E3 2009: Who had the best showing? Let me break it down for ya’ll

So E3 2009 is just about over. Today is the last day, which now begs the question, who came out on top? While there never really is an official “winner” of E3, a lot of sites like to hand out awards such as “Best of Show.” So here now, to wrap up my E3 2009 coverage I’m going to give you the breakdown on who showed what, and how much of an impact it had. These are my official, yet unofficial, awards of E3 2009.

First to Recap:

Microsoft

Microsoft went first and they came out swinging with the biggest titles not only shown, but demoed live. We saw Splinter Cell Conviction, Halo ODST, Forza 3, Alan Wake, Shadow Complex, Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2, and Crackdown 2. Microsoft Also went ahead and introduced Project Natal, the motion based camera that requires no controllers, but puts YOU as the controller. Oh yeah, and they also revealed Metal Gear Solid: Rising.

Nintendo

And then came Nintendo. Nintendo started off strong with announcing Super Mario Bros for the Wii, a 4 player 2D side scroller. From there it kinda got really dull. Nintendo continued to show their expansion into the casual market, introducing odd peripherals such as a device that can read you pulse. But Nintendo wouldn’t let us down, they then introduced Golden Sun DS, a series in which had taken a hiatus for 6 years. Then they showed Super Mario Galaxy 2, and a collaboration with Team Ninja to bring Metroid: Other M.

Sony

And finally there was Sony who came out from the start strong with live demos of Uncharted 2, and MAG. They officially announced the PSP Go, despite all the press leaks all over the net of its known existence. But Sony had fun with it, calling it “The worst kept secret of E3.” They finally showed Gran Turismo PSP, and Kojima revealed Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP, calling it “the true metal gear solid sequel.” It went back to PS3, as they announced an exclusive title from the makers of Grand Theft Auto titled “Agent” though no footage was shown. An announcement for Final Fantasy 14, and the debut trailer of Team ICO’s “The Last Guardian.” They also revealed their new motion control prototype, and ended with God of War 3.

Best of Show
Splinter Cell Conviction

Best Showing
Microsoft

Biggest Reveal
Project Natal

Biggest unexpected Surprise
Final Fantasy XIV

Best Demo
Splinter Cell Conviction

Best Multiplayer
Uncharted 2

Best Trailer
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

Worst Showing
Ubisoft

Biggest Disappointment
Alan Wake

The No Show
Bioshock 2 and Heavy Rain

With the show ending it feels like Microsoft showed the most. They know what people want, and that’s games. Sony had a solid showing, but some lengthy time devoted to the PSP really took some time away from the PS3. Nintendo continues the march as the dominant publisher, but it almost feels like they still don’t get who follows E3. It isn’t those people who are looking for an installment of Women’s Murder Club on the DS, its the “hardcore” that watches. And though they announced some big stuff at the end, it still feels like they’ve got some work to do.