The Electronic Entertainment Expo, known simply as E3, is underway at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Today is day two, and the show closes on Thursday. It is billed as the world's premier trade show for computer and video games and related products.
E3 is owned by the Entertainment Software Association. Show management is expecting tens of thousands of professionals from over 100 countries to attend the event. Last year's E3, also in Los Angeles, drew over 48,000 visitors.
Day One saw some of the industry's major players including EA, Microsoft, Nintendo, Bethesda, Ubisoft and Sony unveil new games, software and hardware. Ubisoft, for example, is following up on its new yet already successful Watch Dogs game with plans for a movie as the next step in establishing Watch Dogs franchise. The company also wowed the crowd with Far Cry 4, with observers noting improvements and enhancements in almost every phase of the action/adventure game.
Microsoft brought news of games for their Xbox console, de-emphasizing its television, video and entertainment features for now. New releases included the 'Halo: Master Chief Collection,' not really new but a bundle of the previous editions of Halo. The package includes plenty of exclusive goodies that will entice fans of the game to fork over $60 for the whole thing. This release is also meant to keep the plates spinning on interest in the still unreleased Halo 5. Also new is Sunset Overdrive, a shooter-action game that can be played for laughs - a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, a rarity in the field.
The latest domain in the Tetris empire is Tetris Ultimate, available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. They will feature 1080p resolution and 60fps. These versions will release this summer, a PC version in the fall.
Nintendo introduced its amiable Amiibo figurines, which are very real, tangible statuettes representing toy versions of Nintendo characters. They will actually interact with Nintendo Wii U games through the game pad's NFC reader. Compatibility has been established for the coming releases of Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, Yoshi's Woolly World and Mario Party 10.
Activision debuted Destiny, a science fiction-oriented first-person shooter that integrates dungeons-and-dragons themes with futuristic ones.
Smartphone and tablet gamers were pleased to learn that Square Enix will be releasing iOS and Android versions of Final Fantasy Agito in North America, after their successful launch in Japan. The basic game will be a free download; add-ons can be purchased through the app.
Gameloft will test the mettle of video drivers (both inside the computer and at the controls outside) with Asphalt Overdrive, an arcade spin-off of its more tricky Asphalt series. Settings and vehicles evoke a 1980s feel. Asphalt Overdrive is scheduled for release this summer on iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
