E3 2006: A Look Back at What's Ahead
by Jeff McKinney

As unbelievable as it may be, this year's E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) held last month was actually louder than last year's event and even the "quiet" areas of the convention center from past years were booming with sounds and lights. I wouldn't be at all surprised next year to find DJ's and speaker systems in the bathrooms.

Amid the clamor and chaos that is E3, are all of the hottest games, systems and accessories coming out over the next year. Two of the companies making the most noise this year in terms of attendee buzz were Nintendo and Sony with their new game systems, Wii and the PlayStation 3 (PS3).

Although both new systems were officially announced last year, this was the first time convention goers had a chance to test them out just months before these next generation systems join the already available Xbox 360 for the upcoming holiday season.

The big news surrounding the PS3 was price and release dates have finally been announced. Rumors surrounding the PS3's price, some of which stated could be as high as $1000, were put to rest when Sony announced that the PS3 would be available in two models with either a 20GB or 60GB hard drive. In the US, the two prices will be $499 and $599. The larger and more expensive drive version will allow users to store greater amounts of media on their machine. Both versions are due in the US this November.

One surprise from Sony involved the announcement of a motion-sensing controller with six axes of movement--roll, pitch and yaw, and "3-dimension acceleration information." Basically what this means is the PS3 controller will
have the same capabilities that Nintendo's Game Boy
has had for years.

Over at Nintendo, the potential of a full motion-sensing controller was on display with the Wii's revolutionary freehand control system. Nintendo's wireless controller, which is held in one hand like a remote control, recognizes and responds to a full range of motion. This was wonderfully demonstrated with a tennis game in which the controller recognized the difference between a backhand and front-hand swing.

Nintendo also confirmed that the price of the Wii system will not exceed $250 and should be on shelves in time for the holidays.

In gaming news, Nintendo demoed the hotly anticipated new Zelda game,
"The Twilight Princess," which will be playable on both GameCube and the Wii.

In no particular order, here is a look at some other games on display at this year's E3, which are worth looking for as they become available.

"Pac-Man World Rally," from Bandai Namco, will have players race through a variety of environments from Pac-Man World in an entertaining and exciting kart racing game available on PlayStation2, GameCube and PSP.

This year, Square Enix brings us the twelfth installment in one of the most successful RPG franchises of all time with "Final Fantasy XII." New battle features are combined with the cinematic presentation that has become a hallmark of this series to deliver a breathtaking adventure exclusively for the PS2.

2K Games presents the first video game based on the hugely popular "Family Guy" TV show. The "Family Guy" game will feature the same outrageous humor fans of the show have come to know and love.

In 2006, Konami celebrates the 25th anniversary of Frogger with "My Frogger Toy Trials." The game allows players to hop higher and dodge faster than ever before, "My Frogger Toy Trials" features innovative
new mini-games that take full advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screen and microphone, a variety of different power-ups and a challenging four-player wireless head-to-head mode. Another DS exclusive from Konami is "GoPets," which brings together a community of virtual pet owners in which players create and train a virtual dog or cat and watch as their pet develops its own personality, appearances and hobbies. Players can also take the pet online through Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection service to make friends with other pet owners from around the world.

In addition to new Sonic games, Sega brings "Charlotte's Web" to the DS, GBA, and PC just in time for the holidays. Players will be able to explore the Zuckerman Farm, countryside, junkyard, and the Country Fair as Wilbur, the pig, or Templeton, the rat from the classic tale. Look for this game just before the release
of the Nickelodeon Movies/Walden Media/Paramount Pictures film starring Dakota Fanning, Oprah Winfrey, and Julia Roberts.

THQ delivers a sequel to one of our favorite games of 2005, "Destroy All Humans!" In the sequel, this irreverent Sci-Fi action gaming experience enters the swinging Sixties with all new game features, expanded open-world game play and co-op multiplayer. Also from THQ, look for "Monster House" the game, which will allow players to experience key moments of the movie as they uncover the mysteries of the house in order to save their neighborhood.

When Superman returns to theatres this summer, fans will be able to bring the action home with "Superman Returns, The Videogame," from EA Games. Inspired by the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film and more than 60 years of DC Comics' lore, "Superman Returns: The Videogame" will create the ultimate open-world super hero experience.

This Fall, Midway takes the Spy Hunter franchise where it's never gone before-on foot-in "SpyHunter: Nowhere to Run." Featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, "SpyHunter: Nowhere to Run" will allow players to step out of the car and face opponents up close and personal for the first time in franchise history. The story-driven game play will also hold true to its roots by featuring classic driving levels that the SpyHunter franchise is known for.

With all three major game consoles on the market, this holiday season and the months that follow should prove to be some of the best in video game history. Game developers are as excited to create new games utilizing the technology of the new systems, as gamers are to play them. And whether you are a PS3, Xbox, or Nintendo, fan you will not be disappointed with what's in store. Stay tuned to theToyGuy.com for more news and full reviews as the games and systems are released.