Friday, June 5, 2009

E3 2009: Roundup

Keep checking back at this page, which will be floated to the top throughout the week, to find the latest news on all the games at E3 in alphabetical order. Instead of cluttering up the blog with a mountain of trailers (on top of the two trailer posts already published), instead posted below will be links to trailers, gameplay videos, screenshots, and previews. Also be sure to check out the dedicated write-ups for the Big Three press conferences: Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo; these contain information beyond just the games. Oh, and rest assured that every game on this list shows potential; not to say that many of these won't end up being bad, but if they look bad already then they are not on this list.


Alan Wake (Xbox 360)
Description: The long-gestating supernatural survival-horror-action game from Max Payne 1 & 2 developer Remedy. Yea, that's a mouthful. Just watch the linked trailer, particularly the gameplay vid, to see whats up.
Preview: 1up,

Aliens vs. Predator (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: A completely new take on the franchise(s) featuring gameplay from the Aliens, the Predators, and even Marines, as well as specific modes to take advantage of the different styles of paly.
Preview: 1up,

APB: All Points Bulletin (Xbox 360)
Description: APB is an MMO being developed by Real Time Worlds, the studio that gave us Crackdown and headed by the man that created Grand Theft Auto. This game is along those lines, albeit in MMO form.
Preview: 1up

Assassin's Creed II (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: The sequel to Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed, which garned heavily mixed reviews (for the record, I thought it was absolutely phenomenal). The second installment is set in 15th Century Italy, a.k.a. during the Renaissance, and reportedly the staff includes upwards of 400 people.
Preview: IGN, 1up

Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: Finally, a really, really good looking superhero game, this one being set on the titular Arkham Asylum island, where Batman is trapped and the Joker has run amok and created havok. All sorts of other big Bat-villains are included, including Poison Ivy, Bane, Harley Quinn, and much more. Developer Rocksteady looks to have a hit on their hands come September, and props for doing a legit game rather than a Dark Knight cash-in.

Bayonetta (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: An action game from the new Platinum Games, makers of MadWorld and consisting of members of the former Clover Studios. This game is also being headed by Hideki Kamiya, creator of Devil May Cry and director of Resident Evil 2, Okami, and Viewtiful Joe. Kamiya has stated that he believes the action genre has not evolved since the original DMC and that his aim with Bayonetta is to truly revolutionize action games.
Video:
Preview: 1up

The Beatles: Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)
Description: Pretty self-explanatory... the title is a Beatles-focused Rock Band game. It will also feature Beatles downloadable songs post-release and supporting up to 3 microphones at the same time. It has also been confirmed that this is a separate entity from the "Rock Band Platform" (aka Rock Band 1 & 2), and thus downloadable songs will NOT be cross-compatible.
Preview: 1up

BioShock 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: Developed by 2K Marin and set 10 years after the events of the first game, BioShock 2 puts you in the shoes of the very first Big Daddy prototype. The E3 presence seems to be focused more on the multiplayer aspect of the game, which is being handled by Digital Extreme, who's responsible for the PS3 port of the original.
Preview: 1up

Borderlands (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: From Gearbox Software, perhaps most well known for its Brothers in Arms series. Borderlands isn't really anything like those game other than it is also an FPS, but Gearbox is positioning it as an open-world FPS infused with RPG elements such as character customization, weapon customization (over 650,000 potential permutations!), quest/mission-based gameplay, etc. Throw in the newly-implemented cell-shaded art style and you have one of the most unique games at the show.
Video:
Preview: 1up,

Brink (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: The latest project from Splash Damage, perhaps best known for Enemy Territory: Quake Wars. The game focuses on multiplayer and features two campaigns: the Resistance and the Security Forces. The premise is a world where global warming has caused the seas to swallow up all the land save for one giant "megalopolis".
Preview: 1up

Brutal Legend (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: The latest project from Double Fine and legendary designer Tim Schafer. It stars Jack Black as Eddie Riggs, a roadie trapped in a heavy metal-themed fantasy world. Other rockers, including Ozzy Osbourne, have been confirmed as cast members as well.
Video:
Preview: 1up

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: Another try at making a good succesful 3D Castlevania, but this one is taking a decidedly different approach. The legendary Hideo Kojima is overseeing the project, which is being developed in Madrid by Mercury Steam. Kojima claims that the title's goal is to re-envision the series, which from the trailer looks like a much more narrative-heavy, action-oriented affair. How it turns out should be interesting and its interesting how this new direction will compare to the more traditional attempts that failed.

Crackdown 2 (Xbox 360)
Description: The sequel to the open-world superhero cop game by Real Time Worlds, though this one is being developed by newly-established Ruffian Games.

Crysis 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: Sequel to the PC-exclusive title known for its stunning graphics. Crysis 2 marks Crytek's first foray into console development and is being built on the brand-new CryENGINE 3, which promises to be "3 to 5 times" more realistic than Crysis' CryENGINE 2.

