While at E3 in Los Angeles this year the crew at Canadian Online Gamers had a chance to check out a lot of games on the show floor, behind closed doors and during the press conferences. We all didn’t get to see everything but between the three of us at the show we did see an impressive library of games for handhelds, consoles, mobile devices and PC. E3 2012 could have lasted another week and I still don’t think we would have seen everything. As I decompress after the week that was, I figure I would post my top 5 game experiences from E3. They are the top five games at E3 that really jumped out at me and are now not only games that are on my radar but are games on my “must buy” list at this stage in those selected games development process. Please keep in mind this is merely my list of the top games based on what I experienced at the show. Perhaps some games would have made the list but I never had a chance to check them out for one reason or another. Okay, here we go:
5.) Metro Last Light
Coming in at number five is THQ’s Metro Last Light. Slated for a March 2013 release, Metro Last Light is shaping up to be an impressive follow-up to the 2010 Metro 2033 game. The developers assure us this time around many of the issues from the previous Metro game have been addressed and the development team is convinced they have made a superior game. Well, after the 15-20 minute demo I too am sold and convinced the team at THQ is well on their way to making a fantastic game. The same creepy atmospheric mood from the first game is back but this time the level of desperation and post-apocalyptic setting is grim. What really stood out however was how good the demo looked. The level of detail is impressive and lighting effects are stunning. Not to mention games storyline seems interesting and the characters seem highly engaging. Even in the short demo I found myself getting emotionally attached to the games characters. Metro Last Light is likely under many peoples radar but it shouldn’t be.
4.) Borderlands 2
Number 4 on my list is 2K’s much anticipated Borderlands 2 game. After playing through the hands on co-operative experience at E3, I now know why this game is getting everyone so gitty; because it is just so damn fun. The over-the-top combat is back along with the games XP system, crazy characters, punishing enemies and wacky weaponry. The cell shaded visuals are a stunner and the combat is colourful and lively. Borderlands 2 is a game that comes to life in so many ways and re-affirms why I play video games. Playing the hands on demo was about the most fun I had at the show and was simply a thrill ride from beginning to end. Fans of the franchise will absolutely want to pick up the game but even those who never played the first game should strongly consider this one as Borderlands 2 is simply some crazy-ass fun.
3.) Dishonored
At number 3 is Bethesda’s Dishonored. With a blend of the stealth-like action much like Assassins Creed and a combat system that will remind many gamers of Bioshock, Dishonored is shaping into a game that is looking like a must own at this stage in the development process. Please be sure to read my in-depth preview of the game which should go live in the next few days but what I will say at this point is wow! I went into the demo with minimal expectations but came out buzzing. The varied combat makes this a game you can play over and over again. The control mechanics seem fluid and the many ways in which you can take down your foes is awesome. Whether it be putting your enemy in a choke hold or possessing a fish in order to infiltrate an enemy compound, Dishonored does not hold back in the combat department and at this point you should not hold back if you are waffling on whether or not to pre-order the game.
2.) Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Call of Duty Black Ops 2 is number 2 on my list and for good reason as Treyarch is hammering out another winner. Every year the Call of Duty franchise manages to up-the-ante. This year is no different and Black Ops 2 is well on its way to likely match and perhaps even surpass the record breaking success of MW3. The traditional cinematic linear single player gameplay will likely be back but this time you will have some options in terms of how you will proceed through certain choke points. The epic set pieces are back and Los Angeles gets ripped to shreds in the game. It is chaotic, relentless and full of promise. In terms of the multiplayer aspects of the game that will be revealed at a later date; however, the single player aspects of the game look stunning once again and much like a summer Hollywood action film, I am confident Black Ops 2 will deliver and fans will be pleased. Get your popcorn ready!
1.) The Last of Us
Coming in at number 1 is Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us”. Despite not getting a chance to actually play the game or even see the demo up close on the show floor I was impressed. I haven’t been this excited for a PS3 exclusive game in quite some time. The demo we had a chance to watch at the Sony E3 Press Conference left me wanting more. This gritty, raw and realistic action by the fine folks who made the Uncharted games looks incredibly promising. The relationship between the hero and the young girl is captivating. The combat looks not only challenging but intelligent. The enemies react is ways I haven’t seen in any games to date. I found myself getting emotionally attached to the characters and lets just say the graphics at this point are not only on par with Uncharted but could very well exceed the franchise. The game has an “I Am Alive” feel to it but this survival action game has so much more going for it and is thus my number one pick.
