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E3 is always the time for big announcements; new games, new hardware and new IPs and this year didn’t disappoint. But who came out on top and what were the biggest announcements of the show?
Microsoft
While Microsoft had a fair few games, there didn’t seem to be much in the way of surprises or, in fact, any new IPs worthy of note. Their main focus was Kinect, Kinect and more Kinect with a side order of exclusive EA content and some Gears Of War and Halo franchise titles.
This left some fans disappointed, but those waiting for the new Gears of War 3 should be very happy with how the game is progressing. Cliffy B was there to explain the new features, including the nice looking Silverback Mech Suits.
COD liver oil
First up, though, was the new COD. The hero, Derek (I haven’t made this up), does some underwater espionage before New York is seen being blown up in the distance. It’s all a bit COD so far, nothing really to distinguish itself from the past games, but we’ll have to wait for the storyline and any new features before getting an idea of whether it’s worth playing through. This trailer didn’t really do much to tell us anything.
The reason the game is on Microsoft’s stage is because the 360 will get the add-ons first. Again.
Hello Halo
Halo Anniversary is also worthy of a mention. Now that Bungie and Microsoft have gone their separate ways, MS have got a new team working on the HD update to the classic Xbox game that started the whole Master Chief craze. Halo 4 got a few heads turning too at the end of the show, but there just wasn’t enough information to be of any use.
The new Tomb Raider was also shown, looking very nice. Still not an exclusive title though.
Kinect-ing
EA have announced Kinect support for the next Tiger Woods and FIFA games, but the surprise support was for Mass Effect 3, which will use the voice features. Also supporting Kinect will be Ubisoft’s Ghost Recon, which will have some nifty weapon selecting via hand signals. I’d be careful with same-room co-op there, plenty of opportunity for bruises as you both set up weapons.
Ryse got some interesting looks. Crytek’s Kinect game could well be the core game that Kinect has needed from launch. Alternatively, it could fall flat on its face. However, Microsoft have also announced some tweeks to make the system more responsive, so there’s hope.
Star Wars Kinect is still looking like…well, someone pretending to hold a lightsaber and swing it all over the shop. It does look fun and I’m sure I’ll be getting this at some point, just because it’s Star Wars.
Forza 4 (or perhaps 4za?) gets head tracking, which should be an interesting addition.
Minecraft was on (limited) display, using Kinect to build your world. Could be an interesting title.
Next up on Kinect are the more kid-friendly titles. Kinect Disneyland Adventures takes you for a trip around Disneyland USA and on some of the rides, with mini-games etc. Looks like a big advert for the resort, but could be very entertaining for the kids (and certainly cheaper than going there).
Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster is more appealing, helping Elmo and Cookie Monster to catch fireflies in the demo on stage. It looks very polished and as long as it has the charm of the Henson show it may be very entertaining.
Kinect Fun Labs, a free area for indie developers to experiment (a bit like the XBLA indie Store) is live and Kinect Me allows you to make more realistic Avatars by sucking you in to a world where you have to fight to the death (or was that Tron?)
Kinect Sports 2 has more US based sports on offer, but since RARE’s first game was pretty much the best title during launch, expect this to do quite well (and actually be playable).
Sony
Sony concentrated on three things; 3D, Move support for new games and PS Vita, their new handheld.
I C 3D
But first up they showed Uncharted 3. It was beautiful. More of the same, no doubt, but the water effects and physics look spectacular. All in 3D too (surprise).
Resistance 3 is next up. The first two games hadn’t grabbed me, but the third looks a lot better visually. I’ll have to check out the demo when it arrives I think. It will use Move, just like Killzone 3 (and will hopefully feel as natural as Killzone 3 with the motion device).
Now remakes/re-releases. God Of War Origins – the two PSP games brought to the PS3 in HD and 3D and lots of other things ending in D. If you’re a God of War fan then this is good, though I’ve played both on PSP already so I’m not sure I want to go through the whole thing again, even in HD.
Shadow of the Colossus and ICO next, these I DO want to play. Also in 3D.
To go with the big push, Sony are launching a Playstation 24” 3DTV (good size for bedrooms and gaming areas I guess) for a good price, $499 with Glasses and a copy of Resistance 3. It’s not a bad deal and may actually get a few people buying this whole 3D push. Me? I’ll wait to win the lottery first…
Moving On
Basketball with NBA2K12 and Move support. Medieval Moves (new Medieval game) with, you guessed it, Move support. Move support for LittlebigPlanet 2. Bioshock Infinite with Move support. Saints Row 3 with (yawn) Move support. Star Trek with Move support and a Phaser attachment (yes!) So lots of Move then.
Some more exclusives; Sly 4, Starhawk (sequel to the online only Warhawk). InFamous 2.
Vita-lity
Finally: Playstation Vita.
Not Ryvita, not Auntie Rita, but Vita.
Basically; Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Street Fighter X Tekken, front and back touch screens, motion, dual analogue and $299 (£199-£250 depending on how much they want to rip the UK off). It looks lovely, but then it will take some selling after the PSP Go!
Nintendo
Two halves made up the Nintendo Show; 3DS and the new console, code-named project Cafe. But first celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of Zelda.
Links Awakening 3DS, Four Swords downloadable on DSi and Skyward Sword on Wii. Nice.
3DS Express
On to the show proper though. First up was 3DS. While many people have been bemoaning the lack of 3DS games, they came thick and fast at E3. Mario Kart with customisable vehicles, including hang glider attachments. Super Mario 3DS looking like Mario Galaxy, Kid Icarus…
Then cheers. Luigi’s Mansion 2 on 3DS. A much loved launch title on Gamecube finally gets the sequel people have been asking for.
Third Party 3DS games after that; MGS Snake Eater remake, Resident Evil Mercenaries, Tekken, Mario and Sonic Olympics 2012. A bunch more. Nice list.
Free Excitebike and Pokedex for 3DS owners to celebrate the launch of the 3DS Store. Unfortunately, no Nintendo Points cards, it will use something called money instead, or 3DS points, coming soon.
Will U Wii U?
Yes, Project Café is now Wii U. The idea being ‘games we play together and games for you’ It might catch on, who knows?
There are two big features to get people excited here. The tablet controller, a bit like an iPad with dual analogue sticks. It can stream the TV signal straight to the controller. Full console gaming on the loo! In the Garden! Etc. No longer will Eastenders dictate gaming time. Tilt, move, draw, touch, all there and built in. One controller in the box and apparently no support for more at present, everyone else will use Wii Remotes or classic controllers.
Secondly, the Wii U will be full HD and more powerful than the PS3 and 360, so a real Nintendo Next Gen console at last. Is it enough to see off potential future MS and Sony consoles? Who knows, they’ll be at least a few years away.
Games announced, New Super Mario Bros sequel, LEGO City Stories, Smash Bros (yey!). Third party games in abundance; Batman 2, Darksiders 2, DIRT, Aliens Colonial Marines, Tekken and Ninja Gaiden 3. Basically all the big releases for the other consoles and looking just as good (if not better by the time they’re finished). So a hardcore and casual console in one?
Nintendo left the audience with loads of questions about the new console (thanks to not really featuring the console itself that much and concentrating on the controller) but what they did show really made an impact.
E3 – The summary
Watching all these shows live via streaming isn’t the same as being there, I know, but I really enjoyed all this and the Ubisoft and EA shows as well. The big three all had something to show, but Nintendo really stole the show for many, including me.
Microsoft
While Microsoft had a fair few games, there didn’t seem to be much in the way of surprises or, in fact, any new IPs worthy of note. Their main focus was Kinect, Kinect and more Kinect with a side order of exclusive EA content and some Gears Of War and Halo franchise titles.
This left some fans disappointed, but those waiting for the new Gears of War 3 should be very happy with how the game is progressing. Cliffy B was there to explain the new features, including the nice looking Silverback Mech Suits.
COD liver oil
First up, though, was the new COD. The hero, Derek (I haven’t made this up), does some underwater espionage before New York is seen being blown up in the distance. It’s all a bit COD so far, nothing really to distinguish itself from the past games, but we’ll have to wait for the storyline and any new features before getting an idea of whether it’s worth playing through. This trailer didn’t really do much to tell us anything.
The reason the game is on Microsoft’s stage is because the 360 will get the add-ons first. Again.
