This year at E3, the Microsoft Press Conferences chose to make Kinect their main focus. Now, like it or not, the Kinect is extending the life cycle of the Xbox 360. But at what cost? Microsoft has been pushing Kinect with a half a billion dollar campaign. That’s a lot for a motion device, but has the Kinect proven itself to the hardcore yet?

Much like the Wii, the majority of Kinect games thus far have been for the casual audience. But at E3 the Microsoft showed that Xbox exclusives that are integrating Kinect in some shape or form. The question must be asked: is this a good thing for hardcore games? And, more importantly, is this integration a novelty to sell Kinect, or is it going to add functionality that truly extends the gaming experience?

Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3, god I want to play you so bad, you have no idea. Mass Effect 2 ended on such a cliffhanger that it made me immediately crave Mass Effect 3. I played all the Mass Effect 2 DLC and I still had that craving. So seeing the first bit of Mass Effect 3 gameplay at this year’s E3 made me jump for joy.

During the Microsoft Press Conference, Bioware off showed voice command capabilities for Mass Effect 3. The demo featured a scene with Commander Shepard and Mordin Solis as they are searching for a Krogan Queen. During the demo you can use the Kinect to issue commands to your squads, such as “move up” to get your team in position for a tactical advantage. The game’s dialogue tree was also showed using the Kinect. The device allows you to say your conversation choice instead selecting it via the controller. I think it’s a nice way to immerse you into the game and make you feel like Commander Shepard, and I can see myself using it quite a lot.

Mass Effect 3 comes out March 3.

Ghost Recon

Ghost Recon where have you gone? It’s been four years since we last saw a new Tom Clancy game. It’s hard to imagine such a layoff from the series that was once among the major first person shooters on the Xbox 360. Why the break? Did it simply not make money? No, it's just been laying low. The franchise was doing quite well in terms of sales but had to take a break to avoid being overexposed (something I wish EA would do with Madden).

Ghost Recon Future Solider was announced in 2009 and there have been numerours tech demos showing that the game was on track to hit it’s 2011 release date, but the game has been delayed for various reasons. At this year's Ubisoft press conference, Ghost Recon displayed several Kinect applications and I was rather impressed. Using the Kinect you will be able to pick your weapon attachments by simply using your arms. You can also fire your gun using the Kinect. Of course, these are just optional, but they could add a new level of depth to the experience.

The demo shown at the Ubisoft Press Conference displayed a group of Ghosts charging a remote village and recovering a VIP. Much like the last year's E3 Demo, the Ghosts used a personal camouflage system and a small drone that scouts the battlefield. One of things I was impressed with was the new squad mechanic where your fellow Ghosts will react to enemy movement and make wise decisions. I have been following this series for a while and was bummed out that it was delayed for Kinect. However, I see the advantages of Kinect in Future Soldier and I like the spin they’re putting on the military shooter genre.

Ghost Recon Future Solider comes out 2012.

Metal Gear Solid: Rising

One of my biggest disappointments from this year’s E3 was the no show of Metal Gear Solid: Rising. I have been a big Metal Gear Solid fan and I was very surprised to see Hideo Kojima walk onto the stage during Microsoft’s big reveal of the Kinect last E3. Hideo Kojima showed off a trailer for the game that had Raiden slicing away the PMC army with his katana, showing the emphasis of Kinect in the new Metal Gear Solid.

Unlike most Metal Gear games, Matsuyama stated that Rising “will put a greater emphasis on gameplay while having a less complicated story”. That may be a welcome change for many people, but I have always appreciated the franchise because all the games were connected and each one offered an in-depth story. That being said, I can’t wait for MGS: Rising. While there is little information on how Kinect will be used in-game, if the device is integral to the experience, Metal Gear Solid: Rising could be the first game that helps show that the Kinect isn’t just for the causal audience in a significant way.

Metal Gear Solid: Rising comes out 2012.

Overview

Kinect could bring a lot of positives to the 360. If major publishers get behind Kinect and make AAA games with it then Microsoft might have something more than a HD Wii on it's hands, but it's still to early to say. However, these three titles alone have a lot of potential and could bring hardcore gamers to the motion detection party. If this happens, more developers may follow suit and we may see even more involving uses of Kinect in our AAA titles.

As the video game industry has grown over time and become western based, many games have slipped in patriotic elements. Some subtle, some just plain obvious. Before the we head out to our Bar BQs and fireworks, let's take a look at the top five patriotic games.

America's Army

America's Army was one of the first games that the United States Government developed. A free to play first person shooter that helped increase recruitment numbers by five percent. I say that's "Mission accomplished".

Medal Of Honor

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them."

Medal of Honor was highly controversial for letting gamers play as the Taliban in multiplayer. Many critics said it was not needed and offended those who were fighting in Afghanistan, but most of those critics probably never touched a controller. Medal of Honor ‘s campaign was based on the book The Only Thing Worth Dying for, telling the story how a single 11-man Special Forces A-team partnered with local opposition to overthrow an oppressive regime.

Ghost Recon Advance Warfighter 2

Ghost Recon Advance Warfighter 2, was a decent sequel to one of the first good first person shooters on the current consoles. The game took place along the US – Mexican Border, with American Soldiers laying waste to the evil Mexican Rebels. During the campaign of GRAW 2, you fight alongside the Mexican army and receive orders from Mexican commanders (fat chance). The game inspired the Mayor of Chihuahua, to call it “unnecessarily rude.” Because making fun of other countries is what we do best.

Duke Nukem Forever

The 90’s were a great era for video games, most notably it was the era when many video game icons like Duke got started. People remember Duke for his one liners like “It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum... and I'm all outta gum” and “I got balls of steel” but also for his tenacity. He chased Dr. Proton through space to stop an army of of robots from taking over the world. Sure Duke Nukem Forever turned out to be an abomination but his status as a All-American video game icon is never in doubt.

The Halo Series

“Finish the Fight”

An Alien species that threatens humanity’s way of life through weapons of mass destruction and countless suicide boomers? Come on, this one's obvious.

The definition for Cliffhanger is an adventure that ends in a suspense in order to interest the reader or viewer in the next installment. This has been the case for many games that have left us hanging on the edge. A cliffhanger could also be determined by how popular the game is and the amount of hype is surround by the game. It's not rare for a game to have a game cliffhanger at the end because it helps build moment for the second or third installment. Their are some games that have the potential for future sequels but never pan because it didn't sell well or had bad reviews. If you haven't played any of these games then their might be a few Spoilers but most of the games are old and if I spoiled the game for you well then tough luck. So lets start with Number seven.

Infamous

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's Character, give him power" Abraham Lincoln.

I like the characters a lot in Infamous. Cole, who was a badass (should have stuck with same actor) and a lighter side than in most characters. The plot was probably better than most in video games. The main turning point in the game is when Kessler kills Trish. Having to pick between Trish and the best doctors in the city was a hard decision for me. Most of the time, these chose between good and evil doesn't bring much emotion out of me. Now i didn't burst into tears no but it got me hooked into story.

When i finally got to boss battle with Kessler, I wanted Kessler to die. The boss battle was kind of disappointing to me. I really don't like boss battles i think its a cheap way to end a game. But once i finally got to finish off I was Blown away. Kessler in his last act implant memories into his head. Kessler shows Cole that he is him in the future. Kessler ran with his family when the Beast showed its face. But when Kessler lost his family he went back in time to start the ray sphere. He also trained Cole to not make the same mistake as he did. Killing Trish to be ready for when the time comes. When Kessler dies Cole says "When the time comes, I WILL be ready". Which sets up the squeal nicely.

Where is the series now?

