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Ar's Coverage Of E3 2010


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Poll: E3 Poll

What are you most excited about to see at E3?

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#46 Nick

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Posted 17 June 2010 - 07:29 AM

Can the 3DS answer back to the iPhone?
From CNET.com

Recently, Nintendo's Satoru Iwata claimed that Apple was now the company's main competitor in the handheld gaming arms race, not Sony. This year's E3 seemed to confirm that observation, as Sony largely backburnered the PSP while Apple's recent WWDC was a veritable celebration of the iPhone 4 and its upcoming game partnerships, including FarmVille.
The landscape has changed drastically since the Nintendo DS launch back in 2004. That year, a smartphone basically consisted of a BlackBerry or a Palm Treo. iPods just received color screens and still couldn't play video. The PSP didn't exist. The DS was an oasis to kids and those looking for portable entertainment.

Now, of course, a slim iPod Touch can offer numerous forms of entertainment, cheaply gotten. Moreover, many kids we know have started requesting iPod Touches instead of Nintendo DSes as their systems of choice.

We wondered a few weeks ago what Nintendo could do to bring excitement back to the DS platform, and the 3DS announcement at E3 has answered a few of our wishes. Unfortunately, however, not all of them.

The 3DS has added motion controls to its handheld, much like the iPhone 4 already has. A larger screen is more ideal for movies, and indeed Nintendo has announced future partnerships with Disney and others for kid-friendly 3D movies.
That top 3D screen, which doesn't require glasses, is a tech trick the iPhone can't pull off yet, and might be enough of a "gee-whiz" concept to push the DS back into the cool kids' toy pile. In a surprise move, Nintendo also added a 3D camera built-in. 3D tech is still really more of a gimmick than a necessity, but isn't interactive entertainment half novelty anyway?

Another key feature on the 3DS, made apparent by a demo of launch game Kid Icarus, are updated internal graphics. They seemed at first glance to push the 3DS to a graphic quality somewhere between the N64 and GameCube, and certainly are a far leap from the blocky 3D look of current DS games.

Unknown at this moment are pricing or a release date for the 3DS and its games. Will games and movies be more affordable than they are in the App Store? That's unlikely. Another large unaddressed concern is Nintendo's inability to transfer games from one DS to another, or even redownload deleted games. If the 3DS is as "DSi compatible" as Nintendo says, there will have to be an easier way to install and manage software.

With an analog stick and its larger screen, the 3DS actually seems like more of a nod to classic gaming than a pathway to casual games. Maybe that's Nintendo's new strategy to compete with Apple, because Apple's casual gaming library is far better right now than Nintendo's might ever be. Perhaps the days of selling Sudoku and Brain Age cartridges are over; maybe Nintendo is realizing that its greatest assets are its "core" games, not its casual ones.

The 3DS does look like a marked improvement over the existing DSi, but it's still an old-fashioned game system next to next-gen devices running Android and iOS. Maybe that's good for parents, but for kids it might not be enough.

____

PSP: I'm not dead yet
From CNET.com

It was hard not to be reminded of Monty Python's famous sketch when Sony took the stage Tuesday during its E3 press conference, assuring the public that the PSP platform was still alive, kicking, and very much a viable platform. The company is right, to a degree: millions still play PSP games and own systems, and the platform is far from a failure. On the other hand, the PSP has still never materialized into the superior do-everything portable Sony once dreamed of it becoming.

Though at last year's E3 Sony focused on the expensive and disc-free PSP Go as a means of revamping the PSP, this year Sony took a defensive strategy, emphasizing quality of games. Sony announced that 70 new games would be available by year's end, some of which look extremely well-made.

Among the highlights were God of War: Ghosts of Sparta, the sequel to the surprisingly great Chains of Olympus game, and a console-quality version of Kingdom Hearts. Invizimals, an augmented-reality game we were bullish about last year, was reintroduced, along with the PSP camera accessory we still haven't seen. The technology, involving hunting rendered creatures superimposed over a player's actual surroundings seen by the camera, is still compelling, though slightly less fresh than it was in 2009.

