However, I left E3 with a very cool appreciation for what video games have become. As a child I was obsessed with the Atari 2600, then Nintendo and then Sega Genesis. But playing these games as a snot nosed kid and experiencing what video games have become today, is like comparing humans and cavemen.  It’s insane.

E3 really demonstrated the future is now. LA Live, Staples and the LA Convention center set it all up. When you arrive it feels like Ridley Scott’s version of Bladerunner has come to life. Gigantic video billboards and a barrage of video game advertising overtakes your senses to prepare you for what’s inside. LA Ad Agencies such as Trailer Park, Ignited, the Ayzenberg Group, Liquid Advertising and more contributed to these campaigns.

But the best part of E3 was seeing all of the new games and  the rise of the controller-less video game consoles. I was personally disappointed by Playstation Move. The area was a mess of people, it took forever to get to and when you got there to really see it, it was disappointing. However, Xbox’s Kinect by Microsoft was extremely impressive. It’s smart, responds to your voice, your movement and is very kid and adult friendly. It’s so easy I could even see my 90 year old grandmother playing it. Okay well maybe not that easy but yeah, it’s cool and not complicated at all. It even interacts with plush toys made by Jakks Pacific.

Click here to view the embedded video.

E3 was also filled with amazing displays and props. Disney’s TRON was a favorite of many.

The displays of the Tron cycles were really impressive and a big draw at E3 2010.

Star Wars, always a fan favorite also had  a presence at E3, though not as powerful as in years past. They had a gigantic display showing the trailer over and over of their new game, the Force Unleashed 2. The trailer was impressive and definitely seems like its going to be a huge hit.

And Lucasarts employed some Stromtroopers at E3 too. Or should I say deployed.

I was able to chat with one as well, who answered a long burning question of mine about the impact of Darth Vader’s death on the Stormtrooper.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And some oldies but goodies showed up at E3 as well, like Pacman and Castlevania.

And the Harry Potter Lego game was in full effect as well with an amazing Display at E3.

I really loved the art exhibit, of Into the Pixel the art of the video game. It was an intense display of various pieces of game art.

And the piece of artwork for Transformers, War for Cybertron was amazing. The image I have here, doesn’t do it justice but it was really cool. And Activision’s game based on Hasbro’s famous transforming robots is just as impressive as the art in it. It’s obvious that this game was made by lovers of the toy line and enthusiasts of the lore. It’s made with an appreciation for the 80′s cartoon, not Michael Bay’s garbage we’ve been subjected to over the last few years. This is real honest to goodness Transformers. You can either play a decpticon campaign or an autobot campaign, which I loved because you are Optimus, prior to becoming a Prime. It’s awesome and a must have for any lover of the 80′s Transformers.

And E3 was filled with stars either supporting their products or just out for a stroll. Here’s an image of me and Saw’s Tobin Bell who plays the sadistic yet intellectually stimulated killer, Jigsaw.

The creator of the Simpsons, Matt Groening was there with Konami

and Shaun White, the snowboarding legend was there promoting his new game as well.

And what would E3 be without Booth Babes?

And last but not least, E3 was also surrounded by the insanity of the NBA Finals and the Lakers 2nd consecutive NBA title.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been on a bit of a sketch/trading card kick recently.

The small format is fun and really easy to work in. I’ve done a bunch of cards over the past month–And because of this, I will actually be participating in my first official trading/sketch card set. This set  is for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. The Treasure Chest Foundation is dedicated to helping out kids with cancer and I’m honored to be a part of that. My father passed away from cancer and one of my childhood friends battled it when I was in high school. Needless to say I’m all about finding a cure and helping to prevent this disease from taking more lives. It’s an awful thing to see a child suffering from cancer, so let’s help them!

I’ll be doing 50 original art sketch cards for the set, which is due out later on this year and takes place at the Chicagoland Entertainment Collectors Expo.
So if you are looking to see some cool Star Wars art, keep on eye on my website as well as deviatart for more info!

May the force be with you–

Hal