E3. S. P. – Electronic Sensory Predictions

This afternoon, we solicited the assistance of our Nintendo tarot
cards, then we sought enlightenment from our Sony tea leaves, before finally gazing
into Microsoft’s mysteriously glowing orb. Future-peering is never easy, and while
the fog of time was thick, we tried to glean a few prophecies into next week’s announcements.
So, with one part honed clairvoyance, two parts refined speculation, and a dash
of insider info, we present our predictions for next week’s Electronic
Entertainment Expo:

Sony
– Heaven Sword 2 will not be shown, nor announced, as it was quietly canceled.
Main character Nariko was replaced with a testosterone-fueled antagonist, if
focus groups are to be believed.

– Sony will show The Agency, its spy and espionage themed title.
SOCOM: Confrontation will be playable, and therefore Zipper’s true SOCOM sequel
will hardly be mentioned. God of War III will be announced, but not shown in
any other form besides a teaser trailer.

– Little Big Planet, Motorstorm 2: Pacific Rim, and Wipeout HD
will all be playable. It will be interesting to see how Sony will handle the
two-pronged FPS attack of Resistance 2 and Killzone 2, but both games will be
at the show in fine form.

– PSP software will take a backseat, as Sony works on a system
to deal with the rampant piracy on the system. Could a DLC solution be in the
works? Still, Loco Roco 2 will be highlighted.

Microsoft

– The $50 price cut on the 360 Pro package has been covered by
the Wall Street Journal, so this should surprise no one. Other leaked info that
will be confirmed: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts will see an October release,
while Forza 3 will attract the gearheads in November.

– Microsoft’s business plan will remain copying the success of
its competition: The 60 GB hard drive and the Singstar-killer, Lips, are moves
culled from Sony’s playbook, while a motion controller and Mii-like avatars border
on desperate plagiarism. Gears of Wars 2 will offer little innovation, but will
garner a lion’s share of press coverage.

– Too Human, Alan Wake, and Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise will
all be playable on the showroom floor.

Nintendo

– The often speculated DS Lite redesign will prove to be just
a rumor. The GBA port is becoming increasingly popular for peripheral makers
from Guitar Hero:On Tour‘s fret button to the pedometer of My Weight Loss
Coach.

– Mario Super Sluggers will see an August release, while
Warioland: Shake It! will be on store shelves by mid-September.

– Kid Icarus and Animal Crossing will be announced, and
possible demoed.  Nintendo will have a
slew of games that take advantage of the  board.