I’ve just got back from going to the convention center to get my media badge after having had a chance to watch the Microsoft conference. I let the fanboy-ish “OMG! OMG!” moments settle in – thought not too many of those – and have let the less than stellar moments warm up to me a little as well. As it turns out, Microsoft is great at providing games…and equally great at ripping off other companies. I wonder how long until we get a quirky title to make fun of how the Avatar system is nothing more than a Microsoft Mii.

The Microsoft conference started out with the brand-new trailer for Fallout 3. The trailer did a great job of setting up the world of the game and delivering a funny and yet creepy trailer in the process. I’ve seen Fallout 3 in action already, but I still get a smile watching everything. I love how the game can be a FPS if you want it or turn it into a more cinematic RPG attack system with the use of the right trigger.

I’ve never been able to finish any Resident Evil game beyond the second one, but only because they freak me out too much. Resident Evil 5 didn’t look much different than Resident Evil 4 from a gameplay or technical look. The only thing different about Resident Evil 5 at this point in time is the online co-op, which made the game look infinitely more horrifying and dangerous. It reminded me a lot like Splinter Cell’s co-op system, but with more action. It was truly frightening watch as one player adventured into the unknown, run across a flood of zombies, and then have another player shoot sniper rifles in a panic. The only problem right now is that March 13, 2008 is too long a time to have to wait for the game.

Fable 2 looks good, but nothing really special as of this moment. Having a pet, wife, and child is nice, but there were gameplay innovations like that promised with the first game and it only ended up being a good RPG that was far from revolutionary. The online co-op mode is nice, but once again nothing special. It could be fun adventuring through the world with a friend on the same adventure, but yet it seemed like the co-op was nothing more than a reason to have people get together and do ultimately pointless time wasters like virtually drinking in bars or burp in front of invisible wives.

The Gears of War 2 presentation was flawless from beginning to end. First up, the short trailer was very cinematic and awe inspiring. The game is not only throwing in new gameplay advances like the Horde mode (five player co-op against a never ending wave of Locust), but featured several new Locusts. The new Locusts included ones swinging maces, brandishing shields, and the coolest of them all, waving a flamethrower around. The gameplay itself looked amazing, putting the action in some great set pieces. I don’t know who thought of battling on an elevator going sideways, but it was simply too cool.

Microsoft then delved into their software side of things, which was easily the most boring part of the presentation to me. I don’t use Live for any service other than playing games online, buying games, or downloading demos, so hearing about NBC being among a new group of partners was very “meh” inspiring. The new dashboard looks pretty clean, so that’s always nice. The ability for eight people to form a party and endlessly float between games and programs was the coolest of the software features. It’s hard to get inspired about the Avatar system, seeing as how it is nothing more than a Mii ripoff. Plus, when they mentioned about summer clothes coming out, for example, I couldn’t help but wonder how much those will cost. The only “neat” thing about the update was the Xbox Live Primetime system, which is going to actually let people play games for prizes online.

I’ve always sucked at Geometry Wars, but that didn’t stop me from oohing at the new effects, enemies, and the new co-op. I was equally excited to see Galaga Legions. I was never a Pac-Man fan, but the people behind the new update did the fairly recent Pac-Man Championship Edition, and it was a game I actually enjoyed quite a bit. Galaga was my first gaming love as well, so it will be a definite must buy Live game when it is released.

Out of my favorite games last year, Portal was easily one of the best of them all. I didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as GLADOS voice came over the speakers and started talking, I’m not joking when I say shivers went up my arms. I absolutely can’t wait for more Portal. I’m supposed to be seeing Valve tomorrow, so you better believe I’m going to try and get some information on some more Portal love.

I wasn’t too thrilled with Rare’s offerings, and it still seems like it was a terrible decision for Microsoft to buy them for development. The original Banjo game never thrilled me all that much, but Banjo & Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts just looks too gimmicky, considering how much LEGO-esque development seems to be involved in the game. I did like the original Viva Pinata, however, and it sounds interesting about the inclusion of desert and arctic environments and pinata animals. I worry the game will be too much of the same, but with very little new in the way of gameplay.

The end movie created from the minigames of You’re In The Movies was very geeky and cool, but the games just didn’t really seem that fun. Also, is there a way to win the game, or are players just playing the game in order to get the goofy looking B-movie at the end of play?

In regards to the music games that Microsoft talked about, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 are must-buys for me, but their big musician reveals was anything but amazing. Van Halen and the Eagles? Eh, okay, they might be good depending on the right song. Rock Band 2 excited me a bit more with their ACDC reveal, but instead of Hell’s Bells or Highway to Hell, they reveal a song I’m not familiar with all. Come on developers – give us the freaking hits already!

Lips sounded great for those who like karaoke, but I can’t sing, so this one is a definite pass for me. I also could’ve done without seeing Duffy sing.

It was great to see some of Square Enix’s games, but the reveal of Final Fantasy 13 didn’t really thrill me. I’m sure Final Fantasy fans who bought a 360 and not a PS3 were going ape-crazy with word that they would get to play the game on the system they bought, but for someone like me who owns all the major systems, I would’ve been able to buy the game no matter what system(s) it eventually came out for.

In the end there was a lot of things Microsoft did right – mainly showing off some really great looking games and some promising ones as well. On the downside, however, the software additions weren’t too thrilling for the most part.