TimG13

I'm going for Legion, if only because Clint Hocking is creative director and he's behind two of my favourite Ubisoft games ever in Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Far Cry 2.

Plus, London.

@Tharsman I wouldn't say only Ubisoft's open world games are called out for their samey designs, but they do seem to get the brunt of the criticism, and I think it's because they are unequivocally the poster child for the modern open world game. It has defined their portfolio for the last decade, and they've even brought franchises which were more linear and curated affairs into the mix (like Ghost Recon). Part of the reason I think we haven't had a new Splinter Cell for a long time is because Ubi can't figure out a way to bring it back as an open world.

I'd argue games like Breath of the Wild, Horizon and Spider-Man get more excused because they bring newer, bigger and, dare I say it, more imaginative elements to the table to distract you from the fact they largely follow the same pattern. Spider-Man's traversal is what makes that game such a pleasure to play, and where else can you roam a world like Horizon's and battle against robot dinosaurs?

I'll admit I haven't played Assassin's Creed for a long time (since Revelations, in fact), but this looks so far removed from what the series used to be I'm not sure I even recognise it anymore. No doubt they're good games rich with content, but sometimes less is more. I'd really like to see AC return to the purity of the original games.

@zane547 Not only that, but releasing Watch_Dogs and Assassin's Creed so close to each other doesn't make good business sense to me. Watch_Dogs needs pushing back, I think.

I'll give it a C. Some good content was shown, but a lack of surprises let it down. Plus, I think it was a mistake to not show actual gameplay for Far Cry 6.

Sounds promising, but ultimately the games will speak for themselves. Roll on the 23rd.

I won't get my hopes up, but Splinter Cell is long overdue a comeback.

I'd love the series to return to Far Cry 2's style and setting. Granted, I'm probably in the minority there.

Even as a mild Halo fan, I am pretty stoked to see how Infinite turns out.

@zane547 Don't forget the PS5 has blue lights on it, so there is that.

Never been a big fan of green, so PS5 wins by default.

I don't think it will happen, but CD Project Red would be a big one. More realistic would be IO Interactive. Hitman is one of the few remaining classic stealth series, and I really think Xbox would be a great home for it.

@ThanosReXXX I'm with you on this. I have little time to play games these days, so I'd rather have them ready for when I do have the time, rather than risk missing out.

@armondo36 It may be a reboot, but it won't be "gritty". Fable has always been positioned as something of a fantasy mickey-take. Expect that same British sense of humour with stylised, cartoony visuals.

I actually think Microsoft should take the plunge and announce the price at the event. They're clearly confident about their product, so why not set the price that they think is right? Sure, it gives Sony the opportunity to undercut them, but can they realistically lower their price by that big a margin when both systems are of similar ilk?

Of course, the existence (or rather absence) of Lockhart makes things a little complicated.

By all means hold some goodies back, but at the same time first impressions are everything. As long as they have enough "big" reveals of their own, bolstered by some solid third party showings, it should be fine.

Microsoft getting Batman would be a major counterpoint to Sony's Spider-Man. Plus, Rocksteady are a top developer. Microsoft would do well to chase this.

Knowing Microsoft, they'll probably upload all of their big reveals on xbox.com a couple of days before the event.

Still, with two and half weeks to go, they need to really start ramping up the hype for this. Phil Spencer's comments recently have certainly got the ball rolling, and they need to continue that effort to make this the only thing players are talking about right now, to show those who aren't in the know - and maybe still have a sour taste in their mouths after the Xbox One reveal fiasco (Digital Foundry recently looked back on the infamous event in a DF Retro episode) - that Xbox is coming back in a big way.

@Medic_Alert My thoughts exactly.

If the Lockhart reveal is indeed set for August, I guess that means they won't be revealing a price or release date for Series X in July. Or at least they won't be opening pre-orders, otherwise they'll be accused of misleading.

I think it's about time we had Crysis 4. If I was a betting man, I'd say the remaster is testing the waters to see if the franchise still has a following, perhaps in preparation for a next-gen sequel.

@KelticDevil Don't forget the third Fantastic Beasts film is due at the end of next year, although I do agree Potter has gone off the boil a bit.

10/10.

As much as I enjoyed the reboot and Rise (haven't got round to Shadow yet, but my understanding is that it's by far the weakest of the bunch - perhaps Crystal should have remained in charge), I have to say I rather miss classic Tomb Raider.

@KelticDevil I never said Xbox has absolutely nothing other than shooters.

Shall we keep going? I'd rather not. This is getting tiring, and I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not.

@SuperNintendoMii I endorse your message.

@KelticDevil I did say "largely categorised as shooters", not just. I think there's still a problem with the perception of Xbox. Most people still see Xbox as the Halo/Gears/Forza machine. Now before people shoot me down siting Sea Of Thieves, Halo Wars and Ori, I still think shooters are the most prominent genre on Xbox. On top of Halo and Gears, games like Sunset Overdrive, Quantum Break and Crackdown 3 are still variations of a shooter at their cores.

