The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 brought a slew of exciting announcements and updates that have left me buzzing with anticipation and a few reservations. The event showcased a diverse range of games, from beloved franchises making a comeback to innovative new titles pushing the boundaries of gameplay and storytelling. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key announcements, along with my personal reactions, the games I’m hyped about, the ones I’m skeptical of, and my overall thoughts on this year’s showcase compared to previous years.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
One of the standout announcements was Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the classic MGS3 using Unreal Engine 5. The showcase highlighted the beautifully remastered introductory sequences, which stayed faithful to the original while introducing new mechanics like enhanced climbing abilities. Seeing Snake in action again, with updated graphics and mechanics, is an absolute thrill. The dedication to staying true to the original while enhancing the experience is impressive. I’m particularly hyped about this remake, as it blends nostalgia with modern enhancements, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Indiana Jones in the Great Circle
Indiana Jones in the Great Circle by Machine Games was another major highlight. The first-person game promises an immersive adventure filled with cinematic storytelling and engaging gameplay.
The trailer teased the kind of humor and action one would expect from an Indiana Jones game, with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and, of course, whipping enemies.
Given Machine Games’ impeccable track record with the Wolfenstein series, my expectations are sky-high for this one. The idea of wielding Indy’s whip in first-person is exhilarating, and I can’t wait to dive into the adventure.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguard marks BioWare’s return to the beloved franchise after a decade. The trailer was packed with quick glimpses of new and returning characters, setting the stage for what looks to be an epic narrative journey. However, I remain skeptical. BioWare’s recent track record has been inconsistent, and while the trailer was visually impressive, I worry whether the gameplay and story will live up to the high standards set by earlier installments in the series.
Avowed
Avowed by Obsidian Entertainment continues to build excitement with its variety-filled gameplay trailer. The story-driven first-person RPG promises a rich narrative experience, bolstered by Obsidian’s reputation for crafting compelling stories. Despite not having a specific release date, the game is slated for 2024, adding to the anticipation. My curiosity for Avowed has only grown after seeing this trailer. The snippets of gameplay and story teased a complex, immersive world, and I trust Obsidian to deliver another stellar RPG.
South of Midnight
South of Midnight from Compulsion Games stood out with its stunning art style and fluid movement mechanics. The gameplay trailer showcased beautiful visuals, intriguing abilities, and a world filled with unique creatures.
The Southern gothic vibe adds a refreshing twist to the game’s aesthetic. The art style alone is enough to make me excited for South of Midnight. The contrast between light and dark elements in the visuals, along with the promise of a magical, creature-filled adventure, has me eagerly awaiting more details.
Perfect Dark
The return of Perfect Dark was a showstopper. The gameplay trailer revealed a beautifully crafted world and intense action sequences. The game has been in development for a long time, and this trailer indicates that it’s finally coming together in a big way. Perfect Dark stole the show for me. The combination of nostalgia and modern graphics is a winning formula, and I’m eager to see how this classic game has been reimagined for today’s audience.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG, was another intriguing reveal. The game’s beautiful visuals and strategic gameplay elements look promising. Available on Game Pass day one, it’s a new IP that adds variety to the Xbox lineup. While not as high-profile as some other announcements, Expedition 33 caught my eye with its unique approach and aesthetic. I’m curious to see more of how the turn-based mechanics play out.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was briefly mentioned, with a focus on returning to its roots with a strong campaign. The trailer promised intense action and a compelling narrative. Despite skipping the last few entries, this one has piqued my interest, and I’m looking forward to diving back into the series. The availability on Game Pass from day one is a significant draw, making it easily accessible for a wide audience.
Starfield: Shattered Space
The Starfield: Shattered Space expansion delves into the mysterious territory of House Va’ruun, introducing new storylines and locations. The trailer showcased a darker, more intriguing side of the Starfield universe, addressing some of the core criticisms of the base game.
Given the additional content and updates promised, I’m cautiously optimistic that this expansion could reinvigorate Starfield.
The introduction of official mod support and new quest DLC further enhances the game’s replayability.
Fallout 76: Skyline Valley
Fallout 76 also got some love with a new update. The cinematic trailer was well-produced, showcasing new locations and content. I’ve had mixed feelings about Fallout 76 since its rocky launch, but it seems like Bethesda is committed to improving the game. The recent Fallout TV show has reignited my interest in the franchise, so I might give this update a try.
Fable
The new Fable game promises a blend of humor and fantasy elements, with a darker take from Humphry, played by Matt King. The collaboration with Eidos Montreal and the visually stunning trailer have reignited my love for this franchise. Fable has always had a special place in my heart, and this new installment looks like it will capture the magic of the original games while bringing them into the modern era. The whimsical charm and engaging storytelling are elements I’m particularly looking forward to.
Gears of War: E-Day
Gears of War: E-Day is set during the pivotal Emergence Day, fourteen years before the original game. The trailer featured stunning visuals and an instrumental version of ‘Mad World,’ evoking nostalgia while introducing new story elements. This installment promises to delve deeper into the lore of the Gears universe, and the collaboration with Blur Studio ensures high-quality production. The return of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago battling the Locust Horde is a thrilling prospect for long-time fans of the series.
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure isn’t just a return for the beloved narrative adventure series, but a return for its original star, Max Caulfield. Several years after we guided her through Arcadia Bay, Double Exposure sees Max return later in her life, now an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University.
The concept of navigating between two parallel realities to solve a murder mystery adds depth to the narrative. I am hopeful that this installment will capture the emotional weight and intricate storytelling that made the original so compelling.
Mixtape
Mixtape is a narrative-driven adventure that combines music and gameplay to tell the story of three friends on their last night of high school. From the award-winning developers of The Artful Escape, Mixtape promises a variety of gameplay styles, from skateboarding to flying, all tied together by a carefully curated playlist. The blend of gameplay, narrative, and music is intriguing, and I’m excited to see how this unique structure unfolds.
Mecha Break
Mecha Break is a multiplayer mech-based shooter that allows players to choose from a variety of mechs, customize their appearances, and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain. The adrenaline-pumping battles and customizable mechs are highlights, and the game modes promise diverse gameplay experiences. The closed beta coming in August 2024 offers a glimpse into what looks like an exciting addition to the Xbox lineup.
FragPunk
FragPunk is a squad-based, 5v5 hero shooter where players set the rules of engagement by activating power-up cards. The fast-paced combat and vibrant visuals make it a promising entry into the hero shooter genre. However, I am cautious about how the card system will affect the gameplay balance. If handled well, it could offer a unique twist; if not, it might detract from the overall experience.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a souls-like action-adventure game set in the beleaguered world of Kian. Players guide Nor Vanek, a Flintlock weapons expert, on a quest to kill the rampaging gods that have invaded her world. The brutal, fast-paced combat system and the blend of axe combat, flintlock weaponry, and magic create a dynamic gameplay experience. This game, arriving on July 18, is high on my list of anticipated titles.
Atomfall
Atomfall is a single-player survival-action game set in the British countryside, blending post-war Britain with Cold War paranoia, folk horror, and classic British sci-fi elements. Created by Rebellion, the game offers an open-world adventure where players explore villages, meet odd people, and uncover the truth behind a fictional nuclear disaster. The immersive storyline and unique setting make Atomfall an intriguing title to watch.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on November 15 and is set in 16th Century Japan. Players explore the province of Iga as Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai. The gameplay trailer showcased the protagonists’ distinct abilities and the game’s wider world, adding depth to the Assassin’s Creed universe. The changing seasons and historical setting promise a visually stunning and engaging experience.
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
The Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred expansion introduces a new character class, the Spiritborn, and a jungle region called Nahantu. The expansion promises new dungeons, strongholds, and enemies, along with a new PvE co-op activity. As a fan of Diablo, I’m excited to see how these new elements enhance the gameplay. The cinematic trailer was impressive, and the expansion’s content looks promising for fans of the series.
Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road
The new Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road chapter celebrates a decade of adventures within Tamriel’s Second Era. The chapter introduces the region of West Weld and the return of the Forgotten Prince, along with a new Scribing System to create custom abilities.
The ongoing 10-year anniversary celebration and the launch of new content on June 18 add depth to the already expansive world of Elder Scrolls Online.
Sea of Thieves: Season 13
Sea of Thieves: Season 13 introduces new content, including the return of Captain Flameheart and an all-new world event. Players can seize Flameheart’s mighty flagship and command a skeleton crew, adding a new layer of excitement to the game. While I’ve enjoyed playing Sea of Thieves with friends, the new season’s content might entice me to dive back in and explore the new adventures with my crew.
Overall Impressions
Compared to previous years, this year’s Xbox Games Showcase felt more substantial and diverse. The mix of familiar franchises and new IPs provided a well-rounded lineup. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of games that caught my attention, especially titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and South of Midnight. While there were some announcements that didn’t quite resonate with me, the overall quality and variety of games were impressive.
The emphasis on Game Pass continues to be a strong point for Xbox, making many of these games accessible from day one. This strategy not only boosts the value of the service but also ensures that more players can experience these games without a hefty upfront cost.
Overall, the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 exceeded my expectations. It had a good balance of big-name franchises and intriguing new titles. I’m genuinely excited for several of the upcoming releases and look forward to seeing how these games develop. This year’s event has certainly restored some of my faith in Xbox’s ability to deliver compelling gaming experiences.