Added: 22.06.2015 22:53 | 21 views | 0 comments

Bethesda Deserves its Own Press Conference

2015 was the first year Bethesda held a dedicated E3 press conference, and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park. Between Fallout 4, Doom, and Dishonored 2, the company showcased terrific footage for its new lineup, and above all, focused purely on games. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo could learn a new trick or two from them.

Microsoft Continues to Rely on Halo and Gears of War

The military shooter remains the centerpiece of Microsoft's console strategy. Like clockwork, you can count on a Halo or Gears title to appear at E3, and both Halo 5: Guardians and Gear of War 4 had strong showings this year, proving that Microsoft's mainstays still attract massive audiences.

Nintendo Debuts Cool Puppets

Nintendo had several cool titles on display at E3, including Super Mario Maker and Star Fox Zero, but most of their big games had already been announced a year ago. But don't count them out yet, though. Nintendo has always had sporadic E3 appearances, often hiding great games for late year surprises.

Sony Banks on Nostalgia and Thrills its Hardcore Supporters

For years, fans have been clamoring for a new Shenmue game and an HD remake of Final Fantasy VII. These games often felt more like wistful daydreams than realistic requests, which helps explain the fervor when Sony actually announced both projects this year at its press conference. Both games are largely goodwill gestures, showing that Sony and Square Enix care about their most dedicated fans. (Photo: Corbis)

VR Spends Another Year in Gestation

It was no contest: some of the longest lines at E3 this year were for hands-on demos of Sony's Project Morpheus and the Oculus Rift. Both companies had a variety of intriguing games on display, but they seem to be playing a game of chicken, hoping to perfect the technology before either one pushes for a mass release. In years past we were told 2015 would be a big year for VR. Unfortunately, it looks like yet another year will pass before the public at large gets to experience it. (Photo: Corbis)

Star Wars: Battlefront is Beautiful

It's been a long time since we had a Star Wars game that takes the lead in delivering cutting edge tech. After the cancellation of the ambitious Star Wars 1313, Battlefront has stepped up to the plate with an incredible demo at E3 featuring a 20 vs 20 Walker Assault on Hoth. With visuals that border on photo realistic, Battlefront may be just as exciting as this year's upcoming film sequel. (Photo: Electronic Arts)

Mass Effect Makes a Comeback

In spite of an anti-climactic ending to Mass Effect 3 which sparked a fan backlash, the Mass Effect series remains revered for its thrilling space opera action. After a small glimpse at the exciting sequel set on new planets with new characters, we're already prepared to forgive past sins. If Dragon Age Inquisition is any indication of the scope BioWare has planned for the new Mass Effect, we're in for a hell of a ride. (Photo: Electronic Arts)

Street Fighter Still Packs A Wallop

After the success of Street Fighter IV, Capcom hopes to keep the fighting flame alive. Street Fighter V was everywhere at E3, with players camped out in front of demos to rotate in for a few rounds. The game feels great to play, maintaining the crunchy combat of the last Street Fighter but with a new level of technical sophistication that should lead to deep and varied strategies when mastered. (Photo: Capcom)

The Last Guardian Rises From The Grave

After seven years of protracted development, many had given up on The Last Guardian ever seeing the light of day. The follow up to the massively influential arthouse hits Ico and Shadow of the Colossus finally emerged this year. This year's new footage had a slow, contemplative pace that felt out of place among the high-octane action hits surrounding it on the show floor, but it still held enough promise for us to welcome its understated return. (Photo: Sony)

Microsoft Capitalizes on the Past

Of the three big console developers, Microsoft typically does less to celebrate its past than the competition. This year, however, Microsoft announced Xbox One backward compatibility for 360 and XBLA games. Battletoads creators Rare also showed off a giant collection of its classic games coming to the Xbox One. In one fell swoop, Microsoft has delivered a robust catalogue of gaming history.

Sony Seeks New Horizons

While it's always great when game companies keep tradition alive with our favorite franchises, it's nice to see them explore new directions too. One of the most talked about games at E3 this year was Sony's new game Horizon: Zero Dawn, featuring a red-headed huntress taking down gigantic robotic dinosaurs with style. (Photo: Sony)

Pokemon Developer Make a New Game, and It's Not for Nintendo

A small hidden gem at this year's E3 was the new game from Pokemon developers Game Freak. Tembo The Badass Elephant plays like a colorful mashup of Sonic the Hedgehog and the rhino stages from Donkey Kong Country. Surprisingly, the action platformer is coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox this summer, with no plans for a Nintendo release. We wonder if Game Freak will finally spread its wings after decades of Pokemon production. (Photo: Sega)

Uncharted 4 Has Some Surprises Up Its Sleeve

After recent gameplay footage slightly underwhelmed, Uncharted 4 had a lot to live up to at this year's E3. Boy, did it ever deliver. In addition to a stunning chase sequence shown off at Sony's press conference, an extended show floor demo kicked up the excitement even more. If you were impressed by any of Uncharted 2 and 3's epic set pieces, prepare to be amazed.

