This is the second in the series of posts where we will be discussing the launch day offerings of each platform. In the last post, we talked about what Sony was bringing to the table. Today, we will talk about the much-anticipated release of the XBOX Series X|S and what we can play, DAY 1, whether it be exclusive or multi-platform, when that console arrives. Now, while we know that there won’t be any first-party XBOX Series X|S exclusives (because of Phil Spencer’s decision to make all new games playable on both current-gen and next-gen consoles) we can still see what our Sony fanboys will be missing out on by choosing the Japanese offering over the grand ‘ole U.S. of A.!
XBOX Console EXCLUSIVES:
Bright Memory ($9.99)
You might remember Bright Memory Infinite being shown as the first game revealed at the Inside Xbox showcase back in May of this year. It wowed the critics and influencers with its high-polished look, the mix of melee and FPS combat styles, and the fact that FYQD-Studio (the developer behind this game) is actually just ONE MAN! Developer FYQD hails from China and has been creating this game in his free time and while he has promised to release his full game to XBOX Series X|S owners in 2021, what will be available for launch day is what was called “Episode 1” on PC and will only cost players $10. This should be a good start to whet the appetite of fans around the globe as we prepare for the full release next year.
The Falconeer (price unknown)
Developed by Tomas Sala, and published by Wired Productions Ltd., The Falconeer is a 3rd-person air combat game where there are two equally significant twists. First, the game is open world, and you can supposedly explore practically the whole game world at your leisure. Second, instead of flying around on a WW2 biplane or some modern F-18 jet, you are a Falconeer: a pilot who rides a giant war falcon. Fly and fight to earn currency and allegiance that you will need to upgrade your weapons, gear, and mount.
Tetris Effect: Connected*#($39.99)
Tetris Effect, from Monstars Inc., and published by Enhance, took many by surprise in 2018 when it came out. I remember people placing the game on their Game of the Year lists due to the amazing mix of visuals and sound/music that would entrance players into the rhythms and flow of pure Tetris goodness. Well, it seemed the only things missing from the game was, a true multiplayer suite and release date on Xbox platforms. Well, we got both here, and as a bonus, Tetris Effect: Connected is a timed exclusive to Xbox platforms as well as being available via Xbox Game Pass. Grab some headphones and dive in on November 10th.
Multi-platform Games Launching on Next-Gen:
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla ($59.99)
You play the role of Eivor (which can be either a male of female), a Viking clan-leader and the protagonist of the latest game in the saga that is Assassin’s Creed. The big selling point this year is the ability to lead “Raids” which allow you to take over portions of land and expand your Viking territory. There is also some updated combat, like the ability to dual-wield any weapon. Ubisoft showed a cool example of their character wielding a shield in each hand and how that can lead to different play styles. If you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed, this seems like one to watch. If you are not a fan, I didn’t see all that much here to change your mind.
Multi-plats making the jump to Next-Gen:
As in the previous post, I’m not going to go over each of these games individually, but know that these games have either already been available for purchase, or will be available to purchase before the release date of the Xbox Series X|S and the PlayStation 5. Others are multi-platform games that are being re-released as a “Definitive” or “Special” edition, and while there is certainly new content available with these titles, the bulk of the game remains as it was from the last generation of consoles.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War ($59.99)
- Devil May Cry V: Special Edition ($39.99)
- DIRT 5 ($59.99)
- FIFA 21 ($59.99)
- Fortnite: Battle Royale (FREE)
- Gears 5* ($59.99)
- Gears Tactics* ($59.99)
- Just Dance 2021 ($49.99)
- Maneater ($39.99)
- Marvel’s Avengers ($59.99)
- NBA 2K21 ($69.99)
- Observer: System Redux ($29.99)
- Shamurai Shodown* ($59.99)
- Watch Dogs: Legion ($59.99)
If there were any other games that I left out, feel free to correct me in the comments! I tried to do my best to see what was becoming available (as things change daily this close to launch) but certain games may have slipped my grasp.
I mainly used gamespot.com & IGN.com as a resource to collect data on next-gen games for these platforms.
* Also available via the service Xbox Game Pass ™
# Timed exclusive on XBOX next-generation consoles
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