E3 2017 EA Press Conference Recap

The yearly deluge of game announcements is set to start as E3 is upon us once again. First in line, this year, was the EA Press Conference and a couple of neat pieces of information popped up. Firstly, Battlefield 1's upcoming DLC, In The Name Of The Tsar, will feature spear-wielding Hussars and the Women's Battalion of Death as part of the Russian Army. The DLC is set to come sometime in September. Have a look at the In The Name Of The Tsar Teaser Trailer.

Need For Speed Payback was announced a while back and we received a glimpse of gameplay. The featured video included a truck chase that showcased both the game's cinematic side and its leaning towards action-oriented gameplay, with foes that were dispatched by ramming into them. The title, which does seem to take some cues from the Fast and Furious movie franchise, is set to come with an open world, cosmetic and performance customization and classic cars ready to be turned into highway demons. You can check out some Need For Speed Payback Gameplay here.

An unexpected announcement came from the EA Originals side, as we've learned that Josef Fares and his new studio, Hazelight, are working on a new game as part of EA's indie program. Josef Fares is the man behind Brothers A Tale Of Two Sons. The new game is called A Way Out and is centered around Vincent and Leo, two inmates with differing personalities. The game's focus is on co-operative play, with couch co-op being the developer's preffered mode. Online co-op will, supposedly also be available. Not much is known about actual gameplay, but it will feature exploration, driving and shooting. A Way Out is set to release sometime in Early 2018. Have a look at the A Way Out Reveal Trailer.

Bioware's new IP, named Anthem, was teased. The title is set in what seems to be a post-apocalyptic setting with a wall protecting people from beasts that lie beyond. More information is due to come as part of the Microsoft Conference. EA Access, Origin Access and certain PS4 titles are also free for the week.

Star Wars Battlefront II took a big chunk out of the conference. We've learned that the story bridges the gap between Return Of The Jedi and The Force Awakens. The title is said to have 3 times the content of the first Battlefront, with couch co-op making a comeback. Content from all three eras, deeper progression and a class system are also part of the sequel. Most importantly, however, the post-launch content for Battlefront II will be free of charge for all those who purchase the title. The first serving of free content will include Finn and Captain Phasma as new heroes. Pre-ordering the title will grant early access to the multiplayer beta coming in Fall of 2017. The worldwide multiplayer reveal also took place today. We saw the class system in action during the Assault on Theed, a three phase map. Battle points are a new system that replace pickups from the old game. Earning battle points, which are individual to each player, will allow access to vehicles, special classes and heroes. Have a look at the Star Wars Battlefront II Official Gameplay Trailer.

The new Bioware IP teaser did catch my attention, but my cynical self is a bit thrilled to hear that post-launch DLC for Star Wars Battlefront II will be free. One can only hope that more games follow in this example. Which announcement were you thrilled about and what more do you expect to see at this year's E3?

Bogdan Robert, NoobFeed
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