About the Awards
With the exception of categories such as Best Trailer, Best Stage Demo, and Best New Hardware, the majority of our game awards were limited to games that were playable in some form, hands-on or hands-off, either during the show proper or at pre-E3 events immediately preceding the show. In addition, our E3 awards are for distinguishing those games that made the biggest impression on us at the show--not necessarily those games that seem like they'll turn out to be great games to play later on.
Special Achievement
Best Downloadable Game
A wealth of awesome downloadable games may be the best thing to come from this generation of game hardware. Affordable games are introduced every week that not only are fun, but also provide unique experiences. Once again, E3 2011 proved that smaller-budget games have a bright future in this industry. Our five nominees all looked great at E3, and we're eager to play them. Which was the most impressive one at E3?
Editorial Nominees
Papo & Yo
Papo & Yo was one of the biggest surprises at E3 2011, and one of the best games as well. This game might have a smaller development budget, but it also has some huge ideas. The concept is simple enough--you play as a young boy and have to make your way through the South American city in which you live. You must interact with your environment and solve puzzles to bypass the barriers blocking your path. But here's the twist: you also have a rhinoceros who pals around with you. He's a lovable scamp who helps you solve puzzles, but he has issues, too. He's addicted to eating toads, and when he gets one in his belly, he turns mean. The premise is based on the troubled childhood of Papo & Yo's creator, Vander Caballero, echoing the relationship he had with his own alcoholic father. The surreal environments and clever puzzles drew us in at E3, and we're really curious to see how this relationship plays out.
Readers' Choice Voting
- The Winner
- Voting Stats
Journey
- Publisher: SCEA
- Developer: ThatGameCompany
The pioneers that brought you the award-winning PlayStation Network titles flOw & Flower are back with another title that challenges traditional gaming conventions. With Journey, thatgamecompany (TGC) continues its tradition of delivering simple gameplay and accessible controls in a rich interactive environment that invites players to explore and experience emotional chords that are still uncommon in video games. An exotic adventure with a more serious tone, Journey presents TGCs unique vision of an online adventure experience. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way. Journeys innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By traveling together, they can re-shape the experience creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others.
| Title | Vote Result Graph | % of Votes | # of Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
Awesomenauts |
10% | 1,385 | |
Bastion |
17% | 2,427 | |
Eufloria |
6% | 885 | |
Journey |
34% | 4,789 | |
Papo & Yo |
17% | 2,453 | |
Ms. 'Splosion Man |
7% | 937 | |
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet |
2% | 244 | |
Okabu |
1% | 116 | |
Crimson Alliance |
3% | 418 | |
Rock of Ages |
3% | 410 |
82 Comments