With E3 2013 rapidly approaching, we take a look at some of the top (and not-so-top) games that players and critics alike are looking forward to getting their hands on. Read on to see if your favorites made the list!
Batman: Arkham Origins (360, PS3, Wii U, Vita, 3DS, PC) – Origins tells the story of a fairly new Batman being attacked by a team of assassins led by Deathstroke. In this third-person title, you’ll see Batman meet some of his greatest enemies for the first time, and play through a huge open world by yourself or with allies.
Neverwinter (PC) – A free-to-play MMO by Cryptic that will delight nearly anyone who likes both video games and Dungeons & Dragons. A huge plus point for this game is the idea of a dungeon creator, which will allow players to produce their own dungeons for others to play through.
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, Wii U, PC) – Ships? Sharks? Pirates? ACIV will be jumping back into the ship-sailing gameplay that the previous game dabbled in for a bit. I’m really hoping for the “true pirate stories” that Ubisoft is boasting about.
Dark Souls 2 (PS3, 360, PC) – Because you didn’t want to cry, scream, or throw the controller enough during the first one. (But seriously.)
The Last of Us (PS3) – Serious talk – this game is a large part of the reason why I finally caved and bought a PS3. Watch any trailer for this game and you will understand. Set in a world that has been overrun by flesh-eating monsters, protagonists Joel and Ellie fight against both monsters and corrupt humans to survive alongside the last remnants of humanity.
Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)– The first Bayonetta was such a satisfying game – creative, beautiful, funny, and so much more. As sad as I am that it will only be on the Wii U, I’m still looking forward to getting some demo time in to see if this one will be as rewarding as the original.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (PC, Mac) – Frictional Games’ not-quite-sequel to their terrifying survival-horror game. Definitely worth a look if you enjoy shitting yourself every fifteen minutes.
Battlefield 4 (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC) – There isn’t too much information on this one yet, just speculation. However, EA will be showing off some multiplayer gameplay at their E3 conference, so we’ll be on the lookout for this one.
Elder Scrolls Online (PC, Mac) – Set a thousand years before the events of Skyrim, the Elder Scrolls Online will allow you to explore all of Tamriel alongside countless others, as opposed to exploring by yourself in a normally single player game.
Wolfenstein: The New Order (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC) – Published by Bethesda, this first-person shooter takes place in an alternate 1960s timeline where the Nazis won World War II. As the protagonist, you have acquired the task of taking out the conquerors who have overpowered the world. (So yes, you’ll still be in the business of killin’ Nazis.)
Castle of Illusion (360, PS3, PC) – An HD remake of the Sega Genesis game starring Mickey Mouse. (Aka my childhood.)
Deadpool (360, PS3) – A third-person action game where you’ll be playing as Deadpool. The vast amount of weapon choices mixed with the smart-assed dialogue of the protagonist should make for an incredibly entertaining game.
Mario Kart Wii U (Wii U) – Nintendo has decided that the other Mario Kart games have not destroyed enough friendships, so they’re giving us another one.
Command and Conquer (PC) – A free-to-play real-time strategy game that looks beautiful and allows you to take out all of your pent-up aggression on your friends’ armies.
Infamous: Second Son (PS4) – Sucker Punch introduces new protagonist Delsin Rowe seven years after the events of Infamous 2 in this next-gen entry. As a person with Conduit powers, Delsin is labeled a “bioterrorist” and is hunted down by the government. If you enjoyed the first two entries in the series, Second Son should not disappoint.
Call of Duty: Ghosts (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, Wii U, PC) – Where would the next-gen consoles be if there wasn’t a Call of Duty game to play on them? Right?
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD (Wii U) – A remake of the original Wind Waker game that will tide us over until Nintendo releases the newest Zelda game.
Killzone: Shadow Fall (PS4) – A PS-exclusive series launch title for the PS4. It was also announced that Killzone will be playable after downloading only the main menu and first level, so there will be minimal wait to get right into this game once it’s released.
Pikmin 3 (Wii U) – FINALLY!
Beyond: Two Souls (PS3) – With Ellen Page voicing the protagonist, this game produced by Quantic Dream promises to delve a bit deeper than others, bringing a heavier mixture of serious storytelling and gaming.
Pokemon X & Y (3DS) – It’s Pokemon. That’s your reason to be excited.
South Park: The Stick of Truth (PS3, 360, PC) – I don’t know what makes me more excited about this game – the fact that it’s a massive South Park RPG, or that its developers were the same ones who created Fallout: New Vegas.
Saints Row 4 (PS3, 360, PC) – Remaining just as ballsy as ever, the Saints Row series is bringing in mech-suits, superpowers, aliens, and loads more content, including a weapon called a Dubstep Gun which actually destroys enemies with, well, dubstep.
Watch Dogs (Xbox One, PS4, PS3,360, Wii U, PC) – Forgoing normal weaponry and fighting skills for technological mastery, this open world adventure creates a suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere that will (hopefully) leave us only wanting more.
Grand Theft Auto 5 (360, PS3) – Sometimes you just gotta steal a car, smack a bitch, and pop a cap. These things can’t be helped.
Did we miss your favorite? Excited for every game on the list? Think all of our choices suck? Let us know in the comments!