So starts the opening of Charles Dickens’ great novel, A Tale of Two Cities, a story set amid the backdrop of the social and economic dissatisfaction that eventually boiled over and led to the French Revolution.

It’s an appropriate parallel to draw, as that is exactly where the industry finds itself at this juncture. A calm before a revolutionary storm, not necessarily precipitating from dissatisfaction among the consumer, who are eagerly embracing gaming with no signs of slowing down, but out of necessity for survival.

Technology is changing, and there is a thick shroud of uncertainty that is enveloping the minds within the ivory towers of the major console manufacturers. The methods by which we have been enjoying games for the past 40 years, i.e. inserting physical media into a dedicated gaming box stationed to a television, is soon to become obsolete, and as one of my excellent sources pointed out, “no one knows how the future is going to play out. Everything has been fairly scripted for almost 20 years outside Nintendo…suddenly that is all changing.”

Fallout 76 was one of the few big announcements we got during E3 2018

It’s beneath this backdrop that we find E3 2018; an odd show that lacked any “bombshells” from any of the major industry players. This has led to a strange paradox of excitement over the confirmations of what we already knew was coming, versus disappointment following the show. With all of the biggest titles announced, with the exception of Fallout 76, releasing in 2019 at the earliest, the rest of the 2018 release calendar is looking modestly exciting, but no where near the level of joyous release overload that we were treated to in 2017.

It didn’t help that some of the actual press events of E3 2018  were so poorly conducted that one can’t help but wonder if fear and uncertainty are clouding the judgement of some key executives.

How else would one explain Sony’s absolutely idiotic decision to hold their huge prime time showcase in two different venues, which required a twenty minute intermission in order to move that audience from one venue to the next. It was a jarring break in momentum that completely detracted from everything that would follow. Had those twenty minutes been filled with anything meaningful, then perhaps I’d be sitting here typing praises over a bold artistic direction that Sony took with their event. Unfortunately, I have to type words questioning the sanity of those in charge.

Sony’s conference was particularly strange because in recent years, they had shown a remarkable sense of understanding as to what makes an E3 event good. Their recent success had featured a formula that featured a perfect mixture of information, showmanship, and most importantly, games.

I know I keep harping on Sony’s event; however, the audacity of their event underscores the key themes that people should be focusing on coming out of E3 2018: transition, uncertainty, and fear.

Starting your event in a country barn, then stopping everything so you can move your crowd to another space was a stupid, stupid idea..

As many of the more astute post-E3 2018 articles have pointed out, this E3 marked a year of transition for the industry.

Looking at the lack of any new announcements shows that most AAA teams have moved on to development for next generation hardware already, and that we will likely see announcements, if not releases of new hardware as early as next year. Sony’s conference (again, sorry to pick on Sony here) featured no new first-party studio game announcements and very few new announcements of third-party titles. The stuff that was shown was all loaded for 2019, which was a similar theme that played out over at Microsoft’s event, which at least wasn’t as tone deaf when it came to presentation as Sony.

Third-parties were also invited to the 2019 party, with very few announcements for new games coming in 2018, save for a scant few.

So what’s the deal with 2019 anyway?

Well here’s where all of those astute post-E3 2018 articles start getting dramatically less insightful.

Fear.

If you read my pre-E3 2018 articles, you will remember how I pointed out that Sony and Microsoft are scared to death over the impending arrival of one of the “titans” into the gaming industry: Apple, Google, and/or Amazon.

The reason you saw so many titles being loaded for 2019 is because both Sony and Microsoft are trying to create a buffer of content as a way of protecting themselves should one of the titans arrive next year. After all, how could there not be a level of frenzy among the gaming faithful, and especially the casual audience, should a company like Apple announce a device tied in with gaming?

It would be absolute mayhem.

Sony and Microsoft are doing their best to ensure that there will still be attention on their current machines next year should they suddenly be faced with new competition, while putting the finishing touches are put on their next-gen machines for 2020 launches.

As for Nintendo, it’s perplexing and worrisome how much momentum they are losing with the Nintendo Switch after its amazing debut last year.

Yes, Super Smash Bros Ultimate looks like a fantastic celebration of the series as we have known it; however, there is nothing here that is pushing the series forward. Nintendo apologists also need to face the reality that Smash is not a huge system seller to mainstream audiences. It’s just not.

Fans who have sat on the fence waiting for a Smash announcement will pick it up, but John and Jane Q Casual fan is less likely to care.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate will be good, but will it be the system mover Nintendo needs this holiday?

