The Game Trust at E3

They had me on standby! Not that it mattered, I got in anyway …

Sitting with Jones, Scott Alexander of Playboy (and Crispy Convert) and Harold. Lots of video screens, loud music and green … everything you’ve come to expect from a press briefing (except the 360 green). It’s a show and supposed to be entertainment. We’ll see if it turns out that way. These turn out mildly entertaining because of the comedic value from people trying to be funny and failing miserably.

First up is MS VP Don Mattrick. He gives props to Bioshock, CoD4, GTA 4 and Assassin’s Creed. He’s going to announce the newest games for the 360, Fallout 3, Gears of War 2, Fable 2 and Resident Evil 5. Note some scenes in these videos are inappropriate for children.

Todd Howard of Bethesda is demoing Fallout 3 live gameplay in 2277 in Washington, DC, equipped with the Pipboy 3000 on his wrist. You see lots of weapon changes, bloody giblets and a guided rocket that makes a puddle of some Enclave soldiers.

Capcom’s Resident Evil 5 has coop play demoed by the director and producer of the game, complete with Japanese translation. The release date is set for March 13th, 2009. A Friday. Nice touch for a horror game.

Peter Molyneux is up next to demo Fable 2. His first announcement is that the game is done. A trailer and demo ensue. Coop play with anyone throughout the world, just by clicking on an orb to invite people in.

Cliffy B (or whatever he wants to be called now) shows off coop play for Gears of War 2. His demo partner is backstage. Lots of intense, graphic action. Nov. 7 release is planned. The game will also have a 5-player coop mode called Horde where 5 players can play online and face waves of enemies of increasing difficulty.

Mattrick comes back with lots of 360 numbers, each showing the 360 ahead of the Wii and PS3 in install base and software sales. Wonder what numbers Sony and Nintendo will roll out to show they are beating up on the 360.

A new interface and console was unveiled for Xbox Live. Gamer Card now has avatars. A video follows about how the avatars are created, with new clothes, hair styles, etc., all being created by Rare.  Also announced was Xbox Live Primetime where people can join in game shows and win real prizes. Uno Rush was also shown off. The idea is to get your group or party to gather and interact.

A new version of Geometry Wars was also announced for Live Arcade coming next month. Galaga Ledions is also coming to Live Arcade next month. Perhaps the biggest announcements is Portal Still Alive (yes, that Portal) coming to Live Arcade later is 2008 and South Park coming in 2009.

MS also a announced partnership with Netflix, where you can watch movies with you party/friends on Xbox Live.

Shane Kim, VP of development, came on to show bits from Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts and Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise. The original Banjo Kazooie is coming to Live Arcade.

Next up,  Guitar Hero Wold Tour. More than 85 songs, and a music studio where users can make and share music from around the world. Van Halen and the Eagles and Metallica will be available in the game.

Rock Band 2 is exclusive to 360 coming in September. The entire set list was shown. Guns & Roses will have a track from Chinese Democracy. Bob Dylan also will have  atrack as will AC/DC’s Let There be Rock will also be available.

The president of Square Enix was up next. Infinite Undiscovery (Sept. 2 release), Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Spring 2009 release) and The Last Remnant (Nov. 20 release) will be coming to 360. The Last Remnant will also be available for PC.Trailers were shown and they definitely had the majestic graphics and artistry Square is known for. Also, Final Fantasy XIII will be coming out for the 360.  Previously announced just for the PS3, speculation is that the games will be released simultaneously.

That’s it from the press briefing. Watch the site for more blogs an analysis later in the show.

Tags: E3 08, E3 2008, Fable 2, Fallout 3, Final Fantasy XIII, Gears of War 2, Guitar Hero World Tour, Infinite Undiscovery, Live Arcade, Microsoft, Resident Evil 5, Rock Band 2, Shane Kim, Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the Last Remnant, xbox 360, Xbox Live