"Fukubukuro" is Japanese for "lucky bag." They are sold all over Japan during New Year's, and retailers cram a bevy of goods into a bag. The contents, however, are a mystery until the customer plops down their money and opens it up. Over at game site Insert Credit, Tim Rogers has penned "fukubukuro 2006: GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION." It's a whopper, and as Tim explains:

Expect very long reviews of at least three major games, and maybe a giant, rambling, world-changing essay of sorts. It's bursting with content — ten full-length articles totalling roughly 80,000 words, written in sentences and paragraphs, here and there, over the course of 2005 and 2006 (though mostly in the closing weeks of 2006). The reason I never put them on the website, uhh, as I was actually writing them is because, uhh, HTML is a hell of a lot harder than doing nothing.

All very raw, and not surprisingly, refreshingly honest. According to Tim, the most linkable article in the "fukuburo 2006" is on video game violence in which he riffs on, among other things, GTA, Jack Thompson and Mountain Dew. Not necessarily in that order, though. Brian Ashcraft

Are Video Games Terrorism? [Insert Credit]

Good lord, look at my giant golden head.

There's a story behind why the Rocky Mountain News decided to call the soon-to-be annual Best Games of the Year the Golden Crecentes, albeit a short one.

They told me they wanted me to do an award story for the best games and I said, jokingly, only if you call them the Golden Crecentes. Well, the did. So, of course I had to write the story to match the golden image of my visage.

And no, if you won an award, you don't get an actual Golden Crecente. I'm keeping them all for myself.

I went with Gears of War for best game because, well, it really was the best despite the fact that I also really loved Okami, Brain Age and tons of others.

Hit the link to check out my pick for best sequel, driving game, fighting game, indie game, portable game, rhythm game, strategy game, shooter, action, sports, party and platformer... and be prepared to disagree. Brian Crecente

The Golden Crecentes [Rocky Mountain News]

Gamasutra reports that in terms of revenue, Electronic Arts' titles dominated the UK sales charts last year.

In fact the publisher's games made up nearly one-fifth of all game sales in the UK. Here's the full chart:

Pos. Publisher Percentage
1 Electronic Arts 19.8%
2 THQ 7.9%
3 Ubisoft 6.9%
4 Nintendo 6.8%
5 Microsoft 6.5%
6 Sony 5.7%
7 Take-Two 5.4%
8 Activision 5.0%
9 Sega 4.1%
10 Eidos 3.7%

Talk about dominance, you would have to add the top three (which includes Nintendo) to better Electronic Arts' percentages. Brian Crecente

EA UK's Top Publisher [Gamasutra]

The thing about numbers is that there are tons of ways to look at them. Take for instance The NPD Group's official numbers for video game console sales in the U.S.

You could say that Microsoft is winning, you could say Nintendo is winning, or you could say Sony is winning.

I think Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said it best:

"Millions of players, both hard-core and brand-new, are already enjoying the unique entertainment provided by Wii, but demand for the system remains incredibly high," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "So our work is just beginning. We're dedicating ourselves to maximizing both manufacturing and distribution full bore throughout 2007, to make sure everyone who wants to experience the future of video gaming can do so just as soon as possible."

Congrats Nintendo, you rock! Brian Crecente

The thing about numbers is that there are tons of ways to look at them. Take for instance The NPD Group's official numbers for video game console sales in the U.S.

You could say that Microsoft is winning, you could say Nintendo is winning, or you could say Sony is winning.

Microsoft put it best: Consumers have cast their votes and Xbox 360 was the best-selling next-generation console of the 2006 holiday season in the United States, outselling the PlayStation 3 and Wii combined in December and outselling all next-generation consoles in November and December. The Xbox 360 garnered a 51% market share in the United States for December 2006. (US NPD, January)

Congrats Microsoft, you rock! Brian Crecente

The thing about numbers is that there are tons of ways to look at them. Take for instance The NPD Group's official numbers for video game console sales in the U.S.

You could say that Microsoft is winning, you could say Nintendo is winning, or you could say Sony is winning.

I can honestly say I can see where all three companies are coming from. But since I've only heard officially from Sony so far, this is their moment in the sun.

Sony Computer Entertainment America dominated the US computer entertainment marketplace in December, scoring its highest first-party sales month in company history, as well producing the top-selling home system. According to NPD data, SCEA tallied total sales of $1.61 billion, with more than 2.8 million units of hardware, 22.4 million units of software and 6.9 million peripherals sold, besting the next closest company's total retail sales dollars by nearly 40%. December 2006 was only the third time total first- and third-party sales for an individual company have exceeded $1.6 billion, records previously set by SCEA in December 2001 and 2002.

