E3 2016: The Review Part 1: Xbox Press Conference

   NOTE: All release dates are subject to change. 

  Before we start, I just want to send my condolences to the families and victims of the massacre in Florida. If you're going out to celebrate Pride, please, please, carry some form of protection. If these bastards are going to start targeting the community, start shooting back!  

Now, let us begin with Microsoft's Press Conference:

E3 2016 is finally here. It seems like only yesterday E3 2015 was on, and although it seemed truncated, even with the addition of a Bethdesda press Confereence, it's seemed like the last one just happened, and it's a shock, an absolute shock, that Fallout 4 is nearly a year old.  Now we look towards brand-new games,some of them being huge secrets, others being leaked too early to ever be anything morer than reiterations. Today, we see if there are games that will set the world on fire, or more bad press releases that make the whole world cry. 

   First, we start off with the Microsoft Press Conference. Again, this press conference was the first one I've seen so-far, and I'm very, very disappointed with it, and even I of if don't like Microsoft, I give this one here an E for Effort, but an F for Entertainment. Everything they showed seemed to be a ripoff, blatantly so, of what is going to be coming off exclusively for other consoles. I make the claim thwt in-fact, nothing is truly original anymore, but I will say the only game that looks interesting is one we knew about since mid 2015, and that is We Happy Few. This game looks amazing, has a Bioshock-like atmosphere, an original story that looks to be gripping, compelling, and the idea that choosing to take a drug, or not taking the drug will affect the gameplay around you. I've been interested in this game since it was first shown off, and I remember it hinted at last year as well. What aggravates me though is that it seems an entire year had gone by, and no games have been actually released this year. 

   Microsoft wasn't bad this year, they were terrible....Microsoft being typical Microsoft, pandering to such an extremely minute part of the gaming community, it's enough to make y think they don't know anything about gaming! From Gears ofWar 4, with barely any excitement from the crowd, to Sea of Thieves, Rare Software's newest attempt at a modern "big game", there's seems to be big power plays that go off in different failing directions. It's just a shame to me that everything shown that was an exclusive, and then trying to save faith by announcing that anything bought once will play simultaneously on both PC and Console, makes me think that XBox wants to get away from a console, and just focus on the PC market, which would be wonderful! The a project Scorpio announcment is seen by many gamers who are fans of the company as a bold move, a marketing strategy that breaks the mold, but let's call it what it is: nobody owns an Xbox One, mostly because people felt screwed last generation cycle with the red ring of death, and that was apparent when PS4 wrecked the mark. Now we are finally getting several games that look enticing on all systems, and Microsoft wants to pretend like that last knockout didn't happen. This is called denial. 

  But enough with bashing a company that infuriates me, because this is E3, and even the broken, I articulate seamstress that can't even weave a game that doesn't have a numeral following its title, is allowed to be the Belle of the Ball, even if for just an hour. So let's enjoy this take on Microsoft's Press Conference, but let's make haste! Because when the clock strikes at midnight, Dbox One will be better used as placeholder for a pumpkin. 

     The conference opened up with Gears of War 4, a game franchise that was created by Cliffy B, and I'll just leave thwt for you good readers contemplate, since I'm far from his even most spiteful fan. My adoration for this series is about as buried as a troglodyte fossil run over with molten lava, and casted off into the fiery pits of Hell. I don't like this game, nor do I like the particular gameplay shown. Even the crowd was anything but enthusiastic, the game just looks to be made for five people living in Santa Monica, and the people who made it seem to be distraught about their own work. The game was very boring, unimpressive, and lacking in anything I would expect from a AAA title. It makes me feel bad for the power Project Scorpio is supposed to carry, and the lackluster games that will flood it until it too is seen as another Sega Dreamcast...except the Dreamcast was fun to play!

  Sorry, I know I said I was done bashing Microsoft, I know I wasn't supposed to take sides, but when the only thing good you show off isn't an Xbox Exclusive (We Happy Few) something tells me thwt sea of thieves, and another season of Killer Instincts, which doesn't hold a candle to Mortal Kombat, and never did. Still, this was the  second major announcment, and that with a few other characters, Gears of War's General Raam was announced as a playable, special character in the upcoming new season of Killer instinct. 

