The following selection includes some of the most promising looking games and devices that were introduced in this year’s E3.

It is a subjective selection that might not please any gamer out there. Keep in mind that we have all the gaming systems out there and enjoy playing games on all of them.

Hardware

Two hardware announcements stick out. Microsoft’s Project Natal was introduced as Kinect for Xbox 360 which looks like a Nintendo Wii with better graphics and without controllers. Some games and applications for it look very interesting while others plain silly. It remains to be seen if the price and the available games will convince Xbox 360 users to buy the add-on device though. Most promising looking game so far was Ubisoft’s Your Shape: Fitness Evolve followed by Dance Central. The Star Wars game looked very rough and repetitive.

microsoft kinect

Second hardware device and in our opinion the hardware of this E3 the new Nintendo 3Ds, a 3D version of Nintendo’s popular handheld system. The 3D does not need glasses which is probably the coolest thing about it.

Lots of old school games have been introduced including Donkey Kong Country Returns and Kid Icarus: Uprising. These old school games have a bigger appeal than many of the new game series with their colorful graphics.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine will be released for Xbox 360 and PS3. Could be a Gears of War type of game, but it hopefully will bring more to the table.

Star Wars The Old Republic, the only MMORPG that I personally will take a closer look at. Bioware never disappointed yet, don’t think they will with this game.

Mafia II will be released for PC, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

Nintendo had a very strong showing with titles like Zelda: Skyward Sword, Goldeneye Wii or Metroid: Other M.

Microsoft and Sony showed more or less the usual games that they show on every E3 from Gears of War 3 and Killzone 3 to Metal Gear Solid: Rising and Madden NFL 11.

Lots of games to play if you like these type of games. We keep an eye on any surprise announcements in the coming days. If you have spotted a game that you think should be in our small listing let us know in the comments.

Microsoft demoed the technique at the E3 which means that the technique is already existing and working. Information on the techniques itself are scarce. From what could be gathered a hardware device is needed that will send the body’s motion and sounds to the Xbox gaming system. The system is able to follow the moves of every person in the room. It can easily identify and distinguish people. Natal cannot only identify people but also objects in the room.

This leads to some interesting new applications. Think of a quiz where the moderator addresses the gamers by name and repeats their answers.

Take a look at the videos below to get a good first impression on what Project Natal is about:

The official Youtube channel offers tons of videos showcasing Project Natal.

There are two factors that can influence the success of the new hardware device. First the price of the device. If it is expensive than it might become a niche product instead of the new default way of gaming. The second is game support by game developers. Game developers need to produce games for Natal or make their games compatible with the product.

What are your thoughts on Project Natal?

It is likely that additional games are shown in the coming days. This could mean that we are going to create a follow up article with even more trailers and game previews. If you think that we missed a game or think that we have added a game that should not be in this list let us know in the comments.

New Super Mario Bros (Nintendo Wii)

Has the looks and feels of the real classic Super Mario games. 2D environment and Co-Op play!