Persona 3, Valkyria II, Patapon 3, Hot Shots Tennis, Ace Combat Joint Assault, and a PSP version of EyePet were among the many titles name-dropped.

Of perhaps equal interest, however, was Sony's new "PSP mascot" revealed at E3 to be a counterpoint to the PS3's Kevin Butler. The fictional 12-year-old Marcus Rivers is a tough-talking PSP fanboy who focuses on the hardcore and long-lasting gameplay value of PSP games--a clear attempt to drive home the value in games like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Dollar for dollar, hour for hour, Sony and the PSP's new mascot might be right. But is that argument enough to save the PSP in a landscape of cheaper, quick-fix, casual gaming? Right now, it looks like Sony merely applied a bandage to the PSP's open chest wound.

#47 Nick

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Posted 18 June 2010 - 06:01 AM

Preview: Animal Crossing 3DS‎
Gran Turismo 5 Hands-On‎
A peek at 'Assassin's Creed Brotherhood'‎
Nintendo 3DS: IGN Editors Chime In
Journey Preview (Looks really unique, and beautiful. :blink:)

And finally... Gray Matter! :bleh:
Gray Matter First Look

#48 Nick

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Posted 18 June 2010 - 07:00 AM

E3 2010 - Wrap-up

(Also updated first post)

Welcome to the wrap-up! I think AR's first time coverage of E3 has been successful. It's been fun posting all the latest game news. Plus AR also got some traffic in the process. :bleh:

So to start this wrap-up show, here are the IGN Best of E3 Awards. I agree with some of the choices..

But now, here is my opinion on this year's E3.

Overall Show: I think E3 was once again a success. But I still feel that the gaming industry is in a decline. Developers tend to push out low-quality fitness games.. all for the purpose of making quick cash. Whatever happened to good old adventure games? What happened to quality writing in a game? However, I do feel like the market is changing... I think the days of casual gaming ruling the roost are coming to an end, as hard-core gamers are finally adapting to new systems. Read below for more. Here are my picks for E3 2010:

Winner: Nintendo
Well, once again Nintendo has had a solid E3... but not because of the Wii. The only "big" Wii game that interested me, was Epic Mickey. I believe Nintendo won because of the Nintendo 3DS. Now where is that kind of technology for TVs? Nintendo has proved that you don't need funky glasses to see 3D content. And while I may not buy this system.. I do see it as a success.

In the middle... Microsoft
There are a few reasons why Microsoft lands in the middle.. The beautiful Xbox 360 Slim is the main reason, and ESPN on Xbox Live is another. But as for everything else... Ugh. Microsoft Kinect is another poor excuse for trying to keep up with Nintendo's Wii. Plus the idea of standing up for EVERY game isn't pleasing. I wish companies would stop trying to copy Nintendo.. speaking of which..

Loser: Sony
What the hell? Sony has single handly killed the portable gaming market for themselves. If we didn't see a PSP2 this year, then I figure we never will. Maybe in the form of a phone.. but nothing more. Sony has always had crazy marketing campaigns for the portable system, and this year was another check in Sony's "Stupid Ideas" book. The company executives are pretty much saying "The PSP is still alive!".... Funny thing... I didn't think it was dead! I think the portable market has completely changed... and Apple is currently Nintendo's biggest compeitor. And as for Playstation 3D, and PS Move... we'll see how 3D gaming pans out.. but I do believe PS Move will be better than Microsoft's Kinect.

Silent Winner: Apple
With the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.. apple is proving that you don't need a strong game system to hold the market in your favor. Not only does the consumer have three systems to choose from, but games are actually good.. and CHEAP! No physical copies here! And while yes, many of you may say I've lost my mind.. after all, Apple wasn't at E3. But that's my point! The game industry is changing. Sony has pretty much shot themselves when it comes to the PSP. While Apple's new iOS (Thank god for that name, rather than "iPhone OS") is taking on the portable, and console industries. Apple is also proving that games for this platform are not just crappy cellphone games, but overall good, quality, and beautiful games.. compare the graphics of the iPhone to the PSP... pretty similar on the latest games.

