With fall semester looming in the distance, it’s nice to just sit back, relax and play video games. Like every year, there has been a slew of information and the debut of many new, highly anticipated games with the advent and departure of the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Granted, some people are more excited about certain titles than others and Aztec Gaming is no exception. From assassins to zombies, this year’s E3 made the wait for sometimes far away release dates much more difficult. Check out Aztec Gaming’s member’s top three games of E3 2012.
Jordan Pollock
1. “The Last of Us”: This game has captured my attention since E3 2011 and I was glad to see it again. Unfortunately, the release date for the game was postponed to 2013, but that just means the developer, Naughty Dog, wants more time to polish it. This is great in my opinion. In any case, the gameplay trailer they showed for “The Last of Us,” was totally a show stealer. The trailer demonstrated the dynamic artificial intelligence that is working with and against the protagonists. One memorable highlight: the player controlled character was about to be shot by an enemy and the A.I. partner stepped in and threw a brick to get the enemy’s attention, giving the player a chance to rush out and take down the enemy. And, of course, let’s not forget the shotgun finale.
2. “Watch_Dogs”: This may come as a surprise to some, seeing as how Watch_Dogs was the single most praised game of E3. However, I’m reserving judgment for a little while longer. Although the game looks amazing, I’m still hesitant to put all my faith into it. The ten minutes of gameplay footage shows the main character attempting to track down his target. In order to do this he begins scanning random people, sees their personal information pop-up, hijacks a phone line to listen in on a conversation and then eventually controls stop lights to cause a car accident. All of these scenarios sound awesome but I hope there are at least a dozen more ways to handle that situation just as effectively.
3. “ZombiU”: Like many others, I have my doubts about Nintendo’s new console the WiiU. However, when this game was announced I gained renewed hope for Nintendo. After all, it is the only company from The Big Three that really knows how to make use of its seemingly random peripherals. Players can use the new tablet controller to check their inventory in real time or use it as the scope to a sniper rifle. It seems the WiiU’s new controller may be a game changer.
Shane Carpenter
1. “Watch_Dogs”: Ubisoft stepped up their game this year at E3, presenting the first of E3’s new intellectual propterties. Think “Assassin’s Creed” meets “Deus Ex: Human Revolution” meets “Grand Theft Auto.” You get the idea. Exciting things are coming.
2. “Rayman Legends”: This is the sequel to the severely underrated “Rayman: Origins.” Just watching the gameplay shown at E3 was enough to get me excited for this, a rhythm platform game with heart.
3. “The Last of Us”: E3 was an important time for Naughty Dog to dispel assumptions this was just another zombie game. It succeeded by showing this game is about survival, as other humans will be your worst enemy. It will be interesting to learn more about the system in place for creating tools. This is definitely a PlayStation 3 exclusive to get excited about.
Sergio Lopez
1. “The Last of Us”: My mind is about to explode with excitement for this game. First of all, the sound design is amazing. Considering Gustavo Santaolalla was hired to compose the music, we can expect a subtle yet gripping soundtrack that will not overwhelm the senses. With his work in films such as “21 Grams,” “Babel” and “Biutiful,” one can expect an amazing score from “The Last of Us.” Naughty Dog is also not shy about making a mature game. While the violence is not over the top with exploding buildings and flying limbs, “The Last of Us” portrays violence in a more intimate way. Enemies crying out in pain, victims being choked while scratching at their assailants and facial animations are examples of this raw and frightening experience. I for one, can’t wait.
2. “Beyond: Two Souls”: Quantic Dream has been known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the video game industry. With its newest game “Beyond: Two Souls,” it will undoubtedly continue this trend. The game features dramatically different story branches, and evolves from the gameplay seen in their previous game “Heavy Rain.” I can’t wait to get lost in this new world Quantic Dream has created. Oh, and Ellen Page.
3. “Assassin’s Creed III”: If one game definitely stood out, it was “Assassin’s Creed III.” While many wondered if the “Assassin’s Creed” series could recover from its gamer fatigue caused by its yearly releases, “Assassin’s Creed III’s” E3 debuts definitely stood its ground with style. Not only are the graphics impressive, but the introduction of wild animals, tree parkour, naval battles and a more aggressive assassin prove that “Assassin’s Creed III” will dissipate any doubts with a cannonball to the face. Or a tomahawk. Or a musket. Yeah, a musket. Through the face.
Cody Franklin
1. “Planetside 2”: Essentially the only major PC exclusive at E3 this year, “Planetside 2” had a huge showing at the event. Getting a glimpse of the massive battles the massively multiplayer online first person shooter promised was a dream come true. San Diego’s own Sony Online Entertainment seems to be throwing everything it has got into making this a top-notch game and from the looks of it, it’s succeeding beyond expectations. Check out TotalBiscuit’s YouTube channel for several hours’ worth of gameplay and casting from the event.
2. “Watch_Dogs”: For many, the winner of E3 was Ubisoft’s new IP, “Watch_Dogs.” With more than a passing resemblance to the TV show “Persons of Interest,” the key point of the game is that the player can hack and control almost all electronics around him. Need a distraction? Jam all the cellphones in an area and watch everyone freak out. Need to create a roadblock? Hack the traffic lights at a busy intersection for an instant pile-up. The playthrough demoed at E3 is a must-watch.
3. “Assassins Creed III”: Hopping about the treetops, shooting arrows at Redcoats and still having time for dinner with George Washington? What’s not to love? When Ubisoft announced that “ACIII” would be set during the Revolutionary War, many fans worried about how the game’s mechanics would translate into Colonial America. However, the E3 demo proved there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Creeping hopping about the treetops, shooting arrows at Redcoats and still having time for dinner with George Washington? Walking through the treetops is just as fast and fluid as climbing atop the city roofs and you’ll still be able to kill baddies with your hidden blade in spectacular fashion, this time augmented with new weapons, such as dual-wielding pistols and bow and arrow. The cinematic trailer presented at E3 was incredible as well.