On the hardware front, the more than six-year old PlayStation 2 outpaced all other home systems at retail during December, including newer, readily-available products from our competition. Sales of PS2 systems were down a mere 5% from December 2005, demonstrating the continued viability of the PS2 technology. PSP (PlayStation Portable Player) showed very strong gains in December, up 130% over the previous month. As one of the top items on consumer's holiday gift lists, the recently released PLAYSTATION 3 set a new record for the company following exceptional December sales - in the first two months of availability, the PS3 has sold-through more units in the US than the original PlayStation or PlayStation 2.

"If there was ever any doubt about the power of the PlayStation brand in the US, the December NPD data should quickly quell it," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Not only did consumers drive records for PLAYSTATION 3, they also validated the excellent value represented by PlayStation 2 and the entertainment versatility of PSP. These sales figures bode very well for the company heading into 2007."

Congrats Sony, you rock! Brian Crecente

The Playstation 2's Madden NFL 07 was the top selling video game of 2006, by a wide margin. Next up was New Super Mario Bros for the DS followed by ube-shooter Gears of War.

Hit the jump for the full list as well as the top games for December and top titles across all platforms for December. Brian Crecente

Top 10 Video Games - Annual 2006
PS2 MADDEN NFL 07 - ELECTRONIC ARTS: 2.8 mm (Includes Hall of Fame)
NDS NEW SUPER MARIO BROS - NINTENDO: 2.0 mm
360 GEARS OF WAR - MICROSOFT: 1.8 mm (Includes Collector's Edition)
PS2 KINGDOM HEARTS II - SQUARE ENIX: 1.7 mm
PS2 GUITAR HERO 2 W/GUITAR - ACTIVISION: 1.3 mm (Includes stand-alone game)
PS2 FINAL FANTASY XII - SQUARE ENIX: 1.3 mm
NDS BRAIN AGE: TRAIN YOUR BRAIN - NINTENDO:1.1mm
360 MADDEN NFL 07 - ELECTRONIC ARTS: 1.1mm
360 TOM CLANCY'S GRAW - UBISOFT: 1.0 mm
PS2 NCAA FOOTBALL 07- ELECTRONIC ARTS: 1.0 mm

Top 10 Video Games - December 2006
360 GEARS OF WAR - MICROSOFT 815.7 K Includes Collector's Editon
PS2 GUITAR HERO 2 W/GUITAR - ACTIVISION 805.2 K Includes stand-alone game
PS2 MADDEN NFL 07 - ELECTRONIC ARTS 737.1 K Includes Hall of Fame Edition
GCN LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS - NINTENDO 532.9 K
WII LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS - NINTENDO 519.2 K
PS2 WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2007 - THQ 484.5 K
NDS NEW SUPER MARIO BROS - NINTENDO 427.5 K
360 CALL OF DUTY 3 - ACTIVISION 410.8 K
NDS YOSHI'S ISLAND 2 - NINTENDO 407.2 K
PS2 CALL OF DUTY 3 - ACTIVISION 365.3 K

Top 10 Titles - December 2006 INCLUDES ALL PLATFORMS (consoles and portables)
Madden NFL 07 - Electronic Arts 1.9 mm
Call Of Duty 3 - Activision 1.1 mm
Cars - THQ 874.0 k
Need for Speed: Carbon - Electronic Arts 871.6 k
360 GEARS OF WAR - MICROSOFT 815.7 K Includes Collector's Editon
PS2 GUITAR HERO 2 W/GUITAR - ACTIVISION 805.2 K Includes Bundle
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy - LucasArts 792.3 K
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 - THQ 731.6 K
Tony Hawk's Project 8 - Activision 713.9 K
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - Activision 642.9 K

Last year, it turns out, was a spectacular for everyone in the console video game business, not just Nintendo.

The console business raked in $12.5 billion, a 19 percent increase over last year. Hardware sales, portable and console combined, accounted for $4.6 billion in the sales, up 42.8 percent from last year. Another 6.5 billion came from console and portable software sales, an increase of 6.4 percent. The remaining $1.5 billion came from accessory sales, an increase of 18.9 percent over last year.

