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IGN USA has gone balls out with their pre E3 predictions for all major companies, nintendo, sony and microsoft
their predictions include, top 10 games they want to see at e3, and predictions, enjoy
All the info is in the spoiler tags, but no worries, no spoilers, click on it, you know you want to
Nintendo
Spoiler Alert!
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July 3, 2008 - It's nearing that time of year again. Yes -- the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2008. It's not the epic software showcase it used to be, but rest assured that it's still going to be a spectacle, packed full of new game announcements and updated, playable versions of some of the biggest Wii and DS projects we already know about. Keep reading as we take a look a look at 10 of our most anticipated E3 2008 products -- titles that have officially been announced for the exhibition. Since we cover Nintendo and all, we also realize that there are bound to be secrets and so we've also saved a special spot on our list for those. On top of everything else, we've banged our heads together and come up with some very possible intelligent guesses as to what may or may not be announced at E3 2008, some of the new games that might show, and some of the hardware advances we just might see.
10: Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
Nintendo DS
D3Publisher surprised us all with the original Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Sure it was just Bejeweled in a medieval skin, but it's what the development team did to that puzzle game that really opened up a lot of potential, both in single and multiplayer modes. It also made for a fantastic portable experience thanks to its pick-up-and-play style of gaming. The team responsible for that puzzle game is currently hard at work on the "official" follow-up, but don't call it a sequel: the theme's changed from fantasy to science fiction, and the puzzle design is completely unique to this space creation. We'll get a chance to see the direction in this series follow-up, and we can't wait to see the direction the guys have taken for the Nintendo DS.
9: Spore Creatures
Nintendo DS
There's no doubt that the Spore series is going to be hugely massive for Electronic Arts – the company's still working on the main game in the series, and the property has already taken on a life of its own with the spin-off product Spore Creature Creator. For Nintendo DS owners, we're getting an experience of our own that features many of the same gameplay elements of the PC title, but in a portable rendition. You'll be able to collect body parts and evolve your critter in all sorts of directions. Five legs? Eyeballs on the butt? You'll be able to do that on the Nintendo DS. We got a taste of the handheld game back at the Game Developers Conference earlier this year, but we're sure the product has evolved since that very early peek, and we hope to play a near final build at this year's E3 show.
8: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
Nintendo DS
We've had a chance to see Sonic Chronicles a few times, and our feelings so far have been mixed. The game combines elements from a lot of huge Nintendo DS hits. The controls feel like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and the combo system is a rhythm based touch screen system that feels inspired by Elite Beat Agents. But there are definitely plenty of classic Sonic elements like the iconic loop-de-loops. Granted, we've only gotten to see very basic puzzle and battle elements so far, so it hasn't quite been enough to convince us that the Blue Blur can compete with the likes of Mario & Luigi: Super Star Saga. Hopefully E3 will provide a new glimpse into the title and really show off the development skill we expect from BioWare.
7: Guitar Hero: World Tour
Nintendo Wii
Developer Vicarious Visions has become Activision's Nintendo team for all things Guitar Hero, and it looks to be working out just fine. Guitar Hero III is selling like crazy on Wii, and Guitar Hero: On Tour recently debuted on DS with an impressive pocket peripheral, and what we can only expect will be monumental sales. With World Tour, Vicarious Visions is again working to make sure Nintendo fans are shown the proper love, as the game is confirmed to have downloadable content and online play; two huge features that EA's own Rock Band failed to deliver on just weeks ago during its preliminary Wii release. We'll of course see Guitar Hero: World Tour playable at Activision's booth on the show floor, but we wouldn't be surprised if the team makes a surprise showing on stage during Nintendo's press conference as well. Now if only we could get a few Nintendo songs added to the Wii version of the game...
6: EA Fitness (Tentative Title)
Nintendo Wii
EA has confirmed that its still-unnamed exercise game will replace the eastern-style workouts in Wii Fit with westernized exercises designed to make you sweat and have fun at the same time. Executives have also provided vague hints that they may not solely use the Wii Balance Board in order to achieve those results. We know for sure that the tentatively titled EA Fitness is going to be a very, very big deal for the company and we're really excited to see what the publisher has brewing. If it can devise a method to allow more freedom of movement and even a better means to count calories and monitor health progress -- a heart-rate monitor, Nike-plus integration and online tracking? -- we're going to be instant converts. And we know that millions of moms across America will be, too.
