Microsoft holds their Xbox game showcase in the summer of 2024. Held on 9th June 2024, several releases dates were unveiled in the more than hour-long showcase. Surprise titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and Gears of War: E-Day are announced and ready to launch soon.
From gaming consoles to new installments, Microsoft had a flurry of surprises for gamers. They announced a disc-less Xbox Series X console in white and even more exciting, a 2TB Galaxy Black special edition Xbox Series X. You can also look forward to a Fallout 76 expansion in 2025. There’s also something new in store for Life Is Strange fans.
Here are the highlights from the showcase
Maybe the biggest game of 2025 – Doom: The Dark Ages
Fans will finally get the origin story of the Doom protagonist, the Doom Slayer. You again fight to keep the forces of hell from invading but involves more fantasy elements. It is still gruesome and dark like its other installments and all the more fun. Stay tuned in 2025 for it is set to be a masterpiece in the world of gaming. You also get to fly a dragon in this version.
The new Fable game will be available in 2025
With an official release window, Fable is set to hit the stores in 2025. After the sneak peek trailer in 2023 showcase, there is finally some early gameplay footage. The gameplay highlights the characters and the plot of the game. The main protagonist, Humphry, is forced out of retirement when Albion is threatened by a mysterious figure from his past, says the game’s showcase. While it doesn’t expose enough about the other possibilities of character creation or different morality paths, it is a visually promising fantasy game.
Bethesda announces Shattered Space, the first major expansion for Starfield
Depsite Starfield only debuting in 2023, Bethesda has already announced Shattered Space as its first expansion pack, coming sometime this year itself. It is a much darker take on the original Starfield campaign. The official premise reads, “A mysterious power stirs in the city of Dazra on House Va’ruun’s hidden homeworld. Investigate a frightening cosmic threat, explore a new planet, and find unique weapons, spacesuits, and gear in this all-new adventure.”
The return of Max Caulfield in Life Is Strange: Double Exposure
For every Life Is Strange fan, the announcement of a fourth installment is already an emotional event but the unexpected return of the original protagonist moved them to tears. Max Caulfield, the awkward but brave protagonist of Life Is Strange (2015), is back and out to solve yet another mystery with a new set of powers. The supernatural murder mystery will involve two parallel timelines. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure will be released on 29th October 2024.
Xbox unveils Gears of War: E-Day
Set 14 years before the original Gears, it reveals the first Locust emergence on Sera. It is, of course, developed by the studio dedicated to the Gears series, The Coalition. The game doesn’t have a release date yet but we can expect excellence from Unreal Engine 5.
A tease of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Now set in the 16th century of Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will reimagine the legacy of the African retainer to feudal lord Oda Nobunaga of Sengoku period, Yasuke, and switch his perspective with the protagonist of the game, Naoe, a female shinobi. It has created some controversy due to historical innacuracies but it is an exciting and new take nonetheless. Ubisoft will hold its official showcase on its own on 10 June 2024, 12PM (Pacific Time).
Obsidian’s newest game Avowed will be launched this year
Not much else is known about Avowed, but we finally have a launch window. Sources say it might be late 2024 for Obsidian’s first-person shooter game. So far, the art style is the most appealing part of Avowed so it shines some hope for its success.
An impressive look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle still doesn’t have an official release date, rumours say it is set to release in December 2024. Regardless of its release date, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle already looks faithful to the Indiana Jones franchise starring Harrison Ford. It is exciting, campy and witty. The game takes you to real-life locations such as Rome, Thailand, Egypt, Shanghai and the Himalayas.
Buckle in with the Microsoft Flying Simulator in November
Microsoft Flying Simulator will be available on 12th November 2024. This particular installment is revealed to have aerial fighting and hot air balloon rides as well. The developer, Asobo Studio, has worked on a variety of new airplane models for the game. So, if you’re an aspiring pilot, Flying Simulator is the perfect practise.
Perfect Dark (2000) gets a reboot
Four years ago, we found out a Perfect Dark reboot was on the way and it’s finally here. It draws inspiration from the first two games, and features the original protagonist, Joanna Dark, in a disaster ridden Cairo. Fans of the series have high hopes for the game from the gameplay trailer.
Diablo IV gets a cinematic expansion, Vessel of Hatred
In a gruesome trailer, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred will be one of the most visually dark games of 2024. This time, we have a release date and it’s set to be out on 8th October 2024. The realistic graphic make the game all the more appealing and terrifying.
The Age of Mythology gets beautifully Retold
Relive your childhood with the latest Age of Mythology (AoM) game, Age of Mythology: Retold. This will serve as the definitive edition of AoM and it hits the stores on 4th September 2024.
The darkness calls with World of Warcraft’s 10th expansion pack, The World Within
The massive MMORPG, World of Warcraft, gets its 10th expansion pack with The World Within. It will be available to play on 26th August 2024.
Get the ghoul experience in Fallout 76’s first expansion pack
Fallout 76: Skyline Valley is coming on 12th June 2024 itself. This pack will actually expand the map, including a new Shenandoah region in the south, and players will discover a new type of Ghoul – The Lost. Take a look and decide whether you want to buy it since there’s not really a lot of time until you can. But 2025 will be a big year as the game teases you can play as a ghoul in early 2025.
State of Decay 3 is a much-awaited treat
State of Decay fans finally get a win with the announcement of State of Decay 3. Reclaim the lost ground in the third installment to the series.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is here
Set in the early 90s, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 directly follows Black Ops Cold War and includes flashbacks to Black Ops 2. Players will get immersed into detailed spy missions and government conspiracies as the Cold War continues on.
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