We all knew what Microsoft was going to focus on this E3. They were going to show off Gears 2, Fable 2, Banjo, and the casual stuff like Lips and Avatars. Just like last E3 Microsoft focused on what's coming out later this year than stuff we've never heard about, but unlike last year they managed to pull this off successfully. So first things first I really like the new Live features and Avatars aka MiiToos because even if they aren't original they have an answer to Home that isn't as intimidating to newer gamers. I mean which do you prefer Second Life or Miis?

Gears 2, Fallout 3, Banjo Kazooie Nuts & Bolts, Resident Evil 5, Fable 2, and Rock Band 2 all look solid but I'm disappointed we're not seeing more original IPs from Microsoft. Lips isn't enough guys sorry but it's just not although being able to import your iPod/Zune songs into the game is a nice touch to challenge SingStar's track list. I'm not going to lie I'm quite bitter Alan Wake was a no show again which is the one MS game that I really wanted to see something from. Actually I also want to see something from the Peter Jackson Halo project too which was also a no show so thank you Microsoft.

Also we have the Fall Update that's coming which boasts some huge features. Number one coolest feature is probably game installs although Netflix sharing is also an awesome new feature. The interface looks slick and meshes the usability of XMB with the visual style of Wii Channels with a little Windows thrown in. The background was a bland gray however I'm sure all those themes won't just disappear when this update rolls out in a couple months (just a guess).

Oh yeah there was that one other game that got announced. You know a little game called Final Fantasy XIII? I'm glad Microsoft saved this for the very end because it erased all the meh floating in my head with a giant "Fuck yeah!" basically this one announcement was enough to make me go 360 over PS3. Overall it was a solid show that wasn't mind blowing but an obvious improvement over most Microsoft shows. Can't wait for Nintendo's show now and I'm also really interested to see what Sony has in store because they can't just take the FFXIII slap right?