It's that time of year (again)...

Well E3 is only but 7 days away - our appointments are set, lodging is booked, and the gauge of anticipation is about to blow. It is a time when the entire industry gather together for an epic, 3-day event (admist a bevy of parties) hosting hundreds of games, guest celebrities, and many other surprises. With such a large event, one would think it would be open to all...but the powers that be choose to reserve it for the media. Yes, we know - it bites (perhaps one day, things will change). There's going to be a lot to cover, highlights big and small (and the obscure); we've composed a preliminary outline of titles that we simply can't wait to get our paws on. And just for added measure, we've thrown in a modest prediction list of what we expect to be the best of E3.

Though we've already been graced with a few jolts of industry highlights. Sony and Microsoft have locked horns to attract more consumers, officially announcing the price cut of their respective systems. What steps will Nintendo take to counter the actions from their competition? There's also the sudden trend of strategic alliances (team-ups), companies once exclusive purveyors to said platforms now rumored to be going multi-platform. And of course, the gloves are off for the big 3 as they go head-to-toe this year with their online networks. Microsoft is poised to unleash the next Halo, many classic franchises ranging from Rygar to Metroid are making a dynamic debut (or a yet another apperance if you count Mario's nth reprise). We're not too savvy with the PC platform, but our biggest nod is going out to Warcraft III and World of Warcraft (we'll leave it to Red Terrier and Reno to soak up as they can and attempt to balance the time with console and PC titles). Overall, the rollout of games has been proclaimed to be much greater, more exciting, and most importantly - worth the time reaching into your wallets.

The stage is set, and we're ready to watch the players dance. Without further ado, we present our E3 2002 editorial preview guide.

Bahn

Third time's a charm and I am expecting that this year will be one of the best expos to date. Microsoft and Gamecube are poised to show off a lot of games that will attract a substantially greater degree of interest and faith in the system (especially among their respective users). It's also going to be yet another exciting year for Sony, who has a very strong lineup of games that I am especially looking forward too. And need I really bother to mention the booth babes?

I expect a few headaches from the new generation of editors attending, some thinking the place is like the most dangerous place on earth (the convention itself, not LA). Then there's those gaming sessions among the staff, friends and associates - (Reno is banned from playing us in Soul Calibur, especially since he's not fond of the sequel, not to mention he cheats). Definitely going to be an experience I won't forget.

So here's the breakdown of all preliminary things E3:

Must-see:

Wipeout Fusion: (PS2) - At last, Psygnosis is bringing this game stateside. It's been what? 2 years now in the making? I was just about ready to give up all hope of its localization. My friends Shoji and Mindfield were discussing the import version and expressing some very, negative things about the control and such...enough to depress a true Wipeout purist. I am seriously praying that any gameplay issues are addressed or they'll be some execution of programmers taking place on site.

Soul Calibur 2: (Multi) - I'd have to agree with Riisuke. Reno IS a retard...but you've gotta love him and his gaming philosophies (even if we don't agree with him 24/7). This is easily going to be one of the most anticipated games since well, the original title was developed for DC. Plus, the fact that it will be making a multi-platform release = great news for Xbox, Gamecube and PS2 audiences. Someone better drop the buzz of Seung Mina being a hidden character, because I need my femme fatale to deal with Sophitia's successor.

Shinobi: (Multi) - Hm...not really impressed with the current screens I've seen posted on our boards and all, but that won't stop me from wanting to see the game in action. I've followed just about every version of Shinobi developed for the Genesis and it's my hope that this game will be a faithful addition to the series. By tradition, most 2D games seem to lose their integrity when they make their transition to 3D...gameplay usually feels flat, and leaves you feeling very unsatisfied. Please don't disappoint Sega, a lot of fans are counting on a solid title.

