E3 Staff Predictions

May 29th, 2009

e31 With another year comes the renewed fervor caused by the Electronic Entertainment Expo. With surprises and disappointments often associated with the industry show, the Check Your Hud staff decided to make a few predictions about what they want, think, wish for the show to feature, as well as a longshot just for kicks.

Eric’s Predictions:

Want: Alan Wake’s Release Date

Some gamers think that this game is as likely to come out as Duke Nukem Forever (Which at this point there is a pretty good indication of it never coming out), but after 4 years of an almost complete media blackout, it is finally the right time for Remedy and Microsoft to finally give us some solid details on the game. With the ever looming threat that 09 will be PS3’s year, a high profile exclusive is exactly what Microsoft needs in their lineup for the Christmas season….or early ‘10 (Lets just say my expectations are a tad low)

Think: A New Zelda and or Mario Title

I suppose you could file this under gut feeling, but I believe the stars have aligned in such a way that makes one or both of these franchises likely to make appearances at Nintendo’s big press conference. With arguably the biggest Wii game since Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, making its debut in late July, Nintendo has made an odd marketing decision if they don’t have an ace or two, up their sleeve for the Holiday season.

Wish: Mother 3 launching with the new DSi Virtual Console service

Hey…They call it a wish for a reason. With the ability to download games already part of the core functionality of the DSi, nothing would move units to the hardcore fanbase faster then announcing older Nintendo handheld games for download. I wish Nintendo would see that there is NO RISK putting items on download services.

Longshot: Zune Touch/Phone Gaming Platform

With the continued success of the iPhone as a gaming platform, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised to see Microsoft take their Zune in a gaming focused direction. With all of their nonsense about Live Everywhere, and as XNA community games finally starting to catch on, this could be the perfect consumer climate for such an announcement. If I was an idea man at Microsoft, a 4-8 gig Zune with flash memory and a large screen would be something I would push for (Hopefully at a $150 price point to undercut both the new PSP and DSi). Written Prior to announcement of Zune HD

Daniel’s Predictions:

Want: Alan Wake, Ventica & Half-Life

It’s time for Microsoft to really show off the vaporware that since the release of the 360 has been Alan Wake, and we want to see gameplay. Another very interesting 360/PC exclusive I hope to see more of at E3 is the RPG Ventica, and please Valve can we at least get a teaser for Half-Life 2 Episode 3?

Think: Something big from Microsoft

It has been quiet around Microsoft for the best part of a year now, and they must have something very big saved up for E3 to have any hope of stealing the show. Sony has got a stellar lineup of already known PS3 exclusive games this year, and it looks like a brand new PSP is on the horizon as well.

Wish: Something decent from Nintendo

Among real gamers Nintendo has become a joke with the Wii being overtaken by casual Nintendo games and third party shovelware. Maybe there will be some real games announced this year and while I’ve lost faith in Nintendo I hope to not laugh AT them at this year’s E3.

Longshot: New Xbox or Wii

The current console generation has been on for a number of years now so maybe it’s time for a sneak peak at the successors soon, due for Christmas 2011? Maybe a 100% back compatible “Xbox 720″ with new features, or a “Wii HD”. A PS4 is out of the question, but a “PS3 Slim” is not.

Jenni’s Predictions:

Want:

New games with a unique art styles. I’m completely sick and tired of almost photorealistic games and I want to see some bright, fun and completely unique visual games that I can really drooling over. I’m really hoping for some previews of stuff we haven’t heard anything about yet.

Think:

More stuff that has nothing to do with gaming. I’m pretty sure everyone’s ready to put on a big song and dance about how gaming consoles are more than just gaming consoles.

Wish:

A reason to love my Wii all over again. At this point, I’m not even that picky, I’ll settle for a new Zelda. I just want to pick up the wiimote again for more than just Punch Out.

Longshot:

An original Nintendo game for the core. It would be fantastic to play something GREAT, not just mediocre (I’m looking at you Mad World) for the Wii that wasn’t another Mario or Zelda game.

Mike’s Predictions

Want:

I really want to see some original IP’s come out of E3 this year. Sequels are fun and all,, but I’m tired of playing the same games over and over again.

Think:

I think Microsoft is going to have a strong showing thatg’s fairily light on games. Not to say they won’t show any games (ODST will definitely be there), just that it’s not going to be their focus. I expect to see a lot of non-gaming services added to the platform, such as Hulu, or a satellite radio service of some sort. I also expect MS to unveil their new motion control device. Nintendo will likely stay the course. I don’t expect them to surprise or impress me - after all, they don’t have to as they already have the greatest share of the market. I expect Sony will impress this year. They seem pretty set against a price cut, so they’re going to have to impress with their game line up. I would also be surprised if the new PSP wasn’t announced.

Wish:

I would really love to see some strong steps taken toward a more digital distribution-centric gaming industry.

Longshot:

Alan Wake release date. That game doesn’t actually exist.