DualShockers’ E3 2019 Awards — DOOM Eternal and Final Fantasy 7: Remake Steal the Show

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For all of the months of build-up, here we are: the sober day after E3 2019 and in full-on conference withdrawal.

However, with all of our staff traveling back, our votes tallied, and our awards distributed, it’s time that we showcase what was DualShockers’ top picks in Los Angeles for this year’s E3. And what a terrific show this year’s was.

Much like last year’s E3 2018 Awards, the Readers’ Choice poll and DualShockers’ staff poll didn’t line up — not to say that it wasn’t a hard-fought battle among the staff:

Now, without further stalling, here are DualShockers’ Game of the Show awards for E3 2018:


DualShockers E3 2019 Game of Show: DOOM Eternal

Also Best Shooter

This year’s E3 2019 Game of Show award was the most contentious in DualShockers’ ten-year history, coming down to a deadlocked tiebreaker vote to decide between the winner, DOOM Eternal, and runner-up, Final Fantasy 7 Remake. While other outlets will undoubtedly be choosing between Cyberpunk 2077 and FF7R, I’ll let our resident DOOM connoisseur Michael Ruiz (Senior Staff Writer) explain why DOOM Eternal pulled ahead:

In 2016, id Software rebooted DOOM, one of the most influential games in video game history. Naturally, there were some concerns. Will this game live up to its name? Was that multiplayer beta indicative of that entire experience? Why does that cover art look so boring? Despite that, developer id Software not only did right by the Doom name, but they also created something that felt both familiar and brand new. Even after three years, I don’t think there has been a shooter as surprising and unique as DOOM (2016).

While that praise is all fine and dandy, the game’s direct sequel, DOOM Eternal, has a lot to live up to. Like DOOM (2016), many expressed concerns before its E3 2019 reveal, namely how will it differ from the first? After the reveal, those concerns were dashed. Seeing the same gameplay that hooked me from the last entry combined with new mechanics, like the dash and grappling chain, this looks to iterate in ways that could potentially change the flow of its fast-paced gameplay entirely. As long as it can exemplify the same technical performance I expect from id Software games, I can see DOOM Eternal dethroning its predecessor as this generation’s best shooter.

You can pre-order DOOM Eternal on Amazon.

Readers’ Choice E3 2019 Game of Show: Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Also Best PS4 Console-Exclusive Game

There was never a question that our readers would run away with Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Sure, Cyberpunk 2077 put up a hell of a fight. But we are talking about Final Fantasy 7 Remake here, people!

In case you were wondering how split the vote was, slightly more than 38% threw in their vote for Final Fantasy 7. Next up in the polls was Cyberpunk 2077 at just over 20%. The other biggest contenders were DOOM Eternal (4%), Watch Dogs: Legion (4%), and the newly-revealed Elden Ring (3%).

Now to give our own two cents on why Final Fantasy 7 Remake resonated so well among fans, let me turn over to Cloud-diehard, Cameron.

Cameron Hawkins, Staff Writer: When Final Fantasy 7 Remake was originally announced there was much excitement, but they’re also a lot of people who were scared. Square Enix within the recent year has been hit and miss with their games. It has had a relatively rough development cycle after originally being developed by CyberConnect2. It got to the point that most thought we would never see the game. After finally showing off a presentation of the game it was incredibly impressive. What makes things crazier is that the game has a release date: it is coming out within a year. If you told anyone that two months ago they would say you’re crazy. But it’s here and it’s phenomenal.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is everything that a remake should be. It reinvents the formula of what made the original so special while still staying true to it. The game is gorgeous and plays incredibly smooth. It really is just a sight to behold. The gameplay is for the modern era, but still feels like Final Fantasy 7. The characters speak like how most players imagined them speaking back on the original PlayStation. There is no doubt in my mind that (if the rest of the game is as good as what I got to play) Final Fantasy 7 Remake will live up to fans expectations and for some surpass the original.

You can pre-order Final Fantasy 7 Remake right now on Amazon.

Best First Party Game: Luigi’s Mansion 3

Also Best Nintendo Switch Console-Exclusive Game

Cameron Hawkins, Staff Writer: Luigi’s Mansion 3 is such a refreshing game to play from the slew of different Mario Bros. games and spinoffs. Simply put, the game is just so much fun to play. Whether it be by yourself or with a partner in co-op, Luigi’s Mansion 3 gameplay takes a really big step up from the first two games. The puzzles are nicely balanced, the combat mechanics never get old.

Most importantly, it’s weird. Don’t get me started on Gooigi. It seems like Nintendo is finally giving the series it’s big boy shoes and placing it on the pedistal with the other big Nintendo titles. And it deserves to be. I was not a fan of the series before playing Luigi’s Mansion 3, but Nintendo can be happy to know that they have earned another gamer in that fan base.

