GDC 2009: PSN Blowout!

Some of the biggest ideas in game design are hiding in the smallest packages. GamePro gets an all-access pass to PSN's 2009 downloadable game lineup at GDC 2009!

It was Microsoft that pioneered online console gaming through its Xbox Live subscription service. Microsoft was also first to popularize the idea of selling small, inexpensive game downloads over its matchmaking service, leading to the release of the Xbox Live Arcade brand and hit downloadable games such as Geometry Wars.

But while Microsoft deserves credit for pioneering the model for digital console game distribution, it is ironically longtime rival Sony who is reaping the most critical acclaim and player passion for its PlayStation Network game portfolio. Rather than bloat its library with retro Genesis games and easy 80s arcade ports like its competitors, PSN has steadily built up a sizeable arsenal of fresh, stylish, and addictive original games that you won?t find anywhere else. That?s translated into a lot of gamer goodwill, and a fresh swagger in Sony?s step. So far 2009 looks set to be another banner year for PSN, and this year's GDC gave Sony the chance to show PSN's potential. On with the games!

PSN Blowout!

Fat Princess
Like a crazed combination of LEGO Star Wars and Team Fortress 2, Fat Princess takes 16 on 16 online player battles to an epic (and adorable) new level. Team play, whether online or offline, is the only focus in Fat Princess. The game is so named for its chubby mascot, who serves as the "flag" for each team. Stuff your princess with cake and you'll do more than expand her waistline; you'll make it that much harder for the enemy team to steal her away for points.

PSN Blowout!

Beyond that basic premise, little has been known about Fat Princess until now. In seeing a new version of Fat Princess running, it's clear that the game has seen a lot of polish since its video-only debut at GDC 2008. The game supports up to 32 players online, computer-controlled bots, and features four play modes that range from team deathmatch to checkpoint control. Like Team Fortress 2, the gameplay depth in Fat Princess comes from the dynamics between its five specialized character classes and the strategies players use to snatch the enemy princess. Warriors are the best fighters, but are vulnerable to the projectiles of the Mages and Rangers. Priests help keep the whole group alive, and Workers must harvest resources for the good of the group. Now imagine dozens of those players scurrying about in each match and you?ll have a good idea of what Fat Princess is all about.

Snipping out the first-person precision required from competitive shooters like Halo and Team Fortress 2 while retaining their strategic depth is no easy task, but Fat Princess is showing promise in all the right places. The control scheme is simple, the graphics are gorgeous (and gore-drenched), and the game is cute, cute, cute. This is a key PSN game to watch for this summer.

Comments [15]

post a comment

shoopdawoop25

Fat Princess is the best in my opinion its gorey fun and funy at the same time! :) and its a acual good defence game i liked lego star wars and loved team fortress 2

Jedahpr

I'm really looking forward to Fat Princess. The game looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. As far as release dates go, I think I read somewhere else that the target month is June.

Swarley92

The Ragdoll game looks like the best out of the three of them. Reminds me of Smash Bros. for some reason.

Jambi

Fat Princess and Rag Doll Kung Fu look like they'll be a lot of fun. Lookin' forward to those two.

Post a Comment