E3 2003: EA's Line-Up

EA announces a ridiculous number of games (23) that will be shown at E3 - including some surprises, like FIFA 2004! Full list and details inside.

Electronic Arts today announced its line-up of 23 new games that will be showcased next week at E3. EA will present "a powerful mix of sports, action, adventure and strategy games".

"Innovation, access and intensity - that's what's new from EA in 2003," said John Riccitiello, President and Chief Operating Officer, almost as if to admit that EA games have always lacked these three things previously. "We're introducing global blockbusters with a new look and feel - games that are as exciting for hard core fans as they are for newcomers."

LOTR: The Return of the King (all) - Return to Middle-earth in the only video game based on the epic final chapter of the highly acclaimed The Lord of the RingsTM movie trilogy. Developed using the same digital assets as the film, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the KingTM recreates, in stunning detail, the final events of the War of the Ring. Become the heroes who determine the fate of Middle-earth as you traverse the haunted Paths of the Dead, defend Minas Tirith from the onslaught of thousands of Sauron's minions, and even play co-op multiplayer with a friend as you march against the impenetrable Black Gates of Mordor.

Medal of Honor: Rising Sun - (PS2, Xbox, GCN) Pack up your gear, head to the Pacific, and fight Japanese imperialism in Medal of HonorTM Rising Sun. In this instalment of the top-selling Medal of Honor seriesTM, Marine Corporal Joseph Griffin must endure some of the fiercest battles fought during WWII; crucial assignments ranging from surviving the devastating attack on Pearl Harbour, destroying the Bridge over the River Kwai, midnight raiding on Guadalcanal, and triumphing in the final showdown with Colonel Shima. Choose single player or the new two-player co-op mode to experience life as a Marine in the Pacific during the most difficult years of the war. Players can also choose four-player split screen death match and team modes for head-to-head action.

James Bond 007 Everything or Nothing (all) - Get deep into the excitement and intrigue of the most complex James Bond game yet. In James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, all-new scenarios and gameplay complement a completely original storyline that delivers all-out Bond-style intensity. Set in the third person perspective, the game will feature a large variety of missions, filled with furious action and stealth, gorgeous women, classic villains, exotic locales, and sophisticated spy-craft gadgetry that Bond fans expect.

Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup (all) - For the first time, take to the air and fully experience the magical speed, power, and competition of Quidditch, the sport of witches and wizards. Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup includes all the positions and players from the Hogwarts House Teams including Harry Potter playing for GryffindorTM. In the first part of the game, players learn the basics of full-on aerial Quidditch with a range of challenges and a school tournament to win the HogwartsTM Quidditch Cup. The second part of the game is where the international World Cup tournament begins featuring nine national teams competing for the Quidditch World Cup. Push your Quidditch skills to the limit as you strive to take your chosen team to victory.

The Sims 2 (PC) - The Sims changed the face of gaming in the new millennium and quickly became the No. 1 PC franchise of all time. The next generation of The Sims, The Sims 2, is poised to make its debut at this year's E3. A lively 3D world, more life-like Sims, all-new gameplay, and the addition of genetics, with the DNA of Sims passed down through generations will give players a more vivid, realistic, and in-depth Sims experience. For the first time, players will be able to control their Sims across a lifetime. As you manage "Life's Big Moments", your Sims will earn a "Life Score" that measures how well you are playing the game. Each choice you make will have a relevant and dramatic effect on the life of your Sims. Your Sims will be more aware and responsive to their surroundings, able to form complex relationships, and more expressive than ever before.

The Sims Bustin' Out (PS2, Xbox, GCN) - The Sims are returning to the console and this time they're getting out of the house and exploring all-new outrageous locations around town. Players can choose a variety of new paths as they lead their Sims through life's big moments. Along the way, players can unlock and collect hundreds of new objects and social moves exclusive to the console. Play, work, and socialize with a cast of more than 40 new wacky characters and climb through 10 new careers including Mobster, Athlete, Mad Scientist, and Fashion Victim. The Sims Bustin' Out will feature two-player and memory card support, so bring your Sims over to a friend's house.

SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack (PC) - Your city is on the move with the new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Get your Sims on the road to happiness by taking control of your city's transportation. Take charge of vehicles en route to destinations or disasters, and take to the streets to control your city at a new level. Put Sims on the move in zeppelins, helicopters, ferries, and new cars. Unlock more vehicle choices as you gain traction with your cities' transportation problems. Choose from all-new road types including wide avenues, suspension bridges, or one-way streets. Whisk your Sims across the city by developing seamless mass-transit systems that connect to a greater regional travel network. Add popular structures such as historic rail stations or classic Americana road marks. Go global and create a city based on a modern European building set. Make your final mark as mayor and personalize your cities by choosing street names, mountains, neighbourhoods, and points of interest.

Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII (PC) - The second expansion pack to the highly acclaimed Battlefield 1942 title brings the most deadly and unique weapons from the German and Allied laboratories to the Battlefield. Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII lets gamers control and use new weapons and vehicles in eight fresh WWII combat battlefields including Telemark, the Peenemüende V2 research facility, Essen, and The Eagle's Nest (Hitler's hideaway). In addition to the 30 vehicles in the original game, players can operate16 new vehicles including a Horton HO 229 Flying Wing, a US Sherman tank with a T-34 Calliope (rocket launcher), U.S. T 95/T 28 Super Heavy Tank, Sturmtiger, Goblin jetfighter, C-47 cargo plane, and the German Wasserfall guided anti-air missile.

Need For Speed Underground (all) - Choose from today's most popular licensed tuner cars, and make that car the ultimate expression of your style. You'll need to master all aspects of your driving skills in a wide variety of events in order to come out on top. Tune your car and improve your chances of winning with hundreds of upgrade parts. Custom looks will be your ticket to high scores from the crowds, while speed and handling will enhance your performance on the streets.

Black & White 2 (PC) - From the creative mind of god game pioneer Peter Molyneux comes Black & White 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed hit Black & White. In this strategy game, reprise your role as a powerful deity in search of a following and return to the once idyllic world of Eden, where the discovery of weaponry and warfare has tainted the beautiful landscape. With the help of your gigantic creature, which you raise from infancy, you must earn the respect of the natives and decide how to care for your believers, by sheltering them in sprawling cities protected by towering walls or forming them into massive armies to rule the world with war and destruction. Ultimately, it is up to you to be an evil or benevolent deity.

Looney Toons: Back in Action (all) - Long-time rivals Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are united under a common goal: finding the mysterious Blue Monkey Diamond. The lively platform game is based on the upcoming Warner Bros. action movie of the same name and includes six diversely themed environments, all inspired by the film's wild locations. Players can role swap between Bugs and Daffy, using each of the character's special skills to outwit the all-star cast of Looney Tunes favourites as they embark on a global scavenger hunt. The game offers dynamic gameplay and vibrant, rich Looney Tunes visuals that will attract and entertain fans of all ages.

Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty (PS2, Xbox, PC) - In a world where the Soviet Union won the Cold War, a fierce conflict is developing in the streets of America. Taking on the role of an average New Yorker, the player evolves into a fearless patriot who recruits and leads an army of freedom fighters in the streets of New York City. Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty combines the depth of a squad based game with the intensity of an action-packed war game that unfolds in the streets, subways, and buildings of the city. A key component of the game depends on the player's ability to recruit and lead fellow New Yorkers. Using an intuitive recruiting command system, players issue orders by pressing a single button.

BIONICLE (all) - From the island of Mata Nui comes the legend that has enthralled millions of fans. BIONICLE, one of the most successful toy-ranges in LEGO® Company history, comes to life as the six heroes of destiny, known as Toa, have been chosen to challenge evil, rescue the island's villagers (Matorans) and return the island to light. With their awesome elemental powers, the brave Toa must overcome powerful forces and dangerous struggles to save their world and fulfil ancient prophecies. BIONICLE features the opportunity to live out the BIONICLE story in an action adventure epic of good versus evil and heroes versus villains with combat, collection, puzzle solving, and exploration.

