411 Games Fact or Fiction 06.08.09: E3 Edition
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 06.08.2009
With E3 now in the side view mirror, we ask Sean Garmer and Jeffrey Harris what they thought about the show. Was it everything they expected? Was there a sleeper hit on the showroom floor? Was the new Metroid game revelation bigger than Super Mario Galaxy 2? What about next year? Do they plan on returning to Los Angeles? These questions and more on this week's Fact or Fiction!
I gotta tell you, it was quite busy over the past week while myself and other members of the staff covered the E3 Expo in downtown Los Angeles. Despite the the tiring days and evenings, coupled with plenty of writing and meetings, we had a great time as I'm sure the guys can attest to. That being said, in this week's FoF, we ask Sean Garmer and Jeffrey Harris various questions related to the show itself. Given that this was their first go around to the annual event, we want to find out what they thoughts. So let's get to the column!
1. E3 2009 was everything you expected.
Jeffrey Harris: FACT - It was a hella good time for my first ever E3. With Ramon as our guide, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! I freaked out when I saw Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, and getting to sample all the new game offerings were great. The best thing though is the access you get to speak with developers and game producers who couldn't be nicer about answering your questions about the games, even the tough tones. I mean, I'm sure I missed a few things here and there. I didn't get to play the God of War III demo, but I got John Morrison's autograph. So E3 was pretty much full of win for me.
Sean Garmer: FACT - This was also my first time at E3 and I loved it. Don't know if it would have been the same without Ramon's help along the way, but I think as workers we should take the time sometimes to thank our bosses, so thanks Ramon for showing us E3 rookies how to get things done. I loved being able to demo all the games and go to press conferences I didn't have invites too. Learning how to talk to the developers and the public relations people was something I had to get used to, but by the last day I was enjoying that aspect of it. I think my favorite part was seeing the look on the Disney PR rep when we gave them Best Racing Game award. I also enjoyed getting to put faces with names of some our writers like Mark Salmela, John De Large, Tommy Coloma, and Jeff as well. Gotta say I loved it.
Score: 1 for 1 - Thanks guys and I'm glad you both had a great time!
2. There was a sleeper title during the show that probably won't get much credit.
Jeffrey Harris: FICTION - I'm saying fiction right now because I think its sort of a tough call at this stage. I feel there was a lot of fun stuff to play that I'm not sure that people aren't giving it credit. I'll say, no matter what Adam and Morgan whine about on G4, I had a lot of fun testing out the Naruto Shippuden games at the TOMY booth.
Sean Garmer: FACT - I think Muramasa: Demon Blade from Marvelous, Vanillaware, and Ignition was a game that I played that I believe hopefully gets more credit. It's a side scrolling action game for the Wii, with two storylines, beautiful 2D artwork, and some great gameplay. I had a lot of fun playing it and can't wait for it to come out. This is something that always happens, but that's why it is great to have a crew at E3 so you can have a greater possibility of catching the hidden gems.
Score: 2 for 2
3. You thought Microsoft's press conference stole the show.
Jeffrey Harris:FICTION - No way. Show stealer belongs to Tatsunoko vs. Capcom. The best game of the year. Also, EA showing off Dante's Inferno and Brutal Legend was pretty awesome.
Sean Garmer: FACT - I think Ramon is probably asking from the big guys stand point. I don't think Microsoft was a total clear winner because Nintendo really shocked us with the announcements of new Mario, Metroid, and Zelda. However, Microsoft's Project Natal looks like it could be a big deal, and they seem serious about making things for it, unlike Sony with their gimmicky controllers. HALO: ODST looks cool and I personally don't like Forza, but that video maker thing looked awesome. The rest of their stuff was multi-platform, except Splinter Cell, but I also think the last.fm and Facebook stuff will be big hits for 360 owners too. If we are talking about press conferences I'd say 360 by a nose because they showed us games, demos, and videos without the crap. We all know the real winners are the gamers, and the stealers of the show are the developers that make them.
Score: 2 for 3
TIME FOR THE SWITCH!
4. Solid PC games seemed to have been missing this year at E3.
Sean Garmer: FACT - I am not the guy to go when it comes to PC games, because frankly I don't play them at all. I did have to go to a meeting that demoed Champions: Online and that looked fine. However, just from all the writers that went with us, I didn't really hear about any stand out PC titles. Even Crysis 2 is going to consoles, so unless its an MMO or a Sims title, I really don't know what the PC has left to thrill us with anymore. The buzz was all about the consoles and that's pretty much where it will probably stay for a while. Let's face it, even though "everyone" has a computer, there are probably more people playing big time games on a home or portable console nowadays.
