11 intriguing video games landing before E3 2018

E3 is traditionally the biggest event on the gaming calendar, taking place in June and attracting all the key players.

But that doesn’t mean developers and publishers are holding out their wares for the big event. Nope, here are some noteworthy games landing before E3 this year.

Far Cry 5 (PC, PS4, Xbox One)

Ubisoft’s series is known for its rather exotic locations, spanning African landscapes, tropical islands and mountainous enclaves. Now, the latest game, set for release on 27 March, takes you to rural USA. Not quite Kyrat…

In any event, the game’s religious cult trappings and welcome co-op integration means you’ll want to keep this on your radar. Season Pass holders will also get Far Cry 3 remastered and three bits of DLC.

Devil May Cry HD Collection (PC, PS4, Xbox One)

Missed out on 2012’s HD Collection for last-gen consoles? Then you’ll want to wait until 13 March to pick up this package.

The collection is comprised of the first three games, so no Devil May Cry 4 or the DMC: Devil May Cry title.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered (PS4, Xbox One)

We already saw the Ezio Collection launching earlier this generation, while Black Flag was also released on current-generation consoles. So that leaves last-gen title AC: Rogue as the only major entry missing in action. Well, we don’t count the first game.

Anyway, Rogue was previously available on PS3 and Xbox 360, and fans of Black Flag might want to try this for the emphasis on ship combat. Expect a 20 March release date.

Sea of Thieves (PC, Xbox One)

It’s shaping up to be one of the more unique titles around, but pirate title Sea of Thieves is also looking like a return to form for Rare.

The co-op piracy title will see players working together on the high seas and in quests, while also doing battle against other landlubbers. Watch out for a 20 March release date.

A Way Out (PC, PS4, Xbox One)

EA’s original title won praise at E3 after its reveal, being a cooperative title that seems to hold plenty of promise. So what should you expect come 23 March?

Being a local or online co-op game (there’s no single player here), you’ll essentially need to escape prison and evade capture. And the co-op aspect comes into play in many intriguing ways, as you work together to progress.

Ni No Kuni II (PS4, PC)

The original game was one of the best games of the last generation, so expectations are understandably high for the sequel, scheduled for a 23 March launch.

In any event, Ni No Kuni II takes place hundreds of years after the original game, featuring a world inhabited by cats, humans and mice.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (PS4)

It’s been a good time for Yakuza fans, with Yakuza 0 launching just over a year ago. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is set to deliver more goodness when it launches in April.

The open-world action/adventure continues protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s story, following a three year prison sentence. Expect the usual melee combat and Sega arcade games you’d expect from the series.

Nintendo Labo (Nintendo Switch)

One of the strangest announcements this year was Nintendo’s Labo game collection and cardboard kit, set for a 20 April release.

Divided into the Variety Kit and Robot Kit, both packages have you assembling various toys out of cardboard, slotting the Nintendo Switch into the creation. For instance, the Variety Kit lets you assemble a cardboard piano that’s powered by the Switch, or a fishing rod that enables you to play a fishing game on the console.

God of War (PS4)

The latest entry in the Sony-exclusive series wowed crowds upon its 2016 reveal and yes, it’s finally launching on 20 April.

God of War takes the Norse mythology route, promising some bloody melee combat, imposing creatures and Naughty Dog-style presentation.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)

The Nintendo Switch has seen plenty of Wii U ports, with Tropical Freeze being the latest one for the console, set for a 4 May release.

Expect the same platforming action and great visuals as the previous generation title, as well as a “beginner-friendly” mode.

Dark Souls: Remastered (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Fans of the original death simulator will be glad to see Dark Souls return on 25 May, complete with jazzed up visuals and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.

Got a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X? Then you can expect 4K visuals and 60fps refresh rate. Otherwise, there’s no word on what to expect for Switch users on the graphical front.