E3 2018 Horror - Hail to the King baby...

“Groovy.”

So we’re less than a week away from every nerd’s favourite gaming holiday: E3, acting as a precursor for all of the year’s biggest releases ahead of the dreaded summer drought that follows (you don’t actually have to go outside if you don’t want to). While the prediction articles are in full swing for what the big hitters like Sony and Microsoft are most likely going to be showcasing this year, I’m focusing more on my one true love: Horror. From The Last of Us Part II to the Resident Evil 2 Remake, there are some solid horror hitters that could potentially pop up at this year’s conference, all of which shall be showcased below.

The Last of Us Part II

Developer: Naughty Dog

Platform: PlayStation 4

Sony has been on a healthy winning streak over the past couple of years, and their performance at last year’s E3 conference reflected as much, with them playing it extremely over-confident, showcasing some pretty cool but generally ‘meh’ titles that didn’t really do much to tantalize the taste buds of the Sony Ponies (admittedly I’m one of them). The Last of Us Part II wasn’t featured at all at last year’s media showcase, meaning we’re definitely going to be seeing more of it this year, hopefully in the form of a gameplay demonstration and a release date (held back until the last minute of the showcase to really get the hype brewing). In active development since 2014, first announced in 2016 with two trailers since, expect some solid coverage of the highly anticipated survival horror sequel, just remember to bring some tissues!

Resident Evil 2 Remake

Developer: Capcom

Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Confirmed to be having a larger presence at this year’s conference than previous years combined, developer: Capcom are definitely edging into the territory usually reserved for some big reveals. While recent rumours of Capcom registering the domain name for Devil May Cry 5 have certainly put eyes back on the developer, the reaction to the Resident Evil 2 Remake announcement that took place in back in 2016 was met with significantly more praise and acclaim. While some of the rumours for the remake are concerning (opting for RE4’s OTS system instead of fixed camera angles is a good way to get my blood boiling) the most recent suggesting that the game will be running on an improved version of the RE Engine (the one used in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard) is interesting to say the least, especially if they’re opting to go down the first-person route (hopefully with PSVR support thrown in too). Whether we see anything regarding the Remake at this year’s E3 show is anyone’s guess, but please Capcom, give us something! anything! PLEASE!

Days Gone

Developer: SIE Bend Studio

Platform: PlayStation 4

Being of one of the more ‘showcased’ PlayStation exclusives over the last couple of years, SIE Bend Studio’s Days Gone has had a strong reception thus far, having a strong presence at both 2016 and 2017’s E3 shows, with gameplay demonstrations to boot (you hear that Naughty Dog? GAMEPLAY!). Borrowing aesthetics from both The Walking Dead and Sons of Anarchy, Day’s Gone is definitely one of the more interesting hybridization of themes, placing you in the shoes of a former outlaw in a world where literally everything is out to get you (remember that zombie Bear?!). While the game is still a ways off with it’s rumoured 2019 release date, I would be very surprised if we didn’t see at least a trailer at this year’s show, I just hope that Sony puts it on the back-burner somewhat in favour of TLOU Part II.

Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game

Developer: Cyanide Studios

Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

H.P. Lovecraft will always be one of the heavy hitters of the literary horror genre, easily up there with the likes of Stephen King and Bram Stoker, so naturally when I heard that there was a survival horror RPG of his 1928 short story ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ in active development, the horror fanboy in me exploded with glee. Couple a good gothic narrative within an eerie and atmospheric game world and you’ll have a winning formula to showcase the titular tentacle-clad behemoth in all of his (oozing) glory. The game will follow private detective Edward Pierce as he is sent to investigate Darkwater Island, slowly losing his sanity as he delves deeper into the Great Dreamer’s sphere of influence, facing otherworldly horrors in an attempt to get to the truth. Thankfully the Great Old One isn’t shy when it comes to E3, as the game has had some solid coverage the past two years thanks to publisher: Focus Home Interactive. Definitely expect to get some solid news regarding the title at this year’s show, especially as it’s expected to release worldwide at some point during 2018.

Overkill’s The Walking Dead

Developer: Overkill Studios

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Having been treated to numerous character trailers over the past few months, Overkill’s The Walking Dead could stand to be one of the more interesting horror games in 2018, being a co-op first person shooter with a strong emphasis on narrative, exploring both new characters as well as new and existing storylines (possibly even tying in with the Comics/TV series). Footage of gameplay has been relatively light, with the only instance of it being shown was when the game was revealed at E3 2015 (even then the majority of the trailer was live action elements). Slated to release in Fall 2018, it’s a safe bet that we’ll see something regarding the game this year.

Metro Exodus

Developer: 4A Games

Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Based on the acclaimed sci-fi horror novels of the same name by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the Metro series has always been a terrific example of survival horror done right, with the right amount of tension and resource management to make the game truly terrifying in parts. Last year’s E3 reveal of Metro Exodus was honestly a pleasant surprise, showcasing some beautiful landscapes, terrifying creatures as well as crisp, fluid 60fps gameplay (that was possibly marketed at the Xbox One X rather than the PS4 Pro). Slated for a Q1 2019 release meaning the game is still quite a ways off, but developer 4A Games confirmed in a tweet that the game would be present at E3 2018, with never before seen gameplay to boot. Definitely one to keep an eye on, as well as it’s prequels that can regularly be picked up for less than £15.