GDC: Sony's booth bigger than life, with little, tiny goods on the inside
by Ben Zackheim 
{ Mar 16th 2005 at 2:30PM }
The Sony booth on GDC's expo floor was, by far, the most impressive of the bunch. The company's presence was everywhere at the show. But the venue for their PSP was some good, old fashioned overkill. The huge Playstation sign loomed over the attendees. The thing was so imposing that it almost felt like a threat. Next to the Sony booth was a much smaller, and much more humble Nintendo space. I'll get into their presence later, but I can tell you the difference was striking. Was the understated Nintendo booth a comment on the opulence of Sony. It actually did feel that way, yes.
Entering the Sony booth, you had the PSPs on the left and the PS2 titles on the right. Surprisingly, I saw equal numbers of attendees on both sides everytime I went in. The PS2 lineup included GT4 and Gods of War so you can see why that might be the case.
The PSP got a thorough going-over by everyone. They had someone there just to wipe the things off as people filed
through. As I mentioned in the Untold Legends hands-on,
the device actually does clean off well and seems to stand up to an incredible amount of abuse, er, use. By far, the
most played title in the booth lineup was Wipeout Pure. If you like speed, youll like Wipeout. The time I got with it
reminded me a lot of Star Wars Racer, and I mean that as a compliment.
If it werent for those damn clamps
Spider-Man 2 was also playable. While its disappointing that the game isnt an open-ended experience, its still fun as hell for this SM fan. The moves are all there in spades, along with button-mashing fights and a very competent camera. All in all, theres no question Ill be picking this one up for launch. Spider-Man 2 game, Spider-Man 2 movie; can a Spider-Man skin be far behind?
Besides the polite but firm pushing and shoving, the booth did a good job of showing off what Sony is about to
spring on us. My impressions of the PSP were positive, overall. Simple as that. The device is a treasure of design and
execution. Its huge, yes, but I didnt notice (or mind) because it feels so good in my hands. The buttons are
well-placed, the screen is as huge as people say it is, the ports are also well-placed (didnt run into the UMD missile
problem) and the thing sparkles and shines like a gem.
Now, having said all that I didnt get to carry a PSP around for a couple of days. No battery test (the PSPs were
plugged in - surprise!), no UMD missile test, no portability test, no play in bed test (the most important one of
all). So, Ill reserve judgment until I get my own next week.
Isnt that security guy supposed to be securing? Is this a sign of mainstream appeal, or a boring job?
If Sonys future depends on the PSP, as many pros are saying, then the next few months should be interesting. I
think it will prove itself to be a very solid gaming device, and having touched it, I do believe its on par with the
iPod as far as sexiness is concerned.
The energy at the Sony booth was a mix of adulation and healthy skepticism. I saw just as many people pull away from a
game with a pleased look on their faces, as I did people with shrugs and sourpusses. Developers are like that, which is
why we love them. Sony used GDC to give us a good look at what to expect. I cant wait to hear what you guys and gals
think.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
funkonaut @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
The GBASP is the perfect form factor. It's gonna be hard to go to a flat, wide handheld (which is why I'm also staying away from the DS). Perhaps the PSPee (hehe) will improve on the form factor.
Edward Zieba @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I hated the SP's narrow form factor. It's far too uncomfortable to hold it with your hands so close together, and you cannot support it properly with the screen hangine behing it with the fulcrom at your index fingers. the PSP looks far more comfortable to use, with the possible exception of the analogue stick (though that's a welcome addition in any case, even if it's use is infrequent).
grant @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I have to agree, the PSP is definitely one sexy device.More than The DS by a long shot.But it will have to be more than sexy,it will need games.And I have to say,I think from what we have heard,it has some games.At least more tham the DS.Oh,and about the SP,I liked it,but I also liked the advance,so I can handle both.