E3 ‘09 Predictions: Microsoft faults, Sony wins?

If you’ve been keeping track of the recent gaming news regarding this year’s E3, you wouldn’t be out of place in assuming that Microsoft is looking to work off the casual gaming mantra it set at last year’s show. With E3 ‘08 featuring releases such as LIPS and Wii Music, it seems that the casual crowd is the subject of most attention for the Big 3. With E3 ‘09 right around the corner, what should you expect? Will Sony finally get that “year” it’s always been hailed as having? Can Nintendo impress the hardcore this time around? Read on to see what we think.

 

Microsoft has a long-running habit of spreading itself too thin when searching for a target audience. As last year’s E3 clearly demonstrated, the software giant is increasingly clouting its own demographic with a misguided and slightly ridiculous gaming lineup that doesn’t really seem to fall under any one category. While diversity is always a good thing, and the gaming industry is a business, it’s a tad absurd to think that the audience that enjoys games like LIPS is in touch with E3 at all. With the recent acquisition of BigPark and the recent news of a more “mainstream” game coming out of the studio, it seems that Microsoft either has a dastardly trick up its sleeve, or is going to squander a perfect opportunity to quell the naysayers’ comments of Microsoft having a weak 2009 lineup. Hopefully this year Microsoft will ditch this casual, mainstream-friendly attitude that is steadily alienating its current fanbase and focus on things that its core players would be interested in. Show more Halo 3: ODST footage, perhaps a demo, and hopefully an exclusive from a big developer. Maybe we could see some more dashboard features in the form of Xbox Live Primetime’s official unveiling, and it would be a wonderful surprise if one of Capcom’s mystery games was a 360 exclusive. Forza Motorsports 3 will definitely be showing its face at E3 ‘09, and hopefully the team can replicate the success of the last game. Mass Effect 2 also seems like it might appear at E3 ‘09, but only rumors so far. Hardware-wise, the casual trend looks to continue with the potential reveal of the long-rumored motion controller for 360. While the potential for this to be good is there, unless there is an awesome game shown along with, I can only imagine how horribly this would be perceived. Only time will tell whether or not Microsoft’s hand is a royal flush or a pair of twos. They certainly know how to talk up a good show and hopefully the comments aren’t all fluff.

 

 Pretty much the best summary of E3 ‘08.

 

As for Sony, things are looking much brighter. Although there have been some similar things said from Sony’s end of the fence, one can’t help but think that they at least have some fantastic upcoming titles to back it up. God of War 3, Uncharted 2, and Gran Turismo 5 are probably just the tip of the iceberg, and things are looking considerably more substantial on Sony’s side. Expect to see some more Home information, as well as more details on future Killzone 2 DLC. Uncharted 2 looks pretty polished after the release of the latest trailer, and it’s likely there will be a demo on display for press to give hands-on impressions of. If Sony’s smart, there will be a new trailer for God of War 3 showing off some impressive new features outside of the incredible new sense of scale they’ve implemented. Heavenly Sword 2 is a potential announcement, but it’s unlikely there will be any demo or gameplay footage just yet. Whether or not we’ll see any new exclusives is anyone’s guess, but it’s a safe bet that Sony is being more guarded this time around. Still, Sony seems to be staying with its mantra of having a core audience, and its unwavering dedication to that audience is admirable. Hopefully this year the company can introduce a strong lineup that will promote some stronger competition amongst the three.

 

As for Nintendo, it’s probably going to be the same ol’, same ol’. If you’re a hardcore gamer, expect more shit that you don’t care about, and maybe if you’re lucky a mention of a new Zelda or Metroid game. Regarding that, however, don’t hold your breath. It’s painfully apparent that Nintendo is staying steadfast in its current marketing strategy, and as far as hardcore gaming goes, the only thing you can really expect is more Dead Space: Extraction info and the latest Umbrella Chronicles game. Maybe a new Mario game or accessory, and you’ve got the general gist, if not the entirety, of Nintendo’s E3 ‘09 setup. What might be surprising is if Nintendo makes a more enthusiastic stride towards getting members of its current install base to keep playing the games that they already own.

 

Honestly, this E3 is definitely going to be an interesting one. It doesn’t look like there will be a clear winner until the very last game has been shown. I’d keep a close eye on this one if I were you. Stay tuned for more info regarding the biggest unveils and info.