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More games with less frills

Games, cosplay girls and mountains of cool gadgets are the hallmark of the annual Asian Game Show, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year, and this year was no exception - even though there were less frills.

Although the AGS, which was held last weekend, featured plenty of new video games, there were fewer cool gadgets, less merchandise and fewer promo girls this year, reflecting the economic downturn.

The hard times were affecting the smaller exhibitors most - there were fewer of them this year than last year and those that did take part were light on promotions.

Dominating the scene - as every year - was Sony, which showcased 60 new and upcoming releases for the PlayStation 3 console and handheld device, the PSP.

Avid gamers had a chance to play Little Big Planet in multi-player mode, helping each other make their way across a fun yet hazardous obstacle course in a world similar to that of Mary Norton's The Burrowers. Other games visitors had a chance to play were the upcoming Street Fighter 4 console version and Gundam Musou 2, among many others.

Attending this year's show was Sony Computer Entertainment Asia president, Tetsuhiko Yasuda. When asked if the PS3's full potential had been totally utilised yet, Mr Yasuda said no, comparing the PS3 to a 'Toyota Corolla with a Porsche engine under the hood'.

Apart from playing games and checking out other cool products, visitors were also treated to a number of entertaining shows and events put on by AGS organisers and sponsors - including a cosplay competition, a singing contest, game demos and two beauty pageants.

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