E3 2019 Recap- All Conference Games
With E3 2019 wrapping up, I wanted to create a one stop shop for everyone that doesn't have time to watch hours of press conferences, and just want to see the games, trailers, and developer interviews. While I think press conferences are getting better, my major annoyance in watching live press conferences is the interruptions and obvious hype men cheering to make it seem like the games are getting a better reception than they actually are. With press conferences being invite only, mainly for press, I can't imagine professional journalists constantly hooting and hollering every 5 seconds. While I know development teams have been working on some of these titles for years and are excited to share the game with the community, E3 is also about promotion and advertising to make sure the game is successful at launch. Based on the cheers you would think everybody loved Fallout 76. So let's break down each major press conference and games showcased.
EA Play
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
I haven't been a fan of Star Wars games since the Nintendo 64, and have avoided anything Battlefront related like the plague. But this game's 3rd person perspective and being developed by Respawn Entertainment has my hopes up, as long as EA doesn't have much say in its development. Check out the new gameplay showcased.
APEX Legends
New Season, new playable heros, and modes. The game's popularity has sharply declined after about a month after release, so they are trying everything they can to stay relevant in the battle royal genre.
Battlefield V
Updates to maps, gameplay modes, progression, etc.. I've never got into the Battlefield games, and with the controversy ahead of this game's release, I'm more motivated to play the older games in the franchise than starting with this one.
Fifa and Madden 2020:
New installments in EA's popular sport games. I know they are huge worldwide but the only sports game I enjoyed as a kid was NBA Jam.
Sims 4 Island Living:
A new expansion pack in the popular franchise. I never got into the series, but the funny interactions, situations and replayability has me wanted to play the game more than ever.
Microsoft
The Outer Worlds:
This is one of my most anticipated games from E3. Many are comparing it to Fallout in space. Obsidian Entertainment is known for their quality RPGs, and the focus on player choice from the new trailer has me anticipating all the different ways to enjoy the game.
Bleeding Edge:
At first glance looks like another team based Overwatch clone. But what sets it apart is that it is being developed my Ninja Theory, known for games like DmC that have great 3rd person action. If it can balance the single player feel, variety of classes, and fun team based gameplay, I can see enjoying this more than Overwatch.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps:
Sequel to the side scrolling indie game known for its beautiful art style and music. While there was a huge influx of similar games, like Hallow knight and Unravel.
Minecraft Dungeons:
Minecraft take on ARPGs like Diablo. With a group of friends raid dungeons for loot in Minecraft's iconic blocky art style.
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order:
Refer back to top for EA section.
Blair Witch:
This was a surprise that I wasn't expecting. The original movie was ground breaking in its found footage style, and I loved how terrifying it was while barely showing anything. I've been searching for a good suspenseful/psycological, horror game since Alan Wake.
Cyberpunk 2077:
New gameplay footage and release date for the game was shown. But what stole the show was Keanu Reeves revealing that he will be part of the game. The game looks great, but I hope they are not revealing too much. A seemingly major character from the first trailer was killed off, but I did like how they showed the male protagonist in this new trailer.
Spiritfarer:
Battletoads:
The popular side-scrolling beat-em-up is making a return with a new cartoony art style. I was excited to hear the music and logo from my childhood, but would have preferred a re-creation of the retro look.
RPGTIME The Legend of Wright:
An indie game that brings drawing's and a kid's imagination to life. Reminds me of a mix between Scribblenaughts, Comix Zone, and Little Big Planet.
Microsoft Flight Simulator:
A flight simulator. I can imagine this being really fun with the right peripherals.
Age of Empires II Definitive Edition
The iconic RTS game is making a come back with a definitive edition. I missed out on this game so I definitely want to pick up this version.
Wasteland 3
Wasteland is a series I'm not familiar with but it has a long history with the first game releasing in 1988. The gameplay is a party-based RPG, similar to Dragon Age: Origins. The dark humor is also something that has me interested in learning more about the game. Check out the developer interview from GamerHubTV below the release trailer.
Psychonauts 2:
I was really excited to see this game since I, along with many others, funded the game through the crowd-funding site Fig. The big announcement came when it was revealed that Double Fine Productions have joined Microsoft Game Studios. Microsoft has been acquiring many Indie developers in the past to boost up its game library, but this is the biggest in recent memory, since Double Fine has a big library of successful games already. I was disappointed and wished they would stay independent, since this could effect exclusivity, and jeopardize the game development team in the long run. But I'm excited about the polish, talent, and the undeveloped projects Double Fine will be able to create now with Microsoft's backing. Great interview and more footage from IGN posted below trailer.
Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga
I've personally lost interest in anything Star Wars related, from movies to games. However, I love the humor the Lego series brings to the games, that make it feel like a new experience. Because this game looks like a condensed form of all the movies so far, focusing on the most memorable scenes of the franchise, I'm interested in checking this game out. Shout out to Collider Games for their developer interview.
Dragon Ball Z Kakarot
Dragon Ball has a variety of successful games under its belt already, but this one is one I'm the most hyped about. The story arc of Goku's first battle with Vegeta and the Frieza saga is the best in the whole franchise of the anime. I've eaten the memberberries and can't wait to play this game.
12 Minutes
This indie game describes itself as an interactive narrative that incorporates a fragmented structure like the film Memento. I love games that take risks and explore styles that you don't see often, or at all. This is one of my most anticipated titles from E3.
Way to the Woods
An indie title where you appears like you play as a father deer guiding a young fawn through different environments using light as a key mechanic. Music and art style makes the game look of high quality.
Gears 5:
I enjoyed the original Gears of War trilogy, but haven't been interested in the new series. I know it was always about big bros with guns, but similar to the Fast and the Furious franchise I'm sure its entertaining but not something am burning to get my hands on.
Dying Light 2
Despite not having played the first Dying Light, after seeing footage of the game at last years E3 this looks to improve upon the game in every aspect. Also incorporating so many methods to approach a situation and branching story lines, I can't wait to play this game.
Forza Horizon 4 x Lego Speed Champions
Some more crossover with the Lego, this one involving Forza racing.
State of Decay 2 Heartland
An expansion to the game that released last year. A survival zombie game, which I'm guessing is like The Walking Dead.
Phantasy Star Online 2
The Phantasy Star series known for being one of most popular JRPG games and Phantasy Star Online was the first games I was aware of that took RPGs online. While PSO2 originally launched in Japan back in 2012, its finally releasing in the west.
Crossfire X
Tales of Arise
A new game in the popular Tales series. I'm currently playing Tales of Berseria, and generally like the action combat of the series. Let's hope that the story is a good one.
Borderlands 3 (PC, PS4, and Xbox One)
The popular looter shooter with a gazillion guns in back. Already announced a couple months ago, there have been lots of info being released, leading up to its release date of September 13, 2019.
Elden Ring (Xbox One, PS4, & PC)
This newly announced game with a world created Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, developed by FromSoftware, and produced by Namco Bandai is sure to be a powerhouse. While no in-game footage was shown, this is sure to one of the last big games of this console generation.
Halo Infinite (Xbox One, Project Scarlett, PC, release Q4 2020)
The original Halo games developed by Bungie was genre defining and propelled Microsoft into the gaming industry. While there is a lot of criticism since 343 Industries took over, I'm eager to try this game myself.
Bethesda
Fallout 76 updates:
Todd Howard opened the show addressing Fallout 76. Instead of addressing the disaster of a launch it had, he thanked the fans and promoted new content, like NPCs that should have been in the game from the beginning.
Ghostwire Tokyo
Little was revealed about this new game from the creators of The Evil Within.
Elder Scrolls Online Elsweyr Expansion
Commander Keen (Mobile, coming soon)
Apparently a reboot of the original produced by Id Software back in 2001.
