OXCGN’s E3 2012 Snapshot: Day 2: New Games Previewed
Massive number of bite-sized previews
by David Hilton
©2012 David Hilton
Games!
Games are ultimately what draws the press from around the world to Los Angeles for E3. The chance to see, play, and preview the newest announced or displayed games from around the globe.
But that’s just for the press.
We don’t want you to completely miss out though, or wait for long detailed descriptions on the games you want to know about now.
So we are running around like chickens with our heads chomped off (by ZombiU zombies?) to give you mini-previews of as many games as possible.
Each day we’re going to list a short snippet regarding each game, listing what we “got” – whether that is hands-on time, a trailer, et cetera – our impressions based upon that, and then our thoughts.
Impressions are judged with a badge based upon the impression itself.
Green: game looks fantastic, polished and basically a guaranteed winner
Yellow: game looks great, but there’s a bit of uncertainty or something that didn’t quite work right
Orange: game is shaping up, but needs some work.
And now, let’s get down to business! Day 2!
Natural Selection 2
What we got: Hands-on time
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: A sequel to the once vastly popular Half-Life mod Natural Selection, the team at Unknown Worlds has spent the past five years crafting their own engine for the self-titled sequel from scratch.
Don’t mistake this for just ‘any’ indie game, though.
Natural Selection 2 is the multiplayer game of Aliens that you’ve always wanted to play. Pitting Marines against Aliens, it’s a frantic fight for survival within daunting military bases with eerie moods.
Most impressive is how fantastic the overall game looks, with the lighting in particular. At any given time, the alien team can cut the power and it will be pitch black, causing players to rely on flashlights and muzzle flashes.
Not long after – but what feels like an eternity – less bright emergency lights will flick on, and it’s a race to get the power turned back on.
Most unique about NS2 is that it seamlessly blends FPS and RTS gameplay styles. At any time, one player can enter a “command” module, which switches the HUD and interface to a screen that RTS players will recognize.
Commanders can order the construction of emplacements and other team-based aids, but the Marines have to actually build them. Overall, NS2 offers a unique and frantic take on the multiplayer genre that we can greatly expect for later Summer or early Fall.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Crysis 3
What we got: Hands-off
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: Crysis 3 takes the more mission-based and directed experience of the previous title, elevates the action and offers the premium Crysis experience.
Everything that you know and love about Crysis is here: suit powers which can directly alter gameplay, weapon modifications, smart AI, and in addition, we have a new signature weapon, the crossbow.
Being able to be filled with everything from electric darts to remote explosive darts, the bow looks to be the ‘primary’ weapon of Crysis 3 and will push the envelope for how you take out enemies.
A bio-dome has been set up by the aliens over many key cities on Earth, including New York, where the title takes place.
The jungle-ified city looks absolutely gorgeous, being divided into several differing areas. The game looks to accommodate a wide variety of gameplay styles, and will be out in February of 2013.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Dead Space 3
What we got: Hands-off
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: If you love Dead Space, then Dead Space 3 will be the best experience you’ve ever had.
Building off of the bigger set pieces and more action-oriented gameplay of the second title, Dead Space 3 ups the ante with a cooperative mode.
We got to see a behind-closed-doors demonstration of the mode in action. By yourself, the game is still very isolated, featuring much tension, a quiet Isaac and constant suspense. The game opens with Isaac crash landing on an ice planet, which is unlike anything seen in the franchise so far.
By yourself, the cooperative partner – Carver – appears at a distance throughout the single-player story. During cooperative play, though, he’s right by Isaac’s side and it fundamentally changes how the story is told.
Isaac and Carver go back and forth on any and all topics, adding much in terms of character development.
Best of all? The game looks GORGEOUS, with the new ice-based enemies offering much challenge.
The game essentially offers two versions of the signature Dead Space experience, and will be available in February 2013.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Second Opinion:
What We Got: Hands-Off Gameplay
Impression: Cautious
Thoughts: Dead Space 3 has strayed way too far from the survival horror genre and gone into the territory of action-shooter.