5: Chrono Trigger DS
Nintendo DS
Did you hear that Chrono Trigger is back? The game only got officially announced on July 2, but already the Internet is flipping out (in a good way) over the prospect of playing Chrono Trigger on the DS. The Super Nintendo role playing game is hailed as one of the greatest RPGs, and games, of all time and a lot of the elements introduced in Chrono Trigger influenced and helped shape other Square Enix games. Fans still acclaim the soundtrack, and the multiple endings made it so that Chrono Trigger fans could play the game for years without getting bored. We don't have many details for the Nintendo DS version besides the fact that the game will have a new dungeon, wireless mode and is being "remastered." Whether that turns out to be a Dragon Quest IV type of remastering, or a full on Final Fantasy IV remastering remains to be seen, but we can't wait to find out. Hopefully we will at this year's show.
4: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Nintendo DS
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow was awesome. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin was awesome. So we're expecting Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia to be awesome. We got a very short sneak peak at the third Nintendo DS Castlevania game a month ago at a Konami press event, and we're hoping that we'll be getting more than just a taste of the gameplay at this year's E3. We know about the story basics and that the game will utilize a tweaked version of the game engine built for the first two games. And we know that there will be some sort of data transfer feature between this DS game and the upcoming Wii fighter, Castlevania Judgement. Beyond that, we're just going to have to wait for Konami's showing down in LA for all the new tidbits for this Fall 2008 release.
3: Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse
Nintendo Wii
Unless you've played the series before, you have no idea what to expect from Fatal Frame Wii debut. Hands-down one of the scariest franchises ever created in gaming, and the brain child of the original Fatal Frame team, Nintendo, and Suda 51, Fatal Frame 4 is showcasing the same classic Japanese horror visuals that gamers have grown to love on the PS2 and Xbox, and some of the creepiest gameplay out there. Armed with only a camera to protect you, players jump head first into a world filled with deadly ghosts, and it'll take a quick trigger and nerves of steel to survive. Details on the game are sparse thus far, but we know the Wii-mote will play a major part in the experience, and all signs point to it being used as a camera pointer in the same vein as previous Wii first-person shooters. We love horror games, and this is one of the best in the business.
2: MadWorld
Nintendo Wii
If you're the type of gamer who salivates with envy at some of the dark and violent titles released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, you're going to love MadWorld from SEGA and development studio Platinum Games. The action game, developed by key members of the Okami, Viewtiful Joe and Resident Evil 4 teams, is perhaps the most bloody-and-gutsy, over-the-top display of violence on any videogame platform to date. You control a main character thrust into a futuristic game show where you have to fight and kill to survive -- a definite homage to Running Man. MadWorld features a gorgeous monochromatic visual style designed to enhance the gore factor. As you run through environments and dismembers enemies, the red blood stands out all the more against the black and white backgrounds. For E3, Platinum Games is promising to show off more of the exaggerated storyline and even some of the crude mini-games featured in the effort. We've already seen Man Darts. What's next?
1: Nintendo's Still-Secret Games
Nintendo Wii/DS
We're excited to finally see and play a number of officially announced Wii and DS games, but we're really anticipating the projects that haven't been officially set for E3 2008. We've heard rumors of a new Kid Icarus title. We're pretty sure the Wii version of Animal Crossing will be there. Wii Music is practically a shoe-in at this point. And if we're lucky, we might even see the next installment in the Pikmin franchise. It's the still-unconfirmed Wii and DS projects that have us jazzed about the Big N's media briefing. Perhaps more than anything else, we can't wait to see some of the true surprises. A new intellectual property or two from the EAD and Shigeru Miyamoto. Something built from the ground up for Nintendo's home console or handheld. Something only possible on one of the company's systems. Last year, it was Wii Fit -- an update few could have predicted. This year, who knows? We'll tell you one thing, though -- we're eager to find out.
E3 preditions
Nintendo Addresses Storage and/or Voice Chat
With WiiWare in full swing, and gamers calling out for both more storage and voice support for their online games, Nintendo should be looking to address at least one – if not both – of its hardcore fan concerns. Should Nintendo show off a storage solution for Wii, we'd expect it to ignore a hard drive extension, and instead open the SD slot for some form of read/write data management, allowing you to play Virtual Console games, WiiWare titles, or stream downloadable content off the SD card, rather than "cleaning out the fridge" every time you want to switch games. You may never get a 20 gig hard drive for Wii, but a few gigs off an SD card is far more than what Wii owners currently have access to, and would go a long way at solving a few major Wii problems.
As far as voice chat goes, we've been hearing rumors for well over six months on a Wii voice solution, and one that was "unconventional" to say the least, but those remain to be rumors. The voice chat solution will be coming, and we'd assume it'll hit some time in this next E3 year, but it may or may not be a traditional headset. As for all those Smash Bros and Strikers fans out there hoping that the voice chat will be added to previous releases, we'd advice you not to hold your breath. If all goes according to plan, our Nintendo Voice Chat podcast may no longer be the only place you can find voice chat on Wii.
