Gamers around the world have got their first taste of what the next generation of consoles can produce, thanks to an exciting Inside Xbox: Xbox Series X 'Gameplay Reveal' stream that showcased the leap in graphical quality and mechanical complexity of Microsoft's next powerhouse.
The Xbox Series X, set for a holiday 2020 release, comes with the offer of Microsoft's Smart Delivery system, promising gamers a free upgrade to the Xbox Series X version of the majority of cross-generation games initially bought for Xbox One. In short, there's no reason for Xbox devotees to hold off on buying games in order to get the next-gen version.
Here's a complete rundown of every game shown during the event, and the exciting new mechanics that more powerful systems will deliver. With every major publisher in the world developing for Xbox, hundreds of games are on the way for Xbox Series X in 2021. This is just a brief selection of what players can expect.
Bright Memory: Infinite
This blend of action and FPS from FYQD-Studio will take full advantage of the improved framerate and resolution that Xbox Series X will deliver, with the debut trailer showing off lightning fast movement and dynamic combos in a fascinating setting. Bright Memory: Infinite, set in 2036, takes place in an enormous, futuristic city at the center of a bizarre phenomenon that has ties to the ancient world and a parallel reality. The fusion of genres is matched by a fascinating blend of the aesthetics of western and Asian cultures with a supernatural flair. The first chapter of the game has been available as part of Steam's Early Access feature since January 2019.
Dirt 5
Dirt 5, the latest racing game from renowned British developer Codemasters, will build on the manic and thrilling races of previous entries with the weight of next-gen graphical fidelity behind them. Along with an array of new features, including the ability for players to alter the balance between visual clarity and framerate, and the inclusion of four-player splitscreen, voice acting heavyweights Troy Baker and Nolan North will feature as key characters in the game's campaign.
Scorn
Ebb Software's eerie body horror concept is brought to life by some incredible lighting effects, and the brief glimpse of Scorn showed off one hell of an atmosphere that seems equal parts macabre and gross. Gameplay details were light, but this latest look at Scorn has certainly made an impression. The game has been in development for some time, and had previously been pushed back until sometime in 2019. Fingers crossed the Xbox exclusive will get over the line soon.
Chorus
Dubbed "an evolution of the space combat shooter", Deep Silver's Chorus comes with an interesting concept. Players will take control of heroine Nara and her sentient ship, Forsaken, as they seek redemption and their creators along a bullet-filled and barrel-roll heavy journey. The game is set for a 2021 release date, will be available on both Xbox One and Series X, and is included in the cross-generation Smart Delivery scheme.
Madden 21
With the promise that players won't just play the game but feel it, Madden 21 will take the acclaimed football sim to fresh heights. Due to release in holiday 2020, the latest Madden is included in the Smart Delivery scheme, meaning players can enter the fray on Xbox One and upgrade to the Series X version for free.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
This sequel to the 2004 cult classic Vampire - The Masquerade: Bloodlines from Hardsuit Games will offer players the chance to rule the night in their own sinister and supernatural fashion. Players will experience an alternative Seattle ruled by opposing factions, with their decisions and actions as whatever monster they choose to become being capable of exerting huge influence on the game world and its denizens.
Call of the Sea
With vibrant jungle, relics of an ancient civilization, and an array of puzzles to solve, Call of the Sea looks set to be a first-person puzzle adventure game of enormous scope. Set in the 1930s, players will take control of Norah as she seeks out her missing husband on this mysterious island in the South Pacific. The art direction is stunning, with a color palette and density reminiscent of The Witness.
The Ascent
The Ascent, with an enormous sci-fi city that looks capable of standing toe-to-toe with the scale of Square Enix's Midgar in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and the Night City of CD Projekt Red's upcoming Cyberpunk 2077, is set to be a thrilling entry in the cyberpunk genre. Featuring a plot centered around the collapse of a society-ruling corporation and the chaos that ensues, players can look forward to a sci-fi shooter mixed with RPG elements and the capacity to survive with friends in co-op play.
The Medium
Arriving on Xbox Series X by the end of 2020, this psychological horror game features a soundtrack from Akira Yamaoka, Silent Hill's esteemed composer, and a thrilling concept revolving around taking deep, supernatural dives into the game's characters and motivations. Mental health and manipulation will be keys themes of The Medium, while perspective granted by being a medium can wildly alter perceptions of narrative and characters. Polish developer, Bloober Team, famed for its work on Blair Witch, claims the raw power of the Xbox Series X has enabled the team to deliver a experience that would not have been possible on current-gen hardware.
Scarlet Nexus
The latest anime action game from Bandai Namco will see players form part of a special taskforce of psionic warriors tasked with exterminating seemingly invincible invaders. As protagonist Yuito Sumeragi, Scarlet Nexus players will fend off monsters with psychokinetic powers and explore the futuristic city of New Himuka as it grapples with how best to blend people's psychic powers with rampant technological advancement.
Second Extinction: Reclaim Earth
Set on an alternative Earth that has been overrun by hordes of mutant dinosaurs, this squad-based shooter from Systemic Reaction appears geared towards death-defying moments and cooperative success. In teams of three, Second Extinction: Reclaim Earth players must work together to wipe out the threat in intense, claw, bullet and explosion-filled battles. The release date has yet to be confirmed, but this one looks like an exciting new take on the cooperative monster hunting and shooting seen in 2014's Evolve.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
The latest entry in the beloved Yakuza franchise features supernatural elements amidst the typical tale of revenge and redemption. Amidst a cohort of eclectic characters, Yazuka: Like a Dragon players will see the series depart from its active combat systems of old in favor of more strategic, turn-based encounters. The game will be available for Xbox Series X at launch, and will be available as part of Microsoft's Smart Delivery scheme. SEGA also confirmed that the game will feature cross-platform save functionality, meaning players can seamlessly upgrade their experience when the Series X arrives.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
The cross-generation Assassin's Creed: Valhalla looks ready to bridge the gap with swagger. The first 'gameplay' from the Xbox Series X version clearly offers a huge jump in graphical clarity and realism over 2018's Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, along with enormous scope for its epic battles. The game, confirmed by Ubisoft to be shorter than its predecessors, will also feature a narrative concept not yet seen in the series and dedicated raiding mechanics that will ensure players are fully immersed in a viking fantasy.
Given the contraction of scope from the enormous Origins and Odyssey, players can expect a more focused experience that builds on the mechanics that have traditionally been expanded from installment to installment. Smart Delivery, as expected, has been confirmed, along with the return of a bird of prey buddy that will be extremely helpful to players seeking a wider view of the game's enormous battle sequences.
Xbox Series X is set for a holiday 2020 release.