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Content Crash #2: The E3 2017 Recap
Welcome to the second episode of the Content Crash podcast. I am your host, Dan Hartnack, and I am here this time with my friend, Keno Eastmond.
We just had a huge week wrapping up, [Thursday] was the last day of E3 2017 and there was a lot to get to. We had the conferences starting all the way back on Saturday with EA, and then Microsoft Sunday, Bethesda Sunday, and then a whole bunch on Monday including Sony, the PC Gaming Show, Ubisoft, and wrap it all up with Nintendo on Tuesday. And then, you know, little things in-between.
I think it was a pretty packed show for the most part. There was a lot of things I liked. But anyway, we’re just going to get into it, and go down the line to discuss what we saw at each conference. We’ve got a lot of games… it was all about the games this year… as it should be every year…
Quick Rundown
- 2:00 – Electronic Arts
- 8:45 – Microsoft
- 26:38 – Bethesda
- 38:20 – Devolver Digital
- 40:54 – PC Gaming Show
- 51:42 – Ubisoft
- 1:00:55 – Sony
- 1:14:50 – Nintendo
- 1:20:25 – The Rest of E3
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New Retail Releases: Ever Oasis, Runbow Pocket, Dead By Daylight, More
Nintendo is back at the top of the New Retail Release report this week with another new game for their handheld, as well as a handful of new third party titles for their surging pair of systems.
Ever Oasis is a brand new action RPG from Koichi Ishii, the creator of the Mana series. Players will need to venture out into the desert and protect (and rebuild) the last safe oasis in the world. If you own a New 3DS, you’ll also be able to pick up 13AM’s Runbow Pocket: Deluxe Edition this week. The platform racer was originally released for the Wii U in 2015, and this new portable edition includes the base game and all the previously-released downloadable content.
Speaking of platformers, Nicalis will bring Cave Story+ to the Switch with upgraded high definition graphics, seven game modes, and 15 levels to explore.
Elsewhere in your local game store you’ll find Dead By Daylight, an asymmetrical horror simulator for the PS4 and Xbox One. One player will be able to take control of the Killer, while others will fight to live as Survivors. One… two… a copyright-adjacent boogeyman is coming for you…
A faster getaway would probably be available to the drivers in MXGP 3, the latest motorcycle racing game from Square Enix and Milestone. MXGP 3 will be available for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and players will be able to race through the complete 2016 season.
And speaking of Square Enix, the Japanese publisher will expand their MMORPG this week with the launch of Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood for the PC and PS4. The expansion will include a variety of new content including new Raids, new Jobs, and an increased Level Cap.
Another Japanese publisher, NIS America, will also release a new RPG this week. God Wars: Future Past is coming to the PS4 and Vita, and its a tactical RPG that combies traditional Japanese folklore with a unique art style based on watercolor and wood carving art.
Finally this week, a Retail Edition of Cities: Skylines will be available for the Xbox One exclusively through GameStop.
Posted in 3DS, News, PC, PS4, Switch, Vita, Xbox One
Tagged Cities: Skylines, Dead By Daylight, Ever Oasis, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Runbow
So Did Anyone “Win” the 2017 E3 Expo?
E3 2017 proved to be something of a musical affair, with every company trying to out-do the others in audio superiority. Microsoft had a mournful piano solo to accompany the reveal of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Ubisoft had a drumline. EA also had a drumline. Sony kicked their Press Conference off with a bizarre melody of Indian music and light projections on a waterfall. And halfway through its show, an android introduced the trailer for Detroit: Become Human with the voice of an angel.
Usually, you can add the question, “who won E3,” to this aural bombardment. And just as often, it is a question without an answer. But what about this year? Let’s find out. (more…)
Nintendo will bring a remake of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga to the 3DS this Fall
Mario is making the rounds at this year’s E3 Expo. In addition to starring appearances in Super Mario Odyssey and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, the mustachioed plumber will also return to the 3DS in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions. The RPG was originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003, and this remake will include a new Easy Mode, as well as a side story featuring Captain Goomba and his Goomba Squad:
During the show, Nintendo announced that an updated version of the first game in the Mario & Luigi series was in development for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions contains all the fun gameplay and dialogue of the Game Boy Advance original, as well as an optional Easy Mode for younger or more inexperienced players.
The game also includes a side story called Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser, which tells the story of the game from the perspective of Bowser’s minions, led by Captain Goomba.
Nintendo will release Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions for the 3DS on October 6 alongside a pair of new Amiibo figures for Goomba and Koopa Troopa. Both figures, and the existing Boo figure, will be compatible with the remake.
Posted in 3DS, News
Tagged E3 2017, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Metroid II is being remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns
Nintendo’s focus at this year’s E3 Expo is squarely on the Switch, but the 3DS will still receive a handful of new games this Fall. Leading the way is Metroid: Samus Returns, a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus that’s been “rebuilt from the ground up” for Nintendo’s dedicated handheld.
