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E3 2012: EA Press Conference Impressions
2012-06-05 10:00 AM
Electronic Art's presentation didn't show off a lot of new heavy hitters, but there was something for almost everyone.
 For the Sports enthusiasts, we were shown a lot more of Madden NFL 13 and Fifa 13. Both are sporting massive game play improvements to make the games even more realistic, both at home and over the Internet. Madden is getting a Connected Careers option where players will be able to show off their skills and achievements with others, while Fifa's Football Club will get a few more features.
A major UFC deal was also announced, which was likely something that felt like a kick in the pants to THQ employees since they had the contract before. Their new multi-year deal probably means that just like EA's other sports titles, we will be seeing a new version of it every year. It is still a toss-up if this is actually good for UFC fans or not.
 SimCity and SimCity Social were both showcased. While SimCity is bringing giving the series a lot more new content with a major new engine that will focus on realism, SimCity Social is very similar to the classic SimCity. Both will be heavy on the multiplayer, although SimCity can still be played alone, but it may be a lot more difficult since you must manage multiple cities for the best results. Both look great and fun to play.
Dead Space 3 has been fully announced, but from what they showed off, it doesn't look as scary as the first 2. It will also have drop-in/drop-out co-op, which will likely add a lot more to the experience. Sadly, a lot of horror games are focusing a lot more on fast-paced action and less on the horror.
Battlefield 3 Premium is now available for $49.95 and will fork over lots of goodies in exchange. New weapons, vehicles and maps are just a taste of what is included. All 5 expansions are also going to be available, 2 weeks before they are released. A great deal for the Battlefield fan since all 5 expansions alone will cost more than $49.95, never mind all the other goodies.
 Medal of Honor Warfighter was announced with its multiplayer option Global Warfighters, which still just looks like your standard military-style FPS. Fans of the series will be happy, but I don't see anything to lure new players into the series.
Crysis 3 had some amazing some new game play, but still looked a bit unpolished. The swimming was the worst since the hands looked very disjointed and almost painful to watch.
Need for Speed Most Wanted was also released, which looks like the most entertaining racing game I have seen in a long time. Unlike most others, this is an open world racing game which allows you full reign over the maps to do extra damage, find neat shortcuts, do insane jumps, and give the police a major headache. All your information can then be easily shared with your friends to see who truly is the Most Wanted.
 Bioware only showed up briefly to brag about the success of their Star Wars MMO, and to announce it will be free to play up to level 15 in July. New content is coming including a new world, a new race, and a new difficulty mode. I guess that means C&C Generals 2 is still too far off to get any new information.
Overall, there was very few new heavy-hitting titles announced, but there should still be enough to make fans of most genres satisfied. Of them all, I was most impressed with Sim City and Need for Speed Most Wanted. It should also be noted that February 2013 is going to be a busy month for EA since many of their titles will be launching that month.
Key Points
- Dead Space 3 will feature drop-in/drop-out co-op and will release February 2013.
- Madden NFL 13 is powered by the new Infinity Engine - August 28, 2012.
- SimCity Social is arriving in a few weeks and SimCity will show up in February 2013.
- Battlefield 3 Premium is now available for $49.95. Will provide new guns, vehicles, maps and the 5 expansion packs 2 weeks early.
- Bioware is adding more races and characters to Star Wars: The Old Republic, coming with a new difficulty mode and increased level caps. Will be free to play to level 15 in July.
- Medal of Honor Warfighter will be bundled with the multiplayer version Global Warfighters. In stores October 23, 2012.
- Fifa has 11 million subscribers to Football Club, and in Fifa 13, all XP will be carried over from Fifa 12. No release date.
EA has stolen THQ's UFC deal and will be releasing yearly games for the franchise.
- Need for Speed Most Wanted gives open-world racing a whole new meaning. Races to your home October 30, 2012.
- Crysis 3 is showing up February 2013 too. Still looks like it could use some more work.
Also, check out here for even more images features from the presentation.
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