Seemingly as if it’s making up for the travesty that was 2014, the video game industry put up their usual masturbatory exhibition known as E3 in an attempt to make panties wet in advance. Okay, pardon me for that crass introduction, but I’ve always been cynical about shows like this. People seem to get their hopes up, only to be angry and disappointed about the results; I only want good results. However, E3 2015 was hard to not watch as it was churning out hype after hype, and I can’t help but consume it like everyone else.
There’s just something about this year’s show that seemed right; most likely because 2014 was such a downer in terms of video games. It’s one of those situations when you go, “I know I shouldn’t, but why is feel so right when it’s so wrong?” (sexual innuendo fully intended)
I might as well round it up through my perspective. As of this writing, I’m not sure if it’s already over, but I think I’ve seen enough to give my view on the whole deal (many others already have before it was over anyway).
What I’m Excited For
Here are the top 5 announcements that got me excited for the future.
Fallout 4
This is definitely a game I’ll be upgrading my PC for. That will also enable me to play other games that my current rig can’t run yet, like the PC version of GTA5 and The Witcher 3 (once I do actually play The Witcher 1 and 2).
You can watch the whole presentation here if you haven’t yet.
Dishonored 2
The second reason to upgrade my computer. It was one of the best original IPs to have come out in recent years, and I enjoyed the hell out of the first Dishonored. Kill combos and speed runs are certain one of the best reasons to replay the hell out of the campaign, as well as getting all the endings.
Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst
The third reason to upgrade my computer. I just hope that DICE doesn’t develop it like they did with the first game, which doesn’t run in most new systems. I had to obtain a digital copy of the first game on PS3 and program the CronusMAX to play it with keyboard and mouse. I had tons of fun with the first game when it was released, so I hope this game is much of the same and a lot more.
With guns being made completely unusable in this game, my optimism for it shot up twice over. I’ve always said that the “proper” way to play the first Mirror’s Edge was to not engage in combat, especially with guns. Other than that, I’m quite a sucker for dystopian sci-fi stuff, so the Mirror’s Edge franchise is definitely up my street.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
The fourth reason to upgrade my computer. I have great memories of Mass Effect 2, but also bad memories of Mass Effect 3 in more ways than one (including that hackish review I wrote for GMA Network). I want ME: Andromeda to wash away the sins of the past that I can’t seem to forget. From the looks of the teaser trailer, it may do well enough. I just have to be wary of EA’s usual shenanigans; here’s to hoping that the game’s guts are already mostly done so Bioware doesn’t have to rush.
Having two EA titles on this list is making my face quite red, but I’ll stay calm and not get too emotional if ever things don’t pan out as hoped.
Xbox One Backwards Compatibility
The probable reason to not upgrade my computer and get an Xbox One instead. I was planning to get a PS4, but I’m no longer sure with this new development. This is also why I’m kind of puzzled as to why most people think Sony won E3 (most likely due to the FF7 remake, The Last Guardian, and Shenmue 3) since I think the backwards compatibility has more long-term implications than just some new games, even if those games happen to be so-called “dreams come true”.
(Of course, I’m upgrading my PC anyway since I have to do more video editing for this website.)
What I’m Optimistic About
These are things that are also worth being excited about, but there are already other stuff I’m already looking forward to. However, it’s still not bad to feel hopeful about these since they can potentially be stuff I can truly enjoy.
Fallout Shelter
It’s nice of Bethesda to release this; they didn’t have to. It’s free, it doesn’t have paywalls and timers, it doesn’t require constant Internet connection, and it looks great. However, it’s only for iOS right now, which is making me want to get an iPad, despite my self-imposed ban on Apple products (I own an iPod Touch 4G from 2010).
I hear there’ll be an Android version out in the near future, so I guess I’ll wait for that. If my Asus Transformer Pad can’t play that, then I might actually have to get an iPad after all.
ReCore and The Last Guardian
The trailers were great and the games do look good. Perhaps there’s an added bonus for The Last Guardian with the gameplay reveal, and it looks like something I can go for. The question here is which one will pull me in. With Xbox One getting backwards compatibility, I’m split when it comes to my future choice of 8th-gen console. For now, things are looking to be 50-50 between them, and the same goes for these two games.
Dark Souls III
I own Dark Souls II for PS3 and am planning to get into Dark Souls I if I somehow find the time and motivation to. The Souls series should be something I’m into, but I somehow haven’t been bitten by the bug for some reason. I’m still looking forward to somehow getting it someday since it’s something I really might get into.
(I know that preceding statement sounds incredibly stupid, but please bear with me. I’m just one man here.)
Other Things I’m Excited For
These are announcements made before E3 2015 that are still worth looking forward to. They did get some light shed on them on E3, but other announcements have outshone them for obvious reasons.
Street Fighter V
How long will this game last; another 5-6 years? If so, I can get a fresh start and actually try to get good in this one. I quite enjoy fighting games, and I somehow want to get competent enough to participate in tournaments and such. SF5’s gameplay doesn’t seem that far off from that of Ultra Street Fighter IV, so I can just keep practicing with that and hope that the muscle memory will transfer to the new game. As long as my Qanba Q4 RAF arcade stick is compatible with it, I have the choice to go all-in.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Another reason why Square Enix is getting hot right now (it can’t all be FF7, and Rise of the Tomb Raider is a timed Xbox One exclusive). I’ve never been a fan of their business practices, but I can’t help but love their games, especially their western releases. I’ve written about what I want to see from Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and I hope it doesn’t have the flaws that Human Revolution had.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
It’s the swan song for the Metal Gear Solid series, so it’s a no-brainer. I don’t know why I’m looking forward to this one since I haven’t really played the previous games. I don’t wish to play this one until I do finally go through the first 4 games. However, what I’m planning to do is buy it and have my best friend play it here in my house. I think that will be fun.
Batman: Arkham Knight
It’s coming out in a bit, so perhaps that’s enough for me to be excited. I enjoyed Arkham Asylum immensely, while its sequel was also satisfactory. What I’m looking forward to here is summoning the Batmobile; I’ve always wanted to do that. However, there’s talk about the Collector’s Edition being canceled, which may be a big damper for those who pre-ordered.
Shadow Warrior 2
I do want more Wang since the reboot was so good. I may have to replay it one of these days to prepare myself for the sequel, racist accent and all (I’m Chinese; it doesn’t bother me at all).
Conclusion
Up next is a blog post on the not-so-good stuff from E3 2015. If what you’re excited about is not on this post, then perhaps you may want to start typing obscenities at me now because it really is a case of “I don’t like what you like” with that one. I don’t wish to knock anyone for their preferences being different than mine, but I might as well talk more about my skepticism and pessimism to balance things out.
