Next generation is almost upon us and I can’t help but wonder how something like the Wii U is going to work for players – both core and casual.

Like many, I’m still skeptical about how everything will turn out in the end with the controller – From how big it is, to how light it is, to whether or not games will use it well, etc. However, I’m interested right now to see how well this whole idea is going to take off (if it does) 10 years from now. We’ve already seen the DS become a huge hit since 2004 and that’s what got me thinking about the Wii U.

Initially when the DS came out a lot of gamers were confused about it – writing it off as a mere gimmick without adding much to the handheld space, saying that the two screen idea is pretty useless, that touch is not needed, etc. This got me thinking lately – the second screen stuff has become second nature to me, I don’t really want to play a handheld without one because I feel that missing a second screen for something even as small as a map or inventory would be annoying. I noticed this before when recently finishingDeus Ex: Human Revolution and saying ‘managing all my inventory in that game would’ve been much easier with a second screen instead of pressing start every time’.

Then it got me thinking about other stuff like a new Metroid game. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to be playing a new Metroid on the Wii U and having the ability to see the entire map on the Wii U controller, plotting where I want to go next and explore for missile upgrades, health tanks and more. I could also see this being useful for bigger games as well, like RPGs. You could have the whole map in front of you, plotting your next area of exploration, marking down where things are (a la the two Zelda games on theDS). Basically it got me thinking – The Wii U essentially will become what the DS and 3DS have become, and I really can’t see any downside to having a screen on the controller. It seems like something that’s practical and ideal for gaming in general, from core to casual experiences both. Of course, there could be draw backs – the controller could be too big for long periods of play, it could be too heavy – but I don’t know yet, since I haven’t ever used it.

So my whole point essentially is – it opens up a variety of options to make things easier for the player in terms of managing things in the game world – as I like to call it ‘utilizing the retail space available to you’. Now you have these two screens, so it gives you more room to spread out different things to make it easier for the user.

If you guys still don’t see the benefits, maybe think of it as a computer that you have which you have two monitors for. It’s extremely helpful and ideal – and that’s precisely what I think the Wii U will become once it’s out (save for the quick port jobs).

Reviewed on Feb 19th, 2012
By Haziq Agha 
Platform: 3DS (eShop)/DSi (DSiWare)
Price: $9.99 

Cave Story is an incredible indie game made with love, effort and passion. It’s a homage to classic 2D titles like Metroid and Castlevania and is definitely a must play for old school 2D Action Platformer fans of any kind.

It’s not hard to look at all the games that try to emulate the successes of 2D action platformers like Metroid and Castlevania and simply pass them off as just knock offs. It’s easy to assume that with Cave Story when you initially play it. It looks similar to those games and it has the same retro styled art – it doesn’t look like anything special. However, once you get into the game you won’t want to put it away as it pulls you in with an entertaining story, compelling gameplay, catchy music and an overall robust experience.

The game is all about adventuring and helping this race of species called Mimiga’s. You play as a boy robot named Quote, who wakes up suddenly in their village. He has no idea how he got there and from there your adventure begins. Different central characters re-occur throughout the game, helping you throughout the adventure or adding to the story in significant ways. You’ll go through the game trying to help save a girl and stop the evil forces present in the game.

Cave Story on DSiWare is a perfect addition to your handheld device.

As said earlier, it’s a mix of Metroid and straight up adventuring. You start off with a basic pee shooter and work your way up, heading through different parts of the over world, shooting and blasting enemies uncovering different paths to explore. As you go throughout the game, you’ll unlock new weapon which can be upgraded through a unique method. You collect items that enemies drop and through this your weapons start to power up; get a certain amount and the level of the weapon goes up (to a maximum of level 3). However, if you do get hit when you’ve reached the cap, the level of the weapon goes down as well.

The game is also full of great music and boss battles. The music is retro, 16-bit style much like the art style of the game. It is to be expected, since the art style also fits the whole retro look, as it is done intentionally. It suits the game well and it’s a neat addition to the overall experience. In terms of boss fights, there’s many and they’re grand on scale and a hell of a lot of fun.

Bosses are on a pretty large scale in Cave Story, sort of reminiscent of Kraid from Metroid.