Brute Force: (Xbox) - Touted as the next "Halo", Microsoft is introducing a new third-person shooter that which combines a unit-based mechanics. (Most are going to grumble about this, my two cents is....try it first before you knock it). Compared to Halo, this game is looking incredibly sweet. (Check out the latest issue of OXM). Digital Anvil will definitely have me intently glued to the E3 monitors and I am plan to relay my impressions on the game.

Capcom vs. SNK 2 OE: (Gamecube) - I think we've found the perfect game that's the true incentive for owning a Gamecube (yes Burgundy, I am teasing...there are plenty other reasons - especially this year). Not only is this edition going to have its own controllers/sticks designed for it, but I am expecting some new bells and whistles will be added (and I don't mean that simple, user friendly crap Capcom decided to throw in, why in the world they continue to dumb down the mechanics for home versions is beyond me).

Metroid Prime: (Gamecube) - Everyone that's ever experienced a Metroid title (namely the NES edition) will be eagerly looking forward to this game. Speculation has been on high when it was expressed by the big "N" that this installment would be in 3D and apparently going to incorporate a FPS engine. Honestly, most of us know only as much as you...since details have remained sparse aside from the bit that's been sprinkled in various media reports. Nintendo's done a great job keeping the interest of the title on high...two weeks away. I am psyched, how about you? (Um, I didn't add Metroid 4 for GBA because no one told me it was coming out...hehe)

Kingdom Hearts: (PS2) Despite the fact that I still haven't beat Final Fantasy VIII (add that to my Pile of Shame), I've got big expectations for this game. Granted, many will write it off as a title suited for kids, but you've got to admire Squaresoft for going in this direction to deliver a new RPG experience featuring the Disney cast. I imagine it will be just as enjoyable as the Final Fantasy series. Now move along and find my Mickey ears!

Best Booth:

Let's see...Sega has held the vote among the staff and media for two years now. It's possible they'll go for a 3peat. But I wouldn't knock Nintendo out of the ballot just yet. A lot of good titles are being shown off this year. And perhaps Sony may come up with something...

Best Game:

I am expecting that Metroid Prime or Soul Caliber 2 will get the vote...though I am inclined to go more towards the latter. An all new cast, gameplay additions and more...perfection reinvented - yes, it can happen. Bring it on1

Worst Game: You know, I honestly don't know. My guess would be whatever 3DO has to offer this year. I hope it's not another series of Army Men titles, I don't think anyone wants to hear about those anymore, though Portal Runner was quite a decent spin-off.

Worst Booth: Hm...no comment. LOL!

Quirkiest Moment:

Saying something that will get Mr. T to comment with the word "Sucka" throw in or being totally infatuated (once again) with this year's Tecmo DoA3 booth candy. :p

Most embarrasing moment which may occur during E3:

Okei, I am going to break the cycle here and list a few things because they're all possible. Ready?

• Paying for lunch when folks like Kenshin find ways to get it for free. I guess that makes me uncool as he brought up in a staff discussion eh?
• Losing staff in the sea of E3 attendees
• Missing an appointment due to lack of sleep from the staying up the following night.
• Losing to Lawd during in Super Turbo or Alpha 3

Nick

Assuming I am not swept away in a sea of half-finished projects, and I don't put the "dead" in "deadline," I will be running around like a frenetic Chocobo child trying to see all that E3 has to offer. I am certainly as excited as anyone else at the prospect of washing down the new Nintendo lineup with a four-dollar Coke, but even the GameCube's promised first-party offerings won't steal this show. There is magic all around this year, and I expect there will be a lot of love coming from all directions.

Must-see:

Mario Sunshine: (GameCube) - There are no parallels to Mario in any other medium. Every rock band has an off album, every television drama has a derivative episode, and even Star Wars has a clunker in the series, but Mario delivers hit after hit. Even non-fans (come on, give the little guy a chance!) can appreciate the creativity and brilliance that has been exhibited in every Super Mario title so far.

Um, do I get to meet Mr. Miyamoto now?

Shinobi: (PlayStation 2) - I have high hopes for this title. Sure, nothing too dazzling has come across in the screenshots, but Devil May Cry and Maximo astounded me this past year, and I expect that Sega will continue the transformation of the 3D action platformer. We have come a long way since Bug, Too!

Metroid Prime: (GameCube) & and Metroid 4 (Game Boy Advance) - I almost left Prime off the list, but, what the heck? I am fairly certain we will be seeing one more classic Metroid in the next year or so, but two will do, too. If anyone can jump successfully into the third dimension, it is Samus. Just toss in some new weapons and keep the Screw Attack, and I will bite. (Editor's Note: Leave it Nick to sneak two titles i one shot...you cheated!)

Fire Pro Wrestling: (PlayStation 2) - Pro wrestling in the States may be geared toward the easily entertained, but the Fire Pro series aspires to something greater. The deepest and most sim-like of all wrestling titles had a stellar showing on the Game Boy Advance, even with the necessary celebrity makeovers, and if it makes it to the PS2 as announced, I may stay up all winter meticulously recreating the 1983 AWA roster. Fire Pro could sell me on an Xbox, a Wonderswan, or any other system.

StarFox Adventures: (GameCube) - When Nintendo released its GameCube demo disc this past fall, two things impressed me: the cute little packaging holding a cute little CD, and the StarFox movie. With all the delays in getting this title out, I am pretty excited about seeing a playable version at E3. I mean, it's gotta be ready by now, right? Right?

Devil May Cry 2: (PlayStation 2) - Don't dumb down the challenge, don't let the style overtake the substance, and don't make me wait too long. Devil May Cry gave gaming a hard, fast kick in the pants, and I think it can do it again.

Resident Evil series: (GameCube) - Okay, I haven't beaten the first GC Resident Evil yet, but that doesn't mean I don't want more. RE2 was one of my favorite PlayStation games, and I look forward to playing as a high-res Tofu.

Shenmue II: (Xbox) - This could be very, very good. It may not be a huge system seller for Microsoft, but it certainly can't hurt. In any case, it should be worth the trip to L.A. just to see Ryo with some shiny new upgrades.

Phantasy Star Collection (Game Boy Advance) - Pardon me while I sob a few minutes. I already feel about my GBA just about the same as NRA members feel about their guns, but this makes it all that much sweeter. Has anyone ever played a handheld for twenty-four straight hours? Well, someone is going to.

Best Booth:

I have a feeling competition will be tight this year, since so much is going on in the industry, but in the end, Nintendo's games will be the most memorable part of E3.

Best Game:

I think that the biggest buzz of the show will go to Metroid: Prime, but my favorite will probably be Mario Sunshine. If Sega, Capcom, or anyone else can prove me wrong on this point, I would welcome it, but for now, it looks like a Nintendo show all the way.

Worst Game:

The worst game will almost definitely involve teenybopper idols (Editor's Note: Just say Britney's Dance Beat and be done with it...) and be slated for either the PlayStation or the Game Boy Advance. So who's hot this month? Maybe a Snoop Dogg survival horror title or a Nickelback cart racer? No use speculating, since it will probably not be announced until the show anyway. I mean, I wouldn't want to give THQ or Acclaim any bad ideas.

Worst Booth:

Speaking of THQ, I will award them worst booth. No, not because of their upcoming titles, but because of all the weirdos that will be hanging around slinging double entendres at wrestling bimbette Stacy Keibler. Oh, well, that just means a shorter line at the BAM! booth.

Quirkiest Moment:

A lot of my fellow editors will probably find it strange that I won't fawn over any booth babes. It ain't 'cause I'm married, and it ain't 'cause I'm gay. I just respect talent a lot more than I respect bags of saline. But that's just me. Always has been, too. (Editor's Note: We don't know this person...honest, we think our original Nick was abducted. And now we do think he's...um, something beyond normal.)

Most Embarrassing Moment:

Convincingly winning the first several rounds of any fighting game I play and then losing every other match for the rest of the day. It's because I don't want to hurt my friends' feelings, of course.