I also think comparing Ocarina Of Time and Mario 64 to Uncharted and The Last Of Us doesn't make sense because they're completely different games from completely different times. Perhaps none of Sony's PS4 games have revolutionised their respective genres, but they have spearheaded a movement to more story driven games.

If people want to fly the flag for Xbox then I'll stand by them all the way. I am posting on an Xbox site after all. I was just simply sharing my opinion, not saying everyone has to agree with it.

@KelticDevil I think it's the other way round, certainly for this gen, in that Sony covered more genres and offered more diverse games. I always felt Sony's were more than the sum of their parts, whereas Microsoft's could largely be easily categorised as just another shooter or racer.

It's true Microsoft offer up more multiplayer options, but I also think that's where Sony have been rather savvy and gone in the opposite direction, focussing more on single player games. At the end of the last gen and beginning of this one, online gaming was such a hot topic, and Sony evidently saw a gap in the market for more single player, story-driven games. They doubled down on it, and it's served them well. These days, I think the multiplayer landscape is so impenetrable it's hardly worth bothering unless you've already got the brand recognition.

It ultimately comes down to taste, but for my money, the likes of The Last Guardian, Horizon and Dreams offer more variety than State Of Decay, Halo and Ori.

@Shinobi1Kenoby Okay, you don't like Bloodborne, and there are no doubt many who are in the same boat. That's your opinion and it's neither the right or wrong opinion. But you do at least recognise it has a large following who absolutely adore the game, and concede it will be remembered by the wider community as one the PS4's best games, even if you don't see it yourself.

@Shinobi1Kenoby Okay, here we go again.

It goes without saying everyone has different tastes and opinions, in your case you don't agree with the critical reception Sony's PS4 exclusives have received, and based on the comments here alone you are not the only one. But surely you can at least acknowledge the high praise they've received and understand the reasons why others like them.

@BlueOcean I'd say remasters are off the table, although they can surely get an honourable mention. As for full-blown remakes like Resi 2, they definitely count, and I wholeheartedly agree Resi 2 is another game of the generation. Resi VII, on the other hand, I'm not so sure about. As brilliant as it is - well, the first two acts anyway - I think the games which influenced it, particularly Amnesia, are more deserving of the credit.

But herein lies the problem. Are we talking about our personal picks of the generation, or games which we think the industry as a whole will fondly look back on? It's like you say with The Witcher 3, a game you yourself haven't played but recognise it's significance. It's the same with Overwatch for me. I don't much care for it, but appreciate how important it has been.

This is perhaps a big can of worms we should refrain from prying open anymore here. Perhaps a new forum thread?

@Shinobi1Kenoby I think you're getting a bit confused. Yes, a larger install base would naturally lead to higher sales and, generally speaking, more people liking a game. But it doesn't have an influence on how well a game is received. As you say, there are plenty of amazing games with low sales, but are nevertheless regarded as classics, Ico and Shadow Of The Colossus being the most obvious, and perhaps famous, examples.

@BlueOcean Off the top of my head, and in no particular order:
The Witcher 3
Horizon
God Of War
Forza Horizon 3/4
Uncharted 4
The Last Of Us Part II
Bloodborne
Red Dead Redemption 2
Overwatch

I'm sure there's more I haven't mentioned, but I think these are the games that stand out as the ones people will remember.

I was hesitant to include any Switch games here, as Nintendo do generations differently, but Breath Of The Wild deserves a shout.

I have no choice but horizontal, but I think it looks better vertical.

Playground's new Fable has been so heavily rumoured it has to be true.

@Shinobi1Kenoby Clearly Sony's games haven't done it for you this gen, and that's fine. Not everyone is going to like the same things, and that's what generates great discussion. But I think it's fair to say that the general consensus is that Sony have by and large knocked it out of the park with their PS4 exclusives. Even if they're not to your own tastes, you can surely still appreciate that many others hold them in high regard. For me personally, I've never really got on with Halo, but I can see and understand why millions of other players love it.

As for how well third party games perform, that's a separate conversation to comparing first party titles. Yes, Xbox One X is going to win by default here purely because it's more powerful, but bear in mind the X is a premium priced enhanced console. It's the PS4 that usually comes out on top when comparing the base consoles.

@Shinobi1Kenoby I disagree. I'd say the PS4 line-up of exclusives is one of the strongest yet. Sony's studios have really excelled at developing rich and diverse single player focussed games this gen, some of which I'd argue are the definitive games of the generation, games like Uncharted 4, Horizon, God Of War and, for me personally, The Last Guardian. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed plenty of games on Xbox One over the years, but, aside form Forza Horizon, I don't think any of Microsoft's exclusives have been leading the way in their respective genres for quite some time. Xbox One hasn't had a generation defining game, whereas Sony have had several.

