My Big, Fat E3 Wish List

So gamers, E3 is only a couple of days away, and there is much to be excited for. The rumor mill has been working overtime for this year’s expo, even more so then in years past. With a slew of hardware and software debuts rumored to be on the way, this year’s E3 is shaping up to be epic, but with so many rumors flying about, it’s easy to lose track of which ones to keep an eye on. I myself am very excited (even though I won’t be attending… tear) and while there are so many potentially juicy details that may emerge from this year’s event, I have a few that I’m hoping will absolutely, positively come to fruition. So, without further ado, I give to you my wish list ( in no particular order) for next week’s 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo!

Kojima Production’s Next Project:

Kojima Productions is readying something big, and whatever it is, it’s getting a lot of people excited. if you haven’t done so, go over to this website. You will see there a grainy, overcast field being doused by rain. You’ll also notice a countdown clock that (as of this post) will end sometime during E3. Keep a sharp eye out though, for everytime the lighting flashes a clue to Kojima’s next project is revealed. Whether it be various letters, numbers or images, one thing seems likely – “Metal Gear 5″ is coming. With pictures of Big Boss/Snake and Raiden it seems that the next, big “Metal Gear” announcement is only a few days away. However, keep in mind that this is all speculation, and some have even suggested that Kojima may actually be working on a new “Snatcher” game, but with pictures of “Metal Gear” characters appearing on the site, Snatcher seems unlikely.  While I can no longer find the link, someone over on the 1up boards suggested that the picture is not actually Raiden, but that of Gray Fox, thus setting up a prequel to “Metal Gear Solid” and a sequel to “Portable Ops”. I’m going with that theory, but no one will really know until next week. Whatever it turns out to be, it’s going to be from Kojima, and at the end of the day what more could you really want?

Stick and Move – Motion Peripherals Galore

While the Wii is slowing down in sales, it’s still dominating the home console race when it comes to worldwide sales, and one of the most recognizable features for the system is its use of motion control. That’s why Sony and Microsoft are rumored to be jumping on board with their own versions of  motion control, and we may see both at this year’s E3. Both Sony and Microsoft are rumored to look toward camera and LED’s recognizing motion, instead of the Wii’s accelerometer controller. Using a camera coupled with LED’s is said to more accurately track motion when compared to the Wii, but little is known about either of these devices. While Microsoft was said to be in talks with camera company 3DV earlier this year, little has been mentioned since, and Microsoft has kept hush hush on any news regarding the device.

Sony isn’t saying much either, but word on the street is that the device is similar in shape to the Wiimote, but reads from the EyeToy. People around the industry have also mentioned that Sony has gone around to developers showcasing their new device, enabling them to get a heads up on game development.

We’ll have to see if both companies come firing out of the gate with new forms of motion control, but whatever either of them decide to do, lets just hope that they actually look to support the hardware, and not just use it as a backhanded, casual option for gamers.

Half-Life 2: Episode 3 – Will It Ever Happen?

Yea, eventually it will. But there is no guarantee that it’s coming this E3, but given the time since we’ve seen a new “Half-Life”, now is as good of time as any. First of all, if you haven’t played “Half Life” 1 or 2, wake the hell up and go check em out. the “Orange Box” remains one of the most outstanding deals you’ll find in all of gaming land, and it even comes packed with “Portal”; one of the most thought-provoking games in years. However, Valve isn’t talking and the demand for a new “Portal” is just as strong as it is for “Episode 3″, but whatever Valve plans on showing off it’s safe to say it’s going to kick a lot of ass.

Oh and P.S. – I hope it’s “Episode 3″ because Alyx is one sexy, gaming vixen.

Gaming On the GO!

I won’t elaborate on this to much because I’ve written about it already, and you can check that article out here, but rumors on the new PSP have been running rampant for a long time, and it seems like Sony is finally going to show off their new handheld  at this year’s E3. The new handheld will reportedly lose its UMD slot, have a sliding face that covers the face buttons when not in use, and will likely have some sort of camera functionality.

Since the UMD will no longer be present, Sony will focus its attention on beefing up the Playstation Network, allowing all PSP G0! titles to be downloadable without any retail mess. But the question remains, without a second analog nub, will the PSP Go! be that much more fun?

What do we have here?

It’s no secret I’m a pretty big fan of all things Sony, so, last on my list is an announcement so huge that nobody seems to know what it is. The fine folks over at 1up are saying that their moles are hinting at something ginormous coming this year at E3. Something so huge, in fact, that hardly anyone knows what it is.  Sony is apparently going to great lengths to keep this info a secret, but whatever it is, it will blow some minds.  1up suggests that is is the long rumored “Final Fantasy VII” remake, but I’m not convinced. Dare I say a new, exclusive partnership with a small developer by the name of Bungie?

And that’s all folks. Stay tuned to TGH next week for all our glorious E3 ‘09 coverage. Holy balls I’m excited!!

Oh, and some playable “God of War 3″ wouldn’t hurt either.

Related Posts:

• May 15, 2009 -- So, What’s Kojima Productions Up to These Days?
• June 18, 2008 -- Kojima/ MGS 4 signing @ Uniqlo NYC
• July 11, 2007 -- E3 2007 – MGS MAGNUM OPUS X RATED SP
• July 20, 2009 -- Is the New PSP Metal Gear Actually Metal Gear 5?
• June 8, 2009 -- E3 ‘09: Post E3 Thoughts From DW