While the large three console creators were busy displaying their newest items to the market, the software developers were putting put some really good items on the show floors. Here are some that I find promising:

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (PS3, XBox 360)

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

The newest tale of Belmont vs. Dracula & Co. is developed by Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear Solid series. I haven’t seen the gameplay, but from what I’ve read, it follows in the steps of God of War. You can expect a large narrative with twists and turns. It is expected to come out sometime this year.

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Some franchises are meant to be contained in their original style. Take Donkey Kong Country, for example: The 2D adventures were really good, but when everyone made the jump to 3D, DK didn’t land on it’s feet. Retro Studios, a developer with the know-how to make a great 3D title, realized that Donkey Kong Country could be better enjoyed as a side-scroller. The gameplay videos look great. You can expect to see this one sometime at the end of the year.

Dead Space 2 (PS3, XBox 360)

Dead Space 2

If you haven’t played the first Dead Space, but enjoy third person adventure / shooter games, check it out. The environment, sound cues, and weaponry in the first were incredible. It’s as innovative as BioShock and as creepy as Event Horizon. Dead Space returns late January 2011.

Fallout: New Vegas (PS3, XBox 360)

Fallout New Vegas

The team behind the first two Fallouts are taking their turn at the presentation of Fallout 3. They’ve improved some of the gameplay by merging skill sets, creating new weapons, and a new difficulty mode. The new difficulty mode adds weight to everything, including ammunition. Gameplay videos look really exciting. Return to the wastelands mid-October.

Rage (PC, Mac, PS3, XBox 360)

RAGE

This one is something I’ve had on my radar for quite some time. id software, creator of titles such as Doom and Quake, have put together a new first person shooter. What makes this even more interesting is that ZeniMax, the same company with the rights to Elder Scrolls and Fallout, purchased id last year. The gameplay is similar to a post apocalyptic setting, with layers of gameplay. They have not announced a date for the release just yet.

Gears Of War 3 (XBox 360)

Gears of War 3

Epic Games is closing what is suppose to be the final chapter in their grand game. This time they are allowing 4 player co-op. They are also bringing back their awesome multiplayer modes. A new mode called Beast is also being packaged with the game; Beast is like the arcade survival mode Horde, but you play as Locust instead of Cogs. My friends and I enjoy the hell out of this series. Gears wraps up mid-April next year.

Those are just a handful of games that I am looking forward to. I haven’t even discussed the handheld games and the MMOs. Let me know what you think about these upcoming games and share your opinions on what looked promising at E3.