On topic, it's a well deserved congratulations to Naughty Dog for what is, as Phil says, a "really great game". It would be great too if prominent industry members would congratulate each other more often on a job well done.

I don't think it will happen for a while, but I'd love another Deus Ex.

I wish everyone shared his opinion.

I'd be up for a Hot Pursuit remaster. I still think this is Criterion's best game (yes, better than Burnout Paradise), although I'm not sure I can sink as many hours into it as I did back in the day.

Call me cynical, but I do wonder whether Skate 4 would've been announced if the Tony Hawk remasters weren't happening?

Overall, I'm a little underwhelmed. Nothing particularly jumps out at me, and it feels like EA are treading water. I was hoping they would pull a rabbit out of a hat and show Titanfall 3, Dead Space 4 or something that would get people hyped. They'll surely come back stronger next year with Battlefield, NFS and Dragon Age, but they need something original and unexpected too.

After the remasters, it'll be interesting to see how an original Crash game fares.

Aren't Remedy making a single player campaign for this? I'm looking forward to seeing how that turns out.

I'm still holding out for Bad Company 3, but would also like another Battlefield: Vietnam. If these screens are anything to go by, DICE are sticking to World War 2.

Need For Speed was arguably at its best with Criterion behind the wheel (pun intended). Hot Pursuit was brilliant, and I don't think any arcade racer since has managed to top it, not even Criterion's Most Wanted follow-up. I'd still like both to be back compat, though.

Of course, the Criterion from 2010 is a lot different to the Criterion of today. I still have faith they can deliver.

I still haven't played Doom Eternal or the Resi 3 remake yet, but I did enjoy Modern Warfare 2 - Remastered, which to me was the last truly great COD, from back when Infinity Ward were still Infinity Ward. It's telling that the best CODs of this generation are remasters of the two best CODs from the last generation.

I also replayed Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City and Arkham Origins, with the intention of revisiting Arkham Knight soon. Asylum and City are still exceptional games, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Origins too. Rocksteady and WB Games Montreal need to reveal what they're working on next soon.

I'd imagine it follows a similar hub-like structure, but I can also see them going for the single camera take presentation. Not sure if I think it's a good fit for Halo, though, but I suppose it depends on what kind of story they're trying to tell. It could work for a more personal tale delving into the Chief's psyche, but no so well if it's going to be typical Halo fare.

Also, Master Chief and Kratos are both Spartans.

Microsoft being so confident, I think they should announce at the July event and perhaps beat Sony to the punch.

I've not played Ryse yet (got on launch) so I can't really comment, but my understanding is that it's typical launch day fodder.

I wouldn't say Quantum Break is underrated. It's enjoyable enough, but I think it's easily the least memorable game Remedy have created. It came, it went.

Which leaves Sunset Overdrive, a genuine standout game on Xbox One which is a pure joy to play. I've always thought Insomniac were one of the most underrated developers around. Their Ratchet And Clank games - the mainline ones, anyway - are always a blast, and Resistance 3 is a truly great FPS. And after Spider-Man being such a big hit, it's no surprise Sony finally snapped them up. Sony's gain is Microsoft's loss.

Halo and Hellblade are obviously going to make a splash. Forza is also a given, which was conspicuous in its absence last year. I do wonder whether it'll be Motorsport 8 or will Microsoft turn Forza into a games as service, adding new tracks and cars each year and a new Horizon festival every other. Because can they feasibly release Motorsport 8, 9 and 10, or Horizon 5, 6 and 7 over the next generation as standalone games?

Playground's rumoured Fable is probably a safe bet too, but they need to show some big, expensive looking new IP from some of their new studios.

As for third party games, perhaps they could get the reveal of a next-gen port of Red Dead 2 to counter Sony's GTA V reveal? How about showing us Cyberpunk running on Series X, announcing it'll support Smart Delivery too. And WB Games Montreal's new Batman would be a big win as well. Sony have been really good at getting third parties onboard this gen, so Microsoft need to fight fire with fire and get the biggest names they can.

I'd also like to see some proper, meaty gameplay demoes, rather than simply roll trailer after trailer. Give us a good look at Halo, Forza and Fable in action, perhaps with some developer commentary too. And they should play to arguably their biggest strength and highlight how well backwards compatibility works. Show us Gears 5, Sea Of Thieves and the like running on Series X with all the new enhancements.

Finally, a price and release date would be welcome.

I'd say it was a solid showing from Sony, a varied mix of big name crowd-pleasers (both first and third party) a smaller, more experimental unknowns. Plus, they get bonus points from me for once again getting the reveals of a new Resi and new Hitman.

Sony have set the bar, now Microsoft need to raise it.

I'm a fan of the Xbox's minimalist and simple yet elegant and somehow bold design, but I do like the shape and colour of PS5 more. With those blue lights, it just attracts my eyes more.