There’s plenty of exciting new games that we’re eager to see more of at E3 2018. With so many major companies bringing their best games to the show, there’s likely to be a fair amount of surprises in store. Despite the recent leaks, we’re hoping that this year’s show yields an assortment of notable announcements worth getting hyped up towards.
Here, in alphabetical order, are some of the biggest games we’re most looking forward to seeing. Many of these titles have been confirmed, but others are titles we’re guessing at based on the list of companies on the official E3 homepage.
The first potential look we’ll get at most of these games will be during the press conferences before E3 even begins. We’re hoping many of the games listed here are playable, but even if some only show up as a brief teaser, it’s still another chance to get a feel for what’s ahead. To make sure you’re up to date with the times as well as the location for our E3 livestreams, we have a hub rounding up all of that info as well.
Like previous shows, this year’s E3 will likely yield plenty of exciting announcements. While this feature contains only a selection of the games we’re most excited about, you can check out our other more comprehensive features covering all of the biggest PS4, Xbox One, and Switch games at E3 2018. But what games are you most excited to see at the show? Let us know in the comments below!
Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch
I am the embodiment of “Animal Crossing on Switch, or we riot.” There are so few series that I know I can count on to be fantastic with each iteration, and Animal Crossing always nails it for me. I don’t know if it’s because all my neighbors are always happy to see me or what, but I adore this wee chore simulator.
Following New Leaf will be difficult as it really ironed out the kinks of City Folk and Wild World, in addition to having its own handful of lovable quirks. Pocket Camp has its own unique charms as well, though it doesn’t do the series quite enough justice. What I would really love to see is a new game that focuses on the elements we’ve seen in Pocket Camp, like crafting, friendship levels, daily challenges, and more. I’d especially love to see even more fun events and things to collect too. And, if it’s on Switch, it would be really amazing to see local co-op with the characters that live in your town, or an integrated online marketplace. | Aiden Strawhun, News Writer
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
For never was a story of more woe, than of the Wii U and Captain Toad. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker released on Wii U right at the end of 2014 in the US, thus taking it out of contention for GameSpot’s Game of the Year awards voting that year and pushing it into 2015. I’m not saying it would’ve won, but at least it would’ve fared better in 2014 than having to battle 2015 heavy hitters like The Witcher 3 and Metal Gear Solid V. But alas, the much maligned Wii U was, even at that point, already fading into obscurity.
But on Switch, Captain Toad has another chance to rise to the top and claim the glittering star of fame that he seeks out so tirelessly. As a re-release, Captain Toad won’t make its way into our Game of the Year discussion (though it might be able to slug it out in the re-release/remaster category), but just giving more people a chance to experience this passed over gaming gem is great news. And since it’s coming out this July on 3DS and Switch, it will undoubtedly be playable at Nintendo’s E3 booth.
And like every other Switch re-release so far, the Switch re-master will add new content like fresh Super Mario Odyssey-inspired locales, and local co-op play. So even intrepid adventures like me who already dove deep into the adventure on Wii U will have a reason to return. But what will Nintendo show off at E3? At least I don’t have to wait much longer to find out. | Justin Haywald, Managing Editor
Crackdown 3
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Crackdown 3 for years now. I was a huge fan of the original’s blend of open-world action and superhero powers, and even a decade later, it remains satisfying to scale a giant building and collect an agility orb. Like many others, I was disappointed by its seq uel, but since the announcement of Crackdown 3, I’ve been excited to see how the introduction of environmental destruction would shake up the formula.
Despite being such a great idea, we haven’t seen many developers tackle the superhero open-world genre; Saints Row 4 is one of the few exceptions, but that came with its own distinct style of zaniness. Crackdown 3 has the opportunity to go a different route while also leveraging the impressive cloud-based tech we’ve seen demonstrated in the past–assuming that remains part of the game. The delays and long wait has, admittedly, worried me, but I remain hopeful that’s all in service of getting things right, not because things have gone terribly awry. | Chris Pereira, News Editor
Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima’s enigmatic and bizarrely detailed Death Stranding will no doubt be one of E3 2018’s most exciting games. Even though we’ve had a few trailers to see what’s to come with the open-world action-thriller, the general narrative comes off as a bit incomprehensible, yet still alluring. And seeing Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen as the game’s two lead characters offers a lot of excitement for what could happen when these two will eventually face off.
