E3 2009 Games To Watch

I just finished watching the bonus round on Gametrailers.com on what Microsoft will show at E3. There were some interesting observations, but it dawned on me that most of the conversation didn’t center around the experience of gaming for this years upcoming E3. This a return to hoopla and fanfare that is the spectacle of old E3 so everything has to be a rebirth. From the industry event, to developers games, and us into in a new bright gaming future. The thought of it all prompted me to finally get this blog post in gear. Unfortunately I will not be attending E3 this year, and I’m not sure I want to (Ok I’m lying). My focus instead is to highlight some games that I believe will make an appearance and have an impact in the market place when they release either this holiday season or next year 2010.  Some games will be familiar but others have kinda strayed under the radar, while others have not been really known, and some we have been talking about since we heard just whispers. Let the count down to E3 2009 begin and conversation among fans, and fanboys alike ring loud.  So be a gamer…Not a hater

As for anything beyond that such as services, new peripherals, mobile or whatever these companies will have at E3. I’ll leave it for the week when things are popping off that I’m current. At the same time I have to keep in mind that I’ll only concentrate on games that are launching in the 2009, and ogle gaga over whatever spectacles will have a future release.  So without further adu I present.

Kingdom Under Fire 2

This game has not received much attention and Phantagram hasn’t put out anything new to wet gamers appetite since the trailer they released months ago. From what we gather the game will hark-en back to the first KUF, while adding more gameplay and rpg elements. You will be able to fly dragons, zeppelins, huge creatures, not to mention new characters, and armies of heroes and minions. This game has the potential to be a sleeper classic in the same vein as Fable 2. Just like Fable 2 it’ll come out of no where and surprise the masses. I’m here to tell you to get up on it now. From the screen shots alone we see that KUF2 is indeed a visual masterpiece, and for E3 if they have a demo…Then I have a feeling it will look astounding in motion. Kingdom Under Fire 2 should get on your radar asap, because we are in for something special with it.

APB

Point blank this game is worth mentioning, although it’s still unclear what platform it will appear on first the mere existence of it is a problem. First of all it’s created by the father of Grand Theft Auto, it’s made by the team who gave us 2007’s sleeper hit “Crackdown”. That was phenomenal game that gave us a glimpse of what this studio is capable of. Since we last saw footage at Microsoft’s event during E3 several years ago (I know it sounds like it’ll be on the Xbox 360) we know that Realtime has some ambitious plans for it. I don’t doubt that they will be able to pull it, but my main concern is what will it bring that GTA4, Saints Row, and other sandbox games have not? What creative elements of cops and robbers will we be graced with? This line of thought and question just makes the anticipation for more an excruciating tease. E3 would be the perfect place for Realtime to reveal the goods, and with the big spectacle of the show back I’d love to see both babes decked out in APB cop uniforms. “Give them blood, and they will love him for it”, so I say bring this one on now!

Brutal Legend

Tim Shaffer is one of those game designers that you root for. No matter what he goes through in terms of publishers he always seems to come out swinging with a title you have to pay attention to. He doesn’t create games and universes just to do so and be different.  No, he’s like a good juicer machine extrapolating every nuance of essence from his designated fruit never short changing you from the flavor and nutrition you need. His games just hit a part of your soul that make you feel good. Games that have you smiling whether you want to or not. Brutal Legend takes everything you and love about rock&roll, thrusting us into a universe that is vivid and fun. It’s a classic platformer meshed with open world design. You don’t play this game you exist in it. The gameplay is going to involve you doing much more than just playing notes, jumping, fighting bosses, no this is going to be a holistic experience and makes me jealous of those who will be in the front of the E3 kiosk line. I just pray we get a demo on our consoles so I can skip that circus. I’m ready for this bad boy for sure. Deuces!

Champions Online

Now I know this MMO will be ready to go for the PC, but what I’m interested in is seeing this game for consoles. With Atari as the publisher, Microsoft needing a game changer, and Sony already commited to having MMO’s on the PS3. Champions Online could be set to dominate a new generation of console owners who are not PC heads looking to be part of the super hero action. In fact since Microsoft especially has stated that they are setting a new off for new places with the Xbox 360. Bringing a title such as this would really set the bar high, and take Xbox Live to a plateau without exaggeration unequalled anywhere. Cryptic has been the leader in the comic book game universe, and with Sony/WB DC Universe set to appear on the PS3 a coup De grace is what should be on tap. The number of ways to make a hero, create your nemesis, and play with others offering dynamic ability and customization makes this a leap in MMO gaming. What console owner would not want this on their system? Yet make no mistake Champions will still be a killer title for PC and fans of super hero online gaming.

