Anticipated Rumored Games E3 2011

It’s that time of year once again, as game enthusiasts around the world look to Los Angeles for all the newest details and world exclusive reveals of their most coveted titles. One look at last year’s surprise reveals and announcements show that even with a laundry-list of flagship properties to show off, developers have just as many surprises in store. Not all of our E3 2011 dreams will come true, but we can certainly hope.

We've got you covered as far as the major publishers and triple-A franchises are concerned, but even with more than a few of the planned/confirmed E3 2011 announcements already highly anticipated by gamers everywhere, this is also the time when rumors heard over the past year have a chance of being proven true.

Having expectations blown away is what makes E3 the treat for gamers that it is, and the Game Rant crew has set down the ten (rumored) games that we’re most hoping to see announced at this year's E3. We’ve got our reasons, and there's a good chance you'll agree that any of these games could come out of nowhere to steal a large amount of the buzz coming out of the show:

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Rumored Games E3 2011 Super Smash Bros 4

Super Smash Bros. 4

The Super Smash Bros. series has been huge for Nintendo, and the last installment, Brawl was no exception, selling over 10 million units worldwide since its launch. A new Smash Bros. traditionally only launches once per console generation, and that's why it's easy to assume that the beloved franchise will follow suit with Super Smash Bros. 4 on Nintendo's new console. Rumors of a possible Super Smash Bros. 4 reveal during Nintendo's E3 conference aren't exactly new, but a lot of self-proclaimed insiders are stating that we'll get an official confirmation and more info on the next Smash Bros. in the next couple of weeks.

If the game is currently in development and ready to be revealed, then Nintendo could have a very prominent launch title on their hands for Project Cafe. Smash Bros. in HD and possessing enhanced online functionality sounds like a dream come true, but if Blu-ray discs are the format of choice (as it is currently rumored to be) then we are looking at something that can hold three times the amount of content as Brawl. If a console version isn't currently in the cards this year then Smash could see a portable installment instead, which is something fans of the franchise have been asking for for years.

We know that a new Smash Bros. is inevitable, but the real question is will it be on the Wii 2 or 3DS, or both? Hopefully this question will be revealed in the coming weeks, but in the meantime hardcore fanboys of the franchise, such as myself have Brawl to keep us entertained while we wait for more new on Smash Bros. 4.

Rumored Games E3 2011 Pikmin 3

Pikmin 3

It's been quite a while since we last saw Capt. Olimar and his merry band of Pikmin, and we've started to miss all of the little guys. The original Pikmin was a launch title on Nintendo's GameCube and was given a warm reception by critics and fans alike. Fast-forward to the present date and the franchise has received only one sequel, a Wii-make, and a confirmed third title that is currently under development. The odd thing about Pikmin 3 is that it was confirmed nearly three years ago by Shigeru Miyamoto himself, but since 2008 we haven't seen anything on the Pikmin front at all. Miyamoto has assured the masses that development on Pikmin 3 is "well under way", so what could be responsible for the massive delay?

Other games could have taken priority over the title during the past three years, but odds are that Pikmin 3 has jumped ship to the Wii 2. Assuming that the game is as far in development as Miyamoto has claimed then it may be showcased at this year's E3 as a Project Cafe launch title. The revamped Pikmin would look beautiful on an HD console, not to mention that the number of Pikmin and monsters that could appear on-screen at once could be increased substantially. Pikmin could also appear on the 3DS, which wouldn't come as a surprise after Nintendo President Satoru Iwata stated that "Pikmin is perfect for 3D".

We expect the long-anticipated Pikmin 3 to finally be revealed at E3, and whether it's for the Wii 2, 3DS, or Wii we can't help but think to ourselves that it's about time.

Continue to page 2 for two franchises everybody's waiting on another installment for!

Rumored Games E3 2011 Grand Theft Auto 5

Grand Theft Auto V

There's no need to justify the announcement of Grand Theft Auto V as one of our most expected, but the sheer mystery surrounding the nature of the game can't be overlooked. While Rockstar took a break from the Grand Theft Auto franchise, they managed to release both Red Dead Redemption and L.A. Noire: two titles that are helping to redefine maturity in modern gaming. So with GTA 5, can we expect the developers to return to the immature and crude roots of the series, or try something new?

