E3 2008

BEST RPG GAME

Nominees:

Fable II

Final Fantasy XIII

Infinite Undiscovery

Sonic Chronicles: Dark Brotherhood

Fallout 3

Winner:

Fallout 3

Before the show, we thought Fable II would be the hands-down winner of this category, but after getting extensive time with both Fable II and Fallout 3, Bethesda Softworks' entry out-levelled the rest. The post-apocalyptic setting and engaging combat system of Fallout 3 could make this title one of the best games of the entire show.

BEST RACING GAME:

Nominees:

RACE Pro

Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

Midnight Club: Los Angeles

Pure

Moscow Racer

Winner:

Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

In a field of rather ho-hum racers, Sony's second shot at Motorstorm seemed to be the most compelling racer at E3. We tip our hats to Pure, but Motorstorm: Pacific Rift has the visual beauty and fender-bending goodness living room drivers crave.

BEST STRATEGY / SIMULATION GAME:

Nominees:

Spore

Halo Wars

Tom Clancy's EndWar

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

Winner:

Spore

We've got the feeling that Spore will be an absolute phenomenon among the PC gaming world when it comes out in September. The crisp look, user-generated content, and extremely well organized menus had many in the media chomping at the bit. Playing God by making creatures, vehicles, and buildings along with shepherding the growth of their civilizations looks like a ton of serious fun.