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So I just picked up this crystal ball and am getting ready to predict the future. That’s right, I’m going to predict what will happen this year at E3 2009 in June. The conference is just about 44 days away, and everyone’s already excited to hear what will come out of the expo.
Everybody is expecting major announcements, new games, and new features or updates for consoles already in our homes. I’m here to tell you what I predict for E3 2009.
Sony Computer Entertainment America
PlayStation 3 Price-Drop
The PlayStation 3 is currently on the market at a high price. The 80GB will cost you $399 and the 160GB will cost you a hefty $499. While many potential PlayStation 3 owners are looking towards the console, they may be shut down by the price and move towards the Xbox 360 or Wii. SCEA will acknowledge this an announce a price decrease. My guess would be the 80GB at $299 and the 160GB at $399, to compete with the Xbox 360′s Pro ane Elite models.
A Plethora of New Titles
SCEA hardware marketing head John Koller already said that “it’s going to be a big E3″ and that “some of the big announcements are going to come of the software side”. I’m expecting at least one of those titles to be a show-stealer, because what’s a console without games? That title may either be Kingdom Hearts 3, the third Team ICO game, or who knows, it could even be Final Fantasy VII (I’m still dreaming).
First Final Fantasy Versus XIII Gameplay
At the press conference of course. This game has been in the shadows lately, other than the new trailer from the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete blu-ray. There will probably be some information regarding Final Fantasy XIII and Agito XIII as well, but the Versus gameplay would be the main course considering it’s a PlayStation 3 exclusive.
PlayStation Network Enhancements
There will most likely be new features announced for the PlayStation Network. Our guess would be they finally stopped trying to sell that misplaced thumbpad and finally announce cross-game voice chat. Hopefully, there will be more than just that.
Microsoft
Xbox LIVE Primetime Features
Xbox LIVE Primtime is set to launch in Spring 2009 (new trailer on Xbox LIVE) with the online game show, 1 vs. 100. However, what’s Primtime with only one game? Surely, Microsoft has other plans than just 1 vs. 100 for the Primetime service. Perhaps, other than trivia, Microsoft will reveal some other things such as puzzle shows or something completely new to the serivice.
Rare’s Next Xbox 360 Games
Everybody’s waiting for Killer Instinct 3 and the next Perfect Dark game. And with all the recent Rare games out on retail, E3 2009 is the best place to announce them. And what else would they bring gamers other than what the fans are asking for. Rare’s G like that.
Alan Wake Gameplay and Release Date
Microsoft will finally officially unveil gameplay of the Remedy-developed Alan Wake and announce a release date for Fall 2009.
New Xbox 360 Games and Old
Of course, new games. We’re thinking the next game from Mistwalker Studios, such as the second Blue Dragon. Or perhaps some new titles from third-party publishers. Then, gameplay of games such as Halo 3: ODST, Mass Effect 2, etc.
Remember, I’m not a genie.
I hear the keypad works better than you think it does.
I tried it. Don’t like it. I wouldn’t mind if it were on the bottom of the controller, though.
Kind of impossible though. :P
Sony new RPGs Please
I think Sony will have the better show this year. I think we’ll see more content as well as more advanced integration of Home. I think we’ll also see more footage of God of War III and, of course, Uncharted 2.
If Sony’s smart (they are… sometimes) they’ll announce something exclusive for FFXIII. Like maybe FFVII being packaged on the Blu-ray or offered as a free download when you pre-order the game. Just something. Other than bragging rights to having the game on one Blu-ray disc they need something else that will entice those that own both consoles to get the PS3 version (I read one Kotaku reader say that changing discs makes the game feel more epic… talk about BSing yourself).
What I hope Sony doesn’t do is release or even hint at a new PSP. While we all know that they’re working on it I hope they take their time and release a product that can go toe-to-toe with the iPhone that’s stealing both smart phone business and now handheld business. The fact that it’s also an iPod doesn’t make matters any better for any company let alone Sony and the PSP.
But for the current PSP they need to keep the hits coming and announce the long awaiting Gran Turismo as well as LBP for the PSP and maybe even a way to access Home even if it’s just a Facebook or Twitter-like interface.
I hope you’re right about the Team ICO game seeing the light of day. I think that would be the big show-stopper. Of course, I’m also hoping for an update to the XMB. Maybe not a entire overhaul like the NXE (funny how MS managed to get a 3-letter acronym for its interface) but maybe some new icons and maybe a new animated backdrop. I love the ribbon of smoke but something new would be nice as well as having different options.
Imagine a game like flow or Pixel Junk Eden being a backdrop for the XMB? Sweet.