TGO Daily | Monday June 14, 2021
✏️From The Author
Well, I’m officially better (pretty much)! Still have a bit of a cough, but at least my brain fog is finally gone. A lot to talk about after the big E3 weekend. We’re trying a bit of a different format here today, so reply to this email and let me know your thoughts!
We got some surprises over the weekend, which I was hoping for! What games are you most excited for? I’m interested in seeing more on Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Looks like it could be an intriguing one if it’s done right!
Until next time,
Brandon
🎮 E3 News
This weekend’s E3 had a whole bunch of shows. Big highlights came out from Ubisoft, Xbox/Bethesda, and Square Enix. We also got to see some cool indie titles during the other shows. I’ve included the links for trailers in all the names of the titles, so be sure to click on those that you’re interested in them! Let’s break down some of the bigger things we saw by conference:
Ubisoft
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - Ubisoft unveiled a first look trailer for Avatar, based on the James Cameron films. The first-person action-adventure title will release in 2022 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X, Stadia and Luna.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope - The follow-up to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is expanding its tactical battler into space (in a similar vein as Mario Galaxy). It’ll feature different worlds you will battle across as you traverse the universe. It will release on the Switch in 2022.
Far Cry 6 - I covered Far Cry 6 in a bit more detail in a previous newsletter. This latest trailer features a gameplay overview. It is slated to release October 7, 2021 for Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Rainbow Six Extraction - Ubisoft released the latest deep dive gameplay trailer for the co-op focused Rainbow Six Siege spinoff. The trailer shows how a mission plays out for a 3-person team as they infiltrate an alien-controlled compound. Rainbow Six Extraction is out on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on September 16.
Riders Republic - The MMO extreme sports game, Riders Republic, is set to feature mountain biking, snowboarding, paragliding, and more. The world map for the game seems reminiscent of Forza Horizon’s, which will likely give a ‘playground’ feel to the game (similar, in a way, to GTA Online). It is slated to release September 2, 2021 for Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Xbox+Bethesda
Starfield - Bethesda’s latest RPG is setting its sights among the stars on its first new series in 25 years. While the trailer didn’t divulge much, we do know it’s releasing on November 11, 2022 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Halo Infinite - Along with the story trailer, we also received a multiplayer trailer for the latest in the Halo series, Halo Infinite. The multiplayer trailer indicated that it will be free-to-play, while the campaign is a paid experience. Halo Infinite is releasing in holiday of 2021 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Redfall - Arkane Studios (Dishonored, Prey) is adding a new IP to their library - a vampire slayer open-world co-op FPS. Though the trailer didn’t show gameplay, it looks like it’ll be in a similar vein to Overwatch PvE gameplay (heroes with abilities fighting off hordes with bosses mixed in). Redfall is dropping Summer 2022 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
A Plague Tale: Requiem - A sequel to the first Plague Tale, Requiem will bring the return of Amicia and Hugo to the spotlight. The first game was an interesting narrative and something I enjoyed playing. The sequel will release in 2022 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. It will be playable with Game Pass on day one as well.
Slime Rancher 2 - The sequel to the slime-farm-sim, Slime Rancher 2 looks like it’ll be bringing back the same gameplay that made the first one fun, along with a variety of new slimes. Also, it’s underwater! It will release in 2022 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
The Outer Worlds 2 - The sequel to the sci-fi RPG did not release any information for what to expect for the second game. We don’t have an expected release date, but currently know it’s at least releasing on Xbox Series X|S. Their trailer was easily one of my favorites from E3.
Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life - Sea of Thieves is getting a free Pirates of the Caribbean update as part of Season Three of the game. The DLC will feature characters from the film franchise (Jack Sparrow, Davey Jones), which fit right into the aesthetic of the game. The update will release on June 22, 2021.
Psychonauts 2 - The long-awaited sequel is finally given a release date along with its gameplay trailer. When Psychonauts 2 launches on August 25, 2021 it will be available with Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 4 and 5 (with backwards compatibility). It will also release on Mac and Linux in the future.
