E3 highlights

[Robert]

Unlike previous years, when 1emulation had its own reporters at the event, this time I need to rely on the newspaper. These are the highlights it reported:

 

Slimmer PSP

Sony unveiled a new PSP which is 19% slimmer and 33% lighter, with a faster processor. It also boasts a video-out feature, which means users can connect it to a TV. The new PSP also comes in a new colour - an ice-silver and white Star Wars edition.

 

Halo 3 Xbox 360

Microsoft will offer a new version of the 360, which will be coloured green with branding of the game on the sides, with gold highlights, to match the armour of the main character Master Chief. It will include the usual 20gb hard drive, matching controllers and HDMI output.

 

Wii Zapper

FPS fans will be pleased by the Wii Zapper, which is a frame designed to hold both the regular controller and the nunchuck controller in the shape of a gun and still give gamers access to all the buttons. It can be used to play games such as Resident Evil 4, Ghost Squad and Medal of honour.

 

Killzone 2 for PS3

The next version of the PS2 game Killzone 2. It takes advantage of the increased power of the PS3, with detailed, interactive and destructive environments, and realistic physics. The Helghast are still intent on taking over the planet, and have created weapons that harness electricity and lightning. The characters look life-like, with explosions, gunfire and mayhem so intense - thanks to a 7.1 channel soundtrack - that players will be ducking for cover.

 

Wii Fit

This game comes with a wireless step mat, which a shoeless player stands on to gauge their centre of gravity, and even measures the body-mass index, all while performing a series of mini sport games, yoga poses and exercises.

 

Halo 3 for Xbox 360

Bungie showed off the first level of this highly-anticipated game, and the expectations are well and truly justified. A whole new dimension in high definition as Master Chief returns to finish the fight against the Covenant. Players will find photo-realistic environments, customised armour and a host of new weapons.

 

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for Xbox 360 and PS3

Perhaps the best game at E3, it takes players into a modern-day battleground with an even more intense game play and cinematic feel. The dynamic lighting and amzing textures, combined with the excellent graphics, add up to some jaw-dropping moments, including spectacular helicopter crashes and a nuclear explosion.

 

Project Gotham Racing 4 for Xbox 360

This game has 10 race tracks and 120 vehicles and motorbikes. A physics engine adds realism to beads of water on the window, to rain, fog and puddles look just like the real thing.

 

Rock Star for Xbox 360 and PS3

Following the success of Guitar Hero, you can now simulate the whole band. Players can choose to play the drums, guitar, bass or vocals and follow on screen instrcutions to jam along to classic rock tunes. It can be played in the same room as your fellow musicians, or online.

 

Ratchet and Clunk Future: Tools of Destruction for PS3

The family-friendly Ratchet and Clunk pitches the two main characters against a whole new set of enemies in a inventive set of new levels. Liberal doese of humour and action, are served up to players but are coupled with environments that look incredible.

 

More games:

* Assassin's Creed

* Stranglehold

* Tony Hawk's Proving Ground

 

For some reason the article didn't have any software for the Wii.

 

Adapted from an article in the Sydney Daily Telegraph newspaper, Connect liftout, page 4, by Stephen Fenech.

[Gryph]

Pretty good round up there. It was a pretty boring show overall I think. After seeing the Assassin's Creed demo I am a little bit less enthused about the game.

[BlackKnight]

Cheers for typing it all up. I should really read the paper...

[Smilee]

The article didn't mention Mass Effect for the 360? or the new MGS4 trailer? Those were pretty big events during e3.

[Gryph]

I've grown tired of video game trailers like MGS4s that don't show any gameplay whatsoever.