The first preview event of E3 has been and gone as industry heavyweight Electronic Arts (EA) brought out the big guns, including Star Wars and the new Fifa.
The developers used their EA Play event to show off new trailers for a handful of upcoming games – all big franchises in their own right.
Let’s dive right in to what was shown.
Star Wars Battlefront II
The first gameplay trailer for the next big game in the Star Wars universe did not disappoint, as the gameplay across all three major Star Wars eras was stunningly shown off.
The highlight was no doubt seeing Darth Maul in action, but we also caught glimpses of Rey, Kylo Ren and Yoda.
There was also another tantalising peek at the new story campaign, where players take on the role of an Imperial soldier.
Fifa 18
The reveal trailer confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo as the star of the show, but the teaser for season two of The Journey also made an appearance.
The life of Alex Hunter is set to take a step up this year, with the reveal trailer clearly hinting at a transfer saga and a branching out beyond the Premier League setting of last year’s game.
EA Sports has promised an expanded list of characters and footballer cameos this year for The Journey, as well as a major leap forward in visuals thanks to the Frostbite engine.
Madden NFL 18
On the subject of cinematic stories in sports games, EA has created a version of The Journey for its NFL title.
Called Longshot, it follows the rise of Devin Wade as he strives to get drafted by an NFL team.
A Way Out
Away from the galactic and sporting adventures was an interesting proposition called A Way Out.
The co-op only game requires two players – either local or online – working together to plan and carry out a daring prison escape.
Anthem
Another new game briefly introduced was Anthem, a futuristic adventure but whose premise is not entirely clear.
A full reveal trailer will be shown during the Xbox briefing on Sunday night, it was confirmed, so expect more details to follow then.
Need for Speed Payback
Though the new Need for Speed – Payback – was revealed some time ago now, E3 has given us a first look at its gameplay.
And if you thought the last instalment in the series looked good, it appears things have stepped up again this time around.
Battlefield 1 expansion
The second and biggest expansion to Battlefield 1 was also teased during EA Play, showing the Russian Army entering the First World War fight for the first time.
The expansion comes at a crucial moment for Battlefield 1, which is set to come under new pressure from rival war franchise Call of Duty this year.
COD is switching setting back to its roots and the Second World War, which is likely to intensify comparisons between the two.
It just so happens Call of Duty: WWII will be shown off later in the show.
