Home Gaming E3 2014 – The Lazygamer Awards

E3 2014 – The Lazygamer Awards

6 min read
47

E3Awards

For one adrenaline and coffee fuelled week of the year, the Lazygamer crew ventures to sunny Los Angeles for E3. It is awesome and gruelling and filled with way more hands on time than I was led to believe. So who were the big winners?

Biggest Surprise – Shadow of Mordor

Shadow of Mordor award

Going in to E3, I was utterly unconvinced about Shadow of Mordor. There was plenty of signage for it at the venue, and some people (aka Grant Hinds) expressed an interest in it. However, I had absolutely zero hype for the game, writing it off as a bad Batman or even Assassin’s Creed clone. If we’re honest, even clones of those games would be a lot of fun, but Shadow of Mordor blew me away.

Shadow of Mordor has everything you’ve ever wanted in an open-world experience. There is tons to do, and even your enemies can grow and become a deeper part of the story thanks to the Nemesis system. Combining fantastic gameplay with stunning visuals, Shadow of Mordor has jumped onto my radar, and it belongs on your short list of games for the year.

Honourable mentions:

  • Fable Legends – Darryn was shocked at how much he enjoyed playing as the bad guy.
  • Dying Light – Darryn was scared but surprised at how much fun he had.

Best First Person Shooter – Destiny

Destiny award

One of the most important genres in gaming, shooting people in the face never seems to get old. The genre is even better in the new generation, combining stunning visuals with smooth gameplay. If you only get one FPS, it might be time to go for the new IP – it has way more to offer. While we were impressed with the nuance in the new Call of Duty, it was Destiny that really wowed us.

Best Multiplayer – Evolve

Evolve award

I was already impressed with what Evolve had to offer when I saw it a few months back, but the new hunters really change things up. While the game is still balanced, the gameplay is completely different with the new types – these new hunters will appeal to all new players and offer enjoyable gameplay regardless of your preferences. Stuck playing the medic in your group? The new one is completely different from that first medic we saw, offering players a whole new experience.

To be clear, the guys argued that Evolve should also be included in the FPS category. However, the game isn’t a pure FPS – when playing as the monster (which is an incredible experience) the game is actually a 3rd person action game.

Honourable mentions:

  • Assassin’s Creed Unity – Now with co-op options, this may become a favourite to play with friends
  • Splatoon – Nintendo has made the perfect game to play with friends. We just need more details on multiplayer and co-op.

Best Sequel – Batman Arkham Knight

Batman award

Back in the steady hands of Rocksteady, the new Batman game will revive the game franchise for fans and newcomers alike. It features fantastic new combat, as well as fully innovative use of the Batmobile. That’s right, this time around you’ll use the ultimate vehicle not just to get around, but also for battle and puzzle solving. Just as much a character of the game as the city and the Bat, the Batmobile looks to be a fantastic new core part of the game, and it makes Darryn ridiculously happy.

Honourable mention:

  • Far Cry 4 – Taking the game to new heights, this iteration may just have the best villain ever

Best New Generation Game – Assassin’s Creed Unity

ACU award

This new iteration in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is the first that will only be available on new generation consoles and PC. It simply needs it – with seamless indoor/outdoor integration, five thousand person crowds and fantastic visuals, this game takes advantage of the processing power available on the new platform. Add to that the co-op missions that let you take on the assassin’s world with your friends, as well as an ability to parkour down buildings instead of only up, and this might just be the best Assassin’s Creed game we’ve seen.

Best Fighting Game – Mortal Kombat X

MKX award

Filled with fast-paced fighting and plenty of gore, MKX was one of the games Darryn and I kept talking about. It is off the wall in its violence, utilizes intuitive controls and shows off some of the best visuals you’ve ever seen in a fighting game. Mortal Kombat has returned to its core with this game, offering players plenty of stylistic opportunities to utterly annihilate their opponents. Plus it has Cassie Cage, the ultimate ball buster. Combine that with the return of X-ray abilities and impressive fatalities, and you have a fantastic new Mortal Kombat game.

Best RPG – Dragon Age: Inquisition

DAI award

Dragon Age: Inquisition promises to be the Dragon Age game we’ve all been waiting for. The game features a cleaned up UI, plenty of diverse locations (the game is simply enormous) and deeper decision-making built into the gameplay. Plus, thanks to the War Room, you can actually shape the world as you send out agents and change the state of affairs throughout the countryside. Adding in fast travel and mounts, as well as a revolutionized combat system, I’m very excited for Bioware’s latest offering.

Best Family-friendly Game – Splatoon

Splatoon award

While the rest of the major publishers used glowing wrist bands and free drinks to get us excited for their offerings, Nintendo came out with a fantastic lineup of games. The most impressive looking game they showed was Splatoon, a strange shooting game which has players run around spraying ink at the floor before swimming through it. It is utterly bizarre and a ridiculous amount of fun. Although it is something of a shooter, it is done in a non-violent, hilarious and exciting way, as only Nintendo could pull off. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t wipe the giddy smile off my face the entire time I played.

Most Anticipated Game – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Witcher award

Despite being delayed until next year, we are all still very excited for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It’s the final chapter in the saga of Geralt of Rivia, and CD Projekt Redd is planning to exit the franchise with a bang. Bigger than ever, beautiful to behold and equal to all gamers, expect this to be the ultimate Witcher game when it arrives in 2015.

Best of Show – Evolve and Batman Arkham Knight

Batvolve award

Darryn and I simply cannot agree on this one. At first he was fine with Evolve grabbing best in show, but then he went full veto. Both games are excellent, so I suppose they can share this honor. Evolve was certainly the most talked about game at E3. People were desperate to get their hands on it, and nearly killed me when I told them that I got to play the game three times. That said, Batman was also a beloved game at the event, with people lining up just to pose with the giant Batmobile that they had on show. Both games offered plenty of hands-on time with the game and are everything that people could want, and more, in their genres. They both look and feel fantastic, and both will make excellent additions to any gamer’s library.

Whether you’re amped for shooting, open-world adventuring, beating people up or just playing games with the family, there are a ton of fantastic games coming our way. E3 got us very excited for what’s to come.

Last Updated: June 18, 2014

47 Comments

  1. Admiral Chief Cyber Commando

    June 18, 2014 at 15:32

    YAY NO CoD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI HAI

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      June 18, 2014 at 15:48

      HAI

      Reply

    • Anon A Mouse

      June 18, 2014 at 15:49

      Why do I feel the need to drink something every time I read a HAI?

      Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      June 18, 2014 at 15:53

      Just look at all those AMAZING games! HAI

      Reply

  2. HvR - THE Average GAmer

    June 18, 2014 at 15:36

    More importantly who won Wolfenstein?

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Cyber Commando

      June 18, 2014 at 15:40

      Probably on Friday, we shall know

      Reply

  3. Monado

    June 18, 2014 at 15:41

    Personally Splatoon is the only thing that intrigues me there 🙁

    Just my opinion mind you. New Yoshi and Kirby got me hot under the collar not to mention Xenoblade Chronicles X. My most anticipated game is Phantom Pain and Xenoblade X… I Kan’t wait baas!

    Also….I’ve never seen the mad love Witcher gets. Great game! But eh, it’s not ALL that deep(Combat wise)

    Reply

    • Her Highness the Hipster

      June 18, 2014 at 15:42

      i keep thinking about phantom pain! wish they’d shown more – actually quite excited for it

      Reply

      • Monado

        June 18, 2014 at 15:50

        Off Screen right? Damn when are they releasing that footage 🙁 I want to kidnap sheep too!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          June 18, 2014 at 15:52

          New Zealand: The Game.

          Reply

          • Monado

            June 18, 2014 at 15:53

            Where’s our lovable correspondent …LG staff murder’s all the newbies

          • Kensei Seraph

            June 18, 2014 at 21:51

            Well I guess once the intern is done at Gamescon we won’t be hearing from then again.

      • Monado

        June 18, 2014 at 15:53

        Okay scrap that they streaming it today lol

        Reply

    • Dark

      June 18, 2014 at 15:53

      the Witcher is going to surprise a lot of people. Never seen a game story unravel quite like what I saw at E3, most gripping game demo I have ever been in.

      Reply

      • Monado

        June 18, 2014 at 15:54

        Nice, am sure it’s amazing 🙂 It just never personally grabbed me

        Reply

  4. Rince&exhale

    June 18, 2014 at 15:43

    Where is CoD you lying shitbags?!

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Cyber Commando

      June 18, 2014 at 15:46

      Prolly in next article, where they go TROLOLOLOL COD IS BESTEST

      Reply

      • Rince&exhale

        June 18, 2014 at 15:46

        I’d expect nothing less.

