How Sony won E3...

   So, I said I would post an article about the happenings at the E3 press conference. This specific event should get as much attention as possible, since it's the one that leads us into the next generation of consoles. The Xbox One, the PlayStation 4 and the Wii U. These are the names of the machines that will take a place in almost every single living room. But in what analogy? Knowing the financial situation the common household is in, most people will only be able to purchase one of these technological wonders. So, which one? People before E3 really did have that dilemma. What to buy? They were hoping the conference would lead them into an easier choice.
   The day before E3 2013 opened it's doors to the public, four press conferences had been scheduled. Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft and Sony in succession were programmed to reveal their plans for the season and what they would be showing off to the lucky ones that attended.

   Microsoft took the stage first. People had been skeptical about MS's Xbox One since they announced their used game and game-sharing policies. Also, MS hadn't really shown a lot of game titles in their May reveal of the Xbox One. So, this time their plan was to come out guns blazing. They showed off a bunch of game trailers for both Xbox 360 and Xbox One, one after another in an attempt to make everyone forget about what had happened back in the opening presentation. And it worked... almost. Just before the curtain closed after a marvelous presentation of games (which opened with Metal Gear Solid V including Kiefer Sutherland as Solid Snake), they announced the price: 499$. Sighs of disappointment were heard all around the screening room.
   500$ is a bit too much to ask nowadays just for a gaming console, but Microsft took into account the fact that the Xbox One is not just a gaming console, but a movie streamer, a web-chatting device and much more. It's capabilities justify it's price but (in this humble writers opinion) Microsoft forgot about their target audience.

   Then, after the EA and Ubisoft presentations (which included a hilarious South Park video, among other impressing games and trailers), along came Sony. Sony's presentation was similar to Microsoft's in the account that it was full of new game trailers. But, those trailers weren't all about the PS4. Sony dedicated half an hour of their 2 hour presentation talking about the PS Vita and the PS3. They showed that just because the PS4 is going to be released, that doesn't mean that the previous generation will be getting any less attention from them. 
   Then came the PS4. It's reveal was impressive. Small, elegant and easy to carry or place, I don't think this PlayStation will be getting another edition (like the PS3 slim). It doesn't need it! And then along came the trailers. There were trailers for all traits and even the jaw-dropping Kingdom Hearts 3, which is in development. But Sony's victory came afterwards. 
   Just before the end, a Sony representative came on stage for what most thought would be the closing statements. He didn't do that. Instead, he decided to take a DIRECT SHOT at Microsoft's policies. He stated that the PS4 does NOT need to update once everyday and thus is useable even without internet connection, he said that players can SHARE GAMES without restrictions and finally he announced that the PS4's price will be at 399$! Sony's mockery of Microsoft did not stop there though, as they even went as far as to create a Youtube video about how players can "share the games on the PS4".

   That was the game-clincher! After that, Nintendo's pre-recorder broadcast was almost rendered useless. Everyone had made up their mind! After the conference, all you would see in the forums was "Yup! Definitely going with Sony!". And even though players of the younger ages might choose to go with the Wii U and the 3DS is the go-to for the handheld market because of the wide variety of games they offer, but in general the console war was a triumph for Sony.

 
   Microsoft actually gave Sony the chance they were looking for to make the PS4 shine even brighter. Microsoft as I mentioned earlier, forgot that their target audience was gamers. Those are the people that will run out and get the console. If someone other than that is looking for a device with the features the Xbox One offers, they could just as easily turn to a new-gen HD TV. Sony, on the other hand, remembered to make a console that had gamers as a target audience, and are trying to expand from that, with features like Netflix, Sony Pictures and Sony Music, and much more. Sony also had learned from their painful previous mistake with the pricing of the PS3, and so they put the cherry on the cake by making it available 100$ cheaper than the Xbox One.
   What happened after that? PS4's pre-orders have gone through the roof and according to a poll by IGN, 81% think Sony "won at E3".( http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/06/15/who-is-winning-e3) So, there you have it! Apparently E3 did help people make up their minds as to which console they'll be going into the next generation with, and the PS4 (releasing at the end of the year) will be quite a popular trend next year!

