What a year its been for E3! With a full on return to the hectic and crowded nature of E3's past, we were instantly bombarded with the sights, sounds, and unfortunately, smells of gaming's biggest event. Over 40,000 people packed the Los Angeles Convention Centre hoping to get a glimpse of the upcoming latest and greatest in our beloved pastime. We at GamingExcellence were privy to nearly everything on display at the show, and with nearly a dozen staffers roaming the floor, few outlets were as well equipped to determine what the best of the best was at E3 this year.
Some categories were slam dunks, others were fiercely debated into the wee (or wii) hours of the night. Insults were hurled, threats were made, but no violence took place (we are polite Canadians after all). In the end, we came to a consensus on a wide variety of awards. Be sure dear readers, that if a game is nominated for an award, then it comes whole heartedly recommended by some of the most passionate writers on both sides of the border. Without further ado, we proudly give you...
GamingExcellence's Best of E3 2010!
Special Achievement Awards
Every year we at GamingExcellence like to take time from ranting and raving over the latest, greatest blockbuster title to grace our greedy hands and give credit where credit is due. Some games just bring something special to the table and we want to acknowledge these titles for having something that just makes the crew say "wow" or some more vulgar variation. Innovation, graphics and artistic design are just some of the categories that get our attention here.
Best Downloadable Game
Downloadable games are the new way to get ideas to fruition in small packages at reasonable prices. Though this market contains its share of one-dimensional games, we honour those that push the envelope with novel ideas and an unprecedented amount of "bang for your buck."
And The Winner Is...
There were plenty of downloadable games at the show this year, but only one that we made sure the entire team played before the convention center doors shut for good. Limbo combines an enthralling art style with a intriguing puzzle-platforming approach. The replacement of music with a soft, dull hum sets the eerie mode appropriately, and really keeps you on your toes throughout the strange, dreamlike world. Most full-fledged games don't create the type of haunting atmosphere that Limbo is able to enforce, and that's why it was the best downloadable game at this year's E3.
Nominees:
- DeathSpank (HotHead Games)
- Hard Corps Uprising (Konami / ARC System Works)
- Limbo (PlayDead)
- Puzzle Agent (Telltale Games)
- Rock of Ages (Atlus USA / ACE Team)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (SEGA / Sonic Team)
Best Graphics - Technical
Making a game that looks nice is one thing, but piecing together all the elements of a game into an engine that doesn't impede on the frame rate is no easy task. This year's nominees push the capacities of the hardware to make games that are not only visually stunning, but enable gameplay developers to dream up new moves, new action sequences, and an overall better gaming experience.
And The Winner Is...
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that had Guerrilla Games shown off Killzone 2 it would have given most games a run for their money in this category. Now that Guerrilla has had over a year to make improvements to the engine and even add in support for 3D tvs, Killzone 3 looks fantastic. Insanely high textures, beautiful models and increased map sizes with new and diverse environments make Killzone 3 a technical work of art. Killzone had some tough competition in this category, but just watching this game run seamlessly at such high fidelity makes it an easy choice for winner of this category.
Nominees:
- Crysis 2 (Electronic Arts / Crytek)
- Dead Space 2 (Electronic Arts / Visceral Games)
- Gran Turismo 5 (SCEA / Polyphony Digital)
- Killzone 3 (SCEA / Guerrilla Games)
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (Electronic Arts / Criterion Games)
- Vanquish (SEGA / PlatinumGames)
Best Graphics - Artistic
As graphics get better and better, more and more studios begin to deviate from simply 'realistic' graphics, and style becomes a large part of the display. It gets to the point when these new stylized graphics, while perhaps not as processor-pushing as some, are better to look at than their more realistic counterparts.
And The Winner Is...
Imagine stepping into a dark nightmare, one where all you can make out are shadows. Dark, terrifying things wait in the darkness, and it seems that your death is simply around the corner, waiting for you. Limbo manages to pull this look off perfectly, shrouding all your surroundings in shadows and darkness, looking like you're viewing everything through half-lidded eyes. It's perfect at evoking a sense of fear and mystery. Other games looked good on the show floor, but Limbo's art style made it feel like you were just a little child, surrounded by darkness and things that you did not want to see. And that was on a bustling show floor. Surrounded by darkness in your own home, that's just going to be all the better.
Nominees:
- Dust: An Elysian Tail (HumbleHearts)
- Epic Mickey (Disney Interactive / JunctionPoint Studios)
- Kirby's Epic Yarn (Nintendo)
- Limbo (PlayDead)
- Puzzle Agent (Telltale Games)
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Ubisoft / Ubisoft Montreal)
- Trine 2 (Atlus USA / Frozenbtye)
Technical Achievement
The nominees for the Technical Achievement award are typically games that have pushed the limits of their host system. Sometimes that means creating massive worlds, photo-realistic graphics, or visually impressive effects. Past titles have also been nominated for creating ultra-efficient game engines to run on limited hardware, and every few years, exciting new hardware opens large doors for the games of the future.
And The Winner Is...
Nintendo 3DS
For a company that has a well-earned reputation for releasing hardware updates as often as they change their underpants, it was a refreshing burst of fresh air to see the true next generation of Nintendo's market dominating portable platform. Take our word for it, the Nintendo 3DS is legit, and the effect is intoxicating. The level of visual separation, depth perception, and graphical fidelity possible with this unit is far and away beyond anything we thought possible on a portable gaming unit. The graphics look better than most Wii games, the 3D camera is a joy to play with, and the presence of franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Kid Icarus, Mario Kart, and many more had us sold from the moment we first laid eyes on this technical marvel.
Nominees:
- Kinect (Microsoft)
- LittleBigPlanet 2 (SCEA / Media Molecule)
- Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo)
Most Innovative
We can take this one straight out of the dictionary; the award for Most Innovative goes to the game or system that introduced not a new feature, but a platform for creating new features. We're talking about games or hardware that stretch the limits of your imagination by presenting new concepts in gameplay, story-telling, graphics, sound, and all other elements that make gaming the top entertainment market in the world.
And The Winner Is...
Nintendo 3DS
Perhaps the most disapointing aspect of this year was the prevailing sense of "been there, done that" for almost everything we saw. Many games look excellent, play smoothly, and are tons of fun, but there was a disconcerting level of unoriginality at this years show. Leave it to Nintendo to be one of the few companies to truly show us something we'd never seen before. The sheer ability to have such effective 3D graphics without the use of glasses or other peripherals simply blew our minds. The Nintendo reps nearly had to forcefully drag us kicking and screaming from the 3DS booth after we laid our hands on this awesome little handheld.
Nominees:
- Dance Central (MTV Games / Harmonix)
- Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo)
- Portal 2 (Valve)
- Rock Band 3 (MTV Games / Harmonix)
Biggest Surprise
There are always the titles that you look forward to: triple-A titles that have been releasing teasers, pictures and trailers to excite. However, there are always those titles that developers seek to keep under wraps, and while some are quietly introduced, sometimes one or two make our jaws drop, wondering how the developers could've possibly this under wraps.
And The Winner Is...
Nintendo's Lineup
While Sony and Microsoft are playing catch up unveiling their motion controls, Nintendo took the show with their press conference. While they showcased their staples like Zelda, Metroid and even a re-imagined Kirby, they unveiled perhaps the most amazing piece of tech to date: the Nintendo 3DS. This could very well be the only portable entertainment device you will ever need to buy. Not only will you be able to play games in 3D (or not if you so choose to), but you will also be able to watch movies in 3D. With their impressive lineup, Nintendo has set in stone that they are still trailblazers in the gaming industry.
Nominees:
- Mortal Kombat Returns (WB Games / NetherRealm Studios)
- Microsoft's Disappointing Cirque de Soleil Event (Microsoft)
- Nintendo's 3DS and Huge Game Lineup (Nintendo)
- Sony's 3D Offerings (SCEA)
- Twisted Metal Returns (SCEA / Eat Sleep Play)
Editor's Note: An honourable mention goes out to "Burgerstorm", EA's stunt promotion for Bulletstorm that provided what was likely the only edible food at the show. "Another GangBangBurger please!"
Genre Awards
Whether you like shooting the lights out, punching the gas out of the starting line, placing yourself in the shoes of a fantastical knight, or even racking your brain to solve a puzzle, everyone has a favourite genre of game. Every staff member at GamingExcellence is the same way, and here are our choices for the best of each individual genre.
