By Anonymous on Jun 19, 2015 07:56 am
It Takes Place in Snowy Siberia
The sequel to Tomb Raider will mainly be set in Eastern Europe, after the search for the mythical city Kitezh leads Lara Croft to Siberia. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
It's Not a Prequel
Rise of the Tomb Raider is set to take place one year after the dangerous events of Yumatai. Lara Croft will further her journey to becoming the Tomb Raider. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Lara Croft Will Be More Mobile
Lara Croft will kick even more butt in Rise of the Tomb Raider. She'll be able to take underwater swimming sessions, and her combat skills are much improved. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
There's a New Day-Night Cycle
Depending on the time of day, Lara Croft may encounter certain wildlife that could help her upgrade her inventory. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
The Previous Game Still Affects Lara Croft
After the events from the prior Tomb Raider game are covered up, Lara Croft is out to prove her sanity. With so much doubt swirling around her, Croft will demonstrate how she is "uncertain about her identity, her direction, or her ability to come out alive," says the game's director. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
There Are Enhanced Options for Building Gear
The Rise of the Tomb Raider will feature an upgraded crafting system. Lara will use plants, minerals, metals, clothes and other mementos to create goods. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Tombs and Puzzles Will Have a Bigger Impact
With Lara evolving into the iconic character of the Tomb Raider, there will, of course, be more tombs and puzzles to explore in the sequel. The game's developer confirmed that Rise of the Tomb Raider will rely heavily on interactive puzzles and tombs to further the plot. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Lara Croft's Partner Returns
A familiar face will join Lara Croft's adventures to Siberia. The only other survivor from Yumatai, Jonah Maiava, will return to help Croft raid some tombs. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
It'll Be Released Before Thanksgiving
The highly anticipated sequel Rise of the Tomb Raider will be released on Nov. 10, 2015, exclusively for the Xbox One. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
It's Exclusive
Fear not, non-Xbox One fans. You'll also have your chance to play. Rise of the Tomb Raider is being described as a timed exclusive, meaning it will eventually be released on other consoles. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
By Peter Brown on Jun 19, 2015 07:20 am
E3 is over; how did Nintendo do?
Click through the images here for all the highlights, biggest games, and areas of improvement for Nintendo.
Highlights: Star Fox Zero is being Co-developed with Platinum Games
Nintendo and Platinum Games are some of the best Japanese developers around, so it's very exciting to hear that the two teams are collaborating on Star Fox Zero. Fans of Nintendo have been waiting for a new Star Fox game for years, and with Platinum Games onboard, there's a great chance Star Fox Zero will be the most action-packed game in the series to date.
Highlights: Nintendo Crosses Streams, Creates Hybrid Amiibo/Skylander Toys
Nintendo surprised everybody last year when it announced it was entering the "toys to life" market with amiibos, but what's even more surprising now is that it's partnering with Activision to bring hybrid amiibo/Skylander toys to market. By simply twisting the base of the figures, players can activate either amiibo or Skylander mode, allowing one toy to work for both company's games. The first game to support this feature is Skylanders Superchargers, which will feature supercharged versions of Bowser and Donkey Kong. "Transformation" was the theme for Nintendo's E3 Digital Event, and in many ways, this is the best evidence of its commitment to change.
Highlights: The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes Supports Online Multiplayer
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures are great multiplayer experiences, but they were released at a time when online multiplayer was traditionally reserved for PC games, rather than for handhelds or consoles. With the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes, Nintendo's revisiting the Four Swords formula, but players will be able to team up remotely, playing together to solve puzzles and scavenge dungeons. This is a first for the Zelda series, and with the costume system, where clothing gives players unique abilities, cooperative Zelda has never looked this promising.
Highlights: Great 3DS Support
Nintendo continues to push more games to 3DS, and the platform dominated this year's Digital Event. Nearly every major Nintendo franchise got some love, including Metroid, Mario and Luigi/Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. If you're a Nintendo fan with a 3DS, there's a good chance you'll get a new game from your favorite series sometime in the next year.
Needs Improvement: The GamePad
Star Fox Zero is absolutely exciting, but it's disappointing to see that Nintendo and Platinum Games are forcing players to use the GamePad to control the game. It would mean a lot to have options for the Pro Controller or a Wiimote. It seems like Nintendo is determined to shoehorn the GamePad into as many games as possible, but it's not everyone's favorite controller, nor an essential piece of hardware. It can add to the experience, but not everyone wants minor feature additions at the cost of comfort.
Needs Improvement: Talking about NX
Nintendo could do well to embrace the future by talking about the NX, its future gaming platform. People are ready to know more about it, and discussing the NX doesn't mean that Nintendo has to avoid talking about Wii U. In fact, highlighting the great games that are still to come will come across as respectful to their audience, because in everyone's eyes, the Wii U is on its way out, and everyone but Nintendo is talking about it.