This year, Death Stranding will be one of the key games of Sony’s press conference, putting it into the spotlight alongside the likes of The Last Of Us: Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, and Marvel’s Spider-Man. As the first game from Kojima’s new studio in the wake of his departure from Konami, there’s a lot of anticipation for his big return. Personally speaking, I hope the game will only get weirder from here. While there is likely a method to Death Stranding’s madness–all set within a world where the laws of time and space are in flux–it’d be better for them to keep specifics under wraps, and just let us stew in the strangeness of it all. | Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
When Final Fantasy 7 launched in 1997, it was a huge moment for us longtime RPG fans. I’d been playing the series since its first installment on NES, and even after two ambitious, fantastic SNES sequels made their way stateside, the genre still wasn’t getting the mainstream respect it deserved. That all changed when Final Fantasy 7 landed on PlayStation.
The game was a massive hit, and it’s easy to see why. It was huge–remember leaving Midgar for the first time and realizing it was just one city in a much larger world? It also had memorable characters, great writing, lots of secrets, and fun side missions. Sephiroth was the coolest, most vile villain we all loved to hate. And those graphics–no one had imagined CG cutscenes could look so good.
Of course, in the age of 4K TVs, Final Fantasy 7 doesn’t seem quite so gorgeous or massive anymore–but that’s where this remake can come in. If the project can get on track after some apparent behind-the-scenes turmoil, a modernized version of Final Fantasy 7 could make this beloved classic feel like it did when it first came out. Let’s just hope it materializes sooner rather than later. | Chris Reed, Commerce Editor
Fire Emblem for Nintendo Switch
It feels like a veritable lifetime since Nintendo revealed that a mainline Fire Emblem game is in development for Switch, and we still aren’t any clearer about what we can expect from the game. Despite being announced during a Direct presentation back in January 2017, Nintendo hasn’t provided any details about the title–only that it will apparently arrive sometime in 2018. Whether or not that remains the case is certainly up in the air considering we haven’t even seen a second of footage from the game, but if it is indeed coming soon, then we’ll undoubtedly hear more about it at E3 2018.
While Fire Emblem Switch is still very much shrouded in mystery, it remains one of my most anticipated titles for the console. The recent slate of 3DS Fire Emblem games have been some of my favorite installments in the series, and I’m excited to see what direction developer Intelligent Systems will take for the next chapter. Switch’s hybrid nature also means that the upcoming title will be the first console installment since Wii’s Radiant Dawn, and I’m excited to see how Intelligent Systems will take advantage of the Switch’s greater horsepower.
More than anything, though, I’m excited by the prospect of being able to play Fire Emblem Switch anywhere I want. As the recent 3DS entries have demonstrated, Fire Emblem is perfectly suited for on-the-go play, but I’d also love to settle in for extended sessions on my TV. We may know next to nothing about the game, but given Intelligent Systems’ recent track record, Fire Emblem Switch is certainly one of the most promising titles on the way for the hybrid console. | Kevin Knezevic, News Editor
Ghost of Tsushima
I’ve honestly never been a big fan of Sucker Punch Productions’ previous games. Despite trying multiple games in both the Sly Cooper and Infamous franchises, none have managed to capture my imagination in any meaningful way. However, the studio’s latest effort has me excited. Titled Ghost of Tsushima, the game is a samurai-themed open-world set on the island of Tsushima during the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1294. You play as a lone samurai turned vengeful assassin–likely fighting to drive out the Mongol army from Japan.
As a history buff and lover of classic Japanese Chanbara films, Ghost of Tsushima sounds right up my alley. An open-world set in a faithfully recreated version of medieval Japan has always been a dream game of mine, so to say I’m enthused would be an understatement. Heck, I’m already wondering what mechanics will be included. For example, if there’s a system involving manipulating clan loyalty–similar to what the protagonist of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo does–that would be amazing.
