The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is a terrific event for gamers. It allows media, attendees, and industry professionals to try out upcoming releases and products, and for the consuming public to hear about the biggest new games coming in the Fall and beyond. Every year we go into the event knowing of several games that we’re already excited about, and often get blown away by several more.
For E3 2011, we’re compiled a list of the games that we’re most excited to see. The list contains unique RPGs, epic journeys, artistic breakthroughs, and crazy fun. Roll all of that together, and you pretty much get E3 in a nutshell. The list is not in any particular order, since we’re just looking at preview builds and things could definitely change by release, but we did manage to select one as our favorite.
What games are you excited about from this year’s E3?
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (UTV Ignition, Xbox 360/PS3)
We’ve chatted about El Shaddai on several occasions, and the game constantly remains in our head regardless of what gaming news has been pouring in. We can attribute wholly that to the memorable art style, intense and enjoyable action, and smart marketing. Even though it’s already been released in Japan, the game is still unique enough to be a standout at E3 this year.
Mass Effect 3 (Bioware, PS3/Xbox 360/PC)
Bioware’s Mass Effect 2 was our game of the year for 2010. A solid story, expertly designed action, and awesome character development made it an obvious choice. A repeat performance by the third in the series is what we’re hoping for, as well as even more characters, gameplay modes, and stunning visuals. Commander Sheppard’s galaxy-trotting efforts come home to Earth in demo form at E3.
The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword (Nintendo, Wii)
The newest in the Zelda series keeps getting prettier and prettier each time we see it, and the addition of motion controls may be a great way to experience actually being the green-capped hero. With the Wii on the way out, being one of the stars of Nintendo’s E3 press conference puts a lot of pressure on the game to deliver. But there’s one thing for certain: with Zelda, Nintendo almost always does.
Saints Row: The Third (THQ, Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
Firefights while falling through the air. If that phrase doesn’t get you giddy, let me put it this way: FIREFIGHTS WHILE FALLING THROUGH THE AIR. Volition continues the campy open-world franchise with Saints Row: The Third, coming this fall. The game pushes several ethical buttons — fights with dildo bats, a farting unicorn — but the series has always been a fun ride. Also, FIREFIGHTS WHILE FALLING THROUGH THE AIR.
Uncharted 3 (Naughty Dog, PS3)
Naughty Dog continues to make Uncharted the best action series in modern gaming. It’s akin to a giant Holywood blockbuster that’s not only a great film, but creates a lasting legacy of quality. Uncharted 3 looks to continue putting Nathan Drake in the middle of some of the most amazing situations while searching for the most legendary artifacts, all wrapped in the most visually impressive experience on the PS3.
Elder Scrolls: Skyrim (Harmonix, Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
If Skyrim is as half as engaging as Oblivion, then we’re still looking at a 200-hour epic RPG adventure that will keep players coming back for years. Luckily, Bethesda has a improved the technology behind the series, providing better realism, stunning visuals, and a way for us to never want to go back to work.
Batman: Arkham City (WBIE, Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
Another well-deserved and highly-desired sequel, Arkham City looks to take the surprise hit that was Asylum and make it larger, pack it with more enemies, add in new gadgets, and improve some of the issues of its predecessor. This game really has no way of going bad, looking at what’s it’s building on. Batman is back!
Dead Island (SquareEnix, Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
While we all still love zombie games, the genre is quickly getting over-killed. (Pun!) Thankfully, Dead Island brings in a new twist by adding RPG elements, unique weapons, and an isolated location on a tropical island that serves us well. The previews have been positive thus far, and so are we. Heck, the “World’s Greatest Game Trailer” can’t lead to anything bad, can it?
Battlefield 3 (EA, Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
The world sorely needs a competitor to Call of Duty. Luckily, the positive response to Bad Company 2 has prompted EA to continue building the brand with a direct sequel to Battlefield. Battlefield 3‘s incredible GDC trailer impressed many, and now the test of actual gameplay will determine if this is the game to finally offer some worthwhile alternatives to Modern Warfare.
SideQuesting’s Most Anticipated Game of E3 2011:
Bioshock Infinite (2K Games, Xbox 360/PS3/PC)
Any time the words “Bioshock Infinite” cross my lips, it’s usually in a giddy, near-orgasmic way. Not only is the game just stunningly beautiful, and the action expertly created, but the story, world, and design elements are possibly some of the biggest accomplishments in modern game design. Irrational Games knows what they’re doing here: creating a living world, with breathing characters and wonderful situations. The game launches in 2012, but our hearts launched into Columbia’s stratosphere long ago.
No Comments