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"[Event] E3 08 (All Platforms)"

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Sun 20/07/08 at 15:33
Regular
""none""
Posts: 320
Every year, I anticipate E3 (or Electronic Entertainment Expo), as
it usually does a good job of informing me about what I'll be
playing for the current and upcoming year(s). It's a video game
event where developers get to show of both hardware and software
for the latest games. It's also home to the birth of the Wii and
PS3, where they were first revealed.

This year (and last year in fact), my hopes and expectations for
revelations at E3 had died. It used to be a great big event, where
small to big developers got a chance to show off their latest
innovations. Sadly, nowadays E3's doors are starting to shrink, only
allowing path to big time developers, making it a big underwhelming
event.

Especially when these developers are reluctant to show anything of
value. The big three, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft had nothing new
in the hardware field, nor did they have any new worthwhile and
noteworthy footage, information and announcements for upcoming
titles.

There are other gaming events, but E3 is considered the daddy of
all events. But this year, and the previous year have been bland
and boring which is a bit of an embarrassment and a cause of concern
for E3's name.

Every year the big three hold a press conference around one hour
each, and some sites have it available to stream. I usually make it
a priorety to watch all three conferences live, and maybe some of
the other companies conferences if I have time.

Microsoft Press Conference

This year Microsoft went first, some might consider this a
disadvantage. But this didn't affect Microsoft, as it was the most
surprising conference out of the three, unveiling Final Fantasy
XIII for the Xbox 360. One of the strongest sellers for PS3, but
now losing it's exclusivity could do some serious damage to Sony.

They also announced a well needed software update, introducing a
more proffesional looking Dashboard, and an Avatar system to
identify Xbox LIVE members in place of a gamer picture. It's
basically an animated character model of yourself, to reflect how
your apparance. This seems like it was taken straight out of
Nintendo's pocket, changing "Mii" to "Avatars". Well at least it
wasn't the Wiimote that they nicked out of Nintendo's pocket.

It was also revealed that a new party system is being developed,
where Avatar users can chat and share media, such as photos, videos
and games as demonstrated at the presentation, keeping the system
fresh.

Microsoft have partnered with Netflix to provide viewing of their
whole media library of movies and TV shows, at no additional cost,
other than their regular Netflix subscription fees. In addition,
Netflix movies that are downloaded, can be shared through the
Avatar's party system.

Another partnership Microsoft announced, was with Edenmol a TV
production company, to create Primetime. Primetime utilises the
Avatar system, to allow players to star in game shows, and win real
prizes. The first game for Primetime will be 1 vs 100.

Leaked early, Microsoft's Lips had been officially unveiled at E3.
Lips is a Karaoke game from the developers of Elite Beat Agents
that will feature the use of a new motion sensitive wireless
microphone peripheral.

You're In The Movies, bundled along with the Xbox Vision camera
lets you star in your own cheesy movie. The combination allows you
to interact with action on screen, as demoed you can swat wasps,
dance and escape from monsters. Movies can be stored on your
system, for future cringe worthy entertainment. The Eye Toy, swiped
straight from Sony's pockets.

Microsoft did manage to get some games in. Resident Evil 5's online
co-op mode was revealed, requiring teamwork to solve various
puzzles. Also revealed was Portal: Still Alive, an expansion for
Portal including new stages and achievements, exclusively on the 360.

On a side note, the Xbox 360 20GB model got a $50 price to $299,
hopefully we'll see this reflected on UK models too. Also wanted is
the newly announced 60GB 360, selling for $349 and releasing in
early August (US). So far nothing for the UK has been confirmed,
but expect something soon.

Nintendo Press Conference

Nintendo's conference was pretty boring, and tedious to watch. The
only important part of the conference for me, was when it was
mentioned that Zelda and Mario developers are hard a work. That
says a lot, a mere mention of a game is better than the whole
conference.

Again, Nintendo went and aimed their conference at the casual. They
revealed Wii Music, Wii Sports Resort and Shaun White Snowboarding.
They also revealed Wii MotionPlus, an addon to the Wiimote that
connects to the bottom.

It's basically an enhancement to the Wiimote, making it more
precise. It recognises every single movement that the player
makes, providing true 1:1 response to better improve gameplay. It
comes bundled along with Wii Sports resort, as demoed it includes
some type of sword fighting, jet skying and Frisbee throwing.
Obviously expect more minigames from Wii Sports Resort. Nintendo
have also been kind enough to pack in a new extended grip all for
just $50.

