Here's a Quick Recap of the Xbox & Bethesda Developer_Direct Including a Suprise Launch of HI-FI-RUSH
Xbox and Bethesda recently held their Developer_Direct showing off upcoming games for PC and Xbox along with a surprise or two. I’ll include all the official notes below, but thought I’d share some of my thoughts. The biggest surprise was the announcement of Hi-Fi Rush from Tango Gameworks and its immediate release on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Xbox Game Pass (affiliate link). This game looks like it could be a lot of fun. It’s an action game that rewards you for attacking on the beat of the soundtrack. I also like the comic book style art. If you are a Game Pass subscriber, it’s probably worth it to give it a try. Other titles touched on include Redfall, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft, and The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom. If you were hoping for some Starfield information, you will have to wait as the team is putting together a standalone show for that game. What was the biggest hit for you in this Developer Direct?
MINECRAFT LEGENDS – LAUNCHING APRIL 18
Mojang Studios, in partnership with Blackbird Interactive, announced that the upcoming action-strategy game Minecraft Legends will be released on Tuesday, April 18. Within the story-driven campaign, players can explore a world filled with treasures and perils, reunite with familiar mobs, meet new mysterious characters, and strategize with allies in epic battles against the piglins. Minecraft Legends will also introduce a PvP mode (a first for the Minecraft series) where two teams of up to four players each work together to collect resources, build a base, and lay siege to their opposition’s forces.
Minecraft Legends will be released on Tuesday, April 18 on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5|4, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. For all the details, please head to Minecraft.net.
FORZA MOTORSPORT – LAUNCHING 2023
Turn 10 Studios showed how it’s making Forza Motorsport look, sound and feel real – through its cars, tracks and audio – all while delivering a generational leap in fidelity, immersion and realism. Forza Motorsport is the most technically advanced and authentic racing game the team has ever made; built to take full advantage of the Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Forza Motorsport is coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC this year, and will be available as part of Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, including Cloud Gaming (Beta). It will feature an incredible new online racing mode and an all-new car building-focused single-player career.
HI-FI RUSH – AVAILABLE NOW
Tango Gameworks surprised viewers with the announcement and launch of a never-before-seen game – Hi-Fi Rush. Unlike anything previously released by Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush is an over-the-top, single-player rhythm action game in which the entire world moves to the beat.
Players take on the role of Chai, a free-spirited slacker with rockstar ambitions whose music player is fused in his chest. Chai must defend himself through rhythmic combat featuring licensed tracks from iconic rock bands including Nine Inch Nailsand The Black Keys, with the help of a motley crew of allies.
Hi-Fi Rush is available NOW through Game Pass on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE: NECROM – LAUNCHING IN JUNE
ZeniMax Online Studios revealed the key details ESO players have been waiting for about this year’s massive Chapter update. The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, launching this June, will return players to the alien lands of Morrowind, to adventure in its unexplored eastern regions. The Chapter will also introduce fans’ most requested feature: a new playable class, the Arcanist. The Arcanist will bring new abilities and mechanics and marks the third new class introduced since the game launched.
ZOS also announced, starting today and for a limited time, a free trial for ESO Plus, which will make all past Chapters (excluding High Isle) and past DLC available to any players with the ESObase game, including those playing through Game Pass. You can find out much more about Necrom in the ESO Global Reveal Event, which followed immediately after Developer_Direct.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom will launch on PC/Mac, as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles this June.
REDFALL – LAUNCHING MAY 2
Arkane Austin pulled back the cloak on Redfall, with new, extended gameplay showcasing the open world, the wicked vampires (including a sneak peek at the mighty Vampire Gods), player customization, psychic Vampire Nests, and much more.
And the best part: Arkane’s story-driven first-person shooter hits on May 2, bringing single- and multi-player vampire hunting to the bloody streets of Redfall, Massachusetts. Arkane also announced the game’s vicious pre-order bonuses, and the upgraded Bite Back Edition, which adds a Hero Pass for future additions to your vampire slaying roster, outfits, weapons, and more.
Redfall will be available through Game Pass for Xbox Series X/S and PC.