Sony Pre E3 2008: Linger In-Shadow Impressions

Wow. So Sony had this little head trip tucked away in a corner of the hotel suite where it had all the games playable at today's event. I had no idea what the heck it was when I walked over, I just saw a bunch of cool and random images on the TV every time I looked over. Dogs, cats, pandas, flying...

Wow. So Sony had this little head trip tucked away in a corner of the hotel suite where it had all the games playable at today's event. I had no idea what the heck it was when I walked over, I just saw a bunch of cool and random images on the TV every time I looked over. Dogs, cats, pandas, flying squid creatures, floating platforms- all pretty random stuff. My curiosity eventually got the best of me and well, wow. The title is a piece of interactive developed by a core group of folk from the European demoscene movement, all of about five people to be exact. So basically demoscene is a collective of artists from different mediums who work together to produce demos on PC that show off coding proficiency as well as visuals and music. It's a bit abstract and has really been more of a thing outside the US although it sounds as though folks are trying to get organized and give it a go in the states.

Why the Cliff Notes info on the whole movement? Well, mostly because it's at the heart of Linger In-Shadow. Sony approached some of folks involved in the scene and got them some PS3 dev kits and let them go to town. The result is Linger In-Shadow, a unique and stunning piece of PSN content that you'll be able to watch and have some limited interactivity by exploring the virtual environment that's been created. At first blush it just looks like a really cool tech demo but, we came to find that you'll be able to explore the crazy visuals you see and even interact with them. You'll see button prompts and even have to shake the controller to uncover new bits to see. Sound bizarre? I suppose it would in writing. So here, just have a look. As you can see: dogs, cats, pandas, flying squid creatures, floating platforms. Why not right? While this isn't a game, I'm pretty excited to see where Sony goes with this. Creative folks need outlets and this could be a cool one. The title is set to his this summer on PSN, no word on pricing.

63 Comments

  • redanimepimp

    Posted Mar 1, 2009 2:12 pm PT

    I love this video because it is just so freaking weird. My question is has anybody watched while high? This just seems like one of those videos where you would do that. But I am glad that I bought it because I enjoy video games and art mix

  • cachorro25

    Posted Aug 1, 2008 5:38 pm PT

    Absolutely breath taking and beautiful!, I agre the flying dog is a little silly but I can't wait to buy this just to have a real piece of art on my PS3!, this is going to settle once for all what the ps3 hardware can do (or what the Xbox360 CAN'T do)

  • shmedo

    Posted May 25, 2008 11:25 pm PT

    I quite like it, nice and obscure. Although i agree with everyone about the part with the dog...kinda ruined it a little bit

  • IGDetail

    Posted May 23, 2008 10:04 am PT

    I'd file this purchase under "supporting the media arts". The wait for deep and gorgeous games like Shadow of the Colossus is so long, maybe this is a way to push that time-frame up and get the industry to listen to the sect that enjoys these types of experiences.

  • chenvandam

    Posted May 23, 2008 6:45 am PT

    what the f***... i have no idea what this thing is, and what that video was... all i know is that the film was a peace of s**t, especially the dog part wtich was horrible and Unnecessary

  • Compilation

    Posted May 21, 2008 9:54 am PT

    Quite random, save it looks appealing. I can quite understand what the scenario is here, but really, this is for the world of desktop showcasing. Like an animated screensaver. I'd like to agree with xophaser on that behalf.

    It's better than any original computer screensaver. Looks a whole lot better in fact. Specifically why they chose to host such beauty in SONY. I wonder how long it animates for?

  • BleakCorner

    Posted May 21, 2008 6:54 am PT

    Also, it would be interesting to see consoles eventually develop into platforms on which animators can also create full length series and movies - of the same quality of anything you can get on BluRay or DVD but with a semi-interactive option of viewing things from real multiple angles. For some, this would just be consider "cut-scenes that should have been a game" but I think there would be a market for this. Imagine a cartoon series with a camera that you are able to control at any given time...

  • IdentityCrew

    Posted May 21, 2008 6:42 am PT

    That was the gayest thing I have ever seen

    Ok I see how they're trying to show off how powerful the Playstation 3 is, but that really is a waste and in no way artistic at all.

