E3 2013: Best In Show Awards

We’re several weeks removed from E3 2013, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. We’re talking video games here, so the fun NEVER ends. I wasn’t in attendance but I kept up with the news coming out of Los Angeles and was pleased with what I saw. And in an effort to increase the video game content, I decided to hand out some impromptu awards. So fellow gamers, here are the first annual Comic Book Legends E3 Best In Show Awards. Enjoy.

Best Trailer: The Crew Announcement Trailer

I’ve already raved on Twitter and here about this game, so it should come as no surprise to see it again. After you check out that link, where you can find this video posted, watch it again here. Trust me, it’s that awesome. You’ll want to watch it again.

Best No-Show: The Absence of Zelda U

I do not own a Wii U nor do I have any plans to pick up one. At any point. Pretty much ever. However, I have to say I was a bit disappointed Nintendo didn’t show us a next-gen Zelda title. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one either. Maybe there won’t be one for a while or maybe Nintendo predicted how badly they’d be overshadowed by Microsoft and Sony. I’m crossing off the latter option because everyone pays attention when Zelda is mentioned. A franchise of its stature demands it. And for the record: Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is my all-time favorite game.

Best Surprise Announcement: EA having Faith with Mirror’s Edge 2

I didn’t pay much attention to Mirror’s Edge because the first-person gameplay didn’t seem appealing at first. But eventually I did rent it and enjoyed it enough to buy it. It wasn’t without its flaws but the gameplay will keep you coming back for more. Several times in fact. The chases in particular, whether you’re doing the chasing or are being chased, are exciting. I don’t think it sold as well as hoped so a sequel may not have been high on EA’s list. But the announcement came. Check out the trailer below.

Best Appearance: Mega Man in Super Smash Bros. 2014

Mega man, never known to give up the fight, will join Nintendo’s fighting franchise. The Blue Bomber will aim his mega buster at other longtime gaming icons such as Link and Samus. SSB will be available on the Wii U and 3DS in 2014.

Best New I.P. Likely To Surprise: The Crew

I shouldn’t have to say anything else about this game but I will in the off-chance you didn’t click on the link from the first award. This game gets this award because of the co-op gameplay and customization options. I think the idea of forming a crew with you Xbox Live friends or your Playstation Network buddies to take on missions will hook players. The level of customization is deep. The gameplay demo shown at E3 showed players will be able to strip their cars down completely. I don’t typically follow this genre, so these features may have been present in other driving games. With that said, it’s all new to me and instantly had my attention. Surprise. Cruise on over to The Crew’s garage for more info on this next-gen title.

Best New Next-Gen I.P.: Tom Clancy’s The Division

In a post-apocalyptic New York, players can team up with and take on other players in this open-world RPG. In the fight to take back the world, players will be able to tailor their experience to fit their play style. The companion app on smart phones and tablets allows players to engage in the fight beyond the controller. Check out the videos below from E3.

I’ve been a fan of the Tom Clancy brand for years and Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment looks to add another solid hit here. The Division will be available in late 2014 on both PS4 and Xbox One. Visit The Division for more intel.

Best Presentation: Ubisoft

Ubisoft went to E3 ready to show out and they did not disappoint. They presented some good looking games for this generation and the next. We’re talking Splinter Cell: Blacklist, The Division, The Crew, Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed IV and more. Oh and did they mention Rainbow Six: Patriots? Yes, they did. I’ve been awaiting news on that game for a while. Ubisoft is sending in Team Rainbow to take on the Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

What did you think of these awards and their respective winners? What categories would you like to see for future awards? Let the world know.

E3 2013: The Crew

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3 2013, hit Los Angeles yet again with a ton of awesome gaming news. And although I wasn’t in attendance, I kept up with some of the news and will be posting some of my favorite announcements.

First up is The Crew from Ubisoft Reflections and Ivory Tower. The racing genre has never been high on my list, but after watching this engaging trailer, this new IP is on my next-gen watch-list. The beautiful visuals set to an exciting score are the perfect combo. Get comfortable. You’re going to want to watch this several times. All I’ll say is: I’ve lost count.

We’re only a week removed from its announcement and there’s plenty to be excited about. I think the top reason you should keep an eye out for this game is being able to drive alongside three of your friends to complete missions. You can jump in and out of games at any time. I can already picture which Xbox Live friends I’ll be driving with. The thought of taking our co-op antics on the road to Chicago or Los Angeles sounds pretty amazing.

The depth of customization, if maintained, is guaranteed to hook in car enthusiasts as well as provide less car savvy players with a nice learning opportunity. It was reported that players will be able to strip a car down completely and build it back up to tailor your vehicle to fit an upcoming mission. With iOS, Android tablets and the web, you can play with the specs of your vehicle away from your console and have it street-ready when you return.

The second video shown at E3 is a mission walk-through. It briefly shows how the customization works before the four players are sent out on their mission to take down an armored truck. The video ends with…well you probably want to see it yourself. So check it out.

The rides currently listed to be available are: Chevy Camaro RS 1969 and Camaro SS 2010, Ford Mustang GT 2011 and Focus RS 2010, Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) and 2013 370Z (Z34) and the RUF 3400 K.

The Crew is slated for a Q1 2014 release. It will be available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. For more information visit the game’s site here.

What do you think of The Crew? Are you a racing game fan? If not, is the gameplay seen here enough to warrant a test drive? What kinds of vehicles would you like to see in this next-gen racer? Sound off in the comments.