Prepare for information overload. There is a lot of it, with my trademark spin included.
E3 has been going on, and two things always come to mind: I can't get G4 here, and I daydream about being a games journalist.
Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo all had entertaining press conferences...but I was blown away by Sony in particular. Not only was their CEO good at giving the presentation, they actually had impressive games and technology to show off. Some complained that (a) half the stuff had been leaked prior to E3, and (b) that he spent too much time on going over Sony's financial numbers. I hadn't seen any information leading up to E3 so it was fresh to me, and I actually like seeing financial reports of the big game companies (call it an old habit from my Junior Achievement days...Mr. Hinkel would be proud), but it just reminds me that these are companies that are seeking a profit and have goals for the upcoming year, and are concerned about their consumers' needs.
Sony Presser
Meet Milo:
Ubisoft is working on two big franchise updates. Splinter Cell Conviction is finally near completion, and they came up with in-game storytelling to eliminate the need for "briefing sessions" for the first time. "Assasin's Creed II" enters the Renaissance with Ezio, and promises to be more varied than its predecessor.
In the "holy crap it actually exists" department, "Alan Wake" exists and is looking mighty fine.
Holy Crap Alan's Here
The game with the most intriguing interface and combat goes to "Heavy Rain." I've dreamed of a game in which combat is basically on-the-fly and the plot is shaped by the main characters' choices, and this game does it. Finally!
Lots and Lots of water
The one good Xbox 360 franchise not named Halo is coming along nicely with "Mass Effect 2" that has beefed up combat and a darker storyline.
ME2
Bungie demoed "Halo ODST" but it wasn't anything spectacular, and it's already confirmed that they'll be charging $60 for add-on content. But they announced another game that could be the mystery Peter Jackson game.
Reach
Microsoft also snagged a brand new "Metal Gear" game. I can't decide if I'm excited for this because I've always liked that Playstation laid claim to Metal Gear
MGS Rising
"Modern Warfare 2" looks like they started from scratch rather than making "Call of Duty 2/3" with modern skins and maps.
Lastly, LucasArts rolled out physical evidence that a "Star Wars" MMO not named "Galaxies" is coming by 2010. Besides the Sony stuff, this was the most exciting piece of video, because it's Blizzard-quality and suggests it might actually be cool.
Biggest disappointments:
VALVE I HATE YOU. They announced one game: "Left 4 Dead 2," due in November. I really don't think this game needed a sequel, but what do I know. It's not like people were expecting them to say when Episode 3 of HL2 was coming.
Nothing big from Microsoft as usual, just some sequels and Halo milking up the wazzoo. No new IPs of any kind or indication that they are making an original game.
EA didn't do anything special, and PC Gamers get the shaft as usual from all three big companies. Blizzard nowhere to be found.
Quizzical look goes to Bioware for how they presented "Dragon Age: Origins," and for not having "Old Republic" footage.
Pure Hatred to Peter Molyneaux for creeping me out with the "Milo" presentation
Biggest Moments: The "oooh" from the crowd during the "MAG" demo, the cheering for "Final Fantasy XIV," and of course the "Halo" stuff.
My most favorite item from the convention: Actually, it's "God of War III," I was awestruck by the amount of stuff going on onscreen at one time, and it reminded me of Diablo...and it convinced me to make the investment in a PS3 as soon as the price is slashed. When a game can cause a Playstation avoider such as myself to want to get one, then Sony has accomplished their mission to get more people to buy their products.
I only wish E3 could get a few "darkhorse" games from some smaller developers each year. "Sins of a Solar Empire was never shown at E3, yet it's a fantastic game.
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