Rage 2 Expansion
Wolfenstein Youngblood (Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4, releasing July 26th 2019)
If you liked the previous Nazi-killing FPS you'll sure to like this game. The two player co-op play looks like an awesome addition.
Deathloop (console & release date TBD)
Reminds me of Edge of Tomorrow, with two characters killing each other only to repeat over and over. Didn't seem like much, but with the same development that was behind Dishonored, this is sure to be a surprise.
Doom Eternal
Devolver Digital
A strange and unique showcase, but got to see a lot of neat indie titles in the works.
Fall Guys
Devolver Bootleg
Carrion
Enter the Gungeon: House of the Gundead
The Messenger: Picnic Panic
My Friend Pedro
Ubisoft
Watch Dogs Legion
Rainbow Six Siege
Brawlhalla
Something for the kids or kids at heart.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Tom Clancy's Elite Squad
Just Dance 2020 (Switch, Wii, PS4, Xbox One, releasing on November 5, 2019)
The music/dance game has been a staple of Ubisoft games at each E3 since the series began, and its back this year.
For Honor: Shadows of the Hitokiri
Rainbow Six Quarantine
The Division 2
Roller Champions
Looks like Motorball from Alita: Battle Angel minus the crazy murderers, so basically roller derby.
Gods & Monsters
Square Enix
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
New trailer showing more combat, characters, and use of ATB meter. I love the more tactical approach and being able to pause combat, but reminds me of the hopes I had for Final Fantasy 15. Which turned out to be hot garbage.
Life is Strange 2
I like the story driven focus and genuine emotion elicited by the first game, but the focus on streamers here really ruined this trailer for me. It's obviously trying to target a younger demographic who watch these steamer. Or I may just have a personal bias against all reaction/lets-play streamers, which I can't stand.
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered
I like remasters because there are so many games I wanted to play but are over 10 years old now. Crystal Chronicles was one of those games.
Octopath Traveler
Releasing on PC (via Steam) available now
Dragon Quest Builders
The Minecraft-esque building game set in the Dragon Quest Universe. Incorporates elements of a farm sim, as you can grow your own crops as resources.
Circuit Superstars
Battalion 1944
[Trailer missing]
Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind
Another addition to the Kingdom Hearts saga that we knew was coming.
Final Fantasy XIV Online: Shadowbringers (PC, PS4, Mac, releasing July 2019)
New Expansion to the popular MMORPG
Dying Light 2
[See Microsoft Section]
Romancing Saga 3 & SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions
Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius
Outriders
Oninaki:
Marvel Avengers
Nintendo
Pokemon Sword/Shield
Luigi's Mansion 3 (Switch, release 2019)
Luigi has stolen the spotlight from Mario this E3 with a new ghost hunting adventure. I played Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon on the 3DS and was surprised on how much I enjoyed it. With all the charm of Mario games with new ghost sucking features, this is one of my most anticipated Switch games.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Switch, release Nov. 2019)
Another party game featuring Mario, Sonic, and friends.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The Legend of Zelda - Link's Awakening (Switch, releasing Sept 20th, 2019)
Link's Awakening I played on the Game Boy was actually the first Zelda game I owned, and seeing the game in full color brought back a lot of fond memories. From what the trailer shows, it looks like a faithful remake but with updated graphics.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Super Mario Maker 2
Astral Chain
Daemon X Machina
Sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch, release TBD)
Saving the best for last, the sequel to BotW is by far my most anticipated game coming out of E3 this year. Even with the popularity of the game, I didn't see this coming. While Nintendo rarely does make direct sequels to their main franchises like Zelda, Mario, or Splatoon, I didn't think we would see another Zelda game until a new console. Another reason to love the Switch.
Thanks for visting my page, hopefully you found my opinions and videos helpful. Any feedback in the comments are appreciated. A top 10 games of E3 will be coming soon.