Biggest Games: Star Fox Zero
Regardless of where you stand on Star Fox Zero's controls, it's a big game for Nintendo and Wii U owners. It's the sort of franchise that hardcore Nintendo fans love, because it's not given the same attention as Zelda or Mario, two series which seem to get a new game, or more, every year. With Platinum Games on board, you know there are going to be some unexpected surprises in store for prospective Team Star Fox recruits when the game ships later this year.
Biggest Games: Super Mario Maker
If you've ever wanted to make your own Mario Bros. game, Super Mario Maker allows you to do just that, with simple drag-and-drop controls and a huge selection of objects from past Mario Bros. games to play around with. There's bound to be a massive community of creators putting their all into making unusual and complex levels, and now that we know for certain you can share your creations with players around the world, Super Mario Maker may end up being the Wii U's killer app.
Biggest Games: Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive RPG, one which its creators claim might take completionists 300 hours to conquer. More importantly, it's a spiritual follow-up to Xenoblade Chronicles, which was one of the best Japanese-made RPGs in years. Nintendo was smart to partner with developer Monolith Soft, because without them, there would hardly be a traditional RPG on the Wii U worth caring about. For fans of the genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X could be a system seller.
By Tamoor Hussain on Jun 19, 2015 07:18 am
E3 is over; let's review Sony's showing.
With E3 coming to a close it's time to sit back and cast judgement on the big three. Overall, Sony had a great show. Despite the fact that it had very little to get excited about in 2015, the company dropped some serious megatons. Our assessment of its press conference is split up into three sections. The first highlights the most important and exciting moments. For Sony, these happen to be the announcements of a highly-sought after remake, a sequel for one of the most beloved series of all time, and the return of a project thought abandoned. This is followed by some areas we would have liked to see improved which, surprisingly, includes more time on the PlayStation Vita. Finally, we end with games they actually showed.
Highlights: Final Fantasy 7 Remake
It finally happened! At Sony's press conference, Square Enix announced it is remaking one of the most beloved Japanese role-playing games of all time. This is exciting for multiple reasons. Firstly, because everyone can now get on with their lives and stop constantly bringing this up. Secondly, because it seems this is more of a reimagining than a remake. Project director Tetsuya Nomura has indicated that the story is likely to deviate from the original's. Of course, there is one downside to all this: That Aerith scene is back in valid spoiler territory again.
Highlights: The Last Guardian
Good news! That adorable bird, chicken, dog thing from The Last Guardian is alive and well. As is the game, for that matter. After years of no-shows, Team ICO's latest has finally resurfaced, and boy did it win us over. Just one look at the main character skipping down the stone stairs, raising his knees to his chest, and doing his best not to take a tumble, erased all the frustration created by the ambiguity of its release. Better yet, Fumito Ueda, the mastermind behind ICO and Shadow of the Colossus also showed up to give the game his approval. It looks like The Last Guardian will be as magical as the studio's previous games.
Highlights: Shenmue 3
Sony's third and final meltdown inducing announcement was the reveal of Shenmue 3. Like Final Fantasy 7, this is one of those projects that fanboys lose sleep over. Well, it's time to rest easy, it's happening. The project is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter and shot past its goal in a matter of hours. Although initially cagey on the business side of it, Sony has confirmed it will be forking up some cash for the project too. Forklifts will return, and look better than ever.
Highlights: Horizon Zero Dawn
After years of creating nothing but Killzone, Guerrilla Games is finally developing something new, and it. Looks. Awesome. Horizon: Zero dawn is a third-person action game in which a lone hunter battles against giant robot dinosaurs. As dude-bro as that sounds, it feels like there's also a lot of heart to it too. We're not quite sure what's happening in terms narrative; we have a lot of questions, and that's definitely a good thing.
Needs Improvement: PlayStation Vita
Hey Sony, not sure if you noticed but people did actually buy the PlayStation Vita. Sure, it's not as many people as you'd like, but we're still out here, and we'd really like it if you show us some cool, unique games you're making for the portable gaming device we spent our hard-earned cash on. Sure hope you have some at GamesCom.
Needs Improvement: Games We Can Play Soon
Sure, Sony basically made dreams come true this year, but we're not so easily fooled. Behind all the grand announcements was a severe lack of games being released in 2015. Sure, there was Call of Duty and Batman, but those are third-party games. Where's the big new 2015 titles from Sony? Oh, there are none. No, HD re-releases don't count. Sorry Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
Biggest Games: Uncharted 4
Holy moly! Did you see Uncharted 4? It looks fantastic. Along with the obvious visual improvements (that market got torn to shreds), it looks like Naughty Dog is making big changes to gameplay. At various points it almost looked like areas were going a bit open-world, instead of the usual guided down a set path series fans are used to. Of course, there was also plenty of the crazy over-the-top set pieces we all know and love.
