This year E3 began last night with Microsoft's Project Natal presentation and from what I saw it was ridiculously over the top decadent. Circus Solei performers MTV performers and young celebrity hosts were part of the over the top eye candy. I can't honestly remember the last time there was such an over the top presentation for a new gaming accessory. Wait, scratch that, the X-Box 360 reveal. That was Microsoft too.
On to the games. 15 titles confirmed for launch and a name change, from Natal to Kinect. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the name. Natal was a weird name but Kinect seems weird as well. I guess it's supposed to connect to gamers, but you move so it's kinetic as well? Anyway a weird name, but then again a console named Wii sold millions of copies. As for the titles, they seem to be mild distractions rather than full featured games. Many of the games seem to be copies of Wii titles which really cannot be blamed since they did very well. I guess it just goes to show that the Kinect is not for me.
Microsoft also unveiled a new X-Box 360 model. This has been done before but the new model does look at least a little interesting. Not only is it a little sleeker but at the same time sports a built wi fi adapter. I won't be picking one up anytime soon but it did grab my attention.
Games wise there were really no surprises on 360. All of the big announcements were games we already knew existed. Although they did show a little more game play behind their big titles Halo: Rising, Metal Gear Solid: Rising, and Fable 3. All of them look interesting and have grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the Reach beta, enjoyed Fable II, and am a fan of the Metal Gear franchise so these bode well with me, I'll be watching these titles closely.
Ubi Soft really struck a chord with me. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood was given a release date. What really grabbed my attention was the announcement of previously unannounced games. Children of Eden the spiritual successor to Rez, Project Dust, and a new 2D Rayman game were great announcement as each game looks fantastic, especially Children of Eden which will be controlled with Kinect and Playstation Move. This is what I want to see with motion controls, giving me an experience which cannot be done on the Wii. I hope to see more of this.
As for what has me most excited was the announcement of a possible Goldeneye remake for the Wii. I know it's an older game and a lot of nostalgia is powering my love for this game but damn it, any excuse for me to revisit one of my favorite games of all time is a good one to me. It worked with Perfect Dark on XBL and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.
Nintendo's is tomorrow. If the rumors are true then I can't wait to what they bring to the conference. Hopefully it's more entertaining than Microsoft. Sans Circus Solei.
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