Final Words:
E3 2010 was all about the Nintendo 3DS for me.. and I will say this: If Nintendo wants to continue beating Apple in sales, they MUST sell the 3DS as a hardcore platform. If not, Apple's growing library of games, made by independent and junior developers will overtake the 3DS market share.

The age of independent, small-sized game developers is upon us. Hopefully the age of fitness games will come to an end.

Poll Results:

Even before E3 started, this thread had a poll attached to it. Here are the final results!

What are you most excited about to see at E3?

Posted Image

And if you'd like even more information, check out the video E3 wrap-up from preGAME.

Feel free to continue posting your thoughts on this year's E3, and my comments above. Hopefully AR will also have coverage of next year's E3. :(

Cheers!  :blink:

#49 Frodo

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Posted 18 June 2010 - 08:10 AM

Thankyou very much Nick, for covering this event.  You did a fantastic job.  

I have to agree with you that developers just push out the same thing again and again.  But I'l like to add that develops also tend to neglect the pc market in favour of consoles.  If you look in any games shop, the space dedicated for pc games grows smaller, while the likes of XBox, PS3, PSP etc, grwos larger.  And that is sad.  C'mon developers, don't forget about us pc gamers.   :blink:

Having said that, the 2 games I'm looking forward to most - Gray Matter, & Monkey Island 2 Special Edition are both for the pc.  And both are adventure games.  So... yippee!   :bleh:
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#50 Nick

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Posted 20 June 2010 - 12:30 AM

I had to post this... amazing articles on Pocketgamer.co.uk. :blink:

Here are the 10 reasons why you'll buy a Nintendo 3DS, and the 10 reasons why you WON'T buy a Nintendo 3DS. It's a long read, but very worth it. :bleh:

Article 1:
10 reasons you'll buy a Nintendo 3DS

See the depth, believe the hype

It's the hot new portable games console that will be making headlines for the rest of the year, so you might not need any further reasons to buy a Nintendo 3DS.

In case you're still pondering, here are 10 good reasons why you should be prepared to hand over your hard earned cash for yet another DS - whenever it eventually hits stores.

1. The sequel

Already the most successful gaming console ever, the Nintendo DS has been through plenty of changes, but the 3DS - the fourth redesign - is clearly the most significant version ever released. As well as the 3D graphical effect that gives the device its name, there are enough other tweaks that we should really consider it the Nintendo DS 2.

With its multi-toned colour scheme, more solid frame, repositioned buttons and stylus slot amongst others, the 3DS extends the brand and improves the build quality, if not to iPhone or Droid standards, at least to beyond PSPgo.

2. Slider, baby

Then there's the new analog slider pad. It feels good and more natural for many types of games - racers, shooters, sports game and anything in 3D - compared to the previous default d-Pad.

3. More power

Details remain unclear but the Nintendo 3DS has been updated in terms of its CPU, GPU and memory. Of course, this has to be the case as the 3D effect is based on rendering the screen twice, but it also seems likely that with the original DS hardware now effectively obsolete, Nintendo has taken the opportunity to revise its hardware, enabling better and more complex games to be made.

4. You spin me right round baby

It didn't raise many headlines but the addition of a gyroscope to the 3DS has the potential to be huge. As already seen with iPhone, tilt or motion control has enabled a new type of casual gaming - just think about the likes of Doodle Jump on DS? And then there's also the possibilities of augmented reality gaming.

5. Getting connected

Nintendo doesn’t have a great reputation for the online features of its consoles, and exactly how it will be improving the mediocre DSiWare distribution channel remains to be fleshed out, but it’s clear that Nintendo has significantly improved the online features of the 3DS.

For example, its Tag mode,or the ability to download data and get updates while the device is asleep, whether from the internet, or adhoc peer-to-peer from nearby devices has been highlighted. This will mean better community features as well as providing developers with more opportunities to get creative providing additional content.

6. Got with the program

There's a strong argument that backwards compatibility is one of those features demanded but seldom used. After all how many people really play many of their old games on a new device? Still, for what it's worth, the 3DS will play all your existing DS titles.