Pokemon: Let’s Go Evee/Pikachu is the opposite – It appeals to too much of a casual audience, and not enough to their core fans. Here, Nintendo is trying to tap into the same magic that propelled Pokemon Go into the status of sensation during the summer of last year. What they may not realize is that Pokemon Go’s lack of gameplay depth was forgiven because it was a free mobile game – so there’s little indicating that the same audience that doesn’t already have a Switch will run out and drop the $370 needed for the console and a copy of the game.

As for insulation against the Death Star that is Apple, Google, and/or Amazon? Nintendo will most likely try to rely on the roll-out of basic features for their online service, which is launching in September. Watch for things like an expanded lineup of classic games available for download as a counter should one of the titans arrive.

The biggest announcement throughout the entirety of E3 2018 came from EA, and their proclamation that they would be bringing full HD streaming content to their new EA Origin Access Premiere service. This, followed by Phil Spencer’s more understated confirmation that Microsoft wanted to stream content to any device”, were the largest public affirmations of the direction the industry will be taking in the next few years: streaming.

Like it or not, streaming full game experiences, whether it’s a small indy title, or huge blockbusters like the newly announced Halo: Infinite, will be the next big thing in the industry.

Next generation hardware will likely skip physical media, and offer multiple sku’s which allow for fully downloaded digital content, or souped up streaming devices for a reduced price.

In EA’s case, their streaming service will be an insurance policy of their own should one of the titans arrive. How attractive would it be for the mainstream public to buy the latest Apple TV, and subscribe to EA Origin Access Premiere to play Madden, Battlefield, etc?

The bottom line is this:

On the surface, E3 2018 was disappointing in its lack of surprises. Beneath the surface though, is a torrent of competing sentiments, as the established gaming veterans try to quickly grasp a coming technological shift, while also holding off those who would come take their throne.

All of the elements one finds in a typical revolution.

Legendary Super Smash Bros player ZeRo will defend the Smash series’ honor against the fighting game community’s prodigy, Sonic Fox at an event to be named later.

The challenge was laid down following remarks made by Sonic Fox concerning how he categorizes the Super Smash Bros series. Sonic Fox told his followers that Sunday that he agrees with those who don’t view the Super Smash Bros series as a true fighting game, but that it stands alone in its own league and still carries a number of elements found in fighting games that require skill to learn and master.

Most people see it not being called a fighting game as a bad thing and its not???? You guys easily stand alone from the FGC and you should hold that with a high honor! Yall are OD i cant salkdjfhasdkj

— SonicFox (@SonicFox) June 17, 2018

This led to Smash legend ZeRo publicly calling out Sonic Fox, who in turn challenged ZeRo to a Super Smash Bros duel. Sonic Fox claimed he would only need three months with the upcoming Super Smash Bros Ultimate in order to master the skills needed to be a top player and defeat ZeRo.

https://twitter.com/zerowondering/status/1008429504329650177

Sonic Fox, still in his teens, has shown an uncanny ability to master a number of different fighters. He’s been a top player in the Mortal Kombat series, as well as Injustice, Marvel vs Capcom, and Dragon Ball Fighterz.

ZeRo has become a legend within the Super Smash Bros community for his dominance over Super Smash Bros for Wii U. He recently announced his retirement, saying he wanted to focus on other things besides the rigors of constant tournament life; however, he did make a special appearance at the Super Smash Bros Invitational last week as part of E3 2018, where he bested seven other top players from around the world during a special demonstration tournament of Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

No date has been set for this showdown, however, it will be quite the spectacle once it occurs.

What are your thoughts? Do you view Super Smash Bros as a fighting game? Do you think Sonic Fox is savvy enough to waltz in and defeat ZeRo? Throw down in the comments section below.

Intrigued because I’m always ready to play a great space combat game, as there are far too few on the markets right now. I’m also intrigued over the main gimmick in the game – its toys-to-life gimmick that features swap-able toy parts that translate to upgrades for your ship. It’s this aspect though, that fuels my trepidation. Just how much will the game rely on these parts? Will I need to have a bucket of old parts lying around my house for years after I’m done playing the game?

Ubisoft dropped by the Nintendo Treehouse stage at E3 2018 to talk a bit more about Starlink: Battle for Atlas, and while my fears about the physical hook of the game haven’t completely been asuaged, my optimism for the game is far outweighing my reservations.

Why?

Because Starlink: Battle for Atlas looks friggin great!

