Okay, this year's Xbox conference didn't have the brand-new blockbusters that everybody demands from E3, and it did feature a long conversation about exercise which is arguably the opposite of what E3 stands for (sits for, surely? - Ed). But there was a lot in there to make you feel cheerful about owning an Xbox 360.
Accordingly, we've wiped the jetlag from our eyes and dashed off a quick list of the most exciting stuff from yesterday, along with links to relevant coverage.
1. Halo 4
This was the first time that 343 Industries showed off some of the truly new elements of the game, and they didn't disappoint: strange Forerunner enemies with odd, unpredictable attack patterns, and tangerine-lit weaponry capable of vapourising them on impact. It looked absolutely spectacular, too. Even at the twilight of the Xbox 360's life, it's capable of some incredible visuals and 343 has done amazing work making it stand out.
Loading video...
Halo 4: "there is panic and resistance to change," says 343
Halo 4 guns and enemies: Promethean Knights, Sticky Launcher and Forerunner Scattershot
Halo 4 gameplay screenshots: new enemies, new weapons, stunning vistas
13 comments so far...
bamozzy on 5 Jun '12 said:
There is quite a few interesting announcements - some of which are of no interest to me but on the whole it looks like another exciting and great year to be a gamer...
OXM ETboy on 5 Jun '12 said:
I'm just transcribing an Ascend: New Gods audio, and believe you me - there's a lot more going on here than the reveal trailer suggests. The online functionality is fiendish.
msbhvn on 5 Jun '12 said:
Is it Dragon's Dogma-like? That was my immediate thought, with the asynchronous multiplayer and climbing on massive enemies.
SidTheSloth on 5 Jun '12 said:
Fiendish? As in 'Dark Souls - invade someones game and kill them' fiendish?
Also Ed/Jonty et al, any non-plot related South Park info gratefully received by me, not that i expect articles tailored specifically for individuals and their requests is a good way to turn a profit!
OXM ETboy on 5 Jun '12 said:
As in "get attacked by wolves, teleport them into a Friend's game where they appear wearing your Gamertag" fiendish. More in a bit.
skipperd on 5 Jun '12 said:
There's still no reason for me to buy a Kinect. Pointless tech. I prefer a controller.
if next year is the leaunch of the next xbox then that's all i need to bid good day to MS and head over to PSland.
at least Sony acknowledge that gamers are the reason they have a machine, unlike MS who now view me as a 12 year old or a housewife who wants to play an expensive version of angry birds.
WatchDogs looked excellent though.
Lazarus22nd on 5 Jun '12 said:
Was MS's best conference in a long time, but think we'll see nextbox announcements at TGS or CES, Star Wars 1313 looks positively next gen, as does Watch dogs to an extent.
As for SmartGlass it looks like it could be amazing, Supreme Commander supports a second screen as a dedicated battlemap on PC and definitely benefits from it, so this has endless possibilities.
GallifreyDog on 5 Jun '12 said:
Hate to admit it but I agree, might just build a gaming PC.
SidTheSloth on 6 Jun '12 said:
Erm... What...?!
That sounds like either the craziest or most genius idea ever to have been conjured in the land of Xbox live - i will indeed eagerly await more info
Apparitions on 6 Jun '12 said:
I refuse to be excited by an internet browser (how original of MS) and being able to whistle with Kinect. Smart Glass and Halo looked good, though. I have a new (expensive) PC so I doubt I'll get the Nextbox, however I will use the 360 for a while.
Bezza89 on 6 Jun '12 said:
That smart glass thing looks like a logical alternative to Wii Us controller thing - it could do the same as the tablet but you're more likely to own a tablet/smartphone so don't need to buy another peripheral.
steve_2003 on 6 Jun '12 said:
I've been a gamer long enough to know that you never get everything you hope for from a videogame expo, but I also know when I'm in for another good year of gaming on my existing console.
If I have a year of only Splinter Cell, Forza Horizon, Spec Ops, Far Cry 3, X-Com, Metal Gear Rising, Assassins Creed 3, Dishonored, Tomb Raider, Gears of War: Judgement, Black Ops 2, Lego Lord of the Rings, Dead or Alive 5, Aliens and Halo 4.... amongst others, until next years big E3 Next-Gen Xbox announcement....Then, I'm fine with that!
Fat Doggs on 12 Jun '12 said:
I don't have an Ipod/Ipad and the only bit of modern technology I own (Laptop and fleshlight aside) is my Xbox - ergo I'm not sure I'll feel the benefits of SafeGlass.
Still, Internet Browser will be a welcomed addition. WatchDogs also looked amazing. The PS3's The Last of Us does look superb mind. It's almost tempting me to take the hit, admit defeat, cave in and finally get a bloody Playstation. I can't imagine how it'll work though, unless they have cut-scenes for every battle you undertake (which seems incredibly unlikely).
Decent enough E3 though! Can't wait for the "NextBox".