With every E3 comes a tidal wave of games and announcements, of which it may be difficult to keep track just what was announced. Even I likely may of missed many trailers and/or announcements, but from what I saw through the press conferences, online, and at the show floor, here are my Top 5 Highlights of E3 2017:
-WARNING: The trailer for Beyond Good & Evil 2 below contains mature themes and language. Parental discretion is advised before viewing video.
-1- Super Mario Odyssey
When Nintendo once again went all out decorating their entire show floor to the theme of New Donk City, it should be no surprise that Super Mario Odyssey was confident to have an impressive showing. But it was an unexpected surprise the degree in which this game was able to astonish players around every bend and turn. With a more open-ended structure to explore these vastly various worlds and a crazy new hat-possessing mechanic for tons of new gameplay possibilities, this game can't come soon enough. Thankfully, it appears to be coming sooner than anyone initially anticipated, due to launch October 27th. Yahoo!
-2- Beyond Good & Evil 2
It's been 9 years since a sequel to Beyond Good & Evil was teased before going deathly quiet. So it was an emotional moment to many fans and even the producer when this sequel was able to surface again at the Ubisoft press conference. And it looks beautiful, with a more mature tone that is fitting for its now aged following. However emotional this reveal was, it's important to keep expectations in check still. Looking at interviews with the developers, this game is still early in development and looks to have grand ambitions. In fact, this is set to take place before the events of the original and wants to span multiple cities across multiple planets, with online multiplayer components. So this may end up being an entirely different type of game for those hoping for a truer sequel and/or some closure to the original. But as was the case with the first Beyond Good & Evil launched, we can expect something new, different, and wondrous to come in this compelling universe.
-3- A Way Out
From the makers of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons comes a new unique co-op adventure called A Way Out. In fact, this is a game that is only playable in local or online split screen. The result looks to be a unique narrative experience built around the bond of two completely different players working together. The game promises multiple ways to approach every scenario, allowing for many varied play styles and many a distinctive play-through. This game will surely set a benchmark for co-op games to come, and the world needs more co-op games in general.
-4- Ashen
Ashen is a game with a lot associated buzz words. It is described as an open-world survival, combat, and exploration game. The art style has been compared to Shadow of the Colossus and The Legend of Zelda series. Gameplay has been compared to that of Dark Souls and King's Quest. Whatever it ends up being, it has tons of style to spare and looks to be quite an enticing experience.
-5- The Last Night
The Last Night is another game shrouded in an air of mystery as to what sort of experience it will offer. It is described as a cinematic platforming game that contains no jumping. And the plot has something to do with machines taking the place of menial work in society. This may sound incredibly vague, but the superb mix of retro / modern art aesthetics and cyberpunk world building already has me captivated. Blockbuster or bust, this game will surely inspire others in this medium for this alone.
Honorable Mentions
Metroids
It may have only shown the number four in a 40-second tease, but that was enough to ignite a wave of emotions for fans. It's been 10 years since Metroid Prime 3, the decidedly last "good" Metroid game. And truly, the Metroid Prime games are some of the best games in the entire video game medium. So knowing that Metroid Prime 4 is coming notes that they are looking capture the alluring and masterful spirit that was the Prime series. Interestingly, Retro Studios is not heading this project, so what ARE you working on Retro?
If that wasn't enough though, another 2D Metroid was announced for the Nintendo 3DS, that being Metroid: Samus Returns. This is a re-imagining of the 1991 Game Boy classic that was Metroid II. It looks to keep the coveted exploration and upgrade mechanics, now coupled with a more organic combat and aiming system. I wish it was for the Nintendo Switch, but color me intrigued none the less.
Moss
An exclusive for Playstation VR, Moss is a fairy tale book come to life. In this game, players control a small warrior mouse and a spiritual guide (yourself / No Face from Spirited Away). The game takes you through fantastical forest landscapes and captivating temple ruins as you explore and ward off combatant beetles. Each of these little dioramas are so beautifully framed in such a cinematographic way that just naturally guides your eyes to points of interest. This looks to be a delightful experience from what is a promising new studio that is Polyarc.
-------
This is only but a small sampling of what E3 2017 had to offer. Any highlights I didn't cover that you feel are particularly deserving of mention? Be sure to share in the comments below, because I could have very well missed them! I hope you enjoyed this year's E3 as much as I did, no matter the place or method of viewing. If this year has shown us anything, we all have a ton of ambitious and creative experiences to look forward to in the months and years to come. With that, the hype train will now officially be put to rest until next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment