E3 2004: Electronic Arts Line-Up
The world's biggest publisher steps into Los Angeles with a gajillion titles including a wealth of some must-plays.
EA today announced its massive E3 line-up to be shown in Los Angeles next week. In addition to 23 titles on the showfloor, EA will also announce its support for PSP at Sony's Pre-E3 conference on Tuesday next week, with "10-12" additional titles following within the year.
The EA Games line-up is spearheaded by two recently acquired properties - TimeSplitters and Burnout from Eidos and Acclaim respectively - both get their latest outings at EA's stand, while the huge GoldenEye franchise returns to the show in GoldenEye: Rogue Agent. A truckload of promising licensed titles and EA's unrivalled sports line-up will also make EA's booth one of the busiest at the show.
EA's President of Worldwide Studios, Don Mattrick said: "It just keeps getting better - whether you're a hard-core FIFA Football fan or buying your first game, there is going to be a wide spectrum of terrific games for every skill level."
Burnout 3 (PS2, Xbox) - Burnout 3 rewrites the rules of the road with a new mantra: aggressive racing required. Racing gamers and adrenaline junkies are invited to get behind the wheel and experience unprecedented speed and action. Use your car as a weapon and battle your way to the front of the pack by taking down rivals and instigating spectacular crashes. Live dangerously with a Crash mode featuring 45 segments, each of which rewards you for creating the most massive pileups ever seen. Vie for first place with aggressive driving or simply indulge your thirst for twisted metal and breathtaking crashes. With stunning 3D graphics, addictive multiplayer races, and over 70 cars and 40 tracks, Burnout 3 is a breakneck, adrenaline-fuelled, arcade-racing experience.
TimeSplitters Future Perfect (All) - TimeSplitters Future Perfect marks the return of one of the most critically acclaimed console first-person shooters, where victory is in the hands of the player's past, present, and future selves in a battle that stretches throughout time. Humanity is on the brink of destruction from the malevolent TimeSplitters. Cortez - the tough-as-nails hero from previous installments - finds himself in a frantic race against time in a desperate bid to trace the origin of the TimeSplitters. This third installment of the franchise will feature hundreds of hours of gameplay and an improved Story mode that ties all the missions together, immersing gamers in an epic adventure between the years of 1914 and 2401. Innovative "meet yourself" time travel gameplay lets players be their own ally by teaming up with past and future versions of themselves. The game will also feature a single player Co-op mode, an extensive Arcade mode, and a Multiplayer mode that allows gamers to battle in 16-player death match or co-op play online on the PlayStation 2 console, and much more.
Def Jam Fight For New York (All) - The ultimate hip-hop fueled fighting game, Def Jam Fight For NY challenges players to step into the shoes of a ruthless street fighter battling for control of the hip-hop underground. The game features an all-new fighting engine including weapons, interactive environments and five unique fighting styles that can be combined to form dozens of customized hybrid styles for the ultimate edge on the streets. Def Jam Fight For NY features more than 40 of the most well-known artists and personalities in hip-hop today, including Busta Rhymes, Carmen Electra, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Sean Paul, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg, and many more.
The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age (All) - Experience the first console role-playing game set in The Lord of the Rings universe in The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age. Travel in the wake of the Fellowship in a unique structure that allows players to explore their own path while periodically intersecting the major events of New Line Cinema's film trilogy. Traverse through both familiar and seldom-glimpsed locations as you fight to save or destroy Middle-earth in an epic adventure. Encounter the demonic Balrog in the Mines of Moria, defend the fallen city of Osgiliath, or try to win the battle at Helm's Deep. These choices and many more will confront you as you align yourself with the people of Middle-earth or undertake missions on behalf of Sauron.
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent (All) - Why save the world when you can rule it? Going where no previous James Bond game has dared to tread, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent breaks all the rules. Transport to the dark side of the Bond universe to experience life as a high-rolling, cold-hearted villain. As an aspiring 00 agent gone bad, you're recruited by Auric Goldfinger in a ruthless war against Dr. No for control of the Bond underworld. A brutal encounter with Dr. No costs you an eye, but Goldfinger's technicians replace it with a gold-hued, synthetic eye, earning you the name 'GoldenEye'. With the ability to customize and upgrade your villain persona, wreak havoc as you make your unrelenting rise through the ranks. On globe-spanning missions of vengeance and demolition, cross paths with such infamous allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and, of course, Pussy Galore.
Black & White 2 (PC) - Will you be an evil or benevolent deity? From the creative mind of god game developer Peter Molyneux comes Black & White 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed PC hit Black & White. In this strategy game, the delicate balance of power between the five mortal races has collapsed, and the world has been plunged into bloody war. The Aztecs, by the will of their god, have hunted your people close to extinction. As the deity of the last remaining Greek people, will you seek revenge, crushing all who oppose you, or will you unite the world under your benevolent rule? Massive armies, an enormous and intelligent Creature, and Epic Miracles that can rip the land apart are all part of your godly power. Will you use them for good or for evil? It's up to you.
Catwoman (All) - A classic story of betrayal and revenge unravels in Catwoman, based on the Warner Bros. Pictures feature film of the same name. Gamers will control Halle Berry as Catwoman as they play the movie, utilizing her unique cat-like skills, senses, and cunning to defeat her enemies. The film and game are based upon the DC Comics character and follow the story of Patience Phillips, who is killed after she uncovers a dark secret held by her employers. Brought back to life by a rare Egyptian cat, she becomes Catwoman and sets out to discover the truth about herself and her murderer. Boasting incredible acrobatic skills, Catwoman can leap across roofs, run up walls, pounce on prey, utilize unique "cat senses," and avoid enemy bullets with feline grace. In addition, she can use her whip to swing through the air and utilize the fully interactive environments to trap or knock her foes unconscious. The game will take players through more than multiple levels set in seven different locations from the movie.
Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (All) - Harry Potter fans will experience the magic and peril of Harry's third year at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. For the first time gamers will play as friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as well as Harry Potter, switching between characters and utilizing their key attributes and skills to resolve challenges and overcome enemies. The three friends will need to combine their strengths and master a variety of new spells as they face Harry's most terrifying opponents yet: the escaped convict Sirius Black and the Dementors, the sinister guards of Azkaban prison. Players will unravel the mystery surrounding Sirius Black and his escape from the infamous wizard prison Azkaban, as they take part in the most exciting and challenging Harry Potter videogame adventure yet. Gamers will encounter a host of new characters and creatures, engage in a variety of sub-quests, fly on a Hippogriff, and reveal the secrets of the Marauder's Map, and can check out six special games playable with EyeToy USB Camera.
The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle Earth (PC) - Experience Middle-earth like never before in The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth, the first The Lord of the Rings game that puts you in command of a real-time, open world. Whether fighting alongside the heroes of good or the forces of evil, you are in complete control of the massive armies and epic campaigns depicted in the movie trilogy. From waging all-out combat among Middle-earth's vast armies to controlling your favourite heroes and characters to managing the forces and resources of your side, the fate of a living, breathing Middle-earth is in your hands.
Medal of Honor Pacific Assault (PC) - Fight for victory in the Pacific. Medal of Honor Pacific Assault puts you in the boots of a WWII soldier and challenges you to survive the epic war in the Pacific. As Marine Private Tommy Conlin, you must live through the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor and then join your squad in a bloody struggle with the Imperial Japanese army raging across the Pacific Theater of Operations. From the first combat missions after Pearl Harbor to the pivotal battle at Tarawa Island, you'll relive the courage and sacrifice it required to overcome the Japanese threat in WWII.
The Sims 2 (PC) - The Sims changed the face of gaming in the new millennium and quickly became the #1 PC game of all time. In the next generation sequel of The Sims, The Sims 2, you control your Sims over an entire lifetime for the first time. With the ground-breaking addition of genetics, your Sims now pass down their DNA through an infinite number of generations. Every choice you make has a relevant and dramatic effect on your Sims' lives. It's up to you to take your Sims from the cradle to the grave, fulfill their life dreams, and push them to extremes in The Sims 2.
The URBZ: Sims in the City (All) - The Sims have moved to the city where action is 24/7 and reputation means everything. Sims who live in the City are known as Urbz, and they have a bold new look and attitude. Go to work and be challenged by bosses at locations like the Sushi Bar, Chop Shop, or Bootleg Fireworks, Inc. Success at work brings promotions, access to new power socials, and gear to influence your new lifestyle. Flaunt your attitude by styling your Urbz using the detailed new character engine; then cross the velvet ropes of an uptown night club or explore the subway to earn new skills and items for your high-rise crib. It's up to you whether your Urbz become big-time players or get lost in the crowd. It's all about reputation as the Urbz are living the dream in a City that never sleeps. The Game Boy Advance version of The URBZ: Sims in the City also has a brand new city adventure set in Miniopolis, a bustling city poised on the brink of ruin. To thwart Daddy BigBuck's evil schemes you have to get access throughout the city by building up your reputation to become the biggest "player" in the city.