Hello Halo
Halo Anniversary is also worthy of a mention. Now that Bungie and Microsoft have gone their separate ways, MS have got a new team working on the HD update to the classic Xbox game that started the whole Master Chief craze. Halo 4 got a few heads turning too at the end of the show, but there just wasn’t enough information to be of any use.
The new Tomb Raider was also shown, looking very nice. Still not an exclusive title though.
Kinect-ing
EA have announced Kinect support for the next Tiger Woods and FIFA games, but the surprise support was for Mass Effect 3, which will use the voice features. Also supporting Kinect will be Ubisoft’s Ghost Recon, which will have some nifty weapon selecting via hand signals. I’d be careful with same-room co-op there, plenty of opportunity for bruises as you both set up weapons.
Ryse got some interesting looks. Crytek’s Kinect game could well be the core game that Kinect has needed from launch. Alternatively, it could fall flat on its face. However, Microsoft have also announced some tweeks to make the system more responsive, so there’s hope.
Star Wars Kinect is still looking like…well, someone pretending to hold a lightsaber and swing it all over the shop. It does look fun and I’m sure I’ll be getting this at some point, just because it’s Star Wars.
Forza 4 (or perhaps 4za?) gets head tracking, which should be an interesting addition.
Minecraft was on (limited) display, using Kinect to build your world. Could be an interesting title.
Next up on Kinect are the more kid-friendly titles. Kinect Disneyland Adventures takes you for a trip around Disneyland USA and on some of the rides, with mini-games etc. Looks like a big advert for the resort, but could be very entertaining for the kids (and certainly cheaper than going there).
Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster is more appealing, helping Elmo and Cookie Monster to catch fireflies in the demo on stage. It looks very polished and as long as it has the charm of the Henson show it may be very entertaining.
Kinect Fun Labs, a free area for indie developers to experiment (a bit like the XBLA indie Store) is live and Kinect Me allows you to make more realistic Avatars by sucking you in to a world where you have to fight to the death (or was that Tron?)
Kinect Sports 2 has more US based sports on offer, but since RARE’s first game was pretty much the best title during launch, expect this to do quite well (and actually be playable).
Sony
Sony concentrated on three things; 3D, Move support for new games and PS Vita, their new handheld.
I C 3D
But first up they showed Uncharted 3. It was beautiful. More of the same, no doubt, but the water effects and physics look spectacular. All in 3D too (surprise).
Resistance 3 is next up. The first two games hadn’t grabbed me, but the third looks a lot better visually. I’ll have to check out the demo when it arrives I think. It will use Move, just like Killzone 3 (and will hopefully feel as natural as Killzone 3 with the motion device).
Now remakes/re-releases. God Of War Origins – the two PSP games brought to the PS3 in HD and 3D and lots of other things ending in D. If you’re a God of War fan then this is good, though I’ve played both on PSP already so I’m not sure I want to go through the whole thing again, even in HD.
Shadow of the Colossus and ICO next, these I DO want to play. Also in 3D.
To go with the big push, Sony are launching a Playstation 24” 3DTV (good size for bedrooms and gaming areas I guess) for a good price, $499 with Glasses and a copy of Resistance 3. It’s not a bad deal and may actually get a few people buying this whole 3D push. Me? I’ll wait to win the lottery first…
Moving On
Basketball with NBA2K12 and Move support. Medieval Moves (new Medieval game) with, you guessed it, Move support. Move support for LittlebigPlanet 2. Bioshock Infinite with Move support. Saints Row 3 with (yawn) Move support. Star Trek with Move support and a Phaser attachment (yes!) So lots of Move then.
Some more exclusives; Sly 4, Starhawk (sequel to the online only Warhawk). InFamous 2.
Vita-lity
Finally: Playstation Vita.
Not Ryvita, not Auntie Rita, but Vita.
Basically; Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Street Fighter X Tekken, front and back touch screens, motion, dual analogue and $299 (£199-£250 depending on how much they want to rip the UK off). It looks lovely, but then it will take some selling after the PSP Go!
Nintendo
Two halves made up the Nintendo Show; 3DS and the new console, code-named project Cafe. But first celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of Zelda.
Links Awakening 3DS, Four Swords downloadable on DSi and Skyward Sword on Wii. Nice.
