Microsoft E3 Conference Wrap Up

• Halo, Halo: Anniversary and 4

Yes, we knew these games were coming but it was nice to see them get some air time at the show. Anniversary looks great and has a good shot at dethroning Reach as multiplayer king of 360. Halo 4 will be great, no doubts there, we just got to wait a while for the gameplay footage of it. Hopefully it'll have fancy new graphics and take note of Reach's multiplayer for inspiration in that department. Halo 4 is also heralded the dawn of a new triology so god speed to it.

• Encore: Dance Central

Not a core game, or even a particularly important one perhaps but certainly a key Kinect game, the sequel to the popular original will keep those non gamers invested in the platform and hopefully bring more people in, particularly now with the local multiplayer element. Add in the trademark Harmonix good will of importing previous games songs is also a plus point for repeat players and you've got yourself a triple A seller.

• Power of 3: Mass Effect and Gears of War

 Two big games from two big companies, EA and Epic. Not much time was spent on them although rarely any time in the conference was left for standing still.
The voice recognition functions in ME3 seems solid and will add to the immersion. Surprised that Microsoft didn't showcase any exclusive 360 content for this title but the draw of playing as the same Shepard as in the previous two games will keep this one in the family.
Gears 3 is going to be unremarkably different but doesn't matter as Gears is a lot of fun regardless. The beta has shown that they have upped the multiplayer so fingers crossed for the finished product.

• Kinect to the hardcore: Star Wars and Fable

Two games that have appealed to the hardcore on 360 are Star Wars and Fable and now both are going to make an appearance on Kinect. Which is a good thing by the way. Star Wars looked much better this time out compared to the dodgy footage of last year. Fable also looked really good with some pretty engaging controls. Hopefully, this will sate the promises that Microsoft have made about Kinect being for the hardcore.