Once a year, the entire video game industry piles into a VW bus and heads to sunny Los Angeles for the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo. It is here, at this magical conference center, that CEO and booth babe alike gather to discuss the future of gaming.
Here is Metro’s rundown of what the big console manufacturers hope you’ll one day be spending your money on.
Microsoft
Microsoft seemed hellbent on proving that the Xbox 360 is now as ubiquitous to the living room as a futon. They talked up new apps like Internet Explorer and Xbox Music. They talked up their new smartphone integration system, SmartGlass. They didn’t talk up games too much, though. We still managed to get pretty excited for “Halo 4” and another “Gears of War” sequel. We are easily excitable.
Verdict: SmartGlass has potential but we are not sure if developers will actually work to realize it.
Sony
Just like Microsoft, Sony stayed mum on their eventual next gen system. The company did lay out some fantastic PS3 titles, though. Coming down the pike? An apocalyptic adventure called “Last of Us” by the makers of the Uncharted series, the beautifully cinematic “Beyond” which stars Ellen Page and a “God of War” prequel.
Verdict: Major exclusives coming for PS3, but Vita ended up short shrift.
Nintendo
Mario’s extended family spent the bulk of the show talking up their next gen system, the Wii U. It’s launching in time for the holidays and purportedly has more horsepower than both the 360 and the PS3. The hook, just like the Wii, is in the controller. The Wii U Gamepad is essentially an iPad, complete with motion control, touch-screen support, NFC capabilities and many more bells and whistles. The system also works with all of those Wii remotes you’ve had laying around since Christmas 2006. Launch titles include a new Mario sidescroller, “Pikmin 3,” a horror game called “Zombi U” and “Assassin’s Creed III.”
Verdict: Interesting tech but weak launch lineup.
