Dragon Ball FighterZ
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
There were a lot of games showed off during Microsoft’s E3 2017 press conference, many of which have us all hyped. Some of the games were repeats that didn’t show anything new, though, so they aren’t included here (sorry Cuphead), but don’t worry, there’s still plenty more to look forward to.
After two Xenoverse games, it looks like Bandai Namco is ready to release a more classic fighter in the Dragon Ball universe. In an action-packed trailer during the Microsoft press conference, Dragon Ball FighterZ showed off the classic, insanely fast combat that fans of Budokai and even older games will remember, along with a much more traditional setup. While I can appreciate the more RPG-focused approach of the Z-Fighters’ more recent outings, sometimes you just wanna start on opposite sides of a screen and charge straight for your opponent all while letting ki blasts fly from your hands in rapid succession.
It will be interesting to see how much of the new melts into the old for this upcoming installment. All we know is that we’re once again excited to show the world what a Saiyan is truly made of… and a Majin… and a Frieza…well, you get the point.
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
With Ubisoft deciding to move away from the annual releases of its popular Assassin’s Creed series, all eyes were on the publisher going into E3 2017. After skipping a year, it was time to jump back into the Brotherhood and bring peace and justice to the land with strong fists and a sharp blade. So far, it looks like Ubisoft is set to deliver a game that was worth waiting for in the form of Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Fans will be able to go further back in the past than ever before in the series. In ancient Egypt, the birthplace of modern civilization, players will witness the birth of the Brotherhood that we’ve followed across multiple games spanning several platforms. Of course, this is more than just a change in period. It looks like Origins is swaying more towards being an RPG with new level systems, a deeper inventory, and revamped combat that provides even more control to your assassin. Also, there’s the introduction of more monstrous enemies. In the initial trailer, you could see a battle with a large cobra, and what looked like other mythical beasts.
The Assassin’s Creed series had started to grow stale leaving some to believe that there were no surprises that the devs could possibly spring on the public. Yet, you can color us intrigued. After the Microsoft E3 2017 press conference, Origins is firmly sitting near the top of our watch list.
The Last Night
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
While larger, AAA games got a lot of the stage time during Microsoft’s E3 2017 press conference, there were a few indies that slipped through the cracks and made their presence known. One such game did so with very little gameplay and a completely mysterious plot – The Last Night. While there were some pretty games that were paraded across the screens making up the stage, not many had as unique a flavor as The Last Night.
Part cyberpunk, part pixel masterpiece, it will offer players an adventure full of action and infiltration. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out with a design that’s clearly been inspired by the likes of Blade Runner and other sci-fi classics. All we know is that it managed to be a standout in a long stream of games that included some heavy hitters, and that’s saying something.
Metro Exodus
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
It’s been over four years since Metro: Last Light, the second entry in a series based on a post-apocalyptic novel by Russian author Dmitry Glukovsky. Although a collection was released on current-gen consoles not too long ago, it wasn’t known if the series would be continued, but some light was shed on that early on during Microsoft’s E3 2017 press conference. Shortly after sharing some details about the Xbox One X (the official name of the highly-anticipated Project Scorpio), it was time to show off some games. What better way to demonstrate an upcoming console’s capabilities than to show a world full of the beauty of death and decay as well as vicious, mutated monstrosities? That’s when Metro Exodus took the stage.
At first, it looked like it was par for the course. Artyom walked through some dark, damaged corridors while avoiding monsters, picking up ammunition and relying on stealth and wits to make it past. However, when it came time to return to the surface, things were quite different. The gas mask that has been the only thing preventing a quick and violent death to radiation was removed and Artyom drew in a deep breath. The world is regaining more life, and that opens up a wealth of possibilities. One of the best post-apocalyptic shooters in recent years is about to become a whole lot more interesting.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of War
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
The hype for Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, sequel to 2014’s critically acclaimed Shadow of Mordor, has been at a high level ever since the game was revealed a few weeks ago. Large battles and upgraded abilities have fans chomping at the bit to get in on the action. During Microsoft’s press conference at E3 2017, we got to see yet another new feature which revolves around the beloved nemesis system from the first game.
This time around, Talion will be able to make better use of those he takes over. He now has the option to make use of their specific skills and abilities, and there are more types of Orcs that you can choose between which adds a new layer of strategy to the entire affair. Seeing as how the Nemesis system was the crown jewel of the first game, these upgrades have the next game looking like a true and proper sequel that we absolutely can’t wait to get our hands on.
