Games of Honor: The Very Best of E3 2006

Written by Adam Woolcott  on May 19, 2006

Specials: Ready to go broke yet again?

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Like many games, the hype for E3 was bigger, badder, and longer than the show itself. And now it's over, with another 12 months to wait until we do it all again. Not to say this year's E3 was a disappointment, as there was much to celebrate at the annual showcase; and not just hardware, but also some exciting titles looking to lead the charge into the new era. There's so many potential classics to choose from, making it difficult to choose a game of the show that everyone can agree on. So we didn't. Instead, the brightest minds at Gaming Target are here to explain why their choice is the brightest, most anticipated, and highest potential one of them all. Besides, the more choices the better Ц diversity is a very good thing.

Adam's GOTS: Assassin's Creed (PS3)
Ubisoft Montreal has a pedigree for quality, as seen by the Splinter Cell and Prince of Persia franchises. Now with the next-gen upon us, they're doing something even awesomer; combining the two styles Splinter Cell and PoP personified and making a game about being an assassin. Now that's cool. Assassin's Creed is a playground for a hitman, taking place during the brutal era of the Third Crusade. Your playable character, dubbed Altair, is an efficient, relentless killer doing deeds for perhaps good, likely bad, and probably evil suitors in the name of their deity, which means one thing Ц this'll be a controversial title for many. Nearly every inch of territory can be climbed and perched upon for a better look at your prey, but your kills have to be out in the open, which opens up the delightful task of escaping pursuit and somehow hiding yourself amongst the crowd or simply hiding so far out of sight that they give up the task. It all sounds so superb and the visual presentation looks to match the potential for a classic killer-app title and yet another cornerstone franchise for one of the world's top publishers.
Runner-Up: Bioshock (multiplatform)

John's GOTS: Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
If you don't count this week's New Super Mario Bros. (and why wouldn't you? 2D forever!), Super Mario Galaxy will be the first proper Mario game since Super Mario Sunshine over four years ago. And we're sorely overdue.

While it won't make the launch, Super Mario Galaxy is shaping up to be the next great Mario adventure and is said to control beautifully with the Wiimote. Literally flying from platform to platform, Mario has left the УWorldФ behind and headed out into space. Miyamoto has always referred to Galaxy as the true sequel to Super Mario 64 and with all of the new locales and enemies it's hard to argue. Using changing gravity and the Wiimote as Mario's УhandsФ to spin attack and bat away enemies, Super Mario Galaxy should be at the top of the list of the all-important second wave of Wii titles.
Runner-Up: Gear of War (Xbox 360)

James' GOTS: Guitar Hero II (PS2)
I have a group of friends who would probably kick my game loving butt if I didn't rate this game as number one in my list, and to be honest, they'd be totally right for doing it. Guitar Hero II looks to be a very interesting multiplayer game, what with the ability to play either lead or bass guitar. I know many of my peers have mused that someone should make a music game that emulates a full band, and it looks like Red Octane and Harmonix are heading in the right direction for such a game. It's clear the demand is out there.

As for Guitar Hero II itself, it appears they are going to ratchet the difficulty up a notch, which is great news for those who have dominated the original's Expert mode. As for song selection, that remains to be seen. The few songs that have been demoed are right up the game's alley. I'm just still hoping for some Aerosmith to show up in the roster.
Runner-Up: Bioshock (multiplatform)

Nick's GOTS: Gears of War (Xbox 360)
Well, another E3 has come and gone, and what a spectacle it was. A great showing for Nintendo, a very expensive PS3 (but one that has massive potential and some sweet looking exclusives. MGS4 anyone?) and a very solid and even spectacular line-up of games slated to release in the next 12 Ц 18 months for the 360. So, as an Xbox editor, what's my pick for game of the show? That's not easy, since I saw a lot of really impressive stuff this year, but I suppose I have to say that Gears of War is the game to look out for this year, and the GOTS. Suppose nothing, actually it's the killer app for the 360 and it's looking better and better each time I see it. The level that Cliff Bleszinski demonstrated at the Microsoft conference and throughout the show to the press at Epic's booth was incredible, and really showed off the title's spectacular graphics and animation. The art direction is fantastic, and it looks like every firefight will have the potential to be a set-piece. Emergence Day can't get here fast enough.
Runner-Up: Stranglehold (multiplatform)

Glenn's GOTS: Gears of War (Xbox 360)
Gears of War demonstrated at E3 why it is a title that many with an Xbox 360 want to get their hands on ASAP. Demonstrated by Epic's Cliff Bleszinski, Gears of War is making some smart design choices, but is also adding some top-shelf visual and audio punch. The minimalist HUD and third-person perspective help Gears of War in achieving a truly visceral and cinematic look, but the simplistic weapon cycling and cover systems also aim to make the combat a much more УintimateФ experience than other shooters or action games.

Whether it's the impact of shocking frag grenades, the hellish sound of the assault rifle, or the leap-frog cover system, Gears of War is really looking like it wants to put gamers into the thick of sci-fi action like few games before. Admittedly, the game still had some noticeable framerate issues in certain areas, but they did seem as if they were in specific loading sections or busy situations so hopefully Epic can find the time to fix up these few blemishes on this gem. Add to this package some eight-player multiplayer madness and online cooperative features and you've got a game that begs to be played.
Runner-Up: Motorstorm (PS3)