Nintendo also showed off the much anticipated Wii Music, which also
utilities the Wii Balance Board uniquly with it's drum kit. It
features 50 instruments, such as piano, violin, guitar and marimba.
Wii Music does away with music notes, and allows you to simply
create music how you wish with the instruments you like.

Animal Corssing: City Folk for the Wii was announced, alongside
WiiSpeak. It's a decently styled piece of equipment, and
comfortably sits ontop of your Wii sensor bar. Players will be able
to chat online in games such as Animal Crossing.

We got a tidbit of information on the DS's future at the event.
News that an English version of DS recipe application was revealed
to arrive at America in November. Then out of nowhere, Nintendo
pulled out Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars. Only information that's
been revealed is that it will feature a new game engine and new
characters. Other than that, both games had no information
revealed.

Sony Press Conference

Finally, Sony's conference was last. The pressure was on Sony,
seeing that both previous conferences were a disappointment, and
failed to satisfy. But sadly, Sony didn't seem to take advantage of
this. There was nothing of any significants at their conference.

Sony did not announce any piece of hardware/peripheral that they
could use to sell more PS3s with like Wii Fit. They did manage to
announce God of War 3, and show a small teaser trailer, which
lasted a few seconds. But we already knew God of War 3 was going to
be announced, it's not something Sony could use against Microsoft's
acquirement of Final Fantasy XIII.

We got information on Sony's new video service, which we all saw
coming. Sony will give users access to full-length movies, and TV
shows in both HD and SD. All this can be downloaded from the PSN,
and once downloaded, can be transfered to your PSP. We will see
movies such as: Jumper from 20th Century Fox; 3:10 to Yuma from
Lionsgate; Rocky from MGM; Cloverfield from Paramount Pictures;
Spider-Man from Sony Pictures and 10,000 B.C from Warner Bros.
Entertainment. Certain movies will also be availibe to rent, as
well as download. This had been released in America the same night
of the conference, and Europe has been given a slap across the face
and told to wait until 2009.

A small piece of information was given on the very slowly developed
Playstation Home. Sony announced that Home will have game specific
locations for certain games such as Warhawk and Resistance. Sony
has also made a partnership with Nike, EA, Activision and
LucasArts, for Home.

40GB PS3s are now being cleared off store shelf, in preparation for
80GB PS3s. Expect the new 80GB PS3s to hit Europe August 27th,
retailing for £299/€399. Sadly, no 40GB discount is planned.

An announcement from the conference that even I was excited about is
Resistance: Retribution, which will be launching on PSP Spring
2009. The game will part from the classic first-person view for the
PSP version, giving us a new third-person view, much better suited
for the PSP version. The game will be produced by the people behind
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, Bend Studio.

Newly announced Rachet and Clank: Quest for Booty will hit PSN this
summer, taking place after the events of Rachet and Clank: Future,
explaining what happens to Clank after the game. The game will
retail at $15, and will be going for quality over quantity.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft

Even thought there was no show to steal, I think Microsoft took the
conference home, by announcing Final Fantasy XIII. Now eager fans
of the game will no longer have to pay a fortune to play the
possibly best game of the year.

Nintendo

Nintendo's conference was the most disappointing. Everyone that was
watching, would probably know that it felt like Nintendo was
speaking to the wrong audience, as they must have forgot that they
were speaking to hardcore gamers, not casual.

World-renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto also confirmed
himself that they were not targeting the hardcore with E3, in an
interview with msnbc. "For a very long time, E3 was an event where
— and certainly Nintendo included — catered specifically to the
core gamer. Now we look at more … an opportunity for us to
introduce new concepts and new types of play that we intend to
bring to the broader audience, particularly because of the media
that gathers at E3 now."

It was a pretty big was of an opportunity. One of the biggest
problems for the Wii was not solved. Storage. Wii gamers will have
to forever suffer and fidget with those pesky SD cards, trying to
make space by deleting their favorite WiiWare and Virtual Console
games, trying to make space for new. What I expected was a solution
to this problem, a harddrive perhaps? Or is that beyond Nintendo's
time?

No new information has been revealed on new Wii colors that we
were teased with, back when Nintendo unveiled the Wii.

Sony

There was a lot of things at Sony's Conference that they were
silent about. We heard nothing on Tekken 6 or Final Fantasy XIII.
They usually have something to compete with the competition, but
this year nothing. I wish they'd use E3 more wisely.
Mon 04/08/08 at 14:32
Regular
""none""
Posts: 320
Thanks, but I didn't really say they strictly didn't. It's just that it's obvious that you won't find most people who play WOW all day, playing Wii Fit. I don't think it's arguable, even big companies like Nintendo acknowledge the categories.
Mon 21/07/08 at 14:11
Moderator
"possibly impossible"
Posts: 24,985
Oh, and just to be clear, I'm not criticising your review, as reviews are supposed to be based on opinion anyway, plus it was well written. I'm just in a certain frame of mind at the moment about people who seem to think certain types of games have no place with the 'core' or 'hardcore' audience.
Mon 21/07/08 at 14:06
Moderator
"possibly impossible"
Posts: 24,985
E3 is much smaller and at a different time of year, Nintendo said themselves that it wasn't commercially viable to aim their core games at this show, their market research has shown that it's now mostly mainstream press that get the stories and more of the core audience has moved to other shows which is where Nintendo will reveal the details on the 20+ 'core' games that they're working on. This is more about advertising and ensuring revenue later in the year than pleasing fans. E3 has always been about the industry, not the fans.

As for the FFXIII thing, yes, I know plenty of people who already own and enjoy Wii Fit and Family Ski who can't wait for the next Final Fantasy, or GOW2 etc. There are just those who can't see that games are games and different genres still fit in to the encompassing area of games. There is no written rule that says games should be for any specific type of person, there are grandads that play all the new FPS games and hardcore gamers who are happy playing Wii Sports because they grew up with 8-bit consoles/computers that had the same idea and no concept of one sort of game being better than another sort.

Anyway, I think we can sum it up by saying E3 was interesting for the mainstream press to see what was coming out in gaming that they could report on and it showed some footage we hadn't seen of big games, but most of the game titles we already knew about. Nintendo's E3 speech was interesting if you liked their social games, but not if you dismiss them as being too 'different' to be in your interest group.
Mon 21/07/08 at 07:52
Regular
""none""
Posts: 320
pb wrote:
> I kind of disagree. E3 is the most open, reported on event and
> would be far more suitable for Nintendo et al to announce their
> plans for more non-gamer friendly titles.

I didn't say it wasn't. I'm talking about this year's event in particular.

> The other games conferences will be far more low key as far as
> generic media is concerned and more of the 'core-gamer' audience
> will be watching. However, I believe these people who consider
> themselves hardcore or core-gamers should wake up and smell the
> coffee. Seperating one form of gaming from another is a stupid
> artifical form of segregation that just doesn't make sense.

I'm finding it really hard to understand your point here. Your not explaining why it's not a good idea sperating one from the other. You think that people who play Final Fantasy for hours and hours would want to play games like Wii Fit?

I don't see how it resembles a form of segregation, it's just a matter of opinion, that's widely shared.

> Anyway, MS, Sony and Nintendo showed footage and released more
> details about some interesting titles: Lips, Portal: Still Alive,
> FFXIII, Resistance Retribution, DC Universe Online, inFamous,
> MAG, Resistance 2, Call of Duty World at War , Guitar Hero: On
> Tour Decades, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Wii music...
>
> E3 is now changed, it's not about new titles, that wouldn't make
> sense at this time of year, it's about footage and details and
> more mass market advertising. Not the best E3 in history, but
> some good titles on show, none the less.

No it hasn't. It's just that this year Microsoft and Sony choose to not make it interesting. Nintendo however were even worse than both, due to the fact that they showed games which are totally alien to the core auidience, and they will continue to do this every year.
Sun 20/07/08 at 22:21
Moderator
"possibly impossible"
Posts: 24,985
I kind of disagree. E3 is the most open, reported on event and would be far more suitable for Nintendo et al to announce their plans for more non-gamer friendly titles.

The other games conferences will be far more low key as far as generic media is concerned and more of the 'core-gamer' audience will be watching. However, I believe these people who consider themselves hardcore or core-gamers should wake up and smell the coffee. Seperating one form of gaming from another is a stupid artifical form of segregation that just doesn't make sense.

Anyway, MS, Sony and Nintendo showed footage and released more details about some interesting titles: Lips, Portal: Still Alive, FFXIII, Resistance Retribution, DC Universe Online, inFamous, MAG, Resistance 2, Call of Duty World at War , Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Wii music...