Bottom line, everyone celebrate we're all rich! Oh, wait a second, I mean poor. Brian Crecente

See that picture up there, the one with the guy flying backwards through the air? That's the G-rated version of what Nintendo did to the competition at launch. If the Xbox 360 or PS3 had entrails, blood-slick loops of them would be sprayed across the country's Best Buys, GameStops and Wal-Marts right now.

According to the NPD numbers released just minutes ago, Nintendo sold 1.1 million Wii from launch through till the end of the year. Sony came in a distant second selling 687,300 Playstation 3s. Comparably, Microsoft sold 607, 343 from their launch date in Nov. 2005 through the end of that year. (Microsoft has sold a total of 4.5 million Xbox 360's since their launch in 2005) So, apples-to-apples, Nintendo came in first, Sony second and Microsoft third, with Nintendo nearly tying the second and third place combined.

And that was really just the coup de grace. Last year Nintendo also managed to skunk the Playstation Portable broadening the 178, 705 lead they had over the PSP to about 2.5 million units.

Check back in a bit for a more detailed analysis of the official NPD U.S. console sales numbers. Brian Crecente

Last week I posted a link to a piece Stephen Totilo wrote for MTV about his personal worst moments in video game journalism in 2006.

At the time, I emailed Totilo and asked if he would mind if I stole the idea from him. You see, 2006 was a bad year for me, book ended by two particularly horrific ordeals and since most of my days are marked by what games I am playing, what gaming stories I am writing, what gaming people I am talking to, it's hard for me to separate the two. I don't write this seeking pity, or attention, but to say thank you for being there for me, whether you knew it or not.

The Death of my niece and a small part of me
It's Feb. 16. Late. I'm playing Star Wars: Empire at War on my computer online against random gamers as I finish up my review of the game for the Rocky Mountain News.

The phone rings:

"Brian?"

My mom sounds tired, frail, empty on the phone.

"What's wrong?"

"Brian, are you sitting?"

"What's wrong mom?"

"Jennifer's been murdered, she's been murdered."

I spend the rest of that night and the next morning desperately trying to find my brother, 18-year-old Jennifer's father. He lives in Atlanta, she lived in Austin.

I can't sleep. My brain is reeling. My stomach churning

I finally find one of my brother's friends and get her to go to his house. To wake him up. To tell him that his daughter has been shot to death. That his life will never be the same.

I call to talk to him, but he can't come to the phone. He's in the bathroom throwing up.

The next morning, weary, shell-shocked. I realize that I have an interview at NetDevil's Broomfield office.

An NCsoft rep flew in from Austin so she could sit down with me and the development team to talk about Auto Assault.

I call her, tell her what's happened and that I will try to make it.

My wife drives me the 45 minutes to their office. The team is prepared, knows what just happened and walks me through the development and my questions. I barely take notes, but manage to finish up the interviews and then head home.

Justin Crabbe, the teen who admitted killing my niece, still hasn't gone to trial.

An E3 I'll Never Forget
On Monday, May 8. My second E3 was about to kick-off. With the help of Joel Johnson, we assembled a team of excellent Gizmodo and Kotaku writers and were in full force at Sony's Pre3 press conference.

Despite not being allowed to check into my room on arrival and having to change in a bathroom stall and stow most of my gear with a sketchy baggage guy, I was in a pretty good mood.

After filling up on tiny hot dogs, drinks and other bits and pieces, the assorted press was filed into a sound stage to hear the Playstation 3 pitch.

I unpacked my bag of goodies: Laying out a digital camera, my laptop, my cell phone, a notepad and a trusty pencil. About a minute before the conference started, I decided to get my tape recorder as a back-up to taking notes.

I pushed down the lid of my laptop and then leaned forward to dig through my bag when I heard a loud snap.

Crap! Opening my laptop, the screen greeted me with a line of black ooze instead of Kotaku's backend. Wonderful, I just broke the LCD screen.

I took notes through the conference, than ran outside to beg a laptop from one of the other writers. I ended up filing my story for the Rocky an hour late, the first time I've ever broken a deadline for a newspaper.

The next day I convinced Mike McWhertor and Brian Ashcraft to take a cab with me to buy a new laptop, which I later sold at a loss on eBay after spending $750 to get my laptop's screen fixed.

And I won't even go into how sick I got at the show. Let's just say by the final day at least a half dozen people had told me I should go to a hospital.

I snap and so does a bone in my hand
For those of you who read the site on a regular basis, you probably know all about my computer, my hand and my anger.

Turns out that the pinkie bone in my left hand is not, in fact, stronger than a stud of my bedroom wall.

