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By Vampt Vo (7/16/07)
This E3 (Electronics Entertainment Expo) was a very important show for a variety of reasons.
Not only was it the first "E3 Media and Business Summit," known to gamers as Min-E3 for its smaller size and limited attendance, but it was also the first E3 with all three new-generation consoles released.
There were quite a few exciting new games announced and detailed at the show, and AniGamers made sure to cover the news as quickly as possible without actually being there.
To see our news coverage of the show, head on over to our news blog.
In this wrapup page, I will go over the announcements, games, videos, and more that I felt were the stars of E3 2007.
However, before I begin, I'd like to stress what the folks over at Joystiq said when choosing their E3 winners.
This year, the only clear winner was you.
Each and every game company brought out some amazing new games this year.
Together they showed that this industry can kick itself back into gear, with three closely competing consoles, each with great games slated for release.
So read on, but know that there was a lot more to E3 2007 than just the winners.
Best Video: Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots
At Konami's press conference, the company showed off a new, very cinematic trailer from Metal Gear Solid 4.
It outlines the main plot while turning up the tension to great effect, and follows up with an incredible fight scene.
Definitely the must-watch video of E3 '07.
Best Announcement: Mario Kart Wii
Reggie, in his trademark keynote voice, surprised the audience when he revealed not just information on, but a short video and the "Wii Wheel" for Mario Kart Wii.
The game will be online, use waggle controls, and, needless to say, will be every fanboy's dream.
Worst Announcement: PS3 Price Drop Switcharoo
Sony, the master of emotions, managed to make me feel happiness, sadness, confusion, and denial, all within the space of about a day.
First, the PS3 60GB is pricedropped to $499.
Next, SCEE president says its only a limited sale.
SCEA denies.
Kaz Hirai confirms SCEE.
SCEA finally says that the 60GBs will be on sale for $499 until their stock runs out, and then they'll be gone...forever.
Best New Hardware: Wii Balance Board
Oh great.
Another minigame collection for the Wii aimed at casual gamers.
But what makes this exciting is that not only has Shigeru Miyamoto said he's looking forward to Wii Fit, but the Balance Board is a very versatile piece of hardware.
As soon as I saw it, the possibilities ran through my mind:
With the Wii Wheel, it could be a steering wheel and gas pedal.
Games can sense actual walking and running.
The potential is great, and shows a true movement toward virtual reality.
Best Personality: Peter Moore
As the charismatic head of the Interactive Entertainment Business division (pretty much video games) over at Miscrosoft, Peter Moore has quickly become the face of teh Xbox 360.
His strong presence during the Microsoft press conference, when he showed off news and videos from Halo 3, Gears of War, and more, was accentuated by his semi-infamous actions while showing Rock Band to the audience.
Moore paused twice during the demo, throwing off the mood for the press.
With the term "pulling a Peter Moore" now born, the man deserves some credit.
Best Game: Super Mario Galaxy
The choice of best game was undoubtedly the hardest this year.
Peter Molyneux continues to talk up Fable 2, while Halo 3 and MGS4 trailers are showing.
And all the while, Nintendo shows off more Galaxy and Corruption.
I had to choose Super Mario Galaxy simply because this game looks better and better the more we see of it.
Just like last E3, when it blew away fans and the press alike, Galaxy is looking to be 2007's must-have title.
Best Game Company: Nintendo
Another hard choice, but the choice was a bit clearer here.
While everyone had great press conferences this year, Nintendo provided some of the most exciting news, all given by iconic Reggie Fils-Aime.
With dates for Galaxy and Brawl, videos for the former and Corruption, Wii Fit and the Balance Board, and finally Mario Kart Wii/Wii Wheel, Nintendo had a lot of good stuff to show this year.
Of course, without the fanboy element, Nintendo did not win as resounding a victory, but a victory nonetheless.
I hope everyone enjoyed reading the news and watching the videos from this year's E3.
While it was hard work, I sure had fun covering it.
See you all at the next show!
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