Best Action Adventure Game
Like Elvis once said, "A little less conversation, a little more action." That's what this genre is all about, telling a great a story while moving the action forward with satisfying action and impressive set pieces. All of the games listed below brought those elements together in convincing fashion.
And The Winner Is...
From the moment the first Necromorph jumped onto our hero in a terrifying visceral way, we knew we had to get our hands on this frightening little gem. While an evolution, not revolution, of the formula set forth by the first game, Dead Space 2 is clearly a labour of love for horror fans, by horror fans. It's hard to put a finger on what part of the demo blew us away the most, be it the intense action, gorgeous graphics, outstanding production value, the zero gravity freedom, or the sickening gore, but we can confirm that all these things come together in a way that have Dead Space 2 standing head and shoulders above the rest of the competition in the Action Adventure category at E3 2010.
Nominees:
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (Konami / Kojima Productions)
- Dead Space 2 (Electronic Arts / Visceral Games)
- Mafia II (2K Games / 2K Czech)
- Metroid: Other M (Nintendo)
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (THQ / Relic)
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo)
Best Fighting Game
Video games are all about competition, and what form of competition is more pure than going mano-a-mano with a friend or the CPU? Historically fighting games have been one of the most popular genres in gaming, but have gone stale in recent years. This year at E3 however, we witnessed a resurgence of fighting game quality, if not exactly quantity.
And The Winner Is...
In one of the most stunning turnarounds in video game history, we haven't been this excited about a franchise reboot since... well... ever we guess. The new Mortal Kombat is lean, mean, and quite possibly the most deliriously gory game ever burned onto a disc. It's not all gore and entrails though, as our time with the game has convinced us that 18 years after it's initial inception, Mortal Kombat is finally ready to compete with the mighty Street Fighter franchise is terms of technical depth and skilful game mechanics. Sound the gong, because we're ready to jump into the pit for this one.
Nominees:
- Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (Capcom)
- Mortal Kombat (WB Games / NetherRealm Studios)
- WWE All Stars (THQ / THQ San Diego)
Best Massively-Multiplayer Online Game
The MMO genre has been one of incredible growth for the PC market, both in popularity and, consequently, in developers. Many independent studios are releasing MMO titles under the shadow of the most popular game of the genre, Blizzard's World of Warcraft. From space epics to medieval battles, this genre is all about teamwork with people you'll probably never meet in person.
And The Winner Is...
BioWare is already the king Western RPGs. With titles like Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age already under their belt, they're looking to step into the MMO business in a big way. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have the rich, unending universe of Star Wars at their disposal. Featuring a fully voiced cast, epic story lines for each character class, and solid MMO mechanics, Star Wars: The Old Republic is looking to be one of the most promising MMOs in years - perhaps even great enough to unseat the once untouchable World of Warcraft.
Nominees:
- DC Universe Online (Sony Online Entertainment)
- End of Nations (Trion Worlds)
- Star Wars: The Old Republic (LucasArts / Bioware)
- Vindictus (Nexon)
- Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online (THQ / Vigil Games)
Best Music Game
What begun as a small, insignificant genre a decade ago, has exploded and ballooned into a meta-genre that has not only capture the imagination of millions, but even given a significant revenue stream to a music industry that rivals even the mighty iTunes. While strumming on plastic guitars may be getting a little long in the tooth, these titles show that the music genre still has plenty of rocking out left to do.
And The Winner Is...
Rock Band 3 blew way past its well-known competitor this year by being the first to cross a major milestone and key argument against these kinds of games: the fact that it can't teach you how to play a real instrument. In fact, some musicians outright declared their opposition to the games. Notable examples include Billy Talent's release of Guitar Villain, the guitar-less version of the Billy Talent III album, and with legendary players like Metallica's Lars Ulrich, Matchbox 20's Kyle Cook, and even Ringo Starr claiming they can't get a handle on the gameplay. Well, Harmonix has thrown out the mold from which was cast too many titles, and has shown the E3 crowd that there's some ingenuity left in the genre. They've created a plastic guitar with (about) 21 fret buttons throughout the length of the neck, add added a two-octave keyboard that can be played either as a 5-button standard control, or with the full 16 keys in "pro mode". If that wasn't enough to wow disenchanted fans, they've managed to convert a real Fender Strat into a Rock Band controller, using some kind of adapter that probably measures the frequencies produced by the instrument. The "pro mode" for the guitar now has six strings displayed vertically, with tune-accurate fret numbers coming down the appropriate string. It won't instruct any form to your playing, but it's a very exciting start. Plug in the Strat and blast away that-other-title-that-shall-remain-nameless into oblivion.