New Nintendo Handheld Announced
Look, the Nintendo DS system launched in 2004. It is now 2008. Four years is about right for Nintendo to start hinting at some sort of handheld upgrade. The problem is that the Nintendo DS is still selling crazy numbers so Nintendo's obviously not going to say or do anything to force that sales curve in a downward direction, so for Reggie to pull out a new DS system out of his jacket and say "Here's it is, coming out soon" might be a little much.
However, Nintendo has never been shy about letting tidbits slip about future products, and its press conference is a perfect venue to get the industry excited about the next big thing when it comes to Nintendo handhelds. The reasons are plenty: Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch are starting to encroach on Nintendo's territory, and rumors are abound on Sony letting word out on its next generation PSP project. Plus, the Nintendo DS had a great four and a half year run on older technology and creativity is being stifled depending on the weaker tech.
Imagine what Nintendo could pull off with internal, rewritable memory in the next handheld. Or an accelerometer. Or a multi-touch capable screen. There's lots of potential in upgrading the system capabilities for the next generation, and as long as the company sticks with backwards compatibility we don't expect to hear much whining from the peanut gallery if an announcement will be made at this year's show.
More Wii/DS Connectivity Unveiled
Forget about what happened at the 2003 E3 press conference when Nintendo set aside valuable time to demonstrate Game Boy Advance to GameCube connectivity with Pac-Man Vs. Yes, we loved the final product, but you don't spend 15 minutes showing off a 20 year old game to a crowd of drooling industry veterans expecting the Next Big Thing.
But connectivity can still be huge for Nintendo, and it's clear with games like Pokemon Ranch and upcoming titles such as Castlevania Judgment, as well as Nintendo's own DS Download initiative on the Nintendo Channel that there will be plenty of Wii-to-Handheld link opportunities coming our way. Whether that means that Nintendo will connect the DS to Wii in more projects or use the opportunity for the next generation handheld with internal memory to save what's been uploaded is up in the air.
Nintendo isn't going to let the potential for money slip through their fingers, and a WiiWare-like channel as well as a Virtual Console on the handheld is cash in the bank for the company if the company follows through, and one of the best ways to make this happen is to dock it with the Wii console to make things easier for the public.
SONY
Spoiler Alert!
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July 3, 2008 - With less than two weeks to go, E3 is nearly upon us. Though it might not be the neon-lit, thumping bass-driven, boob-fueled spectacle of years past, the videogames industry's premiere event is still the place for first- and third-party announcements. This year, despite the diminutive size of the event, looks primed to be a major source of software reveals, surprise announcements and a one-stop showcase for what's to come in the next few months and into the new year.
With this in mind, your trusty buddies at IGN PlayStation sat down and had a little pow-wow to decide what we're looking forward to most, be it already announced titles, could-be unveilings and, we hope, the source of more than a few industry-shaking declarations. So pull up a chair, grab some popcorn, and join us for a tour of what's to come as we roll into the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Top 10 Confirmed Games
The following games are going to be at the show, that much we know. The reasons for making the list are numerous, but they are by no means a comprehensive snapshot off all the titles we're going to be covering during the show. Instead, think of it as a pre-emptive highlight reel, showcasing ten titles that have the potential to wow us in addition to all the other goodies we know will be there.
10: BioShock
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: Yes, this is indeed that same BioShock that pulled down numerous awards when it hit about a year ago on the 360 and PC, and yes, we're still excited about it. Why? Simple: it's a great game that's going to get even better with extra PS3-exclusive content, and Trophy support. Plus, it paves the way for the inevitable sequel to hit on the PS3.
As amazing as it might sound, there are still folks out there that haven't yet experienced the fallen utopia of Rapture, never experienced the game's twists and never had to make one of the tougher moral choices ever repeatedly thrown at a player. We're also a little curious as to how the PS3 version, which wasn't developed by the same 2K studio that handled the 360 or PC versions, is coming along.
9: Borderlands
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: Gearbox has been so entrenched in making recreations of World War II battles for so long that its next original game was a little bit of a surprise to everyone when it was announced. Flung far into the future where mankind has colonized other worlds, these borderland planets (see, now the title makes sense) are home to mankind in its most raw form; brutal, savage and pit against the slowly thawing planet's indigenous life.
By mixing sci-fi and role-playing elements with co-op friendly multiplayer, instanced runs, Mad Max-style vehicles and over half a million procedurally generated bits of loot (think weapons), Borderlands has the potential to be an adventure with ridiculously long legs. We'll get the chance to see more of it very, very soon.
