E3 hasn't even started yet, but already the internet is alive with talk about the key games of the show. So, to put all the chat into perspective, here are the ten key games revealed during the many pre-E3 press events. Obviously this is pretty subjective, but I'm going on a precise mixture of forum talk, what colleagues at the event are saying, multi-format coverage, and, of course, personal prejudice. Where possible, I've also linked to screens, videos or further info.
Photo by Jon Jordon.
Killzone 2 – PS3 Was the Sony Conference demo really in-game footage, or just a pre-rendered hype job? Whatever the case, it's mission accomplished for Sony - everyone is talking about Guerrilla Software's as-yet unnamed PS3 follow-up to the futuristic FPS.
You can download a trailer here. There's more info and comment here.
Metal Gear Solid 4 – PS3 The game was first mentioned back in March, but now Konami has confirmed that it's coming to PS3. There are very few details out there, apart from the fact that series creator Hideo Kojima is taking a step back from the development process. Maybe there will be less movie sequences this time round then?
GTA: Liberty City Stories – PSP Returns the action to Liberty City and features whole new storyline. Developer Rockstar Leeds is promising a similar open-ended experience to previous GTA titles, as well as top voice talent and loads of music. Will you be able to upload the soundtrack to your music menu and listen to tracks as MP3s? Any multiplayer Wi-Fi features? They're not saying…
Read the press release here.
Quake IV – PC, Xbox 360 Typically for Id it's been in development for years, but some new details screens, and of course news of the Xbox 360 version have now been released. Employing the new Doom 3 engine, it promises blisteringly fast and detailed visuals as you take on the role of elite soldier Matthew Kane as he battles the alien Strogg empire.
There's a big feature here. And an interview about the 360 version here. PC screenshots here. Press release here.
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess – Game Cube Easily the stand-out GC title at Nintendo's pre-E3 briefing – but then its competition was made up of lacklustre genre titles given the Nintendo spin, such as Super Mario Strikers and Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix. We're promised a more adult look and feel this time round, and Link will be able to shape-shift.
More info here. Screens and the GDC trailer here.
Project Gotham Racing 3 – Xbox 360 Perfect Dark Zero might have received a muted response at the Microsoft bash, but this returning brand looks stronger than ever with new environments, new vehicles and, of course, astonishing visuals. It'll be interesting to see how the game utilises the 'always on' connected element of Xbox 360. From the series' genesis – Metropolis Street Racer on Dreamcast – the concept of a global racing event has been an important element (for example, MSR used the built-in clock to ensure that the London, Tokyo and San Fran time zones were correct). This should be the title that really showcases Microsoft's worldwide gaming community.
Info and screens here.
Gears of War – Xbox 360 A trailer for Epic's futuristic third-person shooter has been wowing journos for months, but until E3 it was assumed that the footage was pre-rendered. Now it seems it was all in-game. True, it's another tale of humans versus nasty monsters, filled with big guns, big vehicles and big environments, but the sheer scope, detail and visual majesty of the project will sweep us along.
Press release here. Details, screens and videos here.
Viewtiful Joe DS The pick of a not exactly plentiful DS crop (although Castlevania DS runs it a close second), Capcom's vibrant 2D platformer is a natural fit for this quirky machine. No details as yet, but the game will feature a new character and support for the touch screen.
Screens here.
Final Fight: Street Wise – PS2 and Xbox Capcom's pre-show event was crammed with scintillating goodies including Onimusha Dawn of Dreams, Devil May Cry 4 and Okami, but this one caught the imagination of gaming veterans thanks to its old skool heritage. It's a sort of pit fighting adventure game, mixing elements of GTA with countless 3D beat 'em ups. Sadly, they've borrowed that whole 'respect' theme from current street racing games. Oh dear…
Xbox screens here.
Doom RPG – mobile phones Well I had to put one mobile game in here. Published by Jamdat and developed by Id and Fountainhead, this is a turn-based take on the classic Doom gameplay – a set-up possibly inspired by Metal Gear Acid? It's marines vs monsters again and apparently loads of the classic enemies return. A nice idea.
