Completely overhauled, this year's small venue, invite-only event was moved from the spacious L.A Convention Center and spread out all over Santa Monica. Although this caused transportation headaches for the press, the less crowded arenas were likely a welcome sight. Having been to three E3's myself (03-05), I could certainly relate. The show dwindled had from the ravenous 60,000+ attendees of 2006, to a mere 5,000 or so.

Although many were dissapointed by the lack of "booth babes" and the normal glitz and glamour of E3's past, the smaller show this year allowed for dramatically better coverage of the games. And let's face it people, the games are what matter.

There were no huge annoucements this year, however. The last of the consoles launched last year, so the hardware buzz is no longer around. This year was all about software. Sony needs to be play a game of catch up now, as their late start has dragged them down to last place, amongst the new consoles. This year however, may very well make or break that company. With AAA titles such as Killzone 2, Ratchet & Clank Future and Heavenly Sword, Sony just might have a chance. They had a strong presence at the show, with a great deal of exciting games on the horizon.

Microsoft probably made the biggest splash this year, showing off their undoubtably most anticipated game, Halo 3. If anything like it's predecessor, Halo 3 will become the best selling game of all time. What looks to be a worthy close to the Halo trilogy, Halo 3 seems to have everything going for it. A more powerful platform, better graphics and AI, and a more robust online system. Only time will tell if the story and gameplay will match the hype. Also on their release list this year were games like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed (also on PS3). With a strong lineup, Microsoft looks to enjoy another wonderful holiday season.

Discussion of Nintendo's E3 is a bit of a sore spot for me. I've always loved Nintendo's games, and a I was a huge N64 freak. But since then, I believe they've lost touch. I only owned 2 games for my Gamecube, and I only see 2 games for Wii that I'm interested in so far. Lets face it, the Wii is a party console, simple as that. If you're looking to have an immersive single player experience, go elsewhere. However, if local multiplayer mayhem is what you love most, by all means pick up a Wii. It's a fantastic party game console.

What did all of you think of E3 this year? Good or not?

Good news for all of you Fallout fans. Bethesda, the deleveoper behind the mega-hit games Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, have bought out the license for Fallout. With the quality and reputation of Bethesda behind this license, we can all expect amazing things to come of it. If their past games are any indication, Fallout III and all future titles will certainly be a site to behold.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168988.html

Like many others out there, I bought a spiffy new HDTV back in December. A Sony SXRD-50A2000, 1080p beauty. I figured, may as well get a 1080p set, since Microsoft released their HD-DVD add on, and I'll eventually pick up a PS3. So, Microsoft has been telling us from the get go, that there would be an HDMI cable for the xbox360 "if/when demand granted it". Well why the hell haven't we seen it? They pulled the rug out from under us, and stuck the HDMI in this fancy new "ELITE" model. What gives? What about us existing owners who already bought our 360's, and were promised 1080p over HDMI? My new television does NOT support 1080p over VGA, Microsoft, I WANT MY HDMI.

Inexcusable.

Who doesn't love a good payday, honestly? I don't get much take-home mind you (I put a lot into my 401k & stock purchase plan), but payday is still the best time of the month. At least now I can purchase one of my aforementioned games below. Perhaps IL2:1946 - I'm a sucker for flight sims.

Have a great weekend, all.