One of the biggest events in the gaming community, regardless of platform or console, is E3 2021 - and GameStop has already identified the 10 most anticipated games based on customer pre-orders.
"As the top retail destination for all things gaming, we have the inside track on what our customers really want to play - and we enjoy customizing unique promotions to help them access their favorite video games and hardware so they can maximize their gaming experience," explains GameStop merchandising VP Eric Bright in a company press release.
Without further ado, here are the GameStop Top 10 Video Games:
11. (Honorable Mention) Halo Infinite
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows (PC), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S.
Release Date (TBA, Q4 2021)
The sixteenth installment in the long-running Halo franchise, and the sixth main entry in the series, Halo Infinite serves as the third part of the "Reclaimer Saga," after "Halo 5: Guardians." Microsoft said in the E3 showcase that Master Chief's latest adventure is his "greatest adventure yet to save humanity."
10. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release Date: January 28, 2022
Game Freak offers an action RPG with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a first in the long history of the Pokémon hit series. It will be set in the Sinnoh region in the distant past, making it a prequel to the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl games. Previous announcements on the game have stated that the new game's goal is to create the Sinnoh region's first-ever Pokédex.
9. Madden NFL 22
Platform(s): Windows (PC), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Release Date: August 20, 2021
The latest installment of the American football series, developed by EA Tiburon and published by Electronic Arts, managed to generate hype among new and existing fans alike. Its reformed Franchise Mode holds significant promise, with its updated staff management interface, weekly strategies, and even storylines emerging from the player's in-game choices.
8. Dungeons & Dragons Dark Alliance
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows (PC), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: June 22, 2021
Fans of the iconic tabletop RPG know just how expansive the game lore has become over the decades, and Dungeons & Dragons Dark Alliance focuses on the barren tundra that is Icewind Dale. The Tuque Games/ Wizards of the Coast release is a spiritual successor to the Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance games and features, with characters drawn from R.A. Salvatore's "The Legend of Drizzt" novel series.
7. Far Cry 6
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows (PC), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, Google Stadia
Release Date: October 7, 2021
Far Cry has established itself over the last decades as one of the most action-packed FPS games, and with Far Cry 6 set to drop later this year, fans have a reason to rejoice. It capitalizes on its fictionalized Caribbean island said to be "the largest Far Cry playground to date," it features a new Fangs for Hire system (called hiring the "Amigos"), and the fascist dictator modeled and voiced by Gus Fring and Moff Gideon himself, Giancarlo Esposito.
6. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows (PC), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Square Enix is back with a vengeance, taking all the do's and don'ts from last year's Marvel's Avengers and improving on it - but not aiming to be an Avengers 2.0. Developers have announced that there won't be any downloadable content (DLC) or microtransactions, for starters. Furthermore, capitalizing on one of the aspects that made its MCU counterpart wildly successful, Square Enix has also invested in the music - featuring Pat Benetar, KISS, Rick Astley, Iron Maiden, and more.
5. Mario Party Superstars
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 29, 2021
This upcoming party video game is currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and, based on the pre-ordersGameStop has recorded from it, could boost the platform later this year. Fans of the previous Super Mario Party in 2018 could look forward to all new events, as well as the remake of the classic "Peach's Birthday Cake" and "Space Land" maps, as well as other maps from the Nintendo 64 version of the previous games.
4. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shiny Pearl
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release Date: November 19, 2021
GameStop fans and users of the Nintendo Switch are set for the ultimate 2006 experience with the remake of the Diamond and Pearl games in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shiny Pearl. With improved graphics and top-down isometric third-person views, it should be an experience similar to HeartGold, SoulSilver, or any other remakes of the older games. Additionally, the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shiny Pearl, together with the Pokémon Legends: Arceus, are Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's 25th Anniversary releases.
3. Mario Golf: Super Rush
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 25, 2021
Coming in at third place at the GameStop Top 10 pre-orders post-E3 is Mario Golf, fresh off the oven for this weekend. Ever since the Mario Golf franchise kicked off in North America more than three decades ago, it has somehow remained strong and relevant for its own dedicated fanbase. Aside from the nostalgia, the game actually offers something both for golf and Super Mario fans in this enjoyable Nintendo Switch title.
2. Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Players of the original Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword on Nintendo Wii will definitely love the nostalgia brought back in glorious high definition. The same goes for the newer generation of players who loved the later installments of the Legend of Zelda franchise. Aside from the HD graphics at 60fps, a Joy-Con pair sporting Master Sword - Hylian Shield theme is set to release separately - make sure to check out GameStop once it drops next month.
1. Metroid Dread
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 8, 2021
It goes without saying at this point that Nintendo Switch players are getting the lion's share of the GameStop pre-orders. Metroid Dread finally set for a Nintendo Switch release, is actually something of a legend in gaming communities. It was first planned as a Nintendo DS game back in the mid-2000s, a sequel to the 2002 Metroid Fusion on the Game Boy Advance. It was promptly canceled shortly after, although references to "Dread" have been found in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption back in 2007. The new Metroid Entry fuses the classic side-scrolling gameplay, plus stealth mechanics.
