One of the biggest video game conventions is upon us once again and the community is already witnessing a massive influx of information regarding some of the high profile games that are going to be present on the show floor. The structure of the show has undergone numerous changes over the last few years including the ludicrous business-only gathering which failed miserably since it was devoid of the spirit of gamers who at numerous occasions have brought the show alive in the past.
If E3 2009 was a glimpse into the future of motion control, E3 2010 is going to define it by putting across all the games that have been designed for the latest entrants into the world of wacked out physical gaming (Natal and Move). This is only to be complemented by the post James Cameron Na’vi extravaganza titled “3D gaming” which is going to be perpetrated as the future of video games with the imminent unveiling of Nintendo’s 3DS and Sony’s big budget shooter Killzone 3 which sets to kill Higs in 3D. So we try and predict some of the occurrences that are going to stray into the show from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.
Microsoft’s E3 Bag.
Let’s unlearn the word “Nah-Tal” and call it something else: Project Natal from Microsoft has been kept hidden from the world for quite a long period of time versus its rival which has been displayed in numerous public events. Natal will not only be uncovered in its full glory but as rumours suggest its pricing point (which is close to $150) is also going to be revealed. We predict that there shall be no shaky cam-videos of the device anymore, but real live meaty footage of the device in motion and the series of launch games that are going to accompany it. Rare, which has been rumoured to be working on a series of Natal titles, will unveil their line-up and reclaim the glory which seemed to be fading after Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.
We have landed on Reach: Bungie’s final entrant into the Halo series is supposed to be the biggest spectacle in gaming history. With a fresh story, new engine and a grim cast of characters, Halo: Reach is being structured as one of mankind’s virtual losses post the events of the Second World War. With the Beta alone attracting 2 million plus players, the fervour for the game is moving towards insanity like all other previous Halo titles and we are pretty sure Bungie will be able to deliver once again. We predict an explosive trailer detailing out various segments of the single player campaign being unveiled at E3 coupled with a behind the curtain hands on by gaming journalists across the globe.
Gears 3 gameplay reveal: Fenix and company are going to finish their fight against the Locust and the new breed of enemies that threaten the extinction of humanity further. Gears of War 3 will be showcased in playable form at the show, this is being said with the fact that this game is due to be released next summer making 2010 the only E3 appearance for the game. Prepare to be amazed at the new tricks and tactics the squad and the Unreal 3.0 have learnt since the release of Gears 2, in addition to Cliff Blezenski’s quotable quotes which provide fuel to hype the game.
Ye king has returned: Fable III is also going to return with gameplay footage which is most likely to be a developer walkthrough. This will detail out the changes that Molyneux and Co have brought forward in the gameplay arena including the much touted Natal support of the game. Expect this to be the icing on Microsoft’s first party line-up which is likely to keep them afloat for the time being.
Mystery first party/exclusive game for 2011: Most of the high profile games that have been mentioned have a fixed schedule of release with Gears of War 3 being released in April 2011 and Fable III also getting a November 2010 release. There are high chances that we might see the announcement of either a fresh IP being announced for next year or a high profile sequel that is currently in development to be briefly announced. This we predict will be the show stopper for Microsoft’s event.
Third-party galore: In case you have been hibernating, the recent controversy over Activision and Infinity Ward boiled all over the internet a few months ago. This was however was buried when the latest set of Call of Duty trailers hit the web. Black Ops being developed by Treyarch looks to turn the series back to its roots and promises one of the grittiest shooters for the year. Though this is a multiplatform title most of the promotional material that is being distributed for the game speaks for the Xbox 360 version. Implying at some level that the game might be showcased along with the 360 lineup during the show just like it was done at E3 2009.
Sony’s PS3 Bag.
I want to Move: Motion control will also be the highlight for Sony’s show like it is going to be for Microsoft. Expect a whole lot of games being showcased real time for the device which includes both their first party and third party line-up. We expect that since the controller is quite similar in functionality to the Nintendo Wii we might see some direct comparison of games for both platforms in terms of a common set of game being available for both the Wii and PS3 Move.
‘Killzowned’ Thrice: The first was touted to be a Halo Killer but failed. The second showcased the power of the PlayStation 3 by meshing gritty first person combat and gorgeous visuals bringing forward the tenacity of war and conflict. The third already announced shooter is going to take fight into uncharted areas and is being touted as a “David and goliath” story. This E3 we predict that Guerrilla is going to get a playable demo of the game which will include the nifty 3D effects that everyone has been bantering about.
