The year is 2183 and the planet Earth is a write-off. You are sent into space with the purpose of discovering a new hope for humanity. It's a high-stakes mission, but the trip takes a turn for the worst when your ship crash lands on an uncharted planet and you must embark on a fight against the elements. The objective shifts to survival. This is where
"A clean shot to the head," drones the villain known as Arkham Knight. "That's all it will take." At every opportunity, the Knight speaks of the horrific deeds he might perform, doing his best to drive fear into Batman's heart throughout the open-world adventure game that features his name. Scarecrow similarly trades on Batman's doubts, attempting to convince the troubled hero of his own impotence at every turn. "All eyes, all hopes upon a man who fails his friends," calls out Scarecrow through Gotham's public networks, reminding Bruce Wayne that he, too, bears responsibility for the losses his loved ones endure.
Batman is a troubled hero, and past Arkham games haven't shied away from exploring his dark side. Arkham Knight is no exception: the caped crusader growls his way through one confrontation after another in which he must question his role in Gotham's current crisis. We've seen these themes before, many times over, and Batman: Arkham Knight's villains repeat them ad nauseum, as if you weren't already choking on heavy-handed metaphors at every turn. It's fortunate, then, that Arkham Knight, for all its ham-fisted storytelling and frequent returns to well-trod ground, features the qualities developer Rocksteady has infused its previous games with: superb production values, hard-hitting combat, and a wonderful sense of freedom as you soar above the skies of Gotham.
Hey, it's the Batmobile! Over and over!
Scarecrow, Arkham Knight, and the legacy of the now-dead Joker loom large over this freedom. There is another, more surprising obstacle which you must overcome if you wish to retain your ownership of Gotham's skies, however: the Batmobile. For the first time in this series, you can leap into the iconic vehicle and zoom down the streets, drifting around tight turns and pursuing key vehicles as they speed away. The driving itself is slick and satisfying, as long as you can overlook Rocksteady's tendency to wrest away camera control to show you some dramatic sight or another. Yet there's no beating the incredible rush of using your line launcher to fling yourself through the sky--and it's worth mentioning that taking to the air is usually faster than settling behind the wheel. As a result, Arkham Knight is constantly trying to justify the Batmobile's presence, forcing it upon you at nearly every opportunity.
Particularly in the latter third of the story, you're frequently forced to take part in vehicular battles against remotely manned drones. When you first engage in this kind of combat, which turns the Batmobile into an agile tank, it's a delight. You strafe from side to side, sliding the vehicle into safe areas between the visible lines that indicate the path of incoming enemy rockets. All the while, you fire your cannons at the drones and use small fire to eliminate missiles fired upon you; the dark sky lights up during these battles, giving vehicular combat an initial spark, and making you the director of a spectacularly violent fireworks display.
Gameplay utilizes Batman's excellent detective skills. His orphan skills go underutilized, however.
But in spite of the upgrades the Batmobile earns over time--EMP blasts, the ability to hack enemy drones, and so forth--the Batmobile battles never become teresting, just more monotonous, as they seem to go on forever. The story's final hours succumb to a series of same-ish battles that play out more or less like the last, lending an air of tedium to what should be the game's most poignant surprises. The Batmobile is also the centerpiece of a number of mediocre boss encounters, all manner of puzzles, boring cat-and-mouse games with superpowered tanks, and even some of the Riddler's many optional challenges scattered across the city. Don't be surprised should you end up muttering to yourself, "Too. Much. Batmobile."
Arkham Knight is at its best when you are given the freedom of movement you both need and deserve. What a treat it is to look down upon this beautiful and derelict city as you glide through the thick, black air. Gotham has been deserted by most citizenry due to Scarecrow's most recent threat to release a hallucinogenic toxin into the streets, making the clouded heavens and the stoic statues all the more imposing. The bat-symbol cuts an impressive silhouette in the sky, drawing you towards your next mission objective--and the objective itself may be a structure like the grandiose Panessa Movie Studios, where climbing ivy and guardian statues warn you of potential danger.
