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May 27, 2004
E3 2004: Doom 3
After seeing it as a work in progress for the past two years at E3, we finally got a chance to get some hands-on playtime with Doom 3. Playing the Xbox version of the game, we were struck by the ultra-realistic lighting, creepy set design and frightening looking enemies.
But, after all the hype – and you don’t get much more hyped than Doom 3 – we were left oddly empty by the experience. It’s as if the game had been talked about for so long, no real product could ever live up to the expectations.
You’ll remember a similar fate befell Doom co-creator John Romero’s Daikatana (although, that was a just plain bad game).
Doom 3 looks to be a very competent, high-budget shooter. But a fairly straight-forward run-and-gun game will come off as a little dated, compared to the more realistic gameplay we’re accustomed to these days. Games like Halo and Half-Life have made corridor shooters almost anachronistic.
Of course, we’ll be the first in line to play Doom 3, and it could totally rock our world, so don’t label us as naysayers just yet.
Posted by gamegal at 12:16 PM
E3 2004: Star Wars Battlefront
We got a chance to get a little hands-on time with this new Star Wars game. Remarkably similar to the Battlefield series of PC games, Battlefront puts you in the middle of large-scale skirmishes between Rebel and Imperial forces.
When we say it’s similar to BF1942, we’re not kidding – but that’s a good thing, because the gameplay feels very natural. We loved the expansive environments, and had a great time blasting Storm Troopers on Endor. We thought the game translated very well to the Xbox format (it should also be available on PS2 and PC), and Xbox Live matches should be a blast.
Posted by gamegal at 12:13 PM
May 25, 2004
E3 2004: Final Fantasy XII
We’re just getting started on Final Fantasy XI, and already we’re talking about number 12 in the series. Of course, unlike the online MMO version that is FFXI, the newest game is a return to the single-player RPG style that everyone expects from Square.
We got a little hands-on time with the game at E3, and it shares many similarities with the previous entires in the series, but also throws in a few new twists. A major change is that you won’t be seeing the screen crack up as you’re thrust into a random battle with various monsters.
Instead, FFXII integrates combat into the same cinematic presentation as the rest of the game – doing away with the traditional Final Fantasy “everybody line up on our side of the screen” dynamic. It’s a refreshing change, and gives the game much more emphasis on exploration and adventure.
We still have no idea what the story is about (and Final Fantasy games usually have us scratching our heads, even after we’ve played them), but we’re looking forward to this major step forward for one of our favorite franchises.
Posted by gamegal at 01:11 PM
E3 2004: Everquest II
We got a chance to see some more work-in-progress on Everquest II, Sony’s follow-up to the standard-bearer of MMO games.
EQ2 looks like it’s shaping up quite nicely, with great character customization and a streamlined interface. We’re also looking forward to the improved NPC AI (that’s a lot of letters), where computer controlled characters will walk around and interact with each other, instead of just standing around waiting for you to talk to them, as in most MMO games.
We got see some characters interact with monsters at various levels, including a dragon showdown that ended badly for our sample player characters. EQ2 will definitely be the next big MMO that has a shot of capturing the elusive mainstream audience, and from what we’ve seen, it has a good shot at accomplishing this seemingly impossible task.
Posted by gamegal at 01:09 PM
GameGal gets Slashdotted
We manage to warrent a mention on Slashdot.org, the 800-lb gorilla of tech sites, about once a year or so. So, we're pleased to report that we got a very nice mention yesterday, along with a link to the GameGal E3 2004 Hall of Shame.
Link: http://games.slashdot.org/games/04/05/24/0313223.shtml?tid=127&tid=186&tid=212
Posted by gamegal at 11:16 AM
May 21, 2004
E3 2004: Missing
One of the best surprises we saw at E3 was a French game called Missing, to be released in the US by Dreamcatcher. Similar in some ways to Majestic, the “great concept, lousy execution” pseudo-game that sent you e-mails, faxes and voicemails with clues to solving a mystery, Missing has you on the trail of two kidnapped reporters.
