E3 2k4

Ok, as a gamer E3 is always fun. There's never been a E3 where there hasn't been at least one suprise that's gotten me excited, and some even reveal so many that as a gamer, you just wonder how you're going to afford everything.

With that said, I've been wondering what everyone thinks about this year's upcoming E3 expo? What do you think lies around the corner, and do you think that there will be any large announcements?

I personally feel that the days of E3 rocking my socks are over. I remember back in 96 when I saw the N64 coverage, and I was just blown away. It looked so much better than anything I had seen at the time. And with seeing the new screens of that next-gen game, I've came to the conclusion that we're going to be less impressed with the next consoles. The tech gap just isn't going to be as big.

And that's usually what wows me about E3, is hearing and seeing some of the first coverage of the next generation of consoles. And I really doubt that will happen this year, but even if it did it's just not going to have the same impact on me.

So what does everyone think about the upcoming event? And what do you think we be revealed? In a few weeks, we can see how right or wrong we were, and can start filling the thread with actual reports and news.

Until then though, I thought it would be fun to speculate. :chick:

Yeah, my interest in the show has gone down in the last few years. After the beautiful graphics wore off, I wasn't left with much.

This year, I think:

MS will show some tech demos done with PCs to show what the Xbox2 will be like (just as they did a few years ago with the first one)
Quake 4 will come out of nowhere (yes, it's been in development) to impress a lot of people
People will be looking forward to Mario 128
HL2 will have another strong showing, only to be delayed again because of some ridiculous reason that everyone will eat up just like last year

The only E3 that I can remember flooring me was, I believe, 2000 when Sega was making its last ditch effort at a great showing for the Dreamcast. I was extremely impressed that year.

As far as this year, there should be playable Halo 2, Doom III, and True Fantasy Live Online...that's worth the price of admission for me.

I'm expecting several huge announcements from Nintendo, since this seems like the last year the Gamecube will be taken seriously. Hopefully they have more in the works than endless sequels and games starring Mario, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sega supposedly has half a dozen or more projects they're working on that no one knows about, so it seems there'll be some surprises there.

And of course there's the DS and PSP which should both be very interesting to see.

I have a feeling there'll be quite a few surprises this year.

Nintendo DS, Halo 2, Metroid Prime 2, Paper Mario 2.

I'm hoping for a new Zelda adventure for the GBA and a re-make of Metroid 2 for the GBA.

Yeah, theres actually a new rumor that there will be around thirty DS titles shown at E3. That'll be interesting if it actually happens.

Playable Halo 2 is awesome. But it'll just make the wait worse.

SEGA is up to something. Things have been really silent lately. So hopefully there will be several announcements from SEGA's camp.

They've already said that a GBA Zelda is in the works. By the guys who made the Oracle game, so let's hope that this is shown as well. I think the Oracle games are the best in the series.

I don't know what to think about Nintendo. I'm sure they have something big involving the Cube, I'd hate to think that their showing would focus on the DS, and I'd like to think that it'll be something beyond sequels and such.

Even so, it'll be cool if Windwaker 2 and Metroid Prime 2 made a appearance.

And I really hope that Bob is right, and Quake 4 shows up.

This is going to best E3 in a very long time. Nuff said.

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Originally Posted by BoBVila

Quake 4 will come out of nowhere (yes, it's been in development) to impress a lot of people

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Yes. :nod:

If it's done right, it has a chance to take over UT2k4's place as the ultimate multiplayer game.

I really doubt it.

It's being developed by Raven and all, and it's supposedly going to be slower-paced (with vehicles and the like). It just doesn't sound like a Quake game, which sucks, as far as I'm concerned.

Not that it won't be a great single-player game.

maybe there will be some info on animal crossing 2? Beyond that i hope to see some actual shots of the ds games,i want to hear some announcements from game des!gners studio of more games in the cc universe(hey it sold well, why not) i want to hear lots about the swg spaceships expansion and revamped jedi system.

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Originally Posted by Tain

I really doubt it.

It's being developed by Raven and all, and it's supposedly going to be slower-paced (with vehicles and the like). It just doesn't sound like a Quake game, which sucks, as far as I'm concerned.