Third year at E3, the second with TNL. It gets more and more hectic with each passing year, but that's the beauty of it all. Another E3 means another throwdown in Soul Calibur and Street Fighter. This year we'll see how the "new recruits" do when they face me in Soul Calibur and Bahn in Street Fighter. Kids, this is your initiation, don't take the ass-whooping personally!

The Legend of Zelda: (Various) GameCube, Gameboy Advance, hell… put it on the freaking Neo Geo Pocket Colour for all I care, so long as I get a new Zelda game this year!

Metroid Prime/Metroid IV (GameCube/Gameboy Advance): Two Metroid games in the span of 12 months? If this is true, Yamauchi will definitely be my sugar dady for as long as he lives… which will probably be until I'm 80 years old.

Soul Calibur 2 (Various) After seeing the newest promotional trailer for the game, I can definitely say that I'm pumped up for this game. All the possibilities. Ivy with some awesome-looking stances, a Taki that still has the PORC (Editor's Note: *cough* THE CHEATING MOVE!!!!) magic! Now all I need to do is find a converter for my Agetec arcade stick

Wrestlemania X8: (GameCube) I played this game during Wrestlemania X-8 weekend back in March, and I'm definitely pumped up to see the final product in its full glory. The 60% build was good enough, but I'm expecting the E3 version to completely blow me away, and if it doesn't, well… Stacy Keibler will definitely do that job just fine.

Mario Sunshine: (GameCube) Oh come on, do I really need to explain why?

Panzer Dragoon Orta: (Xbox) This might be the game that finally convinces me to buy an Xbox. Jet Set Radio Future and Halo have put in some tempting thoughts into my mind, but if Orta can be just as crazy as Panzer Dragoon Zwei was, all doubt will be put to rest. I will buy an Xbox for this game.

Gun Grave: (PS2) Having just bought Devil May Cry a couple of days ago (late to the dance once again…), I'm looking forward to anything that'll resemble the gameplay found in Capcom's frentic shooter. While DMC2 might be a ways off for E3, I'm fully expecting Gun Grave to be at E3 in playable form, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can witness the might of this title in a couple of weeks.

Super Monkey Ball 2: (GameCube) Again, do I really need to explain this? I mean, you got monkeys, you got balls, you really don't need anything else in the world.

X-Men: Mutant Academy 3: (PS2) Seeing as I know a bunch of people at Paradox who are hard at work on this title, it's only fair to say that I've been exposed to some little tidbits about the game directly from them. Needless to say, I'm hoping that they have a build that's really near completion. The Mutant Academy series has been given the shaft since its inception for some odd reason, but hopefully this will be the game that breaks that stigma!

Mortal Kombat 5 (Multi): Yeah, you all think I'm crazy, don't you? Well kids, I might be. I mean, I'm totally excited about Mortal Kombat 5, despite the fact that I think every MK game since MK3 has totally sucked the three piece meal. Having said that, taking the design of Soul Calibur and attempting to shoehorn it into a MK-themed fighter isn't such a crazy idea, although I'm not a big fan of them displaying which fighting style each character is in. That's just going a little too far with the dumbing down in my opinion. Predictions:

Best Booth: Nintendo

With three sure-fire classics in Mario Sunshine, Zelda and Metroid, not to mention a supporting cast that includes Starfox Adventures, Eternal Darkness and the F-Zero game with Sega (all three of which could easily pass for a killer app on any other system), Nintendo is the company to beat at E3 this year.

Best Game: Metroid Prime

Make no doubt about it, with all the hoopla that's swirling around this title, it's either going to be pathetically bad or it'll be the game that destroys Halo in every which way it damn well pleases. Knowing Nintendo, it'll most likely be the latter.

