Diablo 2: Resurrected. 14 best games of E3 2021

What's Diablo 2: Resurrected about?

Diablo is back! Unfortunately, the fourth installment is coming along rather slowly, as is the usual case with Blizzard, so we'll be playing a revamped version of the second installment first. The remaster will primarily include the core game and the Lord of Destruction expansion pack, as well as various other improvements, such as a better interface, more inventory space, and automation of certain actions. Old-time fans will surely appreciate it, and the rest will be additionally persuaded with modernized graphics.

Beyond that, it's just the good-old Diablo, i.e., a character with the class of your choosing, and five acts of the story, during which you will travel through the cult locations of Sanctuary, collect tons of loot and chop down thousands of monsters from hell. All that, obviously, from isometric perspective.

Why do we love it?

For some, it will be a nostalgic return to an absolute cult classic. For newcomers, it's a chance to see what Diablo had to offer at the peak of its heyday, and how much hack'n'slash as a genre has evolved. Everyone should appreciate how much heart has been put into bringing the source material back to former glory, as the new quality is evident – it's not just a simple increase in texture resolution. Not only did was a fairly close release date announced at the E3, but we also learned about open beta testing scheduled for August.

1. Diablo 2: Resurrected in our encyclopedia

Atomic Heart

What will Atomic Heart be about?

It's still not entirely clear, except that we will embark on a mission to investigate a certain facility where the conducted experiments have led to machines rebelling against humans. Everything takes place in a world heavily inspired by the culture of the former Soviet Union, but in a very bizarre, retrofuturistic version. The crux of gameplay will be fighting in FPP, modification of weapons and exploration of the richly detailed game world. Clashes will also be diversified with impressive "finishers." It's a shame that we still know little to nothing about the plot, characters, and so on, but maybe it's for the best – discovering what this game is about should be a genuine thrill.

Why do we love it?

The style! And then graphics quality. The game, which is often referred to as Bioshock gone communist, and we've loved it ever since we saw the unique artistic direction of this title. The new trailer is the very definition of insane, topped perfectly with a snthpop banger from a Moscow-based classic ?????. Watching the absolute mayhem spread by robots that were designed either by a genius, or a madman, it's certain that the game will bring an offbeat, surreal, and completely unique experience. Let's hope the premiere is nigh.

1. More about Atomic Heart

Forza Horizon 5

What's Forza Horizon 5 all about?

"What's in Mexico? – Mexicans..." – Quentin Tarantino once tried to convince us in From Dusk Till Dawn. Turns out, there's more than this fantastic nation there. Mexico will become the ground of the next-gen Forza Horizon racing festival. There won't be too many changes to the gameplay formula itself, although the career will be a bit more focused on exploring the map rather than just winning races and collecting cars.

How will this work in practice? We shall see. You will be able to ride alone or with a bunch of friends, and there will be even more customization to do. Seasons will also return, in an appropriate version. Instead of snow in the winter, there will be a rainy season.

Why do we love it?

With the title of the most-anticipated game of the E3, Forza Horizon 5 topped both STALKER 2 and Elder Ring, which means one thing – the hype is real. So what's so great about it? Certainly the insane visuals based on photogrammetry, also used in games like Star Wars: Battlefront 2, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter or Microsoft Flight Simulator. The locations are nearly photorealistic, and the ray-tracing reflections on cars look jaw-dropping, though will only be available on static models of cars in the showroom. As usual, you will be able to assemble the lineup of your dreams, and the great driving model and unconstrained freedom will provide countless hours of fun.

1. More about Forza Horizon 5

Far Cry 6

What's Far Cry 6 about?

The new Far Cry brings a new dictator to overthrow, a new revolution to start, new outposts to conquer, and a new dose of absurd ideas combined with quite a bit of brutality. The formula hasn't changed, which doesn't mean you're having less fun in any way. This time, we'll be liberating a fictional island pretending it's not Cuba, and our enemy number one will be performed by Giancarlo Esposito, known for his role as Moff Gideon in the TV show Mandalorian.

The authors promise the biggest map in the history of the series, which, in combination with a rich arsenal and various vehicles, will allow to wreak havoc in your favorite style. In addition to the guns, there will also be some totally weird ones, created from scrap metal. In order to avoid accusations of repeatability, the developers have introduced the option to give orders to a gator in a t-shirt. It will be interesting to see how such a mix of humor and absurdity resonates with the seriousness of a revolutionary uprising against a cruel regime will work.

Why do we love it?

Check out this absolutely punk rooster. Really! We've seen everything in Far Cray, and the sausage dog in a wheelchair stole our hearts a few weeks ago, but the super intense rooster shown at E3 topped it off. Though it's just another time we'll be overthrowing a dictator on a planet of the apes, Far Cry 6 is set to bring tons of fun combat in it's signature, spectacular style. We're keeping our fingers crossed that Giancarlo Esposito's amazing charisma goes hand in hand with a good storyline. If it works, this could be the apex of the series.

1. More about Far Cry 6

WarTales

What's WarTales about?

It's the new game from the authors of Northgard, a strategy with RPG elements. We will command a group of mercenaries in a fictional land based on medieval Europe. The gameplay will be focused on fighting small units in turn-based combat on a diverse terrain, where special abilities of our mercenaries will be crucial. There will also be survival elements, RPG-like development, and decision-making. The authors promise emphasis on exploration and attractions such as fighting plagues and champions – WarTales' version of bosses.

Why do we love it?

1. WarTales in our encyclopedia