E3 2009 Highlights

As in years previous, the E3 2009 highlights featured each of the big three in the video game industry vying for attention. Hardware from both Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo topped the bill, while an impressive lineup of games for each platform filled out the experience.

Perhaps the device garnering the most attention at E3 2009 was Microsoft's Project Natal. A camera add-on for the Xbox 360, Natal promises game control using a gamer's entire body. Early tech demos proved relatively smooth, including Peter Molyneux's MILO, a relationship simulation with facial recognition technology.

Alongside Natal, both Sony and Nintendo showcased additions to the motion-controlled future. Sony unveiled an unnamed controller for the PS3 comprised of two separate motion sensitive pieces. The demos offered some accurate motion reproduction, but no full games were on hand to fully explore the technology. For their part, Nintendo had demos of the new Wii MotionPlus controllers running, set to release with Wii Sports Resort.

While in hardware mode, Sony also announced another model of their handheld device with the PSP Go. The Go forgoes the bricklike design of previous PSPs, and features a slide top screen reminiscent of mobile phones. The Go also drops UMD compatibility in favor of a download-only platform, meaning gamers will have to purchase all their PSP games from the Playstation Network store.

Though Games formed the background, 2009's show still offered some impressive titles. Multiplatform games like Brutal Legend, Left 4 Dead 2, and Bayonetta were playable, while exclusive names like New Super Mario Brothers Wii and Xbox Live's Shadow Complex rounded out the offerings.