    Next was a look at Forza Horizon 3, showcasing multiplayer, and introducing multiplayer co-op. The racer looked okay, the graphics weren't as refined as I was hoping, but racing around the continent of Austraila looked interesting enough. And the fact that the game works in real time, the game is not bad for a racer. It is also available for both Xbox and Windows 10, and like most of these exclusives, if you buy it once, you get Crossplay so it's available September 27th on both console and PC.  I'm personally not a fan of racing games, so I cannot really give much opinion on how this one compares to former titles. Overall, the game looks fine, and the physics seem  more real world than the very first Forza I've played. So it does seem to improve. 

   Next is a game that was also an exclusive title for Xbox, and it seems to be a mixture of Boderlands, with a touch of Horizon,mand a open-world MMORPG although what I've seen seems to be only single player. The game is called Recore, and comes out September 18th. Recore looks okay, and has a very Beyond Good and Evil aspect in design, but if it wasn't a Gearbox game,you could've fooled me. It was just a teaser, so I can't judge,mor begrudge it in any way, but it looks solid, and I believe it's designed for Crossplay as well. 

   The next game shown was Final Fantasy XV, which is not an exclusive, but it will be released first on the Xbox One. I've seen FFXV before with gameplay nearly half a year ago, and it looks good, and has a different fighting engine, almost like Shadow of the Colossus had, but it's nothing short of a beautiful-looking game. Even the story looks to be more a reimagining than a true sequel. Still, the battle against the titan creature, which was like a rock/shard giant looks pretty damn cool, and it was called Trial of Titan, and brought me back to those PS2 days of Shadow of the Colossus. Team Ico would be blushing with flattery over this enriched imitation. 

 Moving on to the next game, is an Ubisoft title: Tom Clancy's The Division Underground, new missions exclusively first on Xbox One, which really doesn't mean anything.  It was just a short little teaser, but doesn't look to add anything to a game that is as controversial as it is polarizing. 

  The next game is far more exciting, Battlefield 1, which takes place during one of the worst wars in human history: World War I. Perhaps my most favorite war to learn about, and just what hell people had to go through. Still, this game looks to be fairly accurate, and a time in history that most people have not seen played out on a game console. It was one of the most devastating wars in history, and took place on almost every continent. There were little rules of engagement, and the amount of horrors that were felt created the first-known type of PTSD: Shellshock. If you want a rousing take on just what happened during the First World War, watch Apocalypse WWI, it's usually on History channel, or you can look it up online, it's about six episodes, all about an hour or so in length. Still, this game looks to be very exciting, and I'm no fan of FPS, in-fact I avoid them like the proverbial plague.  Players can get access first via EA Acess exclusively on Xbox One starting October 13th. The dogfights look pretty damn cool, and the zepplin that was brought down in the end didn't do as much particle damage on the town below as I hoped,mbut the game looks legitimately fun, and precise to the history. Being the history buff that I am, I kinda hope it gives you the jarring feeling of trench warfare, and the European campaigns that we're fought almost bareknuckle. The French fought the majority of the war with English allies, but I feel most of that will be left out, because trench warfare was mostly the beginning, and very, very end of the war, when the Sherman Tanks were introduced with Patton leading the charge. It should be interesting to see just how they play this particular war out in game form, because it was a highly controversial war at it's time, and has still very I'll effects on our cultures today. To put it bluntly, Germany has just barely paid off it's reperation for WWI, and most likely won't pay off for WWII until the mid-to-late 2000s. So just because I doubt another WWI game will be made, this may be a game worth picking up and trying out for the sheer antiquity of the experience. 

  After something so awesome as Battlefield 1, they had to talk about something shitty: Xbox Live, although Backwards Compatibility is what  might be hurting PS4, and the concept of having Cortana on Xbox is not that impressive. Still, Microsoft has then added a bunch of garbage I really don't want to get into, like Xbox Arena, for competitive online gaming,because it's the it thing, and the looking for group, which back in my day was called a chatroom, or a forum. It was the lowest level that the press Confereence sunk, except for Halo Wars 2, that just looked like a sad, sad shame, and I'll speak nothing more of either of these travesties. They claim these are the most requested features, but it seems like pandering, becaue I believe most gamers have a core group they play with, but most just want to get famous for playing video games, and, sadly; we all cannot be famous for this particular trend,mshich is dying as quickly as it built up, and most gamers who stream do it via PC regardless of console choice. 

   Next was a "friendly update" quote the "friendliest update ever" by the creepiest woman I've ever seen for Minecraft Realms. Ugh, I'm not ten years old, so Minecraft isn't that appealing to me, but it respect the concept, and the convention fanaticism. Still, this update that will make you mod the blocks to look more modern, and to turn zombies into aliens....not gonna lie, it's pretty dumb, I take it this was something an intern suggested, and they just decided to go and fix it...Minecraft has really sunk since Mojang let it go, but he's a multi-billionaire now, so I can respect selling out for that amount. I won't delve further, but it's good for that core group of gamers that likes Minecraft...I guess? Of course Crossplay is in effect, and this is an obvious "duh!" On my part. Also the hosting of servers specifically for crating and sharing worlds is a good touch. We will see if these updates work out later this year. Minecraft Realms works on multiple devices, and is available now. The V.R. was a good touch too. 

  Oh Christ! The damn candy remotes are back! Ugh! Why do I need you to customize for me a controller? I understand personalization, but it's a trendy horseshit idea that only goes to amp up the prices on overcharged bullshit controllers already. Watch them go for about two hundred US dollars or something now. I'm kidding, I'm sure it'll be more like a tewnty dollar difference, but I prefer the skins you can buy, and replace whenever you want to customize a controller. 

  Next is a game from the creators of Limbo...not sure if it's only available for Xbox One, but it's Microsoft Exclusive: I side, and it will be out allegedly by June 29th. Also, Limbo is free right now on Xbox One. Inside is pretty much a noir concept that seems to involve industry and corporate infrastructure. Hard to tell but for art, it looked palpable. Seeing it releases in two weeks, answers will be arriving shortly on if it's a good/bad indie title. Seeing as it's coming from the creators of Limbo though, it should be a marvelous experience for the indie game fans. 

   Next up was a multitude of indie titles in a flash-style montage run through of them all. Games like outlast, Deliever Us The Moon, and Flint Hook to name a few.  Far, Slime Rancher, Shadow Tactics, Figment, The Culling, For the King, Beacon, Stardew Valley, Hand of Fate 2, Below, Raiders,  Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Yooka-Laylee, Everspace,  and the first one mentioned: Cuphead, are all games that will be out on Xbox Live, and really all of them are either good or bad from the five seconds of each game I've seen. That's still a lot of games to announce. 

   Next up is a game I've mentioned already called We Happy Few, which was given a good portion of both teaser trailer, gameplay, and love demonstration at the conference. Not sure if this game is going to be for all systems, but it's perhaps the biggest surprise for me, becaue of it's unique gameplay, and almost caricature style. The game also takes place in the sixties, so it has a Bioshock centric timeline as well, even though it's not a 2K game.  This was followed by Gwent the card game,which I didn't really care much for, and little was shown/explained, and also Tekken 7 followed with Aluma of Street Fighter becoming a playable character, and some gameplay followed. 

     Dead Rising 4 was the next exclusive, and it looks to take place during Christmas time, and just as ridiculous as it's precious titles. It'll be a great game for thirteen year old boys, but it's not something that has any serious substance. It releases holiday 2016. Truthfully, I found the little teaser trailer to be okay, but it was lackluster.  Then came in Scalebound, and I saw every cliche imaginable...yes, a giant fucking scorpion, and riding the backs of dragons...no, I'm not describing an 80s metal band album cover. Ugh, please let this be over soon. That battle drew out so long, I could live the rest of my lie and not see it again. Also I hate that the characters kept talking it out, hoping that's not in the final development and was for E3 exclusively, it was very annoying. 

  Sea of Theives was next, and as I mentioned before it's like a pirate MMORPG. Not much more to say after that then, so moving on....it seemed the best was over, then Microsoft went and did something they always do: showed off a teaser for State of Decay, and I knew that this was it: Halo Wars 2 would pretty much end the conference, and I'd have to wait for Sony's rebuttal. Honestly, it looks like Halo ripped off Starcraft! 

   Of course the announcements weren't over, Project Scorpio ended the conference, claiming to become the most powerful system ever built, and that made me laugh because it only has current generation consoles to compare to, not next generation consoles it will have to compete with, this is just a sign that Microsoft wants out of this hellhole they've put themselves in by losing the current console war,it's equivalent to starting a war with a country, losing, then starting a war with another country to help fund the war you're currently losing.  Sega did this in the past with the Saturn, and Sega Cd, and Dreamcast, this will prove to be an unwise decision on Microsoft's part. If I build a system tomorrow, and claim it's the most powerful ever built, it kinda doesn't matter if it's a Barnum statement, or fact, but I have nothing to compare it to! Oh well, at least We Happy Few looked interesting. 

