|
|
|
|
|
There's
no doubt you'll hear plenty of debates regarding how good or bad E3 2003
was compared to years past, but no matter how you drop the controller,
you cannot deny the presence of some very, very cool stuff. Though we
normally relish being mean and harsh, we're too tired for any of that.
So instead, we figured it was time to dole out
We
have chosen a handful of titles across different genres and systems that
are all worthy of praise, the games that we simply can't wait to see.
Unlike other publications, we did NOT only choose only one
game per genre, as we found it too limiting. Only titles that were
present at the E3 2003 expo were considered. And the Winners are... |
|
BEST
OF E3 2003
-
Overall
|
|
Half-Life
2 - PC No game shined brighter at E3 2003 than Half-Life 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 1998's first-person shooter extraordinaire. Using Valve's new Source engine, Gordon Freeman's next foray showcases an unbelievable physics system, gorgeous graphics and the kind of gameplay experience that might well redefine first-person gaming all over again. Easily the game of the show. |
 |
|
BEST
OF E3 2003
-
Action
|
|
Half-Life
2
- PC Are you surprised? Then you didn't read our preview of Half-Life 2, nor did you check out the gameplay video. Shame on you, because this was such a cool game we just had to reward it twice. The physics system alone is worth the price of admission, but there's much more going on here than fancy graphics. Time to buy a new computer. |
 |
|
Halo
2
-
Xbox Still shocked? What can we say, this was a no-brainer. The Halo 2 demo at E3 was so impressive, we forced ourselves to sit through it a few times just to make sure it was really happening. Bigger, faster, stronger - the Master Chief is coming back, and we can't wait to frag our way to glory once again. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Action/Adventure |
|
Jak
II
- PS2 We're generally not crazy about sequels, but Jak II is only a sequel in name. The Naughty Dogs have gone to great lengths to create a darker, gloomier, more action-oriented experience this time around, and so far it looks awesome. Weapons, hoverboards, an enormous city filled with bustling NPCs...what more could an Action/Adventure fan ask for? |
 |
|
Kameo:
Elements of Power -
Xbox Microsoft made big news several months ago when they acquired crack developer Rareware, the folks behind Banjo-Kazooie. Behold their latest: Kameo: Elements of Power. Wield the power of 18 different monsters in this upcoming new Action/Adventure game from the guys who defined the genre. Sweet. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Online |
|
City
Of Heroes -
PC Ever wished you could fly? Shoot lasers out of your eyes? Wear tight fitting spandex in public? Well, City of Heroes lets you do all this and more. In fact, it lets you build your own comic book hero from scratch and take on the villains of Paragon City. It's pretty, it's massive and it's just plain super. |
 |
|
Mythica
- PC If there's one thing we like almost as much as pirates, it's Vikings. Microsoft must have known this when they created Mythica, their latest MMORPG. Using an innovative private server technology allowing small groups to essentially co-op through quests, this action-oriented Nordic beauty had us sharpening our horned helms. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Racing |
|
Gran
Turismo 4
- PS2 What can we say, GT 4 rocks. Somehow, the developers found a way to make the series look even better, which is quite a task considering that GT 3 is still one of the best looking console games around. But it isn't just about the outrageous graphics - expect over 500 cars, tons of customization and more tracks than ever before. And did we mention it was online? |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - RPG |
|
Fable
-
Xbox Previously known as Project Ego, Fable has been on our radar for a long time. But regardless of what you want to call it, this RPG looks to break the mold by offering unprecedented levels of freedom. Fable is all about continuity - get slashed in the cheek as a child and you'll carry a facial scar around as a grown-up. Be a hero or villain; it doesn't matter so long as you're famous. |
 |
|
Star
Wars: Knights of the Old Republic -
PC/Xbox Selling us on an RPG set in the Star Wars universe isn't all that hard, and after getting some hands-on with Bioware and LucasArts' upcoming SW: KOTOR, we're sold. Make your own Jedi and control up to three party members as you roam about the galaxy far, far away. Classic Bioware gameplay coupled with the best license ever leads to a game so cool even a grumpy Wookie would like it. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Simulation |
|
The
Sims 2 -
PC After countless upgrades and downloadable patches, the best-selling PC game of all time finally gets the sequel its been dying for. They must have read our minds, too, because the things they chose to change are exactly what we wanted to see. A full genetics model, life milestones, great graphics...look out, because we might see another number 1 seller. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Sports |
|
Tony
Hawk's Underground -
Multi-platform It's almost unfair watching the Tony Hawk games dominate the competition, but it's not our fault. We lay blame on Neversoft, who know how to take their vaunted series to new heights. This time you'll be able to actually put your face in the game thanks to nifty new technology, as well as bust out even bigger combos by way of free roaming gameplay mechanics. The best gets better. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Strategy |
|
Homeworld
II -
PC The original Homeworld was a breakthrough strategy game. However, little has been done to improve upon it since it came out back in 1999. Time to change all that with Homeworld II, the prettiest, deepest strategy game at the show. Awesome new gameplay enhancements and a fantastic engine stole our hearts and wowed our eyes. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Hardware |
|
EyeToy
-
PS2 Every console system goes through a period we like to call the "experimental hardware add-on phase." Usually this is just a weird way to try to sell more systems, but in the case of the Eye Toy, it's a massive step forward in putting gamers into the games. Will it be fun? Who knows. But it's definitely a cool idea, and it actually works. |
 |
| BEST OF E3 2003 - Editor's Choice |
|
Viewtiful
Joe
- Gamecube We're not really sure why or how this game came to be, but that's unimportant. Viewtiful Joe's combination of Japanese robot style and silky smooth side-scrolling gameplay had us glued to the Capcom booth for longer than expected. It's funny, it's fun, and it's about as weird as they come. In other words, we love it. Move over, Ultraman! |
 |
|
Kingdom
Under Fire: The Crusaders
- Xbox This fresh blend of action and strategy might be tough to categorize, but we know a sleeper hit when we see it. The Crusaders lets you both strategically command armies and hop right into the fray, satisfying two compulsions with one gorgeous slash. From the epic feel to the unbelievably hectic battlefield action, this is one to watch. |
 |
|
Castlevania:
Lament Of Innocence
- PS2 It's been a long time coming, but we're thrilled to finally see a new Castlevania game hit the home consoles. Play as Leon Belmont, the first of the Belmont vampire hunters, as you tackle Dracula's imposing castle. By combining the kind of RPG depth found in the excellent Castlevania: SOTN with the power of a next-gen machine, this devil might well suck the life right out of us. Whip it great! |
 |
Check out last year's winners - Best of E3 2002 Awards!
| Main Menu | Reviews | Cheats | Previews | Downloads | Features | ChatterZone | Search | Shop |
The
Game Revolution Best of E3 2003 Awards!