    A decent game could have been made out of that effort

  • BleakCorner

    Posted May 21, 2008 6:37 am PT

    This is brilliant - but not for everyone. If you've actually followed the demo scene though over the years, you'll know that actual hardware pushing was always done in this scene most - with some of both programmers and designers eventually getting hired by large software companies. When you get a game that pushes these boundaries, there's a good chance there's a demo coder/designer behind it. For me, it brings me back to the good old Amiga days. Good move, Sony - as you'll be able to show off the true potential of your machine.

  • gera34

    Posted May 20, 2008 8:04 pm PT

    Weird

  • Willie-the-Pimp

    Posted May 20, 2008 2:57 pm PT

    matrix squid, princess mononoke shadow demon thing, cats, dogs... not very interesting or original. the start credits were alright.

  • xgalacticax

    Posted May 20, 2008 2:45 pm PT

    any monkeys?

  • beastmr2

    Posted May 20, 2008 2:11 pm PT

    is this already on psn

  • Rei64

    Posted May 20, 2008 8:47 am PT

    it seems like some kind of Wario ware game mixed with the command prompts like in Shenmue and resident evil 4 but you watch it like a movie like Johnny Mnemonic and Dragons Lair. at least thats what i can gather from what ive read.

  • ftjx

    Posted May 20, 2008 4:54 am PT

    more info please......

  • mload

    Posted May 20, 2008 4:06 am PT

    Dude, gets a little uptight when the other guy called it a game! LMAO! I got news for you... It's on PS3, you interact with it, and unlock new content when you play through.... IT'S A GAME.

  • gwigsmuff

    Posted May 20, 2008 12:46 am PT

    This looks really good. As does Little Big Planet. They're very different from anything available on other planets, and I like that. $1000 for a PS3 is still to much to pay for them, though.

  • UnArm3D

    Posted May 19, 2008 11:15 pm PT

    so a glorified interactive screen saver... hmmm looks cool but dont know if ill pay more then 5.00 for

  • jazilla

    Posted May 19, 2008 10:57 pm PT

    its really just a mildly interactive screen saver. the imagery is a litle obscure for my taste, but hey, hats off to guys who understand coding and geometry and art enough to make flying puppies and cats and Matrix like squid, city, and greek temple artwork lol.

  • one_atom12

    Posted May 19, 2008 9:08 pm PT

    If it's not priced too high, I'd pick this up just for the uniqueness of it, and for the idea (as others have said) that it'd make a great backdrop going on the TV during a party.

  • grafkhun

    Posted May 19, 2008 8:07 pm PT

    definitely something new and interesting, gonna keep my eye on this. its like a mildly interactice movie basically. something cool to have on as like a screen saver i guess as well.

  • quirky_clayboy

    Posted May 19, 2008 7:56 pm PT

    the writer says "folks" an awful lot...

  • rass_atom

    Posted May 19, 2008 6:59 pm PT

    Good to see the sentinels from the matrix have managed to find work.

  • Bgrngod

    Posted May 19, 2008 4:14 pm PT

    Who is the moron that thought making a video about destroying a cute dog would be a good idea? Are you freakin' kiding me? I realize it's computer generated and all, but come on. If you are going to go for such realism, at least pay attention to the emotional impact your work will have on your audience. A mean looking snarling dog would have been easier to put up with seeing get turned to stone. Instead they pick one of those dogs with long floppy ears and short stubby legs that are just so darn cute. Hell why not just turn bunnies and babies into stone and smash them to bits instead?

    Idiots.

  • Gigas_Yuu

    Posted May 19, 2008 2:33 pm PT

    Cool until dog got owned and then unnecessarily smashed. -Tosses this crap aside-

  • randy_ronald_87

    Posted May 19, 2008 1:29 pm PT

    Great. Modern art invades a games console!

    Although admittedly somewhat mesmerizing, I really don't know what to make of it. I'm sure this the point where some beret wearing artist pounces out of his seat and exclaims "Ha! But is that not the point of art? To provoke thought?" Well perhaps, but this isn't really getting my brain juices a-bubblin'.

    This really doesn't look like much more than a tech demo, and the fact that they're advertising it as more than that - but keen to point out its not a game - just strengthens my opinion that Sony still doesn't know what it wants the PS3 to be. If this is an attempt to market the console to those who call a starving dog on a leash "art" then it all seems a bit... desperate.

    I didn't think the music went particularly well either.

    Anyway, more games please Sony!