State of Decay 2
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
The first State of Decay gave Xbox owners a new type of survival horror when it forced players to think about every single decision they made during their quest to simply survive. The world reacted to your decisions, and the people that lived within it either benefited or paid the ultimate price for the things you did. It was a challenging experience that weighed heavy on the hearts of players. And, despite its issues, it quickly developed a large fan base, one that is ready for a sequel.
While State of Decay 2 was announced at last E3, Mircosoft brought something with a bit more substance to the stage at E3 2017. We got to see real gameplay which proved to be even more brutal and gory than that of its predecessor, and we got to see how much larger and more alive the world as a whole is. Of course, this better world and more brutal combat come with all the challenges of the first game such as permadeath and difficult decisions all in the name of survival.
Do you have what it takes to lead a community against a zombie horde, or will you fall victim to your own whims? You’ll be able to find out when State of Decay 2 finally releases in Spring 2018.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
If you haven’t played Ori and the Blind Forest, that is something you should go and rectify right now. Not only is it one of the best indie experiences to release in the last five years, it’s also one of the greatest titles to grace the Xbox One, period. It’s not just an incredibly tight platformer with beautiful visuals, it’s also a game that tugged at the heart strings with each new revelation. Without words it conveys a tale that explores love, loss, coming of age, and redemption. If you played it and didn’t shed at least one tear, you’re lying and need to just own up to the water that flowed from your eyes.
It looks like Moon Studios is looking to repeat that experience with Ori and the Will of the Wisps. While the new story isn’t completely clear, you can see that loss will once again take center stage as you watch Ori gaze upon a massive graveyard with its owl friend. Thanks to the piano accompaniment, the rush of emotions that were instilled in fans by the first game came flowing back. This is clearly not going to be a game that you should miss.
Crackdown 3
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
Seeing Terry Crews all decked out in Agency gear yelling at us to join the initiative to protect the city was enough to get anyone hyped for Crackdown 3. But, Microsoft knew better than to simply rely on a celebrity’s face to reintroduce the highly-anticipated Crackdown 3. After its initial reveal, there has been relative radio silence from the developers outside of Phil Spencer randomly saying the game is very fun.
During Microsoft’s E3 2017 press conference, we got to see some new gameplay which included multiple players running through a city bringing death to their enemies. If you were wondering if all the high-powered antics of the previous games were going to make a return, the trailer showed soldiers leaping over buildings, using powerful new abilities, and just decimating all that crossed their path. Also, we finally got a release date and it’s the same as the upcoming Xbox One X (previously known simply as Project Scorpio). Nov. 7 will see players finally bringing justice in the best way possible – throwing vehicles, raining death from above, and tearing down entire cities around their adversaries.
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm is a prequel of the critically acclaimed episodic series from 2015. While the trailer didn’t offer too much story or plot info, it’s looking almost as wild as the original series. Life Is Strange’s main draw was the fact that Max could rewind time and make important decisions based on the outcomes of whatever choices were presented to her. As Chloe seems to be the main protagonist of Before the Storm, you wouldn’t expect any of that sci-fi stuff to be in the game, but the trailer seems to suggest otherwise, with hints of Chloe re-experiencing the time of her father’s death, among other odd happenings.
More importantly, Before the Storm will finally give fans more insight into the friendship dynamics between Chloe and the enigmatic Rachel Amber, whose disappearance was the main driving force of the first game’s narrative. Most fans were looking forward to finding out more about Rachel in the episodic series, but were sorely disappointed when she never made an appearance. Before the Storm will (hopefully) finally give fans what they want, and send us packing on yet another crazy supernatural adventure.
Anthem
Microsoft E3 2017 Best Games
Anthem looks like the sci-fi RPG that fans were hoping for when Mass Effect: Andromeda was first announced. An open world adventure filled to the brim with explosive action. That world, by the way, is one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen rendered in a video game (and yes, we played Horizon Zero Dawn). The freedom that’s being offered is definitely intriguing, especially when you take into consideration that fully customizable exp-suit that lets players fully control how they experience the action, since you’re able to create classic archetypes or something new altogether.
BioWare seems to still have that magic touch, and seeing the game run on the upcoming Xbox One X was impressive (seriously, it was gorgeous). We can’t wait to get more details on this RPG, the hype is very real. And the fact that it’s due out next year makes it difficult to remain patient.
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