7. Smile in stereo

One of the most impressive demonstrations of its commitment to the 3D technology is the way Nintendo has added the option to take 3D photos by adding two cameras to the outer casing. Up to this point, such capability has been limited to specialist and expensive cameras, as well as involving complicated mounting to view the finished results. Now you can take and view 3D photos on your 3DS.

8. Not just for the kids

One of the main recent criticisms leveled at the DS is that it's become a console for the kids, and young kids at that. Viewed as the DS 2, and blessed with a wealth of new features, the 3DS will revitalise the brand (again) for an older and more hardcore audience. This looks set to be underpinned by a promising mix of content and support from a massive range of third party companies, ranging from familiar games publishers to movie studios and beyond.

9. Going for games

One of the biggest (and most pleasant) surprises of Nintendo's 3DS announcement was the huge support it gathered from game publishers. All the big players are onboard and there will be hundreds of games released during the first couple of months, everything from Nintendo's classics such as Zelda, Mario, Starfox and Animal Crossing to industry franchises such as Metal Gear Solid, Madden and Resident Evil.

10. 3D in the hand

Oh, and in case you forgot, the 3DS is the first piece of consumer electronics to handle 3D graphics. Whether games or films, it will give you what's previously only been a movie theater experience in the palm of your hand. How cool is that?


Article 2:
10 reasons you won't buy a Nintendo 3DS

Paddling in the shallows

It's the hot new portable games console that will be making headlines for the rest of the year, so you might think it's a done deal everyone will be buying a Nintendo 3DS.

That's not necessarily the case however. There are plenty of things not yet known about the console as well as some things we know that we're aren't not too impressed about.

So here are 10 good reasons you won't be buying a Nintendo 3DS.

1. Enough DS already

Everyone already owns a Nintendo DS in some form. Many of us have more than one. Presumably several million of us have all four versions to date. Frankly, Nintendo needs to think more carefully about how it rolls out its hardware, because this constant iteration is annoying and confusing consumers.

For example, why did it release the larger DS XL, only to go back to the DSi standard size for the 3DS? If the XL was the best console, then build the 3D into it. If it wasn't, why release it in the first place? In such a context, why should we trust Nintendo not to release another version of the 3DS in a year's time? Roll on the 3DS XL...

2. The slot of death

Despite rumours about improving the wi-fi features and some mumblings from EA about the DSiWare digital store, Nintendo hasn't proved such a business model is its priority. Retail remains key for the company, and until it completely shakes up its business model it's hard to see why we won't still be buying expensive cartridges to experience the majority of 3DS titles. Heck, even Sony managed to drop UMDs for PSPgo.

And more than just the cost of games, physical media is a massive obstacle for developer innovation and the creation of small iPhone-like experiences.

3. Only Nintendo wins

Linked to this retail obsession is Nintendo's failure to encourage and promote indie developers. The bitter joke is only Nintendo makes money from Nintendo platforms and despite its squeals, there aren't (m)any examples of companies that do anything like as well commercially.

For example, in terms of digital distribution, plenty of companies have released plenty of games for WiiWare and DSiWare, but very few games from developers other than the usual established studios have been successful. Compare this with Apple's approach on iPhone to see the difference.

4. Does it work?

I'm happy to be proved an outlier but none of the demo 3DS games on show at E3 worked well for me, and most of them were bad experiences demonstrating ghosting or badly constructed 3D images. Some non-interactive movie sequences such as How To Train A Dragon 3D or Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater worked well, but it seems game developers have a lot to learn to make the best of the technology.

5. Does it work for you?

As witnessed by the slider on the side of the 3DS’ top screen, Nintendo clearly understands that each individual player has an individual requirement in terms of how 3D works for them. Apparently a result of the lateral distance between your eyeballs, and other physical differences, the slider is there to adjust the effect so it best suits the player, potentially on a per-game basis.

For many people this will be just too complex - they will blame the game or the 3DS, not their own idiosyncrasies - while also suggesting 3D isn't the sort of technology that plays well to the mass market - previously Nintendo's strong point.

6. Does it work for games?

Sure 3D is cool, but as yet, 3D effects aren't proven outside of the movie theatre. Film makers are experts at complex visual effects that draw the eye to certain parts of a scene, or using tricks and illusions to drive character, storyline and plot. This is not the focus of games, which provide players with the interactive freedom to create their own experiences within a defined set of limits, usually down the barrel of a gun or on the edge of a sword.

Of course, game developers will get better at using these techniques but there is a fundamental issue in terms of handing over control of the camera to the player that will be difficult to mesh with the sort of immersive 3D effects we've seen from the controlled camera medium that is movies.

7. The DS is old news

It may appear churlish to complain that the best selling games console ever is old fashioned and technically limited, but even with its redesign, the Nintendo 3DS feels like an oddity, especially as the 3D effect is only applied on the top screen, effectively relegating the bottom screen to being a control input or inventory. In addition, with highend metal framed devices such as iPhone, iPad and touchscreen smartphones flooding onto the market, the 3DS looks and feels increasingly like a toy.

8. Killer apps

The most fundamental question for 3D effects is how will they make games better? Perhaps overly philisophical, nevertheless Nintendo hasn't had a stab at explaining why it's adding 3D to the DS, other than the assumption that 3D is the hot new technology.

Even ignoring technical issues, it's not clear from the games demonstrated thus far that 3D will radically change the way games play, although it certainly should change the way they look. A better look isn't the same as a better experience though, and Nintendo will need a game that's the equivalent of how Mario 64 revolutionalised 2D platformers with 3D graphics and control on the N64 to show what the Nintendo 3DS is all about.

9. Times are tough and competitive

When the DS launched, Nintendo owned 100 percent of the portable handheld market. Since then Sony's launched the PSP, which despite being branded a failure, has sold 50 million units. And since that was released, Apple has sold 50 million iPod touches, generally used by teenage kids - exactly the sort of market Nintendo used to call its own.

Of course, globally, the number of middle class families who can drop $200 or $250 on a consumer electronics device for their kids has also risen, so there's probably enough to go around, despite the dropping birthrate of Japan and Western Europe. Still, there's much more competition for what used to be Nintendo's dollar than before. And don't forget, much of the developed world is still only six months out of a recession.

10. Virtual Boy

Despite all their focus testing and market research, companies make mistakes, so the existence of the Nintendo 3DS isn't a guarentee of its success. Nintendo has plenty more months of convincing people the 3DS won't be another Virtual Boy.

#51 Nick

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Posted 20 June 2010 - 12:35 AM

(Since that post was long enough, let me add my thoughts here. :blink:)

After reading this:

Quote

Only Nintendo wins

Linked to this retail obsession is Nintendo's failure to encourage and promote indie developers. The bitter joke is only Nintendo makes money from Nintendo platforms and despite its squeals, there aren't (m)any examples of companies that do anything like as well commercially.

For example, in terms of digital distribution, plenty of companies have released plenty of games for WiiWare and DSiWare, but very few games from developers other than the usual established studios have been successful. Compare this with Apple's approach on iPhone to see the difference.

I have to agree. Hence why I am possibily switching sides... I used to say crappy things about Apple, because of their products. Yes they are sleek and beautiful.. but pricey.

But now my view is changing. Compare an iPod Touch (Which even the 4th generation model will likely be cheaper than the 3DS), to the 3DS.. and you see a difference in software. The games available for the iOS range from freeware, to commercial-ware. All from small-time, and big-time developers.

#52 Frodo

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    Your neck looks very... tasty!

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Posted 20 June 2010 - 01:29 AM

Very interesting arcticle Nick.  Thanks for posting it.   :blink:
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#53 Nick

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Posted 23 June 2010 - 11:03 PM

E3 2010: The 5 Most Terrible Moments
E3 isn't all peaches and pixels.

What a great, funny way to end E3 2010.

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Read here.

#54 Frodo

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    Your neck looks very... tasty!

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Posted 18 July 2010 - 07:44 PM

A round-up of hardware at the E3    :blink:
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#55 Nick

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Posted 18 July 2010 - 11:10 PM

Great find Frodo. :blink: