One of the most interesting games being released on the same day the Xbox Series X launches isn't actually a next-gen game. A remake of XIII, a 2003 first-person shooter will be coming to PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One, but not PS5 or Xbox Series X — at least to start. It'll take some persuasion to get gamers to forgo next-gen in favor of a newly launched current-gen remake, though, the newly released "Official Weapons Trailer" for XIII is a start.
The latest XIII trailer, as the name implies, is all about guns. XIII offers a wide range of weapons for players to build out their arsenal with. It doesn't start like that, of course. Like a lot of older first-person shooters, players start with basic weapons like the 9mm pistol, build their way up to a double-barrel shotgun, and by the end of the game have a few bazooka rockets handy as necessary.
But the XIII trailer is also a sneaky way of advertising another important aspect of the experience. That being the diversity of gameplay in XIII. XIII isn't just another run and gun shooter; it's a spy game at its heart. As such, players will need to use their arsenal and inventory in ways that befit the circumstances of each mission. Sometimes that involves an AK-47 and sometimes that involves a silenced 9mm or a crossbow. There are even stages where having a harpoon gun handy will be important.
The other important detail revealed in XIII's weapons trailer is the game's pre-order bonus. Those who pre-order either XIII's standard or limited edition will receive a DLC pack containing a pair of exclusive weapon skins. The Golden Classic Weapon Skins Pack includes a Golden Pistol Skin and a Golden Knife Skin, so that XIII players can spy in style. It seems like the pre-order DLC is the only new digital content being made for XIII.
While it isn't particularly revelatory, the trailer is also great for fans to compare the XIII remake's visuals to the original game. One of the reasons the original XIII has stood up so well with time is its well-executed cel-shaded graphics. The painterly style differentiated itself from other first-person shooters at the time that leaned in on more realistic and grounded visuals. The XIII remake has retained some of that cartoonish style, though it's definitely been toned down in favor of modern shading and lighting effects.
As a whole, the trailer offers an optimal introduction to XIII. It should, despite not being a next-gen title, prove to be a great option for gamers this holiday season given the lack of other first-person releases.
XIII releases November 10 on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