Darksiders

This is my kind of game. I’m of the fantasy ilk hardbody, so of course action games with great stories are what I live for. Especially if the story is deep and engrossing. Except the marriage of great gameplay is something that is very rare for these titles. Take for instance the Legacy of Kain series. It everything you wanted in terms of story depth, but the gameplay left much to be desired. Now Darksiders is the brain child of one my favorite comic book artist who emerged after the Jim Lee, Marc Silvistri, he was part of a new age of great comic artists.  Joe Madureira, aka Joe Mad. If you know anything about his artwork then swords and sorcery is where he loves to play. Darksiders from the moment you look at it can tell has been inspired by many games. Most notably is the Zelda series from Nintendo. A game where exploration, rpg story, and action come together like no other.  This game has been in development for quite a while. THQ has allowed Vigil Games (Joe and his partner game studio) time to get this game right. So far from what we have seen it’s starting to get to a great place. This is a game that will be a great addition to your gaming library offering a bit in the vein of God of War as well to satisfy your blood lust.

Mabinogi Heroes

I heard about this game many moons ago and never really followed up on it. Mabinogi Heores is a new PC MMO that is based on Mabinogi a huge MMO (Massive Multiplayer online) in Asia created by Nexon.  What is the difference between the two and why am I highlighting it when my focus is on console gaming? Well for one Mabinogi is a very anime inspired MMO that is heavy on exploration and adventure. Where as the upcoming Mabinogi Heores is more action oriented even though it has some exploration and adventure. Both games actually take place in the same universe so there will be gems in their for those that know about the MMO series. The game will allow for new comers to be more than welcomed without needing to know about the universe.  The game is built on the Half-life 2 source engine offering a stable and well understood technology has allowed the developers to explore a different style of game play in the MMO space with Heroes. With this knowledge and seeing the results of Valve’s Left For Dead it’s not hard to imagine Xbox 360 getting in some of this action.  Offering tons of customizable game attributes from characters to weapons, options are vast and deep. It’s solidly making waves in the closed beta currently. As of this writing Nexon the Korean developer/distributor has stated they are working on an Xbox 360 version for the system. Could this be one of Microsoft’s big reveals? I believe so since there has not been much word about it’s status and Microsoft keeping mum on many of it’s projects. What can be said though is with the PS3 gearing up for it’s own onslaught of MMO’s Mabinogi Heroes could be exactly what the doctor ordered, and with a built in fanbase waiting on PC an in Asia this could be a sleeper hit on console as well.

Zone of Enders 3

Zone of Enders series is a cult classic among gamers. Created by Kojima of Metal Gear fame and his staff at Konami this series started on the PS2 with the first game being a very good breath of fresh air in the Mech/robot genre. Yet it was ZOE 2 that really took the game to new heights. It was a combination of intense gameplay, great level design, enemies, art direction, and storytelling that made this game remarkable. Once you got your mech to a certain point and ended the game, new versions of him would be available for you to play. Giving the game a degree of difficulty and enjoyment that was fun to go back to. The game also had some incredible enemies or bosses that were not throw away characters, but had an identity. It took the mech/robot genre to new heights by really pushing the boundaries on how you could maneuver and move. The weapon selection was also a fine point, but in my opinion it was the level design that really brought you in, because each level focused on different skills for the player to both master and use. There is no doubt with Konami and Kojima milking their mystery game announcement.  Many fans are praying and hoping that it is a sequel to this master piece. Although some  also believe that the title maybe the often rumored Raiden game of Metal Gear Solid 2 it’s not.  My money is on ZOE3 as ZOE 2 had a similar count down/lightning in some of it picture art work as seen in these pictures here.

To further my investigative theory is the count down picture below which besides the field and color palate is quite similar in construct as the above.

They look very similar to the previous. With that speculation said, Konami  could do a lot worse then bring out ZOE3. The option for it being multiplatform, offering online play, Kojima’s productions love of detail and refinement ZOE3 could potentially be one of the best games of this generation or any other for that matter. Yes its that loved and possible. So Please, please, please let it come true Kojima.

L.A. Noire

This game has been shrouded in mystery over at Take Two Interactive/Rockstar for quite some time. Many believe that it may be exclusive to the PS3 while others have said it will be multiplatform. There are arguments for both cases. Personally I’d like to see what the game is rather than care what platform it ends up on. This game is supposed to be a revolution in story telling and game play for the company. It has been in the works for several years now, and with what the Rockstar was able to do with GTA4 and DLC. L.A. Noire could inherit a pedigree that has it destined for gaming’s hall of fame rafters.

Crackdown 2

The first Crackdown was an anomaly, or rather a guinea pig. Reason being people only cared to purchased the game because it came with a key for the Halo 3 beta. Anyone who was a Halo fan or curious needed to get Crackdown. Except this something happened with this guinea pig. She wasn’t a porker, instead the game was grade “A” chuck steak, plus potatoes. Crackdown became a fan favorite going on to sell over a million units. Gamers not only got a treat in Halo 3’s beta, but a new franchise to enjoy on Xbox 360.  The game was a supped up GTA minus the story line, and instead of you being on the opposite side of the law you were the law. The game had you upgrading your skills; melee, marksmen-ship, jumping, driving, along with a robust city to explore by rooftop. Crackdown was a fun unexpected quality title. Was it really a surprise though? See the father of Grand Theft Auto’s new development studio Real Time was behind this game. They are also the same studio behind the much anticipated APB heading to PC and Xbox 360. Here’s the skinny though…We want our Crackdown 2! We know you and Microsoft are hiding it, and it had better be at E3. If a new studio is creating it make sure you guys are in the trenches with them. I mean can you imagine a more robust game engine, better graphics, updated, new featured gameplay both online/offline? We can.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time

The first Ratchet & Clank game for the PS3 was an exciting ride, and although this game is expected by fans it’s still pretty much under the radar. One thing though is the studio behind it, which has been responsible for Resistance 1 and 2 know how to program and bring the best out of the PS3. As fun light series Ratchet and Clank has that appeal of a really good Saturday morning cartoon. Shoot I’d go so far as to say it is better than most cartoons these days. It should already be one. I love how it stays true to adventure gaming, having the kind of polish we should see across genres. Ratchet & Clank A Crack In Time is said to bring many of the series issues to head, and fill us in on what happened to Clank. Can’t wait to use the new weapons which are always different, creative and effective (fore the most part anyway).

God of War 3

Nuff Said…

Lost Odyssey 2

Sakugchi the father of Final Fantasy created a phenomenon that is the standard for console rpg’s. His first game under his development studio Mistwalker was an exclusive master piece for the Xbox 360. Yes it stuck to many of the traditions that plague JRPG’s, yet the game executed everything so well that going back to a classic gaming style was welcome. The story telling was just a juice blend of poetry and cinematic exposition.  Using a the Unreal Engine 3 for the first time did well and not so well for the game; loading and frame rate issues caused little annoyance’s but never took away from the experience. Lost Odyssey is in fact one many games that are among gamers favorite for this generation. What could a sequel bring? Well Sakugchi has always gotten better the more he has time to create, and understands his audience. Final Fantasy 2 was a prime example of his push creatively. Expect the leap from LO1 too LO2 to be one of mega proportions. This rpg was a major hit for Microsoft around the world selling over a million units to date. Even though it didn’t do much for Microsoft in Japan, what it did do was put the world on notice that Xbox 360 has a place for rpgs. A second iteration could only further that notion, and bring in new fans as well as convert those on the fence. What direction will the game go in? Will it be a whole new story or continue the adventures of the immortal Kaim? We’ll know soon enough at E3 if this sequel and questions will be on there way to being answered.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 3

It’s not like Bioware to have one game cooking up in their stable. Last generation gamers were treated to something special in the form of Knights of the Old Republic. One several gems that made you a proud owner of an Xbox gaming system. It offered a new take on the Stars Wars universe allowing you to choose between being on the Darkside or the Light side of the force. In fact many games today take heed to what this title introduced using similar ideas to flesh out their own titles. Offering gamers specific powers depending on the allegiance they choose. Sucker Punch’s new game Infamous immediately comes to mind as a recent game that exemplifies this extremely well. The big question though is will/could it be exclusive or go the way of multiplatform? Bioware is working on a PC MMO version of Knights of the old Republic so a sequel to the console game may not appear, but speculating wouldn’t be much fun if we didn’t go out on a limb right?Adding more fuel perhaps they may not even be behind the title as Obsidian the creators of the second game could be doing the third. They have been speaking with Lucas Arts since 2004 about doing a sequel. Could the time for a real be now? We’ll see…

