A Look Back: The Standout Games from a Landmark E3

Reflecting on a major industry event years later offers a unique perspective. Looking back at the 2015 Electronic Entertainment Expo, it's fascinating to see which games were hailed as the best of the show across various platforms. While some were the expected blockbuster sequels, others were bold new ventures that would go on to define a generation. But what made these titles so special at the time, and how did the anticipation from that event translate into their eventual legacy? The awards given out by publications like Hardcore Gamer captured a moment of pure potential, a snapshot of gaming's future through the lens of that summer.

Best PlayStation 4 Game: Horizon: Zero Dawn

Many had expected Uncharted 4: A Thief's End to dominate the PlayStation 4 conversation. It promised solid action, beautiful graphics, and clever banter. However, Guerrilla Games completely shifted the narrative by unveiling Horizon: Zero Dawn. The sight of the protagonist, Aloy, battling a T-Rex-like machine was not only intense but visually stunning. Wasn't it refreshing to see a studio known for Killzone step so far out of its comfort zone? In a year crowded with sequels, the emergence of a high-quality, brand-new intellectual property was a breath of fresh air. The game promised a unique blend of primitive humanity and advanced robotics in a vibrant open world, setting a new benchmark for what a new IP could achieve on the PS4.

Best Xbox One Game: Halo 5: Guardians

343 Industries presented Halo 5: Guardians as one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise. The campaign dared to do something unprecedented: question the allegiance of the iconic Master Chief. This narrative gamble promised to peel back the layers on the mysterious Spartan. But the real showstopper was the new Warzone multiplayer mode. Imagine a massive 12 versus 12 sandbox where strategy became as important as sheer firepower. Teams had to make critical decisions—do you hunt a powerful boss for points, leaving your base vulnerable, or use it as bait for the opposing team? This evolution from pure team slaying to objective-based, large-scale warfare signaled a significant shift for the series, aiming to blend a compelling story with groundbreaking multiplayer scope.

Best PC Game: XCOM 2

Following the acclaimed revival of the series with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the sequel flipped the script entirely. XCOM 2 was set in a dystopian future where XCOM had lost the war and now operated as a guerrilla resistance force. This premise fundamentally changed the gameplay dynamics. Since your team was now wanted fugitives, you'd see your soldiers' faces on propaganda posters. Battles introduced new layers of tension with the ability to call in reinforcements, forcing players to be hyper-efficient. Could taking control of a turret for a quick advantage be worth the risk of exposing your position? Notably, Firaxis announced the game as a PC-exclusive release, a decision that thrilled strategy purists and promised a experience built specifically for the platform's strengths, with a target release window set for later that year.

Best Wii U Game: Super Mario Maker

What happens when Nintendo hands the plumbing tools to the players? The result was Super Mario Maker, a game that essentially weaponized nostalgia and creativity. The presentation was a masterclass in selling a concept, incrementally revealing features that made the value proposition irresistible:

• Asset Library: It included art and sound assets from Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. 🎮

• Limitless Content: Players could create and share levels, guaranteeing an endless stream of new challenges from around the globe. 🌍

• Authentic Feel: The game meticulously recreated the physics and mechanics of the classic titles it emulated.

• Creative Chaos: The ability to create fiendishly difficult levels with bizarre enemy combinations promised endless fun (and frustration).

• Bonus Fun: The reveal of playable character swaps, like using the Wii Fit Trainer, was the final, charming touch. Who could resist the promise of becoming a level designer in the Mushroom Kingdom?

Best PlayStation Vita Game: Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls

Spinning off a popular franchise into a completely different genre is often a risky move. Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls took the visual novel/ murder mystery series and transformed it into a third-person shooter. On paper, it sounded like a potential disaster. Yet, the showing proved it was anything but. This wasn't a cheap cash-in; it was a substantial experience clocking in at over twenty hours. The game drew clear inspiration from survival horror classics like Silent Hill, blending its signature dark narrative and characters with tense action gameplay. For Vita owners, it represented a rare, high-quality exclusive that expanded the beloved Danganronpa universe in a daring new direction.

Best Nintendo 3DS Game: Fire Emblem Fates

The Fire Emblem series took a monumental step with Fire Emblem Fates. For the first time, a single game was split into two distinct narratives: Birthright and Conquest. This wasn't a simple cosmetic difference; it was a fundamental choice between seeking peace or pursuing glory, affecting the story, maps, and characters. The game promised a wealth of new features:

The expansion of its reign to North America was a major event for strategy RPG fans, solidifying the franchise's popularity in the West. The E3 showing made it clear this was a deep, content-rich experience worthy of the handheld crown.

In retrospect, the 2015 E3 awards highlighted a pivotal moment. They celebrated both the safe bets of established franchises pushing their boundaries (Halo 5, Fire Emblem Fates) and the thrilling gambles of entirely new worlds (Horizon: Zero Dawn). They acknowledged the power of player creation (Super Mario Maker) and the potential for bold genre shifts (Danganronpa Another Episode). Each award winner represented a different facet of the industry's direction, and from the vantage point of 2026, it's clear this was a show that delivered on its promises, with many of these games becoming defining titles for their respective platforms and generations.