Romperz

E3 Microsoft

I did catch most of the E3 Microsoft press conference Monday. As a casual gamer, I’m most excited about Nintendo’s presser today. But there were a few projects/games mentioned during Microsoft’s address that piqued my interest.

The Beatles: Rock Band

I’m not sure why The Beatles: Rock Band interests me other than it’s a Rock Band title. Sure, I like The Beatles but not a major fan. There will be 45 Beatle songs and an exclusive “All You Need is Love” track for the Xbox 360 version. On stage during the presser was Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono Lennon, and Olivia Harrison. Fans will get to experience The Beatles career first hand as they play through various points in their existence as a band including the early touring days of 1963.

Joy Ride

Take your avatar for a spin in this cartoon racing game. You can customize your car and put your avatar in the driver’s seat.

Final Fantasy XIII

Ok, I admit that I’ve never actually played any of the Final Fantasy game but when I saw this character, I may have to give it a try.

The little chick is just too darn cute! Maybe I should just buy Animal Crossing instead.

Alan Wake

Alan Wake is another type of game that I normally don’t play but the premise hooked me. From the E3 fact sheet:

In this dynamic new title exclusively for Xbox 360, players assume the role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author suffering from writer’s block, who escapes to a small town only to experience the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée.In this dynamic new title exclusively for Xbox 360, players assume the role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author suffering from writer’s block, who escapes to a small town only to experience the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée.

I was reminded of The Fugitive while watching the press conference. Definitely something to keep an eye out for in Spring 2010.

Project Natal

Project Natal is not a game but a whole new way to play games. Instead of a new type of controller, you are the controller. No longer will you have to use a controller to play games. Just use your movements to control the game. The games looked pretty neat. Project Natal will also have voice recognition, too. You will also be able to scan your own items to use as objects in the game. The video showed a kid scanning in skateboard for his character to use in a game. Really interesting but totally seems like it will appeal to casual gamers. Microsoft looks to be going after Wii gamers with Natal.

So far it looks like 2010 is going to be a good gaming year. Just hope someone has something new to tell us about 2009.