  Overall, Microsoft's Press Conference seemed to make them feel like they were leading the charge in the race, but the irony is that they have been behind this entire cycle. They just want to be rid of this cycle, move on, so they can pray Sony messes up, and take back the top spot. The conference was okay,mi can't deny it had some sweet spots, but it had games, and this worked out in their favor for once. I'm glad Xbox showcased so much, but there was nothing but arbitrary bullshit thrown in-between that really doesn't measure up to other conferences I've seen. Ubisoft was rather shitty too, and Bethesda was lacking. I will review their conferences by the beginning of next week, and there will be no Short Story Weekly post this week.  Part 2 will be Somy's Press Conference, Part 3 will be a combination of Bethesda, EAPlay, and Ubisoft. If I happen to do a fourth, it will cover Nintendo and other smaller venues.

   Thank you so much for reading the Malacast Editorial, as this will be my most extensive coverage of E3, I'll have a ne Short Story Weekly up next week at the earliest, two weeks at the latest. I hope you all enjoy these posts, as they are some of the more extensive posts I do yearly, and the ones I love to do the most, becaue I'm a huge fan of E3, and its crazy history. 

E3 Predictions for 2016

NOTE: All bold words are predictions.  Any updates from now (March 2016) until publication (April or May 2016)  will be noted at the emboldened areas of the posts. 

When June comes around,you can bet I'm like a little kid again, because E3 announcements will be eating up my Twitter feed, and I'll see a boost in how many tweets I send out, while writing live on the Malacast Editorial, and doing full-on reviews. I'm also a fan of making predictions, not because I think I'm on the threshold of the gaming industry, but because I like to make more honest, intelligent predictions than what pipe dreams other reviewers expect are going to happen. Rather than shots In the dark, I'll admit the obvious like new titles in old IPs,  but it's more what a company will do, rather than a game that's named. It is a volatile market, and games supposed to be out last year, or in the case of The Last Guardian, thirty years ago (it's sarcasm, but not by much)  I tend to see trends rise from the people, rather than the sample groups. So here are my predictions for the a mojo emt a and moves made for this year's E3. I'll do a compare/contrast post a week AFTER I put up my review of E3, which will be several days after the last aired day of E3. 

   Firstly, let's discuss the big shows outside of the actual show, and discuss what will happen at the Press conferences. Usually Sony goes first, but with the add-ons of Bethesda, and the first software developer to hold such a large press conference: Ubisoft have ended the fray, it's interesting to see just how the order will fall. 

   So assuming Sony will go second to Nintendo, which is usually the middle between Sony and Microsoft, I'll start with Nintendo first, because it's more shoe-in, rather than speculation. Firstly, Nintendo is one of the few first-party developers that doesn't follow the trends as often as the other marketers. They can decide to release a new Legend of Zelda title tomorrow, (they've recently done an updated HD version of Twilight Princess for Wii U) but it will be a best seller no matter what time it's released, as most parents and children will play the game outside the box. 

   It's a tough company to pin down, but I'm certain their will be a memorial  for Myamoto, who recently passed away. This would not be surprising seeing the unique timing of his death, as it was somewhat mentioned at other shows, but it's not hard to believe they will discuss it to a degree, seeing as Myamoto was a major part of Nintendo Press Conferences. The sad news is still affecting many overseas, and here at home. The man who created Mario, Donkey Kong, and so many other great characters had a major impact on all gamers, despite their "console alliances".

     Getting back to predictions, Nintendo is a front runner in the console wars, so-much-so,mother have their own niche market. Most of the older gamers still play Nintendo-related games, and involve their own children in these games, so it is three, sometimes four generations deep in gameplay. Also, the Wii had expanded the demographic for gaming to include gamers as old as 100, and as young as ten months old. Generations are growing up with gaming being part of their lives, as it was with me, and Nintendo kills in the demographics. 

    I do expect their to be some major titles for the "hardcore" scene, but in discussing games In the Epic Yarn genre, and even a potential Mario Kart installment, I don't necessarily believe that is the hardcore market. Not because the games aren't for the core fans of Nintendo, but it just seems they will do more a Legend of Zelda installment. I think a new IP is plausible. A Splatoon! Sequel/update is another example of shoe-in, but of course the chances are the game is about to release either before, or during E3 is likely, but Nintendo tends to harken the bigger releases towards November and even early December for the holiday season, but seeing as "holiday" season isn't necessarily as vital anymore than say 100-200 years ago, being that religion tends to be less and less of the situation, and spending tends to be far more sporadic, as release dates tend to decide the spending trends rather than months leading up to a major holiday, it's pretty obvious that DLC for these games, and downloadable copies will be the overall trend for Nintendo sales this year. 