It should be noted that the DSiWare version of the game (the one on the eShop as well) is lacking a few features; It doesn’t contain the extra content from the WiiWare version of the title, it does however include a time trial mode as well as a jukebox mode for playing back tracks from the game. It also contains all three difficulty levels (easy, normal, hard).

If you’re looking for an affordable indie game with a lot of effort and love to make, Cave Story is a great addition. It’s a fun, addictive and funny adventure game that shares similarities with other 2D classics like Metroid and Castlevania, it’s something that should be played by every retro gaming fan.

Final Fantasy XIII-2

Final Fantasy XIII-2, the sequel to 2010′s Final Fantasy XIII will be getting a downloadable demo in North America on January 11th, 2012. PS3 owners and Xbox360 owners can both download the demo via their respective download services, PSN and Xbox Live.

The full game is set to release January 31st, 2012 in North America.

Reviewed on Dec. 20, 2011
By Haziq Agha 
Platform: Wii 

Every so often a game gets release that captures you attention and doesn’t let go. This is precisely what The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword does. With well-crafted controls via MotionPlus to the new structure the Zelda formula has received, Nintendo has created possibly the best entry in the franchise yet.

The game takes place on an island in the clouds called Skyloft. In Skyloft, Link can interact with different people and immediately, you’re introduced to Zelda, who is one of Link’s fellow classmates in the game. They all go to the same high school in Skyloft and the game begins with Link getting prepared for the Wing Ceremony. While flying in the sky, Zelda is taken by a storm, which was caused by the Demon Lord, Ghirahim. She falls beneath the clouds, where no one from Skyloft has gone before. Thus, Link sets out to save Zelda from Ghirahim. The story gets more complex as you progress and offers a few neat twists, while featuring themes and tropes from previous Zelda titles. Along the way you meet a companion named Fi. She is the one who will provide you with hints and tips throughout your adventure, while playing a large role in the story.  The presentation has been upped in Skyward Sword, with numerous cut scenes and smartly written dialogue that enhance the experience immensely. The story is definitely one of the greatest Nintendo has ever told, especially with how it’s presented. However, the experience might be brought down by people who would have preferred to have some voice overs in the game, but the dialogue is great and written well enough that it doesn’t hinder the experience greatly.

The way you traverse through the sky is via a Loftwing, which is your trusty bird companion. As you traverse through Skyloft, there isn’t a whole lot to do. You can explore the small islands around Skyloft, however they only contain treasure chests, which are unlocked while you go on your adventure finding blocks to strike at with your sword. Apart from that, you can visit different mini-game places in the sky, but that’s the extent of it. In Skyloft you have the ability to go to a store, which allows you to buy potions and upgrade gear. Every single item you obtain can be upgraded, though it’s not a huge issue as you can beat the game without upgrading a single thing. These upgrades work via a combination of paying rupees and collecting various pieces of loot around the world which can then be used for upgrading items.

Demon Lord Ghirahim

The music in Skyward Sword has also received a much needed boost compared to past entries. Orchestrated tracks for different pieces never sounded so great and the music during boss fights will get your adrenaline going. It’s a great addition to the Legend of Zelda series and only makes you wonder how older tracks would sound if they were given the same treatment.

Nintendo has made a showcase title that finally proves why motion controls matter, how unfortunate however, that Nintendo delivers towards the end of the Wii’s life cycle. Flying controls are all done via MotionPlus, where tilting makes you move left, right and downwards. Flying upwards requires a flick downwards, as if you’re flapping wings. It all works well, once you get past the initial “am I doing this correctly?” phase.  The controls work similarly for other things, like swimming. The area where the motion controls truly shine however are the combat. The combat works incredibly well and is satisfying. You simply swipe left, right, up, down, diagonally and so forth – Link will mimic your movements. This works incredibly well considering Nintendo has made each enemy interact differently. They will watch the way you move Link’s sword and defend in that same direction, so each enemy essentially feels like its own puzzle. This works incredibly well for certain boss fights and mini-boss fights as well. Once you finally the hang of the controls, you won’t want to revert back to button presses. This is an essential evolution in Zelda’s combat, one thing that should certainly stay throughout the next entries.

