E3 has come and gone, but the coverage continues at Xbox Advanced. The talented writers at Xbox Advanced take pride in providing gamers with the most in depth impressions found anywhere on the net (and you better believe there are more to come, as E3 impressions will permeate throughout previews that appear in the near future). That said, a picture says a thousand words, and a movie shouts more than a million. XA provides you with media of some of the bigger titles seen at E3, as well as some of the title we felt would sleeper hits going in, and felt even more confident of on the way out. XA brings you screens and movies of all the games we feel you need to see – in conjunction with our in depth impressions, you wont find a better understanding of each of these games, anywhere else on the net. This article will catch you up on any of the media you may have missed over the course of E3, and brings even more new media to the table.
Note: The Divx codec will be necessary to play some one or more of the movies provided. It can be downloaded here.
Also, many of the ‘shaky-cam’ vids were found to have been filmed by cool8man. Credit where it’s due, the guy did a great job – whoever he is.
Microsoft Press Conference
Microsoft set the tone for E3 with a presentation filled with high-profile announcements, and fantastic looking games. Plus, Jenny McCarthy! Halo 2 was the obvious star of the show, while the expected reconciliation between Microsoft and EA was arguably the most important for the company’s extended future in the console industry. Microsoft also had some fun at the expense of Sony through a ‘The Apprentice’ spoof that had the two companies vying for a position based on their internet services. If you missed the live stream, no worries, we have the whole thing right here for you to enjoy.
The future of the Xbox is looking very bright
HALO 2
So Link looks realistic again? PFFT! Master Chief has always been the real deal.
The big one – the most anticipated Xbox game of 2004, and many people’s choice for the E3 2004 game of show. At the previous E3, Bungie revealed an 8 minute real time demo of the single player campaign. This year, Bungie revealed the multiplayer components of the gameplay, not to mention graphical detail that had at least doubled during the year hiatus. Check out our in depth impressions of Xbox’s killer app and then watch the multiplayer demo for yourself, so you can pick up some of the smaller nuances other sites may have failed to you off on. While we can only provide you with a lower res direct feed of the movie here, a quick check on our forums may reap unexpected benefits, if you know what I mean. XA also brings you the ‘sneaked’ videos of an actual multiplayer game being played behind closed doors. Big thanks to Teddman for cheating the system and snagging this kick-ass footage. Finally, for those who don’t want to be bothered streaming media from xbox.com, you can also find a capped version of the Pete Parsons interview regarding multiplayer and improvements made since the first Halo.
E3 Media
Gameplay 1
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Fable
A story waiting to be told…
The oft-delayed and hyper-ambitious game made its 3rd straight appearance at E3, and the anticipation has grown with each one. An RPG that attempts to defy every convention, Fable was slowly refined itself over the years into a more practical departure from the norm than was originally conceived, but remains a high quality experience. Despite having an extended development time, the graphics continue to impress, even in company such as Halo 2 and Doom3, with the only weakness at this unfinished stage being an inconsistent framerate. Read our full impressions of the gameplay as it stands thus far, and check out the following media to see just how good Xbox’s most highly-anticipated RPG is shaping up.
Pre-E3 Exclusive media
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E3 Media
Gameplay 1
Gameplay 2
Gameplay 3
Gameplay 4
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Splinter Cell 3
Sneaking up on you soon.
A surprise announcement on the part of Ubisoft, Splinter Cell 3 appeared at the show in playable form – mere months after the release of Pandora Tomorrow. If the newest iteration was nothing more than an expansion pack, with no new additions to graphics or gameplay, and mere change in setting or story, such a timeframe wouldn’t be quite so shocking. I think we all know those badass Canucks at Ubisoft Montreal a bit better than that though – they don’t half-ass anything, and continually bring the goods, along with new features and better graphics. Splinter Cell 3 is no exceptions, boasting co-operative play over LIVE, and graphics so good that rumors immediately began circulating that the game was Xbox and PC exclusive – simply because there was no way the other two consoles could handle. While whether that comes to pass or not remains to be seen (although it would be a fantastic coup for Microsoft…Billy! Get on it!), the game looks to be the standard, ridiculously fantastic fare we’ve come to expect from Ubisoft.
