E3 2015 Day Zero or Something Recap:The Pre Sequel
Once again E3, the biggest gaming event of the year, is upon us. While the show floor has not opened yet, many consider the pre-E3 press conferences, held by the biggest publishers, to be the preamble that sets the bang off. This year is a little more confusing because Bethesda held their press conference on Sunday and I’m not sure if that counts as day Zero or day negative one. However, we can worry about that later, as there are plenty of announcements and news to get through.
Microsoft’s Apology Tour Continues, Announces Backward Compatibility for Xbox One
Microsoft had a very good press briefing. There were plenty of new game announcements and sequels revealed to get even the most jaded players excited. Still what excited folks the most was Xbox’s dig at Sony with Phil Spencer announcing Xbox One backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games. Let’s be honest, When the Xbox One was first revealed almost three years ago, it was a disappointment. Bundling Kinect with every console, no used games, always online requirement, no backward compatibility with any 360 software, it was called anti-consumer by some. However, Microsoft said they where going to make things right. Slowly but surly they have been. While it’s done through software emulation and not every game will get support, your stack of 360 games won’t be useless green plastic anymore.
Hololens is Tony Stark tech in the flesh
If Hololens works as advertised, the future is now.
Early Access is Coming to Xbox One
Yeah! You know how you can give people money to play incomplete broken ass games on steam that may never be finished? You can do that now on the Xbox One!
Sequels!
Don’t let my previous cynicism fool you. While I am excited for titles like Halo 5 and Gears 4, I can only get so excited for sequels. It’s a new generation and we’re playing the same damn games!
ESPN’s Microsoft’s 30 for $30 Series
Someone at Microsoft finally said “Hey, let’s bundle up a bunch of old Rareware games and sell them. People kept complaining about how we bought up one of the most legendary developers along with all their IP and did nothing with them but have them make Avatar clothing. Maybe this nostalgia trip will help them forgot about that.”
Oh Yeah, Bethesda Had Some Nice Stuff Too
Bethesda’s presser was a wildcard. Everyone knew what to expect but wasn’t sold if they needed its own big ass briefing. Dishonored 2 got leaked early, but it was still fun to see the game’s new protagonist in action. Fallout 4 has a lot of interesting systems working under the hood and it’s easy to see players once again getting lost in the waste lands. When most shooters on the market and filled with hit scan weapons, DOOM 4 is refreshing throwback to the bygone era.
EA Wants You Know They Bought The Star Wars Video Game License
“Hey guys and girls, we are EA Games and we want you to know Star Wars! We got it! Also Madden and more Star Wars! New Need for Speed after a two year break but don’t forget, Star Wars! Here’s our new Mass Effect with an in engine trailer. Cool right, but that’s not what you came for? STAR WARS: BATTLEFRONT! WE’RE NOT EVEN CALLING IT BATTLEFRONT 3 OR 4 OR REBOOT OR WHATEVER BECAUSE WHO CARES! STAR WARS DAMNIT!
Ghost Recon: Wildlands Looks dope, But I’m Scared You’ll have to Climb Towers to uncover the Map
The new Ghost Recon, like all Ubisoft games now, is an open world co-opt shooter. The trailer features a group a players tackling a mission in three very different ways with various outcomes. It’s hard to say how the game is going to turnout. But when it comes to open world games, Ubisoft works from a very specific template. If you are not sure what I’m talking about, refer back to Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, Far Cry, you are always climbing a tower to view more of the map.
Square Enix is Finally Ready to Take Your Money
At the Sony briefing, Square Enix decided to stop messing around and just take your take money. After years of bullshitting, releasing sequels, prequels, mangas, card games, movies, PC ports and other things you didn’t want but bought anyways. Square revealed they are going to get around to making that Final Fantasy VII remake sometime in the future you have been trying to throw money at for the last decade.
Sony is Finally Ready to Take Your Money
After what seemed like two decades in development hell and Sony trying to pretend like it didn’t exist, The Last Guardian returns, now on the PlayStation 4. With a game like this, something many felt was dead, simply showing just gameplay and a trailer would not be enough and Sony knew it. So they gave a date – a vague date 2016 – but a date none the less. Twitter was aflame! Last Guardian truthers came out to spread their gospel of how this strange bird-dog creature and little boy companion were here to save video games. Preorder now at Gamespot.
Yu Suzuki is Finally Ready to Take Your Money
Shenmue 3 exist…as a Kickstarter. (Remember is not a game yet, this is a Kickstarter. Do not confuse the two.) This announcement was exciting and strange for various reasons. The original Shenmue was rumored to cost Sega $70 million dollars. How the hell are Suzuki and friends going to make this game for $2 Million dollars? The Sony reveal of this was weird too. Yes, Sony did Mr. Suzuki a favor, gave him a platform to announce his Kickstarter, but they made it clear – “We have no part in this. If this Kickstarter fails, not our project.” Still, Shenmue III is ready to take your money. Preorder Pledge now at Kickstarter.
Somewhere in the World, a Developer from Naughty Dog is Curled in a Corner Crying.
Ask any developer, some of their biggest fears are their games crashing during their big E3 reveal. This happened during the Uncharted 4 demo. It wasn’t a hard crash; still, it was clear things were broke! Naughty Dog should not feel too bad. Sony had a backup and damn if the game didn’t look impressive! What didn’t cash – Guerilla Game’s Horizon: Zero Dawn. A game set in the post-apocalyptic future with robot dinosaurs and a lady with a fancy cross bow – sold!
