Table of Contents
We are yet again in the midst of another E3, meaning some of the biggest companies out there are making a number of announcements. This includes Sony, Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft, and Bethesda.
Even though Sony did announce that they would not be showing off the latest version of the PlayStation 4 (dubbed the Neo), they still had a lot to show off. From a number of expected titles (such as The Last Guardian and Horizon Zero Dawn), to a few surprises (such as Death Stranding and a new Spider-Man), Sony had a lot on their plates this year.
Even though Sony did have a lot to show this year, not everything was amazing. Let’s take a look at what was the best, the worst, and the most surprising announcements that Sony made at E3 this year, and see what it was that they brought this year.
Best Presentation
When Silent Hills was canceled last year, it left a large hole in the survival-horror genre. Gamers thought that Allison Road would take Silent Hills’ place, but even that game was canceled earlier this month. Now, however, it seems that we have another great horror title to look forward to: Resident Evil 7 Biohazard.
Resident Evil 7 is taking the series back to its horror roots, as seen from the very unsettling trailer that was released during Sony’s E3 presentation. The game is taking the same first-person perspective that P.T. had, and looks creepy as hell. Capcom has stated that they are trying to deliver “a whole new level of terror” with Resident Evil 7.
Even though Capcom did tease big plans for Resident Evil earlier this year, it was still incredibly satisfying watching the trailer for the new title. It was even announced that Resident Evil 7 will be fully compatible with the PlayStation VR. We will not be seeing the game until early next year, but it is definitely something to look out for.
Worst Presentation
I have been excited at the thought of a new Crash Bandicoot game for quite some time. For the past few years, E3 always came with rumors that a new game in the classic series was on the way. We finally got news that Crash is coming back to video games, but not in a way that we wanted.
It was announced that when Skylanders returns later this year, Crash will be making an appearance in the game. This is unfortunate for those who have been waiting for a true entry in the series. While many may enjoy the Skylanders series, this is just a tease for those who have been waiting for Crash Bandicoot to make his return.
The silver lining in this announcement was the reveal that Crash Bandicoot 1, 2, and 3 are being remastered for the PlayStation 4. Not much else was mentioned about these remasters, though we know they will release in 2017.
Surprising Presentation
The biggest surprise of Sony’s presentation was the announcement of a PlayStation 4 Spider-Man title. There were rumors of a Spider-Man game being developed by Sucker Punch, so the fact that Insomniac Games is heading the project caught people off guard.
A teaser was shown at E3, and the game looks pretty good so far. It seems to have the web-slinging, open-world action that one would want in a Spider-Man title. It seems reminiscent of the Spider-Man 2 title that released on the PlayStation 2 years ago, which I’m sure many have fond memories of.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the title. We do not even know the game’s official title as of now. Hopefully more information will be released in the coming months.
Along from the best, worst, and surprising presentations, Sony had a lot of news to give at this year’s E3:
God of War
To open up their E3 presentation, Sony announced that a new God of War title is in development. And it looks like the game is taking a different direction than past titles.
Unlike a traditional God of War title, the latest entry to the series is taking an over-the-shoulder viewpoint. There were some differences to Kratos as well, such as a viking beard and the fact that he now has a son. However, the action was just as intense and brutal as any other God of War title, which is a very good thing.
The gameplay that was shown ends with Kratos and his son looking into the distance as a dragon flies by overhead. God of War was a strong introduction to Sony’s presentation, and helped set the tone that the show would hold throughout.
Days Gone
Days Gone was a new IP that Sony introduced at E3 this year. From the very get go the title showed striking similarities to another PlayStation exclusive, The Last of Us, including the camera angle, character animations and bleak mood.
From what we have seen, Days Gone will feature zombies and bikers. Sony closed their presentation with a gameplay demonstration of the title, and showed off the swarms that players may have to face when the title releases.
Not much else about the title was revealed, but if the gameplay demonstration was an indicator, Days Gone does seem to have some potential.
The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian was first shown at E3 years ago. The game seemed to disappear soon after that, only to reemerge at E3 2015. Now, after all these years, Sony has announced the release date for The Last Guardian.
Sony has revealed that The Last Guardian will be released on October 25th, 2016. Along with the announcement of the game’s release date, a small teaser was also shown. In the teaser, we see what seems to be a second creature much like Trico, the massive beast that befriends the game’s protagonist.
The Last Guardian has been a long time coming, so it is good to finally see a release date for the title.
Horizon Zero Dawn
One of the games that we were expecting to see at Sony’s E3 presentation this year was Horizon Zero Dawn. Despite being delayed recently, it is good to see that Sony seems to be using that extra time to make this game excellent.
A gameplay video for Horizon was shown off, and gave gamers a glimpse at how the game will play. We get to see combat, crafting, and the enemies that players will face when the game releases next year. We see the game’s protagonist hack into one of the mechanical beasts that players will be facing, and then jump on the creature and ride it.
We got a good look at Horizon Zero Dawn, and know what to expect when the game releases in February of next year.
Detroit Become Human
Quantic Dream made its return at this year’s E3, with their latest title, Detroit Become Human.
The demonstration starred an android named Conner, and highlighted the face tech that Quantic Dream will be utilizing in the title. The trailer showed the different directions a scene can go, all depending on the player’s choices. We see how a player can approach a hostage situation, and the different paths that such a moment can go.
Not much else was revealed about Detroit, other than the title being “in development for PS4.”
PlayStation VR
Of course, Sony had to touch on their upcoming VR headset for the PlayStation 4.
It was announced that PlayStation VR will launch on October 13th. It was also announced that there will be 50 games released for the platform by the end of the year. Also shown were a number of those titles, including Batman Arkham VR, Farpoint, and a special version of Final Fantasy XV.
The PlayStation VR will run gamers $399 when it releases in October.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Gamers were able to get a glimpse at the upcoming Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare at Sony’s presentation.
In the Infinite Warfare footage shown, we see scenes of intense dogfights in space, spacewalk boarding sequences, and plenty of action. The gameplay shown was more reminiscent of Halo than it was Call of Duty. This demo may be exactly what is needed to genearte some hype for the upcoming title, and gives Call of Duty fans something to look forward to. We even got a sneak peek at the Modern Warfare Remaster that comes with the special editions of Infinite Warfare.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare will release on November 4th for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Out of all the titles shown at Sony’s E3 conference, LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is probably the one that we are the closest to.
A trailer for the title was shown, and showcases the humor that the series is known for. It was also announced that a demo for the title is now available.
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens will release on June 28th for a number of platforms, including the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita.
Death Stranding
This year’s E3 finally gave us a glimpse at the upcoming title that Hideo Kojima is currently working on.
Though we were not given actual gameplay, the cinematic trailer did reveal that Norman Reedus is working with Kojima again. The trailer feels surreal, and shows Norman Reedus pick up a baby on a beach filled with dead crabs. We may not know what Death Stranding is about, or what gameplay will look like, but it was nice finally getting a look at what Kojima is up to.
Hopefully more about Death Stranding will be revealed in the near future.
–
What did you think of Sony’s E3 press conference? Let us know in the comments below.