  I think that what holds Nintendo back now is DLC, not allowing third-party developers as much freedom as they have at say, Sony, don't allow for reaching that larger market. Nintendo also has made less stride over this year, rehashing older ideas, rather than creating new IPs, which in their market is quite dangerous, but also to not put new installments into tried and tested IPs seems to also be hurting them. I think that since they have sanitized their image as being as close to E-Rated now more than ever,  as T or even M ratings tend to do more harm than good, they will have to put R&D into coming up with new games that take risks, creating new IPs that tie into the world of Nintendo. They've done so with Disney IP rights they've purchased, like Marvel and Star Wars, as games like Disney Infinity(No new game this round, but there will be more support.) have helped, but I truly believe new, original stories and ideas for this upcoming generation will also them some separation from parents and grandparents. Something to call their own. Splatoon! Has helped, but it's not nearly as been impacting as the Mario and Zelda games of the world. I'm sure new Amibos will be out soon, but they're out every several months, but I'm going to predict Pokken Tournament will have rare Amibos that add characters to the game that will be exclusive to E3 several weeks earlier than official release. 

   With the potential Uinversal Studios partnership announcment, there could be a unique film announcement,mand that wouldn't be a stretch, as the film industry has reached out and bounced back with franchises pulling in tons of money. Could we see a Legend of Zelda film be in the making? Quite frankly, I don't doubt it! Seeing Full-Sail University is right down the road from Orlando Florida, and a potential Disney tie-in, a movie could be in the works. Also, this would be historical, as in it's history, no film has been officially announced at a Press Confernce in E3's history. 

  I could list the usual suspects 

  

  Animal Crossing

   Super Smash Bros. NOTE: I don't believe a sequel to Super Smash Bros. Wii U is in the makings yet

    Super Mario Bros. Wii U Sequel etc.

Regardless of what is the actual round of sequels, I think Nintendo will hint at a new console UPDATE: (Nintendo's code name for a new handheld/console system is being called the NX. I believe the actual name will not be Wii related, but be its own platform)and that will be the biggest announcement from them. Although I will end with this: other game publications have stated that Beyond Good and Evil 2 is potentially going to be released as an exclusive to Nintendo, I highly doubt that will happen, and again, it's to an overrated elitist game that few have played, and even fewer want a sequel to, despite outcry from a minority of gamers. 

Moving on to Sony's Press Confernce: this is going to be interesting regardless of what is announced. Sony hasn't really delivered from last year's promises. We are still waiting on Shenmue, and The Last Guardian, two games that really are for the hardcore gamer, but have been hyped beyond belief. These are games that quite frankly don't belong in this market, but seeing as that last year's showcase was about thing up loose ends, this was more to say good-bye, like Uncharted 4: A Thief's End's expected release, that it was the end of a Sony era. Naughty Dog is Sony's biggest exclusive. Quantic Dreams was a close second, but they have gone by the wayside lately with the mixed reviews for Beyond: Two Souls. 

   So I think Naughty  Dog will showcase a new IP, and have exclusive footage, even gameplay at the end of the show. I also believe that something will be announced to replace the God of War series, and judging by the themes going on with gaming like Ark, and Far Cry: Primal, I think it will involve either early tribal gameplay, or something more along the lines of Game of Thrones Medieval, pre Medieval era.  Speaking of Medieval, I believe there will be a potential sequel announcment revealed, although it may get tied up in years of development. Still, this is a game series I actually liked, but find it doesn't belong in this current generation of gaming. 

   Sony has to bring something to the table, and give us information on their V.R. Headset, (Orignally called Project: Morpheus) which was originally supposed to be on this genre ariid gaming console,mbut now is being speculated for the next-gen consoles. Remember, it was told to most gamers that the PS4 was capable of supporting 4K resolution, now I think we are being led to believe it doesn't have that capability.    