Infamous 2 is set to release June 7th. Their is not much info on the story but the game looks fantastic. The Cut scenes look like Uncharted 2 style which is a good thing and bad thing because I don't want every game to look like Uncharted. You can some what predict, that Zeke is going to betray Cole. Zeke is probably going to get some supper power that makes him Ubber powerful. I wouldn't be surprise if the story takes a "Lord of the Flies" approach with Zeke becoming the Beast. But this is all speculation.

Knights of the Republic 2: Sith Lords

Knights of the Republic 2 Sith Lords by Obisidan entrainment. was a good game but it had a lot of Technical short coming that kept it from being a great game. As Sith Lord's was coming to end and you finally meet the three surviving Jedi Masters on Dantooine (Kavar, Vrook and Zez-Kai Ell) at the rebuilt Jedi enclave. I was expecting to finally being able to join the order and help the shape the Republic. But the three Jedi Masters explained to the Exile, that since you were trained by Kreia, who's Sith name is Darth Traya. Who the order believes would cause the death of the force. This sets up the conclusion when you defeat Kreia on Malachor IV. She tells you that Revan Came to Malachor IV and left the Ebon Hawk before departing into unknown Regions. So the Exile leaves to go find Revan in hope to bring balance to the force.

Where is the series now?

Is Knights of the old Republic the best Star Wars Series? probably so. Knights of the old republic is one of my favorite games of All time. It raised the bar for Star Wars games and It' s still one of the most complete RPG to this day. Sith Lords didn't raise the bar in anyway but still provided a great star wars game not like heart break unleash. Knights of the Old Republic will not live through sequels sadly, But through the Old Republic. Bioware has already showed that you will do quests that involve characters from Kotor (not sure about sith Lords but I wouldn't be surprise). Hopefully down the line we get a new Kotor to finish the Revan saga.

Red Dead Redemption

"Now Don't you be worried about be now"

" (Abigail) stay out of trouble John"

" (John) I ain't no Trouble Abigall I ain't no Trouble"

Red Dead Redemption was 2010 Game of the Year. It was a fresh take on the GTA formula that has rewarded Rockstar. While giving us the most complete Western experience in video games. One of my favorite moments in Red Dead is the riding from town and listening to the soundtrack. It really drew me into the western atmosphere.

At the end of Red Dead Redemption when you get to the part where your doing chores for the family. John Marston is betrayed and killed by the U.S soldiers in order to save his family. It's a very satisfying and also a shocking at the same time. I was surprised that Rockstar would kill off the main character in the game as it has never happen in any Rockstar game. Which you have to applaud Rockstar's dedication to making a good story. John Marston Death also sums up the theme of Red Dead. As it symbolizes the end of the Western Area and the beginning of the industrial era. People like John Marston couldn't survive in the industrial era.

Where is the series now?

Red Dead Redemption was just released so their is not a lot of info about a potential sequal. Personally I hope they don't make another western. I think with the success of Red Dead Redemption I wouldn't be surprised that we see one. Their has already been movie buzz about a potential Red Dead movie, which would star Brad Pitt who would play John Marston. But nothing has surfaced lately that would say so. It appears So Rockstar has big plans for Red Dead.

Halo 2

"This is Spartan 117 can anybody here me"

" Master Chief, do you mind telling what your doing on the ship"

" (Chief) Sir, finishing this flight" fade to black and Queue the epic music.

Their are some Cliffhangers that you can live with. Some make you throw your controller at your TV for all the wrong reasons. Halo 2 is that game that. I couldn't believe that after a great campaign. We were sent off with a boss battle and one liner that left us saying "your kidding me right" or "WTF is this". The boss battle in Halo 2 was pathetic. I wonder what Bungie was thinking on this one. They were probably saying " We can't possibly do another warhog run with time running down." Glad they corrected that mistake. I understood it's purpose and it did its job. But if it wasn't for the mulitiplayer, I probably wouldn't have been such a big Halo fan as I am now.

