The dust has settled on E3 2017 and we’ve been met with another year of excitement and expectation for video games. Some lauded the direction in themes and others lamented the staleness of press conferences. Whatever the case, there are always several strong contenders for the audience’s attention. So, while there are a multitude of announcements to look forward to, let’s praise those who were able to rise to the top of the pack. It’s tough to shine just a little bit brighter than the competition.

So, without further delay, here are the top 5 best games we’ve seen at E3 2017:

 

 

5. Metro Exodus

The Metro shooter series is one of the most interesting around. Atmosphere is a big part of what makes this post-apocalyptic journey so captivating and Metro Exodus seems to take that idea and run with it. Using the production values of modern resources, the nuclear Russian wasteland appears a bit more touched up and its colors, from decaying flora to rusted out vessels, are more present than ever. Presentation is pretty important for someone trying to paint a specific picture, so it’s great to see a better looking Metro than ever before.

As far as story is concerned, Metro Exodus will continue where the previous two left off. As the series continues, mobility is more present to try and detach from fallout and make civilization blossom once more, wherever possible. As such, expect a few more outdoor locales, but without having to fully delve into an open world just yet. Metro Exodus has a story to tell, after all; some guidance is appreciated to maintain the tension necessary in the thrilling shooter. We’re always ready for more of the disturbing humanity that this series has to offer, but also the mutated horrors that stalk the omnipresent shadows. Metro Exodus can’t arrive at its station soon enough.

 

 

4. A Way Out

It’s getting harder to stay captivated by EA press conferences, which are still capable, but so predictable in nature. The “token indie title” of EA at E3 2017, however, had quite the surprise in store. Made by the creator of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, jailbreak game A Way Out is expected to have some pedigree behind it, but yet it managed to intrigue masses. The whole project is done in splitscreen cooperative play, even when played online. There will always be a screen divide showing off the multiple perspectives of characters, as they try to collaborate on an escape.

A Way Out just looks incredibly intriguing in its setup and that makes us excited to see, not only how it will play out, but in what ways the game can go. Due to the duality of scenes, there are always different approaches and outcomes possible. How are people going to combine forces towards their mutual goal?

A game forcing itself to be co-op only, right down to the screen presence, is a pretty bold move. That, too, will be a good data point, to find out how that model shapes out. Every aspect of A Way Out is something to look forward to; not many games can do that.

 

 

3. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Publisher Bethesda exuded confidence in showing off Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, as the game transitions from Europe to the United States. While the rest of the company’s press conference was stale, getting to experience the wild ride of an eight minute trailer full of crazy scenes felt exactly right. When you know you’re good, you know. You know?

Nazis have invaded the wholesome ideas of fifties’ US. Those bastards are even drinking our milkshake. They’re drinking it right up. It’s time to put a lot of bullets in a lot of Nazis. What starts out in a wheelchair, eventually devolves into some weird medieval armor messing up panzer robots. There’s a hellish, mechanical dog involved, which breathes fire, and a lot of it. Rocket launchers pass the venue; stilts somehow help the murdering and straight-up disintegrator guns are here too. Most importantly, though, there are a lot of dead Nazis in this action-packed shooter. Some of them are just metal and wire, however, in case that message gets a little too real for you.

Goddamn, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is going to be balls to the wall mental, once again. Bethesda sure knows how to get people hyped up to play their shooters.

 

 

2. Wargroove

We sure feel for the games announced during the PC Gaming Show. For one, the PC-centric conference seems rarely talked about, but it also invokes mostly negative thoughts when actually discussed. Yet, Wargroove might be one of the best games we’ve seen in a while. This turn-based strategy game is Nintendo’s fan favorites, Fire Emblem and the long-lost Advance Wars, smashed together. Influences are so blatant that it’s the first thing developer Chucklefish, known for publishing Starbound and Stardew Valley, admitted on stage. Don’t you want to play Advance Wars in Fire Emblem? We sure want to play that.

Chucklefish is a master at pixel art games, so the game’s sound strategy mechanisms also receive the additional polish to look the part. Wargroove will feature multiplayer up to 4 players, an editor and units that range from simple swordsmen to dragons.

While the game was announced as a PC release, which is likely where we’ll play it and it will find success in its editing tools, Wargroove will also launch on Xbox One and, more importantly, on Nintendo Switch. Nintendo might not give us Advance Wars any time soon, but this should tide us over for a while.

 

 

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo is the master of exceeding expectation, despite overwhelming odds. Each year, the publisher has at least one surprise in store that is so immense, we never would’ve imagined it. At E3 2017, the company managed to do the impossible: They made a core Mario release look fun again. Super Mario Odyssey is not just a continuation; it’s an evolution of the genre that will place itself next to the likes of the Galaxy games, putting more traditional iterations to shame.

In this game, Mario surpasses obstacles by having their hat possess entities in the environment. Now in a new form, Mario can manipulate their surroundings in what seems like an infinite amount of ways. These vessels don’t even need to be alive, as Mario is also seen forming into a taxi or even just a street side post. Platform and collection elements are still the main drive to the game, but this system has been put on its head to such a degree that it completely feels rejuvenated; the likes of Mario 64.

And to think Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle was sure to go away with the title for weirdest Mario release. We were blindsided that there was Super Mario Odyssey, waiting around the corner, to double up on craziness. We’re sold; best game of E3 2017.

 

 

While we’re announcing “winners” here today, there are a slew of projects out there, currently being worked on, which will eventually make their audiences very happy. We’d love to know what caught your eye and which games you thought stole, not only the show, but also your hearts. Maybe you thought that Call of Duty WWII is a much needed return to form or, like us, you were surprised Spider-Man at E3 2017 would be one of the best things Sony had to offer. Perhaps you’re part of the smaller Playstation VR audience who got swept away by Moss, an adorable game about a tiny mouse.

What were your best games of E3 2017? Tell us your most exciting picks in the comments!

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed (@Daavpuke)