[E3 2010] EA Showcasing Highly Anticipated Titles At E3
More than just Madden, The Sims and Harry Potter!
Published: June 10, 2010
Not so long ago, EA was the Hitler of the game industry to Activision's Benito Mussolini. Times have changed though, and Activision has slid to the Hitler spot and now EA is more of an Otto Bismarck. Still kinda part of the proletariat, EA has in recent years has actually taking to developing/producing something outside of their flagship franchises and harkened back to their earlier days as something of an innovator (Pinball Construction Set has never been equalled!) Sure, they still churn out a lot of fast guaranteed moneymakers, they at least take some chances with stuff like Mirror's Edge.
However, we have to admit E3 is still where they bring out the big guns, and this year's E3 is no exception. Here is a quick gander at what EA is bringing for the Sony platforms this year:
Bulletstorm - Ship Date – 2011
Epic Games, People Can Fly and EA present Bulletstorm, a new original intellectual property from the teams behind the award-winning, multimillion-selling Gears of War, Unreal Tournament and Painkiller series of games. Bulletstorm delivers a blood symphony of incredible gunplay and carnage on a grand scale in this unique, action-packed, over-the-top first-person shooter. The Bulletstorm skillshot system rewards players that "kill with skill" by laying waste to enemies in the most imaginative methods possible. The more insane the skillshot, the more points players collect to upgrade and unlock weapons, which in turn allows them to execute even more inventive moves and exaggerated skillshots. This is creative mayhem at its best.
Crysis 2 - Ship Date – Holiday 2010
From the award-winning independent developers at Crytek comes Crysis 2, the next explosive installment in the critically-acclaimed Crysis franchise. In Crysis 2, New York is under the attack of a frightening alien species that combines deadly weaponry and exceptional sensory abilities to present gamers with the most challenging opponents ever seen in a first person shooter. Surrounded by catastrophic devastation, players will need to harness and master the power of the Nanosuit, giving them a unique set of superhuman abilities, in order to become the ultimate weapon and save New York.
Dead Space 2 - Ship Date – 2011
Visceral Games award-winning survival horror saga returns. The blood-curdling Necromorph invasion explodes in Dead Space 2, the terrifying sequel to the 2008 hit that sent players into deep space on a mission to save humanity. In this chapter, engineer Isaac Clark takes the action to the enemy, dominating an onslaught of gruesome monsters, beasts and undead creatures that challenge him physically, emotionally and psychologically. Armed with new advanced mining tools, Isaac takes on hundreds of disgusting enemies, makes valued new allies and explores an all-new space installation known as "The Sprawl". All this as Isaac flirts with the possibility of falling into the abyss of his own dementia. The action and horror are more intense than ever as Isaac must do whatever it takes to save himself and defeat the relentless Necromorphs.
EA SPORTS Active 2 - Street date – Fall, TBA
EA SPORTS Active 2 is now in development with a new suite of fitness programs launching this fall, featuring an innovative Total Body Tracking wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that will provide complete freedom of motion. Additionally, it will feature a heart rate monitor that provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to capture intensity and optimize performance over time. Users will now also be able to track and share workout data on the new EA SPORTS Active 2 online hub. EA SPORTS Active 2 will make working out simple, effective and will go with you wherever you are.
EA SPORTS MMA - Street date – Late 2010
EA SPORTS MMA brings the authenticity of the world’s most intense combat sport home like never before. Choose from the world’s top fighters or climb the ranks of the worldwide circuit with your created prodigy to become the ultimate mixed martial arts champion. Travel the globe and learn a multitude of fighting techniques and skills from masters in each discipline. Select from various weight classes, rule sets, and take on all challengers in multiple cage types or a ring. The challenge continues online with a robust offering that includes the ability to create custom fighters, prize fights, and more. Are you ready? Let’s get it on!
FIFA Soccer 11 - Ship Date – Fall 2010
FIFA Soccer 11 reinvents player authenticity – on and off the ball – for every position on the pitch. All-new Personality+ sees individual abilities reflected in game, allowing clear differentiation for every player. Real Madrid’s Kaka will deliver crisp, creative passes, Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta will utilize tighter turns and close control to dribble through defenses, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will hold off defenders and strike shots from distance with pace, and top-flight defenders like Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus will anticipate, predict and react to offensive players to win back possession. Building on the FIFA Soccer 10 gameplay that won 50 sports game of the year awards, FIFA Soccer 11 introduces new Pro Passing where pass accuracy is determined by a gamer’s ability on the control pad, and player skill, situation and urgency on the pitch. Visit http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa to share and connect with fans all over the world.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 The Videogame - Street date – Autumn 2010
With all the action taking place outside of Hogwarts for the first time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 represents a shift in tone for the Harry Potter games. On the run with a horde of merciless enemies on your tail, you will find yourself in unknown territory, far from the safety of the school grounds, fighting for survival at every turn. You will need to muster your most powerful magic against relentless assaults from all sides. A new game engine built specifically to leverage the technology of HD consoles ensures high definition graphics and intense combat gameplay that will immerse you in the action like never before. There are no more lessons, no more training. This time the danger is real. It’s time to fight for your life!
HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 3 - Street date – October 2010
Enjoy family fun with your favorite Hasbro game brands at the Family Game Night Theme Park! HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 3 features five new classic and remixed versions of THE GAME OF LIFE, CLUE, TWISTER, MOUSE TRAP and YAHTZEE HANDS DOWN. Spin the wheel of fate in THE GAME OF LIFE, find out "whodunit" in CLUE, tie yourself in knots with TWISTER, make trigger crazy chain reactions in MOUSE TRAP and try your hand at the YAHTZEE HANDS DOWN card game. Play with your own customized Xbox avatar or Wii Mii, and challenge family and friends in online multiplayer for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 while keeping track of your victories on online leaderboards.
Madden NFL 11 - Street date – August 10, 2010
Madden NFL 11 redefines the way you experience the game of football. SIMPLER: From 350 plays down to 1, the all-new GameFlow system puts you in the helmet of an NFL quarterback to execute an authentic, situational game plan, one play at a time. QUICKER: With 60-minute game times reduced to as little as 30 minutes, spend more time on the field and less in the playbook. FULL games, HALF the time. DEEPER: Madden NFL 11 is feature-rich including an all-new online innovation, improved animations, more intuitive controls, and Madden NFL Ultimate Team...all to the play-by-play of the most exciting voice in sports, Gus Johnson. Madden NFL 11 is – SIMPLER. QUICKER. DEEPER than ever before.
Medal of Honor - Ship Date – October 12, 2010
Medal of Honor is back with an all-new setting and a new hero. For the first time in the franchise’s 11-year history, Medal of Honor is leaving the WWII theatre and putting players in war-torn Afghanistan. EA has assembled a powerhouse team at EALA to develop the single-player campaign and is coupling their expertise with the multiplayer know-how at DICE. This fall, Medal of Honor will introduce players to the Tier 1 Operator: a relatively unknown entity directly under the National Command Authority who takes on missions no one else can handle. Inspired by real events, Medal of Honor reveals the mission of today’s most elite American soldier – his will, his mindset and his uncompromising professionalism.
MONOPOLY Streets - Ship Date – October 2010
Play the world’s family favorite game brand in a dynamic 3D world on next-gen consoles as you buy properties, auction with your friends, build hotels and create the ultimate MONOPOLY digital experience! To celebrate the 75th anniversary of everyone’s beloved and well-known family game, the world of MONOPOLY comes to life through a living, breathing city that you can build and own. It has everything fans love about the time-tested Hasbro game, presented as a fully animated street level tour through the eyes of MR. MONOPOLY. Players will be engaged in a head-to-head race to build the greatest city and accumulate the most wealth. Play against friends locally or online and see their Xbox avatars or Mii populate the world! New features such as property auctions also add unique elements to the classic play. From the economical motels on Baltic Avenue to the luxurious Boardwalk suites, there is excitement around every turn of this re-imagined favorite.
MySims SkyHeroes - Ship Date – September 28, 2010
Take to the sky to lead the resistance against Morcubus and his drone army and to stop his plans to take over the skyways! MySims SkyHeroes is an all new adventure that brings the thrill and high-speed action of flying to the creative, immersive world of MySims.Go from unknown pilot to celebrated hero as you defeat dangerous enemies in aerial dogfights, test your reflexes in fast-paced speed challenges, and take on massive enemy bosses that demand all your skill as a pilot to survive. As you progress, you build, customize and tune your aircraft to give you an edge in combat. Face Morcubus’ drones with an ally in split-screen cooperative gameplay, or take the game online to challenge your friends in fun, competitive 12-player high speed action.
NBA ELITE 11 - Ship Date – October 2010
NBA ELITE 11 is the new moniker of the long running EA SPORTS NBA videogame franchise. NBA ELITE 11 will revolutionize the way basketball simulation games are played, with an all-new technology base, a new control scheme and a real-time physics system. Centered on delivering the ultimate control to users, NBA ELITE 11 will redefine what is expected in a basketball videogame.
