Instead of going post by post with E3 this year... an article makes more sense. So expect this one to be full of E3'ish things and yaddas. We have something we are working on ourselves and trying to make sure that all of the rubber duckies are in a row before we set them on fire! The greater the support, the greater chance of it being a sure thing (and this increases our voice and reach to developers; this includes the voice of all Nin-Dems)... what am I talking about?
Hmmm... I won't pull that announcement trigger just yet because we'd want to deliver for sure. [Quack-Quack]
This article will be +d with gaming goodness from E3, so stay tuned for more and more... and more. ;)
Each link seen in this article (and all others) will take you to product pages.
Each link seen in this article (and all others) will take you to product pages.
Microsoft delivered first at E3 2014, and here's our feedback on some of the things we saw:
Happy Wars will be released on Xbox One, and for those with the console... they'll be able to enjoy cross-platform action with 360 owners. I've played this game a few times, and though its not a wow title for me (personally) its fun. Its a no brainer title to have it on the XB1 also, this increases the incentive of having an XBLG... and I know they tried that with the apps and stuff, but those things could be accessed elsewhere for free. I still don't stand behind charging to play online, but if you are going to do it, have free games that can be enjoyed on the service that can't be played anywhere else. I know that Phil Spencer mentioned the Kinect and that it will be a critical part of the XB1's long term success... but there need to be great incredible games that make it worth the purchase. If someone can't enjoy a game because they have to fight with the Kinect... its a fail, and that has to be conquered so that there isn't an argument of why someone should have it, the content would speak for itself.
Phantom Dust is the chance for Xbox to increase the number of worthwhile franchises they have. I've never played the first one, and although the trailer doesn't say much beyond the game containing people with extraordinary powers... i'm curious to see more.
Home Front: The Revolution... is looking great thus far, and the game really has a lot of potential. I know that at times multiplayer can overshadow single player, but screw that... the story should be of major focus in this game even more than the 1st. The multiplayer can be great and progressive (from a co-op standpoint), but as far as team deathmatches... i'd prefer a memorable story rather than another shooter with the attention set on multiplayer. Not to come down hard on multiplayer, because I do enjoy it myself (here and there) but... you can jump from one to the other almost without skipping a beat or what you can appreciate from each shooter. PC | XB1 | PS4
I'm thinking similar when it comes to Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, because the single player campaigns aren't going to mimic each other... if the developers know whats good for them. The stories have been pretty decent, and new features will increase my interest (something that increases the complexity of the game and just feels right will gain props). This game should be cross-platform (PS3 to PS4 and 360 to XB1).
There will be plenty of shooters with a focus on multiplayer, but they have the potential of standing out with the story (a lack there of... is a concern when it comes to games that just should have a story).



Phil Spencer says that Xbox will continue to listen to the gamers, and for the sake of the gamers as well as Microsoft's Xbox Division... we hope its true, because anything else would be silly. Its understandable that they're a business, but fun needs to be an incredibly strong factor for the Xbox division, don't try to nickle and dime the audience... just bring out strong games and represent your platform well. That can be respected... the advertising and crap like that (yeah)... not so much. Its actually a bit out of place for some of us to only have select platforms, but concern about being hustled is one of the main reasons for that, so walk that talk as everyone wins from it (but I don't want to hear "We Listened" being used as a motto, just do it). Exclusives are important for each platform, they increase the reason to own more than one if able.
A swift kick in the butt is good (once in awhile) when you need to get a grip... isn't it? Stand strong as the face of the Xbox Division, Phil... and bring it (in the name of supporters)!

The same applies to the Lara Croft shoot'em'up adventure puzzle co-op games. :p They would be great on the Wii U, and we've contacted the developer to find out why in the hell hasn't the console been considered.

EA, your developers have a huge responsibility when it comes to Star Wars: Battlefront... we (at Nintendo-Demand) sincerely hope that all of that research pays off. Don't rush it, make it great, and pull us into the world in a beautiful and memorable way. You have a rich world that simply needs the right execution. The only way you guys could shock me is if you announce that this game will also be released on the Wii U (that probably would've been one of the biggest announcements when it came to your presentation for me; LucasArts released their games on Nintendo platforms so that would be cool).
By the way, I don't want to think about Battlefield when I play Battlefront, I want to be nice and immersed in the StarWars universe... the music, the sounds, the characters, etc. I look forward to the finished product, and I hope it doesn't require a slew of updates (I don't want to worry about that, I just want to game and love it)... is that too much to ask?