Nominees:
- Dance Central (MTV Games / Harmonix)
- Patapon 3 (SCEA)
- Power Gig: Rise of the SixString (Seven45 Studios / Music Maker)
- Rock Band 3 (MTV Games / Harmonix)
Best Platformer
While music games might be one of the newest additions to the video game market platforming games are one of the biggest staples of the video game market. From early examples like Donkey Kong and the original Mario Bros. these games have found their way onto almost every gamers shelves at some point. Having grown far beyond their initial humble roots there is still a whole lot of innovation at play in this well respected genre.
And The Winner Is...
Officially announced late last year, Epic Mickey is being developed by Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios and is a Wii exclusive release.
With a unique art style, and the entire Disney archives to build upon, Epic Mickey is an extremely rich platformer with some RPG elements thrown in. Set in a fantasy world called the Cartoon Wasteland, Epic Mickey brings back classic Disney characters including Mickey's predecessor, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. What makes Epic Mickey so innovative is the unique paint and thinner system used to solve puzzles, you'll move around the Cartoon wasteland using thinner to remove elements from the world, or add paint to create new objects or fight off enemies. You can also white out characters (but they won't like you much for doing it). This is one of the first games to redefine Mickey's squeaky clean image, exposing a more mischevious side of his personality. Epic Mickey is a very creative platformer that will offer something for all ages, and will be a real treat for Disney fans.
Nominees:
- Donkey Kong Country Returns
- Epic Mickey (Disney Interactive / JunctionPoint Studios)
- Kirby's Epic Yarn (Nintendo)
- LittleBigPlanet 2 (SCEA / Media Molecule)
- Sonic Colors (SEGA / Sonic Team)
Best Puzzle Game
If it doesn't make you stop and scratch your head once in a while, it's not nominated in this category. There's tons of puzzle games out there; from web-based arcade games to high-profile behemoths, many developers have realized that the human brain is attracted to problem solving. What sets our nominees apart is their ability to present problems in creative news ways and get those gears spinning, without boring you to death.
And The Winner Is...
What started out as a game released in a bundle with already established game franchises as a safety net, quickly broke away from the pack and became a phenomenon. Portal was given massive praise by nearly everyone who touched it. From the solid portal puzzles to the character, GLaDOS; every aspect of it reached cult status. Now Valve is returning once again to Aperture Science to bring us a whole new slew of puzzles. Portal 2 is bringing back all the things fans loved from the first one and is even adding more items to make the puzzles even more challenging. With gel that makes you run faster and jump higher, new characters you'll be laughing your socks off at and the return of your homicidal robot captor, Portal 2 will be a tough puzzle game to match.
Nominees:
- Portal 2 (Valve)
- Puzzle Agent (Telltale Games)
- Super Scribblenauts (WB Games / 5th Cell)
Best Racing/Driving Game
It's simply human nature to compete, and the purest form of that competition is racing one another. Gamers being the competitive beings that they are, it only makes sense that the racing genre remains one of the most popular amongst casual and hardcore gamers alike. From unrealistic arcade thrills to the uber-realism of the simulation spectrum, racing games came back in a big way at E3.
And The Winner Is...
There were quite a few good contenders in the driving category this year, but Need for Speed raced into pole position with ease. The reasoning is really quite simple: the game is pure fun, on a "party like it's 1998" scale. Hot Pursuit holds true to the gameplay and mechanics of the franchise favourite of the same name (or more accurately the 1999 title, High Stakes). It's the classic tale of cops and robbers, but this time it's on consoles and in HD. Expect the same over-the-top racing action from either side, in a vast open world that dissipates any hope of road blocking the obvious bottleneck in a fixed track. In our uber-connected world, the developers saw fit to add challenges through an "auto-suggest" feature based on the successes of your friends, such that even single player racing never gets dry... but we all know the real fun (and bragging rights) will be found in eight-player online configurations of your choosing.
