‘Twas the night before ‘Christmas,’ when all through the stations
Technicians were stirring, making final preparations
The booths were prepped, and demos ready to go
In hopes that they had, the next hit game in tow.

This gamer’s Christmas has come and gone this June, but won’t soon be forgotten.  I’m talking about E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), the premiere annual showcase of video games and technology by the biggest names in the industry, from Microsoft to Ubisoft.

Forgotten is the criticism of E3 losing its luster, because this year’s show was a stunning display of innovation and can’t-miss games, from the announcement of Project Natal to the premiere of Alan Wake.  Some of the highlights:

Best Trailer: Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars fans are probably wishing the newer movies were more like this:

Best Demo: Modern Warfare 2

We got our first look at this highly anticipated sequel in a trailer just a few weeks ago, and now some sick, extended game play:

Biggest Disappointments:

• Halo ODST — Seems like more of the same, except instead of playing as a Spartan super-soldier you’re the Halo version of a redshirt.
• Gran Turismo 5 — Not only does Forza 3 look like the superior game, it’s actually coming out this year.  Is this game ever going to get finished?

Honorable Mention Games:

• Splinter Cell: Conviction — Sam Fisher is back…and this time it’s personal, in this kickass 24-like stealth action game from Tom Clancy.
• Red Steele 2 — One of the few highlights for the Wii; this artistic, sword-swinging action sequel looks great.
• Uncharted 2 — A vibrant universe comes alive in this adventure shooter.
• Fight Night Round 4 — Promised to have vastly improved gameplay from Round 3, which was a fighting game in its own right.

—–

Part 2 on the way, with a review of the Big Three and my pick for Best of Show.