Nintendo considers Metroid: Samus Returns a “modern reimagining” of Metroid II, adding “immersive 3D visuals” and an “atmospheric color palette” to the game. Samus Aran will also be equipped with a new Melee Counter, Free Aim Mode for her Arm Cannon, and “mysterious” Aeion Abilities. Some form of Amiibo support will also be included. But as you can see from the trailer, the side-scrolling platforming of the 1991 original will remain.
Metroid: Samus Returns will be available for the 3DS, alongside two new Amiibo figures, on September 15. You can get a look at the brand new Samus Aran and Metroid figures after the break. (more…)
Posted in 3DS, News
Tagged E3 2017, Metroid II: Return of Samus
Sega and Atlus announced their E3 2017 lineup
Sega originally acquired Atlus in 2013, but the two companies continued to operate separately in the years that followed. But they’ve been growing closer in 2017, and this year’s E3 Expo marks the first time that Sega and Atlus are presenting a joint booth to the industry.
As you might expect, the Sega half of the booth will be anchored by Sonic the Hedgehog… more specifically, this Summer’s Sonic Mania and this Fall’s Sonic Forces. Both games will share space with two upcoming Yakuza games (Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza Kiwami), as well as Total War: Warhammer II and a bevy of Atlus-branded RPGs.
“We’re really pleased to see Yakuza and Sonic back on the biggest stage for video games, and having the first public hands-on for Total War: Warhammer II underlines a really strong showing from Sega and Atlus this year,” said John Clark, the Senior Vice President for Sega Europe. “We look forward to welcoming trade visitors but we’re especially looking forward to having the public come and see our line-up this year, it’s great for E3 and it’s great for publishers. We’re confident there’s something for everyone on the Sega stands this year.”
The 2017 E3 Expo opens its doors this Tuesday, June 13, and you can find Atlus and Sega’s full lineup after the break. (more…)
Nintendo Download: Cars 3 Driven To Win, Shantae Half-Genie Hero, Shock Troopers 2nd Squad, more
Three new additions to the Nintendo eShop will make the Switch an even more family-friendly destination this week…
Beginning this Tuesday, June 13, Switch owners will be able to put the pedal to the medal in Cars 3: Driven To Win. Based on the upcoming Pixar film, Cars 3: Driven To Win is a collaboration between WB Games and Disney, and includes six different driving modes. Cars 3: Driven To Win will also be available for the Wii U.
If you’re looking for something to download today, WayForward has re-released their side-scrolling platformer, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, for the Switch. Players will need to use all their skills to save Sequin Land from the “bodacious buccaneer” Risky Boots… including the ever-popular Belly Dance!
Finally today, Hamster Corporation is back with another NeoGeo re-release on the Switch. This time, the publishing company has made Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad available to download through the Nintendo eShop.
You can learn more about all of these games after the break. (more…)
Atlus will release Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux for 3DS in Early 2018
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey was originally released for the DS in 2010, but Atlus Japan announced during their “Spring Broadcast 2017” that the RPG would also be coming to the 3DS. Today, Atlus USA confirmed the game will make its North American debut in Early 2018 as Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux:
A spatial distortion full of demons appeared in Antarctica, threatening to engulf the Earth in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. The United Nations responded by tasking a team of highly advanced specialists with piercing the anomaly and figuring out how to stop it from the source. Well, get ready to don your Demonica once again in this new expanded port: Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux. Expect new story content, additional endings, a new dungeon to explore, and more in the return of this sci-fi tinged SMT adventure.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux will include the original Japanese voices, as well as brand new illustrations, updated visuals, UI tweaks, extra story content, and more:
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux Features
- A Stranger Journey Back – In Strange Journey Redux, you play as a brave United Nations soldier investigating a spatial anomaly called the Schwarzwelt–a dome of dark energy that threatens to consume the world. Inside, you’ll find it home to a nightmare mirror of our own Earth, populated with demons dying to meet you. The game touts brand new illustrations by Masayuki Doi, updated visuals, UI tweaks, and more to make this journey back into the Schwarzwelt… even stranger.
- Additional Story Content and a Brand New Character – You won’t be retreading the same nightmarish path as before because a brand-new character named Alex will play a major role in how the story unfolds. Much about her is a mystery, but there is one thing you know for sure: she’s got a bone to pick with you. Joining her are new demons you might recognize from other SMT entries, new endings, and a new dungeon to die in–I mean, discover.
- A True Shin Megami Tensei Adventure – With its twisted demonic sci-fi story, addictive demon-collecting fun, and multiple narrative paths to explore, Strange Journey Redux is an essential Atlus JRPG adventure that can’t be missed!
The first trailer for Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux can be found after the break. (more…)
Posted in 3DS, News
Tagged E3 2017, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey