With Microsoft’s conference now over, we take a look at some of the most exciting news to come out of it.
Metro Exodus
Once again, we are sent out into the all too familiar post-apocalyptic wasteland in the gameplay trailer released for the newest instalment of the Metro series, Metro Exodus.
We start off in the well-known dark tunnels of previous Metro games and soon come across the ever-present mutant rats (for lack of a better word). After killing a few of these delightful beasts, we make our way outside into the now breathable air. Switching to a crossbow for the primary weapon, we end up picking off a few stray mutant dogs before being surprised (should we have been surprised given the mutant dogs were running away from something that is so obviously not you!) by a giant mutant bear. After some quick thinking and a few well-aimed shots, we are flying down a zipline across a massive gorge. Landing, we are quickly pulled to the safety of a steam train by a fellow human. Queue camera pan out and we are left with a sense that all will be revealed to us if we could just get our hands on this game!
Metro Exodus will be released in 2018.
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Ubisoft’s latest in the Assassin’s Creed series is the origin story of the Brotherhood set in ancient Egypt. Gameplay shown introduces us to a new hero, Bayek, who travels with his eagle (yes, you read right. You get an eagle), killing off targets chosen by the newly formed Assassins Brotherhood.
An interesting new feature (or lack of?) is there is no longer a minimap on-screen. However, you can use your trusty eagle to survey the landscape from above and mark enemies, enabling your hero, Bayek, to plan for his assassinations. I am sure there is a lot more to see more of Assassin’s Creed Origins from the Ubisoft conference.
Forza Motorsport 7
Forza 7 opened with a gameplay trailer showcasing crisp images and of course a ton of car porn for all you car enthusiasts out there (obviously, I am not one of them. I drive an orange Nissan Cube). With over 700 cars to choose from, you wouldn’t have expected creative director, Dan Greenwalt, to take the stage and announce yet another. The 2018 Porsche 9-11 GT2 RS.
Ridiculously expensive supercar aside, you can expect to be racing around the track at 60fp in 4k. No release date yet on this but would it be too cheesy to say, “hold on to your seats” for this one?
Playerunknown Battlegrounds
Now, I have only recently come across this game on PC. However, as a console player, it’s pretty cool news to hear that this game is now making its console debut. Did I mention its console launch will be exclusive to Xbox One?
If you haven’t already heard of this game, here is a brief run down. 100 players enter the game via airdrop into a war zone filled with guns and equipment scattered across the map for you to collect and use in this battle to the death. The catch? The map is continually closing in on you so no camping out as you’re eventually forced into combat with other players. Many can enter, but only one can win.
Playerunknown Battlegrounds will be available later this year.
State of Decay 2
I cannot even put into words how much I love a good zombie game! So, it’ll come as no surprise that there is a bit of excitement surrounding this one.
The trailer shows a rough overview of the elements of the game. From building your “squad”, setting up and growing your camp, even choosing between executing a bitten team mate or using valuable healing resources to save them. It’s all here.
State of Decay 2 is out Spring 2018
Minecraft
All right, I will admit, I had a little laugh to myself about this announcement because, wait for it….Minecraft is getting 4k graphics!
A new look is coming this fall with the “Super Duper Graphics Pack” which will apparently make all the blocky textures look shinier with even better lighting…yes, sounds like something this game needed.
Dragonball Fighter Z
As someone who loves both Dragonball Z and Tekken, the reveal trailer for this had me grinning from ear to ear! Bought to us by Arc Systems Works, this rapid fire game features chaotic 3v3 battles featuring all your favourite Dragonball Z Characters. (Fan girl scream for Future Trunks, please!)
Dragonball Fighter Z is coming 2018.
Original Xbox games are added to backwards compatibility list
I briefly mentioned this toward the end of my Xbox One X announcement article but in the well timed move by Xbox boss, Phil Spencer announced that Xbox was hard at work porting games for the original Xbox for backwards compatibility.
Spencer also announced that free 4k updates are coming for already released games such as Halo Wars 2, Gears of War, Forza 3, Killer Instinct and Resident Evil 7. Just to name a few.
Anthem
I wasn’t too sure about this game when I first reviewed the trailer a couple of days ago but I’ve recently watched the gameplay trailer and damn does it look good! The suits are totally badass and the environment beyond the wall is wild and rugged. Avatar-esque almost.
The ability to team up with friends in this new shared-world action-RPG will probably be one of my favourite aspects of Anthem.
Anthem is coming 2018 and to me, it could not come sooner!
With so many amazing games in the near future, we’ll have plenty more to look forward to in the coming years and here’s hoping they all live up to the hype.
