Ubisoft E3 2017 Ramble
So Ubisoft came out with their conference and based on what I saw the most memorable moments where the beginning of the show and the end.
OK, I think I’m just going to start with the big reveal which was shown at the end. Beyond Good and Evil 2 is not dead. The game is alive and well and development has now started? Wait, what? So where the hell has it been the last several years. Anyway we got a gorgeous trailer featuring potty mouth animals but my word did it look ‘Purdy.’ Sadly once the amazement of the games existence wore off I came to the horrible realisation this is just a trailer and it will probably be several years before this game will release. I hope it does but I was left watching this conference with a few worries for the game. The expectations after that trailer are going to be huge from the fan base and people new to the series. This trailer looks expensive so a lot will be expected from the developers to knock this out the park and the universe. Ubisoft is going to want to expect a big return on this. I’ll keep these anxieties to the side and I really hope the game does well but it feels we are years away from a release and even then there is no guarantee it will come out, we have been shown many trailers at E3 that lead no where, but my fingers are crossed. I did enjoy the original game, it was a fantastic original IP and I’m happy the sequel does exist.
Ubisoft showed off a lot of stuff we already knew was coming including Assassins Creed: Origins, Far Cry 5 and The Crew 2. All of which felt by the numbers. Assassins Creed Origins is a rubbish title but the setting once again looks interesting. Despite being horribly burned out on the Assassins Creed series I did raise a eyebrow at the new Egyptian setting and the game does appear to have a brand new combat system. It only took nine games in the series to make that change (more if you include portable titles). Far Cry 5 is another Far Cry game. I didn’t see any radio towers in the trailer but I’m sure I’ll be clambering up something several times over, water towers? I have no problem with the religious extremism featured in the Far Cry 5 reveal. In fact I think it’s different and does play quite well into Far Crys general love of crazy villains. I really enjoyed Far Cry 3 and was keen to jump into Far Cry 4 but I very quickly burned out as once again it just felt like more the same. I would still rather have a sequel to Far Cry Blood Dragon but I guess we can’t have everything.
Mario & Rabbids Battle Kingdom, well this was different. A exclusive title the Nintendo Switch. Battle Kingdom see Rabbids invade Marios world in a X-Com like RPG for kids, because younglings deserve fun games. You know what screw the kids notion this title is getting, I want to play this game. The humour looks funny almost giving a sort of Minions feel to it, just not as rubbish as that film. The Despicable Me films are way better. This might be one of the most unique and original AAA titles shown at E3 this year and it genuinely got me excited about getting a Swtich. Its just a shame Rayman and his buddies did not also make a appearance. Still can’t have everything I guess.
Skull and Bones was announced. Seems some of the Ubisoft devs were so into the ship battles in Assassins Creed 3,4 and that Rouge game no one played they decided to make a multiplayer game out of the idea. I mean its new I guess but still feels like Ubisoft is recycling assets from other games and slapping a full price tag on it. That names ‘Skull and Bones’ feels like something Ubisoft just came up with on the sport. Just couldn’t think of anything original could you guys. In fairness I’m no pro. I would have called it ‘Pirate Shooty Bang Boom’ guess that wouldn’t sell as well. This did make me want to go back and play Assassins Creed 3 or 4 though.
The last stand out moment for me was Just Dance 2018, I mean I love the dance numbers Ubisoft does ever year at E3 they are colourful and fabulous. Seriously that Starlink: Battle for Atlas game was a thing shown. Toys to life but for adults this time, sure? I mean I got the impression the toys to life was dying a very slow death with Lego Dimensions but I guess Ubisoft wants to keep the dream alive by appealing to the sci fi space nerd in all of us. I may have been suckered into Amiibos but unless you show me a Firefly ship I think ill be saving my money again.
Ubisoft overall had a pretty decent conference this year. It didn’t feel as cringe worth as previous years and unlike the past we did get surprises. Beyond Good and Evil 2 may not be dead but I can’t help feeling it has quite the rocky road ahead. It’s a shame we didn’t see any original titles from Ubi- Art, the guys that brought us hits like Rayman Legends, Valiant Hearts and Child of Light. Seems Ubisoft has forgotten about them sadly. The Mario and Rabbids game was my clear favourite I don’t care if I have to wrestle a Switch out of a childs hands, why do they get to have all the fun. Adults can play kids games too right?
Thank you for checking out today's blog. We have a little more E3 to go which hopefully will be up before weeks end and I also have some new original articles in the works.
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Have a mad one.
Jam