Arkham Knight is constantly trying to justify the Batmobile's presence, forcing it upon you at nearly every opportunity.
Everyone loves a good crane-moving puzzle.
Then again, this is a story about a billionaire in a bat suit, so perhaps there is only so much plausibility to be expected. It might be hard to believe Batman isn't sending men to the morgue during Arkham Knight's melee battles, but the series' rhythmic hand-to-hand combat continues to set the bar high. Batman is a frightening, almost otherworldly creature as he tumbles and slides from one target to another, and his fists exhibit the raw power of any hammer or club. Stealth combat sequences, which offer astounding flexibility in how you approach enemies, are as good as ever. Slinking through vents, taking down a goon, and zipping away is as rewarding as it is to sabotage your armed foes with your disruptor rifle, causing their weapons to malfunction and leaving their owners open to attack. Smart level design and a large array of gadgets--a remote electrical charge, a machine that emulates villains' voices, a hacking device, and so forth--keep each predator room as interesting as the last.
Batman's many talents give rise to a terrific amount of variety. He is a scientist and a detective in addition to being Gotham's scowling savior; he has a computer that knows the answers to every imaginable question (except the ones that drive the plot, of course); and he possesses the memory of an elephant rather than a bat--a nice skill to have when solving the murder mystery that serves as one of the game's better side plots. Arkham Knight finds great ways of incorporating these talents into gameplay. For instance, you re-create a kidnapping by activating the returning bat-vision mode and scouring the street for clues. The crime's events are then depicted on screen, allowing you to forward and reverse through them at will in your search for answers.
Poison Ivy is dressed for success, and like almost every one of Arkham Knight's female characters, is in need of rescue.
Puzzles like this are clever, and the related tasks, such as scanning a corpse's tissue to find anomalies, make you feel like an active participant in a real forensic analysis. The game constantly digresses, asking you to team up with comrades like Nightwing and Robin to deliver cooperative beatdowns, and to perform all number of secondary missions, which incorporate villains like Penguin, Two-Face, and Firefly. Some set pieces, such as one in which you defuse a set of bombs as a villain stands on a rotating platform, are particularly noteworthy for smart use of camera angles, and for the way the gameplay assists in characterization, teaching you about the miscreants at hand not just through dialogue and plotting, but through the way you interact with them.
Arkham Knight is loaded with villains, actually, including the one that gives the game its name: Arkham Knight himself. His identity is meant to be the game's greatest mystery, but conspicuous foreshadowing, and a reliance on age-old storytelling cliches, make every reveal as surprising as the time The Mighty Ducks won that big hockey game. There are some tense story beats and moving events, but your two primary goals--to stop Scarecrow's evil toxin plot, and to confront and unmask the Arkham Knight--are too predictable to be compelling.
Pow! Crunch! Whiff! Harumph!
What Batman: Arkham Knight does well, however, it does really well. Gotham is a dazzling playground where neon lights pierce through the rain and mist; all it takes is a single glimpse to tell you that this is a city in need. Moreover, many individual elements are so carefully constructed, and presented with such flair, that appreciation is the only reasonable reaction. Yet most of these elements--excellent acting, wonderful animations, moody soundtrack--are ones that Batman: Arkham City also excelled in, making Arkham Knight's missteps all the more noticeable. Rather than escape the pull of the games that spawned it, The Bat's newest adventure refines the fundamentals; it is a safe but satisfying return to the world's most tormented megalopolis.
