Since 1998, a collection of video game journalists and critics have selected the very best of the Electronic Entertainment Expo. A lot has changed since then, you'll no longer find nominations for "Best Booth" or "Best Party" But that doesn't mean this year's awards are completely without merit.
As always, winners must be in a playable state to be considered.
Best of Show: Resident Evil 2
Three years after Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi excitedly proclaimed "We Do It!" Capcom has finally unveiled their Resident Evil 2 remake. Staying true to the source, the game will once again tell the tale of rookie cop Leon Kennedy and unlucky civilian Claire Redfield's escape from the zombie infested Raccoon City. Trading the dated fixed camera and tank controls of 1998 for a modern 3rd person shooter, this reimagining shows how far technology and design have come.
Best Original Game: Dreams
Despite appearing at several trade shows over the years, many still struggle to describe what Dream exactly is. In short, it's a creation platform. Allowing players to design and execute games of their own. Everything from environments, logic, and even music is quickly constructed with the flick from motion controls. Ambitious? Certainly. But if Media Molecule's latest can attract a healthy base of creators, there's no telling what we'll see next in Dreams.
Best Console Game / Best Action Adventure Game: Marvel’s Spider-Man
There is arguably no hotter property today than Marvel. With a decade of record breaking blockbusters under their belt, the comic book superheroes have been notably absent in the world of video games. But if the early previews and trailers are any indication, this PlayStation 4 exclusive will be more than worth the wait. With a vast and detailed New York City open world, a fast paced acrobatic combat style, and an original story featuring a large collection of villains, Insomniac's Spider-Man is the most promising game adaptation since Arkham Asylum.
Best PC Game / Best Action Game: Anthem
Following the social media outrage over the ending of their Mass Effect trilogy and the icy sales of Mass Effect Andromeda, it's safe to say Bioware has had a rough few years. And yet, Anthem shows a renewed optimism for the popular developer. Combining squad based combat and robust RPG customization with open land, sea, and air traversal. Extravagant naturalistic environments and lavishly detailed mech suits seen in the extended gameplay demo displayed some of the best visual of E3.
Best RPG: Kingdom Hearts III
There was a time when fans of the Square-Exix and Disney crossover scoured the web for any signs of development. But this E3 there was no need to seek out the third numbered entry in the Kingdom Hearts series, as it was frankly everywhere. Appearing during the Xbox, PlayStation, and Square Enix presentations, little new information was revealed. Instead, Nomura's team further showcased the game's gorgeous renditions of Frozen and Pirates of the Caribbean. Sora's next adventure will finally launch worldwide on January 29th.
Best Fighting Game: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
"Everyone is here!" Director Masahiro Sakurai promised during Nintendo's annual Treehouse presentation before unveiling the staggering 68 playable characters. Fan favorites such as Solid Snake, Ice Climbers, and the long requested Ridley will join the ranks against Mario, Link, and Kirby in this massive Switch exclusive. While rumors still circulate the roster will expand further before release, many fans would happily accept the current line up.
Best Racing Game: Forza Horizon 4
Released every even year since 2012, the Forza Horizon series remains the most consistent and ambitious arcade racer on the market. Continuing the theme of open world races and challenges, this year's version will take players to the green, snowy, and mountain pastures of the United Kingdom. New to the series are elaborate seasons of weather, opening frozen lakes as pathways and cleared shortcuts during summer. Horizon 4 will be the latest Microsoft exclusive to be included in the companies Xbox Game Pass service.
Best Hardware/Peripheral: Xbox Adaptive Controller
Video games have explored a myriad of controls schemes. From gamepads, mouse and keyboard, touchscreens, and even motion gestures, there's no shortage of options available. That is unless you happen to be physically limited. Thankfully, Microsoft's new $99 Adaptive Controller allows for players to customize it's large circular pads and connect a number of accessories to fit the user's needs. Created in association with the charity AbleGamers, the Xbox Adaptive Controller will go on sale this September.
In other awards, Battlefield V picked up Best Online Multiplayer, Overcooked 2 won for Best Family Game, Total War: Three Kingdoms received an award for Best Strategy Game, and Ori and the Will of Wisps took home Best Independent Game.
Outside of the traditional categories were a series of three special commendations. CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 was awarded two for graphics and general innovation.
The Last of Us Part II was recognized for it's sound and graphic design. And Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima recived commendation for it's graphics.