I've been a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog ever since I picked up the very first game for my Mega Drive. There was just something about how it looked, how Sonic behaved and moved, that really appealed to my 11-year old self. Flash forward two decades and I'm still a fan of the blue speedster, but even if I enjoyed Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, there hasn't been a proper main series Sonic title that I would deem good in many years. And I think the numerous directions Sega and Sonic Team have taken him in, have only brought about confusion and ultimately indifference.

That's right. I felt kind of indifferent when Sega teased the upcoming Sonic Generations. Sure it was Green Hill Zone, but Sega was surely going to mock it up somehow. Over the years they have promised to bring back the former glory of Sonic on so many occasions, that it's starting to sound as if they're stuck on repeat. I know, Sonic Colours, is supposed to be a rather good game, and Sonic 4 had its moments, perhaps I was being overly pessimistic (it happens).

But the second Sonic Generations trailer that showed actual gameplay got me excited. This could, if treated right, be the game that Sonic fans have longed for. I just hope that Sonic Team gets the multiple paths level design right. Sonic games were never just about finishing levels, they were always about finishing them as fast as possible, collecting as many rings as possible or finding secret zones and hidden rooms. That's the kind of level design I will look for in both 2D and 3D levels as Sonic Generations arrives later this year. I'm getting my hopes up... again.

The weeks surrounding GDC didn't really bring us much in terms of announcements, yet there must be a tremendous amount of games and news around the corner. It really looks as if E3 will be the battleground of the giants this year. Sony have already revealed NGP, proper name, price, and launch date are expected at E3. Microsoft have kept very quiet about their post Gears of War 3 (Sep 20) plans. Could Xbox 720 be unveiled at E3? It's not too farfetched, but at the very least we're going to see lots of new software announcements. Meanwhile Nintendo's Iwata casually announced Super Mario for 3DS at GDC, but rumours at the Nintendo are preparing to show the successor to the Wii at E3.

To top this off we've got the likely unveiling of Bungie's huge Activision project, the possibility of EA showing what Respawn are up to, and most likely one or two huge surprises. It's almost eerie that Rockstar have been able to hold off announcing GTA V for so long, isn't it? I'm sure there is a lot of negotiating going on with the big boys with regards to exclusive DLC and the likes.

But all of this is what we expect out of E3 and I'm really hoping for some major surprises.

At this point NGP is looking a bit like a fanmade PSP with all kinds of added features without much thought as to how it will advance your experience. I'm sure it will appeal to the same people who are happy with their PS3 thanks to Uncharted, Resistance and Killzone, but I'm not sure it's enough to rival Nintendo's superior grasp of the handheld audience. So what I'm really for from Sony is an idea, a vision of why we should put our faith in NGP. Some kind of new concept that advances handheld gaming.

Last weekend a friend of mine turned 25 (a young friend of mine), and to celebrate the occasion she invited a bunch of friends to a masquerade. A nerd themed masquerade. Given that I had my Sonic hat, I went ahead and dressed as my favourite hedgehog. I can't take credit for the make up, but it was a damn fine job I must say.

Anyway, it's Sonic 20th anniversary in 2011 so I figured he deserves a bit of a celebration at some point. Hopefully Sega can whip up something great with the blue whirlwind in 2011. I sure hope so, and there were signs of improvement with Sonic Colours.

Summer is hitting Sweden pretty hard... Devastatingly hard some would say. And it just feels wrong to turn on the heat producing Xbox 360 as you're sweating like a pig. Handheld gaming is where it's at when it's hot, and I've been catching up on some iPhone titles lately. From the kick fix of Canabalt, to the bit sized Civilization Revolution, and the absurdly addictive Bejeweled 2. As of late I've spent hours each day trying to best my scores in Blitz and Action, the game modes I enjoy most. I loose track of time playing, and I may have to delete the game from my iPhone soon - it's that addictive.

Meanwhile, my girlfriend has taken control of my Nintendo DS. I foolishly introduced her to Rhythm Paradise (US: Rhythm Heaven), and ever since she has been tapping along the weird tunes of Nintendo's lovely little music title. She's actually obsessing to the degree that she is hunting for "perfect" medals in the various mini games. It's funny to hear her laugh one second and curse the next - perfectly summing up the Rhythm Paradise experience. Entertaining and demanding.

But it's time to get back to what I usually play, and I've just started what has been described as the sleeper hit of the summer - Singularity, and then it's on to the indie delights of Limbo.

I would like to think that I have a great sense of humour. Others tend to disagree. That said I'm terrible at April's Fools - not that I fall for them, I just don't come up with good ones. Physical pain seldom makes for a good April's fool for instance.

Here at Gamereactor we cheated (cause we're lazy bastards) and used our Danish colleagues' "World of Duty" leak - it's funny cause it will probably come true in some way or another if Kotick has it his way. And why wouldn't he?

A few other jokes I laughed at was the one on Sega's blog (Dolphins packing guns are always funny) and the new Star Wars: The Old Republic class (check out the videos!).

Oh well, next year I vow to come up with something better than a lifetime supply of free games for anyone who puts their genitals on their laptop and slams it shut... Hopefully.