Basically, I got angry working on my computer, trying to get the damn thing to work and paced into my bedroom and punched the wall really, really hard.

So hard that despite years of martial arts, I still managed to roll my fist into the bunch and snap the head back on my fifth metacarpal.

Although the actual break didn't hurt that bad, the doctor setting it almost made me pass out and vomit... in that order.

Thanks to my stupidity, my right hand was in a cast while covering Sony's Gamer's Day and for the launch of both the PS3 and Wii.

Two more deaths
I was traveling when Sony sent me my Playstation 3 debug loaner, but they were kind enough to ship it straight to my mom's house in El Paso.

I was there for her 60th birthday as were a bunch of other relatives. Throughout the party, my Uncle Mero seemed not to be doing so well. He was ashen and gray and complaining of being tired and having chest pains. But he chalked it up to straining a muscle while moving furniture.

The day we left he was taken to the hospital for chest pains, but the doctors said that he would be fine.

From my mother's we traveled to Las Vegas for a short stay, where I failed to spend my time with the PS3 thanks to the crappy television in the room.

The day before we left, my father called to say that my 90-year-old grandmother was sick and in the hospital. Things didn't look good, he said. A few hours later he called to say she had passed away.

The next morning we left to come home. I had already told my dad I couldn't make the funeral because the Wii was waiting for me at the house and I had to finish testing out the PS3 and then the Wii to turn in my story for the Rocky.

The two reviews, and all of the game reviews that were to accompany them, were to take up four pages of the newspaper including the cover of the feature's section. Not turning them in wasn't an option.

When we arrived home I called my mom to tell her we had made the drive safely. She told me that my Uncle Mero had passed away that morning.

The doctors had released him, telling him to get another check-up when he made it back to his home in Hawaii. He and his wife went by a house they were fixing up to check on some things. At some point, my uncle said he wanted to go outside and rest in the car. When his wife came out to check on him a few minutes later he was already dead.

Thanks to everyone for reading this, and all of the other things that I and the rest of Kotaku has written this year. You mean more to us than you probably realize. Without readers we'd just be typists... and not very good ones at that.

Take care, have a wonderful New Years and remember that while games are fun, they're not all that matters in this world. Brian Crecente

Major Nelson has published Xbox Live's Top Games of 2006. There are three separate lists that encompass Xbox 360 titles, Arcade Titles, and original Xbox Titles. Here are the Top 10 Xbox 360 titles for 2006 based on Xbox Live connectivity:

• 1 - Gears of War
• 2 - Hexic HD
• 3 - Call of Duty 2
• 4 - Ghost Recon 3
• 5 - Oblivion
• 6 - PGR3
• 7 - Perfect Dark Zero
• 8 - Call Of Duty 3
• 9 - UNO
• 10 EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3

To check out all three lists, which list the top 20 games in all categories, visit Major Nelson's website.

Top Xbox Live Games of 2006

20. Fatal1ty Loses Challenge at CES
19. Now This is a Zelda Revolution Controller
18. Battlefield 2142 with a Dash of Spyware
17. Free Downloadable PSP Demos at TGS
16. Bad Man Plays Emulators on His Wii
15. PS3 Campers Removed From Burbank Best Buy
14. One Man's PS3 HDMI Issues
13. Best Wii Auction Ever
12. Halo Theme Performed At a High School Talent Show
11. E306 Clips: E3 Morning Stampede

Hit the jump for the top ten among readers. Brian Crecente

10. Terrorist Guild Holds WoW Server Hostage
9. WoW Profile: This Year's Leeroy Jenkins
8. Clips: Uwe Boll Pushing Lowtaxs Face In
7. OMG Playstation 3 Controller Spelling Mistake
6. Playstation Pornable Plucking Hussies Out of Thin Air
5. Blood Elves Declared Too Femme, Put on Steroids
4. Tekken With Actual Humans
3. Foreigners and Fights: PS3 Japan Launch's Dark Side
2. The Japanese Super Safe Wii Safety Manual
1. World of Warcraft Meets South Park: The Complete Episode

Sony today announced that Gran Turismo HD Concept is hitting the Playstation store for free on Christmas Eve in North America too. They had previously announced the deal for Japan.

The limited time free download supports 1080p and includes the Eiger Nordwand course. After unlocking ten cars in the time trial mode, players have access to ten more tuned cars as well as a Drift Trial mode.

While it sounds like the game doesn't support online play, it does allow you to upload your times and view the top 10 ranking for each car and mode. You can also play and save replays online.

