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E3 2015 Top 10: the most E3citing games

• Declan Taggart
• June 9th, 2015

As I type this, the press conferences of E3 2015 start in 5 days. That’s just  5 days before the world is smacked in its bushy face by another bunch of stilted game execs and designers, shoved onstage to speak in a language they don’t really know, and children faking excitement at awkward family game demos. But, as cool as it is to be jaded about E3, there’s plenty to look forward to as well. E3 2015 has one of the most impressive lineups the expo has had in years. Here’s 10 (well 9) of the most exciting things the show has to offer – though it will probably be outdated by the time I have finished writing thanks to another major leak:

1. Everything at Bethesda’s Show

Fallout 4 – Dishonored 2 Bethesda are cornering the market in first-person action RPGs. Add DOOM (and the faint prospect of an Elder Scrolls VI tease) to that and they have one of the strongest slates at E3 2015.

2. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

The only major first-person action RPG series not owned by Bethesda might also be the best. Deus Ex: Human Revolution copied much of what was great about the original Deus Ex and pushed a lot of that game’s philosophical meanderings under the surface to create an experience that was arguably more sophisticated. If its sequel can live up to or even improve upon that, it could be one of the greats.

3. Gears of War 4

More heavily teased by leaks before E3 2015 than maybe any other game, Gears of War 4 still hasn’t been confirmed. But, come on, it’s going to be there. Right?

4. Halo 5: Guardians

It is unthinkable that one of the most popular and consistent franchises in gaming couldn’t be on this list, especially after reports from the Christmas multiplayer beta were so promising. Already set to come out on October 27th, further details about Halo 5’s story and content can be expected at E3 2015.

5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Teased as the final chapter of Drake’s story by that most teasy of titles, a gameplay trailer for Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End will probably be on show at E3 2015. The game has been delayed until 2016, but it’s still one of the show’s most uncontroversially exciting prospects.

6. Firewatch

Did you like the Walking Dead games? How about Gone Home? No? Well, then this might not be for you. But I did, and this game promises to keep much of the narrative tension those games managed in a spectacular natural environment.

7. Wattam

Wattam is exactly as cute as you would expect from a game about fireworks and holding hands from Keita Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy.

8. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky basically won E3 2014. Can it do the same at E3 2015? Details have been scarce since the indie behemoth was first announced 2 years ago. The game might make a splash, though, if more specifics or even a hands-on demo of its space exploration and procedurally generated universe become available. Though I’d settle for another one of its trailers with all the pretty colors they paint space in.

9. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

It’s the sequel to the other Assassin’s Creed games but with added cockney. You know what to expect by now.

10. Almost nothing from Nintendo, unless there’s a major surprise

With the announcement that a new Legend of Zelda game would not be shown, the Nintendo lineup got a lot less promising. Mario Maker is hotly anticipated by many, but, unless Nintendo announce a new Metroid game for the WiiU, there’s nothing to rival the Bethesda, Sony or Microsoft shows at E3 2015. Which is a shame. Maybe Nintendo fans should just enjoy this Nintendo E3 2015 rumor generator until 2016 rolls around?

And there’s loads more on top of that. There’s Call of Duty, Hitman, X-Com 2 and Star Wars Battlefront. And, obviously, Metal Gear Solid V. And Mass Effect 4. And Rock Band 4. AAAAaand Persona 5. And more. E3 2015 is shaping up pretty well.