Combat From Skyward Sword

The series though has been through a sort of rough patch for years now, with many feeling like the formula is too stale. Skyward Sword does away with the traditional formula, while still retaining much of what a Legend of Zelda game is. Each area prior to a dungeon feels like a mini dungeon of its own. Many of the same tactics you would use for dungeons can be applied to the world you traverse until you get to the main dungeon – the line between over world and dungeon is blurred. It is for this reason that the game is exceptionally well done; the dungeons have often been the best part of the Legend of Zelda series, something that no other series does as well. That being said, there are only three main areas in Skyward Sword; Faron Woods, Eldin Valcano and Lanayru Desert. This might seem fairly small compared to past Legend of Zelda titles, however these areas do open up further later on in the game as you progress. These areas are well-crafted and tightly joint, immersing you into the game world and experience. The dungeon design and parts between dungeons are some of the best the series has ever seen. However, some of the dungeons end up being too simple due to Fi, your companion. Often times she’ll state the obvious or say things that give away how you’re supposed to tackle a task. Although the intent of Fi constantly popping up is to help younger players throughout the game, often times it becomes annoying for an older player – thus the ability to turn off hints from Fi would have been a welcomed addition.

If you’re looking forward to exploring the main over world in Skyward Sword, you might be disappointed. The over world feels disjointed compared to past Legend of Zelda titles and offers far less to do. It feels more like a hub that drops you into different areas within the game. However, like mentioned above, the three areas provide more than enough exploration and things to do. Though, those looking for a Hyrule Field of sorts won’t find one in Skyward Sword.

An Early Boss Fight

Skyward Sword is explicit in how it wants you to tackle each task before continuing to the next dungeon. This content and the player’s enjoyment will entirely depend on whether or not they enjoy the tasks between dungeons. Some players might find the content between dungeons to be boring, irritating and repetitive as they can be if you simply just want to proceed to the next dungeon. If you’re into doing extra tasks and doing side missions, Skyward Sword will keep you happy as there is more than enough to do aside from the main mission. Each of these tasks has its own rewards that are ultimately useful as well.

The first few hours of Skyward Sword might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, once you get past those initial few hours the resulting game is an exceptional one.  There’s a reason why the series has a huge legacy behind them, and Skyward Sword is no exception. It’s not only one of the finest crafted games ever made; it’s one of the reasons that prove why motion controlled gaming matters. It’s proof that a lot of effort and care goes a long way – making something old feel new again.  It’s a masterpiece in game design proficiency and one that shouldn’t be missed by any Legend of Zelda fan and gamers alike.

E3 2011.

Well E3 2011 has come and gone. With it came a ton of new software, a new portable from Sony and a new console from Nintendo, which includes a tablet like controller. However, looking at the software at E3 we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 shown off at the show. Also to note, this is based off of what was shown at the show rather than what was played – as I did not have the fortune of going down to E3 2011.

#10 – Luigi’s Mansion 2

Luigi's Mansion 2 Hits Stores In Spring 2012

The first Luigi’s Mansion had a cult following behind it. While the game had it’s flaws and was fairly short, it hit the mark with a lot of people. Luckily, those eager for a sequel will be able to get their hands on Luigi’s Mansion 2 on the 3DS sometime in Spring of 2012. This time the game is being developed by Next Level Games (Punch-Out!! on Wii, Super Mario: Strikers, etc) and will feature more variety, more mansions and more ghosts to deal with than the first. Also a bonus for anyone who currently owns a 3DS, you can go to the eShop to get a 3D trailer of the game right now for free.

#9 Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3 Hits Stores March 2012.

Mass Effect’s story line concludes with this final entry in the series. What we saw from E3 was decent, however not really a good showcase of what is to come from the game. However, we’re confident that  the game an improvement from the first based on what was shown. The shooting mechanic looks a bit tweeked, Shepard can now do a barrel roll (sorry, I had to) and the game runs on a new engine.

#8 SSX

SSX Is Due Out January of 2012.

SSX is indeed back and boy, does it look good. This new version features some really nice artistic visual direction as well as extremely entertaining gameplay.  The courses in the game change based on how well or how poorly you perform with your snowboarder. As a result, each course will have different paths depending on how you do. Also the trick system seems to have been tweeked quiet nicely.

