Ubisoft
www.ubi.com

Not only did Ubisoft have one of the best designed booths at this year's show, they also were showing some of the best games of the show. More than a dozen hot new titles were on display including a press-exclusive showing of the 2004 Matrix Online game currently in development. Here are some highlights from my 90-minute tour of their booth.

Beyond Good & Evil (All Formats)
I saw this title last year when it was called Project BG&E. After three years in development by the critically acclaimed designer of the Rayman franchise, Michel Ancel, the game has finally been given a proper name and was finally shown in playable form at this year's show.

The vast, peaceful planet of Hyllis has fallen under siege by a relentless alien race. After a desperate struggle to defend her island, a Hyllian named Jade collapses in exhaustion – only to be tormented by disturbing visions. Despite public assurances that the planet has been secured, Jade begins to suspect that there’s more to these invasions than the government has disclosed. When a rebel organization reinforces her doubts, Jade begins a harrowing journey to get to the core of the conspiracy.

Armed with her camera, aikido staff, and resolute investigative skills, Jade sets out to expose the truth and to liberate the minds of her deceived people. Pushed to the very edge of her physical and spiritual will, she soon discovers that even these limits are not what they seem … Her quest for the truth knows no bounds.

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (PS2/GBA)
Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon gives players the option to play as Li Mu Bai, Yu Shu Lien, Jen Yu, and “Dark Cloud” Lo. Each character possesses specific moves, talents, and deadly weapons – players must conquer various challenges in order to improve their fighting skills as they compete against intelligent foes and seek revenge against the sinister Jade Fox.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon offers a compelling gaming experience that effectively captures the martial arts magic that made the movie a worldwide success including Woo-Ping Yuen-Inspired Choreography. Master all the whirling acrobatics, dizzying combos, impossible dodges and kung-fu fury from the film. Each playable character has his/her own unique style of combat and special abilities for action-packed brawls, chases, and duels.

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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (All Formats)
Wielding powers of mythic proportions, the Prince returns to action-adventure gaming with gravity-defying acrobatics, ferocious fighting combos, and the ability to bend time to fulfill his destiny. The Sands of Time is a technological breakthrough that will change the face of action-adventure gaming forever. Erase the past, behold the future, and freeze the present in real-time for unlimited gameplay variations.

Uncover the mysteries of a world never before explored in action-adventure gaming. Ancient, mythical, and deadly, Persia holds a staggering array of landscapes and kingdoms to explore and conquer. The creator of the original Prince of Persia, and acknowledged “godfather” of the action-adventure genre, Jordan Mechner consults on all facets of game design – including storyline, cinematics, programming, and artistic vision.

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Uru: Ages Beyond MYST (PC)
Uru is the next saga in the Myst universe. The retail product allows players to experience an all-new single-player adventure that will be more stunning and visually captivating than ever. Your initial purchase comes with ten books allowing you to explore wonderous locations and solve puzzles in true Myst fashion.

Uru also includes options for expansion, allowing players to further immerse themselves and join a never-ending Myst universe. Choose to subscribe, and suddenly Uru is populated with other explorers to share the journey. The world continues to expand and grow as new books are made available on a regular basis, offering the most dynamic and unique adventure game experience ever created. Puzzles are designed to promote interaction and the use of the Linking Books makes it easy to travel around the world of Myst.

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XIII (All Formats)
XIII is set to break new ground in innovative gameplay and presentation with a graphic novel presentation, flashback graphics and pop-up windows to create a groundbreaking entry into the genre. XIII marshals the power of Unreal II technology and unique comic book visual styles. Experience a wide variety of gameplay – cunning use of human shields, silent weapons and XIII’s internal “sixth sense” that detects approaching enemies. To survive, you’ll master techniques ranging from covert infiltration to heavy combat as you battle sinister conspiratorial forces.

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