3DS Express
On to the show proper though. First up was 3DS. While many people have been bemoaning the lack of 3DS games, they came thick and fast at E3. Mario Kart with customisable vehicles, including hang glider attachments. Super Mario 3DS looking like Mario Galaxy, Kid Icarus…
Then cheers. Luigi’s Mansion 2 on 3DS. A much loved launch title on Gamecube finally gets the sequel people have been asking for.
Third Party 3DS games after that; MGS Snake Eater remake, Resident Evil Mercenaries, Tekken, Mario and Sonic Olympics 2012. A bunch more. Nice list.
Free Excitebike and Pokedex for 3DS owners to celebrate the launch of the 3DS Store. Unfortunately, no Nintendo Points cards, it will use something called money instead, or 3DS points, coming soon.
Will U Wii U?
Yes, Project Café is now Wii U. The idea being ‘games we play together and games for you’ It might catch on, who knows?
There are two big features to get people excited here. The tablet controller, a bit like an iPad with dual analogue sticks. It can stream the TV signal straight to the controller. Full console gaming on the loo! In the Garden! Etc. No longer will Eastenders dictate gaming time. Tilt, move, draw, touch, all there and built in. One controller in the box and apparently no support for more at present, everyone else will use Wii Remotes or classic controllers.
Secondly, the Wii U will be full HD and more powerful than the PS3 and 360, so a real Nintendo Next Gen console at last. Is it enough to see off potential future MS and Sony consoles? Who knows, they’ll be at least a few years away.
Games announced, New Super Mario Bros sequel, LEGO City Stories, Smash Bros (yey!). Third party games in abundance; Batman 2, Darksiders 2, DIRT, Aliens Colonial Marines, Tekken and Ninja Gaiden 3. Basically all the big releases for the other consoles and looking just as good (if not better by the time they’re finished). So a hardcore and casual console in one?
Nintendo left the audience with loads of questions about the new console (thanks to not really featuring the console itself that much and concentrating on the controller) but what they did show really made an impact.
E3 – The summary
Watching all these shows live via streaming isn’t the same as being there, I know, but I really enjoyed all this and the Ubisoft and EA shows as well. The big three all had something to show, but Nintendo really stole the show for many, including me.
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E3 is always the time for big announcements; new games, new hardware and new IPs and this year didn’t disappoint. But who came out on top and what were the biggest announcements of the show?
Microsoft
While Microsoft had a fair few games, there didn’t seem to be much in the way of surprises or, in fact, any new IPs worthy of note. Their main focus was Kinect, Kinect and more Kinect with a side order of exclusive EA content and some Gears Of War and Halo franchise titles.
This left some fans disappointed, but those waiting for the new Gears of War 3 should be very happy with how the game is progressing. Cliffy B was there to explain the new features, including the nice looking Silverback Mech Suits.
COD liver oil
First up, though, was the new COD. The hero, Derek (I haven’t made this up), does some underwater espionage before New York is seen being blown up in the distance. It’s all a bit COD so far, nothing really to distinguish itself from the past games, but we’ll have to wait for the storyline and any new features before getting an idea of whether it’s worth playing through. This trailer didn’t really do much to tell us anything.
The reason the game is on Microsoft’s stage is because the 360 will get the add-ons first. Again.
Hello Halo
Halo Anniversary is also worthy of a mention. Now that Bungie and Microsoft have gone their separate ways, MS have got a new team working on the HD update to the classic Xbox game that started the whole Master Chief craze. Halo 4 got a few heads turning too at the end of the show, but there just wasn’t enough information to be of any use.
The new Tomb Raider was also shown, looking very nice. Still not an exclusive title though.
Kinect-ing
EA have announced Kinect support for the next Tiger Woods and FIFA games, but the surprise support was for Mass Effect 3, which will use the voice features. Also supporting Kinect will be Ubisoft’s Ghost Recon, which will have some nifty weapon selecting via hand signals. I’d be careful with same-room co-op there, plenty of opportunity for bruises as you both set up weapons.
Ryse got some interesting looks. Crytek’s Kinect game could well be the core game that Kinect has needed from launch. Alternatively, it could fall flat on its face. However, Microsoft have also announced some tweeks to make the system more responsive, so there’s hope.
Star Wars Kinect is still looking like…well, someone pretending to hold a lightsaber and swing it all over the shop. It does look fun and I’m sure I’ll be getting this at some point, just because it’s Star Wars.
