E3 Shows Multi-Platform Innovation

By Tyler Barber

The setting and the games at this year's E3 were refreshing. I came away happy to see that several developers are actually innovating in genres which have been in danger of becoming depleted of all creativity.

For example, the Call of Duty brand is known for its excellence in the WWII shooter genre (minus Call of Duty 3), but when WWII shooters are coming out faster than boy-band has-beens, someone's gotta take a walk on the wild side. Here comes Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, where developer Infinity Ward takes a welcome turn into the modern age of combat, and presents it in a package that is delicious as it is a kick in the nuts.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | Release Date: Fall

Forget the crapfest that was Call of Duty 3 -- it was developed by a whole different team. Infinity Ward is the development powerhouse that gets the game right, and with the newest CoD, we're out of World War II and into modern times. CoD 4 was one of the most talked about games at E3, as it blindsided everyone with its ultra-intense combat and ridiculously good-looking graphics. The game's animation, sound and scope of environments will make this game the war-shooter to beat.

Rock Band | Release Date: November 20

What do you wanna do with your life? If you know the answer, buy this game, because unless you are actually in a band, this is the only way you'll ever RAWK! Rock Band is going to sweep the world by storm. Take Guitar Hero and add, drums, vocals, the ability to jam with friends online, better art direction and song-licensing handled by MTV -- and you can begin to see what will be not only the must-have party game, but also the new King of Rock.

Skate | Release Date: September 12

The Tony Hawk games were fun, but after a gagillion sequels the series became stale. Skate, on the other hand, takes the skating genre and makes it as fresh as chronic in November. Eschewing the over-the-top skating found in the Tony Hawk games, Skate will put players in a more realistic world. And, with the skate video visual style of the game, landing a simple but perfect kick-flip never felt so rewarding. Like the Halo 3 Saved Films, Skate too will allow you to record, edit and post your replays online.

Burnout Paradise | Winter

The racing genre has many incarnations: arcade, simulation, action. But Burnout Paradise will take those and trade them for an open world with seamless online integration. You'll ride around town competing in several emergent challenges such as power-sliding into a parallel parking space, gaining the best time on any given street, or your basic race challenge. This time the races start at traffic lights, where you'll coerce you neighboring car-owners into burning rubber. Easily the most original racing-game yet.