The sequel to Tomb Raider will mainly be set in Eastern Europe, after the search for the mythical city Kitezh leads Lara Croft to Siberia. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
It's Not a Prequel
Rise of the Tomb Raider is set to take place one year after the dangerous events of Yumatai. Lara Croft will further her journey to becoming the Tomb Raider. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Lara Croft Will Be More Mobile
Lara Croft will kick even more butt in Rise of the Tomb Raider. She'll be able to take underwater swimming sessions, and her combat skills are much improved. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
There's a New Day-Night Cycle
Depending on the time of day, Lara Croft may encounter certain wildlife that could help her upgrade her inventory. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
The Previous Game Still Affects Lara Croft
After the events from the prior Tomb Raider game are covered up, Lara Croft is out to prove her sanity. With so much doubt swirling around her, Croft will demonstrate how she is "uncertain about her identity, her direction, or her ability to come out alive," says the game's director. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
There Are Enhanced Options for Building Gear
The Rise of the Tomb Raider will feature an upgraded crafting system. Lara will use plants, minerals, metals, clothes and other mementos to create goods. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Tombs and Puzzles Will Have a Bigger Impact
With Lara evolving into the iconic character of the Tomb Raider, there will, of course, be more tombs and puzzles to explore in the sequel. The game's developer confirmed that Rise of the Tomb Raider will rely heavily on interactive puzzles and tombs to further the plot. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Lara Croft's Partner Returns
A familiar face will join Lara Croft's adventures to Siberia. The only other survivor from Yumatai, Jonah Maiava, will return to help Croft raid some tombs. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
It'll Be Released Before Thanksgiving
The highly anticipated sequel Rise of the Tomb Raider will be released on Nov. 10, 2015, exclusively for the Xbox One. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
It's Exclusive
Fear not, non-Xbox One fans. You'll also have your chance to play. Rise of the Tomb Raider is being described as a timed exclusive, meaning it will eventually be released on other consoles. (Photo credit: Crystal Dynamics)
Click through the images here for all the highlights, biggest games, and areas of improvement for Nintendo.
Highlights: Star Fox Zero is being Co-developed with Platinum Games
Nintendo and Platinum Games are some of the best Japanese developers around, so it's very exciting to hear that the two teams are collaborating on Star Fox Zero. Fans of Nintendo have been waiting for a new Star Fox game for years, and with Platinum Games onboard, there's a great chance Star Fox Zero will be the most action-packed game in the series to date.
Highlights: Nintendo Crosses Streams, Creates Hybrid Amiibo/Skylander Toys
Nintendo surprised everybody last year when it announced it was entering the "toys to life" market with amiibos, but what's even more surprising now is that it's partnering with Activision to bring hybrid amiibo/Skylander toys to market. By simply twisting the base of the figures, players can activate either amiibo or Skylander mode, allowing one toy to work for both company's games. The first game to support this feature is Skylanders Superchargers, which will feature supercharged versions of Bowser and Donkey Kong. "Transformation" was the theme for Nintendo's E3 Digital Event, and in many ways, this is the best evidence of its commitment to change.
Highlights: The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes Supports Online Multiplayer
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures are great multiplayer experiences, but they were released at a time when online multiplayer was traditionally reserved for PC games, rather than for handhelds or consoles. With the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes, Nintendo's revisiting the Four Swords formula, but players will be able to team up remotely, playing together to solve puzzles and scavenge dungeons. This is a first for the Zelda series, and with the costume system, where clothing gives players unique abilities, cooperative Zelda has never looked this promising.
Highlights: Great 3DS Support
Nintendo continues to push more games to 3DS, and the platform dominated this year's Digital Event. Nearly every major Nintendo franchise got some love, including Metroid, Mario and Luigi/Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. If you're a Nintendo fan with a 3DS, there's a good chance you'll get a new game from your favorite series sometime in the next year.
Needs Improvement: The GamePad
Star Fox Zero is absolutely exciting, but it's disappointing to see that Nintendo and Platinum Games are forcing players to use the GamePad to control the game. It would mean a lot to have options for the Pro Controller or a Wiimote. It seems like Nintendo is determined to shoehorn the GamePad into as many games as possible, but it's not everyone's favorite controller, nor an essential piece of hardware. It can add to the experience, but not everyone wants minor feature additions at the cost of comfort.
Needs Improvement: Talking about NX
Nintendo could do well to embrace the future by talking about the NX, its future gaming platform. People are ready to know more about it, and discussing the NX doesn't mean that Nintendo has to avoid talking about Wii U. In fact, highlighting the great games that are still to come will come across as respectful to their audience, because in everyone's eyes, the Wii U is on its way out, and everyone but Nintendo is talking about it.
