THQ knows how to put on a show at E3.  You would never know that they are struggling as a company if you  saw the noise they made at E3.  But in the end, it’s a question of whether their titles hold up among the competition:

Red Faction - This new iteration looks similar to the previous offering as far as graphics, but doesn't seem like it's just more of the same. The setting looks dramatically different and the player's capabilities now have much more depth. It is dated for March 2010, which is questionable since it is the last month of THQ’s fiscal year. However, I think it makes its date and does well, but nothing extraordinary.  Given the growing competition, what worked in 2009 may not work as well in 2011 without improved graphics.

Homefront – For a second year in a row, THQ promoted Homefront, a shooter title about an occupied United States.  For a second year in a row, this title failed to catch any significant buzz, however.  Although it appeared to be a well made title, something about the story felt a little too outdated and nationalistic.  Even if this title rates well, it may have a challenge of selling itself based upon its ‘fight for America’ idea.

More interesting than THQ’s presented titles were what was not present, like their most important internal franchise, Saints Row.  That absence suggests Saints Row may now be a title that we see much later in 2011.  Also, EA’s new mixed martial arts offering appeared to have much better controls and graphics that THQ’s offering, despite not including popular UFC superstars.  THQ has already warned that this year’s UFC shipments have been below expectations.  If EA pushes their MMA title hard enough and gamers try it, THQ may have further problems with this license in the future.

Overall, THQ made the best of what they had to offer.

THQ Overall 2010 E3 Grade:  B