If you didn’t watch the 2010 Video Game Awards you missed some cool stuff. But that’s okay because the important stuff is all here. And, as always, my focus is on PS3, but there are some other bits worth noting as well.
The first major announcement worth reporting: Bethesda has been hard at work on the latest piece of Elder Scrolls lore. A direct sequel to 2006’s Oblivion, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is sheduled for November 11, 2011.
When BioWare said they had a major announcement for VGAs no one ever thought it would be anything other than Mass Effect 3. And no one was wrong. But that doesn’t mean the announcement is underwhelming in any way, because the Reapers have found Earth. The latest installment in what is quickly becoming one of the most expansive sci-fi tales of the video game generation is coming straight to Earth and Shepard better get here quickly.
Sony had a big announcement with its flagship FPS, Resistance. The surprise wasn’t that Resistance 3 is coming, we’ve known that for a while. But they have given it a street date, September 6, 2011. Mark that one on your calendars. Resistance is no Halo, but if you’re on PS3 it’s one of the best FPS around.
Activision has also been doing some pre-VGA announcement hype, which turned out to be the sequel to last year’s open world title, Prototype. The “Murder your maker” noise Activision was making seems to hint at the plot of Prototype 2. It looks like your new character is out to kill the protagonist from the first game. I think. I haven’t actually played Prototype yet so a lot of the trailer and announcement didn’t make much sense.
Yet another pre-show hyped announcement was Guillermo del Toro’s teaming with THQ and Volition. Del Toro is an amazing filmmaker and his unique visual style could be a great fit in the video game industry. But the announcement was not amazing in any way. Yes, he’s involved in the making of a game, Insane. It’s due in September 2013! It was also described as being “new terror,” whatever the hell that means.
SSX: Deadly Descents has been announced. Is there anything more to say about it? Not really. SSX used to be awesome before they robbed it of color and excitement. The newest attempt to revive the franchise looks even more bland than the last one. Shame, really. These used to be great.
A new trailer was released for one of the most anticipated titles of 2011, Portal 2. Mainly the trailer shows more of the robotic pair which are central to the co-op portion of the game. If nothing else, those two robots are adorable.
The next big announcement is November 1, 2011. What happens then? That’s the day we get more Nathan Drake. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception looks to continue the same great gameplay we’ve had for the previous two iterations. This time, the adventure hits the desert.
I mentioned a new Batman: Arkham City trailer in the quick hits last week. Turns out that was the short version. The long version shows more Batman vs. bad guy badassery and some really twisted stuff with Hugo Strange. Oh yeah, and the city is monstrous – something like five times larger than the Asylum from the first game.
I probably missed a few so feel free to expand in the comments. My winners recap will also be up soon.