E3-08:- Our Best Speculated Top 5 for This Years E3 on XboxOZ360-gamer

Week 1 (parts 1-2-3-4-5)

by Staff Writers;

© 2006-2008 XboxOZ360-gamer

by `

“E3 this year represents why all gamers on all platforms should be thankful for what many call the “console-war”, or what we prefer to call here at XboxOZ360-gamer as a little “healthy-competition”. The result has meant that gamers of all shapes and sizes are more spoilt for choice now, than at any time in recent history.

“`So given that, instead of trying to merely condense all the wonderful gaming experiences that may or may not be at E3-’08 into a single list, we’re going to let the staff speak for themselves and tell you what interests them most, not just for the 360, but also for the Wii and PS3.

The Top 10 lists that everybody loves will still come (albeit with a twist), but you’ll have to wait till next week for those. In the meantime have a read of our individual contributors Top 5 picks and maybe even get to know a little bit about their gaming likes and hates!

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As an added incentive, we will be running a “Reader’s Top 10 for E3″ the night before E3 ‘08 officially begins on July 14-17th 2008. So get those comments flowing on our E3-’08 articles and tell us if someone’s picks/wishes/desires are wrong, dead-on or on another planet! The funniest and cleverest suggestions might just make the list and win you some Mystery “Live” Prizes like MS points, Live subscriptions and some cool XBLA titles.

Enjoy and let the debates begin.

Top Pick Listing:

• Top Pick 1 – David Hilton’s top 5 desires for E3 ‘08
• Top Pick 2 – Steven Sutton’s top 5 desires for E3 ‘08
• Top Pick 3 – Ben Cadwallader’s top 5 desires for E3 ‘08
• Top Pick 4 – Arthur Kotsopoulos’s top 5 desires for E3 ‘08
• Top Pick 5 – Lee Edgerton’s top 5 desires for E3 ‘08

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Click on my links & follow me to each Team member’s E3-’08 Top Picks:

Top Pick 1

David Hilton (Gamertag: dkpatriarch)

E3 may not be what it used to be, with many games publishers choosing their own events to announce games and showcase features, but it still gives the gamer a hope that they can catch a glimpse of the future. E3 also came during a regular drought of quality games, but this year we’ve had a hoard of top titles keeping us distracted. Nevertheless, here’s what I’d like to see this E3.

My Top 5 Wishes for the 360 @ E3

5) New Exclusive IPs from Microsoft.

Usually there are rumours well before E3, and I haven’t heard too many this time, but I’d like to see some new exclusives to show that Microsoft is still looking beyond Viva Pinata, Banjo, Fable, and Gears of War sequels to attract gamers to their console, and that they are still going to develop some in-house games themselves. Lately they look like they’ve been, to use a North American sports team technique, letting developers go on waivers.

4) “Newton” Software That’s Not Crap!

So we’ve heard there’s going to be a Microsoft Wii-mote. I think that’s great because every time I invite my non-gamer friends over and show them games like PGR4, Assassin’s Creed, or COD4 they dutifully watch and try them and then want to play Wii-Sports again. Microsoft needs to attract all sorts of gamers and emulating the surprising success of the Wii is a good idea to supplement their great library of games but please no useless shovelware!!!

3) Lower The Price.

There’s no doubting that the 360 is already great value for money, but with console sales slowing, inflation growing, and PS3 making some in-roads the time is ripe to lower the price further and bloody make sure that the new versions are reliable.

2) Xbox 720 Plans That Are Inclusive.

Obviously Microsoft is working on the next Xbox and wants to be first to the table again. If they want to be as inclusive of as many gamers or potential gamer types as possible, announcing a plan for a digitally distributed-only console would be disastrous. Much of the world does not have internet speed or pricing that is up to scratch, and unless they really don’t care about smaller markets consumers should still at least have the option of buying disc-based games again. Announce a hybrid!

1) PG-Rated Xbox Live.

If you are going to charge for a Live service, don’t you need to make sure the product is not just where idiotic perverts can invade Uno with their camera sex-shows; your 12 year old is not subjected to unpunished drunk swear-fests and lewd songs; or that games are not only suited to highly trained full-time online commando groups who don’t like newbies (or those that just suck) on their team.

An E3 announcement that gamers can choose levels of play based on their GamerCard choice (recreation, family, underground, pro) and strict policing of the family and recreation areas is badly needed on Live. Forget logistics, it is irresponsible to allow a decent idea to be subverted by anonymous dolts so that the experience is ruined for a great many.

My Wish for the PS3 @ E3

With the blu-ray victory and some quality titles like MGS4 finally out, the PS3 is making ground. I would like to see Sony stop making announcements on the fabulous things they intend to do and actually give us some actual proof of those things. The Sony online marketplace is too limited and with so many PS3 consoles not able to play PS2 games perhaps doing what Microsoft has started doing with releasing Xbox Originals on Live would be a great idea.

