Top 10 Xbox Announcements At E3 2021

Despite being somewhat quiet, Arkane Studios has been hard at work ever since launching “Dishonored 2” in 2016. Not only are they wrapping up development on the highly anticipated “Deathloop”, but they’re also working on a brand new, Xbox-exclusive IP. “Redfall” will be an open world shooter where players can use various weapons and abilities to fight bloodthirsty vampires. While no gameplay was shown at this time, the teaser shown really sold us the concept. Really, what better way to spend a Friday night than slaying vampires with friends? “Redfall” is set to release in Summer 2022, but if that is to come true, let’s hope we’ll see some gameplay before the end of the year.

Ever since the project was first revealed at E3 2018, “Starfield” spent years being shrouded in mystery and without any real news outside of rumors and speculation. However, we did get a look at Xbox’s presentation. Unfortunately, we did not get as good of a look as we wanted. Don’t get us wrong - we’re excited about “Starfield” becoming a new IP under the Xbox name and seeing something new coming from Bethesda. It’s their first new IP in twenty-five years! And we even got a release date for November 11, 2022. Still, it would have been nice to see some gameplay after waiting all this time.

2019 saw the release of a AA title called “A Plague Tale: Innocence”, and in our review over on MojoPlays, we remarked how the game presented a unique experience with compelling characters and scenarios. Though not perfect, it was worth checking out, and it certainly still is now that a sequel has been announced. “A Plague Tale: Requiem” will pick up right where “Innocence” left off and continue Amicia’s story on Xbox Series X/S and PC. So, while you wait for the game’s 2022 release, why not check out the first game?

If you miss the days of bizarre and sinister worlds like those featured in games like “BioShock” and “Fallout”, then “Atomic Heart” might be up your alley. Though we haven’t received a launch window of any kind, its new gameplay trailer was wild in every sense of the word. Telekinesis, sick weaponry, and tons and tons of killer robots tell us that “Atomic Heart” is going to be a hell of a ride from start to finish. It’s really a game that has piqued our interest, and we’ll definitely be checking it out when it comes to Game Pass on launch day...whenever that is.

Look, we’ve all known that “Halo Infinite” was going to get multiplayer. Microsoft and 343 Industries made that clear back when the game was first revealed. Still, seeing multiplayer gameplay was reassuring after a lackluster demo in July 2020. Seeing the no-scope shots and hearing that classic commentator's voice made us reminisce about the good old days of “Halo” multiplayer, and seeing “Infinite’s” multiplayer has made us eager to play. However, that Holiday 2021 release window has us concerned. There’s six months left in 2021, guys - now isn’t exactly the time to still be giving us windows. Don’t be surprised if we see a delay into 2022.

If you predicted something like this would happen, you’d either have to be ultra psychic or work in Disney and Rare’s legal departments. This was arguably one of Xbox’s biggest surprises, and it has us itching to give “Sea of Thieves” a second chance! Rare’s online pirate adventure is getting an expansion that crosses over with Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and it sets you off on a voyage with the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow as the two of you try to unlock the power of the most legendary Pirate Treasure. With an appearance by the villainous Davy Jones and Johnny Depp voicing Sparrow once again, all players can expect to set sail on this free expansion when it launches on June 22.

“The Outer Worlds” was yet another 2019 hit that seems to have found its own success. Hey, what else do you expect from Obsidian Entertainment? This was a studio founded by veteran devs of the “Fallout” franchise and have released several fantastic RPGs since it was formed in 2003. Not only do they have “Avowed” in the works, but they also confirmed development for “The Outer Worlds 2”, and they did it with what may be one of the funniest trailers in E3 history. The game not only pokes fun at E3’s usual reliance on hype - it also makes fun of itself by saying the only thing that’s been finished is a logo. That’s perfectly okay, Obsidian. We’ll wait.

“Forza Horizon 4” serves as an example of what racing games can be from its open world format to its creative and thrilling missions. (Really, how many other racing games let you compete against a freaking train!?) So, imagine the obscenely wide smiles on our faces when “Forza Horizon 5” hit our screens! Set in the vibrant and festive country of Mexico, players will be able to experience exhilarating races with the technical capabilities of the Xbox Series X/S. On top of that, you’ll be able to design your own events using the in-game Creation tool. You won’t have to wait long to hit the road as “Forza Horizon 5” launches November 9, 2021!

We have spent what feels like FOREVER talking about “Psychonauts 2”, almost to the point where we thought the game was never coming out. But now, we finally have it. “Psychonauts 2” made its hundredth appearance at Xbox’s presentation, and it gave us the greatest gift ever - a release date. We’ll finally be able to explore new and crazy psyches when the game launches on August 25, 2021. Raz, old boy, it has been WAY too long, and we absolutely cannot wait to finally see you again. Double Fine has clearly poured their heart and soul into this project, and at long last, what was dead upon arrival in 2005 can reach a whole new audience in the modern age.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions…

Because What’s More Adorable Than Cute Animals Headbutting the Crap Out of Each Other?

Not Surprising Since the PS4 Version Leaked, But We’re Eager to Escape Dear Old Dad Once More

We Simply Couldn’t Get Enough of Those Charming Little Slimes!

Xbox has started to become more aggressive with its valuable Game Pass service, and it certainly sharpened its horns by announcing a massive buffet of new titles coming to the platform. Many of the games shown at their presentation are also planning to come to Game Pass on their respective launch days. As if things couldn’t get any more exciting for the platform, Game Pass also had eleven titles uploaded immediately after the presentation including “Fallout 3”, “Rage”, “The Evil Within 2”, and “Yakuza: Like a Dragon”. There has never been a better time to be an Xbox owner than right now!