Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Twinfinite’s Best of Show for E3 2018 – Ed and Yami’s Picks
Publisher Yamilia Avendano: “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey might not be anything new after all. It features much of the same gameplay that we got to love through Origins, after all. But that’s precisely what makes it such a stand out game at E3 this year. It’s more of the same, but Origins was that good. On top of that, the rumblings around the block are that this is the game Ubisoft *wanted* to make: an RPG featuring choices in conversation. Not to mention that you could date whoever you want (from a handful of options) within ancient Sparta.
Taking on the role of Leonidas’ nephew (or niece), this setting takes place years before what we saw in Origins. Some might say it’s hardly an AC game because of this, but the fact that it has a modern day storyline might entice fans of the series to not let this one slip by. Although optional, it will fill in a lot of blanks.
So, ultimately, it looks like Origins in a whole new world, with more player choice when it comes to dialogue and story. If you enjoyed Origins but felt like improving upon the story would be a positive step forward for the Assassin’s Creed series, then you should have no problems diving right into Odyssey later this year.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Twinfinite’s Best of Show for E3 2018 – Ed and Yami’s Picks
Editor in Chief Ed McGlone: Valkyria Chronicles 4 is apology tour in video game form. The series since the incredible original first game, has slowly devolved into irrelevance. Valkyria Chronicles 2 was a serviceable game, but released exclusively for the PSP which prevented some PS3 owners from picking it up. Valkyria Chronicles 3 never made it out of Japan and the most recent release, Valkyria Revolution was generally poorly received by many critics. I wouldn’t have been shocked if that was the end for the series.
Thankfully that’s not the case. SEGA is doing right by fans of the original and finally delivering a proper follow up. In fact, multiple times while writing this, I kept slipping up and writing Valkyria Chronicles 2 instead of Valkyria Chronicles 4. It feels so much like a direct sequel to the first. The gorgeous watercolor in motion art style is back in full effect, as is the larger scale tactical-RPG gameplay that made the first game stand out. From a story perspective, the game is returning to the timeline of the original game and it also has a darker plot that focuses on the hardships of war, racism, and leaders doing whatever it takes to survive and win.
You’d have every right to be skeptical about Valkyria Chronicles 4 based on previous history, but we have nothing but positive vibes after playing it at E3 2018.
Rage 2
Twinfinite’s Best of Show for E3 2018 – Ed and Yami’s Picks
Editor in Chief Ed McGlone: “I’m surprised how much I enjoyed Rage 2. I knew very little about the first game other than it was a commendable, but largely forgettable first-person shooter that struggled to stand out in a crowded genre. I thought it was just going to be left behind, but nope! Only a few weeks ago we found out Rage 2 was a thing.
The timing for Rage 2 should be much better this time around. There seems to be a resurgence in single-player focused first-person shooters. In fact, Bethesda’s own Wolfenstein and Doom were big players in leading the charge in that trend. Which is probably why they feel so confident in this second try.
It’s a good thing that Rage 2 then appears to have what it takes to make a splash this time around. The gunplay is reminiscent of Doom, but with more emphasis on using destructive abilities that slowly builds up a meter that allows you to go completely berserk (more than usual), and tunes everything you do up to an 11. Rage 2 liberally allows you to go buck wild, and doesn’t seem concerned with balance or taking itself too seriously which sounds perfect for us.”
Honorable Mention: Destiny 2: Forsaken
Editor in Chief Ed McGlone: When I asked everyone if they thought it was fair if I went with Destiny 2 as my game of show, they told me no. Fine, but nothing is stopping me from at least throwing it an honorable mention. I am very encouraged by what Bungie has revealed so far about the upcoming expansion, Forsaken. Going hands-on with Forsaken’s new Gambit game mode, and getting a taste of its darker story campaign has only left me even more excited.