It still looks and sounds absolutely amazing; however, I feel that with the addition of humans shooting at you and Necromorphs having the ability to also shoot you, it makes the game more action-oriented.
Cover works well but it has strayed too far away from its survival roots that made the first game such an experience.
Previewer: Arthur Kotsopoulos
Battlefield 3 Premium
What we got: Hands-on
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: There’s not much to say on this one, other than the fact that DICE know how to party.
We sauntered into the behind-closed-doors booth for the experience, not knowing what to expect. All of a sudden, we’re in a tiny room with six PCs greeted by a mini-bar and an exuberant DICE developer yelling “Welcome to the party!”
Battlefield Premium – available for $49.99USD – offers five expansion packs to Battlefield 3 between now and March 2013. We were treated to the one coming this September, which includes the largest Battlefield map ever created.
Massive doesn’t even begin to describe this warzone. Spreading across four kilometers, the map is almost several mini-maps. The action focuses on one area for awhile, eventually moving to a completely different part of the map as players relocate.
Overall, that map alone hooked me into wanting to go for Battlefield Premium. Not only was it fun to play on and well-designed, but it was full to the brim with little details It’s definitely worth the price tag, and is cheaper than if you bought them individually.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Second Opinion:
What We Got: Hands-On Gameplay
Impression: Oustanding
Thoughts: Being a little skeptical of Battlefield 3 Premium, my thoughts changed after giving it a whirl and hearing from DICE directly about what it offers.
Playing Vehicle Warfare on the largest map DICE have ever created, I fell in love with the game all over again.
The competitive nature of it brought out the best in me and if we weren’t on a schedule I could have easily sat there for a few hours blasting away in the sixty four player match.
Previewer: Arthur Kotsopoulos
Assassin’s Creed 3
What we got: Hands-off
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: If you weren’t impressed with Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, say no more: Assassin’s Creed 3 is equivalent to the jump from Assassin’s Creed 1 to 2.
Set prior to, during and after the American Revolution, the title focuses on a Native American called Connor. Our walkthrough saw us going through a beautifully rendered colonial Boston.
No particular mission was showcased; instead, we were walked through many different things in Boston.
New content abounds, from moving carts filled with hay (which you can pull enemies into) all the way to a ridiculously painful (yet hilarious) device that shoots a rope through an enemy’s neck, and pulls them up to hang on a ledge/tree… and it’s based on an actual weapon.
Ubisoft has focused particular attention on the AI. No longer do they move in groups of four: each character at all times moves independently, adding a greatly enhanced sense of realism.
The two best things I saw were Connor calling in his Assassins, which were dressed in British uniforms, to “escort” him as he put his hands behind his back to pose as a prisoner to get through a British checkpoint, and then the ability for Connor to pet dogs.
With new additions to the arsenal, a multitude of little details, and vast improvements to the formula we know and love, Assassin’s Creed 3 will be the best game in the series.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation:
What we got: Hands-off
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: Take everything you know about what you thought was possible on the Vita and throw it out of the window.
Announced right before E3, Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation isn’t simply a tie-in game to get some extra sales on the Vita. Rather, Ubisoft have crafted an entirely independent experience on the PlayStation Vita.
Taking place during the same time-frame as the main game, Liberation is set in New Orleans, Louisiana, and stars a black, female protagonist.
Our demonstrator informed us that slavery will be a large focus of the story, and given the fact that New Orleans was still a French colony at that point, we’ll definitely see confrontations between French and Spanish troops.
It runs on the same version of the Anvil Engine used in Assassin’s Creed 3, which makes the game look absolutely stunning; in particular, the textures, shadows and sound quality are breathtaking for a handheld title.
Vita-exclusive features include being able to tap enemies in slow-motion to assign targets for the fluid killstreak system, among many other things.
Being from Louisiana, it’s great to see a colonial version of what would be Jackson Square.
