E3 2009: Microsoft, Part 1 - My Thoughts

To be quite honest, I was dragged kicking and screaming into Microsoft's world - the world of the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. I didn't want to leave Sony. A good part of my childhood was spent playing RPGs on Sony's PS1 and PS2. This generation, however, I was almost forced to purchase an Xbox 360. Well, I guess "forced" wouldn't be the right word, but I went kicking and screaming nonetheless.

Now, I'm almost willing to say I'm a Microsoft fanboy. I sat on the edge of my sofa with my jaw hitting the floor through most of Microsoft's E3 event, especially the second half. I got chills down my spine. I felt my imagination take off as I was contemplating exactly what this new "Project Natal" technology could mean for gaming, far beyond what was demonstrated on a small scale today.

But, let's start with the beginning and work toward the end. There were quite a few games announced, many of them exclusive to the 360.

Beatles Rock Band, Tony Hawk: Ride and Modern Warfare 2 - All of these I'm not so crazy about. Sure, I would be into the Rock Band game, perhaps, if I didn't have to buy a whole new set of peripherals along with it. Well, ok...I don't have to buy new ones, but I'd have to buy more to take full advantage of the game. Oh, and I have Rock Band on the PS3 and don't feel its worth it to buy everything (even the DLC songs) over again for the Xbox 360.

Next up was the one and only Final Fantasy XIII. It looked amazing, of course, and running on the 360's hardware, no less! What struck me as interesting is that we heard English voices on the 360 version. Will we hear the same tomorrow at Sony's event? These things make me go "Hmmmm..."

The next couple games were a bit "meh" for me - Shadow Complex and Joypark - both appear to be XBLA titles. Nothing wowed me about those two reveals.

I've been really wanting another racing game to come along and completely capture my attention 110%. Back in the day of Gran Turismo 3 and Midnight Club (the original), I could sit and play those games for hours, and get intimately involved in knowing everything about all the cars in those games. Since then, while I have enjoyed a few racing titles here or there, none have enraptured me as much. That's why I'm a bit exited to play Forza Motorsport 3.

First off, I've never played a Forza game. Yes, yes...here's my hand, slap it now. Secondly, the game looks amazingly fun (even moreso than Need For Speed: Shift that EA discussed this afternoon).

Again, I've never been a fan of the Halo series. I enjoy playing some multi-player with some friends, and even the co-op campaign is rather fun. However, Halo 3: ODST actually interested me. The fact that they explained you're a rookie on his own in a hostile city and are forced to piece together pieces of a larger puzzle of what exactly happened to many different soldiers just sounded really cool to me. Perhaps it seemed like it was "starting over" with a new story and I connected with the fact that one of the main characters is a rookie, much as I am to the FPS experience. Whether that's the case or not, only time will tell.

To conclude this first part of my thoughts on Microsoft's E3 event today, let's talk about Alan Wake. At first I was a bit put off, thinking this was another "in your face" survival/horror title (no thanks, Left 4 Dead 2). But, I was actually pleasantly surprised. It seemed more like a low combat "solve the mystery" game, and the flashlight mesmerized me throughout the entire demo. I'm looking forward to this title which, unfortunately, won't hit until spring of next year.

Overall, the games were quite interesting. Granted, not all are my cup of tea - and I really wonder how many people will fall and crack their skull trying to perform a stunt on that new skateboard peripheral. But, I think Microsoft has a very, very strong lineup, speaking strictly of the games.

In part two I'll discuss more of the total Xbox Live experience, as well as their new "Project Natal" technology and how I think it could revolutionize the way we become immersed in the worlds we game in.