Like Sony, Microsoft dumped a decent chunk of game announcements without really setting the world on fire. While nothing here is world exclusives or sought after releases, apart from The Outer Worlds, there is still a good bit to go over and detail just what exactly Xbox had to show off today, So let’s go.
Atlas
Inside Xbox started with showing off Atlas, a pirate adventure game that looks and plays how many wish Sea of Thieves would have. With a persistent world that keeps your ship in the world for players to explore, you’ll team up with other players on October 8th when the game enters into Xbox Game Preview.
There is a huge sense of exploration and customization as you’ll create bases or storm others, all while keeping both Xbox and PC crossplay unified with parity between platforms.
Updates to the game will be shared between Xbox and PC in phases and the first of which will deal with quality of life updates, general upkeep, and performance issues.
Children of Morta
A title I have been looking forward to in Children of Morta will be releasing on Xbox One on October 15th for just over $20. The title has seen a release on PC already to fairly decent reviews as you’ll take on adventuring with a whole family of dungeon hunters. Play as John, the warrior dad of the group, the elder daughter archer, a fighter, a mage, a martial artist, or joey, who likes to smash his hammer. You’ll embark with no permadeath in a roguelike fashion as you’ll equip items on the go without the need of a complex inventory system for quick on the fly changes when you’re looking for new skills and abilities to help you survive in its procedurally generated dungeons.
Project Xcloud
Xbox then discussed that its Project Xcloud streaming service will enter into beta with sign up’s at xbox.com/gamestreaming to the US, UK, and Korea starting today. The beta will branch out to other territories later on and include Gears 5, Halo 5, Sea of Thieves, and Killer Instinct during the test. The streaming service is a direct competitor to Google Stadia and given the infrastructure that Microsoft has set in place, it could certainly be a strong competitor in the streaming market.
Project Xcloud will start its test on Android devices that allows the Xbox One controller to sync with it via Bluetooth. Youll use Wifi connection or Celluar and the 3 locations will see help by cellular companies like T-mobile to see the service run smoothly. This service will sync up your achievements and game progress allowing you to bring your progress with you wherever you go.
Xbox Games Pass for PC
Future Game Pass games were announced with Dirt Rally 2.0 and Bad North hitting Xbox One this month, alongside Cities Skylines, and Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, hitting the platform.
Code Vein
With Code Vein hitting in just a few days, they showed off a few new enemies in a brand new trailer. The game, which currently has a trial out and has been often titled Anime Dark Souls given its similar nature to the From Software series, is rather fun and features co-op gameplay and a robust character creation system.
The Outer Worlds is only a month away!
Many consider The Outer Worlds to be the true return of the Fallout style gameplay that Obsidian Entertainment did so well back with Fallout: New Vegas. The developer, which created the Fallout series way back when is almost ready to debut their latest franchise. Megan Starks, the lead narrative designer, was on hand today to discuss a few things regarding different playstyles; stealth, or your typical guns’a’blazing techniques among other things such as how a new leadership mechanic will assist in keeping your companions in line and making them as efficient as they can be. The role allows for unique gameplay benefits depending on which companions you bring with you.
They also showed off a few new weapons, such as the oddly named Mandibular Rearranger, which will change the head size of whatever you shoot it at. Also shown was a Shrink Ray, which can reduce enemies to a very small state and make them weaker in the process. The Outer Worlds releases on Xbox One October 25 and is also available free to Game Pass users as part of their subscription. Sign me up! (Just kidding, I’m already signed up!)
Ghost Recon Breakpoint
With the game releasing soon on October 4th, Jon Bernthal, the actor playing the character in the game, Cole D. Walker, announced that starting September 26th, players can take part in a 3-day beta ending on the 29th. This was shown alongside a new trailer that detailed you’ll explore 6 provinces in 5 story missions, as well as additional content such as the Auroa Missions, Daily Faction Missions, and Drone Areas. Also, for the first time ever in the new Ghost Recon series, traditional PVP will make its way back to the Ghost Recon name.
Hitman 2’s final DLC is almost here!
Agent 47 is going to Haven! This new location brings players to gorgeous tropical beaches as 47 continues his search left unfinished through HItman 2’s New York mission. This final installment is available today for Expansion Pass content holders and those who have the Gold Edition as well.
Felix the Reaper Preview
Shown alongside a very interesting web-doc, developer Daedalic debuts their shadow manipulation puzzle game in Felix the Reaper. Dancing his way through puzzles where you’ll adjust the playing field to use the shadows to your advantage, the game appears to have a lot of humor and some wonderful art design. They described the game as a romantic comedy, and we won’t have to wait long to see what they mean as the game releases on October 17th.
Afterparty Preview
Also shown off during Sony’s State of Play, this follow-up to Oxenfree sees two best buds, Milo and Lola, in a quest to out-party the Devil himself. One thing that was mentioned during the discussion was that the game will come day and date to Xbox Game Pass, making it nearly impossible not to at least sample the gorgeous art design and clever characters the game is packed full of. Oxenfree was a fantastic game and I have no doubt that Afterparty, which features the voice talent of Funhaus’s Alanah Pearce, will be amazing.
Ace Combat takes to the sky with new DLC!
Operation Sighthound hits Xbox One tomorrow as a new trailer showing off the new content was released alongside its announcement. Check it out.
Dayz brings bears, possibly not pic-a-nic baskets.
A new location, Livonia, brings plays to the great outdoors. With large open forest areas, lakes, and rivers, you’ll scavenge for food, resources, and build bases to defend against enemies players and bears, which have now been added to the game. This new area is prone to frequent rainstorms, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for shelter, preferably away from said bears. This content will be releasing before the end of the year.
That’s it for Inside Xbox. Stay Tuned to Analog Stick Gaming for more upcoming news.