NCAA Football 11 - Street Date – July 13, 2010
With remarkable presentation and gameplay improvements, along with an innovative online-based feature, NCAA Football 11 delivers the greatest product transformation in the history of the award-winning franchise. NCAA Football 11 will give players real college offenses that, for the first time ever, reflect the authentic style of all 120 NCAA FBS schools in-game. With striking presentation elements like team-specific pre-game run-outs and ESPN’s broadcast graphics package, NCAA Football 11 recreates the intensity of college football Saturdays, achieving all-new levels of quality in presentation and core gameplay by delivering an experience true to your school and providing 120 ways to win. NCAA Football also includes the new Dynasty Wire online feature. With Dynasty Wire, players create stories that recap their Dynasty game, complete with video and photo highlights, then share the news of the victorious triumph or devastating loss by publishing the story through social networking sites for the world to read.
NHL 11 - Ship Date – September 2010
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the franchise that captured 22 'Sports Game of the Year' awards, over the past three years, has raised the bar yet again with NHL11. Powered by an all-new Real-Time Physics Engine, and introducing broken sticks, quick dekes and an all-new faceoff system, NHL 11 lets you create highlight reel moments as you experience the most authentic NHL action yet.
The Sims 3 - Ship Date – October 26, 2010
Create Sims with unique personalities, fulfill their desires…or not, and control their lives within a living neighborhood in The Sims 3 for console and handheld this fall. All-new features make it easier than ever to play with life as players can unlock the ultimate "Karma Powers" for instant control and unleash them on their Sims. With Karma Powers, players can help their Sim "get lucky," bless them with "instant beauty" or be deviant and curse them with an "epic fail."
Spare Parts - Launch Date – Winter 2010
In this new online action adventure from EA Bright Light, players join courageous robots Mar-T and Chip as they find themselves dumped with the trash on a strange planet. Working together in co-op mode, the mechanical duo must find a way to repair their ship and escape the planet before nefarious Lord Krung can dispatch his henchmen to destroy them. Mar-T and Chip will need to collect upgradable action parts to unlock new abilities that will aid them as they battle countless enemies including the evil Krofax, hostile spider monkeys and even a Super Huge Mega Laser! Can our heroes rescue their other stranded robotic friends and unearth all of the spare parts they need to make their escape?
Phew! That's a lot of titles! And while lots of it is sports franchises and sequels, well, I don't know what to say. Except that don't forget, at one time these guys brought us Racing Destruction Set, One on One, and Starflight!
However, we have to admit E3 is still where they bring out the big guns, and this year's E3 is no exception. Here is a quick gander at what EA is bringing for the Sony platforms this year:
Bulletstorm - Ship Date – 2011
Epic Games, People Can Fly and EA present Bulletstorm, a new original intellectual property from the teams behind the award-winning, multimillion-selling Gears of War, Unreal Tournament and Painkiller series of games. Bulletstorm delivers a blood symphony of incredible gunplay and carnage on a grand scale in this unique, action-packed, over-the-top first-person shooter. The Bulletstorm skillshot system rewards players that "kill with skill" by laying waste to enemies in the most imaginative methods possible. The more insane the skillshot, the more points players collect to upgrade and unlock weapons, which in turn allows them to execute even more inventive moves and exaggerated skillshots. This is creative mayhem at its best.
Crysis 2 - Ship Date – Holiday 2010
From the award-winning independent developers at Crytek comes Crysis 2, the next explosive installment in the critically-acclaimed Crysis franchise. In Crysis 2, New York is under the attack of a frightening alien species that combines deadly weaponry and exceptional sensory abilities to present gamers with the most challenging opponents ever seen in a first person shooter. Surrounded by catastrophic devastation, players will need to harness and master the power of the Nanosuit, giving them a unique set of superhuman abilities, in order to become the ultimate weapon and save New York.
Dead Space 2 - Ship Date – 2011
Visceral Games award-winning survival horror saga returns. The blood-curdling Necromorph invasion explodes in Dead Space 2, the terrifying sequel to the 2008 hit that sent players into deep space on a mission to save humanity. In this chapter, engineer Isaac Clark takes the action to the enemy, dominating an onslaught of gruesome monsters, beasts and undead creatures that challenge him physically, emotionally and psychologically. Armed with new advanced mining tools, Isaac takes on hundreds of disgusting enemies, makes valued new allies and explores an all-new space installation known as "The Sprawl". All this as Isaac flirts with the possibility of falling into the abyss of his own dementia. The action and horror are more intense than ever as Isaac must do whatever it takes to save himself and defeat the relentless Necromorphs.
