The 2008 E3 Media and Business Summit is finally in the books, whether or not most people walked away completely satisfied is likely to be debated for months to come. It was back in Los Angeles at the massive Convention Center but only took up about a third of the total floor space. Microsoft had a fairly positive showing with an exciting press conference and a good number of exclusive titles on showing. The rest of the time at the show was spent with third-party developers checking out the upcoming games scheduled to ship later on in 2008 or sometime in 2009. Below we have our cream of the crop, the best of the best from almost every genre of games (minus a few because it was getting too long); after spending a good bit of time with each title in the list, these are the ones that ended up walking away with awards.
Best First-Person Action Game: Left 4 Dead
This is the game that had us arguing back and forth when discussing what would get “game of the show”; we had more downright fun playing Left 4 Dead than any other single title at E3 2008. When it ships later this year it will having gamers around the country joining up and having their hearts stopped as they battle onslaughts of zombies.
Other Notable Contenders: Mirror’s Edge, Borderlands, Project Origin
Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter IV
Easily the most anticipated fighting game of all time is coming to consoles very soon from the guys over at Capcom, Street Fighter IV. At this year’s E3 we finally were able to go hands-on with the game and came away with an overall positive outlook for the series. The transition it has made into the next-generation of gaming is flawless.
Other Notable Contenders: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, UFC Undisputed 2009, Soulcalibur IV
Best Totally Original Game: Dead Space
Dead Space is turning out to be a diamond in the rough. When it was first announced, there wasn’t too much hype behind the title. Now, after E3 and a hands-on demonstration, Dead Space is a legitimate horror game that should be able to make gamers think twice about turning the lights off. Having seen the ability to tear an enemy limb by limb with a weapon, Dead Space will be a definite must have title this winter.
Other Notable Contenders: Mirror's Edge, This is Vegas, Damnation, Dark Void, Fracture, Alpha Protocol
Best Role-Playing Title: Fable 2
While the addition of a dog into Fable 2 may not strike everyone’s fancy, the inclusion of co-op play should. The gigantic world of Albion awaits gamers this October to play through, but even before that, Fable 2 will have mini-games arriving for gamers to build up their currency for the game when it releases. Promising to be a longer game, Fable 2 should have enough content to offer a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other game on the Xbox 360.
Other Notable Contenders: Infinite Undiscovery, Fallout 3, Star Ocean: The Last Hope, The Last Remnant
Best Third-Person Action Game: Gears of War 2
Epic Games is ready to deliver on what gamers have requested: a bigger and badder Gears of War experience. Being introduced for the first time is a game mode titled Horde which revolves around fighting off an onslaught of Locust enemies. Horde’s best attribute is the ability to jump online and play online co-op with four of your friends. Gears of War 2 should be the most talked about game this holiday as the original sold over 5 million units.
Other Notable Contenders: The Force Unleashed, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, Quantum of Solace
Best Game No one Heard About: Wanted
Although this game was only just announced at E3 we got a chance to check it out during an hour-long demonstration and came away very impressed. Being a huge fan of the movie and comic series our expectations were already high before the screen ever turned on. The scene we saw took place on an airplane and was one of the more violent demonstrations at E3, with a “bullet bending” technology that looked very fun.
Other Notable Contenders: Damnation, Blitz: The League 2, Red Faction Guerilla, H.A.W.X.
Best Party Game: Rock Band 2
Sporting over 500 songs in its library by the end of the year, Rock Band 2 is a no-brainer for our choice as Best Party Game. With a few improvements to the instruments, Rock Band 2 is going to be crazy this fall for gamers to pack themselves in a room and party to. Add to the fact that it's a timed exclusive on the Xbox 360!
Other Notable Contenders: Lips, Scene It 2, In the Movies, Guitar Hero: World Tour