Not that it won't be a great single-player game.

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Um that is a GOOD thing. ID sucks as far multiplayer gaming is concerned. It is all about knowing the locations of the damned quad damage and nail gun/ rocket launcher locations.

*runs before the quake fanboys find his whereabouts* :chunobi:

So, you'd honestly put Soldier of Fortune or Jedi Knight 2's multiplayer over Quake 3's?

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Originally Posted by Tain

So, you'd honestly put Soldier of Fortune or Jedi Knight 2's multiplayer over Quake 3's?

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Jedi Knight 2, yes. Soldier of Fortune, no. Still BF1942>>>>>all of them combined so the point is moot.

BF1942 is on the complete opposite end of the FPS spectrum, though. I'd take Quake 3 DM over any other DM, without a doubt, but to stay on topic...

I'm looking forward to Doom 3 and HL2 more than anything else right now, though I know that there will be at least one surprise announcement that'll completely rock. Call it a hunch.

So...when is it?

I want to see what the DS is. Other then that nothing else ever excites me about E3.

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Originally Posted by Tain

So, you'd honestly put Soldier of Fortune or Jedi Knight 2's multiplayer over Quake 3's?

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I'd definitly put Soldier of Fortune 2's multiplayer over Quake 3, especially with the randomly generated maps. The sniping felt better than anything

- Halo 2 will be delayed until 2005.

- Metroid Prime 2 will be shown, but unplayable. Release date: 11/04

- Nintendo will have a big speech set about how great holiday 2003 was for them, and that Nintendo is going to pwn holiday 2004 with all those big-name release games.

- The DS unit itself will NOT be shown at E3, but a tech demo or movie will be there.

- The PSP will have a prototype on display. Sony will overstate the specs.

- Sony will overstate the projected specs of the PS3 as being the most powerful piece of computer hardware available to mankind...and all that BS.

- Nintendo will NOT announce any plans for online play.

- Sega will announce a suprise title that nobody would have suspected.

- Infinitum Labs will tell lies, and no one will be impressed.

- The videogame museum will be the best part of the entire show.

- Bahn will have a bunch of pics of 1/2 naked women from the show (just like last year)

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Originally Posted by Zerodash

- Bahn will have a bunch of pics of 1/2 naked women from the show (just like last year)

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Which halves were naked?

Going by the pics posted here, tops, and most of bottoms.

Where are the annoucement held? Are they any fun to watch?

I'm most interested in:

Playable Burnout 3
Playable Doom 3
Playable Call of Cthulhu
Any information about Metroid Prime 2
Any concrete information about the supposed Ico sequel

I will also be surprised if Halo 2 makes it out this year.

You know whats scary? When Bahn says "this is going to be the best of ther best of E3." That means he knows something and that scares me. I'll take his word for it and believe that this is E3 will have surprises GALORE! Don't know why and I usually don't listen to hype, but when Bahn speaks about something and has a hint of ..."I know something you don't know ... nah nii nah nii pooh pooh." on it. Thats something to take notice and heed.

Working Designs will be absent for a second consecutive year:
http://www.e3expo.com/exhibiting_inf...les_info/list/

...Mastiff and Nippon Ichi USA, too, for that matter... but all the bigger names plus many others are there.

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Originally Posted by RedCoKid

Working Designs will be absent for a second consecutive year:

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They aren't dead yet?

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Originally Posted by Giga Power

I personally feel that the days of E3 rocking my socks are over. I remember back in 96 when I saw the N64 coverage, and I was just blown away. It looked so much better than anything I had seen at the time. And with seeing the new screens of that next-gen game, I've came to the conclusion that we're going to be less impressed with the next consoles. The tech gap just isn't going to be as big.

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excellent, EXCELLELENT point! It's either that or we're just getting too old. I went to my first one in 1996 and was floored by the all the exciting games coming out that year. Went again in 1999 and was even more excited by what I saw! The experience of e3 has just gotten stale to me since these days, there aren't hardly any games I am interested in playing. One thing I *will* say about e3 however....

