E3 2018: Huge announcements from Microsoft
Microsoft kicked off E3 with some huge announcements today, with a focus on first party exclusives. At their press conference, they announced a new Halo, Gears of War, Forza and even a new Battletoads. Here's a rundown of everything they unveiled.
Halo Infinite
The first trailer was a vague but gorgeous montage of various environments, structures and wildlife on an alien world. The trailer ended with a shot of Master Chief's helmet and a panning shot to show a Halo ring. As 343i were signed on for a Halo Trilogy, Halo Infinite could be Halo 6. However, this new Halo game could also be a potential spin off, prequel or even a remake of the original Halo. Either way, the new Slipspace Engine is on full display, giving Microsoft fans a long awaited return to the flagship game. For more, read our in depth coverage here.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) was a beautiful Metroidvania game from Moon Studios as part of Microsoft's support for smaller independent titles. The sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps was announced last year but today Microsoft unveiled some new gameplay. The stunning art style and the intense gameplay make a return as the Will of the Wisps shows off a darker tone. Ori and the Will of the Wisps will be available in 2019.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
A new game from the makers of Dark Sousls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is very reminiscent of last year's Nioh. The samurai game is developed by FromSoftware, looking like a Ninja bloodborne. The gameplay shows off more traversal and exploration freedom than Bloodborne and Dark Souls, as well as some freaky looking bosses. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is out in 2019.
Fallout 76
Bethesda's Todd Howard gave a quick rundown of Fallout 76 to hype this afternoon's Bethesda press conference. He unveiled a new story trailer that shows off the impressive graphics. The new setting of the untamed West Virginian Hills is supposed to be a completely different wasteland to previous Fallout games. It is also four times bigger than Fallout 4's Commonwealth. Fallout 76 is confirmed as an online only survival game, coming to consoles and PC on November 14th 2018.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Set in the Life is Strange universe, this standalone adventure gives players control of Chris, a 10 year old boy, who uses his imagination to change the world around him. Acting as a glimpse into the world of Life is Strange 2, Captain Spirit is available on Xbox One on June 26 2018 for free.
Crackdown 3
The long awaited first party open world game finally has some gameplay details revealed. Similar to the over the top, techno world of Saints Row IV, Crackdown 3 looks to be an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Players will play as Commander Jaxon, voiced by Terry Crews. Crackdown 3 is set for release in February 2019.
Metro Exodus
A new trailer for the post-apocalyptic shooter dropped today, with new story and gameplay details. The entire trailer is captured from a single level, highlighting the new openess in the sequel. The previous games were often criticised for their linearity, so hopefully Metro Exodus can take the game off the rails. Metro Exodus is available for consoles and PC on February 22, 2019.
Kingdom Hearts III
The highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts III revealed some more gameplay and a new world today. The Frozen world contains everyone's favourite characters from Disney's Frozen. The trailer also showcased some scenes from the Hercules, Toy Story, Monster's Inc. and Tangled worlds. Kingdom Hearts III is out for PS4 and Xbox One on January 29, 2019.
Sea of Thieves
Microsoft showed off a trailer for the upcoming Sea of Thieves expansions. The trailer is filled with all the charm and humour of the game, but also some dark foreboding about the new adventures. Sea of Thieves: Cursed Sails is available in July and Sea of Thieves: Forsaken Shores is available in September.
Battlefield V
After yesterday's EA press conference, there was only a few details regarding the campaign that were missing. Well those details are now revealed, with Microsoft showing off a new campaign trailer. Looking like a emotional, character driven tale, Dice look to be giving the campaign more attention than in previous releases.
Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 was revealed and it looks gorgeous. The stunning visuals of previous titles are on full display here as the series moves to Great Britain. Players can collect over 450 cars as the game is set to release exclusively for Xbox One and PC on October 2, 2018.
We Happy Few
One of the more intriguing games each E3 has always been We Happy Few. This year Microsoft revealed a story trailer that details more about this dark and twisted world. Set in a "retrofuturistic" 1960s England, the world is addicted to the drug "Joy", which forces happiness. Players will explore three interwoven narratives across three playable characters. We Happy Few is available for consoles and PC on August 10, 2018.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
PUBG is getting new content in the form of new maps, modes, weapons and vehicles. Releasing in Winter 2018 the gameplay in the trailer is significantly different to what players are used to. Hopefully the new DLC fixes many of the games current issues.
The Division 2
The Division 2 got a new reveal trailer that details the "Fall of Washington D.C". There is also a gameplay demo that highlights many of the new changes to the series. The graphics are stunning but the trailer also contains that hilarious scripted "gamer-chat" that's meant to reflect how you and your friends sound playing online. The Division 2 is set to release on March 15, 2019 for consoles and PC.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
The third game in Crystal Dynamic's Tomb Raider reboot series got a new trailer. The trailer doesn't reveal much gameplay but the tradition of stunning graphics, intense and huge action sequences, and a more three dimensional Lara. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is out for PS4, Xbox One and PC on September 14, 2018.
