E3
E3 is the worlds foremost video game entertainment show, and it is the place where Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and dozens of games developers will all show off their games and technology for the next year.
Kicking off tomorrow at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, there are rumours of big reveals and there are going to be some great games on show, so here are 4 of the biggest E3 news to look out for.
1) Nintendo's New Console
Some of the biggest news from this years E3 is the unveiling of Nintendo's new console which has been confirmed as playable at this years expo, and will be released for sale in 2012. The Wii has sold millions worldwide already, and is still a popular family console, so no one is sure what to expect from this new console, it could be a Wii HD or a whole new beast.
Code named Project Cafe, there are rumours that this console more powerful than the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360, apparently it will be backwards compatible with the Nintendo Wii, but most interestingly, there are rumours that the controller will have touch enabled screen, allowing it be used as a handheld console, independent of the new system. The full reveal will be on the 7th June during the Nintendo Press Conference.
2) Sony's Next Generation Portable
Sony has shown off their NGP before but that was in a purely prototype state, this years E3 show will give it a chance to shine, and Sony is hoping it will be impressive enough to dissuade any possible 3DS purchases. The NGP, rumoured to be called PS Vita officially, is the follow up to Sony's hugely successful PSP System, however this new console has two analog sticks, Sixaxis motion controls, touch screen and rear touch pad, and the best graphics seen yet on a handheld, coming close to Playstation 3 quality.
It is safe to expect that Sony will show off what makes this handheld special, by showing the new NGP Uncharted, and the New Big Thing of 2011, its augmented reality abilities.
3) Kinect Round Two
Microsoft's Kinect camera for the Xbox came out last year and the camera, which allows you to play games with your body and not a controller, and has sold millions since its release. However the games available are pretty weak, with most of the releases being exercise and fantasy pet games, leaving many games wonting for something more substantial.
I'm expecting Microsoft to unveil some big games for Kinect this year now studios are getting to grips with the technology. Most exciting for most geeks at the show will be the unveiling of the often teased Star Wars Kinect game, which will allow you wield a lightsaber and force powers without a controller.
4) Sequels!
Hollywood isn't alone in its love of sequels, and this years E3 proves it with some of gaming's biggest franchises appearing at the show. The next installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare 3, will be shown along with rival shooter Battlefield 3.
There will be appearances from Uncharted 3, Gears of War 3, Soul Caliber V, Zelda: Skyward Sword, and Batman: Arkham City to name just a few. But as well as sequels, there are number of returns to old franchises to look forward too, especially the new reboot of Tomb Raider, going back to a young version of Lara, who must survive in a tropical paradise, in what so far looks like a gritty and realistic departure from the popular series.
Joseph Weeks
Tagged in Microsoft