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Special Report: E3 2014

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Around this time last year, gamers were still scrutinizing the wealth of information provided about the Next-Gen consoles at E3 2013. Well here were are a year later and Next-Gen is now the current generation. However, the introduction of new consoles is often plagued by the same problem – namely a scarcity of new games to compel gamers to rush out to pick up the new consoles. While these new consoles are still less than a year old, E3 2014 served as a chance for game developers to showcase their upcoming projects and provide a much needed motivation to players.
(As always, apologies for the massive wall-o-text that follows..)

Microsoft
While many have heralded the Xbox One’s release as a monumental failure, the truth is that in less than a year it has sold over five million units. While this is less than the PS4, it is also not such a colossal disaster. However, there’s no denying that next to Sony’s press conference last year, Microsoft definitely fell short and needed to come out strong this year. Over the past few years, many felt that Microsoft focused too much on extraneous features of the Xbox 360 (and XBone) and the Kinect. This year Microsoft opened by announcing that this press conference would be all about games. Knowing their audience, the first game showcased was the new entry into the Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. While it’s nice to see CoD step outside the familiar scenarios and I am a large fan of science fiction, what’s been shown so far seems out of place and doesn’t entice me. The next segment focused on Forza and some new additions. While I can appreciate how nice racing games look aesthetically, I feel every presentation on them is too similar and they just don’t have the wide appeal necessary to merit such attention at shows like E3. Next up was a new game from the creators of Left4Dead, Evolve. In this game, groups of players can work to fight a strange hulking monster, or play as the monster. It sounds cool, but I think it’ll depend on how well they can balance the two sides. This game was followed by our first introduction to the next entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed: Unity. This game occurs in eighteenth century Paris during the French Revolution. The biggest reveal was that AC:U will have a number of missions that allow players to join other Assassins to complete co-op objectives. While we didn’t get to see a lot, what was shown seems to suggest that the better hardware of this generation will allow this entry to finally fulfill one of the major promises of the first AC game – massive crowds of citizens doing more than just walking around. It also appears to be an expansive and seamless game, allowing players to freely enter buildings and interact with objectives. However, during Ubisoft’s press conference later that day, they revealed that the combat, arguably the weakest element of the AC games, has not been improved and appears to still be built around the counter-kill mechanic. Microsoft followed this with a trailer for Dragon Age: Inquisition and then Sunset City. The biggest thing that I took from the Sunset City trailer was that it is a game that breaks away from the norms we’ve been seeing lately, which is honestly a nice sight to see. This was followed by a weird segment showcasing Dead Rising DLC meant to celebrate Capcom’s thirty-first anniversary. The obligatory dance game, Dance Central, was next, which was then followed by a segment about Fable Legends. Similar to Evolve, this game will allow players to work together or play as the villain and control the monsters the characters must face. To be honest, I can't help feeling such a game would work better on the WiiU, but maybe that's just me. Microsoft had a brief segment meant to highlight how well Project Spark has been embraced, but my main criticism of it (and other games like Little Big Planet) still holds – I’m just not creative enough to really enjoy a game like this. Microsoft then revealed a cute indie game, Ori and the Blind Forest, before devoting a lengthy segment to the Halo franchise. While the next game in the series, Halo 5: Guardians, will be released in 2015, 343 Studios finally formally unveiled the Master Chief Collection, a game containing the four numerical Halo games with Halo 2 receiving a graphical update. Additionally, every level will immediately be unlocked, meaning players can create their own custom playlists to enjoy their favorite moments. The game will also include every multiplayer level. Microsoft next showcased a minimalistic platformer called Insider before briefly touching on ID@Xbox – a program meant to make it easier for indie publishers to develop games for the XBone. The next game was a trailer for Rise of the Tomb Raider, the next prequel entry, and a segment on The Witcher 3. This was followed by Phantom Dust before Microsoft moved on to a new gameplay for The Division. While it still looks enticing, it looked very similar to last year’s material, and this game has yet to convince me I should invest in it instead of Destiny. The last two games Microsoft included were Scalebound, a medieval game that mixes magic with dragons, and Crackdown 3, which told me that I had missed Crackdown 2 somewhere along the line.. With that, after over ninety minutes, Microsoft’s E3 press conference drew to a close. While many here at BG have been overly critical of them, I’m willing to give Microsoft a more passing grade. Yes, many of their games relied on CG trailers and teasers rather than gameplay, and many of the games were shooters, but it was still a solid showing, miles improved on last year. That said, I also feel that they failed to provide a compelling argument for gamers to pick up an XBone this year.

