E3 Archives - Xbox Wire

E3 2018: Ori and the Will of the Wisps Hands-on Experience

by Stephan Freundorfer, Xbox Wire Posted on June 28, 2018June 28, 2018

The successor to Ori and the Blind Forest seamlessly follows the 2015 fairy tale platformer, a challenging and highly rousing Xbox One game under an enchanting cover that amazes us right from the start. It is a wonderful painting of orange and red that comes to life on a dozen screens on the stage of the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at E3 2018. In addition to countless other new Xbox One titles, a level of Ori and the Will of the Wisps was playable after the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing concluded and it only took us a few moments until we are immersed in the earth-colored scenery, overlapped by the filigree and defensive spirit of Ori. Windswept Wastes is the level that the successor... Read more

E3 2018: Decide the Fate of an Undead World in Dying Light 2

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 25, 2018June 25, 2018

We humans might not always get along, but when it comes to dealing with zombies, we can usually agree on a few things: they’re bad, we’re good, and if you see one, run. The original Dying Light took that to heart, turning gamers loose on a first-person parkour playground infested with vicious shambling corpses. But running from zombies only gets you so far. For the sequel, developer Techland is infusing their world with a heaping helping of brains, giving players a substantially larger world, more opportunities for acrobatics, and the ability to shape the very narrative itself. During a hands-off demo at E3 2018, Techland walked (and ran, and jumped) us through the game’s new... Read more

E3 2018: Saving the Universe in the Wildly Ambitious Beyond Good & Evil 2

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 21, 2018June 21, 2018

Rumored for years but finally confirmed at E3 2017, Ubisoft’s space pirate opera Beyond Good & Evil 2 has long been atop gamer wish lists. And for good reason: the 2003 original was an instant cult classic, earning several Game of the Year awards on the strength of its incredible storytelling and memorable characters. Players patiently waited for news of its follow-up – Beyond Good & Evil was initially planned as a trilogy – but for well over a decade, a sequel existed only in the minds of passionate fans. Based on a guided demo at E3 2018, however, we can confirm that Beyond Good & Evil 2 is not only real, it’s one of the most ambitious video games ever conceived.... Read more

E3 2018: High-Flying Anthem Aims to Thrill

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 20, 2018June 20, 2018

Bioware may be best known for thoughtful role-playing greats like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate, but for their next trick, the legendary developer is building something with considerably more punch. We’re of course talking about Anthem. EA’s shared-world shooter made quite a splash at E3, initially in a lengthy look during the EA Play press conference, but also through a few behind-closed-doors hands-on demos. We were lucky enough to sneak into one such presentation and came away extremely impressed with the game’s tight controls, beautiful world, and explosive action. Anthem’s sci-fi world was abandoned by the god-like Shapers, who apparently left their... Read more

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for June 19 – 22

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 16, 2018June 16, 2018

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox, where we cover all the new games coming soon to Xbox One! Every week the team at Xbox aims to deliver quality gaming content for you to enjoy on your favorite gaming console. Read on below and click on each of the game profiles for pre-order details (dates are subject to... Read more

E3 2018: Playing in the Dark World of Ashen on Xbox One

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 15, 2018June 15, 2018

At last year’s E3, we went hands-on with an earlier version of Ashen, an adventure game that aims to blend the difficulty of Dark Souls with the mystery of a dark fantasy tale. Featuring a co-op mechanic that allows you to join a friend on an adventure – or with an AI stand-in if no one is available – it was great to see more of the game at this year’s E3 and how its world, lore, and quest system have all started to expand, creating an even more intriguing and complex adventure that we’re looking forward to playing more of when the game launches day and date on Xbox Game Pass later this year. One of the more striking things I appreciate from the game’s simple, direct, and... Read more

E3 2018: Leave Aliens for Dead in Co-Op Shooter Earthfall

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 15, 2018June 18, 2018

The elevator pitch for Holospark Games’ upcoming game Earthfall could be adequately summed up in five extremely awesome words: Left 4 Dead with aliens. That’s very much by design. It’s been nearly a decade since Valve’s beloved co-op survival shooter blew away gamers with its intense action and innovative AI. Holospark hopes to update that game’s riotous multiplayer by changing the enemy and adding a few new twists. The otherworldly bad guys certainly don’t come in peace. Taking place 30 years in the future, Earthfall’s invaders arrive on our planet courtesy a meteorite slamming into the Pacific Northwest. When the government and military fail to act, average,... Read more

Resident Evil 2 Remake Coming to Xbox One on January 25

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on June 15, 2018June 15, 2018