It is the absolute MECCA of gorgeous asian girls! I mean, there are LITERALLY hundreds of them walking around the show floor! It's a sight to behold!! I have been to import auto shows, rap and rock concerts, numerous clubs, etc...and never in my life have I seen so many beautiful asian woman all in one place! Sony's booth in particular had the most gorgeous asian girl I've ever seen in my life working for them the last time I went(2001).

As for speculation, I speculate I will be let down by Namco in hopes of seeing a new Ridge Racer game announced, let alone shown. :cry:

They're supposedly making one for the PSP.

Well there have been rumors of Wind Waker 2 coming out this year, so I expect that to be shown. I also really really hope something about a Mario 128 is shown or mentioned, anything! I like many am really interested in finally knowing more about the DS. I am mainly interested in Nintendo news. I am also hoping GTA: San Andreas is shown (it should be). I could care less about the PSP, and I doubt Microsoft will have any amazing news, other than something about Halo 2.

I'm gonna feel so jaded fro saying this:

I'm not excited about e3. Yeah, there's gonna be a lot of games. Yeah, there's gonna be announcements. But it's also a lot of work. So while it's fun to have fun, I'm not jumping up and down months in advance for the show. I know I'll have a good time when I'm there, and do my best to be a productive member for the site.

That, and it's too hard to be euphoric when you have finals the next week.

I'm excited as hell to be going this year but that's only because it's my first time. I really want to see Def Jam 2, an Ultimate Muscle sequel and the next Smackdown game (I just started playing the last one and I love it), plus the givens (halo 2, DS, PSP, etc..).

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Originally Posted by Zerodash

- Bahn will have a bunch of pics of 1/2 naked women from the show (just like last year)

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Not this year, and the DS will be shown :p

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Originally Posted by Hero

I'm gonna feel so jaded fro saying this:

I'm not excited about e3. Yeah, there's gonna be a lot of games. Yeah, there's gonna be announcements. But it's also a lot of work. So while it's fun to have fun, I'm not jumping up and down months in advance for the show. I know I'll have a good time when I'm there, and do my best to be a productive member for the site.

That, and it's too hard to be euphoric when you have finals the next week.

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Woe is me. The dark cloud of gloom is my only companion. I am the wolf of the night...

I AM GOTH!

Oh, and this goth is not looking forward to E3 because the new videogames suck. Except for UT2K4. I would be happy if they are coming out with a Bejeweled 2, though.

Or Zuma 2.

popcap just released a new game called astropop. Really fun.

I'm hoping for some info on Animal Crossing 2, if it's coming and when. All the other games mentioned in this thread I want to see too, don't get me wrong, but I know they will be there. Animal Crossing 2 would be a pleasent suprise.

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Originally Posted by BoBVila

Quake 4 will come out of nowhere (yes, it's been in development) to impress a lot of people

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I thought I read awhile back that Quake 4 was going to be single player. I do know that there is a MP Quake game in progress, but I thought that was separate of Quake 4.

We've got a few predictions available here @ 1UP...this thread still needs to keep going either way. :)

Glad to see Chux and I both share the love for Rush n' Attack.

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Originally Posted by Kevin Gifford

Message-board fanatics love to moan about Sony rejecting their favorite Japanese games for U.S. release, but I think more companies (Mastiff comes to mind) are managing to work around this "obstacle" of sorts, which could mean more cool imports on the show floor this year.

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:_)

Yeah. I can't wait for La Pucelle Tactics *holds reservation slip tightly*

I'll get excited if just a few of these upcoming imports AREN'T rpgs.

JM

It almost sounds like he reads my posts. :lol: But seriously, Mastiff, Nippon1, and Working Designs aren't on the E3 exhibitor list. Atlus has already announced and hinted at Shin Megami Tensei 3 and Digital Devil Saga, respectively, so their plate is full. Namco Hometek is downsizing, and I wouldn't expect more than Symphonia and Baten Kaitos for RPGs. So, I doubt there'll be any surprise import announcements from anyone other than possibly Agetec or (fingers crossed) Sega. :doubt:

Someone has to promise to preview Chulip at the Natsume booth. That game 'shouldn't be coming here.' :lol:

My speculations:

More FPSs
More random anime-esque strategy games for the PS2
More RPGs for the PS2
Announcements and footage for <insert franchise name><insert number>
Sony will announce that God has signed a deal with them to create a "world based" chip in the PS3.
Microsoft will announce that Bill Gates is God and that Sony is lying.
Nintendo will act like they're actually doing something.
Sega will announce some titles that will suck.



'Tis all.

So, yeah - speaking of E3, which day is the best to go, if, say, one could only go for one of the three days?

I want to maximize my chances at cool swag.

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Originally Posted by RedCoKid

It almost sounds like he reads my posts. :lol: But seriously, Mastiff, Nippon1, and Working Designs aren't on the E3 exhibitor list. Atlus has already announced and hinted at Shin Megami Tensei 3 and Digital Devil Saga, respectively, so their plate is full. Namco Hometek is downsizing, and I wouldn't expect more than Symphonia and Baten Kaitos for RPGs. So, I doubt there'll be any surprise import announcements from anyone other than possibly Agetec or (fingers crossed) Sega. :doubt:

Someone has to promise to preview Chulip at the Natsume booth. That game 'shouldn't be coming here.' :lol:

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I haven't even managed to get a contact at Natsume, or I could almost certainly guarantee that Hero or someone at TNL would cover it (some companies usually have stuff behind closed doors that's only shown by appt) :(

I am also looking forward to Tales of Symphonia; must return to RPGs.

The first E3 I cared about was 2001, when I was a freshman in high school. I was playing a lot of Perfect Dark at the time and I really wanted to get some Perfect Dark Zero screens. I'm now a senior, and Rare still hasn't shown us anything aside from a couple of concept shots of the main character looking like an anime fag. I just don't care anymore.

Anyway, my only prediction/wish for E3 2004 is that SEGA will release an announcement making their death official.

You're still in High School?

Surprising, isn't it.

JM

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Originally Posted by Opaque

You're still in High School?

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Uh, yeah...why?

I just didn't see that coming. No offense. No nothing. Just didn't see that coming is all.

I'd like Capcom to announce DMC3, and before the trailer apologize for part 2.

But my dream, someone showing a game based on Blade of the immortal, a 2d fighter in black and white.. droool...

I wish Capcom would release a much better SF package than the one we're getting. What's so hard about tossing the Alpha series in there???

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Originally Posted by jp

My speculations:

More FPSs
More random anime-esque strategy games for the PS2
More RPGs for the PS2
Announcements and footage for <insert franchise name><insert number>
Sony will announce that God has signed a deal with them to create a "world based" chip in the PS3.
Microsoft will announce that Bill Gates is God and that Sony is lying.
Nintendo will act like they're actually doing something.
Sega will announce some titles that will suck.



'Tis all.

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Wow, another Alabama poster. That brings the total number of people who have PC's AND electricity in this state up to 4.

E3 is too far for me, so I'll miss out again.

(is still pissed that I didn't go to E3 when it was in Atlanta a few years back. :\

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Originally Posted by ME

So, yeah - speaking of E3, which day is the best to go, if, say, one could only go for one of the three days?

I want to maximize my chances at cool swag.

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Wish I could help, Baron, but I'm not sure. I went to the show when it was in Atlanta, but it's all a blur. The only thing that sticks out in my head was playing Metal Gear Solid for the first time, and meeting Jerry Doyle (who is a kickass fun guy). Things have changed a lot in the last 6 years, I'm sure.

For those of us who aren't lucky bastards (or who don't fly), any opinions on the best place to get E3 coverage this year (downloadable movies and the like)? Also, anyone know of any groups doing a DVD this year?

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


From the creator’s of Cowboy Bebop -- Wolf’s Rain is the latest series from acclaimed animation studio, ‘BONES’ (Cowboy Bebop the Movie). Wolf’s Rain is set for broadcast on Cartoon Network, with DVD release scheduled to street on June 22nd, 2004.

