BLIZZARD - E3 2000
Blizzard's booth was typical, packed with E3 patrons visiting the many gaming stations demonstrating their latest works. Blizzard was unwilling to announce anything about the 'third development team', but something else has been in the works for quite awhile. It may be awhile until we are told what it is. Meanwhile, existing projects that have been previously announced were on the show floor, and Diablo II was there again, possibly going for a record for most E3 appearances. Blizzard is still the leader in creating games in my opinion, because they continue to to create polished titles that are full of features, plot, and gameplay.
| Warcraft 3 - Warcraft 3 is actually not that new. It was announced almost a year ago and many fans had a feeling it was in development anyway. After 'Warcraft Adventures' was cancelled, components of that game were put into Warcraft 3, which is still a real time strategy game (RTS) with components of role playing and adventure. Warcraft 3 uses an overhead camera that is locked into position so that you are not fighting the camera during gameplay. 3D terrains, characters, and the beautiful game art you are used to seeing from Blizzard will catch your eye. Unfortunately, the game still has a ways to go. Blizzard says 1st quarter next year, but I predict E3 2001 for a release. |
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Diablo 2 - I was a little mixed about this title this year. When I first saw it 2 years ago it looked awesome; bigger, badder, and better than the original. At last year's E3 they showed it again, and it looked nicer in part because it was now using 3D accelerated lighting and had a nice addition of characters and monsters. Now, a year later, they have practically finished the game, with a small public beta test on battle net about to go underway. The game still looks good, but after 2 years, the gloss has dulled somewhat. New games at E3 including Vampire from Activision and especially Neverwinter Nights from Bioware take this genre to the next level. Luckily for Blizzard, and fans of the series, Diablo 2 will actually be coming out very soon. Diablo 2 looks good, but I have already seen where the future of this genre is heading. |