Battlefield 2042 - We got some gameplay footage for the latest Battlefield during the Xbox event. There’s quite a few details that have been released on the game, so be sure to check it all out if you’re into the series. The game launches on October 22, 2021 on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Forza Horizon 5 - The Forza Horizon series heads to Mexico in the latest installment. The popular racing game will be available day one on Game Pass. It’ll release November 9, 2021 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl - The sequel of the post-apocalyptic horror FPS releases after a long-awaited 12 years. It will release on April 28, 2022 for PC and Xbox Series X|S. It will be another day one Game Pass title as well.
Xbox Game Pass - As Microsoft continues to build up the Game Pass library, we have more titles announced coming to it. Some big ones announced are: the entire mainline Yakuza series, Back 4 Blood, Contraband, Eiyuden Chronicle, and Age of Empires 4. There’s even more than this still! For a full list, check out this Polygon article.
Square Enix
Guardians of the Galaxy - Eidos Montreal is bringing the popular franchise to a third-person action-adventure game. You can check out an interview with the senior creative director, Jean-François Dugas, in this PCGamer article. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is coming October 26, 2021 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and PC. (Editor’s Note: The reception for this seems a lot better than Marvel’s Avengers. It isn’t a live service game, and they showed off some promising gameplay. The devs have a great portfolio as well — fingers crossed!)
Strangers of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin - Resurrecting lore from the original Final Fantasy (1987), Team Ninja (Nioh, Ninja Gaiden) brings the fight back to Chaos. Just a heads up, be prepared to hear the word “chaos” 8 times within the 2:30 minute trailer. Yes, yes I did go back and count. The game will be coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC in 2022.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster - Final Fantasy 1-6 are getting 2D pixel remasters. There was no release date aside from “coming soon”. The remasters will be coming to Steam and mobile devices.
Babylon’s Fall - PlatinumGames (NieR: Automata, Bayonetta) latest title, Babylon’s Fall, has been rather quiet since its debut announcement in 2018. The game will be a live-service co-op dungeon action title played solo or with up to four players. They are currently accepting sign-up for closed beta tests. There’s no announced release date yet, though with it doing closed beta we’re likely to see it sometime this year - assuming all goes smoothly. It will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Life Is Strange: True Colors - The latest title in the Life is Strange series switches to a new protagonist. The game follows Alex as they cope with their empath psychic ability. Life is Strange: True Colors launches on September 10, 2021 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC.
Life is Strange Remastered - DontNod’s game that put them on the map is now receiving a remaster collection. Both Life is Strange Remastered and Life is Strange: Before the Storm Remastered will be available in the collection. It will release on September 30, 2021 for Stadia, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Suffice it to say, there were a lot of games announced this weekend - with still more announcements to come! While we tried to give you a list of the most important stuff, it isn’t everything, so feel free to do some more research yourself.
There’s so much I’m excited for. A Plague Tale: Requiem should be great, I rather enjoyed the narrative of the first game. Halo Infinite being F2P for multiplayer should be fun too. The trailer seemed very Halo at its core, which evoked some nostalgia for me. I’m also a sucker for Guardians of the Galaxy, so a straightforward solo game just about them will really be fun - especially with it pulling from the comics more. I could go on and on but my fingers are liable to fall off as is!
🔎 Indie Games At E3
There were a lot of indie games this weekend! The Guerrilla Collective alone had 70+ games! I’ll throw some down here below that you may find interesting. There’s so much out there for indie titles, you’re bound to find something that suits you!
Rawmen - A third-person arena shooter, gives off Splatoon vibes
BattleCakes - A turn-based RPG. But you’re desserts. Need I say more?
Bravery Network Online - A turn-based fighter. Fun concept and graphics. Also a banger of a song opener in the trailer.
Trek to Yomi - If Ghost of Tsushima had a baby with Limbo. Kinda.
Death’s Door - I get Enter the Gungeon but with wizard-y stuff vibes from this one
Demon Turf - A unique looking platformer with some interesting graphics
Planet of Lana - I mentioned it before, but I just have to say it again. Looks absolutely gorgeous.
Serial Cleaners - Ever wanted to clean-up a crime scene before the police could get there? No? That’s not a common want? Uh oh…
Arcade Paradise - Run a laundromat and arcade where you can play on all the arcade machines
Demon’s Mirror - If a roguelike deck-builder had a baby with Bejeweled
No Longer Home - a point-and-click adventure about the anxiety of moving out
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Thanks for the read <3