E3 2004 Preview (RPGs)
Added 05/06/2004 by Kamahl
Another GenreYesterday, we talked about the most anticipated first-person shooters that will be further unveiled next week at E3. Today, we’ve moved on to bigger, more open-ended games - RPGs. This genre requires the most extensive development time, so it’s common for an RPG to go through several changes. Sometimes these changes are major, and what’s a better time to see these changes than at E3? Next week, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the only thing bigger than these RPGs will be our stunned eyes.
Fable (Late Summer 2004)
Aside from Halo 2, Fable is the most talked about and anticipated game for Microsoft’s box. Seemingly in development for the last century, Fable promises to deliver a real-time action-RPG experience like never before. Well, at least Peter Molynuex promises this. Also, he has stated that a late summer release isn’t impossible, which leads us to believe that a near-finished copy of the potential masterpiece will show up next week. Finally, we will be able to see what the graphics will really look like. Finally, we will be able to see how the revolutionary aging process really works. Finally, we will be able to see if it really is possible to do anything in Fable. However, based on recent previews, we already do know a few things.
Aging process has been toned down. It’s much simpler now, unfortunately.
Multiplayer co-op has been eliminated.
With no side quests, it’ll take you about 12 hours.
Simply put, the game is mostly intuitive.
The ups and downs of Fable are now coming to an end. Next week, we will see exactly what we’ll be playing later this year. It’s about time.
B.C. (Winter 2004)
My initial reaction to B.C. was, “What the hell?!” Now, over a year later with time to reflect on this strange game, my reaction…. is exactly the same. Although B.C. isn’t confirmed to be at this year’s E3, the likelihood of it being there is pretty good. After all, it’s one of the Xbox’s most unique titles. And unique is right.
Basically, a player starts out at the beginning of human evolution. To further emphasize the “What the Hell?!” factor, dinosaurs are roaming the earth with you. Your job is to conquer the dinosaurs and other environmental obstacles in order to populate all 6 massive terrains in the game. As you probably guessed, you’ll have to teach your tribe to be survivors with hunting and gathering skills, language acquisition, and defensive fighting. Unfortunately for you and your pack of future humans, the Simians are at the same evolutionary stage as you. And they’ll do everything in their power to be the ones who evolve into beings that constantly fight over religion.
Overall, B.C. is going to be an extremely open-ended adventure game with strong RPG elements in place that lets players get a glimpse of how the evolutionary process supposedly was. Oh, dinosaurs roaming around with Homo sapiens. Nevermind. It’ll still be a great game to check out next week. You can check out a comprehensive FAQ of B.C. here.
Sudeki (Summer 2004)
Although it isn’t a traditional RPG, Sudeki is as close as it comes on the Xbox. It’s better classified as an action game with RPG elements. Anyway, who cares what it is? Next week, it’s going to be showcased at E3 with a large crowd watching. And rightfully so. With excellent graphics and character models, Sudeki is visually stunning. The actual gameplay has been compared to Zelda, and that’s obviously a good comparison. As for the story, you’ll be in charge of a party of four combatants: Tal, Ailish, Buki, and Elco. Sudeki features massive worlds, frightening enemies, and sexy heroines – all the necessary ingredients of an exciting action-RPG. The only way to get through this lengthy game is to combine the forces of your wizardress, gunslinger, swordsman, and huntress.
Next week, let’s hope that the developers have something sweet in store for us. We’ve been waiting a long time for a Zelda-esque RPG on the Xbox, and it might finally be here.
Jade Empire (Fall 2004)
This is a KotOR-esque RPG, and it’s set in ancient China. So, what’s that mean? It means there’s going to be a lot of stylish fighting and supernatural enemies for one. It also means that the Xbox is going to be seeing another highly successful, innovative RPG from Bioware. Some might disagree, but Jade Empire is basically the same thing as Knights of the Old Republic. However, JE has been improved in several areas, including the camera and the entire management system.
We will see more improvements and details next week because, sure enough, Bioware is going to be at E3 with the goods in hand.
And then there were four…
Those are only four of many RPGs to be showcased next week at E3. Be sure to keep your eyes on these four in particular, however, because they are sure to keep you leveling up and fighting the supernatural for months and months. Tomorrow, I’ll cover sports games that you should pay close attention to starting next Tuesday. So, check back here at TalkXbox for that. Just think, only 5 more days until E3.
Other RPGs to keep an eye on:
Citizen Zero
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
X-Men: Legends
Check out our other E3 2004 Previews:
