Everyone who loves gaming knows about E3 – the biggest gaming show of the year, and  this year the folks at E3 took the show back to it’s roots. The three “Big Boys” came out swinging as you knew they would.

Microsoft started things by introducing big games like Splinter Cell conviction, showing Alan Wake and Metal Gear Solid Rising which turned out to be multi-platform) and let us not forget Project Natal! Microsoft also revealed that XBL will be getting some Facebook and Twitter love in the near future (which could be great or could be blah. we’ll see…).

Not to be outdone, Sony rolled out the PSP Go – a fully digital version of the PSp-3000 complete with a sliding screen and 16 GB on-board flash memory. Sony also unveiled a load of games for the new handheld console including Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo and a truly brand new Metal Gear Solid (code named Peace Walker). They then moved onto introduce the PlayStation 3 exclusives including MAG, FF14, Heavy Rain, Uncharted 2 and GOD of War 3. Sony also took some time in showing a raw but live demo of their prototype motion controls.

Nintendo followed by showing their Wii motion plus, a brand new (sort of) Super Mario Bros. for the Wii, Mario Galaxy 2 and most importantly a new Metroid game (code named Other M).

No matter what system you currently own there is something for you. With that being said here are the top 5 most anticipated games coming out of E3

5. Metroid  Other M

Nintendo has joined forces with Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden and Ninja gaiden Sigma) to bring us Samus’s next adventure. Yoshio Sakamoto, Metroid Series director, confirms that Other M will feature story progression in the same manner as Metroid Fusion. Sakamoto states at the end that the collaboration between Nintendo and Team Ninja is “unlike anything that’s ever been done at Nintendo; It’s more than just a collaborative effort — it’s one group working toward a common goal.” This game is set for release sometime during 2010.

4. Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain gives the player the opportunity to basically play a movie by asking him (or her) “just how far would you go to save someone you love”. The main story will revolve around 4 different characters – all of them can die without stopping the story – putting the spotlight on their perceptions. The question ‘what is good and what is evil’ is key here. “I believe heavily in moral choices, I’m going to use them A LOT. They’re not about being good or bad, but about finding the right balance.” says David Cage the games director. Unfortunately we won’t get our hands on this suspense thriller until 2010.

3. Splinter Cell Conviction

Splinter Cell: Conviction sees protagonist Sam Fisher walking out on Third Echelon, the black-ops division of the NSA, despite threats from his superiors. Sam is now investigating the death of his daughter, Sarah Fisher, who was killed in a drunk driving accident during the events of Splinter Cell: Double Agent. Sam soon discovers that his daughter’s death was no accident, and must now uncover why his daughter was murdered and what connections it has to Third Echelon, which has become bogged down with red tape to the point of ineffectiveness and corruption. Splinter Cell Conviction is scheduled for a Fall 2009 release.

2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves picks up a couple of years after the events of the original game – Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. Similar to the previous story, Nathan’s new adventure revolves around an unsolved historical mystery – this time surrounding Marco Polo and his doomed voyage home from China in 1292. Uncharted 2 also introduces a vast and exciting (we hope) multiplayer mode. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves scheduled for release Fall 2009.

1. God of War III

God of War III takes place right after the events of God of War II, with Kratos upon Gaia’s back – eager to exact vengeance on the gods and make them “suffer”. God of War III will arguably feature the best graphics ever seen on a home console. Although gameplay looks similar to the two previous titles in the series, our hero Kratos will pack a punch and will have some new tricks up his sleeve. I can’t wait. Gamers who got the chance to play the game’s demo during E3 say it the most amazing game they’ve ever played. God of War III is scheduled for release in March 2010.

No matter how you look at it or which way your fanboy loyalties reside – the next 12 months or so are going to be totally awesome. This list is a very short 5 games list and a lot of games were left out – Modern Warfare 2, Crackdown 2, Alan Wake, MAG, Final Fantasy XIII and more. Tell us in the comments – what are yours most anticipated games coming out of E3 2009?