My email account is currently flooded with invitations to see games at E3 that I’ve never heard of. That’s an issue when you’re trying to book appointments on the showroom floor, but can be just as problematic when you’re scouring coverage after the press conferences, trying to figure out which games to look for.
Here are seven games that you should keep an eye on during E3 2012, regardless of publisher, developer or platform.
The Last of Us
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Developer: Naughty Dog
- Release Date: Late 2012/Early 2013
The Last of Us is the most anticipated exclusive on any platform at E3 this year (of the games we know about). Period. Tidbits have been making their way out of Naughty Dog since the post-apocalyptic adventure was revealed last year, but we want more.
Early code has been shown behind closed doors, but expect to see something much closer to the full release played on-stage during Sony’s presser. We want to learn more about the characters and the whole situation. Perhaps most importantly, we want to see why this isn’t just a post-apocalyptic Uncharted with a beard.
What to look for: A release date. Journos should get a chance to go hands-on with the PS3 exclusive and give an insight into the near finished gameplay ahead of a release in the holiday period later this year. Although, some suggest we will have to wait until 2013.
Pikmin 3
- Platform(s): Wii U
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: TBA (Wii U launch)
Pikmin 3 is Nintendo’s drawcard. It can singlehandedly prove or disprove Nintendo’s promise to cater for its loyal, core gaming audience at the Wii U’s launch. Furthermore, it has been eight years since Pikmin 2. While not new, with only two releases long, long ago, it’s a relatively fresh franchise.
What to look for: How it works with the Wii U tablet. The Wii Remote was seemingly the perfect control method for Pikmin, but Nintendo decided it wasn’t reason enough to pursue a sequel. We want to know why it works better with the Wii U tablet.
Assassin’s Creed III
- Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U?
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Release Date: October 31, 2012
Assassin’s Creed started to lose my interest with Brotherhood and I’m yet to play Revelations. While they’re both decent games (so I’ve heard), the series is starting to grow tired with annual releases. Assassin’s Creed III looks to get the franchise back on track with a new protagonist and setting in the American Revolution. It looks like a winner, and could set the precedent for multiplatform titles on Wii U.
What to look for: Refresh the series. I loved Assassin’s Creed II, but I need something different. Assassin’s Creed III looks like it will retain what has made the series so popular, whist offering a new experience.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U?
- Publisher: Rockstar
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Release Date: Late 2012/Early-Mid 2013
Grand Theft Auto V is the big maybe of E3 2012. Rockstar is generally very quiet at the world’s largest gaming event, but that doesn’t mean GTA V won’t be there. We could see it during Microsoft’s press conference, or perhaps even during Nintendo’s, if rumours prove true and it heads to Wii U.
What to look for: GTA V, will it actually be there? Assuming something is mentioned at E3, we want to get a better look at the updated Los Santos and learn more about a release period. A release this year is still a possibility.
Luigi’s Mansion 2
- Platform(s): 3DS
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Next Level Games
- Release Date: Late 2012
Yet another blast from the past from Nintendo, a Luigi’s Mansion sequel should have been released on Wii or DS, but no matter, we’ll forgive them if they get it right. I almost can’t believe that it’s been a decade since Luigi picked up the Poltergust 5000, and can’t wait to see how it handles on the 3DS.
What to look for: Improvement. The original Luigi’s Mansion was great as a launch title, but we probably wouldn’t remember it so fondly if it was released later in the GameCube’s life.Luigi’s Mansion 2 has to show strong signs of improvement, as any good sequel should.
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Developer: SuperBot and SCE Santa Monica
- Release Date: Late 2012
Despite its ridiculous name, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is the second most intriguing PS3 exclusive at E3 this year. We know that it’s similar yet different to Super Smash Bros. and that Sony having its own version is good for the gaming industry. What we don’t know is if it will generate the same strong community. Sony doesn’t have the same diverse mix of characters that Nintendo has up its sleeve, so it will be interesting to see what they make of it.
What to look for: Characters. We need to know who else will be in the game to gain a better understanding as to how good the final product will actually be. A few former first party and exclusive third party characters will make or break the game.
Aliens: Colonial Marines
- Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U
- Publisher: SEGA
- Developer: Gearbox Software
- Release Date: Late 2012
It’s disappointing to hear that Aliens: Colonial Marines won’t be playable on Wii U at E3 2012 following its delay until 2013. We’ll forgive them if the extra polishing time is well spent, but after 5 years of development, we don’t want it to turn into another Duke Nukem Forever. That’s unlikely, however, as it was shaping up as one of the best titles on the distant horizon at E3 last year.
What to look for: Something to tide us over. It’s been delayed, we’ve moved on, but we need something to hang our hat on.
By Ben Salter - Bio