Biggest Games: Star Fox Zero
Regardless of where you stand on Star Fox Zero's controls, it's a big game for Nintendo and Wii U owners. It's the sort of franchise that hardcore Nintendo fans love, because it's not given the same attention as Zelda or Mario, two series which seem to get a new game, or more, every year. With Platinum Games on board, you know there are going to be some unexpected surprises in store for prospective Team Star Fox recruits when the game ships later this year.
Biggest Games: Super Mario Maker
If you've ever wanted to make your own Mario Bros. game, Super Mario Maker allows you to do just that, with simple drag-and-drop controls and a huge selection of objects from past Mario Bros. games to play around with. There's bound to be a massive community of creators putting their all into making unusual and complex levels, and now that we know for certain you can share your creations with players around the world, Super Mario Maker may end up being the Wii U's killer app.
Biggest Games: Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive RPG, one which its creators claim might take completionists 300 hours to conquer. More importantly, it's a spiritual follow-up to Xenoblade Chronicles, which was one of the best Japanese-made RPGs in years. Nintendo was smart to partner with developer Monolith Soft, because without them, there would hardly be a traditional RPG on the Wii U worth caring about. For fans of the genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X could be a system seller.
With E3 coming to a close it's time to sit back and cast judgement on the big three. Overall, Sony had a great show. Despite the fact that it had very little to get excited about in 2015, the company dropped some serious megatons. Our assessment of its press conference is split up into three sections. The first highlights the most important and exciting moments. For Sony, these happen to be the announcements of a highly-sought after remake, a sequel for one of the most beloved series of all time, and the return of a project thought abandoned. This is followed by some areas we would have liked to see improved which, surprisingly, includes more time on the PlayStation Vita. Finally, we end with games they actually showed.
Highlights: Final Fantasy 7 Remake
It finally happened! At Sony's press conference, Square Enix announced it is remaking one of the most beloved Japanese role-playing games of all time. This is exciting for multiple reasons. Firstly, because everyone can now get on with their lives and stop constantly bringing this up. Secondly, because it seems this is more of a reimagining than a remake. Project director Tetsuya Nomura has indicated that the story is likely to deviate from the original's. Of course, there is one downside to all this: That Aerith scene is back in valid spoiler territory again.
Highlights: The Last Guardian
Good news! That adorable bird, chicken, dog thing from The Last Guardian is alive and well. As is the game, for that matter. After years of no-shows, Team ICO's latest has finally resurfaced, and boy did it win us over. Just one look at the main character skipping down the stone stairs, raising his knees to his chest, and doing his best not to take a tumble, erased all the frustration created by the ambiguity of its release. Better yet, Fumito Ueda, the mastermind behind ICO and Shadow of the Colossus also showed up to give the game his approval. It looks like The Last Guardian will be as magical as the studio's previous games.
Highlights: Shenmue 3
Sony's third and final meltdown inducing announcement was the reveal of Shenmue 3. Like Final Fantasy 7, this is one of those projects that fanboys lose sleep over. Well, it's time to rest easy, it's happening. The project is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter and shot past its goal in a matter of hours. Although initially cagey on the business side of it, Sony has confirmed it will be forking up some cash for the project too. Forklifts will return, and look better than ever.
Highlights: Horizon Zero Dawn
After years of creating nothing but Killzone, Guerrilla Games is finally developing something new, and it. Looks. Awesome. Horizon: Zero dawn is a third-person action game in which a lone hunter battles against giant robot dinosaurs. As dude-bro as that sounds, it feels like there's also a lot of heart to it too. We're not quite sure what's happening in terms narrative; we have a lot of questions, and that's definitely a good thing.
Needs Improvement: PlayStation Vita
Hey Sony, not sure if you noticed but people did actually buy the PlayStation Vita. Sure, it's not as many people as you'd like, but we're still out here, and we'd really like it if you show us some cool, unique games you're making for the portable gaming device we spent our hard-earned cash on. Sure hope you have some at GamesCom.