I grilled the presenter with many questions, and there is a definite possiblity of seeing the French Quarter AND the inclusion of a Mardi Gras-centered event.
Look for Liberation on the same date as Assassin’s Creed 3 this October.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Splinter Cell: Blacklist
What we got: Hands-on
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: Sam Fisher is back, and more badass than ever before.
Set after Conviction, Sam Fisher is the head of his own Fourth Echelon as he intends to take down a terrorist organization that has been targeting United States allies.
Featuring a new system called “killing in motion”, Sam can mark and execute his enemies whilst moving, allowing him to enter an area with several enemies and take them out in one silent motion.
Several things have returned based upon fan demand, such as being able to cut fabric and sneak into tents, a far more intuitive and in-depth torture minigame, and most improtantly, Spies Vs. Mercenaries.
We saw a slightly extended version of the demo played during the conferences, and the game overall looks great. Look for our in-depth preview in the coming days.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
ZombiU
What we got: Hands-on
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: Ubisoft premiered this title as a tour de force demonstrating how a hardcore game can be presented on the Wii U.
The game focuses on an infection in London, with the player in our demo aiming to get to Buckingham Palace.
Of all the Wii U games shown thus far, ZombiU shows the best application of the tablet-like Wii U controllers.
Much of the title focuses on scanning your environment for things that may be applicable to your quest, such as ammunition and medkits.
When finding a crate of goodies, for example, you open it and the main screen focuses on the main character shuffling through his bag – in which he can still be attacked, so players must be careful.
During that time, though, the Wii U controller becomes the point of interest.
Players are greeted with an inventory screen, and must drag what they want into their limited inventory. Along with this central inventory system, players have four slots in which to equip things to their liking – described as your “pockets”, which brings a sort of realism to the game.
The gameplay concepts are amazing and it looks to be one of the best zombie games out there, but the technical showcase wasn’t impressive.
It looks like a game from the beginning of this current generation, and many models and textures are re-used.
My favorite aspect is that one bite from a zombie will kill you. And when that happens, you are dead for good. You return as another survivor, being guided by a mystical radio man toward a different objective.
Best thing about this? Your dead body, upon locating it, is now an infected zombie that you must eliminate.
Overall, it’s a game to keep an eye on, but it certainly isn’t a system seller.
Previewer: Nicholas Laborde
Second Opinion:
What we got: Hands-on
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: The Wii U is going to have to do a lot of work in order to convince me of its unusual design, but ZombiU is one of the titles that gives me hope.
Some of the gamepad integrations are gimmicky, sure, but many add to the horror effect. It’s also nice to see a game that skews towards the more “core”crowd.
If ZombiU‘s graphics were a little stronger, I’d have this one in the green. This one looks like it’s not using any of the additional power that the Wii U has on its predecessor.
But strong gameplay can make up for visual shortcomings, and that seems to be the case here.
I liked the use of the tablet as a way to rifle through your inventory or to unlock a door in real time, forcing you to take your eyes off the approaching zombies to perform a task adds a ton of tension.
Zombies can kill you quickly, especially in groups. ZombiU seems to know what elements it needs to pull off survival horror well.
Previewer: Nicholas Capozzoli
Lost Planet 3
What we got: Hands-off demo of on-foot gameplay, hands-on of mission featuring on-foot gameplay and Rig gameplay
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: It doesn’t look like unproven developer Spark will fumble Lost Planet 3, though what was shown won’t blow anyone away, either.
The gameplay seems to jump from action to horror well, and the rig is plenty of fun to operate. Jim looks like a protagonist you can root for.
The game needs more to top anyone’s charts, but it’s shaping up to be solid fun, regardless.
I left the hands-off demonstration concerned. We were shown an on-foot segment where protagonist Jim investigates an ice cave.
It was a bit dull, as the environment didn’t inspire, and the enemies were simplistic. Only two basic weapons were shown.
