Deepest Apologies from E3 2015
Ubisoft has managed to ruffle quite a few feathers over the past couple of years. The publisher that could seemingly do no wrong just couldn’t seem to catch a break. First Watch_Dogs is pelted with accusations of being downgraded, and in turn a form of false advertisement. Then Assassin’s Creed Unity is pretty much a mess at launch. Add to this the whole “animation” fiasco and the fact that many gamers had begun to grow tired of annualized releases and you have one hell of a storm brewing.
Luckily, the folks over at Ubisoft aren’t blind and they quickly saw what a mess they had made. With that in mind they decided to apologize to fans, and along with that apology came a new commitment to top-notch quality. Something we will definitely see during their E3 2015 press conference.
Think of this showing as a love letter to fans and supporters. You can expect the best they have to offer next week, and they will probably also be extra careful about overselling themselves (possibly). It takes a lot for a big company to apologize and try in earnest to make things right, so they at least have that going for them.
Syndicate
Ubisoft’s flagship franchise has already gotten people talking. An Assassin’s Creed with two playable protagonists (one of which is female)? Set in Victorian era London? With a strict focus on single-player experience? And they took tons of feedback from Unity‘s release? Sounds like the game fans of the series have been requesting for years.
The reveal was met with much excitement. New combat, new transportation, new weapons, and more small details were all welcomed. But there are still a few things that we would all like to see – especially since the game is due out in a few short months. You can definitely expect Ubisoft to show off a bit more of their upcoming, open-world, action game. There is a very good chance that we will finally get some more info on how Evie Frye (Jacob’s sister, and the second protagonist) plays, as well as the major differences between the two, if there are any to begin with. More depth pertaining to the story, and new exciting areas that we will get to explore will most likely be put on display as well.
Pretty soon, we’ll all be able to adopt that ancient creed once more.
The Division
The Division is the game that managed to wow the world with the simple act of closing a door. It’s promise of an MMO third person shooter set in an open world New York City left many wanting more information. Information that has been relatively sparse when you consider how long it’s been since they first showed this game during an E3 conference a few years ago.
This year, at E3 2015 it is supposed to be playable, allowing gamers to finally get their hands on this highly anticipated, and equally elusive, title. Expect much more details on this game coming from Ubisoft’s E3 conference. New details about how players will interact with this living, breathing NYC, just how MMO is this MMO, and information regarding the changes the game has undoubtedly undergone during its rather long developement period are all to be expected.
One thing we should also be hearing about this E3 is an updated release window. Ubisoft needs to act now if they want to keep everyone interested, and that is a fact they are surely aware of.
Rayman
You know what was one of the most fun games to come out of Ubisoft in recent years? Rayman Legends. That game was absolutely amazing. Great art-style, sound design, and intuitive gameplay. It was a genuinely good platformer. It also happens to be one of the ways that Ubisoft makes sure to target a wider audience. After all, it can’t all be about jumping off of buildings and stabbing people in the throat.
Rayman, and the Rabbids games that have spun off of it, are not only big sellers but also good for everyone. And, when you’re in the business of making money, something for everyone is awesome. It’s been a few years since a new entry in the series has been released, so it’s reasonable to expect an announcement surrounding everyone’s favorite armless hero.
Ubiart
Child of Light and Valiant Hearts: The Great War are two gems created using the Ubiart framework that made the last two Rayman games so stunning. Using this engine, developers were able to create two thoroughly unique experiences, and win some awards to boot. With that in mind, it isn’t too far of a stretch to see some new bundles of fun to release using the same framework at E3 2015.
With all of the major companies making an effort to provide smaller, more intimate experiences to those looking for them, it should come as no surprise that they will provide their own means to do so. Games that use the Ubiart framework are instantly recognizable in all of the best ways. Get ready to see some really pretty games on the screens at E3 2015.
Something About Staring Puppies
Ah, Watch_Dogs. A game that will be remembered more because of it’s slightly downgraded graphics than it’s actual gameplay. Yet, despite all of its observed shortcomings, the game managed to set sales records. And even before it set any records Ubisoft had already confirmed that they were planning on building a franchise around this open-world hack-fest.
A sequel to this game is still definitely a real thing, although nobody has any idea what it will center on. Many of the base games issues were address in their story expansion, Bad Blood, so we know that they are already capable of moving in the right direction. Expect a teaser at the bare minimum since Ubisoft, like most of the other big companies, tends to think months (sometimes even years) ahead.
Something New Perhaps?
There is a very strong chance that pretty much every E3 conference this year will include at least one new IP. This is a time to wow everyone, and nothing does that better than something new and shiny. You can bet dollars to donuts that Ubisoft is not trying to be outshined this year. Their largest franchise was unveiled well before E3, and they will need something more than new information on that game to come out as one of the best showings at E3 2015.
For this reason, you can expect the teasing and murmurings of a brand new property to come out during their stage time. What that game will be is completely up in the air, but just the sheer thought of every major company bringing some new projects to the show is enough to excite even the most cynical of gamers.
Ubisoft has the groundwork for something special at E3 2015. Let’s all hope that they can pull it off. Is there anything you’re super excited for? Are you only showing up to see some more Assassin’s Creed Syndicate? Feel free to let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out our constantly expanding wiki for to keep up to date with all of our E3 2015 coverage including news, features, previews, and more.
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