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.