Needs Improvement: Games We Can Play Soon
Sure, Sony basically made dreams come true this year, but we're not so easily fooled. Behind all the grand announcements was a severe lack of games being released in 2015. Sure, there was Call of Duty and Batman, but those are third-party games. Where's the big new 2015 titles from Sony? Oh, there are none. No, HD re-releases don't count. Sorry Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
Biggest Games: Uncharted 4
Holy moly! Did you see Uncharted 4? It looks fantastic. Along with the obvious visual improvements (that market got torn to shreds), it looks like Naughty Dog is making big changes to gameplay. At various points it almost looked like areas were going a bit open-world, instead of the usual guided down a set path series fans are used to. Of course, there was also plenty of the crazy over-the-top set pieces we all know and love.
Biggest Games: No Man's Sky
Yes, we're right there with you, we still don't completely understand what No Man's Sky even is. However, Hello Games has got demoing that game down to an art. Every time nervous Sean Murray shows up on stage and shows us just how insanely large the galaxy of No Man's Sky is, our minds begin to run wild with possibilities. More than anything, the idea of finding something cool that no one else is likely to ever see keeps us hanging on to the hype. We still can't wait to get our hands on it.
Biggest Games: Dreams
In typical Media Molecule fashion, the studio's latest game, Dreams, was really weird and also really charming. We're not completely sold on the whole creation element, especially since it relies on the DualShock 4's motion capabilities. Also, were not exactly confident that we'll be able to create anything that won't induce horrible nightmares. However, the idea of exploring a web of interconnected worlds created by other players definitely interests.
Biggest Games: Destiny: The Taken King
Destiny. Yes, Destiny. We will not be ashamed of how much some of us here at GameSpot enjoy Bungie's Destiny. And the upcoming expansion, The Taken King, looks like it will introduce interesting new content. Destiny is finally starting to realise the vision Bungie originally set out with, and The Taken King is a big step towards doing that. We are excited and there's nothing you can do about it.
Click through the images here for all the highlights, biggest games, and areas of improvement for Microsoft.
Highlights: Xbox One Backward Compatibility
Microsoft may have had the biggest news--across all companies--this week with its announcement of backwards compatibility for the Xbox One. Yes, the initial lineup of supported Xbox 360 games is somewhat limited, and the feature won't roll out publicly until this fall, but it's an exciting first step.
Highlights: Fallout 4 PC Mods on Xbox One
Through a partnership with Microsoft, Bethesda announced plans to bring Fallout 4's PC mods to Xbox One sometime in 2016. This is a big deal, since this has never happened before on console, and it could be a way for Fallout fans to find new fun long after release. Of course, there will be some limitations on what mods make it to console, but it's an exciting feature all the same.
Highlights: Early Access Comes to Xbox One
The Xbox Game Preview will allow developers to release in-development versions of their upcoming games on Xbox One. This has been available on PC for some time through Steam Early Access (with a fair amount of controversy), and the Xbox One becomes the first console with such a program. Your move, Sony.
Highlights: Xbox One Elite Controller
Microsoft announced a new Xbox One controller during its E3 briefing. It was a total surprise, and particularly noteworthy, too. We haven't seen dramatic controller revisions from Microsoft before, especially not so soon after launch. The controller cost $150 and launches in October. Visit our E3 hub for more about the controller.
Needs Improvement: What's Up With Kinect?
Microsoft had a strong E3 showing, but there is always room for improvement. Microsoft didn't talk about Kinect whatsoever at the briefing or during E3 itself all week long. The company tells us there are still some more Kinect games in development. But people who bought an Xbox One with Kinect or purchased the camera separately probably want to know more.
Needs Improvement: Missing Games
We didn't see exclusives like Quantum Break, Scalebound, Inside, or Crackdown at Microsoft's E3 briefing. This was no doubt a bummer for fans who were looking forward to new footage. But you can rest assured that Microsoft will talk about these games (and probably more) during Gamescom in just two months.
Biggest Games: Gears of War 4
In addition to the Gears of War Ultimate Edition, a remastered version of the 2006 original due out in August, Microsoft announced a brand new Gears of War. Details are light at the moment, but it appears we'll be getting new characters and a new setting. And of course, chainsaws will return. Gears 4 launches holiday 2016.
Biggest Games: ReCore
A total surprise announcement, ReCore is the next game from Mega Man and Dead Rising designer Keiji Inafune exclusively for Xbox One. The game will be developed by Inafune in collaboration with Armature Studio, the team founded by former Metroid developers. It's early days, but the trailer alone has us excited.
Biggest Games: Rise of the Tomb Raider
We saw a thrilling new Rise of the Tomb Raider trailer this week at E3, showing Lara Croft in a snowy Russian region, using her climbing axe to scale icy walls and escaping danger. The game looks darn impressive, and Microsoft locking it up as a timed exclusive could be a big win for the company this holiday. Rise of the Tomb Raider launches November 10.
Biggest Games: Halo 5
Halo 5: Guardians isn't new, but we learned a lot more about it this week at E3. The main takeaway was a new, massively scaled multiplayer mode called Warzone. It's a 12v12 mode that combines PvP and PvE, a first for the series. This could end up being a big deal for Halo. You can read our impressions on the site and pick up the game on October 27.
When developer Bungie announced campaign levels that Bungie is famous for. The Taken King channels those memorable moments in Halo when you see the Flood coming in and battling with a huge Covenant fleet. This mission had that same feeling of surprise and unease when I saw the Cabal brought to their knees by an unseen force.
It seemed so new to the world of Destiny. The scale of this mission far exceeds the majority of the original Destiny campaign. Its reveal is impactful, and I genuinely experienced fear when I saw the Cabal brutally and mysteriously killed. I loved my time in the demo, exploring a world that I had never seen before and discovering secrets of Destiny lore. The Taken King is shaping up to be a great time to start playing Destiny again, and it's sure to appeal to Halo fans who have been wanting Bungie to return to its roots.
As the level drew to a close, I recognized Bungie's efforts to improve the story and the world. The demo I played made me very optimistic for the future of Destiny's narrative.
The , and backward compatibility will all be available on Xbox One before the end of the year.
"And so we think having all of that coming this holiday; we expect we're going to see a massive migration," he added. "We expect millions of Xbox 360 owners to migrate and move to Xbox One. We see that the majority of people who buy an Xbox One today own an Xbox 360. So our fanbase has stayed very loyal. And frankly, they're waiting for those new releases to come this year."
Greenberg stressed that you should not underestimate how pivotal backwards compatibility will be in encouraging people to upgrade from an Xbox 360 to an Xbox One.
You can watch our full interview with Greenberg below.
It feels like it just started, but we're here at the final day of E3. Before we say goodbye to the Los Angeles convention center, we have one final roundup of the best content from our expansive show coverage.
Microsoft did not talk about its motion-sensing Xbox peripheral Kinect during the company'sand offered the camera as an optional add-on. Greenberg stressed that consumers having a choice is an important part of the overall Xbox One strategy.
"We really want Kinect to be a choice for customers. For me, I love it; I turn my Xbox One with Kinect; I use it for entertainment; I use it to do screenshots and all that," he said. "I like to be able to have my hands on the controller and use voice commands. But, frankly, a lot of people also want a better value and don't want to have to pay for it. So we're not going to force people to do that. We give people the choice."
You can watch our full interview with Greenberg below.
Microsoft did not talk about its motion-sensing Xbox peripheral Kinect during the company'sand offered the camera as an optional add-on. Greenberg stressed that consumers having a choice is an important part of the overall Xbox One strategy.
"We really want Kinect to be a choice for customers. For me, I love it; I turn my Xbox One with Kinect; I use it for entertainment; I use it to do screenshots and all that," he said. "I like to be able to have my hands on the controller and use voice commands. But, frankly, a lot of people also want a better value and don't want to have to pay for it. So we're not going to force people to do that. We give people the choice."
