"Differential Diagnosis"

What kind of video game fan would I be if I failed to mention anything about last week???s E3 Convention (Electronic Entertainment Expo) in Los Angeles.? E3 is where game companies such as Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo go and introduce some of their latest projects to the world.? Here is a quick breakdown of my top 3 presentations from E3 2009.

Splinter Cell: Conviction
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Studios
Publisher: Ubisoft

Splinter Cell fans have long waited to continue the story of Sam Fisher after the events of Splinter Cell: Double Agent, which left Sam out on his own. Now considered a rogue agent, Third Echelon, Sam???s former unit, is hunting him down while he works to unravel the mystery behind his daughter???s apparent murder.? With no more red tape from a government agency holding him back, Sam is doing things his way and free to use whatever means he deems necessary.? Here is the stage demo presented this year; this is all game play footage.? As a huge Splinter Cell fan, this is easily my #1 anticipated game from E3 2009!

Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developer: Bioware
Publishers: LucasArts & EA

The Old Republis is a spiritual successor to the famed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series which I???m a huge fan of.? This game is set 300 years after the events of KotOR 2, during a period of temporary, yet shaky, peace between the weakened Galactic Republic and the ominous Sith Empire.? The Old Republic is an MMORPG, so while I???m really interested in it, I???m going to avoid it like the plague. I???m not ready to commit my life away for the sake of grinding a character which will ultimately pale in comparison to the ones shown in the trailer.

While Bioware is a very capable developer which places strong emphasis on a deep and meaningful story arch, an MMO hasn???t proven to be the best format for deep storytelling.
One thing is certain though, Bioware definitely ???gets it??? when it comes to Star Wars!? The trailer below displays the sheer awesomeness that Star Wars can be in the right hands.? I???m skeptical at best about this game, but curious enough to keep an eye on it.

God of War III
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

GoWIII continues the story right where GoWII left off.? Kratos has freed the legendary Titans of Greek Mythology and is leading them towards an all out war against the Greek Gods atop Mount Olympus.? Fueled by bloodlust and thoughts of revenge, Kratos will stop at nothing to kill Zeus, even death itself hasn???t stopped him.

This is a very story driven game, so new players are urged to play through God of War I, II, (for the PS2) and possibly God of War: Chains of Olympus (for the PSP) to gain a better understanding of the story.

1. ScoMan says:

   June 9, 2009 at 3:25 am

   I haven’t played any of the God of War games, but they’ve always intrigued me.

   And Splinter Cell, I played the first one and then got sidetracked. Maybe it’s time to get back on the board.

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2. TOPolk says:

   June 10, 2009 at 5:47 pm

   That SW:The Old Republic trailer is pretty awesome, no? I’m not a big fan of Star Wars or MMORPGs, but I’d happily watch someone play through that one. Bioware looks to have another hit on their hands.

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