#7 Batman: Arkham City

Arkham City Releases October 16th, 2011

Batman: Arkham City looks fantastic. Not only can you now play as Catwoman, but the whole game looks much more open world and less linear than the first game. It really looks like it’s going to feel very different than what we saw with the first game. Batman can now also glide around the city with his cape. The combat looks much improved from the first game, as well as the overall HUD and a better detective mode HUD.

#6 BioShock: Infinite

BioShock Infinite Is Slated For Release In 2012 Sometime.

While I was not very sold on the original, BioShock Infinite looks far better than the first. Ken Levine has really hit the mark with this one. The new colour palette is awesome and the overall design looks incredible. It looks like a significant improvement from the first and makes you forget about the numbered sequel that released in 2010. This is the true sequel to the original.

#5 Rayman: Origins

Yes, This Is In-Game. Rayman Releases In Fall 2011.

Rayman is finally back and in the original creators hands. This game looks amazing visually. It really stands out because it’s so bright and vibrant. The game looks like a whole lot of fun and features a neat co-operative mode as well. What better way to make a return than Origins? Welcome back, Rayman.

#4 Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Assassin's Creed: Revelations Is Set For Release November 2011.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations looks absolutely awesome. Just like how Assassin’s Creed 2 was much improved and different than Assassin’s Creed 1, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations seems to be taking the series into a great new direction, with promises of memories within memories as Ezio tries to learn more about his ancestor, Altair. It also features some new moves in the combat system as well as even more to do. The change in environment also keeps the game looking as fresh as ever.

#3 Super Mario 3DS

Super Mario 3DS Is Set For Release Holiday 2011.

Mario returns yet again, making his debut on the 3DS. Super Mario 3DS seems to be a mix of Super Mario 64 and the Super Mario Galaxy games. There is a lot of 2D and 3D type of levels in this game as well as the return of a favourite suit, the Tanooki suit! It looks absolutely awesome and looks like a must own for any 3DS owner. Also a bonus for anyone who currently owns a 3DS, you can go to the eShop to get a 3D trailer of the game right now for free.

#2 Mario Kart 3DS

Mario Kart 3DS Is Releasing This Holiday.

Mario Kart makes it’s 3DS debut this holiday season as well. It introduces some new modes such as car customization as well as some new gameplay additions such as a glider and underwater levels. Sounds crazy? It is! The online mode is also more robust due to Nintendo’s newly enhanced online infrastructure from the 3DS. Also a bonus for anyone who currently owns a 3DS, you can go to the eShop to get a 3D trailer of the game right now for free.

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword Is Releasing This Holiday.

The Wii exclusive The Legend of Zelda is finally here with Skyward Sword! Nintendo has announced that they plan to release it this holiday, in line with the 25th Anniversary of the series. They are also doing a bunch of neat things with Zelda in general, which include an OST give away to those who register Ocarina of Time 3D on Club Nintendo within a certain time frame from its release, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for download on eShop, The Legend of Zelda: Four Sword on eShop this September for free and finally, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Orchestrated album available for purchase when Skyward Sword releases. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword features a new structure to the Zelda formula, as well as Wii specific controls via mandatory use of Motion Plus. Every enemy, puzzle, boss and item is designed to be specifically used via Motion Plus. It looks absolutely fantastic and is more than deserving of it’s number one spot on this list.

Whether you agree or disagree with the list above, there is no question that this year was packed with surprise announcements. From the Playstation Vita and it’s low price point, to the Wii U and it’s incredible new controller or to the plethora of titles being releases this year and early next year, it was a great show for the gaming geek in all of us.

Nintendo's Conference Starts At 12 Noon EST.

11:54AM – You excited? I sure am. Cannot wait, 6 mins!

12:04PM – It’s beginning!