Worst Game: Legends of Wrestling 2

The first Legends of Wrestling game was horrible, and was saved by the fact that it had some of the biggest wrestlers from the past in it, such as Hogan, Hart and Funk. If Acclaim doesn't get their stuff together for the followup, this game is dead before it arrives

Worst Booth: Man… don't make me pick one.

Quirkiest Moment:

Meeting Sinbad at the Galaxy Diner at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, having him and some EA suit bud in line to pay because they want to get the hell out of Dodge, and then having him look at my puppy dog eyes and buy me the lunch I'm holding in my hand.

FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

Most embarrasing moment which may occur during E3:

Me kneeling before the goddess that is Stacy Keibler! Or Me kneeling before the Cosmic Knight known as Mr. T!

Riisuke

This will be my first time at E3. It will also be my first time in Cali. I'm backing several hundred rounds of ammunition and an arsenal of ancient Chinese weapons in preperation.

YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE, WEST COAST!

Must-see:

Way of the Samurai: (PS2) - Acquire did for the ninja game genre what Sega did for the fast running hedgehog genre: gave it crediblity. Hopefully they will be able to pull off this game with similiar results.

Devil May Cry 2: (PS2) -While I'm not wild about Dante's new Fabio-esque look, as long as he kicks equal or greater amounts of demon ass in this new one, then it's an automatic must-have.

Soul Calibur 2: (PS2/Gamecube/Xbox) - Reno is a retard. SC is still the best fighting game ever. And hopefully it's sequel will live up to the high standard.

Shinobi: (PS2) - I never played the original Shinobi games, but a Sega crafted 3D Platformer with beat em up elements sounds right up my alley.

Wrestlemania X8: (Gamecube) - Well, by the time this game comes out it'll probably be past time for Wrestlemania X9, but that doesn't change facts. As long as it plays like a more polished version of the Aki engine, all will be good.

Castlevania: (PS2) - Let's hope Konami deems us worthy of finally finding about this oft rumored seldomly confirmed bit of gamingness.

Best Booth:

Sega. Between Gungrave, Shinobi, PD: Orta, Trigun, and all the other stuff they have lined up, they have the most consistently delicious lineup.

Best Game:

I'm gonna go the safe way and say Soul Calibur 2. I mean really, how hard is it to not screw up perfection?

Worst Game:

___________ Online (Screw online games!)

Worst Booth:

EA, because their games suck! :P

Quirkiest Moment:

MR. T!!!! MR. T!!!!!!!! MR. T!!!!!!!!!!! (Editor's Note: He means to say...meeting him...not wishing that he actually was him....uh, forget it)

Most embarrasing moment which may occur during E3:

I don't know about my most embarassing moment, but Reno's is gonna be when Stacy Kiebler pays more attention to me than him at the THQ booth :P

Burgundy

Like Riisuke, this is going to be my first trip to Cali, or even out of my time zone, for that matter. Unlike Riisuke, the natives might actually want to keep me around, so I better be on guard. As TNL's resident Nintendo fanboy (and coincidentally, the only one with any taste in games), I'm anxiously awaiting my first gropes of Sunshine and Celda. If you see a short guy wearing sneaks that look like Spiderman doing his best SNL "Orgasm Guy" impression at the Nintendo booth, be sure to stop and say hi.

Must-see:

Mario Sunshine: (GameCube) - It's ironic that this game is actually going to cause me to forget what actual sunshine is. Mario titles have consistently revolutionized each generation of gaming, and if Sunshine is half as much of a leap as Super Mario 64 was, I can't even imagine what it will be like, except for amazing.

The Legend of Zelda: (GameCube) - You cel-haters can keep your DVD players - the more I see of Celda, the more it reminds me of the series' roots on the NES. Potential downside: Zelda's roaring success will establish cel-shading the industry standard. Instead of just cliche.

