E3 games can mean playable releases, coverage of the show, or memorabilia tied to gaming’s biggest announcements, and this lineup spans all three. I’d choose Rayman Origins as the best overall pick for buyers who want a complete game to play, while Game Informer Issue #232 and E3 Access 2004 stand out for print and video-game history. The main tradeoff is between hands-on entertainment and collecting a snapshot of E3, with condition and format affecting the latter. A PlayStation 3 bundle and the differently titled E3 Hot 50 issues suit narrower collection goals. Read on for how the seven options compare and which one fits your reason for searching.
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Key Takeaways
- Rayman Origins is the clearest choice for someone seeking an actual game to play; most other entries are magazines, a DVD, a bundle, or an event listing.
- Game Informer Issue #232 and the 2013 Issue 244 offer E3 Hot 50 coverage from different years, so the year and contents matter more than the similar cover theme.
- E3 Access 2004 is the most focused history pick, but its DVD format makes compatibility and playback condition part of the decision.
- God of War PlayStation 3 Bundle with Kratos Statue has the strongest collectible appeal, while its bulk and console-era focus make it less suitable for buyers who only want a game.
- Game Informer Issue 244 and Game Informer Issue 244 – August 2013 appear closely related; verify the exact issue and listing contents before choosing between them.
| Game Informer Issue #232 – August 2012 (E3 Hot 50) |  | Best for 2012 E3 Archiving | Issue: #232 | Publication date: August 2012 | Publication: Game Informer | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Game Informer Issue 244 – August 2013 – E3 Hot 50 |  | Best E3 Magazine Snapshot | Issue: 244 | Publication date: August 2013 | Publication: Game Informer | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| E3 Access 2004: The Future of Video Games (DVD) |  | Best for E3 Event Footage | Title: The Future of Video Games | Event year: 2004 | Media type: DVD | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| God of War PlayStation 3 Bundle with Kratos Statue |  | Best E3-Era Collector Bundle | Platform: PlayStation 3 | Players: 1 player; includes multiplayer for up to 8 players | Release date: December 31, 2009 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| E3 2013 |  | Best for a Minimal E3 2013 Listing | Title: E3 2013 | Associated event year: 2013 | ASIN: B00D8FHJFI | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rayman Origins (Xbox 360) |  | Best for Local Co-op | Platform: Xbox 360 | Players: 1 player or local co-op for up to 4 players | Worlds: 12 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Game Informer Issue 244 (E3 Hot 50) |  | Best for E3 Game Previews | Publication: Game Informer | Issue: 244 | Theme: E3 Hot 50 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| e3 game | Platform |
|---|---|
| Game Informer Issue #232 | — |
| Game Informer Issue 244 | — |
| E3 Access 2004: The Future of | PC |
| God of War PlayStation 3 Bundl | PlayStation 3 |
| E3 2013 | Not specified |
| Rayman Origins | Xbox 360 |
| Game Informer Issue 244 | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Game Informer Issue #232 – August 2012 (E3 Hot 50)
This issue is the clearest pick for readers who want to revisit E3 2012 as it was previewed at the time, with its E3 Hot 50 list backed by previews, interviews, and industry coverage. Compared with Game Informer Issue 244, it captures the show one year earlier, making the two issues useful as a chronological pair rather than substitutes. The print edition also gives screenshots and page layouts a physical presence that the DVD entry E3 Access 2004 cannot offer. Its central tradeoff is age: the previews document expectations, not a current guide to what is worth playing, and the magazine format is less convenient to search or carry than digital material. Choose it for historical coverage, not current recommendations.
Pros:- E3 Hot 50 list provides a focused snapshot of upcoming games shown in 2012.
- Previews and interviews add context beyond a simple list of titles.
- Printed pages and vibrant graphics suit collectors and archive shelves.
Cons:- Its previews reflect 2012 expectations and are not a guide to current releases.
- Print format is less portable and searchable than digital coverage.
Best for: Collectors and gaming-history readers who want a printed record of E3 2012 previews and editorial coverage.
