10 Games from E3 2018
Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018
Los Angeles Convention Center
June 12-14, 2018
Many expectations were met at this year’s iteration of the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Top tier companies (Bethesda, Microsoft, Nintendo, Square Enix, Ubisoft) offered fairly deep looks into the characters, gameplay, and environments that will consume many hours of gamer’s virtual worlds throughout 2019. There were the indie titles (Killer Queen Black, Neo Cab, Overcooked 2) that reminded that remarkable games do not need crazy budgets, just thoughtful intelligent experiments coupled with a bit of determination. The indie publisher Limited Run Games has established itself as the standard for providing physical copies of games previously only able to be downloaded. Later this year, LRG will release Thumper, West of Loathing, and a number of obscure titles that will satisfy the collector’s delight. Their panel was a curious contrast to the mega Playstation and XBOX behemoths. E3 has evolved into a community-based experience that is enlightened with innovations that looks to be redefining itself as the gaming world continues to evolve.
Here’s a look at 10 titles I can see myself playing into the deep hours of the night in the new year:
Anthem
Release: February 22, 2019
Anthem, directed by Jonathan Warner, developed by Bioware, 2019 © Electronic Arts
Since the lackluster response to BioWare’s Mass Effect Andromeda there has been much speculation on the studio’s focus. With Anthem, this third-person shooter and action role-playing game appears to take some inspiration from Destiny. With four distinct classes (Colossus, Interceptor, Javelin, and Storm), players should be able to locate a character that fits their style of play. In the Scars and Villainy missions one can see the potential in narrative aspects, open world possibilities, and foundation game mechanics and UI. With this new IP, BioWare looks set to provide enlightened content into the distant future.
Cyberpunk 2077
Release: TBA (in development)
Cyberpunk 2077, directed by Adam Badowski, developed by CD Projekt Red, 2018 © CD Projekt
Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most hotly anticipated games at present. Since the seminal release of The Witcher 3 by CD Projekt Red in 2015, this Warsaw, Poland-based studio has skyrocketed to become a benchmark in terms of creating narrative driven video games. Cyberpunk 2077 reminds of the novels of Philip K. Dick and the hyper-dystopian film Ghost in the Shell. Like the Witcher, CD Projekt is working from a preexisting property. Here, game designer Mike Pondsmith’s Cyberpunk 2020, who first published this pen-and-paper RPG in 1988 provides the platform. Playing as V, you will have the opportunity to customize your character’s gender and appearance. In the 50 minute demo, the city environment appeared more dense, there was more focus upon the NPCs, and the character dialogue was more swift. Amazon indicated that the title would be released in later December. If this is released in the 6 months I will be surprised. Regardless, Cyberpunk 2077 could be another game changer in video gaming innovation and should be worth the wait.
Death Stranding
Release: 2019 (TBA)
Death Stranding, directed by Hideo Kojima, developed by Kojima Productions, 2018 © Sony Interactive Entertainment
OK, Hideo Kojima continues to prove that he is the weirdest game director on the planet. Daryl Dixon sporting grey hazmat suit and carting supplies (and a body) throughout rough terrain was truly unexpected. Then, there’s the invisible ghost-like enemies who traverse through the mud on their hands. And, the baby in utero or glass cylindric container? The cinematic trailers was unforgettable, yet I still have very little understanding of where this will land or how the gameplay will pan out. Kojima understands the power of the unexpected. The Metal Gear series proved his ability to produce amazing stealth-based games with a narrative full of twists and turns. In Death Stranding, Kojima appears to have autonomy and will be pulling out all of the stops. The hope now is that he and his team can organize a game that fully realizes his vision in a timely manner.
Fallout 76
Release: November 14, 2018
Fallout 76, directed by Todd Howard, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, 2018 © Bethesda Softworks
I have an odd fascination with games set in post-apocalyptic environments. Perhaps, the Fallout series has consumed far too many hours of my life? I believe I spent well over 100 hours building communities and traversing the landscape in Fallout 4 (that does not take into account the countless hours I spent watching Youtube videos on ‘gardening’ practices). Fallout 76 is a prequel and looks to be four times the size of its’ predecessor with the ability to play with a party of up to three others. Set in West Virginia, your player character exits the Vault on “Reclamation Day” in hope to recolonize the Wasteland. Seamlessly continuing the design style procured in past games there is a sense of nostalgia while facing unrelenting adversity. This November the game looks to launch. If online and looking for a companion do not hesitate reaching out. You can find me at ChiChester on Playstation and Xbox and ChiChester67 on PC.
Ghost of Tsushima
Release: 2019 (TBA)
Ghost of Tsushima, directed by Nate Fox, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, 2018 © Sony Interactive Entertainment
For those interested in feudal era Japan, Ghost of Tsushima looks in line to provide the Occident with a much needed introduction to the Orient. Set in 1274 on the island of Tsushima, you are one of the last samurai as all hell is unleashed by the Mongol Empire. In the soundtrack, trailer, and gameplay there are levels of poetry contrasted with human interaction unlike any games I’ve seen or played to date. Sucker Punch Productions, most noted for their series of Infamous series, has brought a title that has had limited coverage, like Nioh, this could prove to be that dark horse game of the year in the next cycle.