Biggest Games: No Man's Sky
Yes, we're right there with you, we still don't completely understand what No Man's Sky even is. However, Hello Games has got demoing that game down to an art. Every time nervous Sean Murray shows up on stage and shows us just how insanely large the galaxy of No Man's Sky is, our minds begin to run wild with possibilities. More than anything, the idea of finding something cool that no one else is likely to ever see keeps us hanging on to the hype. We still can't wait to get our hands on it.
Biggest Games: Dreams
In typical Media Molecule fashion, the studio's latest game, Dreams, was really weird and also really charming. We're not completely sold on the whole creation element, especially since it relies on the DualShock 4's motion capabilities. Also, were not exactly confident that we'll be able to create anything that won't induce horrible nightmares. However, the idea of exploring a web of interconnected worlds created by other players definitely interests.
Biggest Games: Destiny: The Taken King
Destiny. Yes, Destiny. We will not be ashamed of how much some of us here at GameSpot enjoy Bungie's Destiny. And the upcoming expansion, The Taken King, looks like it will introduce interesting new content. Destiny is finally starting to realise the vision Bungie originally set out with, and The Taken King is a big step towards doing that. We are excited and there's nothing you can do about it.
By Eddie Makuch on Jun 19, 2015 07:15 am
E3 is over; let's review Microsoft's showing.
Click through the images here for all the highlights, biggest games, and areas of improvement for Microsoft.
Highlights: Xbox One Backward Compatibility
Microsoft may have had the biggest news--across all companies--this week with its announcement of backwards compatibility for the Xbox One. Yes, the initial lineup of supported Xbox 360 games is somewhat limited, and the feature won't roll out publicly until this fall, but it's an exciting first step.
Highlights: Fallout 4 PC Mods on Xbox One
Through a partnership with Microsoft, Bethesda announced plans to bring Fallout 4's PC mods to Xbox One sometime in 2016. This is a big deal, since this has never happened before on console, and it could be a way for Fallout fans to find new fun long after release. Of course, there will be some limitations on what mods make it to console, but it's an exciting feature all the same.
Highlights: Early Access Comes to Xbox One
The Xbox Game Preview will allow developers to release in-development versions of their upcoming games on Xbox One. This has been available on PC for some time through Steam Early Access (with a fair amount of controversy), and the Xbox One becomes the first console with such a program. Your move, Sony.
Highlights: Xbox One Elite Controller
Microsoft announced a new Xbox One controller during its E3 briefing. It was a total surprise, and particularly noteworthy, too. We haven't seen dramatic controller revisions from Microsoft before, especially not so soon after launch. The controller cost $150 and launches in October. Visit our E3 hub for more about the controller.
Needs Improvement: What's Up With Kinect?
Microsoft had a strong E3 showing, but there is always room for improvement. Microsoft didn't talk about Kinect whatsoever at the briefing or during E3 itself all week long. The company tells us there are still some more Kinect games in development. But people who bought an Xbox One with Kinect or purchased the camera separately probably want to know more.
Needs Improvement: Missing Games
We didn't see exclusives like Quantum Break, Scalebound, Inside, or Crackdown at Microsoft's E3 briefing. This was no doubt a bummer for fans who were looking forward to new footage. But you can rest assured that Microsoft will talk about these games (and probably more) during Gamescom in just two months.
Biggest Games: Gears of War 4
In addition to the Gears of War Ultimate Edition, a remastered version of the 2006 original due out in August, Microsoft announced a brand new Gears of War. Details are light at the moment, but it appears we'll be getting new characters and a new setting. And of course, chainsaws will return. Gears 4 launches holiday 2016.
Biggest Games: ReCore
A total surprise announcement, ReCore is the next game from Mega Man and Dead Rising designer Keiji Inafune exclusively for Xbox One. The game will be developed by Inafune in collaboration with Armature Studio, the team founded by former Metroid developers. It's early days, but the trailer alone has us excited.
Biggest Games: Rise of the Tomb Raider
We saw a thrilling new Rise of the Tomb Raider trailer this week at E3, showing Lara Croft in a snowy Russian region, using her climbing axe to scale icy walls and escaping danger. The game looks darn impressive, and Microsoft locking it up as a timed exclusive could be a big win for the company this holiday. Rise of the Tomb Raider launches November 10.