You can watch our full interview with Greenberg below.
Among the initial backer rewards for , the Shenmue III Kickstarter has already raised more than $3.25 million. That far exceeds the crowdfunding campaign's goal of $2 million (which was met in less than 12 hours), and with almost a full month still to go, it's likely to go even higher.
These are the most exciting, promising games coming out of E3 according to GameSpot's editors, and the ones we're most excited to play more of. When deciding these, our only condition is that gameplay must be shown off--so trailers don't count. Regardless, here's our results.
Star Wars Battlefront
Star Wars Battlefront has been a long time coming for Star Wars game fans, ourselves included. Seeing the new gameplay at E3 2015 depicting famous battle at Hoth was incredibly exciting to see in action. With more historical Star Wars battles promised to be on the way, we certainly can't wait to jump into the game with laser blasters blazing when it launches in November.
Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 is looking exactly like what you'd expect it to be. But that's part of the appeal. Where else can you play a game where you can blow up military complexes, grapple hook onto active missiles, or fly a jet into the statue of an evil dictator? These reasons among many others are why Just Cause 3 is one of the best games we saw at E3 2015.
Fallout 4
Fallout 4's debut gameplay was finally shown, and we are super looking forward to getting our hands on it. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, the game is filled to the brim with new features, including weapon modification, base building, mod support, and more. If you're fan of RPGs, Fallout 4 is absolutely a game that you need keep an eye on.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain still has us very excited. Innovating the franchise with its open world structure, base building mechanics, and emphasis on stealth exploration, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is shaping up to be the best game in the series so far. We seriously can't wait to play it once it launches in September.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
After watching the E3 2015 Rise of the Tomb Raider gameplay, there is no doubt that the game looks absolutely wonderful. Its wintry tundras and ancient tombs complimented by its tense dramatic set-pieces make the game a marvelous display of gaming. Rise of the Tomb Raider had our curiosity at first, but now it certainly has our attention.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WIldlands came as a surprise when it was revealed at the end of the Ubisoft E3 2015 press conference. It takes the series' signature tactical multiplayer gameplay and plants it into an open world setting. It's quite an unexpected move for the series, and this new Ghost Recon has us super intrigued
Halo 5: Guardians
We finally got to check out Halo 5: Guardians at E3 this year, and there's no denying the series' pedigree. The game takes the series' classic gameplay and innovates it with its new cooperative elements and MOBA-like Warzone multiplayer mode. Without a doubt, Halo 5: Guardians is definitely one of our top picks.
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games' new IP Horizon: Zero Dawn is an open world game that has seized our attention. The game offers a unique aesthetic spin mixing natural world characters with sci-fi robotic creatures. From what was shown at E3, we are very excited to see what more comes of Horizon: Zero Dawn in the coming months.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End's E3 2015 gameplay once again delivered on the series' non-stop trademark set-pieces. It was a shining example of why Naughty Dog is one of the best developers around at constructing amazing action sequences. Without a doubt, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End was one of the strongest showings this year.
The Last Guardian
Sony's E3 2015 press conference saw the return of The Last Guardian, a game that has been absent from E3 since 2009. And the game looks even more impressive than it did when we first saw it. Featuring Fumito Ueda's signature poetic feel and puzzle based gameplay, The Last Guardian is looking to be one of our most anticipated titles of 2016.
Minecraft Hololens
The Minecraft Hololens stage demonstration was one of the most impressive things we saw at E3 2015. What was shown was an interactive area of Minecraft displayed onto a table that could be modified in real time. It was one of the most unique displays of VR we've ever seen. You really need to see it to believe it.
Super Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker lets players create and customize their own levels across different Mario styles throughout Nintendo history. The realm of possibility offered by the game alone makes it one of the most charming and captivating showings at E3 2015.
