It’s been exactly one week since the start of this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo A.K.A e3, and has been nothing but an excitement event for the all gamers around the world. This year’s e3 was very crucial, especially for the big three (Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony). Especially with the gaming industries now pushing 3D and motion control to effect. But did this year’s e3 live up to it reputation? Read and find out!
Microsoft:
Microsoft’s show at last year’s e3 was amazing, it just just plain fun to witness the Beatles and Steven Spielburg on stage representing Microsoft. It was also the first time to see Kinect in action (previously known as Project Natal). This year was also exciting to last year’s show, but Microsoft focused a lot more on Kinect and not so much on the hardcore games. Don’t get me wrong here, casual games are needed for Microsoft’s audience, but is it really necessary to have a presentation for the Kinect video chat? As for Kinect functionality it works amazing, especially after seeing Dance Central being demoed in the Microsoft booth. My main concern for the games for the Kinect is that, they all require the players to be standing up. It is definitely a great way to get on your feet, but like most gamers they prefer to play while sitting down and getting comfortable. So I am curious how it will all work out when the Kinect is released. Other than that, the portion that was shown was amazing. With Microsoft showing off Fable III, Gears of War 3, and Halo: Reach it was sure fun to watch. Especially Halo: Reach, surprising audiences not with just campaign gameplay, but with the space combat that was shown. To top it off Microsoft’s event was the surpise unveiling of the new XBOX 360 slim, which looks awesome. Overall, it was a great show for Microsoft.
Nintendo:
I have to admit, Nintedo stole the show for this year’s e3. Not only Nintendo showed off games, such as the new Zelda, Metroid: Other M, Kirby, Golden Eye (2010), and other great line ups, they also showed off the long awaited Nintendo 3DS. And I must say, the handheld is very impresive. With no 3D glass needed, gaming on a handheld with full 3D capable is out of this world and bring out a new experience to the gaming world. Even though Nintendo had an amazing show compare to previous years, the only concern I had was the Wii vitality censor. It has been one year since it was last mentioned and no new information had come out of Nintendo’s press confrence. Seriously, what is it for? Overall, Nintendo came up and stole this year’s e3.
Sony:
Within the last year, Sony has brought nothing, but great games for their platform. With such titles like Killzone 2, InFamous, Heavy Rain, and etc. This year, Sony showed no signs of stopping after showing off their e3 lineup. Sony showed off the first look of InFamous 2, Killzone 3, and a new God of War game for the PSP. But one of the biggest announcement has to be was when David Jaffe (the creator of Twisted Metal and God of War) announced Twisted Metal for the PS3, which no one had expected. Another big announcement was the offical date for Gran Turismo 5, which releases on Novemeber 2 of this year. Even though Sony showed many great titles, I was personally hoping to see more of The Last Guardian. As for the Sony Move, I personally thought the presentation was a bit confusing. Especially in pricing, Sony is offering $29 for the Nav for the Move (Sony’s version of the Nunchuk), $49 for the Move, and $99 for the bundle (The Playstation Eye and the Move). The reason I say this is because some of the games that require the Move requires two Move controllers, such as the Fight. Forcing consumers to purchase another Move controller outside of the Move bundle. Not to mention the Move is rather expensive. For one player to get the full experience from the Sony Move, the player will need to spend $180 plus dollars. Other than the pricing for the Move, it is still an amazing piece of hardware. Overall Sony, still had a good show.
Games:
As for this year’s line up for the game were amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands on them when they are released. Games such as Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Hunted: The Demon Forgue, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, Halo: Reach, Gears of War 3, God of War PSP, SOCOM 4, Metroid: Other M, Zelda, Rock Band 3, Dance Central, Killzone 3, Assassin’s Creed: The Brotherhood, Metal Gear: Rising, and much much more!