The game presents you with a variety of puzzles, some of which require you to search out clues on real websites, to find the mysterious killer known as The Phoenix. Scratchy FMV video clips are included as well, and we liked one section where you had to pause a video and digitally enhance a sign in the background to figure out where it was shot.
Another interesting catch is the real-life support team who will answer questions and send you personalized threatening e-mails from the killer. Kinda creepy.
For such an original title, with good production values and a lot of potential, we’re almost sorry to see it being dumped on the US market at a budget title price.
Posted by gamegal at 05:54 PM
May 19, 2004
E3 2004: Resident Evil 4
The somewhat musty Resident Evil series is getting a tremendous shot in the arm, thanks to the GameCube-only Resident Evil 4.
We get to rejoin our favorite RE character, former Raccoon City rookie cop Leon Kennedy, as he travels to Eastern Europe on some kind of mission. There, he finds a smarter, faster type of zombie then we’re used to here in the good old USA.
With RE 4, the game moves to a fully 3D design, with a new over-the-shoulder camera that gives the game an almost first-person feel. Which is especially important for getting those all-important headshots to take down the zombified masses.
The parts of the game we got to play were super creepy, with a muted color palette, great graphics and A-list production values.
We’ve been a big supporter of the Resident Evil series for a long time, but even we have to admit, the recent games were getting a little long in the tooth. It looks like Capcom has come up with a winning re-imagining of the genre, and we can’t wait to get our hands on the finished version.
Posted by gamegal at 12:13 PM
May 18, 2004
E3 2004: Urbz - Sims in the City
The Sims have had enough of the suburban lifestyle. Now they’re headed to gotham to make a name for themselves in The Urbz: Sims in the City.
Like the other Sims games, your tiny counterpart will have to get a job and earn simoleons to live. But, instead of building a suburban castle, your sim will use her hard-earned bucks on upgrading wardrobes and find a way into the city’s most exclusive red-velvet-rope destinations in the city.
The Sims take-off uses the Sony EyeToy to capture your mug—and as you build a rep—your pic will start showing up on signs around town. The more famous your sims get, the more your face will be plastered on billboards and busses.
The E3 demo featured the Black Eyed Peas’ “The Boogie That Be,” and EA says the band's Will.I.Am has signed on compose other music for the game.
Look for The Urbz on all consoles, including GBA, in Fall 2004.
Posted by gamegal at 11:11 AM
May 14, 2004
E3 2004: Live From the Floor
We're still here at E3 2004! It's the final day of the show, and we're rushing around to take in everything we've missed so far. We got a great behind-closed-doors look at Everquest II yesterday, and we've seen some surprising potential break-out hits here.
Stay tuned to GameGal as we frantically upload previews, photos and of course, our infamous Hall of Shame -- good thing the airport has wifi access!
Posted by gamegal at 12:54 PM
May 12, 2004
E3 2004: Stalker
We got a kick out of THQ’s upcoming title, Stalker. It’s a strategy heavy first-person shooter, set in the Chernobyl area of Russia in the near future.
There’s all sorts of fighting with mutated monsters and other humans, and while none of the proceedings seem that original, we liked the open-ended gameplay and spacious outdoor environments.
The graphics, especially the lighting effects, caught our eye – which is impressive, seeing as we saw the game in the middle o the THQ party in Downtown Los Angeles, amid the noise, lights and drinks.
Find out more here: http://www.stalker-game.com/
Posted by gamegal at 06:14 PM
E3 2004: Call of Cthulhu
We admit to having a soft spot for the literary works of H.P. Lovecraft. While people have tried to adopt his works to movies and games for decades, no one has ever really been able to do him justice.
The upcoming Call of Cthulhu game from Bethesda got out attention last year, when we saw it in a very early stage. Now this game is getting ready for a winter 2004 release, and we like how it’s shaping up.
While this may not be the definitive Lovecraft experience, it looks to be a high quality action/adventure title, with a mix of shooting, sneaking and puzzle solving. The look and feel is very 1920’s creepy, but the voiceovers, at least in the early version we saw, seemed more late-90’s direct-to-video horror film.
Link: http://www.bethsoft.com/games/games_callofcthulhu.html
Posted by gamegal at 06:14 PM
E3 2004: Vivendi Universal Party
One of the big reasons to go to E3 is the big party scene. And, like any entertainment industry trade show, the more juice you have, the bigger and better parties you get invited to.
We had a great time at the Vivendi Universal party, held at Avalon Hollywood. That’s part of the same chain that runs the Avalon clubs in New York and Boston. Avalon New York is, of course, situated in the space formerly occupied by the legendary club Limelight.
But here in LA, Avalon is a large theater space, with big balconies and a large open dance floor and stage area. The entertainment bill included rock band Maroon 5, which we think we’ve heard of, but knew nothing about, and DJ Paul Oakenfold, one of the bigger draws in the dance music world.
A full open bar lead to several Belvedere-and-tonics, and the crowd seemed to be a good mix of game biz types and LA clubbers. We especially enjoyed the goofy professional dancers who worked at the club, both male and female.
Posted by gamegal at 06:11 PM
May 11, 2004
E3 2004: Welcome to the Show!
We’re here – live on the floor at E3! It’s really like a big summer camp reunion, seeing all our gaming press friends again (since they all live in San Francisco).
The show floor doesn’t actually open until tomorrow, but everyone’s at the convention center today, picking up their badges and hanging around the media room. Can we just say, we love WiFi?
We hit up the Sony and Nintendo press conferences, and saw some really cool stuff, especially on the hardware side. Sony is debuting their PSP handheld system in the first quarter of 2005. The system looks great, and the games seem to be almost PS2 quality.
The Nintendo DS look a lot like the Game Boy Advance, but it sports two screens, one on the base, one inside the lid. The showed off a few unique ways to use the two screens, and we’re very interested to see what developers do with it.
We’re off to the THQ and Vivendi Universal parties tonight, after a schmoozy boozefest for media peeps called E-Focus. Check back later for our drunken post-party ramblings…
Posted by gamegal at 06:36 PM
May 10, 2004
E3 2004: E3 Insider Goes Live
The helpful folks behind E3 have just launched their official consumer website, aimed at giving a peek inside the coveted convention to those not “inside” the industry enough to gain access. (Of course, the standards for admission are somewhat lax – pretty much any fanboy who has jockeyed a register at the Electronics Boutique can wrangle a badge.)
The site features a virtual tour of the show, along with news, photos and something they call the “fan cam.”
We’re heading to the airport this evening to wing our way out there from the Big Apple, so keep an eye out for us in the photo section…
Link: http://www.e3insider.com
Posted by gamegal at 02:06 PM
E3 2004: New Gaming Rigs from HP
Customized gaming rigs used to be the sole domain of specialty retailers like Alienware. These days, bulk computer companies like Dell and Gateway have gotten into the act, and now HP/Compaq is joining them.
Just in time for E3, the company has announced their new line of Compaq X Gaming PCs. They’re sure to be showing them off on the E3 floor, but we hear the highlights include AMD and Intel 64-bit processors and the current top-of-the-line GeForce 6800 Ultra video card.
Posted by gamegal at 02:04 PM
May 06, 2004
Gotta Be the Shoes
We have to hand it to the New York Times. Their Circuits section keeps banging out good stuff, including this front-page piece on computer-enhanced sneakers. (Insert obligatory The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes reference here.)
The concept of the “intelligent shoe,” according to the scientists developing it at Addidas (they have sneaker scientists?), is that built-in sensors will determine your speed and adjust the shoe’s cushioning to provide the perfect support.
