E3 2013: The Good

Now that E3's actually come and gone and I've gotten a real chance to take in and analyze some of the material that has come out of the show, I've decided that I shall now begin with my first ever annual E3 hype list and my annual E3 why-did-you-even-bother list!! It gives me a chance to hype over what I feel has a chance to come and truly impress me and I what I feel will make me a sad monkey.

This is the face of true sorrow

So now that we have that out of the way, let's start off with those games that are looking to bring me joy over the next few years, starting with:

Release Date: 2014 (tentative)

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Sora Ltd./Namco Bandai Games

Just like Brawl before it, my excitement for this game cannot be contained. Not only is the game shaping up to be one of the big titles of 2014, it's also looking to be one of the most robust offerings Nintendo has had in a while. The veteran brawlers are looking great in their glossy HD revivals, and the newcomers are definitely offering something new in terms of gameplay.

Though some additions are a little...off...

Either way, the franchise hasn't let me down when it comes to pure schadenfreude so what the hell, let's see what this one brings to the table.

Next up is:

Release Date: Oct. 25, 2013

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Developer: Warner Bros. Montreal

Well, this was a shocker wasn't it? Another Batman game?! Bet you never saw that one coming?!

In all honesty, I'm looking forward to this one. More Batman is rarely ever a bad thing.

Unless it's this...thing...

Furthermore, even though the previous studio is no longer working on it, the fact remains that many of the strong points that came along with Arkham City are thankfully being brought over. The combat still looks fluid and efficient, and traveling across Gotham is still as much fun as it was before. Plus, several of the villains from the franchise's history are making a return, though a few have been redesigned.

Gaze upon the manliness of a luchador

At the same time, however, several of the characters have been recast, most notably the Joker and the titular Bat. Joker still sounds like typical nutjob persona made famous by Mark Hamill so I have no problem with that, but Batman sounds a little too much like his Christopher Nolan incarnation.

SWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR TO MEEEEEE!!!!!

Other than that, it's definitely looking up and I'm looking forward to getting to fly around as everyone's favorite rich man in a bat costume.

Release Date: 2014

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Platinum Games

First order of business, if you complained about this game being a Wii U exclusive, kindly get the fuck out of here because I don't wanna hear any of that shit. Now that that's settled, THIS GAME LOOKS FUCKING AMAZING!!!!

The original was one of the most fun experiences ever to be had and I can safely call it one of my favorite games. Gameplay-wise not much has changed but then again does it really have to? Touchscreen controls have been implemented but they're not restricting to the hardcore audience. Everything is there that needs to be there and what's new only serves to add to the intrigue. Why do Bayonetta and Jeanne have different hair styles? Why are demons enemies along with angels?

THIS GAME CAN'T COME OUT SOON ENOUGH!!!!!

Release Date: 2014

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Developer: Tango Gameworks

Now this looks like something I wanna play...in a bright room...with other people...

I don't care if you think I'm a pussy :(

But yeah, this game looks horrifying...in a good way. With recent franchises taking a turn for the action route, it's refreshing to see a horror game actually focus on atmosphere and survival as opposed to simply making enemies that have strange anatomy. The environment is also incredibly well-developed, to the point where I felt like staying in one place for too long would be bad for my health.

Like this only more infectious

It's terrifying to say the least. Further cementing this as one to watch for is the fact that Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami is at the helm of this project so it definitely looks like something I'd like.

Release Date: November 2013

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Retro Studios

Our God is an awesome God!!!!

I grew up with Donkey Kong, so when Donkey Kong Country Returns was announced back in 2010 for the Wii, I almost lost my shit. When DKCTF was announced this year, I was beyond ecstatic. I finally have a reason to buy a Wii U. It may not look like much of a change from the one on the Wii but honestly, does it have to?

The gameplay is still just as tight as before. The levels have even more detail crammed into them, with the addition of a dynamic camera to show it all off. On a final note, I'm glad to see the tikis getting shelved for a more personality-filled group of vikings, though what they want a monkey's bananas for I can scarcely fathom.

Probably as offerings for their techno-viking god

So in the end, it's safe to call this E3 standard at best, stagnant at worst. Most of the games I'm looking forward to can best be described as basic. Not bad, but not going out of their way to do anything genre-defying. Still in the end, that makes me happy and isn't a happy monkey all that really counts?

Yes. Yes it does.

Now, join me tomorrow when I talk about the 5 games that either failed to impress me or have a better chance at finding bigfoot than being halfway decent.