E3 is now changed, it's not about new titles, that wouldn't make sense at this time of year, it's about footage and details and more mass market advertising. Not the best E3 in history, but some good titles on show, none the less.
Sun 20/07/08 at 15:33
Regular
""none""
Posts: 320
Every year, I anticipate E3 (or Electronic Entertainment Expo), as
it usually does a good job of informing me about what I'll be
playing for the current and upcoming year(s). It's a video game
event where developers get to show of both hardware and software
for the latest games. It's also home to the birth of the Wii and
PS3, where they were first revealed.

This year (and last year in fact), my hopes and expectations for
revelations at E3 had died. It used to be a great big event, where
small to big developers got a chance to show off their latest
innovations. Sadly, nowadays E3's doors are starting to shrink, only
allowing path to big time developers, making it a big underwhelming
event.

Especially when these developers are reluctant to show anything of
value. The big three, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft had nothing new
in the hardware field, nor did they have any new worthwhile and
noteworthy footage, information and announcements for upcoming
titles.

There are other gaming events, but E3 is considered the daddy of
all events. But this year, and the previous year have been bland
and boring which is a bit of an embarrassment and a cause of concern
for E3's name.

Every year the big three hold a press conference around one hour
each, and some sites have it available to stream. I usually make it
a priorety to watch all three conferences live, and maybe some of
the other companies conferences if I have time.

Microsoft Press Conference

This year Microsoft went first, some might consider this a
disadvantage. But this didn't affect Microsoft, as it was the most
surprising conference out of the three, unveiling Final Fantasy
XIII for the Xbox 360. One of the strongest sellers for PS3, but
now losing it's exclusivity could do some serious damage to Sony.

They also announced a well needed software update, introducing a
more proffesional looking Dashboard, and an Avatar system to
identify Xbox LIVE members in place of a gamer picture. It's
basically an animated character model of yourself, to reflect how
your apparance. This seems like it was taken straight out of
Nintendo's pocket, changing "Mii" to "Avatars". Well at least it
wasn't the Wiimote that they nicked out of Nintendo's pocket.

It was also revealed that a new party system is being developed,
where Avatar users can chat and share media, such as photos, videos
and games as demonstrated at the presentation, keeping the system
fresh.

Microsoft have partnered with Netflix to provide viewing of their
whole media library of movies and TV shows, at no additional cost,
other than their regular Netflix subscription fees. In addition,
Netflix movies that are downloaded, can be shared through the
Avatar's party system.

Another partnership Microsoft announced, was with Edenmol a TV
production company, to create Primetime. Primetime utilises the
Avatar system, to allow players to star in game shows, and win real
prizes. The first game for Primetime will be 1 vs 100.

Leaked early, Microsoft's Lips had been officially unveiled at E3.
Lips is a Karaoke game from the developers of Elite Beat Agents
that will feature the use of a new motion sensitive wireless
microphone peripheral.

You're In The Movies, bundled along with the Xbox Vision camera
lets you star in your own cheesy movie. The combination allows you
to interact with action on screen, as demoed you can swat wasps,
dance and escape from monsters. Movies can be stored on your
system, for future cringe worthy entertainment. The Eye Toy, swiped
straight from Sony's pockets.

Microsoft did manage to get some games in. Resident Evil 5's online
co-op mode was revealed, requiring teamwork to solve various
puzzles. Also revealed was Portal: Still Alive, an expansion for
Portal including new stages and achievements, exclusively on the 360.

On a side note, the Xbox 360 20GB model got a $50 price to $299,
hopefully we'll see this reflected on UK models too. Also wanted is
the newly announced 60GB 360, selling for $349 and releasing in
early August (US). So far nothing for the UK has been confirmed,
but expect something soon.

Nintendo Press Conference

Nintendo's conference was pretty boring, and tedious to watch. The
only important part of the conference for me, was when it was
mentioned that Zelda and Mario developers are hard a work. That
says a lot, a mere mention of a game is better than the whole
conference.

Again, Nintendo went and aimed their conference at the casual. They
revealed Wii Music, Wii Sports Resort and Shaun White Snowboarding.
They also revealed Wii MotionPlus, an addon to the Wiimote that
connects to the bottom.

It's basically an enhancement to the Wiimote, making it more
precise. It recognises every single movement that the player
makes, providing true 1:1 response to better improve gameplay. It
comes bundled along with Wii Sports resort, as demoed it includes
some type of sword fighting, jet skying and Frisbee throwing.
Obviously expect more minigames from Wii Sports Resort. Nintendo
have also been kind enough to pack in a new extended grip all for
just $50.