Jeffrey Harris: FACT - I'm sort of in the same boat as Sean here. I mean yeah, I saw SIMS and a few other PC titles at the booth here and there, but nothing really huge or mind-blowing. Some of the big releases and games announced at E3 will be on the PC as well, but they are also on the big consoles.
Score: 3 for 4
5. You were more stoked to see the video of a new Metroid than Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Sean Garmer: FACT - Not because I like Metroid more than Mario, it is just because a SMG 2 was already being talked about. I still went nuts when I saw Yoshi on screen, but seeing Metroid was a total shock. I was so excited to see it being a Team Ninja product along with Nintendo. I know Nintendo won't let this go under supreme watch, so I will say right now Team Ninja's involvement will only bring about good things for the series. It seems to have a very involving storyline this time around and now that the team has experience on the Wii, I would expect no less than greatness from this title.
Jeffrey Harris: FICTION - I'm an old school gamer and I had a blast checking out Mario Galaxy 2. Metroid games are great, and its a great series, but I'll pick the Mario game 9 times out of 10 for the most part. I love Metroid, but just about every Mario platform game is inifinitely playable IMHO. Its still great to see these franchises going strong all these years later. They've truly withstood the test of time.
Score: 3 for 5
6. You'll make the trip to LA for E3 next year no matter what.
Sean Garmer: FACT - Yes, I will. I had too much fun with all the other writers that went, and doing our jobs was just part of it, because even though we have to ask questions and analyze the games we play, it is still fun to play them. The atmosphere of the whole event, getting to find out things before other people, and feeling important for a little bit is cool too. I don't see how I can miss next year's E3 for anything because this is the gaming event of the year. Besides, Ramon said he would take us somewhere out of the state if we went next year. How can I not go.
Jeffrey Harris: FICTION(FACT) - FICTION. I already live in LA, and I expect to be living in Los Angeles next year. So its not a trip for me. That's why I am putting fiction. But no matter what, I plan on attending E3, and cooking more fools in whatever UFC game is on display. Now I just have to make it through the next year in one piece.
Final Score: 4 for 6 - Well technically Jeffrey will be there for E3 so we'll give it a matching score with Sean.
Now we ask you the readers your thoughts. I'm sure you were all following our coverage on 411mania last week so now we ask you Fact or Fiction? Let us know!
think I was more psyched for Mario than Metroid but either way I can say one thing... E3 has convinced me to hold on to my Wii for a little longer as I am currently packing up the house for a move and was seriously considering selling it a week ago, now not so much
Posted By: PUNK (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 03:07 AM
No way did microsoft steal the show, and im saying this as a guy who hates fanboyism and owns all 3 consoles, but sony blew everyone out of the water with their conference. Essentially, they had the best looking exclusives, while most of microsofts games you could either get on pc, or other consoles. Sony pretty much answered every jab microsoft had with a strong knockout punch. new halo? heres some uncharted 2 for you. new mgs? heres peace walker an actual SEQUEL with confirmed hideo kojima involvement. project natal, a revolutionary concept to be sure, but something tahts 3-4 years away, heres sony's new motion camera, thats likely to come out next year! microsoft was excellent, sony beat it out in everyway, plus insult to injury, they splashed out on god of war 3, and didnt even bother mentioning ratchet and clank and heavy rain. (do i even hafto mention the last guardian)
Nintendo = epic fail, new mario and metroid (which looks amazing btw) is a start but wheres new pikmin, starfox, kid icarus, new zelda, come on nintendo you have an easy win here.
Posted By: gooched (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 03:54 AM
Jeff man, I've been playing TvC for the past year...it's nothing special. Seriously, if it stole the show for you, you kinda need to aim a little higher. :/
Posted By: S. Masters (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 07:47 AM
1. FICTION: This is mostly because there was no announcement regarding the Midway sale or Duke Nukem...not that those were confirmed, but I was really hoping for a surprise at E3...when the biggest shock is seeing Ringo and Paul say 8 words about the Beatles game, that's saying something.
2. FACT: Call me crazy, but I think some of the XBLA hits are gonna be sweet (Shadow Complex looks AWESOME), but no one cares about the XBLA stuff.
3. FACT: Announcing a bunch of franchise games EVERY YEAR does not make your press conference good...Microsoft not only showed off their franchise games (2 new Halos, Forza, Splinter Cell), but also new stuff (MGS, FF13), further reason why XBox Live is ALWAYS going to destroy anyone elses online support (Twitter is going to be HUGE) and the Wii killer (Project Natal). Oh, and TvC looks like shit...if it's not MvC3 or Capcom buying out the MK rights for MKvSF, no one cares. Plus, it's not a shock if they announce it EVERY YEAR (Metroid, Zelda, and Mario are announced every E3, just depends on what stage it's in).
