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Microsoft’s new ‘Flight Simulator’ looks like a wild 4K ride
Microsoft showed off the next version of its Flight Simulator game at E3 2019, and it looks incredible. The company began the video teaser showing off a scene from the skies that it says was captured in real-time 4K. As you might expect, the new Flight Simulator's city views are powered by satellite data, as well as artificial intelligence from Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing service. It's not just the views of the mountains, skyscrapers or oceans that look amazing, though -- the planes and helicopters do, too.
Here's your first look at 'Battletoads' for Xbox One
Rare and Microsoft finally have more to show of their Battletoads revival than a logo. They've posted a trailer for the (mostly) side-scrolling brawler that gives you a good look at what to expect. Not surprisingly, it's much more vivid and animated than the original, with a distinct but fitting style (which doesn't have too much in common with the cartoon, if you're wondering). The infamously difficult vehicle sequences are present, but it looks like you might have some chance of making through this time. Just don't ask for a release date -- Microsoft still doesn't have one at this stage.
'Blair Witch' returns as a survival horror game
So that Blair Witch reboot wasn't very good. But maybe a video game could change things up? Today during Microsoft's E3 press conference, we got our first glimpse at Blair Witch, an upcoming survival horror game from Bloober, the folks behind Observer and Layers of Fear. Even though it's a well known name, the horror franchise has only made its way to games in the form of a lackluster PC trilogy. This new title gives off a much more modern vibe -- when the trailer first started, I thought it could have been an Alan Wake game. While there's not much to go on yet, Blair Witch does a good job of selling its creepy setting. And I've always wanted to have a companion pooch as I take on occultists.
'Cyberpunk 2077' comes out next April, and Keanu Reeves is in it
Okay. What. WHAT?! CD Projekt Red has just unveiled a new trailer for Cyberpunk 2077 which ends with the most unexpectedly brilliant celebrity appearance: Keanu Reeves. Yep, the man himself. It's not clear what role he plays in the story, but we don't care. He's in the game. The actor, best known for his work in the Matrix and John Wick movies, then appeared on the Xbox stage to chat a bit about the game and generally be a good sport. Oh, and we got a release date today: April 16th, 2020.
Ninja Theory's 'Bleeding Edge' is 4-on-4 melee madness
Executives from UK game studio Ninja Theory, the folks behind Heavenly Sword and Devil May Cry, took to the Microsoft Theater stage on Sunday to reveal the trailer for their latest game, Bleeding Edge.
'Ori and the Will of the Wisps' finally arrives next year
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the follow-up to the absurdly beautiful Ori and the Blind Forest, finally has a release date: February 11th, 2020. That's a long way off -- we wish it was closer too -- but at least developer Moon Studios has a new trailer to tide us over. It shows the protagonist, a guardian spirit called Ori, facing off against a giant spider, menacing wolf and other gorgeous but clearly dangerous creatures. The two-minute teaser then ends with a shot of Ori flying on the back of a cute owl called Ku. We expect plenty of intricate platforming and map-expanding abilities when it launches early next year. And, like its Metroidvania (Metroid-meets-Castlevania) predecessor, the game is coming to both Xbox One and PC.
Obsidian's 'The Outer Worlds' launches on October 25th
You now have a date to mark on your calendar if you've been looking forward to Obsidian's The Outer Worlds since it was announced in late 2018. The Fallout-style open world title will be available on October 25th, 2019 -- it's not imminent, but it's close enough. There was no mention of a change in platform, so there's a good chance you'll see it on PS4 in addition to PC and Xbox One.
Watch Microsoft's E3 2019 press event here with us!
Microsoft, with Sony sitting out this year, has a big show ahead of it -- and a big chance to claim all the gaming headlines. In the last 24 hours, Microsoft gave us a strong hint of major announcements on its next-gen console -- expect teraflop chat a-plenty. Actual game title-wise, we're waiting on big news regarding Gears of War 5, and more than a tease of Halo Infinite, hopefully. There's likely to be an entirely new wave of titles from the majors like Ubisoft, Square Enix and EA, plus more indie games. But for a lot of us, especially current PC and PlayStation gamers, all eyes are on how Microsoft's streaming game service takes shape. This year, we're live-streaming along with the news, so join Senior Editor Jessica Conditt and me, Mat Smith, here and on YouTube, for everything Xbox at 1PM PT/ 4PM EST / 9PM GMT.
Xbox's biggest competitor isn't PlayStation
Stop me if you've heard this one before. At E3 2013, Microsoft tripped over its shoelaces as it tried to justify the unexpectedly high price and complex ecosystem of its upcoming console, the Xbox One. It required an internet connection and locked purchases to specific accounts, disrupting established resale and game-sharing processes. On top of that, executives were repeatedly dismissive of fans' concerns. When Phil Spencer, then the head of Microsoft Studios, announced a $500 price tag for the Xbox One, the E3 audience gasped and fell silent. Hours later, Sony took the stage. Executives presented their new console, the PlayStation 4, as the balm to Xbox's burn. It didn't need an internet connection to function, used games would play just fine, and titles wouldn't be tied to online accounts, making sharing easy with physical discs. PlayStation boss Jack Tretton announced the PS4's price of $400 and cheers exploded throughout the stadium.
Watch EA's Play 2019 event in 19 minutes
E3 effectively began on June 8th with the start of EA's Play event, but we won't blame you if you missed out. With roughly three hours of game previews, that could have taken a large bite out of your weekend. Thankfully, you don't have to watch the whole thing to get a feel for what was new. We've compiled all the best bits of the Play presentation into an easier-to-digest 19-minute clip. And there's a lot to digest. Between Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order gameplay, Apex Legends' second season, the reveal of FIFA 20 and updates on Battlefield V, Madden NFL 20 and The Sims 4, you'll know tons about EA's 2019 plans by the time everything is said and done.
