At this year's E3 Microsoft kicked things off as per usual with their press conference, and used the time to focus almost solely on new titles. They've got the hardware out so they just have to prove that it will be worth it over the PS4, and so didn't reveal any new gadgets or bring out celebrities to hog the spotlight, they just showed off all of the exclusives they will be offering, sorta like Sony did last year. Even when a game isn't an exclusive Microsoft title they've generally managed to get exclusive content for the Xbox, or limited-time exclusives, at least. They even managed to show off a few indie titles!
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They even managed to make the crowd a part of the experience, handing out wristbands that glowed in sync with the trailers being shown off. A neat touch, if a tad creepy, and that's a whole lot of junk that's just going be thrown away after the conference...
But the clear crowd-pleaser was the announcement of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which will bring every Halo game to the Xbox One. At least, most every one- all four numbered Halo titles will be made available, which means that poor Halo 3: ODST and Halo Wars will be left out in the cold. The first title will be the improved Anniversary edition that was released on the Xbox 360, and Halo 2 will be getting an Anniversary makeover as well. This is big news for fans- Halo 2 is thought by many to be the pinnacle of the series and they are promising 100% accurate and untouched multiplayer from the game. Not only that, but some of the most famous maps from Halo 2 will be remade and update with the latest Halo engine.
Halo 5 : Guardians is coming, too, and the small teaser they showed off demonstrated some arena combat, which is an interesting change of pace.
As far as other exclusives, Sunset Overdrive had the best trailer of the bunch. It starts off with a soldier that looks stripped out of any other modern combat title, sliding into cover and getting ready to combat. It's so boring and standard that it was easy to stop paying attention, until Sunset Overdrive's half-mohawked protagonist literally slams down the door, sliding on it until it stops in a barrage of sparks. He salutes the soldier and comments "Cover mechanic, right?", before proceeding to wallrun around the environment and take out his foes with style to spare. It's clear that Insomniac is going for a bright, beautiful, and most importantly- fun- gameplay experience here, and it's easily the most exciting exclusive for the Xbox One.
Speaking of exciting games, perhaps the most important reveal from the press conference was Inside, the latest title from Limbo devs Playdead Studios. It's been four years (!) since Limbo stunned the world with its stark, haunting brilliance, and Inside looks equally affecting. This time you're playing a kid living in some sort of future dystopia where the people are being rigidly controlled and color seems drained out of the populace. The soundtrack is simply oppressive and terrifying, even in this short clip, offering a look at a more exciting title than any of the giant studios could hope to. Limbo has been endlessly copied in the years since its release so it will be great to see the master return.
After this they demonstrated all of the many indie games coming to the system. While they don't have a portable system to play them on (the Vita and indie games go together like peanut butter and jelly) they have pledged support to the little guys via ID@Xbox program, and although there has been lots of criticism of the program it does seem to be attracting developers.
They're getting exclusive content for Dragon Age: Inquisition, although as to what it is hasn't been revealed yet. Tomb Raider, stupidly titled Rise of the Tomb Raider, will be getting some sort of exclusive as well. Lara's entrance garnered whoops from the audience.
Assassin's Creed Unity stunned the crowd with its four-player co-op, which shows four assassins weaving their way through massive crowds of people and taking out a few targets. While the inclusion of four players seems that they won't be terribly stealthy, it looks incredibly fun.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt imight be the game to beat this year, though. The new gameplay footage demoed here showed Geralt hunting down a Griffon, tracking his blood through a forest. Along the way he came across a bunch of thugs harassing a moment and took time out of his quest to chop them to pieces, showing off the fluid combat and impressive spells he is known for. The game looks absolutely stunning and the world like one you could lose yourself in, the open-world offering unlimited freedom in movement. Expect much more from this game in the months up to release- we're more excited for it than almost anything else.
Oh and there was a Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer that showed scripted action sequences and future tech and things blowed up. Real big surprise there.
One thing that was suprising was that Microsoft didn't make a single mention of VR tech. With Sony undoubtedly revealing plans for Project Morpheus during their conference and the knowledge that Microsoft is working on it themselves it would have been nice to hear a single mention of it, but there was nothing.
In any case, Xbox One has demonstrated that they have a very strong year ahead of them. Is this enough of a spread of titles to change the tide for Microsoft's console? We shall see.