But that first taste gave way to the hands-on experience, where we fought a huge boss (a giant crab…shoot its back for MASSIVE DAMAGE).
Then it was off to a buried structure that featured some solid sci-fi horror in the vein of Dead Space, and crab battle redux, now in a massive Mech. The horror elements make good use of the precedent set by old standards like Aliens.
Fighting the same boss on foot, then in the rig makes for a nice contrast. The rig feels powerful as a result, and you feel vulnerable when out of it.
Previewer: Nicholas Capozzoli
Devil May Cry
What we got: Hands-off demo, hands on demo
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: I’ve been waiting for a Devil May Cry game to recapture the greatness of the first game for too long. This one doesn’t look like it’ll supersede the original, but it just might be the best DMC since.
Hope you like the club scene. Our hands-off demonstration showcased the re-imagined Dante battling a demonic nightclub owner and her minions to a thumping bass, thrash metal vocals, and a laser light show that could blind.
Based upon our hands-on time, combat doesn’t stray far from the series’ trademarked system, for better or worse.
The graphics are run-of-the mill, but the environments, particularly those in the game’s trippy “Limbo” world, are varied and imaginative.
We’re happy to see some freaky and grotesque enemies, even if they can be at odds with the quirky, irreverent humor.
Many will find Dante’s profane, immature manner of speech to be absolutely intolerable. Don’t show this game to anyone skeptical over whether games can be art.
Previewer: Nicholas Capozzoli
Far Cry 3
What we got: Hands-on demo of single player
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: While it doesn’t exactly reinvent the FPS, Far Cry 3 looks like it’s going to be a worthwhile play for genre fans. The graphics look polished, the weapons are enjoyable and potent, and some unusual scenes should keep you on your toes.
Plus, you can have tigers attack your enemies. Tigers, people!
The assistant overseeing our demonstration advised using stealth to tackle the scene’s first enemies, but I couldn’t resist the allure of explosive-tipped arrows. Both approaches seem to be viable, thankfully. [Ed.: And Nick was reeling from another unnamed OXCGN member who tripped stepping up to the demo...]
The animations for stealth kills are visceral, with plenty of chaotic movement that gives them punch and realism. Fire featured prominently in the section shown, and thankfully, it’s as cool-looking as it is dangerous.
The demonstration ended after the protagonist was forcibly injected with an unknown substance, but not before we had a chance to experience the trippy, hallucinogenic effects.
The resulting scene was interesting, and the enemy who orchestrated it seems compelling. The underlying story elements in this one could be strong.
Metro: Last Light
What we got: hands-off single player demo
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: Don’t be put off by the designation; Last Light could be shaping up quite well.
It’s just a little tough to judge things based upon our limited demonstration, one that raised many questions which couldn’t immediately be answered.
We can say that the graphics look stellar, and the high-minded approach to an Eastern European version of the apocalypse is appreciated.
It’s already clear that Metro: Last Light does a few things very well.
The graphics looked top-notch, particularly during an outdoor section that showcased a rainstorm roll-in using the game’s dynamic weather system.
The environments also look gritty and lived-in, and it’s clear that it’ll be fun to explore and learn the history of the locales shown.
But the game also features some demonic creatures whose presence wasn’t satisfactorily explained, and they seem a tad out of place, right now. Mysticism is said to feature heavily, but it’s not yet clear how.
Worry not, Metro fans; the game looks good. But we need to see more to have confidence in that assertion.
Previewer: Nicholas Capozzoli
Darksiders 2
What we got: hands-on demonstration
Impression: Cautious
Thoughts: Darksiders 2 seems to be scraping the bottom of the action-adventure barrel, based on our time with the game.
Overly familiar and lacking innovation or an interesting hook, this one might not appeal to any save the most ardent faithful.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with culling elements from quality games, some measure of originality or innovation is necessary to make an impression. Darksiders 2 just doesn’t yet seem to have it.
In our playthrough we climbed vines, ran along walls over gaps, and attacked enemies using simple button combinations. Sound familiar? Tired, even?
