Well, Microsoft's presser is done and over with, and here's some thoughts.

There seemed to be more actual gaming going on this year than in the last two, so Microsoft seems to be learning a bit. While there was plenty of non-gaming application being touted, there weren't really any "all right, so now I can listen to Justin Bieber" moments.

No child actors - I can't even begin to express my gratitude. 2010 and 2011 were both depressing Xbox showings and those were huge factors. The show for Wreaketeer or whatever it was called was pleasantly brief as well. Fable: The Journey still looks like hot garbage, but then again, it's a Fable title.

Xbox Smartglass? More like Xbox Dumbass. Why the hell do I want to be going back and forth between a smartphone and my movie/game? I don't know about anyone else, but personally, I rather enjoy concentrating on whatever I'm doing. Especially in a game like Halo.

Ubisoft showed just how busy they can make a UI with the Splinter Cell: Blacklist demo. Seriously, I half expect them to show of "User Interface: The Game" at their own conference later today.

Tomb Raider looks **** awesome. Definitely picking that up next year.

Why was Usher performing? Was that supposed to be a demo of Dance Central 3? Hell, at least Joe Montana was actually pretending to play Madden - they didn't even try to hide the publicity stunt that was Usher.

I wonder if those ESPN services are still only going to be for people with ISPs that are actively participating with ESPN...

And of course, Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Looks like fun, though the charge gun is a wee bit silly. Still, refreshing change of pace for the series, and I can't wait to see more.

So yeah, Microsoft. Not an embarrassment like 2010 and 2011. Good job this year!