E3 2004 - 32 Console Games Previewed

E3 2004 - 32 Console Games Previewed
Posted :: Jun 1, 2004 by Forrest

Advance Wars: Under Fire
Platform: Gamecube
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Strategy
Release: September 27, 2004

There was much excitement brewing before the show when the existence of an Advance Wars title for Gamecube was leaked. Most people expected a large scale turn-based strategy game like the first two games released for the Game Boy Advance. But Nintendo surprised everyone again when they revealed this game. The game plays like a cross between Dynasty Warriors and Advance Wars. You fight alongside the troops with the ability to command your entire army and switch over to any unit on the fly. The game still retains the basic unit strategies of Advance Wars looks like it will turn out to be a worthwhile addition to this fifteen year-old franchise.

Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Beat-‘em-up
Release: September 2004

Though you may have never heard of Treasure, they have created piles of classic beat-‘em-ups games and shooters. I have played the Japanese version of this game and it lives up to their reputation. I can't say much about the story because I can't read their crazy moon language, but you fight your way through over 40 levels using your fists, feet, or special moves that include laser beams and a machine gun attached to your ass. As you progress, each of your abilities can level up as you find up to 46 secret characters. I will be looking forward to giving treasure more of my money when it is released this September.

Destroy All Humans
Platform: Xbox, Playstation 2
Developer: Pandemic Studios
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release: Spring 2005

This was one of the more surprising things to come out of E3. In Destroy All Humans you play as an alien that needs to collect DNA from humans and find his brother. To accomplish this you'll need to use a mixture of stealth, manipulation, destruction, and exploration. About one quarter of the game takes place in your spaceship where you can fly anywhere you please while cloaked or just wage an all out, balls to the wall assault on the human race and admire the beautiful effects of the Havoc physics engine. The rest of the game takes place on foot where you have to, with the help of your many abilities, remain hidden from the government while trying to accomplish your goals. Among these is the ability read minds, transform to disguise yourself, hypnotize others, and use telekinesis to defend yourself. Destroy All Humans looks like it will be a blast to play because of the amount of freedom and variety of gameplay types it incorporates.

Devil May Cry 3
Platform: Playstation 2
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release: December 7, 2004

The original Devil May Cry was one of the best games of the time, but the sequel was lackluster at best. The third installment is a prequel and is shaping up to be much better than the second. The antagonist is Dante's brother Virgil who gave in to their demonic heritage and is on the side of evil. The gothic locations and grotesque enemies shown in the trailer are what you'd expect from the Devil May Cry series. The improved combat system allows significant customization of your fighting style. As you progress, you can level gun attacks, sword attacks, acrobatic moves, and defensive moves to provide a unique gaming experience. In addition to the new combat types, you can equip four weapons at once for on the fly switching and a variety of combos. Hopefully all these good ideas can come together so Capcom doesn't drop the ball again.