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Staying true to the tradition EA has built around its annual EA Play stream, this year’s stream had something for everyone. Starting off by acknowledging the current state of the world with the Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests happening world-wide, EA CEO Andrew Wilson commended the gaming community and players for using games to connect socially and proving how video games are an essential form of entertainment, especially during this time.
Set in the distant city of New Himuka, with elements of classic anima mixed with western sci-fi elements, Scarlet Nexus is a completely new series from Bandai, creators of “The Tales of” series. Initial reactions of the reveal were positive, as viewers were pleasantly interested in the enemy design, visual effects, and gameplay. This fast-paced action game is elevated with the unique aspects of psychokinetic abilities in combat situations.
As mutants, referred to as “the others”, descend on New Himuka, with a thirst for human brains, players experience enhanced graphics, seamless transitions, and an immersive, intense style of gameplay. With no launch date being announced yet, and the fact that the action-RPG is in development for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, PS4, and Xbox One there's still some time to go before fans can experience Scarlet Nexus for themselves.
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Amazon Games debuted its new War Mode for its New World MMO on streaming earlier this week to mixed reaction from the gaming community, as viewers' interests began to decrease from the longer format of the reveal. Those familiar with the game did not find any new content, and those new to the game found the MMO to be generic.
New World is an open world MMO set in the 17th century on a dangerous island. With a deep story to discover, players engage in action based combat where skill really matters in positioning and timing. New World maintains the traditional elements of MMOs with a progression system and story content, but innovates from other MMOs with open world elements giving players the ability to create their own story lines, take over territories, and even set tax rates within their territories. War Mode determines who controls the territories between 3 rally points where factions compete in a 50 on 50 battle. Within the story of the island, players discover several families who inhabit the island and have their own motives for power including, The Corrupted, The Lost, and The Angry Earth. Amazon’s New World is set to launch August 25th.
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2K and Hangar 13 have remastered the 2002 Definitive Edition of Mafia with precise detail and attention. The original trilogy has been completely remastered with 4k support. The 1930’s prohibition setting is the same, set in the city of Lost Heaven, loosely based on the Chicago landscape. Not only has every aspect of gameplay been redone and every asset rebuilt, but all cinematic elements have been rewritten with cutting edge facial scanning, enhancing expressions and details.
While the story, plot, and missions are the same, keeping with the nostalgic vibe of fans, the city and driving details have also been remastered to meet the expectations of today’s gamers. Initial reactions of the remaster are positive, as fans are excited to experience the first entry in the series again, but has received mixed reactions for the quality of its facial and graphical overhaul. The remastered Mafia Definitive Edition is set to launch on August 28th.
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Sony’s PS5 reveal stream highlighted over 25 new and current games that will be available on the PS5 and be available on the market before the end of 2020. This collection of trailers showcased a diverse line-up of games from action heroes in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Zion Williamson introducing the new NBA 2K21, the eighth installment in the Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil: Village, and light-hearted, colorful games in Bugsnax and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Initial reactions to the overall event were neutral, as viewers felt the line up for new games were great to mediocre or terrible.
PS5 Console
There were strong reactions and conversations around the look and design of the console, and the improvements that come with the new DualSense controller. Overall reaction for the console reveal segment was very positive, as a majority of viewers were excited to see the console for the first time, while quite a few viewers questioned the design, even comparing it to a wireless router or an air purifier. The package also includes an HD camera with a dual 1080p lens for streaming, a media remote with built-in microphone for voice control, and the Pulse 3D wireless headset with 3D audio and dual noise-cancelling. The price of the new console was not announced during the stream, and ultimately, remains the biggest piece of the puzzle missing for consumers to buy the console during the 2020 holiday season.
Several game trailers during the Sony stream stood out to viewers, both positively and negatively. Here we have highlighted a few of these trailers to show sentiment and reaction from audiences as these trailers were streaming.
What do toys do when humans aren’t in the room? Throw a block party of course! Mythical’s Blankos: Block Party gameplay stream showed a fun, colorful, and easy to build world. The free-to-play game lets players design their own single and multiplayer experiences, while collecting and leveling up different Blankos, living figurines inspired by the urban and designer vinyl scene.
Creators of the game plan to listen to the players and the gaming community in expanding future seasons of the game. Initial reactions from the livestream have been mixed, which can be reflected by a sentiment score of 55, as players view the game as boring or a cash grab, while some viewers really enjoyed the art, feel, and gameplay. While it has drawn some comparison to the Little Big Planet game, Blankos: Block Party is looking to carve a spot out in the market when launching by the end of 2020 on PC.
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2K’s gameplay stream for Borderlands 3’s new DLC, Bounty of Blood, tells a story of revenge and redemption on a brutal planet reminiscent of the western frontier. With this third DLC, players have the ability to jump right into Bounty of Blood with a new level boost, no matter how far they have gotten in gameplay. In addition to the level boost, Bounty of Blood has added a narrator to the game, which is new to the series.
Initial reactions from the live stream have been very positive, with a sentiment score of 82. Players praise the included level boost as a way to get to the exciting content and skip the more boring and uninteresting content. With new vehicles, new western themed skins and weapons (it's not a true western frontier without pistols), and genetically modified beasts, Bounty of Blood is a self-contained story full of brand new characters and will be available in just weeks with a release date of June 25th, 2020.
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Sega’s gameplay reveal of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, takes a familiar franchise and adds more role-playing elements to improve the gameplay experience. This new installment includes a brand new character and storyline in a new setting within the Yakuza universe. While staying true to the roots of an action game, but now in an RPG setting, Like a Dragon includes several mini games and activities to provide in-game income opportunities.
Initial reactions from the live stream have been positive, with a sentiment score of 65. Sega is listening to its players by adapting the series to include more RPG elements, as players have found the gameplay repetitive and boring from previous interactions in the series. With a balance of both dramatic and comedic moments, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, already out in Japan, will be available stateside later this year on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, and expected to be available on PS5 since it is optimized for next-gen.
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While we have traditionally collected data around major gaming announcements during E3 in the past, we are still continuing to do that virtually with the major events this summer through IGN’s Summer of Gaming and the Summer Game Fest event schedule. You can expect the same insightful information and video game data. Stay tuned for more!
