There’s no feeling like getting your hands on a new video game and testing it out for the first time. It’s the gamer life! First impressions count and those early moments can create the spark toward blowing a budget (or, in this case, rent) on a slew of new video game releases. That’s the feeling taken away at this year’s X16 Media Showcase.
Here are five of our Xbox and Windows 10 PC takeaways from X16 (in no particular order)…
DEAD RISING 4
This is Dead Rising’s fourth entry in the series and the latest game to see the return of Frank West (the star of the first game) as the main protagonist. After an updated redesign with Dead Rising 3’s day one launch for the Xbox One, I was curious to see if the next generation sequel would continue with a similar style or have its mechanics changed around. Suffice it to say, I am pleasantly surprised with the game.
In the short demo, you take on the role as Frank, hacking-and-slashing his way through zombie hordes in Willamette for an unspecified mission. Right off the bat, the design of the snowy town is beautiful and you get a more in-depth look of the town, more so than what was shown in the first game. The zombies are more ferocious and their AI has improved slightly since the previous games, similar to other more dangerous enemies you encounter as well.
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The addition of the exo-suit – a new fighting outfit – is a must. I have no doubt it’ll be something gamers will be eager to try, as well as the new redesigned melee weapons and the return of Frank’s photography feature. The one downside is the change in the inventory selection; the new look and functionality is supposed to be simplistic and easier to handle but I had trouble selecting/using my weapons. This feature may be easier once you have more time to play with the game.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT3cb3f5pM0]
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GEARS OF WAR 4
Now THIS is what I call an update! The Gears of War series has rested on its laurels for a while now, and after a lackluster spin-off (Gears of War: Judgment), the series needed a bit of jolt. Flash-forward a few years and now we’ve received Gears of War 4.
Similar to the other games at X16, there was only a short demo to try it out. But even in that short time, Gears of War 4 felt like a shiny new game. The settings are more complex, the environments play a role in your ability to attack, the protagonist is likable, and the enemy AI is smarter. While the constant flash of colour was a bit much to take in at first (the setting I played was in the middle of a storm), this game is definitely one to follow.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc41iwdDai0]
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FORZA HORIZON 3
I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not the biggest racing game fan. Not since Need for Speed: Most Wanted has a racing game pulled me in enough to really move through the ranks and race to the end. But Forza Horizon 3 seems like a fun, light-hearted game.
The demo features three different racing tracks/modes to get a feel for the game. A big highlight right off the bat are the racing tracks – they’re beautifully well-done, similar to the cars. I didn’t win any of the racing matches I was in; like I said, I’m a bit rusty with racing games. However, it pulled my competitive streak right back in to WANT to win.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTSUgXkfooA]
OUTLAST 2
The scary little indie game that could is delivering another terrifying hit. Moving away from the claustrophobic feel of an asylum, Outlast 2 explores new locales and a creepier sense of dread that follows you around. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED the original Outlast and the setting, but the entrapment in the hospital felt a bit forced at times. Now in a more open and moving world, you get to explore a different feel and a new mystery…while still once again holding onto a camera.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMvT-UslCqQ]
RECORE
I wasn’t sure what to make of ReCore when I first watched gamers testing it out at X16. It reminded me of a cross between Halo and Titanfall; featuring shooting mechanics, exploration, and robotic assistance (when needed) in a futuristic world. The game itself is more of an action platformer, going from stage to stage and shooting enemies with marked colours.
I didn’t have a lot of time with ReCore but when I did, it was an easy and fun experience. The futuristic enemies look menacing, the action is addicting, and the robot assistance could prove useful in later levels, which might need help with exploration and eliminating enemies. I guess this position is one based on potential – it has the parts going for it, but seeing the full game later will determine a better sense of my thoughts.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnKT9ZCGgBE]
- I have a guilty pleasure for fighting games; though, my skill is a bit lacking against some serious competition. I played a few rounds of TEKKEN 7 with a couple of the other gamers – and the game is just as good as the previous games in the series. I didn’t notice any vast changes or updates comparatively to previous sequels in the demo, but the new fighters seemed unique enough with their fighting style and personality.
- There was a gaming station for Final Fantasy XV. I saw it…I took pictures…I watched people play it…the game is real. After all these years and delays, I must have hope that it’s actually coming out this year.
- I played a bit of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, which was recently released on August 23rd. The controls felt somewhat clunky, and with no real explanation or tutorial, the mechanics of the game were hard to understand in the time I had.
- Halo Wars 2 looks just as polished and fun as the original. Similar to TEKKEN 7 above, I didn’t notice a big shift with changes from the first game, but I think after some time playing the full game or more time with a demo will give me a better opinion to judge.
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