THREE WORDS TO SUM UP THE 2013 E3
Meikle
Significant (because any E3 held in the middle of the console generational change is going to carry extra meaning), accessible (this old gamer watched much of the event live on his iPad. Never imagined that would be possible) and interesting (from ''tablet integration'' (as in, games that have added features on electronic tablets) to ''full body deformation'' (part of the new UFC game), there was always something innovative to discuss).
Bishop
Technology (from the confirmation of next-generation console specifications, all the way to tablet integration, this year's E3 was big on showing off the future of gaming), rights (the big talking point was Sony's decision not to reciprocate the tight restrictions on content that Microsoft has embraced, and the subsequent reaction.While Microsoft is attempting to create a media device, Sony's decision to focus on gamers paid off handsomely) and insomnia (getting up at 4.30am and watching non-stop conferences until approximately 4pm took its toll, but it was so worth it).
POWER RANKINGS
Meikle
1. Sony - Loads of new games, and updates to some favourites. But this E3 was all about the PS4.
It will be region free, with no restrictions on game lending, and no need for constant internet access.
Oh, and it's cheaper. And graphically more powerful.
My only question about Sony's presentation was the emphasis on the Vita, the handheld console which hasn't exactly taken off.
2. Ubisoft - Assassin's Creed IV and Watch Dogs. Some serious star power there.
3. EA - Spent some money on star guests and unveiled first glimpses of new sports games. Battlefield 4 also looked impressive.
4. Nintendo - The usual stuff (more Mario, more Scribblenauts, more Smash Bros) but there is nothing wrong with that.
5. Microsoft - Trying to push Xbox One as a multimedia hub. But the need to be connected to the internet at least once every 24 hours and the restrictions on lending games were rightly mocked.
Still, the quality of games to be available cannot be questioned. Good to see a commitment to the Xbox 360, too.
Bishop
1. Sony - Brought the house down with the announcement of no change in restrictions on digital rights, a solid focus on games from both the big-budget titles right through to the indie projects, and learning from its past mistakes with a very reasonable launch price point for the PS4.
Sony's most successful conference in years.
2. Ubisoft - The best third party publisher on show presented an absolute killer line-up of games. Rayman Legends, Watch Dogs, Splinter Cell Blacklist and The Division are all looking spectacular.
3. Microsoft - Under the pump since its console reveal a few weeks ago. The show's focus on games was a welcome change.
Titles like Ryse and Forza look solid, and the announcement of a new Halo game is always going to create a stir.
Obviously, things took a sharp turn for the worse as the day went on.
Unfortunately, Microsoft did nothing to reassure fans that the Xbox One won't impose draconian restrictions on them. The price point was towards the high end of the scale.
4. Nintendo - Chose not to have a conference this year, summing up how well the Wii U is performing in the market.
To try to right this sinking ship, Nintendo announced a slew of new titles, almost exclusively from acclaimed series such as Mario and Smash Bros.
I can't help but think the only way out for Nintendo now is to bring in some new blood. The lack of third party publisher support must be worrying for them.
5. EA - A major letdown.
Whether it was the uninspiring talk about the next generation of sports games (including a very ugly look at NBA Live), or the focus on almost entirely CGI trailers for games, EA's effort seemed half-hearted.
A so-called live demo for Battlefield 4 (which clearly was not) and the announcement of Mirror's Edge 2 were the only things of note.
MOST EXCITING GAMES
Meikle
1. The Order: 1886 (PS4) - A steampunky, alternate-history original title that looks fascinating.
2. Fifa 14 (multiple) - Well, it's Fifa.
3. Forza Motorsport 5 (Xbox One) - Almost enough to make me buy an Xbox One.
4. Ryse: Son of Rome (Xbox One) - As above.
5. Rain (PS3) - Moody and intriguing.
6. Mad Max (multiple) - Mad Max!
7. Mirror's Edge 2 (multiple) - The first game was wholly original and I expect this to be even better.
Bishop
1. Watch Dogs (multiple) - Looks incredible. Last year, it impressed everybody with its surprise reveal. This year, it just re-affirmed that it's going to be a must-buy.
2. The Order: 1866 (PS4) - A new game from the creators of God of War. Very promising.
3. Killzone Shadow Fall (PS4) - Looking bigger and better than any of the previous ones. Should be a blockbuster launch title for PS4.
4. Destiny (multiple) - The new game from Bungie (creator of Halo) looked amazing.
5. Forza Motorsport 5 (Xbox One) - Incredible to look at. Nice touch to wheel out a McLaren MC12 on to stage.
6. Beyond Two Souls (PS4) - Quantic Dream are renowned storytellers. This time, they may have the gameplay to match it.
7. Killzone Mercenary (Vita) - A high budget title from a well-known franchise for the PS Vita, a system desperately in need of exactly that.
PRICE POINT
The PlayStation 4 will launch in New Zealand around Christmas time with a price tag of $649.95.
The Xbox One arrives in November and will cost $749.
FINAL WORD
Meikle: It's never been more exciting to be a gamer. And I'll have a PS4 for Christmas,Santa.
Bishop: The big winner was Sony. The second half of its conference got reactions from the crowd that I have never seen before at an event like this.
Microsoft has got an enormous amount of work to do to even stay in the hunt. I'll also be asking Santa for a PS4 this year.
