This was my first year to check out the annual E3 convention, which is basically the largest electronic gaming convention in the world and where all the big dogs come to show off their latest and greatest games and gadgets. Upon first reaching the entrance of the tradeshow I was greeted by the Ghostbusters who were there to promote the new Ghostbusters game.

Inside the trade show was madness. All the sights, sounds, and people can become overwhelming a sensory overload. The Activision booth was filled with people and they are off to another successful year with new games such as DJ hero and the new Tony Hawk game.

The new Tony Hawk game titled, “The Ride” will be similar to the Wii Fit where you stand on a skateboard / balance board and it senses your movements for the tricks similar to Top Skater from back in the day. The graphics seemed really cool and the crowd was amped during Tony’s speech. P-Rod and Terry Kennedy even joined in on the action. P-Rod beat Kennedy in a session and Tony lost to some overweight gamer that won a contest. This game will be added to my wish list.

As this was my first E3 I really didn’t know what to expect and upon walking around I realized this was “nerd” paradise. These next few pics are dedicated to the gamers that will game anywhere and everywhere possible.

Gamers broke out into a public sweat while battling it out on the new Wii Resort Games.

Nerds eat your heart out

“Yes she touched me”

no comment necessary

The only game I wanted to really wait in line to check out was the new UFC game. I stood in line for about 10-15 minutes. Grabbed the controller for my shot at the winner, who chose Rashad Evans, so naturally I chose the boy Rampage. Within about 7 seconds I got grounded and pounded and gave up the controller faster than I could even throw a punch. At least in real life Rampage will put up a better fight than I did. So I really don’t know how the game control is or if this game is worth buying or not. The graphics are amazing and the commentary was pretty good. I’ll probably buy it anyway.

I really wish I had more time to game like when I was younger. Games are way too technical and crazy nowadays. So after having my fill of video games it was off to the NOS Energy Drink Lounge for some food, music, and to relax before heading back to the XBOX event that evening.

On the way to the Lounge I stopped to take a few shots of the home to the soon to be World Champion Los Angeles Lakers and LA Live across the street. Downtown LA is coming up really fast and I can’t wait to have this place dialed in and check out all the new restaurants and shops.

The NOS Lounge gave E3 attendees the chance to relax, grab an energy drink, and check out the new Need for Speed: Shift game.

The food was great and with sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and even homemade chips you can’t really go wrong. Tonight I’ll head back for the VIP event they are throwing and catch up with DJs Mr. Choc (Power 106) and Eric Cubechee (husband to Jaime Pressley)

The main reason I spent all day in Downtown LA was to help with the XBOX event and the preview of Forza 3. About 12 vehicles were delivered to the venue that included cars that were part of the new game including an Audi R8, Audi S4, BMW 1-series, flat black Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Porsche GT2, Subaru STi, and even a Ferrari F430 California.

The prettiest car of the bunch was the California

Detailers prepping the cars…RJ’s Benz gets the wax treatment

The event itself was great with tons of media, VIPs, industry members, and more attending. The game was on display in multiple locations giving everyone a chance to check out Forza 3 firsthand. There was a motion simulator that worked with a steering wheel, pedal set, and moving seat that gave the real feeling of driving i.e. you step on the gas the seat rocks you back, you brake you fall forward, you crash and you get thrown around.

The event was held on the roof of the LA Live parking garage inside a massive tent area that overlooked the convention center. I liked this event a lot as it was more intimate and it was about the game and the vehicles. It wasn’t another event were tons of money was spent on entertainment taking the focus off of the product at hand. It became very easy to mingle with everyone and the media / VIPs were easily able to talk in detail with the game creators and designers. XBOX gifted special individuals with steering wheel sets with the pedals. The game itself will be released later this year. I took some time to try out the game, but I am not a gamer by any means and proceeded to lose each time I tried and with multiple cars. The graphics were awesome and the control was very precise, but too complicated for me. Not that there wasn’t any extra perks but music was provided by both DJ Revolution (Wake-up show) and DJ Skee (KIIS FM), open bar, and food catered by Wolf Gang Puck’s restaurant.

Stay tuned for more E3 madness then it’s off to New Jersey for Formula DRIFT Round 3: The Gauntlet. Join the FD Twitter world for round by round live action updates during the main competition this Saturday.