God of War 2

After Kratos grabs the blades of Olympus. Krators incapacitates Zeus but before he could finish off Zeus Athenia stops Krators by telling him that by killing Zeus, Kratos will destroy Olympus. Kratos ignores Athena and attempts to strike down Zeus, but Anthea sacrifices herself and is strike down by the Blade of Olympus. Before she dies Anthena tells Kratos that he is Zeus's son which sets up the ending. As Kratos rides up mount Olympus with Titans the screen cuts setting up God of War 3.

Where is the series now?

I got to admit God of War 3 was disappointing to me. Sure it had the best graphics on the Ps3 but in terms of gameplay, I didn't enjoy it. Maybe It was the setting or It could have been my expectations were way to high. We probably haven't seen the last of God of War. In some point or another Sony will probably bring out Kratos to help boast their hand held line up or on the console when they need something for the Christmas season. God of War 3 ended on a sour note so I don't what they could to.

Half Life 2 Episode 2

Half Life 2 Episode 2 concludes when rocket is launched into the the portal and the portal is closed. Soon after Eli talks to Gordon about Cargo on Borealis that he wants destroyed as the three of them, Alyx Gordon and Eli,are heading to the hanger. Inside the hanger they are ambushed by a pair of advisors, who restrain Alyx and Gordon. Eli tries to fight off one of the advisors who look a lot and act like the bugs from "Starship Troppers". Eli is brutally killed as a second advisor grab Alyx and Gordon to meet the same fate. All of Sudden Dog busts through the roof and attacks causing the Advisors to flee. The Credits roll with Alyx mourning over her father's body.

Where is the series now?

Their is no doubt that we will see Episode 3. The question is when? We all hope sooner than later. I would like to finish up story as it looks like they have left room for episode 3. We have no clue what this cargo is. We also have no clue if this cargo could potentially bridge Half Life 2 to Half life 3 because rest to assure Half Life fans. Valve is still at helm and Half Life is the Halo for the PC community. So it will won't go away anytime soon.

Halo 3

"Hard to believe that he is dead"

"(Arbiter) weren't it so easy"

The master Chief, Cortanna and the Arbiter race to the frigate with a Warthog after they activate the ring. once on Cortana fires the engines to get off the planet before the ring explodes. While Cortana is doing that Chief avoids a scoripon as he climbs up to cortana. Cortana reilizes ( and I assume) that their not going to make it. So she says " It's beem a pleasure seving with you, john".Then the screen turn white as the ring blasts the ship in half.

The next scene is when the Arbiter and Lord Hood are now at the unbarin hill side. Lord Hood talks about how the war started and thanks the Arbiter for his help. The main Cliffhanger is after the credits roll when Master Chief is floating in non gravity. Cortana tells John that when the ring was activated it caused the portal to be unstable. As Master Chief continues to wonder the ship Cortana lays an emergency beacon down but believes it will be months, or possibly years before they are found. The Scene ends when Master Chief enter a cryo tube and prepares for Cortana to activate it. Cortana says, "I'll miss you." The Master Chief replies with, "Wake me, when you need me."

Where is the series now?

Yes it's hard to believe. Through Halo combat Envloved to Bungie's last Halo game, Reach. I have grown up playing Halo for the last ten years. So It's hard to believe that we have seen the last of Master Chief. Unlike what I said about Half Life. The Halo Franchise is no longer under it's original creator. Bungie left Microsoft for Activision to create a first person shooter MMO ( is it a mmo or is it not make you mind Bungie). I believe Activision and Bungie are using the MMO term because they are charging for mulitiplayer. It wouldn't be good press for a game that is in development. The Halo franchise is now under control on 343 industriess, which has a couple of Bungie employees that worked on past Halo games. I believe the people 343 can do a good job but is it Bungie level. That is for fate to decide as the level of quality in Bungie games is top notch. Whatever happens in the future, I hope 343 or another company make halo four to help continue the Halo franchise.