Artsy Parkour Game Mirror's Edge Catalyst Generates Buzz

It's surprising we're actually getting a follow up to Mirror's Edge, a sleeper hit from seven years ago that featured pacifist roof-top running across a colorful cityscape. Even more surprising is how popular the new game was at E3, with 3 hour lines curving around EA's booth just for a glimpse at the game's futurustic open world. (Photo: Electronic Arts)

Nintendo Releases a Lost Classic

In many ways, this year's E3 was dominated by the resurrection of projects many had written off. Nintendo's contribution towards this trend was a translated, but never released until now, NES prequel to the cult classic Earthbound. If that sounds obscure, it's because it is. While this small release won't make the company a lot of money, it will definitely engender goodwill from patient fans. (Photo: Nintendo)

Added: 20.06.2015 16:19 | 15 views | 0 comments


"Bowser and Donkey Kong are a good start, but let's throw open the gates and let the universes merge."

Added: 19.06.2015 12:35 | 22 views | 0 comments

As well as how the Activision partnership came to be

Added: 19.06.2015 2:50 | 16 views | 0 comments

E3 is over; how did Nintendo do?

Click through the images here for all the highlights, biggest games, and areas of improvement for Nintendo.

Highlights: Star Fox Zero is being Co-developed with Platinum Games

Nintendo and Platinum Games are some of the best Japanese developers around, so it's very exciting to hear that the two teams are collaborating on Star Fox Zero. Fans of Nintendo have been waiting for a new Star Fox game for years, and with Platinum Games onboard, there's a great chance Star Fox Zero will be the most action-packed game in the series to date.

Highlights: Nintendo Crosses Streams, Creates Hybrid Amiibo/Skylander Toys

Nintendo surprised everybody last year when it announced it was entering the "toys to life" market with amiibos, but what's even more surprising now is that it's partnering with Activision to bring hybrid amiibo/Skylander toys to market. By simply twisting the base of the figures, players can activate either amiibo or Skylander mode, allowing one toy to work for both company's games. The first game to support this feature is Skylanders Superchargers, which will feature supercharged versions of Bowser and Donkey Kong. "Transformation" was the theme for Nintendo's E3 Digital Event, and in many ways, this is the best evidence of its commitment to change.

Highlights: The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes Supports Online Multiplayer

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures are great multiplayer experiences, but they were released at a time when online multiplayer was traditionally reserved for PC games, rather than for handhelds or consoles. With the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes, Nintendo's revisiting the Four Swords formula, but players will be able to team up remotely, playing together to solve puzzles and scavenge dungeons. This is a first for the Zelda series, and with the costume system, where clothing gives players unique abilities, cooperative Zelda has never looked this promising.

Highlights: Great 3DS Support

Nintendo continues to push more games to 3DS, and the platform dominated this year's Digital Event. Nearly every major Nintendo franchise got some love, including Metroid, Mario and Luigi/Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. If you're a Nintendo fan with a 3DS, there's a good chance you'll get a new game from your favorite series sometime in the next year.

Needs Improvement: The GamePad

Star Fox Zero is absolutely exciting, but it's disappointing to see that Nintendo and Platinum Games are forcing players to use the GamePad to control the game. It would mean a lot to have options for the Pro Controller or a Wiimote. It seems like Nintendo is determined to shoehorn the GamePad into as many games as possible, but it's not everyone's favorite controller, nor an essential piece of hardware. It can add to the experience, but not everyone wants minor feature additions at the cost of comfort.

Needs Improvement: Talking about NX

Nintendo could do well to embrace the future by talking about the NX, its future gaming platform. People are ready to know more about it, and discussing the NX doesn't mean that Nintendo has to avoid talking about Wii U. In fact, highlighting the great games that are still to come will come across as respectful to their audience, because in everyone's eyes, the Wii U is on its way out, and everyone but Nintendo is talking about it.

Biggest Games: Star Fox Zero

Regardless of where you stand on Star Fox Zero's controls, it's a big game for Nintendo and Wii U owners. It's the sort of franchise that hardcore Nintendo fans love, because it's not given the same attention as Zelda or Mario, two series which seem to get a new game, or more, every year. With Platinum Games on board, you know there are going to be some unexpected surprises in store for prospective Team Star Fox recruits when the game ships later this year.

Biggest Games: Super Mario Maker

If you've ever wanted to make your own Mario Bros. game, Super Mario Maker allows you to do just that, with simple drag-and-drop controls and a huge selection of objects from past Mario Bros. games to play around with. There's bound to be a massive community of creators putting their all into making unusual and complex levels, and now that we know for certain you can share your creations with players around the world, Super Mario Maker may end up being the Wii U's killer app.

Biggest Games: Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive RPG, one which its creators claim might take completionists 300 hours to conquer. More importantly, it's a spiritual follow-up to Xenoblade Chronicles, which was one of the best Japanese-made RPGs in years. Nintendo was smart to partner with developer Monolith Soft, because without them, there would hardly be a traditional RPG on the Wii U worth caring about. For fans of the genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X could be a system seller.

Added: 19.06.2015 2:50 | 20 views | 0 comments

E3 is over; how did Nintendo do?

Click through the images here for all the highlights, biggest games, and areas of improvement for Nintendo.

Highlights: Star Fox Zero is being Co-developed with Platinum Games

Nintendo and Platinum Games are some of the best Japanese developers around, so it's very exciting to hear that the two teams are collaborating on Star Fox Zero. Fans of Nintendo have been waiting for a new Star Fox game for years, and with Platinum Games onboard, there's a great chance Star Fox Zero will be the most action-packed game in the series to date.

Highlights: Nintendo Crosses Streams, Creates Hybrid Amiibo/Skylander Toys

Nintendo surprised everybody last year when it announced it was entering the "toys to life" market with amiibos, but what's even more surprising now is that it's partnering with Activision to bring hybrid amiibo/Skylander toys to market. By simply twisting the base of the figures, players can activate either amiibo or Skylander mode, allowing one toy to work for both company's games. The first game to support this feature is Skylanders Superchargers, which will feature supercharged versions of Bowser and Donkey Kong. "Transformation" was the theme for Nintendo's E3 Digital Event, and in many ways, this is the best evidence of its commitment to change.

Highlights: The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes Supports Online Multiplayer

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures are great multiplayer experiences, but they were released at a time when online multiplayer was traditionally reserved for PC games, rather than for handhelds or consoles. With the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes, Nintendo's revisiting the Four Swords formula, but players will be able to team up remotely, playing together to solve puzzles and scavenge dungeons. This is a first for the Zelda series, and with the costume system, where clothing gives players unique abilities, cooperative Zelda has never looked this promising.

Highlights: Great 3DS Support

Nintendo continues to push more games to 3DS, and the platform dominated this year's Digital Event. Nearly every major Nintendo franchise got some love, including Metroid, Mario and Luigi/Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. If you're a Nintendo fan with a 3DS, there's a good chance you'll get a new game from your favorite series sometime in the next year.

Needs Improvement: The GamePad

Star Fox Zero is absolutely exciting, but it's disappointing to see that Nintendo and Platinum Games are forcing players to use the GamePad to control the game. It would mean a lot to have options for the Pro Controller or a Wiimote. It seems like Nintendo is determined to shoehorn the GamePad into as many games as possible, but it's not everyone's favorite controller, nor an essential piece of hardware. It can add to the experience, but not everyone wants minor feature additions at the cost of comfort.

Needs Improvement: Talking about NX

Nintendo could do well to embrace the future by talking about the NX, its future gaming platform. People are ready to know more about it, and discussing the NX doesn't mean that Nintendo has to avoid talking about Wii U. In fact, highlighting the great games that are still to come will come across as respectful to their audience, because in everyone's eyes, the Wii U is on its way out, and everyone but Nintendo is talking about it.

Biggest Games: Star Fox Zero

Regardless of where you stand on Star Fox Zero's controls, it's a big game for Nintendo and Wii U owners. It's the sort of franchise that hardcore Nintendo fans love, because it's not given the same attention as Zelda or Mario, two series which seem to get a new game, or more, every year. With Platinum Games on board, you know there are going to be some unexpected surprises in store for prospective Team Star Fox recruits when the game ships later this year.

Biggest Games: Super Mario Maker

If you've ever wanted to make your own Mario Bros. game, Super Mario Maker allows you to do just that, with simple drag-and-drop controls and a huge selection of objects from past Mario Bros. games to play around with. There's bound to be a massive community of creators putting their all into making unusual and complex levels, and now that we know for certain you can share your creations with players around the world, Super Mario Maker may end up being the Wii U's killer app.

Biggest Games: Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive RPG, one which its creators claim might take completionists 300 hours to conquer. More importantly, it's a spiritual follow-up to Xenoblade Chronicles, which was one of the best Japanese-made RPGs in years. Nintendo was smart to partner with developer Monolith Soft, because without them, there would hardly be a traditional RPG on the Wii U worth caring about. For fans of the genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X could be a system seller.