The daring Sackboy returns: LittleBigPlanet 2 perhaps justifies the anecdote “bigger, better and more badass,” the game set to be released this year is already showing tremendous amounts of potential following in the lines of its predecessor which won numerous gaming awards from a wide variety of publications. The true power of flexibility in the virtual world will be showcased at this year’s E3 with a generous dosage of gameplay material from the game.
The sequel line-up for 2011: With the PlayStation 3, Sony has invested quite a bit on first party titles in the likes of Uncharted, Starhawk, Heavenly Sword, MAG, Resistance, Infamous and so on. Expect a few announcements for sequels to these games to occur at E3 with brief trailers to follow and a tentative 2011 release date.
Sony’s mystery 2010 hitter: Most individuals seem to have forgotten that Sony does not exactly have a heavy hitter planned for 2010. Sure LittleBigPlanet 2 has tremendous potential but Sony has always ensured that the “shooter” community is always kept satisfied in some way or the other. There are high chances that Sony will showcase one of the shooters from its stable that is going to hit the PS3 by late 2010.
Third-party galore: Besides the support of Move games on Sony’s platform, there is going to be some serious (once) third party exclusives hitting the PlayStation 3. These may include BioWare’s Mass Effect 2 and Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell Conviction which have only appeared on the Xbox 360 so far. In addition to this Rockstar’s Agent will also make its debut in a trailer format on the PS3. Those who are eagerly awaiting GTA V’s showcase will have to wait a few more months since the game might only be announced but nothing concrete regarding the game is actually going to show up.
The rage of Kratos and Snake’s fury flow onto the PSP: For those who are eagerly waiting for PSP 2’s announcement will have to wait till next year’s E3 since the original PSP’s hardware still holds its ground with support from Sony and Kojima Productions. Peace Walker will be fully playable at this year’s E3 and Ready at Dawn shall revisit the origins of Kratos with a lengthy gameplay trailer.
Nintendo’s E3 Bag.
Link returns to save Princess Zelda: The world’s oldest hero shall step into the land of Hyrule to rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of Gannondorf once again at this year’s E3. Fans that have been waiting for a true sequel for the game post Twilight Princess will finally bear witness to one of the biggest titles that Nintendo will be able to offer to its hardcore base at this year’s E3. Expect full utilization of Wiimote and brand new combat mechanics that are going to dazzle every Zelda fanatic.
Samus returns to her roots: Metroid will also be displayed at this year’s E3 in a playable format. Veterans of the series shall finally be able to ascertain whether Samus’s latest adventure actually matches the one she left behind on the Super Nintendo system almost 16 years ago. There are a lot of people counting on Team Ninja (the guys behind the Ninja Gaiden series) to bring forward a fresh perspective to combat as well with this game.
3DS: Already announced Nintendo’s successor to its DS shall finally be unveiled to the public with its launch games and pricing point. New Super Mario Brothers 2 anyone?
Third-party publishers have started to become the base for a successful console. In the light of these events here are a few games that E3 is going to bring forward in some format or the other.
We try and predict what will be the format these shall be showcased in:
1. Metal Gear Rising: Raiden return to the series shall be marked by a gameplay trailer that will tease the community and make them to speculate on the game’s bearings.
2. Lords of Shadow: Finally a Castlevania that looks to put quality in the term “God of War” clone. Expect to see oodles of gameplay from various different segments of the game being showcased at E3.
3. Batman Arkham Asylum 2: Brue Wayne and Unreal 3.0 shall return with a fresh adventure that is rumoured to take place on the streets of Gotham. Expect a gameplay reveal at E3 giving the community an insight into what the future of the franchise holds.
4. Bulletstorm: Duke Nukem Forever may have been cancelled but the concept of a drunken Space Pirate seems to be the next best substitute for his long lost attitude. A full gameplay demo is expected to show up at this year’s E3.
5. Fallout New Vegas: Post-apocalyptic Las Vegas mashed with the intricate Fallout system and hopefully sans the million bugs. A short gameplay trailer shall set the tone for the game’s showcase at E3 2010.
6. Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Finally some revered soul answered our prayers and crafted the sequel on Capcom’s uber powerful MT framework engine. Character and gameplay details shall be mashed in a trailer and showcased to the public.
7. Medal of Honor: Some thought that a nuke and a massacre at an airport were not gruesome to depict the uncertainty of our times. EA’s next iteration of the series will get a glorious gameplay reveal at E 2010 which they hope will cause a shock and awe statement.
8. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood: Ezio returns to continue his journey through the Animus in what can be called as an expansion pack for the glorious Assassin’s Creed 2. We predict a fully playable version of the game being showcased on the floor at this year’s E3.
So which games are you excited for E3?