It seems like only a week ago we were watching E3 2017, and getting excited over new games such as A Way Out. Hard to believe that it’s already been a year, and most of those new games have been released and completed, and that we’ve just watched E3 2018. How time flies!
The announcement shows for each publisher ran between 9-12 June and, as ever, were packed full of great looking future titles. While many are excited for the new Call Of Duty, Battlefield, or (urgh) Fortnite news, I’ve chosen to run down my personal highlights from the show.
Anthem– The only decent game EA showed this year. An MMO shooter with the promise of a deep story, both for single players and online teams. With EA’s recent business practices, fans were worried this would be a disaster, but thankfully they confirmed NO loot boxes and NO pay to win.
Doom Eternal– The sequel to the recently rebooted (and amazing) Doom, we got to see a short trailer showing the chaos spreading to Earth. More news to come at Quakecon in August!
Shadow Of The Tomb Raider– While this looks to be more of the same from the last 2 games, in this case, that’s never a bad thing. This game looks awesome, AND it’s out in September this year!
Just Cause 4– My friends aren’t as excited as me about this, but I enjoyed the destruction of the last games (especially the 3rd). It doesn’t get more fun than being let loose in a virtual world with the ability to blow everything up!
The Division 2– Initially I didn’t care much about this, having grown tired of the first game and its repetitive nature. But after seeing this sequel a 2nd time, I think I’m willing to give The Division another chance.
Assassins Creed Odyssey– The last AC game (Origins) was a welcome change in location, protagonist, combat and much more. With this new instalment, set in ancient Greece, we’re promised a more RPG style experience. Visually, the game looks stunning too.
Beyond Good & Evil 2– After a beautiful trailer last year, we got to see another well-made teaser this year along with some actual details of what to expect and in game footage, not to mention the collaboration with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his company HITRECORD, where fans can contribute artistically toward the game.
Skull & Bones– A new Ubisoft game, taking the best part of Assassins Creed Black Flag (the pirate/sailing aspect) and building on that to deliver a very promising pirate game. Definitely something Sea Of Thieves could learn a few things from!
Gears of War 5– Along with 2 other Gears Of War titles for mobile devices, Microsoft announced the 5th instalment to the popular franchise, and showed off some footage. Following from GOW4, it looks fantastic!
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course– One of my personal favorite games of 2017, released after many years of waiting and delays, Cuphead is getting an expansion, and as per the main game; it won’t be for the faint of heart. More bosses, more levels and a new main character to play as, I can’t wait to get gamer rage all over again.
Cyberpunk 2077– A game I hadn’t heard of until E3, but has been rumored for some time. Made by the same company as The Witcher 3, and delivering the same experience but this time set in a futuristic world run by cyber punks (think of Akira to get a good idea). If it’s as in depth as The Witcher, I’m totally sold.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps– I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since Ori and the Blind Forest was released. All the better though, as the next instalment was announced at E3 this year, and it looks even more beautiful than the first game (an extremely hard accomplishment!).
Forza Horizon 4– I’m a real sucker for the Horizon series; the combination of fast driving, gorgeous scenery, banging tunes and mad stunts keeps me hooked for weeks. So naturally I was very happy to see Horizon 4 announced. Plus, as an added bonus, this time around it’s set in my home-the UK!
Battletoads– A nice surprise from Microsoft, but no real details-it was just a tease of a little skit and the BT logo. Retro gamers should be excited for 2019, when this is released, hopefully we’ll see some in game video shortly.
All in all it was a good E3 this year. No huge surprises, no new consoles, but we’re in the middle of the current generation now and gaming is good. We have some outstanding hardware, so all we really need to see are more games, more games and more games.
Featured image of Anthem from the EA Site.