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst is a solid pick for us at E3 2015. Scrapping the linear level design of its predecessor, Mirror's Edge: Catalyst is going full open world. Players can now freely parkhour through the series' signature primary colored totalitarian world to their heart's content. If that doesn't get you excited, then we don't know what will.
Destiny: The Taken King
Destiny's ever expanding universe of content is getting another expansion this year. Previous packs gave us interesting content in the past, but The Taken King is going even further with new subclasses, weapons, and maps. From what we played at E3 2015, we can't wait to sink our teeth into what's in store.
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a sequel that we've been waiting on for quite some time. It's E3 2015 showings made it clear that its tough turn-based battles and even tougher moral choices are back again. From what we got to play at E3 2015, it looks like the previous game's issues are appearing to be addressed. Regardless, XCOM 2 is looking to show a whole lot of promise.
The , and backward compatibility will all be available on Xbox One before the end of the year.
"And so we think having all of that coming this holiday; we expect we're going to see a massive migration," he added. "We expect millions of Xbox 360 owners to migrate and move to Xbox One. We see that the majority of people who buy an Xbox One today own an Xbox 360. So our fanbase has stayed very loyal. And frankly, they're waiting for those new releases to come this year."
Greenberg stressed that you should not underestimate how pivotal backwards compatibility will be in encouraging people to upgrade from an Xbox 360 to an Xbox One.
You can watch our full interview with Greenberg below.
A little over a year ago, Square Enix Montreal released , a new take on the mobile puzzle game featuring Tomb Raider's iconic heroine. But while Lara's puzzle journey borrows key elements from Agent 47's, the experience is vastly different thanks to new obstacles, tools, and enemies.
For one thing, Lara Croft Go's art style doesn't follow the same boardgame aesthetic as Hitman Go. It looks like a cartoon, with little Lara (of the original series, not the reboot) running from space to space, climbing up walls, and sometimes even backflipping between points. You view Lara's journey as though you're peeking at her through a canopy of trees, with the silhouettes of bugs and rustling leaves moving around in the foreground. In the distance, beyond Lara's current puzzle, you'll sometimes see something move--something large and sinister, a creature Lara may encounter in later levels.
Lara Croft Go also ditches Hitman Go's flat horizontal plane for a varied series of cliff faces, steps, and other vertical change-ups. Sometimes puzzles require Lara to move to a space and pull a lever that will alternate the terrain; walls shift up or down and platforms move into place to give Lara a clear path out. Some puzzles have spaces peppered with cracks; Lara can only walk over these cracked spaces once, as a second step will shatter the stone and send Lara falling to her demise. This adds another strategy element to an already cleverly-designed puzzle set, as it prevents you from backtracking in some areas and requires you to really think your moves carefully.
Other neat obstacles include deadly creatures. In the hands-on demo I saw, the spaces were filled with snakes. Like in Hitman Go, you can only dispatch enemies by approaching them from the side or the back. Facing a snake head on means certain death for Lara. Later puzzles introduced enemies that chase you if you move two spaces near them. Sometimes you can take these enemies out by luring them over cracked spaces and trapping them in holes, or throwing a spear at them. Spears are a one-use item that can be collected on the board, then thrown at an enemy two spaces away. Other puzzles include multiple enemies facing Lara at the beginning, so you have to choose carefully which one to use your precious spear on.
Navigating Lara through these puzzles doesn't feel like a simple puzzle game at all; I feel like I'm playing a true Tomb Raider game. A narrative connects each puzzle Lara faces, and without spoiling it I can say that it involves what she does best: treasure hunting. Players won't just be solving environmental challenges and moving pieces around, they'll be actively guiding Lara on an adventure in a new, innovative way. There's something special happening in Lara Croft Go, and it's hard to explain without getting your hands on it. It's the same Hitman Go magic, but with a twist that is unmistakably Tomb Raider-y in nature.
Lara Croft Go innovates on Hitman Go in some very entertaining ways, and I'm eager to get my hands on more. There is currently no date for the mobile game's release, but it's already looking like another high point in Square Montreal's string of creative mobile games.
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