Day 3 brought a new element to the Tokyo Game Show - the general public.  It was cool to be able to check out the games and the hardware with the end users, and see their interaction to the games.

As we were walking to the show, I said to the Steve's that I wanted to play Halo 3 again, but I was sure the line would be too long.  We got there kind of late in the morning (late night the night before - don't ask), and the line was only about 5 minutes.  I couldn't figure it out!  The line to play latest Sonic game was about 30 minutes.  So why the difference in lines?  This is where the realization of the day comes in. Okay - here is the big secret from Japan.  According to local gamers, the XBox 360 is a joke her!  Everyone I saw has a DS for use on the train, and the locals say they have a Wii at home, and the ones with the means have a PS3.

Japanese gamers LOVE their RPGs, but are not a big fan of FPS games.  Microsoft is finally stepping into the fray with some good RPG games, but they have a lot of ground to make up, and the general consensus on the street here is that it just isn't worth it.  Much like the Wii-60 fans in the US, here it is Wii-3.  One good thing did come out of all this though.... I PLAYED HALO 3 AGAIN!

Under the heading of "cool accessory that I will never own", was a driving simulator chair called the D-Box.  This was a driving platform that was sitting on a group of actuators which simulated acceleration, breaking, road conditions, etc.  It was a lot of fun to drive, and being a HUGE driving game fan, I found it to be just about the best driving simulator accessory that I have had the privilege to use.  So rush right out and get a pair!

And what was today's highlight, you ask (come on, I know you asked...) - I would have to say it was the general interaction with the gamer.  Watching the expressions as someone played something they found really cool, as well as the "meh" expression as they played something less than captivating.  Being with a gaming news company, I have to at least pretend I enjoyed the experience (see flying broom simulator from day 2), but the local kids - WOW - they pull no punches.  Game companies really have a great way to gauge public response to their latest releases.

Tomorrow is the final day of TGS 2007.  If I make it back from Harajuku in one piece tonight, I will give you my rap up.

Until then, keep breathing until Halo 3 comes out!