Newsletter
Yesterday was Microsoft’s big Xbox Games Showcase for 2023, and if you missed it, it’s definitely worth a watch. There were quite a few reveals, some of which are big titles gamers can look forward to. There’s also a few indies in there that look pretty darn amazing.
The showcase wasn’t just about unannounced titles though. There were also some showings of previously announced games, showcasing new footage and new details. Such as release dates and more. While we still recommend watching the entire 2023 Xbox Games Showcase, it’s also an hour long. Two if you count the Starfield Direct which is part of the showcase. So if you want a quicker rundown on the best/most exciting games that Microsoft showed off, we’ve highlighted them here.
You’ll find all of the most exciting stuff to look forward to below, with games from both Xbox first party studios and third-party partners, along with individual trailers (if available) if you don’t feel like watching the whole showcase. If you do want to watch the whole showcase, you can find it here.
Best games shown off at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023
Starfield
We’re kicking things off with what is arguably one of if not the most exciting games (not to mention the biggest) of the entire showcase. Starfield. Bethesda’s massive sci-fi open world epic is poised to be one of 2023’s biggest games and is likely to be a huge hit for Xbox. Not only did players get a new trailer to see, but Microsoft also went into a super detailed deep dive after the showcase.
It’s packed full of information on the game and is a really focused look at what you’ll get to experience when Starfield launches later this year. Starfield is set to arrive on September 6, and it’ll be available on Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass.
Fable
Fable is an old but gold franchise that Microsoft has had in its back pocket for many years. The originals were some of the most fun RPG games you could play in their time. And the series was ripe for a reboot. Thankfully, Microsoft has finally shown a little more of the new Fable. It’s just a cinematic trailer so there’s no actual gameplay footage. There’s also no release date mentioned. But, the trailer is still worth watching.
Fable was always a game that allowed the player to essentially write their own story so to speak. Would you become a hero? A villain? Something in between? This was a big part of what made Fable so good and it looks like that will continue to be a staple of the reboot. The trailer also makes it clear that comedy will be a big part of the game.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is not a new announcement, but we do get a good look at the expansion and its story in this latest trailer. There’s also a good amount of gameplay shown off. If you’re eager to dive back into Night City, you won’t have long to wait as the expansion arrives in September. On September 26 to be exact. Although CD Projekt Red already fixed a lot of the game’s December 2020 launch issues back in 2022, the expansion definitely makes the game look better than ever.
Star Wars Outlaws
This might be my personal favorite announcement from the showcase (It’s a tossup between this and Starfield). Although it’s hard to pick because there were so many good reveals. Star Wars Outlaws is an upcoming game from Ubisoft and is the first open-world Star Wars game. You take on the role of a completely new character in the Star Wars universe named Kay Vess.
Chronologically the game is set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. So expect to see some callbacks to those movies somewhere and the occasional easter egg.
Forza Motorsport
Racing game fans should be excited for the new Forza Motorsport. Unlike the Horizon part of the franchise, Motorsport is all about track racing. So it has that Gran Turismo feel and looks quite amazing. The trailer shows off loads of in-game footage with a large collection of cars with realistic-looking graphics. You can upgrade and tune your cars with quite a degree of control. As well as add customizations to the car for a personalized look on the track.
The game comes out October 10 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, and Steam.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Dungeons of Hinterberg is a new announcement and comes from Curve Games and Microbird Games. This is one of the more interesting looking titles shown off during the showcase. Featuring gorgeous cell-shaded graphics and some very detailed explorable parts of the game world.
As an indie title it probably won’t get the amount of attention Starfield is getting, but it should because the game looks great. Its colorful and vibrant world is sure to provide a pleasing setting for your playthrough when it launches in 2024.
Jusant
Games without any dialogue often have a difficult task. They still need to provide the player with a narrative to follow but have to do it without saying anything. Jusant looks to do just that with gameplay based on climbing and puzzle solving. There is absolutely no spoken dialogue in the game but you likely won’t want any. Because you’ll be too engrossed in the visual feast for the eyes that Jusant is laying out in front of you.
The game launches this Fall and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the next game in the franchise, following the story of Ichiban Kasuga after the events of Yakuza: Like A Dragon. Although not confirmed in the trailer, it would appear that this is the eighth mainline title in the Like A Dragon (Yakuza) series. There’s not much information about the game yet but we do know that it will bring together two of the franchise’s main characters. In this case, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Coming from Capcom, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess blends action gameplay with strategy gameplay and wraps them both up in the aesthetics of ancient mystical Japan. There’s not a whole lot of gameplay shown off and there’s no real insight into the story. But it sure does look like a lot of fun to play and may be worth a pickup if you like Capcom titles. One thing that definitely appears to be on point is the combat.
Persona 3 Reload
Persona 5 was a mega hit for SEGA and Atlus, and has provided what are some of the coolest looking visuals of any turn-based RPG in quite some time. Persona 3 Reload is getting some of that love with an overhaul to the game’s graphics to be displayed in the visual style of Persona 5. While it should be an awesome game for fans of the original to revisit, it will also likely be an excellent experience for anyone who never got to play the original.
Persona 3 Reload will be out in early 2024, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Game Pass, and Windows.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
The latest Hellblade II trailer gives players a deeper look into the gameplay with some new in-game footage of Senua talking to, someone or something. You also get a bit of narration from what seems to be Senua herself.
As ever, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II looks pretty visually stunning and it’s a game that we can’t wait to play. It’ll be out sometime in 2024.
Towerborne
Banner Saga and Banner Saga II creators are back with their next game called Towerborne, which looks to be an epic fantasy adventure RPG. The game features a sidescrolling visuals and combat as well as co-op play with what looks like up to three other players.
The visuals look great and sort of stay true to the hand-drawn illustration style of graphics seen in both Banner Saga games. But with more flair. Towerborne is coming sometime in 2024.
Avowed
Avowed is an upcoming first-person fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. Judging from the gameplay trailer it’ll have some really cool combat with a mix of weapons and magic. In it, players will “journey through the Living Lands – a plagued, foreign island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, choices and consequences.” It sounds like there should be lots of player choice in this game. Which is great if you’re into multiple possibilities for narratives and gameplay that changes based on your decisions.
Avowed comes out in 2024 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and Steam, and it’ll be available day one for Game Pass subscribers.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Last but not least is Metaphor: ReFantazio which comes from Atlus and Studio Zero. There are a lot of similarities in the visual style here between Metaphor and the Persona games, and that’s because it comes from the creators of Persona 3, 4, and 5. Story wise though, Metaphor: ReFantazio is vastly different as it’s Atlus’s first-ever full-scale fantasy RPG.
Like in the Persona games, you’ll be able to form bonds with other characters, some or all of which you will be able to place in your party. If you enjoyed the Persona games, then this is one you’ll probably want to watch out for. It’ll arrive in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.