Best of Show

The Last of Us (PS3)

If we were choosing an absolute winner of E3 2012, then The Last of Us would be one of the contenders. A survivalist game where at first look during the Sony press conference left everyone wanting more. The game is gorgeous and violent at the same time. Beyond the obvious visual appeal, The Last of Us is incredibly reactionary with dialogue and gameplay. If your character approachs an enemy with a gun, then he/she reacts differently than if your character was carrying a knife.

Release Date: 2013

Best Military / Super Soldier

Halo 4

We pretty much know what to expect from the Halo series. The situation is grim and Master Chief has to save the day. What we saw was a different environment and new weaponry. The jungle location feels more exploratory and less linear. The gameplay demo shows us what to expect and as far as super soldier FPS games, Halo 4 looks to be the leader of the pack.

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist

No doubt from the GeekITDown universe, Splinter Cell Blacklist is THE military game to anticipate. Set for release in the second quarter of 2013, Blacklist looks to be a dream for players who prefer stealth like gaming. Where Halo 4 excels in vibrant environment colors, Blacklist exceeds in tactic completion.

Release Date: April 1, 2013

Best in Racing / Auto

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

The only real competition for Need for Speed Most Wanted is Forza at E3 2012. Even with limited competition, Most Wanted clearly surpasses anything else in terms of racing and driving. Along with the outstanding gameplay, Most Wanted has built-in player interaction for competing with friend’s most wanted scores.

Release Date: October, 30 2012

Best in Fitness

Wii FitU

An expansion to Wii Fit, Nintendo has expanded on the exercises and routines to create a more intense workout and count calorie burns. We were genuinely impressed with some of the workout options, but are still a bit hesitant about the WiiU in general. Regardless, if you purchase a WiiU, then get Wii FitU.

Release Date: 2012

Xbox 360 + Nike

While not a game, Xbox 360 has teamed up with Nike to provide a superb fitness experience. The workout regiment is designed and presented by actual Nike trainers and is something that men can actually get behind as the routines can be physically intense.

Release Date: Holiday 2012

Best Surprise

Watch Dogs

Watch Dogs took just about everyone by surprise. In what may be an actual glimpse into the real life future, Watch Dogs takes the power of hacking and surveillance to combine for a network of characters who control the computer that is watching everyone. The story actually surrounds the massive blackout of 2003 that spanned across multiple states including New York. The game has been announced as PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 (Nintendo unknown), however there are some questions around whether or not a graphically detailed and intense game like Watch Dogs isn’t better served on next gen consoles.

Release Date: 2013

BEYOND: Two Souls

BEYOND stars Ellen Page (Juno) and is a somewhat different gaming experience. From the makers of Heavy Rain, BEYOND: Two Souls is more than a game, it’s a story. Players follow through the story and outcomes are not scripted which means the experience of the story is the game itself. This type of video game is likely the future for gaming in general where players immerse themselves in a story and instead of gaining achievements, live out a story.

Release Date: TBA

Best Hours of Fun

SimCity

Clearly, this is the game that should have been Farmville. SimCity is coming to Facebook, but the best experience is set for the PC. The PC exclusive is set for release in February 2013 and should make for an incredibly fun adventure with endless hours of gameplay.

Release Date: February 28, 2013

Honorable Mentions

There are always a ton of games at E3 and while this year’s list wasn’t overwhelming in number or surprise, there are still a ton of great games to look forward to. Here are other games that should be on your radar. Some are expected to succeed while others are reinventions of old series and still others are new titles altogether (listed in ABC order).

Assassin’s Creed 3 (PC, PS3, WiiU, Xbox 360) – 10/30/2012

Assassin’s Creed Liberation (Vita) – 10/30/2012

Darksiders 2 (PC, PS3, WiiU, Xbox 360) – 8/14/2012

Devil May Cry (PS3, Xbox 360) – 1/15/2013

God of War: Ascension (PS3) – 3/12/2013

Paper Mario Sticker Star (3DS) – 12/30/2012

Rayman Legends (WiiU) – TBA

Resident Evil 6 (PS3, Xbox 360) – 10/2/2012

Super Mario Bros.U (WiiU) – 12/30/2012

Tomb Raider (PC, PS3, Xbox 360) – 3/5/2013

ZombiU (WiiU) – 12/31/2012

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The post The Top Games And Winners From E3 2012 first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.