Now then, I did manage to catch the whole of EA’s conference for E3. Ten games from ten developers. That was the whole of the conference. But there was a hitch. Not all of the games were new. Some were just expansions added onto the game.
Take Battlefield 3, for example. It’s already out. But that didn’t stop DICE from showing off the game again, but unveiling the Premium subscription, in which you would get five new expansions and more customisation ware. Plus new weapons and vehicles that non-subscribers won’t get.
Another game that did this was Star Wars: The Old Republic. First it was explained the impact the game had on launch, then the expansions it has had since launch, then the new expansion was unveiled. This one was equally impressive though, as whole new modes are added to it and a new difficulty rating to get stuck into. A new class was also unveiled, which means more storylines, and even better for us who don’t own the game. Starting in July, we can play the game free up to reaching level 15. Online features will also be enhanced.
Onto the other first-person shooters, Dead Space 3 looks to be great. Gameplay was shown which was amazing, and features drop-in drop-out co-op play. It certainly got my attention with the gameplay, and to someone who hasn’t played the series, it looks like it would be good to get stuck into.
Next on the list – Medal of Honour: Warfighter – is entirely based on real world missions. The gameplay looks as good as a first person shooter can get, and the new multiplayer mode of Global Warfighters is an extensive multiplayer mode that looks hectic.
Crytek showed off the Cry Engine 3, with its dynamic environment control which was shown with realistic damage and realistic reactions to getting blown off your feet. At one point in the gameplay, a helicopter fired a missile at the player, who got blasted down the stairs on his back and struggled to get back up. This is what first person shooters should be like. I found it so good that I want the game, but I usually don’t get first person shooters. The game was then revealed to be Crysis 3.
Now onto the racing game of Criterion. I was hoping for a Burnout Paradise on the PSV, but instead Need For Speed: Most Wanted was revealed, but this isn’t such a bad thing. It is open world, which is something I like, and there are also police scattered around the environment ready to catch you off guard. The multiplayer uses the autolog feature, that shows your collectable stats to your friends, and even the world. You collect points during the game, and the more points you have, the more your Most Wanted level goes up, showing you who is the best racer. Realistic damage physics also help this game along.
Onto other sports games, it was confirmed that EA and UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship – have a partnership that will create a new series for EA Sports. Nothing other than the partnership was mentioned, though.
FIFA 13, however, had a lot more confirmed for it, even if no release date. The Player Impact engine is improved greatly, and dribbling and attacking are now at the greatest peak they can be. Online however, brings even more results. FIFA 12 owners can bring their players forward and keep their stats, as well as getting bonuses for doing so. The game is also available on iPhone and iPad so you can play anywhere. A new iPhone app keeps track of your Ultimate Team stats. This is part of EA’s grand plan to bring all networks and platforms together. While this is a grand idea, it does present risks, but it is a great idea nonetheless which other companies could pay heed to.
Other sports games that use this are Madden NFL 13 and the new NBA game. On the surface, it looks like another game in an endless series. It is not, however. New dynamics mean the impact engine is the greatest ever and you always will be in control, even when in a fall, and not have pre-determined moves take over. Also, the career mode is connected in all play modes, so whether online or singleplayer, you are playing one career. And now you don’t even have to make a new career if you want to change position. And online features don’t just end there, as you can make or join a career group of 32 players. And an RPG-like stat system means you can level up your players to make them stronger on the field.
Maxis Games have launched SimCity Social on Facebook, which is like the DS version and PC versions of old. And another SimCity game is coming to PC, this one more expansive. It has a massive multiplayer mode which is just the same as singleplayer. And also, the game is in full 3D and allows for better customisation options of your city. But what happens in your city will affect other cities as well. This seems a good way to take the series forward.
But anyway, I’ve been talking for too long now. All I can say is, while I won’t be staying up to watch Ubisoft’s and Sony’s conferences live [and I feel I’ll be missing out quite a lot] I’ll be catching up with them tomorrow. And of course, I will be watching and giving my views on Nintendo’s conference tomorrow.
Images Taken From:
EA’s Full E3 2012 Press Conference | Electronic Arts
