E3 has come and gone, and this year happened to have an exceptional showcase of new hardware, games and ideas. There was a ton of quality on offer, from new IPs to familiar sequels that helped to create a memorable show. Here’s our best of selection for 2013.
Biggest Surprise – Murdered: Soul Suspect
See that game? It has you killing that! See that other game? You kill stuff in there as well! Too often we focus on the “shoot it right f$%^ng now aspect of gaming, and not the cause and effect. Murdered: Soul Suspect on the other hand, is less action and more investigation as players look into their own murder.
It looks great, and it flies in the face of the demographics that most high budget games these days pander to. And that’s a mystery that is worth solving.
Best Shooter – Destiny
Bungie has kept their Destiny a closely guarded secret for years now, something that in itself deserves an award in this day and age of internet leaks and hacks. But the reveal was worth it. It’s not enough that the game looks simply gorgeous, but the idea of really connecting with friends online to explore a brave new world is something that looks to be a part of the game that will be welcomed.
Chuck in an artistic vision that is incredible to behold, a variety of enemies spread across our galaxy and a ton more options to really craft your own legend, and we might have the biggest shooter of 2014 on the way.
Most Ambitious – Disney Infinity
Has Disney taken more than just a wee pinch of inspiration from Skylanders for their big budget Infinity project? Without a doubt, yes. But it’s the execution of this idea that really matters, not the figures and accessories that will destroy your bank balance.
Infinity the game itself is in no way like that Activision project. It’s all about creating your own game, with a little help from Disney, and the scale of it all is simply massive. Infinity may be a potential money-maker for Disney, but for consumers, it’ll be money well spent.
Best Sandbox – Saints Row IV
When it came to the game that was pure fun at E3, the decision was obvious. Saints Row IV may not be a massive departure from the third game in terms of locale, visuals or the fact that the development staff clearly has a budget set aside for mind-altering drugs, but it was certainly one of the most fun games at E3.
And when you combine that with attitude of not giving a damn, and throwing everything possible into the blender for this game, from superpowers to dubstep guns, you’ve got one of the most ludicrous showings at E3 possible. And in this case, it was a breath of fresh air from the more serious fare that was on offer.
Best Sequel – Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
The original Lords of Shadow was an underrated gem of a game, bringing the Castlevania series in to the modern era. It had it’s problems though. This new tale of Gabriel Belmont’s demise promises, and largely succeeds, in fixing them – giving players more weapons, tighter combat and more fruitful exploration.
Best Cross Generation Game – Watch Dogs
Stealing last year’s E3, open-world hack-centric Watch dogs from Ubisoft was shown a little more in-depth at this year’s E3 and it’s just as amazing as it first appeared. Coming to current and next-generation systems, Watch Dogs promises to be a thinking man’s action game.
In Watch Dogs, you don’t just explore the world; you actively control it, by hacking just about everything. With clever use of second-screen gaming and an intriguing take on multiplayer, it’s a sure-fire winner.
Best Xbox One Game – Dead Rising 3
Sure, Forza 5 is pretty, Ryse looks nearly like a film and Titanfall could revolutionise multiplayer – but the one game that had us wishing we could have an Xbox One right now was Capcom’s Dead Rising 3 – which might have the veneer of being a boring, generic, far too serious take on the series, but it’s anything but.
Retaining the trademark silliness, Dead Rising 3 is a technical bit of wizardry, with great graphics, great gameplay and a giant open world – without a load screen in sight.
Best Driving Game – Forza 5
If there’s one genre that is really going to benefit from a new generation of consoles, it’s driving games. The big guns all have something up their sleeves, but it’s the reliable nature of Forza that makes the fifth core game so exciting, as it makes drifting around a corner even more gorgeous than before.
And with a gameplay engine that is accessible to anyone from petrolheads to kids who just got their driving licenses, it looks to be some damn good fun behind the wheel as well.
Best PlayStation 4
Game - InFAMOUS: Second Son
It might not be revolutionary, but it’s filled with so much character and detail that it was hard not to be taken aback by InFamous: Second Son and its impressive open world.
With an array of new super-powered abilities and some impressive emotive motion capture, InFamous: Second Son is our pick for the best PS4 game – and could well be one of the best superhero games ever made.
Best Strategy Game – Command and Conquer
It’s been a long time, Command and Conquer. The franchise has been eclipsed in recent years, thanks to less than stellar performances from entries such as Red Alert 3 and Command and Conquer 4. But with a new focus, a new direction and an eye towards free to play, the latest Command and Conquer looks like it might restore some balance to the force.
Nostalgic and yet somehow fresh at the same time, the latest game in the Generals universe is the Command and Conquer that fans have been waiting for, a gorgeous strategy game that requires players to not just think and fight hard, but to do so with a sense of urgency as well. Welcome back Commander.
Best Nintendo Game – The Wonderful 101
There’s no denying the Pikmin and Viewtiful Joe inspiration, but when it comes to that oddball charm and crazy irreverence, nobody delivers like Platinum Games, and they’ve done it again with Wonderful 101, which left both of us smiling like goofy idiots.