Sony has said little about Ghost of Tsushima since its initial reveal at Paris Games Week. However, the company has confirmed that it’ll talk more about the game at its E3 2018 press conference. I’m holding out hope for a first look at gameplay and even a possible release window. | Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Kingdom Hearts III
I’ve been a fan of Kingdom Hearts for as long as the series has existed, and I’ve grown up playing it across too many home consoles, handhelds, and cell phones to count. Kingdom Hearts III is tasked with not just completing the trilogy, but with pleasing a fanbase that has stuck with the franchise for 16 years. Between several all-new worlds, a suite of epic attacks based on Disney theme park rides, and new battle options, Kingdom Hearts III is looking to turn every element of the game up to 11.
That’s why I’m excited to see it at E3 this year, presumably as the highlight of Square Enix’s press conference. I want to know what other new ideas creator/director Tetsuya Nomura and his team are bringing to the latest entry, but most importantly, I want to know when I can actually sit down and play it from the comfort of my couch. Kingdom Hearts III has a herculean task of tying up more than a decade of stories and spin-offs, but the first step in satisfying fans is to simply tell us when we can play it for ourselves. | Tony Wilson, Video Producer
The Last Of Us: Part II
The Last of Us is one of my favourite games ever and the best game of the last generation of consoles. I loved its characters, combat, and story, all of which come together to make a beautifully complete and neatly wrapped package. For this reason, I didn’t want a sequel.
Of course, Sony was always going to make a follow-up to one of its best-received and most successful games, and even though I’d rather it didn’t exist, I’m still going to play it, and I’m still excited to hear more about where Joel and Ellie’s path leads them.
I also really want to know whether Part II will contain a multiplayer mode, which was the most underrated portion of the original game. Its slow, tense action and teamwork was a fresh take on the third person multiplayer shooter. Maybe Naughty Dog will even join the battle royale revolution? | Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer
Metro Exodus
Metro 2033 and Last Light nailed down something I don’t experience often in first-person shooters; the feeling of vulnerability. This works thematically as humans are stuck in the metro tunnels of Eastern Europe, trying to survive the post-apocalyptic world. But human factions vying for resources and territory and mutated monsters threaten your very existence. The “Dark Ones” in particular are central to the plot–descendants of humans called Homo Novus who evolved out of nuclear radiation–and you’re given some key decisions that decides the fate between both species. That’s all to say that I’m eager to see how the series evolves with Metro Exodus.
The upcoming Metro Exodus continues the story of Artyom where he and a group of rangers flee the tunnels to head east and start a new life. From what’s been revealed, it seems that a large chunk of this game will take place on the surface which is hostile to human life. You’ll also be making your trek in the midst of a nuclear winter. Searching for new gas mask filters added tension to exploring on top of the fact that death can await you around every corner. Military-grade bullets dealt more damage but also acted as currency, driving home the fact that resources are scarce in the Metro world. While we don’t know much about the actual game mechanics, I expect these elements to return because they are such a huge factor in creating that foreboding atmosphere that Metro captures perfectly. | Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Metroid Prime 4
Nintendo’s announcement of Metroid Prime 4 at E3 2017 was awesome and all, but my god the wait for new info has been agonizing. I feel like it’s safe to assume that it will be a first-person shooter, Samus will appear, and you know, there will be a lot of equipment upgrades to find, but surely Nintendo will strive for more than a by-the-numbers sequel, and it’s those kind of details I want to know about most of all. That is if the game appears at E3 at all.
