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

As clearly visible by her recently released trailer for Batman: Arkham Asylum. Our favorite vine-covered villainess is going to make an appearance in her new stunning outfit. If you're a fan of "booty shorts" on a hot girl, you'll enjoy this outfit as well.

Botanist Pamela Isley was transformed by a science experiment gone wrong into a plant-human hybrid. With chlorophyll flowing through her veins instead of blood, she developed a toxic touch and a pheromone-fueled talent for seduction. She has an ability to encourage and direct the growth of all plant life, plant genes mixed in with her DNA make her an unpredictable and formidable physical opponent and secretes a toxin that can make her touch deadly. That means with her, it's the Stripper Rule. "You can look but you can't touch."

My anger over the fact that Batman: Arkham Asylum was delayed is melting as I stare at Miss Poison Ivy. You just had to perfect your model's graphics to make them as realistic as needed? No problem, take all of the time you need.

The sun reflects brightly on the crystal clear lake in front of you. All you can hear are some Nightopians running through the open fields while others gaze lazily at the wonderfully aqua sky. Their tiny pink translucent wings flutter and their halos gleam as they glance over at you, in curiosity. Excited, you begin to explore, prancing through a path of glowing purple stalagmite crystals. Giant birds in colors you've never seen before fly above you and glowing fish in the oddest shapes swim nearby you. You've never seen something so beautiful. This is beyond the gateway of imagination, of reality. This is Nightopia.

Suddenly, you hear a whooshing sound and you turn around to come face to face with a mischievous-looking jester with large, sapphire, feline eyes and a half grin on it's face. You can't help but wonder what it's gender is but in a way, it doesn't matter at all. It's whatever you want it to be. It's levitating in front of you, playing what appears to be an invisible flute. It emits vibes of total and complete freedom. Before you can even blink, it grabs your hand and jets away leaving what appears to be some sort of "twinkle dust" in the midst. All that is imaginary helps it fly with us. It soars in loop-de-loops and breast strokes through the sky. With every glowing item and sparkling ring you fly through, music, of the equivalent of angels singing, plays through your eager ears. Breathing in the fresh air, feeling the wind against your hair, covered in exhilarated goosebumps and watching the dandelion fluff balls float down gently to the ground, you are perfectly serene. This is Nightopia.



Earth has no rules here. The trees and flowers will grow however they feel. Earth formations that have gone rebellious and insane are only found in Nightopia. Real life Mother Nature would be sorely disappointed. The color "green" is at it's purest definition in this haven. Skyscrapers and other buildings and structures that would appear man made at first glance, emit a magical resonance within them. They too, are shaped in magnificent ways that even the greatest architects in the real world would die to create.

For what only feels like hours, but is really seconds, you realize that anything is possible here. Persona masks can turn you into different things to enhance the dreamlike experience. In the last couple of seconds, you've already become a bobsled, boat, roller coaster, dragon, rocket and dolphin. Living a life of gliding, spiraling and looping through a variety of worlds such as Pure Valley, Delight City, Lost Park and Memory Forest would be ultimate. Flying through Spring Valley and Splash Garden, blasting through rings and gathering beautiful orbs could possibly be the key to happiness. What else is in store in this magical atmosphere?!



Right when you're thinking about how you'd never want to leave, a screeching noise rings through your ear drums. The most annoying and horrible sound in the world seems deafening. The constant maddening howl fills you with a pitiful sadness and anger. You've never been so disappointed in your life to know that this world isn't all that it seems... Then you realize it's your alarm clock.

Our escape from the world constantly remains in our minds. Nightopia symbolizes everything that you've ever wanted and never knew. Finding happiness is like finding yourself. Self-actualization is a process of discovering who you are, who you want to be and paving the way to happiness by doing what brings YOU the most meaning and contentment to your life over the long run. Finding happiness and enjoying life is everything that this world is about. In Nightopia, if you can dream it, you can live it.

So for this Monthly Musings, I was running through all sorts of ideas in my head about different video game universes that stood out to me. I contemplated talking about the Halo worlds or the Legend of Zelda realms but something didn't feel quite right. I told myself to try to remember the one place that I would absolutely LOVE to live in, to remember my thoughts as a child with great imagination and reminisce about what I wanted most out of life. Then, it finally hit me.

Well of course, I've always wanted to live in the Kanto Region.


No it's not like just any dog, this one shoots fire!!

Any person who has ever heard of Pokemon in their lifetimes will, most likely, only remember this particular region. It's home to the first set of Pokemon that stole our hearts. Those wonderful and most original Pokemon. The first one hundred and fifty one.

Even the most hardcore of Pokefans that have battled their way through Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh have to admit that nothing beats dog fighting our pocket monsters on familiar soil such as Kanto's. The only bad folks we really had to worry about in this city would be the dim-witted Team Rocket. All they ever had were Meowths, Arboks and Wheezings. Pffft, nothing that would ever worry an experienced Pokemon handler like myself. Of course, there are plenty of other members of Team Rocket that are trying to take over the world... But if you ask me, leave all of that to the suits in charge. I'm just here to play with my Pokemon. Living in the Kanto Region meant living in simple times and life was just amazing.


No! Noooo, it's not just a bull, it can cause an Earthquake!!

What child doesn't want a companion to love and grow up with? Every one does. We all need that little sidekick to help us get through life. Luckily, I had several. Can you imagine waking up every morning with an Eevee nuzzling your face, waiting with eager eyes, for you to greet the brand new day? What about getting to school or work, riding on the back of a fierce Charizard? Have a bully that picks on you at school? Does he throw Weedles in your mashed potatos during lunch? Make him meet you afterschool and bring your Nidoking with you. See if wants to mess with you any more after he's suffering from Poison Sting. Our perceptions of "bad ass" would be insanely different than what it is today.

Living in Kanto means I get my pick of the best of the best Pokemon. I would not only have six though. I'd have one for every occasion. A great Pokemon to have would be Snorlax. I'd sleep on his belly during the Winter to keep warm. If I ever forgot to take out my garbage during the day, I'd let Snorlax gobble it down so I wouldn't have to go out past sunset. Who wants to deal with pesky Zubats on your day off? I know I don't. He'd be a warm bed and the perfect garbage disposal all in one.

Living in Kanto wouldn't always be so easy but I'd take every negative in stride. I don't mind having
annoying wild Butterfree ruffle my hair if I get to see wild Rapidash running freely through open fields. I will live with friends cow tipping wild Tauros and bragging my ears off if I get to snuggle my Vulpix every night. I'd have bags under my eyes and a twitch due to the Haunter who decided to live in my closet and stare at me with that wide grin but I'd have a giant Dragonite right outside my window, protecting me. Yes, I would have a freaking Dragonite. I'd dedicate my whole life to owning one of those. Who would need to pay electricity bills when you have a horde of Jolteons to generate your electricity. Gas bills? Forget about that outdated stove. That's what young Charmander is for. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives when it comes to living in Kanto and frankly, I would give anything for it to be real.

All I'd hope for is that people wouldn't buy and trade Jinxes for some sort of underground prostitution thing. I feel like PETA (Or I suppose PETP) would be all over that one.

I have always had an admiration for Greek Mythology and the history of different Greek Gods. I researched it in school and not a day would pass where I would wonder what it would be like to live in that sort of world.

What if I were to stumble upon the gates of Hades and be face-to-face with a snarling, teeth-baring Cerberus, the three-headed beast? Would I be a mere mortal or a legendary creature that was either feared or adored by all? How awesome of a world would it be to feed Minotaurs, have sex with Nymphs, ride Griffins and avoid Sirens like the present-day Detroit hooker? A world where you were sent out on missions to exterminate swarms of importunate Harpies, everpresent Undeads, sexy Gorgons and other creatures along the way. Of course, between all of the battling, have a traditional break for a quick threesome with two hot women.

I wanted to experience this world and I don't know about you but Disney's Hercules didn't quite do it for me. What did throw me into this wonderful, fabled universe was God of War.

I found myself in the greaves of Kratos, wielding the cursed Blades of Chaos, staring down the Undead who are ready to rip me limb from limb... If they are quick enough. Battling under a sky that burns obsidian black, I was forced to take out the walking skeletons by (button mashing) hacking and slashing them. After several dismembered spines and shattered skulls in only a matter of a few minutes, I was hooked on annihilation. Swinging the fiery blades around to slice up enemies is so much more fun than it sounds. The sound of the chains attached to the Blades, slamming into them is just exhilarating.

With the stench of blood and death filling my lungs and broken bones of the weak Undead underneath my feet, I made my way inside of the damaged ship to get some health. Just when I thought it was safe in the narrow corridor, I had the pleasant surprise of meeting with one of the many heads of the Hydra. The reptile-like monster screeches at me through teeth that are thicker than my torso and snaps at me like a five-hundred ton Pitbull.



I remember when I was first playing this I was thinking "No way I have to fight this thing so early in the game..." Then I noticed the boss health bar at the bottom of my screen...

Drastically, I swing my blades to strike the foe right in the face. Every enemy that dared to stand before me before was eradicated; Why should this Hydra be any different? The creature lets out another gutteral roar and snaps his jaw again. Too slow for Kratos. I jump out of his reach and bring the Blades down upon him again. The creature's eyes burn with primal hunger. Drenched in blood and gore from the fallen, I would be the perfect snack for him. I wouldn't let it go down like that.

Of course, not so early into the game.

One third of his life is gone and suddenly, boom, he drops his head. What's this, fierce Hydra, are you too weak to battle me? Just when I think this is my chance to lay some quick hard hits on the beast, a button combination appears. Taking what appears to be my only chance, I impale the mongrel's head and slam it into the side of the corridor. I continue to do it until the Hydra drops it's head again in defeat. Oh ho, but I'm not done with it just yet.

The gloriously green triangle button appears over the Hydras head and Kratos leaps onto his snout, raising both Blades of Chaos high above him and plummets them into the iris of the sea monster. He roars a pathetic sound of defeat and pulls his head away from Kratos in angered fear. He's not dead but I'll deal with him later.

God of War was the first game to throw quick button combinations at me to execute amazing ways to take down my enemies. I love this series to death and will never forget this first epic battle with, one of the nine, Hydra heads. This game really threw me into the action and made me feel all high and mighty early on. There was no ten minute tutorial on pulling off combos. I had to fend for myself and get the hell out of that damaged ship before I would be swimming with the fishes. Little did I know that there would be even bigger beasts that I had to annihilate later in the game (and in the series) but at that exact moment that I knew I had to fight the Hydra, I was scared, exhilarated and giddy to take it down. I was ready for the challenge and I succeeded.