8: DC Universe Online
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: Do we really have to tell you how awesome it would be to run around in a virtual representation of Gotham or Metropolis as either a superhero or villain while Batman or Superman went flying by? Granted, it's a tall order for a development studio's first effort, but Sony Online Entertainment's Austin studio thinks it's up to the task.
If they can actually pull it off, DCUO could end up dropping folks right into cities made famous in the pages of DC Comics -- all guided by the knowing hand of DC/Wildstorm head honcho Jim Lee. Given that the PlayStation 3 is still lacking a MMO to call its own, it makes a whole lot of sense that it would come from Sony's very own MMO factory.
7:Mirror's Edge
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: If you haven't seen the real-time trailer for Digital Illusions' parkour-flavored, entirely first-person, futuristic courier run, stop reading and watch. It. Now. If the ultra-minimalist art direction doesn't get you, the brief snippets of seeing everything from jumping over massive chasms to using simple pipes as tightropes to melee combat to disarming enemies with leading lady Faith and even a little shooting should have you psyched.
The game, which takes place exclusively in slightly motion-sickness-inducing first-person view, will mix the normal kind of open-world traversals with a storyline that we've only seen hinted at so far. Aided by the mysterious Mercury in an effort to clear her sister's name, Faith looks more than ready to handle the odd scuffle or wall-running challenge.
6: MotorStorm: Pacific Rift
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: The first MotorStorm, if nothing else, managed to show us that brown could be beautiful. Caked in mud, the various vehicle types and multi-tiered level designs meant that no two tracks were raced the same way with different modes of transport.
With the move out to an island in the Pacfic, things have gotten an injection of color, but the goal itself hasn't changed: get to the finish before anyone (including new monster trucks). When we last saw the game a few weeks ago, it wasn't looking especially hot, so we're eagerly waiting to see how Evolution Studios' latest project is coming along. There's plenty of potential in pulling the race out of the mud, but we're just hoping the second off-road sequel will capitalize on it.
5:Killzone 2
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: At last year's E3, Sony proved that the CG trailer they showed of a year prior wasn't just a bunch of smoke blown up our collective skirts; it truly was a target render, and Guerilla Games proved that it had the programming chops to make it all look almost as good as something pre-rendered. The question now is how it all plays -- or rather how nicely it plays with others. We've seen the single-player portion but what's got us itching to give the game another go is seeing how the multiplayer is shaking out. Hopefully we'll have impressions for you a year after we first saw the game running on the PS3.
4:Resident Evil 5
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: When Resident Evil 4 arrived, it blew everyone away. Gone were the static camera angles and the top-down view with tank controls. This Evil was faster, prettier and more action-packed than any of its predecessors. Considering RE5 builds of that considerable hotness, we're more than a little psyched to see how Chris Redfield handles another global transplant, this time to Africa.
The change in setting is more than just a chance to mix things up geographically, the fact that the game takes place in broad daylight means that moving from indoors to outside (or the other way around) finally gives that fancy schmancy HDR lighting a reason to exist. It also gives us a reason to get sufficiently freaked out when trying to find a path through the newer, more open environments teeming with dudes that want to show their new mandibular jaws.
3:inFamous
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: When the developers of some of the best platformers on the platformer-rich PS2 decide to take their development efforts to next-gen, it's time to take notice. Though it was only shown in a brief trailer at last year's E3, inFamous' tale of an electrically-charged everyman has plenty of potential -- especially given that the game boasts an open world rife with building to scale and targets for Dylan's electrical dabbling.
Though it's definitely new territory for a development house that became best known for a cel-shaded trio of platformers with anthropomorphic characters, but the boys and girls at Sucker Punch are nothing if not talented, and we can't wait to take their new world for a spin.
2:Fallout 3
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: Take the massive world, tons of characters, near-endless quests and character creation of Oblivion and then drop a nuke on the whole mess. The result, if done right, leaves an irradiated wasteland full of mutants, ghouls, fallout shelters and the kind of good vs. evil vs. survival that Bethesda is known for, but in a setting all too familiar to PC gamers.
We've seen Fallout 3 a couple of times now, and every time we do, we want to see more, which is always a good sign. Improvements over Oblivion are numerous, though, from an updated engine to more traditional leveling up to characters that don't look like space aliens. Well, not unless they've seen a bit too much radiation.
1:Resistance 2
PlayStation 3
Why it's hot: The best game at launch may well end up being the best game two years later, which is saying something considering this has been a year that's seen both Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto 4. Why so confident? One word: multiplayer. Long after the single-player campaign had built to a slow (but ultimately satisfying) cliffhanger, the online part of the game with its ranks, badges, unlockables and extensive online tracking made playing the game just as fun months after release as it was as fun.
With the sequel, though, Insomniac is cranking things up even more. Experienced-based multiplayer rewards with 60 player maps, a completely separate eight-player co-op campaign and a single-player mode that starts not with a whimper like the first game but one hell of a bang. Yes, it's time to get excited
Games We Hope to See
The confirmed stuff is all well and good, but easily the best part of E3 is seeing games for the first time, be it in trailer form or, rarely, in an actual playable state. Most of the games on this list have at the very least been teased, but what we're hoping for is the good stuff: real-time demos and, because we've all been good little boys this year, actual honest-to-goodness hands-on play time. We can dream, can't we?
Patapon 2
PlayStation 3/PSP
Why we're hopeful: When Patapon arrived a couple of months ago, almost the entire office was converted to the infectious blend of real-time strategy, character creation/customization and rhythm action bits. It was a classic example of why Sony still has the power to surprise everyone, and the game quickly rose to the top of our most played lists, with the only real down side to the game being that it had to end eventually. That can be remedied by just giving us the sequel we all hope is coming.
God of War III
PlayStation 3
Why we're hopeful: C'mon, who wouldn't want to see what a next-gen Kratos would look like as he kicked ass and bedded ladies in sexy, sexy HD? We know the game is being worked on -- then-director Cory Barlog announced it (and what would become the DualShock 3) during a little press event on the eve of God of War II's release. Now, we just want Sony to prove what we all know: Kratos needs to finish what he started with GoW II's cliffhanger ending.
Gran Turismo 5
PlayStation 3
Why we're hopeful: Gran Turismo 5: Prologue was a delectable little taste of what's to come, but it was, in the end, just that: a taste. We want the whole smorgasbord of automotive deliciousness; full damage, a wider range of cars, events and locales, a true online offering. The very fact that there was a Prologue means it's coming, but will we finally get the chance to peek under the hood of the full game? Here's hoping.
Final Fantasy XIII
PlayStation 3
Why we're hopeful: It's been almost two years since we first saw footage of FFXIII, and since then Square Enix has done little to indicate what kind of progress the game has made. We want to see something new, be it another trailer (eh) or an actual real-time demonstration of the fabled White Engine running on PS3 hardware. Show us some of that fancy new battle system, show us some of the environments, just show us anything new! E3's as good a place as any, right?
Predictions
And here's where we get into the fun stuff. No, technically, we don't know any of this stuff is going to happen (that's why it's call a prediction, we suppose), but we've got it on good authority that at least some of this stuff may come true. We'd love it if everything happened, but then that would probably make this the best E3 in history, which is probably a bit of a stretch. And now, we look into our crystal ball and take our best crack at amateur soothsaying...
Prediction #1: Sony Announces a New PSP
The PSP, despite having a hell of a start this year with games like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Patapon and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, has almost nothing on the horizon, prompting us to think there may be something brewing for the future of Sony's handheld plans.
So what could this fancy new system hold? There was that little patent filed recently for a multi-touch device, which would be perfect for a next-gen handheld. We're also fairly sure it would include some kind of solid-state storage for downloads, and Memory Sticks would certainly return (maybe even with games shipped on them instead of UMD). Twin analog sticks are a natch, and we wouldn't mind some analog shoulder buttons with some travel. Hey, why not some motion-sensing stuff too? Worked for the iPhone, right?
The big question is that of backwards compatibility. With the UMD relegated to little more than a games medium at this place, could Sony drop it in favor of a handheld with no moving parts? It'd be great for battery life (especially if there's a touch screen sucking down all that juice), but it would also mean PSP1 games would have to be download only. Still, there is that PlayStation Store now...
Prediction #2: Sony Buys Ready at Dawn Studios
Why would a company not only stop making PSP games after releasing two of the best-selling titles on the platform, but do it in a news post on its website teasing that it can't wait to let you see what it's up to next. Our guess? It's because Ready ay Dawn's about to become Sony's next purchase, and the developer'll be spearheading development on the next PSP. It would spell the end for Ready's multi-platform development (at least outside of Sony stuff), but the company's definitely had the most success on PlayStation hardware anyway.
Prediction #3: Price Drops Aplenty
It's hard to believe, but the PlayStation 2 is still officially going for about 130 bucks. That's just a little over half of the price at which it launched... seven years and change later. Not a bad feat, but we're thinking E3 is just the right time to announce a sub-$100 version. The $99.99 sweet spot, sexy slim version and arguably the best, most well-rounded library in gaming history means that there still have to be people out there that haven't quite bit and all six of them may have a reason chow down.