Fantasy Reborn!

   Greetings, friends! During these early morning hours, I am posting this article while attending the last "Square-Enix Presents" live-stream from E3, Los Angeles. I mentioned in an earlier article that Square-Enix had a debt to pay to it's loyal fans, especially the eagerly anticipating, relentless Final Fantasy fan base. And boy, did they deliver! During Sony's PS4 presentation (I will make another article perhaps tomorrow about Sony's triumphant entry to the new era of consoles), Square-Enix was mysteriously absent for a while. Even though Sony did present quite a few new games for both the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita, there was hardly any mention of Square-Enix's titles (with the exception of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD being delivered to the PS Vita).
   Then Sony's spokesman began announcing future PlayStation 4 titles. And, near the end, Square-Enix's sign finally showed up on the big screen. It was a recorded message from the creator of Final Fantasy Versus XIII, Tetsuya Nomura, apologizing for the delay of information on the so-called title. And then, it appeared...

   Notice something strange at the end? Yes, what the internet had been on fire for weeks now has become official. Final Fantasy Versus XIII had claimed a mainline title. It has been reborn as XV. In an interview with "Square-Enix Presents" Tetsuya Nomura claimed that this name change occured when they heard about the next-gen consoles two years ago and decided to port the project there. FF XV will be available on both the PS4 and the XBox One, as announced by FF Brand Manager Shinji Hashimoto.
   Mr. Nomura also went on to say that we might not see only one FF XV. There may be sequels. And this is because of the fact that the world that he and his team are creating is so vast and the story they want to tell is so enticing, that they might not be able to fit it all into just one game. Though the method of these "sequels" has not yet come to his mind. He does not want long development times and has promised to end the "radio silence" on this game, delivering as much information as possible whenever it becomes available. The next showing of XV is scheduled to be at the Tokyo Game Show in September.
   And even though that was all from Nomura-san, the Final Fantasy brand still got a whole lotta love at this E3! Starting with Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII that was represented by a new trailer and a playable demo. Director Yoshinori Kitase and producer Motomu Toriyama also gave a lot of new info on the game, like the fact that Lightning will have more than 80 costumes (called schemata) available to her and that in the start of the game she will only have 7 days to save the world. The days can increase to 13 if the player completes certain quests.

   As for the other FF Kitase-san and Toriyama-san are making, FF X/X-2 HD, that too got the same treatment as Lightning Returns (via trailer and demo) and also they revealed that one new scene was added to the original content of X. Where that is, though, will be up to the players to find out. They added that the game is almost complete but they cannot reveal it's release date yet, as they wish to make some final "tweaks" to it.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Real Reborn has been Square-Enix's centre of attention. They've been really trying to get it out there, considering it releases this summer and all the work that's been put into it. They released a new trailer for it saying that it will also be available on the PS4 and during a "Live Letter With The Producer" Naoki "Yoshi-p" Yoshida shown on "Square-Enix Presents" (and that's actually still on-air while this article is being written), one new class, the Arcanist and two new jobs, the Summoner and Scholar were revealed. Nice!

   So, there you have it! A full line up (which, when combined with the news that Kingdom Hearts 3 is in development packs a pretty heavy punch!) of Final Fantasy games, ready to be delivered within the next 1,5 years at the most (rumor has it XV will be released a little after March 2014). Final Fantasy XV may have all the hype, but in no way are all the rest minor titles. XIV is perhaps the most highly anticipated MMORPG, X/X-2 HD has a lot of nostalgic fans eagerly waiting for it and Lightning Returns concludes the epic story of XIII. And considering where XIII-2 left off, I'd say there are many people that want to know how that ends! And with all that, I'd say Final Fantasy, that seemed pretty much a forgotten franchise at E3 2012, has been reborn!