  • dukerav

    Posted May 19, 2008 12:44 pm PT

    Dont get me wrong, I think it is quite interesting and a neat little piece of innovation of sorts, but there is little to activity and as said, "its not a game". So with that said, I am mildly interested in this, and whether or not I give this a go will depend on what it is priced at. I prefer to spend my money on games in regards to PSN stuff. Didnt really see the interactivity they were talking about.

  • chemeleon_789

    Posted May 19, 2008 12:28 pm PT

    I'm trying to see it for what it is - and actually, I think it looks really cool. It's just something to watch, to ponder, to play with a bit. It's also good to know that they're encouraging people to express themselves with the hardware they've created, rather than using it exclusively as a money making platform. It'll be interesting to see what kind of reception it receives once it's released.

  • ariochiv

    Posted May 19, 2008 11:25 am PT

    Whether the video itself is good artwork is debatable, but the fact that it's procedural and real-time instead of pre-rendered is completely irrelevant to its artistic merit, as the interactive element is nothing more than a gadget. In other words, it's a tech demo. I don't pay money for tech demos.

    Also, anyone who refers to his online community as a "scene" should be subjected to high-voltage shocks until he stops.

  • PSWII60user

    Posted May 19, 2008 10:50 am PT

    i guess some people might enjoy this, and it does sound kinda cool. but for me, id rather spend my time shooting people in the face on haze, or GTA4. but the artsy boring people will enjoy it. Oh and the people that just bought the ps3 for the blu ray and internet!

  • Maersyndel

    Posted May 19, 2008 8:54 am PT

    Weird and dark = something I will have to buy.

  • mjax211

    Posted May 19, 2008 8:36 am PT

    I didn't even see a panda. Plus that guy's voice throughout the whole thing was pretty aggravating.

  • mister_dan

    Posted May 19, 2008 8:15 am PT

    i just don't understand it. am i missing something? it was like watching an art film of some kind. i know it's not supposed to be a game, but where's the interactivity really? it's not for me.

  • X-Solid

    Posted May 19, 2008 7:53 am PT

    so I will be the camera man??
    or i will be watching a movie??

  • Claudu

    Posted May 19, 2008 7:18 am PT

    Well, it isn't really art, it's more like graffiti - creative, but hardly art. Still, this is very interesting and shows that there's a lot more You can do with 3d hardware than just games. I'll definitely buy this when it comes out to encourage the creative spirit

  • oli54321

    Posted May 19, 2008 5:30 am PT

    this looks great, I like the giant flying basset lol

  • markimsoad

    Posted May 19, 2008 4:10 am PT

    oh cool!!!

  • p00phead

    Posted May 19, 2008 12:36 am PT

    sony is putting stuff on psn that is impressing me alot

  • jasonbarbour

    Posted May 18, 2008 6:22 pm PT

    ?what?

  • jz12b

    Posted May 18, 2008 5:28 pm PT

    this seems pretty cool. i wonder how far the artists will push the ps3's capabilities....

  • Agent_DLL

    Posted May 18, 2008 1:39 pm PT

    All the graphic effects shown in the video are procedural. They've most likely added random events to the demos so that it will be different each time it's run.
    The point of these demos are to show what can be done in real time on the system. The same fur shaders and other effects could be used in a game, movie, or anything. It's kinda like a tech demo...of art

  • dynomitemasta

    Posted May 18, 2008 12:36 pm PT

    it sounds usless

  • jbot666

    Posted May 18, 2008 11:12 am PT

    I like the idea of having it for a background visual effect at a party.

  • GunnyHath

    Posted May 18, 2008 8:28 am PT

    I really have no interest in this. It's neat and all, but I wouldn't pay more than $2 for it. It's something you'd see on display in a store window, not something you get all excited to 'play'.

  • aDhAmMe13

    Posted May 18, 2008 7:50 am PT

    Even though am a ps3 fan and would lie for it, i personally didn't find this interesting. Hopefully, with the deep info that they give in E3, I might tend to like it.

  • Kcoshiob

    Posted May 18, 2008 5:32 am PT

    Why would this be confusing or off putting? The announcer was quite clear. "Not a game, never meant to be." This IS however a potentially excellent format for adventure games. Too bad some publishers would quake in their boots to give something like this a fair chance. When I saw the Linger in Shadows title I was thinking maybe the next ICO/SotC game was being mentioned.
    Can't wait for that.

  • Firelord4

    Posted May 18, 2008 5:14 am PT

    It 's more confusing than art.

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