Nintendo also showed off the much anticipated Wii Music, which also
utilities the Wii Balance Board uniquly with it's drum kit. It
features 50 instruments, such as piano, violin, guitar and marimba.
Wii Music does away with music notes, and allows you to simply
create music how you wish with the instruments you like.

Animal Corssing: City Folk for the Wii was announced, alongside
WiiSpeak. It's a decently styled piece of equipment, and
comfortably sits ontop of your Wii sensor bar. Players will be able
to chat online in games such as Animal Crossing.

We got a tidbit of information on the DS's future at the event.
News that an English version of DS recipe application was revealed
to arrive at America in November. Then out of nowhere, Nintendo
pulled out Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars. Only information that's
been revealed is that it will feature a new game engine and new
characters. Other than that, both games had no information
revealed.

Sony Press Conference

Finally, Sony's conference was last. The pressure was on Sony,
seeing that both previous conferences were a disappointment, and
failed to satisfy. But sadly, Sony didn't seem to take advantage of
this. There was nothing of any significants at their conference.

Sony did not announce any piece of hardware/peripheral that they
could use to sell more PS3s with like Wii Fit. They did manage to
announce God of War 3, and show a small teaser trailer, which
lasted a few seconds. But we already knew God of War 3 was going to
be announced, it's not something Sony could use against Microsoft's
acquirement of Final Fantasy XIII.

We got information on Sony's new video service, which we all saw
coming. Sony will give users access to full-length movies, and TV
shows in both HD and SD. All this can be downloaded from the PSN,
and once downloaded, can be transfered to your PSP. We will see
movies such as: Jumper from 20th Century Fox; 3:10 to Yuma from
Lionsgate; Rocky from MGM; Cloverfield from Paramount Pictures;
Spider-Man from Sony Pictures and 10,000 B.C from Warner Bros.
Entertainment. Certain movies will also be availibe to rent, as
well as download. This had been released in America the same night
of the conference, and Europe has been given a slap across the face
and told to wait until 2009.

A small piece of information was given on the very slowly developed
Playstation Home. Sony announced that Home will have game specific
locations for certain games such as Warhawk and Resistance. Sony
has also made a partnership with Nike, EA, Activision and
LucasArts, for Home.

40GB PS3s are now being cleared off store shelf, in preparation for
80GB PS3s. Expect the new 80GB PS3s to hit Europe August 27th,
retailing for £299/€399. Sadly, no 40GB discount is planned.

An announcement from the conference that even I was excited about is
Resistance: Retribution, which will be launching on PSP Spring
2009. The game will part from the classic first-person view for the
PSP version, giving us a new third-person view, much better suited
for the PSP version. The game will be produced by the people behind
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, Bend Studio.

Newly announced Rachet and Clank: Quest for Booty will hit PSN this
summer, taking place after the events of Rachet and Clank: Future,
explaining what happens to Clank after the game. The game will
retail at $15, and will be going for quality over quantity.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft

Even thought there was no show to steal, I think Microsoft took the
conference home, by announcing Final Fantasy XIII. Now eager fans
of the game will no longer have to pay a fortune to play the
possibly best game of the year.

Nintendo

Nintendo's conference was the most disappointing. Everyone that was
watching, would probably know that it felt like Nintendo was
speaking to the wrong audience, as they must have forgot that they
were speaking to hardcore gamers, not casual.

World-renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto also confirmed
himself that they were not targeting the hardcore with E3, in an
interview with msnbc. "For a very long time, E3 was an event where
— and certainly Nintendo included — catered specifically to the
core gamer. Now we look at more … an opportunity for us to
introduce new concepts and new types of play that we intend to
bring to the broader audience, particularly because of the media
that gathers at E3 now."

It was a pretty big was of an opportunity. One of the biggest
problems for the Wii was not solved. Storage. Wii gamers will have
to forever suffer and fidget with those pesky SD cards, trying to
make space by deleting their favorite WiiWare and Virtual Console
games, trying to make space for new. What I expected was a solution
to this problem, a harddrive perhaps? Or is that beyond Nintendo's
time?

No new information has been revealed on new Wii colors that we
were teased with, back when Nintendo unveiled the Wii.

Sony

There was a lot of things at Sony's Conference that they were
silent about. We heard nothing on Tekken 6 or Final Fantasy XIII.
They usually have something to compete with the competition, but
this year nothing. I wish they'd use E3 more wisely.

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