[Pre-GC 2007] Midway Makes Way for 07/08
The Chicago-based publisher touts its wares in Germany. Here's what they're showing.
Published: August 20, 2007
With E3 basically going supernova and then imploding, a void has been left in the worldwide games industry events space. While E3 certainly wasn't the only stop on the global video games publicity tour, it certainly was the biggest, drawing thousands of journos from all over the world to check things now.
As the dust has settled, though, the new E3 has taken over in a smaller, slimmer form, and other events have taken up the slack. In Japan, the always-popular Tokyo Game Show has expanded to four days instead of three, while in Europe, the vacuum left by the old ECTS has been replaced with the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany.
Though like TGS the majority of the news coming out of the show will be specific to that region, the time between E3 and GC has allowed developers and publishers to polish up new builds of games that have already been shown off -- as well as roll out unannounced games for the first time. We'll try to keep up with any incoming press releases from publishers and post 'em here, right along with this massive diatribe so you actually know what "Pre-GC 2007" means. Yes, we love you like that (and besides, it would just be a crappy cut/paste story if we didn't).
"Our 2007 Games Convention lineup truly reflects our product strategy to develop top quality titles in a wide range of genres across all major platforms," proudly boasted David F. Zucker, president and CEO of Midway. "With exciting next generation games such as Stranglehold and proven brands like Mortal Kombat, along with games for the younger market and handhelds, this is Midway's most diverse and strongest line up yet."
"Games Convention is now firmly established as a highlight of the industry's calendar, and a superb opportunity for us to engage with European partners and press," added Martin Spiess, Managing Director - Europe of Midway Games Ltd, echoing our earlier sentiments. "We're looking forward to showing what is undeniably our strongest portfolio to date, and discussing plans and projects for 2008."
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am (PlayStation 2) - Jealousy smolders inside Master Shake like chocolate in a fondue pot. Frylock has been admitted into Jersey Pines, South Jersey’s most prestigious and exclusive public golf course. And Shake was rejected. Actually, he didn’t apply. He doesn’t know how to play golf. But what does that matter? He’s mad and must defeat Frylock at his own game. With Meatwad as his caddy, Shake aims to crack some heads and sink some putts. Do battle against Carl, the Mooninites, MC Pee Pants, the Plutonians and other classic villains. Drive your electric golf cart like a real jerk, with complete disregard for your own life. Race against the Frat Aliens in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Hear the actual voices of your favorite cartoon characters, recorded in incredible digital quality. Learn how to finally hit a sand wedge properly. Only you can ensure that Master Shake is triumphant over evil, and the mandatory dress code regarding collared shirts.
BlackSite (PlayStation 3) - Featuring a powerful single-player campaign, along with multiple online multiplayer modes, BlackSite delivers vicious combat action, next generation graphics and A.I., and a plethora of powerful weapons and vehicles. Set in present day, players take the role of a decorated military veteran charged by the government to lead a squadron of "secret soldiers," each with his/her own specialty skill set, into the Rachel, Nevada area to fight off the invasion of unidentified enemy races.
Stranglehold (PlayStation 3) – Experience exhilarating, next-gen action as you continue the story of Inspector Tequila created by John Woo for his influential action film, "Hard Boiled" starring Chow Yun-Fat. Run into danger with both fists full of lead and take down the organized crime bosses who stepped over the line when they took your family. Stop at nothing as you destroy the entire world around you to get them back. You are a desperate man following your own rules; honor thy family; do what's right; fear no man.
TNA iMPACT! (PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2) - TNA iMPACT! is set to be the most complete wrestling videogame to date. Featuring top talent such as Kurt Angle, Christian Cage, Rhino, Christopher Daniels, Jeff Jarret, AJ Styles and more, TNA iMPACT! will deliver all of the excitement and action of the top-rated weekly television show.
Unreal Tournament 3 (PlayStation 3) - Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in his quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents. Unreal Tournament 3 will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC in 2007. Thanks to the open network of the PlayStation 3 system, Unreal Tournament 3 will also be the first game to feature robust user generated content including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and much more.
The Wheelman (PlayStation 3) - Starring Vin Diesel in The Wheelman, you’re on the run from the mafia in the U.S. and returning to Barcelona, a place where you have a dark past and criminal gangs infest the city. It’s your job to set the factions against each other to cover a daring heist. With a focus on over-the-top, intense vehicle combat, build your reputation by undertaking missions, taking part in challenging events, all the while looking to pull off stylish, extreme driving stunts.