Nominees:
- Driver: San Francisco (Ubisoft)
- F1 2010 (Codemasters)
- Gran Turismo 5 (SCEA / Polyphony Digital)
- Motorstorm: Apocalypse (SCEA / Evolution Studios)
- Nail'd (SouthPeak Interactive / Techland)
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (Electronic Arts / Criterion Games)
- Twisted Metal (SCEA / Eat Sleep Play)
Best Role-Playing Game
Role-playing titles have deviated heavily from their late-80s definition that Final Fantasy started. Nowadays, role-playing games share elements of many genres, but there's always a unifying element of customization, of choice, and progression of strength through the completion of goals.
And The Winner Is...
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The Witcher was a game that looked to redefine fantasy gaming, drawing on the source material of the Polish novels to create a dark, mature fantasy world where your choices had some real consequences. The sequel brings all that and more to the table, with an improved combat system, more choices and characters, all while streamlining the gameplay to make it less obtuse and easier to play. There're also more options for customizing Geralt, as well as a easier-to-learn alchemy system. Built on a new engine, it was the RPG of E3, though unfortunately behind closed doors. For any fans of the genre, it's definitely going to be a big game to look forward to.
Nominees:
- DeathSpank (HotHead Games)
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Square Enix / Eidos Montreal)
- Fallout: New Vegas (Bethesda Softworks / Obsidian)
- Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (Nintendo / Camelot)
- Hunted: The Demon's Forge (Bethesda Softworks / InXile)
- The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Atari / CD Projekt Red)
- Two Worlds II (SouthPeak / Reality Pump)
Best Shooter
The shooter genre has come a long way since the days of Wolfenstein 3D and Doom back in the days of DOS and 386 computers. What is likely the most crowded and popular genre in all of the industry, competition is always tight and this year's E3 was no exception. It was a massive firefight between these titles.
And The Winner Is...
What must a shooter do to get voted ahead of leading franchises like Gears of War and Killzone? Small variations on the pervasive themes in the genre would certainly not edge out these storied war veterans. Instead, relatively young developer Kaos Studios seeks to raise the bar by which shooters are measured, and has rightly succeeded so far. Homefront not only laughs at shooters with weak back stories rapidly assembled to provide a mildly interesting setting, it cracks "yo mama" jokes at them it its sleep. Simply put, this game has the most developed fictional story and setting, which imbues the gameplay with uncanny realism and player immersion, in part due to the plausibility of the events described (we said plausible, not realistic). Combined with a conceptual gameplay mechanic engineered to involve the player in unprecedented first-person action sequences deserving of blockbuster Hollywood movies, this boxed adrenaline overdose will eagerly leave you breathless and plugged in 'til the end.
Nominees:
- Bulletstorm (Electronic Arts / Epic Games)
- Gears of War 3 (Microsoft Game Studios / Epic Games)
- Homefront (THQ / Kaos Studios)
- Killzone 3 (SCEA / Guerrilla Games)
- Rage (Bethesda Softworks / id Software)
- Red Faction: Armageddon (THQ / Volition)
- Spec Ops: The Line (2K Games / Yager)
- Vanquish (SEGA / PlatinumGames)
Best Sports Game
Why go out and play a real sport when you can do it in the comfort of your living room? Okay, moral obligations require us to remind you that playing sports is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Still, these titles bring together the best aspects of their respective representations of their chosen sport in some of the best ways possible.
And The Winner Is...
NHL 11 was one of hidden gems at EA's E3 booth this year. A lone demo station sitting in the corner of an un-labeled room it stood proud. The franchise has dug deep to completely revamp the engine, the same one that drives EA's Fight Night games. Real-time collisions, broken sticks, a new face-off mechanic, better stick-handling abilities, and of course the ability to grow a beard during the playoffs.
Nominees:
- EA Sports MMA (EA Sports / EA Tiburon)
- Madden NFL 11 (EA Sports / EA Tiburon)
- Mario Sports Mix (Nintendo / Square Enix)
- NBA Jam (EA Sports / EA Canada)
- NHL 11 (EA Sports)
Best Strategy Game
Though problem solving is inherent in all games, strategy games are less about shooting your way out of tough situations than thinking your way out. Naturally, this still leaves a world of possibilities open to developers of the genre and opens the doors wide to a variety of titles.
And The Winner Is...
If there's one thing that Sid Meier knows about, it's strategy. The Civilization series has been around since 1991, offering players the ability to bring a society up from the stone age into the modern era. Civ 5 doesn't do much in terms of reinventing the wheel, but it does look much more accessible than previous games in the series, and is able to maintain its depth and complexity at the same time. Featuring 18 civilizations each with their own unique leader, a revamped combat system, and much smarter AI, Civilization V is shaping up to be a must-have for PC strategists.
Nominees:
- Civilization V (2K Games / Firaxis)
- End of Nations (Trion Worlds)
- Patapon 3 (SCEA)
- Patrician IV (Kalypso / Gaming Minds)
- Shogun 2: Total War (SEGA / Creative Assembly)
- Valkyria Chronicles 2 (SEGA)
Platform Awards
While it's nice to see which shooter or which racing game is the best out there, most gamers just don't have every console on the market. We make it easy for you by letting you know our picks for the best titles per console, so you know what to buy the next time you're at the mall.
Best PC Exclusive
The PC has become an often overlooked platform, and unrightfully so. It remains one of the premiere gaming platforms, and although it may not have the modern gaming library you'll find on the consoles, it's strengths allow for a variety of games not easily possible on the consoles. MMO's, true simulations, and real-time strategy still dominate on the PC, plus anyone who just prefers shooting an enemy with a good ole mouse and keyboard.
And The Winner Is...
How can a game lose both the Best Strategy and Best MMO, but beat out both competitors as the Best PC game of the show? It's the combination of both elements that make End of Nations unique and worthy of this title. Where other genre mashups have failed, developer Petroglyph stands to conquer. With the skill and experience of the Command and Conquer series under their belt, the team redesigned the way RTS games are played in order to introduce MMO concepts early in the design process. You'll research and grow your army in a persistent headquarters to call your own, and take your armies to battlefields worldwide. Collect the spoils of war and return to your base to unlock new abilities, technologies and units. End of Nations will shift your tactics and strategies like never before, and may very well usher a new era in strategy gaming.
Nominees:
- Civilization V (2K Games / Firaxis)
- End of Nations (Trion Worlds)
- Shogun 2: Total War (SEGA / Creative Assembly)
- Star Wars: The Old Republic (LucasArts / Bioware)
- The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Atari / CD Projekt Red)
Best Multi-Platform Console Game
One of the best things about being a gamer nowadays is that you can buy a single console and be assured of a slew of games that are available across all platforms. These nominees signify the best experiences that you will be able to share universally, whether your tastes are more Xbox or PlayStation.
And The Winner Is...
Having already ousted the other shooters in the category, Homefront's insurgence just won't give up. It beats other multi-platform greats by remaining ingrained in our staff's brains like a catchy tune... only we haven't yet seen any sign of annoyance. Kaos Studios set out to produce an unprecedented experience based on an immersive plot, a captivating landscape and impressive action and gloriously succeeded. Homefront is at the pinnacle of storytelling and is more than worthy of the term 'artwork', whilst still managing to improve on gameplay aspects that make shooters awesome. It's an explosive and compelling game that will stick your peepers to flat screen with Gorilla glue. We suggest moving the Red Bull keg into the living room, if you haven't already.
Nominees:
- Bulletstorm (Electronic Arts / Epic Games)
- Dead Space 2 (Electronic Arts / Visceral Games)
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Square Enix / Eidos Montreal)
- Homefront (THQ / Kaos Studios)
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (Electronic Arts / Criterion Games)
- Portal 2 (Valve)
- Red Faction: Armageddon (THQ / Volition)
- Vanquish (SEGA / PlatinumGames)
Best Xbox 360 Exclusive
With Microsoft focusing almost exclusively on Kinect at this year's E3, it was pretty easy to forget about their large lineup of exclusive games. From flagship franchises like Halo and Gears, to new software utilizing their ambitious motion control, Microsoft had plenty of games to show off. Of course, only one game could top our list, and it might surprise you which one we chose...
And The Winner Is...