You can pre-order Luigi’s Mansion 3 right now on Amazon.

Best Xbox One Console-Exclusive Game: Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps E3 2019 2018 Microsoft Moon Studios

Lou Contaldi, Editor in Chief: We haven’t seen a ton of Ori and the Will of the Wisps; it made a brief appearance at the Microsoft E3 2019 Press Briefing in a new trailer we don’t know much else. It wasn’t on the show floor or at Xbox FanFest… and without a doubt, we want it more than ever. Maybe it is the mystique behind the game, but we are eyeing up that February 11, 2020 launch date. Will it surpass Ori and the Blind Forest to be the best platformer of the generation? We will just have to wait and see.

Best PC Game: Cris Tales

Tomas Franzese, Reviews Editor: In addition to an absolutely beautiful art style, Cris Tales from Dreams Uncorporated, SYCK, and Modus Games innovate with interesting time mechanics while still paying homage to JRPG greats. When players are walking around, they can see the past, present, and future all at the same time, which led to some of the most intriguing mission at objective structure at E3. And yes, the developers draw three different versions of the entire game.

Once you get into battle, time mechanics let players manipulate enemies with time, adding another layer on top of what players will recognize from games like Persona and Final Fantasy. With a beautiful art style on top of those mechanics, Cris Tales was one of the most memorable RPGs and PC games at the show this year.

You can pre-order Cris Tales right now on Amazon.

Best Handheld or Mobile Exclusive Game: Call of Duty Mobile

Tanner Pierce, Senior Staff Writer: Mobile games almost always get a bad rep because of how clunky the controls can feel. Call of Duty: Mobile is looking to change this by including simplistic controls that allow even the most clumsy of players to do well. On top of that, the game runs buttery smooth, which is necessary for an FPS, putting it above the rest.

Best Indie Game*: Blair Witch

Logan Moore, Reviews Editor: Bloober Team has already proven itself to be one of the best horror developers in the gaming industry and now it has the luxury of working with the terrifying world of Blair Witch. The game’s reveal at Microsoft’s briefing didn’t show too much, but it was still enough to send shivers down your spine. There’s still a lot left to see about Blair Witch and we’re hoping to learn more sooner rather than later.

*Note: Our definition of “indie game” this year is limited to games developed and self-published by the same studio. While there are a ton of amazing low-fi games and titles being published by indie publishers (e.g. Annapurna, Devolver), we want to give a nod to teams doing it all on their own.

Best Action/Adventure Game: Dying Light 2

Tomas Franzese, News Editor: Dying Light 2’s demo was certainly thrilling, but it also showed that the game was a zombie game that visceral and more focused on the human narrative than most other titles. While games like World War Zor Days Gone use giant hordes of zombies front and center to scare the player, Techland uses them more methodically, which makes them more of a threat. Most of the enemies in my demo were humans, and the decisions made took place in a morally gray area, which adding to the surprisingly emotionally human feeling of this zombie game.

With such an ambitious narrative and tighter gameplay than before, Dying Light 2 has quickly catapulted itself to near the top of my most anticipated 2020 games list, so I can’t wait to see what the full game has in store.

You can pre-order Dying Light 2 now on Amazon.

Best Platformer: Trine 4

trine 4 PS4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Modus Games Frozenbyte

Tomas Franzese, Features Editor: Trine 4 from Frozenbyte and Modus Games seems like an excellent return to form for the series. In addition to solid platforming and combat mechanics, the game uses its three characters to not only build up a good rapport narratively, but in the puzzles as well. It was impressive how puzzles were intricately crafted so they could include not just platforming, but every playable character’s abilities. This will certainly lead to quite a few interesting situations with multiple solutions in the final game. Do to how well it was put together, Trine 4 stood out as one of the most well put together platformers on the show floor this year.

Best Cooperative Game: Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Logan Moore, Reviews Editor: Wolfenstein: Youngblood is a true experience centered around co-op that we haven’t had in quite awhile. Blasting Nazis with a buddy is as enjoyable as Bethesda has pitched it to be and the game’s open areas make for near limitless approaches to combat. While the pitch to turn Wolfenstein into a co-op experience seemed difficult at first, it seems like MachineGames has pulled off the feat.

You can pre-order Wolfenstein: Youngblood right now on Amazon.

Best Competitive Game: Bleeding Edge

Bleeding Edge

Lou Contaldi, Editor in Chief: We are officially in the end game of this console generation, and there is heavy competition among competitive games — with the genre often feeling like a Battle Royale. And while we can’t make any promises on how Bleeding Edge will fare in attracting a large audience, we do know that Ninja Theory’s expertise is nothing to be trifled with. They’ve managed to cherrypick and fuse together some of the best elements in other franchises, while folding in unique ideas of their own.

