E3 2005: List of a night of a 1001 games @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on April 26, 2005

News: A sampling of the games making their E3 debuts.

Yesterday, the Entertainment Software Association released some E3 stats. Among them was the piece of info that over 1000 games would be making their debut at E3 2005. They've followed up that boast with a small sampling of some of those titles (including some that "debuted at last year's E3, so keep that in mind).

This is by no means a complete list of each company's offerings, but here you go:

Atlus

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 - The thrilling conclusion to the critically acclaimed "SMT: Digital Devil Saga." (PS2, RPG)

Magna Carta: Tears of Blood Ц A 50+ hour fantasy that unfolds through amazing CGI cut-scenes and fully voiced dialogue. Character designs by renowned Korean artist, Hyung Tae Kim. (PS2,RPG)

Samurai Western Ц An intense samurai action game from the makers of the "Way of the Samurai" series. (PS2, Action)

SBK: Snowboard Kids DS Ц Snowboard Kids DS has all the elements you loved in Snowboard Kids 1 and 2, plus a slew of new features for a new generation of gamers. Featuring touch screen controls, wireless multiplayer competition, new weapons, new characters, and a souped-up sense of speed, this is the sequel you've been waiting for! (Nintendo DS, Action / Racing)

Trauma Center: Under the Knife Ц "Trauma Center: Under the Knife" lets YOU play doctor, performing increasingly complex surgeries. At first it's just another day in the O.R., but when a mysterious outbreak sweeps the area, the patients' lives are in your hands. No pressure. (Nintendo DS, Medical Simulation)

Bandai Games

One Piece: Grand Battle Ц The characters from the hit TV show make their US debut in this fighting game, coming summer 2005 to the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube. Play as one of 16 weird and wonderful pirates from the show and pick up objects around you to use as weapons as you battle to become the King of the Pirates! The game features six game play modes including 2 player versus mode and tournament mode. With tons of moves for each character and lots of unlockable features, One Piece: Grand Battle is a fun fighting game that will definitely be one for the treasure chest!

One Piece Ц Ahoy there mi hearties! Launching at the same time as the PlayStation2 and Nintendo GameCube versions, "One Piece" will also debut on the Game Boy Advance this summer. Play as Monkey D. Luffy in this side-scrolling action game as you battle pesky pirates in your quest to become the Pirate King! Use all your stretchy skills to defeat all 12 enemies from the hit TV show, collect items and unlock new areas and special moves each time you play!

Zatch Bell Ц Experience the world of Zatch Bell as seen on the hit TV show! The Mamodo of Zatch Bell make their US debut in this fighting game for the Nintendo GameCube (and other platform to be announced) this summer. Every 1000 years, 100 Mamodo descend upon earth to conduct the ultimate battle with the winner becoming the mighty king of the Mamodo world. Choose from your favorite characters as you battle across 18 different stages with your human partner, collect trading cards and input codes to unlock secret spells and Mamodo in the video game.

Inuyasha: Feudal Combat Ц Unleash your dog-demon! Featuring all your favorite characters from the hit TV show, the first Inuyasha fighting game for PlayStation2 launches summer 2005 and features a mission mode, a battle mode for versus gameplay, practice mode and a story mode. Featuring an original battle system, the game allows you to partner with another character, select the best formation system and develop and strengthen your fighting partnership and destroy objects around you as you battle to take out the opposition.

DICE Ц DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises Ц DICE to the rescue! Featuring all your favorite characters from the hit TV show plus original Dinobreakers never seen before, DICE makes its videogame debut this summer in this action game for the PlayStation2. The DICE team makes a formidable force; transform your Dinobreaker from vehicle to dinosaur mode or even fight on foot, unlock and upgrade weapons and use your satellite bots to destroy the enemy. Always on call, always on alert - DICE is ready for action!

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Never Ending Tomorrow Ц Play as one of the two heroes from the Gundam SEED storyline in this action game coming to PlayStation2 this summer. With more than 50 playable mobile suits from the TV series, the game features four game play modes including Story Mode, Mission Mode and two player Versus Mode, with story arcs from the Gundam SEED TV show and others. The game showcases more than 40 minutes of movie-quality CGI and cut-scenes, as well as the combat system, unique weapons and attacks from the TV series. Pick your favorite mobile suit and battle it out!