My Wish for the Wii @ E3

The Wii is still a surprise seller. Mine gathers dust until non-gamer mates show up and want to play Wii Sports or Wii Fit, and that says a lot for its ability to attract new gamers. The problem is that the console is plagued with shovelware crap or first party titles that are rehashed Mario, Zelda, Metroid or Pokemon. This E3 lets see some new creative franchises to capture the imagination…PLEASE!!!

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Top Pick 2

Steven Sutton (Gamertag: Sutton Dagger)

What gamer doesn’t love E3? Even though the expo has changed in recent years, it is still a time when the industries big guns lay all their cards on the table. This year is no exception. I await with particularly baited breath some huge announcements from Microsoft. So here it goes!

My Top 5 Wishes for the 360 @ E3

5) Star Ocean Gameplay.

With the recent news that Star Ocean: The Last Hope will be coming to the Xbox 360, what better way to create hype and expectations than to show in-game footage at E3. If it’s anything like the previous games, 360 fans are in for a treat. Square-Enix + tri-Ace = Excellence.

4) More Banjo Info.

When Banjo-Kazooie 3 pictures and footage were shown, many a series fan felt as if they had been kicked in the proverbial Nuts & Bolts. Though my initial skepticism has subsided, I wouldn’t mind getting some more info on gameplay mechanics. Plus a release date couldn’t hurt!

3) Halo Wars Works!

Halo Wars is an intriguing concept, taking one of the most beloved FPS franchises and putting a different spin on it. Though RTS games don’t typically work on consoles, hopefully E3 will demonstrate a control scheme and style that works for us non-PC gamers who enjoy the genre.

2) Fable 2’s XBLA titles.

Fable 2’s ability to ‘talk’ to not just one but THREE XBLA games is an ingenious concept, with money earned through these arcade games going directly into Fable 2. “Mage Dice”, “Wizard’s Tower” and “Keystone” are the names of these titles. But what exactly do they entail? Hopefully E3 will shed some light on the mystery.

1) The Cards Up Microsoft’s Sleeves.

Like a big kid anticipating what presents he will unwrap on Christmas, my biggest wish for E3 is just for a massive, unexpected surprise. It could be peripherals, software or even online services. But it’s certain Microsoft has something up its sleeve. How long to go?!

My Wish for the PS3 @ E3

Please Sony, just give it to me. A trailer. Release date. Even a few new pics. I shouldn’t even have to mention the name, you all know what I’m talking about. The next game in the Final Fantasy franchise is looking great, but I need something to keep me going. Let’s hope XIII (13) isn’t an unlucky number in this case.

My Wish for the Wii @ E3

How great is it that we can play Nintendo classics both new and old on the Wii. I could download hundreds of these games if I wanted to… What’s that? I can’t? Hopefully Nintendo announces a HDD add-on (or open up the SD cards) at E3, because we need more space. ‘We’, as in nerds and otaku, are watching you Laurent Fischer!

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Top Pick 3

Ben Cadwallader (GamerTag: Shadow Wave)

My top wishes are for software this year. I personally do not want to see a motion sensor for the 360, and I DEFINITELY don’t want more pointless and pathetic Wiimote attachments from Nintendo. Sony has redeemed themselves with the Dualshock 3 so now my focus is just on the good games, and hopefully the following will be. Maybe next year will be when we hear about the NextBox (aka x720), etc.

My Top 5 Wishes for the 360 @ E3

5) Bioshock 2.

I wonder if the idea of a Bioshock prequel is actually what they are doing? Either way it will be great.

4) Doom 4.

Hopefully it’s as scary and graphically revolutionary as Doom 3 was.

3) Elder Scrolls 5.

Let’s hope Elder Scrolls 5, gives more of a varied environment than Oblivion and gives us another memorable experience.

2) Metal Gear Solid 4.

Even though I’ve got it on PS3, I would love to be able to prove I’ve beaten MGS4 on Big Boss Extreme difficulty with Achievements.

1) Halo 4

One can only hope right?!

My Wish for the PS3 @ E3

Final Fantasy 13 gets a release date in 2009. I can’t wait for FF13, and I can only hope it goes back to the pre FF12 game, as FF12 was the worst FF game in the series I’ve played. Let’s hope it redeems itself!

My Wish for the Wii @ E3

The Legend of Zelda. If a new Zelda is not announced, I will be selling my Wii as I’m sick of long waiting release dates (plus three additional months for Australia) and I find I don’t use it otherwise.

My Wish for the PC @ E3

Diablo 3. It’s been officially announced. But I wonder if that point and click gameplay can still hold up as well as it did many years ago?

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Top Pick 4

Arthur Kotsopoulos (GamerTag: GrathiusXR)

Ahh once again E3 is upon us. While not as big as previous years it will still produce in the OMFG!!11! Metre. With a lower number of publishers and developers lurking the floors of E3 this time around it is still sure to go out with a bang and some major announcements. Halo 4 Announcement trailer anyone?

My Top 5 Wishes for the 360 @ E3

5) Welcome to Your Doom 4:
Doom 3 was graphically a masterpiece for its time with textbook pop up scares all over the place made it an instant classic. Here’s hoping under all the RAGE, Doom 4 is shaping along nicely and something will be shown.