EA SPORTS Active 2 - Street date – Fall, TBA
EA SPORTS Active 2 is now in development with a new suite of fitness programs launching this fall, featuring an innovative Total Body Tracking wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that will provide complete freedom of motion. Additionally, it will feature a heart rate monitor that provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to capture intensity and optimize performance over time. Users will now also be able to track and share workout data on the new EA SPORTS Active 2 online hub. EA SPORTS Active 2 will make working out simple, effective and will go with you wherever you are.
EA SPORTS MMA - Street date – Late 2010
EA SPORTS MMA brings the authenticity of the world’s most intense combat sport home like never before. Choose from the world’s top fighters or climb the ranks of the worldwide circuit with your created prodigy to become the ultimate mixed martial arts champion. Travel the globe and learn a multitude of fighting techniques and skills from masters in each discipline. Select from various weight classes, rule sets, and take on all challengers in multiple cage types or a ring. The challenge continues online with a robust offering that includes the ability to create custom fighters, prize fights, and more. Are you ready? Let’s get it on!
FIFA Soccer 11 - Ship Date – Fall 2010
FIFA Soccer 11 reinvents player authenticity – on and off the ball – for every position on the pitch. All-new Personality+ sees individual abilities reflected in game, allowing clear differentiation for every player. Real Madrid’s Kaka will deliver crisp, creative passes, Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta will utilize tighter turns and close control to dribble through defenses, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will hold off defenders and strike shots from distance with pace, and top-flight defenders like Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus will anticipate, predict and react to offensive players to win back possession. Building on the FIFA Soccer 10 gameplay that won 50 sports game of the year awards, FIFA Soccer 11 introduces new Pro Passing where pass accuracy is determined by a gamer’s ability on the control pad, and player skill, situation and urgency on the pitch. Visit http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa to share and connect with fans all over the world.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 The Videogame - Street date – Autumn 2010
With all the action taking place outside of Hogwarts for the first time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 represents a shift in tone for the Harry Potter games. On the run with a horde of merciless enemies on your tail, you will find yourself in unknown territory, far from the safety of the school grounds, fighting for survival at every turn. You will need to muster your most powerful magic against relentless assaults from all sides. A new game engine built specifically to leverage the technology of HD consoles ensures high definition graphics and intense combat gameplay that will immerse you in the action like never before. There are no more lessons, no more training. This time the danger is real. It’s time to fight for your life!
HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 3 - Street date – October 2010
Enjoy family fun with your favorite Hasbro game brands at the Family Game Night Theme Park! HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 3 features five new classic and remixed versions of THE GAME OF LIFE, CLUE, TWISTER, MOUSE TRAP and YAHTZEE HANDS DOWN. Spin the wheel of fate in THE GAME OF LIFE, find out "whodunit" in CLUE, tie yourself in knots with TWISTER, make trigger crazy chain reactions in MOUSE TRAP and try your hand at the YAHTZEE HANDS DOWN card game. Play with your own customized Xbox avatar or Wii Mii, and challenge family and friends in online multiplayer for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 while keeping track of your victories on online leaderboards.
Madden NFL 11 - Street date – August 10, 2010
Madden NFL 11 redefines the way you experience the game of football. SIMPLER: From 350 plays down to 1, the all-new GameFlow system puts you in the helmet of an NFL quarterback to execute an authentic, situational game plan, one play at a time. QUICKER: With 60-minute game times reduced to as little as 30 minutes, spend more time on the field and less in the playbook. FULL games, HALF the time. DEEPER: Madden NFL 11 is feature-rich including an all-new online innovation, improved animations, more intuitive controls, and Madden NFL Ultimate Team...all to the play-by-play of the most exciting voice in sports, Gus Johnson. Madden NFL 11 is – SIMPLER. QUICKER. DEEPER than ever before.
Medal of Honor - Ship Date – October 12, 2010
Medal of Honor is back with an all-new setting and a new hero. For the first time in the franchise’s 11-year history, Medal of Honor is leaving the WWII theatre and putting players in war-torn Afghanistan. EA has assembled a powerhouse team at EALA to develop the single-player campaign and is coupling their expertise with the multiplayer know-how at DICE. This fall, Medal of Honor will introduce players to the Tier 1 Operator: a relatively unknown entity directly under the National Command Authority who takes on missions no one else can handle. Inspired by real events, Medal of Honor reveals the mission of today’s most elite American soldier – his will, his mindset and his uncompromising professionalism.