Gran Turismo 5

Since the release of Prologue (a demo game) not much has been revealed by Sony and Polophony Digital. What we do know is that this critically acclaimed racer will set standards again, and fans want in asap. E3 2009 is the perfect venue for Sony to take the veil off this beauty and make this truly the PS3’s most potentially gratifying year for gamers. With Microsoft relying and set to launch Forza 3 to go head to head expect the guns to blazing, and paint coat to be intoxicating on GT5. In fact Forza 2 has impressed many to even believe that no matter if or when GT5 releases it may have already lost the racing sim crown. Personally the jury is still out on that one till we see them and play them side by side Gran Turismo is the king. Time for him to return.

Mass Effect 2

There is no doubt that Bioware set this new generation off with the first Mass Effect a game that set a benchmark only they can topple. There are already leaks to what the game may have in store, but E3 2009 is the perfect place for us to get more interstellar goodness. Bottom line this is a must have, and although the game won’t be out till early 2010 getting info on it just makes the day one purchase that much worth it. So many questions left unanswered, what will the game play have in store for us? What happened to Captain Shepard? Recently Bioware had a behind the scenes PR session for the game, although giving out tidbits they didn’t reveal much. So we expect that June 1 is going to be an epic day for the Xbox 360 when it comes to Mass Effect 2. Can’t wait at all.

Diablo 3

I’ve never been a huge PC gamer even though I have had many titles that I can’t see myself playing on console. One of those games though I really would like on console. Diablo 3 the sequel to PC fan favorite Diablo 2. A game that I spent hours upon hours playing, loaned to friends introducing them to the dungeon and adventure game unlike any before it. I’m truly jealous of my PC brethren when it comes to this game. Blizzard has managed to give us many new features, expand on the ones we love. More classes, more magic, enemies and moments to embrace. E3 2009 can be a megaton with this one announcement alone with it coming to console as a multiplatform or even exclusive. Either way someone needs to make this happen asap.

2k10

The best basketball sports series game on the planet is set to introduce us to new modes and even more refined game play. The 2k basketball has the best animation this side of any game in any genre. Players play so much like their real world counter parts its insane. I still find myself playing 2k9 and finding new moves being performed. You never feel like you watching the same moves all the time. Despite this there are some changes that need to be made Isomotion dribbling needs to be revamped. For some reason it’s a bit difficult, late in response, and slows you down too much. It takes such a long time to get used to, and though the reward is cool more style and options to create your own handle would be a welcome addition. Add in a better slider, select options for plays, substitutions, and game options needs to be on tap. We love the updating daily on what happens in the NBA with teams, and players, now we need a bit more consistent television presentation and better commentary. I’m tired of doing a great play or shot, missing and the commentator telling me what I already know. Which is me getting jerked with a bogus miss. Fine it’s basketball, but I believe 2k10 can and will be better. The big reveal at E3 needs to be the new MVP Lebron James(Gawd did you see that winning shot against Orlando in the Eastern Conference final game 2!) as the cover athlete. Please do not let NBA Live get him so that he can be cursed. Even though the 2k team always seems to be ahead of the curve in whom they choose. I just feel it’s about time that Lebron gets his cover, and 2k10 is the game.

DJ Hero

Rock & Roll had it’s time with the likes of Guitar Hero, and Rock Band. Now the guitar is going to have to take a back seat to the DJ. I’m not saying folks won’t be headbanging, I’m just saying it’s what’s up in the club baby. We all have Ipods, and some music program on our computers that turns us into homemade djs. We are not pro’s like the ones at Ibiza, or at club Lotus in New York City were champagne flows, and we can get close to Paris Hilton (actually not). Point is Activision once the legal issues are done has more catalog than they can shake a stick at ready to be downloaded. We are talking from country music to Hip-hop. There will be room for all kinds of creativity using dj equipment in gaming. How will they pull it off? Will it be as successful as Rock set? E3 2009 is going to big party and in the words of P Diddy “Do you wanna dance”?…Yeah we do…

