E3 : Extergaming

E3 Exergaming

E3 2004

By Steve Fulton

(Originally published on Gamerdad.com)

Exercise and gaming.  Ever since Nolan Bushnell introduced the first arcade dance-game through Bally/Sente in 1987, the very idea of getting exercise while playing video games has enthralled people like myself, who get bored after 30 seconds on an exercise bike, and can’t get to the gym on any consistent basis, yet could play video games all-day everyday.

While there have been dance pads, and other devices that have incorporated exercise and gaming in the past, E3 this year seemed to take this niche to another level.    One huge segment that I glossed-over, and wish I had not, were “drum” games like Donkey Konga.  Since these games only use a drum as a controller, and don’t force players to move their fat behinds, I did not include them here, but rest assured, exercise can ber obtained fro, those devices, as well as the following ones.

E3 Embraces The Classics

E3 Embraces The Classics
E3 2004
By Steve Fulton
Originally published on Gamerdad.com


E3 2003 was a huge disappointment for me.  It was my first time attending, and I my hope was to see all the cool new games, but at the same time, view some of the vast array of classic compilations that were starting to pop-up with amazing frequency.  As well, the newly formed Atari (Infogrames) would be there, showcasing why they had changed their name to that of world’s first great video game pioneers.  It looked like a bonanza for a classic gaming fan like myself.  However, it was not to be.  Besides a few trading-card based classic games for the  GBA, there were almost no golden-age games at the show.  Atari's booth (as this year) was closed to the public, and I could not find a way to worm my way in.  E3 it seemed was simply a show-case of tired, me-too 3D games with little room for innovation or reverence for the truly amazing game of the past. It was waste of my time, and a missed opportunity. I wasn't even sure I would ever attend the show again.