While I wouldn't call this E3 shocking, as previous others have been, thanks to a hefty amount of surprises, it still showcased a ton of great games.
Each press conference contained a slew of titles that look absolutely stunning and will undoubtedly be a blast to play, and the same can be said for the E3 show floor. However, one thing rings true for most of these games; we won't be getting our hands on them until 2015.
This year started off extremely promising, with titles like The Witcher 3, The Order: 1886, Batman: Arkham Knight, and Dying Light being promised for a late 2014 release. However, slowly but surely, each one of these games were announced as delayed to 2015. A bummer for many who couldn't wait to explore the open-world as Geralt, or to drive around Gotham in the Batmobile.
But then E3 happened, and it seems like developer and publishers are playing the safe card. Rather than announcing a late 2014 release, many titles unveiled will be releasing sometime in 2015. That means the slew of delayed games I mentioned before will be accompanied by other fantastic titles in 2015. Let's take a look at some of the newly announced and delayed games appearing next year that will take gamers by storm.
Homefront: The Revolution
What is it: Homefront was a 2011 THQ title that didn't really leave much of an impression on gamers, but did provide a really great atmosphere. Players weren't trained soldiers, they were rebels. Citizens who had to fight to reclaim their land from the two joined countries of Korea.
The sequel, now in the hands of Crytek and Deep Silver, will put players once again in the shoes of a rebel fighter, trying to reclaim Philadelphia from the Greater Korean Republic (GKR), four years after the events of the original.
Why you should care: Aside from the fact that Crytek will be infusing the franchise with their brand of gameplay, the game now shifts to an open-world, where players have to reclaim various zones from the GKR. Utilizing scavenged materials and guerilla tactics, players can team up together to play through the entire campaign together. Also, as is usually the case with Crytek games, the graphics look pretty phenomenal.
Bloodborne
What is it: What started out as Project Beast, became Hidetaka Miyazaki's next game, Bloodborne. According to Miyazaki, the game will still utilize the strategic combat system found in Demon's Souls, but will focus on more action oriented gameplay rather than the passive block then attack style the Souls games have been known for.
Why you should care: It's freaking Miyazaki! The father of Souls games himself. He was sadly absent from the development of Dark Souls II, but it looks like Bloodborne is the reason why. Not only will the game be exclusive to the PS4, meaning it can possibly squeeze the very limits of its graphical capabilities, this looks like yet another fantastic and dark tale from the mind who brought us masterpieces like Demon's Souls and Dark Souls.
Mortal Kombat X
What is it: It's the sequel to 2011's Mortal Kombat from NetherRealm Studios. It featured a story mode actually worth playing through, and gave background stories for nearly every MK character you could imagine. Also, the fighting was sublime and fast paced.
Why you should care: Well if the above didn't already indicate, Mortal Kombat X has a lot to live up to, but we have very little doubt that it won't. We caught a glimpse of the gameplay at Sony's press conference, and saw some extremely brutal moves and finishers. Seriously, they were almost cringeworthy. And that's the way we like it.
Dead Island 2
What is it: The first true sequel to the original Dead Island. It was showcased at the Sony press conference, where they showed the polar opposite of the very first trailer for Dead Island. That's to say, it was very funny. Not much is known about the setting or plot, but I'm willing to give them another shot.
Why you should care: This is somewhat tough, only because the first Dead Island game and its semi-sequel were a mixed bag, and definitely an acquired taste. I loved what the team was going for, but the execution wasn't there. That's why I'm hopeful for the sequel. If they can fix the sluggish combat and controls, tweak the crafting a little, and make the open world a little more interesting to explore, we'll have quite a sequel on our hands.
The Division
What is it: Much like Watch Dogs blew us away in 2012, The Division did the same in 2013. This gloomy look at a post-pandemic New York where citizens are struggling for survival and a select few trying to bring back order, looks and sounds awesome.
Why you should care: Thankfully, The Division is not a cross-gen title, so hopefully we won't experience the graphical and gameplay downgrades that Watch Dogs suffered from. I'm optimistically hoping that the game we've seen in 2013, and this year, is the same game we'll get when the game releases. Plus, it's like an awesome shooter/RPG hybrid.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
What is it: It's essentially CD Projekt RED's baby that they've nurtured over the years. Refined it. And now we have their triumphant conclusion to Geralt's story in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Why you should care: Thankfully, you won't require full knowledge of the first and second game, as the devs will include some handy information to catch you up to speed. You'll be able to dive into The Witcher 3's deep and rich open world, slaying beasts, mixing potions, and charming the ladies of the land. Oh, and you won't have to be looking for Triss the whole game.
The Legend of Zelda Wii U
What is it: It's a game that's been largely under wraps. It wasn't until this year that we've finally seen what the game will look like, and holy $#!T, it looks great! But keep in mind, I've said 'looks.' That's because outside of its aesthetics, we don't really know all the much about the next Zelda game.
Why you should care: It's ZELDA!
Mario Maker
What is it: Nintendo got tired of people begging for more 2D Mario games, so they're basically giving everyone the toolset to make their own.
Why you should care: If you love 2D Mario games, you'll pretty much have an infinite amount of replay value here. Not only can you craft your own levels, you'll most likely be able to play other players' levels as well. This is as neverending as a Mario game can get. Also, you can switch between the retro Super Mario Bros. graphics to the New Super Mario Bros. one.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
What is it: It's the follow-up to one of Wii's best RPGs released thus far. We've known it as Project X for the longest time, but Nintendo finally unveiled it as Xenoblade Chronicles X at their Digital Event.
Why you should care: Monolith Soft are masters at JRPGs, and the original Xenoblade Chronicles proved that. With the increased power of the Wii U, not only will this game be a lot prettier than its predecessor, I imagine it'll be a lot bigger too.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
What is it: The Phantom Pain is the latest entry in the MGS Saga, and a continuation from the events of Peace Walker. Players will once again step into the shoes of Big Boss, a.k.a. Snake, and continue the story leading up to the events of the original Metal Gear games.
Why you should care: Hideo Kojima is changing up the formula for Phantom Pain. It will have an open-world structure, much like the prologue Ground Zeroes had. The stealth mechanics have been refined to be more fluid, and give players much more control over Snake. Plus, say what you will about Kiefer Sutherland, but I'm pumped as hell to hear him take over as Big Boss.
Of course there are a ton more games to look forward to in 2015 that I didn't mention here. Sound off and let us know what you're looking forward to.