Forza 4 (or perhaps 4za?) gets head tracking, which should be an interesting addition.
Minecraft was on (limited) display, using Kinect to build your world. Could be an interesting title.
Next up on Kinect are the more kid-friendly titles. Kinect Disneyland Adventures takes you for a trip around Disneyland USA and on some of the rides, with mini-games etc. Looks like a big advert for the resort, but could be very entertaining for the kids (and certainly cheaper than going there).
Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster is more appealing, helping Elmo and Cookie Monster to catch fireflies in the demo on stage. It looks very polished and as long as it has the charm of the Henson show it may be very entertaining.
Kinect Fun Labs, a free area for indie developers to experiment (a bit like the XBLA indie Store) is live and Kinect Me allows you to make more realistic Avatars by sucking you in to a world where you have to fight to the death (or was that Tron?)
Kinect Sports 2 has more US based sports on offer, but since RARE’s first game was pretty much the best title during launch, expect this to do quite well (and actually be playable).
Sony
Sony concentrated on three things; 3D, Move support for new games and PS Vita, their new handheld.
I C 3D
But first up they showed Uncharted 3. It was beautiful. More of the same, no doubt, but the water effects and physics look spectacular. All in 3D too (surprise).
Resistance 3 is next up. The first two games hadn’t grabbed me, but the third looks a lot better visually. I’ll have to check out the demo when it arrives I think. It will use Move, just like Killzone 3 (and will hopefully feel as natural as Killzone 3 with the motion device).
Now remakes/re-releases. God Of War Origins – the two PSP games brought to the PS3 in HD and 3D and lots of other things ending in D. If you’re a God of War fan then this is good, though I’ve played both on PSP already so I’m not sure I want to go through the whole thing again, even in HD.
Shadow of the Colossus and ICO next, these I DO want to play. Also in 3D.
To go with the big push, Sony are launching a Playstation 24” 3DTV (good size for bedrooms and gaming areas I guess) for a good price, $499 with Glasses and a copy of Resistance 3. It’s not a bad deal and may actually get a few people buying this whole 3D push. Me? I’ll wait to win the lottery first…
Moving On
Basketball with NBA2K12 and Move support. Medieval Moves (new Medieval game) with, you guessed it, Move support. Move support for LittlebigPlanet 2. Bioshock Infinite with Move support. Saints Row 3 with (yawn) Move support. Star Trek with Move support and a Phaser attachment (yes!) So lots of Move then.
Some more exclusives; Sly 4, Starhawk (sequel to the online only Warhawk). InFamous 2.
Vita-lity
Finally: Playstation Vita.
Not Ryvita, not Auntie Rita, but Vita.
Basically; Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Street Fighter X Tekken, front and back touch screens, motion, dual analogue and $299 (£199-£250 depending on how much they want to rip the UK off). It looks lovely, but then it will take some selling after the PSP Go!
Nintendo
Two halves made up the Nintendo Show; 3DS and the new console, code-named project Cafe. But first celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of Zelda.
Links Awakening 3DS, Four Swords downloadable on DSi and Skyward Sword on Wii. Nice.
3DS Express
On to the show proper though. First up was 3DS. While many people have been bemoaning the lack of 3DS games, they came thick and fast at E3. Mario Kart with customisable vehicles, including hang glider attachments. Super Mario 3DS looking like Mario Galaxy, Kid Icarus…
Then cheers. Luigi’s Mansion 2 on 3DS. A much loved launch title on Gamecube finally gets the sequel people have been asking for.
Third Party 3DS games after that; MGS Snake Eater remake, Resident Evil Mercenaries, Tekken, Mario and Sonic Olympics 2012. A bunch more. Nice list.
Free Excitebike and Pokedex for 3DS owners to celebrate the launch of the 3DS Store. Unfortunately, no Nintendo Points cards, it will use something called money instead, or 3DS points, coming soon.
Will U Wii U?
Yes, Project Café is now Wii U. The idea being ‘games we play together and games for you’ It might catch on, who knows?
There are two big features to get people excited here. The tablet controller, a bit like an iPad with dual analogue sticks. It can stream the TV signal straight to the controller. Full console gaming on the loo! In the Garden! Etc. No longer will Eastenders dictate gaming time. Tilt, move, draw, touch, all there and built in. One controller in the box and apparently no support for more at present, everyone else will use Wii Remotes or classic controllers.
Secondly, the Wii U will be full HD and more powerful than the PS3 and 360, so a real Nintendo Next Gen console at last. Is it enough to see off potential future MS and Sony consoles? Who knows, they’ll be at least a few years away.
Games announced, New Super Mario Bros sequel, LEGO City Stories, Smash Bros (yey!). Third party games in abundance; Batman 2, Darksiders 2, DIRT, Aliens Colonial Marines, Tekken and Ninja Gaiden 3. Basically all the big releases for the other consoles and looking just as good (if not better by the time they’re finished). So a hardcore and casual console in one?
Nintendo left the audience with loads of questions about the new console (thanks to not really featuring the console itself that much and concentrating on the controller) but what they did show really made an impact.
E3 – The summary
Watching all these shows live via streaming isn’t the same as being there, I know, but I really enjoyed all this and the Ubisoft and EA shows as well. The big three all had something to show, but Nintendo really stole the show for many, including me.
Microsoft
While Microsoft had a fair few games, there didn’t seem to be much in the way of surprises or, in fact, any new IPs worthy of note. Their main focus was Kinect, Kinect and more Kinect with a side order of exclusive EA content and some Gears Of War and Halo franchise titles.
This left some fans disappointed, but those waiting for the new Gears of War 3 should be very happy with how the game is progressing. Cliffy B was there to explain the new features, including the nice looking Silverback Mech Suits.
COD liver oil
First up, though, was the new COD. The hero, Derek (I haven’t made this up), does some underwater espionage before New York is seen being blown up in the distance. It’s all a bit COD so far, nothing really to distinguish itself from the past games, but we’ll have to wait for the storyline and any new features before getting an idea of whether it’s worth playing through. This trailer didn’t really do much to tell us anything.
The reason the game is on Microsoft’s stage is because the 360 will get the add-ons first. Again.
Hello Halo
Halo Anniversary is also worthy of a mention. Now that Bungie and Microsoft have gone their separate ways, MS have got a new team working on the HD update to the classic Xbox game that started the whole Master Chief craze. Halo 4 got a few heads turning too at the end of the show, but there just wasn’t enough information to be of any use.
The new Tomb Raider was also shown, looking very nice. Still not an exclusive title though.
Kinect-ing
EA have announced Kinect support for the next Tiger Woods and FIFA games, but the surprise support was for Mass Effect 3, which will use the voice features. Also supporting Kinect will be Ubisoft’s Ghost Recon, which will have some nifty weapon selecting via hand signals. I’d be careful with same-room co-op there, plenty of opportunity for bruises as you both set up weapons.
Ryse got some interesting looks. Crytek’s Kinect game could well be the core game that Kinect has needed from launch. Alternatively, it could fall flat on its face. However, Microsoft have also announced some tweeks to make the system more responsive, so there’s hope.
Star Wars Kinect is still looking like…well, someone pretending to hold a lightsaber and swing it all over the shop. It does look fun and I’m sure I’ll be getting this at some point, just because it’s Star Wars.
Forza 4 (or perhaps 4za?) gets head tracking, which should be an interesting addition.
Minecraft was on (limited) display, using Kinect to build your world. Could be an interesting title.
Next up on Kinect are the more kid-friendly titles. Kinect Disneyland Adventures takes you for a trip around Disneyland USA and on some of the rides, with mini-games etc. Looks like a big advert for the resort, but could be very entertaining for the kids (and certainly cheaper than going there).
Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster is more appealing, helping Elmo and Cookie Monster to catch fireflies in the demo on stage. It looks very polished and as long as it has the charm of the Henson show it may be very entertaining.
Kinect Fun Labs, a free area for indie developers to experiment (a bit like the XBLA indie Store) is live and Kinect Me allows you to make more realistic Avatars by sucking you in to a world where you have to fight to the death (or was that Tron?)
Kinect Sports 2 has more US based sports on offer, but since RARE’s first game was pretty much the best title during launch, expect this to do quite well (and actually be playable).
Sony
Sony concentrated on three things; 3D, Move support for new games and PS Vita, their new handheld.
I C 3D
But first up they showed Uncharted 3. It was beautiful. More of the same, no doubt, but the water effects and physics look spectacular. All in 3D too (surprise).
Resistance 3 is next up. The first two games hadn’t grabbed me, but the third looks a lot better visually. I’ll have to check out the demo when it arrives I think. It will use Move, just like Killzone 3 (and will hopefully feel as natural as Killzone 3 with the motion device).
Now remakes/re-releases. God Of War Origins – the two PSP games brought to the PS3 in HD and 3D and lots of other things ending in D. If you’re a God of War fan then this is good, though I’ve played both on PSP already so I’m not sure I want to go through the whole thing again, even in HD.
Shadow of the Colossus and ICO next, these I DO want to play. Also in 3D.
To go with the big push, Sony are launching a Playstation 24” 3DTV (good size for bedrooms and gaming areas I guess) for a good price, $499 with Glasses and a copy of Resistance 3. It’s not a bad deal and may actually get a few people buying this whole 3D push. Me? I’ll wait to win the lottery first…
Moving On
Basketball with NBA2K12 and Move support. Medieval Moves (new Medieval game) with, you guessed it, Move support. Move support for LittlebigPlanet 2. Bioshock Infinite with Move support. Saints Row 3 with (yawn) Move support. Star Trek with Move support and a Phaser attachment (yes!) So lots of Move then.
Some more exclusives; Sly 4, Starhawk (sequel to the online only Warhawk). InFamous 2.
Vita-lity
Finally: Playstation Vita.
Not Ryvita, not Auntie Rita, but Vita.
Basically; Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Street Fighter X Tekken, front and back touch screens, motion, dual analogue and $299 (£199-£250 depending on how much they want to rip the UK off). It looks lovely, but then it will take some selling after the PSP Go!
Nintendo
Two halves made up the Nintendo Show; 3DS and the new console, code-named project Cafe. But first celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of Zelda.
Links Awakening 3DS, Four Swords downloadable on DSi and Skyward Sword on Wii. Nice.
3DS Express
On to the show proper though. First up was 3DS. While many people have been bemoaning the lack of 3DS games, they came thick and fast at E3. Mario Kart with customisable vehicles, including hang glider attachments. Super Mario 3DS looking like Mario Galaxy, Kid Icarus…
Then cheers. Luigi’s Mansion 2 on 3DS. A much loved launch title on Gamecube finally gets the sequel people have been asking for.
Third Party 3DS games after that; MGS Snake Eater remake, Resident Evil Mercenaries, Tekken, Mario and Sonic Olympics 2012. A bunch more. Nice list.
Free Excitebike and Pokedex for 3DS owners to celebrate the launch of the 3DS Store. Unfortunately, no Nintendo Points cards, it will use something called money instead, or 3DS points, coming soon.
Will U Wii U?
Yes, Project Café is now Wii U. The idea being ‘games we play together and games for you’ It might catch on, who knows?
There are two big features to get people excited here. The tablet controller, a bit like an iPad with dual analogue sticks. It can stream the TV signal straight to the controller. Full console gaming on the loo! In the Garden! Etc. No longer will Eastenders dictate gaming time. Tilt, move, draw, touch, all there and built in. One controller in the box and apparently no support for more at present, everyone else will use Wii Remotes or classic controllers.
Secondly, the Wii U will be full HD and more powerful than the PS3 and 360, so a real Nintendo Next Gen console at last. Is it enough to see off potential future MS and Sony consoles? Who knows, they’ll be at least a few years away.
Games announced, New Super Mario Bros sequel, LEGO City Stories, Smash Bros (yey!). Third party games in abundance; Batman 2, Darksiders 2, DIRT, Aliens Colonial Marines, Tekken and Ninja Gaiden 3. Basically all the big releases for the other consoles and looking just as good (if not better by the time they’re finished). So a hardcore and casual console in one?
Nintendo left the audience with loads of questions about the new console (thanks to not really featuring the console itself that much and concentrating on the controller) but what they did show really made an impact.
E3 – The summary
Watching all these shows live via streaming isn’t the same as being there, I know, but I really enjoyed all this and the Ubisoft and EA shows as well. The big three all had something to show, but Nintendo really stole the show for many, including me.