The top dogs of E3 2019

E3 2019 is done and dusted and whilst it may not have had the oomph or spectacle like previous years, there was something the show for everyone. Cyberpunk 2077 continued to look strong; Final Fantasy VII Remake stole the show, Square Enix showed that they do remember FF8 and Watch Dogs Legion had a fantastic and intriguing presentation. This is just some of the amazing things that came out of E3 2019.

Every year I list my top ten games of E3 and apologises for this being a bit later than usual, I’ve been very busy with life stuff and trying to fix my broken sleeping pattern. However, it’s now time to share my thoughts on my ‘Top 10 Games of E3 2019’.

 

10. Panzer Dragoon Remake – Release Date: Winter 2019

Holy shit did this just come out of nowhere. I wasn’t expecting this and I think it’s safe to say that no one was. The music brought back memories and the graphics, oh my god are they crisp.

I haven’t played Panzer Dragoon in years and now that it’s being remade, I think it’s time to go back. I’m going to do one more run of the original game before the remake comes out.

 

9. Elden Ring – Release Date: 2020

It may have got leaked early which was a shame but the trailer was still very cool. Elden Ring is From Software’s new game and they are collaborating with George R.R. Martin, the author of A Song of Fire and Ice.

It’s being made by From Software which immediately gets me intrigued. Yes, it will be difficult but I’m here for the lore and with Martin involved, it could be something truly special.

 

8. Astral Chain – Release Date: August 30th 2019

Platinum Games are one of the best developers out there when it comes to making action games. Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising and Vanquish are some of the best action games out there and it looks like Platinum are going to add Astral Chain to the list.

The game looks incredible when it comes to both gameplay and presentation. It’s got a futuristic anime art style which I am all for and the gameplay looks fast and very interesting. We haven’t got long to wait for Astral Chain, it looks like it will be one hell of a ride.

 

7. Luigi’s Mansion 3 – Release Date: 2019

I have a soft spot for Luigi’s Mansion, it’s a great little adventure and I loved the atmosphere. The second game was good but it didn’t grab me like the first instalment. The upcoming third entry looks like it will capture my heart as everything they have shown so far has gotten me hyped.

All of the gameplay that they showed at E3 looked like they went back to the first game and improved on what made that game special. We still don’t have a precise date for Luigi’s Mansion 3 which is frustrating but honestly, I’m alright with that. Take all the time you need Nintendo to make this game great.

 

6. Ghostwire Tokyo – Release Date: TBA

I have no idea what this game is about but the trailer looked insane and Tango Gameworks are involved, so I am all in on this already. I’ll let the trailer speak for itself but my god, what a reveal.

I think we will see more of this at Tokyo Games Show later this year and hopefully some gameplay too. I’m already hyped for this and I am excited to see what they show next.

 

5. Final Fantasy VIII Remastered – Release Date: Winter 2019

As soon as the music started, I knew. As soon as the music started I leapt from my chair and screamed with joy and probably woke my neighbours up (It was about 2.50am). As soon as the music started I cried, I cried buckets of tears.

After so many years of Final Fantasy VIII seemingly being forgotten about, Square finally showed that haven’t forgotten about FF8, that they do actually care. My favourite Final Fantasy, one of my favourite games of all time is finally getting the remaster it so deserves. It’s the game that got me into JRPGs and shaped my gaming tastes forever, FF8 is immensely important to me.

This remaster may be overdue but it’s better late than never. I can tell you two things for certain; I will get this day one and when I start the game, I’ll cry. I’ll cry tears of pure unfiltered joy.

 

4. Cyberpunk 2077 – Release Date: April 16th 2020

Cyberpunk had yet another strong showing at E3 with an incredible trailer and from what we can gather, another brilliant behind closed doors demo. However, that is not the biggest thing that happened at E3 about Cyberpunk. There’s one thing Cyberpunk 2077 related that brought a whole new wave of memes and very nearly broke the internet. It was something that no one was expecting.

KEANU REEVES IS IN CYBERPUNK 2077! JOHN WICK IS IN CYBERPUNK 2077!

I don’t think I need to say anything else really, I’ll let Keanu close this one out.

 

3. Watch Dogs Legion – Release Date: March 6th 2020

Ubisoft showed off the next Watch Dogs game and holy moly does it look good. Graphically this game looks great but this shouldn’t be surprising, as Ubisoft makes some really beautiful looking games (Assassin’s Creed Origins). The game is set in London which makes me happy as it’s a game set in the UK (where I’m from).

The gameplay is what intrigued me, it’s similar to previous Watch Dogs games as in it’s primarily stealth-based but the ability to seemingly play as anyone is very interesting. Anyone you can see walking the streets is apparently recruitable and playable. I don’t know how it works but let me tell you, if it works as well as Ubisoft wants it to, it could be something really special.

Also, a big shout out to Ubisoft’s animation team as the animations during the heavy-action part of the gameplay trailer was incredible. After seeing that, I’d trust them to do a John Wick game. So Ubisoft… When are you making a John Wick game?

 

2. DOOM Eternal – Release Date: November 22nd 2019

DOOM Eternal looks goddamn amazing and I’m glad Bethesda decided to show a lot of this. If you want fast-paced demon killing action, then DOOM Eternal has you covered. Also the music by the gods, it’s phenomenal. It’s brutal, heavy and I can headbang to it. Mick Gordon has once again created a head-pounding soundtrack.

Everything they showed off was great, I wanted to see more but most importantly, I want the game now. GIVE ME DOOM. GIVE ME DOOM. GIVE ME DOOM ETERNAL!

 

1. Final Fantasy VII Remake – Release Date: March 3rd 2020

All the trailers for Final Fantasy 7 Remake have been incredible but it all hinged on the gameplay. It may look pretty but does it play well? After watching FF7 Remake’s big gameplay deep dive, I can safely say it does and all my fears were brushed away. The thing I wanted to see the most was gameplay detailing the combat and Square delivered on that.

Not only did we get to see the gameplay but we got an extended version of the orchestra trailer and oh boy was it hype. Midgar looks incredible, Cloud is looking fly and Tifa is absolutely beautiful. I can’t forget the main man, the big bad Sephiroth who makes his first appearance in an FF7 Remake trailer and he looks really freaking good.

I don’t know how Square did it but they have exceeded my expectations so far. Final Fantasy 7 Remake stole the show and won E3. Fantastic showing by Square Enix and I can’t wait to see more. March 3rd has got to hurry up.

 

What were your favourite games of E3 2019? Let me know in the comments below.