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E3 Predictions: the Book-Its, the Maybes, and the Crazies

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times by now, but for the sake of this post I’d like to reiterate that E3 is just a day away! That means, that in fewer days than fingers on your hand, we will be hearing what Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have coming to their beautiful gaming boxes. Since we’ve been discussing our predictions, hopes, and dreams for E3 anyway, my fellow Nerdist gaming writer Edwin Garcia and I thought we would lay them all out on paper (web page?) for you ahead of the press conferences.

So here is how it is going to work: We’re going to divide this piece into three manageable parts: Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Then, we’re each going to make a “book it”, “maybe”, and “crazy” prediction for each conference. With that being said, we won’t be making separate predictions for Bethesda, Square Enix, and Ubisoft’s press conferences. Sound good? Let’s go!

PlayStation Press Conference

Sony Predictions

Sam:

  • Book it– Project Morpheus will finally be given a name and a concrete release date. With Sony dedicating half of their booth to the VR device and having a “big push” during the conference, this prediction is a no-brainer.
  • Maybe–Sony’s Bend Studio will announce a brand new IP. We already know that they have an unannounced PS4 title under their wing, and there are whispers that it is an open world survival horror game. If that means it will be like Dying Light, then I am all for it. Or, you know, it could be a Syphon Filter reboot.
  • Crazy–And now, for the crazy. The Last Guardian is going to be re-announced under a different name, and will be out this year. Honestly, if this game doesn’t get a mention during any of Sony’s press events this year, it will probably release the same year as Half Life 3. (Sorry, I know that stings).

Edwin

  • Book it–This one may seem bold, but I truly believe in my heart of hearts that this is the year. The Last Guardian will finally be re-revealed and it will be out this holiday season. Sony has been incredibly adamant that this game is still in existence and announcing it a year before release date would be silly. This will give their holiday line-up the punch they are missing.
  • Maybe–Media Molecule will announce their newest title that will use some nifty Morpheus features. It will not require it though. This is Sony’s only team that is capable of using the tech in new and interesting manners.
  • Crazy–This is a bit of a selfish choice, but a new Jak and Daxter title will be announced and slated for next year, Naughty Dog’s second team has been working on it since The Last of Us. Ratchet & Clank are making a comeback, why can’t my favorite dynamic duo have the same treatment?

Xbox Press Conference

Microsoft Predictions

Sam:

  • Book it–Gears of War 4 will be announced. Sure, we know they will be talking about the remaster, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they bring out the big guns and announce a new Gears title. I have a feeling we won’t see much, but the game will definitely show up in some capacity.
  • Maybe–Rare will announce a new Banjo Kazooie. It will be cool to see this go head to head with Playtonic Games’ crowdfunded 3D Platformer Yooka-Laylee–especially because Playtonic is made up of former key personnel from Rare. The interesting thing is that Rare’s creative director Simon Woodroffe hinted at the project last month and revealed that it belonged to Rare veteran Gregg Mayles. So, if Rare does indeed announce Banjo Kazooie, it will put Gregg and his brother Steve in competition.
  • Crazy–Hideo Kojima is going to run out on stage and re-announce Silent Hills. I know, I know. That rumor was ridiculous, but you have to admit, this would be amazing. Plus Microsoft has enough cash money to throw at Konami, so why not? GIVE US SILENT HILLS DAMN IT. Okay… I’ll admit it. This probably won’t happen, but it is my “crazy” prediction after all.

Edwin

  • Book it–This one is easy, the Gears of War remaster will be shown off and dated. Along with it will be a beta for the new Gears of War title that will also be announced. Many images have already leaked of the remaster so there is no doubt it will make its debut next week. It makes perfect sense to hype up the franchise before the newest title.
  • Maybe–A Battletoads game will be announced. Phil Spencer has been teasing this for quite some time now and I find it hard to believe that all the teases were in regards to the toads showing up in Shovel Knight.
  • Crazy–Minecraft 2 is announced as an Xbox One and HoloLens exclusive. Augmented reality is the future, people. Microsoft payed big bucks for Mojang and now it’s time to reap the rewards. 

Nintendo Direct

Nintendo Direct Predictions

Sam:

  • Book it: The Wii U will get a price drop. Let’s be honest, this system isn’t doing great, and is in dire need of a price cut.
  • Maybe– New Zelda game will be announced and it will either be a remaster of a previous title for the Wii U (We’re looking at you Twilight Princess), or a 3DS title in the vein of A Link Between Worlds. 
  • Crazy– Retro Studios will announce a new Metroid game for the Wii U. We all thought they were going to announce a return to the series back in 2013 but instead ended Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze– which was great. With the company teasing an appearance at Nintendo’s E3 Direct, it’s got me begging, praying and hoping all the hopes for a Samus comeback. COME ON RETRO, GIVE US WHAT WE WANT.

Edwin

  • Book it–Star Fox will be revealed with a full gameplay trailer, along with a release date. We’ve known about this title being in the works for a while now and it’s time  to show it to the world. With the new Zelda title being delayed, Nintendo really needs to push the other AAA exclusives forward into the lime light. 
  • Maybe–Mario Galaxy 3 will be announced. Boom! *Drops mic*
  • Crazy–Pokémon game that uses Amiibo is in the works for the 3DS. The Wii U is sort of dying, selling at a woeful pace, Nintendo is probably gearing up for their next platform so placing this game on the 3DS makes more sense. The little collectibles have become an extreme success and combining it with the pocket monsters makes a lot of sense. 

What are you hoping to see at E3? Let us know in the comments below.

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