Xbox Games Showcase

I came away from watching the Xbox Games Showcase thinking that Xbox had actually done a really good job. We got to see some gameplay from various upcoming titles including the hotly anticipated Halo Infinite. Furthermore, Xbox revealed some brand new titles like Darktide and Avowed. Signing off with the Fable reveal just sweetened the deal.

Next-Gen

With new console generations, there is always talk around how powerful the machines will be. As well as what kind of performance increases they will offer. After yesterday’s show, it seems like the Series X might actually deliver truly next-generation gaming experiences. The announcement of Ori and the Will of the Wisps getting a native 4k 120fps makeover is an outstanding achievement. Additionally, the next Forza title is said to be native 4k running at 60fps.

Whilst some may take that as marketing talk or just Xbox trying to big their new console up. Ori specifically getting that announcement kind of shows that it’s not just marketing talk. You wouldn’t get an announcement that specific if it wasn’t going to happen.

Let’s not get ahead of our selves and start thinking that all games will deliver 4k and 120fps. However, we still need to recognise that that is a huge achievement. Which just goes to show the kind of potential the console is packing.

Value for Money

Whether you like the games like were shown or not is up to you. Obviously some people love the likes of Halo, Fable and Forza and others don’t. Video game taste aside, the fact that all these games will be available to play at launch with the Game Pass is an incredible deal. Not only that, but PC players will also be able to experience these games too. Xbox is offering a deal that’s excellent value for money. It goes beyond just the Game Pass though. The main take away for me is choice. If you have an Xbox One you can just buy the individual games, then when Series X comes out you can upgrade for free through their Smart Delivery offering. Or you can subscribe to the various Game Pass offers.

However, if you’re like me and play on PC. I can either sign up to Game Pass and access these new titles that way. Or I could buy them individually through the Xbox store. Or, I can buy them on Steam – which is probably what I’d end up doing. There are a multitude of ways for gamers to get involved with the next generation of video games.

The Games

Obviously the main bulk of the Xbox Games Showcase was about letting us see new gameplay and new announcements. There were a number of titles shown during the show that piqued my interest.

Halo Infinite

First and foremost was Halo. I’ve long been a fan of the Halo franchise, so it’s no surprise that I was eager to see what’s next for the Chief. The show opened with some good looking gameplay from Halo Infinite. It looks like we’re going to see a more open approach to the Halo games with multiple objectives and the freedom to tackle them how we wish. Personally, I enjoyed what I saw – it looked like Halo and Halo is good.

Fable

Probably the biggest reveal was that Fable is making its comeback. The confirmation of the long-rumored return to Albion didn’t give away much. That being said, I’m just excited that it’s definitely happening.

Everwild

I’d totally forgotten that this was announced a while back. But the trailer reaffirmed that Everwild is gorgeous. Rare haven’t provided much information about what the game is. It’s therefore hard to say whether I’m excited for it. That being said, the art direction is stunning and that trailer blew me away. At the very least I’m extremely excited to find out more.

Avowed

Similarly Avowed is another title that we know very little. However, we do know it’s set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Nevertheless, the trailer that was shown was intriguing enough to catch my eye.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

I was at the pub the other day talking about Warhammer and just how massively popular it is. So much so, that I don’t think people quite realise and with a little more main stream coverage it could really blow up. Then along comes Darktide, a 40k Vermintide from the same developers. You therefor know this new IP is in good hands for a great coop action game. Mark my words, in less than 10 years’ time we will have some kind of Warhammer TV show.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2

We knew this was on it’s way. Nonetheless, it was nice to see an in-engine trailer for the hugely anticipated sequel to this cult hit. I’ve never played any of the original Stalker games or expansions – mainly because they look terrifying. That being said, I’m 100% in on this.

Those were the main games that stuck with me and had me wanting to see more. However, there were a few others that I will also keep an eye on.

Overall it was a good show that delivered some good looking games in action. With that in mind, the next generation looks to be on a good path already.

-Will