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The A-Z of E3 2011

This year’s E3 Expo was probably best characterized by the nearly complete lack of surprises that emerged from the show floor. Nearly every game on display had been announced ahead of time and the ones that weren’t (like Super Smash Bros. 4 for the Wii U) are just words in a press release. And speaking of the Wii U, Nintendo’s next system lost some of its luster after the console’s entire feature set leaked online before E3… but the tablet controller certainly has potential.

And here’s a bunch of other games that have potential too. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, Features, PC, PS3, Top Story, Vita, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Michael Jackson moonwalks onto 3DS, Vita

Not the most original of headlines, but what are you going to do? It explains very succinctly that Ubisoft’s Michael Jackson: The Experience will be available for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita this Fall. As does the game’s debut trailer, which you can view above.

Both versions make use of each handheld’s touch screen to match Michael’s choreography with stylus motions on the screen. Actually, I’ll let Ubisoft tell it:

Players will be invited on an interactive journey into Michael Jackson’s artistry, which will set a new benchmark for handheld rhythm games. Using the tactile screens of both consoles, the players move in line with the choreographies on screen to increase their score and bring to life the environments of 15 of Michael Jackson’s hit songs that span his solo career. As players continue to improve and have fun, aiming to become the ultimate performer, they unlock bonus content along the way such as Michael’s special outfits or “power-up” gloves.

The gameplay will be an all-new experience on both platforms. Using the tactile screen, players will draw a series of shapes according to the beat and the choreographies of the Michael Jackson avatar on the screen. By chaining together moves, they will progressively unlock spectacular special effects and other animated background elements, all while being able to watch the avatar perform. During timed freestyle moments, players can even create their own choreographies from a set of classic Michael Jackson moves.

Players will rediscover 15 settings inspired by Michael Jackson’s music videos and stage performances, such as the ghoul-infested graveyard dance from Thriller, the luxurious Palace of the Pharaoh from Remember the Time, the seedy underworld nightclub from Smooth Criminal, and many more. And in addition to the exciting gameplay, gorgeous cinematic cut-scenes will retell these fantastic stories in eye-popping detail.

Posted in 3DS, News, Vita | Tagged ,

Hideo Kojima answers E3-related questions

The man with the master plan, Hideo Kojima, has answered some very important E3 related questions in the latest Kojima Productions podcast. For all of us who don’t understand Japanese, here’s a translation of the important part of the podcast:

Question: “Will you appear at the Microsoft E3 press conference?”
Answer: No

Question: “Will you announce Metal Gear Solid 5?”
Answer: No

Question: “Will Metal Gear Solid 3D be released at the end of 2011?”
Answer: Yes

Question: “Is Doctor Lautrec the new title from the Metal Gear staff?”
Answer: No (with a laugh)

Question: “Did Kojima Productions not work on Metal Gear Arcade?”
Answer: Yes

Question: “Is Gray Fox the main character in Metal Gear Solid: Rising?”
Answer: No

Question: “Will Metal Gear Solid: Rising’s multiplayer be shown?”
Answer: No

Question: “Is Metal Gear Solid: Rising’s release date November 1, 2011?”
Answer: No

Question: “Will Metal Gear Solid 4 be ported to NGP?”
Answer: No

Question: “Are you planning something big for Metal Gear’s 25th anniversary next year?” Answer: Yes

Also note that Hideo Kojima has confirmed he will not appear at E3 this year, so don’t expect any Metal Gear news at the big show.

Posted in 3DS, News, PS3, Vita, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Sony’s E3 2011 showcase to include at least four surprises

Sony has launched their official E3 2011 website with the tagline “It Just Keeps Getting Better.” While most people expect Sony to be in damage control mode at this year’s expo, the console-maker does have a pretty stellar lineup of stuff planned for the big show:

  • The Next Generation Portable (NGP)
  • Infamous 2 (PS3)
  • Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (PS3)
  • Resistance 3
  • Twisted Metal (PS3)
  • Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (PS3)

Sony also plans to surprise gamers with at least four additional announcements. We can only speculate what they might be but the publisher has plenty of other games in the pipeline including the recently announced Starhawk, The Last Guardian, the Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection and Sly 4.

It could be all of them. It could be none of them. We’ll find out for sure on Monday, June 6.

Posted in News, PS3, Vita | Tagged , , , , ,

Warp Zoned Wish List: 11 Predictions For E3 11

The industry’s biggest showcase, the E3 Expo, is just around the corner, and gamers are already buzzing about what they’ll see. With the Wii 2 and Sony’s Next Generation Portable making their debuts this year, there’ll be no shortage of jaw-dropping reveals. But what else might happen at this year’s big show? The Warp Zoned editors have compiled 11 predictions of what we expect to happen at E3 2011. They may not all come true, but we would bet good money on most of them… (more…)

Posted in 3DS, DS, Opinions, PC, PS3, PSP, Top Story, Vita, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 comes to every console this holiday

When WB Games announced the title of the first Lego Harry Potter as Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, you know that a followup was inevitable. And now, on the cusp of the final movie, the publisher has officially announced Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7.

The game has been scheduled for release this holiday season, presumably alongside the Blu-ray/DVD release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. As you might expect from a Harry Potter game, it’s in development for every platform imaginable: 3DS, DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 and Sony’s Next Generation Portable (NGP).

Once again developed by TT Games, Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 will feature all the magic found in The Boy Who Lived’s last years at Hogwarts:

Based on the last three Harry Potter books and final four films, Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 takes players through Harry Potter’s heroic adventures in the Muggle and wizarding worlds. From Privet Drive in Little Whinging to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts – plus new locations including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric’s Hollow – players will encounter new faces, new challenges and new magic, preparing them for the ultimate face-off against Lord Voldemort.

Posted in 3DS, DS, News, PC, PS3, PSP, Vita, Wii, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Netflix on video game consoles is the leading bandwidth usage in America

Independent researcher Sandvine has concluded that Netflix accounts for more downstream and overall bandwidth usage than all other sources, at 29.7 and 24.71 percent, respectively. Of all devices, video game consoles account for nearly two thirds of that figure, making Netflix usage on consoles alone accounting for 19.7% of all downstream usage. That’s bigger than the next highest usage – web pages.

The PlayStation 3 leads the pack in that figure, responsible for 30.57%. The Xbox 360 comes next, representing 24.94%, followed by PCs at 19.55%, while the Wii, with the highest install base of current gen consoles, comes in last with only 10.75%. Looks like someone may have been right about that whole closet/living room dichotomy.

One thing is for certain: game consoles are usurping cable providers. With the 3DS getting Netflix a later date and Sony’s NGP probably to do the same, expect this trend to continue in the future.

Posted in 3DS, Etcetera, News, PC, PS3, Vita, Wii, Xbox 360 |

What To Expect From E3 2011

E3 is just three weeks away E3 begins tomorrow! As we gear up for the biggest event on the gaming calendar, it’s easy to forget what exactly it is we’re gearing up to see. So that’s where Warp Zoned’s handy guide of “What To Expect From E3 2011” comes into play. We’ve gathered together a list of every game that’s been confirmed for E3 2011 as well as every game that’s expected to be at E3 2011 along with a few rumored titles that just might make an appearance at the big show.

We’ll update this article regularly as the opening of the E3 Expo grows nearer. Be sure to check back often! (more…)

Posted in 3DS, Features, PC, PS2, PS3, Top Story, Vita, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 | Tagged