If you didn’t gather from the title, it’s that time of year again and, for very obvious reasons, we’re extremely excited. The Electronic Entertainment Expo, lovingly referred to as E3, is currently being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
What the Heck is E3?
So what’s the big deal? E3 is essentially the biggest trade fair for computer and video games that is exclusive to industry members, which means we get to catch wind of the latest and greatest offerings from the world’s top manufacturers and developers. At E3, developers are looking to show off what they’ve been tinkering with behind the scenes, which means the public gets to stand on the sidelines and get excited for everything that’s to come!
The Face Off: Microsoft Versus Sony
The big players on the first day, June 11th, have to be Xbox and PlayStation, both of which are giving attendees a hands-on look of their newest systems, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. So, we’ve already delved into the new Xbox one (click here), but what’s going on with the new PS4?
The New PlayStation 4
To start, the dual shock controller is going to feature a social sharing button, which could potentially bring gaming to an entirely new level. The console is supposed to connect with your mobile phone, and the graphics are seeing an incredibly upgrade. And, since Sony has recently partnered with Facebook and Upstream, expect some pretty nifty social media upgrades outside of the controller. The console itself is sleek and thin, and Sony president Jack Tretton announced that the new PS4 won’t limit the exchange and selling of its games, nor will it require that users check in daily online. Oh, and it’s going to be about $100 cheaper than the Xbox One. Excited? We are!
Some More on the Xbox One
Excitement seems to have quelled for the newest console from Microsoft, and sadly, it’s deserved. And it’s not even the price difference between it and the PS4 that’s the issue. The One is going to require that gamers check in every 24 hours to prove they haven’t given or sold a game to someone else, which is not only super annoying, but also means it requires an internet connection to work. They did, however, announce a few new games, including Metal Gear Solid V, Ryse: Sons of Rome, and more. We’ll see.
PC Game Announcements
Okay, so consoles are fun. But what about game announcements? And, specifically, PC-based games? Don’t worry – we’re all over it! Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
- The Witcher 3: This fantasy RPG is the final chapter to the Witcher series, and it features a revamped combat system and an open-world location.
- Dragon Age 3: Another final chapter, this one is going to be narrated by the Witch of the Wilds from the first Dragon Age, and although here isn’t a whole lot out there about the story line, it’s sure to be pretty mind bending and an emotional rollercoaster. This one is set to come out Fall 2014.
- Need for Speed: Rivals: If you love racing games, you won’t want to miss this newest one that allows you to race with your friends (with one of you being a cop) in real time online. And if you have another buddy, he or she can use a helicopter to set up road blocks and whatnot for both of you! Oh, and you can bring your tablet into the mix as well. This is slated to release on November 13, 2013 (just in time for Christmas!).
Something To Check Out: EVE Online
Okay, so although E3 is huge, it’s not the only thing going on right now. Do you have a hankering for a game-plus-virtual-world that’s totally thriving? Well, EVE Online, the single biggest virtual universe ever, has been growing for well over a decade (its 10 year anniversary was May 6th). With over 500,000 subscribers, it allows over 65,000 accounts to play simultaneously. Why? Because it’s housed on a super computer! In this massively multiplayer game, you pilot customizable ships through a 7,500 star-system galaxy. And recently, the EVE Online: Odyssey was deployed. This is the 19th free expansion that adds new challenges and alternative (and arguably improved) career missions. It’s constantly growing, is state of the art, and if you’re looking for something new (and sci-fi based), this is one to check out!
Stay tuned for even more news from E3, your roundup of new smartphone games this week, and a whole lot more!