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      June 18, 2014 at 15:48

      Oh no you didn’t XD

      Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      June 18, 2014 at 15:56

      At a guess, out shagging someone’s mom.

      Reply

      • Rince&exhale

        June 18, 2014 at 15:57

        RAGE UR A DIK FEMANIZT PERIOD BLOODBATH!

        Reply

        • HvR - THE Average GAmer

          June 18, 2014 at 15:57

          GINGER PIG RAPE!!!!!!

          Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          June 18, 2014 at 15:58

          Shut your PewDiePiehole.

          Reply

          • Rince&exhale

            June 18, 2014 at 15:58

            Hai!

  5. oVg FX

    June 18, 2014 at 15:44

    You forgot the game that is going to celebrate 20 years of Lara Croft.

    Reply

    • Monado

      June 18, 2014 at 15:50

      Enough with the weak female leads, can’t handle this 😛

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        June 18, 2014 at 15:51

        LOL!

        Reply

      • oVg FX

        June 18, 2014 at 15:57

        says the dude with an androgynist avatar 😛

        Reply

    • Kensei Seraph

      June 18, 2014 at 21:49

      Dam that looks good.

      Reply

  6. Brian Murphy

    June 18, 2014 at 15:46

    Looking forward to seeing more on Bloodborne, Uncharted 4 and The Order, Driveclub is REALLY beginning to take shape, and GTAV on PC, hellllllllls yeah!

    Reply

  7. Rince&exhale

    June 18, 2014 at 15:47

    I’d have thought the ‘pin this needle in Darryn’s arm’ would have got at least a mention?

    Reply

  8. Hammersteyn

    June 18, 2014 at 15:50

    Seems all the games won at least one award, except COD and BF which is odd.

    Reply

    • Brian Murphy

      June 18, 2014 at 15:51

      BF Hardline really doesn’t do anything special. At least, that’s my impression from the beta. Then again, that hasn’t stopped anyone from giving it awards at any time over the past 8 years also lol.

      Reply

  9. Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

    June 18, 2014 at 15:57

    OKAY. Who fucked up the Assassin’s Creed logo by putting the Eiffel tower innit?

    Reply

    • Rince&exhale

      June 18, 2014 at 15:58

      Who fucked up Assassin’s Creed by putting the French in it* FIXED

      Reply

      • Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

        June 18, 2014 at 15:59

        Cheapshot!

        Reply

        • Jonah Cash

          June 18, 2014 at 16:02

          Headshot *fixed

          Reply

          • Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

            June 18, 2014 at 16:02

            Croissant shot *fixededed

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        June 18, 2014 at 16:05

        Especially seeing as it was too much trouble to even paint one of the French girls.

        Reply

      • Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

        June 18, 2014 at 16:06

        Obviously after AC Black Flag they will release AC: White flag.

        Reply

  10. Tauriq Moosa

    June 18, 2014 at 16:01

    confused – Destiny not even runner up for multiplayer? And I guess no The Division cos no hands-on.

    Reply

  11. Sageville

    June 18, 2014 at 16:10

    Pretty much what I was thinking, Evolve hit the spot for me as Best of the Best.

    No man’s sky – I want moar of that. Where r u>?

    I was expecting a “Best COD game award” – glad that is a no-show.

    Reply

  12. Thats_how_I_Troll

    June 18, 2014 at 16:23

    Hey COD bashers, you are becoming a bit like COD itself… Same old same old…

    Reply

  13. JamesDLarsen

    June 18, 2014 at 16:27

    However, I had absolutely zero hype for the game, writing it off as a bad Batman or even Assassin’s Creed clone. If we’re honest, even clones of those games would be a lot of fun, but Shadow of Mordor blew me away. http://sn.im/290xdj8

    Reply

  14. MakeItLegal

    June 18, 2014 at 19:10

    mmm far cry 4 just looks so next gen cant wait !

    Reply

  15. oVg FX

    June 19, 2014 at 08:58

    Why is the first game to show us CGI visuals that are in-game not on the list?

    Reply

  16. CAE9872

    June 19, 2014 at 08:59

    Splatoon was my surprise – I may never play it, unless I get that WiiU but it does look fun.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Todd Howard describes Starfield as “Skyrim in space” because of course he does

One likes to think that at some point Bethesda will move on from Skyrim but we all know th…