E3 2005: EA's Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 11, 2005

News: The big gun comes out with it's big guns.

Definitely no surprises from the EA E3 lineup. The behemoth publisher is gearing up to show us the stuff we expect from them.

Although there is one surprise, EA is no longer saying Batman Begins will be coming to the PSP (and it's been removed from the Batman Begins website as well). But apparently Madden NFL 06 is, which wasn't a part of yesaterday's Madden announcement. So I guess we'll have to wait and see.

NCAA Football 06 - Your quest for the Heisman Trophy begins with NCAA Football 06. In an all-new Race for the Heisman mode, players can start their career as a prep star and lead him from high school summer camp all the way to bowl victories as a collegiate legend. Gamers can act as Impact Players and single handedly break games wide open with highlight reel moves and special animations or take control of a program and make a run for the championship through a revamped Dynasty Mode. With all new Breakaway Controls, in-game analysis, and studio commentary, this is college football like you've never seen or heard. In addition, NCAA Football 06 has the exclusive license for college football videogames, and will be the only game to feature actual teams, stadiums and schools. NCAA Football 06 is scheduled to ship in July on the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.

Madden NFL 06 - For the first time in 10 years, the Madden NFL Football franchise has revolutionized its passing gameЧgiving Madden NFL 06 the most groundbreaking and innovative offensive arsenal ever created. The new QB Vision Control lets you scan the field, look off defenders, and make perfect throws within your quarterback's unique field of vision. QB Precision Placement lets you put the ball exactly where you want it. You can also experience the life of an NFL Player with NFL Superstar Mode, where you can earn one of more than 60 Personas ranging from MVP to Movie Star. Madden NFL 06 brings authentic NFL passing to video games in its 16th year of the franchise and now has the exclusive NFL and NFLPA license. Madden NFL 06 is scheduled to ship this summer on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS and mobile.

NASCAR 06 - Take command of the biggest teams in NASCAR by building a multi-car dynasty with NASCAR 06. In the first-ever Squad Based Racing experience, you are not alone. Radio to teammates for assistance, while managing on-track partnerships, or take the wheel of a teammate's car in the middle of a race to fend off rivals. With all-new game controls, including real-time voice command, communicate with your crew chief, spotters, and on-track allies to help punch your team through the pack. As an owner, build your own racing empire or even buy top NASCAR Teams like Hendrick Motorsports. Earn the title of Teammate, Champion, and Hero in NASCAR 06 which will be available on PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.

Batman Begins - Launching day-and-date with the film on June 15, 2005, the Batman Begins video game challenges gamers to step into the shadows of Gotham's perilous criminal underworld as DC Comics' legendary Dark Knight, and use fear as their ultimate weapon. The game features an all-star cast, including the voices and likenesses of Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michael Caine (Alfred Pennyworth), Liam Neeson (Henri Ducard), Katie Holmes (Rachel Dawes), Cillian Murphy (Dr. Jonathan Crane), Tom Wilkinson (Carmine Falcone) and Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox), all reprising their roles from the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by Christopher Nolan. Batman Begins will be available on PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance.

Battlefield 2: Modern Combat - The award-winning Battlefield franchise finally explodes onto the PlayStation and Xbox, dropping players into the heat of battle with Battlefield 2: Modern Combat. In addition to a robust single-player mode, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat delivers the Battlefield franchise's trademark multiplayer action for up to 24 players in fierce online battles. The game brings the over-the-top action and excitement of the Battlefield series into the modern era with a bleeding-edge arsenal of vehicles and weaponry allowing for the most over the top "Battlefield Moments" yet. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is scheduled to ship in fall 2005 for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.

BLACK - An explosive first-person shooter from Criterion Software Ltd., BLACK will be shown behind closed doors in the EA booth. The game casts players as an unstoppable, unaccountable and untraceable covert operative fighting a perilous overt war against Terror in Eastern Europe, and delivers unprecedented, intense Hollywood-style action and destruction. BLACK will be available for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.

Burnout Revenge - The sequel to 2004's racing game of the year, Burnout Revenge reignites battle racing in the fastest most dangerous game on the road. Fight dirty or go down in flames - the only rule is complete automotive anarchy. Built for unprecedented destruction, Burnout Revenge challenges gamers to exact their revenge on rush hour traffic, vindictive rival racers and anything else that gets between them and the finish line. Burnout Revenge is currently in development for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox and ships this September. The Burnout series will also hit the PSP handheld system in September with Burnout Legends, which takes the series' award-winning speed, action and attitude on the road for the first time, combining the best moments in the franchise's history with exclusive PSP-only features, gameplay and connectivity.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Ц Harry, Ron, and Hermione are back! The Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame will release in November in conjunction with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling's fourth book. Experience the thrilling moments of the movie and put your magic to the ultimate test in co-operative play with up to two friends. In the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Harry is mysteriously selected as the fourth contestant in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament. Each competitor in the international competition must confront a fire-breathing dragon, rescue friends from the icy depths of the Black Lake, and navigate the twisting mysteries of a vast, dangerous maze. Players can experience the thrills of the movieЧfrom the Quidditch World Cup campsite to a heart-stopping duel with Lord Voldemort himself! The game will be available for the PlayStation 2 console, PSP, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and PC.