Metro Exodus
Release: February 22, 2019
Metro Exodus, written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, developed by 4A Games, 2018 © Deep Silver
Since 2010 4A Games has been translating the vision of Russian novelist Dmitry Glukhovsky. Set in 2036, in Metro Exodus you continue the journey of Artyom who has fled the Moscow Metro. However this tie you will have a companion, Anna his wife. This game will be open world rather than a limited corridor linear progression. Also, you will carry a backpack that will allow you to craft items from scavenged materials. Like previous games, management of ammo and resources will be key. The difference now appears that you will be able to backtrack or take another course to collect materials. In addition, the visuals appeared more defined. Uncertain, but there appears to be some retooling of the 4A Games engine since the last release, Last Light, in 2013. Though delayed to early 2019, 4A Games has a track record for creating intimate stories with balance game play. Looking at the release calendar for the new year, Metro 2077 appears to be dropping at a time that will allow newcomers to the franchise to focus on a new title.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Release: 2019 (TBA)
Resident Evil 2 Remake, directed by Hideki Kamiya, developed by Capcom, 2018 © Capcom
Resident Evil 2 Remake has been in conversations for some time. This announcement caught many off guard. There has been significant reworking in a modern graphics engine. There is still the campy dialogue. Also, gore abounds. If you like those slasher horror films of the 1990s, this is a title for you. The visuals and game mechanics have been greatly improved. Capcom released a few videos and started demoing playable builds of the game behind closed doors. Some can be found on Youtube. In terms of updates, there is no fixed camera which should allow for better gameplay. The lighting is more dark and atmospheric. Also, there was a hint that the rooms will hold different items and foes, so playing from the original released in 1998 will cause some confusion. The Resident Evil franchise has been a staple for more than 20 years and this remake looks to continue expanding the property’s pedigree.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Release: December 7, 2018
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, directed by Masahiro Sakurai,
developed by Bandai Namco Studios Sora Ltd., 2018 © Nintendo
Since the release of the Nintendo Switch fans have been clamoring for Super Smash Bros. The series originated in 1999 on the N64 system and immediately secured a wide fanbase that continues to hold the game in the highest regard. Tournaments are continually launch around the world. So, who are the fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? First glance indicates that Bowser, Captain Falcon, Charizard, Cloud, Donkey Kong, Falco, Fox, Ganondorf, Link, Ice Climbers, Ike, Inkling, Ivysaur, Kirby, Lucas, Mario, Marth, Mewtwo, Meta Knight, Ness, Peach, Pikachu, Ryu, Samus, Sheik, Sonic, Snake, Squirtle, Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, Zero Suit Samus, Zelda and a whole mess more will provide hours of melee fun in this king of the platform experience. The soul of this game is the quick gameplay coupled with the crossover between various characters not seen together in other games. This will be the holiday go-to game for Nintendo this December. The only concern is that Nintendo must sorts out the online play issue or this title could fall flat.
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
Release: March 15, 2019
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, developed by Massive Entertainment, 2018 © Ubisoft
The Division, released in 2016, evolved into one of the best cover shooter of the current generation. After tepid response at initial release, Ubisoft reworked mechanics and added DLC that elevated the game. The Dark Zone and ability to go rogue brought engaging PvP. This in along with the tiered missions and regular ongoing events Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft has created an experience worthy of reinvestigating if you have not played since 2017. The Division 2 is set in Washington D.C. roughly 7 months after the outbreak. There are new rogue factions, more engagement with NPCs. Now, they can align and fight along with you and your team. The mechanics are scaled as you work yourself to end gameplay. Statements from Ubisoft indicates that the map is larger than that covered in Manhattan. There is more diverse terrain, for instance there is urban and wooded environments. In terms of the New Dark Zone and a Battle Royale modes, their lips were sealed. Also, there was indication that free dlc and events would continue. The team developing this game appears to be listening to their fans for at launch one expects there to be a seamless transition from the 1st to 2nd game.
The Last of Us 2
Release: 2019 (TBA)
The Last of Us 2, directed by Neil Druckmann, Anthony Newman and Kurt Margenau,
developed by Naughty Dog, 2018 © Sony Interactive Entertainment
Ellie’s grown up and she’s gay. That’s really not news if you played The Last of Us: Left Behind DLC. Though Dina kissing Ellie with the transition to one of the most intense combat scenes at this year’s E3 was something I will certainly not forget any time soon. I must be frank, the Last of Us was one of the few games in the PS3/Xbox 360 generation I played multiple times. I love the game and replayed recently on the PS4 for the 6th time to refamiliarize myself prior to this year’s convention. The personalized narrative, item management, and overall gameplay was as close to perfection as I have encountered. Naughty Dog is great at making these types of games. The Uncharted series is just another example. In terms of mechanics, Ellie was able to go prone. This is new. And, the UI appears to have been tweaked. The combat was visceral and engaging. There was violent scenes that made me wince. There’s new factions. More questions were posed rather than answered in the reveal. I just hope I do not see to much prior to release. As I recall, in the summer 2013 I had little to no knowledge of Ellie and Joel. I spent that summer’s night playing this game incessantly. When this final drops I anticipate something truly special. At this moment, this is my most anticipated game from this year’s E3.
Review by Chester Alamo-Costello
