Hello faithful readers and listeners, the time is upon us. E3 only comes once a year, but it holds us all in a collective rapture. It doesn’t seem like there are many surprises left with everything leaking and being announced early, but I’m holding out hope for a few surprises. Superman, anyone?

While I’ll definitely be interested to see games on the show floor, I am pretty stacked with appointments. Plenty of excitement to be had in both areas. But if you’re interested in what I’ll be seeing, here you go. Not to worry, I’ll also bring you a detailed report on how web-swinging feels in Spider-Man. I know you’re all dying to know.

You can expect TONS of content from The Gaming Outsider during the show. Our trusted team is all-hand-on for this one. Your podcast feeds will light up!

Tuesday, June 12th

Soulcalibur VI (PS4, XB1, PC)

It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of fighting games. I’m just no good at them no matter how hard I try. But I, like a lot of people, have fond memories of older Soulcalibur games. I think the six years off from that last game has helped build excitement for this newest entry. Bandai Namco has been pretty quiet for how soon this game launches, so I look forward to learning a lot about this one.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition (PS4, XB1)

Console owners finally get to play one the most critically-lauded RPG’s of the past few years. Designed in the same mold as CRPG’s of yesteryear, this sequel supposedly improves in every regard. I’ve not played this game yet, but it sure speaks to me in genre alone.

Unannounced Bandai Namco Title

I’m not even sure what this game could be. Bandai Namco has gotten pretty eclectic with releases in recent years. I hope it’s more of an exciting surprise than another Naruto game.

Call of Cthulhu (PS4, XB1, PC)

I don’t often get a chance to talk about it on the podcast, but I’m a pretty big H.P. Lovecraft nut. This is the first of two adaptations I’m seeing this year. Cyanide Studio has actually licensed the pen-and-paper Call of Cthulhu RPG for this game, and I’m very curious what kind of distinction that will bring. Lovecraft-inspired games are a dime a dozen, but one based on actual stories are far rarer. I’m excited about this one.

The Sinking City (PS4, XB1, PC)

Back-to-back Lovecraft games! I’ve been looking forward to this game for years. Originally announced years ago, the game is finally being shown off. Frogwares, the developers of recent Sherlock Holmes games, is at the helm. They’ve said it will be “open-story” in addition to open-world, which has me fairly intrigued. I appreciate that they want to put investigation forward before horror. Which is the best way to tell a Lovecraft tale.

Wednesday, June 13th

The Walking Dead (PS4, XB1, PC)

I finally get to hang out with Scott! We’re both on the docket to play this new game from Overkill. A co-op shooter we’ve not seen gameplay of yet, but the studio’s pedigree from the Payday series shows promise. Clearly they know how to make co-op games. And what do people like more than zombies in their co-op shooters?

Unannounced Remedy Game

No idea what to expect from this one, but Remedy has made some games that are all-time greats. If Max Payne 2 and Alan Wake are any indication, this new project is something to look forward to. I remember they lightly spoke on the game before in that it would be more gameplay-oriented than the studio’s typical narrative-first style. I’d be crazy not to be excited for this one.

Underworld: Ascendant (PC)

I honestly don’t know much about this game, and that’s kind of exciting. I do know the legendary Warren Spector is involved in some capacity, and it will be an immersive sim true to his style. I’ll be sure to forward the information directly to you as I learn it. Hoping to be pleasantly surprised with this one.

Indivisible (PS4, XB1, PC, Switch)

I know I mentioned earlier how I don’t much care for fighting games, but Skullgirls was my one big exception. Lab Zero Games‘ newest offering is actually an RPG platformer, but no less GORGEOUS. I was impressed with the original alpha demo on PS4, and am very intrigued to see how it’s progressed. If it has even half the style and pizazz of Skullgirls, we’re all in for a treat.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (PS4, XB1, PC, Switch, PS Vita)

There’s not much that needs to be said here. Kickstarter record-breaker, Bloodstained returns the man who created Castlevania: Symphony of the Night back to the genre he helped invent. Koji Igarashi is beloved, and for good reason. Hopefully his newest game delivers.

The Spectrum Retreat (PS4, XB1, PC, Switch)

The Spectrum Retreat looks like one trippy narrative-driven puzzle game. And I am into it. Slick visuals combined with a compelling mystery often makes for a good time. It’s hard to put what Dan Smith Studios is showing into words, so let the trailer do it for me.

Thurday, June 14th

Greedfall (PS4, XB1, PC)

The masters of the mid-tier RPG, Spiders is showing off their latest game. Bound by Flame and The Technomancer had their rough edges, but there was a charm and heart to those games that won me over. Monsters, magic, and tricorne hats come together for a setting that looks genuinely unique.

Earthfall (PS4, XB1, PC)

I hate to be reductive, but Left 4 Dead with aliens is way too cool a premise to be said any other way. Trailers for this game look like a hell of a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to spend some hands-on time with it.

More from E3 2018

There’s plenty more where that came from. You can see that my Thursday is a little light, and that’s by design. I want some time to walk the floor, and see what I can learn for YOU – the audience. See if I can’t snag some candid interviews, find some game none of us have heard of, or find my way into some crazy random happenstance. So let me know what I need to check out while in Los Angeles. Unless that Superman game is real. Then I’ll be busy.