They ran a pre-alpha test at their offices last May which we missed out on due to scheduling issues. But having tried a very early demo of Nightfall: Escape that they had at ESGS and hearing all the positive feedback from the game test and various articles online, we wondered about how much the game improved from the old demo.
The game is available on Steam under Early Access so you can check it out for yourself, follow the game's development, and give them feedback and suggestions on what you think they can further improve on.
You can check out our interview with Zeenoh Games here:
Microsoft's E3 2015 press conference has now concluded and you can pick up all the lovely reveals right here.
Halo 5: Guardians
To kick things off, Microsoft went with something everybody is familiar with. 343 Industries takes the floor to show Halo 5: Guardians. We see some coop gameplay with some known faces like Arbiter and Keith David. After the campaign demo, we are given a glimpse of a multiplayer map called Warzone. There will be 24 players and AI controlled units, and they are considering this the biggest map ever created.
Recore announced
Recore was announced and is by Keiji Inafune's Comcept studio and Armature, the developer founded by key folk behind Metroid Prime.This sci-fi action adventure is an Xbox exclusive and has a Spring 2016 release window.
Xbox One backwards compatible with Xbox 360 games
This has to be one of the biggest bombs from Microsoft - Xbox One has backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games. Some digital titles should be up now and your retail discs can also be used. Popping in the disc will make your Xbox One system confirm you own the copy of that game, making you download the digital version for use. The first Mass Effect was shown using this feature, and Phil Spencer states that more titles will be available for use later this year.
Xbox One Elite Controller revealed for Xbox One and Windows 10
The Xbox One Elite Controller was revealed for Xbox One and Windows 10. Features for this new controller aim for the hardcore players that seek accurate control while gaming. The most interesting feature is the ability to swap components (thumbsticks, D-pads, and paddles) to fit the type of game you are playing. There are customization options such as trigger sensitivity, button mapping, and more. The backside of the controller also has four paddles, which we're trying to wrap our head around this addition.
Fallout 4 for Xbox One will come with a copy of Fallout 3
Bethesda's Todd Howard appears at Microsoft's stage and talks more about Fallout 4. Todd already dumped loads of information about the new game planned for a November release. But he did talk about something for Xbox One players of course. Xbox One copies of Fallout 4 will come with a free copy of Fallout 3. He then announces that Fallout 4's mods made in the PC version of the game will also be available for free first on the Xbox One.
EA Access to bring Titanfall first, Dragon Age: Inquisition later this year
EA's Peter Moore comes to the stage and announces that EA Access will be bringing its members Titanfall, with Dragon Age: Inquisition following later this year. He also reveals that all week-long, EA Access will be free to Xbox Gold Members to try out. EA Access is a premium membership allowing players to play EA games for free, get special discounts on Xbox One, get access to early betas, as well as play upcoming EA game first before it's officially released.
Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 was revealed
Then, Peter Moore reveals that Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a thing. More zombies, more plants, just like the first game it looks like a lot of fun.
Forza 6 is coming September 15
Then Forza 6 takes the stage in the most unusual fashion. They slowly bring down a car onto the small stage in the middle. A new trailer was shown and mentions 24 player online capability. Of course, the graphics look amazing.
Dark Souls 3 announced
No further introduction needed. From Software is bringing us the third game in the Dark Souls series. We are ready to die over and over...again...and again. It is confirmed though that this will be the final game for the series. No release date given.
The Division, Xbox One players get beta access first this December
The Division makes yet another E3 experience. It's slowly turning into a real game and we get new footage if the online shooter in action. The release date was already revealed and it will hit shelves 08/03/2016. Beta access to the game will come first on Xbox One this December.
Rainbow Six Siege on Xbox One will come with a free copy of Rainbow Six: Vegas and Vegas 2
Rainbow Six: Siege appears in Microsoft's stage and announces that you get free copies of the previous games. These free games will be available with the backwards compatibility feature on the Xbox One. Siege will be out on October 16, 2015.
