Top Five Tuesday - E3 Press Conference Trailers

Best of the best in the hype game

You didn't think we were doing all of these recaps just for fun, did you? Of course there have to be winners out of all of these trailers! Though let me tell you, these weren't easy decisions to make. E3 2014 was a treat to the trailer fan, with more visually-striking and heart-pounding previews in the pressers than any year in recent memory. Without further ado: The Trailer Jockey's top five of the E3 Press Conference Trailers!

#5. Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Our second best indie trailer and winner of the "Almost Made Me Cry" award, Valiant Hearts drove us straight into the center of a war that most people in this day and age simply don't that know much about. There's a sense of duty in the narration... the world may never know these people's stories, but they need to be told. Inspired by real letters from soldiers in the first great war, this game has history on it's side. Beautiful music, a bittersweet voiceover, and a setting that can be both bright and bleak at the same time. I swear, if something bad happens to that dog...

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3

Release: 25 June 2014

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montpelier

#4. Dead Island 2 - E3 Reveal Trailer

There's a certain amount of trust going into selecting Dead Island 2 into the E3 top five. If you recall a certain reveal trailer for Dead Island, there's a chance that we could be misled again. I've been hurt before by this series. But that time was trying to be serious, and this one is far from it. Being an LA resident, it wasn't hard to pick out Venice Beach, but this time it was in a way that I've only been able to dream of. It's not always about what you see in a trailer, but what you learn. Zombies in bikinis: check. A west coast zombified to the max with every possible stereotype touched upon: double check. Swinging hammers from a tricked-out van: we're sold. 

Dead Island 2
PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release: TBA 2015
Publisher: Deep Silver
Developer: Yeager Development

#3. Tom Clancy's The Division - E3 Trailer

What works best for The Division is the tale of two stories being told: the past and the present. No matter how horrifying, the past is past and you can't see it again. What matters is the present, and how the people are going to pick up the pieces. In a New York City ravaged by a deadly virus, The Division is the last line of defense against total anarchy, the only force pushing back. Watching the squad set up for attack from the civilian's perspective was really powerful; you see how readily these people were to fight for the little guy until the end. At this point, it's all that's left for them. A very powerful message for a game that hopes to return Tom Clancy to the spotlight.

Tom Clancy's The Division

Xbox One, PS4, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Massive

#2. No Man's Sky - E3 Trailer

Sometimes a trailer shocks you in all of the right ways. You go from seeing the same old games and themes being recycles and sold to you as new and different, and you believe them until a game like No Man's Sky comes around. Impressively massive (apparently the galaxy is infinite) and completely different than anything I've ever seen, there's a whole universe out there to explore. We visited multiple planets with vibrant and unique ecosystems, not to mention the dogfighting in space while traveling between them. Absolutely gorgeous and so intriguing, this trailer has me looking forward to seeing much more from Hello Games. 

No Man's Sky

PS4

Release: TBA

Publisher: Hello Games

Developer: Hello Games

#1. Sunset Overdrive - E3 Trailer

I just can't get over how good this trailer is. I've probably watched it at least 25 times at this point, and it really never gets old. The cinematography is so tight, the camera moves in a way that makes us feel like our hero is consistently in danger while he remains the coolest cat in the city. It's one of those times when a cinematic trailer actually gives us some gameplay features at the same time: you can ride rails, zip line down wires with your trusty crowbar, and absolutely eviscerate your enemies with your arsenal. It also shows how the environment of Sunset City can work to your favor; it's ripe with opportunity to fry, chop, or vaporize your energy drink-crazed mutant enemy into a gooey pulp. 

But to only pay attention to what we saw would totally do a disservice to what we heard. The writing was sharp and on point, from the first line ("Cover mechanic, right?") to the last ("Of course you can, it's a f***ing video game!"). It matched the pace and craziness of the video that it accompanied, setting us up with the story without feeling too dutiful about it. It feels like a game that's not only comfortable in its own skin, but one that will thrive in it. In an E3 full of games, there were 59 trailers featured on this site alone, Sunset Overdrive set itself apart from the pack by going against the grain. 

