As I lay here in bed wondering why companies throw parties when they know I have to be up and working by nine—thanks Harmonix!—I am glad I don't have to repeat yesterday afternoon's jaunt to Barker Hanger, the new "play our games" area at E3, which once needed several thousand square feet over three giant halls but is now easily able to fit into one modestly-sized airport hanger.

Not that that's bad, per se. I really like the fact that, instead of giant booths full of costumed girls, flashing lights, and animatronics, Barket Hall instead relegates each company to a identical display: just a table with a big screen TV as monitor. It makes it easy to judge each game on its merit alone, when Lair and Heavenly Sword sit right next to Hannah Montana. But it doesn't make for that interesting of a gallery, so I punched it up with a little wiseacrery. For your health!

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