Konami Pre-E3 Press Conference
Contains Spoilers for Metal Gear Solid 4 (minor) and Castlevania Lords of Shadow (major)
Konami is not exactly known for one of the big guns of E3, that's why I imagine they prefer have their conference before the actual event, to get people out looking for the playable demos and videos out on the floor before their attention is grabbed by the bigger companies such as Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. That's not to say what Konami brings out isn't exciting looking titles, and it seems they might be trying to make up for a lack luster feel from last year. I will admit I did not expect much from this year either, since they started off with how much work they are doing with Facebook or I-phone games, though on a business side I understand why they need to get that out.
Following their Frogger Pinball advancements, and why they're in the Bay Area, they got to what most people like myself want to hear about, their console releases. They started off with PEZ 2013, which as far as I can tell, the changes from the 12 version are the things Soccer fans may notice. Sadly, I am no soccer fan, so more of this information flew right over my head, which funny enough was one thing they brought up, the ability to not kick a soccer ball over your opponent's head to get around them.
Though only a rough release date has been given for Zone of the Enders HD ('holidays'), it was nice to see the cleaned up HD graphics of the game. Additionally the new, fresher anime opening is always a nice eye catcher. Though, personally I'd care much less about how pretty it will look when it comes out, and more of a when it will come out, an actual number would be lovely. Still, we can't get everything in life.
Minor Spoiler for MGS 4 start
Anyone who has seen the first gameplay trailer for Metal Gear Solid: Rising, may do a double take when they see the cosmetic and mood change into Metal Gear Rising: Revengence... You may also do a double take trying to understand exactly what Revengence could possibly mean. But despite the silly attempt of making a cool sounding English word the other changes to the game, most noticeably teaming up with Platinum Games (Makers of Bayonetta), seem to be in the right direction of an action game. You can still slowly and dramatically cut through opponents and the environment alike, the video showing cutting through pillars Metal Gears and the support structure of Ferris wheels. But the action looks more high pace, dynamic, and not as one note as you get plenty of non-sword weapons to add to your carnage, such as a dual-sided pole arm or even a bazooka (I imagine more weapons will be added before it's release). Could Revengence take Gaiden's place as the ninja action game to choose from after Ninja Gaiden 3's lackluster release not too long ago? From the lovely explosions and absurd high speed cuts, I hope so. Just make sure to bring your own watermelons.
Minor Spoilers for MGS 4 end
Major Spoilers for Lords of Shadow (and it's DLC) start
Lastly, as a special treat for watching Konami pat itself on the back for 25 years of Metal Gear, fans of the long running Castlevania got a fun little peak at what's become of a certain monster hunter. As it turns out, for those who haven't played the DLCs or don't plan to, Gabriel has now become a vampire, going by Dracul (Ah, now I see how it all connects). In the trailer, we're given a nice little cut scene of Gabriel's... uh, Dracul... let us call him Gabracul for now... His castle being attacked by human solders, and that outside of turning to smoke, his combat approach hasn't changed much since he destroyed his combat cross. He's still making wide area whipping attacks, only this time with red energy beams covered in grey and black smoke. As the humans slowly realize how stupid it is to face against a vampire, a giant construct pulls itself up to take on the challenge. Unimpressed by this, Gabracul simply gets a pick me up... By which I mean he picks up a bleed solders and drains him, before launching himself as a smoke griffin at the creature. After we're given the title and get all excited about this, we return to the slaughter fields to find one person still standing, ready to keep fighting. A lone figure, dressed up real nice for a knock out drag out war, with long white hair, and an impressive looking sword. Gabracul greats this new combatant with a grin... And we are given a tease of a lightly 3DS Castlevania on the way.
Spoilers End
Does this press conference change my view of Konami? Does it make this company a force to take out major 3rd party game makers? ...No, it's still just Konami. But that's not by any means a bad thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment