Been There, Played That

Watching E3 2010, I noticed that a huge majority of the games that made headlines were sequels. At times, it felt as though almost every title was a remake of a classic or a major franchise sequel. I want to know when something new and fresh is coming.

I've heard people argue that it's hard to get brand new titles in the spotlight. But in years past, we have been able to see new games take center stage. Mass Effect, Bioshock, Assassins Creed, and so many more have been able to show at E3 before release. This year, the virgin franchises were few and far between.

Nintendo seems to be the biggest culprit. They have sequels coming out for Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, and, of course, Mario. There are even more on the list but those seemed to be the heavy hitters. Those games were all fun, but its nothing really new. Nintendo talks about being on the future's edge of gaming. But in reality, almost all of their games are the same old thing. I think it's time that the company starts to live up to its claims.

Nintendo isn't the only one to blame. Convention goers got firsthand looks at the repeat titles of the PS3 and the 360. Ghost Recon, Medal of Honor, and just about every sports title still in play. It seems like everyone has turned off their creative drive and channeled their inner Daddy Warbucks. I sort of understand given the current state of the economy. Developers want to minimize the risks. Why go for broke when you can fall back on a sure thing. But as a gamer, I am craving the next big game. Not a goofy new controller or some 3D gadget. I want action, story, memorable characters, and just something a little less ... stale.

One game that did happen to look pretty cool was Epic Mickey. While we have seen Disney and Nintendo partner up many times before, this installment looks different. It appears to be very stylized, and really focuses on incorporating elements of the Disney corporation's classic films. There are Disney characters all the way back from their first animations. Now I'm not talking Snow White, (although those characters make and appearance too). I'm taking about Steamboat Willie. The few cut scenes that I have viewed seem to touch on the few things that people still love about the Disney corporation.

With all this in mind, I'm sure I will end up playing at least some of these games. I do love when a story continues. Plus some of the titles were initially written to be parts of trilogies. Lets just hope that E3 2011 has something fresh. I'm only willing to pay so much for nostalgia.