From Russia With Love - will be the first game to put players in the universe of the classic James Bond films. Set in the original 60's Bond era, the game features movie-based missions as well as original, action-intensive sequences, a broad and deep variety of gameplay including create your own Bond, fully-integrated vehicles, social multiplayer experiences, gorgeous women, and classic, upgradeable weapons and gadgetry with modern mechanics. Sean Connery, the original Bond, reprises his role as the dapper Mi6 agent in this innovative, retro-styled and highly anticipated console title from the infamous Bond franchise. From Russia With Love is expected to ship fall 2005 for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects - An epic war has struck the Marvel universe and its outcome is in your hands! Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects delivers the most authentic and cinematic Super Hero fighting experience ever seen in a video game while remaining faithful to Marvel's comic legacy. Pit the most legendary Marvel characters against The Imperfects, a group of Super Heroes created collaboratively by Marvel, EA, and top comic book industry talent, in all-out duels to determine who among them is the most powerful of all. Control a number of characters from Marvel's library of Super Hero families including Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man. Pummel and ultimately crush adversaries in fully interactive and highly destructible arenas and experience what it's like to fully posses each Hero's super powers. Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects will be released this October for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, the Nintendo DS and PSP handheld.

Medal of Honor European Assault Ц In the latest videogame from EA's acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise, Medal of Honor European Assault, the story line is the star. Europe 1942. These are desperate hours for Allied forces as the Nazi war machine rages across a devastated European landscape. You are US Army Lieutenant William Holt, hand-picked by William "Wild Bill" Donovan to be the first field agent of the newly formed Office of Strategic ServicesЧthe OSS. Medal of Honor European Assault makes you the driving force in the struggle to liberate Europe. Against all odds, the leadership choices you make before and during the heat of battle will define your legacy as a hero in this highly anticipated addition to the franchise. Medal of Honor European Assault will be available for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube in June 2005.

Need for Speed Most Wanted - Wake up to the smell of burnt asphalt as the thrill of illicit street racing permeates the air. From the makers of the hit Need for Speed Underground series, Need for Speed Most Wanted challenges players to become the most notorious and elusive street racer. Combining illicit street racing and tuner customization with the intensity of strategic police pursuit, Need for Speed Most Wanted will be on every gamer's 'must-have' list this holiday season. Out-race rivals, evade cops and exploit hundreds of miles of open road as gamers rise to the top of the Blacklist, earning respect and notoriety in the illicit street racing scene. Developed in Vancouver, B.C. by EA Canada, Need for Speed Most Wanted will be available for a next generation console as well as the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, PSP handheld and PC this November.

The Godfather- After a life of small-time crime you've been accepted into America's most powerful criminal organizationЧthe Corleone Family. Now it's up to you to carry out orders, earn respect, rise through the ranks, and make New York City your own. Choose your path in the world of The Godfather as you interact with characters and intersect scenes from the movie. Take on a variety of action-packed missions in a fully living New York CityЧfrom mob hits and bank heists to drive-bys and extortion. Play your cards right and you could become the next, and most powerful, Don. The Godfather will be shipping this fall for Xbox, PlayStation 2 console, PC, PSP handheld, and on a next generation system.

The Sims 2 - The No. 1 PC game of 2004 is coming this fall completely redefined for all consoles and handheld systems. Directly control your Sims through all of the fully customizable locations unique per platform and create thousands of your own food recipes, clothing designs, potions, inventions, and even personal music tracks and paintings. All games will deliver the classic, open-ended gameplay along with exclusive features per platform. Aspirational driven gameplay and fully customizable content will give players the most authentic Sims experiences ever on console and handhelds. Tell your own stories and directly control your Sims lives to build their worlds, excel in their careers, and fulfill their wants while avoiding their worst fears. Aspirations are the fuel for inspiration Ц The Sims 2 is everywhere you want to play and will be available this fall for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PSP handheld, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance.

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent for the Nintendo DS Ц Going where no previous James Bond game has dared tread, this first-person shooter for the Nintendo DS gives players the chance to explore the dark side of the Bond universe and experience life as an unpredictable villain. As an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, the player is recruited by Auric Goldfinger in a ruthless war against Dr. No. Gamers outwit villainous rivals and battle it out in intense wireless multiplayer mayhem with up to seven other players using only one cartridge. Players exploit multiple weapon combinations through the dual-wield gunplay system, or go head-to-head, melee-style, by taking enemies hostage or knocking them out with one punch. In the all-new for DS 'Virtual Training' mode, players sharpen their lethal edge by defeating infamous Bond villains in order to earn valuable upgrades for their GoldenEye weaponry. Left and right-handed gameplay controls, plus stylus and thumb-pad play, take full advantage of the platform's unique touch-screen capabilities. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent for the Nintendo DS is scheduled to ship June 2005.