This year's E3 had fewer surprises than years past, but it didn't make the show any less enjoyable. We got our first hands-on with exciting sequels and new games, played innovative VR experiences, and discovered unexpected experiences that we didn't even know we wanted. It was as hard to narrow the field and select our favorites, but these are the games that rose to the top and earned Game Informer’s E3 2016 Best in Show Awards.
GOD OF WAR
Where do you go after clearing the pantheon of Greek gods? That’s the question God of War’s Kratos – and Sony – must have been asking themselves. Change is coming to the series, and not only thanks to a new voice actor and the move to Norse mythology. God of War moves the action closer to players with a tighter camera perspective. That makes it even easier to appreciate the newly reimagined combat, which sees the antihero defeating trolls and other beasts with an axe and the help of his son’s bow. Yes, Kratos is a father again. Here’s hoping it works out better for him this time around. For more on the game, head here.
TACOMA
Not many adventure games showed up at E3 this year, but the ones that were present showed incredible promise. The stand out? Fullbright’s spacey sophomore outing, Tacoma, a game that casts you as an operations specialist exploring a seemingly abandoned space station to figure out what happened to the crew. The brief demo we saw was impressive, showing off protagonist Amy playing basketball in zero-g and observing holograms of the missing crew. You can read our in-depth preview here.
INJUSTICE 2
The biggest DC heroes and the baddest DC villains are set to face off once again with Injustice 2. The 2013 title Injustice: Gods Among Us was one of the most popular fighting games of last generation, and Injustice 2 looks to continue building upon NetherRealm's ever-improving fighting game formula. With new characters, a deep loot and customization system, a continuation of the dark tale from the first game, and an ambitious plan for post-release content, Injustice 2 looks to be the sequel fans have been waiting for. For more on Injustice 2, head here.
MXM
NCSoft’s upcoming MXM (Master X Master) allows players to control two characters instead of one in the MOBA mix. While they’re not micromanaged at the same time, swapping them in and out to allow for some recovery and respite becomes an important part of the game. Unlike many other MOBAs, MXM also embraces a PVE and co-op component similar to a MMORPG, allowing players to solo or take small groups into dungeons in search of treasure, battling rare enemies for goodies and taking on big bosses. While the MOBA market is definitely a tough place to compete, MXM looks like it’s coming in swinging with varied offerings. For more on the game, head here.