Everyone's Semi-Silent Partner: Virtual Arcades

Although you can expect an ever-increasing amount of downloadable arcade and casual games and extra content that will cause your credit card statement to flatten down a small rainforest, don't expect the three big console companies to promote these too heavily at E3. Big name releases with pretty box art is still the norm for marketing agencies. None of these have made the appearance list (below) and won't inspire press releases until just before becoming available on online arcade. Don't expect to hear too much about download-only games at E3, either.

Nintendo's already teased WiiWare, which is really just a development scheme, so titles are not yet available for promoting. Likewise, Sony will play up Home and not any specific downloadable content. Sure, Sony may still surprise us with a list of stuff - games, content, etc. - that can be downloaded through Home, but the service and not the content will be the attention hog.

Microsoft most recently sent out a press release announcing that its E3 press conference will be available as an HD download on Xbox Live (for free of course) "later in the week" as well as other Microsoft content from the Expo. Alas, no download-only games were named.

Individual Games:

Guitar Hero III - (Confirmed Appearance) I got word directly from RedOctane on this one: "We are going to be showing the newest installation of Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero III, at E3. There will be a couple of surprises in the game, but nothing that I can share before the show." Consider that indicative of every other pre-E3 reply from game companies.

Crysis - (Confirmed Appearance - PC) This darling of E3 2006 is a FPS shooter by Crytek that has been teased for PC and already delayed by the makers. With speculations flying that it will be released for Xbox 360 and PS3 (what, no Wii love?), look for a few more semi-solid answers and more playable levels.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Confirmed  Appearance -  Wii) - With this game's release a month after E3 and playable demos already making way to some pubs, expect a lot more publicity for this game by Nintendo than anything else.

Spore - From micro organism galactic dominator, will this game ever make it out of the primordial muck and into gamers' grubby hands? Previous release dates for this game have already been pushed back, so don't expect more than extended footage and a few, small playable demo segments that will seem much cooler than they look.

Unreal Tournament 3 - (Confirmed Appearance - PC, PS3, X360) I suspect an extra level or two will be available to try. Giddy fans around the globe will spend hours dissecting every pixel and map of YouTube UT3 footage they can find.

Grand Theft Auto IV - The only game that, purely from its name, can replace all the controversy around Manhunt 2. How much will be playable at E3? Depends on how on edge Take-Two is. All I know is the delay of Bully meant less clips at PAX 2006.

More Damn Sports Games - (Confirmed Forever - All Systems) Madden, Tiger Woods. Gretzky. NASCAR. FIFA. Been there, played those, expect more of the same.

Napoleon Dynamite - (Confirmed Appearance - DS, PSP) I so wish this would be a dance pad game. Alas, it is for handhelds.

Mega Man FillInTheBlank - (Confirmed Multiple Appearances - DS) The streak will never, ever end.

High School Musical: Sing It! - (Confirmed Appearance - PS2, Wii) Though no one at the Expo will care, this game will be purchased by and for every kid age 10-15.

Star Wars - (Confirmed Appearances - DS, PS2, PS3, PSP, X360) With a LEGO compilation game, a PSP squadron game and a new Force named game all making appearances, expect them all to look good, play well and sell pretty better.

Fracture (Confirmed Appearance - PS3, X360) - This futuristic LucasArts shooter looks promising, allowing massive environmental changes caused by players' actions. Not due until Summer 2008, this one will likely be a fancy trailer, a few models and not much to play.

Battlestar Galactica (Confirmed Appearance - PC, X360) - The last game suffered from poor controls. This should be a bit grittier and get more attention as the series is coming to a close with the next season.

SOCOM Confrontation (Confirmed Appearance - PS3) - The game that launches a thousand leagues naturally gets a next gen makeover with 32-player online environments. At least one complete level should be ready to play by E3 along with the usual trailer and camouflaged military escort service. It might ge a little extra coverage since it will be available as a boxless download (as well as Blu-Ray for those who like killing blu plastic trees).

Kung Fu Hustle (Confirmed Appearance - PC) - As long as this remains true to the crazy movie, it could be a wacky good time fighting game. Otherwise, don't expect much coverage (or praise) for this title.

There you have it, folks. While the most exciting announcements will likely be kept secret until they are made, I hope this article has given you a small taste of what's to come from this years show.

We'll have extended coverage of E3 2007 beginning on day one, July 10.