Pros:
All about games
Assassin’s Creed co-op seems to work really well
Sunset City looks to be a fun and unique game
Master Chief Collection

Cons:
Too much CG/Teasers, not enough gamplay
Nothing really about Halo 5
Still no reason to pick up a XBone yet

Final Grade: C+


Sony
Last year, Sony gave, by many accounts, one of the best E3 presentations ever which was followed by a spectacular launch of the PS4. Going into this E3, Sony definitely had the momentum and the opportunity to use that to boost excitement and their position in the coming year. Sony opened with one of the games I was most excited for this E3, Destiny. They unveiled some new gameplay, announced that the Beta would start on July 17th for PlayStation players, and that there would be an Alpha for PS4 players this week. They also announced a gorgeous white PS4 bundle that is really tempting me to buy a PS4 earlier than I had originally planned. Next up was the spooky Order 1886. While I’m not personally very interested in this game, it does look like a promising new IP. An intriguing indie game called Entwined followed. Players control two souls in love which can never be together. While I initially thought this game would be a nice co-op experience, it apparently is all controlled by one player using both joysticks. Sony then showcased a standalone DLC for Infamous: Second Son which puts players in control of a female protagonist. They then moved on to Little Big Planet 3. I’ll admit that my interest in the LBP franchise waned after realizing I’m not creative enough to truly enjoy the games, but for those who do enjoy them, this game is set to offer new gameplay opportunities with the introduction of three new characters with differing abilities. For fans of Dark/Demon Souls, the next game shown, Bloodborne, generated a lot of hype. While no gameplay was shown, this PS4 exclusive set in a dark and gothic town appears to strongly resemble its predecessors – in a very good (and terrifying) way. Sony then showcased some gameplay from Farcry 4, which was revealed earlier at the Ubisoft press conference, a trailer for the humorous zombie game Dead Island 2, and then Battlefield Hardline. Sony touched on some Disney stuff before briefly returning to Destiny to talk about some of the exclusives for players who purchase the game on PS4. A hilarious trailer for Magicka 2 followed which really made me want to look into Magicka. This led into a brief segment on indie games. Similar to the showcase last year, this segment seemed to rely on the idea that there is such a variety of games offered that there should be something that appeals to everyone. Another terrifying trailer played next for Let It Die which was followed by a much calmer game, Abzû. All you need to know about Abzû is that it is an underwater game developed by a number of people who worked on 2012’s Journey. The next game shown is one that I’m hesitantly excited about, No Man’s Sky. This game is set to offer players an infinite universe with each player starting on a different planet and crafting their own narrative. If that wasn’t enough, the gameplay shown seems to offer seamless transitions from walking on land, to flying through the air, to soaring through space. I think the game is promising a lot of potential, and if it delivers, it will be spectacular. Sony took a brief break from the games to talk about the PlayStation Camera (being sure to take a few jabs at Microsoft), uploading videos to YouTube from the PS4, a PlayStation Now Beta which starts at the end of July, and to announce that the Vita TV, now known as PlayStation TV, will be coming everywhere. Personally, this last announcement was the biggest since it essentially guaranteed that I will never be buying a Vita. Sony returned to games with arguably the most gruesome and brutal trailer shown at E3, Mortal Combat X. This was followed by an announcement about a series based on the graphic novel Powers and the announcement of a Ratchet and Clank movie. Next up was the announcement that The Last of Us Remastered will be released on July 29th. It’s hard to believe that this time last year I was waiting for UPS to deliver my copy of this phenomenal game. For those who have not played it yet, first off, what’s wrong with you; but second, this needs to be a day one purchase. Sony then had a trailer for Metal Gear V: Phantom Pain. While I would have liked to see some more gameplay, I guess we saw that during the Microsoft press conference last year, so we know the game is more than just CG. Sony announced that GTA V is coming to the PS4 before switching gears to Arkham Knight. This started with a CG trailer before moving on to showcase some of the gameplay. Based on the little shown, I think it’s safe to say that Rocksteady has created a far superior Gotham to the one featured in Origins. We were also treated to a demonstration of the Batmobile in action, answering a number of questions about how it would feature into the game. The last game shown was Uncharted 4. While this was little more than a teaser, Naughty Dog’s record alone should tell you this will be an exceptional game. Sony’s press conference this year was strong, but it also had its dull moments in the middle. Ending with both Arkham and Uncharted was definitely a good call, although I am a little bitter that they once again chose not to include anything about Last Guardian. That said, a number of the most promising games look to be coming out in 2015, so I don’t imagine I’ll be picking up a PS4 this year. Then again, sexy white Destiny bundle…

Pros:
Destiny does look to be better on PlayStation
White PS4 Bundle
PlayStation TV means I don’t have to buy a Vita
No Man’s Sky looks promising
Arkham Knight is the Batman game we deserve
New Uncharted

Cons:
PlayStation TV means I don’t have to buy a Vita
No FFXV or KHIII this year
No Last Guardian
Still no reason to pick up a PS4 yet

Final Grade: B-


Nintendo
Unlike the PS4 and XBone, the WiiU has been available for over a year. And yet, it has still struggled to find its footing. While those who have picked one up have had occasional games to enjoy, for the majority of gamers, the WiiU has lacked a much needed system-seller. The release of Mario Kart 8 has finally given Nintendo some much needed momentum that they desperately needed to capitalize upon during E3. This year again, Nintendo opted for a Nintendo Direct rather than a formal press conference. While some have been critical of this decision, it allowed Nintendo to have the most hilarious E3 presentation ever. Of course, the first game(s) shown was Smash. Nintendo began by revealing that players would finally be able to play as Miis this time around. There are three types of Miis with a wide variety of moves that can be selected by the player to customize their fighter. Nintendo also announced amiibo, their take on Skylanders/Disney Infinity. While Nintendo claims there is more to these figures than what was briefly shown, they failed to really describe how they would work outside of Smash, so I’m a little hesitant to say anything one way or another. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be spending far too much money on them... Next up was Yoshi’s Wooly World, a game that shares a visual lineage with Kirby’s Epic Yarn. This appears to be more detailed and equally adorable. To be honest though, I think I want one of those adorable yarn Yoshis more than I want this game. The next game Nintendo revealed was Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Introduced in the Mario Galaxy games, this Toad finally has branched out into his own game. While I wasn’t too excited during the Nintendo Direct, watching the game played later that day definitely helped me see the potential of this game. Nintendo’s next segment was the one I was most excited for, the reveal of a new Zelda. While this game does not resemble the Zelda tech demo from 2012, it still looks gorgeous. We unfortunately did not get a lot from this reveal beyond a view of a wide open Hyrule Field which was later revealed to not be prerendered, but was running on the game engine. Aonuma’s promises of a wide open Hyrule definitely have me excited for the next entry in this franchise. Next up was a brief trailer for the upcoming remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire which are full 3D remakes with even more mega Pokémon. Nintendo then revealed that Bayonetta 2 will be coming out in October and come packaged with the original Bayonetta. Hyrule Warriors was the next game on the docket. Nintendo revealed that players would be able to play as both Midna and Zelda, that the game would have two player split-screen, and will be released on September 26th. While I’ve never really played any of the Dynasty Warriors games, I know I’ll be picking this one up since it’s a Zelda game; I know nothing will be canon; and I know that I’ll be pouring an obscene amount of time into completing everything I can in the game. Nintendo then announced a new Kirby game where Kirby appears to be a pink ball of clay before moving onto Project X, now known as Xenoblade Chronicles X. Those who read my review of Xenoblade Chronicles for the Wii should know how excited I am for this game. While the trailer during the Nintendo Direct was electrifying, actually seeing some gameplay later that day was just icing on the cake. Unfortunately this game will not be out till 2015, but I know it will be well worth the wait. Nintendo then unveiled Mario Maker, a game that will allow gamers to create their own Mario levels. Next up, Nintendo showed off a non-traditional first person shooter called Splatoon. In this game, players play as squids which can change into people and which reminded me of the Kids Next Door. While the initial trailer wasn’t extremely enticing, watching the game in action made it actually look like a lot of fun. Nintendo then returned to Smash, revealing that Lady Palutena from Kid Icarus would be a playable character. To be honest, more than anything, this reveal made me wish Nintendo would create a Smash anime... Finally, Nintendo closed by briefly teasing a new Star Fox game. And by briefly, I mean it wasn’t even in focus on screen. Overall, I actually believe that Nintendo did a good job of using the success of MK8 to build a lot of excitement for the WiiU. Unfortunately, similar to both Microsoft and Sony, a lot of games they revealed that I really want will not be out till 2015 (and I imagine late 2015 at that). That said, there were definitely a number of games shown this year that I’m looking forward which is an enormous improvement over last year.

Pros:
Gorgeous new Zelda!!
New Smash characters
Xenoblade Chronicles X continues to look phenomenal
Hyrule Warriors this Fall
Did I mention there’s a new Zelda??

Cons:
The games I’m most exited for are in 2015
Not sure how much has been done on the new Zelda
Didn’t really show Star Fox
No new Metroid No new Metroid shown
What is amiibo???

Final Grade: B


Game of E3: Xenoblade Chronicles X
Normally it’s very clear which game I’m most excited for at the end of E3. To be honest, I was somewhat torn this year on which game made the strongest impression. On one hand was the standout from last year, Bungie’s Destiny. While the content shown during E3 wasn’t exactly noteworthy, the amount of information coming from players who have been enjoying the Alpha this week has sounded tantalizing and promising. However, after some thought, for me, the game that made the strongest impression at E3 would have to be Xenoblade Chronicles X. Nintendo showcased gorgeous graphics and phenomenal gameplay on the WiiU, strongly reminiscent of its predecessor. Admittedly, it’s not going to be out till 2015, so there’s no urgency forcing gamers to rush out and pick up a WiiU now, but if they haven’t by the time it comes out, everything that was shown about Xenoblade indicates that this will be a must play game.


So there you have it, one gamer’s thoughts on E3 2014. There was a lot of information and takeaways from this year’s E3, but the biggest thing I saw was the preponderance of open world games that were revealed this year. Perhaps it’s a sign that the hardware has advanced to the point where game developers can finally create immersive environments for gamers to truly get lost. That said, what were your thoughts on this year’s E3? What game made the biggest impression on you? Was there a game that surprised you and became a day one purchase? I’ll admit that I’m not especially excited for 2014, but this year's E3 has definitely made me eager for 2015.

Comments

  1. theshun -
    theshun's Avatar
    I agree with the grades. As for Xbone sales, I don't think they've broken the 3.5M SOLD mark. They've SHIPPED 5M+ and sold-in to retailers, not to customers. March they did 311k and April was 115k and their last official statement gave a 3M sold in Feb.