Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days - Xbox 360

What We Already Know:

Sure, Kane & Lynch had its fair share of problems, but IO Interactive nailed the characters. They just needed a better game to support their messed up adventures and we're hopefully getting that with the Michael Mann-influenced sequel. Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days. With an August release, it's not far off.

What We're Seeing Now:

IO Interactive brought the offline Arcade mode with them to E3, a throwback to the roots of multiplayer shooting during the PC days. Most modern shooters have ditched A.I. controlled multiplayer bots in favor of strictly online competition, but Arcade in Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days brings that back.

While meeting with IO Interactive, I proposed renaming the mode "no douchebags." Can you tell I'm not the biggest fan of playing online? Arcade serves two purposes. 

One, it's a no-pressure training ground to become familiar with all of the game's multiplayer maps. In most games, you need to head online and get your ass handed to you to begin grasping the layouts and strategies for success against experienced players. It's easy to see why that might scare off someone new. With Arcade, you can come to grips with the basics without a 12-year-old screaming loudly in your ear.

Two, if you enjoy the occasional multiplayer match but don't want to deal with actual people (common amongst some of my friends), Arcade can scratch that itch.