 Sony has got to make a vast statement his year, because it's the leading system, and it needs to reliever with huge announcements. We were promised vapor ware more than anything relevant last year, and we haven't even seen Final Fantasy VII yet. What's the lastest news? I believe we will see actual gameplay footage this year, because people kind of forgotten about it, and that is no-good for a timely franchise like Final Fantasy.  If I had to make any serious predictions for Sony, it would have to be that they will most likely expand their PSN store, and add more older games, that being said, the csjnces of seeing exclusive titles like Twisted Metal, which I believed would've been last year's big reveal, is still not likely to happen again this year, as games like GTA tend to be more robust and appealing. Although GTA VI is going to be a long, long way away; that doesn't mean Rockstar won't tease something for either Microsoft or Sony, but the latter seems the better place to show-off their works.  I believe that the Indie market will be slowing up come the next two years, and that trend will start up around the time of the show. 

    Sony has been very secretive these past few years, because they've been trying their hardest to keep the market in suspense, rather than coming up with ideas that won't be tangible until 2018. Microsoft has been surprisingly smart about this as well, giwever a lack of major first-party tiles has been hurting both consoles in equal measure. Sony has promised more, but they have also made good on most promises, as support for the PS4 with Playstation Plus, along with fixingnthenailments of the hacks that came several years ago were able to bring the company closer to their consumers. 

With a designated stance on making games for gamers, I would say that there will be several major moves done by Naughty Dog, with the release of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, it's allowing for the end of an era to taper off with I what made the Sony Playstation 3 a superior console. Although I'm wondering of the bigger announcment will be that the title will be released on the PS3 and PS4 simultaneously, or  a backwards compatibility vefsion of the game released later on in June. My best guess: only if the sales are superior on the Playstation 4 will they even think of making a version on the Playstation 3. However, becaue of such superior sales of PS4s, and HD collections of the first three games, it may not be in Sony's favor to eye-lease the game on the last-generation console. 

  Looking ahead for Naughty Dog, I'm fairly certain either a sequel to The Last of Us will be out, or perhaps new, longer DLC will be on its way. The game sold well on both systems, and has redefined what it means to be playing a video game. So many new concepts for the "hardcore gamers" have been made in the last ten years with PS3, like Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, LittleBigPlanet, and the gaming world's overall concept of chapter gaming like The Walking Dead's Seasons 1 and 2, a Season 3 seems inevitable. Tell-tale could be releasing new ideas, and I believe it will be announced at Sony's Press Conference. Other chapter games like Life is Strange were rather larger, albeit more casual events last year. However, the gaming community, along with it's tastes change so drastically, so rapidly it is barely the mask gamers want to wear when finally brought to fruition in the mainstream. This is why I believe Sony will slow the game down, showcase several new titles, perhaps give more information on that  Dream game which was he aforementioned new title coming from Media Molecule. I believe we will also discover if many Steam games will be heading to console. With the iffy launch of Street Fighter V this year, I'm curious to see if more games will become Sony exclusives in the future. With Destiny, Bungie has made their first foray onto Sony's platform, but will there be a Destiny 2? I certainly don't believe their is a real concern for having a sequel out soon, as the game itself was met with subpar reviews. Although we can acclimate that Activision, (one of the four developers pulling out of E3 altogether) and it makes sense seeing as their bread and butter Call of Duty series hasn't grown nearly as much, nor in strides of competitors in that of Ubisoft, and other FPS developers. 

  Overall, Sony has to bring the games, and not just a limited amount of the rehash and rewind characteristics we've seen over the years. Unless there's a Medieval 2, I refuse to have any excitement for rehashed ideas, because it feel they are not nearly as buzz worthy as new IPs, which Sony needs, whether they agree with me or not. Shenmue wasn't even a promise, but a Kickstarter campaign that could succeed, but still never see the light of day. Also, despite such indie support, the game should look like AAA title, and it looks worse than the Dreamcast versions of the former titles.  Sony needs to bank on the fact they actually stand for what gamers want, or that's how they market themselves. I want to see games that will have me loading up on discs, and having to work double time on reviews, I want more originality, and something to push my PS4 to it's limits....why else did I buy something that's supposed to be Tier 1 in technology and have nothing even close to its full capacity? Time is not on the console world's side, as people already want new tech, which makes me worry that updating a console every tend years will be a gimmick only read about, and that consoles will be out every four years, and updated as often as computers.  Sony needs to impress, and perhaps take a bit more risk, or else they'll lose money in the next console cycle. 

  Microsoft holds a Press Conference either right after Nintnedo, or at the very latest after Sony, but due to Bethesda having held a conference the year prior, and probably hosting the best of the handful showcased at E3 2015, we are slowly being guided towards a less formal introduction as was seen nearly twenty years ago with what is appropriate, and what isn't. I watched last year, and the inter gratin of Virtual Reality headsets, with the Occulus Rift, and the expected Minecraft booze that  would later become Microsoft exclusive, seems to tell us that Microsoft isn't going down without a fight. They are also counting on splitting gamers into fandoms, which usually is a Nintendo tactic, as they are buying up exclusives. Sony did so as well with Street Fighter, but this is doubtful to have the same intense impact as Minecraft. 

