Quite simply, this year's E3 is amazing.

Sure, we've only just begun. But after an incredible showing from Square Enix and an interactive showcase of amazing titles set to be delivered to the PS3, the bar is already set in the stratosphere. Why, I could go home, shut the doors and never see anything else all week and feel like I've seen it all.

Of course, behind closed doors I'd be playing the current generation on my days off from work.

I was disappointed that the live Sony stream broke down just before the Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer. I did manage to catch a portion of it, and the parts I saw were disturbing. I can understand a real battlefield being disturbing, but the gothic look (particularly for Raiden) was just not right. I was especially disturbed by the grim portrayal of suicide. Regardless of culture, that is not an option for those who can still survive on their own. . . and Snake has been a survivor.

On the positive spin. . . I'm glad Raiden is set as Snake's protector. It is a great showcase for the changing roles of generations. As one generation ages, the younger ones become the stewards for not only caring for the elderly, but also the future generations to follow. Snake looked out for Raiden and now Raiden can look out for Snake.

To be sure, the console looks impressive. $499 and $599 for the PS3? 4 million units by the end of December? An open price to be set by the retailers in Japan? The 6 million units they are looking to deliver in the first 6 months has got to be a move to drive their costs down through mass production. Sony's formula for pricing had to have been a headache for any marketer. Just how many units do you have to produce and ship until it becomes a cost-effective endeavor?

I hope Sony knows. I also hope the biggest bomb to be dropped this year doesn't effect this industry too much.