This generation Ubisoft have clearly established themselves at the forefront of video game development. Bringing a host of AAA franchises across all platforms, it’s obvious why everyone always anticipates press events from these guys. After Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs stole the show last E3, would they be able to repeat and top one of their most successful E3 ventures ever?
Ubisoft clearly misunderstood what opening with a bang meant because Rocksmith 2014 Edition wasn’t exactly the dramatic beginning everyone was hoping for. Nevertheless the conference quickly moved on to the highly anticipated Splinter Cell: Blacklist although a lot has already been revealed regarding this title so it wasn’t exactly a huge surprise.
Ubisoft then turned their attention to another up and coming title Rayman Legends. It’s definitely fair to say that Rayman has once again come into his own over the past couple of years and despite the release delay fans across the world are clearly anticipating this platforming adventure.
Finally it was on to a title that I have not yet seen: The Mighty Quest of Epic Loot. Little was really drawn out here but it looked potentially like some sort of RPG adventure that you will be able to play with friends. Fans of quirky role-play and RTS stay tuned for more information as we begin discovering what this is really about.
Since Ubisoft acquired the rights to South Park: The Stick of Truth fans all over have been concerned that this potential comedy gem would never see the light of day. Fortunately it was given an opportunity to shine with a few comical snippets from your beloved cast. This may turn out to be an absolute disaster but at least we will be able to laugh along with Cartman and co.
A racing game trailer was up next and since all racers seem to pile up into the same experience this day you wouldn’t have been wrong guessing if it was any of the blockbuster franchises. Titled The Crew, this racer showed groups of friends joining together online seamlessly and completing missions Fast & Furious style. With so many racers coming out in the next gen (Forza 5, GT6, Need for Speed Rivals) The Crew will have to really impress in the upcoming months to get attention from a clearly dominant market.
Returning to their most anticipated title Ubisoft proceeded to demo Watch Dogs. Little can be said other than it looks absolutely incredible. The futuristic Grand Theft Auto and Deus Ex like mix will be an absolute joy to experience. It’s also really cool that Watch Dogs will be available for current and next generation consoles.
A new Just Dance was next on stage quickly followed by a new Rabbids interactive TV show called Rabbids Invasion, which will likely appeal to a much younger audience.
More information on Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag arrived, yet again however it’s nothing particularly new or breathtaking. Most gamers are aware that the game looks incredible and there will be on-sea action: more hands-on time will help give us a better idea of how this is coming along.
One of Ubisoft’s most successful Live titles Trials exploded (literally) onto the screen next with Trials Fusion and Trials Frontier – fans of this incredibly frustrating biking experience will surely be left drooling at the sight of these colourful new entries into the series.
The conference finished with a teaser for a really cool looking idea, called The Division, similar to the mobile app game Plague Inc. A trailer depicted the consequences of a worldwide viral outbreak and what would happen but absolutely nothing was story or characters. Nevertheless, it was cool to see that an interesting idea is currently in development.
The Verdict:
Ubisoft are certainly a big power in the video game industry currently and rightfully so. The conference clearly showed a consistent list of good to AAA titles with very little to fault or moan about. It was obvious that we weren’t going to see an announcement as huge as Watch Dogs last year but with the aforementioned, Assassin’s Creed IV, Rayman Legends and Splinter Cell: Blacklist all not far away, being a fan of Ubisoft is definitely not a bad thing.
Ultimately their conference wasn’t huge but the things they brought to the table, matter.
Igor Kharin.
