E3 2009

NINTENDO AT E3
The critical consensus of late is that Nintendo, the gentle giant of the games industry, has built its fortunes by playing to the common man, rather than the hardcore gamer. That's all well and good if you're an investor, but it doesn't make for particularly exciting E3 presentations.

This year, however, we think things are going to go a little differently. The Wii is well entrenched in the marketplace; the DSi will have been on sale for a couple of months and the DS should, by then, have broken the Game Boy's 100 million unit install base. All up, this year should see the start of an influx of slightly more gamer-centric releases, starting with the long-rumoured Kid Icarus Wii announcement, as well as DSi-compatible games and a major key franchise release – we're tipping Pokemon below.

What's in store for Nintendo at E3 2009?
95% - Kid Frickin' Icarus
Our thoughts: Here's this title, right, that nobody under the age of 20 would probably know about – and it was only ever on the original Nintendo Entertainment System – but it left an indelible impression on players decades later. Kid Icarus is ready to drop – and we're putting it at number one on our E3 predictions list.

90% - DSi compatible or specific games:
90% - Pokemon
Our thoughts: Pokemon, like no other franchise on a handheld, sells systems. All it would take is a DSi-focussed, fully-fledged Pokemon adventure to make this handheld a must-purchase.

85% - Mario
Our thoughts: Mario games are becoming less and less of a must-have at launch. However, the brand still holds just as much weight – if not more – as it did back on N64 days and earlier. A DSi game would make a heck of a lot of sense –and it's been a while since New Super Mario Bros...

65% - Smash Bros
Our thoughts: Surely, after three successful console versions and even a fan-made flash game, a handheld version is in the works. The DSi seems as good a choice as the DS itself – but will it happen?

50% - Kirby
Our thoughts: Arguably a fanboy favourite, Kirby's adventures are endlessly creative and entertaining. We're giving this a 50/50 shot for DSi at E3.

20% - Metroid
Our thoughts: Don't hold your breath, but it could happen – a true 2D, DSi-enabled sequel with downloadable levels and content. Hey –we can dream, right?
80% - MotionPlus Incorporated into Wii Remote, Packed In
Our thoughts: At this stage, we've all seen the dongle – but we're guessing that Nintendo R&D has a version of the Wii Remote with this sucker built in. It's totally possible that it'll come packed in with a version of the Wii retail unit from day one, too.

80% - More DSi-to-Wii Interaction
Our thoughts: The DSi's Wi-Fi connectivity is itching to be used by the Wii and vice versa. We're tipping that Nintendo's going to have some pretty nifty demonstrations on hand, powered by new games for both platforms.

75% - New Channels, 4Kids Pokemon Eps streaming
Our thoughts: Probably an easy one – there might be new channel announcements for Wii and we're speculating that it could revolve around media streaming. A good guess might be a 4Kids Entertainment agreement that could stream Pokemon 24/7. Or we could be completely off the mark.

70% - DSi-specific Channels
Our thoughts: We're sure it's coming – but it's a matter of when. Like the Wii, we're guessing a handful of news, weather and Nintendo channels are on the way.

Will Wii owners see a new MotionPlus-enabled Zelda at E3?
60% - New Wii Zelda
Our thoughts: It's been a few years – time to lift the lid on the next Zelda, in video form only, but with a Christmas 2009 or early 2010 release date. Again, it's in the works – but will this E3 hold the big reveal?

50% - MotionPlus Delayed
Our thoughts: There's a 50/50 chance that MotionPlus is going to be delayed. Despite EA recently demoing the technology for a title due in April, there hasn't been a single murmur from Nintendo about Wii Sports Resort or any other MotionPlus title– and that's worrying.

Long-shot Predictions:
40% - GTA for Wii Announced
Our thoughts: Off the back of incredible critical and fan success with GTA: Chinatown Wars for DS, it would make a lot of sense for a division of Rockstar to be hard at work on a Wii Grand Theft Auto. However, it really depends on whether Rockstar are concerned about the demographics for the Wii...

