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SGN's E3 1999 Final Thoughts
SGN will be providing E3 coverage for all you sports nuts who
were not able to get into E3. All of the E3 sports titles which we get a chance to try out will be posted here, while all the press releases, fact sheets and screen shots are posted on http://www.sports-gaming.com
I think what really impressed me most about those titles is not just the graphical quality (we all knew they'd look great), but the attention to detail that Sega is using the DC's power to build into the games. For instance, in NBA 2000, you can actually see individual members of the crowd, and they react to what is happening on the court (i.e. harassing free-throw shooters, etc.). In NFL 2000, the physics of tackling goes far beyond two polygonal players touching each other and falling down. And these observations were made with limited playing time in a noisy, crowded environment. I'm sure that serious time spent with these games will increase the drool-factor even more.
Other quick notes and highlights for me were: Colin McRae Rally looked (and played) great - keep an eye out for this one, European PGA Golf by Gremlin has a potentially stunning analog swing feature that should make a huge impact on the way console golf games are played, Fox's NBA game looks extremely promising, Bass Landing is a fishing sim for the PSX that will come packed with its own very sweet fishing rod controller (like the one for Get Bass on the DC) with force-feedback, and Prince Naseem Boxing may finally do the sport justice on the PSX (I never found the PSX version of Ready 2 Rumble - I hear it was buried at the back of Midway's booth, unlike the DC version that was everywhere).
The biggest disappointments of the show would have to be 989's decision to only show already-released product (no Gameday, Faceoff, or Xtreme 2000), Blitz 2000 on the DC looked lackluster, NFL QB Club on the DC (what little was showing) looked just plain sad next to NFL 2000, Gran Turismo 2 was shown in such a way that a lot of attention was attracted to it, but only a scant number of systems were actually set up to play (making it very difficult to get a chance to play it at all) and finally, even though there were more than enough driving games being shown for the DC, many of them lacked any sort of excitement. Ultimately it will be tough for gamers to differentiate between many of them.
Meanwhile, the PSX continues to be a great console for sports gamers. EA Sports' fall lineup once again looks very strong. Madden looks and sounds better, and promises even better AI this season. NCAA 2000, one of the best sports titles on any console last year, is faster and richer graphically, with an expanded and improved dynasty mode. NHL 2000 looks to combine the best of NHL98 and NHL99, plus a new career mode. Aside from EA, Fox Sports, 989, Midway, Konami, and other developers will continue to provide quality competition for sports action on the PSX.
On the N64, Acclaim continues to set high standards for animation and visual effects. While their attempts to raise the IQ of Quarterback Club 2000 remain to be seen, there's no question that the game will be a graphical treat. And NBA Jam 2000 looks great already, with a legitimate five-on-five NBA simulation mode, coupled with a classic-style, wacky arcade mode that runs on a completely separate game engine. N64 hoops fans will get two games in one with NBA Jam 2000.
Some downers at E3: Where was Gameday? For the second year in a row, 989 kept its football franchise out of sight. Not a good sign for a football title that took a step backwards last year and needs to re-establish itself as a serious contender for the PSX football crown. Also, NFL Blitz is already beginning to look old. Midway will need to be more creative with its rock-em, sock-em football franchise before it wears out its welcome.
SO, ON TO THE LISTS:
Most Promising Game: Best New Game (not from an existing franchise):
Best Update to an Existing Franchise: Worst Update: Best Driving Game: Sleepers (games that won’t get all the hype, but deserve it): Biggest Disappointments: "Must Buys" for each system:
That's all folks! Hope you enjoyed our E3 coverage. Please send us any comments or suggestions regarding our E3 coverage. Thanks to Andy and Matt for their role in our very first E3 coverage.
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