The PSP, too, could possibly get a drop, though hardware sales haven't really been the system's problem. Knocking things down to $149.99 with a new bundle certainly wouldn't hurt. The big question, however, is whether or not the PS3 will get a cut too, especially considering the most direct competition likely will, which brings us to...
Prediction #4: The SKUs, They Are A-Changing
Two major things still stand in the way of the PS3 gaining a serious head of steam: price and the confusion among common consumers as to what unit to pick up. Yes, technically up until the MGS4 bundle, there was really only one version out there, the 40GB model, but a lack of backwards compatibility really has kept some people from indulging in next-gen Sony experiences. Both issues (and the BC one for the hat trick) could be fixed by dropping the price by $50 to $349.99 and creating just one version of the system. While we're at it, why not add in the more unlikely scenario that this is that fabled 120GB system that was supposed to replace the 80GB ages ago?
While it makes sense from a pure "what if" standpoint, the fact that Sony is concentrating on making the system profitable means we're not exactly calling our bookies over this one. Would it be nice? Absolutely -- a single version of the PS3 for $50 less than the 40GB version now with BC and a bigger hard drive would be killer, and would almost certainly move some serious numbers. We almost want this one the most, even if it's the least likely to happen.
And there you have it: the stuff we know will be there, the stuff we're hoping for and the stuff of dreams. In just over a week, we'll find out all this and more. See you then!
Microsoft
Spoiler Alert!
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July 3, 2008 - Like Christmas and tax season, the Electronic Entertainment Expo only comes once a year. With it comes excitement, disappointment and the odd overnight stay in the L.A. County Jail. But mostly it's about games, and there will be plenty to see at this year's event. As the premier annual showcase for upcoming titles, E3 brings together most major developers and publishers, who show off their wares to jaded journalists on the lookout for the Next Big Thing.
There's a lot we're looking to forward to seeing at E3 this year, but priorities are priorities, and we've narrowed our vast list of anticipated titles down to this elite collection of 10. These are the games we are absolutely positive are going to be at the show and that we're dying to see most. There will undoubtedly be some surprises at the show, but these 10 are the cream of the confirmed crop.
10. Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
We're big fans of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords on the IGN Xbox team, and not just because it has such a long name. Without question, Puzzle Quest is one of the deepest experiences you can have on Xbox Live Arcade, which is no small feat for a game whose main element is basically beefed-up Bejeweled. Not content to sit on their laurels, developer Infinite Interactive is stepping things up for the sequel. Now based more on Hexic than on Bejeweled, Galactrix takes the puzzle/RPG hybrid idea into the sci-fi realm. We still know very little about Galactrix, which is why it's on this list. How will the world map look? How do the puzzles play out? Who are the characters? We need answers, and we call upon the E3 gods to provide them.
9. Dead Space
We'll be honest. Until recently, we've been on the fence about Dead Space, EA's upcoming survival horror first-person shooter. But recently our interest has been seriously piqued, and we're getting more and more curious about this new IP. Dead Space is due to release this fall, alongside a flurry of other top-notch shooters (many of which join it on this list). What makes it different? Just how scary is it? Are the weapons, locations, characters and storylines compelling enough to make it stand out in a crowd? Proving that will be a tough task for EA, but we're hoping to be wowed.
8. Left4Dead
Survival horror games, or variations thereon, will be well represented at E3 this year, and Left4Dead looms tall among the them. Valve's co-op zombie-vs-human shooter has been on our radar for some time now, and we're ready to see in full-fledged horrifying action. Left4Dead's retro zombie movie aesthetic, intense action feel, sharp AI focus and overall creativity set it apart from the pack. At E3, we want the opportunity to play as both the humans and zombies to get a feel for both sides. Valve + zombies + guns = lost editor productivity.
7. Halo Wars
Real-time strategy and the Halo universe? What could possibly go wrong? When RTS veterans at Ensemble Studios are involved, usually nothing. The studio behind the Age of Empires series has put the UNSC armies in the middle of the first war between human and Covenant forces, creating what essentially serves as a Halo prequel. But instead of playing as Master Chief, you'll be commanding armies, vehicles and aircraft in a desperate attempt to save the species. The last time we saw Halo Wars in action was at last year's E3, so we're hoping MS has more to show this time around. As with any console RTS, controls are key, and we're itching to get our hands on this title to test its mettle.
