E3 2015 has come and gone, and with that we here at GAMbIT want to look back on the things that we got to see and experience. Something to note with this recap is that while we did get to see a lot of cool things, we also missed out on a number of games and announcements. We are going to be focusing on the first-part offerings that set each console apart, instead of the mulch-platform releases (check back for that list later). I also have to say that while we had a lot of fun, this years E3 didn’t have the impact of previous shows. There is a distinct lack of “wow” staying factor to most games this year, but for more on that be sure to catch our video recap coming soon. So without further adieu, let’s look back on E3 2015 and our pics for best of show.
Sony
Playstation was spitting hot fire the moment the began their press conference. If we were to say who won E3 (and we won’t officially because we think that sort of thing is silly) Sony would be a pretty easy lock. Trailers and in-engine footage aside, we only cared about what we either got our hands on, or saw someone actually play via a guided demo. On the floor Sony had a giant space for their 3-in-1 presentation that featured Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last Guardian, and Uncharted 4.
Horizon Zero Dawn
This title came out of left field for us, and we are so happy that Sony was giving it a big push at the show. Watching the demo running on an actual Playstation 4 was a sight to behold. The game itself is set in the future, in a time when humanity fell and new people’s are once again beginning to emerge. The people of this Earth refer to us as The Old Ones, and with these nomadic people s move back to the ancient cities, they face various mechanized creatures that resemble long extinct earth animals. Horizon Zero Dawn is gorgeous, even in its early state, and the gameplay shown has a lot of potential. There is a great mix of ancient weaponry mixed with futuristic tech that gives the game a truly unique feel. Tack on the fact the game is open-world and has zero loading times between areas, and Sony may just have something really special come 2016.
The Last Guardian
It’s been a long time since this title was announced, and with the furor that arose on the internet last year when IGN “officially” announce that the game was no more, it’s good to be able to see the game in action. The third in the line of games that include Ico and Shadows of the Colossus, The Last Guardian is a different kind of game than many people will be used to. It’s a game about the bond between a boy and a large creature that sees them taking on challenging puzzles in a grand setting. The demo itself was pretty basic, but it did show off some of what we can expect from the game with regards to the interaction between the duo. While the creature itself was stunning with every feather individually modeled and animated, the game itself looked a bit… sparse. I’m excited for this on if only because it retains the style of both Ico and Colossus.
Uncharted 4
Holy cow! After watching this live demo running on a PS4 the two of us in the demo room had to leave the building to get some air. Never have I seen a game elicit the white knuckle thrill ride of an out of control roller-coaster like Uncharted 4. Yes, the Uncharted series is known for its large set pieces in each game, but this single instance that lasted about 15 minutes made the entirety of each prior installment look like child’s play. This demo was so good that we waited in line twice just to make sure Sony wasn’t passing off some sort of per-recorded demo in front of us. Sure enough, the demo was different each time. We are excited for this one, but the real test will be how the time spent between these large set pieces will play out.
Microsoft
It just seems like Microsoft can’t catch a break this generation. Yes, we are eagerly anticipating Halo 5, but we didn’t get the chance to check it out on the floor and we really aren’t that excited about more big burly Gears of War. While the game front is pretty lite for Xbox One in the exclusive department, they really knocked it out of the park with regards to the hardware aspect of the game. Well, minus the Kinect as it looks that motion control is finally dead at Microsoft and Sony.
Xbox One Elite Controller
Okay, so this is a specialty item, but for the right crowd this will be a game changer. For $150 you’ll be able to fully customize this guy and tailor it to how you want to play, depending on said game. Pop in Forza, snap on the Elite paddle flippers, and have your Elite serve as a great driving peripheral. But the Elite offers up a world of options including: A rubberized diamond grip so you will never drop the controller; A redesigned D-pad for better precision, which can also be removed and replaced with the traditional D-pad design; a 3.5mm audio jack so you can plug-in your headset, so others around you don’t have to listen to your game as you play it; Four new paddles on the bottom, which replicate the four face buttons so you don’t have to move your hands to perform split-second actions; Redesigned analog sticks that are less resistant to wear that can also be replaced with convex analog sticks (similar to PlayStation 4’s controllers); You will also have the ability to map any button or trigger to any part of the controller, and even adjust the sensitivities of those components. Man, that’s a lot of options, so if you are a serious FPS console player, the Elite is going to be a must!
Xbox One Backwards Compatibility
So it seems that the team over at Xbox finally listened, or at the very least were concerned with the lack of games, because backwards compatibility is now working on Xbox One. The team created a software-based emulation of the 360, so when you put your disc in the drive the system loads up an emulator. From there you will see the standard 360 Dashboard and go from there. Whats great is that you will still have access to all the Xbox One features so you can grab screenshots and the like. Even better is that all you digital titles will also be able to be played via the emulated 360 dashboard. Most of the games that you expect are working, but Xbox is listening to fans, so expect greater compatibility as fans continue to make demands. You can check out the full list here.
Xbox One HoloLens Minecraft
The HoloLens is an augmented reality headset that has been in development for a little while now. While on the surface it may look like all the other VR sets on the market, HoloLens is a much different beast. Instead of using two lenses that wrap around to show you completely virtual worlds, the HoloLens allows you to see through it while the unit overlays 3D images on the environment around you creating a sort of “mixed reality.” Seeing the HoloLens work with Minecraft made me, someone who hates the idea of Minecraft, get excited about playing the game. It’s only a shame that we can’t show you any footage as Microsoft is keeping everything under wraps for the general public. This either means they are trying to keep their little secret from other companies, or it isn;t quite ready for prime time. Only time will tell.
Nintendo
If you read anywhere online or in any “journalistic” publication that the Wii U is dead, or that Nintendo lost E3, click off right away as that notion is complete bullshit. Nintendo is still fully behind the Wii U, but it should be understood that Nintendo isn’t playing the same game as the rest of the other console makers. That’s where the problem lies, as I think most outlets want to keep treating the Wii U like a third console when it’s really in its own market. Nintendo still has the pure fun factor that many big games miss, but more so they have the titles that are coming out now, not in a year or two.
Star Fox Zero
Wow! While we knew that a new Star Fox was in the works, it’s surprising how complex this title will be. Nintendo has never been great with third parties, but that’s because only Nintendo knows how to coax the most out of their systems. Star Fox Zero adds enough new mechanics to the mix that even veteran Star Fox players will find a lot here to learn. From the new hover mode, to the use of the Gamepad for more accurate targeting, Star Fox Zero is shaping up to be something really special.
Mario Maker
This just might be my game of the show. Mario Maker gives classic Nintendo fans everything they ever wanted. You’ll be able to create your very own Mario levels using an incredibly easy to use toolbox. You can quickly swap out all the items from a multitude of Mario Games all the way up to the newish New Super Mario Bros. You are essentially getting two games in one here as you’ll be able to just spend your time building and uploading all sorts of levels, but for those that aren’t as creative you can spend all your time just playing other people’s creations. This game has the potential to be big, not just for the year, but for the life of the console itself.
Yoshi’s Woolly World
This is the sort of game that will put a smile of anyone’s face. If you are every having a bad day, popping in Woolly World will make all your troubles go away. Miles and I were more excited to get some hands on time with this game than almost any other. The amount of fun that we had in our short play-through is hard to describe. The game works great with the Gamepad, but also allows for the Wiimote to be used that makes the game much harder for veteran players of the series. It’s a lot of fun to play as a team, but just as fun to mess with each other as the game offers up some of the most fun co-op we’ve ever experience. Add to that the incredibly cool yarn motif and the additional super cute amiibos, and you have a winner here.
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