   Minecraft 2 could essentially happen at anytime, but it would be aptly seen on next-generation consoles. Current-gen still have versions of Minecraft, even Sony has a console version of the game, which immsure comes with more in-app purchases, but doesn't necessarily play as well as the PC, or Xbox One versions. Microsoft would assumingly make the newest version of Minecraft exclusive to the next Xbox, so unless it's announced that the next generation consoles are coming soon will be at this E3, it's all vapor ware from here on out with all studios, platforms, and DLC regardless of whether or not there are any serious surprises. The gaming journalism community acts almost as semantic in their shock and political standpoints on these issues as would be found in most media these days, but what frustrates me most is making a bad show seem somehow....for sake of the tired pun..."game changing." This is where Microsoft is known to try and fail so often, it's not even playing sides pointing out what they've shown, and what has not ever gone to shelves. Firstly, the Kinect, a classic failure of marketing,mand lack of appropriate software to back it up. Even the gimmick is more for control rather Thani treaction on the other consoles, but a camera is mostly used for love streaming, not playing anymore. 

   Microsoft failed over five years ago when they showed that game of watching a boy grow into a man, and it ereactingmwith him,then it was later revised as more a demonstration,despite it being given the look of a full-fledged game. Sony had done this before as well, and they too have suffered for it, and Eye Toy is nothing more than a need for their other quasi-failure: the Playstation Move. Kinect games looks terrible, the concept of being in a clown body and jumping around, and marketing that as an actual game did not have Microsoft winning any hats in the race of the console war. Still, it's infallible to think that Microsoft doesn't learn from its mistakes....but they don't seem to quite get how marketing works....even throwing Master Chief's beloved helmet up on screen isn't cutting it anymore. Of course you have Cliff Belinzki, who to me is nothing more than an overrated, albeit talented, tool in the market, who I'm sure is a decent guy, is now an old fogey as with other developers that don't appreciate the streak of a few gray hairs. Face it! To the younger generation, anyone over the age of thirty is always going to be foolish and out-of-touch, and really even young developers and producers are having a trouble getting in touch with their demographics....because there's too many of them! 

   Microsoft will flop, not becaue they have an inferior product, but most likely a far superior one, but their marketing is treacherous, their game lineups are old and repeated, and in-comparison to what is being innovated across the street, they are always behind in the count. Unless they do something miraculous, inste of jumping on trends, they are going to be hurting badly. Another Halo or Gears of War announcment will only cement my beliefs, and I will never be a customer to them, period. 

 It may seem like I'm being unfairly harsh in my regards to Microsfot, but it's becaue I want them to be more competitive, Sony had to compete against Xbox with their PS2, and it forced some of the best games in history to be made on all consoles, except the GameCube, which essentially is one of few black marks on Nintendo's resume.  The Virtual Boy and Game Boy Advanced on the two others that should be considered failures. So I'm being critical of Microsoft, but that's because they need to do better, especially when you're so far behind in the game. 

 When discussing Microsoft, and what they will have to do, being behind in the game currently, although that can surely change in the upcoming months. Although Sony has dominated the market for months, Microsoft does have a few opportunities to fix their current predicament. One thing that was suggested, and is supposed to be in the works is a sequel to the sleeper hit Alan Wake, as this was a much larger success than most other games released exclusively for the Xbox 360. Now I know that this particular title wasn't nearly as will received as most others, but the old axiom is that the sequel  will always do better than the original game in a series, and on most occasions, the sequel is seen as the better game: Mortal Kombat II, Twisted Metal II, Silent Hill 2, a point duly made historically, and throughout multiple platforms.  I do believe that an Alan Wake sequel will be coming soon, but not sure if it will be showcased at Microsoft's Press Conference.

     I think we'll like see more information on the latest Gears of War game, and perhaps Halo in some form, but doubtful Halo 6 is going to be hints at, seeing as the release of Halo 5 wasn't that long ago. Microsoft hasn't had much luck with getting gamers interested, they seem to look like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off, running around trying to add peripherals like Nintendo, or trying to compete with Sony in ingenuity, and they don't seem quite sure which route to take. Even when they showcased Rome last year....which I believed flopped as an attempt to take on God of War in-terms of style and gameplay, they tended to miss the point that most GoW fans have already tapped out the third installment. 

   The Xbox One, for all sense and purpose, has been a failure as a machine that cannot deliver even as a Videogame system. Nobody seems to care about the titles that have come out,a dn the same can be said for all the current generation systems, but first-party platform games are what's going to set the stage for the future of this console cycle, and with delays being the most popular game genre out now, even the likes of Doom coming out early next month (May) will not be enough to stoke the fires, and get people pumped for console gaming, regardless of system. Ironically Nintendo stands to gain all the rewards, becaue they are already pushing the limits, making gamers feel as though they are being heard in the development studios, but they have a long, long way to go to gain a following outside the digital kiddie pool. Microsoft needs to gain an identiy, Somy needs to showcase thwt it still has an identity after winning the console war, and Nimtendo needs to expand their identity. 

   With that being said, Microsoft will have to be strong, and snow up to play hard to even stand putting a dent in Somy's armor. Truthfully, they're dead in the water, it's not even a competition,mand that as a gaming fan, saddens me  

Next, I'd like to talk about Bethesda, because I do belie that they will be coming back for another round of press conference announcements this year, although I feel it will be truncated into several group showings with other software publishers/developers. Firstly Bethesda is going to have to tease a new Elder Scrolls, because Elder Scrolls V: has been out now for some time, and I wouldn't be surprised if VI wasn't scheduled for a release date sometime late next year, if not sooner. I would expect some add-ons for Doom, but as it's been announced that Bethesda will have five games in development for some time in the next few years, with an announced fifth insfallment in their Fallout series, I'm certain a Press Conference is inevitable. Also, Bethesda seems to need to showcase their talents,mas they are also publishers, like games such as Dishonored 2 being teased last year. Although it's been several months, nothing has been announced as to the validity of these new titles, or if liscencing and publication will be given to other major franchises.

     Bethesda has done the hard work this time around, and it's paying off. It'll be interesting to see if they continue to turn-out more surprises, but if they don't do a serious demo, I'm certain they'll showcase some software with Microsoft at their Press Conference. As stated above, the chances of being hinted a new Elder Scrolls game is inevitable. I'm not sure they will show-off actual gameplay footage, but I'm certain we are going to see this game out sometime next year. That is my prediction, but Bethesda is a superior company that's hard to pin down. I'm currently still trudging through the Wasteland in Fallout 4, and that has been one of the better videogame experiences in recent history. I'm really looking forward  to Fallout 5 now, but judging by the difficulty it is to get these games out there,,and not being adept to the new software enough to make legitmate "next-generation" console-looking games currently, I expect the fifth installment to be out for Playstation 5(?) and Xbox Two(?) Last year there was an interactive card game made for phones and tablets that was designed after Elder Scrolls mythos.  We may see an update to this, but those are more sporadic changes than expected updates. 

  

I don't normally discuss PC information for E3, simply because PC gaming is not usually the center stage of the E3 convention, and its associate at the press conferences. So I will finish this little teaser with several statements: Sony may hint a new console for two years from now, as Ninetnendo puts an accelerated release date on their NX prototype because that's the best way for them to survive the upcoming (and last, in this humble writer's opinion) console war. I have an idea that due to it's serious success, WB Studios will announce a Superman game, in answer to Rocksteasy's Arkham series. I also believe thee will be a sequel to Injustice: Gods Among Us, but it will have an M-Rating, following the trend set by Deadpool.  Mortal Kombat 11 will get teased, maybe not at a press conference, but it will be a distinct special for them. Bethesda will most likely rule the roost, and we may see that Fallout: New Oreleans tease everyone has been talking about that Obsidian will make, but with the huge success of Fallout 4, I'd like to see them at least state they will make Fallout 5

  

NOTE: I'm now being led to believe that EA, and Disney, who have stated they are not making a new Disney infinity game, but supporting the older software, are pulling out of the trade show. There were two more, but as of now I'm not sure if it's speculation, or fact, because there were multiple sources about Ea having a conference across the street called EAPlay, and that Disney will be tied to them. World of  Tanks studio World Battle(?) is also going to be absent. Will this hurt future E3 trade shows? More information after my review of E3 2016. It should be interesting enough to see what exactly will come true, and what will be completely out of left field in terms of what companies are willing to share ath this trade show. Here's to a profitable year for gaming, and an exciting E3.