You can tell that there are a lot of different influences from other titles that are pouring into Starlink: Battle for Atlas.

Any space-based combat game will automatically invite comparisons to the classic Colony Wars series, which graced the PlaySation back in the mid-90’s; however you can also see plenty of influences from a more recent release from the PlayStation 4: No Man’s Sky.

That’s because Starlink: Battle for Atlas takes place in a dynamic open world star system with a number of fully realized planets that players can explore. Much like No Man’s Sky, players can seamlessly visit these planets at any time and explore their vast array of secrets, lore, and ecosystems. There are no loading screens as players descend upon one of these new worlds and, much like No Man’s Sky, the feeling of size and grandeur the player receives when arriving or leaving a planet can be awe-inspiring.

Unlike the aforementioned No Man’s Sky however, there is actually stuff to do in Starlink: Battle for Atlas.

Each planet has it’s own ecosystem which can be explored and resources can be gathered to help create new weapons. Players can also get to know the locals, as there are a number of races, each with their own history and rivalries.

While of the exploratory elements certainly look nice, the main event that’s going to bring people to the dance is in how the combat plays.

Luckily, the Starlink: Battle for Atlas combat looks deep and fulfilling – almost like a souped up version of a Star Fox game, which makes sense considering Star Fox will make an appearance in the Nintendo Switch version.

The action appears to have a nice flow to it. There are plenty of dodges and rolls that can be performed in order to evade enemy fire. There’s even a jump button, which will blast your thrusters towards the surface of the planet, allowing you to quickly ascend – jump – as another means of evasive maneuvers. One other neat element we saw was that a perfectly timed press of the shield button will allow the player to parry and attack.

Boss characters in the game look like absolutely massive mix of robotic and organic design. Each one had its own weak points and special attacks, again hearkening back to Star Fox enemy design.

As we mentioned earlier, Nintendo’s Star Fox property will be making an appearance in the Nintendo Switch version of the game. The Starlink Battle for Atlas Starter Pack will get you one of Fox McCloud’s signature Arwing fighters, while also allowing you to participate in exclusive Star Fox related story missions that explain how Fox and his crew arrived in the world of Starlink: Battle for Atlas.

Lastly, and speaking to my fears a bit, additional real world physical upgrade material is purely optional, and Starlink: Battle for Atlas can be completed with just the Starter Pack.

I don’t think there is any possible way that I can resist buying this..I mean.. It’s Star Fox!!!

I’m eager to see if Starlink: Battle for Atlas will properly scratch the eternal itch I have for a good space combat game. We’ll know for sure when the game releases on October 16th, 2018.

Do you think Starlink: Battle for Atlas will be the cure for my medically diagnosed space rash? Or will I go on itching with an alien ferocity for the rest of my life? Let us know in the comments section below.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

Even if it doesn’t, there’s still room for enjoyment in Fossil Hunters, which will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch on June 28th, from Reptoid Games!

We are thrilled to announce that #FossilHunters will be launching on the #NintendoSwitch #eShop on June 28! https://t.co/YEiBzwnTOH

Please RT & spread the word! pic.twitter.com/0ruMFo3J3g

— Reptoid Games (@ReptoidGames) June 14, 2018

Uncover the array of relics, creatures, and more in Fossil Hunters as you attempt to further the cause of science, while gaining an understanding of the past.

Have a look at the trailer below to get yourself familiar with Fossil Hunters in action.

Fossil Hunters will also be available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and is currently available for the PC.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

Now, they are looking to take that formula out of the realm of dark medieval European fantasy, and into the realm of ancient Japan with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Originally teased at the 2017 Game Awards, we were treated to a full reveal trailer for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as part of Microsoft’s E3 2018 showcase.

Producer Robert Conkey and Marketer Yasuhiro Kitaro stopped by Gamespot’s stage as part of their ongoing coverage of E3 2018 to talk about what players can expect from the game.

Set in an alternate version of 1500’s Japan in an time known as the “Warring States” era, From Software is hoping to create a more colorful, visually lush title in to their repertoire.

The variety of options in combat was one of the key elements that was stressed regarding Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game’s protagonist has a sword, which would be a requisite feature of any game set in ancient Japan; however, he also has a bionic arm, which gives him a number of different abilities such a grappling hook. This will lend itself to combos during combat, as well as forcing players to think about the vertical nature of the environments, as opposed to just thinking about what might have been lurking around the corner as they did during the Souls titles.

