The E3 Watchlist - 2021

Welcome back!

I do have a big review-style blog coming soon, but in the meantime, I thought I’d bring back the E3 Watchlist this year. I went in with general excitement but no major expectations. There aren’t that many games that strongly grabbed me, but I’m definitely anticipating some new visions and updated favorites.

METAL SLUG TACTICS

As it turns out, pretty much any property can become a tactics game. Metal Slug is a series I appreciate for the animation as I quarter-spam my way through. Translating that excellent style into a tactics system? It’s not something I would have thought of, but it looks very cool! It’s certainly prettier than the Advance Wars remake (which I’m also looking forward to). Metal Slug Tactics goes to show that franchise revivals don’t always have to be identical if the spirit carries on.

GARDEN STORY

Cozy management games have really taken off in recent years, as evidenced by the presence of multiple similar titles in a single presentation. While the broad strokes of these games are pretty identical, but Garden Story stood out to me the most. I don’t know why exactly other than I like the art and I don’t think I’ve played as a fruit before. This is one genre that is made for the Switch, and I imagine that I’ll enjoy it quite a bit.

BEHIND THE FRAME

Behind the Frame looks gorgeous and joins the army of games putting forth overwhelmingly chill vibes. Poking around and discovering the hand-painted environment should really let you enjoy every inch of it. I don’t expect it to be the biggest experience, but every minute should be nice and relaxing. Unless it turns into a Cry Game. Oh no, I bet it’s a Cry Game, isn’t it?

PSYCHONAUTS 2

I feel silly putting Psychonauts 2 here because I’ve done so multiple times before. Amidst all the delays, it’s transitioned from somewhat shady crowdfunding project to major first-part Microsoft release. I really like what I’m seeing, and it’s finally approaching release. From the trailers, it looks confident in bringing the unflinching creativity of the first game into the modern era. There’s no meat level in this one, but there is a teeth level. Seems like a lateral move to me.

FORZA HORIZON 5

I was unbelievably excited when Microsoft showed this game, to the confusion of my friends. I’ve only just dipped my feet into Forza Horizon 4, but I’m in love with the Horizon festival’s attitude. We’re just here to have fun driving in some of the most gorgeous environments on the planet. The footage of Mexico here is absolutely jaw-dropping, from the cities to the cliffs to the fields full of cacti to smash. With getting a new console being what it is, I’m thrilled that I can enjoy this on PC.

METROID DREAD

This was a huge surprise. I spent last year getting a new appreciation for Troid-likes, but I had given up hope of a Metroid 5 being made. Not only is it happening, but the developers are following my own hopes pretty close to the letter. It’s furthering the lite horror elements from Fusion, where Samus is as much the hunted as the hunter. I think it’s really smart to focus in on something specific like that because in 2021, plenty of indie teams have out-Metroided Metroid. I doubt Dread will be my favorite Troid-like, but I’m curious nonetheless.