E309 – Sony Struts Its Stuff

E3 was going to be big for Sony, a lot saw it as make or break for them and their PS3 console. And how did they do? Well that really depends on who you talk to. They showed off some damn good games and finally revealed their 1:1 Motion Control (which apparently works really, really well).

What they ended up showing wasn’t really new, because most of us already knew about all of it. Whether it be that the game has been talked about for awhile, or whether it be the fact that it had leaked to the public. Where to start off, Sony showed off a fairly large playable example of Unchartered 2: Among Thieves on stage for their conference. And as expected, the game is looking as fantastic as ever with some of the most impressive visuals that you’ll ever see on a PS3 game. For those not in the know though, the game is a sequel to the surprise hit Unchartered: Drake’s Fortune which lit up the world’s PS3’s quite awhile ago now. It is being developed by Naughty Dog and is looking very good. Shaping itself into a “must buy” for me.

The other major game they showed off on stage was the heavily anticipated (and also heavily doubted) MAG. Massive Action Game for those of you who missed last years’ E3 where this game was announced. MAG aims to have 256 online in a major FPS set up. And it is looking amazing in my opinion. Obviously it is still very prone to lag, but if they do somehow pull this off it looks great. Your team will be divided into squads as you all either attack or defend. You will all be coming at the central directive from different directions, but pushing towards the centre (at least in the demo they were). Quite frankly, I’m very interested to see what sort of arenas they come up with for this game. Though the visual quality dips at times, I honestly don’t think that’ll be a big deal when there are 256 players going at each other. Its looking like a game I’ll be getting.

The PSP Go (not really a PSP2… more of a DSi sort of redesign) was also officially announced at E3, though most of us knew about it already. It will be a smaller device, with a smaller screen, the screen will slide up to reveal the control pad (analog joystick, buttons, etc) and possibly its biggest feature is the fact that it will not have a UMD slot. Insisting instead upon download games, which is all good and well if you live somewhere that has decent internet, I sadly do not. The price will be $250US (approx AUD$315), which boggles my mind, and will launch later this year. So Sony… you are charging more for a handheld minus the UMD slot forcing downloadable games. Sounds a bit like a DSi move to me (remove GBA slot, introduce SD slot). Sigh, Sony, sigh!

Probably the coolest thing about the PSP Go is the fact that it linked to a new announcement (that again, wasn’t so new) as Hideo Kojima came out onto stage and announced Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP Go (and I assume the PSP). This game is apparently a true sequel in the MGS timeline (does this been Rising isn’t?) and will bridge between Portable Ops up to Metal Gear. We will play as Naked Snake (aka Big Boss) and play through more of his backstory. Which I’m looking forward to, in fact, I think this was the game that broke me into the idea of buying a PSP Go. Damn you, Hideo Kojima… damn you.

Then came trailers and trailers and Sony’s “bombshell”, that’s right… it finally happened. Sony has confirmed a 1:1 motion control for release on the PS3 and by the looks of it, it’ll actually be quite good (unlike you, Sixaxis). You can look up various videos of it, but it is looking very accurate and very fun. Apparently it is there with all developers now. So let’s see what sort games come in 2010 shall we.

Trailers. What trailers did they show you ask? Well, there was some more Final Fantasy XIII (looking brilliant as always), and then Square-Enix dropped a bombshell. Final Fantasy XIV Online to be released on PS3, I believe there was mention of exclusivity but either way it’ll probably just be timed.  And after that Team Ico revealed their game officially, The Last Guardian, and it is looking strangely beautiful. Giant cute but intimidating creature, little kid, epic adventures ahoy!! Was so happy to see this game in all its glory at the Sony conference, it is looking like a must have.

And they also played out a demo video for God of War 3 (I believe it was the same one that was playable on the show floor), and it is looking so much fun. All the hacking and slashing goodness of previous God of War games comes to life on PS3. Automatic buy for me!! Even after God of War 2’s disappointing ending. Kratos is back, and I won’t stop him… because he’d slaughter me.

E309 – Microsoft Sets The Pace

So, first of the big three was the giant Microsoft. Coming into this, they had been pretty tight lipped. All we had were a few pieces of hype, like revolutionising and such.

What they delivered was by no means something to scoff at, it was a pretty good line-up. Besides showing off some Final Fantasy XIII (not much of interest, some stuff from the PS3 demo with some new footage as well). Soon things shifted into gear when Epic revealed a Metroidvania-esque game coming to XBLA, and it looked pretty awesome actually. This is the sort of shit Nintendo needs to do with Metroid, and the fact that they won’t do it annoys me to no end. So, one can see things started off pretty interesting.

Crackdown 2 also got a bit of a look, but I never really looked into the first one so seeing this was kind of moot to me. However, Splinter Cell – Conviction was a different matter on the other hand. It has changed a lot from its first appearance, but I’ll stick to Metal Gear Solid…. speaking of which…

However, sadly, things took a turn for the boring when they dragged out Halo: ODST. No matter what anyone says, it still looks like another game bearing the Halo label. I will confess, it is looking very pretty. And visually the game did make my draw drop a bit. Announced its date for September, pretty cool for XBox owners really. However, credibility I held for Bungie slipped when they announced Halo: Reach. A new Halo title apparently, it drops next year and ODST will come with a beta code. I hereby predict that Halo: Reach will contain a beta code for Halo 4. Or for increased irony Crackdown 2 will contain a beta code for Halo 4. One of the two.

…Oh yeah, Kojima. He rocked up, revealed Metal Gear Solid: Rising, featuring the label Lightening Bolt Action. Where to start, contrary to original beliefs this game is also being developed for PS3 apparently. And it will star Raiden, not involving Solid Snake (unless he is in flashbacks or something, still possible) and apart from that we can’t tell much. I’m expecting more of a reveal from Sony’s conference. As expected, no MGS4 for 360 though. And really that’s the main thing. This was a pretty big revelation nonetheless, because Kojima’s teaser had been uber hyping some sort of reveal for a long time. I don’t like how cocky this will make Microsoft though, they are going to get a lot more annoying to listten to now.

After dealing with some Sony stuff, Microsoft next moved to take on the competition leader, Nintendo. Revealing Project Natal, which I think looks quite a bit silly. Interesting, but silly. In my opinion, seems a bit like a glorified EyeToy. Obviously not a complete rip-off, but it is definitely reminding me of that a lot. I don’t like this “YOU ARE THE CONTROLLER” talk either, I’m a human being… not an inanimate object! Also seem to be getting rid of the need for friends by allowing you to stream movies to a virtual cinema where you and your Avatar buddies can watch and react like emotes (instead of going to the movies) and some weird AI-like feature. XBox 360, forget real life just use this.

They also revealed some stuff about streaming TV from Sky, but that was of not much interest to me. Because my TV is used for TV. Or my internet. I don’t need a console for it.

Non-specific Ramblings (My PRE-3)

What? WHAT?! E3 is only a few weeks away. Holy fishsticks!! So soon after the disappointment of last year? It doesn’t feel so long ago we were gearing up for E308. And oh boy!! The flames that baby went down it were almost horrific. Seriously, nothing really sticks to my mind beyond disappointment. So one would advise severe caution to anyone who is holding a remote piece of interest in E3 this year. Sure, they back at the Convention Centre and seems like the companies may reveal some big guns, but don’t hope too much as there is every chance this will just simply not touch upon former E3 conferences. Sad but true fact as well. The E3 many of us grew up with may be dead and buried. And in its place, this imitation demands our attention. So beyond this, what can we actually expect from the big 3 as we all cautiously brace ourselves for the worst?

Nintendo

What to expect – Though the Big N has really found itself on my bad side lately I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt here because surely they have learned something after the horror of last years conference. So begrudging feelings aside, there is plenty that Nintendo could show if they actually deemed it necessary. Last we heard the Mario AND Zelda teams were working away on something. Now, we have seen Zelda: Spirit Tracks but really… where’s our next home console Zelda? Surely this year or next we should be getting close to a teaser… something… anything to keep fans going! Mario team could be making any number of things, New Super Mario Bros. 2? Mario Galaxy 2? New Paper Mario? Mario Sports title? Who knows really. I am hoping for NSMB2 because the first was brilliant. But I wouldn’t complain about Galaxy 2, just feels a bit soon. But the way I see it, the Wii needs some serious saving. So far HVS seem to be the beacon of hope, and just the other day announced Gladiator AD, but I am not yet interested in that.

I can only assume Matt may jump back on his “Kid Icarus is coming” train, but I find it hard to jump on just yet. Actually, I would love to hear from Retro Studio are up to, small chance that they show something off, but not impossible. One thing we have a high chance of seeing is possible some DSi stuff, most likely some DSi enhanced game announcements (bank on something with Pokemon in the title), its like IGN AU said, if any franchise sells… it is Pokemon. We may hear something about a new Wii channel or so, but don’t hold your breath.  Channels have gone quiet later, so one must assume that if Nintendo has something planned. But I’m expecting some extra selling points for the DSi to be revealed and maybe a speck or two of interesting software to make the Wii purchase-worthy. Heaven knows when they’ll do that. I’d like some sort of talk of Metroid to, but I won’t get my hopes up.

Sony

What to expect - These guys have some recovering to do, same as they do every year, but not because they lack quality. Because by God, I own a PS3 and it is currently my most played platform. Enough great games already to keep me going as well as future promise. But its lacklustre performance in sales ensures they still have a lot of fighting to do. For the most part they need to get some more great exclusives. Unchartered 2 should be a big hit at E3 I assume, maybe MAG as well. PSP successor is very likely, there has been so much buzz around the concept of a PSP2 that it is entirely possible they could let it out of the bag at E3. If there’s a stage to do that, it’ll be this one. Something that should get some major floor time would logically be God of War 3, the series thus far has been a high scoring one generally receiving favorable feedback… so why not feature the third installment? I am quite personally looking forward to it a lot! Kratos is itching for some more attention, and I see E3 as the place to see it. Of course, Sony could prove me wrong and ignore this upcoming title. Another point of interest is that Team ICO’s latest trailer for its latest game was released, so the gaming world is in a buzz hoping for more (they of course made Shadow of Colossus and ICO) so here’s hoping we see more of it!!

Something that everyone on the face of the planet who has an interest in the PS3 but doesn’t have one yet (this includes publishers as well) is after is a PRICE DROP. So will it happen? Well, Sony had a pretty good year in 2008, and why not follow up the next year with a price drop? I’m in no way saying its going to happen, because people saying so have been burned in the past by the usual, “It isn’t happening.” But really, if its coming then it must be coming soon. I will hope and pray that Square Enix will show off something for PS3 that is an RPG, because fora Japanese company they sure aren’t giving the PS3 much love. I’d like some Versus XIII footage and maybe the revelation of Kingdom Hearts 3? I can dream, damn it!! I don’t think we’ll see a PS3 redesign… I don’t think Sony will be feeling confident enough in their position in the console race to redesign their console.

Microsoft

What to expect – I don’t really follow Microsoft, nor do I really know what to expect from this year. I have noticed they have been pretty tightly sealed in terms of announcements so really they could have any number of things to say. Let’s face it, their biggest announcement last year was poaching Final Fantasy XIII’s exclusivity in the Western world so it would see release on both consoles (and as a result delay the Western release of FF-XIII on PS3 as well, good work!!). Speaking of poaching exclusives, it sounds like everyone is gearing up for the announcement of Metal Gear Solid 4 coming to XBox 360. Now, forgive me if I’ve missed something, but when exactly did this become fact? We know Kojima is teasing a new game, could be anything at this point but people seem focused on MGS4 to 360. Personally, I’ve finished the game upwards of ten times so I’m beyond caring at this point. The part that puzzles me is the stuff they’d have to edit out. Snake uses a PS3 control to control Metal Gear Mk. II, there is a PS3 in some sections, they reference Bluray and PS3… it just seems like a lot of trouble to go through. If anything, the next Metal Gear may be multiplat. But by that point, the franchise may be in risk of being ruined. I’ll rant more about this at a later date.

Apart from that, there are a few possibilities, pump some more use into the new XBox avatar system and the such (the failure of Scene-It burns, a competitor for Buzz might not hurt) and XBox Experience could get some enhancements. Something I personally think could come up is a new game by Rare, its hard to tell what though. Perfect Dark: Zero and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts ‘n’ Bolts have both failed. So will they start a new IP or try again with an old one? Impossible to tell really, but maybe they’ll try with Conker. He seems to be looked over a fair bit, but there is potential in bringing back this IP. The pop culture spoof he brings with him could go over well. I will put money on something Halo being shown. Halo = Microsoft, so they’ll show something. Definitely some Halo ODST but maybe something else? Halo 4? Halo Wars 2? Halo Party? I very much doubt Gears of War 3, but who knows what Epic could have up their sleeves.

——————————————————

So like the title suggests, these were just some not so coherent ramblings of what I think E3 could have, but I am not going to get my hopes up. Between now and then I may cover a few companies in individual blog posts. And if I have the time, I’d love to cover individual companies WHILE E3 is taking place. I’m no game journo though, so that could be too much of an undertaking.

I foresee a Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft E3 write-up, and finally a Third Party one which will discuss interesting things bought to the table by the likes of  Square-Enix, Konami, Capcom, Bethesda, Rockstar etc. Either way, E3 is getting closer with every day.

Let’s hope it does not disappoint.

PRE-3

Square-Enix Descends Into Fail. Final Fantasy VII Remake ASAP?

So, I’m sure that you have all noticed that I am quite the fan of a little game called The World Ends With You. Right? Well, if not then read here. Done? Okay, good. Sure I didn’t rave about it, but I didn’t start my review yet either, then you’ll see my true thoughts on it.

But I digress, upon reports that Square-Enix had performed quite poorly in the 2007 fiscal year, one had to wonder just what they would do to remedy that. Out of all the possible methods of fixing their situation I don’t think anyone expected them to do something as radical as stamp down on creative ideas.

That’s right, you heard right.

Yoichi Wada placed an ultimatum before his employees, and it goes as follows: if any games are made that don’t fit into the mainstream circle, then jobs will be cut. What does this mean? Well, the most likely scenario is developers will probably too concerned about losing their jobs to try something new. Which furthermore would result in no more unique games like The World Ends With You and the such. The sort of titles that really do not grab the mass cash that established, done-to-death games Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest get them. So now instead of looking forward to a new Square-Enix game every now and again, you can just go ahead an insert a SNES Final Fantasy remake for DS, or a SNES Dragon Quest remake for something instead. Is that bad? Well not necessarily, but it just means we’re not going to see anything as fresh as The World Ends With You for awhile now.

Its sad, just sad.

As a result of this news maybe we should expect that Final Fantasy VII Remake sooner than anticipated? I mean, it’d certainly make back a lot of that cash that they have lost. But is it really worth it? Personally, I really want the remake but this is not the time for it. With games like Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII, a couple of Kingdom Hearts spin-offs, and a Final Fantasy IV remake already coming did they ever stop to think that your fans like the fresh games because they are different to your usual stuff. And releasing a Final Fantasy VII Remake WITH all those games would purely clog up the market. If they do want to do it to earn back the cash, finish the other games off first. Because there is no sense in flooding us.

It’s sad that it has gone this way, Square-Enix. Really sad.

What do we do now? Cherish our copies of The World Ends With You and let no person take them from us. Because assuming this policy remains, we won’t see a game like it for a long time and they probably will discontinue production of the game as well.