The lights are on
After a week of game reveals, tech demonstrations, Cirque du Soleil freakshows, and a weekend of the deepest sleep us GI editors have ever had, E3 is over. Now that we've taken some time to separate ourselves from the madness, we've come up with our picks for the best that E3 had to offer.
Portal 2
Navigating through the crowded show floor, one can expect to be assaulted by military shooters, big-budget crime games, and other flashy franchises both gratuitous and gory in nature. This truth makes it that much more impressive, then, that the sequel to Valve’s surprise critical darling garnered our vote for Best of Show. Intelligent, innovative, and massively entertaining, Portal 2 is easily one of our top anticipated games of 2011.
Infamous 2
In the original Infamous, you assumed control of a ridiculously powerful electric superhero that could throw lightning grenades and summon thunderstorms. We didn't think it could get much cooler than that, but Sucker Punch proved us wrong with Infamous 2. With a sweet new locale, an assortment of new powers (electric tornadoes!), and an intriguing story, we can't wait to see what's next for the electric man.
Gears of War 3
Bulletstorm may be the new kid on Epic's block, but that doesn't mean we don't have plenty to look forward to in the Locust-slaying Gears series. With more variety in its campaign, visuals that top even the series high standards, four-player co-op, and the new Beast mode, Gears is looking better than ever.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Everyone knew we'd be seeing a new Zelda title this year, but that didn't take away any of our excitement for it. After some unfortunate technical hiccups during the Nintendo presser, we were thrilled to find that the game handled like a dream. Considering the only other Zelda on the system is essentially a Gamecube port, it's great to see a built-from-the-ground-up adventure made just for the Wii.
While disappointed by the delay of Portal 2 to an undisclosed window in 2011, the announcement that Valve is rescinding their ban on PlayStation 3 development nearly made up for the agonizing wait. The time already invested into the game shows – improvements to the graphics, level design, and music were immediately apparent. Now that the PlayStation 3 is on the platform roster, more gamers than ever before will be able to enjoy Portal 2 come launch day.
I completely agree with Portal 2 attaining best of show but where the h3ll is Halo Reach???
honestly for the first time, i dont think any one console had the upper hand. the thing that stole the show was the third party multiplatform games. sure there were a few good exclusives (twisted metal, killzone3, halo reach, gow3) but the coolest game seemed to be made by ea or ubisoft or another independent publisher. of course the wii sucked woth only like two relatively cool games and the 3ds was ok but besides the word of those that were there, nintendo has no way to prove that it works. also nobody knows of all the glitches and bugs that may come up with the new piece of hardware.
GoW 3 is the "best" 360 title of E3? More like "only" 360 title of E3. Man, F*** Kinect.
Biggest Disappointment of E3: No Elder Scrolls V announcement.
The only games on this list that I'm really looking forward to are NHL 11 and Mortal Kombat.
"Lifestyle" games.
What is the world coming to?
hmm, im shocked you didn't mention the new Twisted Metal. That was a big reveal for me. Best handheld title God of War? I could have seen that coming. I think any or all of the 3DS titles that were revealed look more impressive, but that's just my opinion.
Dead Space 2 or Skyward Sword was deffinetly best of show.
where was kingdom hearts 3? and why was Epic Mickey, Kirby, donkey kong, and kid icaraus not on this list
Infamous 2 looks promising can't wait for it!
I disagree with the Best of X-box. GoW is way overrated.
Assassin's Creed.... *drools*
Gears 3 is the winner, in my opinion.
I agree with almost your entire list accept for best racing game how did Grand Turismo 5 not win that's an outrage. Great to hear that Assassins Creed Brotherhood has good multiplayer though.
hope reach lives up to Halo 3...if not im not sure if they made the right decision....
I agree with everything
HALO:REACH FTW!!!!!!!!
definitely agree with the 3DS being the best Tech. it just blew me away.
we can haz Half-Life 2 Ep. 3? :-/
I think best multiplayer should've went to Medal of Honor but Assasin's Creed did look amazing too, Best Racer SHould've been Gran Turismo 5 or Twisted Metal and definantly best of show I agree with
I'm thrilled to see Portal 2 as Best of Show. It must be looking impressive as hell.