Last week, seven members of the Operation Sports staff attended the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, CA. We've polled them for their choices of the most impressive sports games at the show.

Best Football Game At E3: NFL 2K4
Also receiving votes: NCAA 2004

OS Staffer Brian Krich had this to say about NFL 2K4's showing at E3:

"This game really really impressed me, to the point where I would drop 50 bucks to play it now even in it’s current early form. I am interested to see what they do with the franchise mode as I thought this was a real weak point last year. If they improve it like they improved the on field stuff we could have an unbelievable title on our hands this year."

Best Basketball Game At E3: NBA 2K4
Also receiving votes: NBA Inside Drive 2004, March Madness 2004

OS Staffer Aaron Holbert had some impressions of NBA 2K4 as it was shown at E3:

"The E3 version was only about 43% complete. The version I saw was faster then last year’s game. The dunk animations have been redone. Players seem to get more air when they dunk and there seem to be more dunks. At the default level, it seems easier to back down players in the post. Still, the version that I saw is early and still needs a lot of work."

Best Hockey Game At E3: NHL 2K4
Also receiving votes: NHL Rivals 2004, NHL 2004

By all reports, it's an improved version of the 2002 Stevie Award Winner for Best Hockey Game, so it only stands to reason that NHL 2K4 became the staff's favorite hockey game shown at this year's E3.

Best Racing Game At E3: Project Gotham 2
Also receiving votes: NASCAR Thunder 2004, Gran Turismo 4

In a close battle, Microsoft's Live-enabled racer edged out the other racing games shown at E3. We'll have an interview with the developers soon, so keep checking for more information about what made this a hit with our staff.

Best 'Other Sports' Title at E3: Top Spin Tennis
Also receiving votes: None

Operation Sports' Owner and Managing Editor, Steve Noah, posted some impressions of Top Spin Tennis:

"I had a few sets in with Top Spin and my impressions are really good. Setting up for a shot really feels great, the timing of it all just has to be seen to be believed. I hit balls down the line and hit some nasty crosscourt winners. The only thing I'm complaining about is the excessive behind the back and in between the legs shots. If they tone that down, it's going to be even better."

Best Overall Sports Game at E3: NFL 2K4
Also receiving votes: NCAA 2004, NBA 2K4

Sega's NFL 2K4 made a real impression on the staff, making this race a blowout. We'll have more information on NFL 2K4 and all the E3 games in the upcoming months, so stay tuned!