As the dust has settled, though, the new E3 has taken over in a smaller, slimmer form, and other events have taken up the slack. In Japan, the always-popular Tokyo Game Show has expanded to four days instead of three, while in Europe, the vacuum left by the old ECTS has been replaced with the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany.
Though like TGS the majority of the news coming out of the show will be specific to that region, the time between E3 and GC has allowed developers and publishers to polish up new builds of games that have already been shown off -- as well as roll out unannounced games for the first time. We'll try to keep up with any incoming press releases from publishers and post 'em here, right along with this massive diatribe so you actually know what "Pre-GC 2007" means. Yes, we love you like that (and besides, it would just be a crappy cut/paste story if we didn't).
"Our 2007 Games Convention lineup truly reflects our product strategy to develop top quality titles in a wide range of genres across all major platforms," proudly boasted David F. Zucker, president and CEO of Midway. "With exciting next generation games such as Stranglehold and proven brands like Mortal Kombat, along with games for the younger market and handhelds, this is Midway's most diverse and strongest line up yet."
"Games Convention is now firmly established as a highlight of the industry's calendar, and a superb opportunity for us to engage with European partners and press," added Martin Spiess, Managing Director - Europe of Midway Games Ltd, echoing our earlier sentiments. "We're looking forward to showing what is undeniably our strongest portfolio to date, and discussing plans and projects for 2008."
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am (PlayStation 2) - Jealousy smolders inside Master Shake like chocolate in a fondue pot. Frylock has been admitted into Jersey Pines, South Jersey’s most prestigious and exclusive public golf course. And Shake was rejected. Actually, he didn’t apply. He doesn’t know how to play golf. But what does that matter? He’s mad and must defeat Frylock at his own game. With Meatwad as his caddy, Shake aims to crack some heads and sink some putts. Do battle against Carl, the Mooninites, MC Pee Pants, the Plutonians and other classic villains. Drive your electric golf cart like a real jerk, with complete disregard for your own life. Race against the Frat Aliens in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Hear the actual voices of your favorite cartoon characters, recorded in incredible digital quality. Learn how to finally hit a sand wedge properly. Only you can ensure that Master Shake is triumphant over evil, and the mandatory dress code regarding collared shirts.
BlackSite (PlayStation 3) - Featuring a powerful single-player campaign, along with multiple online multiplayer modes, BlackSite delivers vicious combat action, next generation graphics and A.I., and a plethora of powerful weapons and vehicles. Set in present day, players take the role of a decorated military veteran charged by the government to lead a squadron of "secret soldiers," each with his/her own specialty skill set, into the Rachel, Nevada area to fight off the invasion of unidentified enemy races.
Stranglehold (PlayStation 3) – Experience exhilarating, next-gen action as you continue the story of Inspector Tequila created by John Woo for his influential action film, "Hard Boiled" starring Chow Yun-Fat. Run into danger with both fists full of lead and take down the organized crime bosses who stepped over the line when they took your family. Stop at nothing as you destroy the entire world around you to get them back. You are a desperate man following your own rules; honor thy family; do what's right; fear no man.
TNA iMPACT! (PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2) - TNA iMPACT! is set to be the most complete wrestling videogame to date. Featuring top talent such as Kurt Angle, Christian Cage, Rhino, Christopher Daniels, Jeff Jarret, AJ Styles and more, TNA iMPACT! will deliver all of the excitement and action of the top-rated weekly television show.
Unreal Tournament 3 (PlayStation 3) - Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in his quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents. Unreal Tournament 3 will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC in 2007. Thanks to the open network of the PlayStation 3 system, Unreal Tournament 3 will also be the first game to feature robust user generated content including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and much more.
The Wheelman (PlayStation 3) - Starring Vin Diesel in The Wheelman, you’re on the run from the mafia in the U.S. and returning to Barcelona, a place where you have a dark past and criminal gangs infest the city. It’s your job to set the factions against each other to cover a daring heist. With a focus on over-the-top, intense vehicle combat, build your reputation by undertaking missions, taking part in challenging events, all the while looking to pull off stylish, extreme driving stunts.
