@mbun If the crowd was more into Andrew W.K.'s performance, it wouldn't stick out as much. But I have to give the guy credit: He and his band had a good time and didn't seem to care. Which, personally, is the absolute best attitude to have for something like that. What was the abosolute worst though is the awkward onstage silence between the two game directors, and when they did speak, at least at the start, it felt HEAVILY scripted and a cheap attempt to get a laugh. Personal miss.

As far as Just Dance goes, the only positive I can say is I feel they smartly started off with it. If that happened mid show, it would have killed the pacing. With that being said, Just Dance is in the same category as EA's sports games: You know it's coming, you wait patiently for it to pass, and you hold the vain hope it does something different and... nope. People in costume going from point A to B for about five minutes. If they maybe showed the game on the screen and how it's changed from the previous version or a video package demonstrating why people should still be interested....

I do agree with about the celebrity point though. Ubisoft LOVES having a celebrity or two on stage every year. As far as selling, they're still putting it on the Wii. STILL. 12 YEARS after the console launched.

I know fully well I'm not the targeted audience. It's just a lamentation of wishing for something different.

I'm going to do things a tiny bit different, by giving out the five who showed the best from overall outbound chatter and my personal tastes before giving any "worst" thoughts.

What I felt showed the best were:

5.) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
4.) Beyond Good & Evil 2
3.) The Last of Us Part II
2.) Kingdom Hearts III
1.) Cyberpunk 2077

If we talking the top five games I'm interested in that were at or announced during the show, that looks more like

5.) Ori and the Will of the Wisps
4.) Gears 5
3.) DOOM: Eternal
2.) The Last of Us Part II
1.) Kingdom Hearts

As for the "worsts," that's a little different from where I see it (In chronological order):

Most of EA's conference, especially the cringe and practically pointless nature of "announcing" the next Star Wars game, and I feel so bad for Command & Conquer fans.

Gears Pop! Being a die-hard Gears fan, this makes me a little irritated, but I want to know EXACTLY what this is before demonizing it.

Outside of the game itself, pretty much the entire Rage 2 portion. That was awkward and painful as can be.

Elder Scrolls Legends and Online for being present for the fourth straight year, on principle alone.

I was going to say the Quake Champions portion, but if you go back and watch it, you'll notice Adam Boyes and Danny O'Dwyer in the background up and to the left doing the prompter read, making it actually an entertaining time. Can't for the life of me remember what the presenter said......

Just Dance. Enough said.

Trover Saves the Universe, but I think this is because practically everything else in the show hit and this felt.... out of place. Well, not as out place as an unforgivable intermission. THAT was angering in the heat of the moment.

Everything else I felt showed at the very least passable, if not pretty good, even if wasn't for me. There are several things I really enjoyed that I didn't list, but wanted to keep it at five.

Speaking as someone not in the Nintendo ecosystem, this was really great.

Daemon X Machina wasn't anything special to me, but I'm sure it made a splash to some.

Xenoblade 2 DLC now in hindsight seems like an obvious thing to do.

I like Reggie's speeches, and I felt it shrewd to put the Mew exclusive to the Pokeball plus announcement with him. But still, that's a little shady.

And another Mario Party. Curious on how the tech works from the trailer, but at the end of the day, Mario Party is Mario Party.

Fire Emblem Three Houses was perhaps the only thing NOT named Smash that impressed. It looked new and well designed.

Courtesy of a leaked picture I saw, the Fortnite announcement plus the Indie block of Overcooked 2, Killer Queen Black and Hollow Knight was a little spoiled. Really good gets though.

A second demo for Octopath Traveler is cool, but a month before launch is a tiny bit weird. Why wasn't it, say, two or three months ago?

The montage is a tiny bit disappointing ONLY because I wish just a little bit more time could have been given to some of the games shown. There was a lot of variety, a healthy mix of first and third party, and some big names.

And what can I say about Smash? EVERY character? Gameplay mechanic tweaks? Stage graphical improvement? Gamecube controller support? ALL amiibo support? Coming December 7th? Kudos Nintendo. (Also, because it comes so late in the year, it's eligible for 2019 GOTYs. Game Awards this year is on the 6th)

For a video to video comparison, less stuff, longer, and more dedicated than Square. Smash was the best game shown off in a presentation this year, bar none. And I'm a die-hard Kingdom Hearts fan. 9/10

@El-Shmiablo @Sacred-Arfaid Thank you both for the correction! Making the edit. I appreciate it!

I felt so many very intense feelings watching this show, and I believe Mr. Bosman acted them out accordingly. It's taken awhile to fully get my thoughts and feelings in order and coming up with a score. Let's do this.

The Last of Us Part II was fantastic. The start with the banjo, having the presentation in a separate venue and the WORST part of the intermission were complete misfires. In order for such visceral split second irritation to have been avoided, I really feel Sony should have let everybody know ahead of time, "Hey, we're going to show one of our four deep dives in a separate venue, then transition to more inline of what you're expecting.

The ONLY interesting part of that intermission for me was finding out God of War is getting a New Game+. But that's press release material.

Ghost of Tsushima doesn't look like my kind of game. But I'm considering it. Why? That lighting. Oh. My. GOD. That's pretty.

When the Control trailer played, I started to get hope in the conference again because it wasn't an intermission, it wasn't one of the four, AND it wasn't a first party.

Resident. Evil. 2. Remake. That is all.

Trover Saves the Universe I COMPLETELY forgot about until after I just typed the last line. Ouch.

The Kingdom Hearts III trailer was practically a personal religious experience (a common theme from the earlier Last of Us bit). I won't badger anyone longer but... I need that game

Death Stranding was more Death Stranding: Showed new, compelling stuff. WE GET GAMEPLAY!.... I still have no idea what I'm looking at.

Nioh 2 was a surprising announcement (If you couldn't tell, it was at this point in the conference where my brain just jammed and couldn't function properly).

Spiderman showed pretty well. So much so in fact that I... might... be... finally... interested? I'm indecisive here.

At the start of writing this, I was going to score this a 7. Halfway through, I felt 7.5. I'm now feeling 8. Again, that intermission, in the moment, was beyond terrible. But I saw two of my TOP three most anticipated in the same conference. Everything EXCEPT the Trover game showed Phenomenally. This conference would have been tied with Microsoft without that intermission. I've decided. 8/10

If not for Microsoft, Ubisoft would have the best show heading into Sony (as of writing). But key omissions: NO new IP announced, NO Splinter Cell, NO big surprise "game" but a definite shock collaboration.... But I'll get to that.

Just Dance, for what it is, should always start every year for Ubisoft. This was the only section I actively disliked.

Beyond Good & Evil 2 was by far and away my personal highlight. I was so taken with the trailer, the reveals, and of course the collaboration with Joseph Gordon Levitt's Hit Record. A plus for this entire segment. Special shout out to the "WE NAILED IT!!" from the still-live mic.

Rainbow Six Siege was fine I guess. Clearly focused to be speaking directly to Siege players and BECAUSE of that being clearly defined, it didn't bother me.

Trials Rising was a pretty good segment. I mean the dirt bike indoors wasn't that smart, but that was all fun.

The Division 2 actually surprised me. I might have to try it after being hard out on Division after the first game's beta. Love the premise.

The Donkey Kong Adventure portion was lively with the onstage band, but it was here I realized the back and forth nature of tone: Light, serious, light, serious, etc.

Skull & Bones was fine but I'm slightly sour because I'm watching the Allies reactions and they talked a tad too much while the VO was explaining the systems.

Transference looks creepy as can be. And in VR? That's a hard nope for me.

I did not think StarLink would have the shock of the show two hours ago, but here we are. STAR FOX?!?! And of course, major points with the team of Guillemot and Miyamoto together again (and the gift!). Super jolly.

For Honor was much like Siege for me: Directly for those who play that game specifically, and no one else. I personally felt it dragged a bit, but wasn't too bad.

The Crew 2 had the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of news and practically didn't show anything new. So.... skip.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey was a nice coming out party, but the cut between game scenes was weird before the full gameplay trailer. I'm a fan of greek mythology, but there wasn't anything there that endeared me to the game.

Overall, even though there were a couple of personal lulls, I'm happy almost everything shown was significant in some way and once again, having that human element makes it all the better. Stay you Ubisoft. 8/10

Succinct with exciting stuff, but not much in quantity. What WAS there was fascinating, but still some notable omissions.

Having Keith David narrate throughout was a BIG deal for me, as he has an excellent voice and he's a really good actor. Happy to hear his intros before everything discussed.

I'm happy to see Shadow of the Tomb Raider gameplay. A bit too little and chopped up for my tastes, but it's more than has been given to date.

While having an update about Final Fantasy XIV was a little odd, it COMPLETELY turned around for me with the Monster Hunter World crossover. As someone who does not nor want to play either of those games, this announcement is huge.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit was more of the same from Xbox. I still like seeing developers thank their fans though.

I feel Dragon Quest XI showed really well. With that said, it now needs to go dark until it's released. And it's soon! But the Brave Exvius crossover was..... eh.

Babylon's Fall was very interesting. A trailer with a timeline and being developed by Platinum? This might have been the surprise of the show.

Nier: Automata was beat for beat from Xbox, so it makes me wonder once again why there are always three or four trailers from across all publishers every year that are shown twice.

Octopath Traveler is very pretty. It's the only thing I've seen that makes me want a Switch. That trailer didn't need to be there. Unless the intention is to stress it's out in a month. But still....

Just Cause 4 probably showed the BEST of the entire show. They actually showed the game with an explanation of each mechanic as it was done.

The Quiet Man.... what? I have no idea what I can say about this.

Kingdom Hearts III's beginning was worrying, but as a mega-nerd, the new stuff had satisfying reveals. I dug it.

Overall, Square did a good job of showing of they wanted, but not what they needed. The absence of Avengers is what brings it down a bit, but otherwise: They didn't screw up, they just could've done better. But at least they outclassed EA and Bethesda. 7/10

@sentinel-beach I would much rather go quickly between exciting announcements than struggle through pointless talking. I HARD disagree with Mr. Bosman.

This has been like the Jekyll and Hyde year so far. A low, a high, now a low (albeit not QUITE as bad as the first. But it's close).

I always like the montages showing all the developers and their families. I also am very endeared towards Pete Hines, as I feel he hit with most of his humor attempts (also flashing the Capitals jersey was pretty funny).

With that said, EVERYTHING around Rage 2 was just so cringy. The Andrew W.K. performance, the LOOOONNNNG pause in talking between the developers, weird editing of the gameplay. It, too me, was a complete misfire.

And another trailer for Elder Scrolls Legends. And more talking about Elder Scrolls Online. Ugh. At least the director actually announced new content.

DOOM: Eternal was the first big reveal for me. LOVED the trailer. A little bummed we have to wait to see it at Quake Con in August, but oh well.

Quake: Champions was there to announce it was free for the week? That's it?

Shoutout to Prey for dropping a LOT of content: A story mode, New Game +, Survival, the Moon Crasher DLC, all of which are available NOW. With the exception of Moon Crasher, the updates are free, so that was another positive. And on top of all that, Typhon Hunter is on the way. I'm not a multiplayer person, but that sounds like a genius concept for those who are.

Wolfenstein: Youngblood was the second thing that got me excited. LOVE the story premise.

Pete Hines giving way to Todd Howard and Howard's subsequent mega-block time was mostly a hit for me in presentation, but with the exception of ONE thing, nothing shown was for me. So bullet point recap:

• Keegan Michael Key's funny Skyrim/Alexa skit trailer was pretty funny
• Same Fallout 76 trailer from Microsoft's conference (NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!!)
• 16 times the detail
• Can see far off weather
• Entirely online/Every character is another player
• Can play solo/all progression goes with you
• Build and move homes ANYWHERE
• Multiple nuclear sites (This is going to be hell for everyone)
• The Break it Early Test Application has yet to be announced when it will go into effect
• Power Armor Edition comes with a Glow in the Dark map, figures, and a power armor helmet with light and voice modulator
• Game is out November 14
• Fallout Shelter is out now on PS4 and Switch
• Elder Scrolls Blades is the next mobile game (1st person, create your character, several modes, town building, trying to come to ALL platforms and will free in the fall

And finally, the fact we get not only a teaser confirmation of Starfield, but Howard saying it's "next-gen" and will COME OUT BEFORE the Elder Scrolls VI. That seemed like a "Yes. We're doing it. Now please stop badgering us for three or four years."

Overall, a couple of neat gems with a lot of hit and SEVERELY miss comedy. Bethesda is regressing in E3 presentations, and that depresses me. 6/10

Before getting into it: This was Microsoft's BEST conference of all time, and potentially top three overall. My reasons:

Halo Infinite, while a nice announcement, lacked gameplay. But stoked for reveal.

I was hesitant about the 50 games promise, but sure enough, they hit 51.

I love Ori, so the Will of the Wisps trailer was going to be a guarantee for me. However, what stands out is it showed significant gameplay. Still have to wait but WOW.

Ah yes. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It was here that I started to recognize Xbox was going pedal to the metal for an hour and half. The first of many announcements that isn't for me, I REALLY appreciate they showed gameplay, and a fair bit of it. SOLID showing.

Todd Howard coming onstage to announce Fallout 4 coming to GamePass was clearly a setup to 76, but the trailer and the info drop was jawdropping. FOUR TIMES THE SIZE OF 4!? I'm a little confused why the didn't hold for their own show later tonight but Xbox benefited BIG time for having it.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit was one of the very few that I didn't care for, but because this is the Life is Strange team, this is a big announcement. Also the fact it'll be free also is a big point.

Crackdown 3's trailer was nothing but gameplay and entertaining narration from Terry Crews. And that's great and all, but honestly, this game should go dark until the end of the year to start the marketing for release. It's been too long.

