Another E3 has come and gone and with it some awesome new stuff to look at and some things we would have rather not seen.
Here at the TGA we are going to show you the top 10 the best things that you should look at and the 5 worst things from E3 2012.
Nintendo had big shoes to fill at this E3. All eyes were looking to Nintendo and what the Wii U was going to bring to the table. Most of the conference was spent on Wii U with 23 titles shown during the conference and little of 3DS as well. Let’s get down to business and see if Nintendo hit a home run this year at E3.
With E3 beginning in just a few short hours we here at The Gamer’s Abstract would like to throw out some predictions for the major press conferences. Alongside those predictions will be stuff that is most anticipated and the biggest shocker announcement of E3. This will be written in the order of the press conferences themselves.
You will see the big heavy hitter first party titles here. Expect to see some new clips involving Epic Games new Gears of War title, and also more in depth with Halo 4. Microsoft will want to reinforce why gamers choose Xbox 360 above all else with the strength of their first party IP’s and how they have exclusive content first to the market. Microsoft will remind users that Xbox is the only place to get Call of Duty content first on the market and show some gameplay footage from Black Ops 2. Look to Microsoft to have a dedicated time slot to just showing off the Kinect. As always this might include a bunch of kids or adults doing silly things on stage in their 2 minutes of fame. Xbox 360 seems to want to become more and more integrated for being the only media device one might need for a household (cable, dvd, bing, ESPN, etc.) . It will come as no shock to see that Microsoft will announce further integration with the mobile market and moving more into a cloud based system. Microsoft wants to be like Apple in that all their devices will talk and communicate with one another. I do not anticipate that there will be any announcement or buzz for the new Xbox and will be absent from E3 until next year.
Sony may never outsell Microsoft but they do gain more and more ground with their IP’s each year. Look for videos of the new Assassin’s Creed, Sly Cooper 4, The Last of Us, The Last Guardian, God of War: Ascension, and the newly announced All Star Battle Royal. The Last of Us and All Star Battle Royal will be the highlight of the unreleased games during the press conference. The big push will not only reinforce why gamers choose the wide variety of exclusive games on the PS3 but will also focus on the Vita. Vita sales are less than what Sony would like them to be and gamers need a reason to go out and buy a Vita. I would recommend that Sony get Kevin Butler to do this segment as if anyone could get people pumped about buying anything gamer related it would be him. Expect Kevin to make an appearance at the conference and just like his appearance in 2010 people to be hanging on his every word. Vita will be seeing a price drop due to lackluster sales in the range of $50-$100. PS Move seems to be something that didn’t and still hasn’t caught on. Move will be mentioned but not to very much extent. Sony has been rumored in doing a strictly streaming based form of gaming sort of like onlive, I expect to see more details announced as to what exactly is in the works. With the PS3 still strong and the Vita in need of more sales it would not be smart for Sony to announce a new system at E3. I do not expect that this will be in the arsenal for Sony
All eyes are on the Big N this conference with buzz and hype all centered on Wii U. The name is here to stay as recent pictures of the tablet controller have the Wii U branded logo all over it. People want to know what it is, what the intended way to play this new system is, and what the recently leaked Rayman Legends trailer with Wii U means. (For those of you who do not know there was a trailer that showed putting action figures on the Wii U tablet controller and being recognized on the screen as an item, possibly game, or character. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSlccZt5O2o ) Consumers will see a release date of Early 2013 and no price point yet. There will be announced 1st and 3rd party games for the system possibly in the realm of Metroid, Mario, and Super Smash and how these games will work with the new tablet controller. Pikmin 3 along with the New Super Mario Bros 2 and the popular upcoming 3DS titles like Paper Mario and Luigi’s Mansion 2. And last as always we will be graced by the wonderful and charismatic personality of Reggie Fils-Aime. Who always manages to bore and annoy the crap out of me every E3 press conference.
With Predictions also comes the most anticipated already expected stuff that here at The Gamer’s Abstract are itching to know more about or can’t wait to see. Below is a list of what we here at TGA will be looking out for. Those things would be:
Castlevania DS and Lords of Shadows
Wii U (We want to know wtf this thing is)
Kevin Butler as always makes a great addition
Paper Mario and Luigi’s Mansion 2
Bioshock infinite
Resident Evil 6
Tomb Raider
Assassin’s Creed 3
The biggest shocker prediction to hit E3:
Valve will finally man up and announce Half-Life 3
What do you think will happen at E3? Post your comments in the section below and remember to follow us on http://www.facebook.com/thegamersabstract
I am not a self-proclaimed Zelda fanatic, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy what the franchise has to offer. I have dabbled in almost every entry in the famed Nintendo series, including the newest one; Skyward Sword. I can’t explain my relationship with this game being anything short of bi-polar. I am either completely enamored with a session or find myself exploring vast amounts of tedium that makes me almost not want to push forward with the game. I don’t know why I feel this way, I just do.
