Microsoft E3 Press Conference Impressions.

So this is a little late but I figured it's better late than never. I actually sat through the entirety of the press conference, something I haven't really done in the past. I did feel that the press conference itself was pretty lacklustre, but this is probably due to the fact that I wasn't really interested in some of the announcements.

Here's a few short impressions.

Fallout 3

The first game to be shown off was Fallout 3. Even though I own Fallout 2 I've only played a little of it so probably can't comment on why people think it's such a big deal. However, I'm really excited about Fallout 3 and every new bit of information just gets me even more excited.

They showed a 1950's inspired nuclear shelter advert which showcases the heavy satire used in the Fallout series. Next up was a gameplay demonstration and, I've got to say, it's looking pretty nice. The target assisting system (VATS) looks nice - allowing you to blow off various limbs - and also harks back to the turn-based aspects of the Fallout series. You can, however, also take on the enemies in real time for those of you who like to do all the killing yourself. I'm also loving the radio on the Pip Boy 3000 as it's like GTA in a post-apocalyptic world!

The game hits the Xbox 360 this fall.

Resident Evil 5


I shamefully admit that I never actually completed Resident Evil 4 but, from what I played, I enjoyed it a hell of a lot. Resident Evil 5 isn't straying from the formula that made Resi 4 such a joy to play; such as the over the should style shooting and the more intelligent zombies (if you can still call them that). There's also an onine co-op mode, but I'm not sure if this extends to local multiplayer. This is a shame because I'd love to play it with my brother, just like I'm doing with Gears of War at the moment. Oh...and Chainsaw guy makes his re-apperance!

It's going to be a simultaenous release in Europe and North America on March 13 2009. Japan will get it a day earlier.

Fable 2



Here's another game that I'm looking forward to playing. There was little new information on the game other than it's finished. Peter Molyneux did however show off the interactions you can have with your family (you can get married and have kids) and also showed off how co-op play is begun. When you're logged into Xbox Live you can see your friends, who are playing the single-player game, floating around as orbs. To start a co-op game you go up to one of these orbs and interact with it and they pop right in! You have to admit it's pretty cool.

Fable 2 will be out in October 2008.

Gears of War 2



I like Gears of War but, honestly, this sequel looks like more of the same. This isn't a bad thing, of course, because it still kicks ass. It does look like you'll be fighting more locusts at any one time and this will either make it incredibly hard or incredibly cool (or both). The gameplay demonstration showed off a few new enemies (one locust had a shield, while others used grappling hooks to climb up walls and attack) and the meat shield aspect will act as moving cover. Plus, you can never go wrong with a flamethrower!

A new multiplayer mode was also unveiled. Horde will allow you and 4 other players to fight against wave after wave of increasingly difficult locusts.

Gears of War 2 will hit on November 7.

New Dashboard.

Some people like it, some people don't. Myself? Well, I think it was time that the 360 got an overhaul. It looks clean and simple and while some may say it shows Microsoft are going all out on it's casual userbase it's got some pretty nice new features.

The avatars...well...it's nice and cute but I don't think it was really needed. It seems like it's just trying to latch on to the Mii's on the Wii. The ability to stay in parties as you jump between games is very useful though as it's often annoying having to set up a whole new party just because you changed games.

One of the new channels is 'Primetime'. This allows you to play well known TV quiz games with the Xbox Live community. The first one to be released is 1vs100 (which is done by the National Lottery here in the UK) and the 100 people are all real people, as well as the one and the crowd. Add the fact that you can win real prizes and I think this will be pretty fun for when you're not playing you're normal games.

The Netflix annoucement is cool but it doesn't matter either way to me as Netflix don't operate in Europe.

Finally, the ability to install games on the hard drive (although you still need the disc) will lead to a much smoother experience.

For more on the new dashboard see these three posts.

Final Fantasy XIII.


There's nothing more to say other than what I said here. Well, other than...

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!

There were obviously more announcements but I'm not going to cover all of them. Here's a quick run-down.

Lips (like Singstar. The ability to plug your iPod or Zune in and use any song is cool. Oh, and Duffy came and sang)
Guitar Hero: World Tour.
Geometry Wars 2.
Portal: Still Alive.
Galaga Legions.
A new South Park game (....)
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.
Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise.
Scene It? Boxoffice Smash.
You're in the Movies (Like the Eyetoy, incredibly cringeworthy watching them do stupid movements and dances on stage and then play it back as a movie)
Infinite Undiscovery.
Star Ocean: The Last Hope.
The Last Remnant.

The Nintendo Press Conference is next up!