Currently in prototype mode, you should be able to find them in stores around December for $250 a pair.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/06/technology/circuits/06shoe.html
Posted by gamegal at 12:06 PM
Women First, As Usual
Damn, we hate referencing two bits from Circuits, but this one is just too good to pass up. Apparently, the first doctoral dissertation on video games was written by a woman, back in 1985.
Mary Ann Buckles wrote Interactive Fiction: The Computer Storygame Adventure, at University of California at San Diego. Of course, her dissertation committee hated it, and she soon left academia and is now a massage therapist.
Naturally, the paper is now considered a classic, and the first serious academic work about games. You go, sister!
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/06/technology/circuits/06vide.html
Posted by gamegal at 12:05 PM
One Sexy Thief
There's just something about Garret the thief. He's dangerous, kinda dirty and sports a cute accent that's hard to resist. At least, that's what we've thought since the we played him for the first time in 1998 in Thief: The Dark Project.
Now Garret's back in Thief: Deadly Shadows, the third installment in the series credited for giving birth to the stealth genre.
Our chums at Eidos have informed us that they have new screens of the game, which is set for release on PC and Xbox at the end of May.
Posted by gamegal at 08:12 AM
May 04, 2004
Gaming Museum at E3
This year marks the 10th edition of E3, the Electronic Entertainment Exposition. To commemorate this all-important anniversary, classic gaming company Intellivision and the organizers of the Classic Gaming Expo are presenting an interactive museum of gaming at the show.
Housed in the underground Kentia Hall at the LA Convention Center (home to knock-off game controllers and Eastern Bloc software developers), the “History of Video Games” exhibit will feature classic arcade games, ancient consoles and a fully functional 1980’s living room setup.
The 2,000-square-foot exhibit will be open May 12-14, so be sure to drop by and check it out if you’re going to at E3.
Link: http://intellivisionlives.com/
Posted by gamegal at 04:09 PM
Skinemax for Women
The makers of Playgirl magazine (c’mon, you know you’ve snuck a peek or two over the years) are trying to launch a cable TV service aimed at women viewers. For those that find Cinemax late-night programming a little frat-boy for their tastes, the Playgirl channel will offer adult programming by and for women.
"Men have a huge selection of sexually oriented programming on television but women have been largely ignored," says Playgirl spokesperson Kelly Holland. The new service will launch as a pay-per-view or on-demand service.
Link: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-03-2004/0002165066&EDATE=
Posted by gamegal at 04:09 PM
May 03, 2004
Pac-Man – NYC Style
As New Yorkers, we’re always pleased to see our fair city get some decent game coverage – as pretty much everyone else in the biz seems to be on the West Coast (except our buddies over at Rockstar and HappyPuppy.com – rock on, guys!).
Apparently some clever grad students over at NYU have developed a life-size Pac-Man game, using the streets around Washington Square Park as a giant maze. One player dresses up as Pac-Man, four others play ghosts, and the game, as they say, is on.
Dots and power pills are consumed virtually, as the game and the position of all players are monitored in a control room, with news and info being relayed back to the players via mobile phone.
Just wait until we start a real-life version of Burger Time at the Chelsea Market…
Link: http://pacmanhattan.com/
Posted by gamegal at 01:05 PM
GameGal e3 2004 Preview
May is here – and along with the blooming flowers, chirping birds and other rites of spring, it’s time for our annual trip to the Electronic Entertainment Exposition.
E3 turns the LA Convention Center into a virtual futuristic city, with industry giants like Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo building giant multi-level structures. Trust us – no one worth their salt comes to E3 with just a plain old convention booth.
Of course, the main attraction at E3 is always the new games. With that in mind, check out the link below for a partial list of some of the games we’re looking forward to seeing at the show.
Link: http://www.gamegal.com/e32004-preview/index.htm
Posted by gamegal at 01:04 PM