E3 is always an exciting time of year for us, and 2011 is no different; both in terms of hardware and games this looks like it’s going to be one of the biggest shows yet… which means the next 12 months of gaming is also going to be a whole lot of fun.
So what will Digitally Downloaded be looking at the most? Here’s a preview of some of the games we’re keen to see in action.
A number of trailers are currently out for this much anticipated foray into one of Nintendo’s greatest franchises, but this games information has been notoriously difficult to obtain. This is frustrating, as the trailers have led to a number of questions (release date for instance) but with the information set to be released over E3, this origins of the master sword game is eagerly anticipated.
This trailer has come across my eye recently and has garnered a great deal of excitement. It looks about as aesthetically pleasing as anything recently released and, aptly named, should provide a much needed boost to the ailing franchise.
This game has reached almost unprecedented level of support since its rather late inception into the franchise world. The biggest compliment is that it well deserved. The trailer for the new game looks likely to continue in a similar vein, but what information will E3 releases on the strength of the trademarked storyline?
Activision is in a very odd position right now, with the lack off music games both a good and a bad thing (Sadly no Guitar Hero but DJ Hero will rest peacefully), so games like Modern Warfare 3 will be taking centre stage. It is, however, a faint hope that games such as Spider Man: Edge of Time and X-Men Destiny might turn out really well. The Spider Man trailer especially has captured our attention and the game looks very slick.
It has been a good eight years since the Return of the King movie and with the exception of hardcore fans, support for the franchise is waning. In good news, the Lord of the Ring: War in the North looks a strong likelihood to invigorate the franchise, promising action, RPG and co-op coupled with what appears to be stunning graphics if the trailers are anything to go by.
This game comes at an interesting time. With The Hobbit first part expected to be released in 2012, This may be the last big Lord of the Rings game in a while, before its younger sibling begins to flood the market.
This game looks quality from start to finish. The trailers are professional and small details such as its high quality official website garners faith in the game. More information is greatly anticipated.
The big game of the Disney year. Like Disney classics, this should appeal to all ages. Information gained thus far state the gameplay is similar to Lego crossed with LittleBigPlanet, is available for multiplayer and looks to feature platforming, puzzles and will feature a great crossover between all that makes Disney and Pixar great. Tron, Lilo and Stitch, Nemo and others all combined can only be good. Thankfully, the developers have commented on the strong evil characters as a marked characteristic of Disney movies (think Scar of Lion King, Ursela manipulating Ariel) and intend to transfer it to game form.
Disney appear to be going all out for this one. The Cartoons creators, Dan Povenmire and Swampy Marsh are reported to be at E3 on the Wedensday. It makes sense. This game has a great deal to offer. The very popular kids show detailing the attempts of two children making the greatest use of their summer vacation has a great deal of imagination in it, with a wonderful sarcastic sense of humour. With a time-travelling storyline mooted and the storyline likely to feature the same characteristics and flair from the series, it has oodles of potential. Further, this should provide a much appreciated children’s game for the young ones to get excited over at E3.
Reputed to be a tower defence game, but with a massive difference: Not only can you repel a force, you also have the ability to storm the castle. Tower defence is a well over-represented field, the fact it is providing something innovative deserves credit. In addition, Paradox is adding to its very strong strategy library with greatly sought King Arthur II and Crusader Kings II. It will be an attractive booth over June.
Finally: the Android market has little in the way of news but much in the way of potential. Will the next Angry Birds show itself?
– Owen S
Of course, this is a mere fraction of the great games we can expect to see at E3. So what are some of the games you’re looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below or on our forums!
