The GameStop Expo last week has come and gone. Despite being only one real day, the convention was one of my most enjoyable and entertaining gaming convention experiences this year. Since I got to spend a great deal of time playing games, I compiled a list of my favorite demo experiences during the convention. Here is what made my elite five:
HONORABLE MENTION: Sonic Boom
I liked Sonic Boom a lot, but it just missed out on making the top 5. However, I do put it ahead of WWE 2K15. I like what has been done with this new action-adventure installment of the Sonic franchise. Basically, picture the style and gameplay of the Jak & Daxter franchise mixed with Sonic the Hedgehog franchise characters and some other familiar Sonic touches.
5. Skylanders: Trap Team
The developers and Activision representatives did not allow attendees to play Skylanders: Trap Team at Comic-Con, but it was fully available to check out and play at the GameStop Expo. The Skylander games are a lot of fun and they mix in toy figurines for the gameplay in an ingenious way. The awesome new level at GameStop Expo featured walrus pirates.
4. Dying Light
Dying Light is looking great so far, and the Xbox One demo was a fun experience. I enjoyed Techland’s Dead Island, but I believe Dead Island plays even better. The freedom of movement works very well. The zombie AI is pretty impressive. There is a cool variety of melee weapons that can be used to vanquish the zombie hordes. Techland has achieved a high level of detail here, and it looks spectacular. The natural movement features and controls to free run through the city are very impressive.
3. Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell
I love the Saints Row series because it is fun, politically incorrect and does not take itself too seriously. The upcoming expansion for Saints Row IV, Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell, looks like it will be a great, new epilogue to that game. The new scenario is suitably hilarious. The demo I played at the GameStop Expo featured non-stop mayhem, action and some stupendous graphics. The visuals for the PC demo looked like some of the best I have ever seen for the franchise. Wait until you get to control Armchairmageddon, the La-Z-Boy with dueling Gatling guns.
2. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
I am still cautiously optimistic about the final product for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor; but the demo at the GameStop Expo definitely had me encouraged that this could be one of the best games ever based on The Lord of the Rings franchise. The combat and controls work great. Graphics and level design looks strong. If Monolith Productions delivers, Shadow of Mordor looks like it could be a hell of a gameplay experience.
1. Mortal Kombat X
Mortal Kombat is a franchise that is near and dear to my heart. The original installments were some of my favorite fighting games ever. NetherRealm Studios has done a tremendous job restoring the franchise to its former glory and also giving it some new, modern touches. Mortal Kombat X appears to be no exception. The next-gen graphics look incredible. The backgrounds are now interactive just like in Injustice: Gods Among Us. So far, I am digging the new character designs. I was excited to see the hands-off demo at E3, but playing the demo at GameStop Expo was even better.
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