I have dreamed about going to E3 ever since I first saw it covered in some gaming rag - it doesn't really matter which one - many moons ago. I vowed that one day, I would be "industry" - thus allowing me entry into the most coveted video game experience there is (aside from a hot and heavy session of DDR).

E3 has come and gone for me, but I will have memories that will long outlive the six days I spent in sunny Los Angeles. Being a New Jersey boy, I've been privy to some of the crappiest weather mankind has ever seen; Los Angeles sun was a shining relief for me (and I love smog too).

The show itself was a wonder; I didn't expect the developers and companies to spend so much on props, but I was greeted with a gothic castle when I wanted to play Castlevania, and crystal towers loomed overhead for the Final Fantasy XI display. The videogames were great, and I had a blast playing the latest and greatest from the various game companies. Oh, and the booth babes were an added plus. I met my future wife, Courtney Day; she was one of the import models for SRS Racing, an upcoming street racing game that will debut cross-platform.

I was most impressed with Gran Turismo 4, Sony's latest addition to the revered racing series. I must have played the game for a total of eight hours, just sitting...and playing...and sitting...and playing. The car selection is awesome, and they've even tweaked the graphics and sound!

I must say, I was bitterly disappointed with SEGA. The only game I saw that was worthwhile was Sonic Heroes; everything else looked bland and most was rehashed anyways. SEGA is one of my favorite developers, and though I'm sure I'll enjoy Sonic Heroes, the rest of their games (PSO III???) were nothing to even pass an eye on.

The most memorable part of the show was the staff. It was exciting getting to meet the people I speak with online on a near-daily basis. I had no idea that Chris and I would get along so much; the cool part is he lives close to me, and now I'll get to hang out with him more. Ken and Eric were awesome, as was Stephen, Mike, Liz, John...the list goes on. I really felt "at home" with the staff, and I'm glad that I could make them laugh with my repeated stupidity. ;)

I'm sure I rambled enough...thanks for reading. See you there next year!

1. Star Ocean: Till The End of Time (PS2)
2. Star Wars Galaxies (Xbox, PC)
3. Final Fantasy XI (PS2, PC)
4. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA)
5. Sword of Mana (GBA)

1. Gran Turismo 4 (PS2)
2. Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (PS2)
3. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2)
4. Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes (GCN)
5. Sonic Heroes (PS2, GCN, Xbox)

1. That stupid #&@$ing dance that John continually did, which pissed me off for some odd reason...and yet I love it.
2. Crack chicken. Booya.
3. Feeding Solid Snake, who hid in the vent in our hotel's hallway. Don't ask.
4. Hanging out with Chris, who was the MAN. DHARMA AND GREG! (Though he somehow ended up on my worst list...hmmm.)
5. Running around L.A. like an idiot...several times.

1. Chris trying to touch my ass.
2. Chris trying to hug me.
3. Chris trying to kiss me.
4. Chris trying to fall asleep on me.
5. Chris trying...more homosexual acts.