Dance Central narrowly escapes with the Xbox 360 achievement, for sparing our tired legs the press of another giant arrow. It takes the dance game genre to a whole body activity whilst other platforms can only access one half of a player's movement. With varied choreography suited for many skill levels and flexibility, the game challenges the player to mimic the on-screen dancers and highlights body parts that were flung in the wrong direction. For bonus points, it doubles as a subtle way to get your significant other and/or obese mother to exercise without falling victim to the argument about having to select a new routine every so-often. As the most promising reason to buy into the Kinect hype, Dance Central moonwalks to the podium under a glittering disco ball.
Nominees:
- Dance Central (MTV Games / Harmonix)
- Gears of War 3 (Microsoft Game Studios / Epic Games)
- Halo: Reach (Microsoft Game Studios / Bungie)
- Limbo (PlayDead)
Best PS3 Exclusive
Sony came out the gate swinging this year. Determined to rival even the Nintendo Wii, they showcased their own motion controller and even showed what they are working on in the realm of 3D. Even their ad campaign has changed for the better, thanks to the charismatic Kevin Butler. With our choice for PS3 exclusive, Sony is truly living up to their tagline that: "It only does everything."
And The Winner Is...
LittleBigPlanet wasn't just another platforming game. It gave you the building blocks to create your own platforming levels. This game series is heavily based in community-generated content, and the community has responded greatly with over two million user-created levels. With LittleBigPlanet 2, Media Molecule isn't just giving you the tools to create more levels, but will give players the opportunity to create their own games. Platforming, puzzles, even racing games can be achieved in this title. LittleBigPlanet 2 won't just be a game you sit down and play, it will be an experience where you build anything your mind can come up with and can share with the entire PlayStation community.
Nominees:
- Gran Turismo 5 (SCEA / Polyphony Digital)
- Killzone 3 (SCEA / Guerrilla Games)
- LittleBigPlanet 2 (SCEA / Media Molecule)
- Motorstorm: Apocalypse (SCEA / Evolution Studios)
- Twisted Metal (SCEA / Eat Sleep Play)
Best Wii Exclusive
If you bought a Wii and have it collecting dust on your shelf with an overabundance of shovelware available for the system, fear not, for you are not alone. Fortunately, Nintendo's little waggle box has one hell of a show at E3 this year, one that could very well restore the shaken faith of the hardcore gamer.
And The Winner Is...
Warren Spector's latest project, Epic Mickey really took us by surprise this year. Originally intended as a multi-platform game, it was decided to leverage the Wiimote for the innovative paint and thinner system, so the decision was made to make the game a Wii exclusive. Frankly, we're glad they did. Epic Mickey is a very rich platformer, with a mix of RPG elements and a choice system that will impact how the game progresses. Using old school Disney characters, and with the expansive Disney library to build upon, Epic Mickey will offer something for all gamers. It's certainly a real treat for Disney fans and the perfect fit on the Wii. While there was plenty of competition in this category, Epic Mickey snuck out with a close win.
Nominees:
- Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo)
- Epic Mickey (Disney Interactive / JunctionPoint Studios)
- Kirby's Epic Yarn (Nintendo)
- Metroid: Other M (Nintendo / Team Ninja)
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo)
Best DS Game
With Nintendo unveiling the 3DS at this year's show, there wasn't much excitement in terms of software for their six year old handheld. Nevertheless, there were some good games for the DS on the show floor this year, as well as a sneak peak at the future. And you know what they say: once you go 3D, you never go back.
And The Winner Is...
Anyone who watched the unveiling of Kid Icarus: Uprising at the Nintendo Press Conference without a giant grin on their face must not love video games. Not only will Uprising mark the first Kid Icarus game in nearly 20 years, but it also looks like it'll be the flagship title for Nintendo's newest handheld. Boasting incredible graphics and intense ground and air combat, Kid Icarus: Uprising looked fantastic up on the big screen in the Nokia Theatre. But where it really blew us away was on the actual 3DS, where the mind-blowing 3D provided us with an experience that we won't soon forget. Uprising showed that Nintendo has the software to coincide with their impressive hardware, and won this award with ease.
Nominees:
- Dragon Quest IX (Nintendo / Level 5)
- Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (Atlus USA)
- Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (Nintendo / Camelot)
- Kid Icarus: Uprising (Nintendo)
- Super Scribblenauts (WB Games / 5th Cell)
Best PSP Game
Sony's little portable just celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, and it keeps right on truckin'. The software we saw was limited in terms of quantity, fuelling rumours of the platform's impending upgrade/death, but if this is the send off for PSP, then what an incredible send off it will receive. All the games on this list would feel right on home on a full fledged console, making the ability to play them on UMD or digital download on the go all the sweeter.
