Wheel of Games Journal

Even though E3 closed its gates on June 17^th, the innovative hard- and software presented will be with us for at least another year. Whether new innovative technologies or the revival of old gaming classics, the exhibitors managed to draw looks of astonishment and joy on the audience’s faces. But which of these innovations were the most exciting?

The Joystick’s Grandchildren

Everyone knows the innovative controller of Nintendo’s Wii console, which revolutionized how we interact with games. The times of playing sitting on the couch, controller loosely in your hands, are  over: moving  is hip. Sony presented their new Move controller prototype at E3, which is very obviously derived from the Wii’s controller. The Playstation 3 does not only rely on the already familar controller, but also lets gamer brandish their electronical  wand like Harry Potter would do. As far fetched as this may sound, Sony presented the new input device with Sorcery for Playstation 3, one of the many new games to come that have been developed for this new generation of controller. As young wizard you will have to fight dark enemies with your magical powers, making you use the new motion detection quite frequently. Moving the controller horizontally, a flaming wall of fire appears; drawing  a circle, you can direct a whirlwind through the level. The avatar’s precision reacting to your movement is most astonishing. For the European launch on September 15^th Sony has 15-20 new titles coming out for those gamers, who are thrilled by this new kind of Playstation motion control.

However, Microsoft also intends to send its old controller into retirement. Already they made the first step with Kinect, which might be better known under its previous name “Project Natal”. In contrast to Sony or Nintendo, Microsoft takes motion controls to the next level and completely abandons hand-held controllers. Players are recorded by a sensor, capturing their movements and mirrors them with the Xbox 360 avatar. Voice control is another feature of Kinect, which is especially useful for the multimedia aspects of Xbox 360. For example, movies can be paused or continued by simple voice commands.

The presentation ver impressively showed the precision in movement transfer with Kinectimals, which presents us a young girl playing with her virtual pet, a baby tiger. Moreover, this kind of control is made for physical exercise as well, and active players can workout with Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. It looks like Microsoft wants to appeal to casual gamers as their target group, since it’s still uncertain if those controls will work for all types of games. Volleyball seems to be more appropriate than shooters. Therefore, Kinect probably won’t replace the familiar hand-held controllers, but complements them. Kinect has its very own games and for that reason generates a new customer base for Microsoft. It might also have its place as therapeutical tool or, as we saw with Nintendo Wii, in nursing homes. Launch is scheduled for end of 2010.

The Dimension of Things

Not only has our view on input controllers changed since E3, but also the style of representation. Since Avatar 3D technology has found its way into the modern cinemas. And now it’s going to enter the our homes as well. Sony aspires to become a pioneer of 3D TV technology and enabled the Playstation 3 to play 3D games with its last firmware update. Though to actually experience 3D, you need a special TV and so-called Shutter-Glasses. With 3D Collection Sony plans to start with some old classics, which now have gained a new dimension.

Nintendo starts of a bit smaller with their handheld Nintendo 3DS. Most noticeable about the 3DS technology is that it doesn’t need any glasses to conjure 3D on the screen- a great advantage for a handheld, which shouldn’t be underestimated. Players can look forward to titles as Assassin’s Creed and Metal Gear Solid 3-D. Another feature of 3DS is its implemented second camera, which enables you to take 3D pictures. This circumstance almost seems to be made for augmented reality games. The handheld is supposed to hit the stores in March 2011.

So what’s can we play with all that new technology?

Even though most of the E3 presentations revolved around new technologies, most of the show focused on the little something that consoles are really made for: gaming. And there was quite a lot to see. E3’s portfolio included brand new titles as well as sequels or remakes of beloved classics.

Let’s start with the new. It’s hardly possible to go past all those new MMOGs, exciting online gaming fans.  North American developer and publisher Trion has two great titles on their slate. Focusing  on dynamic content and breathtaking graphics in a fantasy setting we find Rift – Planes of Telara, Scheduled for release in 2011, we will see if the game will live up to the communities’ expectations. The second title follows a different path. End of Nations, developed by Petroglyph Games, who not only gained fame and renown with Star Wars™: Empire at War and Panzer General: Allied Assault but who are also pushing the envelope with their upcoming MMORTS. Here players can compete with thousands of human friends and foes on the gigantic battle fields of End of Nations.

Star Wars™ itself was another big name at E3 since the brand was represented by two MMORPGs and one console title this year. BioWare showed off a new cinematic trailer for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, which probably made many fans mouths water in anticipation. The video showed a fight between Republic troops and Sith fighters, which will be the main conflict of the game. Sony Online Entertainment presented the free-to-play MMORPG Star War™: Clone Wars Adventures. The game’s cartoony graphics and the implemented mini games seem to attract a far younger audience. The last one in the line of Star Wars is the console game Star Wars™: The Force Unleashed 2. Starkiller, the hero of the first part, grabs his lightsaber again and fires up his enemies with the Force.

Other popular series were present their much anticipated sequels like Valve’s Portal 2 or Polyphony Digital’s PS3 exclusive title Gran Tourismo 5. Portal 2 will also make its debut on Sony’s home console – a remarkable development for the previously PC exclusive title and also a well-prepared surprise by Valve, which made media and gamers play a guessing game by their creative press releases beforehand.

Additionally, many classics also made their way back onto the screen: Nintendo stirred up the crowd’s emotions by announcing a new edition of Goldeneye 007 for Wii. Many players still call the original game for the N64 the best console shooter ever. Another veteran is also up for new adventures to show he’s not to be dismissed lightly: Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii will be a real Jump n’ Run experience featuring the popular character after several years of being a mere sidekick. But that’s not the end of it yet – another hero, crucial for console success, will see new adventures on the Wii. Link will wield his sword with the Wii controller in Zelda Skyward Sword. The precision in transferring the player’s movement to Link was again very impressive.

E3 ended with a pleasant feeling of anticipation for new amazing technology and games, which are worth the wait. We will meet many of our beloved heroes in the upcoming months, make them move with new technology and experience the third dimension of gameplay in our living rooms or outdoors. However, hard times have come: the times of waiting.