With Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016 (E3) now underway, June is traditionally a slightly sparse month for videogame releases, and this year doesn’t break that trend but still has a few games that I think should be worth a play through.
Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst – Due June 9th for PS4, Xbox One and PC
The original Mirror’s Edge back in 2008 was an interesting game that I personally got hooked on with its first-person parkour gameplay. Catalyst looks to reboot the franchise whilst also being a kind of prequel to the original, keeping the same unique gameplay and adding in an open-world playground on the rooftops for you to free run across. I’m expecting to be frustrated with the gameplay until I work out where that one ledge is that I can never find.
Mighty No. 9 – Due June 24th for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC
The Mega Man series will always be remembered as a horrific combination of both utterly playable and mind-numbingly difficult. Mighty No. 9 is the spiritual successor to the Mega Man series, coming from creator Keiji Inafune, and should hopefully be a continuation of the classic series with a new protagonist. Coming off the back of multiple delays, the steam in No. 9’s sails is greatly dissipated, but all it takes is for it to deliver a solid side scrolling enjoyment fest and I can see this being a new franchise for retro game fans.
The Technomancer – Due June 28th for PS4, Xbox One and PC
Don’t be worried if you haven’t heard about The Technomancer, until I started writing this list I hadn’t either. But as soon as I saw that it was a science-fiction role-playing game set on Mars with an emphasis on combat and a story that changes depending on the way you play, I knew I’d have to play it. I feel like this could be a solidly entertaining game that may get lost in the E3 hype machine.
We Happy Few – Steam Early Access/Microsoft Game Preview Due June 2016 for Xbox One and PC
We Happy Few looks like it could be game of the month, and if it plays anything like it looks then it could even be game of the year. Set in the dystopian 1960’s English town of Wellington Wells, you take the role of The Downer, a character missioned with escaping the population who have become addicts for a drug known as Joy which erases bad memories. Taking its inspiration from BioShock and focusing on survival as opposed to combat makes this game one that any gamer has to play.
Honourable Mention
E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)
The reason that the month of June sees the release of more trailers than it does games is, of course, the mighty behemoth that is E3. Running from the 14th to the 16th, it’s bound to be a myriad of exciting news and game announcements. Definitely something to livestream, and if you’re reading this after it’s happened then I’d suggest watching some of the conferences in all their glory.
Author: Hal, Plymouth store