Best Expansion or DLC: Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

Logan Moore, Reviews Editor: Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is simply more of one of 2018’s best games which made it an easy choice for our best expansion award this year. With a new region to explore and new monsters to hunt down, Iceborne seems like the perfect expansion for those who are still actively playing Monster Hunter World or those who are looking to jump back in. We can’t wait until September.

You can pre-order Monster Hunter World: Icebone right now on Amazon.

Best Puzzle Game: Manifold Garden

Lou Contaldi, Editor in Chief: Manifold Garden has been in the making for a long time, but it is aging like a fine wine. Reminiscent of a platformer Monument Valley, this is a game that puzzle enthusiasts will need to keep an eye on.

Best Online Game: Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers

Tomas Franzese, News Editor: Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers looks like it will make an already amazing online game even better. With interesting new environments, some cool new races and jobs, the game-changing Trust system, and a passionate team behind it, Shadowbringers will only help to bolster the already popular MMO’s fan base. New online games come and go every year at E3, but Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers improves an already great online title and in turn has become the most impressive online game on the show floor this year.

You can pre-order Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers right now on Amazon.

Best RPG: The Outer Worlds

Logan Moore, Reviews Editor: The Outer Worlds has looked excellent since it was first unveiled last year and at E3 2019, it just continued to look even better. Obsidian’s latest title is reminiscent of the RPGs we played at the dawn of the millennium while still boasting more modern mechanics and systems. The RPG market has seemed somewhat starved for a year or two now but The Outer Worlds looks like it’s absolutely going to satiate that appetite.

You can pre-order The Outer Worlds right now on Amazon.

Best Fighting Game: Granblue: Fantasy Versus

Tomas Franzese, News Editor: Arc System Works continues to prove that they are one of the best fighting game developers around with Granblue Fantasy Versus. Heralding a beloved series into a new genre, this game retains the visual flair Arc System Works titles are known for without dropping the ball from a gameplay standpoint. If you enjoy the Granblue series or just like a bit of unique visual flair in your fighting games, you will get something out of Granblue Fantasy Versus, the best fighting game at E3 this year.

Best Racing Game: Grid

Logan Moore, Reviews Editor: Grid’s return later this year seems to be a promising one based on what we saw at E3. Even though the racing franchise has been dormant for five years now, Codemasters looks like it could be delivering the best entry so far. For those dying for a new racing sim, this one seems hopeful.

You can pre-order Grid right now on Amazon.

Best Sports Game: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020

Lou Contaldi, Editor in Chief: Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi. Skateboard Yoshi.

In all seriousness, the Mario & Sonic series always seems to get written off, but there is a ton of party-based fun to be had here. While there is more than enough polished sports titles moving into the Fall 2019 line-up, this is the one that we had the best time with.

You can pre-order Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020 right now on Amazon.

Best Strategy Game: John Wick Hex

Tanner Pierce, Senior Staff Writer: At E3 2019, one strategy game stood out above the rest by a country mile. John Wick Hex puts an interesting spin on the strategy genre by introducing action timelines that allow you to plan each of your moves accordingly. This, on top of its vibrant art style, makes John Wick Hex not only one of the best of E3, but possibly one of the best licensed games in a long time.

Best VR/AR Game: Phantom: Covert

Phantom Covert Ops

Grant Huff, Staff Writer: Phantom: Covert Ops is doing something quite different and I couldn’t be more excited about it. While titles like Superhot and Blood & Truth will get your adrenaline pumping, this title makes your heart race in a different way. The thoughtfulness of the stealth action gameplay and the uniqueness of the overall concept has me eagerly anticipating its release.

Biggest Shocker: Keanu Reeves?! You’re Breathtaking! (Cyberpunk 2077)

Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk 2077

Logan Moore, Reviews Editor: Let’s be honest: this was probably our easiest award of E3 2019 to hand out. No moment at the convention was more surprising or more talked about than when Keanu Reeves showed up at the Microsoft press conference to announce his involvement in Cyberpunk 2077. Somehow, an already cool looking game now looks even cooler thanks to the involvement of Reeves. April 2020 cannot come fast enough.

You can pre-order Cyberpunk 2077 right now on Amazon.


Thanks again for keeping tuned in to the DualShockers E3 2019 coverage. We’ve got a lot more on the way, so keep an eye out for more previews and editorials about the games and events.

The post DualShockers’ E3 2019 Awards — DOOM Eternal and Final Fantasy 7: Remake Steal the Show by Lou Contaldi appeared first on DualShockers.



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