E3 is truly something to behold this year. We really don’t know where to start as the show is monstrous, so let’s get into what is making this another epic year for games. At the end of every preview, we’ll be giving an X-factor (Excitement Factor) score. The X-factor is basically a gauge of how badly EEI is anticipating said game. On with the show!
Heavy Rain – Release Date – TBA
Original, beautiful, mind-bending. I really can’t say enough good things about Heavy Rain. It’s a psychological thriller that focuses on exploration and uses time-based actions for combat. The story follows 4 characters as they discover the identity of the “origami killer”, a serial killer who leaves you know what in the hands of his victims. Some gameplay featured a detective as he follows a lead to a junkyard. After getting no answers from the owner present, you break out your A.R.I. (sunglasses that pick up clues in your environ) and notice a blood trail to the acid bath… Seconds later, the junkyard owner has a gun to the back of your head and intense action sequence takes place. All in all, Heavy Rain looks to be a breath of fresh air and the closest yet to an interactive movie.
X-factor – *****
MAG – Release Date – TBA
Even with it’s massive 256-player battles, MAG doesn’t look to have a lot going for it right now. The graphics looked dark and barely serviceable and even though the game is probably deep, the HUD just seems too busy. I wouldn’t count this one out, but I wouldn’t put money down on it yet either.
X-factor – **
Lost Planet 2 – Release Date – TBA
I couldn’t get enough of the first one (beat it twice), and this one will not disappoint. Some footage highlights include an incredible boss battle with a giant worm-like creature. The game allows 4-player co-op and the fight starts with a loaded Vital Suit (mech) fighting off the boss until he’s crippled and it’s mouth opens up. All 4 players then hop off the Vital Suit and proceed to take the fight inside of the worm. It’s all a beauty to behold and I can’t wait to get my hands on this game. LP2 takes a few cues from the awesome Gears series, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
X-factor – ****1/2
Fight Night 4 – Release date – June 25th
Fight Night 3 is probably the greatest boxing game of all time, and probably still will be after FN 4 releases. Not to say FN 4 looks bad, but what I’ve seen so far has been underwhelming. They’ve removed parrying from the game, which right now looks like the only difference between 3 and 4. I’ll probably pick it up just to finally play as George Foreman.
X-factor – **1/2
Bioshock 2 – Release Date – TBA
The original is maybe the greatest video game story ever told and I’m banking on a stellar sequel. The graphics don’t look to be much of a leap from the last, but it’s the art style that sets this universe apart from everything else.You’re in a Big Daddy suit what looks like the entirety of the game and multi-player is present this time around so there’s a lot to look forward to.
X-factor – *****
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