Sega is always a safe bet at E3. They never really try to hide anything and they are usually pretty open about what they’re going to show at the industry’s biggest trade event. To start up the hype, the company has announced the games that they will be showing at E3 2012 next week.
Since Sega has to show off a Sonic game every year, they have apparently chosen the sequel to the best kart racer this generation – Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. We previously covered the game back during its initial announcement. It looks like more of the same while adding in some new mechanics like transforming vehicles. It’s definitely one to watch for at the show.
Next up is Aliens: Colonial Marines. The oft-delayed title is finally coming out, but will be missing out this year in favor of a February 2012 launch. Gearbox says it’s for quality reasons, but I think it’s more about not wanting to compete with themselves. Gearbox will be launching the much anticipated Borderlands 2 later this year and Aliens: Colonial Marines could clash with that.
Sega hasn’t forgotten the Vita as the company will be showing off Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz for Sony’s new handheld. The title is reminiscent of Banana Blitz which was a Wii launch title. It’s looking a new title, but the developers seem to be pushing the Vita’s gyroscope for controls. You can thankfully play the game with the analog sticks though.
Even thought it was only recently announced last week, Sega will be showing off The Cave at this year’s E3. From our previous report on the title, you’ll know that it’s the new game from Ron Gilbert, creator of Monkey Island and general funny man, and Double Fine, Tim Schafer’s studio that’s currently also working on its Kickstarter funded adventure game.
One of the less known titles coming from Sega is Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit. If this game has not been on your radar, shame on you. It’s looking to be one of the most stylish 2D action/adventure games ever made. The name itself should automatically sell you on how awesome the game is.
Rounding out the list are two rereleases coming to Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The first is Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown. For those who have already played more VF5 than you care to admit, this game will probably do nothing for you. For people new to the franchise, there’s never been a better time to jump into the most technical 3D fighter ever made.
As for the other rerelease, Sega will be showing off its HD remake of Jet Set Radio, one of the gems that really made the Dreamcast something special. Fortunately, Jet Set Radio will be coming to not only Xbox Live Arcade and PSN, but also PC and the Vita.
On a final note, Sega, like Nintendo, is really embracing the social media movement this year. That’s why the company has set up an Instagram account for E3. During the show, they encourage anybody that’s taking pictures of their games to post them to Instagram with their Twitter hashtag – #SegaE3.
The company has also created a foursquare account. Why foursquare? Sega claims they know food and want to help those in LA for E3 find the best food in town. If you check out their foursquare account, you’ll see Sega’s recommendations of the best food one can get while running around checking out the wares for the big show.
While we wont be in LA for E3, you can bet that we’ll be bringing you the biggest news from the show. Expect big things from all the major players and maybe even Sega will have a surprise or two. I doubt it, but I’ve been wrong before and I’m ready to be wrong again.