12:07PM – Montage of Zelda, probably something regarding the 25th anniversary edition. It features a live orchestral soundtrack. New Skyward Sword footage.. looks really imperssive

12:09PM – Miyamoto is coming on stage. They’re talking about music for Zelda and how its orchestrated. This kind of seems like a waste of time lol. Links Awakening on eShop available TODAY. Awesome stuff. Next weekend The legend of Zelda 3D will come out on 3DS, that’s part of their 25th anniversary as well. In September, on Nintendo DSi theres four player co-op four swords available to everyone as a free download. Skyward Sword comes out this holiday season for Wii. They will also release a Gold Wii Remote Plus with the release of Skyward Sword. Miyamoto promising the most satisfying Zelda experience with Skyward Sword. Nintendo is hosting symphony concerts around the world for Zelda. Theres two CDs coming out. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. If you register it first on club Nintendo you’ll get it as a gift. The second disc with conjunction of the release of Skyward Sword is an orchestrated album.

12:21PM – Satoru Iwata is coming out on stage. Talking about expanding the gaming population and how the DS and Wii helped do that. Who plays, where we play and how we play. Talking about cafe a bit, but he said they’ll go into it later this morning.

12:25PM – 3DS montage. Mario Kart 3DS.. what.. flying? lol. Star Fox.. Mario 3DS. A NEW LUIGI”S MANSION!!!!

12:27PM – Reggie is on stage. Mario Kart for 3DS. Mario Kart 3DS trailer. Mario Kart 3DS comes out this holiday season. Star Fox 64 3D coming out in September. Super Mario 3DS trailer. wow… thats awesome. Kid Icarus Uprising…. wow it looks amazing graphically. What the hell. Kid Icarus Uprising has a multiplayer mode. It looks okay.. probably nothing I’d play. It looks better than it did last year. Kid Icarus will use AR cards to conduct battles. It’s also coming “Later this year”.

Luigi is back with Luigi’s Mansion. A trailer is playing, Luigi’s Mansion 2. It looks pretty cool, the first one was decent.

Reggie is starting to talk about third party developers. Theres more new releases being shown now. Resident Evil: Mercenaries 3D. Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics. Ace Combat 3D. Shrug. Tetris Online. Cave Story 3D. Resident Evil: Revelations. Driver 3: Renegade. Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions. Tekken 3D! Holy! Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D.

Have to admit, that was mostly meh. Most of those are old. Game demos are coming later this year for downloadable titles and retail software on eShop. Classic console titles will be coming out on the eShop with 3D make overs.

12:45PM – Wii U? What is this. New console. The controller has a screen on it. It’s called WiiU. Trailer time. I’m not sure what this is. It just seems like a new controller for the Wii. You can do some certain things with it that seem cool. It has a facetime kind of thing on it as well. 6.2 inch screen on the controller.

Wow, smash bros for WiiU and 3DS for both — they will work together in some way. Some random lego game for WiiU. Darksiders II, Batman Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed, Dirt, Ghost Recon Online, Tekken for WiiU, Metroi Online, Ninja Gaiden 3..  Wow. Some good HD content on a Nintendo platform, big names.. third party support is coming back?

1:09PM – EA is on stage. Madden on WiiU. Battlefield 3 on WiiU. Open online functionality on the WiiU.

1:15PM – It’s over.

I’m happy Nintendo has some big named third parties on board. They could’ve used more 3DS content I thought. WiiU is still confusing to me and I don’t think they explained it very well, but I liked the third party montage and the potential of Zelda HD excites me, just look:

Zelda HD on WiiU.

Rating?

Sony's E3 Press Conference Starts at 8PM EST

8:15PM – Waiting for it to start … its been 15 mins lol

8:18PM – Movie montage of games and new hardware

8:22PM – Apologizing for PSN, was expected.

8:25PM – Talking about adding features to PSN to keep entertainment high, with its services. Netflix and what not.

8:26PM – Uncharted 3 on-stage demo… it looks really good. Music is great, overall really cinematic. MP beta begins on June 28th.

8:34PM – Uncharted 3 3D trailer.. if you have glasses, you could put them on and see it in 3D. I don’t.

8:37PM – Insomniac Games is showing off Resistance 3. I haven’t really played the other ones, this one looks better than the first 2. $150 for a Move/Sharp shooter combo w/ Resistance 3

8:42PM – God of War Origins (remastered PSP games) and Ico+Shadow of the Colossus remastered collections will launch in September. Pretty good for those who don’t have a PSP/PS2 — They are in 3D too.

