So, the Electronic Entertainment Expo is coming up in just a couple of days and I've decided it's high time to write about what I'm hoping and expecting at this year's E3. Since I was born in Texas instead of California and I'm not cultivating money trees in my backyard, I won't be able to attend this year's expo but that's not stopping my intense excitement. Sure, I'll miss the Video Games Live groundbreaking performance with it's synchronized video, lighting, special effects, crowd interactivity... Not to mention the booth babes, costume contests, surprise guests, game demos, prizes and more... But, I get to live the typical gamer's dream of lurking various video game news websites all day. Yippee.

The E3 Expo is the world's premiere trade show for computer and video games and related products, so of course, every one is expecting epic new game details, new peripherals and information on the newest gaming technologies. This article is just going to focus on Microsoft's showcase.

Full Body and Hand Gesture Controls:
One of the more interesting rumors I have been hearing about is that Microsoft is building a "sensor bar" of sorts, but instead of detecting the waggles of Wiimote-like controllers, it detects full body movement and sound, sans controllers. There are two sensors on the bar, along with a mic and a camera.

Apparently, this "sensor bar" will give you full body and hand gesture control of characters in your games. In fighting games you kick, punch, duck, dive, jump and so forth with your body. Anybody smell a lawsuit, yet? What surprised me is that it also picks up small hand gestures like pinching, grabbing and scrolling. There will also be video conferencing and games with video. You can also play trivia games over XBL with live webcam-esque images of each person playing. When a question pops up, they can clap to buzz in. You can "move objects on your screen" and the other party can see what you're doing in real time. The technology can do all of this yet detects only the person playing, not folks observing on the couch. I've got to get more word on this warlock.

Details about Bungie's Halo 3 ODST:
Even though over the years it has become the "cool thing" to say negative things about Halo's franchise lately, I know there are still a lot of Halo Heads out there that are stoked for this game. Halo 3 ODST is an expansion for Halo 3. In the game, you will take on the role of a UNSC Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (ODST) during the events leading up to Halo 3. Known for their courage, valor and, at times, insanity, ODSTs are among the fiercest UNSC soldiers, priding themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations.

No, you will not play as Master Chief but I think it's going to be really awesome since it adds a needed challenge. You won't be a Spartan so that means no advanced armor, Spartan-like reflexes and strength, and you are more vulnerable to gunfire so you will be forced to act more cautiously. No more kamikaze spreeing through the levels.

This is pretty much all we know about the game when it was announced a couple of months ago and we're all itching for new information and possibly (fingers crossed) a release date.

Details about BioWare's Mass Effect 2:
Very little information has been released concerning the plot for Mass Effect 2. Although, people such as Greg Zeschuk (BioWare co-founder) and other various developers on the official Mass Effect message boards, have said that players should keep their Mass Effect save-files, because decisions made by the player in the first game will continue to have influences on their character in the sequel. Nice. Apparently, if you have not played the first Mass Effect, you will start a new character in Mass Effect 2, and will be brought up to speed on the story elements that have taken place thus far in the series.

A developer diary was released on May 15, 2009, that confirms the combat system has been upgraded, with everything from the feel of the combat and the AI being improved, including realistic damage modeling and downed enemies still continuing to crawl and fight. New to the series is a heavy weapons system, which sounds really exciting. Also, the tone of the game is similar to that of the Wild West, featuring warlords and crime gangs. I'm hoping for, at least, a new trailer or new game play details.

Details about Ubisoft's Splinter Cell Conviction:
Splinter Cell: Conviction was originally scheduled for release on November 16, 2007, but has since been the subject of several delays. Splinter Cell: Conviction was later confirmed that the game will be released by Christmas 2009. We have seriously been waiting for this game for so long yet we keep getting the run-around on it. We did get a new Teaser Trailer on May 20th but give us something new, something official.

A Fangirl's Mind going nuts (and bolts, har har) at what Rare could bring to the Expo:
A new Banjo-Kazooie game? I didn't get my fix when playing Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. I'd kill for an N64-esque, 3D, adventure game like the classic ones. Banjo and Kazooie are two lovable characters and their move sets have a lot of potential for a new HD experience.
How about a new Battletoads game? I'm a complete sucker for anthropomorphic video games, this is true, but I know that I can't be the only one who almost wets my pants at the thought of a new Battletoads game. Not only that, but man, we desperately need some more amphibians with superhuman strength.
Possibly, a new Killer Instinct game? The game borrows the attack set of Street Fighter and is also inspired by the finishing moves from Mortal Kombat... Throw that recipe into the next-gen era and you've got a success. Come on, Rare. Give me SOMETHING.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. My predictions for Microsoft at this year's E3. I hope I'm not disappointed. Only a couple of more days until News sites will be swarming with new information on this year's Expo. Spirits are high with anticipation. I can't wait. Also, what are some things that you're anticipating to see at this year's E3?

Read my E3 Predictions: Sony Edition: Here
Read my E3 Predictions: Nintendo Edition: Here