If you’ve been following our E3 Expo 2009 coverage on Futurelooks, then you’re already reasonably familiar with what’s going on with Microsoft and some of the cooler fighting games on the horizon. With so many publishers and developers storming the Los Angeles Convention Center, it is impossible for us to mention every game at the show, but here are a few highlights that you may have missed along the way.
Aliens vs Predator
Some of you may be more inclined to decapitate your enemies at close range rather than pick up a plastic instrument and play along with the Beatles. If that happens to be the case, you’ll definitely want to turn your attention to the new Aliens vs. Predator game coming from Rebellion Developments and Sega.
It’s not that this game is remarkably unique in its approach, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored. This most recent take on the Aliens vs. Predator franchise pits you in a first-person shooter arena and you’re outfitted with all sorts of interesting toys, weapons, and functions. Here’s a quick video explaining a few of the features.
I only got to see the Predator side of the equation, but I understand that you’ll be able to control the Alien race as well. From the Predator’s perspective, you have the ability to use cloak, leap with stealth from one vantage point to another, and destroy both Marines and Aliens with an extreme level of gore.
Do you remember the head-and-spine ripping fatality by Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat? Well, the Predator does that too, except he tears them off with his signature wrist blades. This game literally oozes with awesome. Look for Aliens vs. Predator in Q1 2010 on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC.
Introducing the Sony PSP Go
As you may recall, I predicated the Sony would have a new PSP for us at E3 and, sure enough, they delivered. This isn’t a true successor to the existing PSP, like some people had guessed, but the new Sony PSP Go represents at least a half-step forward.
For the PSP Go, Sony got rid of the regular UMD drive, replacing it with 16GB of internal NAND flash memory. In this way, all the games that you’ll be playing on the PSP Go will be digitally delivered via the PlayStation Network. The screen size is a little smaller and the controls have been relocated to a slide-out portion. There is still just one analog stick.
Overall, the PSP Go is smaller and slimmer than any PSP that preceded it. The physical size and form factor are nearly identical to the Sony Mylo Communicator, if you remember that failed product from a couple years back. With better PSN integration and a gaming focus, the Sony PSP Go ($249) could be just what the doctor ordered. Look for it this October.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii)
It’s a common misconception that games for the Nintendo Wii have to be family-friendly and filled with cartoon-themed characters in order to be successful. Most people assume that the Wii is fodder for young children and soccer moms. While they certainly make up a significant portion of the Wii demographic, there are also adult-themed games on the Wii as well. And it doesn’t get much more adult than Silent Hill.
The survival horror franchise has produced some of the scariest games to ever arrive on any console. Now, that psychological horror is making its way to the Nintendo Wii in the form of Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Here’s a quick video.
Shattered Memories is mostly a “reimagining” of the original Silent Hill game from 1999, except you get to make use of the Wii’s motion controls. Harry Mason is looking for his daughter Cheryl in he town of Silent Hill and, well, scary things ensue. Your actions affect multiple aspects of play and you can use a variety of gadgets, including a fairly modern cell phone. It’s all about the mood.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Wii in Q4 2009. It’ll also be made available for the PS2 and PSP.
Hit the Gridiron with Madden NFL 10
Even though John Madden has announced that he is going to retire from providing color commentary, the Madden NFL franchise from EA Sports is going to continue and it’s going to be stronger than other. Gracing the cover of Madden 10 are a pair of superstars from the most recent Super Bowl: Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald. You’ll also notice the almost Street Fighter IV-like ink splash style for the cover.
In general, EA is producing at least two somewhat distinct versions of the game. Madden 10 for the Wii will be a part of the All-Play brand, making football games a little more approach for beginners and novices. The more hardcore experience will be found on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Other versions are being developed for the PS2, PSP, DS, and iPhone.
Among the new features being introduced for Madden 10, which is really the 21st installment in the series, are procedural awareness, quarterback improvements, WR/DB jostling, more realistic pass speeds, player momentum, depth of field, custom QB throwing animations, game speed changes, and gang tackling. It is also possible to play franchise mode with friends online.
Madden NFL 10 is scheduled for release on August 14, 2009.
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