Posted in: Games, Movies, Video Games | Tagged: e3, EA, entertainment, Star Wars: Battlefront, Unravel, video games

We Own The Rights – EA At E3

By Phil Harris

The EA press conference is always a tough one to cover because many of their products are sport related and it's hard to really dig down into the nitty-gritty about why one sports franchise game improves on the previous versions. The fact is they sell well, as sports fans really want their teams with the latest line-ups so, if you'll forgive me I'll avoid talking directly about them here. Still EA know what the audience wants and kicking straight off with some footage of Mass Effect: Andromeda.

Following a small introduction we got straight into the latest version of the Need for Speed series, introduced with the CGI trailer and then drilling down into how the experience was different from the last and explaining that they had combined the best elements from the previous games in the series – what a surprise. As we moved into the game play video we saw some seamless and impressive merging of live action with car selection choices and then dropping straight into the game; the night environment adding to the atmosphere and the game looking very sweet.

Physics-based game Unravel is inspired by the fact that out lives are tied to those of people we love and as we are separated from them we unravel. Based about a character made of red wool, who uses the twine of his own body to solve the problems he is faced with in the world, the game looked both stunning, moving and quite gorgeous in the footage seen and, much like when Little Big Planet first graced our screens Unravel looks like it could be something very special.

EA are also quite happy to use such a massive platform as E3 to both understand and admit how huge mobile gaming has become. Mentioning how many products they have available on mobile, including the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes and Minions Paradise – a cute game based around the ubiquitous Minions from the films.

Following the surprise of Pele appearing on stage to support the next game in the FIFA franchise, Sepp Blatter must have been unavailable for some reason, we moved on to Mirrors Edge: Catalyst. A prequel to the original game, addressing how Faith became the renegade free runner. What we were promised was a city which was free to explore, no loading screens and the chance to make your own decisions on how you get from A to B, which activity you undertake and how you decide to play.

Not to ignore the gameplay footage of Plants Versus Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 or the brief trailer of Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire we simply couldn't wait to see Star Wars: Battlefront and the possibilities that it offered from vast forty player gameplay to the more intimate eight player experiences and even single player stories.

What we saw was footage of a battle on Hoth and the video very quickly gave you an idea of the massive scale that the new Battlefront is played on, as an insane variety of weapons, game play activities and iconic vehicles to drive. The game transposing easily from first to third person action and including some rather famous characters from the films. The childlike excitement that the originals still stimulates was definitely engaged and Star Wars: Battlefront debuts in November.

EA yet again show why they are a leader in the field, as well as happily showing off some of the major franchises they own which will keep them there. Still whilst they can sometimes handle them like a surgeon with a blunt scalpel you do feel that they finally do listen to their public and make the necessary changes and their product for the coming year looked solid.

Phil Harris (@PhilipGHarris) is a games developer and writer currently working with One Thumb Mobile on their MMORPG Celtic Heroes. He also created Zentorii, helped design Nevistech's Pet Roulette for Android devices and is the story writer for Blazing Griffin's new space strategy game Distant Star: Revenant Fleet. To read more about Phil check out his profile on Indie Teamup.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!