Digimon World 4 Ц The hit Digimon World series makes its return this May with this multi-player action RPG for PlayStation2, Nintendo GameCube and Xbox. Access to the real world has been terminated and a sinister new world has been discovered. Play as your favorite Digimon, Digivolve and battle your way across the servers of the Digimon World. Collect weapons, armor and items to customize your Digimon's skills and attributes.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Section nine returns to take out the latest terrorist cell in this futuristic first-person shooter coming to the PSP handheld entertainment system this summer. Use Motoko's agility, Batou's strength, Togusa's stealth or Saito's sniper skills to take out the terrorists. Train and customize Tachikoma to assist you in your missions and hack into enemies to obtain information crucial to your missions. Features wireless battles and communication Ц up to four players!

Buena Vista Games

Chicken Little brings the excitement of the film to life and allows players to master unique gadgets and play as the key characters from the film in an endless variety of action-packed game play. Live the adventures of Chicken Little and his gang of misfit friends Ц Fish-Out-of-Water, Runt of the Litter and Abby - as the game catapults you into the hair-raising adventures of the movie and beyond. Saving the day takes an arsenal of gadgets, friends and hero power!
(Publisher: Disney Interactive; Developer: Avalanche; Platforms: PlayStation2, Xbox, Nintendo Game Cube, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PC; Release Date: Holiday 2005)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Players enter the world of Narnia, a land frozen in a 100-year winter by the evil powers of the malevolent and evil White Witch. In order to end this frigid captivity and free his people, the mighty lion Aslan, true ruler of Narnia, invokes an ancient prophecy. It will become the destiny of four young siblings from our world: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie to work together and use their unique combat skills, weaponry and abilities to defeat the Witch and her armies to save Narnia. These four unlikely heroes must battle the evil forces of the White Witch by waging war against a vast variety of creatures, including Centaurs, Minotaurs, Minoboars, Cyclops, Werewolves, Wraiths, Ankleslicers, Wolves, Satyrs, Boggles and more.

(Publisher: Disney Interactive; Developers: Traveller's Tales, Gryptonite Games (Amaze); Platforms: PlayStation2, Sony PSP, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PC; Release Date: Fall 2005)

On display last year...
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge (PS2, Xbox)
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Pumpkin King (GBA)

Electronic Arts

Need for Speed Most Wanted Ц Combining the thrill of illicit street racing and tuner customization with the intensity of strategic police pursuits that rivals any Hollywood-style chase scene, ""Need for Speed Most Wanted" challenges players to become the most notorious and elusive street racer. The game delivers a unique, fast-paced and gripping ride in the racing genre as players build up their Rap Sheet and street cred to move their way up the Black List to become the most wanted racer on the streets.

Majesco

Advent Shadow Ц Written to run parallel to the storyline of the Advent Trilogy, "Advent Shadow" takes players on an all-new, high-intensity portable experience designed specifically for the PSP. The game chronicles the gripping story of Marin Steel, a mercenary pilot thrust into a saga of intergalactic proportions. In her efforts to escape her dying world, she is thrown together with young Gideon Wyeth, the unlikely hero of "Advent Rising," the first game released from the Advent Trilogy. Together they find themselves swept up in a massive struggle against dire forces bent on the destruction of humanity. (Expected Release - Summer 2005, Platforms PSP, Developer Full Fat, Rating TBD)

Aeon Flux is an action-packed game that combines speed stealth with acrobatic combat. The game bridges the fever-dream essence of the animated TV series with the mass-market appeal of the upcoming feature film featuring Oscar winner Charlize Theron. (Expected Release - Fall 2005, Platforms - PS2, Xbox, Developer - Terminal Reality, Rating ЦTBD)

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Ц The PC mega-franchise comes exclusively to the Nintendo DS. Shifting from real-time strategy to a fast-paced turn-based game, "Age of Empires II (AOE II): The Age of Kings" takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS with touch screen and Wi-Fi support, while being presented in a new animated art style. The game is a perfect combination of content and style for the Nintendo DS. (Expected Release - October 2005, Platforms Ц DS, Developer - Backbone Entertainment, Rating Ц TBD)

