Another Electronic Entertainment Expo has come and gone. with it, much hype over the new consoles, peripherals, and the flagship titles based on established properties and well-known franchise icons. Many promises are made through ridiculous press conferences,  leading to some broken and others with excessive DLC paywalls.

But among all the possible hits, are some shiny gems in the multiverse of interactive entertainment, mostly from the big console gaming juggernauts. Such promote themselves through visually sweet trailers, giving gamers a forward look. Others can be easily missed, as the mainstream entertainment media tends to gravitate towards the safe, familiar properties in promoting the new gaming eye candy.

So, we look towards the curious and interesting games based on the trailer content, built from many lesser-known developers. Check these out…

CUPHEAD

Developer: StudioMDHR
Platforms: Xbox One, Windows 10, Steam Release Date: September 29

Thoughts: I love the visual 60fps motion style, looking nearly hand drawn with every shot. But looking further, as some fantastic and deeply imaginative design concepts; much in spirit with the early Disney era of earliest animation that inspired this.

THE ARTFUL ESCAPE

Developer: Beethoven & Dinosaur
Platforms: Xbox One, Windows 10 Date of release: TBA

Thoughts: Another visually catching game, and a curious story to match.  There is a feeling with the style, reminding me The Yellow Submarine, and other psychedelic music videos of yesterday.

BLOODSTAINED: RITUAL OF THE NIGHT

Developer: Inti Creates Publisher: 505 Games
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One
Date of release: Spring 2018

Thoughts: As a huge fan of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and the later Castlevania Nintendo DS games, I share the excitement in seeing composer Michiru Yamane  and producer Koji Igarashi working together on this independent spiritual successor to those special games in the franchise.

A PLAGUE TALE: INNOCENCE

Developer: Asobo Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Date of release: TBA

Thoughts: Not much is known about this game just yet, other than its teasing me with rats. This has potential.

RAIDERS OF THE BROKEN PLANET

Developer: Mercury Games
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Time of release: Late 2017

Thoughts: Since Overwatch, I notice a huge trend in these colorful shoot-em-ups. But Raiders of the Broken Planet seems to present a large narrative to its story, with something more than cosplay ideas.

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS (remake)

Developer: Blueprint Games
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (exclusive) Time of release: 2018

Thoughts: Th awesome classic from the PS2 era is getting an updated revival. The original is also a prime example of how a game with a powerful story and graphics to match, and just as moving as a motion picture film, for what it brings to the heart.

THE LAST NIGHT

Developer: Odd Tales Publisher: Raw Fury
Platforms:  Xbox One and PC Time of release: 2018

Thoughts: I see a wonderful looking game with some classic Blade-Runner-esque cyberpunk elements. My wallet is ready.

ORI and THE WILL OF THE WISPS

Developer: Moon Studios
Platforms: Xbox One and Windows 10  Time of release: 2018

Thoughts: The original Ori and the Blind Forest, is an essential masterpiece for lovers of side-scrolling cinematics.  This sequel pushes the haunting sounds and vibrant visuals of the original to a new level, of which I hope will eventually come to other platforms as well.

TUNIC

Developer: Andrew Shouldice
Platforms: PC, Mac, consoles TBA  Time of release: 2018

Thoughts: Another game with a unique feel, with a bit of a classic Legend of Zelda vibe going on.

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That’s all for now. If you know of any good upcoming games missed up, announced or promoted through E3 2017, let us know below!