And The Winner Is...
The franchise that made being ultra sugary sweet and toe tappingly catchy cool on the PSP is back with an all new instalment. We're all pretty big fans of the franchise here at GamingExcellence, and the new hero abilities and rhythms available in this new instalment have added depth to a deceptively cute and incredibly deep strategy/rhythm hybrid. The new songs are also catchier than ever. Pata Pata Pata Pon!
Nominees:
- God of War: Ghost of Spartans (SCEA / Ready at Dawn)
- Patapon 3 (SCEA)
- Valkyria Chronicles 2 (SEGA)
Game of the Show
This is the category you've all been waiting for - the big cheese of the big show itself. The winner listed below has fulfilled every possible criteria that our team of nearly a dozen editors and journalists at the show have come to define the very best in gaming excellence.
While many games manage to make one editor or another cry out in joy this is the title that has the staff most impressed and eager to play. There's only one title that managed to unite the entire crew but there was a runner up that almost managed to disrupt the voting process. Here we tip our hats to these two titles... and beg them to be released already.
And The Winner Is...
If you're keeping score, Homefront had the cake, ate it, and is now giving GLaDOS the finger. Come Christmas (or your preferred holiday season alternative), this is the game you'll want to buy off your cousin in exchange for the dozen other games on our list of nominees. Seriously though, Homefront only narrowly escaped the severed alien limbs after being chased by rag dolls in a sea of freshly blown-up building rubble. In the end, the GamingExcellence staff felt that Kaos Studios deserved this award the most, for its dedication to furthering a genre that was perhaps only a few years shy of contracting the Guitar Hero disease.
Taking all the best aspects of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and adding a cinematic storyline that reveals shades of Half-Life 2's method of excellent storytelling, and you have a game that looks like it's as emotionally involving as it is incredibly fun to play. No other title at E3 got us as excited to get a lump in our throat as getting our adrenaline flowing into overdrive. True, Homefront may not do anything that hasn't been done individually in other games before, but we've never before seen a game that combined all those aspects while improving on them at the same time. Homefront is a more than worthy winner of our prestigious Game of the Show award. THQ and KAOS studios, we salute you!
Runner-Up:
The only other title to even come close to Homefront in terms of passion and for lack of a better word, sheer WANT, amongst the GamingExcellence staff was Visceral Games' amazing looking survival horror sequel. In the end, Homefront won out because as a new IP, it brought a little more originality to the table, with a sense of wonder that comes with the unknown. With a sequel like Dead Space, you kind of know what to expect.
That doesn't mean that EA didn't surpass our expectations by a relative light year with Dead Space 2.
By taking what really worked in the original game (oppressive atmosphere, brilliant shooting mechanics, fantastic graphics, RPG elements), and adding exciting new features like full 360 degree zero gravity exploration, more varied environments, new combat techniques, and elaborate scripted moments, EA and Visceral left a lasting impression on the GamingExcellence crew. In fact, one GamingExcellence editor waited in an hour long line up just to see the same demo a second time. That's the kind of power that only a true Game of Show candidate can wield amongst a jaded, 20-year gaming veteran.
Nominees:
- Bulletstorm (Electronic Arts / Epic Games)
- Civilization V (2K Games / Firaxis)
- Dance Central (MTV Games / Harmonix)
- Dead Space 2 (Electronic Arts / Visceral Games)
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Square Enix / Eidos Montreal)
- Epic Mickey (Disney Interactive / JunctionPoint Studios)
- Gears of War 3 (Microsoft Game Studios / Epic Games)
- Homefront (THQ / Kaos Studios)
- Kirby's Epic Yarn (Nintendo)
- LittleBigPlanet 2 (SCEA / Media Molecule)
- Portal 2 (Valve)
- Red Faction: Armageddon (THQ / Volition)
- Vanquish (SEGA / PlatinumGames)
Special thanks to Rick Poulin, Andrew Sztein, Shawn Snider, Nicholas Bale, Daniel Acaba, Warren Dunlop, Alex Coulter, Chris Moore, and Christopher Seal for their contributions in this article.
