Microsoft

As my primary console I couldn't wait for Microsoft's press conference. The Xbox 360 is the console to beat for hardcore gamers and Microsoft isn't about to let that change. Their entire conference was great showing stuff for both casual and hardcore gamers as well as showing off the new Xbox 360 interface. They showed off live demos for Resident Evil 5, Fable 2, Fallout 3 and Gears of War 2 which were all amazing to watch. I loved the Resident Evil 5 demo but I found its gameplay looked dated. After watching the insane Left 4 Dead footage, I expected a little more from RE5. Fable 2 looked great and the coop play looks like it will change games. But by far the best game I saw during E3 was the insane demo footage for Gears of War 2. This game just blew my mind with the new enemies, weapons, finishing moves, and abilities (meat shields). The multiplayer also looks amazing with fixed balancing issues, great multiplayer modes, 5 player vs. Locast coop, and parties. After this Microsoft showed off some casual games like Lips, Movie Maker, and a new Scene It which should help sell more consoles and reach out to the casual market. They then announced some new arcade games like Geometry Wars 2, Portal, and Banjo Kazooe as well as talk about exclusive GTA 4 content, timed exclusivity of Rock Band 2, and exclusive Fallout 3 DLC. They then showed off avators and the new Xbox 360 interface, which I had a mixed reaction at first about, but has grown on me since. It looks like a great idea and the ability to party up in groups and look at pictures, movies, and play different games yet still chat with everyone is amazing. And to end it off they dropped a huge bombshell at the end when they announced that a former Sony exclusive was coming to the Xbox 360 as Final Fantasy 13. Overall Microsoft's E3 conference was great and had something that everyone could enjoy; I just wish they released more demos on Xbox Live for E3 other than just Too Human. Also a little Halo/Bungie anything would have been nice.

A

Nintendo

Nintendo is by far the best first party developer around. Releasing amazing games like Metroid Prime 3, Super Mario Galaxy (2007 Game of the Year), Zelda TP, and this year's Super Smash Brothers Brawl. Although the third party titles have been lacking these first party titles have been some of the best games I've ever played. Not to mention that the Wii is the best party console out there and is always a hit when I have friends over since we can all play games like Wii sports, instead of just me and the guys playing some Halo split-screen. Coming into this year's E3 I couldn't have been more excited about Nintendo's press conference knowing they would unveil this hardcore game Reggie has been talking about. I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing it would be to see a trailer for a new Zelda game built from the ground up on the Wii, and how it would be played. With the conference now starting I watch as a soccer mom takes the stage and begins showing off casual game after casual game for the Wii. Although it was interesting to see what they were doing with the Wii balancing board and how they're using it in games like Shawn Whites Snowboarding, I felt that it was all aimed at a younger audience. The new Wii pro attachment looked good and the new Wii sports looks like it could be fun with friends but it all looked so very casual. This was followed by Wii Music which has to be the most casual and zero skill requiring game I've ever seen. With some one button instruments like the saxophone and some lame shake the controller instruments like the guitar. After all this we get to this big announcement and it turns out to be...... Animal Crossing!!! I was in shock, has Nintendo forgot about the hardcore gamer, or do they just not care anymore?!?! What makes me even madder is that in an interview on Gametrailers that soccer mom says in response to the hardcore gamers being disappointed in Nintendo's E3 "Keep playing Smash Brothers and Mario Kart." What the hell does that mean? She basically said wait till E3 2009 which shows Nintendo doesn't care about us. It looks like SSBB will be the only game I'll buy for my Wii in 2008 and looking at what's coming out for the Wii it could be my last.

C-

Sony

With many people saying this was the year of the PS3, Sony had a lot to prove at this year's E3, and for the most part I think they did. They showed a great selection of games throughout the conference with demos of Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, and Fallout 3. Resistance 2 looked very good with a good looking campaign, multiplayer, and 8 player coop! The PSP version also looks great and I can't wait to hear more about it. The Little Big Planet demo was great and a perfect/less boring way to show sales numbers as well as show off the game. LBP shot to the top of my E3 list with its unique and creative approach to platforming. They also showed off a lot of PSN arcade games like Fat Princess that look like a lot of fun to play, as well as some more info on Home. I felt they should have showed more about the new Socom, MoterStorm Pacific Rift, Killzone 2, and The Agency, but the montages were pretty good to remind you what the PS3 has this year. They then ended strong with a God of War 3 teaser trailer and a game I'm dying to hear more about MAG. The PS3 has an amazing line up of games coming out this year, and were now finally seeing what the PS3 is capable of.

A-