Through my 20+ hours that I have invested into Skyward Sword I have seen and done many things that I have truly enjoyed and conversely haven’t enjoyed. A small but present pet peeve with Skyward Sword is the constant recalibration of the Wii Motion Plus. I have had to recalibrate my controller at least 30 times per session (I could even be low balling it). I understand why it was used and how it is supposed to be incorporated into the gameplay, but it seems like none of the issues with it were resolved prior to the game’s release. Alright so the controls can be awful at times, but I have other issues with the game.
Since when did completing a simple task turn into an outline for a doctoral dissertation? Maybe I have become so disconnected with the series that I forgot how these games actually work. There are so many mini objectives that must be completed before you can even see a glimpse of progress and it really hurts the game’s pacing. I for one do not enjoy undertaking menial tasks to complete what should be a simple objective. Some of the design choices when it comes to mission structure baffle me and feel like they are included just to add length, but not necessarily add depth. Those parts of the game are extremely frustrating to the core, but thankfully not everything is like that.
Some missions that at first glance had me shaking my head were quickly converted into enjoyable experiences. The earliest instance of this was when you are tasked with finding your missing Loftwing. This had originally elicited less than favorable emotions, but shortly after the mission started I realized that there were dual purposes. Yes, one was to find Link’s missing Loftwing, but a subtle second was to better familiarize you with the controls (which do take some getting used to), Skyloft and its inhabitants. My enthusiasm regarding Skyward Sword is very delicate and clings onto this pendulum that constantly swings me back and forth. I have yet to establish a happy medium within the confines of this game and maybe it will never happen, but I will see this adventure through to the end.
My time with Skyward Sword is far from over and colleagues of mine tell me that my future travels within the Skyward-verse are going to be a more fruitful endeavor; here’s to hoping. Are you enjoying Skyward Sword immensely and just think I’m crazy? Or are you experiencing similar conflicts with your time with the game? Sound off in the comments section and as always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.
The Legend of Zelda has always been a series that has never had voice dialogue. Some folks on the internet speculate that it is tradition to not have it, that it would ruin the game, or sometimes even a combination of the two form one’s argument. Others will say that Link is a stoic hero or the strong silent type and that he need not speak because his actions speak volumes of their own (so cliché, but applicable). Granted up until Ocarina of Time voice dialogue wouldn’t have been an option anyways because of hardware/software limitations, but I have a theory as to why Link doesn’t speak and I’d like to share it with you.
"Huut, huut, waaah, wwahah, HYAAH" Using Google Translate that means "Hi I am Link, would you like a cup of tea?"
It has been over a decade since Link has entered 3D space and for over ten years you have been rewarded for somersaulting into shit. I’m about 10 hours into Skyward Sword and have probably rolled into more shit for a rupee than Wilt Chamberlain has banged chicks (THAT’S A LOT OF ROLLING FOLKS). Link can be the strong silent type that we all think he is; I just think the poor guy has some serious brain damage. His cerebral functions have been ravaged for years and the only discernible sounds we get out of him are Neanderthalic grunts and “HYAAHS”. Besides rolling into various things, the dude has been tucking and rolling off of 20 foot ledges for just as long. Why? Why does the game design force us to maim our valiant hero? Who knows, but our beloved Link is more or less a functional retard, but I still love him and boy can he wield a mean sword.
So strong, so silent, the ladies go crazy for him, one in particular, HIZAHH!!!
Tradition, Personality, or brain damage are all plausible options for the silent treatment from one of gaming’s most notable heroes, but will we truly ever know? I’m guessing not, but dialogue aside Link will continue to persevere through any obstacle that is thrown at him, unless it’s a spelling bee, then he is fucked.
The most "animated" version of Link, stil not a peep
As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.