E3 Media
3 minute Co-op gameplay demo
7 minute Single-player gameplay demo
Prince of Persia 2
Platforming Persian Price
Prince of Persia was one of the best games of last year, and to many (myself included) one of the best games they had ever played. Perfectly recapturing the magic of platforming and adventure games of an era long past, POP presented gamers with a gateway back to simplicity of days of old, while still managing to infuse the game with enough new concepts and modern game design philosophies to make the game a fresh experience in of itself. There were only two problems – the combat system didn’t match the level of polish every other aspect of the game exhibited, and the game ended too quickly (of course if the game 150 hours of solid gameplay it would have still ended too quickly, in my opinion). Heeding both the praise and criticism leveled at their creation, Ubisoft has brought the Prince back with a new free-form fighting system, a dark new look, and promises of longer gameplay time. We’ll have impressions up as soon as the mere thought of the game ceases causeing spasms of delight. Until then, check out this sexy gameplay footage, and some beautiful screenshots.
E3 Media
Full Spectrum Warrior
FSW was an unexpected and welcome surprise at last year’s E3, a game that neither relied on a franchise nor an existing gameplay, the game still managed to attract a crowd with its intriguing gameplay. Essentially a small-scale RTS, the gamer commands two squads, while never actually ting control of a soldier themselves; they simply relay the orders to the field units. Graphically the game looks stunning, and since the consumer product will feature little deviation from the military training tool that the first version was developed as, the game is virtually guaranteed to be an accurate representation of small-scale warfare. We at XA are very excited for this one (hell, we’re still fighting over who gets to write about it and review the final copy), as anyone could tell from our in depth impressions and you should be too. Check out the media, but you may want to grab a cup for the drool.
Pre E3 Media
E3 Media
E3 Gameplay trailer
Camera footage of FSW Booth
Forza Motorsport
BUilding on your Xbox garage.
Gran Tourismo rewrote the rules in the racing genre, and brought the medium to hundreds of thousands of gear-heads around the world. Several companies have tried, and subsequently failed, to take a significant chunk of this market away from Sony. At E3, Microsoft unveiled their entry into the racing sim genre. Two years in development, Forza’s driving engine is nearly 95% complete, and the game still isn’t due out until the fall, when it will go head to head against Gran Tourismo 4, most likely in hopes that by presenting an alternative, GT4 will have less of an impact on Playstation 2 sales (as if 90% of the population didn’t already own one…Im betting most of the PS2s sold these days are the second or third for any given household). We were very impressed with the game, not the least of which was due to the graphics – as the following media will make evident, they are absolutely gorgeous, not to mention fast as hell.
E3 Media
Doom 3
Proceed with caution…
Few franchises are as universally known, or infamous, as the classic that Id software created which helped to define a genre and sell PCs across the world. Interestingly enough, back when it was released, the game most frequently compared to it was a game on the mac called Marathon – the spiritual descendent of which is a little franchise called Halo. So now, generations later, how does the latest from Id Software stack up against the latest from Bungie [as a console FPS experience]? Remarkably well, considering the PC foundations the game was conceived in. Similar but different, the gameplay of Doom 3 is more traditional, featuring more corridors and confined spaces than the open areas seen in the Halo 2 demo footage – and this is perfect for the tense, horrific atmosphere it tried to project onto the player. Graphically, it’s almost a toss up as to which game looks better, although Doom 3 definitely has the edge in terms of lighting – again, adding to the atmosphere. It also adds to the gameplay however, as Id has made sure to point out haw the gameplay – specifically multiplayer – has slowed down, and players will need to use light and shadow to ambush each other, and generally pick their spots rather than run and gun. The single player, at this stage, seems similar to the Doom’s of old, there are simply fewer enemies, that necessitate more shots to kill, rather than hordes of enemies that are relatively easy to gun down. You can read what GCA staff member Shawn Smith thought of the game here, before gazing upon the technical artistry of John Carmack below.
E3 Media
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – The Sith Lords
A long time ago, on an Xbox far far away…
Unanimously acclaimed as the best RPG – and in some cases best overall game – of the last year, KOTOR helped to fill a gaping void in the Xbox lineup by providing a quality RPG. The sequel to Bioware’s masterpiece is shaping up to be just as incredible as the first, with improved graphics and a more intricate light and dark system. Take a look at the shaky-cam footage below, and read our impressions of the game to find out just how strong the force is with this one.
E3 Media
Jade Empire
As precious as Jade; as expansive as an Empire.
