Sony E3 2009 press conference: PS3 beefs up

While Sony didn't necessarily dazzle us with unannounced exclusive titles, the company definitely cemented the console's beefy lineup with a handful of live demos at yesterday's E3 press conference. Kicking it right off was gameplay footage of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, expected this Christmas. Some disparagingly call the franchise 'the male Tomb Raider', but Uncharted 2 was quite possibly the best-looking game of the conference.

Next up was MAG, a game teased at last year's E3 promising 256 online players at once. Expected this autumn, we were treated to an impressive live demo that accomplished the feat with players from all over the world.

Sony Computer Entertainment of America president and CEO Jack Tretton then briefly mentioned GTA makers Rockstar Games' Agent, claiming the title could only be possible on a PlayStation 3. Unfortunately no footage or release date was given. Two developers from Ubisoft then showed off Assassin's Creed 2, though the game will not be a PS3 exclusive. It will be available this Christmas.

While we all knew Final Fantasy XIII was coming to both Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2010, we had no idea that Final Fantasy XIV was in development, let alone a console-exclusive PS3 title (it's also set for PC). A trailer for the game noted the next chapter in the saga would take players online.

Sticking with the theme of 'play, create, share', Modnation Racers will allow users to customise racetracks, cars and racers very much in the vein of LittleBigPlanet. Gamers can also design their very own tracks to share and play with other PS3 owners -- a demo that made us immediately think of Sim City.

Wrapping up the conference was a trailer for Gran Turismo 5, the hard-core racing simulator that's been in development for what seems like a decade. We also got to see an official trailer for the third game from Fumito Ueda, the creator of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. The Last Guardian looks to be just as ambitious and imaginative as the previous two titles, but unfortunately no release date was set.

Finally, it was down to Kratos for the grand finale, as we witnessed a solid chunk of game play from God of War III. The title will finally end the story of Kratos and his barney with the gods and looks to be as brutal as ever. We're expecting God of War III in March 2010.