Not ideal for: Readers seeking current game recommendations or searchable digital access, since the issue covers 2012 and is a print edition.
- Issue:#232
- Publication date:August 2012
- Publication:Game Informer
- Coverage focus:E3 Hot 50
- Format:Print magazine
- Editorial content:Previews, interviews, and industry insights
Our verdict“Choose this issue if you want a physical archive of E3 2012 coverage; skip it for up-to-date buying advice.”
Game Informer Issue 244 – August 2013 – E3 Hot 50
For readers choosing a single printed E3 roundup, this 2013 issue brings together an E3 Hot 50 list, previews, industry news, and screenshots in one magazine. It is a broader editorial snapshot than E3 Access 2004, which is a DVD focused on event footage and commentary, while the 2012 Game Informer Issue #232 offers the earlier year for anyone building a timeline. That makes this issue the natural choice for a print-first look at the 2013 show, rather than a replacement for either format. The limitation is baked into its appeal: coverage is tied to that year’s announcements and gaming landscape, so it cannot serve as a current release guide. Pick it for archival context and magazine presentation, not present-day purchasing decisions.
Pros:- Combines the E3 Hot 50 with news, previews, and reviews.
- Screenshots and print layout make it suited to browsing and collecting.
- Offers a 2013 counterpart to the August 2012 Game Informer issue.
Cons:- Coverage reflects the games and industry news of 2013.
- Print-only presentation is less convenient than digital or video formats.
Best for: Readers and collectors who want a print-focused overview of E3 2013 with previews, screenshots, and editorial context.
Not ideal for: Gamers looking for current releases or video footage, since this is a dated magazine rather than a modern guide or event DVD.
- Issue:244
- Publication date:August 2013
- Publication:Game Informer
- Magazine type:Video game magazine
- Coverage focus:E3 Hot 50
- Editorial content:Previews, industry news, and reviews
- Presentation:Print with screenshots
Our verdict“Pick this for a printed archive of E3 2013 coverage, especially if you want a later-year companion to Issue #232.”
E3 Access 2004: The Future of Video Games (DVD)
This DVD suits viewers who would rather see event footage and commentary than read a magazine’s preview list. Its 2004 E3 focus makes it a historical viewing piece, with PC gamers named as the intended audience. Compared with Game Informer Issue #232 and its printed Hot 50 coverage, E3 Access offers a video-led record of an earlier show; compared with the 2013 issue, it reaches further back and is less useful for tracing later gaming trends. The format is the main practical constraint: a DVD drive or compatible player is needed, and the material is tied to its era. It makes sense for enthusiasts collecting old E3 coverage, but not for anyone seeking current PC game recommendations or easy playback on modern devices.
Pros:- Video format presents E3 2004 footage rather than relying only on print.
- Commentary provides context around the event and its featured games.
- PC-gamer focus distinguishes it from the broader Game Informer magazine issues.
Cons:- The 2004 material is dated and cannot represent current gaming trends.
- DVD playback limits access on devices without a compatible drive.
- The provided product details do not identify specific featured games or runtime.
Best for: PC gaming and E3-history enthusiasts with DVD playback who want footage and commentary from the 2004 event.
Not ideal for: Buyers without a DVD player or drive, and gamers seeking current PC releases or easily searchable written previews.
- Title:The Future of Video Games
- Event year:2004
- Media type:DVD
- Platform:PC
- Content:E3 event footage and commentary
- Intended audience:PC gamers
Our verdict“Choose this DVD for archival E3 footage if you have compatible playback hardware; skip it for current game guidance.”
God of War PlayStation 3 Bundle with Kratos Statue
This bundle stands apart from the magazine and DVD entries because it is a PlayStation 3 game package with physical and digital extras, not a record of E3 coverage. The single-player story and multiplayer mode give it more direct play value than Game Informer Issue 244, while the Kratos statue and steelbook make it more appealing to collectors than a standard game release. Its listed PlayStation 3 platform is also a firm boundary: unlike the PC-oriented E3 Access 2004, it requires Sony’s older console, and multiplayer depends on an online connection. The bundle is described as bulky and weighs five pounds, so it is less suited to minimal shelves or casual browsing. Choose it for the game and collector items, not as an E3 preview archive.
