E3 debuts jaw-dropping video games

E3 is a time of hope and joy for video game fans. Trailers of upcoming blockbusters, and long samples of gameplay, are dangled in front of avid players and media. If you're not quite up to speed on the scene, here are the games you should know.

"Star Wars Battlefront" blasts fans right into the action of classic skirmishes from the original trilogy. Gamers even have the chance to play as Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader in an epic lightsaber battle.

"Fallout 4"

"Fallout 4"has been in development for four years, but the game will finally be released in November.

The fourth entry in the wildly popular, post-apocalyptic RPG series promises to put even more options in players' hands, including a dizzying number of weapon customization options... and a smart and capable dog companion.

"Rise of the Tomb Raider"

"Rise of the Tomb Raider", the sequel to the 2013 reboot of "Tomb Raider", is said to feature the most fully-realized Lara Croft character yet. The title is set one year after the events of Yamatai, as Lara Croft searches for the mystical city of Kitezh.

"Gears of War 4"

"Gears of War 4"doesn't come out until 2016, but if gamer reaction is any indication, it's just as fun as the original. It also promises to be a big seller; the franchise already has raked in $1 billion in revenue.

"Call of Duty: Black Ops 3"

Dropping in November, "Call of Duty Black Ops 3" is set 40 years after "Black Ops 2". Activision is putting more emphasis on story and character customization this time around, adding even more promise to a franchise that's already earned more than $10 billion.

"Uncharted 4"

The "Uncharted" series is known for its lush graphics and immersive gameplay, plus a hint of Tomb Raider-esque looting. A clip shown at E3 saw protagonist Nathan Drake reunited with old pal Victor Sullivan.

"Halo 5 Guardians"

When a fan base has its own name, you know it's huge. With the next "Halo" installment, expected in October, "Halo Nation" will meet a new playable character in search of classic protagonist Master Chief.

"Assassin's Creed Syndicate"

Games aren't generally valued for their production design, but the "Assassin's Creed" series is a notable exception. Intricate weaponry, historically inspired costumes and creaky settings from past eras have set this franchise apart.

In the next installment, "Assassin's Creed Syndicate" transports players into Victorian-era England and introduces a new hero, Jacob Frye.

"Tom Clancy's The Division"

The Tom Clancy brand has created a video game juggernaut, with dozens of titles published under that banner. One of the most anticipated to come out of E3 this year: the multiplayer game "Tom Clancy's The Division." In special 'dark zones,' teams of three start as neutral players until someone fires a shot.

"Mass Effect Andromeda"

The "Mass Effect RPG" series is famous for linking in-game choices to long-term plot consequences, a hallmark that has translated into 7 million copies sold. "Mass Effect Andromeda" will introduce a new protagonist and storyline.

"Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain"

Critics have hailed this series as some of the best work the industry has ever seen. Now the hero, Snake, returns in a huge open-world stealth title, "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain."

The game's impressive graphics, cut-scene cinematics and lush soundtrack already have gamers salivating over its September release.

"Kingdom Hearts 3"

If a franchise sells more than 25 million copies worldwide, it's doing something right. Fans of the Disney action role-playing series were excited to hear that a third game, featuring Goofy, Donald Duck and other iconic characters, "Kingdom Hearts 3" is on its way.

"Doom"

The 1993 game that pioneered the first-person shooter genre is readying for a high-def return to form. Maker, Bethesda showed a gameplay sample of "Doom" at E3 featuring action that's just as brutal as the original ... only with more gory detail.

"Hitman"

Game six, "Hitman," in this multi-million-unit-selling franchise made big news at E3. In line with growing trends, the next title will feature an open, non-linear world.

"Deus Ex Mankind Divided"

The latest title in this massively popular cyberpunk series also made a splash at E3. "Deus Ex Mankind Divided"is set two years after the previous game. Adam Jensen returns to stop the terrorist group The Illuminati in a time of rising tension between the augmented and the humans.

"For Honor"

"For Honor"was the surprise hit at E3 2015. Players will be able to choose from three factions: Vikings, Knights and Samurai, in a freshly-announced multiplayer RPG.

"Dark Souls 3"

Some games are known for action, others for gorgeous graphics. Dark Souls? It's known for death. Lots and lots of death. The deliberately brutal difficulty of the games has won the franchise a huge following. The third game in the "Dark Souls"trilogy will also be its last, but it also appears to be the deadliest of the bunch.

"Final Fantasy VII Remake"

Fanatics of "Final Fantasy VII" had their minds blown at E3 when they learned that the iconic 1997 game would get a high-def remake. The original set sales records, and fans have been clamoring for this project for years.

"Super Mario Maker"

In September, Mario fans will be able to create their own levels on "Super Mario Maker,"a dream come true for a fan base known for its long-time loyalty.