PrE3dict 08
By: Nick / Andrew / JaredWith Microsoft’s E3 press conference mere hours away, we’ve got a few predictions of what we expect (and hope) to see from each of the big three console manufacturers. We’ve also thrown in a few other misc. thoughts on the PC and other areas to clear our collective minds before the busiest week of the year.
Xbox 360
Nick - The main thing I'm looking for out of Microsoft is some information concerning first party titles. We know about Gears of War II, but outside of that exclusive we really don't have an idea of anything else in store. There are rumors that MS may show a motion controller similar to the Nintendo Wii, but I really don't care about that unless they can show me a use for it in a game I'll actually play. I'm interested in Halo Wars, and would really like a date for that title's release before I can get too excited. Really, I'd love to see some improvements slated for Xbox Live. I'd also like to see more multiplayer titles that aren't first person shooters. I'm a fan of shooters, but this generation is really missing titles like MechAssault or Crimson Skies. More information on Alan Wake would also be great. With a release just next month, Too Human may live or die on its E3 showing. If it can fill the console void of Diablo-esque titles, it should succeed. Overall, Microsoft's success depends on continuing to show that they have a better software lineup than the competition. They can do this by showing near-ready titles, glimpses at future titles, and more diverse titles to dispel the notion that the 360 is only good if you like shooters.
Andrew - What I want to see – With sequels to Fable and Viva Pinata both on their way already, there’s not much I’m looking forward to in terms of games. It would be interesting to get a look at some of the much ballyhooed exclusive DLC for the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV, though. And, finally, however unlikely, I still dream about that day when Microsoft will make Xbox LIVE free in order to compete with both Nintendo and Sony’s online networks.
What we will see – It’s hard to say exactly what Microsoft’s got up their sleeve, though I expect they will simply spend a lot of time talking about their stable of upcoming games, like the aforementioned Fable 2 and Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise, as well as Gears of War 2, Halo Wars and Too Human, to name a few. Chances are, Microsoft probably still has their eye on the casual market, so a title or two catering to that market could very well show up. And, given their past exploits, a console price drop or new (perhaps even special edition) SKU (both confirmed mere hours after this writing) is not out of the question.
What we might see – With the money hats Microsoft has been known to toss about, there is no telling what blockbuster franchise they might secure as an exclusive to their system next, so if they do, we’ll probably get wind of it during their press conference. Other than that, E3 will give us a chance to see if there is any credence to some longstanding rumors, giving Microsoft a chance to unveil their answer to the Wii Remote and Miis.
Jared - I'm writing my entry after Andrew's, so I already know that Microsoft is launching a new 60GB SKU and discontinuing the 20GB model. That puts a damper on my hopes for a hint of the next Xbox console, as it's been out almost three years already, and the original Xbox only had a four year lifespan. So instead, I expect Microsoft to continue to tout its casual-friendly offerings, with new games supporting the Scene It! controllers and its own much-rumored Wii Remote. Aside from that, I think Microsoft will simply take the same route it did last year, focusing on its lineup for this fall including heavy-hitters Gears of War 2, Alan Wake (that just has to show up big this year, right?), Halo Wars, and no doubt a few surprises.
Nintendo Wii/DS
Nick - The main thing I'm looking for out of Nintendo is any title that is in the vein of a traditional game and any title (first or third party) aimed at older audiences. I've enjoyed most of the major titles I've played on the Wii, but party games, gimmicks like Wii Fit, and low quality cash-in titles aren't appealing to me. A hard drive attachment would also be a welcome announcement. Nintendo needs to show that they haven't blown all of their "big gun" titles already by showing off some near-ready upcoming major franchises.
Andrew - What I want to see – Nintendo has teased Animal Crossing for the Wii more than once, so I’m hoping they finally unveil it this year, and preferably with confirmation of online play – after Wild World on the Nintendo DS, how could we expect anything less? Speaking of the Nintendo DS, I’d like Nintendo to date Pokémon Platinum, the traditional third and pimped-out installment of the series’ latest iteration, Diamond and Pearl. And, finally, I’d be ecstatic if Nintendo revealed a new IP, but if they’d rather better establish an existing one, I’d gladly take a new Pikmin for the Wii or DS.
What we will see – Thankfully, Animal Crossing is long overdue, so it seems likely we will see both that and a Pokémon date at E3. And, speaking of dates, don’t be surprised if both the next Professor Layton and Brain Age games get some sort of loose scheduling either. Given its recent worldwide roll out, Nintendo will also be very likely to talk about WiiWare, perhaps even announcing a few new titles of their own for the service – who knows, maybe this is even where we’ll get our next Legend of Zelda fix (think something Four Swords-ish).
What we might see – For several months now, there’s been talk of Nintendo reviving a franchise (Kid Icarus, perhaps?) and, similarly, rumors have been swirling of an online-enabled F-Zero for the Wii, so if we see them at all, it will likely be here. Since they seem to be have no trouble moving units as is, it seems unlikely that we’ll see any new Wii colors this year, but Nintendo could still surprise us. Likewise, the Nintendo DS still seems too big a success to introduce a new handheld, but given past development cycles, it is about that time...
Jared - What I want to see out of Nintendo is a renewed push to cater to the hardcore audience. It's no secret that the Wii is drowning in shovelware from companies like Data Design Interactive, and while it hasn't slowed down sales of the console (yet) it's definitely becoming an image problem. Nintendo needs to step up with several new installments in franchises like Zelda, Pikmin, Animal Crossing, and some new IP. And yes, online F-Zero would be awesome. Of course the casual audience Nintendo has cultivated can't suddenly be ignored, so expect plenty of new support for the Balance Board, and more casual training titles.
On the DS side, this could be the year we get a glimpse of a DS redesign or a completely new handheld from Nintendo. The DS is nearing its 4th anniversary already, which means it's had a very long life compared to previous handhelds. Aside from that, expect the usual mix of DS titles to appear.
PlayStation 3
Nick - Sony has to show me something tangible. I feel like they've just told me to wait for the future since the PS3 was announced, and at this point they need to put up or shut up. Metal Gear Solid's release finally brings a hyped title to the real world, but they need more. I am expecting a price drop, and really don't see how they can keep going without one as the PS3 still feels priced out of the market's sweet spot. They need to show me something that I can have in my hands by the end of the year. Another E3 of "look what we're going to do in a few years" would be a miserable failure for Sony.
Andrew - What I want to see – A far cry from their past showings, Sony actually has quite the arsenal of coming games (not to mention those already on shelves), most with at least tentative dates. However, among those that don’t, I’d really like to see a North American release date set for Afrika if nothing else.
What we will see – Now that Metal Gear Solid 4 is finally out, Sony will probably take this opportunity to talk about their other big exclusive: Final Fantasy XIII. Since they’ve got a comparative feature set in the integrated XMB and Trophies now, we could hear a bit more about Trophies, even getting a peek at a more comprehensive list of supported titles. Home will probably make an appearance, too...even if it is just to delay it once more.
What we might see – Like Microsoft, there’s a chance E3 will see the reveal of a new SKU or price drop, but given that the system’s sales are finally gaining some traction, I doubt it. And, like Nintendo, it is about time we saw a new handheld from Sony, but the fairly recent release of the PSP Slim puts that one into question.
Jared - More than anything else, we need to see a definitive release date and feature set for Home. What was supposed to be Sony's big online play has turned into somewhat of a joke, with repeated delays and revisions. There's actually a very solid lineup of titles coming to the PS3 in the next year in my opinion (headlined by Final Fantasy XIII), so I think the company will emulate rival Microsoft's focus on its Fall season that took place last year. Given the way the PSP has started to fizzle out in regions other than Japan in the past year or so, a new handheld announcement (ditching the UMD format naturally) would make all of the sense in the world for Sony.
PC
Nick - The top game on my list is EA Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins. This game has been in quiet development for a few years and has been described as a spiritual successor to the Baldur's Gate series. The only other PC title of note that I want to see more of is Valve's Left 4 Dead. Humans vs Zombies is a great concept for a game. While I've been off of the MMO train for a while, I would also like to see something impressive from Warhammer Online and APB. I'd also love to see a strategy title come out of nowhere and impress me.
Jared - It's sad, but the PC horizon looks very barren other than a few titles like Dragon Age: Origins and continued casual success. Warhammer Online seems destined to be another Age of Conan type success, but there are still huge questions surrounding whether or not it can ultimately compete with WoW. Really, PC-wise all I really want to see is for Microsoft, publishers, and hardware vendors to definitively band together with an aggressive and feasible plan to revive the struggling hardcore PC market.
Misc.
Nick - Show me something original. I don't want to see clones of last year's biggest titles. I'd like to see a good showing of Gearbox's Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway and Gearbox/Sega's Aliens: Colonial Marines. Also, I'm putting in my annual request for Sega to unveil Shenmue 3 that will likely be ignored. More Street Fighter IV would be nice, as would an official unveiling of Dead Rising 2.
Posted: 07/13/2008