The Resident Evil series revolutionized the survival horror genre in video games, bringing terror to the masses with its blend of realistic zombies, gore, environmental puzzles, and memorable locales. Now, 20 years after its initial release in 1998, Capcom has announced that a remake of Resident Evil 2 will be hitting Xbox One on January 25, 2019. Resident Evil 2 will be a complete remake of the original game, albeit one updated more modern gameplay mechanics, improved over-the-shoulder camera, and gorgeous visuals thanks to the RE Engine that helped to power last year’s terrifying Resident Evil 7 biohazard. The game has been built from the ground up to make Raccoon City’s... Read more

This Week on Xbox: E3 2018 Edition

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 15, 2018June 15, 2018

We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week, especially during E3 2018. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s E3 news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox! Announcements and Reveals E3 2018: Microsoft and McLaren Continue Storied Partnership with Forza Horizon 4 During the Xbox E3 2018 briefing, we announced that the 2019 McLaren Senna will grace the cover of Forza Horizon 4, the latest entry in the award-winning Forza Horizon series, and we couldn’t be more... Read more: This Week on Xbox: E3 2018 Edition

E3 2018: We Embark on a Mini-Adventure with a Furry Friend in Tunic on Xbox One

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 14, 2018June 14, 2018

Making its appearance during the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing, the isometric camera, colorful visuals, and exploratory gameplay of Tunic were immediately drawing links to another green tunic wearing adventurer. And getting our hands on this title showed that indeed, there are similarities, but Tunic is trying some unique things that make it stand on its own. Waking on the beach of a small island, I took control of the little fox adventurer as he ascended some lengthy stairs, roll-dodging aggressive blobs and made my way into a small cave. Inside I found a small, unlocked chest that contained a large stick for whacking enemies across the head -- which I quickly proceeded to do once outside of... Read more

E3 2018: Gaming for Everyone, a Conversation with Phil Spencer

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 15, 2018June 15, 2018

E3 is always an incredible time to come together to appreciate the breadth of creative energy that abounds in our industry and to celebrate what’s ahead for gamers. At this year’s E3 Coliseum series, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox sat down with Tina Summerford, Head of Programming at Xbox, to discuss Microsoft’s approach to gaming, his perspective on E3 and to hear why the industry has a responsibility to make gaming for everyone. Other topics discussed during the panel were the unique games Xbox is looking to bring to the ID@Xbox program, insight into the creation of the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing, from matching thematic elements to creating an engaging experience, and the creation of the... Read more

E3 2018: Cyberpunk 2077 Takes Open-World Gaming into the Dark, Dangerous Future

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 14, 2018June 14, 2018

You would expect the next game from CD Projekt Red, developer of the acclaimed role-playing game The Witcher 3, to have a sturdy RPG backbone. You might not expect it to have fierce first-person gunplay, however, or a dynamic world on par with the likes of the seminal Grand Theft Auto V. But here we are, and here is Cyberpunk 2077. Fusing deep, multi-faceted role-playing features with riveting action gameplay, this futuristic thriller aims to redefine what fans should expect from an open-world RPG. Based on a recent hands-off E3 demo, we’re convinced it will hit its target. You play as V, a mercenary living in the dense, neon-soaked jungle of Night City in the free state of... Read more

E3 2018: Kingdom Hearts III Confirms Frozen World, Fire-Infused Simba, Release Date

by Brendan Docherty, Senior Manager of Product Marketing, Square Enix Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018

During Microsoft’s E3 Showcase, Kingdom Hearts III confirmed that Disney’s “Frozen” would be the latest new world to be added to the adventure! Sora, Donald, and Goofy find themselves in the icy realm of Arendelle, where the Heartless have continued their invasion. We see Sora using Blizzard Blades, a brand-new Keyblade form, to freeze his enemies and ice-skate. Additionally, Goofy’s shield finds a new use in escaping the Heartless during downhill Goofy Curling. The heroes team up with the heroes from “Frozen” -- Elsa, Olaf, Anna, Kristoff, and Sven -- but there are some more familiar faces of friends and foes, as well. Simba from “The Lion King” appears as a... Read more

E3 2018: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a Ninja Nightmare from the Designer of Dark Souls

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018

From Software, the creative force behind gruelingly challenging action-RPGs Dark Souls, has been responsible for ludicrous in-game death counts and nigh-impossible boss fights -- and we keep coming back for more. So does the protagonist of their next diabolical effort, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While the upcoming action game will undoubtedly put its ninja hero through hell, it will also let him rise again to avenge whatever ruthless demon took his life. Sekiro wears its influences on its sleeve. At times it looks and plays like the legendary Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, letting players sneak, stalk, and surprise baddies with devastating stealth attacks. Find yourself in the thick... Read more

E3 2018: Getting Reacquainted with Legendary Fighters in Soulcalibur VI on Xbox One

