Bethesda E3 2016

E3 has begun, and Bethesda came out of their corner swinging. Introducing new versions of classics like Quake and Skryim was a treat for fans. While a reimagining of Prey, and a refined addition to the Dishonored series quenched the thirst for something new. As the continued support of Fallout, DOOM, and The Elder Scrolls Online franchise just reinforces the commitment the Bethesda has to it’s fans. It’s impressive to see such a diverse selection of quality titles from one developer. Enough hyperbole, let’s talk about what Bethesda brought to #E32016.

 

Release Date: TBA

Platfrom: PC

Bethesda started the show with a fan favorite, but something that makes so much sense in light of the recent success of DOOM. Quake is back in the fray, There is hardly a nostalgic conversation about DOOM where Quake isn’t soon mentioned. This time around it’s an arena-based multiplayer shooter with it’s aim set on eSports. Made even more evident with the confirmation that this PC only shooter will run at a silky smooth 120hz with unlocked frame rates. This trailer was all CG and no gameplay was shown, but you can expect more info from this years Quakecon. One thing is for sure the crowd went crazy when the saw the icon Q hit the screen.

 

 

Release Date: 2017

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

As you can see from the trailer Prey is taking a very cinematic approach to a reimagine of the franchise. They have definitely taken the time to create an interesting world, that even in the trailer inspires ideas for where the story may go. While the trailer starts like a futurist Ground Hogs Day, the gameplay moments were reminiscent of the original Dead Space, possibly the best survival horror game of last gen. Comparisons like that get us very excited for Prey.

 

 

Release Date: Oct 28, 2016

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

A beautifully remastered version of Skyrim, complete with all official add-ons, is making it’s way onto next gen consoles and PC. Bethesda has begun to introduce the world of mods to consoles and Skyrim will continue that trend by supporting full PC mods on PS4 and Xbox One. This is no small thing for console gamers. The mod list for Skyrim is extensive and some can completely transform your experience.

 

 

Release Date: Nov 11, 2016

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Dishonored was a fantastic original intellectual property from Bethesda. A blend between Assassin’s Creed stealth based tactics and the FPS supernatural abilities of BioShock created one of the most memorable experiences last gen. While Dishonored 2, was announced at last years E3 this year they went in depth with showing new characters, abilities, and the new mission design.

 

Bethesda now offers the option to play as Corvo Attano, our protagonist from the original game, or Emily Baldwin, Corvo’s daughter sporting new abilities. By far, the most impressive of the abilities we caught a glimpse of was Emily’s Far Reach mobility powers. Far Reach works like the Force on steroids, pulling people off rooftops or stealing items from afar. There is an interesting smoke effect that accents this new ability. Abilities aren’t the only thing to change, Dishonored 2 has left Dunhill for the Mediterranean inspired Karnaca. A very different, but welcomed change from the Industrial England inspired Dunwall. Karnaca will offer the traditional missions found in the first Dishonored, but will also present players with larger themed missions with emphasis on gameplay and/or story development.

 

 

The Dishonored Collectors Edition includes a replica of Corvo’s mask, Emily’s ring, and the Definitive Edition of the game. Available separately the Definitive edition of Dishonored 2 includes a remastered version of the original Dishonored game and all downloadable content. We at 8bitsoul loved the original, and can’t wait for Dishonored 2.

 

 

Release Date: TBA

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Bethesda announced three new add-ons for Fallout 4; Contraption Workshop, Vault-Tec Workshop, and Nuka-World. Contraption Workshop will be available next week. For more info check out: 

 

 

Release Date: TBA

Platforms: iOS, Android, PC

Last year Bethesda announced the Fallout Shelter mobile game. This year that announced a huge expansion, and not only in gameplay. Fallout Shelter will now be available for free on PC. Update 1.6 will include an all-new combat system, new characters, enemies, and locations to explore. It’s nice to see a company put this kind of support into a companion app.

 

 

Release Date: Available Now

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac

Dark Brotherhood, an update to Edler Scrolls Online, will be available beginning this week. With over 7 million players joining the game at this stage might seem daunting, but this update will include a new system to help with that. One Tamriel,  allows players to go anywhere and group with anyone, regardless of their level. Seems like a really interesting approach, and considering it’s a Free to Play game why not check it out.

 

 

Release Date: TBA

Platforms: PC, Mac, iOS, Android

The Elder Scroll Legends is a story driven strategic digital card-based game. Outside of the trailer we learned very little about the game, in part due to a failure in the E3 feed during this segment of Bethesda’s keynote.

 

 

Release Date: Available Now

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

In an homage to shareware, the first level of DOOM is available for free this week (June 12th – 18th). This is a great solution to get people to experience the game and sell it on it’s own merits. This is not what the game is like, this is the game… would you like to continue. We wish more games would take this approach to demos. In addition, Bethesda announced new snap map and multiplayer modes include a single flag CTF mode, and a zone based mode called Sector. Xbox One and PC have already been enjoying mods in DOOM, with PS4 support coming this month.

 

 

By far the worst part of the live tweeting experience was the negativity of some people. The best example of this is the group of people tweeting that Bethesda failed because they didn’t show gameplay footage of Dishonored 2. The reason this was ridiculous is that Bethesda did show gameplay footage soon after. The need for  immediate gratification and the self entitlement on twitter is rampant. A witty comment is one thing, but maybe, just maybe we as an audience can give an once of respect to those that work so hard to create a product meant to be enjoyed. @8bites

 

Overall this was a great showing for Bethesda. Quake, Prey, and Dishonored 2 join the list with fan favorites suck of Skyrim, Fallout, and DOOM to create a really well rounded presentation. Prey and Dishonored 2 really caught our eye and are games we whole hearty plan on purchasing, but the Shareware version of DOOM is something we suggest everyone downloads and experiences for themselves. E3 is off to a great start and it’s only just begun.