The mother of all video game/tech conventions (Electronic Entertainment Expo(E3)) is now ongoing. And while I haven’t been following the news (because of Wurm).. and who the hell really wants to hear the overhyped fluff (and CGI game trailers that won’t be in the actual game) that come out of the mouths of greed-driven AAA publishers, lying through their teeth with: “we’re doing this for the gamers”?
But, I’ll do it anyway, as there are several games that have caught my eye and deserve my time to talk about (be them good or bad).
Yesterday was primarily Bethesda’s day to shine, and since I typically talk about sequels, prequels, or even new games (either part of the IP or with an entirely new one) that caught my eye, five games have won my time to talk about. Four of these are new games (from its IP), and the last (but also the one I’m looking most forward to), is a sequel.
Game: Fallout 76
Game Type: Next installment (though it could be its own game)
Trailer Link(s): Teaser | E3 Trailer | Gameplay Trailer
Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: Bethesda
Release Date (ETA): November 14th, 2018
Discussion: Rumors have been going out since the first teaser trailer, hinted at an ‘always online’ gameplay mechanic; featuring 4-player co-op. Fears that Bethesda has “lost their identity” with the IP, and the hatred of forced to have a constant connection games (since the shitstorm of SimCity 5… but hey, “that’s an EA thing”), it was Bethesda’s time to.. confirm the rumors.
However, a few trailer breakdown videos are showing that it may not be as bad as people are thinking.
1. ‘Four times bigger’ than Fallout 4.
2. ‘A dozen players’, instead of hundreds or even thousands (with the world being bigger, running into another player might be rare).
3. Though it’s possible to grief other settlements with nukes, exploring nuked sites award good stuff (with stronger enemies).
4. They plan to do everything humanly possible, to curb the threat of toxicity and trolling.
Final Thoughts: All I can say, is I hope the Fallout 76 universe is non-canon (aka not being part of the official Fallout lore). The vault itself, that’s fine. But what happens in the game, I pray doesn’t show up if a Fallout 5 is around the corner.
I’ll probably pass on this, though. Haven’t even completed Fallout 4 yet (due to a forced monitor resolution and hardcoded controls).
Game: The Elder Scrolls 6 (yes, it’s a thing!!)
Game Type: Next installment
Trailer Link(s): E3 Trailer
Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: Bethesda
Release Date (ETA): *Unknown, predicted by 2019-2020, or further*
Discussion: After MANY years, it’s finally official! Because if I see another god damn Skyrim port, it’ll be too– wait. I’m getting reports that Bethesda have.. just released Skyrim (titled ‘Very Special Edition’) for… you got to be kidding me. FUCKING ALEXA?!?!
Okay, Bethesda. You’re going too far!
Going back to what I was talking about, the trailer seems to show a small seaside town (with an ocean on the right). It seems we might be going to High Rock (and hopefully Hammerfell gets included with it). Then again it could also be in Valenwood.
However, some say that this “could be anything” (as it doesn’t have an official location), and this trailer could be nothing but a temp placement. And they could be right.
Final Thoughts: One trailer isn’t really going to cut it for me. I want to see more.
Game: Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot (Possible VR exclusive)
Game Type: *It’s never known with the Wolfenstein franchise*
Trailer Link(s): E3 Trailer
Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: Bethesda
Release Date (ETA): 2019 *Unknown month*
Discussion: Taking place in Paris, France; 1980 (if the US didn’t win World War II). The game seems to be happening in the same timespace as The Old Blood and The New Order.
And this time, you will not be playing as BJ, but as a freelance hacker who decides to help the French Resistance. As a hacker, you have the power to literally take over the Nazi war machine (and use it against them). Mmmm.. the smell of roasted Nazi in the morning.
And what’s better, you’ll feel you’re controlling the machine (as this is based in VR)!
Final Thoughts: I’m glad Bethesda is putting more funding into VR, but it’s currently unknown (at this time) if this will be a VR-exclusive title(and will use full body tracking).
Game: DOOM Eternal
Game Type: Sequel
Trailer Link(s): E3 Trailer
Developer: Id Software
Publisher: Bethesda
Release Date (ETA): *Unknown, predicted by 2019*
Discussion: Ohhhh… this is one sequel that I’m sure the demons in hell do NOT want to hear about! Even Satan himself is probably checking his closet, praying someone immensely powerful, and full of hatred for all things demonic, doesn’t pop up in it.
You obviously know who I’m talking about; the father of the PC FPS genre, the protector of good, and demon asskicking extraordinaire….
THE MOTHER****ING DOOMGUY!! *E1M1 music plays*
Or as he’s known to demons, the ‘Doomslayer’. And the trailer, while not showing much in gameplay, gives a glimpse of what’s to come. Enemies from DOOM II (that didn’t make the cut with 2016’s DOOM reboot), might be in this game. There might even be these strange crab-like creatures, which what looks like either something to stab you with, or a powerful laser on their back.
Whatever’s the case, the time to RIP AND TEAR is coming back. On August 10th during Quakecon 2018, there will be a gameplay reveal during their livestream.
Final Thoughts: Ohh BABY, I cannot wait for this one. Still made by the legendary Id Software, you know it’s going to be good.
However, seeing as the Doomslayer is using the original suit from 1994, I say this could be a prequel (perhaps between the timeline between DOOM 2 and (2016’s)DOOM), where at the end, the player gets to go against The Titan.
Game: Just Cause 4
Game Type: Next installment
Trailer Link(s): E3 Trailer | World Exclusive Gameplay(Feat NerdCubed)
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date (ETA): End of this year
Discussion: Another Just Cause game, this early? Why? .. Just cause!
The favorite “fuck with everything, because I can” franchise is getting a new game. This time, Rico’s going to South America to face his greatest enemy yet; ‘The Black Hand’. Except, this isn’t war.. this is a battle for survival.
New things added, is a tornado, wind streams, and brand new (“why is this even a thing?! .. Oh, just cause!”) grapple mods (toggable balloons, and thrusters can be welded to grapple hooks).
Final Thoughts: More videos, please (especially ones from Dan).
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And that’s all I can cover (for now). If I get any new info with any of the games I discussed here (or another game that catches my eye), I’ll be updating this post. Because E3 has just started.