Pros:- Includes a single-player story and a multiplayer mode for up to eight players.
- Kratos statue and steelbook add physical collector appeal.
- Digital extras include a soundtrack, theme, avatar pack, double XP boost, and DLC pass.
Cons:- PlayStation 3 compatibility limits use to owners of that console.
- Multiplayer requires an online connection.
- The five-pound bundle and included collectibles take more storage space than a standard game.
Best for: PlayStation 3 owners and God of War collectors who want the game alongside a statue, steelbook, soundtrack, and digital extras.
Not ideal for: Players without a PlayStation 3, buyers seeking E3 event coverage, or anyone unwilling to rely on online access for multiplayer.
- Platform:PlayStation 3
- Players:1 player; includes multiplayer for up to 8 players
- Release date:December 31, 2009
- Included statue:8-inch Kratos statue
- Included case:Premium steelbook
- Digital extras:Soundtrack, PS3 theme, avatar pack, double XP boost, and DLC pass
- Item weight:5 pounds
- Dimensions:8 x 5.1 x 9.2 inches
- Language:English
Our verdict“Buy this for a PS3-era God of War collection with physical extras, not for a direct account of E3 announcements.”
E3 2013
The available listing identifies this item only as E3 2013, so I can place it in the roundup by subject and year, but not confidently judge its format, depth, or included material. That uncertainty matters next to the clearly specified Game Informer Issue 244, which is explicitly a magazine with an E3 Hot 50 and editorial coverage. It also cannot be compared favorably with E3 Access 2004 on footage or commentary, because no such details are supplied. The one grounded distinction is the year: this listing points to 2013, the same event year covered by Issue 244. Until the package format and contents are confirmed, this is a cautious choice for someone searching for an E3 2013 item, not a dependable pick for a particular kind of coverage.
Pros:- The title directly identifies the subject as E3 2013.
- May suit collectors seeking an item associated with that event year.
- Could complement Game Informer Issue 244 if its contents and format are confirmed.
Cons:- No description or specifications are provided to confirm its format or contents.
- No featured games, editorial coverage, or footage are documented.
- Its value as an E3 reference is difficult to judge against the detailed magazine and DVD options.
Best for: Collectors specifically searching for an item titled E3 2013 who can verify its format and contents before buying.
Not ideal for: Readers who need confirmed magazine coverage, a known game list, video footage, or clear format details.
- Title:E3 2013
- Associated event year:2013
- ASIN:B00D8FHJFI
- Format:Not specified
- Platform:Not specified
- Contents:Not specified
Our verdict“Consider this only if you specifically want an E3 2013 item and can confirm what the listing includes.”
Rayman Origins (Xbox 360)
Rayman Origins is the strongest pick here for playing E3-era gaming with friends rather than reading or watching about the show. Its four-player jump-in/jump-out local co-op makes it easy for a group to join the same session, while more than 60 levels across 12 worlds offer far more to play than a single short showcase. Swimming, diving, slapping and the HairlyCopter give the platforming varied challenges, and boss fights add a change of pace. Compared with Game Informer Issue 244 (E3 Hot 50), this is an interactive game, not a record of E3 coverage; it suits players who want hands-on entertainment. The tradeoff is that co-op is local only, and the game is limited to Xbox 360, so it is a poor fit for online groups or other platforms.
Pros:- Up to four players can join or leave local co-op during play
- More than 60 levels spread across 12 distinct worlds
- Character abilities and boss encounters add variety to the platforming
- A playable option that contrasts with the roundup’s E3 magazines and video releases
Cons:- No online multiplayer support
- Designed for Xbox 360, limiting buyers to that platform
Best for: Xbox 360 owners who want colorful platforming and couch co-op for up to four players
Not ideal for: Players who need online multiplayer or want an E3 magazine, documentary, or event record
- Platform:Xbox 360
- Players:1 player or local co-op for up to 4 players
- Worlds:12
- Levels:More than 60
- Multiplayer:Local jump-in/jump-out co-op; no online multiplayer
- Publisher:Ubisoft
- Language:Multilingual
- UPC:008888526858
Our verdict“Choose Rayman Origins for substantial local co-op on Xbox 360, but skip it if you want online play or E3 coverage itself.”
