Single, Black Console in Search of Long Lasting, Meaningful Relationships.

At this past E3, Microsoft announced two new Halo titles: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (an HD remake of Halo CE) and Halo 4, both announcements receiving mixed reactions across various forums in the vastness of the internet, but why? The Halo series is Microsoft’s biggest bread winner, so, it only makes sense for them to churn out as many Halo games as they can, can’t fault them for that, however, Microsoft really only has Halo to draw gamers to their console. Others could argue that Gears is another one of the “big draws” for Xbox, but the series is slated to end after September, we all know that won’t happen, but still. When you get right down to it, Microsoft suffers from the exact opposite of what Nintendo is currently going through, and it’s a lack of distinctive Xbox exclusive titles.

                Now, Xbox does have a number of exclusives, but there’s a problem: they either sucked copious amounts of ass (Bomberman Zero), or, they’re also available on PC (Left 4 Dead). There are still a handful of award winning series that are solely on Xbox: Gears of War, Fable, and Forza (taking the place of Project Gotham Racing). All of those are very solid franchises, but let’s be honest here:

1)      Fable, while a great series, tends to over-hype itself and falls amazingly short of what was initially promised. Is the final product terrible? Not at all, it’s a solid game…but when compared to what was being presented to gamers, it absolutely is. It also lacks an iconic character for gamers to connect with, at best, there’s Theresa, a 300 year old blind seer who’s really nothing more than condescending manipulative bitch, and would sooner “get you” and your little dog too.

2)      Racing games appeal to a specific demographic of players, generally those who trick out their Honda Civic (certified transportation of douchebags). Additionally, it’s going against the proverbial “big dog of the yard” in Gran Turismo.

I’m not saying that Microsoft has done a terrible job of creating a home console, ‘cause they haven’t.  The Xbox is arguably the more powerful of the three systems out there, and has a more established online presence with Live (created back in 2002), but they lack games that will draw people to Xbox.  I know, some may think “So the fuck what?” and if that’s you, I unapologetically state that you know absolutely dick about video games, and probably blindly follow Xbox to the point of fanboyism. Xbox and Playstation both receive the same blockbuster titles; Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Batman: Arkham City, Battlefield 3, and Modern Warfare 3, are a few of the major cross platform titles being released this year. Microsoft does have a deal with Activision where all Modern Warfare 3 DLC will be on the 360 first, but who gives a shit, it’ll still be on Playstation just a week or two later, that’s not much reason to purchase a Xbox over Playstation.  Choice of system all boils down to: who’s got what the other doesn’t,  which is not a new concept and goes back to “Ye Olde Days of Gaming” with Nintendo vs. Sega. Speaking slightly off topic, I was thoroughly pissed at the lack luster response from some of the younger members of the gaming community with the inclusion of Sonic in Super Smash Bros: Brawl, Mario facing off against Sonic on the field of battle, something we’ve dreamed of for ages, but, digress, etc, etc.

Microsoft has held great exclusivity rights, one of their best being with Bioware, a number of their titles were only available on Xbox; Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2, Jade Empire, and Mass Effect.  Unfortunately, for Microsoft, Mass Effect went from Xbox exclusive, to multi console with the release of Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 earlier this year. They gradually lost another with Ninja Gaiden, for a time Sony only got an upgraded ‘easier’ version a year or so after the original Xbox release, so Xbox was still able to tout that Playstation got a rehash…but Gaiden 3 is simultaneously being released on both systems. Same happened for Dead Rising, Metro 2023, the Xbox has given birth to many great series, but they slip through their fingers and wind up on Playstation as well. What series Microsoft does have, are viewed as stale (see: Halo), where even some die-hard Microsoft fans are starting to lose interest.

So, what can Microsoft do to rectify that problem? There are a few answers to that really. First, pay attention to new IPs that saw a surge in sales, for example, Alan Wake; a game that was widely praised for its innovative storytelling and gameplay, with enough tender loving care, you can soon run these series into the ground. Second, resurrecting some of the past titles that they had exclusivity of, going back to the original Xbox.  Shenmue is now homeless since Sega no longer makes a console, however Shenmue II was on the original Xbox,  and, apparently people are clamoring for Quick Time Events: The Game.  The MechAssault series was widely popular on the original Xbox, as was Crimson Skies, there’s even the option of going as far back as to taking a look at Sega Dreamcast exclusives that haven’t seen the light of day since the Dreamcast was buried and forgotten if the concept of coming up with something new is a “a bit much”.

Now, now, I’m not going to completely trash them; Microsoft isn’t just sitting there with their thumbs up their ass waiting for something awesome to fall into their lap. They’re actively trying to promote Kinect (and by proxy Xbox) exclusive games. Now…granted a number of the titles are can be considered…terrible to the more advanced gamer, but there are some gems hidden amongst all of it, Dance Central being one. Now, granted it’s a dancing game, and it actually requires movement on the gamers part (something most of are against), but at least it’s an Xbox exclusive that’s garnering some praise. I’m still not fully impressed with what Kinect has to offer as of now, but I DO recognize the potential Kinect has, if Microsoft can harness that potential, they have a surefire way to differentiate themselves from Playstation, and vault Kinect from “gimmick” to “full-fledged gaming experience”.  Part of the reason Kinect has failed to resonate with a large percentage of players isn’t that the notion motion control is unappealing, as I’m sure many of us would like nothing more than to play an FPS while using our couch for cover, but the lack of games not tailored to children, and casual gamers (another problem Nintendo had with Wii). Going back to resurrecting series, Panzer Dragoon, a rail shooter, would fit in perfectly with Kinect’s current gameplay mechanic of ‘rails’,  and, the last Panzer game, Pranzer Dragoon Orta, appeared exclusively on Xbox (and, shocker, is another SEGA game).  I get that Microsoft wants to appeal to the “family unit”, but Nintendo is much better at, and has titles that don’t illicit a “What the fuck is that?” *coughdisneylandadventurescough*.

Still WTS loved ones for E3 passes.

     E3 is three days away…technically two if you count Microsoft, Sony, and Ubisoft holding their conferences on the 6^th,  but now is the time that we, as gamers, toss aside the silly notion of console fanboyism and PC elitism, and enjoy the event that is equivalent of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and pornography all rolled into one. It’s for this that, before I go any further, I’m issuing a call to all gamers the world over: should you run into one of the aforementioned shit-dicks who start trashing any of the developers based solely on the fact presentation is from “Company X”, I humbly request that you promptly put them in place, be it verbally, or beating them unconscious using a Super Scope. Now I understand that everyone isn’t going to like every single thing out there and so long as they use proper grammar, and speak like an adult, allow the disagreement….if they use the phrase “sucks” but spelled it with an ‘x’…end them.

EA:

The proverbial “Fat Cat” company that uninformed gamers the world over don their tin foil hats (complete leftover pieces of a Tombstone pizza) claiming that EA does nothing but ruin games for profit and blah blah blah. Regardless of how you feel about EA as a company, there's no denying that they're the muscle behind some fairly popular games. This year at E3, eyes will be on a few EA titles; first it's two games coming out of Bioware; Mass Effect 3, which has been pushed back to 2012, and Star Wars: The Old Republic --which was awarded best game in a variety of categories in last year’s E3 (and premiered at 2009's E3).

Pardon me while I borrow a phrase from the Halo series; but, Commander Shepard returns in Mass Effect 3 to “Finish the fight”. The Reapers are awake, extremely pissed at Shepard, and are systematically taking apart what meager resistance humanity, and the galaxy, has to offer. So far, we know a large number of characters from previous Mass Effect games will be returning (based on your decisions in those games naturally), as well as some new faces. They’ve hinted that decisions you made, such as saving the Rachni queen, or combining the all Geth A.I into a single entity will be included… hopefully won’t play out like it did in Mass Effect 2, with a random NPC encounter, or e-mail (joy & rapture). Combat will remain the same as the previous two entries, taking advantage of the cover system as well as issuing commands to your squad mates....whether or not your squadmates will take full advantage of the cover system themselves, or continue to charge blindly into enemy fire after you've given them commands to take cover has yet to be announced, keep those fingers crossed for the former.

Next, Star Wars: The Old Republic is shaping up to be quite the MMO experience, but not a WoW killer by any means. Those of you looking for an actual sequel to KotOR 2...I wouldn't hold your breath. The game is set roughly 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic 2, with the only two possible characters to have survived are T3-M4 and HK-47 (who appeared in Star Wars: Galaxies), and probably the sevent foot hairballs from both games. As for Bastilla, Mandalore, Mission and whiney-ass Carth, they’ve all kicked the bucket. It also becomes obvious that Revan, the hero of the first title, never returned; and the Exile, hero of the second, failed to find him, as the Sith have been able to establish a significant foothold in the galaxy. If you're a player who likes their factions to deal in absolutes then Knights of the Old Republic (and the Dark Side) is for you. The Republic are your standard Star Wars goodie goodies, filled with disgustingly lawful Jedi (Knight & Consular), Republic troopers, and Smugglers (don't ask) they stand united against the Sith empire comprised of: Sith (DUH), Bounty Hunters (Boba Fett names incoming), and Imperial Agents. Gameplay in Old Republic will greatly differ from current MMOs already out there, for one, the standard “One class, one role” rule is tweaked to allow all classes some level of healing, tanking, and damage dealing. That’s not to say that there won’t be classes who would be better suited at one of the three categories, however, by allowing all classes access to these traits means less time sitting in a public channel spamming “LF Tank”. Second, Old Republic will utilize a cover system; much like Bioware’s other series Mass Effect, which has only been seen in one other MMO to date. Lastly, you don’t really need a group of friends to play this game (social outcasts rejoice). Players will be able to maintain a party of NPCs much like in every Bioware title since the first Knights of the Old Republic, all of whom have their own backstory and motives. Bioware is trying to weave an intricate story for the game, allowing players to experience different points of view based on their race, class, and party selection. Bioware is certainly pulling out all the stops to ensure Old Republic will be a memorable MMO  experience, so long as they don’t get bogged down with trying to please all types (and thus isolating another group) of players this game is going to draw, Old Republic could be around for quite awhile.

Second, is a game being created by award winning developer DICE, Battlefield 3. Compared to the Bad Company series, Battlefield 3 returns to a more serious tone,  and, like most modern warfare games, is centered in the Middle East, specifically Iraq and Iran. Battlefield 3 will make heavy use of the newly developed Frostbite 2 engine. The previous version, Frostbite (now known as ‘Frostbite 1...no shit there) was the engine of the Bad Company series, and, without boring you with in-depth explanations, it basically followed the mantra of “If you can touch it, you can blow it the fuck up.” Frostbite 2 allows that with better graphics and sound, allowing you to truly appreciate the the chaos you spread. Now, it goes without saying that Battlefield will be compared to Call of Duty in every aspect by those who don't know any better, it's cute...in a “I have no fucking idea what I'm talking about” kind of way. First, it's pretty hard to change the core mechanics behind FPS, you see a gun, shit to kill, and different things to blow up, it's a tried and true formula. The real appeal in this day is to be able to kill whomever you want from the comfort of your own home, and the folks at DICE are able to create an amazing multiplayer experience. Battlefield has always focused on the total-war feeling, incorporating all aspects of war into the series making use of both infantry (now with prone…fuck yea) and vehicles; while both are able to operate on their own, when working in conjunction with each other, is a devastating force. DICE’s record with multiplayer is so great, the only reason the newest Medal of Honor received any positive reviews was because of the multiplayer.

Ubisoft:
     Before I get into their brief overview, let me just start with a personal message to Ubisoft:
Please, I beseech you, for all that is holy in this world; do NOT provide additional details on Battletag. That awkward trip to the 80s during last year's E3 still haunts me...

Now, back on track. Currently, they have two titles that gamers are anxiously awaiting: Ghost Recon: Future Solider (which premiered at E3 2010), and the recently announced Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. In keeping with whole “Russia is the bad guy theme”, Future Solider has a small, elite, American squadron known as ‘Ghosts’ face off against Russian Ultranationalists. With Future Soilder the way you go about performing your Black Op objectives have been enhanced; stealth will still play a major factor, with a new feature called “optical camouflage” implemented. Basically, it allows the player to “go ‘predator”, distorting the visible spectrum and blah blah blah…if you didn’t get the proper mental image from the phrase “go predator”, I can’t help you.  It’s a game from the Tom Clancy universe so the story won’t come as a shock to anyone, anywhere, ever. Some bad guys are doing bad shit, and it takes bad ass Americans to put them in their place. However, what makes the Tom Clancy universe so intriguing is that some aspect from each series has ties to other games and vice versa. Expect the big news on Ghost Recon this E3 to release details on its multiplayer.

            Assassin’s Creed: Revelations picks up where Brotherhood left off with its obnoxiously mysterious ending in which (redacted) stabs (redacted) and (redacted) basically tells (redacted) that “(redacted) didn’t know shit and did it for (redacted) own good” as a result (redacted) is in a coma for (redacted) (redacted). Revelations is supposed to be the last game in the Ezio story line wrapping everything up, and paving the way for Assassin’s Creed 3.  Currently, the game’s primary focus will be in and around Constantinople as Ezio is searching for a relic left behind by his ancestor Altair that is said to end the war between the Assassins and the Templars. Ezio will search the city for clues which lead him to the relic, and, with each clue, the player takes control of Altair as they work to unravel the mystery behind each clue. I'll drop the “(redacted)” bullshit now, also, after the ending of Brotherhood, Desmond fell into a coma and was placed back into the Animus at the orders of the head Assassin “William M” (the sender of emails in Brotherhood, as well as the voice in the ending ordering as such). While he attempts to recover in the animus, a secluded section is hidden deep in the coding where Desmond attempts to sort through the memories of Altair, Ezio, and his own, in an effort to piece his shattered mind back together. The multiplayer mode from Brotherhood will also return, with additional character options and game modes, and, assuming it plays anything like it did in Brotherhood, expect it to be fun as shit. Now, I'm not one to make predictions, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ubisoft unveiled the next Prince of Persia game this E3, as a sequel to 2008's title. The DLC released for it ended in a rather “downer” sort of way, also, we have no idea if the Prince was ever able to find he beloved donkey, Farrah.

           
            Look for one last E3 post as I discuss what I’m personally looking forward to out of this E3.