Mr. Toshihiro Kawamoto is scheduled to attend E3 on May 12th Wednesday at the Bandai Booth during E3.

Interviews are available to those press/media physically attending
E3 this year. Please direct all inquiries to pr@bandai-ent.com

Wolf’s Rain
Animation by BONES (Cowboy Bebop the Movie)
Story by Keiko Nobumoto
Character Designs by Toshihiro Kawamoto (Cowboy Bebop)
Music Composed by Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, GitS:Stand Alone Complex)
DVD Street Date: 6.22.2004

There is an old legend that speaks of a hidden paradise on Earth - A paradise in which only wolves can find. And while thought to have been extinct for hundreds of years, wolves indeed still walk the Earth…hidden among mankind. Now, a group of outcast wolves set out to find Paradise: Kiba, Hige, Toboe, and Tsume. Each wolf is driven by their own personality and desires, but together they are pursued by humans seeking to quench their own thirst for power. A difficult and long journey lies ahead, with Paradise waiting to be found.

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Ok, must remain calm.... AHHHHH!!! :D:D:D

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Originally Posted by Werewolf

Ok, must remain calm.... AHHHHH!!! :D:D:D

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You scare me sometimes... :sweat:

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a group of outcast wolves set out to find Paradise

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Otakuuuuuu!!!!! :lol:

Xbox: Halo 2, safe bet
PS2: GTA:SA, another safe bet
Cube: RE4, hopefully will blow everyone away, but WW2 is my third safe bet

Daves Underdog Pick: Chronicles of Riddick. What can I say? People still love FPS's for some reason, and people still love Vin Diesel for some reason.

GTA:SA may not be such a safe bet..

i mean, of course it'll sell, but if it's still running on the same engine, it's not going to suprise or "wow" anybody.

Yeah, but they'll add something new that'll get people talking. "OMG You can waterski in this one!!!!11 DID YOU SEE THE ATV's!!?!"

As long as you can kill prostitutes, the GTA series will always sell- regardless of how dated the 3D engine is...

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Originally Posted by Zerodash

As long as you can kill prostitutes, the GTA series will always sell- regardless of how dated the 3D engine is...

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As long as there are 3D games out there, you will bitch about them -- regardless of how fucking awesome they are.

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Originally Posted by Schlep

I'm expecting several huge announcements from Nintendo, since this seems like the last year the Gamecube will be taken seriously.

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What was the first?

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Originally Posted by jp

My speculations:

More FPSs
More random anime-esque strategy games for the PS2
More RPGs for the PS2
Announcements and footage for <insert franchise name><insert number>
Sony will announce that God has signed a deal with them to create a "world based" chip in the PS3.
Microsoft will announce that Bill Gates is God and that Sony is lying.
Nintendo will act like they're actually doing something.
Sega will announce some titles that will suck.

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Holy crap. I think that's going to be so accurate it won't be funny. You do sports picks?

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Originally Posted by diffusionx

Oh, and this goth is not looking forward to E3 because the new videogames suck. Except for UT2K4. I would be happy if they are coming out with a Bejeweled 2, though.

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I heard Text Twist EX2 is going to be the centrepiece of the PSP's online plans.

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Originally Posted by sleeveboy

As long as there are 3D games out there, you will bitch about them -- regardless of how fucking awesome they are.

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Zing!

10 predictions:

1. Halo 2 will come out, you fools. What does MS have to gain by delaying it again when Xbox 2 is out in the next year or two? They need to sell Xboxes this christmas. The law of diminishing returns sets in if they delay it again, when it'll be going up against screenshots of the next generation and they only have 10 months to push it as their main focus.

2. King of Fighters: Maximum Impact will suck.

3. Everyone will start jizzing over a military-themed FPS nobody had ever heard of before and which upon release will just get lost on the shuffle of the 4 billion other games which are exactly the same. Happens every year.

4. TNL will start jizzing over an anime-themed import rpg starring 3 year olds having a magical adventure that only 2 people here have heard of and none have played. Somebody will bemoan how unfair it is that people are paying attention to Halo 2 while "original" games like this go ignored. The game will get 7.0-6.5-6.5/10 from EGM, sell 25 000 copies and drive the publisher to near bankruptcy. Happens every year.