One other interesting facet is that Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is going eschew the stats system that was present in their previous releases. While they didn’t say exactly how the game’s progression would work, they did stress that the sense of accomplishment attained from overcoming difficult obstacles would definitely be there. They also confirmed that From Software’s signature gameplay hook of a sense of dread over dying in the game would still present in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

One big surprise is that there are no online features planned in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. They said that designing a single player game is much different than designing an online game, especially when multiple character classes are involved. They felt that focusing on single player design would open up more “interesting” options for the player, and wanted to push the options available within the concept of being a ninja.

From Software hopes that these elements combine with a variety of unique weapons and bosses – promising to present their fans with many things never seen before.

The team behind  Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice initially started thinking about exploring a Japanese setting for their next title while they were working on the DLC for Bloodborne.

It will be fascinating to see how From Software’s signature style evolves once Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice releases in 2019. While we wait, make sure you recheck the amazing trailer from E3 2018 below.

Are you excited for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? Be an excitement ninja in the comments section below.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

Gameplay
– In the style that started with Resident Evil 4, this remake of Resident Evil 2 will feature an over the shoulder 3rd person view rather than the pre-rendered environments we’re used to in the original series (and the Resident Evil remake)
– Like Resident Evil 7, there is a small HUD for ammo count and inventory can be accessed in real time, so no more inventory screen breaks for you
– Leon is shown using the combat knife as a defense weapon like we saw in RE Remake, but that same knife is also used in the familiar swiping fashion. It was also noted by developers that the knife could degrade over time, so it stands to reason that there will be other knives or similar items to use when one becomes unusable
– Puzzles will be back and I saw at least 2 that are brand new, but also returning are those keys that take up a full inventory slot, they’ll just open different doors than the original.
– Herbs make their return as your primary health items, but new to Resident Evil 2 comes ammo crafting using gunpowder, which we didn’t originally see until Resident Evil 3
– Another really interesting element I saw added is the ability to pick up wooden boards and use them to bar windows. This is a great idea for the game taking place in a public building with a crap ton of windows. You’ll have to make some big decisions as to when to bar a window to make an escape, not knowing whether you’ll REALLY need it later.

Some of these encounters are gonna happen in the dark, and I’m gonna shriek like a little girl.

Environments
– Holy crap, does this ever look awesome! The small bit we got to see of the inside of RPD HQ is really exciting in a few ways
– First, it looks like this game won’t simply be a remake of the original. Key parts of the police station have been completely redesigned, leaving us with an essentially new exploration experience. While some locations will undoubtedly be familiar, the thought of seeing all the changes is incredibly exciting
– Second, it’s gonna be DARK AF! Luckily, you’re equipped with a flashlight that can be pointed while aiming, but from the early gameplay, there is going to be a significant amount of walking around with nothing but the flashlight to guide your way, and on top of that, there are frickin’ zombies all over the place!
– Like RE7, it looks like Resident Evil 2 will go back to its focus on resource conservation, which I’ve always said is something you really need to make a good horror game. It doesn’t seem like ammo is going to be littered at every corner, which will make things even more intense when you’ve got a swarm of zombies coming at you and only have a handful of bullets.
– Visually, what we’ve been shown of the inside of the RPD is stunning. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the environments look like.

Reception desk is up front and that statue was moved to the back

Characters
– It’s reported that Resident Evil 2 will have 2 fully playable campaigns with Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, but it won’t be broken into A and B scenarios like in the PlayStation version. Instead, their paths will cross at different times during gameplay, but we’re not yet sure if actions in one campaign affect the other.
– It seems as though some of the characters from the original game will be fleshed out a bit in this game, most notable of whom is Marvin, the cop Leon meets upon entering the station. In this game, it looks like he sticks around for a while and gives Leon vital information about how to find survivors in the building. I have to think we’ll see more from Bob Kendo as well, but we won’t know that until closer to release.
– It doesn’t seem like they were able to get Paul Haddad or Alyson Court to lend their voices for Leon and Claire, which is a bit of a disappointment.

Bloody hallways, classic.

Overall, I’m thrilled that this game is happening. It has the potential to be right up there with the Resident Evil Remake, but I caution other excited RE fans out there, you’ll save yourself a lot of disappointment and heartache if you don’t go into this one expecting a super HD version of the PlayStation game. Let me reiterate that while the main story looks as if it’ll remain the same, there are going to be some big changes to this one and I think that’s a good thing. I’d be lying if I said I’m not a little bit concerned that Capcom will incorporate elements from Resident Evil 6, which most of us were not crazy about. Personally, I hope they keep it relatively simple. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel; just make a great game that already has a story that longtime fans love and make it something amazing.