It’s unique, colourful and beautiful – and with Hideki Kamija behind it all, you can rest assured that it’ll be a blast to play.
Best Portable game – Tearaway
Sony’s PlayStation Vita is a wonderful little system, but it’s missing its killer app right now; the one game that’s capable of convincing people to buy it. That game could well be LittleBigPlanet purveyor Media Molecule’s Tearaway, a game so charming that it nearly caused us to miss a few E3 meetings.
Tearaway and its paper world possess an almost indescribable beauty, and is the first game to really take advantage of the Vita’s unique controls without coming across as being gimmicky. It’s bursting at the seams with inventive ideas, with charm to match.
Best Multiplayer – Titanfall
Yes, it could probably be easily described as as a hybrid of Call of Duty and Halo with giant Hawken-like Mechs thrown in, but there’s something to it all. With a new perks system, and an attempt to give multiplayer the same cinematic feeling of single-player games, Respawn’s Titanfall really is special.
It all comes down to its scope and map design, with huge levels that are insanely fun to play despite their size.
Best New IP – The Division
As they did at E3 the year before with Watch Dogs, Ubisoft surprised us again with their end-of-conference reveal – only this time with a tactical, online multiplayer survival shooter set in the Tom Clancy universe, The Division.
With the single best use of companion, tablet-gaming, this online shooter/RPG not only looks but also plays like a next-generation game.
Best of Show – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This year was a hard choice when it came to the best game of E3. We fought about this for ages, nearly deciding to award two games with the accolade. Eventually though, after much, much deliberation, we finally decided upon the one.
The bits of The Witcher 3 that we saw was simply amazing. CD Projekt Red improved on the original game by leaps and bounds for The Witcher 2, and the third game looks set to do the same. It’s gorgeous, insanely detailed and the world itself looks set to take full advantage of the new tech on offer, creating an entirely new dynamic environment within which to explore and hunt. And that’s the kind of progress that all sequels should aspire to.
Last Updated: June 21, 2013
DarthofZA
June 21, 2013 at 15:35
I think I agree with almost every single one of your selections.
Where is best graphics though?
I would think the Witcher3 would also get that.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 15:39
GRAPHICS SCHMAPHICS!
Witcher 3 and The Division would probably grab it. both quite beautiful, in very different ways.
OminousRain
June 21, 2013 at 15:51
Well I’m guessing most of the stuff at E3 was “actual game play footage”. So will just have to wait and see when those games hit the shelf.
Yolanda Green
June 21, 2013 at 15:37
<3!
Sir Twakkus
June 21, 2013 at 15:41
Totally agree with the Witcher 3. I have complete confidence in CD Project. Also Generals looks amazing, I have been craving a good C&C game for ages. Hopefully this F2P nonsense wont effect the game too much.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 15:43
Umar’s Best Everything Award goes to …………
….
…
…
…
…
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Knack
DarthofZA
June 21, 2013 at 15:46
Actually, they forgot Most Disappointing of show… many Knack can get that…. 😀
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 15:47
Actually, Knack was my most disappointing. It looked really rad, but Iplayed it…and it bored me. Very much for kids.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 15:52
I could gather that from the videos I’ve seen … snooze fest , thought it was interesting at first though
DarthofZA
June 21, 2013 at 16:13
I’m hoping the downvote was for writing “many” instead of “maybe”… because the videos I saw showing gameplay, the game looked really, really bad.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 16:29
Lol was really bad…it’s looks like such a lame game….
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 15:44
Nice list by the way
I disagree with Castlevania, I would put Dark Souls 2 there
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 15:46
In the end, it will probably be Dark Souls 2 – but having had time with both of them, Dark Souls 2 is really just more Dark Souls, while LoS2 is really, really trying to flesh out the game and make it better.
And don;t forget, I LOVED Dark souls.
http://www.lazygamer.co/xbox-360/the-5-stages-of-dark-souls-a-review/
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 15:48
Hmmm Okay , I can understand that though, both are still excellent choices though
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 16:17
A better sequel, not a better game – if that makes sense.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 16:28
Yep. Dark souls is better than LoS but LoS2 is the better sequel . DS 2 is just more of DS as you mentioned. Excited for LoS2. Just hope it has better frame rates
Argentil
June 21, 2013 at 16:35
As someone who was hugely underwhelmed by the prequel, and almost fell asleep out of boredom when they showed the (really long) demo during the konami conference, I’m not convinced. Geoff, I am not convinced. Consider me appalled and affronted by your opinion.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 16:36
The beautiful thing about opinions, is that yours suck and mine are right.
Argentil
June 21, 2013 at 16:38
There are words, and they seem to be arranged in a grammatically correct manner, but they make no sense to me. Intriguing.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 16:42
Loooool. I really liked the reboot. Then again i’m a castlevania fan boy…yet another thing i’m a fanboy of….bleh!
Argentil
June 21, 2013 at 16:46
I got to the first boss fight, and was like: Hey! This is like Shadow of the Colossus!
Then it was clunky and glitchy and make me sad. Then I stopped playing shortly after. I liked the VA, the accent was a pleasant change from the US and faux-British accents.