Sunset Overdrive

Xbox One

Release: 28 October 2014

Publisher: Microsoft Studios

Developer: Insomniac Games

I would be remiss if I didn't give honorable mentions to the following: NHL '15, The Legend of Zelda Wii U, Magika 2, and Ori and the Blind Forest. It's going to be a merry holiday season.

E3 2014 - Sony Press Conference Trailers, Part 2

To see part one of the Sony presser trailers, click here!

Abzu - E3 Trailer

Mysterious, mesmerizing, and wonderfully original. These are all words I'm using to describe my feelings after this E3 trailer for Abzu, the first game from the studio formed by the guy who made Journey. The ocean landscapes are deep and breathtaking, and I got goosebumps on my neck watching the shark swim up to our main guy the first time. We didn't get to see a lot in this trailer, but I sure do want more.

Abzu

PS4

Release: TBA 2016

Publisher: Giant Squid Productions

Developer: 505 Games

No Man's Sky - E3 Gameplay Trailer

The next generation of gaming has always looked nicer than its aging siblings, but I've yet to see something that truly transcended what we're used to seeing in a video game. That is, until I saw this trailer for No Man's Sky. This is what the new generation is all about... exploring an unending universe of searchable planets rife with unique wildlife, with transition screens and loading times kept to a minimum. 

A truly immersive experience with the visuals to match, and it doesn't just end on the surface. Oceans and space both look equally as impressive as the terrain. Your ship won't just be a means of transportation, it will be a vessel of exploration and discovery. No Man's Sky feels like it could be a serious game changer. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

No Man's Sky

PS4

Release: TBA

Publisher: Hello Games

Developer: Hello Games

Playstation - E3 Free to Play Trailer

Another one of those sweet little game montages, this time with all of the titles Sony is parading around as part of their "free to play" library. Because Xbox still makes you pay for that 'ish. 

Mortal Kombat X - E3 Gameplay Trailer

So this is when, using a term that some of you nerds might not get, Sony started LeBron'ing over everyone else at E3. No, not that kind of LeBroning. The kind where he loses his headband and eviscerates everyone on the court like the mutant alien that he is. Instead of a triple double, Sony rolled out a barrage of trailer after awesome trailer. 

The first snowball of the avalanche was Mortal Kombat X, where we finally got a full fight after being teased with Scorpion vs. Sub-Zero. We also welcomed newcomers D'Vorah and partners Torr & Ferra the best way we know how: by brutally killing one of them. Pardon my bro out, but this is gonna be soooo doooooope. 

Mortal Kombat X

PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive

Developer: NetherRealm Studios

The Last of Us - E3 Remastered Trailer

The Last of Us was such an obvious, and fantastic, choice to give the PS4 treatment. It was one of the best titles that the PS3 had to offer, and was recent enough to give people a chance to buy it for the first (or even second) time. You get the works with the remastered edition: all DLC up until now, with improved visuals, lighting, and sound. I definitely think there will be a lot of second purchases of this game. But not quite as many as a certain port two down from here...

The Last of Us: Remastered

PS4

Release: 29 July 2014

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: Naughty Dog

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain - E3 Extended Trailer

It's only fitting that MGS gets the longest trailer of the show. Something dramatic is happening. I never know how to handle these. Sorry for that freeze frame. Right in the middle of the LeBron'ing run too... I guess we can just make a joke about the Decision. 

