This year’s E3 conferences had their share ups and downs. There were some disappointing moments (I’m looking at you EA), and there were some real highlights (bring it Sony!). Nonetheless, E3 this year did what it was supposed to do: it got me excited for some upcoming titles. Things were not perfect this year, but I have a lot to look forward to regardless. These are just a few of the things that have me pumped for the upcoming year.
Fallout 4
We knew it was coming. And yet, the reveal for Fallout 4 felt satisfying. I am not a big fan of shooters, but Fallout 4 has my attention regardless. The gameplay mechanics look solid, and I could always use another canine companion. The weapon upgrade system looks awesome, as does the ability to create my own settlements. While Bethesda had a great E3 conference overall, they really got me going with Fallout 4. Rarely ever have been so excited for a shooter before.
Fire Emblem Shin Megami Tensei
Many seem to be doubting the upcoming Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei crossover. I, for one, am looking forward to the title. People seem turned off by the colorful trailer, but I feel like there may be something darker hidden behind the colorful facade (look at the lyrics to the game’s theme song). Many complain that the game is too Persona like, but I am okay with that. The game does have hints of both of the series in the game’s name, though it is subtle. But as long as the game is as enjoyable as it looks, I really don’t care.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
This one was not at one of the main conferences, but it should have been. The game looks creepy, and makes great use of the Wii U GamePad as a camera to capture ghosts. It has been awhile since the west has received a Fatal Frame title, and is long overdue. I am a huge fan of both the horror genre and the Fatal Frame series, and am excited at the frightening gameplay that Maiden of Black Water may bring.
Kingdom Hearts 3
When Square Enix showed off Kingdom Hearts 3 at E3 some time ago, I was excited. I had been anticipating a new entry to the core Kingdom Hearts series, and soaked it up with hope. Little had been shown since. Until now. Square Enix helped remind me that I am looking forward to this title. What they showed looked great, with new summonings, combination attacks, and transformable Keyblades. The game looked bright and colorful, and while we learned little about the game’s overall plot, Kingdom Hearts 3 looks like it is coming together quite fine. Now all we need is a release date.
The Last Guardian
This was the main highlight for me. I have been waiting for years for Sony to give me hope again, and they delivered this year. When Sony began their E3 presentation with The Last Guardian, they shocked the world. So many were losing faith, and now that faith has been restored. The game has the same wonder that was at the base of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, and seems to be a worthy successor. After six years of waiting for anything The Last Guardian, 2016 feels so close.
