Xboxist

Microsoft E3 Keynote Highlights

Microsoft took center stage at E3 in Los Angeles today to showcase some of the new game titles coming our way this year. It was a mixed bag, with some genuinely great moments, as well as some embarrassing disappointments. We were particularly bewildered by some of the Kinect titles, which frankly don't look that fun to play. But hey, a new Gears and Metal Gear: Rising. Here are the main highlights from Microsoft's E3 keynote event:

New Xbox 360 Slim announced, has built in Wifi, 250 GB hard drive. Costs $299. Available at retail starting today.

Metal Gear Rising is revealed in greater detail by Hideo Kojima himself. Looks great, but the focus is more on action and less on tactical espionage, to the horror of some fans.

Fans got a look at the new Xbox 360 hardware during the company's press briefing at E3.

Gears 3 is predictably awesome, and delivers more of the same epic action we have become used to with the series. But is it really an advance over the excellent Gears 2?

Crytek is partnering with Microsoft Game Studios to create a new IP for the Xbox 360. Called "Codename Kingdoms"

Halo Reach is shown off, and it looks like the most beautiful futuristic Anime / CGI action movie we've seen. But with no major gameplay innovations evident in the trailer, will it be fun to play?

Microsoft is still pushing their 'smart' livingroom idea, but now Kinect is at the forefront. You will be able to watch movies without a remote control, sign in to Xbox Live just by waving at the camera, and navigate the new Kinect Hub by pointing. It also uses voice recognition for commands, which is kind of cool. Saying "Xbox, Pause" will pause your film or game.

Video Kinect allows you to have realtime video chat with others over Xbox Live or Windows Messenger. The on-stage presentation was embarrassingly wooden.

New partnership with ESPN will see the sports broadcaster make much of its live and archived content available for streaming in HD on Xbox Live.

Six launch titles coming with Kinect:

* Kinectimals (pet the cutsey wutsey little lion cub)
* Kinect Sports (Hurdles? Lame)
* Kinect Joyride (Kart racing)
* Kinect Adventures (some kind of obstacle course with a hollywood theme)
* Your Shape (Ubisoft fitness trainer)
* Dance Central (A terrible name for new dance game from Harmonix)

What were your thoughts on the Microsoft E3 press briefing? Did it live up to your wildest expectations, or leave you shaking your head in shame? Somewhere in the middle? Let us know in the comments below.