Demon’s Souls was excellent because it’s VA cast was an interesting mix of accents. And now I’m off-track again.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 16:47
Should have played more of LoS. It got better, I promise.
Argentil
June 21, 2013 at 16:53
Says the ‘better than Dark Souls 2’ guy!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 21, 2013 at 16:52
It gets really awesome hey. But hey.personal taste…from gameplay to VA..lol. know which game has the best VA…ni no kuni…drippy for the win with his welsh accent lol but ye LoS has damn va
Argentil
June 21, 2013 at 16:55
I LOVED Drippy’s voice actor. Youer a tidy one, you are!
HvR
June 21, 2013 at 15:48
Best weapon at E3.
Saints Row 4’s Dubstep gun, remember to wait for the drop before it fires.
OminousRain
June 21, 2013 at 15:52
Can’t watch. But my mind is just blowing up with ideas for a Dupstep gun 🙂
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 15:52
I EFFING LOVED the dubstep gun. And I could easily have spent hours just firing that thing. BZZZZ WOWWWWWWWWWWW BBRBRBRBRBRBRBRB BZXZZZZZZZZ
HvR
June 21, 2013 at 16:10
you missed a WUB WUB somewhere.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 16:12
I WUB YOU VEWY MUCH
HvR
June 21, 2013 at 16:16
Yes! Nailed it!
Major Commodore 64 Darryn B
June 21, 2013 at 16:05
Geoff isn’t joking. That gun is ridiculously fun for some insane reason.
HvR
June 21, 2013 at 16:06
Hope they add autotune grenade and step drop mine.
Rinceyouropinion
June 21, 2013 at 15:50
No MG?
Albertus van Rensburg
June 21, 2013 at 15:53
What happened to MGS. Why that not mentioned! It was awesomeness squared with a cherry on top demmit. 🙂
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 15:54
It looks cool and all, but we really didsn;t get to see any more of it than you did from MS’s conference.
Rinceyouropinion
June 21, 2013 at 16:02
So he gets a reply?! Damn you Geoff! Damn you! *Takes out Geoff doll and looks for needles…
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 16:02
It was higher in the comments on my page. 🙁 Nothing personal.
Although you do kinda suck.
Rinceyouropinion
June 21, 2013 at 16:07
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygQvB6OjHOU I must break you!
HvR
June 21, 2013 at 16:05
Impeding on my Geoff time , I challenge you to a Dubstep battle!!!
Help me autotune Jesus!!!
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 21, 2013 at 16:07
…your Geoff time?
I’m going to step back, and walk away veeeery, verrrrry slowly. *smile*
Albertus van Rensburg
June 26, 2013 at 11:00
Smile and wave boys… smile and wave. 🙂
Tbone187
June 21, 2013 at 16:23
If only the Division was sp…
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
June 21, 2013 at 16:46
Titanfall!!!!!
Argentil
June 21, 2013 at 16:51
I agree with most of your choices, but I don’t think The Division deserves best new IP, there’s very little that’s truly different and exciting about it outside of it’s networking features. It’s a Tom Clancy borderlands by Ubisoft with characteristics of all three melded into one (in a horribly oversimplified manner of speaking). I realise this opinion will be unpopular, but I just can’t give this game the level of praise everyone else can.
Gavin Mannion
June 22, 2013 at 08:37
Tom Clancy Borderlands… how awesome is that?
macharn
June 21, 2013 at 21:40
Im telling yall Witchers Hunt 3 is going to exactly like Skyrim but different combat and its going to be very anticipated
Ltrick
June 22, 2013 at 12:15
Destiny for Best Shooter? I assume you didn’t get to play the Battlefield 4 pre-alpha then
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 22, 2013 at 14:36
We did…and while the scope is incredible, the Shanghai map isn’t very well designed – plus the game crashed all the time, and was actually /broken/ in that people kept gettinn tripped within buildings.
Ltrick
June 23, 2013 at 19:08
I guess that those are the things they don’t show you. I watched lvlcaps and jackfrags vids and the game looks super awesome. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it. But ja, guess they don’t show you the flaws. They were running on the “xbox one” emulators correct?
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 24, 2013 at 06:52
They were Razer-branded PC’s, with wired Xbox One controllers.
Ltrick
June 24, 2013 at 10:01
ok ok. I’m confused here. I remember reading that the game was being demonstrated on the xbone. I also read that the pre-alphas were being run on beasts. Does this mean the the initial demo with all of the DICE devs were run on the xbox emus? Xbox one controllers on pc? Will one be able to do that day one?
HvR
June 24, 2013 at 08:15
Letting people play on an alpha (or before alpha) build. Never good idea.
Even if you know it is an alpha build if you see a crash and faults that is going to stuck in the back of your head when the final version gets released and you need to review it.
Paul Fouche
June 24, 2013 at 11:00
AMAZING selection i personally cannot wait for the Division RAWR! C&C also looks awesome ( hoping they get that involved with Esports) and Titanfall looks like an interesting concept
ES online well i cannot wait for that either i wonder why that wasnt on the list