I can’t wait to pick this one up when it drops on January 25, 2019 and you can bet I’ll have a full review for you guys as soon as I’ve completed it!

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

Roller Coaster Tycoon Switch, which began its life as a crowd funded adaptation of the mobile version, was not featured during Tuesday’s Nintendo Direct presentation, so it’s a pleasant surprise to learn of its presence at E3 2018.

For those unfamiliar, Roller Coaster Tycoon Touch continues the long standing tradition of the hit PC series, Roller Coaster Tycoon. Players get to design, build and manage the roller coaster theme parks of their dreams, now with updated 3D visuals.

There has been a deal of controversy surrounding the development of Roller Coaster Tycoon Switch. The game, as we mentioned earlier, began as a crowdfunding effort, however, it’s not as if there is no publisher attached. As Gamespot reported in January, Atari is at the helm of the project, but still requested that the public fund the game through the profit-sharing platform StartEngine. This caused many in the gaming community to cry foul, especially given the minimum request of $250 to sign up as a backer. (although signing up as a backer would entitle you to a share of the game’s revenue)

In any event, the Roller Coaster Tycoon Switch project is moving forward and is scheduled for a September release. It’s exciting to see that there are more titles coming to the Nintendo Switch beyond what was featured in Tuesday’s presentation.

Here’s a trailer to tide you over until we get more news and previews.

Does the idea of creating the ultimate theme park in Roller Coaster Tycoon Switch sound better than an actual day at an amusement park? Let us know in the comments section below.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

That little tidbit was just dropped by members of the Dead or Alive 6 development team during an interview with Sony, as part of their ongoing coverage of E3 2018.

While the announcement of Dead or Alive 6 was made prior to the start of E3, the game is present at the show in non-playable form.

EVO, also known as the Evolution Fighting Game Series, is the largest fighting game competition in the world and attracts thousands of competitors and spectators to its Las Vegas venue each year.

As EVO has grown, so too has the presence of fighting game publishers, who are increasingly bringing demo’s of upcoming titles to try and build hype for them prior to release.

NerdBacon will be on hand at EVO, and will bring you our impressions of Dead or Alive 6, as well as all the other happenings from the big tournament.

In the meantime, check out the launch trailer below.

Dead or Alive 6 will launch sometime in 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

Well that’s why we’re here folks. We’re here to bring you the announcements that might have been overlooked during the craziness of E3.

So without further ado – Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise will arrive in North America exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and PC on October 2nd, 2018.

Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise is being produced by Ryu Ga Gotoko Studio, the same folks responsible for the fantastic Yakuza series, which has just started to gain traction in the west during the past year.

Based off of the Fist of the North Star manga series, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise is an intense (we mean, REALLY intense) action RPG that tells an alternate history of the events that took place in the original series. Famed protagonist Kenshiro puts his fists to use early and often, as he delivers a beat down to pretty much anything that moves.

There really isn’t much more to tell you other than the game looks sweet, it’s made by a studio with a great pedigree, and Sony is ridiculous for not showing it during their lackluster press event.

Check out the trailer for yourself below.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!

The titillating, oh so politically incorrect series has been around for quite a while; however, if you are new to the series, there are probably a number of questions that you have regarding the plot. After all, that’s why you’re playing these games, right?

Well never fear! Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is here to fulfill your fantasies…of knowing more about the plot.

That’s because Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal is a complete 3D remake of the Nintendo 3DS original that began all of our wildest adventures.

Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal will feature fast-paced brawling action with new gameplay mechanics, updated visuals, and an expanded version of the ever so important Dressing Room, which allows you to apply new, absolutely strategic, outfits to your favorite fierce warrior.

Two new special additions will accompany Senran Kagura Burst: Re:Newal’s release, and allow fans to properly proclaim their love for the series.

First up is the “Tailor-made” edition, featuring a two disk soundtrack, the old Hanzo and Burst Girls uniform DLC, the Lovey-Dovey diorama pose set, and Yumi as a playable character.

For just a bit extra, you can get the “At the Seams Edition” which features all of the above listed content, plus six “Busty Besties” rubber straps.

I’m really not sure what the straps are used for…

In any event, you’ll be able to get your hands all over Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal when the game launches later this year for PlayStation 4 and PC.

Be sure to stay on top of all of NerdBacon’s E3 2018 coverage right here!