Cold Blooded killer
Battle 4 is over and the Nintendo 64 is our victor. The N64 is ruthless, killed his own brother the Gamecube. Well one of them had to die, but anyways Battle 5 is between the 128-bit juggernauts the Playstation 2 and the Xbox. You can factor in the controller variants for this one if you would like. So I should say PS2 vs. Xbox (fat boy and controller s). The voting is live and will run up until tonight at Midnight (so don’t wait too long). Happy Thanksgiving to all that celebrate it and check back tomorrow for Battle 5 results and a Battle 6 announcement. As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.
A timeless design
Battle 3 is over in the Video Game Controller DEATHMATCH. The Sony Playstation won this battle unopposed (literally, the Saturn got no votes). This display of utter ass-kickery might be a sign of things to come for future battles, but only you can decide that. The next Battle is between two brothers from the same mother. The Nintendo 64 and Nintendo Gamecube have a battle with destiny today folks and the voting will end tonight at Midnight so go vote now. Check back tomorrow (I know its Thanksgiving, but I’ll still be writing) for the next battle. As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.
Some people worry about technical specs and some worry about what the launch titles for a new system will be and while both are important and worthy of discussion I am more concerned with another topic in regards to the next generation of hardware; what approach will the Big 3 take in terms of a target market? This generation we saw both the casual and hardcore gaming markets expand; especially the casual. This generation successfully made gaming accessible to anyone from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between. But is the casual market becoming too important to hardware manufacturers? I’d say yes and no and here is why. The Wii ushered in a new way to play games, but at the same time tapped a demographic that had never been tapped prior to its inception. Casual gaming was an idea that had been tossed around, but was really never taken seriously or seen as a viable platform for companies to embrace (the original Eye Toy for example). The Wii kicked conventional and traditional gaming models in the teeth and really established the casual market. The casual market exploded once the Wii took off and became the hottest item to have and not only made casual gaming fun it also put the whole industry on notice. Companies like Microsoft and Sony had to rethink their approach in regards to casual gaming and it came down to either sinking or swimming. Enter the Kinect and Playstation Move; casual gaming options on hardcore platforms, a huge moment for both companies respectively. Where the Wii originally had almost a complete lock on the casual market, Microsoft and Sony had swooped in and staked their claim. Both the Kinect and Move have seen proper and poor integration of their alternative playing options (just like the Wii), but casual gaming is only part of the equation, and like I said earlier I think it is important, but also it is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted or milked excessively.
The future could be in the Kinect's sights
A balance must be struck, but I think it is going to be more of a juggling act. We saw two consoles [Xbox 360 and PS3] have individual identity crisis’s because of how pervasive casual gaming became. They sought to change everything they stood for to cater to a new market and I will not chastise them for it. It was a necessary move (no pun intended) in order to bridge the gap between their two audiences. Gaming is big business and you need to be well versed in all disciplines to remain competitive. I just want them to remember that there are two sides to the coin and that a hybrid market needs to be implemented in order to satisfy the gaming community at large.
There is a lot riding on this for Nintendo
With the Wii U already on the table and nothing really concrete on Xbox 720 or PS4 yet it is hard to tell how each will approach this next console generation. The Wii U seems to be treading on familiar ground like its predecessor, but I don’t think that will not be enough to sustain Nintendo for another cycle. I remain hopeful for Nintendo though. The Kinect is a really cool piece of tech that will more than likely be integrated into their next platform mainly because of its late start. The Move might have life after the PS3, but that is completely contingent on what Sony’s main focus is. The Move hasn’t really seen anything too stunning, but maybe that can change with a new piece of hardware. I am pretty confident that all three major consoles will have motion controlling options, but how they are integrated will make or break the bank. The next year will undoubtedly be very interesting and I hope that no matter what approach the Big 3 take they do not alienate anyone in the process, because that wouldn’t be very nice, would it?
Will Sony "Move" on after PS3?
How do you feel about casual gaming? Do you enjoy it or do you prefer a more traditional gaming experience? If you were one of the Big 3 how would you handle this dilemma? Sound off in the comments section and let us know what you think. As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.
Technology is improving and developers are innovating faster than people could have dreamed a decade ago, and I’m right up there with my fellow gamers giving a standing ovation. But there’s something else I’ve noticed that is possibly changing as fast or faster and that is audience expectation.
