E3 doesn't technically even start until tomorrow, but we're already bathing in a stream of glorious information. Microsoft, Ubisoft and EA all conducted their press briefings today and each had plenty to talk about. Here are some of the high points in case you missed them.
Microsoft
- Kinect is Here, but It's Not for You – Microsoft showcased the first batch of games for Kinect and with titles like Kinectimals, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures it's clearly aimed at the casual crowd. The inclusion of Kinect support in Forza 4 is nice, and the Star Wars game could be kind of fun in spite of the fact it's on rails, but the peripheral was clearly created for casual gamers. Oh, also it launches November 4 at a rumored $150 so start saving your pennies.
- Halo Reach Has Space Combat – Do we really need to add anything to this? SPACE COMBAT PEOPLE, you pre-order this game now and count down the days.
- Xbox 360 Slim Is Out Now – Tired of red rings and jet engine sounds when playing the Xbox 360? Then go grab the sexy new black slim unit. It's shipping right now to your local retailer and will cost the same as a standard 360. Plus the new black finish will match your new Kinect nicely. The machine also features built-in wifi and a 250GB hard drive, so everyone comes out a winner.
EA
- Medal of Honor Showcasing Real Locations – Anyone who's complained about wanting more realism from their games need look no further than the new Medal of Honor title, which will base many of its maps on actual locations in Afghanistan. The demo EA showed featured the bombed-out remnants of Kabul and another set amongst the real-life mountains and valleys of the nation's hinterlands.
- Bulletstorm Gets a Release Date – The latest killfest from Epic and People Can Fly is officially launching on February 22, 2011. Warm up those electro-whips folks!
- Crysis 2 Coming in 3D – Got a fancy new 3DTV and need something to really show it off? Turns out Crysis 2 will scratch that itch when it's released. The amazing Crytek engine running in full stereoscopic glory? Yes please.
Ubisoft
- Child of Eden Announced – From the same genius that brought us Rez and Lumines, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, comes Child of Eden which can best be considered as Rez optimized for Kinect.
- Rayman, and the Rabbids, Are Back- Ubisoft had info on new games featuring two beloved mascots, both Rayman and the Rabbids. Rayman is getting a pretty new art style and the Rabbids are traveling through time. What's not to love?
- New Michael Jackson Game Incoming – We have no idea what it's about or why we should care, but there was a "Beat It" dance-off so that makes it all worthwhile.
There was plenty more going on today but we're exhausted. Bed, rally, and then off to see what Nintendo has to show tomorrow. Here we go E3!