Topic: Microsoft E3 Press Conference: Impressions and Ratings?

So the first press conference is finished. Microsoft had a bunch of demonstrations and announcements, but did they impress you? Rather than focus on what I didn't like, I'm only going to talk about the hot spots.
(1) ESPN announcement -- If you aren't a sports fan then this won't matter... but anyone who loves sports should be really excited. Making watching your favorite events easy and convenient, and adding some neat features so that 360 owners actually get to interact while the game is taking place (ie: polls and trivia) is awesome.
(2) Kinect demos -- So I'm still not sold on this device bringing much to the table, but the dancing and workout demos both convinced me that it can be an excellent alternative to Wii. None of the core games related to Kinect so far impressed at all... but give it time.
(3) New hardware -- Not really a surprise but it's still good news for anyone who doesn't already own a 360 (or needs to replace their current system).

Overall, the Mircosoft conference was a disappointment. Microsoft was coming in with less buzz than Nintendo or Sony, and when the biggest announcement they have isn't even related to gaming that feels like a let down. I'd love to hear what others think though.

Rating: B-

I personally think it absolutely sucked.

Overall it was a disappointment and a letdown, so it gets a traditionally above average grade?

I haven't been in the business of watching live videos of E3 long, but it's easily the worst presentation I've yet seen. I missed the Star Wars part though, which sounded kind of interesting. A bunch of Wii rip-offs, expected sequels that look exactly the same as always, a device that makes your favorite applications more complicated to use unless you are not familiar with using a directional pad and a button to select things (i.e. an idiot, or perhaps only a deceased idiot), more applications that you can surely find on a computer already and in better form, and Metal Gear Rising... which I'm on the fence about. Looks more like Devil May Cry, which I don't like. But it's Metal Gear, so it'll likely be more interesting, and hopefully on PS3, too, if so.

And I was following the latter half on IGN's live blog which had polls throughout on the news, the majority of which was booing the whole thing, so it's not just me as a PS3 / Wii fan. That site generally favors 360.

Had some strong software but I felt like everything they showed, we already knew was coming. Including the hardware redesign which doesn't really impress me. Overall, Microsoft's press conference was a disappointment. (looking forward to nintendo's!!!)

It was really meh. Although the Star Wars game looked nice and you can be a chef in Metal Gear Rising.

I was actually impressed with quite a few things, but occasionally they forced Kinect where it didn't belong. I don't know if it was just me, but in the kart racing demo it seemed like she wasn't fully in control. There were a few glitches here and there, and the Yourshape demo was very bland. I thought it looked lame (and I actually do like using the Wii for exercise) and charmless, not something that would keep bringing me back for more workouts. The trailer for it was awesome, but the demo of the actual game was anything but.

I think the controller-free menu navigation will appeal to many, and it looked to me like Kinect Sports may actually have improved on Wii Sports and Resort by improving the presentation. Dance Central looked nothing short of amazing, and could potentially be a system-seller both for Kinect and the 360.

Don't ask me why I watched this so intently (I don't own a 360 and won't be able to afford one anytime in the near future), but I was curious to see Kinect in action and I tend to get into the spirit of E3.

You didn't miss much from missing Star Wars. It wasn't impressive at all. Nothing you haven't already seen on Wii and Move.

Sure, laugh now...but to date, Microsoft is the only company to go after the lucrative undead market. Think about it: zombies have nothing but disposable income.

Undead is the new casual.

could say half of that about the wii which started all of this.
wii
Forced motion-Yes
sequels that look excatly the same- yes
over complicated-yes

While that sports game looked crappy expect the soccer, i think that fitness game is what wiifit should have been and appeals more to the hardcore exersice crowd.

I was disappointed by their press conference. Nothing really surprising. Metal Gear Rising looked awesome but it was only a short trailer. Fable 3 looked okay but not spectacular. Gears of War 3 was fairly impressive and Halo Reach was just another Halo but prettier. Metal Gear Rising was probably the most impressive games of the show. I'm surprised by the lack of announcements from Rare. No new Kameo, Viva Pinata, Killer Instict, Banjo, BattleToads, or anything. Kinect looks interesting but the games displayed today didn't sell the device for me and no still no price point is just ridiculous. The coolest and only surprise(not really since it was leaked yesterday) was the unveiling of the new slimmer Xbox 360 model. Very sleek and sexy. I won't be getting it since I just bought a replacement console about two months ago. Bad timing for the loss.

I'd hardly call B- an "above average grade", it's more like saying "hey, you didn't suck".

The exclusive ESPN deal is awesome for anyone who likes sports. I do, and a large portion of the 360 customer base does too. Even if you don't like sports, that announcement alone is worth a B- since they didn't have any glaring negatives. My only concern here is that it'll probably be region-specific and leave Canadians out in the cold (just like NetFlix does) which would be bad news for Canucks.

Don't get excited about the Star Wars thing yet. It might be cool, but I have doubts that (a) that was actual gameplay footage instead of a trailer showing the concept art; (b) the game is anything more than an on-rails experience; and (c) motion controls will really be 1-to-1 instead of mapping certain motions to on-screen actions.

Rising was the only real eyecatcher for me.

Also, lol at Microsoft pulling an Oprah Winfrey at the end.

The Rare annoument was the wii sports HD. (sigh)

Still why all the Msoft hate. Hell nintendo Has screwed up E3 for three years now and last years was crappy too but some how they get off scot free. No thats not how t works people. Also you complain about crapy controls and games when that's all you've been given for like 5 years now. WTF.

Anywho can't wait to see the move and 3DS tommorow.

I tried to start an analysis thread right here, but I guess you people beat me to the punch, eh? Whatever. In total, I thought the conference was slightly above average (mostly saved by mediocrity by the first looks at some games).

Ah, I see, Ejamaer, but you said overall it was a disappointment, which I took as, "Hey, you did suck." In retrospect, I guess you were just expecting an A+ and were disappointed to only get a B-.

And not really, Shingi. Wii had Wii Sports, which was exciting because it was first. Kinect Sports Resort is hardly innovative. Twilight Princess looked good because of the wolf thing, even though it turned out to be boring for me. Motion controls were promising for Excite Truck and WarioWare. But I won't feel it's fair to compare with Nintendo until they have their own presentation.

Two years ago theirs was really boring, but I never suggested it was the only bad presentation ever, just that it was the worst I'd seen.

They spent way too much time on that...Kinect....thing. I was hoping for some PC games, or hear about Half-Life 2: Ep. 3. Wasted my time...>_>

All that's left for me now is EA, maybe Ubisoft, and Nintendo obviously, lol.

Yeah i know but i'm saying that when the wii first launced most of the games were carp so i say give it a chance. Only problem how will most sports games work in mutiplayer.

Gah, the conversation keeps moving into different threads.

Anyhow, what I just said elsewhere: I feel that Microsoft can't have it both ways. They want to continue to be the hardcore, FPS-centric platform and fill every event with footage of the latest shooters, but then invite families to come buy into the console as well. Sure, there are some violent Wii titles, but it just feels different to parents out there when they think of picking up something like a Wii for the family to play together -- given the heavy emphasis on family-friendly titles across its game library -- versus picking up a 360 and knowing that the teenage boy of the house will soon be hogging it for online shooter-fests.

I thought Valve was presenting it's stuff elsewhere.

Isn't valve with EA?