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360

Release: TBA

Publisher: Konami

Developer: Kojima Productions

Grand Theft Auto V - E3 PS4 Trailer

Full disclosure: this was the moment in the Sony presser when I decided I was going to own a PS4 sooner rather than later. You can transfer your online stats from EITHER system to the PS4 port, and just look at those visuals. Seriously, look at them. Lighting physics have been the bright spot for a lot of the trailers through E3, but I don't think anything has been lit as well as GTA on the PS4. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Grand Theft Auto V

PS4

Release: TBA 2014

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar North

Batman: Arkham Knight - E3 Gameplay Trailer

So what is this, the fifth heavy hitter in a row? High tech Batsuit: engage. Dive bomb to the pavement, jump into Batmobile careening around the corner: check. And it's not the Penguin we have to really worry about, because Scarecrow is making his presence felt. That jump from the first tower gave you enough speed to cross half of Gotham. They finally gave us a chain action multi takedown. I'm all kinds of ready for this.

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Batman: Arkham Knight

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive

Developer: Rocksteady Studios

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End - E3 Reveal Trail

If Sony was just on a LeBron rampage, this was certainly the dagger 3 from thirty feet out. It's very convenient that we end at A Thief's End, Nathan Drake's fourth (and final?) great adventure. Now truly the Indiana Jones of the Playstation, Drake (with Harrison Ford as his number two, no less) says one last time... a few times. He does look a touch older; a little rusty but certainly not soft. Nathan Drake is absolutely going to kick ass in the jungle. 

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

PS4

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: Naughty Dog 

In Conclusion: A top five wouldn't do justice to all of the trailers in the Sony press conference. Since some focus shifted to the console about midway through, we were given more announcements in leu of gameplay footage. Hype is a good and a bad thing; it can drive sales sky high, but it puts an insurmountable amount of pressure on everyone involved with making the game. Sony definitely created some hype with these trailers... now will the pressure turn them into diamonds, or a flat rock? 

E3 2014 - Sony Press Conference Trailers, Part 1

It's everything you want, it's everything you need

Last but certainly not least: Sony went hard at E3 2014, holding down the stage for nearly two hours as the clean-up hitter of presser day. Interestingly enough, they were also the only company to actually talk about something other than the games, taking the time to catch us up on their hardware and online developments. They also didn't lack for trailers during their 106 minutes, so much so that we have to break their post down into two parts. Onward!

Destiny - E3 New Beginnings Trailer

I constantly bounce back and forth about how excited I am for Destiny. I can't exactly put my finger on why, but I have the strangest feeling that there's potential for it to be another shooter lost in the fray. I have no reason to be skeptical: the settings look immaculate, the action is potent, and the content seems appealing. Yet there is this sneaking suspicion that it won't be quite as good as it's promised to be, and there's something in the trailers that causes that feeling. Almost like the trailer is too confident in how epic the game is. Hopefully my gut is wrong.

Destiny
PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Release: 9 Sept 2014
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Bungie

The Order: 1886 - E3 Gameplay Trailer

What an interesting ratio of gameplay vs cutscene, especially for a fight against a singular enemy. The amount of time that the character is being controlled is actually very minimal, only a couple instances of moving and shooting. The scene still had fantastic flow and demanded the gamers attention even though they may not be controlling the action at every moment. I don't know if most fights in the game will be that cinematic; though I can't imagine they will or else they risk less patient people complaining that the game wasn't enough of a "game" for them. 

The Order: 1886

PS4

Release: 20 Feb 2015

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: Ready at Dawn, SCE Santa Monica Studio

Entwined - E3 Trailer

The designer of this game called Entwined a game about lovers that are destined to never be together. In the game's case, this is represented by a crane (air breather) and a fish (water breather). You can see the predicament here. Bummers aside, this does look like a beautiful game worth taking a glance at; you control each animal with their respective analog stick, and bring the two souls together over the span of many lifetimes. Woosah. 

Entwined

PS Vita, PS3, PS4

Release: 9 June 2014

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: Pixelopus

Infamous: First Light - E3 Reveal Trailer

In a stand-alone piece of DLC (meaning you don't actually need to own Infamous: Second Son to play it), First Light follows the story of Fetch from the main timeline. She obviously wields similar powers to the main character, Deslin, using her neon powers to hunt down drug dealers that plague her home. Second Son actually had a fairly strong showing with its PS4 release, and First Light hopes to continue on that success. 