8:44PM – 24″ 3D Screen that’s Playstation branded — Will be cheaper. Pretty neat idea to try to get 3D gaming into more gamers hands — $499.

8:47PM – NBA 2K11 demo. Move oriented NBA game, much like what we’ve seen on Wii with the Pro Evo games. Oh hai, its Kobe.

8:52PM – Some random move game.. Medieval Moves. Looks okay.

8:58PM – Infamous 2 trailer. Looks good and most reviews agree.

9:00PM – inFamous 2 has some move support — for user created content. In September, LBP2 gets more Move functionality added.

9:01PM – StarHawk trailer. Looks neat

9:03PM – Sly Cooper 4 is coming out in 2012. It looks really, really cool.

9:05PM – some dutch guy is talking about a game. Dust? lol. Console shooter connected to a PC MMO, Eve online. Sounds kind of neat.

Its an FPS. The concept is cool but honestly getting tired of guns. I kind of want Battlefield 3, but even that’s iffy.

9:10PM – BioShock Infinite trailer. Looks really impressive.. here’s hoping its really good and better than 1.

9:15PM – BioShock for NGP.. and BioShock Infinite has PS Move support. Also, BioShock Infinite comes with the first game on one disc. Saint’s Row has move support as well, same with a star trek game.

9:17PM – Star Trek for Move looks like Mass Effect. Looks okay, good for fans.

9:18PM – Exclusive level for SSX on PS3, from mount Fuji. Need for Speed: The Run also highlighted at E3 for Sony, as well as Battlefield 3. Battlefield 1943 is coming on the disc as well.

9:20PM – Enter, Kaz Hirai. NGP is called Playstation Vita. 3G enabled and Wi-Fi enabled, party chat anywhere you go.

9:34PM – Uncharted for Vita looks pretty impressive. The tech is great, optional controls for touch screen/buttons is good. Don’t like the back pad still.

9:39PM – Mod Nation’s for Vita — looks cool.

9:44PM – Wipeout for Vita and PS3, cross play functionality. Pretty cool.

9:45PM – LBP for Vita

9:55PM – SF x Tekken for Vita

9:56PM – $249 for the WiFi model and $299 for the Wifi + 3G model. Not bad, direct competition w/ Nintendo.

Rating?

Ubisofts Press Conference Starts at 5:30PM EST.

5:33PM – Rayman Origins is going to debut first. On stage demo. I’m excited. Wow, it looks really good. It’s a fairly long demo but it was damn impressive. It looks really good, good music and plays well.

5:42PM – Looks like driver.. or something. No interest whatsoever.

5:48PM – What looks to be .. Far Cry 3. I haven’t played Far Cry before, but I haven’t heard many good things.

5:56PM – Randy Pitchfork is on stage.. probably talking about a new Brothers in Arms game. It’s a new take on the WW2 shooter.. It looks like Inglorious Basterds, game form. Shrug.

5:59PM – Something about marriage? okay? Lets see. Film inspired game.. ? Oh – Tin Tin. I guess. lol.

6:10PM – Tom Clancey’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Looks okay.. kinda bored at the moment. Waiting for ACR.

6:14PM – Tom Clancey Online — Completely free. Sounds interesting… but I’m tired of guns and shooters. lol.

6:20PM – Trackmania 2.. eh, sure? lol. Show me Assassin’s Creed Revelations.

6:22PM – A new Rabbids game on Kinect. Rabbids: Alive and Kicking. Looks bad… could be good? lol

6:26PM – Just Dance 3.. ugh.

6:29PM – Rocksmith… some music game. I thought these were dead?

6:32PM – Your Shape sequel. Bleh

6:34PM – Finally, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.

6:39PM – DEMO! Well that was pretty cool. I definitely love the new setting and what I saw.

Rating?

EA's conference starts at 3:30PM EST.

3:30PM – EA’s press conference is starting!

3:31PM – Looks like Mass Effect 3..yep, it is. On stage demo. Coming out March 6th, 2012.

