EG Impressions: E3 2010

So the dust has settled from the chaos that was E3 2010.  I’m sure everyone has watched the press conferences.  Read all the previews.  Have formed your opinions.  What’s our take?  I can’t speak for my cohorts, but I have a few choice things to say about this years Gameaplooza.

Microsoft

Project Natal has an official name: Kinect.  As I was perusing other gaming sites, I was getting the feeling that Kinect wasn’t really wowing anyone.  I found that odd, since the very idea of controller-less motion control seemed very appealing.  Then again, after watching the press conference and the active demos of the Kinect software, I could understand feeling underwhelmed.  Just watching the Microsoft people demo the tech seemed uncomfortable.  Awkward.  Granted, seeing people flailing the arms and legs is hilarious.  However, the thought occurred that it could be me doing just that.  I cringed a little thinking about it.

Is this the future of gaming?  Flailing hazardously to communicate motion to the machine is the way gaming is going?  I sure hope not.  I would want something more elegant.  Something that won’t make me look ridiculous.  Gaming, as it stands now, isn’t really a “cool” or “mature” hobby.  It doesn’t seem that Kinect is helping our cause.

On the bright side, the voice recognition tech seemed very promising .  Being able to sign in with just your voice and a wave of your hand sounds like an awesome concept.  Using your voice to interact with your software seems like a step in the right direction for the evolution of gaming.  However, again, there are some challenges such as your friends griefing you in the middle of your game by screaming obscenities and confusing your pet tiger or whatever your are interacting with.

Aside from hardware, software was a disappointment.  There was nothing truly new or novel that was present for the 360 in my opinion.  Not interested in Halo.  GOW3 looks fun but more of the same.  Microsoft didn’t deliver software-wise and that’s a disappointment.  Overall, however, Microsoft had a decent showing thanks to Kinect and the promise of interesting interactivity for your 360.

Nintendo

Nintendo didn’t fare so well last year at E3.  In fact, the only redeeming factor was Metroid: Other M.  The consensus, it seemed, was that Nintendo had lost the hardcore gamer.  In fact, they probably don’t care that they did.  Most of what was shown was fodder for the casual market and a huge yawner for the devoted gaming fan.  Nintendo seems to listen to their fans as evidenced by this year’s showing.

Software-wise, Nintendo sent a “I’m sorry for last year” letter to all fans by introducing new installments of classic franchises such as Kirby, Zelda, and even a return of Pitt of Kid Icarus fame.  For me, the new Zelda was most appealing.  It you read my analysis of the Legend of Zelda, you’d know that there is a disconnect, I felt, between “mature, epic” Link and “curious, wanderer” Link.  In essence, there was a fight between those who want an older, more dark Link and those who want a cuter, cartoonier Link.  Nintendo decided to compromise by designing Link in an “mature” fashion but coloring him in a more bright, festive way.  I like this compromise.  However, I am worried about the new Wii Motion Plus controls.  The video demo showed a Miyamoto struggling somewhat with the controls, something I sure hope is a beta issue.

The most notable announcement was, of course, the Nintendo 3DS.  Although technically announced earlier in the year, Nintendo finally unveiled the look, the hardware, the software, and other tidbits to whet our appetite.  Best part of the 3DS would probably be the sheer fact that you don’t need 3D glasses.  Speaking of which, 3D seems to new trend in entertainment.  Nintendo has the right idea about going glass-less in their endeavor in 3D.  Sony, however, might have missed the mark.  By a mile.  At least.

Sony

Sony seems, at times, oblivious to the wants of their consumers.  Their $600 “get a second job to afford one” PS3 didn’t over well.  Their new boomerang controller looked odd and unwieldy.  Their “free” online service never really took off against 360.  Of course, they are now charging for a premium online service called “Playstation Plus.”  Now they have motion control , an idea that is now 4 years old.  The worst part is that you need multiple components for Playstation Move to work.  The reception, it seemed, was look lukewarm at best.

Sony’s marketing strategy is so blatant that it’s as subtle as a frying pan to your head.  Their push for 3D TV sets coincides nicely with their push for 3D PS3.  Did I mention the need of 3D glasses?  Sony brand of course.

Here’s a question I would like them to answer: Who asked for 3D?  I would bet money that the majority of the gaming populace didn’t have 3D as part of their XMAS wish list.  Admittedly, it’s personal bias that I don’t care for 3D that much.  If it were imposed, at least make it hassle free.  Nintendo had the decency of not requiring special glasses to get the 3D effect.

For me, the software line up didn’t help any.  There wasn’t much to be excited about; although, to be fair, Sony had more to be happy about that did Microsoft in my opinion.  Most notable for me was Infamous 2.  A sequel to one of the best Ps3 games of last year is welcomed in my book.

Overall, Sony disappointed again this year.  I’m not a Sony hater nor am I a Nintendo fan boy.  I will say that I have really been enjoying my time with the Ps3 as of late.  I would enjoy it more knowing that there would be a bevy of titles to look forward to later this year.  Sadly, that isn’t the case for me.

This is just my take.  I’m sure my cohorts of have their own opinions of what went down at this years E3.  Feel free to comment or to contact us!-

jj