Infamous: First Light

PS4

Release: Aug 2014

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: Sucker Punch Productions

Bloodborne - E3 Trailer

Bloodborne is the next effort from the studio that brought us the warm and bubbly Dark Souls series, so  we know this one is going to be all about picking daisies and floating around on clouds. But really, there's a whole lot of zombie/demon nonsense going on here, and I want to swing that gigantic sword around. Will it be as hard to stay alive in Bloodborne as it has been in the last few games from Hidetaka Miyazaki? It was that formula that gave them success before, and I'm more than interested to see the kinds of horrors that this new setting holds. 

Bloodborne

PS4

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: From Software, SCE Japan Studio

Dead Island 2 - E3 Reveal Trailer

What do you do when the trailer for your first game is way better than your first game itself? In Dead Island 2's case, you sell the sequel as more rambunctious, more over the top, and set in the middle of Venice Beach! I may have liked this reveal trailer even better than the now-infamous reveal trailer for the original Dead Island that people cried false advertising all over. This time things in Venice deteriorate faster than that guy's skin, to a point of hilarity. This one sets the tone right away: this isn't an emotional zombie game. This is a zombie game where you tear down the street in an armored van from the 70's swinging a giant hammer out of the door. The way it should be.

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Dead Island 2

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Deep Silver

Developer: Yager Development

Battlefield Hardline: E3 Gameplay Trailer

This is actually all footage from this multiplayer gameplay demo as seen at the EA press conference, cut into a nice little montage and set to fast music. After seeing the full demo itself, I gotta say that this trailer just doesn't really do it for me. It feels like completely different vibes between the two videos. The demo was free flowing, like watching a heist movie unfold right in front of my eyes. This trailer focused on the action set pieces, making it look like everything just explodes all around at all times. But that wasn't the case, as there was a fair amount of cat and mouse being done between those doing the heist and the police hunting them down. So I can see how this trailer appeals to the shooting game fan, but I don't think it gives them the full idea of the scope they're going for.

Battlefield Hardline
PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Release: 21 Oct 2014
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Visceral Games

Magicka 2 - E3 Reveal Trailer

What a fantastic trailer. It gives service to the fans of the original Magicka while using humor to engage those that may have missed this game until now. It's been a long time since our good friend Mr. Red Wizard was employed, and Magicka 2 promises more of the top-down, spell-flinging fun that we got to know in the first title. I love the premise of the "unemployed video game character", especially with a game like this that has had a substantial amount of time pass between releases. Awesome marketing tactic by Sony. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Magicka 2

PS4, PC

Release: TBA

Publisher: Paradox Interactive

Developer: Pieces Interactive

Playstation - E3 Indie Montage

Not to be outdone by Microsoft, Sony presented their own montage for their line-up of indie exclusives coming out across all of their platforms. Again, we'll let the video doing the talking, but favorites include: Broforce, Not a Hero, and Hotline Miami 2

Let it Die - E3 Trailer

We conclude part one of the Sony Press Conference trailers with one of the most downright violent trailers in the entire series of pressers. Described as a "free to play extreme hack n' slash" game, Let it Die wants you to do just that... brutally eliminate your enemies and watch them disappear. There also seems to be a companion mobile app in development, being designed with the goal to let you join the Playstation community from your smart phone. The Unreal Engine is looking marvelous in this trailer, and can definitely be a game changer in the hack and slash genre. 

Let it Die

PS4

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: GungHo Online Entertainment

Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture

Stay tuned for part two of the Sony Conference Trailers coming this evening! 

E3 2014 - Nintendo Press Conference Trailers

It's-a me! Nintendo! Remember me? Anyone? 

