Everyone talks about who 'wins' E3 each year. I've always believed the gamers are the winners (and who can disagree
) but you also have to point out who YOU think (out of the three next gen systems) had the best showing. Media plays a role in everyone's decision...some games get much more hype and attention then they deserve (no matter how you look at it, Zelda, Halo and GTA are each just ONE GAME) and some receive much less hype and attention then they deserve (ICO, SMB anyone?). The media is arguably one of the most influencial aspects of our lives.
Here, we can speculate...
-Will this year's E3 be a big one for gamers?
-Which system will have the biggest showing? Which one(s) will look pale in comparison?
-Which development team will wow us the most?
-Will you fall under the spell of the media? (___ says ____ is teh roxxorz, so it must be!!!)
Stu's list will be exactly that:
Stu's list. I'll try to keep all the hype out of my decision process, and I'll try to take what I've read over the past months to speculate and estimate realisitically.
--Will this year's E3 be a big one for gamers?
Yes. Despite which system you favor, this year's Expo looks like it can't disappoint. There will be a strong lineup for each system, no matter what genre you love.
--Which system will have the biggest showing? Which one(s) will look pale in comparison?
Toughie. I see all 3 next gen consoles to have big showings...but I'm going to have to give the edge to
Xbox as it stands. (I'll go into the Xbox lineup later). I don't think either of the other two systems will look pale in comparison...I think the PS2's showing is definately going to be great, and I think the Gamecube's showing has the potential to be great. So we'll see.
--Which development team will wow us the most?
Personally, I'll go with
Konami. If MGS3 makes it there, along with Castlevania and an at least 'good' Turtles game, I don't see how anyone else could compete.
---Will you fall under the spell of the media?
Somewhat, yes...how can you avoid it when you see 50 articles about Halo 2 and only a couple small ones about lesser known titles? I will be reading up on every title that I think looks promising, though.
Line-ups
I'll keep this as short as possible...what I think will be the biggest games on each system.
-Xbox
Rare looks to show at least 3 titles at the show...a
Perfect Dark sequel makes the cut, along with a video trailer of a new
Conker game. Bungie will be there with
Halo 2. Will it be playable? Nobody really knows yet. I'm sure
Fable will be there and impress...the concept alone would make anyone psyched. It looks like XBL's biggest holiday smash could be
Counter-Strike. Sign me up. This is still foggy, but
Star Wars Galaxies could make its official debut for the system. Expect much more, too.
-Gamecube
Could be a make-or-break event for the system, but if
Mario 128 reaches its potential, I see nothing but a brighter future.
Too Human has been in development off and on for YEARS. Maybe this year we'll get some official announcements? Vrrrrrooom, here comes
Mario Kart. Easily a future million seller, this title will be a big hit. Square throws Nintendo a bone with
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, which can do nothing but wow Gamecube owners. What else can we expect? I'm hoping
Donkey Kong shows up...And I'm sure many will be impressed by
Resident Evil 4. You can be assured that there will be more.
-PS2
MGS3 would blow me away. Konami couldn't stop there, though.
Castlevania's next gen title is supposed to be a show stopper itself. Sony will prove that they can hang with the big boys.
Gran Turismo 4 will be there, and I can't wait. Another SCE game that will knock my socks off will be
Jak II: Renegade, where Naughty Dog looks to evolve the character action genre. Don't forget about where the PS2 really shines: RPGs.
Final Fantasy could be a HUGE presence with X-2, XI, and XII. What else will make the grade? Another SCE published title...
ICO2 to be exact. Expect a lot more, too. (like a new
GTA title).
E3 Speculation. Media, Gamers and Companies
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