From the whip-cracking exploits of Dr. Jones to the sprawling RPGs of Avowed and Ara, to the mind-bending odyssey through Senua’s Saga, Xbox’s Developer_Direct showcase painted a vibrant picture of what awaits Xbox gamers in the near future.
Buckle up, adventurers, as we delve into the meaty details of these highly anticipated titles, dissecting gameplay reveals, developer insights, and the sheer promise they hold for Xbox’s future. And while I agree that Visions of Mana looked phenomenal, here we’re focused on the future of Xbox exclusives.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
The upcoming Indiana Jones video game, officially titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will be set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Players will take on the role of Indiana Jones as he searches for a stolen artifact that once belonged to the Knights of Templar. The game will feature Harrison Ford’s likeness, but Troy Baker will voice the character.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will take players on a globe-trotting adventure across various exotic locations, including the Vatican, Egypt, and the Himalayas. Throughout the game, players will encounter a variety of puzzles and enemies, and will need to use their wits and resourcefulness to overcome them.
The game’s developers, MachineGames, are aiming to create an authentic Indiana Jones experience. They have said that they want players to feel like they are stepping into the shoes of the iconic archaeologist. The game will feature a first-person perspective for most of the gameplay, but will switch to a third-person view during cutscenes and certain action sequences.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is scheduled for release later this year on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Game Pass.
Avowed
Avowed, an upcoming RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, was also showcased at Developer_Direct, offering a glimpse into its captivating world and thrilling combat system.
In Avowed, players will embark on an adventure through the Living Lands, a perilous island teeming with secrets, danger, and breathtaking environments. The developer, Obsidian Entertainment, revealed details about the game’s dynamic combat, where players can wield a diverse arsenal of weapons and magic, strategically freezing enemies and then shattering them with a mighty sword swing.
Avowed’s immersive world promises to engage players with its deep lore and captivating narrative, making it a highly anticipated title for RPG enthusiasts. Prepare to get lost in the Living Lands when Avowed launches in Fall 2024.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Mark your calendars: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will arrive on May 21, 2024, bringing us eight hours of intense, focused storytelling.
This will be a digital-only release for $50, and the story will mirror the immersive and personal journey of the first game. But this time, Senua ventures across the harsh yet breathtaking landscapes of 10th Century Iceland, battling not just external foes but also the internal demons her psychosis conjures.
The brutal and visceral combat intertwines with perception puzzles, where Senua’s unique worldview becomes your own. Every element, from the stunning visuals to the immersive audio, merges seamlessly to weave a narrative that resonates deeply within Senua’s troubled mind.
Prepare to witness a special experience: Ninja Theory is pouring their heart and soul into recreating Viking-age Iceland and delving deeper into the darkness and light that reside within Senua’s fractured psyche.
Ara: History Untold
Ara: History Untold is an upcoming strategy game from Oxide Games, a studio with roots in Civilization development.
Launching on PC in Fall 2024 and available day one on Xbox Game Pass, the game invites players to build their own nations, drawing inspiration from real-world cultures to excel in the arts or conquer through warfare. Ara’s scope stretches from medieval hamlets to futuristic metropolises, with players advancing their civilizations through the ages and ultimately commanding mechs and wielding advanced technology in epic clashes. The game’s worlds are procedurally generated, and its soundtrack boasts a rich tapestry of music inspired by a diverse range of instruments.
Oxide Games, with its veteran Civilization minds at the helm, injects instant intrigue into Ara: History Untold. Their pedigree in crafting empires that captivate for hours bodes well for Ara’s sprawling scope, from medieval skirmishes to mech-fueled clashes in the far future.
While no guarantee exists, the track record of these developers inspires confidence that Ara will weave a tapestry of strategic depth and captivating world-building, inviting us to not just conquer continents, but forge civilizations that echo through the ages.
The dust has settled on the Developer_Direct, leaving behind a trail of excitement and anticipation. Xbox has laid bare its ambitions, showcasing a diverse portfolio of narratives and gameplay styles that cater to wide variety of gamers.
Whether it’s cracking skulls with Indy in dusty tombs, forging a legend in Avowed’s sprawling fantasy world, confronting the darkness within Senua’s psyche, or rewriting history in Ara, the sheer depth and creativity on display is a testament to Xbox’s dedication to delivering unforgettable first-party experiences.
With firm release dates still largely shrouded in mystery, with Hellblade 2 being the exception, one thing is certain: the future of Xbox gaming is vibrant, dynamic, and, quite frankly, breathtaking. Prepare your controllers, calibrate your courage, and brace for the adventures that await.