It's a silly question, really, because yes you should absolutely one hundred percent remember Nintendo. In a surprisingly strong online press conference a day after the "real" day of pressers, our long-time friends from Japan tossed twelve trailers our way in just 45 short minutes. While poor sales may be plaguing the Wii U, Nintendo has always held true in one fact: their first party titles are consistently excellent. E3 is the time to show us what is next, and this is what we got:

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U - E3 Live Action Trailer

The kick-off to the fashionably late Nintendo press conference started with a new feature for a game that's been hyped a million ways to Sunday. Super Smash went Skylanders in this move, introducing a figurine that will place its character right into the thick of battle with you. Do I particularly like this move as someone who views Smash as one of the pure fighting franchises out there? Absolutely not. Will they make Nintendo some desperately needed profit off of those kids that "just have to have it"? You betcha. 

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Wii U

Release: Holiday 2014

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco Games

Yoshi's Wooly World - E3 Trailer

This particular trailer wasn't shown in the press conference, but they spent such a significant amount of time talking about Yoshi's Woolly World that it only felt right to include something. Yoshi + yarn will be a great equation for parents looking for games that can be played with the kids and by themselves. It's a classic platforming system with a twist that makes it feel new enough to warrant those on the fence to give it a try. 

Yoshi's Woolly World

Wii U 

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Good-Feel

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - E3 Trailer

Building upon the Captain Toad levels in Super Mario 3D World, Treasure Tracker is bringing its hybrid platform/puzzler format to the Wii U. Captain Toad must avoid bad guys, solve puzzles, and defeat bosses in order to find, well, whatever it is that he's looking for. I'd bet a sizable amount of money that it's treasure. 

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Wii U

Release: TBA 2014

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo

The Legend of Zelda Wii U - E3 Trailer

If you want to skip the history lesson, jump to about 2:45. If you want to see some of the motivation behind the paramount features behind the newest Zelda, then you enjoy every second of this. Special note: I can't even come close to believing that this game will be called The Legend of Zelda Wii U. It has to be a working title while this bad boy is in development. 

That said, this looks good. Like, really good for a system that has yet to impress us with its visual prowess. And the biggest message to absorb here is that this Zelda will be taking place in an open world. Let that sink in for a moment. Whatever the title, I'll be looking very forward to seeing more on this game. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

The Legend of Zelda Wii U

Wii U

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo EAD Group #3

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire - E3 Trailer

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire are getting the 3DS treatment: new graphics and the visual style of the most recent pocket monster games. Aside from that and the 3D capability, there isn't much else new going on here. Never play this round of Pokemon or feel the need to see it again with a new body frame and coat of paint? You're in the right place. 

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

3DS

Release: 21 Nov 2014

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Game Freak

Bayonetta 2 - E3 Trailer

I'm just going to be 100% open here and say that Bayonetta was never a game I ever really gave a second glance to. I've had my share of hack and slash titles, but this was one that really never appealed to any part of me. But if you like the series... this happened.

Bayonetta 2

Wii U

Release: Oct 2014

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Platinum Games

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse - E3 Announcement Trailer

We see again a cool little tweak on a character and formula that we already know, this time involving the functionality of the Wii U remote as a main component of the gameplay. You can build rainbow bridges using your stylus on the Wii U remote touch screen, though they do seem to fade and disappear fairly quickly. Is this a power that comes from said Rainbow Curse? 

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Wii U

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: HAL Laboratory

Xenoblade Chronicles X - E3 Trailer

See: Bayonetta Trailer. Over the top, dubbed, and just not high on my list on things I'm interested in playing. It is worth saying that the trailers cater very specifically to fans of this type of game, since they're into that kind of whiney kind of drama. More shrieks = more emotion. 

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Wii U 

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Monolith Soft

Mario Maker - E3 Announcement Trailer

This is the kind of trailer you have one of two reactions upon seeing. The first: "How the hell are they just getting around to something like this now?". The Second: "How have I not CONSIDERED this before??" Sadly, I fell in the second group of people. Poor foresight aside, Mario Maker is a level designer's dream; they get to play with the game that set the first bar in impeccable level design. The feature that switches between the old and current graphics is a great one as well. Definitely looking forward to seeing people's creativity flourish creating new levels for Mario to traverse. 