  

All eyes here!

   Ok, so I spoke last time about what the three great gaming companies (Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft) are planning ahead of E3, but what about the games themselves? What are the titles that are going to steal the spotlight and make every gamer say "I am SO buying this on day one!" when they see the trailers? This E3 will be remembered for years to come not just for the reveal of the two new gaming consoles (XBox One, PS4), but for the great new games that are being created as we speak by a number of developers not just for the next generation, but to pay tribute to the end of the previous era. And they are doing a wonderful job, since there's going to be a plethora of titles to choose from. Let's take a look!
   Firstly, let's say that there's still a number of titles that will be for the XBox One that we still know nothing about. Microsoft announced during the opening presentation that there will be 15 new franchises specifically for this new machine. Amongst them will be the astonishing Quantum Dream, the racing car game Forza and of course the new addition to the Call Of Duty franchise titled Ghosts. All these and more will be revealed during E3.

   Nintendo also have their exclusive titles, like the highly anticipated Super Smash Bros Wii U, Mario Kart Wii U, Super Mario 3D, Yoshi Wii U, Game and Wario and also a lot of titles for their most successful handheld console, the 3DS. Amongst these games are the highly anticipated new addition to the Pokemon series, X/Y, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Mario Golf: World Tour and Yoshi's Island 3DS.

   Of course, apart from that there are third companies that are creating games, either specific for one console or for cross-console gaming. For example, EA Sports seem to be taking a liking to the XBox One and they will be showcasing their new technologies with the production of games such as: FIFA '14, NHL '14, Need For Speed: Rivals, NBA Live '14, Madden '25 and Battlefield 4. Then there are companies such as Ubisoft that create titles for consoles of both this generation and the next and also make a return to one of our favorite type of game styles: platforms. They'll be showcasing: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Rayman Legends, South Park: The Stick Of Truth, Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Watch Dogs.

   KONAMI, one could say, have been in a bit of a rivalry the past few years with EA over who has the greatest soccer game. This year will be no different, since they'll try to win soccer gamers of the world with their new PES 2014 game system. It will be joined on the show floor by: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Castlevania Lords Of Shadow 2.

   Square-Enix have a debt to pay with their fans and they know it. Apart from the secret Final Fantasy title being developed for the PS4 that they announced back in February (but no one knows nothing about), they will be showcasing Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Thief, Murdered: Soul Suspect, Kingdom Hearts 1,5 HD Remix and Deux Ex: The Fall.

   SEGA's team will be showing off Sonic's new adventure titled Sonic: Lost World, a game exclusive to Nintendo consoles (Wii U & 3DS). Along with that they'll also be revealing: Castle Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Total War: Rome 2.

   Sony's worldwide studios are active and will also be presenting their work. Among the titles they'll show are: Rain, Puppeteer, Beyond: Two Souls and Knack.

   If anyone thinks that the good old PC gamers will not be properly represented, they're gravely mistaken. A massive number of new titles are being developed alongside those for the new and old consoles. A few of those are: Black Guards, Goodbye Deponia, Memoria, The Night Of The Rabbit (all developed by Daedalic Entertainment), Black Gold (Snail Games), Civilization 5: Brave New World (Firaxis), Command & Conquer (Victory Games), Company Of Heroes 2 (Relic), DayZ Standalone (Bohemia Interactive), Divinity: Original Sin (Larian Studios), Elder Scrolls Online (ZeniMax), Lords Of The Fallen (Deck 13), Might & Magic X (Limbic), Rise Of The Triad (Apogee) and Wasteland 2 (inXile).
 

