The Electronic Entertainment Exposition, otherwise known as E3, will be powering out of the gates on May 12 in Los Angeles. The three-day event is the top gaming conference in the world, and gives developers and publishers – not only of game software, but of hardware as well – the opportunity to showcase pending product.

For the uninitiated, E3 can be very overwhelming. Imagine, if you will, two systems sitting side by side, both playing on 36-inch Dolby Surround Sound systems with the volume cranked almost as loud as it will go. Imagine that in the confines of a single-wide trailer. Now amplify that 300 fold with the same feeling of close quarters transferred to the Los Angeles Convention Center. E3 is an all-out assault on the senses, particularly the eyes and ears.

Leading up to E3, some publishers have hosted Pre-E3 Editors Days, which provide a quick opportunity to look at some of the titles that will be making an appearance at E3. During the week of April 19, I had the opportunity to attend the Activision and Vivendi Universal Pre-E3 events, and while the specifics are covered by an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) and embargoed until the event itself, it can be said that both companies are poised to deliver an array of games that will definitely bring a wealth of entertainment and excitement to the gaming industry.

Activision has stepped away from quantity of titles in favor of quality. While the company will reveal a couple of other titles at the Los Angeles show, as well as provide hands-on experience with the games in its stable, the titles it did show featured sterling gameplay and amazing graphical elements. From the latest expansion of the Call of Duty series to movie related titles such as Spider-man 2, Shark Tales and Lemony Snickett, Activision seems ready to have the kind of year that Ubisoft sported in 2003. Other titles included Doom 3, X-Men, the latest in the Vampire: The Masquerade line, and Rome: Total War. The latter will be releasing earlier, and GameZone will have more information on that title on May 4.

Vivendi Universal treated editors to a day at a Santa Monica mansion overlooking the ocean. The sun was shining, a nice breeze played through the grounds, and if one looked carefully, one could see dolphins swimming close to shore. Into this idyllic setting, VU Games threw a barrage of games that ran the gamut from hardcore shooters to old favorites revisited and titles where sensibilities were best left checked at the door and tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Cold Winter, Riddick, and Tribes Vengeance should appeal to the shooter fans, while Spyro and Crash Bandicott are making return appearances. Also look for Leisure Suit Larry in a new escapade, though this one will be rated for mature audiences who are not afraid to confront the nuances of Larry’s sexual antics. A Bard’s Tale is new version of a classic title, while Evil Genius supplies a new twist on a familiar theme. Red Ninja, Men of Valor, Van Helsing, rounded out the list of titles shown. Once again, look for more information beginning May 12.

One of the recurring themes for VU was the talent which contributed to the scripts of some of these titles. Developers seem to be turning to those with proven track records in scriptwriting to supply storylines and dialogues for some of the titles. Others take direct cues from movies, bringing the big screen experience to gamers with stunning graphical effects, and – to some extent – simplified gameplay.

Inside the course of five days, Activision and VU Games trotted out 21 titles for game editors and writers to have a look at. Excitement abounds and this is only the precursor to E3.

Of course for more information about all these games, you will have to wait until May 12.

Info obtained from GameZone"