3. Rain
E3 often has many gems scattered in an amongst all the AAA games. A title that really stands out for its individuality and creativity. In past years, titles like Journey and Braid have caught the industry's imagination and this year's potential suitor for that crown is Sony Studio Japan's Rain. While I am not a supporter of a the term, and it is one that often turns people off, the game is probably going to be called an 'art game'. What people generally mean by that is that it is trying to 'say something'. It is a reductive and redundant term as most games are trying to 'say something', but Rain is one where meaning is clearly built into the fabric of the game. The game centers around the journey of a boy, who finds an invisible world revealed when it rains. After seeing a 'revealed girl' chased by a monster, he follows them only to find himself turned invisible. Not knowing how or what is going on, the only way he can find answers is to find the girl. You must navigate this world as an invisible child, trying to dodge and hide monsters who are also revealed by the rain. As I have explained, the game will almost certainly be called an art game, but I think a closer description would be a 'stealth horror adventure'. While rain reveals you, stepping under cover from the downpour makes you invisible, both to you and the monsters chasing you. You invisibility will hide you, but it is much harder to navigate and can also conceal your enemies. It is a tough mechanic but one that works well. The game is beautiful, tense and terrifying all at the same time, a combination that could really excel if it stays fresh through the entire game. While I won't be as bold to say that this game will be as good as the Braids and Journeys of the world, I can attest that from what I have played it definitely could be. In an industry dominated by the AAAs and action heavy gameplay, it is so refreshing to see a game try and take on a wider exploration of emotional range. I highly recommend you keep an eye out for this one.
Patrick Dane
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Patrick Dane is someone who spends too much of his time looking at screens. Usually can be seen pretending he works as a film and game blogger, short film director, PA, 1st AD and scriptwriter. Known to frequent London screening rooms, expensive hotels, couches, Costa coffee and his bedroom. If found, could you please return to the internet.
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