E3 Expo: The Inside Scoop- Part 1

Interactive Games with Gadgets and Cameras

The Eye of Judgement

One of the most unique games I was able to play around with was “The Eye of Judgement” which is being designed for the Sony PlayStation 3. This game prototype is an interactive card game similar to Magic: The Gathering and 3D chess. When specially designed cards are attached to a cord connected to a controller and then placed on the game board, the character shown on the card could be read by the “Eye of Judgement” camera which displayed on screen. Like Magic, each card is a character with their own unique abilities. Once the character is displayed on screen, you could manipulate its actions by moving your hand across the card. The exhibitor explaining the game mentioned that once the game is released, it would come with over a 100 cards. They were not specific on how exactly the final game would work with the PS3, and whether or not it would be connected to the game controller with a special attachment. A release date was not given.

Singstar

Do you like karaoke? Then Singstar is for you. This interactive game for the PS2 comes with a microphone that would be attached to the game. Sing along with a large variety of songs and see how well you score. Each song you choose looks like a music video. The lyrics are displayed on screen and you try to keep up. If you get it right, you score points. An optional eye toy camera can be added to see yourself on screen. It was hilarious watching people try this out, since most of them couldn’t sing a note. Start playing this game on May 21st.

Guitar Hero II

For those of you who like to rock out, Guitar Hero II may perk your interest. Designed by Red Octane Games this version has more songs to choose from, and you can play along with a friend. One person could be the lead guitarist, the other a bass player, etc. Using a specially designed guitar (the same as for the first Guitar Hero, you can play chords with buttons along with the song you choose. Score points by getting the notes right. Release date is scheduled to be in November 2006.

QMotions Skateboard

Take skateboarding or snowboarding to a new level. Qmotions has designed a special skateboard called the XBoard that can be integrated with your favorite Tony Hawk or snowboarding game. Sensitive to body motion, your actions work with the game. This company has also designed a baseball bat and golf club to interact with existing PC and console games.

Cool PlayStation 3 Games

The section with the PlayStation 3 games was quite impressive. Each game had five to ten stations where you could try them out on a nice flat screen. I was fortunate to be able to try out a few before it got crowded. Several PS3s were contained in a large case, while the controllers were accessible through an opening in an impressive looking display. I was hoping to see a new design in the controller, but they looked almost the same as the PS2 controller, the difference being the L1 and L2 buttons were replaced by “trigger” buttons similar to the Xbox, while the rest of the buttons remained the same, and were silver in color.

Some noteworthy games are:

Gran Turismo HD

The newest edition to the series, you can experience racing exotic cars in realistic looking environments. Some of the scenery looked so real, you would think it was filmed from actual locations. Controls were very smooth, and the driving action was very impressive. I will definitely pick this one up when it comes out.

Heavenly Sword

This action packed, hack n’ slash style game was interesting. Controls in the game seemed similar to the God of War action game. The demo was pretty short and shown in an area style environment, so it was difficult to tell if it is purely a fighting game, or mixed with action/adventure style fun.

Gundam Mobile Suit

A giant mech warrior game, this third-person game demo was a brief mission to destroy a select group of enemies in a desert-like environment. From what I’ve heard, this game is only about 20% complete, but so far it looks pretty good. I had a tough time with the controls, since your character so big in size. I’m looking forward to seeing the completed version.

Resistance: Fall of Man

This shooter-game is based on an alternative history. In this story, there was no WWII, and instead we were attacked by alien forces who wiped out most of our race. Set in an alternate 1951, the last of the human race attempts to survive in the last remains of civilization. The demo was impressive, the destroyed city with its crumbled buildings and rubble everywhere really gives you a sense of doom and devastation.