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

On May 24 2009 Activision did more than out do their 3 week teaser with Infinity Wards allegiance they set the FPS world on notice. Modern Warfare 2 will own. You have to understand and clearly acknowledge that this game is setting us up for a complete shut down of everything we value. COD4 is still played by gamers now, CODWAW(Word at War) is a monster in it’s own right. There is something about what Infinity Ward has done with Modern Warfare that makes it so compelling. Who doesn’t want to have a shoot out in Russia, visit the favilas in Brazil, ride vehicles Ala Halo 3. This is what’s about. I’m sorry Killzone 2 was a good experience but this fall the top dawgs come home. Modern Warfare 2 is the first. Get ready cause it’s on.

Halo ODST

The king of console FPS game play is set to appear; except it won’t be Master Chief we’ll be playing as. Instead a new character, a new perspective, but the same old Bungie. What is this game in the Halo universe going to be? As this game takes place between the events after Halo 2 and before Halo 3 not much is known beyond that. What we do know is that Bungie is on board and this is a Halo game. So the pedigree is there for greatness. What we would like is a great departure from the regular innovations the series has graced us with. Yeah I know it’s sounds crazy, and sure the hater fanboys are nodding their heads in agreement. I’m not catering to them, but those of us who love the franchise. Seeing other FPS games making strides offering varied gameplay ODST is a perfect chance for Bungie to up the ante. Besides it’s not like Halo 3 hasn’t shown us the future. It’s one of the most played online console games out there. It’s incredibly fun, so Halo ODST can only improve and shut up the haters giving us fans a more robust game we can continue to play. Having a tie-in story line is also great allowing us a chance to grow an affinity with a new character. Where the series goes is in Bungie’s hands, as they take a step away from Halo series with this last horray. If their past is any indication of the future we should expect to be graced by something beautiful, and E3 2009 is the perfect venue for that.

M.A.G

Recently the cloak was taken off of this Zipper Interactive title for the PS3. Similar to Battlefield games where you have factions, units, vehicles, and classes. M.A.G takes multiplayer war mayhem to all new levels. Offering 250 players on one game map doing different jobs in their quest to help win the war. As an exclusive under the hands of such qualified developers is a perhaps a whole new experience that can put the PS3 in a different category altogether. In some respects it doesn’t look like it offers anything new, but you can’t judge a game of this magnitude on looks. E3 2009 may offer us hands on experience to wet our appetite for more as M.A.G is set to appear later this year.

Uncharted 2

I’ve written and spoke on this magnificient seqeul much since seeing pictures and movies of it. I never get tired, and enjoying more of it. Naughty Dog honestly has set the benchmark high with this one. The more I see the more I like. With recent gameplay video showcasing the graphics, and gameplay it’s no wonder this will be one of the best games to look forward to this year. It is said that Uncharted 2 will either be playable with a demo at E3 or downloadable for PS3 owners on PSN. Either way it’s win I say, cause this game is a monster I want to play now.

Lost Planet 2

In my humble opinion this is the best looking game seen so far for the upcoming holiday season. If this game releases this year it is going to be a monster. Lost Planet 2 takes what was done in the first title, throws some of it out, adds new features, then makes a draw dropping game that four players can cooperatively play together. Not much has been seen, but what has is impressive on a grand scale. The jury is still out on if this game will be multiplatform; what is known though is that it will be on the Xbox 360, and we can’t wait to get our paws on the pad to go blow some arachnids to bits. The game is said to allow for gamers to approach levels and challenges in different non linear ways. An example would be three of your com-padres shooting up a monster outside, while you are shooting up it’s insides how do you get out? Give it a new hole.

Conclusion:

I know I didn’t show anything from Nintendo for the Wii, and for my Wii fans I will have a special something for you after E3. In the mean time we have so much to look forward to, and we need to also appreciate how this great this generation has been so far. There are more developments at E3 2009 that are going to enhance the hobby of gaming, it will be in the form of hardware, software and technology. No matter what happens I believe this is the year that the next generation comes of age. Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are growing our industry, independent gaming is setting trends and benchmarks for the future developers. Even in a recession Sky’s the limit for gaming, and I hope we all take the time to really feel blessed to live in a time where your living room is an arcade. So be a gamer…Not a hater

E3 2009…Let’s go!

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