Infected features pulse-pounding two-gun action as you cleanse the mean streets of New York City of mad, flesh-hungry Infected. The title brings the frenetic game play of a classic arcade game to a cutting-edge third-person shooter. Infected features an engrossing single-player campaign with lavishly gory details and unlocks the world of WiFi with blood-thirsting multiplayer modes. There is also an innovative multiplayer system called "chain infections" whereby players create unique avatars and pass them on to each other's PSPs like viruses. If you're infected by another player, you'll actually find his avatar running around fighting you in your single-player game. Through multiplayer victories, players spread their avatars around the real world, player to player, in massive, viral chain letters of evil. (Expected Release - October 2005, Platforms Ц PSP, Developer - Planet Moon StudiosRating Ц TBD)

Jaws broke all box office records to become one of the highest grossing films of its time. The movie has had a lasting impact spanning decades and now "JAWS" the game is poised to recapture the horror of being preyed upon by the most feared creature in the ocean. "JAWS" recreates scenes and character spin-offs from the movie while allowing the player to experience the game from a unique perspectiveЧthat of the Great White Shark. (Expected Release - August 2005, Platforms - PC, PS2, Xbox, Developer - Appaloosa InteractiveRating ЦTBD)

Nanostray is an intense, pulse-pounding 3-D shooter designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Supporting touch screen input, network play and dual screen support, Nanostray's arsenal of weapons, non-stop action and beautifully designed environments make this game one of the most exciting and innovative 3-D shooters ever. (Expected Release - July 2005, Platforms- DS, Developer - Shin'en, Rating Ц TBD)

Teen Titans Ц In the superhero action/adventure "Teen Titans," players switch control in real time between heroes Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Raven, so they can capitalize on the Teen Titans' unique moves and abilities. The action takes place in a crime-ridden city featuring the notorious villains Slade, Overload, Mad Mod, Jinx, Gizmo, and Mammoth. While advancing through hostile environments across multiple levels, players will uncover an in-depth storyline containing many exciting twists and turns. (Expected Release - Q1 2006, Platforms - GBA, GC, PS2, Xbox, Developer - A2M, Rating Ц TBD)

Texas Hold 'Em Poker will bring all the action from the poker table into your palm on the Nintendo DS. Compete in a limit or limitless Quick Game mode versus 10 computer players or in the Tournament Mode against up to five friends via Wi-Fi multiplayer support. Go 'all in' with the hottest poker game around. (Expected Release - October 2005, Platforms Ц DS, Developer - Skyworks Technologies, Rating Ц TBD)

The Darkness Ц Fearless Mafia hitman Jackie Estacado is part of the Franchetti crime family helmed by vicious cousin Paulie. On the eve of his 21st birthday, Jackie is suddenly possessed by the terrifying and spectacular powers of the Darkness. Though his supernatural entity lets him wreak terrible havoc on his enemies, the Darkness also has a strong will of its own. Jackie must learn to control the Darkness that lurks within him while harnessing its power to overthrow Paulie and fulfill his destiny. (Expected Release Ц2006, Platforms - NEXT GENERATION CONSOLES, Developer - Starbreeze Studios, Rating Ц TBD)

Neko Entertainment

Dust & Shadows is a real-time game that mixes strategy with tactics. This game revolves around the battlefield, so at the core, it is a fighting game. It combines elements from "Warcraft," "Advance Wars," and "Fire Emblem," along with original ideas. The world of D&S is based on Feudal Japan. D&S will include a solo campaign as well as a multiplayer battle mode (up to 16 players simultaneously on the DS).

SNK Playmore USA

The King of Fighters 94 Re-Bout (Xbox ) Ц In celebration of the 10th anniversary of THE KING OF FIGHTERS franchise, the game that started the arcade fighting frenzy has been upgraded for the Xbox with new high resolution graphics (as well as player selectable original 2D backdrops), Xbox Live Tournament Mode, a total of 30 classic SNK characters to choose from, and a host of other new features.

KOF: Maximum Impact Maniax (Xbox) Ц The first ever 3-D version of the most popular arcade fighting franchise in gaming history. KOF: Maximum Impact makes its debut on the Xbox with full Xbox Live support, and four exciting game modes including Story, Versus, Challenge and Practice. In "KOF: Maximum Impact," gamers from around the world can battle it out across the Xbox Live network and play as their favorite SNK character in full 3-D with beautifully rendered backgrounds and full flowing animation.