Madden NFL 2005 (All) - Madden NFL 2005 introduces the Hit Stick, which gives players the ability to turn a game around with a crucial tackle and delivers the power to take control of the game from the defensive side of the ball like never before. Along with all-new defensive pre-play controls and defensive AI enhancements, the defence now has a diverse arsenal of weapons available, making defence as fun to play as offence. The incredible depth of Franchise Mode grows with the new Storyline Central, where you manage the players and stories of the week. You can get the latest scoop on your team by listening to Tony Bruno's weekly sports radio talk show and scanning stories in both local and national newspapers, while getting the inside word from your coaches, trainers and front office staff.
FIFA Football 2005 (All) - Great football players need a great first touch - and the same is now true for gamers with FIFA Football 2005. Using an all-new fluid player kinetic system, a player's first touch becomes a key advantage for players who can think quickly and act fast to outsmart the competition. An all-new animation system reacts to every button press with authentic responsiveness, directly translating to the speed and vision of the world's greatest players. With more than 350 official team and league licenses from around the world, more than 12,000 officially licensed players, and an enhanced Career Mode, FIFA Football 2005 is the only complete, authentic, and intelligent football experience.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 (All) - Challenge the Man Who Changed Golf Forever - Tiger Woods. Tiger-Proof your favourite course and change the way the game is played in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005. Using the revolutionary course-altering system, create that intensely challenging course you've always dreamed about. Modify course dynamics and call out your PGA TOUR rivals by adding lengthier Tiger Tees, tighter fairways, dramatic undulation to greens, deeper bunkers, higher rough, and more. The power to create golf's biggest challenge is in your hands. With an enhanced EA SPORTS Game Face featuring non-proportional bone scaling and texture blending for realistic looks, plus new clothes, more manufacturers, and more variety, the time to become the greatest golfer on the PGA TOUR is now.
NBA LIVE 2005 (All) - Elevate your game on both ends of the court with NBA LIVE 2005. With EA SPORTS Freestyle Control, create awe-inspiring dribble moves, highlight-reel dunks, and tenacious defensive plays that express your individual playing style. All new 10-man Freestyle adds individual player movements and spacing, creating a realistic feel like never before. Enhanced player graphics that vividly reproduce each NBA player reach new heights, while multiple game modes including EA SPORTS Dynasty Mode put you in the middle of the action. Levitate and create with NBA LIVE 2005.
NHL 2005 (All) - Delivering top shelf gameplay that captures the speed, finesse, and hard-hitting action of pro hockey, EA SPORTS lights it up in its 13th season of NHL action with NHL 2005. New EA SPORTS Open Ice Control allows players to execute complex offensive plays such as give-and-goes and breakaway passes or call for a defensive double team with the touch of a button. EA SPORTS Dynasty Mode goes even deeper with a new, easier to navigate interface, and more interactive GM/owner relationships, including a new email system. NHL 2005 also delivers all the action of the hotly-anticipated World Cup of Hockey, with the top eight International Teams and venues from North America and Europe.
Battlefield 2 (All) - The award-winning Battlefield franchise invades the high tech frontlines of modern warfare in the new sequel, Battlefield 2. The game brings the intensity and excitement of Battlefield 1942 into the modern era with enhanced team play and the latest, most technologically advanced vehicles and weapons systems available to man. An all-new game engine and physics system brings the modern battlefield to life like never before. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game's 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with over 100 players in some of the largest online battles on the PC. Battlefield 2 is scheduled to ship in early 2005 for the PC.
Battlefield: Modern Combat (All) - The award-winning Battlefield franchise comes to the PlayStation 2 console and drops owners into the heat of battle in the high-tech frontlines of Battlefield: Modern Combat. The game brings the intensity and excitement of Battlefield 1942 PC into the modern era with the latest, most technologically advanced vehicles and weapons systems. Focusing on the action-packed, multiplayer style that has earned the franchise critical acclaim, gamers will prepare for all-out war on the modern battlefields of the world. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, they can then take control of any of the 30+ vehicles in game to engage in major conflicts with up to 24 players in some of the largest online battles on console. Battlefield: Modern Combat is scheduled to ship this autumn on the PlayStation 2 console.
Armies of Exigo (All) - Worlds collide in Armies of Exigo, a fantasy real-time strategy game where the boundaries of the battlefield are broken and war is waged both above and below the ground. This game takes strategy to new depths as elves, beasts, knights, and creatures of the darkness are locked in an epic battle for survival. Users will take control of massive armies, wage wars in the forests and river valleys of the surface, then descend into the caverns and catacombs of the underworld to face off against the dark evil. Engage in an epic three-part single player campaign and save the world of Exigo from the evil that threatens to plunge the world into darkness. Or go online for massive multiplayer skirmishes with up to eight players striving to conquer the surface and underworld. Armies of Exigo is scheduled to be released autumn 2004 for the PC.
We'll have more on EA's best titles direct from the showfloor next week.
Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com
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