Like many video game fans, I was glued to my computer screen for the past week, watching all of GameSpot's excellent video content coverage of the expo. Below is my list of the best games of E3 2006. Some of my picks may be contentious, but my main criterion for selection was whether or not the game seemed to be improving upon the state of the art in any exceptional way. Secondly, in areas where that test failed, I simply chose the games that I am most eagerly anticipating. And finally, I only selected from titles that presented more than simple teaser animations. With that said...

PC
Game of Show - Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
Adding a level of immersion and environmental interaction that has only been promised in the past, Dark Messiah is shaping up like one of the greatest PC RPGs ever made.

Runner Up - BioShock
The spiritual successor to probably the best Action-RPG developed for the PC. BioShock's 1920's art deco styling is a truly unique visual style that sets it apart from the crowd of first-person titles.

Wii
Game of Show - Wii Sports
No other Nintendo title showcased the elegant simplicity and power of the Wii Controller like this game.

Runner Up - Super Mario Galaxy
It's Mario... I shouldn't have to explain this. ;)

PS3
Game of Show - Assassin's Creed
Greatly improving upon the representation of the bustling city-scape, Assassin's Creed promises to allow the player to use the crowded streets of Jerusalem (among other locales) to their advantage when escaping capture. From the developers of The Sands of Time... Need I say more?

Runner Up - Untitled Naughty Dog Game
Appearing much like the most memorable scenes from an Indiana Jones film, this PS3-exclusive title looks to be one of the best 3rd person adventures since the original Tomb Raider. I am incredibly excited about this game, despite the lack of information and the insane pricetag of the PS3.

PS2
Game of Show - God of War II
God of War was one of the best games of 2005, and the most refreshing action game in years. At its worst, God of War II will merely be more of the same.

Runner Up - Dragonball Z Budokai: Tenkaichi 2
Fighting with over 130 characters from the Dragonball universe in numerous destructible environments with epic maneuvers and camera angles... Any fan of DBZ should be ecstatic about the release of this game.

PSP
Game of Show - Loco Roco
A truly original puzzle game that devises an entirely new way to interact with the standard video game controller.

Runner Up - Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel
This is the future of comic books. Period. Marvel, DC, and the rest should jump on this now.

X360
Game of Show - Gears of War
An amazing game graphically, Gears of War looks like it will also be an incredibly satisfying gameplay experience. The context-sensitive interface and excellent camera angles (WWII-film style shaky-camera running) stand out as some of the great features in this title.

Runner Up - Ninety-Nine Nights
The battles of N3 appear to be truly massive, launching the fantasy 3rd-person action game into the era of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings. And I hope they never look back.

XBOX
Game of Show - Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent
A bit of a weak showing for the Xbox this year. Double Agent will no doubt be a better game on the X360 or PS3, but it was also without a doubt the best Xbox title at the show. Splinter Cell continues to be a driving force in the stealth-action genre.

Runner Up - Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Continuing the successful formula of the X-Men Legends games, Ultimate Alliance appears to be a must-buy for comic book fans. But also another Xbox game that will probably be more enjoyable on its more powerful sibling.

GC
Game of Show - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
I wasn't completely sold on the additions that the Wii controller brings to the party, and I'm not very clear why Nintendo has chosen to release two different SKUs for this game... I suppose the Wii-specific content won't fit on the GC disc. But really, why not get the Wii version? Nevertheless, this was absolutely the best game shown for the Gamecube.

Runner Up - Super Paper Mario
Again, Mario. Done deal. But really, a great graphical style and classic Mario Bros. gameplay.

DS
Game of Show - Elite Beat Agents
Hopefully proving that cultural crossovers can be successful, this game along with Phoenix Wright and Trauma Center are what make the DS such an interesting platform.

Runner Up - The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Innovative use of the touch screen for attacking & puzzle-solving. Map annotation is a Godsend we can only hope other developers will include in future DS RPGs.

GBA
Game of Show - Capcom Classics Mini Mix
Strider and Bionic Commando on one cartridge? Hell yes. Final Fight is just a throwaway, especially with the chibi graphics...

Runner Up - Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation
Billed as one of the best turn-based strategy games to hit Japan, this game could be just the thing for US GBA owners looking to scratch their Advance Wars itch.

So that's it for me. No Metal Gear Solid?! No Halo 3?! Blasphemy!! :lol: Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear your picks. Thanks for reading!