Ubisoft Preps Ghost Recon 3, PoP3 for E3

Company plays it safe with sequels - some on next-gen - to most of its popular franchises confirmed for E3.

With only a month to go until E3 show kicks off in Los Angles, publishers are readying their line-ups to dazzle the assembled press and industry people and the teenagers that scam their way into the event each year. Ubisoft has announced its E3 offerings, and a quick scan through the ranks reveals that the company is taking few chances.

A Brothers in Arms sequel will be shown off
behind closed doors

Most of the 12 games Ubisoft has confirmed to appear at E3 are sequels to current favourites, while two games in the roster are set for an unspecified next-generation console - presumably Xbox 360, as the console is set to launch at the end of the year. Ubisoft will also show off three original games, one of which is part of the company's expansion in the sports genre.

Below is a rundown of the games Ubisoft is bringing to E3:

• AND 1 Streetball (PlayStation 2): black-top basketball, street-style
• Far Cry Instincts (Xbox): island-borne "survival" shooter starring a man in a loud shirt
• Heroes of Might & Magic V (PC): fantasy-themed adventure in long-awaited sequel
• 187 Ride or Die (PS2, Xbox): racing gangsters with hip-hop attitude present throughout
• Peter Jackson's King Kong (PS2, Xbox, next-gen): over-sized simian movie tie-in
• Prince of Persia 3 (PS2, Xbox): more acrobatic fun with the Prince
• Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII (Xbox): realistic airborne warfare from WWII
• Ghost Recon 3 (next-gen): team-based military shooter
• Rainbow Six Lockdown (PS2, Xbox): anti-terror squad shooter
• America's Army: Rise of a Soldier (PS2, Xbox): console conversion of US Army PC 'propaganda' tool
• Myst V: End of Ages (PC): conclusion to the puzzling saga that enthralled and confused millions
• Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30: New Chapter (PC, Xbox): follow-up to just-released WWII shooter

E3 runs during the week of 16-20 May, and Kikizo will be on the floor with all the latest news and announcements.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games