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15 Important Lessons From E3 2015
Bethesda Deserves its Own Press Conference
2015 was the first year Bethesda held a dedicated E3 press conference, and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park. Between Fallout 4, Doom, and Dishonored 2, the company showcased terrific footage for its new lineup, and above all, focused purely on games. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo could learn a new trick or two from them.
Microsoft Continues to Rely on Halo and Gears of War
The military shooter remains the centerpiece of Microsoft's console strategy. Like clockwork, you can count on a Halo or Gears title to appear at E3, and both Halo 5: Guardians and Gear of War 4 had strong showings this year, proving that Microsoft's mainstays still attract massive audiences.
Nintendo Debuts Cool Puppets
Nintendo had several cool titles on display at E3, including Super Mario Maker and Star Fox Zero, but most of their big games had already been announced a year ago. But don't count them out yet, though. Nintendo has always had sporadic E3 appearances, often hiding great games for late year surprises.
Sony Banks on Nostalgia and Thrills its Hardcore Supporters
For years, fans have been clamoring for a new Shenmue game and an HD remake of Final Fantasy VII. These games often felt more like wistful daydreams than realistic requests, which helps explain the fervor when Sony actually announced both projects this year at its press conference. Both games are largely goodwill gestures, showing that Sony and Square Enix care about their most dedicated fans. (Photo: Corbis)
VR Spends Another Year in Gestation
It was no contest: some of the longest lines at E3 this year were for hands-on demos of Sony's Project Morpheus and the Oculus Rift. Both companies had a variety of intriguing games on display, but they seem to be playing a game of chicken, hoping to perfect the technology before either one pushes for a mass release. In years past we were told 2015 would be a big year for VR. Unfortunately, it looks like yet another year will pass before the public at large gets to experience it. (Photo: Corbis)
Star Wars: Battlefront is Beautiful
It's been a long time since we had a Star Wars game that takes the lead in delivering cutting edge tech. After the cancellation of the ambitious Star Wars 1313, Battlefront has stepped up to the plate with an incredible demo at E3 featuring a 20 vs 20 Walker Assault on Hoth. With visuals that border on photo realistic, Battlefront may be just as exciting as this year's upcoming film sequel. (Photo: Electronic Arts)
Mass Effect Makes a Comeback
In spite of an anti-climactic ending to Mass Effect 3 which sparked a fan backlash, the Mass Effect series remains revered for its thrilling space opera action. After a small glimpse at the exciting sequel set on new planets with new characters, we're already prepared to forgive past sins. If Dragon Age Inquisition is any indication of the scope BioWare has planned for the new Mass Effect, we're in for a hell of a ride. (Photo: Electronic Arts)
Street Fighter Still Packs A Wallop
After the success of Street Fighter IV, Capcom hopes to keep the fighting flame alive. Street Fighter V was everywhere at E3, with players camped out in front of demos to rotate in for a few rounds. The game feels great to play, maintaining the crunchy combat of the last Street Fighter but with a new level of technical sophistication that should lead to deep and varied strategies when mastered. (Photo: Capcom)
The Last Guardian Rises From The Grave
After seven years of protracted development, many had given up on The Last Guardian ever seeing the light of day. The follow up to the massively influential arthouse hits Ico and Shadow of the Colossus finally emerged this year. This year's new footage had a slow, contemplative pace that felt out of place among the high-octane action hits surrounding it on the show floor, but it still held enough promise for us to welcome its understated return. (Photo: Sony)
Microsoft Capitalizes on the Past
Of the three big console developers, Microsoft typically does less to celebrate its past than the competition. This year, however, Microsoft announced Xbox One backward compatibility for 360 and XBLA games. Battletoads creators Rare also showed off a giant collection of its classic games coming to the Xbox One. In one fell swoop, Microsoft has delivered a robust catalogue of gaming history.
Sony Seeks New Horizons
While it's always great when game companies keep tradition alive with our favorite franchises, it's nice to see them explore new directions too. One of the most talked about games at E3 this year was Sony's new game Horizon: Zero Dawn, featuring a red-headed huntress taking down gigantic robotic dinosaurs with style. (Photo: Sony)
Pokemon Developer Make a New Game, and It's Not for Nintendo
A small hidden gem at this year's E3 was the new game from Pokemon developers Game Freak. Tembo The Badass Elephant plays like a colorful mashup of Sonic the Hedgehog and the rhino stages from Donkey Kong Country. Surprisingly, the action platformer is coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox this summer, with no plans for a Nintendo release. We wonder if Game Freak will finally spread its wings after decades of Pokemon production. (Photo: Sega)
Uncharted 4 Has Some Surprises Up Its Sleeve
After recent gameplay footage slightly underwhelmed, Uncharted 4 had a lot to live up to at this year's E3. Boy, did it ever deliver. In addition to a stunning chase sequence shown off at Sony's press conference, an extended show floor demo kicked up the excitement even more. If you were impressed by any of Uncharted 2 and 3's epic set pieces, prepare to be amazed.
Artsy Parkour Game Mirror's Edge Catalyst Generates Buzz
It's surprising we're actually getting a follow up to Mirror's Edge, a sleeper hit from seven years ago that featured pacifist roof-top running across a colorful cityscape. Even more surprising is how popular the new game was at E3, with 3 hour lines curving around EA's booth just for a glimpse at the game's futurustic open world. (Photo: Electronic Arts)
Nintendo Releases a Lost Classic
In many ways, this year's E3 was dominated by the resurrection of projects many had written off. Nintendo's contribution towards this trend was a translated, but never released until now, NES prequel to the cult classic Earthbound. If that sounds obscure, it's because it is. While this small release won't make the company a lot of money, it will definitely engender goodwill from patient fans. (Photo: Nintendo)
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2015 was the first year Bethesda held a dedicated E3 press conference, and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park. Between Fallout 4, Doom, and Dishonored 2, the company showcased terrific footage for its new lineup, and above all, focused purely on games. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo could learn a new trick or two from them.
Microsoft Continues to Rely on Halo and Gears of War
The military shooter remains the centerpiece of Microsoft's console strategy. Like clockwork, you can count on a Halo or Gears title to appear at E3, and both Halo 5: Guardians and Gear of War 4 had strong showings this year, proving that Microsoft's mainstays still attract massive audiences.
Nintendo Debuts Cool Puppets
Nintendo had several cool titles on display at E3, including Super Mario Maker and Star Fox Zero, but most of their big games had already been announced a year ago. But don't count them out yet, though. Nintendo has always had sporadic E3 appearances, often hiding great games for late year surprises.
Sony Banks on Nostalgia and Thrills its Hardcore Supporters
For years, fans have been clamoring for a new Shenmue game and an HD remake of Final Fantasy VII. These games often felt more like wistful daydreams than realistic requests, which helps explain the fervor when Sony actually announced both projects this year at its press conference. Both games are largely goodwill gestures, showing that Sony and Square Enix care about their most dedicated fans. (Photo: Corbis)
VR Spends Another Year in Gestation
It was no contest: some of the longest lines at E3 this year were for hands-on demos of Sony's Project Morpheus and the Oculus Rift. Both companies had a variety of intriguing games on display, but they seem to be playing a game of chicken, hoping to perfect the technology before either one pushes for a mass release. In years past we were told 2015 would be a big year for VR. Unfortunately, it looks like yet another year will pass before the public at large gets to experience it. (Photo: Corbis)
Star Wars: Battlefront is Beautiful
It's been a long time since we had a Star Wars game that takes the lead in delivering cutting edge tech. After the cancellation of the ambitious Star Wars 1313, Battlefront has stepped up to the plate with an incredible demo at E3 featuring a 20 vs 20 Walker Assault on Hoth. With visuals that border on photo realistic, Battlefront may be just as exciting as this year's upcoming film sequel. (Photo: Electronic Arts)
Mass Effect Makes a Comeback
In spite of an anti-climactic ending to Mass Effect 3 which sparked a fan backlash, the Mass Effect series remains revered for its thrilling space opera action. After a small glimpse at the exciting sequel set on new planets with new characters, we're already prepared to forgive past sins. If Dragon Age Inquisition is any indication of the scope BioWare has planned for the new Mass Effect, we're in for a hell of a ride. (Photo: Electronic Arts)
Street Fighter Still Packs A Wallop
After the success of Street Fighter IV, Capcom hopes to keep the fighting flame alive. Street Fighter V was everywhere at E3, with players camped out in front of demos to rotate in for a few rounds. The game feels great to play, maintaining the crunchy combat of the last Street Fighter but with a new level of technical sophistication that should lead to deep and varied strategies when mastered. (Photo: Capcom)
The Last Guardian Rises From The Grave
After seven years of protracted development, many had given up on The Last Guardian ever seeing the light of day. The follow up to the massively influential arthouse hits Ico and Shadow of the Colossus finally emerged this year. This year's new footage had a slow, contemplative pace that felt out of place among the high-octane action hits surrounding it on the show floor, but it still held enough promise for us to welcome its understated return. (Photo: Sony)
Microsoft Capitalizes on the Past
Of the three big console developers, Microsoft typically does less to celebrate its past than the competition. This year, however, Microsoft announced Xbox One backward compatibility for 360 and XBLA games. Battletoads creators Rare also showed off a giant collection of its classic games coming to the Xbox One. In one fell swoop, Microsoft has delivered a robust catalogue of gaming history.
Sony Seeks New Horizons
While it's always great when game companies keep tradition alive with our favorite franchises, it's nice to see them explore new directions too. One of the most talked about games at E3 this year was Sony's new game Horizon: Zero Dawn, featuring a red-headed huntress taking down gigantic robotic dinosaurs with style. (Photo: Sony)
Pokemon Developer Make a New Game, and It's Not for Nintendo
A small hidden gem at this year's E3 was the new game from Pokemon developers Game Freak. Tembo The Badass Elephant plays like a colorful mashup of Sonic the Hedgehog and the rhino stages from Donkey Kong Country. Surprisingly, the action platformer is coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox this summer, with no plans for a Nintendo release. We wonder if Game Freak will finally spread its wings after decades of Pokemon production. (Photo: Sega)
Uncharted 4 Has Some Surprises Up Its Sleeve
After recent gameplay footage slightly underwhelmed, Uncharted 4 had a lot to live up to at this year's E3. Boy, did it ever deliver. In addition to a stunning chase sequence shown off at Sony's press conference, an extended show floor demo kicked up the excitement even more. If you were impressed by any of Uncharted 2 and 3's epic set pieces, prepare to be amazed.
Artsy Parkour Game Mirror's Edge Catalyst Generates Buzz
It's surprising we're actually getting a follow up to Mirror's Edge, a sleeper hit from seven years ago that featured pacifist roof-top running across a colorful cityscape. Even more surprising is how popular the new game was at E3, with 3 hour lines curving around EA's booth just for a glimpse at the game's futurustic open world. (Photo: Electronic Arts)
Nintendo Releases a Lost Classic
In many ways, this year's E3 was dominated by the resurrection of projects many had written off. Nintendo's contribution towards this trend was a translated, but never released until now, NES prequel to the cult classic Earthbound. If that sounds obscure, it's because it is. While this small release won't make the company a lot of money, it will definitely engender goodwill from patient fans. (Photo: Nintendo)
More...