After watching each of the E3 2015 press conferences via live stream, I’ve now had 24 hours since the last to process the results. The games and features that stood out to me surprised me in more than one instance. Here are my highlights from the press conferences.

Please note: if a game doesn’t appear here, it doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate it or that I’m not looking forward to it. I just wanted to keep my assessments brief.

Bethesda

Obviously, the huge one here is Fallout 4. Previously, I didn’t have feelings about the game either way, but after seeing the extended look at it, I am on board. As much as I tried (and failed) to get into Fallout 3, I feel like this may be my entry point to the series.

Just don’t you dare kill that dog, Bethesda.

I was also pleasantly surprised by Fallout Shelter, as it looks like an intriguing little mobile game. I don’t often play a lot of mobile games (not by overt choice, I just never seen drawn to them), but after recently completing two mobile titles, I feel like this one will get some of my time. I downloaded it the night of the conference, and I plan on checking it out today.

What most appealed to me about this conference was Dishonored 2. I had no expectations for the first game and loved it. The look at the sequel had me hyped. Getting to play as Emily was the icing on the cake.

Favorite game shown: Dishonored 2

Microsoft

I had no idea that I wanted backwards compatibility until Xbox said I could have it. I was pretty darn excited. Sure, I still have my 360 connected to the TV, but it would be nice if I could streamline my consoles a bit. It’s actually quite amazing that they were able to find a way for the tech to work.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is my most anticipated game of the holiday season. The gameplay shown was pretty, but didn’t grab me. What sold me (well, sold me further) was the trailer after the gameplay. Seeing the tombs and locations just made me want to play it all the more.

The Rare Replay collection is a must buy for me. I’m sure the other games will be nice, but the chance to play Viva Pinata on my Xbox One is too great to pass up. I’ve always wanted to play that game and never have. Also…30 games for $30? That’s as close to a steal as we may ever see.

Favorite game shown: Rise of the Tomb Raider

EA

EA’s press conference was all about one thing for me: Unravel. And the adorable developer behind the game, Martin Sahlin. From the moment the game was shown, to Sahlin’s story about the creation of the game, I was sold. This remains my favorite game shown at this year’s E3.

Favorite game shown: Unravel

Ubisoft

Oh, Ubisoft. You can always count on Ubisoft to have the weirdest conference, and this year was no exception. That musical number still haunts me.

I never thought I’d say this, but from Ubisoft I’m most looking forward to Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. What sold me was the trailer which showcased Evie and her playstyle.

I’m glad to hear a release date for The Division, but I’m wary of how the reality of the game will play out. I’m looking forward to more information after the beta next year.

Favorite game shown: Assassins Creed Syndicate

Sony

So much happened at the Sony press conference, it blew my mind. (Obviously, not literally. That would be so gross.)

First off is The Last Guardian. The gameplay shown was stunning, and the creature…wow. It was difficult not to think of my dog while watching him/her navigate the terrain. And I won’t lie, at the end of the trailer, when the creature looked down at the boy and made that small sound, I full on cried. It was a beautiful reminder of the bond between human and creature.

And please, Sony, don’t let them kill the creature.

Seriously.

No Man’s Sky looked terrific, and it was a relief to see actual gameplay. It was also nice to see some of the features at work (e.g. navigation, destruction), and I will never pass up an opportunity to hear Sean Murray talk about what he is working on. Sure, I wish there had been a release date announced, but I trust that Hello Games will announce it when they are ready.

Media Molecule’s Dream both intrigued and confused me. What a gorgeous and complex system at work. I can’t wait to try it out for myself, but I have a feeling the creation tools will be difficult to get the hang of.

And then Firewatch! I had been keeping an eye on Firewatch for a while, but knew it was only coming to PC. To hear it was coming to PS4 was a welcome announcement.

Destiny’s new expansion, The Taken King, was given an extended trailer, and I have to admit, it made me want to play Destiny all over again. I just wish I still had my Destiny friends to play with. So as much as I want to try out all the new aspects of the expansion, I may end up having to pass on this.

Favorite game shown: The Last Guardian

Nintendo

This was an odd press conference for me. I wasn’t bowled over by the offerings, but a couple of things did look interesting.

I am curious about Star Fox Zero, though my interest in this title is moderate.

The game that I wasn’t at all interested in before but am now, is Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. I will admit, I’m a sucker for Animal Crossing, so this isn’t too much of a stretch.

And Yoshi’s Wooly World looks as adorable as can be. I will most certainly be keeping this on my radar for October.

Favorite game shown: Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer

Square Enix

Just Cause 3 started the conference off with a bang, and I have to say, this looks like just the right amount of gonzo in an open world for me.

Rise of the Tomb Raider looks better and better the more I see of it. It’s easily the highlight of the holiday season for me.

I feel cautiously optimistic about Deux Ex, but I’d like to see more gameplay.

Favorite game shown: Rise of the Tomb Raider

Even though I only touched on a handful of titles here, there was so much more discussed that looks promising. These were just the titles that stood out to me on a crowded playing field. I can’t wait to hear more in the coming weeks and months.