SSX 3 - (PS2, Xbox, GCN, GBA) Players will discover the open mountain and immerse themselves in the new open world environment that is SSX 3, the ultimate all-mountain experience. Featuring all-new events and courses, awe-inspiring tricks, and a cast of cool, customisable characters, SSX 3 lets players conquer miles of untamed powder and redefine the boundaries of where they go, what they do, and what they get. The larger-than-life mountain is a player's playground, racetrack, and launch pad. Explore the mountain terrain to discover its secrets and conquer the beast. Take it for granted and it'll swallow you up. SSX 3 go anywhere gravity will take you.

FIFA Football 2004 - (all) For true football fans who demand the finest gameplay and in-depth game modes, FIFA Football 2004 is the most complete and authentic football experience. A new Career mode gives players the chance to take a team from the lower divisions, battle through ranks, sign new players, and turn them into champions. The action is deeper than ever with advanced levels of player detail and responsiveness. With immersive atmospheres, benchmark presentation, total realism with the world's premier clubs, and industry-leading gameplay, FIFA returns as the true authority in football gaming.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004 - (all) Only one game gives players the chance to earn their PGA TOUR card while playing on elite courses-Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004. The latest console and PC versions allow players to create the ultimate golfer and take on the best in the world. Players can take their created golfer through PGA TOUR Season mode and try to rake in more cash than Tiger Woods himself. While providing different gameplay experiences, the console and PC versions will offer five new PGA courses, online gameplay (the PlayStation 2 console and PC), two new fantasy courses, five new PGA TOUR pros, and the commentary dream team of Gary McCord and David Fehrety.

Madden NFL 2004 - (all) In its 14th season, Madden NFL Football remains the undisputed leader in authentic NFL football simulation. Madden NFL 2004 features revolutionary Playmaker ControlTM that allows players to make adjustments after the snap of the ball to create championship calibre plays. No other football video game offers players more in-depth features like online gameplay, the new Quick Match voice chat and tournaments (the PlayStation 2 console only), and a new Owner mode.

NBA LIVE 2004 - Take the game to a whole new level with NBA LIVE 2004. Go deep into a radically enhanced EA SPORTS DynastyTM mode, import top college players, create a Custom Player, and build player attributes over time. Take the court at all 29 NBA arenas, each rendered down to every detail, including championship banners and retired jerseys hanging from the rafters. Players will be able to blow past the defenders with all-new moves, an even better passing game, online competition (the PlayStation console and PC), and silky smooth control. Players can step up their game and hit the court running.

NHL 2004 - (PS2, Xbox, PC) The No. 1 selling NHL interactive video game franchise continues a tradition of excellence in its 11th year with NHL 2004. With a primary focus on in-game graphics and gameplay, NHL 2004 lets players easily take control and perform ingenious moves to create scoring chances. With the new RPG Franchise Mode, players can be the GM of their own team and take them from the bottom of the league all the way to the Stanley Cup®. NHL 2004 also features online gaming capability (the PlayStation 2 console and PC) for the first time and includes new international elite leagues.

Rugby 2004 - (PS2, PC) Rugby 2004 is rugby in its purest form. Players will be able to take their team to victory in the fast paced action of World Cup Rugby or hone their skills in the Super 12 and European Domestic Leagues. With an all new control system that is intuitive and user friendly, players will be rucking, mauling, and kicking like champions in no time. New motion capture, animations, and character models will ensure that Rugby 2004 offers the most "In Your Face" rugby experience ever.

NASCAR Thunder 2004 - (PS1, PS2, Xbox, PC) NASCAR Thunder 2004 puts gamers behind the wheel in a world where grudges and alliances mean the difference between the victory lane and disaster. Players no longer just race on a track, they're racing a pack of 42 real-world stars who think for themselves, remember your every move, and aren't afraid to pay you back. Revenge may be around the corner or at the next race, as players scream through 23 authentic tracks or hone their road racing skills on 11 fantasy tracks. The key to success is building alliances that carry from race to race and season to season in an improved career mode that challenges gamers to manage sponsors, teams, garages, and crews while building a 20-year racing legacy. Online (the PlayStation 2 console and PC) or standalone, racing just became a contact sport.

John Gold