Now that Microsoft has launched the Xbox One and has showcased its entertainment capabilities, it is important that they now turn their focus toward eye-catching titles, and more importantly, reveal them (preferably with gameplay) at E3. So far, most gamers have been disappointed with the amount and quality of games released for the new console and few have been genuine console sellers.
E3 is still the premier gaming convention of the year and the best opportunity to grab potential customers’ attention with flashy demos and innovative ideas. Microsoft must take this opportunity to hype up interest for the future. We already gave you our list of top 5 games Sony needs to win E3, so, here are five exclusives Microsoft needs in order to win the press conference war at E3 2014.
5. Forza Horizon 2
Announced a little under a week until the E3 conference, Forza Horizon 2 will be made available on 360 as well as the Xbox One. Forza Motorsport 5 was put out exclusively for Xbox One. The versions will be developed by different companies but again, Microsoft is showing it is trying its best to not leave anyone behind. There is not a whole lot of information about the game yet other than it is set in Southern Europe around a music festival and is expected to release this fall. Fans of open road racers should look for more details at E3.
Microsoft needs at least a couple of these to blow fans away if they want to have a great E3. The gaming landscape has been rather barren since the launch of the Xbox One and some of the larger titles aren’t scheduled to come out until at least next year. However, between Phil Spencer (Microsoft’s head of Xbox and Microsoft Studios) talking about turning back to games and Twitch’s schedule showing slots for at least two unannounced exclusives, Microsoft has something up their sleeve. We will just have to watch and find out.
4. New Gears of War Title
Microsoft bought the rights to the Gears of War IP from Epic Games and have given them to Black Tusk. Black Tusk formerly, Microsoft Studios Vancouver, has yet to put out a game but a new Gears of War would be a great place to start and is listed on their site as their current project. As with Halo, a new Gears of War title would need to be a true version and not an off shoot. A new gear would be a shot in the arm for Microsoft as the continuation of older franchises is necessary to retain fans from the last generation.
3. Project Spark (Confirmed for E3)
Introduced at last year’s E3, Project Spark will allow gamers to run wild with their imagination as they create games, movies or experiences. There are virtually no limits on what can be done. It seems as though it can be as simple or as complicated as you would like. A release date for Project Spark would be appreciated as well as an update on features and functionality of the game at E3.
2. Fable Legends (Confirmed for E3)
Up to this point there is no real exclusive AAA rpg’s available on the Xbox One. This has been a source of criticism for Microsoft as they head into the conference. Fable Legends has the ability to calm the masses as it has a rather large fan base and offers the opportunity to fight for good or evil. So far it has been announced to feature co-op capabilities online with up to 3 other players. It will be interesting to see what Microsoft does with Fable Legends as they sorely need to satisfy rpg fans’ appetites.
1. Halo 5: Guardians
It was pushed back until next year, but if there is one game Microsoft can rely on to get the crowd mumbling, it is Halo. Not something like Halo 3: ODST or Spartan Assault, a real Halo game, for the next generation. Halo 5: Guardians, the second installment of the Reclaimer Saga, will be that title. The game is supposed to run at 60fps and Microsoft should offer some sort of stunning gameplay at E3 to pump up the fans.
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E3 2013 was the year of the new generation. Microsoft stressed the importance of the entertainment aspects of the Xbox One without doing much in the form of games. This year seems to be much different. Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox Division and Microsoft Studios, has vowed to bring games both old and new to the table. I have a feeling Microsoft will have a few aces up their sleeves, but I could be wrong. I suppose we will have to wait and see. Don’t forget to check out our list’s of 5 Games Sony Needs To Win E3 and 5 Games Nintendo Needs To Win E3.