5. Killzone will rock.

6. People will actually believe the absurd nonsense the big 3 spout about their new systems. It's all lies...er, "battling for mindshare" at this point, guys.

7. Final Fantasy XII will rock.

8. Whatever Koei announces, I'll be the only person who cares. Unless all they have is that Dynasty Warriors 4 expansion pack, in which case even I won't care.

9. EA is finally out of meaningful things to add to John Madden Football.

10. Shenmue III! (A man can dream, can't he?)

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Originally Posted by StriderKyo

4. TNL will start jizzing over an anime-themed import rpg starring 3 year olds having a magical adventure that only 2 people here have heard of and none have played. Somebody will bemoan how unfair it is that people are paying attention to Halo 2 while "original" games like this go ignored. The game will get 7.0-6.5-6.5/10 from EGM, sell 25 000 copies and drive the publisher to near bankruptcy. Happens every year.

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And I will lead that effort. :D Justice for the little game!

Lately there's not been as much to complain about... I suppose that's a good thing.

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Originally Posted by RedCoKid

And I will lead that effort.

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Heh. Touche.

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Originally Posted by Wolffen

For those of us who aren't lucky bastards (or who don't fly), any opinions on the best place to get E3 coverage this year (downloadable movies and the like)? Also, anyone know of any groups doing a DVD this year?

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You can try here, this is the Official E3 site :)

http://www.e3insider.com/

From Sega PR:

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** SAVE THE DATE ** SAVE THE DATE ** SAVE THE DATE **
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON DAY #1 OF E3
May 12, 2004 in SEGA Room

Mark your calendars for a "mystery briefing" event in SEGA of America's E3
Room. This is your opportunity to hear the latest 2004 title announcements
from company executives in addition to some explosive news -- something even YOU won't be able to guess!

WHAT: Explosive Announcement Event
WHEN: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
WHERE: SEGA Room - Concourse Hall #151 (between the West and South Halls)
WHY: To learn about SEGA's 2004 line-up and hear BIG news you'd NEVER guess...
-----------------------------

As long as it's not another handheld system, I'm ready to get excited.

Wolffen, I'm planning on putting together a CD compilation of the E3 coverage from DBS and VGPub. I can't think of any sites off-hand that will be doing DVDs of E3.

Maybe they're unveiling new N*Gage games... =X

OR A NEW SYSTEM XD!!!

Just got this email...
Heh.

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Originally Posted by Nick

From Sega PR:

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** SAVE THE DATE ** SAVE THE DATE ** SAVE THE DATE **
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON DAY #1 OF E3
May 12, 2004 in SEGA Room

Mark your calendars for a "mystery briefing" event in SEGA of America's E3
Room. This is your opportunity to hear the latest 2004 title announcements
from company executives in addition to some explosive news -- something even YOU won't be able to guess!

WHAT: Explosive Announcement Event
WHEN: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
WHERE: SEGA Room - Concourse Hall #151 (between the West and South Halls)
WHY: To learn about SEGA's 2004 line-up and hear BIG news you'd NEVER guess...
-----------------------------

As long as it's not another handheld system, I'm ready to get excited.

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fighting vipers 3

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8. Whatever Koei announces, I'll be the only person who cares. Unless all they have is that Dynasty Warriors 4 expansion pack, in which case even I won't care.

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My interest will go up next gen when they announce DW Online in which I will kick your ass.
Unless some euro mag interviews them and they promise to deliver better ports starting with Samurai warriors.

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Originally Posted by Shinobi128

Just got this email...
Heh.

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OMG TEH PHANTOM!!!!!11111

I am more interested in Alienware's new DIScover "console" system which lets you play PC games and DVD movies without the use of a computer.

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Originally Posted by bahn

I am more interested in Alienware's new DIScover "console" system which lets you play PC games and DVD movies without the use of a computer.

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Agreed.

Could someone remind me what press conferences are scheduled for today?

Microsofts is at 10pm eastern I think.