With the next-generation consoles just a few months away, anticipation is building. Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have plenty of individual hardware advantages. However, what really makes a console successful is the game library it boasts. Sony has seemingly had the upper hand in this respect with high-profile releases like Spider-Man: Miles Morales already announced.
Yet, things look to be improving for Microsoft. The recent Xbox Games Showcase demonstrated the great titles that are coming to the Xbox Series X. Ranging from platform exclusives to remasters and cross-platform games, there are plenty of exciting releases for the console. Here are the biggest game announcements and most interesting trailers from the Xbox Games Showcase.
Halo Infinite
Microsoft is putting a lot of effort into marketing Halo Infinite. The first-person shooter franchise is arguably the flagship for the Xbox brand. In that respect, it makes sense for Microsoft to invest heavily in the upcoming sci-fi title. Despite some graphical issues in the trailer, the new game does look impressive. The developers are obviously going for the nostalgia factor, describing Halo Infinite as a spiritual successor. Of course, the game will carry on the story from Halo 5: Guardians. But it does seem to be purposely trying to emulate Halo: CE in both look and gameplay. Halo Infinite is set to release for Holiday 2020.
Fable
Fable was perhaps the most surprising title shown at the Xbox Games Showcase. Although there have been rumors of a reboot or sequel for this franchise for some time, nothing official was announced. That all changed at the Xbox Games Showcase. Despite the lack of real footage, the trailer did reveal a game was actually in the works. It very much looks like the new game will carry on the traditions of the series. Both the fantasy setting and trademark humor appear to be present, making it a highly anticipated title. Fable is speculated to release in 2023 at the earliest.
Avowed
One of the most anticipated titles from the Xbox Games Showcase was Avowed. This is Obsidian’s latest project, which is being developed alongside Grounded. More in keeping with the studio’s usual RPG releases, it seems to be similar to Skyrim. That could be a good thing considering the next entry in the Elder Scrolls franchise could be some time away. What became clear from the trailer is that this is a first-person RPG set in the same world as Pillars of Eternity. Avowed is estimated to arrive in late 2022 or early 2023.
Balan Wonderworld
Unfortunately, fans only got a brief look at Balan Wonderworld. Square Enix showed off their latest title — which won’t be an Xbox Series X exclusive — in a limited fashion. However, what viewers did get to see was something that looks very interesting. Taking obvious inspiration from Nights into Dreams, this upcoming game has a distinctive visual style. Yuji Naka is directing the game, having left Team Sonic to join Square Enix in 2018. That gives the game a serious pedigree, especially when Balan Wonderworld is being touted as the ultimate action game. The release is set for Spring 2021.
Forza Motorsport
Carrying on the running theme of revealing very little information at the showcase, the trailer for Forza Motorsport is somewhat lacking. Microsoft didn’t even tell viewers what the name of the upcoming racer is. But that didn’t stop it from getting heaps of attention from those tuning in to the presentation. Even better was the fact that this trailer showed actual gameplay rather than simply being pre-rendered footage. The visuals were impressive, to say the least, and demonstrated the technical might of the Xbox Series X. Any racing fans will want to check this out. It is rumored for release in Spring 2021.
Psychonauts 2
Double Fine has a good reputation in the gaming industry, so any game coming out of the studio will grab attention. Psychonauts 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the cult platformer. Although the trailer is relatively short, it does contain enough to demonstrate how great the game looks. Unfortunately, Psychonauts 2 won’t be arriving any time soon. Microsoft has revealed the title is now delayed into 2021 rather than launching sometime this year.
Everwild
Rare has had a mixed time since Microsoft purchased the studio more than a decade ago. In recent times, though, they seem to be getting back on track. The latest project the team is working on is Everwild. Precious little has been revealed about the game, and the trailer at the Xbox Game Showcase contains no gameplay. So it’s difficult to even know exactly what type of game Everwild is. However, that only adds to the mystery. From the brief videos shown so far, it definitely looks charming enough to get gamers excited.
State of Decay 3
State of Decay has become a big series for the Xbox platform. There was always likely to be a third game in the franchise arriving on next-gen consoles. Yet, this was the first time fans got a chance to glimpse the sequel. The slick pre-rendered trailer looks impressive but there’s plenty of reason to be suspicious. After all, the second installment had lots of technical issues and the lack of gameplay footage rings alarm bells. Even considering all of that, though, if the developer can get things right this time around, State of Decay 3 could be a big hit. The trailer certainly sets the right tone.
Destiny 2
Bungie had already revealed that Destiny 2 would be coming to next-gen consoles when they launch. But this was the first time fans actually got to see the game in action.
Getting excited about a game that is already several years old might be difficult for some. Yet, there was good news for Xbox players. Bungie and Microsoft announced the title, including all expansions and the upcoming Beyond Light DLC, are coming to Game Pass. The studio also revealed the game would run at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light DLC is coming to PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on November 10. Destiny 2, with all content including Beyond Light, is coming to next-gen consoles Holiday 2020.
Which Xbox Games Showcase announcement are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments below!
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