E3 2009 may have come and gone, but its impact will last for months. With so many huge announcements and big name blockbusters on the way, the return of our industry’s greatest spectacle to its former extravagant glory seems to have been a resounding success.

Well... not entirely. Being the nitpicker that I am, I realized that quite a few previously announced games were noticeably absent from the hustle and bustle of this year’s show. Development problems? A less-than-confident publisher? Game just ain’t no good? Who knows, but here are the most notable no-shows:

007

We have heard that Bizarre Creations is building some kind of James Bond title, but this secret agent seems to have been a bit too stealthy during this year’s E3. Let’s just hope that it’s better than the dreadfully dull Quantum of Solace.

Beyond Good & Evil 2

Michel Ancel’s highly-anticipated sequel had fans salivating after its announcement, but hearts were broken when we were told that the game would not be appearing at this years show. Another reason to be thankful for footage leaks.

Fallout: New Vegas

While this makes sense in a way--so as to not steal any thunder away from the Fallout 3 DLC--the lack of new information or even a paltry trailer for this post-apocalyptic follow-up is a bit disheartening.

Ghost Recon

Ubisoft recently confirmed that a new Ghost Recon would hit within the next fiscal year, but Sam Fisher’s triumphant return seems to have assassinated any footage of the Ghosts that could have been shown. Ding Chavez and the Rainbow 6 crew were also MIA.

Half-Life 2 Episode 3

Holding back the tears as I write this might be the toughest task that I have ever been faced with. The Half-Life episodes have been nothing short of astounding, and the talk of Episode 3 bringing never before seen elements into the Half-Life universe leaves my mouth agape. Yet--once again--not a peep was uttered about it at this year’s expo. Valve...why must you break my heart?