Outside of Death’s unique look, there wasn’t much of note here.
Weapons feel like they’ve got some heft to them, which is appreciated, but the combat just doesn’t feel particularly strategic or compelling. Death’s climbing animations look a bit jerky, the platforming is basic, and the environments were dull.
Take solace in the fact that the demonstration appeared to be from a very early segment of the game. Here’s to hoping that things ramp up significantly from there.
Previewer: Nicholas Capozzoli
Company of Heroes 2
What we got: Hands-off demo against AI
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: Even in its alpha state, Company of Heroes 2 looks outstanding.
The game’s new engine is running well (though less so when you zoom in to the action), and includes many slick features. CoH 2 looks like it can’t help but be a quality entry into the strategy genre.
There’s a lot to like here. The kind of visual fidelity that Company of Heroes 2 boasts isn’t often seen in an RTS.
Environments look quite realistic. Trees, shadows, terrain, and vehicles are all rendered impressively. Explosions look great.
The game’s new “true sight” feature sends to be living up to its billing. By playing with line of sight, it’s possible to flank enemies, or set up an ambush, realistically. I don’t think the fog of war has ever been so well realized.
The only glaring fault is that the frame-rate dipped noticeably when the screen was zoomed in. Hopefully that’s addressed before release.
Still, there’s a lot to like here.
Previewer: Nicholas Capozzoli
FIFA13
What We Got: hands-off gameplay
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: EA Vancouver just continue to impress me, having what seemed to be the best behind closed doors presentation.
They showed us clips from actual football (soccer) matches, how they were represented in FIFA12 and how they’ve been improved in FIFA13.
They’re still finding ways to improve the game and I love that.
Previewer: Arthur Kotsopoulos
Most Wanted
What We Got: hands-off/hands-on
Impression: Optimistic
Thoughts: Criterion don’t make sequels to games, so they just go ahead and revamp the game for the modern era. This time around is the classic Most Wanted which sits as my favourite Need for Speed title to date.
Featuring high-end graphics, stunning sound and that familiar Criterion gameplay that everyone has come to know and love, Most Wanted could possibly be the game to further cement NFS as a racing staple.
I don’t agree with their decision to not include customization for their cars, because a big part of Most Wanted was customization.
I’m leaving my optimism at the door for now until I get some more hands-on with the game.
Previewer: Arthur Kotsopoulos
SimCity
What We Got: Hands-off gameplay
Impression: Outstanding
Thoughts: I walked in there with some time to spare and was treated to something spectacular.
It was cute, genuinely funny and a breath of fresh air amongst all the shooters.
Maxis told us that “If we build it, they Sim it” and the Glass Box engine allowed exactly that.
If you love the SimCity franchise rest assured fans, this new entry into the franchise is going to blow you away and take up every hour of your life.
Click Here for Day 1
Click here for Day 3
©2012 David Hilton
Filed under: 3rd Party Games, Console gaming, Demo impressions, E3 2012, Events, Game Impressions, Game Industry News, Handhelds, Hardware News, Industry News, Kinect reviews, Microsoft Games, New Game Information, New Xbox 360 Games, PC News, PC Previews, Press Release, PS3 News, Software News & Updates, XBLA News-Reviews, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 3rd Party Games, Xbox 360 Game Previews, Xbox 360 Game Reviews, Xbox 360 News, Xbox 3rd party exclusives Tagged: | "First Person Shooter", Artificial intelligence, Assassin's Creed 3, Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation, Battlefield 3 Premium, Company of Heroes 2, crysis, Crysis 3, Darksiders 2, Dead Space 3, Devil May Cry, Far Cry 3, Fifa 13, Los Angeles, Lost Planet 3, Metro Last Light, Most Wanted, Natural selection, Natural Selection 2, Need For Speed: Most Wanted, New York, OXCGN, Real-time strategy, SimCIty, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, ZombiU