4. FACT: No one cares about PC gaming anymore unless it's WoW, and they have their own con. Moving on.
5. FACT: Only because Mario games are tired out...there's only so much you can do with a platformer until it becomes the same game over and over again, which is the formula Mario has fallen into over the last two console generations. Sales show it too.
6. N/A: I didn't go, and I don't plan on going...E3 is nowhere near what it used to be. I'll save my money for Blizzcon or SD ComicCon.
Oh, and to the dipshit Sony fanboy...what are you smoking and where can I get some? Sony's "motion camera" is EyeToy2 (BTW, Natal is under 2 years from release...Sony's will be lucky to still be around by then), Halo>>>>Uncharted ever will be (not that those two should be compared because they're not even the same genre of game), I didn't even HEAR about Peace Walker so it's obviously nowhere near MSG level, and GoW3 VIDEO...not DEMO...VIDEO...MS cranked out a video for Halo: Reach, and as I recall, Halo is the bigger franchise. Noticed you had no counter for Splinter Cell, Alan Wake, FF13, etc. So yeah, you tried not to be, but all you were, was a FANBOY.
All in all, E3 can suck it...other than Natal, I didn't care about anything this year once it was all said and done.
Well, except Modern Warfare 2, but c'mon, EVERYONE is excited about that.
Posted By: Ramsey (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 11:20 AM
i wish jeffery would have left his fanboyisim at the door, i imported tvsc and its okay but it definitely doesnt hold a candle to most of the games announced at the show. at least give us a reason u believe your statement
Posted By: elry (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Ramsey - Gow3 was a playable demo not just a video.
Also I would say FFXIII was countered by FFXIV. But seeing as FFXIII is multi console it doesn't really matter.
Alan Wake looks really good though.
Posted By: Squishy (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 01:37 PM
"No way did microsoft steal the show, and im saying this as a guy who hates fanboyism and owns all 3 consoles"
It would be nice to sit some of you people(fanboys) in a seat and hook you up to a lie detector test to see what you're saying is true.
"I own all 3 consoles"
That's getting kind of old to. I see it everywhere, along with someone claiming they have an uncle, dad or cousin working on whatever game people are talking about.
Posted By: Guest#9839 (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Ah, egg on my face with the GoW3 thing...the way everything from E3 read, I thought Sony just showed it off.
FF14 in no way counters FF13 since it's multiplatform...Square kept changing their story throughout the weeked ("It's a Sony exclusive!...well, and PC...err, and we're working on a version for the 360...and people don't care about MMO's that aren't WoW...but IT'LL BE ON PS3 FIRST!"
Hardly a counter to an EXCLUSIVE, FIRST TIME EVER release that doesn't require an internet connection to play.
Posted By: Ramsey (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Certainly there as an absence of PC titles, and the industry is hesitant to release on PC sometimes due to the rampant piracy.
However, I think the real reason why the "buzz" was lacking is because Blizzard snubbed E3 again, and the biggest games on the PC release schedule right now - Diablo III and Starcraft II - are their titles.
To put it in wrestling terms, it's like a house show where your champions refuse to perform - lacklustre.
Posted By: JC (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Natal is like a concept car: what you saw (which was little to nothing, really; film can be faked) will likely bear no resemblance to reality. And when might Natal come to reality? Microsoft can't say ... because it was smoke and mirrors. It was Microsoft not having anything REAL to wow the crowd with, so they showed some nonsense about a project that may end up joining the 64DD, Sega VR and Super Nintendo CD-ROM in the "great ideas that never panned out" graveyard.
Posted By: Jed (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 09:28 PM
So E3 was a TNA house show?
Posted By: Guest#7768 (Guest) on June 08, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Jeffrey Harris: FICTION - I'm saying fiction right now because I think its sort of a tough call at this stage. I feel there was a lot of fun stuff to play that I'm not sure that people aren't giving it credit. I'll say, no matter what Adam and Morgan whine about on G4, I had a lot of fun testing out the Naruto Shippuden games at the TOMY booth. 
Jeffrey Harris:FICTION - No way. Show stealer belongs to Tatsunoko vs. Capcom. The best game of the year. Also, EA showing off Dante's Inferno and Brutal Legend was pretty awesome.
Sean Garmer: FACT - Not because I like Metroid more than Mario, it is just because a SMG 2 was already being talked about. I still went nuts when I saw Yoshi on screen, but seeing Metroid was a total shock. I was so excited to see it being a Team Ninja product along with Nintendo. I know Nintendo won't let this go under supreme watch, so I will say right now Team Ninja's involvement will only bring about good things for the series. It seems to have a very involving storyline this time around and now that the team has experience on the Wii, I would expect no less than greatness from this title. 