Mario Maker

Wii U 

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo

Splatoon - E3 Announcement Trailer

What a wonderfully colorful and unique take on a shooter. In a market that is beyond over-saturated, Splatoon plans to make its mark by fighting over territory with paint, something that hasn't really been done before. My only concern would be replay value; will they be able to come up with enough game modes to keep the players involved? Or are they banking that the one game of "Paint the Most Area" will be the bread winner? Either way, I love the idea. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Splatoon

Wii U

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Super Smash Bros. - E3 Lady Palutena Trailer

Nintendo goes full circle in their finale, closing the show with the same game that it opened on. This time we have a character announcement (or two if you consider that little flash of Dark Pit) in the form of Lady Palutena from the Kid Icarus series. LP has appeared in previous smash titles, but never as a playable character until now. This feels like a serious service move, where fans of her series will be overjoyed while the rest of us scratch our heads and look up her wikipedia page. Sonic is already confirmed though, so I'm good. 

Super Smash Bros.
Wii U, 3DS
Release: Holiday 2014
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco Games

In Conclusion: Nintendo came out firing on all cylinders, and looked like they had some promising stuff on the horizon. Zelda specifically looks like a highlight, but that's nothing to be surprised at. Splatoon easily shows the most promise, but it will depend on execution and variety of content. Looking past that though, we only see platforming puzzlers, over-dubbed hack n' slashers, and a Smash Bros. game that might alienate some gamers with its roster choices. Nintendo needs some big ideas, and fast. 

E3 2014 - EA Games Press Conference Trailers

For the millionth time... It's in the game!

Electronic Arts, the big boys. With deep pockets and a whole lot of opportunity to show it, EA was very invested in showing us just how good their games were going to look. Yes, we'll be looking at some sports games here, but I have to say that the next generation is going to be good to our professional athletes. They have enough to worry about, after all.

Dragon Age: Inquisition - E3 Strings Trailer

Do you think they pulled a Super Bowl for that cellist? Where she just has to look like she's playing while really selling the looks, and it's just a tape the whole time? What if we had another Ashlee Simpson SNL moment? All things I thought about watching this trailer. We get it, Bioware, it's gonna be big. 

Dragon Age: Inquisition - E3 Story Trailer

As an almost-immediate follow up to the strings trailer, we get a little story tossed our way. Our merry band of companions aren't so merry after all. In fact, they all have their own reasons to be pushed into battle with you, and none of them involve blindly following your cause. I find that as a refreshing story tactic, one that Bioware has proven themselves to be very good at in the past. Get your players invested in everyone around them, and it makes for a better game as a whole. 

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, PC

Release: 7 Oct 2014

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: Bioware

The Sims 4 - E3 Trailer

I once got into an argument with a friend about the "proper" way to play The Sims. I always played for financial success, while he would only try and create weird (and admittedly hilarious) situations for his people. The Sims 4 is looking to blur the lines between those two sides, interjecting as much weird into the normal day as possible. A lot of focus is being spent on the improved ways that the sims will interact with one another; this time, their attributes will play a large roll that aspect of the game. Each new addition of The Sims has pushed the brand further, and here's to hoping one of my favorite franchises can follow suit yet again.