3:33PM – Live demo.. it seems far more actiony… they added a roll function as well. It seems really good, nicely polished. I’m not sure how people will react to the fact that it’s more actiony.

3:37PM – First gameplay trailer of ME3 – Fall of Earth. Shepard has some sort of sword.. thing. Looks cool.

3:39PM – Origin.com is a new server for downloading content from EA. Seems like a Steam service.

3:39PM – Need for Speed: The Run debut. Autolog in NFS sounds great.

3:42PM – NFS The Run does look pretty good.. but I don’t know about out of car parts.

3:46PM – BioWare is back with Star Wars on stage. Star Wars Knights of the old Republic MMO. Just a CGI trailer.

3:53PM – SSX — CGI again. I hope theres a demo of sorts. 3 modes — Race it, Trick it, Survive it. Sounds awesome.

3:55PM – Talking about extending Fifa to social media, iOS, etc.

3:57PM – Drake and weezy are in the Fifa video, lol.

4:00PM – EA Football club seems great for Fifa fans.

4:02PM – Madden of sorts. New trailer. Some celebs.. I don’t know much about american football, sorry.

4:07PM – Cross platform talk for most of EAs big franchises. The Sims social is announced — best sims experience on Facebook. EA is moving towards social gaming as well. Theres a trailer, it makes me laugh. This might be the next big farmville, it certainly has the established IP behind it.

4:14PM – Overstrike is Insomniacs new game about 4 agents. Seems to be dark and funny. It looks neat but no gameplay.

4:17Pm – Battlefield 3 is showing. Woot. Frostbite 2.0 is their new engine, looks great. Wow. Really impressed. Far more interested in this than Modern Warfare 3. EA also showed off some MP footage, wow. Really, really impressed.

Battle Log is a service for Battlefield 3 much like CoD Elite — but it’s 100% free. Great stuff. Multiplatform, open beta in September! WOW!

4:22PM – Live Demo of Battlefield 3 on PC. It looks really stellar. Good job to DICE. Wow.

4:30PM – October 25th, Battlefield 3 releases.

That’s it folks! Some good stuff there.. I especially liked Battlefield 3 and Mass Effect 3. So far, better than Microsoft’s conference!

Rating?

Microsoft's E3 2011 Conference Starts 12:30EST

12:04 – Starting off with SpikeTV – They just showed a trailer of Ninja Gaiden 3. It looks basically the same as NG2 .. maybe a bit more dark?? I guess. There’s terrorists in a Ninja game. Ok.

12:05 – Saints Row 3 – I have absolutely no interest in this, but it looks like a crazy version of GTA. It actually looks really funny.

*tv break*

12:20 –  Talking about Summer of Arcade XBL. Fruit Ninja for Kinect? Weird. Bastion looks incredible.

12:29 – The official presser will be starting shortly.

12:32 – MW3 demo starts… controller died. haha.

12:36 – Modern Warfare 3 looks like Call of Duty. That’s cool.

12:37 – That slow-mo opening doors thing is back.

12:39 – Cool, a boat.

12:40 – Finally, the MW3 demo is done. Now more activision reps are talking

12:41 – MW3 coming out November 8th for sures

12:42 – Don Matrick is on stage now. He just called the Call of Duty developers “The worlds greatest story tellers”. What?

12:43 – More games, looks like Tomb Raider. On stage demo starting. It looks really good, wow. Lara’s voice is kind of annoying… but it sounds realistic. It looks really great though, very different.

12:49 – Peter Moore from EA is on stage.

12:50 – Tiger Woods PGA, Madden NFL, FIFA and another will all have Kinect support. Kinect Voice Control in Sims 3 pets. Family Game Night will also have Kinect support. BioWare is coming on stage – Mass Effect 3 for sure.

12:51 – Mass Effect music, so definitely ME3. ME3 is all about “kick ass action”. Mass Effect 3 will support Kinect as well – with voice recognition. Theres a demo of it starting, in real time.

12:53 – Basically, you read what’s on screen and they’ll choose that option. Basically useless if you ask me, but okay. At least it seems to be working 100% accurately for those interested.

12:57 – Ghost Recon: Future Soldier – Useless footage, it showed nothing.