If the websites registered for the game are any indication, the next GTA game may be just what fans of lewd humor have been missing. The technical advancements in both of Rockstar's last titles are sure to be worked into the game, but exactly what kind of animal it will turn out to be is a mystery. A possible leaked release date for the game, and rumored connections to the Wii 2 all point to an announcement of some kind at E3 2011, but we won't know anything until Rockstar decides to pull back the curtain.

Whether the next game sets a new standard in mature storytelling, or just mature content, we'll be happy to see just what kind of publisher Rockstar is poised to become over the coming years.

Rumored Games E3 2011 Halo 4

Halo 4

If there's one thing that gamers everywhere seem to hold their breath for, it's Halo. Since Bungie parted ways with the property after completing development on Halo: Reach, the reins of the series has been handed over to the more than capable minds at 343 Industries. While the idea of a Halo 4 is just too good to imagine, industry rumors have been pointing to a game not only being under development, but even scheduled for a holiday release. The latest industry rumors point to the next game not being the continuation of Master Chief's story, but rather an HD remake of Halo: Combat Evolved.

Remakes have proven to be money-makers in the past, but reproducing a remastered version of a game so beloved and fresh in the memory of Halo fans is a risky proposition. If 343 Industries is in fact working on a remake of the game that started it all, then we have to wonder what the developers mean when they say they'll be bringing "dramatic innovations" to the property. Does this mean the story or delivery will be overhauled, or will the improvements apply strictly to multiplayer?

With Microsoft keeping quiet on the game in question, your guess is as good as ours. But if Halo is on display at E3 in any shape or form, you can bet that we'll be just as excited as you to hear about it.

Continue to page 3 for a highly anticipated Star Wars game and a potential "hardcore" title for Kinect!

Rumored Games E3 2011 Fable 4

Fable 4

While the prevalence of Xbox 360 exclusives continues to wane, there is one title that most fans are already looking forward to: Fable 4. Typically part of a two-year cycle, the Fable series has always been about evolving the video game experience into something truly unique. Unfortunately, in most cases, when compared to the promise the result falls a bit short.

When it comes to Fable 4 though, there are a lot of qualities from previous games in the series that we hope to see return. Combat has always been one of the most exciting elements, as well as the game’s ability to tell a story that feels as if it is the definition of epic. Where the games tend to go wrong is more in the subtle details, like last year’s 'Road to Rule' mechanics — namely the handholding and the third act decision-focused parts of the game.

What we want to see is a combination of the elements that Fable has done well with for the past three iterations with some new concepts that don’t feel tacked on or lacking polish. The idea of becoming king was a fascinating one, but perhaps if it was more action-packed it might have been more successful.

Rumored Games E3 2011 Star Wars Battlefront 3

Star Wars: Battlefront 3

The funny thing about Star Wars: Battlefront 3 is that there are so many rumors and speculation over the title, we just want to know if it’s really going to happen or not. The game has changed hands more than a few times, but those close to the production still maintained that Battlefront 3 was definitely in development.

After some assumed that the game had been quietly killed by LucasArts, only a year ago new evidence surfaced that led us to believe that while excitement may have died down, an announcement at last year's E3 was possible. Alas, nothing was announced, and fans of large-scale combat with lightsabers tasted disappointment yet again (thanks, Force Unleashed 2).

So here we are again, hoping that E3 will show us that Battlefront 3 may still have some life left in it. New interest in the Star Wars universe in the lead up to release of The Old Republic could make the title a more appealing one, not even considering the leaps and bounds in online multiplayer since the first title's release. Evidence isn't easy to come by, but don't bother telling us that it's wrong to hope.

Continue to page 4 for Bungie's secret project and the Valve game everyone is dying for!

Rumored Games E3 2011 Destiny

Bungie's Destiny

The gaming world learned a very important lesson with the release of Halo: those men and women at Bungie know what they're doing. After taking the shooter franchise to the absolute heights of video game fame and profitability, they left the project in Microsoft's hands to try something new. We've known for some time that Bungie was working on something, but only recently has it become very likely that the next PC (possibly virtual-reality) game from the developers is currently titled Destiny.

Details on the game are just rumors at this point, but if Bungie is attached, we want to know about it. The company has already claimed that they won't be appearing at E3, but major developers playing dumb in the lead-up to a major announcement is nothing new. Bungie has since teased a major July 7 announcement, and while it's possible they may be waiting until E3 has come and gone to make any formal announcement, we hope to at least get some idea of what Destiny will be at this year's event.

Rumored Games E3 2011 Half Life 3

Half-Life 3/ Half-Life 2: Ep. 3

Half-Life 3 is one of the biggest mysteries in the gaming world today. Going even beyond that, Half Life 2: Episode 3 is one of the biggest mysteries in the gaming world today. While Valve has officially announced that they won't be making any more episodic content, the plans to make an Episode 3 were revealed long ago. As if to say it's never coming, Valve has it listed as arriving along with the Rapture on their Valve-Time development release schedule page.

What's most likely is that a big Half-Life 3 reveal will come when Valve is ready to unveil a brand new game engine to the masses in the same way that they did with Half-Life 2 and their Source engine. But will that be at this E3?It doesn't seem likely, but we're still keeping our fingers crossed as Half-Life 3 remains the most elusive PC game of the last half decade, and is pushing for a much bigger gap than that between Half-Life and Half-Life 2. We still want to know what happens to our world, just who the G-Man is, and just how humanity is going to survive the continued Combine threat.

Continue to page 4 for those other popular Ubisoft and Crytek franchises!

Rumored Games E3 2011 Splinter Cell 6

Splinter Cell 6

What Ubisoft Toronto has been cooking up for Splinter Cell 6 is a complete mystery. Besides revealing that work on the next Splinter Cell had been transferred to a new studio and put in the capable hands of Jade Raymond (former Executive Producer of Assassin's Creed 1 & 2) nothing else has been revealed about the game.

It's been rumored that the next entry in the Splinter Cell series is titled Splinter Cell Retribution, but this name has not been confirmed by Ubisoft. Apart from an image of an email addressed to Ubisoft PR Specialist Jacint Erdei, there is nothing else to suggest this name is even real.

With more than a year of development time to work on Splinter Cell 6, it's not a far stretch that Ubisoft might be saving it for a surprise reveal during this year's E3. After all the attention they've been giving Assassin's Creed Revelations over the last month, this would be a big surprise. Gamers no doubt want to know if the game will be returning to its original style of gameplay or if it will retain the darker, grittier, and more fast paced action of Splinter Cell Conviction.

Rumored Games E3 2011 TimeSplitters 4

TimeSplitters 4

Known for its quirky, often surreal style, the Timesplitters series is regarded as one of the most entertaining FPS series' in gaming. Relying more on humor, parody and an abundance of monkeys than on an intense, realistic narrative, the series has carved out a distinct style for itself that gamers have been wanting more of for years. Developer Crytek UK has been open to the idea of another titleTimesplitters 4 may be primed for announcement at E3.

Marking the series' first foray into the next generation of games, Timesplitters 4 would be able to capitalize on the current hardware in order to expand on everything that made the earlier games so memorable. The series has always focused on familiar, arcade gameplay and this installment should be no different. With the increased memory of current consoles, this would mean even larger, more diverse worlds to explore, more imaginative characters to interact with and play as, and in keeping with what the series is best known for, an even more frantic multiplayer experience.

We know Crytek will be announcing something, so is there anything more likely than another TimeSplitters game? We hope not.

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Those are the games that we would love to see move from hushed whispers to concrete properties approaching release, but with more games in production than we can possibly imagine, we could be off the mark. Let us know if you think there are any secret projects or rumors that we overlooked, and we'll bring you news on all of them and more from E3 2011.