The King of Fighters 02/03 Combo (Xbox) Ц "The King of Fighters 2002" is a collection of highlights that brings together famous characters from KOF 1999, 2000 and 2001and the exciting fighting systems which have made The King of Fighters the ultimate in 2-D fighting. All of the great fighting teams are included, like the Fatal Fury Team featuring Terry and Andy Bogard, or the beautiful Mai from the Woman Fighters Team and many more. "The King of Fighters 2003" marked the beginning of a new epic saga in the KOF series. KOF 2003 also introduced SNK's now popular "Multi-Shift System" which allows for the free substitution of any team member during battle.

On display last year...
Metal Slug 4 & 5 (PS2 and Xbox)
Samurai Shodown 5 (Xbox)

Tecmo

Tecmo Classic Arcade features the original "Tecmo Bowl" as well as 10 other original Tecmo Arcade games from the good old days of gaming. Old and new gamers alike will be able to experience some of Tecmo's best old school games on a new school console as "Tecmo Classic Arcade" will launch on the Xbox video game console this August. "Tecmo Classic Arcade" has something for every type of gamer including "Tecmo Bowl," "Rygar," "Star Force," "Solomon's Key," "Bomb Jack," "Tecmo Cup," "Pinball Action," "Pleiads," "Senjyo" and "Strato Fighter," as well as a classic gallery mode where gamers will be able to reminisce as they view old posters, manuals and ads from all of these classic Tecmo games.

Trapt Ц Protect your castle by luring your enemies into your booby-trapped world in this trap-action game. You'll play as Princess Allura, who with her cunning ways and brilliant series of traps will always get what she wants, even if blood and body-parts are shed along the way. Launching this fall on the PlayStation2, the core of the game is equal parts action and puzzle that will have gamers thinking in the most evil and manipulative ways to get Allura just where they want her.

Fatal Frame 3 Ц Tecmo's popular survival horror game is back for a third installment on the PlayStation2 this Halloween as the player takes on the role of Rei Kurosawa, a young woman mourning the loss of her finance who died in a horrible car accident. Overcome with guilt and pain, Rei sets off on a terrifying journey to the House of Sleep, where her nightmares become reality and finding the truth is the only way out. Solve the mystery of the Curse of the Tattoo by using your weapon, the Camera Obscura to kill your enemies before the curse takes you over.

THQ

Bratz Rock Angelz (PS2, GameCube) will empower fans of the wildly popular line of fashion dolls to explore their own "passion for fashion" in a unique interactive adventure game. Fans will be immersed in the Bratz World as they embark on a series of voyages in search of intriguing stories to inspire and create their very own fashion magazine.

Scooby-Doo! Unmasked (PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA, DS) Ц Players will assume the role of Scooby-Doo as he and the teenage sleuths of Mystery Inc. visit Fred's cousin Jed, a monster movie set designer. They'll find Jed has disappeared and his animatronics are out of control, sending mechanical monsters haywire and making Jed the prime suspect. Players must stop the creepy costumed characters, unmask the truth and prove Jed's innocence. Scooby will be able to don Kung Fu, bat and archer costumes to karate chop, glide and aim plungers at monsters. The game consists of three sprawling worlds that each feature multiple levels and mini games with numerous cut scenes and climactic boss battles. Players will recognize the voice of the original Batman television series' Adam West as Winslow Stanton, the game's main villain, as well as authentic Scooby-Doo! cartoon voice actors. In addition, effects from the original cartoon, such as canned laughter and classic catch phrases, have been incorporated into the game.

SpongeBob SquarePants (DS) Ц Bikini Bottom is abuzz! The producers of everyone's favorite superhero show, "The Adventures of Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy," are filming a special episode in Bikini Bottom and using the residents as actors. All your favorite locals are desperate to impress the talent scouts who have created a series of action-packed challenges to test the wannabe actors. Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Plankton as you compete against your friends for 10 different roles, including the coveted super villain role.

Tak 3 (GameCube, PS2, DS) Ц Top teams from across the world have come to compete in the Great Juju Challenge. Representing the Pupanunu tribe are Tak and Lok who will face great adversity in the form of Jujus, wild animals, and some menacing new tribes. Tak: The Great Juju challenge is an innovative cooperative videogame that combines unique puzzles, time-based strategies, and a robust combat system. Players will have to use all their platforming skills to win this race against the toughest competitors and receive the grandest reward ever given by the Great Jujus.

On display last year...
Destroy All Humans! (PS2, Xbox)
Juiced (PS2, Xbox)
MotoGP 3 (Xbox)