So, I’ve been in Los Angeles since Monday for E3 Expo 2009, the biggest video game trade show in North America. It is here that you’ll find all the latest video game-related announcements from companies like Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Activision, and Capcom. The convention, if you want to call it that, isn’t nearly as big as the Consumer Electronics Show, but it’s just as epic… especially if you happen to be a video game geek.
If you want to catch up on some of the latest news, announcements, and other coverage, you can check out the articles that I have posted and will be posting on Mobile Magazine and Futurelooks. In the meantime, let me run you through a few of the quick highlights that I encountered.
On the Nintendo front, the big N revealed New Super Mario Bros Wii. This is very similar to New Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo DS, but the kicker is that you can now participate in four-player co-op. This is the first traditional Mario-style platformer where you get a co-op mode, as far as I know.
As expected, the Sony PSP Go was definitely a-go at E3 Expo 2009. In speaking with some Sony representatives, they say that this new handheld should not be approached as a PSP2. Instead, it’s more like a PSP 1.5 (not to be confused with the firmware versions). They ditched the UMD drive, tossed in some flash memory, and are offering a range of downloadable titles through the PlayStation Network.
Before E3 officially opened its doors on Tuesday, we cruised through part of the LA Convention Center and saw some pretty sweet banners advertising the newest games. I compiled a quick video of these. Not depicted is a massive outdoor banner for Assassin’s Creed that’s about half a block long.
I’d have to say that the biggest highlight of E3 Expo 2009 for me so far was the opportunity to play Street Fighter IV against North American champion Justin Wong.
Given his reputation and record, I had no expectation of winning, but I tried to maintain an optimistic outlook. It’s unfortunate that he was using Balrog all day, a character who does not match up well for me against my Blanka. As it turns out, I did quite well… for the first round. Stephen Fung is processing the video, so I’ll have to wait on him before I can post it. I have to say that was a lot of fun.
Stay tuned for more in the days to come.
I know you are a Nintendo fanboy (relatively speaking), but may I request your impartial opinions on the following:
Nintendo DSi vs PDP Go! – which one should i get?
I’m reserving judgement on the PSP Go until I see some of the games that’ll launch through the new download service. With DSi, they’ve got a couple games, but nothing that really makes me want to upgrade from my DS Lite.
If you’re buying right now, the DSi is probably a better choice since you can still play all the existing DS titles. If you can wait, you should see what games on the PSP Go tickle your fancy, since the existing UMD games won’t work.
See Michael, as I told you on Twitter, a positive attitude makes for better play. Congrats on a good experience.