It takes little more than the mention of Bioware to make Xbox RPG fans excited. The Canadian RPG giant is responsible for the best roleplaying experience on the Xbox, and with Jade Empire they plan to continue that legacy. Completely new in every area for Bioware, Jade Empire throws out the D&D rules their RPGs have abided by since the company’s inception, and introduces a deep combat system to replace it. The graphics engine has been built from scratch specifically for the Xbox, and finally, the European lore is out in favor of Chinese Mythology. The game is already a highly anticipated title, and the strong E3 showing only served to strengthen that longing, as we were highly impressed with what Bioware already has, let alone the finished product. Take a look at the E3 trailer and screenshots for an idea of how well this title is shaping up.
E3 Media
Conker: Live and Reloaded
Rare’s badmouthed, fuzzy little mother****er returns.
When Microsoft announced their purchase of Rare at last year’s E3, it was almost unanimously regarded as a coup for Microsoft, regardless of the 375 million dollar price tag. One year later, and only Grabbed by the Ghoulies to show for it, a large portion of the gaming community have come to feel as though Rare has not lived up to the amount of money that was spent for their services. Rare came into E3 2004 with something to prove, and while Kameo once again failed to set the world on fire, the first real look at the newest Conker game left many wondering why they had ever doubted the company that almost single-handedly dragged Nintendo through the 32bit era. Conker: Live and Reloaded is essentially two totally different games. The first is a completely revamped version of the original title, with graphics only the Xbox could produce. The second game features the live component, and is essentially a team-based shooter which spoofs the future world of the Terminator movies. Both aspects of the new Conker look to be a blast to play, and we’ll have our impressions of the vulgar little guy’s latest adventure up very soon. Until then, check out this huge – and hilarious – E3 trailer with tons of gameplay footage, and our mammoth supply of screenshots.
E3 Media
MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf
Xbox Live’s second coming.
The game that effectively carried the Xbox Live service upon its launch is finally getting the sequel treatment, though were it not for the title, one might think this was an entirely new franchise. Everything from the first game has been completely redone, from the look to the expanded gameplay dynamics. Live play is sure to a big part of the game yet again, but hopefully Microsoft is hard at work making sure the single-player campaign is more satisfying than the first outing. Read our impressions of the game then check out the E3 trailer for a look at how beautifully it’s shaping up.
E3 Media
Starcraft Ghost
Not your typical Starcraft.
Starcraft Ghost continues to improve with every public showing, and is quickly becoming a rival to Halo 2 for Game of the Year status. Read our full impressions here, then check out over 80 screenshots and the E3 trailer to see just how beautiful, and downright cool this game looks.
E3 Media
Advent Rising
Sascha’s personal favorite.
XA gave you the heads up heading into E3 that Advent Rising was something special, and now we provide some sweet media of the game coming out. Find out all the details about the game here, and then watch the trailer presented at E3 to confirm everything we said. Believe me, you’ll need that confirmation cause there’s no way you’re going to believe some some of what’s written until you see it actually happening with your own eyes.
E3 Media
Screenshots
Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay
Hope your’re not afraid of the dark.
Check out this gameplay movie of the game that XA expects to be the surprise hit of the summer, and an FPS that raises the bar for graphics and integration of stealth game mechanics in the genre. This game – fittingly – snuck out of the shadows and knocked us out with the level of quality it displays in every area. Keep an eye out for this one when it hits in June, it should do nicely to tide gamers over until Novermber 9th.
E3 Media
Sudeki
Link’s distant cousin?
Microsoft’s action RPG, Sudeki, made another strong showing at E3, but does it have enough to stand with the likes of the Zelda franchise? Look for impressions of the game in the near future, and in the mean time check out this pile of media to get familiar with the graphical style and a basic idea of the fundamental gameplay mechanics.
E3 Media
Dead or Alive: Ultimate
Online DoA. Need we say more?
Tecmo, more specifically Team Ninja, has been a major contributor to the Xbox from the console’s launch in 2001. Dead or Alive 3 did a fantastic job of providing fighting fans with a killer app at launch, and Ninja Gaiden just recently set the bar which all other action titles will be held to in the future. Now Team Ninja is showing their support for Xbox Live with a fully Live-enabled DOA fighter, which also happens to have a completely revamped version of DOA2 and the original Saturn version of DOA. Obviously the game is gorgeous, and the gameplay remains familiar – fans of DOA will love it, those who weren’t fans of DOA may find themselves drawn to the title for the online play; it is the first 3d fighter to ever go online, after all. That’s some marketability right there. Find out what XA had to say about DOA:U’s appearance at E3, and then check out the E3 trailer and screenshots below.
