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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 –

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.

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