           
   Finally, there are companies being represented by one or two great games that are sure to make a bang. Amongst those games and developers are: Batman: Arkham Origins (Warner Bros Games Montreal), Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (Silicon Studios), Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons (Starbreeze), Bayonetta 2 (Platinum Games), Destiny (Bungie), Diablo III (Blizzard), Disgaea: A Brighter Darkness (NIS), Disney Infinity (Avalanche Software), Dragon Age III: Inquisition (Bioware), Dragon's Crown (VanillaWare), DriveClub (Evolution Studios), Dynasty Warriors 8 (Omega Force), Gran Turismo 6 (Polyphony Games), Infamous: Second Son (Sucker Punch), Killer Is Dead (Grasshopper Manufacture), Killzone: Shadowfall/Mercenary (Guerilla), Saints Row 4 (Deep Silver), Sherlock Holmes: Crimes And Punishments (Frogware), Shin Megami Tensei IV/Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem (Atlus), Tales Of Xilia (Namco Bandai), The Last Of Us (Naughty Dog), Young Justice: Legacy (Warner Bros Ineractive) and many many more will be present at the E3 booths, ready to be tested by potential future players.

   So which games are of your liking? Are you one of those gamers that already knows what they want and can't wait to see it? Or are you looking forward to a new experience that'll carry you away to another world where you can lose yourself? Action games or RPG's? Sports games or shoot'em-ups? Driving games or war strategy simulators? Whatever you're looking for in gaming, this week is sure to give you something of it. The entire gaming world is about to change within the next week. The future is now! 

E (with the big) 3!!!

   Hi there everyone!! Sorry it's been so long since my last post, but life has it's way of keeping you busy and even though you have your mind set on one thing, you eventually end up doing something totally different. It's been about a month and a half since the last time I wrote and since then a lot has happened. Amongst everything, Microsoft unveiled their next generation console, the XBox One.The capabilities of this machine seem endless but it didn't really support a whole lot of first rat game titles. Since E3 is just around the corner (1 week), I thought it would be fun to do an article about what the 3 major gaming companies will bring to the table and how they'll try to convince us, the consumers, that their equipment is the best for the leap to the next generation of gaming.
   Let's begin with Microsoft. A lot of people were left disappointed with the presentation of the XBox One. At the end of it, it didn't seem like a gaming console at all, but like a high-tech TiVo! But there are people inside Microsoft saying very positively that they will have a lot to show at E3. At the presentation, Microsoft also announced 15 entirely new game franchises. This is what they will bring to the showroom. This is what they'll try and win people over with. Sure, there are gamers who like to stick to their franchises, but then again there's always the thrill of the unknown. This is what Microsoft is going to use to their advantage. New box, entirely new franchises (not to mention the die-hard Call of Duty fan boys), a whole new experience.

   Next is Sony. Sony hasn't shown us their box yet. I mean, we've all heard about what the PS4 can do, how to use it to interact with others, use the PS Network in new ways, all the new features, heck, we even saw the new DualShock 4! But we still haven't actually seen the PlayStation 4. That's what they'll try and dazzle us with. But they won't have to do much work, since they have a number of game developers working for them, trying as hard as they can to bring the best quality games to the PS4. And that's yet another card under Sony's sleeve. All the gamers' favorite franchises in sparkling new graphics. If after all that players still aren't lining up to buy the new games and console, I really don't know what will!

   What about Nintendo? Where to they fit in between the battle of the titans? Nintendo made a great move in choosing to not have a media conference at E3 this year (since the Wii U has already been released), but instead inform their customers of their new products through a Nintendo Direct live stream. That way it's as it says: more direct. Nintendo always had and always will have it's loyal fan base. With new and improved titles like Mario Kart Wii U, Sonic: Lost World, Super Mario 3D Wii U, Super Smash Bros 4, and other highly anticipated titles (not only for the Wii U, but for the most popular handheld gaming console, the 3DS), Nintendo always knows how to make a big impression.

   Next week promises to be huge for the gaming industry. The companies are doing their best to deliver not just just entertainment systems, but machines that can do everything for us. From recording our favorite show to making a video call to our long-lost cousin who lives half way around the world, all with just the use of words. But at the end of the day, it's up to the consumer to decide what he really wants. Let the games begin!!