Here's the list of the cars included in the freebie, in order of appearance:

— 1995 Suzuki Cappucino
— 1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster
— 2004 Honda Integra TYPE R
— 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
— 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
— 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
— 2005 Lotus Elise 111R
— 1994 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
— 1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
— 2006 Ferrari 599

Hit the jump for the full release. Brian Crecente

PLAYSTATION(R)Store Offers Gran Turismo(TM) HD Concept Free for
PLAYSTATION(R)3 Owners This Holiday Season

World's Most Popular Driving Videogame Franchise Available in Full HD*

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment
America (SCEA) announced today the December 24 North American release of Gran
Turismo(TM)HD Concept, available for free download, exclusively on the
PLAYSTATION(R)Store (PS Store) for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer
entertainment system. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., this driving game
features an all-new course for players to be the first to drive a Ferrari on a
PS3, as well as have the option to select a car from nine other worldwide
manufacturers that include Infiniti, Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki.
Available only for a limited time, Gran Turismo HD Concept takes full
advantage of the PS3 PLAYSTATION 3 hardware performance by providing full HD
1080p* resolution and next-generation car physics ushering in a new era of
racing for the gaming industry.
"Gran Turismo HD Concept provides PS3 and automotive fans a glimpse into
the future of Gran Turismo," states Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the
Gran Turismo franchise. "With the power of the PS3 technology, the world of
Gran Turismo is refined by its full HD visual presentation and unique
interactive experience, resulting in an even more realistic and true driving
simulator."
Upon downloading Gran Turismo HD Concept, PS3 users have access to the
Eiger Nordwand course and can compete in Time Trial races to collect and
unlock new cars. Upon unlocking the initial 10 cars, the player has access to
10 more "Tuned Cars," as well as access to a new driving mode called "Drift
Trial."
In the "Drift Trial" mode, the player can master the art of drifting and
achieve ultimate control of their car. Furthermore, when connected to the
PLAYSTATION(R)Network (PS Network), the player can upload their times and view
the Top 10 rankings for each car and mode, as well as play and save replays
online.

Featured Automobiles in Gran Turismo HD Concept (Year, Manufacturer,
Model)
In order of appearance in game (available in stock and "tuned" versions):

— 1995 Suzuki Cappucino
— 1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster
— 2004 Honda Integra TYPE R
— 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
— 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
— 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
— 2005 Lotus Elise 111R
— 1994 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
— 1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
— 2006 Ferrari 599

Additional Information About The Game Modes in Gran Turismo HD Concept
In "Time Trial" mode, the player selects a car and must complete the Eiger
Nordwand course within the target time indicated at the top of the screen.
Each time the player beats the target time, a new car is unlocked and made
available for selection. As stated, upon unlocking all of the cars, the
player can access tuned cars, along with the option to race Eiger Nordwand in
the opposite direction.
In "Drift Trial" mode, the player's drifting technique is tested, rather
than their lap time. The player earns drift points based on their drift
angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various
turns on the course. For each evaluation zone, the results are based on the
number of flags and a numerical figure. The point total from all zones
determines the player's drift points for the lap and is counted toward the
rankings.
The following settings are available during gameplay: 1)
Transmission — the player can select either Manual or Automatic. 2)
Stability Management (SM) — the player can turn this ON or OFF during
gameplay. ASM is designed to prevent vehicle skidding by controlling each of
the four wheel brakes independently. 3) Traction Control (TC) Level — the
player can set the TCS level, which senses drive-wheel slip and prevents wheel
spin. 4) Tires — the player can select front and rear tires from nine types
of brands.

About Gran Turismo
With more than 45 million units sold worldwide, the award-winning Gran
Turismo franchise for the PlayStation(R) platforms serves as the racing game
of choice amongst the automotive and gaming audience due to its true-to-life
graphics, physics and real-life cars and tracks. Since the inception of the
Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator - Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony
Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it
today. His offerings provide the gamer with the most true-to-life driving
simulation within the industry and a unique medium for automobile
manufacturers to showcase their products. In Motor Trend Magazine's February
2005 and 2006 issue, Yamauchi was selected as #17/50 most powerful people in
the automotive industry. For more information, please visit
http://www.gran-turismo.com .
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated
all Gran Turismo properties "E" for Everyone. For more information about the
ESRB, please visit www.esrb.org.

Wow, I hope the live folks are up to reviewing and approving all of those titles in such a short period of time. I'm not positive, but my sense is that the hang-up has been in the approval process. Maybe they've streamlined it. Brian Crecente

MS: '50 Live Arcade games by year end' [Computer and Video Games]

British Gaming Blog is pretty optimistic about the rest of this year in 360 gaming. I mean, why not be? While Live Arcade might expel new games only after months of constipation, the 360 line-up for the rest of the year looks pretty good, and the BGB have posted their full-on geek-out pics of what the best games for the rest of the year are going to be... sight unseen!

It's a pretty good list, including titles such as Just Cause, Dead Reckoning, Assassin's Creed and Gears of War. However, the second you put a fuckin' Sonic game on a top 10 list, you've really just blown your street cred... it's like calling pot 'marijuana cigarettes' during a drug deal while waggling around air quotes.

But I'd never heard of Stranglehold... a video-game sequel to Hard Boiled! I'm sure the level of my expectations when confronted with that concept practically guarantee the game's abysmal quality, but as Kotaku's own J.M. Barrie, I'd like to encourage everyone in the comments to clap their hands three times and shout out: "I believe in you, Stranglehold!" Florian Eckhardt

The 360's Blindingly Bright Future [British Gaming Blog]

45 Xbox 360 games are scheduled for release before the end of the year, but only 31 Xbox titles. Almost half of that 31 will be shipping by the end of June. After that, the 360 titles are listed in a 2-1 ratio for the end of the year... In other words, in about two months, the transition from Xbox to Xbox 360 is essentially over.

There are zero XBox titles slated for a 2007 release. We hope that this news means that Microsoft will continue to improve backwards compatibility on the 360, so we can finally chuck our XBox from the top of a skyscraper. Our entertainment center is only big enough for two fat, ugly Microsoft bricks, thank you very much. - Florian Eckhardt

2006 and Beyond [Dubious Quality]

Man, when the Electronic Software Association cracks on E3 passes, they crack down... unless you're a really big company, famous or just know someone, apparently.

Despite the ESA's insistence that this year is going to be different, E3 passes have already started showing up on eBay and in contests. Good news for you.

Microsoft just announced that they will be giving away a pair of two-day passes to E3 long with $300. To enter you just need to shoot an email to xlmail@microsoft.com with "Xbox Expo Sweeps" in the subject line. Make sure to include your gamertag and real name in the email.

To enter you must be: an Xbox Live member in good standing as of April 3, 2006, must be a resident of the U.S., must be at least 21 at time of entry, and must be a member of the games industry or working press covering the event. Oh wait, that last one's just the "rules" for getting in to E3 if you're not a contest winner or willing to buy your tickets on eBay.

Xbox Expo Sweeps [Xbox]

Sony's kicking things off at their studio in Culver City on the afternoon of Monday May 8th. The next day Nintendo and Microsoft host back-to-back press conferences, with Nintendo leading the charge and Microsoft following up. Both are within walking distance of each other in Hollywood.

No specifics have been released about the content of the press conferences, but expect Nintendo and Sony to be talking (and showing) next-gen consoles. Microsoft's invitation mentions both the 360 and Games for Windows, which you can bet will be all about Vista.

Microsoft invited several bloggers to breakfast during the Game Developers Conference to chat about Microsoft, the Xbox 360 and what ever else popped into our little heads.

Peter Moore, Chris Satchell, Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, John Porcaro and Cesar Menendez were on hand to answer questions. The bloggers in attendance were Joel Johnson, executive editor of Gawker's tech sites; Brian Crecente, that would be me; Christopher Grant with Xbox 360 Fanboy and Joystiq; Gaming Steve and Gamer Andy.

The dealio lasted about an hour and a half. We touched on if Microsoft is entering the portable gaming market (they dodged), the failure of the 360 launch in Japan (Moore described the launch as a plane with two engines on fire going in for a landing), when the core pack is getting killed, innovation on the 360, supply issues and Nintendo's strategy in the next-gen war. (Moore sort of says that the console war is now a two dog fight for mass market gaming.) Oh and he totally dances around the whole "Vista is delayed" issue.

I planned on writing all of this up earlier this week but my flu and massive MT technical issues have thwarted my attempts. For now, I thought I would just upload the whole audio recording from the breakfast.

The guy asking the first question is Joel Johnson (about portable gaming), I asked the follow up question (mentiong the Business Week story). Peter Moore answered most of the questions. The rest you can probably figure out.

Download the MP3 here.

Hit the "more" for the entire list plus details on each game.

beatmania
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Music
Platform: PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
beatmania is a revolutionary new interactive DJ simulation game for the PlayStation 2, which combines high-energy pulsating music with cutting-edge videos. Utilizing a specially designed DJ controller and featuring more than 50 tracks, beatmania lets gamers feel the vibe, drop the beats and create the pulsing energy of a club in their own homes.

CMT Presents: Karaoke Revolution Country
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Music
Platform: PlayStation 2
Saddle up with the hottest new addition to the Karaoke Revolution series. Karaoke Revolution Country marks the first branch out to a dedicated genre for the popular franchise. Officially licensed by CMT (Country Music Television), America s most popular country music network, Karaoke Revolution Country features 35 all-new chart topping songs made popular by the hottest names in country music!

Gradius Collection
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Shooting
Platform: PSP system
Gradius Collection is a compilation of five beloved Gradius titles in one exciting game. Spanning more than 20 years of exciting releases, the titles include Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Gradius IV, and the never-before-released in the United States, Gradius Gaiden.

Konami All-In Poker
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Card Game
Platform: Xbox video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Shuffle up and deal in the most exciting card game on the planet. This no-nonsense poker game lets new players learn the ropes and allows experienced poker players to get right into the action. Players choose from one of five classic games including Texas Hold em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud. In-game tutorials teach players the basic strategies, and Xbox Live online game service component lets players compete online for exciting multiplayer action.

Konami s Chess Battle (working title)
Release date: Fall 2006
Genre: Strategy
Platform: PSP system
Konami s Chess Battle combines intense 3D graphics and storytelling with a variety of single and multiplayer game modes for the ultimate chess experience. Set in a time prior to the age of man, players determine the fate of the world in a great battle. Players can choose to battle as one of five fully interactive 3D chess sets, including magicians, an aquatic civilization, cybernetic beings, forest-dwelling spirits and servants of chaos — or have the option to play using a classic 3D or 2D chess set.

Metal Gear Acid2
Release date: March 2006
Genre: Strategy
Platform: PSP system
Following the deep tactical strategy from the previous Metal Gear Acid game, Metal Gear Acid 2 features an improved card-based strategic gameplay system with card weapon upgrades and over 500 cards to use. The title delivers enhanced tactical gameplay and new visual effects, including an innovative 3-D mode packed with exciting gameplay and trailers that are viewed with special 3-D glasses. As the role of top-secret agent, Solid Snake, players will make calculated decisions to plan out their infiltration strategy and accomplish the mission in a turn-based game.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence
Release date: March 2006
Genre: Action
Platform: PlayStation 2
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is the newest game in the highly-acclaimed Metal Gear Solid series, created by the world-renowned Hideo Kojima. It features the complete smash-hit action game Metal Gear Solid3: Snake Eater, as well as all-new game modes such as robust online multiplayer gameplay, different camera perspectives, new duel mode, a demo theater mode, additional Snake vs. Monkey stages and the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake games that were previously released only in Japan.

Rumble Roses XX
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Sports/Wrestling
Platform: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
The follow-up to last year s smash hit all-female wrestling video game and the first wrestling game for Xbox 360, Rumble Roses XX will feature a full lineup of incredible looking wrestlers along with all-new moves, gameplay modes, tag team action and online play. Set to be the best-looking game for the new console, Rumble Roses XX features more than 20 playable characters, including all the popular ladies from the original Rumble Roses such as Reiko and Dixie. Each wrestler will also have a variety of costume changes, new moves, different crowd reactions and attitudes depending on their persona.

Silent Hill Experience (working title)
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Multimedia
Platform: PSP system
Unique among all PSP system products available on the market, The Silent Hill Experience combines a variety of media comics, music and movies to deliver a complete behind-the-scenes look at the popular Silent Hill franchise. Using an intuitive 3D interface, Silent Hill fans will be able to view all-new digital interactive comics, listen to music from the long-running series of Silent Hill video games, and watch exclusive video content, including an interview with the director of the highly-anticipated Silent Hill motion picture.

Steel Horizon (working title)
Release date: Fall 2006
Genre: Strategy
Platform: PSP system, Nintendo DS
Steel Horizon combines turn-based strategy with intense action to deliver an exciting game play experience to players of all ages. Players will be able to build and command a powerful WW2 naval fleet, comprised of battleships, submarines and aircraft carriers. By combining the best of turn-based strategy and real-time action, players will strategically position their fleets and engage in real-time 3D combat.