Session
A new game was announced titled Session. While many fans were hoping for Skate 4, this new skateboarding game is crowdfunded and developed by skateboarders. Inspired by late 90s/early 2000s skating culture, session wants to embrace the glory days of skateboarding. There are no other details at this time.
Black Desert Online
The MMORPG with gaming's best character creation suite is moving to Xbox One in late 2018. The new trailer reveals some new story and gameplay elements that are coming with the port.
Devil May Cry 5
The rumours are true and Devil May Cry 5 is in development. Ditching the DmC reboot series, the new trailer shows off some story details, including DMC4's Nero with a new mechanical arm. The trailer has the same adrenaline fuelled metal soundtrack and hack-and-slash gameplay the series is known for. The trailer ends with a glimpse at an older, but still cool, Dante. Devil May Cry 5 is out for consoles and PC in Spring 2019.
Cuphead The Delicious Last Course
Cuphead is getting a new expansion with more bosses, a new island and a new playable character, Ms. Chalice. While the trailer doesn't give too much away, players can expect new weapons, charms and abilities exclusive to Ms. Chalice. The release window is currently set for 2019.
Tunic
Tunic is a gorgeous looking 2.5D action adventure game. With a distincly retro style gameplay, players control and adorable little fox that will explore this strange new world. The official announcement trailer doesn't reveal any details about its release.
Dying Light 2
A bold new sequel for 2015's Dying Light 2. The announcement trailer was accompanied by a gameplay trailer. The trailer explores the new ecosystem they are introducing to the open world. Players' actions will directly impact on the survivors and factions. The example they give is if a player chooses to kill a faction or side with them for access to water, the surrounding area will either become safer but strictly controlled by paramilitary, or more open but filled with bandits and dangerous survivors. Dying Light 2 will be available for PC, Xbox One and PS4.
Just Cause 4
The crazy action and bulletstorm gameplay of Just Cause is back, but now with tornados. The trailer shows off the stunning new graphics and familiar gameplay the series is known for. Just Cause is out for PC and consoles on December 4, 2018.
Gears of War 5
Microsoft made some huge announcements, including Gears of War Pop Funko figures and a new strategy game exlusive for PC called Gears of War Tactics. However, the biggest announcement was Gears of War 5, with a story trailer that picks up right where Gears of War 4 finished. From the gameplay in the trailer, this latest entry in the franchise looks to be the most visually impressive. Gears of War 5 is coming to Xbox One and PC exclusively in 2019.
Cyberpunk 2077
My personal favourite reveal so far, CD Projekt Red's follow up to the Witcher series got its first trailer since 2013. The gritty Sci-Fi world is on full display along with the gorgeous, industry leading graphics that CD Projekt Red have always provided. Cyberpunk 2077 will be available for PC, PS4 and Xbox One with the release date TBA.
Jump Force
A new fighting game from Bandai Namco looks to put anime's most recognised characters in one game. The trailer shows off characters from Naruto, One Piece, Death Note and Dragon Ball Z. Jump Force will be out in 2019.
Battletoads
A new Battletoads game is on its way with a new reveal trailer. The trailer confirms three player coach co-op, body morphing genre mashups, hand drawn 2.5D graphics and "broad non-specific feature declarations". Developed by DLaLa studios, Battletoads will be out in 2019.
NieR: Automata BECOME AS GODS Edition
The final announcement was a trailer for the Xbox One X enhanced edition of NieR: Automata, including never before released DLC and Content. NieR:Automata BECOME AS GODS Edition will be out on June 26th 2018.
Congratulations, this post was rewarded with a SteemGC Upvote!
Want to meet fellow Steemit gamers and earn upvotes yourself? Join the SteemGC Discord channel!
Thank you for the support!
Ok, There is a lot to talk about here.
First I will address Halo Infinite, I just hope it resembles more Halo 3 and not one of the new ones because they are going downhill with this franchise and it's kind of sad watching a beloved series go down like this.
Second Fallout 76, I love the Fallout series is one of my favourite series of all time, one can only wonder how are you going to be able to interact with this vast world, being online and maintaining the things that make Fallout such a great series.
I'm really nervous about Battletoads, the last time Microsoft brought a beloved Rare game to newer generations it was a really bad one (Banjo-Kazooie nuts and bolts). I hope they do it justice this time.
I like all things cyberpunk, the trailer looks good, eager to see more of this game. I just love me some implants!
Thanks for sharing and getting quickly through the games announced.
No worries. Glad you found it useful. Battletoads! That certainly is a gamble. Some have found it to abit of a troll move but lets see how it fares haha!
Brilliant article as usual, keep up the good work.
Thank you for the support :)