E3 Update

In the first full day of expo activities, EA (Electronic Arts) announced their latest lineup of game sequels (their specialty). Among the more promising ones are: Crysis 2, Dead Space 2, Medal of Honor, The Sims 3 (the long awaited console version for Wii, NDS, PS3, and Xbox 360), Madden 11, and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. EA has apparently decided to follow the version system employed by some movie production studios and Microsoft, hence the re-bake of Medal of Honor and Need for Speed, and the shortening of annual Madden to just “11”.

Ubisoft announced the latest additions of some of their most loved games, including Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. One interesting title they announced, which they have yet to give a name, is a Michael Jackson Karaoke/Dance game. This game and some others are promised to be compatible with Microsoft’s new Kinect and Sony’s Playstation Move (both motion-sensing technologies to compete with the Wii).

Finally, not to be outdone, Nintendo announced a new version of their fan favorite Zelda entitled The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which will include WiiMotion Plus support. Players will swing the sword with the Wii Remote and raise their shields with the Nunchuk.

Nintendo also announced Mario Sports Mix, which brings Mario and his friends to sports such as volleyball, hockey, basketball, and dodgeball, Wii Party, a multiplayer party game using everyone’s Mii characters, Just Dance 2, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (for the DS), Disney Epic Mickey, Metroid M, Dragon Quest IX (for the DS) and the return of gamer favorite: GoldenEye, complete with split screen and online multiplayer.

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Nintendo gamers have waited years for a Wii version of Kirby, a character who has made appearances in other games, such as Super Smash Brothers, but had not received his own spotlight since Nintendo 64. Today, Nintendo announced Kirby’s Epic Yarn, a unique approach to gaming that allows characters to sew items into existence, rip through enemy fabric, and employ some of Kibry’s favorite actions, like sucking in opponents.

Another favorite who finally returns on the Wii is Donkey Kong in the new platform game: Donkey Kong Country Returns.

At the conclusion of Nintendo’s one-hour press conference, they announced the new device that everyone has been talking about: The Nintendo 3DS, which promises to deliver 3D graphics without the need for 3D glasses. The only way to truly experience it, Nintendo says, is to actually play it, and they paraded tens of young women with 3DS units tethered to their waists for E3 attendees to play.

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The 3DS includes a 3D depth slider to adjust the amount of 3D from zero to full, a touch screen on the bottom, d-pad, analog stick, motion sensor, gyro sensor, and two camera lenses on the outside that allow the user to take 3D photos. In addition the 3DS will play 3D movies and allow users numerous online features for no monthly fee. Nintendo already has numerous game partnerships with developers to bring 3D games, such as Metal Gear Solid to the 3DS. They also announced the return of Pit in Kid Icarus: Uprising.

Tags: E3, E3 update, EA, Nintendo, Ubisoft