Feature: E3 '07

So now E3 '07 is over, how do things look?

Xbox 360:

Microsoft showed a very strong line-up of games, choosing to focus more on this year, than on next. The exclusives headed our way before the end of the year include Bioshock, Mass Effect, and of course- Halo 3. Each of these games look to be really killer apps for Xbox 360, and should ensure a hugely successful year. There are also the multiformat games- like Assassins Creed (which looked incredible in the live gameplay.) Obviously, this is also coming out on the PS3 too- but with the Xbox 360 arguably being the cheaper machine, consumers looking at a new console with multiformat games- Xbox 360 probably wins that one.

What was also great about Microsoft's showing was clear announcements for Europe, in fact I'm sure they were the only ones to actually mention Europe at all- we know you love us MS. Video Marketplace will be a great addition to our Xbox Live service, and we are finally getting the Xbox 360 Elite.

Well done Microsoft. Awesome showing! Oh- and thanks for showing a new Resident Evil 5 trailer! :D

Wii:

Well, I won't lie to you- Nintendo disappointed me. After that showing, I'm becoming quite disillusioned with Ninty. Don't get me wrong- I love a bit of Nintendo, and we know they don't release that many games- but that what they do release is usually quality. Well- I think Wii Fit says it all. What the fuck is that?

Nintendo are clearly selling a hell of a lot of Wii consoles at the moment. However, what they claim is a good thing (attracting previously non-gamers) I now believe is a bad one. A lot of these people that were non-gamers before they purchased a Wii are still non-gamers now. Why? Because they are buying it for such things as Wii Play or Wii Sports...and no doubt next year when Wii Fit hits. These are essentially, 'non-games' and they're gimmicks, nothing more, nothing less. Where are the games Nintendo? You know? Games? Yes Mario Galaxy looks fantastic, but will it even make this year in Europe?

Maybe if they spent less time on gimmicks like Wii Sports or Wii Fit they could announce some really good stuff, much needed exclusive third party titles and some new first party IPs. Super Mario Galaxy should be one of the years best games though, although I'm not liking the direction Nintendo are going right now.

Playstation 3:

I felt Sony really had to impress here, and guess what? They did just that. On the back of this, I now want a PS3. The PS3 has a few decent exclusives lined up this year, including Heavenly Sword- and how stunning does that look? Sony also have a temporarily exclusive on Free Radical's Haze and the announcement that Unreal Tournament III will also be a timed exclusive to shout about. As for next year, I of course must mention Metal Gear Solid 4. The trailer Hideo Kojima.san showed was just breath taking. Playstation Home was another highlight for me. The scope and depth of it is amazing and technically very impressive.

The one disappointment I did have was that there was no price cut for Europe. Sure, we now get greater value for the £425 we pay, but that is not a price cut. I'll take it though, it's not bad- but I would have preferred a price cut, as I'm sure many of you would agree. £300 and then being free to choose your own games would have been ideal.

Summary:

Both Microsoft and Sony kicked ass this year, with Nintendo unfortunately lagging in casual land...too casual me thinks. For Xbox 360 and PS3 owners, prepare for some seriously awesome gaming, both this year and the beginning on next. Nintendo fans, enjoy Mario Galaxy, though I'm worried for what awaits after.