The sun has set on this year’s E3 and it’s now time to name the winners, losers and what the best of the show was. All this of course is according to little old me. So let’s start this week off with a look back to what July 14-17 brought to the gaming world.
Microsoft Highlights
New Xbox Experience, Lips, Scene It? 2, Netflix, Final Fantasy XIII, Fable 2, Primetime, Marketplace via Xbox.com, Portal: Still Alive
Microsoft really answered a lot of skepticism with their keynote. What would they show? Who would present? Introducing the new Xbox redesign was a surprise that no one anticipated. It introduced an Avatar system to the Xbox 360 and brought with it a completely new user interface. It’s also bringing a host of other features like 8-party chat and a “play from the hard drive” option.
The Netflix announcement was also received very well. The Xbox 360 will be the only console offering this kind of movie download service. They kept things simple and precise during the keynote as they hit one strategic announcement after another. The games they showed were aimed specifically did a good job impressing both the hardcore and casual.
Nintendo Highlights
Wii Music, Grand Theft Auto for Nintendo DS, SPORE, Animal Crossing
Nintendo had an excellent strategy in my opinion. The presentation of that strategy was lacking but to pay little attention to both Sony and Microsoft and instead focus on competing within yourself was brilliant. Let’s face it…they have no competition this generation and I was pleased to see that they’re very much aware that their only real focus is on the Wii and DS. Their keynote was filled with a battle between the Wii and DS without much thought on Sony or Microsoft.
It’s one of the reasons why Nintendo has rebounded from a horrible showing with the Gamecube and have taken control over homes across the world. They worry about themselves and they always price things just right. It’s not about their games moreso than it is about being different and at the sweet spot in price.
Sony Highlights
God of War 3, Little Big Planet, Massive Action Game (MAG), $399 80GB SKU
Sony trickled in with their keynote and unveiled a few interesting things. The most exciting on the game front was the reveal of God of War 3. Resistance 2 didn’t look that great and although there was “actual gameplay” this time, it just didn’t wow me. And even though God of War 3 was simple CGI, it did get the juices flowing. Little Big Planet did as well.
I’m not sure about Zipper’s Massive Action Game but I listed it as a highlight simply because of how ambitious of a project it is. 256 players? We’ll see. I don’t have much to say except that it was a decent show but it was missing any real buzz.
Too Human huh? Perhaps more fitting a name would’ve been Not Quite Too Human Enough? That probably would not have fit on the game box but it would’ve been a clearer description of what gamers should expect. After much drama, message board battles and developer lawsuits over this title, Silicon Knights unleashed a Too Human demo for gamers around the world.Â
Sizzle or fizzle? If a demo is to be any judge, then I’ll have to put my money on fizzle.
I wanted to like Too Human but it really ended up being not quite Too Human enough. It was only partially human from what I’ve played actually. It wasn’t a beautiful masterpiece and the controls were equally as unimpressive. Note to developers…it’s okay to leave the right thumbstick alone and use it for camera control. Holding the LB button along with the R stick to control the camera would’ve been good if you never engaged in combat.
Too Human did have its moments and I want to remind myself of the fact that it was just a demo but for everything else surrounding Too Human, I felt defeated. I was the Champion class but I felt like a loser. The most glaring issue I had was with the control scheme. It was just off. The Left and Right triggers were for firing while using the R stick to target but there was no reason really with how “off” it was. If you say you didn’t execute several “power glides” with the sword and wondered WTF, then you’re telling a lie. I mean seriously. The animation in that particular move alone was disappointing.
Combat itself is where I experienced the most frustration and it didn’t help that there was no way to pan the camera while engaged. You were supposed to be able to move the R stick in the direction you want to execute the move but it didn’t work. Demo Deacon. It’s just a demo. That’s what I kept saying but I have a feeling this is how it is.
The menu to level up your character, switch weapons etc. was as bland as the actual process to do it. Dishing out skill points gave me no thrill at all because it was just something missing from it. There was no flare from what I’d expect a title like this to have after so long in development. And I won’t even mention the character models. Although the environment was impressive in spots, overall it fell short of being “too” much of anything.
What say you? I’m hoping that the final game will offer a much better experience than the demo. This was supposed to be a trilogy I believe but if this is the direction it’s going, it won’t even make a sequel.
Ok, perhaps this isn’t the most exciting news coming out of E3 but as an owner of a special Orange controller, I felt I would share the news about some other Limited Edition controllers in the accessory line-up. Say hello to Uncle Red & Cousin Green; two new Limited Edition wireless controllers.
The beauty of the red controller of course is the fact that it doesn’t come with that dull gray lining that the normal controllers come with. The red one is laced with black lining that makes it that much sexier in my opinion. The not-so beautiful thing though is the price of the red one. It’s $64.99 but it does come with a Play & Charge Kit. The green wireless controller (Cousin Green) will retail for $44.99.
Thanks for everyone chatting it up and calling in. It was a great show last night filled with a lot of good information and feedback. For those of you who missed the show, here it is to enjoy.
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I got the press kit for the New Xbox Experience and here are some very cool screenshots for those of you who haven’t seen them. The interface is completely new and I love it…or rather I love most of it. It looks like “Community” is going to be your friend’s list. I guess that makes it more appealing than simply scrolling names.
You can see the new Avatar system that’s in place as well. I got word last night from Chris Paladino, Microsoft’s Gamerscoreblog stud, that your Gamerpics and Themes will stay. I’m not sure how they’ll be implemented though. Say what you will about Microsoft, but they’ve put in a lot of work on this new interface and I think it’s sexy. Also, the original Dashboard with Blades will now be your Guide. When you press the Guide button a small, miniaturized version of the Dash Blades as you remember them will come up.
Look at me, I'm an Avatar!
Screenshots & Video: The New Xbox Experience
The topics for tonight’s show are plentiful after Microsoft’s E3 2008 Keynote. A new Xbox Experience & Dashboard, Netflix partnering with Xbox, Lips, Party Chat, Final Fantasy 13 and a host of other news came down just a few moments ago. I’m really excited about some of the things announced today from E3. I was even impressed with what they showed of the new LIPS game. I’m not much of a singer but it could be cool. Or was it the hot chick?
The new experience and dashboard are slated for the Fall and will include a host of new features. Read the letter from Marc Whitten for more. I’m not thrilled about a few of them but here they are for your viewing pleasure. What I’ve come to conclude after reading this is that the Arcade SKU is becoming more and more useless. Get ready to toss it up tonight!
After the hysteria has settled and the smoke has cleared, join in for some live feedback on Microsoft’s E3 2008 Keynote. Did they show you enough to call it a successful keynote or was it an epic fail? Motion control? Price cuts? What do you have to say about the start of this year’s E3?
Get with the community and share your impressions live on U360! I’ll be there of course and there’s no fun doing it alone. So drop the controller, gear up your thoughts and get ready for the aftermath of the Microsoft Keynote.
show time - 6PM PST / 8PM CST / 9PM EST
# to the show - (646) 478-5897
link to listen - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/u360tv
Denis oh Denis. The time is upon us for the battle between developer and community haters to begin. You will now have to take thy sword and do battle with the people you feel are not giving Too Human a fair shake. Let the games begin next week as Microsoft prepares its “Bringing It Home” campaign of exclusive content directly from E3.
Starting Monday, July 14, Xbox 360 fans across the globe will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the invitation-only E3 Media and Business Summit (E3) and see what’s being unveiled for 2008 and beyond.  Fans will also have the opportunity to customize their experience with new gamerpics and themes and have a chance to try out some of the latest games, including a downloadable demo of the highly anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive, Too Human.
The Too Human demo is quite the surprise and I hope Denis and the crew at Silicon Knights know what this could mean. It’s make or break time. I’m hoping that Too Human will live up to all the drama that has surrounded the title. But more importantly, I hope that Denis doesn’t end up with any pie in his face. Let’s see if Denis changes his mind and keeps the demo until after the game releases.
Bring on the E3 goodies!
No matter how scaled down it has become and no matter how the general public has been cast out, the E3 Media & Business Summit is still one of the biggest events of the year. It is a huge spectacle for both fans and press alike even without the booth babes. I suppose I should be especially partial to this year’s show considering that Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, is scheduled to make the E3 keynote address. However, the Rickster isn’t on my Christmas list.
I’m curious to know what everyone is expecting. I’ve already predicted a price cut and the introduction of a new Xbox 360 60GB Sku. Yes, I’m an analyst like that as it appears to be true. In your face Pachter! I’m excited about the potential showing of Alan Wake. It’s been a long time since any update on the game so whatever they show, I’m ready for it.
Are you falling for the motion controller rumors from Microsoft? I’m not sure if we should expect any type of bombshell announcements as far as software or accessories. What do you think Sony and Nintendo will be up to? We’ll all find out next week beginning with Microsoft’s E3 briefing on Monday, July 14. I wish I could’ve attended but instead I’ll be at home watching the interwebs like the rest of we normal folk.Â
I’ll be sure to fire off any interesting news that comes out next week of course. I know my friends at Xbox are already gearing up the coverage for the Marketplace so get ready. So, what are you guys and girls expecting or wanting?
E3: The Aftermath continues with another dose of Unscripted 360 live today! Part 2 will feature a few who were lucky enough to attend E3 this year. This will give us an inside look at what E3 was like from ground zero. It may be interesting to hear how the show was being there as opposed to watching the terrible G4TV coverage or watching via stream on a computer.
Don’t forget to tune in and listen to opinions of those who managed to attend the show. And as always, get your crayons out for some live community interaction!
Show date: Sunday, July 15th
Show time: 1PM PST / 3PM CST / 4PM EST
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link: www.blogtalkradio.com/u360tv
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