The Sims 4

PC, OSX

Release: 2 Sept 2014

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: Maxis

NHL 15 - E3 Trailer

Actual in-game footage. I just want to make that super clear. Actual. In. Game. Footage. When I said that the next generation is going to be good to the athletes, I wasn't kidding. If EA can find an accessible way to set up their "Be a Player" and franchise modes, they're going to have a sleeper hit in NHL '15. The Kings did just win, so there have to be at least a ton of LA bandwagoners pretending they love hockey for a year. But still, this is a fantastic trailer that captures the essence of the sport very well; every hockey fan should be salivating over it.
*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

NHL 15

Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3

Release: 9 Sept 2014

Publisher: EA Sports

Developer: EA Canada

PGA Tour - E3 Battleships Trailer

If a golf course of exploding battleships is what it's going to take to sell more golf games, then I am on board times one million. Best way to combat boredom on the links? Make s**t explode around you while you play! Very Caddyshack of them. I like the move to cater to those who want to golf, but hate every ounce of etiquette and procedure that comes with it. Just give me a boat to hit it over, man. Wa-na-na-na-naaaaaa.

PGA Tour

Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3

Release: Spring 2015

Publisher: EA Sports

 Madden NFL 15 - E3 Trailer

NOT EVEN THAT VIRTUAL SAD-APPLE CRABTREE CAN CATCH A PASS WHEN I'M ON HIM. How perfect is it that the Madden featuring Richard Sherman is all about the improved defense? And the first shot they use with him is defending poor Michael Crabtree. Hasn't that guy been handed enough abuse? Aside from the extra focus on defense, Madden is having its camera work be done by the same people at NFL films in order to give cut scenes and other moments real "NFL authenticity". Am I crazy, or does everyone look like a gigantic gladiator?

Madden NFL 15
Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3
Release: 26 Aug 2014
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Tiburon

FIFA 15 - E3 Trailer

This. Is. Football. With the world cup in full swing, my cup has runneth over with love for the beautiful game. FIFA 15 looks to bring all of the drama from the pitch into the living room, with a serious focus on how the players react to the game unfolding in front of them. Will you miss the frame by inches and collapse to the ground in defeat? Or will you lift your team (and fans) to glory? FIFA has always tried to sell their games as a true soccer experience, it's all about being a part of the game for them. It's high time they delivered on that.

FIFA 15
Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, 3DS, Wii, PC
Release: 23 Sept 2014
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada

Star Wars: Battlefront - E3 Teaser Trailer

This is early, early footage from the new Battlefront. That said, this video made me all kinds of tingly in the right ways. EA's Frostbite engine will make the new battlefront will look glorious (that early in-game footage is some of the best CG I've ever seen), and I can only imagine that the environments will react to the action in a similar way to the Battlefield series. Blasters and plasma grenades with destructible environment physics. THINK ABOUT THAT. 

And then remember that we won't be seeing more until early 2015, and get slammed back to reality. This game needs to come out. But I can rest easy on the fact that this team is (supposedly) pouring everything they have into the project; they want to make sure that everything done is as authentically "Star Wars" as it can be. That's a very good sign. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Star Wars: Battlefront

Xbox One, PS4, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: EA Digital Illusions CE

In Conclusion: The sports games are going to look really good. The adventure games are going to look really good. And, you guessed it, everything that EA is doing with the new generation is going to be really pretty. The question is, how will these games play? Will they have the personality to go along with the looks? I'm looking especially at the sports games for this one, as they have tended to be a little light on new and innovative content over the last few years. Not the strongest presser for trailers, but there's still some stuff to love here. 

E3 2014 - Ubisoft Press Conference Trailers

"It's hella f***ing smokey, apparently it's 4-20 in this bitch."


Aisha Tyler, ladies and gentlemen. My favorite video game nerd (minus this lovely lady) took to the stage once more to deliver Ubisoft's E3 Press Brief. Sporting a no-bullshit attitude, Tyler expertly navigated through a presser with some good and some very awkward moments. There were plenty of fantastic trailers to choose from, though... let's get started!

Far Cry 4 - E3 Reveal Trailer

Stop... shoot... stop... shoot. Far Cry gave us the all-to-coherent insane ramblings of Vaas in their third installment, but our new antagonist Pagan Min is taking crazy to a new level. He's not just any bad guy with an iron grip on a third-world island, he's a bad guy that stabs his own henchmen in the throat with a ball point pen when they mess up. But why is Kayat locked in a civil war? And why is Pagan pulling you off of this bus? And how in the world does he expect to ever use that pen again? Lots of questions to be answered here, and I'm itching to start figuring them out. 