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018

It’s been some time since I’ve transcended history (and the world), and experienced a tale of souls and swords, eternally retold. At E3 this year, with a refined and near-final version of Soulcalibur VI for Xbox One on hand, I took some of the classic SC characters for a spin like Sophitia and Siegfried, and new-to-the-roster Geralt of Rivia. Unlike some fighting games that have you on a 2D plane, the Soulcalibur series features fighters on a 3D stage in which you can shift your character left and right to avoid enemy attack. This same technique can be used to position yourself to counter-attack your opponent, shifting away from their weapon strikes, and landing an attack from... Read more

E3 2018: Xbox Green and Black Air Jordan I Spotted at E3

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018

Xbox spokespersons and execs have been spotted wearing Air Jordan I Mids in Xbox green and black at E3 2018. They were first spotted at the Xbox briefing on Sunday, June 10 and can be seen throughout the week here at E3, having been seeded to Xbox spokespersons and key influencers in the gaming and lifestyle space. These shoes were custom made by Jordan Brand using premium suede for a clean finish. A closer look reveals the insoles featuring the Xbox and Jumpman logos, along with the Xbox wordmark on four different color laces (black, grey, dark green, and light green) to add their own flavor. The most unique element is the glow-in-the-dark sole that is inspired by the powering... Read more

E3 2018: Death is Educational in the Mysterious Depths of Below

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 13, 2018June 13, 2018

After a prolonged absence, highly-anticipated RPG Below from Toronto-based developer Capybara Games is finally coming to the surface. First announced in 2013, the Xbox One exclusive has undergone some serious nips and tucks over the years, re-emerging at E3 2018 as a colorful, confident, and challenging journey through a mysterious network of caverns. We experienced this beautiful, enigmatic adventure firsthand at a recent hands-on demo. Played from a top-down, isometric perspective, Below begins by dropping players off on the shores of a dark, shadowy island. A nearby campfire beckons, introducing us to the game’s crafting mechanics. Players will have to scavenge for items to create... Read more

E3 2018: Fighting Conformity in the Demented World of We Happy Few

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018

One of the newest members of the Microsoft development family, Compulsion Games has been working on the dystopian action adventure We Happy Few for quite some time. What began as a procedural roguelike has morphed into a much more narrative-driven experience, and considering its fascinating backdrop, hilarious dialogue, and menacing enemies, that was a wise decision. Having recently played a 45-minute demo of the reworked game, we came away excited at its potential, enamored with its writing, and slightly creeped out by its unsettling characters. Set in an alternate version of 1960s England, We Happy Few tells the intertwining tale of three rebellious citizens trying to escape from... Read more

E3 2018: Taking Turns with the Tactical Strategy of Valkyria Chronicles 4 on Xbox One

by Jeff Rubenstein, Influencer Relations, Xbox Posted on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018

It's understandable if you're unfamiliar with Valkyria Chronicles -- the original title released a decade ago, and some entries never saw a Western release. But don't let the "4" in its title scare you off from experiencing one of the most unique games coming to Xbox One this year. Based on the meaty E3 demo we experienced, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a fresh return to the turn-based strategy, endearing characters, and stunning watercolor visuals that made the original a fan favorite. And as the storyline runs concurrently with events of the original Valkyria Chronicles, past experience with the series is purely optional. Set in something of an alternate history Europe during a... Read more

E3 2018: Surviving the Harsh Winter of Metro Exodus

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018

Metro Exodus made a serious splash when it debuted at the Xbox E3 2017 Briefing. Showcasing the power of Xbox One X, the gorgeous first-person survival game brought gamers face to face with some of the less…friendly…denizens of the franchise’s post-apocalyptic Russia. Rats aren’t supposed to grow quite that big, you know. Roughly one year to the day, we finally got a closer look at 4A Games’ ambitious game. Delivering a vast, frigid landscape to explore, tight storytelling, overhauled weapon customization, and new survival systems, it’s shaping up to be another technical and mechanical showpiece. Here are four things we learned about Metro’s waterlogged wasteland during a... Read more

E3 2018: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Beyond Good & Evil 2, The Division 2 and More Wow the Crowd at Ubisoft’s E3 Press Conference

by Ben Silverman, Xbox Wire Contributor Posted on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018

Fans of Ubisoft’s many franchises were treated to a smorgasbord of reveals and demonstrations during the company’s crowd-pleasing E3 2018 Press Conference. Opening with a surreal marching band led by a dancing panda (note: no real pandas were harmed), the show began with an homage to Ubisoft’s immensely popular Just Dance series. The next entry, Just Dance 2019, is out for Xbox One on October 23. It quickly segued into a stunning new trailer for the highly-anticipated Beyond Good & Evil 2, introducing us to the game’s colorful characters, including an enigmatic look at former protagonist Jade. The game’s developers took to the stage to introduce the motley cast and give... Read more

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