Well I did say I would write about video games, and it just so happens that the biggest video game event of the year is going on right now. Good place to start? I thought so...
Microsoft
So Project Natal has officially been renamed to Kinect. I like the idea behind this new little device, but something just feels odd about it (I'll rant in another post). Hopefully I'll pick it up when it launches in November, but I'm a little worried about the games. What has been announced is cool and all, but it just feels like Nintendo has already done the interactive type of party games. Guess we'll find out!
Nintendo
Ok, a disclaimer: I just read a review of Microsoft's keynote speech, but I actually followed Nintendo's live, so I have more to say about it. First off, the 3DS. Absolutely amazing. 3D without glasses? Yes, please. But also, Hollywood movies in 3D, 3D pictures, communication while in sleep mode, and a larger screen all come together to make this an impressive handheld to add to Nintendo's pedigree. And then the games: Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (with beautiful graphics), Donkey Kong Returns, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, Nintendogs +Cats, and Kid Icarus (!), just to name a few. This is a heck of a line up from the company that has gotten a lot of heat in the last few years for lack of first-party titles.
Update...
Sony
So, much like Microsoft, Sony focused on motion control with Sony Move. Interesting piece of hardware with great precision. They even beat out Microsoft on two fronts: earlier release date and better lineup of games. The PS3 has lagged behind the XBOX 360 and Wii simply because of its much higher price tag and early lack of games, but it's really catching up nicely. Along with the announcement of 3D games and an online service, Sony seems to be shaping up the console nicely!
Well that does it for the announcements from the Big 3, now it's on to the third party companies to impress us! I'll put some stuff up about that in the coming days, then post some wrap-up thoughts after E3 is over. Too bad this only comes once per year!
-Matt
