5. Resident Evil 5 - PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 - Capcom

This is another no-brainer. The fifth installment ups the ante as far as the action is concerned and it's for the best. Building on the formula established by Resident Evil 4, the game incorporates even more action into its mix of gameplay. Resident Evil 5 is marked by absolutely brutal battles. Where the last installment was intense, its follow up is downright visceral. It's this portion of the E3 demo that caught our eye. The game introduces a number of new elements that radically change gameplay. Foremost among these are new destructible environments. Reworked close-quarters combat makes for a far more brutal battle system. Equipped with a machete instead of a basic combat knife, Chris can also do far more damage by hand than ever before. Plus...co-op play! Sign us up.

4. Warhammer Online - PC - EA

It's been delayed, it even lost some content recently and has been in development for a while -- but the playable build of WAR looked incredible and is easily the most polished looking pre-release MMO we have ever seen. EA Mythic knows how to make an MMO and Warhammer Online with all of its authentic 'Hammer flavor and realm vs. realm structure fits the bill. The release date is set in stone for September 23 so it’s right around the corner. Chaos, Empire, Orcs, High Elves, Dark Elves and Dwarfs – let’s get ready to rumble, Hammer style. We’re supposed to get into the next beta and the fact that we check our email every morning thinking about that beta key says a lot about our anticipation level for this one.

3. Empire: Total War - PC - Sega

The Total War series heads to the Age of Napoleon and the Age of Sail -- and we can't wait. The E3 demo showcased the new naval combat system and hinted at the 12 playable nation Grand Campaign complete with the Americas. If you're at all familiar with this series and want it to take the next logical step, well, here you go. Famous figures like Napoelon, Wellington, Ney, and even George Washington show up during the course of the campaign. The land battles incorporate mud, rain, wind, morale, line of sight all wrapped up in a beautiful game engine. Load up your musket and get the cannon ready – the game is slated for an early ’09 release.