Gamescom in a Flash: PS4 vs. Xbox One, 'The Sims 4,' 'Battlefield 4' and Oculus Rift
Gamescom had been a whirlwind of games, surprises and more games as the likes of the PS4 and Xbox One next-gen consoles, as well as Oculus Rift and games like "Battlefield 4," took to the stage to make some announcements and debuts of new features.
Ushering in the entire event is the battle between the two consoles, PS4 and Xbox One, each with a surprise and official statements to make counting down the months before the official release during the holiday season.
The PS4: All About games
Sony has pretty much delivered all of its console-related surprises back at E3 2013, from prices to the features and add-on subscriptions. The only thing that the company added was the announcement of the definite release dates for the console, which is November 15 for the U.S. and November 29 for Europe.
Other than that, it announced 33 whopping launch titles, packed with both AAA and indie games. One of the biggest names to come out during the announcement was "Minecraft," which is now heading for the PS4, the PS3, and the PS Vita come 2014.
Speaking of Sony's two other gaming devices, price cuts have also been announced for both, accommodating those who want a more improved PS3 in case they are not yet into buying the next-gen console, and to provide a remote gaming companion for the PS4 with the PS Vita.
Xbox One: Going Indie and Going at it Without the Policies
After the E3 fiasco, Microsoft can be seen as picking up the pieces of what is left of its policies--or rather what are no longer there--as the company aims to align all of its messages and goals for the next-gen Xbox One.
So far, it has announced several excusive AAA titles, with many exclusive content and DLCs. The likes of "Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare," "Fables" and "Peggle 2" are heading to the Xbox One.
This doesn't mean that it has already neglected the indie scene. Rather, what the highlight of the Xbox One would have to be was the new Indie Developer program that it has allotted for those who want to self-publish titles with the Xbox One.
As previously reported, the Independent Developers @ Xbox gives two free dev kits with no memberships for game certification for independent developers, effectively abolishing the much-hated policy that independent developers would have to find a third-party publisher to have a go at the Xbox One.
Also, Microsoft has addressed the delay for some of the target areas for the Xbox One distribution, with those in the European area receiving the FIFA 14 game as a free addition to the bundle as compensation.
'The Sims 4': Big on Emotion, Big on Offline
The favorite simulation game, "The Sims," will get its fourth installment, which will now feature a new technology that hypes up the emotion of the game.
At Gamescom, EA stated that "The Sims 4" will bring a whole new outlook in playing with the game, now that it is more founded on emotions more than anything else. In a press release reported by VG 24/7, Rachel Franklin, exec for "The Sims 4," reveals that this version will bring more of the combination of creativity on the part of the player with the new technology in playing the Sims.
"The Sims 4 is the bold leap for the franchise where each Sim now has a rich emotional center that drives meaningful social interactions," said Franklin. "Your ability to affect the mind, body and heart of these new Sims brings your stories to life in a way that is more personal than ever before."
You can now use emotions to power the stories of your Sims and see just where the encounters and reactions will take you. Add the fact that there are now new creative tools to manipulate the surroundings, which will, in turn, affect the environment and emotions of your Sims, and you have yourself a very dynamic game on hand.
If that's not enough, GameSpot also reported that "The Sims 4" is compatible with lower-end PCs, even better than the way "The Sims 3" ran with these devices, so you can enjoy the new installment even more. Best of all, offline play is already allowed for this Sims installment.
Check out the gameplay trailer below, then place your pre-orders on the official website to get the Limited Edition for the Life of the Party digital content.
'EVE: Valkyrie,' as Seen from the Oculus Rift
Next-gen gaming doesn't seem to run complete unless you have the possibility of virtual reality running along the line somewhere. And while the Oculus Rift is a continually evolving project--after all, there is much to be explored in the art of VR--there is a new game that's tailored for Oculus Rift coming in 2014.
Revealed first at the EVE Fanfest, as well as showing off at Gamescom, "EVE: Valkyrie" showcased its VR trailer as a fighting game via Oculus Rift. Even as a tech demo, IGN reported that the trailer is already impressive with detail and flow, particularly since its developer CCP has been responsible for the well-received EVE Online MMO.
For now, the project is still kept behind closed doors, with only the trailer to go by. The campaign is not even set, with the developers not yet ready to talk about the details of the game. But it is nice to know that the virtual reality aspect is being developed. Next year is looking plentiful for the VR landscape.
Gunning for Glory at Gamescom: 'BF4'
DICE and EA have promised that "Battlefield 4" will bring an explosive show at Gamescom, and it did not disappoint.
Aside from showing off levolution and the multiplayer map, "Battlefield 4" also got six awards at the event alone. On the official Battlefield Blog, DICE reported that the awards include Best Graphics; Best FPS; three Editor's Choice Award for the PS3/PS4, Xbox 360/Xbox One and the PC; and the Most Wanted PC award.
In all, the game got 16 more nominations including Best Action Game and Game of the Show.
At Gamescom, the "Battlefield 4 Beta" was also revealed, set for launch in early October. The beta will feature the "Siege of Shanghai" in Battlefield Conquest mode. If you are a "BF3" Premium member, an owner of "Medal of Honor: Warfighter" or one who pre-ordered "Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe Edition," you have a 3-day head start compared to others for the beta. Afterwards, it is a free for all open beta to prepare for the launch come October 29.
Also, a new game mode has been revealed, titled Obliteration, wherein you have to destroy your enemies' targets with bombs before they target yours. It's a race to avoid defeat, as seen in this trailer from Gamescom.