EA Summer Showcase '06: Report & Media

We report from EA's Redwood City event as the company announces new titles and discusses upcoming projects. Detailed coverage including lots of new gameplay videos.

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An early build of the PS3 version was also shown which did indeed look early. Control features weren't shared, though we'd be daft to dismiss the possibility of using the gyro controls to substitute turning the car wheel.

During the PS3 build demo, we were also told of a 'crew member' feature where you can command your crew members to block your opponents, with parallels drawn by attendees to controlling your crew in Rogue Squadron. It would also be right to mention that the music was possibly the best we'd heard for the series, with a bespoke electronica soundtrack, pumping during the playthrough. Notably, the PSP version allows you to load your MP3s to make up your own street racing soundtrack.

Additionally, we got to see EA's soon-to-be-released line-up, which included Superman Returns on 360 and The Godfather on 360. The common opinion was that Superman 360 was okay at best, and The Godfather's improvements weren't enough to save previous problems the game suffered from.

For those who did enjoy The Godfather, you'll be pleased to know that 30% more gameplay content has been added. You now have 4 more missions, you can bribe cops to fight alongside you and intimidation has also evolved by way of having more stuff available to throw at people in their shops. Visually, the game wasn't great looking, but fans of the current Godfather game realization will likely be satisfied.

Superman Returns, the game, will arrive later this year

Superman was lazily described by players as 'GTA Superman'. Metropolis was massive, but clinical, with the scenery generally being repetitive and lifeless. The sense of controlling Supes' power was lacking, as he would simply come to a halt if he flew into a building and not make a dent in anything unless he could attack it or throw it.

Aside from cumbersome controls and unappealing enemies and visuals, the game seemed a little lost in almost being Hulk: Ultimate Destruction mixed with the battles from Zone of The Enders, but considerably lacking the former's polish. The game comes out this fall, so things could change between now (and in fairness, Kikizo's Carl Johnson offered a more positive view based on his time with the game back at E3). Regardless, it's a good first effort for a company that has hitherto only turned out Madden titles.

The heavily rumoured System Shock franchise sequel Deep Space was also hinted at and is said to be in development at the studio responsible for The Godfather, with the event's host describing it as "Very scary indeed" and "set for announcement in six months time".

Overall, our impressions of EA's 2007 and onward line-up were beyond positive and it seems that the company's recent assertions of focusing on creativity were not shareholder-courting drivel. Portal was arguably the darling of the show, with credit to its excellent concept due to the team behind Narbacular Drop - a game that was present in the Independent Games Festival at this year's GDC.

Tiger Woods 07, and hey, why not?

In short, you have a portal gun. It can shoot two portals only and creating a new portal eliminates the least recent one you made. You walk in one portal and come out of the other one. It's part puzzle, part action and dead simple fun. The team behind Narbacular Drop now work at Valve in-house, with the game's concept now clothed with Valve's high production values and unique sci-fi style. Seek the game out here.

The event confidently asserted that EA has its next-gen act together more than many other publishers. The way it is extending the LOTR license is exactly the kind of creative respect fans have been crying out for from EA and we expect to see more such work with all other licenses EA has in its stable. Until then, we'll be preparing for Leipzig Games Convention, where Army of Two, Spore and the phenomenal-looking Crysis will sport new builds for us to play through and tell you about. Stay tuned for fresh previews for both Will Wright's Spore and Command & Conquer 3 imminently.

Daniel Boutros
Contributor, Kikizo Games

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