Game Informer Issue 244 (E3 Hot 50)
Game Informer Issue 244 (E3 Hot 50) is the print-oriented choice for readers who want a curated snapshot of games associated with E3. Its appeal is editorial: a magazine issue can gather previews and coverage in one place, unlike Rayman Origins, which offers hours of play but does not document the show. It also fits alongside the roundup’s E3 Access 2004: The Future of Video Games DVD, with the magazine serving readers who prefer print over video. The available product details identify the issue as an E3 Hot 50 edition, but do not specify its article list, page count, condition, or physical format. That lack of detail makes it harder to judge how much coverage it contains or whether it suits collectors seeking a particular feature. Choose it for the E3-themed magazine format, not for a guaranteed contents list.
Pros:- E3 Hot 50 designation gives the issue a clear event-focused editorial theme
- Print format offers a different experience from the E3 Access DVD
- Better suited to browsing game previews than Rayman Origins, which is a playable platformer
Cons:- Available product information does not list the articles or games covered
- Page count, condition, and physical format are not specified
- Provides reading material rather than gameplay or video coverage
Best for: Readers and game-history collectors seeking a print edition focused on E3-related game coverage
Not ideal for: Buyers who need confirmed article details, a specified condition or format, or a playable game
- Publication:Game Informer
- Issue:244
- Theme:E3 Hot 50
- Product format:Not specified in the provided product data
- Page count:Not specified in the provided product data
- Contents:Not specified in the provided product data
Our verdict“Pick this issue if you want an E3-themed magazine to browse, but seek more listing details if specific coverage or collector condition matters.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options by how directly they serve the likely meanings of E3 games: playing a game, revisiting E3 coverage, or collecting event-related material. I also weighed how clearly each listing identifies its format and contents, the role it can fill in a collection, and the practical issues buyers may face, such as disc compatibility, magazine condition, and the space required by a console bundle.
Rayman Origins leads because it provides the most direct play experience; the E3 magazines and DVD follow for buyers interested in show history and coverage. The God of War bundle ranks for its distinct collectible focus, while the two Issue 244 listings are placed lower because their near-identical naming makes verification especially important. This order favors clear use cases over assuming that every E3-related item is a game or that similar titles describe identical editions.
| e3 game | Platform |
|---|---|
| Game Informer Issue #232 | — |
| Game Informer Issue 244 | — |
| E3 Access 2004: The Future of | PC |
| God of War PlayStation 3 Bundl | PlayStation 3 |
| E3 2013 | Not specified |
| Rayman Origins | Xbox 360 |
| Game Informer Issue 244 | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing E3 Games
Before choosing, decide whether “E3 games” means something to play or something that records the event. These listings mix software, print, video, and hardware, so format and intended use matter as much as the E3 connection.
Choose Between Playing and Collecting
Start by deciding whether you want a game for a console or an artifact connected to E3. A disc-based game offers immediate play if you own compatible hardware, while a magazine or DVD serves a research, display, or nostalgia purpose. A common mistake is choosing by event branding alone and discovering the item cannot be played as a game. If you want both use and history, prioritize a clearly identified game release; if you want a record of announcements, favor dated coverage. This distinction narrows the field faster than comparing titles alone.
Check the Exact Issue and Year
E3 coverage is time-specific: an issue from 2012 captures a different moment than one from 2013. Confirm the publication date, issue number, and whether the listing includes the E3 Hot 50 material you expect. Similar naming can hide duplicate listings or different condition and packaging, particularly with the two Issue 244 entries. Ask for cover and contents photos when the listing details do not settle the difference. For a collection, matching the right year may matter more than having another copy with a similar headline.
