The absence of E3 2022 has not slowed down Microsoft. Extended gameplay reveals and trailers were abundant at last night’s Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase event.
There is plenty to digest including Starfield’s first gameplay trailer, revealing a plethora of new customization options. Arkane’s Redfall also got an extended feature, Forza Motorsport looks understandably gorgeous and Hideo Kojima announced a new exclusive game is in the works with Microsoft Game Studios.
Starfield
Todd Howard took the stage showing off Bethesda’s most highly anticipated game, Starfield. The 15-minute gameplay footage revealed everything from exploration, extensive character, ship and base customization and confirmed over 1,000 planets can be explored within a cluster of over 100 solar systems. “Easily our most ambitious game” says Howard. Expect Starfield to hit Xbox and PC within the first half of 2023.
RedFall
Arkane Studios’ open-world co-op drops players onto the isle of Redfall, where “everybody’s either a vampire or a cultist trying to be a vampire,” as the trailer puts it. Aside from an overabundance of weaponry shown off, the game revealed a few character abilities ranging from telekinesis, teleportation, invisibility and even a cute little robot companion. Either squad up or go at it alone, Redfall will be available coming day one on Game Pass for Xbox and PC early 2023.
Forza Motorsport
A sheer winner for any car aficionado obsessed with ultra-realistic graphics and authentic driving simulation. The reveal trailer showcased ray tracing with full dynamic lighting, the infamous Maple Valley track, eye-watering car models of different classes, all with impressive damage physics. Another day one with Game Pass exclusive, Forza Motorsport will be available in 2023 for Xbox and PC.
Hollow Knight Silksong
A Metroidvania-style side scroller of note, the original Hollow Knight was one of the most loved and unforgiving indie titles in recent years. The sequel puts players in the shoes of main character Hornet, as you explore a vast new kingdom. The game features lethal acrobatic action, over 150 new enemies, epic boss battles and deadly new tools, all in the beautiful art style Team Cherry is known for. No release date just yet ladies and gentlemen expect it within the next 12 months on Xbox and PC.
A Plague’s Tale: Requiem
The sequel to a Plagues Tale: Innocence will mark the return of main characters Amicia and Hugo de Rune, with gameplay revealing a darker, crueller, and colder world. Not forgetting to mention, a lot less innocent, more aggressive Amicia since we last saw her. Expect this epic narrative-driven, action game on all major platforms before the end of the year.
Minecraft Legends
This is a new action strategy game from Mojang, creators of Minecraft. This time around, you’ll be leading a horde of minions ranging from creepers to sheep against the Piglin of the Nether, releasing in 2023 exclusive to Xbox and PC.
Overwatch 2
Originally announced for an October 2022 release, Overwatch 2 is set to be released on early access October 4 and will now move to a free-to-play model featuring new game modes, most notably new story driven PVE-styled missions. The trailer revealed new looks to our beloved characters, including a new gladiatorial warrior known as the Junker Queen. Noice.
Diablo IV
The epic dungeon crawler sets upon a new adventure. The devs at Blizzard showed off a new trailer revealing its artistic direction, new necromancer class, weapon design, gameplay mechanics and what sounds like an immersive audio design and musical score. All hell breaks loose in 2023, Diablo IV will feature cross-play and cross-progression on all major platforms. Let’s hope the new game lives up to the franchise name, we wait with bated breath.
Honourable mentions.
New expansions have been announced for existing titles that are worth a mention. Sea of Thieves’ Season 7 update will allow users to buy, name and captain a ship. Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle expansion will be out on console and PC, June 21, while Fallout 76: The Pitt drops September 2022. Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels has also been officially confirmed, and Microsoft Flight Simulator will get a host of new planes in celebration of its 40th Anniversary in November.
Lastly, Grounded, a ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids!’ styled survival game leaves early access in September, and a new IP, High on Life is a quirky FPS from Rick and Morty creators where guns can talk. Obsidian’s Pentiment looks to be a hand-drawn 2D epic, set in 16th century Bavaria. Ark 2 still features a bare-chested Vin Diesel on a dinosaur (cringe!).
Whew! These are merely a few games covered at the showcase and if you missed it be sure to check out the full replay below.
A good showing from Xbox, that $7.5 billion Bethesda acquisition looks to be paying off. An extended showcase is planned for tomorrow, June 14, so keep those eyes peeled for a closer look at many of the above games.
