Day 2 of E3 2021 is huge with Xbox/Bethesda have their pair-up showcase followed by Square Enix. Warner Bros Studios didn’t have a show but did focus on talking about Back 4 Blood while the evening ended with PC Gaming Show and Future Games Show. We’re doing some Part 1 Highlights of what caught our eye and feel is worthy to talk about in the first half covering Xbox & Bethesda Showcase and Square Enix Summer Showcase and here it is!
XBOX & BETHESDA SHOWCASE
Kicking off Day 2 we had a big one with Xbox & Bethesda joining for a voltron esq conference rather than the usual separate conferences we have come to expect. But with Bethesda joining Microsoft it made sense that the two conferences would be shown as one.
Needless to say expectations were high for this conference especially with Playstation absent for another year and Ubisoft putting in a disappointing conference yesterday it fell to Xbox to give us something to finally be excited for or at least sell us some entertaining bullshit….don’t think we’ve forgotten about the Kinect launch back at E3 2009!
Well not only did they deliver one of the best conferences but also ensured that the Game Pass is going to continue to be a much envied commodity for Microsoft, especially with the additions to the Bethesda library to include ID games as well as a host of original Xbox titles which will be available on Day 1.
Starfield (November 11, 2022)
Coming from the creators of Fallout and Elder Scrolls this was already one of the most anticipated titles of the show and they wasted no time by opening the show with this Xbox exclusive which of course means instant access through the Game Pass. Sure it’s a cinematic trailer but the hype is high for this one.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl (April 28, 2022)
One to tap into the nostalgia of old school PC players, this much anticipated sequel to the original game based on the book “Roadside Picnic” is set for release on the Series X and PC taps into the Metro vibes while showcasing some stunning gameplay footage as the post apocalyptic Russia gets a major overhaul from our last visit to these radioactive wastelands.
Back 4 Blood (October 12, 2021)
Left 4 Dead 3!! Come on, let’s face it that’s what it is. With the original development team heading up a new studio and some gameplay tweaks, this is another one to be excited for. Plus, if you wanted to know more about it, they had a showcase specifically for this game showing how much emphasis Warner Bros. has put behind this one’s launch.
Sea of Thieves : A Pirates Life (June 22, 2021)
A free original story which will cross over with Pirates of the Caribbean which I guess is great if you’re one of that handful of people still excited by those movies. Why now though for the crossover is confusing especially considering that Johnny Depp’s stock is at an all time low making it hard to see it as nothing but the convenience of having a big franchise to draw new players in.
Battlefield 2042
Offering up a pre-alpha gameplay of this upcoming multiplayer war shooter which allows up to 128 players on the everchanging battlefield. It boasts new weapon designs for the new environment and also some new abilities like ziplines and skydiving. The expectation is that they probably will have more to talk about in the EA Play showcase in July.
Twelve Minutes (August 19, 2021)
Twelve Minutes have been teased over the past 2 years (at least) and now it finally has a release date. Twelve Minutes is an interactive thriller about a man trapped in a twelve minute time loop and having voice acting from James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley and Willem Dafoe. The concept definitely looks like a ton of fun to try to get to the bottom of what’s going on in 12 minute segments and one that probably could be a pick up and put down sort of game for anyone with a dozen minutes.
Somerville (2022)
As fans of Inside, we all sit here thinking about when Playdead is going to release their next game when Somerville gets their drop and while its under a new company called Jumpship founded by Playdead founder Dino Patti, the stylish atmosphere and art style of Inside oozes from the game’s visuals as the game follows a family travelling through an apocalyptic world. There’s not a whole lot of narrative gathered from the trailer but then, are we really expecting it to have more knowing the man behind the project? The mystery is probably part of the intrigue at this point. Plus, it’s a day 1 Xbox Game Pass title which is even more exciting.
Halo Infinite
Obviously a big reveal for the show and surprisingly not saved for the finale but we couldn’t help but have the feeling of the Deja Vu when looking at the start of the Master Chief segment which looked a lot like the promotional footage we saw way back with Halo 4 but hey we have a new blue lady to look forward to now.
Not only will this latest edition bring the largest world to date, crossplay with PC as it taps into the power of the new generation machines. At the moment no release date apart from the Holidays.
Shredders (December 2021)
Another Day 1 Game Pass/Console Launch Exclusive this snowboarding game actually still has a fair amount of mystery surrounding the game even though the trailer showcased some gorgeous scenery and smooth snowboarding action. Certainly looks like it will be fun title to look out for while the game pass access only adds to the appeal.
Replaced (2022)
A “sci-fi, retro-futuristic action platformer.” were you play as R.E.A.C.H., an artificial intelligence that finds itself trapped inside a human body. Set in Phoenix-City, a dilapidated future city set in an alternative version of the 1980s. With a focus on both weapons and hand to hand combat aswell as a fantastic pixel art style this looks like a great debut from Sad Cat Studios who have teamed up with Cake Bash creators Coatsink.
The Outer Worlds 2
Basically an announcement trailer but for The Outer Worlds that captured quite the audience since launch, this whole affair was pretty fun. Who doesn’t like a studio that knows how to make fun of itself and talk about the obvious, that the game isn’t far enough in development to show more than it can. For that reason, it landed as a highlight because of its entertaining element. The Outer Worlds 2 will be set in a new solar system and have a new crew and above that, there’s really nothing else.
