Sony impresses, Microsoft surprises, Nintendo disappoints

[kknight]

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/e...-blogs/1227326
In the two days leading up to the year's biggest video games trade show, E3, it's become something of a tradition that the competing console manufacturers face off in a series of lavish press conferences. Now that 2008's round of announcements, demonstrations, trailers, and posturing are over, which console came out on top?

Despite rumors of price cuts, Microsoft opted to expand the hard drive of its mid-range offering instead of delivering any real savings to consumers. All the same, the 360's Dashboard interface is undergoing a serious overhaul this year, and looks to be coming out cleaner, with more downloadable games, and including custom avatars that are, not to mince words, a complete rip-off of Nintendo's Miis. ("Where else could you get an avatar creation system but on Xbox Live?" one developer commented. We have no idea.) On-demand movie and TV programming courtesy of Netflix will expand the 360's already bulging video abilities, and a new motion-sensing microphone controller will deliver new horrors to the terrifying world of karaoke games.

Sony put together a similar performance, shuffling its PS3 package offerings to little real effect (although you might pick up a bargain as retailers clear stock of the older lines). It's also expanding its video offerings by offering online movie rentals from an impressive portfolio of studios -- and you can take them on the road on your PSP, too. Unlike Microsoft's offerings, which have a vague "fall" ETA, Sony's new online features should be available by the time you read this.

That wasn't all, though. Sony's press conference rolled out a set of game trailers that had fans cheering: a new God of War game on PS3, a vast-looking massive action game named MAG, and a couple of promising superhero games: one massively-multiplayer title based on the DC superhero universe, and one futuristic, open-city game from the Sly Cooper studio. It's a great selection, and one that leaves Microsoft's roster of Gears of War 2 and Fable II looking a little tired.

Mind you, that wasn't the end of the software story. Although the Sony execs weren't visibly injured, Microsoft's press conference delivered them a metaphorical punch to the gut: the absolutely huge Final Fantasy series is no longer a PlayStation exclusive. Final Fantasy XIII will be coming to the 360, and unless you count the oddball, massively-multiplayer XI (we don't) it's the first time any of the modern Final Fantasy games have gone cross-platform. If nothing else dropped jaws at the Microsoft do, this announcement sure did.

In contrast, it was hard to dodge the grumbling on the way out of the Nintendo event. Where were the classic franchises we all know and love? Where, for that matter, was Mario? Nintendo fans had to make do with a new Animal Crossing title, and an oh-so-vague mention of a Grand Theft Auto game on the DS handheld. Accessories like the MotionPlus controller plug-in and the WiiSpeak microphone (pictured below) are all very well, but don't we have enough bits of plastic cluttering up our houses already?

Which, naturally, is Nintendo's modus operandi since the release of the Wii. For every disgruntled Nintendo hardcore fan, there's a whole houseful of delighted non-gamers enthused at the thought of getting together to play music without needing a bunch of instruments or, you know, any skill. But can Nintendo really deliver a music game experience that's as compelling as Rock Band?

Perhaps, perhaps not. Either way, this year's E3, so far, belongs to Sony -- and if you're still on the fence about which new system you're going to spring for, your decision just got a whole lot tougher.

[demonspeed7]

Seems to me like this reporter likes SONY,
Not that its a bad thing or anything.But this Years E3 was an overall dissapointment for all 3 systems. No real surprise games other than the whole FF13 going multiplatform and MAG which has a cool premise but its just like all the other games out there. We all want something new and fresh and I honestly dont think that I was treated to anything that I was like OMG I have to get more info on this new game.

GOD of War 3 was confirmed by a Teaser Trailer. I was hoping for some gameplay videos.
No news on Team ICO's project,
No news on Beyond good and evil 2
Nothing really new on Either of the FINAL FANTASY 13's
THE AFRO SAMURAI game looks tight.

I can honestly say that this year im making only 3 to 4 video game purchases.

-SOUL CALIBUR 4
-STAR WARS THE FORCE UNLEASHED
-AFRO SAMURAI
-GEARS OF WAR 2

[saprano]

I agreee with you, this E3 was crap.

the only shocking thing was FF13 on 360.

[Idealsupra]

THANK YOU! I couldnt have said it any better. I mean seriously. Look at the game lineup we have coming out. It KILLS the 360. Who cares if FFXIII is on the 360 also...it will probably look worse and as has been mentioned might even be a timed exclusive for the PS3.

I am more then happy to own a PS3 right now and am actually trying to figure out how to get all the money Im going to need to buy all the AWESOME games coming out on the PS3 ONLY this year.

[Idealsupra]

Originally Posted by demonspeed7

Seems to me like this reporter likes SONY,
Not that its a bad thing or anything.But this Years E3 was an overall dissapointment for all 3 systems. No real surprise games other than the whole FF13 going multiplatform and MAG which has a cool premise but its just like all the other games out there. We all want something new and fresh and I honestly dont think that I was treated to anything that I was like OMG I have to get more info on this new game.

GOD of War 3 was confirmed by a Teaser Trailer. I was hoping for some gameplay videos.
No news on Team ICO's project,
No news on Beyond good and evil 2
Nothing really new on Either of the FINAL FANTASY 13's
THE AFRO SAMURAI game looks tight.

I can honestly say that this year im making only 3 to 4 video game purchases.

-SOUL CALIBUR 4
-STAR WARS THE FORCE UNLEASHED
-AFRO SAMURAI
-GEARS OF WAR 2

I think its interesting that your ONLY purchases are games that arent even on my radar to buy. Except MAYBE SC4. And I have a list of about 10 games that are BUY for me before the end of the year. And most of them are PS3 exclusives.

Just shows that everyone has different wants and everyone cant always be happy.

[Sith]

Originally Posted by Idealsupra

I think its interesting that your ONLY purchases are games that arent even on my radar to buy. Except MAYBE SC4. And I have a list of about 10 games that are BUY for me before the end of the year. And most of them are PS3 exclusives.

Just shows that everyone has different wants and everyone cant always be happy.

how can you not want force unleashed? I love my ps3 to, but i'm not seeing
the 10 exclusive games coming out that are all that

[jubei29]

Originally Posted by kknight

That wasn't all, though. Sony's press conference rolled out a set of game trailers that had fans cheering: a new God of War game on PS3, a vast-looking massive action game named MAG, and a couple of promising superhero games: one massively-multiplayer title based on the DC superhero universe, and one futuristic, open-city game from the Sly Cooper studio. It's a great selection, and one that leaves Microsoft's roster of Gears of War 2 and Fable II looking a little tired.

Unfotunately what the article failed to mention is that while the line up looks good, 360 owners will actually be PLAYING Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 THIS year instead of waiting around until next year for what seems promising.

[Sith]

Originally Posted by jubei29

Unfotunately what the article failed to mention is that while the line up looks good, 360 owners will actually be PLAYING Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 THIS year instead of waiting around until next year for what seems promising.

Gears 2 is gonna rule!!!! I can't wait...

[kopkiwi]

Originally Posted by jubei29

Unfotunately what the article failed to mention is that while the line up looks good, 360 owners will actually be PLAYING Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 THIS year instead of waiting around until next year for what seems promising.

Aaaaand then next year hits and they can play....

[Sith]

Originally Posted by kopkiwi

Aaaaand then next year hits and they can play....

Next years games....Microsoft has constantly delivered good games since the
360 came out...

[jubei29]

Originally Posted by kopkiwi

Aaaaand then next year hits and they can play....

Good call. I'd love to wait around as well.

[demonspeed7]

Yes indeed,
Everyones different. I know some folks are huge FPS fans while some only like rpg's and so forth.

Ive always been into the DEVIL MAY CRYS,THE ONIMUSHAS,RESIDENT EVIL GAMES,FINAL FANTASY GAMES, METAL GEAR GAMES,TEKKEN,SOUL CALIBUR,GEARS OF WAR. All of these games have a special place in my heart as an avid gamer.

Basically high profile titles that deliver great graphics,gameplay and storyline.
I refuse to pay 65 bucks for a game that may possibly suck ass. One thing ive noticed is that with the next generation of games were getting prettier graphics but shorter games. Less inovvation and more of the same. More sequels and less games like OKAMI,SHADOW OF THE COLLOSSUSS,VIEWTIFULL JOE,ZONE OF THE ENDERS,CHAOS LEGION.

SO far only SONY has been trying to make some new IP's in house that are worth a damn. I give these folks a whole lot of credit for that.

[kknight]

Originally Posted by Sith

Next years games....Microsoft has constantly delivered good games since the
360 came out...

*cough* *cough* the 360 didn't have crap for games when it first came out, only until a year later there was good games.

[jubei29]

Speaking of innovation, where is Team ICO's project?

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by jubei29

Unfotunately what the article failed to mention is that while the line up looks good, 360 owners will actually be PLAYING Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 THIS year instead of waiting around until next year for what seems promising.

Resistance 2 will be out this fall for the PS3 and it will give Gears 2 a run for it's money.

[Sith]

Originally Posted by kknight

*cough* *cough* the 360 didn't have crap for games when it first came out, only until a year later there was good games.

wrong, launch day had Call of Duty 2 that was a awesome game, and Fight
night came out right after that which still holds up today...

[Sith]

Originally Posted by JasonS

Resistance 2 will be out this fall for the PS3 and it will give Gears 2 a run for it's money.

or you could just enjoy the fact that both game will rule and buy them both...

[jubei29]

Originally Posted by JasonS

Resistance 2 will be out this fall for the PS3 and it will give Gears 2 a run for it's money.

I doubt it, but hopefully they'll both live up to their hype so I'll have more options.

[demonspeed7]

Ohhh and GEARS OF WAR 2 will own any other game that comes out this year.
The only game that competes with it as far as level of polish is METAL GEAR SOLID 4. BUT as far as overall viscerall combat is concerned Gears is hands down the bloodiest and most ruthless game ive ever played to date. There isnt any other game in my collection that I play more than gears.I still play it online to this day and will do so untill part 2 comes out.

[Idealsupra]

Originally Posted by Sith

how can you not want force unleashed? I love my ps3 to, but i'm not seeing
the 10 exclusive games coming out that are all that

Because Im not a Star Wars nut and the game itself doesnt impress me or do anything for me.

I didnt say 10 exclusive games.. I said 10 games and most of them are exclusives.

My List:

Buzz Quiz TV(Exclusive)
Little Big Planet(Exclusive)
Madden 09
NHL 09
Bioshock(Revamped and exclusive new content)
Resistance 2(Exclusive)
SOCOM:Confrontation(Exclusive)
Mirrors Edge
Fallout 3
Prince Of Persia

Not counting the Exclusive PSN Games like R&C and Wipeout HD etc.

Theres also a bunch of games that I might pick up if the reviews are good that Im on the fence about and some darkhorses as well. Couple that with Rockband 2 and my current backlog of games and I have PLENTY to keep me happy through the rest of the year and beyond.