2% - Wii DVD Playback
Our thoughts: It'll be a cold day in hell. A cold, cold day.

 

SONY AT E3
2008 has been the Sony PS3's strongest year, while almost in direct correlation to how poorly the PSP performed in many markets.

This E3, we're expecting big things on both console fronts – the PS3 could use a price cut and the PSP needs a successor – two things we're expecting to come out of Sony's E3 presentation. Elsewhere, we're predicting the announcement of Sony's foray into 3D gaming as well as a playable version of Gran Turismo 5, video of Team ICO's next title and a continued push on the PlayStation Home front. We're also tipping an off-chase of a PS3 redesign to bring it in line with PSOne and PS2 Slim models. Will these pan out, or have we missed the mark completely?

What's in store for Sony at E3 2009?
95% - First 3D-compatible titles announced
Our thoughts: Sony has been demonstrating true 3D compatibility for titles like WipEout and MotorStorm at technology trade shows. We're almost positive that where there's smoke, there's 3D. Sony's very likely to announce downloadable patches for these games to make them 3D-compatible, as well as the promise of future compatibility with major releases.

90% - PS3 Price Cut – Publishers Dance in Streets
Our thoughts: First the fans and now game publishers are asking Sony to drop the street price of the PS3. This E3, we're expecting a cut or a new model that's light on features, but with a significantly lower price. It'd be a great PR move for Sony, even if analysts are saying that it won't increase sales significantly.

90% - New PSP / PSP2, Blockbuster Titles Blitz
Our thoughts: Okay – it's coming, most assuredly. And we're almost positive the wrappings are coming off at E3 this year. But will it remain a PSP upgrade, or are we going to see a fully fledged new handheld, complete with a spec-boost and new design ethic? Our money is on PSP2, all the way to the bank.

90% - Fresh Home Content
Our thoughts: Sony isn't going to let E3 go by without spending some serious time pushing Home, the PS3's online avatar portal and potential advertising portal. We're hoping for an injection of must-visit content and some further refinements.

75% - Gran Turismo 5 Playable
Our thoughts: Polyphony Digital infamously takes its time with the Gran Turismo series –after all, sales are practically assured and it has massive shoes to fill. However, it would make sense to show the game now, after almost a year of GT5: Prologue and little else.

Please, Team ICO, please - we beg of you - lift the lid off your next project!
60% - Team ICO's Next Shown
Our thoughts: We, frankly, cannot wait. Both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus remain two of our all-time favourite games, and the third anticipated title has barely surfaced in more than three years of development time. We're hoping for footage. Prove us right, Sony.

Long-shot Predictions:
30% - PSEye Software Announced
Our thoughts: What happened to the PSEye? Eye of Judgement, that's what. It was the game that was supposed to sell the hardware. It didn't, really. And now there's very little fresh content for the PSEye. Is it dead hardware? Will E3 reveal new PSEye EyeToy games? Slim chance.

25% - PS3 Redesign / Colours
Our thoughts:A resized PSOne came out in 2000, late in the console's lifecycle. The PS2 slim appeared even earlier into the PS2's life in 2004. Now, three years after the PS3 launched, are we about to see a slim PS3 launch? Probably not. But maybe. So, yeah - 'maybe, but probably not' is our final answer for now.

15% - New Input Method Unveiled
Our thoughts: Is Sony going to blow the Wii out of the water with some sort of full-body, visual feedback game device? We know London Studio (SingStar, EyeToy) is working on ...something... but we're not sure what. Will E3 2009 hold the answer?

5% - Gran Turismo PSP
Our thoughts: Is it still in development? Is it dead? The game that sold us on the power of the PSP has yet to make it to market, almost five years on. We're betting it's not coming out this year, but stranger things have happened.

 

MICROSOFT AT E3
Microsoft has maintained momentum since the Xbox 360 launched – which is no mean feat. But being first to market has left it in an interesting position – it has to defend itself in the market while simultaneously continuing to innovate. It threw out a SingStar clone, an EyeToy clone and these have recently been joined by Avatars and a new interface to bring it up to speed with modern console interfaces. However, a lot of these knee-jerk reactions either failed or haven't made the kinds of waves that sustain a console long-term.

