Being my first E3, I had set pretty high expectations of what I hoped would come out of the experience. I knew that I would be running around the convention playing as many games as I could, writing as much as I could, and basically living and breathing everything that had to do with video games for a three-day span. In hindsight, I couldn't have ever possibly imagined just how amazing and fun the experience would actually turn out to be.

I was blown away the first day of the expo at Nintendo's Press Conference. Another New Super Mario Bros had me grinning from ear to ear right from the beginning. Finally, a four-player game that I had some chance of surviving through! The announcement of Super Mario Galaxy 2 had me sitting on the edge of my seat at that point, and I'm pretty sure I had to consciously remind myself that my mouth was open. But in the end, it was the new Metroid. I couldn't even control the crazed laugh that popped out of my mouth when the ambiguous movie seemingly became recognizable as I watched Zero Suit Samus suddenly flash across the screen. Needless to say I left the conference beyond satisfied; I was only disappointed with the lack of further word of my dear Pikmin 3.

As we left the conference and entered the convention center all I could see was bright lights and huge displays everywhere, coupled by blasting music and bass so high the sound vibrated right through you. So, to the important part: the games. Where do I even begin when I could barely find time to play everything I wanted within a three day time span? I played so many great games, including New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Spirit Tracks, and Silent Hill, that I could go on talking about them forever. I even surprised myself with some of the games I played. Most notably, I played my first Tony Hawk game ever, Ride. I got to use a fake skateboard, which I was almost certain I was going to fall off of due to my incredible lack of coordination. And while these two titles may not be coming to any Nintendo platform, let me quickly mention that I was able to enjoy both Katamari Forever and Brutal Legend, and I am extremely excited to play both of them at release.

While it was great playing so many amazing games, the ability to create relationships with developers, PR people, and people from other sites was a fantastic experience that I didn't expect to enjoy so much going into E3. I was going there with an intention of only playing games, not wasting time talking to people! But I was so surprised how often I found myself just standing around chatting with people, even after my demo or my booth tour was over. There were some truly amazing and creative people lurking around everywhere as well as big-named individuals who were like celebrities to me.

I had a fantastic time running around collecting any schwag I could possibly get my hands on, and I sincerely apologize now to anyone who had the misfortune of being with me when I spotted said free items and went on my crazed mission (Editor's note: her words, not mine) to claim my items by any means necessary. I did, however, draw the line at acquiring the LIPS schwag. No Karaoke...no way.

Though E3 itself was amazing and unforgettable, the time spent outside of the convention was just as memorable. While in the past I always enjoyed interacting with everyone on site (although I'm usually last to the party since I'm the worst at checking my e-mail) it was something completely different when everyone is together in person, stuffed in a cramped hotel room. I expected awkwardness at first but instead found an eclectic group of gaming fanatics. In between all of our cooperative hard work we all still found ways to have fun from an interesting session of Pictochat, ordering way too many pizzas for six people to consume, and me being absolutely mortified as we played "pass the coleslaw" at a landmark diner that we certainly left a lasting impression upon.

Altogether it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. I met some wonderful people, and made many new friends. E3 was more than just a convention, it was an experience. I wonder what will happen next year...