Street Supremacy
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Racing
Platform: PSP system
Experience the super-charged world of street racing as a member of a team out for supremacy. Face off against rivals as you race through Tokyo's traffic-filled streets. Stay in front of your opponents, dominate the competition and rule the highway! Featuring unique RPG-style racing gameplay, single and multiplayer modes and numerous licensed vehicles, Street Supremacy is must-have for the PSP system.

Suikoden V
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Role-playing
Platform: PlayStation 2
Continuing the series legacy, this newest installment will take fans on an all-new epic adventure through never-before-seen continents located within the immense and exciting Suikoden universe. Suikoden V, like its predecessors, offers unparalleled in-depth gameplay, 3-D environments, a riveting storyline as well as the series trademark 108 Stars of Destiny. The game features significant enhancements from all the previous installments in the series, including 6-member battle parties, multiple mini-games, the homebase system, and many other new features which create a unique gameplay experience like no other.

Tao s Adventure: Curse of the Demon Seal (working title)
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Role-playing
Platform: Nintendo DS?
In this exciting, action-packed RPG, players take on the role of Tao, a young magic student living on Bente Island, who must travel on an incredible journey to save his family and fellow village people from an evil monster curse that has turned everyone into stone. During this mystical quest, players will embark on an epic voyage packed with many traps and tricks, multitudes of monsters, 40 floors of thrilling battle adventure at the Monster Tower, and an endearing storyline which RPG fans will love.

World Soccer Winning Eleven 9
Release date: Early 2006
Genre: Sports/Soccer
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PSP system, PC CD-ROM
Winning Eleven 9 shoots and scores with the best soccer experience in the industry. This new edition combines the attention to detail that has been the series hallmark along with new formations, Master League enhancements and for the first time ever online play. Winning Eleven 9 features real players, a large variety of licensed teams, photo-realistic graphics, and a huge variety of stadiums, helping players re-create the same excitement that surrounds the world s most popular sport.

Ys: The Ark of Napishtim
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Role-playing
Platform: PSP system
The Ys series is one of the most beloved RPG franchises of all time. Now on the PSP system, gamers-on-the-go can experience the beautifully rendered environments, distinct storytelling, exciting plot twists and unique characters that set Ys apart from other action RPGs. Additionally, players can unlock new mini-games and databases revealing the secrets of Ys, as well as listen to the game s complete soundtrack as well as view movies and trailers in the Ys Media Player.

AMUSEMENT

Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Music
Platform: Arcade
The hottest revolution and bestselling video game in the music game category returns to its arcade roots with Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA. The first arcade version to be released in North America in 6 years, Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA features over 300 songs, all-new game modes, vibrant graphics and more than 2000 dance step patterns.

FUTURE PRODUCTS

Yu-Gi-Oh! USB Duelpass Key
Release date: Spring 2006
Platform: PC
By plugging the Yu-Gi-Oh! USB Duelpass Key into a computer, the user is automatically launched to a unique Yu-Gi-Oh! Online.net login page, where they can duel with other Yu-Gi-Oh! gamers anywhere in the world. The user is credited with 90 duel points and receives 3 virtual cards, one of the cards is exclusive to the product.

MOBILE

Blockshot
Release date: Winter 2006
Genre: Mobile/Action Puzzle
Based on the popular Quarth arcade game, Blockshot combines elements of both shooting and puzzle games. Shoot carefully to make a solid block and clear them from the screen. Keep an eye on the big picture and work as efficiently as possibly.

Cubic
Release date: Winter 2006
Genre: Mobile/3D Puzzle
Cubic is a puzzle game played over all sides of a 3D polygon cube. Choose the color and go! Reverse pieces are made by sandwiching in the opponent vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The player who has the most pieces wins!

Dance Dance Revolution
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Mobile/Dance
The hip tunes and party atmosphere of the arcade version go mobile! Players use their fingers to step on the arrows right, left, front, back on your phone. Use some tricky finger work to get the high score.

Push-It!
Release date: Winter 2006
Genre: Mobile/3D Puzzle
Push It! is a sliding box game which challenges players to create a safe course by sliding boxes into open areas in the path. Be careful not to disturb certain objects along the way. Caution: highly addicting!

Tamakoro 3D
Release date: Spring 2006
Genre: Mobile/3D Action
Keep the ball rolling without falling over the edge and avoiding the traps. It doesn t matter which path the players uses, so find a shortcut or detour to shorten the time score! Net ranking and new road course downloads will be available.