Forza Motorsport 3
(Microsoft; Xbox 360) - Sees the leading racer shift into high gear, boosting speeds considerably, expanding to 400+ vehicles, adding crash-correcting rewinds and offering automatic driving assists for inexperienced wheelmen.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
(LucasArts; PC) - Save or subjugate the galaxy with the help of countless other players thousands of years before James Earl Jones mastered heavy breathing in this epic massively-multiplayer online outing.
Splinter Cell: Conviction
(UbiSoft; PC, 360) - Help rogue operative Sam Fisher solve his daughter's murder using new tricks like options to tag multiple targets, fire while dangling from windowsills and smack adversaries up during interrogations.
Assassin's Creed 2
For: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
From: UbiSoft, www.ubisoft.com
Live and let die in Renaissance Italy, whose stunning majesty wows as old-school assassin Ezio skulks through the shadows, swims to safety and even hops a ride on Da Vinci's flying machine. With options to disarm opponents and off targets in even more inventive ways, should satisfy anyone's thirst for blood.
The Legend Of Zeida: Spirit Tracks
(Nintendo; DS) - Cruise the countryside in a swank locomotive as legendary swordsman Link, or enjoy candy-colored handheld dungeon crawls with help from phantom allies.
Modern Warfare 2
For: PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360
From: UbiSoft, www.ubisoft.com
If it moves, shoot it - you'll be blown away by the dazzling hi-res carnage and pyrotechnics which ensue. From blistering snowmobile chases to shootouts on Rio de Janeiro's streets, delivers a jaw-droppingly choreographed approach to running and gunning that'll leave neighbors drooling with envy when demonstrated on a 46-inch plasma.
God Of War 3
For: Playstation 3
from: Sony, www.playstation.com
Angry as ever, dual-chain-blade- and oversized gauntlet-wielding warrior Kratos now rips the wings from harpies' and gouges' Cyclops' eyes out in high definition. Massive set pieces, battles against titanic adversaries and button-mashing mayhem define the newest chapter in the brilliantly well-scripted Greek odyssey, which doesn't skimp on surprises, or eye-popping butchery.
E3 After Hours
As if overloading on video games during the day wasn't enough, we decided it'd be good to hit a couple of E3's after parties, including the release party for Forza 3, where a collection of the world's supercars -including the ones found in the actual game, like the Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo or those of the more streetable variety, like the Subaru STI (a SPT equipped model to be specific) - were on hand, along with plenty of demos to test out, even a virtual driving console for those brave enough to show their driving chops in front of other attendees. We also hit NOS Energy Drink's chillout lounge where we played a rough edit of the upcoming Need For Speed: Shift - and trust us, you're gonna love the features of this game.
On The Down-Load
Despite a low-key presence at the show, Nintendo's WiiWare service, which lets you download all-star remakes or bite-sized first-run originals straight to console for a fraction of typical retail costs ($5-15), should also be on fans' radar. A wealth of upcoming budget-friendly gems includes Bust-A-Move Plus, Military Madness: Nectaris and Tales of Monkey Island, all yours to enjoy right from the couch. Pants optional, natch...
By Scott Steinberg
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