StarFox Adventures: (GameCube) - I'm going to be a surly sonofabitch if the rumors about Rare going multiplatform turn out to be true (Editor's Note: Guess you're going to be surly...it's true. OH NO!!!!) If this is going to be their exclusive swansong, I'll at least shut up for the sixty or so hours I'll be on Dinosaur Planet next month - as long as Star Wolf returns. Bonus points if the just-announced StarFox title from Namco makes an appearance.

Metroid Prime: (GameCube) - See a pattern yet? Chalk this one up to curiosity - partly morbid, partly not. It started as a sure-fire hit, then it looked like vaporware for a good while, but now it appears like Retro might be finding the perfect marriage between old-school Metroid and a next-gen FPS. I hope.

Super Monkey Ball 2v (GameCube) - I'm amazed that Amusement Visions has already come up with a sequel without changing the gameplay fundamentals. My love for Super Monkey Ball knows no bounds; just give me more courses, more games and more Aiai.

Panzer Dragoon Orta: (Xbox) - The screens are amazing. If the visuals in motion do those shots justice - and there's more to the gameplay than a dolled-up rev of Zwei; I may have to clear twelve square feet of space for an Xbox.

Steel Battalion: (Xbox) - It seems like this game has more title changes than its controller has buttons. I love peripherals, and Battalion's mech controller is the mother of them all. And it's so nice of Capcom to say the behemoth is coming stateside; even though I don't believe them for a second. Oh, and the game is supposed to be good, too.

Kingdom Hearts: (PS2) - Whoever wrote the online "How Gay Are You?" test could have just cut to the chase and asked its vistors how much they want to play Kingdom Hearts. Bishonen Final Fantasy heroes and Ariel - need I say more? It doesn't matter, though - Hearts is my most anticipated PS2 game this year. Someone ought to tell Red Terrier to rent his own room.

Devil May Cry 2: (PS2) - Apart from Trish being gruesomely slaughtered in the intro sequence, I couldn't care less what the story is about. I just want more swordwielding, gunslinging action. I pity the guys who have to make this game more badass, because the first packs in the badass with the density.

Final Fantasy Tactics: (GBA) - Then we went to the Square booth! I had a good feeling! But....it was hard! There was FFXI crap everywhere! But we dug and dug! And we found Tactics for Game Boy! It goes in our pocket!

Best Booth:

I think I've already been pretty candid about this one.

Best Game:

Super Mario Sunshine. Mario owns me.

Worst Booth:

Working Designs. They won't be arriving until August.

Worst Game:

I'm not really sure - I don't usually follow bad games. But if I had to take a guess, I'd say something out of the 3DO booth.

Quirkiest Moment:

I'm going to jump on the Mr. T bandwagon. Except I think he will show at the Square booth, cosplaying as Barrett.

Most embarrassing moment expected at E3:

Red Terrier taking a guitar to Peter Moore's head, upon hearing that Sega won't be developing for the Xbox anymore. Maybe I'm the one who should rent his own room.

Idgaba-X

Back to cali once again and I think this year my head is on straight so without further ado here is my most anticipated games of show:

Onimusha 2: (PlayStation 2) - The first one was the reason that I bought my PS2 so there is no way that Capcom can go wrong with a sequel.

Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2) - Lets face it, with a team up between Disney and Squaresoft the only thing left is world domination.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic: (PC) - Chills run down my spine in anticipation to play an honest to God RPG in the Star Wars universe.

Unreal Championship: (PC) - Maybe this year the guy at Infogrames will let me actually touch and play this title...just maybe....

Best Booth:

Does the God games parking lot count if it's there this year?

Best Game:

Star Wars KOTOR 'cause it sure as hell not Tony Hawk 4

Worst Game:

EA Sports anything...

Worst Booth:

Yeah I'll go with EA since they will most likely have JOHN MADDEN presents The Sims 2003"

Quirkiest Moment:

Me milking Eidos for every last drink they can supply

Most embarrassing moment, which may occur during E3:

Well I hope to hell its not Bahn streaking past the DOA girls again (Editor's Note: Ok, you guys need to stop. You all loved them too!!!)