E3 Expectations
June 6th, 2011 by Samodean
We’re just a couple short hours away from the start of this year’s E3 festivities.
This year, Joe and I will be plugged into the greater online consciousness, pulling together all the best bits and bringing them together here. Before the fun starts, though, here’s what we’d most like to see.
Nintendo
Obviously, the new console; the Wii 2, Wii HD, Beem or whatever they’re calling it is Nintendo’s big gun this year. Personally, I’m having a hard time caring. The only way I’ll buy in to this hardware is if Nintendo can show solid third-party support with original, exclusive titles and OPTIONAL motion control.
The 3DS needs a boost in its software lineup. Right now, many of the top titles are ports; it’s time for Nintendo to do what they do best and make some games. I’d be interested in seeing a 3D Paper Mario or old-school-style Legend of Zelda, games that can do unique things with the technology. Show me 3D Professor Layton and I’m sold. It’s probable too early to look for a price drop announcement, though.
I’d like to see more to Legend of Zelda: The Skyward Sword than just a collection of motion-control gimmicks.
Sony
The biggest thing I DON’T want to see is an endless amount of network security talk. Admit to the screwup, talk a bit about what you’ve done to make sure it won’t happen again and move on. I’m tired of it.
Of course, Uncharted 3 and Twisted Metal are going to be the stars of the show. I’m hoping for see more out of their partnership with Valve, too.
The PS Vita, or whatever they’re calling the NGP now needs some concrete information. Primarily a price point; one that isn’t over $250.
Microsoft
Something other than Kinect and shooters. Kinect has sold a billion units, so it’s obviously going to be a big part of Microsoft’s strategy, but it seems that’s ALL they talked about last year. Gears of War 3 and whatever’s next for Halo should be the marquee titles this year, as well as their status as the primary platform for Modern Warfare 3. Still, it’s time for something different.
Would a new Mistwalker game be too much to ask for?
The PS3 destroyed the 360 for exclusive content last year, it was easily the best platform for many of the past year’s biggest releases, and not just because of graphics. Microsoft needs to work with their third parties to balance that back out.
Other
BioWare is going to be a big name this year. I’ve heard a lot of interesting things about Mass Effect 3, and I’d love to see some of it confirmed. They’ve been relatively silent about Dragon Age II since it’s launch, so I’d like to see them address many of the glaring issues in the game through an expansion or (free? please?) DLC. Star Wars: The Old Republic, launch and beta dates. It’s time.
Same for TERA Online.
BioShock Infinite. Lots of it.
Square’s going to be showing off a couple Final Fantasy XIII titles. Probably nothing more than shiny videos, but gameplay would be nice.
I’m a hopeless Assassin’s Creed fanboy at this point, so I’m hoping Revelations blows my mind.
Beyond Good & Evil 2? Pleeeeeeeaaaaaaase?
Of course, there’s plenty of other good titles to look out for, as well: Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Aliens: Colonial Marines, X-Men Destiny and Tomb Raider are just some of the other games sure to make waves this year.