6. Star Ocean: The Last Hope
The announcement that Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the fifth installment in the historically PlayStation RPG franchise, would be heading to the Xbox 360 came as a bit of a surprise when it was announced at an event hosted by Microsoft and Square Enix in Japan last month. But it was a welcome surprise. Many fans of Japanese RPGs hold the Star Ocean series dear, and The Last Hope looks like it will take the series to a grander scale than ever before. So far, we've only seen a CGI trailer showing a group of beautiful travelers gallivanting through space in an impressive looking starship. Cutscenes are always great, but combat and story are what make or break an RPG, and we're anxious to see a solid helping of both at E3.
5. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
When Microsoft unveiled the next Banjo title prior to its recent Gamer's Day event in San Francisco, we were mightily impressed and left pondering the possibilities. For its first reveal, Rare chose to show off the most unique part of the game – the creation and use of outlandish vehicles. We know we're not alone in longing to see some of the more traditional platforming elements the series is so well known for. We'd love to see a level that uses both typical Banjo platform craziness and the zany new contraptions at E3. How will these elements blend together, and what can we expect a nuts-and-bolts level to be like?
4. Fable 2
When Peter Molyneux talks, people listen. That's because he has a British accent, and it makes him sound important. It also may have something to do with the fact that his fabled development studio, Lionhead, will release one of the year's most anticipated games in October. Fable 2, the sequel to the hit Xbox RPG Fable, is an ambitious project that promises love, adventure and excitement on an epic scale. And that's a pretty good description of what we expect to see from the game at E3. We know how the combat works, we've been introduced to the HUD-replacing dog, and we know that our early actions in the game will have serious ramifications later on. Now, we're anxious to see it all tied together in a lengthy demo.
3. Resident Evil 5
We saw a precious 10 minutes of Capcom's survival horror sequel at the company's 2008 Gamer's Day in Las Vegas last month, and we instantly wanted more. Although RE5 is still a long way from completion, what we saw wowed us, and we're hoping E3 blows the doors off the game even further. Resident Evil 4 was the pinnacle of survival horror, and we're expecting nothing less than a repeat from the 5th installment. Set in Africa, RE5 tracks Chris Redfield's journey to track down the origin of the deadly Progenitor Virus, which has a tendency to turn people into flesh-eating zombies. Dare we dream that an RE5 showing at E3 might finally confirm the existence of a much-rumored co-op mode?
2. Gears of War 2
When it comes to Gears 2, we're like early Depeche Mode -- we just can't get enough. So far we've seen a touch of single-player, a smidgen of multiplayer and heard the words "bigger, better and more badass" more times than we can count. Now we want to see new levels, some co-op action and more meaningful grunts from Marcus Fenix. It's going to be a long wait until November, so we need a significant summertime sneak-peek to tide us over.
1. Fallout 3
Of all the games on this list, Fallout 3 is the most mysterious. We know the basics, and we like what we've seen, but there's a lot we still don't know about Bethesda's post-apocalyptic RPG sequel. If the words VATS, Pip-Boy, GOAT and Dogmeat don't mean much to you, then you're not alone. Unless you've been following the game closely or are a diehard fan of the PC series, Fallout 3 probably seems like nothing more than Oblivion set in the future. We know that's an inaccurate description, but we're hoping Bethesda will make that abundantly clear by shedding some light on the inner workings of their baby at E3 this month.
Predictions
Prediction #1: Alan Wake a No-Show
Remedy's Alan Wake was announced at E3 2005. Three years later and the game seems more rumor than reality. While some would believe E3 is the perfect place to showcase Alan Wake, our guess is that this (likely) 2009 title will slip by E3 and make a splash later in the year at the German Games Convention. Microsoft will keep it's focus on the titles of '08, with rare exceptions.
Prediction #2: BioShock 2 Drops Jaws at E3
We know BioShock 2 is a reality. What troubles many is that Irrational Games (now 2K Boston) has passed development on to 2K Marin. Not only will we be tickled to see a BioShock 2 trailer debut at E3, but we're betting it will look better than the original. And considering the heavy concern over BioShock 2's switch to a new developer, the big surprise of E3 may be that the sequel looks even better than the first. Except a Big Daddy with a twist and more of the eerie (and wet) environments that made us howl last year.
Prediction #3: Peter Jackson's Halo Project Debuts
Way back at X06, Microsoft announced that Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings fame) would team up with the company to develop a new chapter in the Halo saga. Jackson's company, Wingnut Interactive would collaborate with Bungie and MS to create the game and take it in an entirely new direction, they said. That was nearly two years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Halo 3 was a smash hit, Bungie left the Microsoft fold to become indy again, and film and gaming have continued to grow closer together. We think E3 2008 is a perfect opportunity for Microsoft to prove the project is alive and kicking. Now that the Halo franchise is firmly in Redmond's hands, they need to show that it won't stagnate without Bungie's constant involvement. Unveiling Peter Jackson's Halo will do that in a big way.
