The greatest video game show on Earth has ended, but the hype is just heating up.
Nearly 70,000 gamers flooded an overpacked Los Angeles Convention Center for three straight days of digital insanity, and game makers of all shapes and sizes delivered enough gaming goodness to last a lifetime — or at least until the holidays.Though E3 2017 lacked the explosive punch of last year’s incredible show, it was home to dozens of cool games spanning every system under the sun. So how do you narrow that down? Some games were playable; others were little more than a trailer and some concept art. You’ll get your hands on a handful of them in 2017, while many more won’t see the light of day for years. But regardless of development state these are the 10 titles I'm most excited to play. [these are in no particular order]
‘Middle-earth: Shadow of War’ (PC, Xbox One, PS4 | Release Date: 10/10/17)
Giant fortress battles, a deep loot system, beefier combat, an expanded Nemesis system that turns just about every inch of the world into a unique, procedural snowflake — “Shadow of War” is shaping up to be a monstrous video game and a worthy successor to “Mordor.” This one may very well rule them all.
‘Sea of Thieves’ (Xbox One | Release Date: Early 2018)
Turning up to four players into a gang of marauding buccaneers, it’s a surprisingly complicated game about ship sailing, treasure hunting and, most likely, lots of dying. But ace developer Rare’s gift for colorful characters and playful features is on full display here, making “Sea of Thieves” one of the most likable games at the show.
‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ (PC, Xbox One, PS4 | Release Date: 11/17/17)
A full single-player story mode should attend to the biggest complaint about the last game, though “Battlefront II” also expands its popular multiplayer with customizable classes, more weapons and environments and heroes spanning every major Star Wars era. Ever wonder how Jedi Luke would fare against Darth Maul? (OF COURSE!) You’ll find out in November.
‘Anthem’ (PC, Xbox One, PS4 | Release Date: Q4 2018)
game developer Bioware is best known for making enormous, detailed role-playing games. For their next trick, however, the legendary studio is taking a page from the “Destiny” playbook with fast-paced sci-fi combat set in a shared online universe. In Anthem players don exosuits called Javelins as they jetpack around a massive world looking for trouble (and, presumably, XP and loot).
‘Far Cry 5’ (PC, Xbox One, PS4 | Release Date: 2/27/18)
Ubisoft had a tremendous E3, showing off a portfolio bursting with both established franchises and risky new endeavors. Far Cry 5 somehow fits both definitions. The first game in the series to be set on U.S. soil, it courts controversy with its socio-political undertones, pitting a small-town Montana deputy against a militia-like cult that shares more than a few similarities to real-world American extremist groups. But it’s also “Far Cry” through and through, letting you romp around a stunning, grounded open-world begging for exploration and experimentation. Best of all, you have a pet dog
‘Super Mario Odyssey’ (Switch | Release Date: 10/27/17)
Odyssey’s charming world is densely packed with secrets, and Mario is equipped with incredibly cool new moves to help him explore every nook and cranny. His iconic hat is now a crucial tool, used to both thwart and even temporarily possess enemies. Mario the T-Rex? Believe it, and circle October 27 on your calendar. Switch owners absolutely won’t want to miss it.
‘Beyond Good and Evil 2’ (Platforms: TBD | Release Date: TBD)
You don’t often see a grown game developer weep onstage in front of millions of viewers, but that’s exactly what happened when Ubisoft’s Michel Ancel shocked the gaming world with a trailer and quick chat about the long-awaited follow-up to the beloved “Beyond Good and Evil.” The new game is a much different beast, a prequel that, based on an off-the-floor tech demo, hopes to combine the original’s memorable characters with an absolutely immense, seamlessly rendered universe.
‘Spider-Man’ (PS4 | Release Date: TBD 2018)
The web slinger’s been a little hit-or-miss as a video game. Fans point to the seminal “Spider-Man 2” as a high point, but a wealth of decent if forgettable action romps have left them longing for a game that gets its sticky star right.