After failing to deliver the goods during its third-party presser a couple of months ago, Xbox’s first-party showcase was always going to be a big deal. The company promised a cavalcade of game trailers and announcements, including gameplay footage for Halo Infinite. We certainly got a heavy look at Xbox’s upcoming catalogue, although much like the PS5 games showcase there was a big reliance on cinematic trailers over actual gameplay footage. But was the show a hit or did it leave players with more questions than answers? Take a look below at all the announcements to decide for yourself.
Halo Infinite
Xbox kicked things off with a bang by showing off gameplay for Halo Infinite. The footage introduced players to Infinite’s open-world, as well as some new guns and abilities such as a grappling hook. We also got to see old mate Master Chief hooking around on a warthog (classic Master Chief). Promising bigger battles and 60 frames per second thanks to the horsepower of the Series X console, Infinite looks like it could be the Halo experience players have been waiting for.
As Dusk Falls
A brand new IP from INTERIOR/NIGHT, a brand new studio made up of industry veterans, including former Quantic Dream lead designer Caroline Marchal. As Dusk Falls is an interactive drama that starts off with a robbery gone wrong, and where your choices will impact the story. It is confirmed for Xbox Game Pass.
Avowed
The new first-person RPG from Obsidian Interactive set in the fantasy world of Eora. Players will utilise magic and swordplay to tackle a dark enemy. Likely a long way off but first impressions are promising.
Fable
Fable is back, and it’s being rebooted by Playground Games. The game was confirmed with a teaser that showed a fairy flying through a magical world before being eaten by an oversized toad. No doubt this announcement has a lot of people excited.
Forza Motorsport
What would an Xbox Games Showcase be without a Forza title? It was revealed that Turn 10 Studios are early into production on the most immersive Forza yet. Featuring stunning 4K visuals at 60fps, if Forza Motorsport doesn’t rev your engine then I don’t know what will.
Everwild
Announced last year during Microsoft’s X019 event, Everwild is the newest game being developed by Rare. Though the trailer didn’t show off any gameplay, it did set the tone for a beautiful, vibrant world. Filled with interesting creatures, magic and a gorgeous art style, Everwild is one that we’ll be watching closely.
CrossfireX Campaign
A beta took place earlier this month for the multiplayer portion of CrossfireX (here are our impressions), but we haven’t heard a great deal about its campaign. The singleplayer mode is being developed by Smilegate and Remedy and is based around the brutal conflict between the mercenary factions Global Risk and Black List.
State Of Decay 3
Zombie deer, that is all.
For real though, we were given a pretty slick cinematic trailer that showed off a survivor in the snow that tangles with the elements and an encroaching wolf. And then shit hits the fan, a deer eats a wolf and my hairs stood on end. It’s likely that this one is a ways off, but it’s exciting nonetheless.
The Medium
Developed by Bloober Team, The Medium was announced during the Inside Xbox livestream back in May. A horror title that puts you in the spiritual shoes of a medium, the trailer shows Dual-Reality gameplay where two worlds are rendered side by side and played simultaneously. Spooky and impressive, The Medium is on our horror radar.
The Gunk
An interesting and good looking alien planet, check; exploration littered with puzzle elements, check; and…hold on a second, is that a vacuum attached to your arm? Holy shit, I’m in. Part No Man’s Sky, part Journey to the Savage Planet, Gunk looks pretty damn cool.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect takes the gameplay from a title that’s as old as the hills and manages to not only breathe life into it but turns it into an emotional, beautiful experience. Tetris Effect is headed to Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC with optimised singeplayer as well as a new multiplayer mode, so if you haven’t had the chance to play it yet, your chance is coming soon.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
The massively popular PC shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is finally getting a sequel, one that’s heading to the Series X as well. Dark and spooky, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 won’t be releasing anytime soon, but that won’t stop the hype.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Phantasy Star Online 2 is a hugely popular online RPG in the Asian market that hasn’t made it West yet. That looks to change with Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis releasing on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC next year (2021).
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Developed by the same team behind Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a four-player co-op action game that has you battling in the hive city of Tertium. I may not know a damn thing about Warhammer, but Vermintide is a great time with friends and this setting looks creepy and intriguing.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light
Destiny 2 is still going from strength to strength after their split from Activision. Beyond Light is fast approaching (launching November 10), adding in new missions and abilities, but for those who are keen on playing the content that’s already available never fear, Destiny 2 is heading to Game Pass.
Grounded
Clearly the biggest (pun intended) game being worked on by Obsidian, Grounded is looking better and better each time we see it. Soon we’ll be able to get our hands on it too, as it enters Game Preview on July 28.
The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon
Sorry, I misspoke, this is the biggest thing Obsidian are working on. If you haven’t played The Outer Worlds yet, the game is brilliant and you should. Need another reason? How about a new expansion that’s coming out on September 9? A new location and a new story await you in the Peril on Gorgon expansion.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
A great looking and feeling platformer, Ori and the Will of the Wisps will be returning on Xbox Series X looking better than ever. Running at 4K, 120fps, we’re keen to see this one in action.
Tell Me Why
I don’t like Mondays! Couldn’t help myself. This is the latest episodic story game from Dontnod Entertainment, the folks behind Life is Strange. Tell Me Why will see two siblings delve into their past and uncover supernatural abilities.
Would you prefer to watch the whole showcase all together? Don’t stress, I’ve got you covered:
So that’s all she wrote. Are you happy with what was shown off? What was your highlight from the showcase? Lest us know.
Despite a childhood playing survival horrors, point and clicks and beat ’em ups, these days Zach tries to convince people that Homefront: The Revolution is a good game while pining for a sequel to The Order: 1886 and a live-action Treasure Planet film. Carlton, Burnley FC & SJ Sharks fan. Get around him on Twitter @tightinthejorts