What will E3 2009 bring to the table for Microsoft? We're guessing it'll be a reemphasis on the things that matter to its core audience – hardcore male gamers. Expect a Metal Gear Solid 4 announcement, a bold new Rare title and the triumphant return of LA Noir (remember that one?). We're also predicting that Gears of War 3 will not be shown in any form, while there's an outside chance that we may get a glimpse of the next Halo.


90% - Gears of War 3 Not Shown
Our thoughts: Why would Microsoft and Epic rush this one to market? There's no need – Gears of War 2 is a relative infant on shelves, so don't expect to hear or see anything on Gears 3 for at least a year. Any sooner and the franchise risks over-saturation and over-exposure.

90% - The New Rare Game is...
80% - Something mainstream, family-focussed and oddball
Our thoughts: Linked to our Avatar prediction below, we think that Rare (who developed the Avatar application) are logically working on a game based on the technology – probably a party or social game that works over Xbox Live. It's probably not the most appetising proposition for hardcore gamers out there, but it's certainly the most likely.

65% - More Viva Pinata
Our thoughts: It's an established franchise that's finally gaining some traction, so we're expecting something new from the house of candy Pinatas. Will it be a third instalment, or something different? We might hear something at E3 2009.

40% - Perfect Dark 2
Our thoughts: It's a little unlikely that we're going to see Perfect Dark 2, but it's another established franchise with a fanbase waiting for some more Jo Dark. Will it happen? It could, but it would have to blow socks off after the bland and disappointing Perfect Dark Zero, so Rare would only reveal it if it would do just that.

15% -Killer Instinct 3
Our thoughts: It's old, it's kind of garish – but a small and vocal community still push tirelessly for this one. We're not holding our breath –but that doesn't mean it won't happen.
80% - Metal Gear 4 Enhanced
Our thoughts: Kojima's been tinkering with the Xbox 360 –and we think an extended and enhanced Metal Gear is coming, probably across two discs and likely packing some serious compression techniques.

Is an Avatar-based party game just around the bend on Xbox 360?
75% - Avatar-based Party Game
Our thoughts: Avatars are here – so now what? Avatar-integrated games and party titles, that's what. One for the families out there, Xbox 360's Avatars are going to be centre-stage at E3 for at least some portion of the event. Expect lots of fresh content. And outfits – can't forget the outfits.

60% - MS Health and Lifestyle Games
Our thoughts: It would make sense – if Microsoft is serious about tackling the mainstream –and you can't beat Wii on that front – well, you might as well join 'em with a host of health and lifestyle titles.

55% - Motion controller finally revealed
Our thoughts: The Xbox 360 is the lone console in this race that's stuck to its guns thus far and refused to dive into motion control. We think there's a fair chance that's about to change, and we think Rare is working on something to that end.

Long-shot Predictions:
15% - Xbox 360 Redesign / New Features / HDD
Our thoughts: There's an outside chance that the ageing Xbox 360 hardware will get a redesign to compliment the slick new interface. However, MS doesn't typically update its mainline console hardware – though, the original Xbox controller became the controller 'S', and Zune, its MP3 player, shrank too. So it's not unprecedented – just unlikely.

10% - Halo 4 Teased, Possibly From Gearbox
Our thoughts: Halo isn't dead – rumour has it, the franchise is being prepped for the next big instalment over at Gearbox. Will we see anything? Is it all lies and speculation? Only E3 can shed some light on that one.

2% - 'Xbox 720' Teased
Our thoughts: Look – it's just too early. Forget it. Sorry

 

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Без перевода незя. Закрою, ибо уверен, найдутся много недовольных. Какой смысл тут выкладывать стену английского текста? Думаешь, кто-то будет это читать - без ссылок на источник и всего такого? Тема по Е3 достойна большего.