The last day of E3 finally came and went. The whole experience created many unforgettable memories, although some memories I wish I could forget. The two most enjoyable experiences came on the last day. My hands-on times with the Nintendo 3DS and The Old Republic where truly breathtaking.

Ever since the Nintendo press conference, the 3DS has been at the top of my list to see. Unfortunately, the lines to see it wrapped all the way around booth, but we eventually got smart and used our media badge power to make an appointment for the last day. We when arrived, we were immediately brought to the back VIP entrance. Picking up the device, I started giggling like a school girl as my eyes focused on the screen. They were not lying to us at the press conference! The 3D screen that does not require 3D glasses is really 3D and looks extraordinary. Is there anything better than that? I managed to get a sneak peek at the upcoming Resident Evil, and if you’re a fan of the series, be prepared to buy a 3DS.

My next experience included something I’d been dreaming about for a long time – playing The Old Republic. I’ve been screaming like the loud Star Wars fan boy that I am since the title was released, so I was not going to let a small thing like the lack of an invitation to see it stand in my way. The Avault Podcasters and I went to the Lucas Arts booth the first day to see if we could get a meeting. We were told to come back on the last day about two hours before closing, so we of course arrived early. I used my Jedi mind trick ability to try to get us in right away, but it didn’t seem to work as we were immediately shown the new Lego Star Wars. It actually looked great. Afterward, while we were waiting in line, one of the Lucas Arts reps comes out and says, “the first ten in line will go see The Old Republic.” I started to get the excitement sweats, and couldn’t possibly think what to expect other than the “Hope” trailer we saw during Monday’s press conference. Then it was our turn as the rep came out and numbered people off to fifteen. Why fifteen as I thought to myself because the first group was only ten? We were walking in when the rep said, “OK the fifteen I called off goes to The Force Unleashed II.” I let out a moan as my mind trick failed again (it just doesn’t work on LucasArts people). He reassured us that we would be seeing TOR right after The Force Unleashed II. We saw the trailer and some gameplay (it looks great just like the first game).

Then the time FINALLY came as we walked into the TOR room, which was divided in half by glass. On the other side of the glass were twelve computer stations with people playing TOR. That’s it, all professionalism faded as I morphed into my Star Wars fan boy self. We watched the “Hope” trailer again, then they announced Warzones, the PvP areas of the game, and demonstrated for us the multiplayer combat. There was nothing terribly mind blowing about the combat, but what they really are stressing is story in this MMORPG. After the presentation we then moved to the other side of the room, and I finally got to play! I almost cried and had to hold every ounce of force energy not to scream like a little girl! I played the Republic Trooper when the famous BioWare dialogue wheel showed up. My character was talking to an NPC and I choose which dialogue I wanted to say. The voice acting sounds fantastic, and I noted that the voice of my character sounded exactly like the female Sheppard voice from the Mass Effect series. The combat played like every other top MMORPG, and includes skill bar, similar HUD, inventory and character screen. This similar gameplay didn’t worry me, however, as BioWare promises story and from the little bit I saw, it’s there. I just cannot wait for the final product. Even Billy, from the Avault podcast, was interested in this game, which says A LOT for a PC title.

Well, overall E3 was just plain crazy. The booth babes were nice and many of the games fantastic. There’s just something about being around people who care about video games as much as you do that truly makes the experience that much better. I would like to end this by saying that if anyone wants to play Battle Tag when it comes out, just send me an email.