Treat Condition as Part of the Product
For older magazines, inspect the spine, pages, cover, and any inserts; missing pages can undermine the value as a reference even when the cover looks presentable. With DVDs and game discs, ask about scratches, playback, and included cases or manuals. Collectible bundles need a separate check for the console, statue, cables, and original packaging, since a listing title does not prove every component is present. Avoid assuming vintage means complete or that a sealed-looking package is automatically the best fit. Match the condition to your purpose: display pieces and reading copies have different standards.
Confirm Hardware and Media Compatibility
Older games and video media can require hardware you no longer own. Check the game’s platform and regional compatibility, and confirm the DVD format can be played on your available equipment. A PlayStation 3 bundle makes sense only if the included system and accessories fit your setup and the listing describes what is actually included. Buying media first and checking compatibility later can turn a nostalgic purchase into shelf decor. If access is the priority, verify playback before ordering rather than relying on the item name.
Decide How Much Space and Upkeep You Want
A magazine takes little room and is easy to revisit, while a DVD needs safe storage and working playback equipment. A console bundle demands more shelf space and may require testing or maintenance, particularly if the system has been stored for years. Think about whether you want an item to use regularly or preserve as part of a display. Paying more for a larger collectible only makes sense when its included pieces matter to your collection. For a low-maintenance E3 keepsake, print coverage may be a simpler choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option should I choose if I want an actual game to play?
Rayman Origins is the most direct fit because it is a game rather than event coverage or hardware memorabilia. Check that you have a compatible Xbox 360 and confirm the disc’s condition before buying. The PlayStation 3 bundle includes a different kind of gaming experience, but it is a larger hardware purchase rather than a simple game pick. If you are shopping for E3 history instead of playtime, a magazine or DVD will fit better.
Are the two Game Informer Issue 244 listings the same item?
The titles are similar, but the listings alone do not prove they are identical in condition, packaging, or included material. Compare the publication date, issue number, cover image, and any description of the E3 Hot 50 feature. If those details match, condition and completeness can guide the choice. When they do not, ask the seller to clarify before ordering rather than relying on the title wording.
Is E3 Access 2004 a game or a video?
E3 Access 2004: The Future of Video Games is listed as a DVD, so it is best approached as video-game history rather than an interactive game. Its appeal depends on whether you want archival footage and have a way to play the disc. Check the DVD’s condition and regional format, as well as any included case or inserts. If you want something to play with a controller, choose a listed game instead.
What should I verify before buying the God of War PlayStation 3 bundle?
Confirm whether the listing includes the PlayStation 3 console, Kratos statue, controllers, cables, and any original packaging. Ask whether the console powers on and whether the disc drive and included accessories work. The statue may be the main draw for collectors, but its condition and completeness affect whether the bundle suits display or regular use. This is a bulkier, more involved choice than buying a magazine or game disc, so check the included pieces against your available space and setup.
Which pick makes the most sense for someone new to E3 history?
A dated Game Informer E3 Hot 50 issue offers a compact way to browse coverage, while E3 Access 2004 may suit someone who prefers video material and owns compatible playback equipment. The best starting point depends on whether you prefer reading or watching, not on a claim that one covers all of E3 history. Check the year so you know which event period you are exploring. If you mainly want to understand E3 through hands-on play, Rayman Origins is the only straightforward game-focused option in this group.
Conclusion
Best overall: I’d pick Rayman Origins for buyers who want a playable game rather than an E3 keepsake. Best value for a focused history collection: a clearly identified Game Informer E3 Hot 50 issue offers a straightforward print format, with the 2012 and 2013 dates serving different interests. Best premium collectible: the God of War PlayStation 3 Bundle with Kratos Statue suits buyers who want hardware and display appeal and are prepared to check completeness. Best for beginners: start with a magazine if you prefer reading, or E3 Access 2004 if you prefer video and can play the DVD. For a specific need, choose the exact Game Informer year you want, and verify which Issue 244 listing matches it before purchasing.
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