With E3 2008 so close that we can nearly taste it, we here at PSU have decided to compile a few predictions for the upcoming expo. With our predictions ranging from obvious to unheard of, not all will materialize come E3. Regardless, our combined intellect and magical future-prediction skills have led us to some very probable conclusions. Without further ado, here are our PlayStation predictions for E3 2008.
Eric Blattberg, Contributing Editor
Here are nine tidbits I predict from the ninth E3 since the turn of the century:
1. Sucker Punch will re-reveal inFamous, which, as we all expect, will feature gorgeous, open-ended gameplay.
2. God of War III will be teased, with a release date yet to be pinpointed (sometime in 2009 is realistic).
3. SEGA’s Sonic Unleashed will be looking better than ever. Expect this one to revitalize the staggering Sonic series.
4. Activision Blizzard will unveil the next Tony Hawk game. Drastic changes to the general franchise formula will have taken place in order to combat Electronic Art’s surprisingly popular Skate.
5. Take-Two will flaunt BioShock for the PS3, highlighting the game’s exclusive content as reason that even 360 owners should once again invest in the world of Rapture.
6. Sony will announce an amazing new PSP game set to release in late 2008.
7. Sony will detail the PlayStation Network’s online video service and announce a near immediate launch date.
8. Square Enix will break the silence on Final Fantasy XIII, but will fail to offer anything too tantalizing (like a real-time demonstration of the title).
9. Last but not least, Sony will give Home an official (open beta) release date.
Mike Harradence, Contributing Editor
Here are several subjects that you should expect to see covered at this year’s E3:
1. Capcom will announce the long-rumored co-op mode for its upcoming Survival Horror title, Resident Evil 5. A new trailer will also be shown, which will include new footage of Chris Redfield’s partner, Sheva Aloma, as detailed in a recent issue of Famitsu.
2. LocoRoco 2 for the PlayStation Portable will be detailed extensively for the first time.
3. Sony will nail down a firm release window for PlayStation Home’s open beta session.
4. God of War III will be formally introduced via a short teaser trailer, pointing to a Holiday 2009 release date.
5. Ninja Theory’s new project will be announced.
6. Details on the upcoming home console version of Tekken 6 for PlayStation 3 will be released, including a target release date.
7. Firm details on the upcoming PlayStation Network video download service, including a pricing scheme and release date, will be revealed.
Justin Pinter, PR Manager and Staff Writer
Here are my nine hunches of what E3 2008 will offer:
1. Guerilla Games will reveal new Killzone 2 environments and perhaps a sneak peak at the game’s multiplayer.
2. God of War III will be shown in a quick teaser trailer, with the date 2009 at the end.
3. Twisted Metal for the PS3 will be revealed.
4. SCEA will announce a date for launch of PlayStation Home Beta.
5. Sony will announce and show the new PSP 2.
6. Sony will implement a price drop for the 40GB and 80GB PS3 to further drive sales.
7. Insomniac Games will officially announce the Ratchet and Clank Future expansion, Quest for Booty.
8. Sony will reveal plans to port God of War: Chains of Olympus to the PS2.
9. Factor 5 will announce its new PS3 project after being silent since the release of Lair.
With only a few days to go before E3 kicks off, we’ll leave you to ponder which of these predictions will become reality. Check back soon for Dave Wales’ E3 expectations feature, where he’ll tell you what he expects to see whilst covering the event live. Stay tuned to PSU for all your E3 2008 PlayStation coverage.