We’ve all heard complaints in reviews or played games where a lack of change from one installment to the next killed the experience, or too drastic a change did just the same. It’s a fine line when making a sequel (or prequel, reboot, side story, parallel universe, etc.) The ideas behind the shifts are usually exciting but the execution so far has been mixed at best. If every idea had the pizzazz and success of a Mario title (Galaxy, Paper, Sunshine) we could all rest easy. But for every Starfox 64 there’s a Sonic Unleashed (cheap shot, I know. But tell me I’m wrong.)
And yet every year developers feel more pressured and we get more restless (I do anyway.) More often than not I’d say they do quite well for themselves (Metroid Prime series, every Zelda title.) It’s even more [pleasantly] surprising when they just bring a game back to what made it great so many years before (DK, Kirby, Sonic 4, Rayman.)
And yet from fans to paid reviewers I’ve never heard such a massive outcry for innovation from one game to the next as I have lately. I was recently privy to an argument where I could barely believe how heated people got debating whether or not Skyward Sword would be worth playing or whether it was too stale to waste one’s time on. There was borderline vehemence from some toward the topic (and each other.) It was all pretty ridiculous considering that Nintendo has never dropped the ball in 25 years of Zelda games, but there it was.
Equally surprising were two mentions I saw in Game Pro magazine. It was actually asked if Halo (5 main games, one RTS mind you) would jump the shark (their words) with Halo 4. The other I almost think was a joke. They said that the next God Of War should exclude 4 things: needless puzzles (fine, but they didn’t explain any further,) Kratos’ blind rage at Zeus (the impetus for 2 & 3, irrelevant since Zeus is dead, but still a large part of our unfriendly Ghost,) larger and larger bosses and gameplay segments (some of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen done in any medium; yeah, let’s just throw those out,) and Greek gods (……………)
Needless to say I take little or no stock in Game Pro anymore.
By the time you read this most of you will have had some time with Skyward Sword. Whether you think a new world, characters and gameplay would be a more welcome sight or you get dizzy every time you think you see a Triforce in a news update, chances are you’ve enjoyed it. And that’s what’s important: enjoying games. Unless you’re easily bored or impossibly hard to please you know a good game when you see one and will play it without hesitation, even if you know those characters better than your family. So stop whining and play!
You might be beginning to think that we hate Nintendo here at TGA. Trust me, that isn’t the case and this article is of genuine interest and concern. The idea for this article actually spawned out of a video game discussion forum that I moderate. One of my good friends and contributors was wondering “What happened to F-Zero on the Wii?” and that got me thinking about other potential franchises Nintendo had neglected on the Wii. The best-selling console that Nintendo has ever had also was missing three of their more well-known franchises. F-Zero, Wave Race and Star Fox did not have Wii iterations (VC doesn’t count, sorry). After almost 5 years you would have thought that Nintendo would have dipped their feet in every franchise pool, but I guess it just wasn’t in the cards and begs the question; why these franchises and not others?
This is as close to a Wii version of these games we will probably see *Sigh*
The three aforementioned franchises are certainly not Nintendo’s biggest hitters, but to not have any presence is a bit unsettling. Nintendo surely could have pleased the fans of these franchises with at least one title per and maybe more depending on reception. To simply skip over them is very un-Nintendo like in my eyes as they, more so than most companies rely heavily on their first party titles. F-Zero, Wave Race, and Star Fox could have had killer titles created and probably utilized the Wii’s control scheme super effectively; maybe even better than some things that were made. So why did these games never come to fruition? I speculated that maybe the Gamecube versions of these games were suppose to hold fans over for 10 years. A more likely scenario is not enough time, money or interest in the titles. These could all be possible answers and maybe just maybe we will get an answer one day.
With that being said Nintendo has solid franchises and needs to allocate development time to all of them properly and maybe make less Mario sports games. I’m sorry, every minute spent developing the Mario sports games could have been consolidated into making a really amazing F-Zero, Wave Race, or Star Fox title instead of making a bunch of really mediocre Mario games, because that is all they really were folks. Would you be willing to trade a little less exploitation of the Mario property to gain titles from three other franchises? I sure as hell would. With that little rant aside, Nintendo is hopefully more poised to churn out a complete lineup on the Wii U and not skip over beloved franchises such as the ones mentioned.
What do you think of this act of negligence on Nintendo’s behalf? Was it an act of negligence to you or a warranted maneuver? Is it okay that these franchises we skipped over? Are there any other major titles not given the Wii treatment that we missed? Sound off in the comments section and let us know how you feel about this because we would like to know. As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.
The Gamer's Abstract 