E3 2013 ANALYSIS with M4d Ski11z

  LOS ANGELES - It’s been a week since E3’s main events started, from the Xbox One’s gaming lineup reveals to the unveiling of Sony’s newest PlayStation, the PlayStation 4. Not to be outdone, Nintendo didn’t do a huge breakout event but did reveal several first and third-party titles during their Nintendo Direct segment.

However, the biggest announcements at E3 revolved around the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One.

One of the coolest things about the Electronic Entertainment Expo, called E3, is how many video game events around the city actually start days before the main event, which typically starts on Tuesdays.

On Sunday, Disney was the first out of the gate with their action-figure video game, “Infinity.” The video game, which uses plastic figures that appear in-game as playable characters, doesn’t hit store shelves until August, was unveiled at a private event in downtown LA on June 9^th. After a brief introduction about the game and a movie about the title, Disney gave the media and VIPs a chance to take the title for a spin. The game is aimed directly at younger gamers and will utilize several iconic characters from Disney franchises. I could see Disney even using “Star Wars” and Marvel characters in this game.

On Monday, Microsoft unveiled a few surprises, including a new, slimmer version of the Xbox 360, as well as a hefty list of video games for the Xbox One. Microsoft did reveal the price of the new console - $499 – but wasn’t clear on the specific date when the Xbox One would launch.

The gaming lineup for the Xbox One is excellent, though many of the heavy-hitters won’t be available at launch. Some of the big titles announced included a new “Halo” title, the newest driving game, “Forza 5,” a Roman-flavored 3rd person action game, "Ryse," a futuristic shooter by Respawn called “Titanfall” and a few exclusive titles including “Dead Rising 3” and the anticipated reboot of the Nintendo title, “Killer Instinct.”

Not to be outdone, Sony had their PS4 unveiling later that day at the LA Sports Arena. Sony showed off several titles, including their newest “Killzone” title, their driving game, “Grand Turismo 6,” actual gameplay from Bungie’s upcoming shooter, “Destiny” and several announcements about console exclusive content for upcoming titles.

The biggest shocks for the PS4 unveiling was the price - $399, $100 cheaper than the new Xbox One – and the ability to play used games. As soon as Sony exec Jack Tretton showed the graphic detailing the differences between the Xbox One and the PS4, the crowd cheered loudly. The PS4 will not require online, unlike the Xbox One, and will be able to share used games or resell them.

For Nintendo, the company will focus on their handheld, the 3DS XL with a gaggle of new titles, including “Pokemon X & Y,” “Super Smash Brothers,” (also on the Wii U) “Mario Party.” For the Wii, Nintendo is bringing several titles, including a new “Zelda” game, “Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” “Super Mario Brothers 3D,” “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” and “Mario Kart 8.”

The biggest shockers of E3? Witnessing a street race in front of the LA Convention Center between two “Forza 5” themed McLaren’s and getting a chance to play the new Xbox One.

Stay tuned for more E3 coverage.