E3 2015: Bethesda Press Conference
/Bethesda's first ever E3 press conference has come to a close and boy was it a good first attempt. This is a presentation that was all about the games, nothing else. Here's what was revealed.
First Gameplay Footage of Doom
They start things off with Doom. It was revealed that the world will get a first look at the new Doom game during the press conference, and they delivered just that. A straight to the point Doom game of you killing demons in the most gruesome way. The game is being run by the new Id Tech 6 game engine and it's looking good so far. Big demonic monsters, bloody melee kills, over the top weapons, what more do you want out of a new Doom? It's weird really, never thought I'd get nostalgia out of a game's door sound. Have a look at the gameplay below.
Doom Multiplayer
After getting a taste of the game's campaign, they quickly reveal that the game will come with multiplayer. Not much details regarding the multiplayer, but after the video footage of the mode in action, they quickly revealed SnapMap, a powerful but simple cross-platform drag and drop tool that lets players create their own maps and game modes to keep content fresh for the community. SnapMap will be available the same day Doom is released.
More Doom Footage
And just when we thought the Doom talk was over, they throw more gameplay footage from the campaign, giving us a peek at the demon's home turf.
Battlecry
Next was Battlecry, and they showed new gameplay footage of the Free-To-Play online team-based action game for the PC. The footage also reveals a new faction called the Han Republic. It's currently in Alpha but is expected to go closed beta later this year. Quite curious, and it's said to be using the same network that powers Elder Scrolls Online.
Dishonored 2 Revealed
And the second worst kept secret from Bethesda is no other than Dishonored's sequel. Dishonored 2 was revealed by Arkane Studios and we were given a CG trailer of the game introducing a new playable character called Emily. It will be set in a new city, and you will be able to play as either Emily or Corvo, each with their own set of skills, equipments, and abilities. Dishonored 2 will be available for PC, PS4 and Xbox One in Spring 2016. Also, they revealed a Dishonored: Difinitive Edition coming to PS4 and Xbox One sometime in August.
Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
Now it's time to talk about Elder Scrolls. The console version of Elder Scrolls Online was just released on the PS4 and Xbox One, and we were given a video of what to expect from the MMORPG.
Elder Scrolls: Legends Revealed
Then, we were given something no one was expecting from Bethesda - The Elder Scrolls: Legends was announced. A strategy card game for the PC and tablets. You can't blame them for making such a game, have you seen the huge success Blizzard is having with Hearthstone? Time will tell if this will have the same level of addiction, but we are definitely curious on how it turns out. No other details were given, but more to follow in the coming months.
Fallout 4
Last but not least, the big one - Fallout 4. Bethesda Game Studios Todd Howard shows up on stage and gives a lengthy presentation on Fallout 4. Todd starts off by showing off some concept art, and stating that the development of Fallout 4 started the moment Fallout 3 was done, meaning they were developing Skyrim alongside Fallout 4.
Finally, we get a look at the game, and Todd confirms that the game starts off before the bombs hit, so we get a glimpse of how the world is before it was given it's apocalyptic makeover. They show off the robust character customization with your character staring at a bathroom mirror, with your partner right beside you. You can be either male or female by picking one of the two characters. At this point, it's very much confirmed that your character will have a voice this time around. Door to Door salesmen shows up at the door advertising a nearby vault, giving your information to him sets your characters SPECIAL stats. The sirens hit and the player and the rest of the towns flk starts running to the vault. The bombs hit, and you find your character walking up after 200 years and being the only survivor of vault 111.
Another gameplay video was shown, and shows the game's very ambitious crafting and building system. Todd explains how players can build settlements, grow plants, provide electricity, and watch how your settlement attracts residents planning to live there, with shop owners showing up with rare items. Players will also be able to place defensive structures like turrets and walls to defend your settlement from raiders and such. This settlement gameplay features is completely optional. A feature the team is very excited to add into the game.
Everything you find in the wasteland now has a purpose. Those trash items like cans, or toy cars, can be used as materials in making weapons attachments, scopes, etc. It is said there are over 700 premutations of weapons, so we'll be customizing our weapons in the most craziest way possible. Oh, and you can also customize your power armor.
They also mentioned that the Collector's Edition will come with a Pip-Boy. You can load your smart phone in it, download an app that uses the same code used for the Pip-Boy in the game, and use it as a second screen. Gimmicky, sure, but it's damn cool though.
Last but not least, the biggest shocker. A title that is considered to be the worst kept secret in gaming, and was technically announced just a week ago, will be released this year - November 10, 2015 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Fallout Shelter
Todd Howard revealed something we weren't expecting. A Fallout mobile game. We were scared at first on what it will be, but it turned out to be a completely Free-To-Play game with no internet access required, and no paywalls. The game is about you managing your own vault. You are a vault overseer and you are tasked to manage the resources of your vault, keep your vault residents happy, and make vault babies. It's pretty much a simple, but charming Fallout vault simulator. Here's another shocker: It's available for download in Apple's App Store.
And that's Bethesda's first ever press conference in a nutshell. Were you impressed at what they showed?