Say what you will about Microsoft’s PC division, but its hard to knock the company’s gaming group, which has done many a corerct thing in the Xbox 360 era. Today was no different; E3: Day One all about the house that Gate built, which announced its upcoming Natal 3D motion-sensing controller, enhanced media (Zune Video, Last.FM, Live Party), social networking (Facebook, Twitter), and an exclusive Metal Gear Solid title, Rising, starring everyone’s favorite pretty-boy, Raiden. All in all, an excellent day for the Big M, but my excitements were generated by a smaller, but just as big announcement – - at least to my inner 12-year old.

WayForward busted out a nearly 6-minute video clip showcasing its remake/re-imagining of the classic David Crane 8-bit NES title,  A Boy and His Blob. ABAHB featured decidedly Pitfall-like mechanics (fitting, as Crane’s hand was in that classic, also), but added a blob that gained new abilities after snacking on jellybeans. Just go with it, people.

What’s wonderful about this Wii exclusive is that it  looks less like a videogame and more like a children’s fantasy book come to life. The art has a clean, charming appeal, thoroughly detailed in the movements  of The Boy and his, well,  Blob. Even the enemies have a cuteness about them than an outright menacing vibe. From this early clip, ABAHB appears to strike a nice balance of action and puzzle gaming, something that Boing! Docomodake tried to accomplish, but feel just short of a successful blend.

Along with King of Fighters XII, A Boy and His Blob is one my most-anticpated releases. 2009 is shaping up to be a great gaming year.