Far Cry 4

Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, PC

Release: 18 Nov 2014

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Just Dance 2015 - E3 Trailer

Ubisoft spent a lot of time with Just Dance 2015. Almost ten minutes a lot. When you think about it, Ubi struck gold with this franchise, successfully locking up the market for wiimote-friendly movement games before anyone else even had a chance. Taking things even further in 2015, JD adds four player co-op and the opportunity to make any setting a dance party. Great for the families, better for Ubisoft's wallet.

Just Dance 2015
Wii, Wii-U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, PS3
Release: 23 Oct 2014
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft

Tom Clancy's The Division - E3 Trailer

All kinds of hyped for this one. Not only did the multiplayer demo look like it played great, I find this story to be quite promising. New York as we know it is gone to a very deadly virus, and The Division has been deployed to attempt to quell the madness that has followed. The flow of the trailer is fantastic; taking us from a family's tragic battle with the virus, to the way things are down on the street in present day. Tragedy is invisible, but someone's gotta be there to pick it up. Take back NY, baby.

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Tom Clancy's The Division

Xbox One, PS4, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Massive

The Crew - E3 Coast to Coast Trailer

I'm so curious as to just how big the map for The Crew will be. I mean, we're talking about something that's promised to be the entirety of the United States, complete with a good amount of the major cities. And if this trailer can tell us anything, it's that anywhere you go between Miami and LA will look breathtaking. We're talking sea to shining sea here, from the snow-covered hills to the desert plains. Plus LA and Miami looked gigantic and freakishly accurate. Now show me some online team racing action, then we'll really be talking. 

The Crew

Xbox One, PS4, PC

Release: 11 Nov 2014

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ivory Tower

Assassin's Creed: Unity - E3 Cinematic Trailer

I would love to know how much using a Lorde song cost Ubisoft, because I can't imagine it was cheap. This epic cinematic spared no expense, and hopefully that will be the case with Unity as well. It would be nice to see the same large-scale, sweeping graphical display as I personally guided the French through their revolution.Two questions at this point: Is Ubisoft insinuating that almost every battle fought in the world was actually part of a secret war between the Assassins and the Templars? And was Viva la Vida taken already or something? 

Assassin's Creed: Unity

Xbox One, PS4, PC

Release: 28 Oct 2014

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Valiant Hearts: The Great War - E3 Trailer

This is the stuff right here. A game that makes its roots in real history, then creates its universe from that strong foundation. Valiant Hearts is going to make you cry. It's going to make you feel the pain and loss that is war, none of that medal of honor let's go in guns blazing nonsense. Sometimes it's good to remember. This game is going to help us do that. 

*Top 5 Tuesday Nominee*

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, PC

Release: 25 June 2014

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montpelier

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: The Siege - E3 Reveal Trailer

Okay, not technically a trailer by the books, but it's definitely worth taking a look at. Sometimes the best "trailer" is the one that shows exactly what you'll be doing by playing the game. The set-up is simple: 5v5, one team has a hostage, the other is trying to rescue that hostage. The bad guys set up barricades around their area to protect themselves, and the good guys have to breach, clear, and extract. The hostage can even get hurt by errant gunfire, so a spray and pray is not recommended here. It'll definitely draw attention from the Counter Strike types, and perhaps pull a few over to the consoles. 

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: The Siege

Xbox One, PS4, PC

Release: TBA 2015

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal


In Conclusion: Aisha Tyler said shit a lot. Oh, and Ubisoft is making more games. Some of the same stuff in new packages, with some new and exciting ideas sprinkled on top. We've gotten a lot of quality games from Ubi, but I don't feel like they can hold onto the coattails of Assassin's Creed for much longer. I think the revival of Rainbow Six proves that, and I am very hopeful for The Division to be a success on a large scale.