The Electronic Entertainment Expo kicked off some of the hottest upcoming games at the Los Angeles Convention Center last week. So who were the big winners?
1. Sony: When it came down to the big three, Sony’s press conference comes out on top. Not only did it focus on games for the (hardcore) gamer audience, but their announcements were focused on the near future, compared to Nintendo’s slate of TBD game. While nothing came as much of a surprise, the PS Vita and schedule of triple-A games edges Sony as this year’s winner.
Wii U
2. Kinect: Microsoft’s press conference was all about their Kinect peripheral. Not only will games like Mass Effect 3 and Ghost Recon integrate gameplay with the motion/voice sensor, the Kinect is expanding into home use, including Bing search and live TV watching. Essentially Microsoft is looking to make the Xbox THE home entertainment system.
3. Super Mario 3DS: Best described as a hybrid of Suoer Mario Bros. 3 and Mario 64, this game returns to it’s roots that made the 8-bit games so great. A modified Tanooki suit returns along with a 2D-3D mix of gameplay.
4. Battlefield 3: While CoD made big waves at the Microsoft conference, little was seen on the show floor itself. EA’s Battlefield 3 offered games an alternative to the popular shooter franchise with impressive visuals and exciting gameplay.
5. Street Fighter X Tekken: If you’re a fighter fan, this game brings the classic “Street Fighter versus Tekken” argument back to the forefront. While the feel of the game replicates the feel of classic games, this game does offer tweaks that’ll keep both Street Fighter and Tekken fans on their toes.
Street Fighter X Tekken Booth
6. Batman: Arkham City: This game will have a lot to live up to, but it’s so far looking great. With a much larger and expanded world (or city) to explore, this next Batman sequel looks to build upon the various features that made Batman: Arkham Asylum such a hit.
7. Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster: While not the gamer’s game, this title is slated to be a big seller. The image of one’s child having fun interacting with Elmo and Cookie Monster is enough to get many parents ready to run out for this game. Using the Kinect, kids are able to directly connect with the various mini-games and interations.
Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster
8. Bioshock Infinite: Though still months away, the momentum continues to build for the next installment in the Bioshock franchise. Set in the aerial city of Columbia, you battle steampunk opponents while unraveling the mystery of this floating dystopia.
9. Tomb Raider: Gone are the jagged polygons. Taking cues from Uncharted, this game will be much darker, grittier, and realistic than previous installments. In an extended trailer, Lara was chained and strapped in a mysterious cave, only to fall onto a sharp spike as she attempted her escape. It definitely looked painful. Fortunately, This game, however, looks far more like pure fun instead.
10. Playstation Vita: Despite doubts in the future of handheld dedicated gaming systems, Sony’s Playstation Vita does hold promise. Sony seems to get most of it right this time: crisp screen, dual analog controls, promising gaming lineup (Uncharted, Little Big Planet, Street Fighter X Tekken), fair price of $250, and even region-free support. It’s definitely going to pose a big challenge to the Nintendo 3DS. While the introduction of smartphones and tablets have challenged dedicated handheld gaming platforms, the Vita may just have what it takes to be a winner among the hardcore gaming market.
PS Vita Booth
