E3 2007: The Top 10 Showstoppers

3. Nintendo keeps it casual.

Riding high on the runaway success of the Wii and the steady dominance of the DS, Nintendo came into the show with little left to prove. While Sony and Microsoft slugged it out over cutting-edge third-party exclusives, the company that Mario built is keeping its bright, cheery eyes on the prize: your mom's wallet. Casual fare like Brain Age 2 and Flash Focus aim to make you a better person, not a better gamer, and the just-announced Check Mii Out Channel blends the social networking of Facebook with a somewhat unnerving Mii avatar version of "Hot or Not."

But Nintendo biggest hopes rest on the scales of Wii Fit. Targeting the expanding waistlines of the expansive Wii audience could be the company's shrewdest move yet, provided people are content working out when it isn't dolled up in Dance Dance Revolution clothing. So long as obesity remains a hot-button issue, expect Wii Fit to remain a hot-button game.

Really the only disappointment from Nintendo's camp was the limited showing of new software. While first-party behemoths like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy are destined for success, all were already announced and shown at last year's show. Mario Kart Wii is a nice addition, but what about more new games for that huge mascot roster? Starfox, Kirby, Luigi and Donkey Kong must be getting a little lonely warming the bench.

Still, E3 07 was another good for Nintendo. So long as they start getting some Wiis on (and then immediately off) retail shelves, consider it a safe bet that the beloved industry workhorse will continue its staggering ascent to the top of the pop culture mountain.

4. Microsoft lays low.

E3 07 started off on a very quiet note, thanks in large part to Microsoft's unwillingness to divulge much new information about much of anything. Xbox 360 price drop? Nope. A fourth version of the console? Sorta, if you count the Halo 3 special edition, which you probably shouldn't. We're happy to hear about a few new games like Viva Pinata: Party Animals and the PC port of Gears of War, but that's not exactly earth-shattering stuff. Suffice to say, Xbox fans who watched the press event on Xbox Live were left scratching their virtual heads.

However, look a little closer and you'll see a platform entering its prime. Games like Mass Effect demonstrate a combination of depth, detail and polish simply not found on the other systems. Microsoft is gaining ground left and right, enjoying a growing user base and a flourishing online marketplace. Why show your cards in the middle of the game?

Because everyone's dying to see what you're holding, that's why. The real losers are the fans of the system hoping to get a peek at the first-party future of their newly-warranteed rig, though they're about to forget about that pain entirely when a certain first-person shooter washes the canvas clean in a few months. Maybe we'll see more fight from Microsoft once they finish that one.

5. Potent portables.

With the introduction of a new PSP and Nintendo's continued commitment to games on the go, the portable space is really heating up for the 2007 holiday season. Here are three games to watch from each platform.

Nintendo DS

VIEW PHANTOM HOURGLASS GALLERY

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Pegged by many Japanese reviews as the best Zelda in years, Phantom Hourglass brings both an all touch-screen interface and addictively entertaining multiplayer to this new chapter in the life of Link. Boomerangs, grappling hooks and puzzles, oh my!

• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Product Page

VIEW FINAL FANTASY XII GALLERY

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings

This oddball sequel to Final Fantasy XII mixes classic RPG storytelling and real-time strategy. You'll move miniature armies and summon monsters in the world of Ivalice while learning the story of Vaan, a heroic Sky Pirate. The touch-screen interface is uniquely Nintendo, and the action is classic Final Fantasy.

• Final Fantasy XII Product Page

Brain Age 2: More Training In Minutes A Day

Sometimes it takes more mental gymnastics to comprehend the staggering popularity of Nintendo's brain games than it does to succeed at them. But Brain Age 2 is more appealing than the first, with more odd tasks like making change from dollars and cents and an audio version of rock, paper scissors. We're smarter already!

• Brain Age 2 Product Page

Sony PSP

WATCH GOD OF WAR II TRAILER

God of War: Chains of Olympus

Kratos bows on the PSP with a devastating blast of martial action that's reduced in side, not scope, from the original console games. Chains retains all the crushing combos and mythical beasts we love in the series, and offers some fascinating backstory detailing Kratos' early days working for Ares. This one will redefine 'smash hit'.

• God of War II Product Page

Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow

Perhaps the best game on the PSP to date is the wildly underappreciated Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror. Logan's Shadow ups the ante with new water based levels, more weapons and customization and a larger story with more varied action. Who needs James Bond?

Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron

Between the events of Episodes Four and Six, it seems that Han Solo led a secret squad of rebels in missions against the Empire. Better flight and combat controls help Han out, and you can play hero characters like Luke Skywalker or fly Vader's elite TIE Fighter. What better way is there to celebrate Star Wars' thirtieth year?

• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Product Page