E3 2017: These were my 10 favorite games
LOS ANGELES — With the last day of the Electronic Entertainment Expo upon us, it's time to reflect.
There were a lot of video games on the show floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center. But these 10 stood out from the crowds.
Note: a couple of these titles were not playable at the show, but this did not dampen my enthusiasm:
1. Anthem
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: BioWare
Launch date: Fall 2018
Details: This sure looks a lot like Destiny, the popular shared-world shooter from Activision. Players work solo or cooperatively as Freelancers exploring a primitive landscape. Players come equipped with Javelin exosuits empowering them with special weapons and abilities. The big question: will we see BioWare's storytelling strength shine through?
2. Destiny 2
Publisher: Activision Blizzard
Developer: Bungie
Launch date: September 6 (PC version on October 24)
Details: Speaking of Destiny, the series' second chapter introduces a deeper narrative, as the final city on Earth once protected by Guardians has fallen. Accessibility is a big theme, as Bungie introduces features like Guided Games to help all players tackle high-reward raids and other events.
3. Detroit: Become Human
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Quantic Dream
Launch date: 2018
Details: The studio behind PlayStation games like Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls are not afraid to experiment with their takes on interactive experiences. Detroit combines a futuristic story about androids seeking freedom from humans with contextual actions quickly immersing you into a world where humans are the enemy. Any choices you make in the game offer different consequences, providing a more personal journey.
4. Far Cry 5
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Launch date: February 27, 2018
Details: The first-person shooter moves to America, as players encounter a powerful cult in Hope County, Montana. Battles appear intense, as players push back members of the cult to free parts of the county. Fortunately, players won't do it alone. They have the help of several partners, including a dog named Boomer.
5. Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developer: Monolith
Launch date: October 10
Details: We revisit Mordor with a fresh conflict taking places between events of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. At the core of the game is the Nemesis System, where players can choose to recruit orcs to their side instead of fight them. This time, players can engage in epic stronghold takeovers with an army by your side.
6. Sea of Thieves
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Rare
Launch date: Early 2018
Details: This open world pirate adventure lets players join crews and embark on quests for treasure, or get involved in nautical skirmishes against enemy ships. The premise is allowing players to create their own legendary tales based on their adventures, and socialize while exploring. My experience? I drank too much grog and vomited on my accordion. Can we just name this the year's best game right now?
7. Spider-Man
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Insomniac Games
Launch date: 2018
Details: The action appears inspired by the recent return of Batman, with Spidey stalking enemies from above, or taking on several criminals at once and fluidly bouncing between each. Plus, swinging across New York City looks so much fun.
8. Star Wars Battlefront II
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: DICE/Motive/Criterion
Launch date: November 17
Details: Designers have taken heed to players' requests, adding a single-player campaign told from the perspective of the villains, following soon after the events of the 1983 film Return of the Jedi. For the first time, players will get to engage in massive space battles, hopping in vehicles such as TIE Fighters and X-Wings.
9. Super Mario Odyssey
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Launch date: October 27
Details: Mario has a lot more room to jump and bounce on bad guys. The action game features Nintendo's icon in a "sandbox" style environment, which means players can explore cities, deserts and other areas however they want. Mario also has a new friend in Cappy, a cap to attack enemies or even become them.
10. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: MachineGames
Launch date: October 27
Details: The surprise hit of 2014 is back, only hero BJ Blazkowicz finds himself seriously injured after the events of the first game The New Order. The game takes place in an alternate version of America in 1961, as BJ leads a resistance against the Nazi regime.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.