E3 Media
Iron Phoenix
Crazy online chaos.
Sammy Studios’ first big game for the Xbox is an ambitious title to say the least. Essentially a free-roaming, weapons-based fighting game where each player’s fighting style is determined by the weapon they are currently wielding (weapons are strewn through the huge, multi-tiered stages). The truly ambitious part is, the entire thing is played online with up to 16 players – Dead or Alive: Ultimate looks like a sensible undertaking next to this. Impressions of how the game appeared at E3 will be up soon, but it appears as though Sammy has little work left in the graphics department, while some of the mechanics of the gameplay and balance need adjustment to keep the game from becoming a mundane experience. Check out the media below to see if you’re buying the concept this game is trying to sell.
E3 Media
Mortal Kombat Deception
Think MK online with a plethora of extras.
As infamous a franchise as ever, Mortal Kombat essentially brought videogame violence to the public eye with a little help from Senator Joe Lieberman. While the first 3d iteration of the franchise was a failure, Deadly Alliance is arguably the best Mortal Kombat ever when one gets over the nostalgia of the first two titles and realizes just how shallow they were. Depection aims to add even more depth to the platform Deadly Alliance provided them by setting the fights on multi-tiered, interactive stages, and including online play. We’ll have our impressions of the game up soon, but until then check out the gameplay footage from E3, as well as the official trailer for an idea of the direction the MK franchise is heading.
E3 Media
Gameplay Footage 1
Gameplay Footage 2
E3 Trailer
Ghost Recon 2
You’ll never see them coming.
Yet another entry from Ubisoft – what can we say, they make fantastic games. We’ve already heard one account of the impact the original GR could have on a gamer, and Ghost Recon 2 already looks as though it will offer a substantially improved gaming experience. We’ll have gameplay impressions as soon as possible, but until then feel free to form your own impressions based on 12 minutes of gameplay footage.
E3 Media
Ghost Recon 2 Gameplay Footage
Brothers in Arms
Fight the good fight.
Do we really need more WWII-themed shooters? The developers of Brothers in Arms feel that one more wouldn’t hurt so long as it’s an engaging enough experience to separate it from the pack. In order to do so, the developers are taking on the challenge of trying to affect gamers in places other than their adrenal glands – most notably their hearts (or if you want to get picky, the emotion centers of their brains). Based on a true story, the developers are attempting to put the player into the shoes of a real person, surrounded by real people, rather than merely a soldier surrounded by explosions and cannon fodder. Whether they succeed in their goal will have to wait to be seen, but the game certainly looks the part of a contender. Check out XA’s impressions of the game for more info, and take a look at the high-budget E3 trailer for a hi-res look at the game’s visuals.
E3 Media
Sega
Where are they now?
While hopes that Sega would present a sequel to Panzer Dragoon Saga went unfulfilled, the former console-maker still presented gamers with plenty of games which look to rekindle the arcade-centric nature of respected developer. Spikeout, a spiritual successor to the Streets of Rage franchise looked absolutely fantastic at the show, as did the sequel to Yu Suzuki’s arcade classic outrun. Sega also showed off footage of Headhunter 2, sequel to the underrated PS2 action/adventure game. While the first game was no slouch, the sequel appears to have faster gameplay and far superior graphics than its predecessor, although this trend of excessive soft lighting is starting to wear thin. Sega also unveiled the latest in their ESPN line of sports franchises, all with Live compatibility. While they look impressive, Sega is going to have to do something special if they want to survive the hit that will surely come with EA’s addition to the Live Family. Finally, and arguably most importantly, Sega confirmed what everyone with taste was hoping – they would be publishing Otogi 2 in North America. While hopes that Sega will eventually learn how to advertise their products are futile at best, the games show a lot of promise for those who appreciate quick bouts of intense fun. Look for impressions of all these games in the near future.
Headhunter Redemption E3 Trailer
Otogi 2 E3 Trailer
Spikeout E3 Trailer
Another Spikeout E3 Trailer
Spikeout Gameplay Footage
Outrun 2 Gameplay Footage
Outrun 2 Gameplay Footage
ESPN NHL 2005 Trailer
ESPN NFL 2005 Trailer
ESPN NBA 2005 Trailer
Look for more information on the following games in the coming weeks:
Mercenaries
Area 51
Second Sight
BloodRayne 2
Destroy All Humans
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