After Math: We're not playing around
E3 2019 is nearly upon us and the gaming news is already coming at a breakneck pace. Google divulged new details about its upcoming Stadia game streaming service and Razor announced the launch of a new lightweight headset while GameStop's downward spiral shows no sign of slowing down.
Microsoft teases next-gen Xbox news at E3 event
Many have suspected that Microsoft would talk about its next Xbox at its E3 event, and that now appears to be virtually guaranteed. Gamers have discovered that Microsoft's E3 countdown videos have included background references to "R255 G36 B0," or the RGB code for scarlet -- you know, the widely reported nickname (minus a T) for the 2020 Xbox hardware. The company even confirmed one user's "eagle eye," sending them a month of Xbox Game Pass as a reward.
Wattson is just what 'Apex Legends' needs
I don't remember the last time a video game had me as hooked as Apex Legends does. And when I say "hooked," I mean that I'm staying up until 4 or 5AM playing on weekdays, which probably isn't the best idea for someone with a full-time job who has no aspirations to be a professional Twitch streamer. But, as much as I love Apex, my one complaint is that developer Respawn Entertainment doesn't keep the game feeling fresh. The last time we got a new character, for instance, was back in March with that speedy dude Octane. Thankfully, at E3 2019, Respawn revealed a new Legend named Natalie "Wattson" Paquette, who is part of the Season 2 Battle Pass that will launch on July 2nd.
'FIFA 20' is a lot more than just street soccer
For the first time since 2012, street soccer is coming back to the FIFA franchise. Today, at E3 2019, EA Sports revealed a new mode called Volta that will bring small-sided play to FIFA 20, which takes a cue from the FIFA Street series that launched in 2005. While we saw a glimpse of street football in FIFA 18, as part of The Journey campaign, this year's game will feature a fully fledged mode. In Volta, you can create your own character and play in cages and futsal pitches all around the world, including London, Amsterdam and Tokyo. The teams will be made up of three-to-five players, which you can play with your custom character or professional players, and you'll have both story and league modes.
'Apex Legends' second season debuts July 2nd with an engineer character
There's finally some concrete details about the second season of Apex Legends, and it's heartening news if you're either a defensive player or particularly competitive. The next phase of the game will add Wattson, an engineer character who thrives on defensive play. She can set up energy fences to guard must-have territory, and unleash an ultimate ability that shoots down airborne projectiles like bombardments and arc stars.
Watch 14 minutes of 'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order' gameplay
Respawn and EA have finally shown what it's like to play Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and it's what you'd expect -- with a few twists. They've posted a 14-minute gameplay clip showing hero Cal Kestis as he supports early rebels tries to survive both the Empire and a hostile environment. Respawn's experience with Titanfall is on full display here with wall running, double-jumps ("Force flips") and similar acrobatics, but it's also clear the company is embracing and expanding the Star Wars mythos. Even in his rough state, Cal is skilled with a lightsaber and can wield Force powers to knock enemies down, toss his saber and even slow down environmental hazards or blaster fire.
Watch EA's pre-E3 Play event starting at 12:30PM Eastern
EA is about to kick off E3 in earnest with its pre-expo Play event, and it's unsurprisingly offering gamers a chance to tune in. The company is streaming Play starting at 12:30PM Eastern with a slew of news on the slate. You won't hear more about Anthem, but you can expect more news on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, the second season of Apex Legends, as well as updates for Battlefield V and The Sims 4. Logically, you can expect to hear about EA Sports titles like FIFA 20 and Madden NFL 20. You'll find both the stream and the schedule below.
'FIFA 20' revives 'Street' soccer games on September 27th
EA has explored seemingly every angle of official soccer (yes, football) pitches in the FIFA series, so what's left to do? Take it to unofficial pitches, of course. The company is releasing FIFA 20 on September 27th for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, and its centerpiece will be a new Volta league that takes its cue from the streets -- it's really a spiritual successor to the FIFA Street series. You play in much smaller three- to five-person teams, with customization that ranges from your players' outfits through to the walls. You can play story and league modes, or even throw professional players into the fray.
Bandai-Namco E3 2019 leak reveals 'Tales,' George R.R. Martin games
E3 2019 is almost about to get rolling, but there's time for at least one more pre-show leak. Several games from publisher Bandai-Namco have apparently leaked out due to a flaw on the company's website. Those include a From Software (Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro) collaboration with George R.R. Martin, titled Elden Ring, coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC. There isn't much confirmed beyond the name and the logo at this time other than that it's an action-RPG, although Martin discussed a game he'd consulted on in a blog post after the Game of Thrones series finale aired. Screenshots revealed more of another game, Tales of Arise, an Unreal Engine 4-powered entry in the Tales series of RPGs. Meanwhile, Gematsu mentions information on a re-release of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for Switch (above), with a remastered version packing improved graphics coming to PS4 and Switch. We'll find out what's really coming out, and where it's headed, over the next few days as things get rolling in LA. The show floor doesn't officially open until Tuesday, but our first event of the show begins with EA Play at around noon ET Saturday.
'Spider-Man' and 'God of War' highlight Sony's E3 PS4 sale
Sony might not officially have a physical presence at E3 this year, but that isn't stopping it from holding its PlayStation Days of Play sale. Not only is there a limited edition, 1TB PS4 in steel black ($300) and a discount on the jet black PS4 Pro ($350), but you can get $20 off a PS Plus 12-Month membership and $30 off an annual PS Now subscription.
