E3 2013: 3 Announcements We Hope To See

Break out the popcorn, because the show is about to begin. E3 2013 is nearly upon us, with Microsoft holding the first event today at 12:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the live stream of Microsoft's event here.

In the meantime, we're salivating about the possible surprises we might see at this year's version of what is essentially the Super Bowl of gaming. Here are three announcements we want to see at E3 2013.

1. "Half Life 3"

We've waited long enough. The last time a "Half Life" game was released, the Bush administration was still in office and the old Yankee Stadium was still standing. It's time for Valve to at least say something about "Half Life 3" or "Half Life: Episode 3." At this point, it better be a full-blown sequel vs. a 6-to-8-hour long episode.

There is Black Aperture, which may or may not be a teaser site for "Half Life 3." Black Aperture is an amalgamation of Black Mesa, which is the research facility where "Half Life" occurs, and Aperture Laboratories, which is central to the "Portal" series, another Valve staple.

2. "Left For Dead 3"

If Valve isn't going to reveal any information about "Half Life 3," then we'll reluctantly accept an announcement of "Left For Dead 3" as a consolation prize. "Left For Dead" was released in 2008, while the sequel, "Left For Dead 2," saw the light of day in 2009. Since then, we've gotten new DLC to play (like the Cold Stream campaign), but it's been almost four years. Valve needs to make a splash, and they need to do it now. Either "Half Life 3" or "Left For Dead 3." Pick one, dammit.

3. "Metroid"

Here's another series that has suffered from neglect. When Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct event last month, the gamemaker made several announcements, but word regarding the future of the Metroid franchise was nowhere to be found. This is unacceptable for a series that's 20-odd years old. We would prefer a new "Metroid" sidescroller, but we'd accept a "Metroid" FPS. Considering the Wii U's poor sales figures, Nintendo needs to embrace its flagship game franchises now more than ever. A Metroid announcement would represent a move in that direction.

What do you think of the above games? Do you hope that they get announced too? What games do you want to see at E3 2013? Sound off in the comments below.