E3 Roundup: Electronic Arts

So, EA, how well did you do for E3 2015? Pretty well, considering the decent line-up. Below contains proof of the decent lineup, in the form of highlights (probably a bit more in-depth):



The conference begins with Mass Effect Andromeda, all flashy, all actiony, and all fisty punch. However, do not expect it until Holiday of 2016.

Beyond the tease of Mass Effect comes the reboot of Need for Speed, of which you can read about here.

EA Announces Star Wars The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire expansion, where you choose your own path, befriend characters or make enemies, similar to the base game. The cinematic appears devastating, drifting between light and darkness, but enough to hype the MMO once more. This expansion will release October 27, 2015. In appreciation of its fans, EA will provide the expansion to all subscribers free of charge.

Unravel, a new, original IP, seems to take inspiration from a combination of Katamari, Yoshi's Wooly World/Kirby's Epic Yarn, and Tearaway, but it derives from an aspect much different--Unravel was born out of the need to create something more personal. The yarn represents love and the bonds, which unravel. (Editor's Note: Poor guy's trembling like a leaf.) Yarny needs to tie the missing pieces back together. The gameplay is physics-based, and players must overcome obstacles with simple and complex solutions as the yarn twists and turns, symbolizing the paths of life. Yarny looks so adorable. Life is but an adventure, which is evident in Unravel. Face guinea pigs, fly yarn kites, avoid birds, trek through snow and rain... the hardships of life in an effort to bundle the yarn again.



Highway to the Danger Zone! Superbrainz appears! Well, the Zombie as a superhero was a bit... creepy. So much so that he didn't garner a reaction out of anyone. Nevertheless, in Garden Warfare 2, Dr. Zomboss attempts to take Suburbia from the Plants in an effort to create Zomburbia. This time, however, the plants are on the attack. There will be six new character classes, including Superbrainz and Captain Deadbeard, the first zombie sniper class. Additionally, Graveyard Ops will be featured, as well as solo play and local split-screen co-op. To treat fans of the previous entry, players that have data from Garden Warfare will be able to transfer characters right from launch into Garden Warden 2. Expect the game to launch Spring of 2016, complete with free content updates. 

Then we have our sports games. NHL 16 created a new hockey league, and the none-to-cheap Ultimate Team mode is back. In July 14, PGA 16 will launch, running on the visually stunning Frostbite engine. This year, new modes in NHL and NFL 16 will include a training mode. And let's not forget about NBA Live 16! The game will come with a new feature set, such as off court facial expression. You can use your phone to scan your face, which takes 5 seconds to generate a scan. It won't look as creepy as with the Face-Scan Nightmare of 2014, that's for sure. However, I think it'd be difficult to replicate a woman's face, or would it be a woman's face on a male body? Either way, you can also express yourself on and off the course. Real time physics and live motion have been recorded, bringing life to the courts. Distribute the ball when and where you want, in a variety of moves not pulled off before. You can choose what you can do with a screening player, and last, but not least, there's also a new shot system that gives you full control of the system. The longer you hold the ball, the more power behind the ball. They also have a new game mode to arrive, but it won't be announced until later this summer.

NBA Live 16's trailer is captured entirely in-game and it looks SWEEEEEEEET, albeit a little short.

Next, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes will be the mobile game Star Wars fans have been waiting for. It is a massive RPG that spans across the entire Star Wars universe. There will be another mobile title, named Minions Paradise--as in, those little buggers. With this title can create an island and explore to create the ultimate minions vacation.

FIFA is a game thoroughly expected for this conference, but what was unexpected was Pele's appearance. In FIFA 16, there will be better defensive shape in the pitch. You can also perform sharp passes and and perform other magical passes. Just like NBA live, live capture is used to create the wow moments and magic moments that really bring the game to life. For fans aiming to increase their skill, they can up their A-game through the FIFA trainer. This year, women's teams are also included, utilizing live capture. To commemorate the arrival of Pele, Lionel Messi or Pele cards will be available for free to existing players. In NFL 16, the multi-round draft will exist, where you can choose from 3 players in each round. In Fantasy Football, you can play solo or online with your drafted team--you make the plays with the fantasy-inspired mode! 

Mirror's Edge: Catalyst is a revolutionary action story that details the origin of Faith. Just like the first game, it will be in first-person. The City of Glass, built by the Frostbite engine, discloses a dark truth, of which Faith must recover. The freedom of choice is with you in this. There are no loading screens and no levels, so you can jump into whatever you'd like, ranging from time attacks to story missions. Catalyst will arrive February 23, 2016 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. (Editor's Note: OMG MORGAN FREEMAN IS IN IT! Okay, probably not, but the man in the trailer does look like him and sound like him.)

Of course, we have the big finale of Star Wars: Battlefront. Admittedly, the game looks just as amazing as in the trailers a couple months ago. When you fly in an X-Wing, it's the real X-Wing. In terms of gameplay, there's a variety of multiplayer modes, but there will also be missions available for solo players. The scenario featured in the gameplay is inspired by the Battle of Hoth in the Empire Strikes Back taken from the PlayStation 4, in the pre-alpha stage. During the demo, chaos ensues between the rebels and stormtroopers. As a rebel, you can accomplish much, such as take down a few stormtroopers or tie the legs of those Imperial Walkers X-Wing style. Look forward to it November 17, 2015. Below is, of course, the gameplay video:



So what did you think of the EA press conference?

Overall, I oddly look most forward to Unraveled. The game actually feels heartfelt and emotional, despite being a platform. Tons of goodies from EA to look forward to, but unfortunately, still no Road Rash.

For those that want the return of the visual presentation of the EA, look no further than below: