by K.Asante
As part of Gamescom 2024, I had the privilege of attending a special Microsoft presentation showcasing two highly anticipated games: Starfield: Shattered Space and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The presentation closely mirrored what was shown during Opening Night Live, but with a deeper dive into the gameplay that we hadn’t seen before.
Pre-Show Insights from Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond
Before the gameplay demonstrations began, Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond took the stage to address the room full of journalists and press badge holders. Their excitement was evident as they discussed the importance of our feedback on what we were about to witness. They also touched on the feedback they had already received on the announcements from Opening Night Live, particularly the news that Indiana Jones would be coming to PS5 in 2025. Sarah Bond also hinted at exciting new developments on the horizon, encouraging us to stay tuned for more.
As they spoke, I couldn’t help but think about how these announcements and the subsequent feedback might influence the direction of these titles and Microsoft’s broader strategy. This was especially relevant as we settled in to watch the 10-to-15-minute gameplay demos that followed.
A Closer Look at Starfield: Shattered Space
The presentation kicked off with Starfield, a game that has already captured the imagination of many. They introduced us to the new Rev-8 rover and then took us on a deeper exploration of the Shattered Space DLC. It was immediately clear that this expansion modifies the original game’s formula, with a stronger emphasis on melee combat and a shift toward horror elements that weren’t as prominent in the base game.
The DLC centers on the House of Va’ruun, a mysterious faction within the Starfield universe. The planet they reside on has been struck by a catastrophic event, and the story of Shattered Space revolves around this calamity. Although you’re free to leave the planet at any time, the DLC’s campaign encourages you to stay and explore the new environment thoroughly.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Shattered Space is its tone, which feels markedly different from the original campaign. The darker, more intense atmosphere seems designed to challenge players in new ways. The developers also reminded us that the game has benefitted from numerous optimizations and feature patches since its release, which have made it a much stronger package overall. As someone who has already logged over 240 hours into the base game, I’m eager to dive back into this new content. However, I remain uncertain whether this DLC will change the minds of those who didn’t connect with Starfield initially.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Standout Experience
After the Starfield demo, we moved on to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. I have to say, this was the part of the presentation that impressed me the most. While the game isn’t without its flaws, it manages to distinguish itself from other action-adventure games by fully embracing the over-the-top, classic Hollywood action that is synonymous with the Indiana Jones franchise.
The whip, Indy’s iconic tool, is used to great effect in the game, aiding in both traversal and combat. This mechanic adds a unique layer to the gameplay that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. The cinematics were especially noteworthy, successfully evoking the spirit of the Indiana Jones films that many of us grew up loving. It’s clear that MachineGames Game director Jerk Gustafsson, with executive producer Todd Howard, has a deep love and respect for the source material.
However, not everything was perfect. The switch between third-person and first-person perspectives felt a bit jarring at times. During gameplay, you only see Indy’s hands in first-person view, but the game switches to third-person for cutscenes and certain scripted animations. While this approach works for now, I’m curious to see if it remains effective over extended play sessions or if it becomes grating after many hours of gameplay.
The Elephant in the Room: Xbox’s Future and Fan Perception
As the presentation drew to a close, the release date and platforms for The Great Circle were presented on-screen, bringing us to the elephant in the room: the game’s availability on PS5 shortly after releasing on Xbox. After hearing this news initially during Opening Night Live the day before, I logged into my Discord server to gauge the reaction among hardcore Xbox fans, and the frustration was palpable. Some were declaring that Xbox is now essentially a third-party developer, predicting the downfall of the brand as a result.
This reaction seemed out of sync with what I witnessed at Gamescom. Xbox had the largest booth ever at the event, signaling a significant investment in the brand. It’s clear that Microsoft is all-in on Xbox, yet there seems to be a growing disconnect between the company’s actions and the perception among its most loyal fans.
Many fans are lamenting what they see as Xbox’s unwillingness to compete through exclusive titles, viewing it as a sign of the platform’s decline. On the other hand, Microsoft is investing more than ever in its Gamescom presence and promising more exciting developments whenever any of their representatives take the stage. This disconnect raises important questions: Is this a case where perception will become reality? Or will Microsoft’s continued investment in the Xbox brand eventually win back the hearts and minds of its hardcore fans?
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead for Xbox
As I reflect on the presentations and the reactions it has sparked, it’s clear that Xbox is at a critical juncture. The company is making significant investments in its gaming ecosystem, yet the perception among its most dedicated fans is one of uncertainty and doubt. Whether Microsoft can bridge this gap and align its actions with the expectations of its fanbase will be crucial in determining the future of Xbox.
In the end, only time will tell whether Xbox’s strategy will pay off. For now, though, I’m left with a mixture of excitement and curiosity about what lies ahead. The games I saw at Gamescom have tremendous potential, but the broader questions about Xbox’s direction remain unresolved. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these dynamics play out and whether Microsoft can successfully navigate the challenges it faces.
Solid overview of these game brother.
Reading more on both has excited me more than I initially expected. My hype for Indiana Jones grows and while I’ll be returning to Starfield with Star Wars mods I can’t wait to try out the new DLC!