Going to E3 has been a dream of mine since I first learned about in the late 90's. I never thought I would actually attend, and it was most definitely a dream come true.

Of course my maiden voyage to the big expo wouldn't have been the same without the NWR staff. I truly felt like I had known everyone there for years; it was never awkward, even when Zach would break out random factoids about dinosaurs. So to everyone on staff that went to E3, I hope you all go next year so we can have even more ridiculous memories, and hopefully another epic Pictochat session.

The actual show was extremely loud, but also lots of fun. My legs might have wanted to give up, but my mind was always looking to see what was next. It was an absolute sensory overload that I can't wait to experience again, but I think my body can only take it once a year. E3 is pretty much my gaming Mecca, and I'm so glad I got to go to it.

As far as the games go, they were almost gravy to the whole wonderful spectacle. Over the course of the show I fell in love with several games that were there. After playing Wii Sports Resort, I'm now eagerly anticipating its July release, and despite some initial hesitation, I cannot wait for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. There are quite a few Koopa Kid asses I want to kick.

Ubisoft wowed me with Rabbids Go Home, Academy of Champions, and Red Steel 2. Rabbids Go Home takes the personality of the Rabbids and combines it with great controls and awesome Katamari-esque gameplay. Academy of Champions is looking like the heir apparent to Sega Soccer Slam and I'm currently waiting for a solid release date to be announced so I can gather my friends together to play it when it comes out. Red Steel 2 is supposedly somewhat inspired by "Six-String Samurai," which excites me greatly.

I can't wait for Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story either, even though I'll probably just refer to them as Layton 2 and Mario & Luigi 3. I didn't even play Scribblenauts and it's now one of my most wanted games.

There were also games such as The Beatles: Rock Band and A Boy and His Blob that I loved, but read my impressions for more about them.

The one thing above all else about E3 2009 that will stay with me forever is the fact that I proposed to my girlfriend, Lauren Lewandoski, there. (Editor's Note: Congratulations you two!)