Darksiders (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: An under-the-radar game that turned many heads for those who tried it on the show floor. The concept is that you play as War, one of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse that comes to Earth trying to find out why the end of the world happened without him. Gameplay-wise, its been described as a mature, violent, and slightly gothic take on The Legend of Zelda. That's one series you definitely want to be compared to. Save your holiday gift cards and ring in 2010 when it drops on January 1.
Preview: 1up

DiRT 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: The sequel to the late Colin McRae's hit rally racer, featuring a brand-new graphics engine. Look for this slick racer in September.

Dragon Age: Origins (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: Developer BioWare is using their experience creating the Baldur's Gate series to work in this brand-new fantasy RPG, set in an original world that could be described as similar to Lord of the Rings, though perhaps even darker (and definitely different).

Fallout 3: Point Lookout (Xbox 360, PC)
Description: The fourth expansion to last year's best game. Watch the trailer to see the different vibe that Lookout is going for, then download it June 23. Also coming in late July or early August: the Mothership Zeta expansion, featuring aliens!

Final Fantasy XIII (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: Another long-in-development title, this one from Square Enix. A PS3 demo was recently released in Japan and Microsoft showed it running on 360 for the first time at its press conference. Look for it to finally hit in Spring 2010, following a Fall 2009 Japanese release.
Preview: 1up,

Final Fantasy XIV Online (PlayStation 3, PC, [rumored for Xbox 360 also but not confirmed])
Description: The latest Final Fantasy, this one an MMO and sequel to Final Fantasy XI, not to be confused with the "main" series entry FF XIII. Still funny that they will be released so closely, though. But where is Versus?

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii)
Description: A new FF:CC for Wii, now featuring MotionPlus support. Other than that and the fact that its been in development for awhile, I don't really know that much, so just watch the trailer.

Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360)
Description: The latest entry in Microsoft's simulation racing series, which many have labeled as a direct answer to Sony's Gran Turismo (a very valid claim). The latest will hit in October and feature roll-overs, something notably absent from the GT series.

God of War III (PlayStation 3)
Description: The third and final act of Sony Santa Monica's acclaimed action series, releasing in March 2010. Looks even bloodiers and gorier than the past entries, and one word pretty much sums it up: amazing.
Preview: 1up

Golden Sun DS (DS)
Description: The acclaimed RPG franchise re-emerges with a new title for Nintendo DS.

Gran Turismo 5 (PlayStation 3)
Description: Facing stiff competition from Forza 3, Polyphony Digital's long-in-development racing sim now features NASCAR (perhaps why EA Sports stopped making them?) in addition to the usual rally cars and hundreds of production cars.

Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)
Description: Read here if you wanna know exactly what it is. But basically, its an expansion for Halo 3 featuring a new campaign in which you do not play as Master Chief. It will drop September 22 and also include all Halo 3 multiplayer maps as well as a new set of 3, not to metion a beta key for...
Preview: 1up, IGN

Halo: Reach (Xbox 360)
Description: ...this game. Microsoft announced it with a brief teaser at their press conference. All that's really known is that it's likely a prequel to the entire series set during the Fall of Reach. Personally, I believe this will be a full-fledged title in lieu of a "Halo 4" as opposed to an expansion like ODST.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier (PSP, PlayStation 2)
Description: Not much to be said other than what is described in the title. It appears to feature a Jak before he goes all dark and weird in Jak II though.

The Last Guardian (PlayStation 3)
Description: The latest project from Team Ico, the studio behind adored gems ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. This is the newest game in the series and looks equally as crazy.

Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360, PC)
Description: The sequel to one of the big games of 2008 will be released November 17. It will feature 5 new campaigns, new weapons, new zombies, all 3 modes available for the original and one unrevealed one on top.
Preview: IGN

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS)
Description: Sequel to The Phantom Hourglass and once again featuring the art style from Wind Waker. The game promises to be less repetitive and uses a train system to get around the world rather than the boats.

The Legend of Zelda 2010 [not actual name] (Wii)
Description: honestly, its easier if you just read this. Pray that they sack up and do require MotionPlus because it will be that amazing game fans were hoping for when the Wii controller was originally announced.

Madden NFL 10 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)
Description: What makes this year's Madden different? Well it features the new ProTak system for realistic blocking and gang tackles, as well as "co-op" franchise mode and a fully-online-enabled franchise mode that can even be managed via the web or an iPhone app.

MAG (PlayStation 3)
Description: Being developed by Zipper Interactive, the original makers of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALS. The big feature about this game is that it sports 256 multiplayer action. That is not a typo.

Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360, PC)
Description: The sequel to BioWare's amazing 2006 sci-fi RPG, pegged to be released in "early 2010" (though given BioWare's track record, we may have to wait longer than that). Is Shepard dead or isn't he? Watch the trailers to find out.
Preview: IGN

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)
Description: It's being worked on by Hideo Kojima himself and most of the MGS4 team as is positioned as a "true" sequel in the Metal Gear franchise, set 10 years after Metal Gear Solid 3 in 1974 and featuring Big Boss during his creation of Outer Haven.

Metal Gear Solid: Rising (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: The project that Kojima has been teasing for about a month, featuring Raiden. Presumably, the game is more action-oriented than its Snake-centered counterparts given the title's "Lightning Bolt Action" tagline instead of the usual "Stealth Espionage Action".

Metroid: Other M (Wii)
Description: A surprise announcement from Nintendo is this brand new game from Team NINJA, the folks behind the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises. This game looks to be much more action-oriented and the Japanese influence is definitely visible compared to Retro Studios' Prime series. Watch the trailer to see what looks a lot like a Metroid game that plays like Ninja Gaiden... though hopefully troublesome camera issues don't carry over as well.
Interview: 1up,

Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Description: The sequel to Infinity Ward's celebrated Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Really enough can't be said about this game, so just check out the videos below.
Preview: IGN

Need for Speed Shift (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: A new direction for the NFS franchise featuring more realistic racing that is comparable to GRID or PGR. The game also emphasizes its cockpit view, and its being developed by the makers of GTR.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
Description: A new 2D platformer featuring 3D graphics in the vein of the smash-hit DS title of the same name. On the Wii, the game will feature brand-new levels and 4-player co-op, though offline only.
Video: 'E3 2009' trailer,
Preview: IGN,

NHL 10 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Description: The latest entry in what has since 07 been a perennial Sports Game of the Year contender, the 2010 edition features full-on fighting and authentic board play.

PROJECT NATAL (Xbox 360)
Description: Microsoft's revolutionary motion-sensing, voice-recognition, and visual-scanning technology. It's hard to grasp the significance without seeing it, so definitely watch the demo videos, ESPECIALLY the "Milo" demo. Its actual release is probably a ways off still, but check out the future potential of the Xbox 360.
Preview: IGN

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time (PlayStation 3)
Description: The direct sequel to last years Quest for Booty, itself a mini-sequel to 2007's Tools of Destruction. In this adventure Ratchet continues his search for Clank with an unexpected source of help and finds out that he is not the only lombax left in the galaxy after all.

Red Steel 2 (Wii)
Description: The sequel to the Wii launch title that was praised for its concept but lauded for its execution. This game will be bundled with the MotionPlus technology that is necessary to play it. Basically, the game features both swordplay and first-person shooting.
Video:
Preview: IGN

Scribblenauts (DS)
Description: Possibly the most impressive thing since sliced bread. Or at least Elite Beat Agents. Basically, think of a noun--any noun--no really, like literally any frickin noun you can think of. That object is in the game. Solve 220 environment-based puzzles using...whatever you think of. Need to chop down a tree? Use a chainsaw. Or a flamethrower. Or use a ladder to climb to the top. Or, crash an airplane into it. Anything you can think of. Impressive. Watch the videos.
Preview: 1up

Shadow Complex (Xbox Live Arcade)
Description: What seems to be the next big thing for the Xbox Live Arcade, courtesy of Epic-owned Chair Entertainment, better known as makers of Undertow. The game has been described as Metroid-esque and features detailed 3D graphics on a 2D plane, with 3D segments. The story is based on Orson Scott Card's Empire series.
Preview: 1up, Joystiq

Splinter Cell: Conviction (Xbox 360)
Description: The fifth title in the Splinter Cell series has been completely revamped from the build shown 3 years ago. This new version of Sam Fisher is much more badass, brutal, and very reminiscent of Jack Bauer and Jason Bourne. It also appears to be more action-oriented, with stealh being a weapon rather than a restriction. Watch the videos below to see for yourself.
Preview: IGN

Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)
Description: A new MMO by BioWare based in the Knights of the Old Republic era. BioWare describes the game as "KOTOR 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9..." and will feature various playable classes. The trailer linked is bad-ass. Watch it. Now.
Preview: 1up,

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Description: Nintendo surprised the crowd at their press conference with the announcement of a sequel to the 2007 hit. Though no release date or window was given, the game does look pretty far along. Expect it this fall barring any major development hiccups. Oh and... Yoshi's in it!

Tony Hawk: Ride (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)
Description: Basically a reboot of the Tony Hawk series (since Skate blew it out of the water). The latest features a skateboard-like peripheral that you realistically interact on like a real skateboard.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)
Description: The continuing adventures of Nathan Drake developed by the folks over at Naughty Dog. This time Drake is searching for the treasure of Marco Polo. In addition to the campaign, there will be 3 player co-op as well as a full-fledged multiplayer mode.
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