Top 5 Games of E3 2015

#5 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

The Uncharted 4 presentation started off with a few hitches but eventually showcased why the anticipation for Naughty Dog’s blockbuster franchise is so high. Unlike the previous gameplay trailer that showcased Nathan Drake traversing a heavily forested landscape, the E3 presentation set the protagonist grappling and opening fire in a sprawling market. This PS4 exclusive is sure to deliver engaging gameplay within a cinematic experience. 

#4 Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain

If not for the fact that this game did not debut at E3 this year, it would be #1 on the list. Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain will be the Game of the Year of 2015 and Hideo Kojima’s finest work. Everything I have seen has reinforced my hype for the fifth installment of this legendary franchise. Exquisite graphics. Meaningful gameplay mechanics. Complex characters. Compelling story. I can’t wait. 

#3 Dark Souls III

After the high praise Bloodborne received, it's hard to not heavily anticipate the third installment of the Dark Souls franchise. Much of the appeal of these games is the unforgiving “hard but fair” difficulty. Although Lordran is an impressive setting, Bloodborne exhibited a cohesive interconnected world with a palpable morbid ambiance. Dark Souls III looks to build on the evolution of its predecessors. 

#2 Kingdom Hearts 3

I admit that I’m a little biased when it comes to Kingdom Hearts. After all, it is my favorite franchise of all time. However, the hype and promise for the third console installment is undeniable. Having skipped the previous generation, Kingdom Hearts 3 looks to make a big splash upon release. The gameplay shown at this year’s E3 featured vibrant graphics, a plethora of new abilities for Sora, and an expansive world. Many unanswered questions remain but the spirit of Kingdom Hearts burns bright.

#1 Horizon: Zero Dawn

Of all the new IPs, Horizon: Zero Dawn was by far the most impressive. The concept of human survival in a post-apocalyptic world so distant in the future that mechazoid animals are viewed as living beings is enthralling. The gameplay trailer showed the protagonist systematically take down a mechanical T-Rex with a variety of weapons including electric arrows, harnesses, and explosive armaments. It’s not often a new IP exhibits such potential upon its initial reveal. The hype is real.