We think it’s fair to say Microsoft and Bethesda’s Xbox showcase made one of the biggest splashes at E3 this year. And it’s not surprising really. This E3 was Xbox’s first big outing since Microsoft bought Bethesda last year. Those two gaming giants coming together? Just *chef’s kiss*.
That’s why we’ve decided to dedicate a whole article to this dynamic duo and their showcase. Here are some of the Xbox highlights from E3 2021…
Flight Simulator comes to console
Flight Sim has an incredible cult following. And it looks like they’re going to be adding some new members to their ranks. Whether it’s battling the elements, testing your skill or just gaping at the true-to-life rendition of most of the planet, Flight Sim was already a big winner when it was just on PC. But now you’ll be able to play on Xbox Series X|S too!
We’ll also be getting a free Top Gun: Maverick expansion in November this year. Do you feel the need… the need for speed!
Flight Simulator is coming to Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass for console on 27 July 2021
Forza Horizon 5 gets a gameplay trailer
The Forza Horizon 5 footage shown at E3 was a showstopper. Looking at the gameplay, you really have to remind yourself you’re watching a game and not real-life film. Playground Games have rendered Mexico, from its modern cities to vast deserts and sweltering jungles, in breath-taking detail. Seeing is believing.
And we got a look at some of the fun new mini-games and extra features Forza Horizon 5 has got going on. If you’ve got the time, check them out in the gameplay demo above.
Forza Horizon is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs and Xbox Game Pass on 9 November 2021
Halo Infinite shows off its multiplayer and campaign
Campaign and multiplayer updates – what more could we ask for! From the new cinematic campaign trailer, we can see that Halo Infinite picks up where Halo 5 left off. Your new UNSC AI, the Weapon, is there to help you stop the rogue Cortana.
Now let’s move onto the multiplayer. First off, it’s free-to-play. Can we get a heck yes? Second, the gameplay looks like everything we love about Halo. New maps, weapons and gadgets to try out, including a grappling hook for mid-air shenanigans. And the graphics look great too, so any of last year’s naysayers can breathe a sigh of relief!
Halo Infinite is coming to straight to Xbox Game Pass on PC, consoles and cloud this Holiday 2021
Starfield finally gives us a release date
We’ve got a launch date! Starfield has been a mystery since it was announced in 2018. All we knew was that it was Bethesda’s first original RPG in 25 years. So a big deal, basically.
Now we’ve got some proper details: the release date, a trailer (see above) and confirmation that it’s an Xbox console exclusive and will be available on Game Pass from launch. But, of course, we’re still itching to know more!
Starfield is coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC on 11 November 2022
Battlefield 2043 drops an epic gameplay trailer
If you like first person shooters, let us ask you this. Do you want to fight it out in a stunning semi-apocalyptic dystopian battleground? Do you want to face the brutal elements (as well as 127 other players) and win? Do you want to look ridiculously awesome in a wingsuit? If you said yes, yes and yes, the Battlefield 2042 gameplay trailer has made it abundantly clear that this is the game for you.
Specialists will also replace the old classes system, with each specialist getting their own backstory and unique gadget to play with. And, if the trailer is anything to go by, there’s more room for crazy stunts than ever before.
Battlefield 2042 is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and PC on 22 October 2021
Age of Empires 4 gameplay trailer
For all you empire builders and warmongering dictators, there was the new Age of Empires 4 gameplay trailer. Of course, the graphics have had an upgrade and we’ve got plenty of different combat types to sink our teeth into – camel archers, horsemen, war elephants. But seeing it all in action in some large-scale battles was pretty awesome. Plus, Joan of Arc made an appearance!
Age of Empires 4 is coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC and Ultimate on 28 October 2021
What else did we see?
Good news for lovers of the pirate sandbox game, Sea of Thieves has a new Pirates of the Caribbean expansion pack coming on 22nd June. Then there’s Far Cry 6 with its very cool, chaotic gameplay trailer. Oh and Fable… we didn’t hear anything about it. Sorry, all! Here’s hoping for next year.
Plus, we’re getting a ton more games on Xbox Game Pass, with the library getting bigger and bigger. Check back here on TechTalk for our monthly round-up articles to what’s new each month.
