Despite "Halo Infinite", "Fable" and "Stalker 2", Microsoft's second Xbox event struggles to win people over
At the Xbox Showcase, Microsoft presented a host of new games for the current and future generations of consoles. But this time, too, there were no real fireworks.
After a first launch event that was moderately well received, Microsoft followed up on Thursday evening with a series of in-house titles. From 'Halo Infinite' to 'Forza Motorsport', every genre was represented. Very few left a lasting impression; there were no big surprises, with the exception of "Fable".
The games shown will be available exclusively for PC and Xbox, or at least as temporary exclusives. All titles at launch will be included in Xbox Game Pass.
"Halo Infinite"
Anyone hoping for "Halo Infinite" to become a multiplayer shooter like "Destiny" will be disappointed. There will indeed be a multiplayer mode, but it hasn't been revealed. The campaign details that have been revealed, on the other hand, look familiar. The only difference is that you can now explore an open world. Graphically, however, the whole thing looked surprisingly poor.
Release is scheduled for the end of the year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.
"State of Decay 3"
Unfortunately, there was no gameplay to be seen for the third instalment of this zombie-fighting survival game. The trailer hinted that in this post-apocalyptic world you might have superpowers or at least some zombie blood in you. Or maybe the wolf was just scared of the screaming woman's bad breath.
The release date is still unknown.
"Forza Motorsport"
There were in-engine videos of the simulation-focused chapter of the "Forza" motor racing game series. But there's no guarantee that it will actually be like this on the track. Nevertheless, the trailer does not fail to arouse admiration. And here I thought the cars had reached the limits of realism.
Release date: 2021.
"Everwild"
"Everwild" is the title of Rare's ("Sea of Thieves") new game. The trailer doesn't give any information about the type of game, but the setting reminds me of the fantasy series "Avatar, the Last Airbender". The aesthetic looks nicely crafted.
The release date is still unknown.
"Tell Me Why"
Development studio Dontnod ("Life is Strange") will release the first chapter of the new narrative adventure game centred around twins Alyson and Tyler in just a little over a month. As with previous games, you can expect a character-driven story with plenty of twists and turns.
The first episode is expected on 27 August for Xbox One and PC.
"The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon"
Obsidian's action-RPG has announced its first DLC. This one will take you to the asteroid Gorgon, which you'll have to clear of bandits and monsters. It should be fun.
To be released on 9 September for Xbox One and PC.
"Grounded"
Imagine "Chérie, j'ai rétréci les gosses" as a survival game for up to four players: the setting for "Grounded" is set. Despite your tiny size, you'll have to survive in a garden where gigantic ants, spiders and ladybirds are out to devour you. The demo whetted our appetite. This game should be worth our while.
Releasing on 28 July for Xbox One and PC.
"Avowed"
A first-person action-RPG game. We're reminded of "Skyrim", and that's also the impression given by the mini trailer. So Obsidian's next game will once again be set in a fantasy world.
The release date is still unknown.
"As Dusk Falls"
This interactive drama relies on an unusual, though not entirely new, design style. Everything was filmed with real actors. The colour filter overlay for the game reminded me directly of the Keanu Reeves film, "A Scanner Darkly".
The release date is still unknown.
"Psychonauts 2"
The sequel to the unusual platform game designed by Tim Schafer, the developer of "Monkey Island", looks just as crazy as the first part. You dive into the heads of other characters and explore a series of strange worlds. Jack Black even wrote a song for the game. I'd have preferred a "Brütal Legends 2", but I'm not going to be picky.
Launch date: 2021.
"Stalker 2"
I was far from the only one looking forward to this sequel. Soon we'll be back at the contaminated site of Chernobyl unearthing artefacts and tracking down horrific mutants. Unfortunately, there wasn't any gameplay to look at yet and Microsoft didn't give a release date either.
Launch date: 2021.
"Warhammer 40,000: Darktide"
We haven't seen any gameplay, but we have seen a coherent trailer for this new four-player co-op title in the Warhammer universe. Imagined by the developers of "Vermintide", this game will once again expose you and your friends to hordes of enemies. Now that promises some epic battles.
Launch date: 2021.
"Tetris Effect: Connected"
A major commercial success, "Tetris Effect" will come with a co-op mod and a competitive multiplayer mode.
Release is scheduled for the end of the year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.
"The Gunk"
Of the games showcased at the showcase, "The Gunk" undoubtedly has the best logo and the best name. It was designed by the developers of the "SteamWorld" series. Once again, you slip into the shoes of a steampunk robot. For the first time, you'll be able to explore imaginary alien worlds from a third-person perspective.
Launch date: 2021.
"The Medium"
The first teaser for this horror game was already shown at the first Xbox event. This time around, Microsoft has revealed a little more about the game itself. Dual-reality gameplay is the name of the system that lets you navigate between two parallel worlds to solve puzzles or escape monsters.
Release is scheduled for the end of the year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.
"Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis"
While it took eight years for the original "Phantasy Star Online 2" to finally be released in the West in May 2020, the completely revamped sequel to this colourful MMO will be released in 2021.
Launch date: 2021.
"CrossfireX"
"Crossfire" is one of the most popular online shooters in the world, at least in Asia. Korean studio Smilegate has teamed up with Remedy ("Control") to develop a single-player campaign. The trailer is strongly reminiscent of "Call of Duty".
Launch date: 2021.
"Fable"
Finally, we saw a brief teaser for the new "Fable". Fans have been waiting years for news of this cult role-playing licence. The trailer doesn't reveal much, but the narrator's voice and the fairy being swallowed by a toad hint that this new chapter will have the same humour as the previous ones. It's being developed by Playground Games, who have so far worked on the 'Forza Horizon' saga. I can't wait to see the result.
The release date on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC is still unknown.
What did you think of this live? Which games appealed to you most and how did Microsoft fare compared to the PS5 event? Have your say in the comments section!
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.