anytime soon in this era of portable competition. Note that GTA: Vice City Stories isn't listed here; it would probably be #1 but because it had no showing at all other than being announced at E3, it really doesn't fit in a best of E3 article. Still, portable Vice City...hot.

#5: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Along with Advent Children, Crisis Core seems to be a centerpiece of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. It takes place directly before the events of FFVII, explaining the Nibelheim incident in much greater detail. In this action RPG, you'll play as Zack, the SOLDIER who Cloud befriended and ended up basing his own achievements on after Zack was shot to death by Shinra right outside Midgar. Zack also has become a huge cult hero to the FFVII fanbase even though his presence was minimal at best Very, very little is known, but we know there's going to be a huge showdown between Zack and Sephiroth, and many of the familiar characters should appear, albeit in younger, non-playable fashion. Even if we know little, now we know that it's a reality and there's a Final Fantasy game coming to PSP, based upon the most beloved FF game of all. If it turns out great, PSP will benefit in many ways.

#4: Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Aside from Deadlocked, I've been a big fan of every Ratchet & Clank game since it came around back in 2002. Mixing humor and solid gameplay the series has carved a niche that Naughty Dog liked so much they directly emulated it with Jak II and beyond. R&C: Size Matters is the newest entry, and no it's not a port or a retelling but instead a whole new game that takes place after Deadlocked finished. The dynamic duo is vacationing, tired after saving the world so much, but of course they get sent off to save things again. Size Matters is shaping up to take advantage of the PSP's strengths, and work around its weaknesses (like, you know, a lack of 2 analog sticks) to craft another great PSP action/platform game. Unfortunately we won't get our hands on the game until early 2007, making it an extra long wait.

#3: Valkyrie Profile Lenneth
This one was a nailbiter. While we expected VP2: Silmeria to show up here, there was some real concern about this enhanced port of the PlayStation original, due to Sony's insistence of new content on the system rather than straight conversions. But Tri-Ace must have done enough, as the game is now set for a summer release; 2 months from now, actually. For so many (myself included) this will be a first chance to play this cult classic; due to its limited run and high eBay prices, it's been out of reach for the majority of gamers. Not anymore, and PSP owners will benefit from VP's release. In general it's a mere conversion from the PS1 version with some enhancements here and there to escape SCEA's port rules, but the core remains, so expect crazy 2D fighting and an epic, tragic plot starring the valkyrie Lenneth. And because Square Enix is involved...you can expect to actually find and afford the game for a good long while. Death to limited print runs, I say.

#2: Silent Hill Origins
Now here's a game we know can work on PSP. When first announced it was expected to be a remake of the original PS1 game, but it turns out we were wrong. Instead it takes place before the events of Silent Hill, further explaining why this resort town is so screwed up. You will play as Travis O'Grady, a truck driver who winds up in town for whatever reason, and due to his troubled past, the man gets sucked into the evilness and winds up having to face his own demons to get to the bottom of it and escape town with his life...and his sanity, intact. After the disappointment that was Silent Hill 4, Origins is a positive step forward; the game doesn't have any strange apartment scenarios, holes, alternate universes, but most importantly actually takes place in Silent Hill itself. I'll bet there's a hospital stage. It'll be bloody and have crazy nurses. And I bet it'll scare the hell out of everyone. Without any notable survival horror games on PSP, Silent Hill Origins is certainly going to, ahem, carve its own niche.

#1: Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops
While Metal Gear Solid 4 naturally took up all the attention, this little gem got lost in the mix. While the Metal Gear Acid games were popular, everyone wanted something else, something a little more...Solid. And finally we're getting it. Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops isn't a port, or a remake, or some weird side-story; no, the latest from Kojima Productions is a legitimate entry in the MGS saga. It's directly a sequel to MGS3, taking place in 1970. Big Boss has resigned from the FOX unit and is probably back working for the CIA, but is accused of leading a revolt amongst the FOX unit, while Major Zero has been arrested for treason. Big Boss claims innocence and is given a chance to clear his name, by hunting down the rebel FOX members. In short, MGS Portable Ops will tell the tale of Big Boss and his fall from grace, as well as introduce the FOXHOUND unit for the first time. It's been touted as important backstory; the sort of backstory that should help explain MGS4. Kojima and his crew work in mysterious ways. Portable Ops will also feature an online competition component, but really, it's all about Big Boss and his fall. Speaking of fall, MGS Portable Ops is set to release...this fall. Now here's something to tide MGS fans over until MGS4, no?

Final Thoughts
Fifteen games, three platforms. And this is just a small taste of what E3 had to offer for PlayStation fans, as there's hundreds of titles floating around that could be good, could be bad, and could be ugly. You just never know. But there's plenty of promising, buzz-worthy games floating around on all their consoles; be it unknown games like Assassin's Creed or sizzling franchises like God of War and old veterans like Final Fantasy. So whether you're a PS2 owner hoping to squeeze some more play out of it, a PSP owner looking for tons of cool games, or a future PS3 owner hoping their $500-600 investment is worth it, there was something for you to explore and hopefully enjoy.