Biggest Games: Halo 5
Halo 5: Guardians isn't new, but we learned a lot more about it this week at E3. The main takeaway was a new, massively scaled multiplayer mode called Warzone. It's a 12v12 mode that combines PvP and PvE, a first for the series. This could end up being a big deal for Halo. You can read our impressions on the site and pick up the game on October 27.
By Matt Espineli on Jun 19, 2015 05:55 am
These are the most exciting, promising games coming out of E3 according to GameSpot's editors, and the ones we're most excited to play more of. When deciding these, our only condition is that gameplay must be shown off--so trailers don't count. Regardless, here's our results.
Star Wars Battlefront
Star Wars Battlefront has been a long time coming for Star Wars game fans, ourselves included. Seeing the new gameplay at E3 2015 depicting famous battle at Hoth was incredibly exciting to see in action. With more historical Star Wars battles promised to be on the way, we certainly can't wait to jump into the game with laser blasters blazing when it launches in November.
Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 is looking exactly like what you'd expect it to be. But that's part of the appeal. Where else can you play a game where you can blow up military complexes, grapple hook onto active missiles, or fly a jet into the statue of an evil dictator? These reasons among many others are why Just Cause 3 is one of the best games we saw at E3 2015.
Fallout 4
Fallout 4's debut gameplay was finally shown, and we are super looking forward to getting our hands on it. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, the game is filled to the brim with new features, including weapon modification, base building, mod support, and more. If you're fan of RPGs, Fallout 4 is absolutely a game that you need keep an eye on.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain still has us very excited. Innovating the franchise with its open world structure, base building mechanics, and emphasis on stealth exploration, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is shaping up to be the best game in the series so far. We seriously can't wait to play it once it launches in September.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
After watching the E3 2015 Rise of the Tomb Raider gameplay, there is no doubt that the game looks absolutely wonderful. Its wintry tundras and ancient tombs complimented by its tense dramatic set-pieces make the game a marvelous display of gaming. Rise of the Tomb Raider had our curiosity at first, but now it certainly has our attention.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WIldlands came as a surprise when it was revealed at the end of the Ubisoft E3 2015 press conference. It takes the series' signature tactical multiplayer gameplay and plants it into an open world setting. It's quite an unexpected move for the series, and this new Ghost Recon has us super intrigued
Halo 5: Guardians
We finally got to check out Halo 5: Guardians at E3 this year, and there's no denying the series' pedigree. The game takes the series' classic gameplay and innovates it with its new cooperative elements and MOBA-like Warzone multiplayer mode. Without a doubt, Halo 5: Guardians is definitely one of our top picks.
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games' new IP Horizon: Zero Dawn is an open world game that has seized our attention. The game offers a unique aesthetic spin mixing natural world characters with sci-fi robotic creatures. From what was shown at E3, we are very excited to see what more comes of Horizon: Zero Dawn in the coming months.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End's E3 2015 gameplay once again delivered on the series' non-stop trademark set-pieces. It was a shining example of why Naughty Dog is one of the best developers around at constructing amazing action sequences. Without a doubt, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End was one of the strongest showings this year.
The Last Guardian
Sony's E3 2015 press conference saw the return of The Last Guardian, a game that has been absent from E3 since 2009. And the game looks even more impressive than it did when we first saw it. Featuring Fumito Ueda's signature poetic feel and puzzle based gameplay, The Last Guardian is looking to be one of our most anticipated titles of 2016.
Minecraft Hololens
The Minecraft Hololens stage demonstration was one of the most impressive things we saw at E3 2015. What was shown was an interactive area of Minecraft displayed onto a table that could be modified in real time. It was one of the most unique displays of VR we've ever seen. You really need to see it to believe it.
Super Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker lets players create and customize their own levels across different Mario styles throughout Nintendo history. The realm of possibility offered by the game alone makes it one of the most charming and captivating showings at E3 2015.
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst is a solid pick for us at E3 2015. Scrapping the linear level design of its predecessor, Mirror's Edge: Catalyst is going full open world. Players can now freely parkhour through the series' signature primary colored totalitarian world to their heart's content. If that doesn't get you excited, then we don't know what will.
Destiny: The Taken King
Destiny's ever expanding universe of content is getting another expansion this year. Previous packs gave us interesting content in the past, but The Taken King is going even further with new subclasses, weapons, and maps. From what we played at E3 2015, we can't wait to sink our teeth into what's in store.
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a sequel that we've been waiting on for quite some time. It's E3 2015 showings made it clear that its tough turn-based battles and even tougher moral choices are back again. From what we got to play at E3 2015, it looks like the previous game's issues are appearing to be addressed. Regardless, XCOM 2 is looking to show a whole lot of promise.
By Anthony Roman on Jun 19, 2015 02:59 am
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