The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is right around the corner, and the entire video game industry is focusing its gaze on what surprises the world's biggest gaming convention has in store. This year's E3, however, is going to be one of those really big, exciting ones that come come around every so often. If the announcement of a new console by Nintendo isn't enough, there are also new portables to be shown, major announcements by top game developers, and of course: the avalanche of games from old and new franchises.
June 7-9 will be a huge few days for the gaming world. The following are 8 reasons why you should be excited for what may be one of the biggest E3s in a long time.
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1. Hideo Kojima Plans to Unveil His “Dream Announcement”
Hideo Kojima, aka the creator and director of the Metal Gear Solid series, has been teasing that he will unveil what he calls his “dream” to the world during this year's E3. There's so much mystery surrounding this project, and the brilliant game designer rarely disappoints his fans with announcements like this (except for that one time…).
Mr. Kojima has also stated that this project will star a character that “gaming is not ready for.” Whether that is true or not, we're all ready for this huge announcement.
2. Finally, Some Core Games for Kinect and PlayStation Move
The Kinect and PS Move are great pieces of technology. However, the games available for these devices are a bit on the boring side. Dance Central's only fun for a while, and what's offered with the PlayStation Move hasn't been too different than what you've already experienced on the Wii.
During this year's E3 however, a pretty decent line up of core games will be available for demonstration. Project Draco, the core-focused Kinect game by Yukio Futatsugi, is a game inspired by the cult-classic Panzer Dragoon. The game will focus on the relationships between the player and his dragon companion. This is great news for gamers looking to justify their expensive Kinect and PS Move purchase.
3. Brand New IPs
Forget sequels–New gaming franchises are where it's at this year.
Gamers love to see risky and exciting new IPs, and this year's E3 will be have a giant selection of them. Games such as The Last Guardian, Catherine, Metal Gear Solid: RISING, and Shadows of the Damned will be at E3 in some kind of shape or form.
4. A Flood of Sequels to Video Gaming's Most Popular Franchises
Forget new gaming franchises–sequels are where it's at this year.
The amount of sequels to already popular franchises that are planned to be released this year is quite staggering.
Try saying all of this in one breath: New Twisted Metal, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, Resistance 3, Uncharted 3, Grand Theft Auto V, Gears of War 3, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Mass Effect 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Bioshock Infinite, A new Assassin's Creed, and Diablo 3.
This is only a selection of all of the gaming sequels that are going to be present on the E3 show floor. It's hard to complain when there's more of a game that gamers have already played and loved.
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5. New Features for the Nintendo 3DS
When Nintendo released their latest handheld gaming device in March, they weren't completely ready. Nintendo didn't have their online shop, very creatively called the “eShop” ready during the system's launch. However, the eShop will make its debut during the day before E3, which will open up the system to many new exciting possibilities. There is no doubt that Nintendo will be planning on making many announcements regarding the 3DS' new online features.
6. Sony's In-Depth Look at the NGP
Sony isn't going to respond to Nintendo's 3DS without a fight! There will be plenty of announcements and hands-on time with the Sony NGP during this year's E3. Instead of relying on fancy glasses-free technology of its competitor, Sony is continuing the portable gaming battle with sheer power. The NGP is capable of pushing PS3-quality graphics on a portable device. Hopefully, Sony will finally unveil the price of this (obviously) expensive piece of equipment.
7. New Unreal Technology
Gaming fans of pretty graphics are eagerly waiting next-gen news from Unreal Engine creators Epic Games. They've already showed the gaming world a sneak peak at how good console gaming can look with a recent tech demo of the new Unreal Engine, and many suspect that there will more announcements to be made at E3, This is also tied to the rumor that Microsoft may be on the verge of announcing a new console
8. Nintendo's Announcement and Hands-On Demonstration of the Wii Successor
There is little doubt that Nintendo's announcement of a new console will be the biggest thing coming out of E3. Not only will they tell the world what the heck their new system is all about, but attendees will even get a chance to get their sweaty hands all over it. We can probably expect and stampede of gaming nerds again, just like in 2006. Taking the first step into the next generation of gaming consoles, competitors Microsoft and Sony are patiently waiting to see what “the big N” has in store for the gaming community.
Check out other video game posts by Peter Mai here:
- Ten Things You Didn't Know About Super Mario Bros.
- Ten Signs You're An Aging Gamer
- “Sorry, I'm Dead”: 30 Most Memorable Video Game Quotes
- How the Video Game Community Is Responding to Japan's Quake Disasters
- Five Video Games to Convince Non-Gamers They Can Play Video Games
- Ten Unique Ways to Perform the 'Legend of Zelda' Soundtrack