Forza Horizon 5 (November 9)
Forza Horizon series has really grown over the years. Every time they announce the next instalment, its always fully prepared. This time, it moves away from the UK landscape and moves to Mexico. It includes a campaign mode and lots of landmarks to discover whether its graffiti art on walls or the volcano heights or the fluidity through Forza Link to join up with other players including mini games and Event Slab that allows for creations from your own mind. Forza Horizon 5 emphasizes on the sharpening of visuals in the different areas to explore and how authentic the scenery feels to the players.
Red Fall (Summer 2022)
This announcement definitely feels a little split in the middle. On one hand, it’s exciting because Arkane Studios has made some fantastic games over the years. There will be good production value behind Red Fall and probably decent execution since it’s set in a world with humans, robots and vampires. However, with Back 4 Blood coming out soon and having the same type of style, it feels like it would occupy the same space although this does have the option of single or co-op and is in an open world shooter. Plus, it’s an Xbox Exclusive.
Other games featured in the showcase:
- Contraband: An upcoming co-op smuggler’s paradise
- Yakuza like a Dragon: Available today
- Psychonauts 2: August 25, 2021
- Fallout 76 Update: Steel Reign (July 7th) & Expeditions: The Pitt (2022)
- Party Animals (2022): fuzzy fighters multiplayer brawler
- Hades: Game Pass on August 13, 2021
- Diablo II Resurrected: September 23, 2021
- A Plague’s Tale: Requiem (2022)
- Grounded update: Shroom & Doom Update (June 30, 2021)
- Among Us Update: 15 player lobbies (June 15)
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: landing on Xbox S/X (July 27th) & Top Gun Mavericks expansion (Fall 2021)
- Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes (2023)
- Eiyuden Chronicles Rising (2022)
- Slime Rancher 2 (2022)
- The Ascent (July 29th) : Multiplayer co-op
- Age of Empires IV (October 28)
- Atomic Heart
Games that are landing on Xbox Game Pass Day 1:
SQUARE ENIX SUMMER SHOWCASE
While a bit surprising that Square Enix didn’t showcase anything other than an ending few snippet for the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, they did have a lot of Final Fantasy content to show whether for mobile or remaster. It was of course expected, much like having a lengthy dive into Life is Strange: True Colors. There were some unexpected things but then the show itself felt like a lot of it still felt a little lacking.
Here are our highlights:
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (October 26, 2021)
A fantastic way to kick off this showcase as Square Enix delivers both cinematic and gameplay for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy under their own interpretation. With Insomniac Games delivering a great job with their own interpretation of Spiderman, we can only hope that Eidos Montreal is able to do the same with this Marvel universe.
This game, you play as Peter Quill aka Star Lord who leads the other guardians in this story-driven action game. In fights, he can control the other guardians to make them perform certain actions while in narrative, his choices could lead to consequences of how certain characters will react in future situations. Still packed with an 80s soundtrack (which is definitely going to be a challenge for streamers with the new DMCA guidelines in place), the game overall feels like it has some depth, not to mention the humor, the visuals and the character design all seem pretty on point. Definitely one to look forward to!
Babylon’s Fall
Featuring a whole developer’s interview to complement a cinematic trailer, Babylon’s Fall has a strong team behind it as PlatinumGames takes the helms on this hack and slash action game that boasts its online multiplayer with a team of four in a co-op campaign to complete dungeons and collect equipment and materials and so on. They talk about how this is meant to be a live service title meaning that new content will be regularly updated.
You can sign up for the closed beta at babylonsfall.com/beta
Life is Strange Remastered Collection (September 30th)
While it feels way too soon to have a remastered for Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before The Storm, it’s definitely happening. The remastered versions will improve on visuals and lip sync as some of the main elements of improvements judging from the trailer presentation. We love Dontnod Entertainment and Life is Strange and all and yet, a remastered version doesn’t exactly feel necessary at this point and time. However, I’m sure some people will view this differently.
Life is Strange: True Colors (September 10th)
A few months ago, Square Enix dropped their announcement for both Life is Strange 3 and the Life is Strange Remastered Collection. There wasn’t a whole lot of information at the time. This time around, they share gameplay on how Life is Strange 3’s powers will be like and the story that it wants to tell and of course, the decisions and consequences that could happen.
Life is Strange: True Colors takes the story to another character called Alex Chen who has to embrace her psychic powers of empathy to try to sense her brother’s aura in order to uncover the truth behind his death. Her Empathy powers allows her to see the auras surrounding the people around her and sense their strong feelings which when interacting with them could spark new dialogue, much like the stronger the aura will allow to experience fragments of the person’s thoughts and memories which can lead to life-threatening consequences.
True Colors definitely feels in line with the previous Life Is Strange games which will bring on some tough decisions as well as consequences to the scenario. Going back to a story about uncovering the truth and having the line of investigation feels much more in line with the first game which is a good angle.
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin
Pretty much a Final Fantasy spinoff as Final Fantasy veterans pair up with Team Ninja to develop this action heavy game. Its just a debut trailer so there’s not too much to talk about. If you want to check out more, you can try out the trial version on Playstation 5, available until June 24th.
Other games in Square Enix Summer Showcase:
- Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster (PC/Steam): Remaster of Final Fantasy 1 to 6
- Legend of Mana Remaster (June 24, 2021)
- Hitman Sniper: The Shadows (2021, Android & iOS)
- NieR Reincarnation (Android & iOS): pre-register now open
- Marvel’s Avengers update: All New Patrol Mode (Summer 2021) & War For Wakanda (Free Expansion)
- Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier (2021, Android & iOS)
Game Warp 