4) Enter the Halo Wars Has:
C’mon it’s Halo who doesn’t love it?!… RTS Games don’t execute as good on console than PC’s but if Ensemble Studios can produce the goods and show some form of demo showcasing the controls and game-play and give a release date then I’m a happy little chap.

3) Conker How I miss Thee King!
RARE’s most rude and vulgar little squirrel was a hit on the N64 an instant classic among the big names. I am hoping that RARE have been working on this little squirrel’s newest adventure and some form of teaser is shown at E3.

2) Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts:
While many hardcore fans such as I at first was a bit… From photos and information regarding BK3 was released, after reading many interviews and information all over the web, I just want a release date for it.

1) The NextBox720 ?
Well we all know that it is in some form or another, I wish that Microsoft announce something on this to put those pursuing gamers at rest. Digital Distribution? Not many are subject to such high speeds of internet. Let’s put these rumours in their place once and for all.

My Wish for the PS3 @ E3 -

While I don’t really own one myself as my brother does I have been hearing SONY have been promising quite a few things and not delivering? I think it’s time they make haste on their promises.

My Wish for the PC @ E3 –

S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Clear Skies! Shadow of Chernobyl was the definitive gaming experience for me on the PC when it was released last year. The gritty atmosphere, the authentic Russian characters, the horrors that plague Chernobyl were of highest quality. I am hoping for a demo to be released.

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Top Pick 5

Lee Edgerton (GamerTag: DarkArmada)

This year’s E3 needs to be something else. In the past, the yearly event has been almost a celebration, neigh a shrine, to gaming as we know it. Year on year, E3 pushes the boundaries and has provided a platform for vendors to show off their hard work to the rest of the world. Last year, it was all about exciting IP’s, groundbreaking sequels and awesome HD screenshots of trees. In 2008 the world wants to know what is going to happen next. Gamers want to know what they’ll be playing next year, the year after and on and on. There’s something in me that E3 is just going to be a a lot of blow, and no torch…

My Top 5 Wishes for the 360 @ E3

5) WTHalo? –

With Halo 3 now firmly entrenched in gamers’ collections all over the world, we all want to know what’s next. We all want to know more about Halo Wars and we all want to know… WTF IS THE BUNGIE WORKING ON??!1/1!??! If it’s not Halo, what is it and who is doing Halo 4? Come on, give us something… anything.

4) Splinter Cell: Eviction –

It’s coming, then it isn’t, then it’s changed, then it’s not. E3 needs to make at least a tiny announcement about Splinter Cell before the fanbase takes their night vision elsewhere. With a similar title (albeit a movie/book IP) already falling short in the genre – come on Ubi, where is Splinter Cell Conviction? Please?

3) Duke Nukem Forever and ever and ever –

Do I say anymore? It’s time, in fact it’s so time to release this game that I think it’s practically illegal that it’s taken so long. No… but it should be. Why haven’t Duke Nukem fans taken 3D Realms to court over this yet? I’ve seen gaming companies sued for less

2) Microsoft IP’s, where is the love? -

With some huge titles sitting firmly under Microsoft’s large and unwieldy belt, there’s still a lot of room under there for some more groundbreaking stuff! There’s the obvious, Mass Effect 2, Bioshock 2 (and BioShock 3) and of course the aforementioned Halo along with a new Pefect Dark 2, but this year Microsoft needs to pull out something special. Sony is gaining… fast and Microsoft will need to make some hard hitting announcements on 1st Party IP’s to hold onto some of that precious marketshare.

1) Xbox³ -

Whether it’s Xbox 720, Xbox 3, Nextbox or whatever, I think that Microsoft needs to drop something to it’s loyal fans. Understandably, Xbox 360 is running on a longer life cycle than it’s predecessor however, Microsoft has already come out and said that there will no longer be any major improvements (firmware wise) to the console. So then, what will there be improvements to? With a lifecycle ending somewhere around the 2010-12 mark, what is the future? Yes you’ve announced Newton and yes, you’re doing everything you can to push and shove your way into the “niche” that is casual gaming, but what about us? What about those reading this website? What about those gamers that made Xbox what it is today? Come on, make us happy and make us smile Microsoft. Happy face

My Wish for the PS3 @ E3 -

PS Home and Away – It seems that Home is always just around the corner, Home is always the “Well I get to play online for free, plus we’ll get home… soon” argument against XboxLIVE and incidently, Home is definitely pointing Microsoft in the direction that XboxLIVE is heading with 3D Avatars on the cards, no doubt inhabiting it’s very own virtual home. So seriously Sony, why not just make a firm announcement on it? Home is revolutionary for the console space, so do yourselves a favour and roll it out already!

My Wish for the PC @ E3 –

When I grow up… – Now, before I get sent to the bowls of flame hell, let me explain. Wii does the job it was performed to do… admirably. Anyone can pick up a WiiMote and enjoy it. So my question to Nintendo is this – now that you have like a stupid amount of market share, where are the plans to target the “serious gamer” market? I love playing these party types games just as much as the next gamer, but I don’t feel that the Wii offers me enough – how about you change that at E3?

© 2006-2008 XboxOZ360-gamer