E3 Expo 2016 has come to an end, but the buzz about this year’s new game releases has only begun. After a week of trailers and gameplay reveals, I’ve compiled 5 of my most anticipated games of the show below.
Bound (Plastic Studios, PlayStation 4, Release Date TBA)
A 3D puzzle/platformer with dazzling geometric visuals, Bound looks to be as intriguing as the 2012 classic Journey. The main avatar’s ballerina motions have been motion-captured from real-life dancer Maria Udod, but don’t dismiss the game on those grounds. If you’re looking for a unique experience with an abstract art style, look out for Bound.
God of War (Sony Santa Monica Studio, PlayStation 4, Release Date TBA)
Cursed with immortality, Kratos nearly overstayed his welcome on the gaming landscape with 2010’s God of War 3. In the six years since then, Sony Santa Monica has sent the iconic action game star on a path straight to Valhalla via Scandinavia instead of the top of Mount Olympus. Now with a demigod son in tow, Kratos is looking to change his murderous ways and keep his child from making the same mistakes in God of War. Something tells me that’s easier said than done.
Spider-Man (Insomniac Games, Inc, PlayStation 4, Release Date TBA)
If Insomniac Games’ previous releases (including Ratchet and Clank and Sunset Overdrive) are any inclination, then their upcoming unnamed PS4-exclusive Spider-Man game should be a joy to play. The trailer shown during E3 had plenty of Easter eggs for Spidey fans to spot, and the game itself has been confirmed to feature a stand-alone story. Without the need to rush and meet a movie release date, I expect nothing but great things for Marvel’s wall-crawler.
Gears of War 4 (The Coalition, Xbox One, October 11, 2016)
While no longer being developed by Epic Games, former Director of Production Rod Fergusson is leading the charge for Gears of War 4 and the series itself at Microsoft, which should ease any worries hardcore fans of the third-person shooter franchise may have. Starring J.D. Fenix, the son of franchise icons Marcus Fenix and Anya Stroud, Gears 4 takes place 25 years after the fall of the Locust and Lambent. New and classic weapons will be featured, as well as an extensive single-player campaign and more multiplayer modes than you can shake the revving chainsaw blades of a lancer at. This is a game that will move consoles, for sure.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo WiiU and Nintendo NX, 2017)
The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild looks to be a magnificently expansive open world action title. Essentially The Legend of Zelda meets The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Breath of the Wild will require players to craft and cook food, use fragile weapons in creative ways, and climb steep mountain cliffs in order to survive. For the first time in the franchise, players will also be able to jump on command to explore the world around them. Amiibo functionality is returning as well, including support from the Wolf Link Amiibo released alongside Twilight Princess HD. More details will be revealed as the game’s release nears, but as is, I’m already sold on the experience.