E3 2017 - The Games to Watch

BEST IN SHOW
Super Mario Odyssey
Switch
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: October 27th, 2017

Nintendo somehow manages to steal the show with a single trailer. We were prepared for the world of New Donk City, and knew this game would be a complete step in a new direction for the franchise in terms of setting. We were not prepared for the zany trailer that made such an impact yesterday. A Mario game where you possess practically everything around you by throwing your hat onto the object. Such noticeable takeovers were taxi cabs, rocket ships, Goombas, and even a T-Rex. All the while, the game looks outstanding with a "Link Between Worlds" esque platforming sequence along a pillar, hat flinging combat, and a huge potential with possessing multiple entities. Tack on the fact that this title will be out at the end of this year and the gameplay trailer accomplished its goal of peaking interest across the board.

Dragonball Fighter Z
PS4 - Xbox One - PC
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Release Date: Early 2018

There have been a number of Dragonball Z fighting games, but none like what was showcased at Microsoft's press conference. Coming from the developer of Guilty Gear, this could be a potential competitive 3v3 fighter you will see more of at big league tourneys. Players will choose from the roster of fan favorites in 2D action, tagging in their partner when they choose and unleashing devastating meter combos to gain the upper hand. The game is visually incredible and the fighting looks fast and most of all precise. There is a polish not only to the look but overall fluidity of the combat.

The Last Night
PC - Xbox One
Developer: Odd Tales
Publisher: Raw Fury
Release Date: 2018

A standout for the Microsoft conference this year, The Last Night looks like the indie title to watch. This 2D sidescroller stood out with stunning visual aesthetic akin to Blade Runner meets Castlevania. Not much was revealed as of yet except that the game will feature elements of stealth, gunfights, and exploration.

Fortnite
PC - Xbox One - PS4
Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Epic Games
Release Date: July 25th, 2017

First unveiled in 2011 Epic Games unveiled Fortnite during the Spike VGA. At the time, it was simply announcement of a concept, which led to six years of development effort before releasing the game in a playable state. What they have produced looks like splendid chaos of crafting buildings and holding off waves of enemies. Giving the player the ability to craft all the structures to intercept the swarming hordes of undead and giving each role a pivotal purpose in making it come to fruition looks like a co-op experience that can produce some truly fun moments.

Skull & Bones
PC - Xbox One - PS4
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: Q3/Q4 2018

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag featured some entertaining ship battle mechanics, and Skull & Bones looks to expand upon that formula. Showcasing a 5v5 PvP environment where different ships have different capabilities, we saw potential for a seafaring strategy Battleship like game as teams competed to get the most loot and make it out alive. The game looked detailed and vibrant and gameplay looked similar to Black Flag as ships fired mortars, cannons, and rammed each in attempt to sink or board the opposing ship. Still a ways away in release date but the initial showing was fantastic.

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Switch
Developer: Nintendo/Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: August 29th, 2017

It sounds insane putting Rabbids with Mario and using an Xcom approach to battle, but it looks oddly entertaining.  The gameplay utilizes cover mechanics and turn based strategy as Mario and friends use their abilities to move and attack in sync with each other for combos. The terrain changes as the game goes on allowing you to flank or alter the setup of cover. It looks like a blast, and has the potential to be a huge release this year for the Switch.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Wolfenstein II (Multi Platform)- Never played Wolfenstein, but the humorous take and approach looks like a love letter to fans.
Lawbreakers (PC/PS4) - Twitch shooting at its finest and a release date of August! Looks fast as hell.
SW:Battlefront II (Multi Platform) - Vast improvement over the original, looks like much more content this time around and a lot of potential with space combat.
Yoshi/Kirby (Switch) - Looks like classic side scrolling action, both look like fun 4 player LAN experiences
Spiderman (PS4) - Insomniac can be trusted after that showcase, fast, gorgeous, and swinging looks real smooth.
Anthem (Multi Platform) - Exploration looks insanely satisfying, Bioware has big potential with this one, but will wait to see if the look will hold up across platforms.