The Electronics Entertainment Expo is just under a week away and that means we’re in store for an onslaught of video game action. With the next generation of gaming officially underway, this year’s E3 is primed to show off some seriously impressive looking titles.
From unique looking digital download games to visually impressive brand new IP’s, E3 is bringing some very cool firepower to the show floor this year. We’ve decided to take a break from counting sleeps until the event and compile our own list of the most anticipated sequels that developers will be bringing to the conference.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
“The Witcher 3 will introduce a living open world larger than any other in modern RPG history.”
CD Projekt Red’s latest installment in the Witcher series is looking to not only be the best of the trilogy, but a strong contender for Game of the Year material as well.
The game is being created on an entirely new engine and CD Projekt Red has already stated that the game will have no loading screens. Featuring an open-world setting “30 times” larger than the previous two titles and enough gameplay to engage the player anywhere from 50 to 100 hours, The Witcher 3 is definitely a game to keep our eye on.
Did we mention it looks gorgeous?
4. The Legend of Zelda Wii U
It’s no secret that Nintendo has been having a few issues with attempting to replicate the success of their last platform with the current Wii U and a lack of first party heavy-hitting franchises hasn’t helped. It goes without saying that a new appearance in the Zelda series would entice more newcomers to the console and bring back some of the early adopters who have been waiting for some mainstream games to arrive.
With a pending Zelda announcement for E3 2014 having already been confirmed earlier this year and a peek at Nintendo’s outside-of-the-box Hyrule Warriors, we’re hoping Link is going to be back in full high-definition glory with some formula tweaking to really show that Nintendo can still innovate its battle-tested franchises.
3. Star Wars: Battlefront 3
A game that has been in and out of development since 2007, Battlefront 3’s announcement at last year’s E3 turned many fans, who had given up hope on Star Wars gaming, back to the light side. The previous titles in this franchise featured blaster battles, fighter on fighter dog fighting and even enemy cruiser infiltration, involving the sabotage of systems that would lead to the opposing team’s welcomed explosive annihilation. This was all pure multiplayer too.
Despite Battlefield 4′s rocky launch, there is no denying the game looks pretty fantastic and features some of the best multiplayer warfare on any system. Giving Dice the ability to re-create that experience within the Star Wars universe is not only a very exciting thing for gamers but an idea that just makes sense.
We can’t wait to live out the Battle of Hoth for the thousandth time, and this year’s E3 should be able to shed new light on what we can all expect to be waiting impatiently for.
2. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Bioware’s Dragon Age series is arguably the poster child for what happens when you rush a sequel. While Origins was critically acclaimed and served as a massive success for the studio, it’s sequel, simply named Dragon Age 2, seemed to halt the series dead. On it’s launch, it contained numerous issues, some of which seemed to indicate that shortcuts in development were made and was widely considered a “downgrade” in gameplay mechanics. Thus, leaving a lot of players unhappy with the franchise.
With Dragon Age: Inquisition, Bioware set out to not only repair the damage done with the last title but to also improve on the elements it did well in massive ways. Dragon Age 2 was considered a claustrophobic experience, having the entire story revolve around one city, so they have instead given players the ability to traverse several countries, including being able to travel via mounts. Having the ability to only play as the human character, Hawke, was a constricting experience, and now they have decided to let players choose from several races, including the new playable Qunari, along with the return of character customization.
The title features a cast of new and returning characters, dynamic battles that have effects on the world around them and a continuation of a well-written story. Dragon Age: Inquisition is not only a title that is looking to put a once formidable franchise back on the map but will be a showcase of what a truly talented development team can do when they are earnest enough to own up to mistakes and strive to do better.
Did we mention it looks gorgeous?
1. Uncharted 4
Not much is known about the next Uncharted title, but the few tidbits of information we have heard have definitely piqued our interest regarding the direction of the series.
The game is reportedly going to be set in a darker tone than the previous entries, and while we have heard speculation of Nathan Drake not returning, conflicting reports indicate that he will actually be playable and his very own Sir Francis Drake story line will be set center stage.
Uncharted helped showcase the power of the Playstation 3 and the talent of the now mega studio known as Naughty Dog. While some studios that have been on a hot streak (see above entry) have been known to stumble, we’re confident in the team that brought 2013’s Game of the Year title, The Last of Us, and their ability to bring the talent.
We have yet to see actual gameplay but with a scheduled E3 appearance in less than a week, we’re willing to bet the Playstation 4 exclusive title will not only have an interesting trailer but will likely look gorgeous as well.
