After much discussion into how Sony would respond to the incredibly lukewarm reaction to the launch of the Xbox One, E3 has provided a far wider insight into how the PlayStation 4 will function as a gaming and entertainment system. With both Microsoft and Sony now showcasing their presentations through launch titles, indie titles and various entertainment associated with each console, the most important pieces of information had the feeling of Sony providing a one-two punch to the dazed and confused Microsoft, despite Microsoft having the luxury of presenting before Sony. The news that the PS4 will not limit secondhand games and that games can be resold, either to trade in or sold for cash, and can also be shared with friends without paying the much discussed unlocking fee received one of the biggest cheers of the evening from the audience at E3. The 2nd piece of info was that the PS4 will not need to be connected online to function, meaning that lovers of single player games can play them without ever having to be connected to the Playstation Network. Another cheer erupted from the crowd. Another point in Sonys favour was its devoted support toward indie developers, with the presentation showcasing 8 indie titles on stage and being played in real time. The indie titles that were shown were included "Don't Starve" by developer Klei Entertainment, "Mercenary Kings" by Tribute Games and a new Oddworld game titled "Abe's Oddysee New 'n' Tasty". With indie gamings popularity rising exponentially over this current generation, it seemed a definite step in the right direction for Sony, with Microsoft never really spending the time to stamp their authority on indie gaming 1st. Of course over time, with such a solid indie structure already, it seems only a matter of time before word on Microsoft's plan for indie developers is revealed, however, it seems Sony have managed to get the jump on them. The Xbox One exclusive title list includes games such as Crimson Dragon, Dead Rising 3, Forza 5 and Ryse: Son of Rome, while the PS4 had gaming exclusives such as the announcement of Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts 3 and The Order: 1886, all of which looked very impressive indeed and will be highly anticipated on release. The look of each respective consoles exclusives will be purely subjective and dependent on what genres of game you like. Other games confirmed for both consoles include Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Destiny. The difference in price with each console may certainly prove to be a swaying piece of information for those sitting on the fence. The Xbox One, released in November, will be retailing in America for $499, 499 across Europe and in the UK for £429. While the Playstation 4 will be released to a price of £399, 399 across Europe and £349 in the UK. The difference is rather staggering and while Sony will certainly be making hefty losses on the console when released, gaining vital market share will undoubtedly justify their decision to price the PS4 so competitively. The question is, what can Microsoft do to gain fan favour again? The most obvious example is to seemingly hold their hands up and say they got it wrong. Their structure for the Xbox One was always going to be controversial but it just hasnt won favour among the majority of the gaming community. While reverting all of these features would cost them a huge amount in development, it would be a humble PR move to come out and say they listened to fans and the fans were correct. Sadly, if they were ever to do this, it surely would have been announced at E3, the last major gaming event before each of the Xbox & PS4 releases. However while Microsoft have committed to a release date of November 2013, Sony have yet to move from their release date of the Holiday season of 2013. Chances are however, that the PlayStation 4 will be released very closely to the Xbox One.
And what of Nintendo? Very little has been spoken of them in the run up to E3 and considering the incredibly disappointing sales figures for their newest console, the Wii U, it will be intriguing to see how Nintendo can recover and be considered one of the big three again. Hopefully, after their conference later this afternoon (3pm UK time), people will start to feel excited again for the future of Nintendo. The games that Nintendo have brought with them to show will be critical in determining the future of the Wii U. Of course, it would be wrong to say anyone has won just yet. These consoles will be in the market for the next 5-10 years. However, with their presentation clearly stating their intent on gaming and matters surrounding the controversial aspects of the Xbox One, Sony have taken a huge leap in the right direction in being the number one home console of the next generation. Microsoft have much work to do. The Xbox One will be released in November 2013. $499, £429 & 499 across Europe The Playstation 4 will be released Holiday season for $399, £349 & 399 across Europe