After looking at E3’s top 5 debuts, we turn the attention to those games we’ve previously heard about, but that got more detailed at the recent expo.

UNCHARTED 4: A THIEF'S END

What's it about?

A PlayStation exclusive, and one of the company's top gaming franchises, we've been waiting a long time for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End to reveal more footage. After several years, Nathan Drake is forced out of retirement and jumps head first into the criminal underworld in pursuit of a mysterious pirate treasure. 

Although the story seems to lack any real originality, Uncharted 4 sees Drake go through the physical rigours like never before thanks to enhancements made possible by the PS4, as evidenced by the E3 demo below.

When is it coming?

After its release was postponed several times, Naughty Dog has dated Uncharted 4: A Thief's End for March 2016. 

Why we're excited

Uncharted 4 has plenty of action throughout, along with sharp looking gameplay mechanics. Drake's fictional treasure hunter world is also immensely detailed, with beautifully rendered environments and superb sound mixing. 

NO MAN'S SKY

What's it about?

No Man's Sky debuted last year at E3 to great critical acclaim. This year, the team behind the massive world of No Man's Sky, Hello Games, took to the stage to show what they've been working on for the past twelve months. Refining the game's experience and building upon the intriguing concept of an "infinite procedurally generated" environment seems to be some of it. 

In theory, that means No Man's Sky has a virtual galaxy to explore, all with its own unique planets, inhabitants and its own dangers to try and survive.

When is it coming?

So when will this infinite, unexplored gaming universe reach a console or PC near you? Hello Games has tentatively dated No Man's Sky for release before 2015's end.

Why we're excited

Any game that still has us salivating for more, while it hasn't been released yet, should be reason enough for why No Man's Sky is on our gaming wishlist. When you throw the prospect of an "infinite" gaming universe to explore in the mix, it could in fact create a whole new type of game all together. 

THE LAST GUARDIAN

What's it about?

The tales of The Last Guardian's demise were greatly exaggerated. The game originally surfaced in 2009, but went through several development issues. 2015 however sees its return, with a gameplay trailer debuting at E3 to rapturous applause. 

The reason why is evident, as The Last Guardian has a lot going for it. First its look and feel, which is reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, and follows an unusual relationship between a young boy and a giant griffin-like companion named Trico.    

When is it coming?

Yet another PS4 exclusive (Sony unveiled quite a few at E3), The Last Guardian is slated for release in 2016. For now, that's the best that Sony can offer, but we'll take it, as seeing this game get delayed even further would be a real travesty.  

Why we're excited

There are multiple facets to The Last Guardian. Part puzzle solving, part co-op gameplay, part fighting, it has something for everyone. It's also taking awhile for it to finally make its debut, and we've got to say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. With two protagonists that gamers will instantly fall in love with, The Last Guardian is well worth upgrading to a PS4 for. 

HALO 5: GUARDIANS    

What's it about?

Rightfully befitting a Xbox E3 event, the latest installment in the Halo franchise, Guardians, opened proceedings for Microsoft. Halo 5 sees Master Chief and Spartan Locke face off against one another, each with their own respective teams for gamers to use. Tasked with tracking down an AWOL Master Chief, Spartan Locke and his team have their work cut out, as colony worlds also come under threat.

When is it coming?

Halo 5: Guardians will arrive on October 27th this year for the Xbox One only. There is also a Limited Edition and Limited Collector's Edition of the game, but no detail on their local availability has surfaced just yet. 

Why we're excited

Apart from an interesting twist on the Halo lore, and the mythology of Master Chief, Halo 5's greatest asset is its online multiplayer facet titled Warzone. 343 Industries detailed this new multiplayer mode, in the video below, with a focus on gaining the most victory points, as well as securing specific on-map assets and strongholds. As such, Halo 5's campaign mode will offer a weekend's worth of gaming fun, but Warzone will do so for many months to come. 

RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER

What's it about?

The second installment in a reboot of sorts, Rise of the Tomb Raider will see Lara Croft do her best impression of Bear Grylls, and goes up against the harsh wintery wilderness terrain. Along with scaling icy mountain faces, Croft will also deal with grizzly bears and wolves, along with all manner of treasure hunting enemy.   

When is it coming?

2013's Tomb Raider was a cross-platform release, but Rise of the Tomb Raider sees it remain the sole enjoyment of Xbox One and Xbox 360 owners come 10 November this year, but luckily for PS4 and PC owners, just as a timed exclusive.

Why we're excited

While we thoroughly enjoyed Tomb Raider in 2013, we still longed for a return to Lady Croft's treasure hunting roots. There is also a great deal of Red Dead Redemption-esque survival, with Lara having to hunt and kill for herself, all while trying to keep her eyes on the prize.