Nier: Automata coming to Xbox, while spoiled earlier, is an interesting get. I'm curious just how much a splash it'll make after already having a year plus on the PS4.

I COMPLETELY vibed with Metro: Exodus and I'm happy we got to see environments and weapon customization. This is a recent franchise "discovery" for me, so I'm excited to get it. But it now is the THIRD GAME to announce a Feb 22 release alongside Anthem and Days Gone. My bank account hurts.

Kingdom Hearts III. On the Xbox stage. While the Frozen bit wasn't for me, that trailer was amazing. STILL don't believe the release date.

Sea of Thieves did a good job hyping up coming content and both coming this year.

Battlefield V continues to undershow. I'm fascinated as to why, but I guess we'll never know.

Forza Horizon 4 demoed spectacularly. I'm not into racing games, but that was the best racing game demo I've seen. IF the world wasn't completely populated by others, today's demo sold itself HARD for me.

Phil Spencer announcing FIVE new 1st party studios was an absolutely necessary and awesome segment. In the moment, the BOMB of announcing Ninja Theory was, to that point, THE shock of the show.... Well, until later. But I'll get there. Anyway, that, and the segue into the We Happy Few trailer recaptured my interest into the game. I can't glow enough about this portion.

Probably the second "low point" (the first being Battlefield), a new PUBG map and mode makes sense being the most recent hotness. But still for those who care, this is a big deal.

Tales of Vesperia was WAY out of left field. Was NOT expecting this, or anything like it, at ALL. An announcement that only has jolly vibes from what I can see.

Love the Division 2's premise and the gameplay demo was wonderful to watch, but I played the beta of the first and was underwhelmed. If I have several very specific questions answered, this MIGHT get on my radar. Regardless, this showed well.

The most obvious low spot, and I'll posit the lowest, was the GamePass focused portion. I understand the necessity of highlighting the service, but it just fell flat in relation to the rest of the show.

And there's the montage trailer of 22 games to hit that 50 quota. The montage was expected, but there were a lot of interesting stuff I wish I could learn about as opposed seeing five seconds of it. Still, there's a lot of good looking games in there.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider's in game trailer was necessary, as the CG we've gotten so far, but at least we saw gameplay. Still don't like the "Become the Tomb Raider" tag.

I love how Session was immediately SKATE 4 being screamed until the title reveal. This announcement did nothing for me, but I hope it could do a lot of good in a dead franchise.

The Black Desert Online trailer was perhaps the most perplexing for me because I thought the game was out already. But nay, there will be a beta in the Fall. Still, it looks like another fantasy MMO and I'm sure it'll be a fine game.

Devil May Cry 5 is a massive announcement and Xbox continued to build off the momentum of having all kinds of top tier third party announcements. I also really loved the director coming onstage to share in his joy.

I don't think anyone predicted Cuphead DLC, but that trailer was another wonderful surprise. A little quick, but at this point, understandable, because this show was PACKED. And there was STILL more to come.

Tunic looks adorable, but the gameplay style isn't for me. I hope it does really well when it comes out.

I LOVE how Phil Spencer came out at this point to say hey, everything left, no one has ever seen (sans a steam ad....). And what better way to kick it off in what was the loudest pop of the conference: Jump Force. I mean a cross between One Piece, DragonBall, Naruto, AND Death Note. That game is going to do HUGE when it comes out.

Really loved the Dying Light 2 portion. Especially the insistence on how choices matter. This could be a sleeper GOTY contender. Not winner, but I see making a lot of positive impressions.

Battletoads. What? And I say that with a chuckle and a smile. I mean, more power to ya, but bringing it back is.... weird.

Just Cause 4 looks like more Just Cause, but I appreciate that it doesn't try to be anything that it's not. Good on ya Just Cause.

Now to the Gears portion. Seeing the Gears Pop announcement was a "NO!!!" moment for me, but in retrospect, a smart structure to make it the first of three. Gears Tactics being on PC is a little irksome, as an XCOM style game has only ever appealed to me if they had that style in the Gears universe. Bring it to Xbox, and I'll consider it. But of course they saved the best Gears for last and Gears 5 looks PHENOMENAL. I LOVE the story premise they teased and some gameplay additions look intriguing. Gimmie.

And of course, I absolutely ADORED Cyberpunk's fake out glitching. With the hidden teases of Witcher III codes and other secrets. That trailer coming AFTER Spencer publicly acknowledging the next Xbox is in development?

While it may read more negative than it is, please make no mistake. Microsoft came out swinging and connected in a LOT of areas. Despite several games not appealing to me, they matter to others and there was a LOT of massive names on stage, both anticipated and out of nowhere. Kudos to Microsoft. They crushed it, and I can't believe it. 9.5/10