Electronic Arts Games (EA Games) was showcasing its new games on September, 29th here in Dublin, Ireland. It was a very exciting night and TechwareLabs has the inside scoop. I got to see all the brand new games they have to offer, some recently released, others yet to be released (by Christmas 2004). The preview was a fairly closed-off event, so I'd like to give special thanks to www.Gameconvention.net (Gamecon) for getting us in.
Gamecon members present at the preview
I would like to apologize upfront for the lack of photos, since most of the photos inside the dark, smoky nightclub didn't turn out on my point-and-shoot digital camera.
The event took place at the Spirit Nightclub in downtown Dublin. My guest and I arrived ten minutes prior to the official opening, but we quickly spotted the two main leaders of Gamecon, Jermaine (Jazz) and Travis (Blue Wing), and were able to pass the time quickly. We got a nice look at the Nissan 350Z sports car (the fastest Nissan 350Z in Europe) while we were waiting, which featured a built-in Playstation console. In addition to being a very nice car, it also helped ensure the guests stayed entertained throughout the evening. Before we knew it, the doors opened and the evening really took off.
After a short wait and sign-in, we entered to the Nightclub, where most of the action was taking place. Since I was on the job, I decided it would be best not to redeem my free drink vouchers, so I guess you owe me a drink ;). I was blown away by the work EA had done for the event; the club had been completely outfitted as a presentation room. Consoles were set up in rows along the divider for the bar and dance floor, and gaming computers on the side were sporting a couple other new games.
But my primary role at the event was not to critique the decor, but to fill you all in about the games. As mentioned above, some of the games featured at the event have been released to date, and some haven't, hence the title, "EA Games European Autumn Preview." The following is a section of EA Games' Press release information packet. The following material is not my own, and is © EA Games 2004:
FIRST LOOK ZONE
Need For Speed Underground 2TM (X Box, PS2, PC, Gamecube) Out 19th November 2004
The sequel to Need For Speed Underground, which has sold more than five million copies worldwide since its release in November '03. Immerse yourself in tuner culture, and explore an expansive, free-roaming city divided into five distinct neighborhoods.
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent ™ (X Box, PS2, Gamecube)Out 3rd December 2004
Going where no previous James Bond™ game has dared to tread, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent breaks all the rules by transporting players to the dark side of the Bond universe to experience life as a high-rolling, cold-hearted villain. With a radical twist to the Bond franchise that makes the player's goal to rule the world rather than save it, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is the ultimate thrill ride through the 007 underworld.
The Urbz ™: Sims In The City™ (PS2, X Box, Gamecube) Out 12th November 2004
The Sims have moved to the City where action is 24/7 and reputation means everything. Sims who live in the City are known as Urbz, and they have got a bold new look and attitude to match.
Lord of the Rings: The Third Age ™ (X Box, PS2, Gamecube) Out 5th November 2004
It's time to return to Middle Earth, with EA Games' new role-playing title, Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. Based on New Line Cinema and Peter Jackson's acclaimed film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age video game allows players to adventure through Middle Earth, building a party of heroes as they journey, and interacting with the heroes and villains of the trilogy.
Burnout 3 (X Box, PS2, Gamecube) Out Now
Experience an adrenaline-filled, arcade-style racing experience with the latest title in the critically acclaimed Burnout series. Race through busy city streets across three continents and be rewarded for taking risks that result in heart-pounding action and electrifying crashes.
SPORTS ZONE
FIFA Football 2005 (PS2, PS1, X Box, PC, Gamecube) Out Now
The sequel to the number one selling game in 2003, FIFA Football 2005 feature more official team and league licenses than any other football game. Now in its 11th year, FIFA Football 2005 is the only complete, authentic and intelligent football experience. This year, a player's first touch becomes the ultimate gift to those who can think quickly and act fast to outsmart the opposition.
Total Club Manager 2005™ (PS2, X Box) Out 29th October 2004
Total Club Manager 2005 will pit your football wits against the best managers in the world. Whether you're scrapping for points in a relegation battle, or on the verge of European victory, TCM 2005 will guarantee you feel the pressure of the modern day football manager.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 ™ (X Box, PS2, Gamecube, PC) Out Now
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 challenges gamers to take on the man who has changed golf forever -- Tiger Woods. Use the revolutionary new Tiger-Proofing system to create that intensely challenging course you have always dreamed about, while the EA Sports Game Face allows you to create your own unique player.
PC ZONE
Sims 2 (PC) Out Now
Prepare to experience the wild ride of life through the eyes of your Sims in Sims 2™, the sequel to the biggest selling PC game of all time. Sims 2 has already sold more than one million copies worldwide within its first ten days of release, making it the biggest PC launch in EA's 22 year history.
Medal of Honor Pacific Assault ™ (PC) Out 12th November 2004
Step into the boots of a Marine trooper and drive the Imperial Japanese Army from the Pacific in Medal of Honor Pacific Assault, the latest title in the award-winning Medal of Honor series. Take on the role of Marine recruit Tom Conlin as he survives the attack on Pearl Harbor and leads the assault on Guadalcanal, and charges up the beaches for the climatic battle at Tarawa. Armed with your wits and a variety of authentic weapons, it's up to you to stop the Japanese war machine in its tracks.
Lord of the Rings ™: The Battle for Middle Earth (PC) Out Now
Experience the epic battles from the Lord of the Rings films in Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth. Select from "good" or "evil" campaigns and command a variety of armies from the films; prepare for war by creating offensive and defensive strategies set in the memorable battle locations taken straight from the big screen.
Thoughts
The Lord of the Rings RTS game sounds delectable and interesting as well as the new Medal of Honor. FIFA Football 2005 was the main course for the sports area as it drew the largest crowd with multiplayer action.
Personally I own the full versions of FIFA 2005 for Xbox and Burnout 3. Both are quite excellent for parties or other social events and are must-have games if you go to LANs or have the guys over often. I tried out Golden Eye: Rogue Agent with another person, which I would consider another must-have for multiplayer gaming. The new Medal of Honor also ranks high among my recommendations for the avid gamer; the A.I. is much better than previous versions.
That's all the preview you get for now. EA Games has always been an integral part of the gaming industry, and it has never failed to impress. It looks like it's going to be a hell of a year for video games. I leave you now with a very interesting picture for you all…enjoy!
Just so you all know what you were missing we've included the photo above. Yes it's clickable.