E3 2008: Look At All These Rumors
Jul 10, 2008
The annual video game expo E3 takes place next week, which means one thing: seriously big news from seriously big players. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have in the past used their high-octane press conferences as launch pads for major announcements, including price drops, new games and brand new consoles altogether.
So what will this year's model bring to the gaming masses? The rumor mill has been working overtime. Here are the top predictions for E3 08, broken down by console maker:
--Microsoft--
The Xbox 360 will get a $50 price drop
Forget the crystal ball -- scanned copies of ads from retail giants like Target and Kmart offer incriminating evidence that The Green Giant will, in fact, knock 50 bucks off the price of their flagship Xbox 360, making it an even more enticing option for gamers dissatisfied with lackluster Wii software and PS3 pricing problems.
Motion-sensitive controls will be announced
Better late than never, right? Trampling over the footsteps of Nintendo and Sony is this solid rumor about Microsoft finally leaping into the motion-controller race. While it started off as little more than pure speculation among industry insiders, a revealing new trailer for upcoming 360 game Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts seemingly made the rumor legit when one of the game's developers referenced the gamer's ability to manipulate objects by "twisting the controller around" while narrating a gameplay trailer. Microsoft quickly issued a statement saying that he misspoke, but it sounds like a good move to us.
Bungie Studios, the makers of Halo, will show off their next big game
Fresh from an amicable break with Microsoft, the now-independent developers of the biggest first-person shooter series on the planet have hinted at revealing their next project at Microsoft's Monday presser. There's no guarantee it will be another Halo, but even without Master Chief riding shotgun, it's still bound to be a big deal.
A 60 GB Xbox 360 will replace the current 20 GB model
It wouldn't be an E3 without Microsoft adding or subtracting a few versions of its 360 console. Last year brought us the collectible but otherwise pointless Halo 3-themed box, but 2008's show could offer a more significant leap in the form of a new model sporting a greatly expanded hard drive. It makes sense, too, especially if, like us, you dig downloading games, movies and TV shows through Microsoft's robust online store.
--Sony--
God Of War III unveiled
Wanna win a console war? Then you better come up with some potent exclusive games. Despite their hardships this generation, Sony's got a load of 'em in the pipe, including LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 2 and Killzone 2. But when it comes to war, none can hold a candle to Kratos, star of the God of War series. The official third console game (and first for the PS3) has been rumored to make an appearance. If it does, heaven help the competition.
Sony will announce ANOTHER new PS3
Why not? Last year they announced, like, six of 'em. The word for 08 comes from an intercepted Wal-Mart memo stipulating that the 40 GB model -- you know, the one they announced last year -- would be "replaced with [a] new model in early August." That could just mean a tweaked version of the system, perhaps with a new pack-in game...or it could mean another thrilling round of Which PS3 Should You Buy? (TM).
PS2 games are coming to PSN
It might not be as user-friendly as Xbox Live!, but Sony's Playstation Network service has offered plenty of downloadable delights. If this rumor's true, our bandwidth is going to need some Gatorade. The PS2 library is among the greatest ever seen in gaming -- legendary entries in franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Metal Gear, Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy made it the runaway winner of last generation's console war. The chance to experience some of those smash hits again is worth the premature excitement, although we should note that the official word from Sony is that they have "no plans" to make any PS2-on-PSN announcements. Curse you, PR spin!
--Nintendo--
Hey look, it's Animal Crossing Wii!
Compared to the hardware and software rumblings at Sony and Microsoft, all's quiet on the Nintendo front, and considering their startling lead in the console war, that's unsurprising. After last year's deluge of software seemingly made for your mom, we expect Nintendo to get back into gear by announcing a batch of games aimed at their slightly disgruntled core gamer following. Currently making the rumor rounds is Animal Crossing for the Wii, a new version of their adorable (and addictive) life simulator. Fingers crossed for a new Kid Icarus, too!
And Wii Punch-Out, Too?
Nothing against cute little villagers, but if we had our druthers, the next big Wiimake would be the awesome arcade boxing game, Punch-Out! And if you believe the dubiously dependable mumblings on the internet, it just might happen at E3. Of course players will use the remote and nunchuk for punching, but the game is even supposed to make use of the Wii Balance Board for ducking and weaving. Stick and move!
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