[tab:Game Info]

This title is wildly popular on iPad and iPhone, and will now be making it’s way to the PS3. It supports 1080P resolution, the Move controller (as well as DS3 and Sixaxis) and stereoscopic 3D. The game looks alright with a popping color palette. I’m not sure if any of you have played the game, but there is also a flash game that’s basically the same thing (minus the number of airports/landing strips/color palette), which you can play here. Here’s the premise of the game, according to Firemint, the developer:

The highly addictive gameplay in Flight Control HD casts players in the role of an air traffic controller in charge of an increasingly busy airport. Players are challenged to direct aircraft to their correct landing zone while avoiding collisions. The game starts gradually, but players will need keen eyes, steady hands and smart strategy to keep their airspace under control once planes arrive thick and fast. A fast-forward setting can speed everything up even more, for complete chaos that will challenge even the most advanced players.

The flash game is pretty addicting, and if this one is anything like that, aiming will automatically smooth out the flight path as you stretch it. It also supports up to four players, who can drop in and out at any time. There is also a fast-forward button, which will make the game even more hectic. If you read the press release (in the tab), you’ll see that every map has its own characteristics (such as wind, closing runways, etc) which add to the strategy. This might be a title I’ll pick up if I do get the Move, since, with a DS3, I’d imagine it would be a lot harder to play because the analog sticks aren’t as fast or accurate. It releases on September 15th in EU territories and Asia, and September 21st in Japan. No word on a US release, though. No word on pricing as of yet.
[tab:Press Release]
Flight Control™ HD On Approach to Sony PlayStation®Network
Adaptation of Worldwide Hit Game Will Feature Multiplayer PlayStation®Move Motion Controller Support, Stereoscopic 3D Mode and 1080p Graphics

MELBOURNE, Australia, 17 August 2010 – Acclaimed game development studio Firemint today announced that Flight Control™ HD is expected to land on Sony PlayStation®Network from 15 September 2010, and will be one of the first games to support the PlayStation®Move motion controller.

The highly addictive gameplay in Flight Control HD casts players in the role of an air traffic controller in charge of an increasingly busy airport. Players are challenged to direct aircraft to their correct landing zone while avoiding collisions. The game starts gradually, but players will need keen eyes, steady hands and smart strategy to keep their airspace under control once planes arrive thick and fast. A fast-forward setting can speed everything up even more, for complete chaos that will challenge even the most advanced players.

Players have the option to fly solo or play collaboratively with friends, in a party-style multiplayer mode for up to four people. New players can join in the game at will in drop-in, drop-out style while aircraft continue to arrive. “Multiplayer is insanely fun, you can never be quite sure whether a new player is going to help or hinder your efforts so there tends to be a lot of laughing and jeering,” commented Firemint’s CEO, Rob Murray. “It’s turned Flight Control HD into an extremely social game.”

Flight Control HD’s distinctive retro graphics also soar to new heights on the PlayStation®3, with upgraded art and effects in glorious 1080p resolution. Flight Control HD also supports an optional stereoscopic 3D mode throughout the game, with aircraft appearing to float over the landscape (requires compatible 3D television and 3D glasses).

Players can control 16 different aircraft types including jets, sea planes and helicopters, across 9 maps, with 4 super-sized maps including the PlayStation® exclusive “Metropolis” map that cycles through day and night. Other maps include an Australian outback landscape, where emergency air ambulances take precedence over player-controlled aircraft; an aircraft carrier that slowly rotates while a range of fast military aircraft attempt landings; and a windy winter wonderland, where drifting snow and a windsock indicate the prevailing wind direction and runways close and reopen accordingly.

In classic “just one more go” style, Flight Control HD challenges players to beat their personal best scores. Multiple local profiles and extensive online leaderboards and PSN integration also mean players can compete against their friends or the best in the world, and collect numerous trophies to display on their PSN profile.

Flight Control HD will be available as a digital download via the PlayStation®Store for play on the PS3 system. The game can be played using the DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller, SIXAXIS™ Wireless Controller or PS Move motion controller together with the PlayStation®Eye camera. The PS Move navigation controller is not required. Multiplayer games can use any combination of the supported controllers.

Flight Control HD is expected to be available on 15 September 2010 in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia, and 21 October 2010 in Japan. Pricing information has not yet been released.
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