Prediction #4: Xbox 360 Price Cut Announced
The industry buzz for the past couple of months has been that this could be the year Sony's PlayStation 3 comes into its own. And that has to have the execs at Microsoft steaming more than their venti double-Americanos. To combat the growing appeal of Sony's Blu-Ray-playing, Kojima-having, in-game-XMB-getting console, Microsoft will announce a price cut for the Xbox 360 at E3. Nothing gets gamers excited like a good deal on a proven platform with a deep library, and Microsoft will be keen to point that out at the show. And it's not just the average Joe who wants things cheaper. Activision chief Bobby Kotick recently called for an across-the-board drop in console prices, saying costs were still prohibitive for most of the mass market. Can a healthy discount on Xbox 360s help stave off the growing threat of the PS3? If so, then the ball will be back in Sony's court
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What are your thoughts on these predictions?
for me i am very interested in what not yet announced games nintendo will pull out of their pockets, they are always ones to wow me with their games, even though i know they are coming
sony's lineup of games is the one that has me the happiest, lets just hope they dont just give trailers, i want to see gameplay, info and release dates
Microsofts lineup isnt too shaby either with games like gears and fable leading the pack for my attention
this is gonna be an awesome E3, i cant freaking wait to watch it
I think the predictions for all consoles are pretty much spot on, although I don't see God Of War III and Final Fantasy 13 both being announced at E3.
With Nintendo's unannounced stuff I see Animal Crossing and Kid Icarus shown and given release dates and Pikmin 3 and Zelda have teaser trailers.
I'm hoping for a 360 price cut and I am liking the games that are coming to the 360. Deadspace, Resident Evil 5, Gears Of War 2 and Fallout 3 all sound great.
Overall E3 is going to be pretty good, I'll be sure to at least read up on all the conferences.
Why the hell isn't LittleBigPlanet on the top 10 coming from Sony. This game could easily take game of the year from the way it's looking.
Just my opinion but there's only one game coming from 360 that is announced right now that I think might be good and that is Gears 2. I think that the 360's games will be the weakest list, but a price cut could stir some interest.
Sony will probably have to follow suit sometime later.
Nintendo could announce some great games like a new F-Zero, Zelda, etc. That would surely get fans excited.
EDIT: And Mirror's Edge looks absolutely amazing. EA could score big on this title.
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Last edited by manufan15 : 07-05-2008 at 05:10 PM.
well both god of war 3 and final fantasy have both been announced, its just god of war 3, all they got was a little advertisement in god of war chains of olympus's guide, so thats why thy think there wont be any news on it at e3, and final fantasy, well square is very odd about there games, so there is reason to belive they wont show off their game at e3, but possibly at TGS
At manufan
i was wondering the same thing why it wast in there list, maybe cause LBP has already gotten alot of information released? and most of the games they listed havent, i dont know really
also, im so hoping capcom doesnt just give more trailers on resident evil 5, i want trailers, info and a possibly release date for god sakes
nah, i really dont think zelda will even show up this year, just a gut feeling and i have doubts that a kid icarus game will show, but im hoping. im pretty sure a new pikmin might be on the way. and supposedly nintendo is gettin them some new franchises. im hoping for a ds price drop so i can buy sonic chronicles.
im really hoping for a PS3 price cut, you know how much torture it is to have played MGS 1, 2, and 3, and not be able to play 4?
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nah, i really dont think zelda will even show up this year, just a gut feeling and i have doubts that a kid icarus game will show, but im hoping. im pretty sure a new pikmin might be on the way. and supposedly nintendo is gettin them some new franchises. im hoping for a ds price drop so i can buy sonic chronicles.
im really hoping for a PS3 price cut, you know how much torture it is to have played MGS 1, 2, and 3, and not be able to play 4?
Kid Icarus is coming, if it doesn't come out this year it will be out next year but at E3 it will be announced. I believe Zelda will be shown in the form of a small teaser trailer at the end of the conference but of course that game won't be out until 2010.
Nintendo has a horrible predicted line up. Im sure Kid Icarus will be announced though and im looking foward to that.
Chrono Trigger for DS is good too, I might actually but that and MadWorld seems cool for the Wii but since it's a single player action ill probably never buy.
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PS3 Games: Resistance, WarHawk, MGS4, Uncharted, Assassins Creed, Vegas 2, Madden 09, GTA4, Condemned 2 and CoD4(But most of it is my bros).
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and i have doubts that a kid icarus game will show, but im hoping. im pretty sure a new pikmin might be on the way. and supposedly nintendo is gettin them some new franchises.
