Hey, Microsoft just wrapped up their E3 presentation and they’ve revealed a line-up of that’s heavy on games. Of course, this is to be expected as the Xbox One hasn’t exactly been rocketing to success since its launch. With several missteps and more back-steps, Microsoft needed to get more asses on their bus and this E3 might give players more incentive to hop on board.
Let’s get a quick look at their exclusives.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection – 343 Industries, Microsoft Studios
If you thought Microsoft wouldn’t choose the nuclear option when it comes to the Mean Green Machine then you’re not ready for a console war. Honestly, I’m not too surprised about this as MS’s base usually boils down to Halo. And for some insane reason players are willing to keep shelling out for Super HD Remixes but at least Halo: TMCC will contain the entire tetralogy in one sleek package. Better yet, veterans of multiplayer will love that every map will be available on dedicated servers. 343 is also promising 1080 at 60 FPS so I guess that knocking out the Kinect 2.0 is working out for MS right now. There’s not much more to say. It’s Halo so you know what you’re getting.
Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta – 343 Industries, Microsoft Studios
I’m thinking that most Halo fans are more interested in moving forward with the franchise than looking back. So if you’re one to pick up The Master Chief Collection then you’ll get your Beta key for Halo 5 MP. Unfortunately there wasn’t much shown at the presentation but a neat video is available to pine over until the beta launch.
Crackdown – Dave Jones, Microsoft Studios
Hope you’re ready to collect another bazillion ability orbs again. Simply titled Crackdown (what, no dumb subtitle?) the arcade shooter/platformer is back and ready to blow up big.
Sunset Overdrive – Insomniac Games, Microsoft Studios
Whoa, a new game that doesn’t look like it needs depression counseling. Basically a long-time Sony 2nd party dev, Insomniac is hopping over to Xbox One with a colorful, energetic shooter featuring fun, campy weapons. Personally, I’m cautiously optimistic as Insomniac still holds a place in my heart for hours and hours of fun with Ratchet & Clank despite the terribly mediocre multi-plat shooter, Fuse. MS has secured what seems to be a very promising title launching this October.
Forza Horizon 2 – Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios and Forza Motorsport 5 – Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios
I’m lumping these two into one because if you’re a gearhead, maybe you want more Forza. Of course, Forza 5 has been out for a while, so Horizons is new ticket here. It’s a racing game with cars and racetracks. You’ll go faster when you press the acceleration button. You win by being the fastest car driver. Onje more thing – apparently you’ll get a free Nürburgring if you already have Forza 5. Neat.
Fable Legends – Lionhead Studios, Microsoft Studios
Fable is still a thing and it’s looking solid. Legends allows you and 3 friends to jump into the fantastical realm and take on quests, gather loot, defeat villains or maybe even become one. Hopefully, you’ll be able to fart as well. Oh, also sign up today for the multiplayer beta.
Scalebound – Platinum Games, Microsoft Studios
When Hideki Kamiya stepped on stage, I immediately perked up about what bonkers Platinum title would be shown. While the trailer didn’t provide much content, I can probably sum up Scalebound as Devil May Cry by way of Monster Hunter. If that doesn’t make your panties wet I’m not sure what will.
Dance Central Spotlight – Harmonix Music Systems, Microsoft Studios
I’m fairly sure that Dance Central Spotlight is the only Kinect title shown. It’s probably true since dropping the news about the unbundled Xbox One a few weeks ago. At any rate, if you’ve got a living room bigger than a detention cell and love jittering in front of your TV to the latest dance beats then Harmonix has you covered.
D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die – Access Games, Microsoft Studios
A few years ago there was an amazing game called Deadly Premonition that debuted on the 360. It captured the skewed narrative of Twin Peaks tinged with some Japanese quirkiness. It was a buggy mess that became an inside joke yet was just odd enough that it filled a hole in my soul. A kind of you had to be there kinda thing. D4 is the next title from the same team. Not much is known but the gist is that you have time travel powers and have to solve your own murder. Lightning rarely strikes twice but maybe Access Games can make it happen.
Super Ultra Dead Rising 3 Arcade Remix Hyper Edition – Capcom Vancouver, Microsoft
Holy shit, what a mouthful. Capcom’s zombie smasher Xbox One exclusive has DLC coming soon. Soon means right now. If you still haven’t had your fill of bashing the braindead then here’s some more content to keep you happy. Also, there’s an OST that’s available for free
Project Spark – Team Dakota, Microsoft Studios
So you think you can develop? Team Dakota is banking on the creativity of the community to build their perfect game using the tools provided. It’s a noble ideal that’s been done before (I can’t get away from comparing it to Lil’ Big Planet on PS3) but perhaps Spark will have a solid engine with easy to use and master tools to create a galaxy of neat tiles. LBP‘s users found some novel ways to create impressive games so talent is definitely out there. Though, I’m placing my chips on a million buggy action/platforms before anything worthwhile is made.
Phantom Dust – Microsoft Studios
I hate to admit that I’ve never heard of the original Phantom Dust that appear on the first Xbox. Anyway, this is a reboot of sorts with a glossy coat of paint and probably updated gameplay. Here’s a bit from PR
“As one of Xbox’s original fan-favorite games, “Phantom Dust” resurfaces with all-new gameplay and beautifully remade graphics. Relive the story of the Espers — a group of humans with the ability to control the dust to create powerful combat arsenals — in this action-strategy game coming exclusively to Xbox One.”
Killer Instinct – Iron Galaxy, Microsoft Studios
Killer Instinct gets a second season with more fighters and refreshed combo system for the arcade hit. As Xbox One’s exclusive fighter, it help my interest for a while and maybe a roster update will make you want to jump back in again.
Happy Wars – Toylogic, Microsoft Studios
There’s nothing happy about war. Well maybe when you brighten it up a bit with a dash of charm and a candy colored palette it softens the realities of beating your enemies into a bloody pulp.
And there you have it, just a few of the exclusive games coming for the Xbox One. While this doesn’t cover the full extent of MS’s E3 presence it’s good to know that they’re focusing on the thing that matters most – excellent software and fun titles. There’s certainly a little bit for everyone here and any fan of gaming should be thrilled as we move into the first year of the new generation.
E3 2014 is still raging so stay alert for more updates from Sony, Nintendo, and many more!