MONOPOLY Streets - Ship Date – October 2010
Play the world’s family favorite game brand in a dynamic 3D world on next-gen consoles as you buy properties, auction with your friends, build hotels and create the ultimate MONOPOLY digital experience! To celebrate the 75th anniversary of everyone’s beloved and well-known family game, the world of MONOPOLY comes to life through a living, breathing city that you can build and own. It has everything fans love about the time-tested Hasbro game, presented as a fully animated street level tour through the eyes of MR. MONOPOLY. Players will be engaged in a head-to-head race to build the greatest city and accumulate the most wealth. Play against friends locally or online and see their Xbox avatars or Mii populate the world! New features such as property auctions also add unique elements to the classic play. From the economical motels on Baltic Avenue to the luxurious Boardwalk suites, there is excitement around every turn of this re-imagined favorite.
MySims SkyHeroes - Ship Date – September 28, 2010
Take to the sky to lead the resistance against Morcubus and his drone army and to stop his plans to take over the skyways! MySims SkyHeroes is an all new adventure that brings the thrill and high-speed action of flying to the creative, immersive world of MySims.Go from unknown pilot to celebrated hero as you defeat dangerous enemies in aerial dogfights, test your reflexes in fast-paced speed challenges, and take on massive enemy bosses that demand all your skill as a pilot to survive. As you progress, you build, customize and tune your aircraft to give you an edge in combat. Face Morcubus’ drones with an ally in split-screen cooperative gameplay, or take the game online to challenge your friends in fun, competitive 12-player high speed action.
NBA ELITE 11 - Ship Date – October 2010
NBA ELITE 11 is the new moniker of the long running EA SPORTS NBA videogame franchise. NBA ELITE 11 will revolutionize the way basketball simulation games are played, with an all-new technology base, a new control scheme and a real-time physics system. Centered on delivering the ultimate control to users, NBA ELITE 11 will redefine what is expected in a basketball videogame.
NCAA Football 11 - Street Date – July 13, 2010
With remarkable presentation and gameplay improvements, along with an innovative online-based feature, NCAA Football 11 delivers the greatest product transformation in the history of the award-winning franchise. NCAA Football 11 will give players real college offenses that, for the first time ever, reflect the authentic style of all 120 NCAA FBS schools in-game. With striking presentation elements like team-specific pre-game run-outs and ESPN’s broadcast graphics package, NCAA Football 11 recreates the intensity of college football Saturdays, achieving all-new levels of quality in presentation and core gameplay by delivering an experience true to your school and providing 120 ways to win. NCAA Football also includes the new Dynasty Wire online feature. With Dynasty Wire, players create stories that recap their Dynasty game, complete with video and photo highlights, then share the news of the victorious triumph or devastating loss by publishing the story through social networking sites for the world to read.
NHL 11 - Ship Date – September 2010
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the franchise that captured 22 'Sports Game of the Year' awards, over the past three years, has raised the bar yet again with NHL11. Powered by an all-new Real-Time Physics Engine, and introducing broken sticks, quick dekes and an all-new faceoff system, NHL 11 lets you create highlight reel moments as you experience the most authentic NHL action yet.
The Sims 3 - Ship Date – October 26, 2010
Create Sims with unique personalities, fulfill their desires…or not, and control their lives within a living neighborhood in The Sims 3 for console and handheld this fall. All-new features make it easier than ever to play with life as players can unlock the ultimate "Karma Powers" for instant control and unleash them on their Sims. With Karma Powers, players can help their Sim "get lucky," bless them with "instant beauty" or be deviant and curse them with an "epic fail."
Spare Parts - Launch Date – Winter 2010
In this new online action adventure from EA Bright Light, players join courageous robots Mar-T and Chip as they find themselves dumped with the trash on a strange planet. Working together in co-op mode, the mechanical duo must find a way to repair their ship and escape the planet before nefarious Lord Krung can dispatch his henchmen to destroy them. Mar-T and Chip will need to collect upgradable action parts to unlock new abilities that will aid them as they battle countless enemies including the evil Krofax, hostile spider monkeys and even a Super Huge Mega Laser! Can our heroes rescue their other stranded robotic friends and unearth all of the spare parts they need to make their escape?
Phew! That's a lot of titles! And while lots of it is sports franchises and sequels, well, I don't know what to say. Except that don't forget, at one time these guys brought us Racing Destruction Set, One on One, and Starflight!
