E3 Game Critics Awards Rundown

By : Boonichiwa

So E3 has come and gone, but thoughts of it still linger. New and exciting gaming concepts are just around the corner, new-fangled gadgetry ready to fill our hearts and minds (and floor space), and fresh ammunition for fanboys the world over to keep the console war going. As we all know it’s vitally important that we know what critics think, it’s time to look back at it all and think to ourselves “That’ll do pig…”.

• Best of Show : Nintendo 3DS
  (Nintendo)

Yay, new hardware! Personally I don’t think the DS has finished it’s lifetime but at the same time having a device with more power just means more games – and hopefully more unique titles aswell! I’m not too keen on the 3D thing as it’s been said that by not using the 3DS 3D engine the resources can be used to make a bigger, better looking title. We’ll see how this all pans out.

• Best Original Game : Dance Central
  (Harmonix/MTV Games/Microsoft for Xbox 360)

Dance Central, exclusively for Kinect, is the “first real” dance game experience that is fun, social and for everyone! So it’s kinda like Michael Jackson (rest in peace) fused with Dance Dance Revolution… except it’s for everyone. As if DDR wasn’t bad enough, I really fear the Asians are going to go crazy.

• Best Console Game : Rage
  (id Software/Bethesda for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360)

Now on one hands its a console FPS… on the other hand it’s made,in part, by Bethesda. So either it’s going to a super amazing story game with bugs or be your generic FPS (with racing elements!) with a lot of bugs. Good news may point to the fact that its actually being made by id Software but Bethesda gets bugs everywhere. But you know, it’s almost like Carmack has forgotten all about some other previous id Software title…

• Best Handheld Game : God of War: Ghost of Sparta
  (Ready at Dawn/Sony Santa Monica for PSP)

Who wants more God-slaying, monster bashing, quick-time button mashing, mad man melee free-for-all Kratos in their PSP? I know I sure do! I mean, really – it’s all you need it just some pure button mashing mayhem to get you between bus rides, amirite?

• Best PC Game : Portal 2
  (Valve)

I don’t know what to say. On one hand this is going to be freaking awesome. Valve has yet to disappoint its fanbase, especially with internet culture references. But will it retain the same unique and humorous charm from the first title? The other hand thinks not… but then again thats the hand I don’t use to write with so it’s just being a dick.

• Best Hardware : Nintendo 3DS
  (Nintendo)

Do I really have to repeat myself? I could maybe go all fanboy in this section
OMG!!! NINTENDO L33TZoRZ, FTW! Suck it Phony and Xsux!

• Best Action Game : Rage
  (id Software/Bethesda for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360)

I REALLY hope this game is going to hold up to its hype. 2008 and 2009 disappointed me too much with all the hype there.

• Best Action/Adventure Game : Portal 2
  (Valve for PC / Mac, PS3 and Xbox 360)

Was there nothing else at E3 this year?

• Best Role Playing Game : Star Wars: The Old Republic
  (BioWare Austin/LucasArts/EA for PC)

Exactly what the world needs. Another MMO. You all know this isn’t going to end well right? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to it. It’s freaking Star Wars… And I loved the KoToR series. If they can remove that annoying quest grinding that seems to litter MMOs then my friends, warm up those sabers and let the wookies loose.

• Best Fighting Game : Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
  (Capcom for PS3 and Xbox 360)

This game took its sweet time. It’s like 4 years overdue. But you know what, I’m not sure if the whole Street Fighter 4 2D/3D thing does it for me. I was really hoping for animated sprites. Ah well…

• Best Racing Game : Need for Speed Hot Pursuit
  (Criterion Games/Electronic Arts for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360)

It doesn’t take much to win this especially with Gran Turismo taking its sweet freaking time.  I wonder when the day will come when EA stops its mass production of samey games. I guess the same time Activision does.

• Best Sports Game : NBA Jam
  (EA Canada/EA Sports for Wii)

I don’t play a lot of sports titles except for Soccer and Basketball. So I’m not leaping backwards to get this but I will say some more generic basketball with the occasional fire ball is very welcome. I mean, who KNOWS when the next one will be out… right EA?

• Best Strategy Game : Civilization V
  (Firaxis/2K Games for PC)

The Civilization series is the only other game I know that can whittle away a person’s hours that isn’t a MMO. ‘One more turns’ becomes ‘One more hour’ and eventually you’re either nuking your irrational neighbours by the year 1854 or you’ve somehow managed to organise world peace. I can never get that last one right.

• Best Social/Casual Game : Rock Band 3
  (Harmonix/MTV Games/Electronic Arts for PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii)

Rhythm games have played a big part in my social life for the last few years, and Rock Band 3 is really upping the ante by adding keyboards, bigger drums and the over 100-button guitar. As if those freaks who play the green button with their chins aren’t bad enough.

• Best Motion Simulation Game : Dance Central
  (Harmonix/MTV Games/Microsoft for Xbox 360)

I guess… I mean, it’s hard to lose when you’re like the ONLY motion simulation game. I guess that weird Kinect cat game could be considered.

• Best Online Multiplayer : Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
  (Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360)

I guess the votes can’t be wrong. I mean, if you can’t spice up a bland run around game with anything else, add multiplayer. It worked for GTA4… right?…. RIGHT?!

• Special Commendation for Graphics : Rage
  (id Software/Bethesda for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360)

 Oh. My. Word… this game better turn water to wine while we’re at it… Well, it looks gorgeous and it takes the best parts of Borderlands and mixes them with the best parts of Fallout 3. That could be a recipe for success. But then again, it’s not necessarily two great flavors that taste great together.