Posted by E3 2017 – The Big Three
E3 2017 is in full swing in Los Angeles California. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo has completed their presentations and now it is time to showcase what they showed off. With each new E3, it is getting harder to define who “won” during their presentation, but we can break down what each company has to offer in the coming years.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s E3 2017 presentation kicked off Sunday evening and they started off with a new machine. They unveiled the new Xbox One X which they are touting as the most powerful console ever built. This system will include a custom CPU, 12GB of GDDR5 RAM, and 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a whopping $500.00 price tag. Will gamers be willing to drop this much cash for a faster system and 4K resolution?
The company that Bill Gates built also revealed that they are planning on expanding their backwards compatibility library. This expansion will include original Xbox titles. Phil Spencer mentioned that more than half of Xbox One owners have played a backwards compatible title. I am ready to dust off my copy of Crimson Skies and play that again!
Games
In the game department, Microsoft dropped some trailers on new and existing IPs. We are getting a new Forza this holiday season that will run at 60 FPS and in native 4K resolution on the Xbox One X. Assassin’s Creed Origins takes us to ancient Egypt in October. Minecraft is going to get cross platform play across Windows 10 PCs, consoles, tablets, and VR.
Some other notable trailers were Dragon Ball Fighter Z, which features “Street Fighter” like combat. Cuphead which is a platformer with the art style of an old 40’s cartoon. A new three part prequel to Life is Strange called Before the Storm is hitting the system August 31st. Crackdown 3 was shown with an energetic Terry Crews yelling. There is also a sequel getting made to Shadow of Mordor called Shadow of War. Orcs taking digs at each other is something that needs to be in all Middle Earth games from now on!
Microsoft final showcase was a game titled Anthem by BioWare. This game looks absolutely amazing! It is a multiplayer game where you get to customize and pilot these exosuits. It looks to have an expansively massive open world for you and your friends to explore.
Sony
Sony gave their E3 2017 presentation on Monday evening. Instead of coming out on stage and talking about what they have in the pipes, they let the trailers speak for the games themselves. Their presentation started off with a live music performance that lead into the trailer for Uncharted: Lost Legacy trailer. This game will be the first in the franchise that will not feature Nathan Drake. Uncharted: Lost Legacy is coming in August.
There was a moment where they focused a bit on their VR peripheral. The only title that I really got excited about was Moss. This is an action-adventure puzzle game in the vein of Legend of Zelda. Most of the other VR offerings were of games that have already been out i.e. Skyrim or were just thrown together for the sake of being VR as in the case of Final Fantasy XV’s Monster of the Deep. A FINAL FANTASY VR FISHING GAME?!?!?!
Games
Its hard to separate this into its own heading as the whole presentation was about games. Here are some of the notable titles that you should keep an eye out for. Monster Hunter World is set to drop early 2018. This game will feature an expansive world with Drop-in co-op and other new features. Shadow of the Colossus gets remade for the PS4. Is this game a remake or remaster? We hope to find out more before it is released in 2018. Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite is set to release this September. It appears to focus on 2v2 battles and players will be able to utilize Infinity Stones that will change gameplay.
Sony ended their E3 2017 with a game that I am sure will be one of the hits of next year. They unveiled gameplay from their highly anticipated Spider-Man game that is set to release in 2018. The footage they showed off shows Spider-Man pulling off some amazing moves. A lot of the game focuses on quick time events. The one thing I feel that they are pulling off is Spider-Man actually performing heroics and saving bystanders from the carnage. This is one title that I will not miss next year!
Nintendo
When Nintendo comes to this expo, they like to do things their way. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Their big E3 2017 presentation consisted of a 25 minute spotlight that showcased what they have in the works. Like Sony, their focus was the games, and they didn’t disappoint! We learn that new Amiibo is set to release soon, so prepare you wallets.
Games
The first title that I want to mention is ARMS. This game appears to be the spiritual successor to Punchout that will have players flailing their arms at the tv this Spring. Nintendo announced that Pokken Tournament DX is getting a Switch port with new characters and surprises. Get ready for that game to hit stores in September. Rocket League is also getting ported to Switch and will feature cross-platform play as well as exclusive Nintendo in game items.
The bigger announcements came in the form of a teaser for Metroid Prime 4. No information was released other than it is in development. We are also getting new Kirby and Yoshi games for the Nintendo Switch. We also learn that a proper Pokemon RPG is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch. No other information was given on that title. Nintendo also gave us release dates for the DLC to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Master Trials will release June 3oth and The Champions Ballad with hit this Holiday season.
Nintendo’s finale featured an extended look at Super Mario Odyssey. The trailer reveals some new gameplay aspects not yet seen in a Mario game. One new feature is  the ability to throw your hat at an enemy and become that enemy. They show Mario becoming a Frog, a Goomba, a Koopa, and even a T-Rex! Look for this game to hit store shelves in October!
Closing
There is a lot coming out that gamers can look forward to. This was not an all inclusive list but just some of the titles that I wanted to make you aware about or just comment on. I feel VR is not going to really take of unless Sony gets serious and creates a proper game for it. Maybe Moss will be that title, but I seriously doubt it.
What were your favorite moments from this year’s E3 2017 main presentations? Are their any games you are looking forward to? Let me know by hitting me up in the comments or you can drop me a line at info@templeofgeek.com.
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