So it goes without saying that most of us (ok, a ton of us) think that Microsoft absolutely brought the thunder at their briefing today: From the game announcements (Halo ODST, Splinter Cell, Final Fantasy XIII, etc) to the Zune Video Marketplace to the Project: Natal Motion Sensor/Voice Recognition controller, Microsoft set out to not only redefine gaming entertainment, they’re doing it within the confines of current hardware and using firmware upgrades and partnerships to really make the XBOX 360 an entertainment hub for the living room.

I, for one, am looking forward to when this system update goes down.

Imagine now being able to interface with your friends via Twitter or Facebook. Imagine a controller that recognizes your voice and body movements. Imagine being able to finally play a Metal Gear game on your 360. As I sat in the press briefing today, I couldn’t help but realize that things are definitely stepping up.

Now, of course, as a Zune MVP, I was also happy about the Zune Video Marketplace. It wasn’t just another Netflix clone. Now you’re able to not only choose a video that you want to see, but it will start instantly. Also, you’ll be able to instantly go forward or backward in the film and have the movie start instantaneous from that point. Although, I will admit the updates to Netflix were impressive as well – there’s something to be said for being able to choose your movies directly from the console instead of having to hit the PC first.

Other info about Zune Video Marketplace:

• When you start up a video it will begin at a low bitrate (for instant viewing) then gradually increase the resolution – you won’t actually notice this all too much.
• Catch your favorite videos in full 1080p with 5.1 surround sound

Yes, I got seriously giddy when I was watching some of the game announcements go down. I was especially ecstatic for the Metal Gear Game since I’ve been a big fan of that franchise since it was on the PS systems. I’m not a big fan of Final Fantasy games and I think that video could’ve showcased more, but that’s just me.

The Beatles: RockBand was all kinds of cool and the live demonstration even had me singing. So apparently there’s multi-vocal (up to 3 people on some songs – harmonizing) as well as the instruments. Now I can have people compensate for my horrid vocals. I’m still waiting for RockBand: The Pep Band edition with brass and woodwind instruments.

Then there were the celebrity cameos: Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, Tony Hawk, Steven Spielberg, Felicia Day. I was waiting for Sasha Baron Cohen to make an appearance and teabag somebody – that probably wouldn’t have gone over too well would it? (Just ask Eminem). With the star power that was shown in this room, this event had a big time flare.

And for the love of everything holy, Alan Wake has a release timeframe. :-)

If I had to choose favorite moments from the briefing, I’ll have to say that the Left 4 Dead 2 trailer actually had me laughing – loved the southern accent on the narration. The one that made my jaw drop was the game for the XBOX Live Arcade. That was a stellar graphic achievement for something that’s available on XBOX Live Arcade.

But, by far the biggest impact came with the demonstration and announcement of the Natal Project. This controller is all kinds of cool. People went into this thinking it was just another motion sensor controller. I don’t think many people expected that the controller would basically make the controllers that you currently use obsolete. With the flick of a wrist, the sound of your voice, simple movement you can really be immersed in the action on the screen.

Following the press briefing I went to have some In and Out with some of the XBOX MVPs and XBOX staffers – and my good buddy and fellow Zune MVP, Drea. We were definitely pleased with how the briefing came out and all of the positive reactions that everyone had to what they saw. We were also engaged heavily in the burgers that we got – In and Out always rocks, I don’t care what you say.

Finally, I was able to go register at the Convention Center for tomorrow’s events. The process was smooth and easy and now I fully feel ready to tackle this event. The Convention Center is definitely ready with all of the banners, graphics, booths and booth babes – everyone is ready to go to show off the latest hardware, software and peripherals that will change the way we look at game.

This, overall, was a light day for me with just the MS Briefing and registration. Many of the other great gaming sites were able to cover some of the other press conferences that went down today, so I highly suggest you check them out for any of the latest information happening from the E3 floor. Continue to follow me on Twitter as I will update you from the show floor when I can.

So tell me, those who watched the MS Briefing (read: everyone!), what did you think?