One of the big rumors floating around is that Prime 4 will prominently feature Sylux, a little-known character who made brief appearances at the end of both Prime 3 and the 3DS co-op shooter Federation Force. Maybe he’ll be a villain, but what if he replaced Samus as the lead character? My imagination is running wild because Nintendo hasn’t said word one about anything related to the story, or the world, or where Prime 4 fits in the timeline, and I might as well grasp at crazy straws while I can, right? | Peter Brown, Senior Reviews Editor
Pokemon for Nintendo Switch
A new, core Pokemon RPG is coming to Switch, and we still know nothing about it. My imagination has been running wild since its reveal last E3. Will it be a full 3D world? Where will it be set? Most importantly, what will a Pokemon game look and feel like on a home console that’s also portable? It has the potential to be the Pokemon game I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid–more open, more engrossing, more of a fantasy than ever. I can’t wait to see what that journey will be like. | Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Red Dead Redemption 2
After multiple delays, Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 is finally coming out this October for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The 2010 original is one of my favourite games of all time, and I could not be more excited to see what Rockstar has in store for the sequel as it relates to advancements to storytelling, gameplay, systems, and overall presentation. We’ve learned that the game is a prequel where you play as a man named Arthur Morgan. He’s in the Van der Linde gang, but he questions his place in the group, and that will surely have consequences.
The first Red Dead offered a level of freedom that I hadn’t experienced in a game before, and it is exciting to think about what Rockstar will do with the power of new consoles. I am expecting and hoping to see more detailed environments, bigger set pieces (please let there be another train robbery mission), and all kinds of interesting characters to meet. I am also very intrigued to see and learn more about the game’s online component, which will no doubt take learnings from the uber-popular GTA Online and add its own Western-style flair. More than 1,000 people from across the company’s network of studios reportedly worked on Red Dead Redemption 2, and it won’t be much longer until we finally see what that collective effort can deliver. | Eddie Makuch, Editor
Remedy Games Project “P7”
We know that Remedy–the Finnish studio behind memorable cinematic third-person games Max Payne, Alan Wake, and Quantum Break—are working on something new, and it’s going to be revealed at E3.
The project is codenamed “P7”, and a few small details are already certain: It’s going to be another third-person game set in an entirely new universe, it’s going to be multi-platform, and it’s going to be released in 2019. We also know that Remedy are aiming to maintain their focus on storytelling while experimenting with ways to increase replayability, according to a Eurogamer interview with Sam Lake.
I’m a big fan of Remedy’s past titles, I’ve always found their cinematic approach to games really enjoyable, especially Alan Wake. Each game’s unique action twist has always been really enjoyable, too–they were one of the first studios to make bullet time work well! When Quantum Break was announced, I remember being stunned at how ambitious it was, and I’m hoping that they leave me with a similarly significant impression when they reveal P7. | Edmond Tran, Editor and Senior Producer
Spider-Man
Spider-Man has been done, and done well, plenty of times before in video games–so why does this time feel so different? It’s probably because, by all appearances, Insomniac has managed to inject some new life into a tired franchise. And certainly the production values have gone up now that it’s a major tentpole exclusive for Sony.
But more than any other factor, I get the sense that Insomniac loves and understands what makes Spider-Man special. His improvisational style appears to manifest in a wide array of combat options that can be mixed and matched at will. His brilliance leads to light gadgetry that’s believable coming from the kid genius who invented web shooters. He can stalk enemies to thin out their ranks, but without the overbearing darkness of an Arkham wannabe. This version of Spider-Man is a colorful, flexible everyman hero, and those are just the shoes I’d like to step into for a larger-than-life fantasy.
Plus, that Miles Morales tease doesn’t hurt. | Steve Watts, News Writer
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Switch
Super Smash Bros has officially been announced for Nintendo Switch and I for one cannot wait to find out more about it. Since the series first debuted back on the N64, I have been hooked on playing it with friends as often as I possibly can. Some of my closest friends were ones I made in college while staying up late in the dorms playing Melee until the sun rose.
With Smash on Switch, I’m hoping to see a more unique roster. While I definitely want some of the past characters to come back, I hope to see plenty of new ones this time around. While the silhouettes shown seem to clearly indicate we are getting Mario and Link, I’m hoping returning characters at least have a more unique moveset in this iteration.
During E3, I have a feeling we’ll see at least eight characters from the game’s roster. We’ll likely see the latest iterations of established characters, like Mario and Link, as well as some predictable returning characters, like Samus, Fox, and Kirby. In addition, we’ll likely see a big third party character announced. With so many possible characters to be added and new mechanics to be introduced, E3 can’t arrive sooner. Fingers crossed for Geno to be added! | Gajan Kulasingham, Senior Social Media Producer
