This is Part 2 of my E3 review. Part 1 here.

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Grading the Big Three

Aside from the showcase of the best upcoming video games, E3 is all about the “Big Three” in the game industry (Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo), and what they have planned for the future.  All three typically have a commanding presence at the conference, and try to one-up each other with the biggest reveals of new products in the works.  My analysis:

Microsoft:

Far and away, the prominent story coming out of E3 is Microsoft’s announcement of a controller-less, 3D body-detecting system dubbed ‘Project Natal.’   This Wii-killer has the technology that was before only imagined, seen on the big screen in movies like Minority Report.  I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say this tech may not only change the way we get entertainment, but the way we live.  If you haven’t already, check out some of what it can do:

Naturally, some are skeptic that it can really do what is being represented in these demos. Early hands-on reports say yes, it can indeed.

Aside from that, Microsoft had a very solid showing, so much so that I may have still considered it the best without Natal.  They announced several new developments for Xbox Live (like the incorporation of social media sites Facebook and Twitter), and unveiled a slew of exclusive console games to Xbox 360.  These include some of the most high-profile and best games shown at the expo: Forza Motorsport 3, Alan Wake, Left 4 Dead 2, Halo ODST, Mass Effect 2, and Splinter Cell Conviction.  Microsoft won E3, hands down. Grade: A

Sony:

Sony’s prototype of a Wii-like remote was almost embarrassing in light of Natal.  But not to be totally outdone, Sony and the PS3 had its share of exclusive, big-time games as well.  The group of God of War III, Uncharted 2, Heavy Rain, The Last Guardian, Gran Turismo 5, and MAG can be confidently put up against any.  Add some good looking games for the PSP, and I’d say Sony had an impressive showing. Grade: B

Nintendo:

While Microsoft announced Project Natal, Sony also a new motion-censored controller, and both companies having a huge slate of major new games coming soon, Nintendo came out with…um…I’m not sure.  I guess when you have the most popular console that rakes in most casual players with Wii Fit and the like, you don’t feel like you need to showcase much to a more hard-core gaming audience.  Something tells me they’ll be a little more urgent as the playing field changes.  But as it stands today, Grade: C-

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Top Games:

• Alan Wake –
• Assassin’s Creed 2 –
• Heavy Rain –
• Modern Warfare 2 –
• Forza Motorsport 3 — BEST OF SHOW –