Four games to watch from E3 2012

Keep an eye on these PS3 titles from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe that grabbed the media's attention at E3 2012.

Wonderbook: Book of Spells

Revealed on stage at the 2012 PlayStation E3 conference by Andrew House, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, Wonderbook is the fascinating peripheral which opens up brand new worlds for families to have fun together on PlayStation 3. Combining cutting-edge augmented reality technology with quality PlayStation gaming, Wonderbook grants players access to a huge library of interactive content and Wonderbook: Book of Spells is the first part of this.

As a student at Hogwarts, your PlayStation Move motion controller becomes a magic wand with which to perform 20 spells. Featuring new content from world-famous author J.K.Rowling, you'll discover each spell, learn its background and then practice it using unique PS Move gestures before taking a test to earn house points.

The tests take the form of interactive puzzles, so for example you'll be presented with a statue holding items on each arm which you'll need to shrink or increase in size using the appropriate spell to make it balance. Due in November 2012, Wonderbook: Book of Spells is just the first in a series of titles which will make use of the Wonderbook peripheral and will change the way that families experience PlayStation in the home.

BEYOND: Two Souls

The new project from Quantic Dream, the developer of the critically acclaimed Heavy Rain, BEYOND: Two Souls uses revolutionary true performance capture technology to deliver an engrossing interactive drama set in the world of an action thriller. During an extensive 25-minute demo at E3 2012, the game wowed the crowds thanks to its combination of stunning visuals and the presence of award-winning Canadian actress Ellen Page in the lead role of Jodie.

Described by game director David Cage as "Heavy Rain with more action", you play as Jodie over a 15-year period in her life and as the mysterious entity called Aiden. Jodie has been linked to the entity since birth and you'll be able to use his powers at various points in the game to overcome certain situations.

True to the spirit of Heavy Rain, the game features an emotionally charged storyline whilst also letting you tackle scenes in a number of different ways, meaning that you'll be able to play through BEYOND: Two Souls several times in order to experience all the content in the game.

The Last of Us

A demo of the latest title from Naughty Dog, the acclaimed team behind the Jak & Daxter series on PlayStation 2 and the adventures of Uncharted hero Nathan Drake on PS3, revealed a lush and detailed game world in which main characters Joel and Ellie must keep all their wits about them in their struggle for survival 25 years after the outbreak of a deadly virus.

Using a combination of stealth, shooter and melee combat action, our heroes must pick their way through a post-apocalyptic world where nature has run riot. As Joel you've learned to survive by doing whatever it takes and it's up to you lead 14-year-old Ellie to safety.

The team describes The Last of Us as a chance for them to explore the human condition; in a world without power and where ammo is a scarce commodity, you'll need to think on your feet to make it out alive. Surrounded by other survivors as desperate as you, will you make the right decisions to ensure you make it to the end in one piece?

God of War: Ascension

Kratos is back on PlayStation 3 and this time he's human... well almost. Set six months after he murdered his family - an episode depicted in the very first God of War on PlayStation 2 – this latest outing for the rage-fuelled Spartan warrior depicts a younger Kratos who is, in the words of lead animator Bruno Velazquez, "not quite the beast that you controlled in God of War III yet".

Whilst staying true to the three pillars of the series - namely navigation, combat and puzzles - God of War: Ascension introduces a number of new elements such as the ability to snaffle weapons from enemies which can be used as a secondary attacking option, new and engrossing mini-games which replace some of the button prompts used previously to dispose of the larger monsters and, of course, the eagerly anticipated multiplayer modes.

As Bruno explains, "We're taking everything that makes God of War and introducing it to the multiplayer, so we've got smooth combat, the visceral kills and epic set pieces". On show at E3 2012, the four-on-four team battle mode lets players defeat enemies, capture certain points on the map or open chests dotted around to boost their points tally and win the match.

Keep an eye on PlayStation.Blog and au.playstation.com for more information on all of these titles in the coming months.