12:59 – Kinect Support for Ghost Recon. Microsoft seems to be trying to get more core users into Kinect. Some of the Kinect menu stuff looks really cool, I must admit… not so sure about the actual shooting elements. All future Tom Clancy titles will utilize Kinect.

1:01 – Xbox Live talk. TV on Xbox? Use Kinect’s voice to use your entertainment. Voice commands. 10 more partnerships for Xbox Live. YouTube is coming to Xbox Live. That’s pretty cool to be honest. Bing is coming to Xbox – Eh, does anyone really use Bing? I still use Google. Xbox Live TV — Live television is coming to Xbox 360. Very good.. however it’s a bandwidth killer, especially here in Canada.

1:08 – Dana White is on stage.. UFC live events on Xbox Live. Cool if you’re into UFC.

1:11 – More games, looks like Gears of War 3.  CliffyB is coming on stage. Woo. Gears 3 footage.

1:15 – Gears 3 looks great. I’ve always liked the campaign in Gears.

1:17 – Demo is done .. now some Kinect fighting game in Rome. Looks weird… it’s called Ryse.

1:19 – Halo: Combat Evolved remake.  Enhanced game, looks like it runs in the newest Halo engine. It looks okay.

1:21 – Forza 4 on stage, its using Kinect. Looks like the must get racing simulator of 2011.. if you’re into those games. Kanye’s Power is a good additon as well, I approve. lol.

1:24 – Kinect version of Fable. Fable: The Journey. Some CG trailer is playing. That doesn’t say much for the game. Waiting for gameplay…

1:26 – Horse riding with Kinect. It’s an on-rails fable experience … not sure what fans will think of this. I’ve never been into Fable.

1:28 – Phil Spencer is back on stage – talking about indie games. Minecraft is coming to XBLA .. w/ Kinect.

1:29 – Kinect Disneyland Adventures – Good for kids/families.

1:30 – Peter Pans flight in Disneyland Adventures. Two kids on stage playing .. reminds of of Skittles girl. What they’re saying sounds so rehearsed.

1:31 – “GET THE COINS!!!” “THIS IS SO COOOOOL!” “JUMP!!” “THE QUEEEEN!!!” “FIST BUMP!” OK, sorry. No more.

1:32 – Star Wars Kinect trailer.  The crowd is cheering in the audience at E3. I think it looks okay. It doesn’t look that good graphically, though.

1:35 – Demo on stage. “LIGHT SABRE, ON!” Looks laggy to be honest. It didn’t work at one part.

1:38 – Tim Schfar is on stage – Sesame Street for Kinect.

1:42 – Kudo is on stage talking about Kinect. Kinect Fun Labs .. Kinect gadgets from the game industry. I’m guessing this is for anyone to add onto the community for Kinect development/features. People scanning … ? Oh, this is like making a Mii on a 3DS. Sounded like the audience was forced to clap.

1:44 – Kinect finger tracking — Drawing on a picture with your fingers. It’s neat, but I don’t see the appeal in gaming.. maybe there will be a piece of software that uses it well, it has potential.

1:46 – Object capturing – Scanning items into a game. Kinect can allow you to scan in things you like and bring them to life in the game.  It works, which is impressive – but again, we’ll have to see if it has any appeal to games.

1:49 – Kinect Sports 2. More sports and in game voice and new gestures. It’s called Kinect Sports: Season 2. Theres an on stage demo of Golf. It is laggy.

1:50 – Dance Central 2. Looks okay I guess. lol.

1:56 – Matrick is back on stage again, concluding the conference. Yep, its closing. A first look at a new project for Xbox 360 though

1:58 – New project — Halo 4 probably. Yep. Halo 4 in 2012.

2:00 – Conference is over!

Final thoughts:

Microsoft clearly tried to go after the core and casual crowd with Kinect.. but they’ve failed on both. Kids stuff looks fine but most of the core Kinect titles look downright awful or they don’t look like they work.

Some of the Kinect technology looks neat.. specifically finger tracking and voice recognition, though I don’t know the appeal of having it in gaming.

Some announcements are okay – Halo 4 and Halo: CE Remake. Gears of War 3 looks great too.. otherwise, pretty boring.

Rating?: