E3 2019 Conference Recap and Thoughts: Microsoft

Posted on June 21, 2019 by

We’re full steam ahead on the E3 panel recaps. I covered Nintendo earlier in the week, but today it’s time to discuss the last remaining “Big 3” member: Microsoft. 

I feel like Microsoft had the brightest spotlight of all the companies with press conferences this year, due to the fact that it’s chief rival, Sony, opted to skip the show completely. All eyes were on the Xbox brand to see what kind of chaos they could create without having to worry about what Sony was planning.

xbox e3 2019 logo

Not only that, it could also be argued that Microsoft only added to the pressure by announcing plans to go big at this year’s show. Naturally, when you say something like that, fan expectations shoot through the roof, for better or worse.

So, was Microsoft able to hold the show up by itself or did it fail to make good on the pre-show promises? Let’s discuss.

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E3 2019 Conference Recap and Thoughts: Nintendo

Posted on June 19, 2019 by

I’m kicking my E3 2019 recap series with Nintendo, my overall winner this year. I mean, I was really happy with what Nintendo showed off but overall, is declaring a winner really saying much? I’ll save that for another post. For now, let’s focus on Nintendo.

Even as they face a new generation of consoles from their rivals, Nintendo’s stance is to continue to do what they do and ignore the noise. That focus on joy and fun really showed through this year as they delivered a wonderful E3 Direct, even if Reggie wasn’t there. Seriously, how weird was that?

nintendo direct e3 2019

Even though we knew some of what they’d be discussing this year, what other surprises did Nintendo have up their sleeves? Let’s discuss.

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E3 2019 Thoughts: Revenge of the CG!

Posted on June 14, 2019 by

Another E3 has come and gone and it’s time to catch up on my sleep but to compile my thoughts to start making sense of everything that happened at E3 2019. I had a few general thoughts on the show this year so consider this that discussion on everything I’ve seen so far.

e3 2019 logo

There’s been a ton of reveals, big surprises, and a couple of let downs as well, but overall, I’m enjoying the ride. I’ll have my thoughts on the individual conferences starting next week, but I wanted to lay out some initial thoughts that I had about this year’s show overall. There was one pattern that seemed to unite everyone, which I may have hinted at a bit in the title of this article.

Yes, that’s right, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the over use of CGI.

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Friday Video Round Up: June 2 – 7

Posted on June 7, 2019 by

Hey, surprise!

So I know I said no Video Round Up this week due to E3, but with just a ton of leaks and early reveals, I couldn’t help myself. There’s just so much to discuss already, that I had to move the Round Up…well, UP a few days earlier before the insanity of E3 really hits home. So, let’s waste no more time and jump right in!

It’s hard to pick out the biggest announcement this week, but you could certainly make the argument for Bungie. Questions have surrounded Destiny 2 since Bungie split from Activision. This week, the studio revealed their plans which include all sorts of things like cross-save, a new expansion called Shadowkeep, Destiny: New Light, and much more. Come have a look at the next big chapter in the franchise.

It’s hard to pick out just a few trailers to talk about, but I’m personally pretty excited about the newly revealed Darksiders: Genesis. Two things:

  1. It’s being developed by Airship Syndicate which is a studio made up of a lot of former Vigil employees as well as Darksiders creator and artist Joe Madureira.
  2. Not only does it feature the fourth horseman Strife, but it has all the other horsemen playable as well. We’re talking an isometric view, Diablo style RPG, not the current style players have seen in the past three games.

There’s A LOT more waiting for you below the break. We’re talking Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Baldur’s Gate 3, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and much more.

As always, the full video list for this week awaits you after the jump…

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I Have Concerns: Watch Dogs Legion

Posted on June 5, 2019 by

“My name is Legion: for we are many.”

Before we begin on this topic, let me address a couple things. For now, Watch Dogs Legion is not confirmed by Ubisoft, so the information I’m working under may not be super accurate. As always, I’m going to withhold ultimate judgement for after I see the actual content from Ubisoft directly.

In addition, I’m quite fond of Ubisoft’s work on this franchise. I really enjoyed the first game, warts and all, and I absolutely loved Watch_Dogs 2. I’ve always been fully anticipating a third entry, ready to dive back into the franchise without hesitation.

Still, I can’t help but comment on the latest leaked details provided by Kotaku this week. I’m conflicted on the latest reports for the rumored third entry now known as Watch Dogs Legion. Let’s Discuss.

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Now Arriving: Games of June 2019

Posted on June 3, 2019 by

June is here and it’s a big month for fans of Video Games. The biggest event in all the land is only a week away, so prepare for a look into the future when E3 2019 arrives. June is also the start of the dreaded Summer Drought, where studios essentially go dark and prepare for the great Fall Games Release Bonanza.

Still, June could be a lot worse. There’s a few big names to discuss, so let’s have a look.

The biggest name this month comes from Nintendo as Super Mario Maker 2 unleashes creative chaos again on the Switch. Taking the addictive and enjoyable fundamentals from the overlooked WiiU title, Super Mario Maker 2 delivers even more content, stages, themes, and levels for players to make their own Mario levels or playing other courses created by others.

Crash is back! Again! While Activision gave us a new look on his classic platforming titles last year, this year we’re invited to hit the race courses again with Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled.

There’s a few other titles you may be interested so hit the jump to see the full June release schedule. Enjoy!

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Sunday Video Round Up: May 26 – June 1

Posted on June 2, 2019 by

Don’t look now, but next weekend is the start of E3 2019. I personally can’t believe it’s here already, but can’t wait to see what’s coming. Before we get to this week’s Video Round Up, the start of E3 next weekend means there won’t be a traditional round up on Sunday. Don’t worry though, we’ll have an extra special one following the annual event.

Okay, now let’s take a look at all of the trailers and videos from this past week, shall we?

After a longer than expected wait, NetherRealm Studios finally dropped it’s Kombat Pack 1 trailer for Mortal Kombat 11 and I think it really hit home with a lot of veteran fans. Not only did it reveal most of the planned DLC fighters coming in this first wave, but it showed off the longtime kombatant, Shang Tsung. Not only is he based on the movie’s Cary Tagawa, but this version has a few ninja tricks up his sleeve.

The other big reveal this week (besides Call of Duty: Modern Warfare) came from Hideo Kojima and Sony. Basically an information dump for Death Stranding as well as a nearly 9 minute trailer, and I can honestly say I’m still as confused as I was before I watched it. Hey, it’s a gorgeous looking title and even though I still can’t tell you much about it, I’m interested.

In case you missed it, I finished up my annual E3 predictions this week by examining what I think is going to happen and what I want to happen with Third Party games. I also tried to tackle Sony, even though we know they won’t be there this year.

As always, the full video list for this week awaits you after the jump…

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