Anyway... after looking at Battlefield: Hardline... I was pleased with the gameplay, but at the same time we feel that this could've been a DLC add-on for Battlefield 4 (unless the single player is worthwhile). I don't get the badges for the criminals unless they were in the military or something, if not... that's a bit weird and made me feel as if its primarily new textures and altered scenarios using BF4's assets (keeping in mind that it is a Battlefield game, but the criminals should've had something else like a street cred rank). Does that make it a game that should be avoided? No, especially if someone prefers this type of game over Battlefield 4's theme.
Someone brought up a funny point about this game... why would you be willing to tear up a city to prevent a robbery (ROFL)... but its a video game, sooooo... I don't think its that big of a deal (as long as it works properly... more power to em'). Avaiable for: PC | PS3 | PS4 | 360 | XB1
Sign up for the beta here: http://www.battlefield.com/hardline/beta

Platinum Games' ScaleBound looks like it might turn out to be a great game, reminds me of Monster Hunter except you have the assistance of dragons (and possibly other beasts)... I would've liked to see a bit more than a video lacking game play for this action title, but Xbox owners can be happy that there is another exclusive for the XB1.
Ubisoft did a pretty good job with their announcements (i'm glad they brought Aisha Tyler back... she's quite the enthusiastic presenter), and its crazy to say that even a fitness game gained my interest (can't say the same for others, though most said it looked like it could be fun). They presented their pending title, "Shape Up" in a way that's competitive and fun (almost resembling some Japanese game shows) without it being some lame basic workout set. I'm curious about the quest mode also, but this will be an exclusive for XB1 and requires a Kinect... so i'm SOL (sure out of luck). :p Some people like the traditional workout regimen, and even with that in mind, an alternate way to enjoy some physical fun... doesn't hurt (unless you do something crazy that ends up jacking you up). I don't know how many activities this game will have, but here's the description they give:
- Unexpected Workout Exercises: Tired of the same old workout routine? That's why we'll force you to punch out asteroids for a cardio workout or squat your way to the moon for a deep quad burn. Oh, and you can bench-press an elephant too
- Play a Whole Bunch of Different Ways: Target specific muscle groups in rapid-fire, 90-second training bursts. Take on a four-week, goal-oriented quest mode, or challenge your friends online for ultimate bragging rights
- Next Gen Camera: Play as yourself on screen using Next Gen camera technology. Full body tracking enables Shape Up to get a precise read on your movements
- You vs. You: Or play with other people. It's totally up to you. With rePLAY motion capture and storage technology, you can record a workout and compete against yourself, or try to exert your physical will over the Internet, by sharing with friends
It may be a bit critical to say that this game should be priced lower than full retail... but I really feel that if this game were a lot lower, it would be a game that has the potential of being quite successful when it comes to Kinect users... (paranoia has the potential of settling in when it comes to the camera just because there are a lot of great games for full retail) though it may be the fitness game of choice compared to others that require the Kinect.


The game that really caught my eye was Far Cry 4 in the Ubisoft presentation, it seems like its going to be a wild ride full of awesome. Far Cry 3 was crazy good... and FC4 appears to have its own interesting and super eccentric character, so I look forward to the adventure with a desire to see how much crap really hits the fan; I want this upcoming installment to be extremely difficult (forcing players to have to rethink strategies again and again; think about the games from the past that only a select few have completed).
Available for: PC | PS3 | PS4 | 360 | XB1
The PlayStation version of this game will allow you to invite your PSN friends to join you in the game even if they don't own the title... that's a pretty nice incentive.
No Man's Sky (for the PS4) looks freaking fantastic... the indie developer gets a thumbs up (two if it plays out the way it appeared in the E3 presentation or better), and there have been some really good looking games shown... but this individual game stands out (to me, especially as an indie title) based on what they are offering and you can go seamlessly from one depth filled planet to space, to the next (in your ship and dog fight all the way)... as well as roam on foot. Definitely pleased and I wish this developer the best.

Available for: PC | PS4 | XB1
Drake's back... and i'm not talking about the rapper, i'm talking about Nathan Drake. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is heading to the PS4 in 2015, and though there wasn't much of a preview in the Sony E3 2014 presentation... Naughty Dog has built a strong reputation when it comes to the franchise so they were able to get away with showing a little something just to say "Its coming".
After getting more of an idea of what Destiny aims to do (in regards to story), I am a bit more confident in the title. I thought it was going to be on the lines of players writing their own story which may possibly end up becoming this drawn out uncertainty (just looking at the name), but... I understand a bit more now of what they mean and I hope its one heck of a story.
Available for: PS3 | PS4 | 360 | XB1
It's Nintendo time and they came out kicking some serious butt out of the gate... I won't go into specifics about the extras, but lets just say that opening scene was freaking awesome!!!!
You may not have heard this in the E3 announcement during the Digital Event, but a new StarFox game is coming to the Wii U next year (2015), Nintendo contacted us with the awesome new on June 10th (2014)!
This is the description they've provided:
Star Fox (working title) turns the Wii U GamePad into the view from the cockpit of Fox McCloud’s Arwing fighter. While the TV shows the perspective from behind the Arwing, players can also use the gyro sensors of the GamePad to intuitively and independently target enemies. Players can instantly switch between the Arwing and Landmaster tank with the press of a button, and the game also introduces a new helicopter-type vehicle. The game is scheduled for 2015.
If some of you were bummed out that the game wasn't announced during the Digital Event... no need to worry because it will likely be covered in a full episode of Nintendo Direct. :)
This is yet another reason to get your hands on the Wii U, but there are quite a few nice exclusives that increase that reason (and i'm not talking only 1 party).

This game was going to be released elsewhere by THQ until they went under... and then Nintendo did the smart thing reaching out to the developer after Valhalla recovered rights to the title. The game looks good thus far and i'm sure the visuals are likely being optimized to look their best on the console. Its one of those bittersweet situations, I wouldn't want the doors to close on a game developer... but i'm happy the Wii U will be receiving another exclusive (that just so happens to come as a result of THQ's downfall).



What's cool about Nintendo's Amiibo... is that you will be able to use them for what will likely be a wide variety of games, for an even wider variety of reason.
The Amiibo will be trainable, and used for fighting in Super Smash Bros (obviously), which can be used to fight other Amiibo, the CPU, a friend, or you can take them on yourselves. The more they gain experience, the more they grow, and I don't know about you... but this excites me and opens up something else entirely that increases the replay value of games. Think about the competition that can come from Amiibo tournaments being held for SSB alone.
As you see... there are other games listed here, and if you haven't see the Nintendo Digital Event... please do so (its awesome). We are honestly not sure what Amiibo will be capable of in these other games, but these announcements are worth being mentioned.
Captain Toad Treasure Tracker looks freaking awesome, and its great that they are utilizing their alternate characters to create new IPs. Its a creative puzzle game that will grow in difficulty as you progress to other stages with Captain Toad in search of treasure.
As far as Amiibo is concerned... we might be able to have the characters join the game from a supportive standpoint.
Yoshi's Wooly World, takes you back into the world of Yoshi... in yarn form, remember Kirby's Epic Yarn on the Wii 1? This easily reminds me of that, except the detail is greater (as it should be on a new gen console), and you aren't just a string of yarn... you look like a stuffed Yoshi toy made out of yarn. Nintendo could've went a typical route, it would've likely been well received, but they took it further to make the game amazing not only because of the gameplay, and not even with a realistic looking Yoshi... they stepped it up in a way that I think is much more fitting, but the game's overall theme is also tied together in the gameplay.
As far as Amiibo is concerned... I have the slightest idea of how it could be used in this game, but at least Ninten-does. : p

Mario Party 10 is taking an approach I wish other multiplayer games would take (especially if multiplayer is the only offering they have and it doesn't consist of much). Give gamers something progressive to enjoy as they take on another player that's in the drive seat of the main antagonist (that being Bowser in this game).
This is more of a family friendly game (that welcomes a crowd to gather around), and i'm glad that Nintendo is delivering to cover various interests fans may have. Actually, going back to the discussion we had about a real life Nintendo theme park... a Mario Party attraction has all sorts of possibilities.
As far as Amiibo is concerned... I can see the characters being used as opponents, that may grow to be more and more difficult as you build up their skill level (which increases the replay value because it would be like playing against a new opponent as they grow). Increased difficulty is something I see coming from Amiibo figures for Mario Kart 8 as well, and once the peripheral becomes available for the 3DS... I can only imagine what games will be compatible with it.

I don't see this game disappointing the audience, but the price needs to be right so that it can be truly appreciated (unless its just so chock full of content that its worth the price; there still needs to be something else there though unless its a low priced eShop title).
I'd actually like for it to be a low priced eShop title so that gamers can jump on some affordable fun when this game launches. I don't think this game needs voice chat, but the option would be good, especially if they plan on having bigger maps than those showcased in E3.
If you thought we forgot about Xenoblade Chronicles X... you'd be wrong! Where should I start? The game is easily a must buy for me, and I can't wait to explore the vast world. It looks beautiful (though the depth and feel are what i'd look forward to more so), and the scale is really impressive. It will be more difficult to exploit the price of this one (I won't mention names)... if it is available on the Nintendo eShop (which it needs to be), I don't know the download size but i'm sure there are more than a few people willing to increase the size they have to get this game. We went from seeing a little... to seeing a hefty amount of gameplay at this E3 for XCX... and its right on time. Considering online play... this game really should have voice chat, the world is vast and it would be good to know where someone is and what they plan on doing, this could ultimately boost strategy (not to mention a worthwhile reason to have a headset).
If you haven't seen the gameplay, check out this video from Nintendo's Treehouse Live E3 2014 event:
A new IP is headed to the 3DS in 2015
Nintendo provided us with the following information on Code Name: S.T.E.A.M this morning:
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a new take on strategy games inspired by third-person shooters. Like the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars games before it, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. tasks players with planning out strategic moves using a team of soldiers to do battle with enemy forces. But this game throws a wrench into many of the conventions familiar to the genre.
For starters, the game takes place in a vibrant steampunk world, weaving its globe-spanning tale in the art style of a classic comic book. The title refers to an elite team of steam-powered special-forces soldiers composed of absolutely wild and wholly unexpected characters who must battle an extraterrestrial menace. To establish a connection to the main playable characters and to emphasize the verticality and depth of the level design, the perspective of Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. uses a behind-the-shoulder perspective at the level of the players’ squad. Players outflank and outshoot the enemy in a fully 3D battlefield with a customizable four-member team. To defeat aliens, they have to take cover, set up ambushes and unleash crossfires and counter-attacks. For every move taken or action performed, a steam gauge is slowly depleted, forcing players to use strategy to achieve their objectives. Along the way, players will acquire new items and weapons that give them more strategic options and firepower.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. will launch exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in 2015.
This game is definitely a welcomed addition to the platform... I can't recall any games of this sort from Nintendo on the 3DS, and there definitely needs to be more 1st party titles exclusive to the handheld (if you ask me; not to discredit other games but a growing library of great games is a good thing). Knowing that its going to be a larger development... delivering 3rd person shooting action wrapped up in a strategic steam punk game, we're more than curious about checking it out. I'm thinking it will be similar to Valkyria Chronicles, which would be awesome... (either way) bring it on Nintendo!
The Legend of Zelda on Wii U... is it what you expected? Does it even matter?

We didn't expect the game to come out looking the way the tech demo did, but it may be that way in the console to follow (though that won't be for awhile, and I say that because I don't see them releasing another LoZ on this console just like I don't see them doing that for Mario Kart, etc.).
The version that we are getting looks great though, the world is vast (though how vast is yet to be seen, but Eiji Aonuma hinted at it during the presentation) and like the original... you can roam and end up waste deep in trouble. I expect there is going to be a lot of wickedness lurking about just waiting for a Link happy meal to come roaming through with a side of horse, so it should be interesting and I can't help but think back when Elder Scrolls was mentioned in reference to Zelda (so if this gives you an even greater curiosity of how its going to turn out... then you're as excited as I am).
I can't say too much about the weapons because we don't have much... but its safe to assume that there will be a variety of arrows in this game (duh of the day... but there possibly... POSSIBLY may be the option to customize them also). Some of you may be worried that there won't be a sword to give you Triforce chills as you take down the unknown... but we seriously doubt Nintendo would do something that crazy unless its part of the story requiring you to recover it or find it after going through hell and high water... before increasing your Bad A** meter. Keep in mind, we don't know how this story will be presented... we're just confident that it will have a lot more freedom than past games.
What better way to maintain the Zelda spirit than to move on to Hyrule Warriors for the Wii U?

Who won this E3? We think it was the gamers... and that's how it should always be!
Some feel that Nintendo won this E3, while others feel that Sony took it, as others think Microsoft took it... but that boils down to preference. This E3 felt good for each developer, though we were most excited when it came to Nintendo. Notice how Nintendo caught hell last year for the approach they took to E3. They are taking full control with a very creative approach as we've mentioned last year, an approach that gives them more control over their coverage versus someone that may be 99.9% bias against the company yet has the floor when it comes to delivering feedback to the masses (and they delivered in a way that left quite a few people excited). Next year, we hope that Nintendo takes E3 even further and makes limited time demos available on the eShop for games shown at E3... that would make for one huge impact.
More content to come!!!
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