The Pre-E3 Microsoft Prediction/Wishlist Word. (Updated.)

A mere four days lie in between gamers and what may be the biggest mind-fuck of an annual media frenzy. Not really. But it is to us.

It's no secret that I'm partial to Microsoft's console, though by no means do I step over the line of fanboy. That being said, it is understanding that I report to you my predictions of what may come of Microsoft's press conference on June 1st, not unlike some crazed sports lunatic holding a fantasy draft in the dreary confines of his garage.

Update: I suppose it's time to see if I was right, no?

I pledge to remain realistic and fair, friends:

1. (First, but by no means the most important.)
Halo: ODST.

Not since the February Game Informer have we heard anything new on this expansion pack, and I'll be damned if Microsoft doesn't choose to milk the hell out of this franchise even further on June 1st by releasing some sort of information.

A playable demo seems too pie-in-the-sky for the time being, but I have a feeling we'll definitely see something a tad longer than a snippet of gameplay during the conference.

A demonstration of the much spoken of, but never explained stealth system perhaps?

You better, Microsoft.

It's too early for Gears 3, and more Fable DLC won't fill the void of exclusive exclusivity, so if anything is golden, it's this.

Update: Yes, yes and yes. I was right. A demo was played during Microsoft's keynote showcasing flashback sequences, and the open world aspect of the campaign. This is starting to look like it's own game Probably explains why we'll be shelling out sixty smackers this fall.

2. (I'm ready to have my heart broken, okay?)

No Metal Gear Solid 4.

If this isn't it, which it probably isn't due to leaks, whispers and a gut feeling, than I have a feeling that it won't ever come.

It's the ripest of times for an announcement, and while something else Metal Gear Solid will be announced, it definitely won't be the further proving of the fact that nothing nowadays is truly exclusive.

So congrats Kojima. You're a moron.

Update: Yeah. I was right. BUT. We did get a Metal Gear Solid of sorts.

3. (Demographics widen, another attempt into the hearts of the casual.)
Microsoft's Motion... Thing.

Whether it's a souped up eye-toy or a wand of sorts, it most definitely will be revealed next week. This probably is Microsoft's worst kept secret concerning E3 announcements, and it's about time we wade through the bullshit and discover the truth ourselves.

I personally think that a motion wand may be too much of a rip-off of Nintendo's Wiimote, so I'm presuming it's just a sequel to the Xbox Live Vision Camera..

And when it is, I cannot wait to savor the face_palms.

Update: I was right-o. Project Natal is here, and it's blowing minds. Check it. And I'm double right-o for guessing exactly what kind of peripheral it would be. Oh lord, I'm awesome.

4. (This plays fairly well. I'll take two.)
Demos. Demos. Demos.. Some Gameplay.

Whether we actually do play them or not is up in the air.

Mass Effect 2 will probably unveil an unholy amount of itself to us (it's pretty much confirmed.)

Red Dead Redemption will make itself much more public. (We'll see what the previewers speak of with our own eyes.)

And DJ Hero will try it's damnest to make a splash.

(Oh. And Modern Warfare 2 will most likely make otakus and fratboys alike shit their pants.)

Update: For the most part, I was correct. This prediction was more of a generalization than anything, so it was a pretty safe bet. As for the specifics, Mass Effect 2 was present, along with DJ Hero. Rockstar, unfortunately was absent from E3, making Red Dead Redemption a no-show as well.

Oh, and Modern Warfare 2 was there, and we all definitely shat our pants in excitement. Arguably the most anticipated game at E3.

5. (The fusing of hipsters.)

Zune HD gets priced, dated.

Game related? No.

But the Zune itself might just be. There's a gut feeling that the Zune HD may sport some sort of Xbox LIVE applications, if not now, in the future.

But whether there is or not, why not show off a brand spanking new piece of hardware while you have the publics eye?

Update: I was wrong. The only Zune related news at E3 was the introduction of Zune Video coming to live, enabling the option to view high definition movies and television shows from the marketplace. But as for the Zune HD itself, it'll go public another day.

Makes sense to me.

6. (The first tentpole.)

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Me being a Grand Theft Auto enthusiast, am thrilled by the announcement that was made earlier this week.

It's exclusive for the 360, is a mini-sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed/best selling games of all time, and after the bang for our buck that we got with Lost & Damned, this sure as hell will be one of Microsoft's tentpoles for the day.

I'm expecting a trailer, at the very most.

What can I say? I'm a realist.

Update: Wrong again. As previously mentioned, Rockstar was absent from E3. Disappointment, indeed.

7. (The second tentpole.)

Gears of War 2: All Fronts

It's no secret. In fact it's been announced, described and dated.

But as for "Road to Ruin", the new single player chapter?

Mum's the word, if that's the correct saying..

This being Microsoft's baby, I'm sure that a milking will take place, in the forms of a trailer or any sort of gameplay footage.

I dunno about you, but seven new maps and an expansion of a single player experience for an exclusive title is a pretty darn big deal.

Update: Surprising, wrong again. Microsoft had enough on their plate to not have to focus on this exclusive franchise, which is actually a positive thing. Who know when further news will come forth.