While I've watched a few of the trailer videos for games that interested me from each major showing (Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo) I followed them by live blog. Here's my take:
I think all three did a fantastic job at showing games. MS "Games, games, games" mantra shined through in a spectacular way. The simplistic and focused approached showed their dedication to something many fans and haters alike thought they were moving away from. They look strong, confident, and some of those indie games really caught my interest. As should be the case, because I'm not really a shooter kind of gamer. I like to see originality and new stuff.
Sony also had a good show, though most of their games don't interest me. I really liked the feature in Far Cry 4 where you can play co-op online with a friend who owns the game even if you don't. Again, they showed a lot of commitment to games, but I wouldn't expect any less.
Nintendo's was great. They focused on first party way more than the other two, playing to their usual strengths and even adding a new IP in there with Splatoon. The Amiibo stuff, though not a new idea, was cool and I think they are looking at a turnaround with their downward spiral, realizing they need to play to their strengths and not always worry about unique and bold ideas that are hit or miss.
Many complain about the mediocre feel of this year's press conferences, but I think this is what they should be. We've come to expect too much of E3 over the years. But it's a bullet point on the year and not the Alpha and Omega of games. I think MS, Sony, and Nintendo know this based on news (especially from MS) leading up to E3 and Nintendo doing a prerecorded video.
Solid showings all around
Author of science fiction and other genres, I write under the pen name Desmond Shepherd. The second season of my series The Permanent Man premieres on November 11, 2014. Pre-order the season premiere The Walls Have Ears on Amazon today!