Best Racing Game – Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)

This new Mario Kart is not just an updated version of Mario Kart Wii or Mario Kart 7 but is in fact much more than that. Mario Kart 8 features updated graphics and a few additions to the gameplay. Not only are gliding and underwater mechanics from Mario Kart 7 making a return, but now anti-gravity karts!

Nominees
• N/A

Best Wii U eShop Game – Cloudberry Kingdom (Wii U)

Do not let the graphical style of Cloudberry Kingdom fool you because the game is a ton of fun to play, especially with a group of friends. Cloudberry Kingdom will be enjoyed by many but I could see the most seasoned gamers enjoying this indie title the most.

Nominees
• DuckTales: Remastered
• Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails

Most Innovative Game – The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)

There seems to be a perfect balance between the use of the GamePad and the action that appears on your TV. The Wonderful 101 is a fine example of reminding Wii U owners what the GamePad is truly capable of. Look forward to saving the world in The Wonderful 101 on September 15th for the Wii U.

Nominees
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
• Mario Kart 8

Best Artistic Design – Rayman Legends (Wii U)

Anyone who is looking for a great platformer or a very stylized game will enjoy Rayman Legends. The game has been plagued by delays and was supposed to be released a long time ago. Ubisoft has caught a lot of flak for this but regardless gamers young and old should give Rayman Legends a shot. Rayman Legends is a blast to play, is a solid platforming experience, and the graphics look incredible.

Nominees
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
• Pikmin 3

Best Wii U Game – Pikmin 3 (Wii U)

Pikmin 3 is absolutely gorgeous. Your surroundings on the Pikmin’s planet are now presented in beautiful HD giving off realistic impressions to the audience. The water looks vibrant and calming, while the fire visuals are stunning. But by far the best quality about Pikmin 3’s looks, is how it is able to maintain the art style that we’ve grown familiar with in previous Pikmin titles.

Nominees
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
• Mario Kart 8

Best Wii U Graphics – Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

It was thanks to Nintendo’s recent partnering with Platinum Games that we are so fortunate to receive such a title, as it is both gorgeous looking and just straight up fun to play. The hack’n’slash style of gameplay of Bayonetta 2 really gives gamers a sense of power as they lay waste to all surrounding enemies big and small.

Nominees
• Mario Kart 8
• Pikmin 3

Best 3DS Game – The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)

I cannot wait for this title to come out, as I believe it will be a fantastic addition to the Legend of Zelda franchise. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is set to release this November.

Nominees
• Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
• Sonic Lost World

Best 3DS Graphics – Sonic Lost World (3DS)

Hands down, one of our favorite games at E3 was Sonic Lost World. Ever since the game was announced in the last Nintendo Direct, our staff was excited to see the next evolution in the Sonic franchise. What we got to play exceeded our expectations and earned our pick for Best 3DS Graphics at E3 2013.

Nominees
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
• Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Best Shooter – Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Wii U)

Overall I really enjoyed my time with Blacklist, even though I got worked over. I am looking forward to its release and to get better at playing as a Spy. With a little bit of time, I think it has the possibility to be an amazing multiplayer experience.

Nominees
• N/A

Best RPG – Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

The presentation of the game coupled with the full voice acting made for a great experience. Pokemon X/Y are definitely high on our list of RPG’s but sadly the games were not playable at E3 this year. With the quality of Shin Megami tensei IV, RPG fans will have a lot to tie them over until the Pokemon games release in October.

Nominees
• Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
• Pokemon X/Y (not playabled at E3)

Best Multiplayer Game – Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Wii U)

Overall I really enjoyed my time with Blacklist, even though I got worked over. I am looking forward to its release and to get better at playing as a Spy. With a little bit of time, I think it has the possibility to be an amazing multiplayer experience.

Nominees
• Mario Kart 8
• Pikmin 3

Best Platformer – Sonic Lost World (Wii U)

Hands down, one of our favorite games at E3 was Sonic Lost World. Ever since the game was announced in the last Nintendo Direct, our staff was excited to see the next evolution in the Sonic franchise. What we got to play exceeded our expectations and earned our pick for Best Platformer at E3 2013.

Nominees
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
• Cloudberry Kingdom

Most Anticipated Game – Super Smash Bros. (Wii U/3DS)

Other than Mario Kart, I can’t think of another franchise that I’ve played more than the Super Smash Bros. games. When we decided on Super Smash Bros. for our “Most Anticipated” game of E3, I think all of us voted for it because we knew how much we’re going to play it when it finally releases. As much as I’m excited for Monolithsoft’s ‘X’ and Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. is definitely still at the top of the list.

Nominees
• Pokemon X/Y
• Watch_Dogs

Best Surprise – Cloudberry Kingdom (Wii U)

Do not let the graphical style of Cloudberry Kingdom fool you because the game is a ton of fun to play, especially with a group of friends. Cloudberry Kingdom will be enjoyed by many but I could see the most seasoned gamers enjoying this indie title the most.

Nominees
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
• Sonic Lost World

Best in Show – Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

Every year, it’s always hard to decide on a single game to get our “Best in Show” award but the quality of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is top-notch. The presentation in Tropical Freeze was incredible and the variety in each level made me really excited to see the finished product. The same great platforming mechanics we’ve come to know and love are back and better than ever. November is going to be an exciting month for Nintendo fans and Tropical Freeze is a must have this Holiday.

Nominees
• Pikmin 3
• Mario Kart 8

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