ID@Xbox's strong list of indie games
And it won't be a Microsoft press conference without a indie montage. Xbox's indie lineup is looking stronger each year. Exciting titles like Tacoma and Gigantic was shown.
Early Access program coming to Xbox One
Xbox also announced an Early Access program for Xbox One, giving players the ability to try out games still in development before making a purchase to support it. Games like DayZ , The Long Dark, and Elite: Dangerous is confirmed to be in this program.
DayZ creator announces a new game called Ion
Dean Hall, maker of DayZ, is still working hard on it's online post-apocalyptic survival game but is already working on another project. It's called Ion and it makes its debut on Microsoft's stage floor.
Rise of the Tomb Raider gameplay footage shown
We finally get first look at gameplay for Rise of the Tomb Raider. It will be out on Xbox One first on November 10, 2015.
The Rare Replay announced
Miss Perfect Dark? Battle Toads? Conker? Banjo Kazooie? To celebrate Rare's 30th anniversary, rare is releasing the Rare Replay for Xbox. 30 games in one package.
Sea of Thieves announced
Rare then announced a new game. It's a pirate game, and a shared world pirate game. We are sold with the idea of making a player walk the plank. ARGH!
Fable Legends features cross-compatibility and cross-play
Fable Legends, the Free-To-Play coop game for Xbox One and Windows 10, makes an appearance and features cross-compatibility and cross-play. It will be out this year.
Xbox is working with Valve to bring the best VR to the players
Kudo Tsunoda takes the stage and announces that Microsoft is working with Valve to bring the best VR experience to players. They also mention the Oculus Rift being bundled with the Xbox One controller (announced last week). Valve's Vive VR didn't make an appearance, and the information on what this means is still not clear, but Microsoft is showing that they are staying really close to VR technology.
Minecraft with Hololens
Then they blew our minds by combining Minecraft with Microsoft's Hololens technology.
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition to hit Xbox One
Now it's time to talk Gears of War. They start off by revealing Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, a fully rebuilt version of the first game that includes new content. The public beta starts today and will be released on August 25, 2015 on Xbox One.
Gears of War 4 announced
And to close off Microsoft. Gears of War 4 is happening. We did not get a series of explosions and set pieces, which is a nice touch. It's planned for a Christmas 2016 release window.
That's Microsoft's E3 2015 press conference. What do you think?
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?
Everybody knew it was coming, and now it's official - Fallout 4 is coming to PS4, Xbox One, PC.
The official site revealing the game went live earlier for some reason, but the minutes it was up was enough time for many to grab some screenshots confirming the reveal. The clock is back up and very soon the site will go live and the cinematic trailer found on the site will be available for all.
So far, the only bit of information is that the game will be set in post-apocalyptic Boston.
You can watch as the countdown hits zero here. We'll update this as more develops....
[UPDATE]: Trailer is now LIVE and it's in-game footage.
Buyers remorse on Steam is now easier to avoid. Refunds can now be given to users in Steam with any reason as long as it meets a certain criteria.
"You can request a refund for nearly any purchase on Steam—for any reason. Maybe your PC doesn't meet the hardware requirements; maybe you bought a game by mistake; maybe you played the title for an hour and just didn't like it."
"It doesn't matter. Valve will, upon request via help.steampowered.com, issue a refund for any reason, if the request is made within fourteen days of purchase, and the title has been played for less than two hours. There are more details below, but even if you fall outside of the refund rules we’ve described, you can ask for a refund anyway and we’ll take a look."
The refund policy also applies to in-game purchases, but only for Valve games such as Team Fortress or CounterStrike. As long as it's two weeks after purchase and is not consumed in any way, you can get a full refund.
Pre-purchase is also included, the two weeks and less than 2 hours of game time will start after the games release date. Same applies for Downloadable Content.
Steam refunds is long overdue and will help build gamer's confidence on buying games online, especially with the popular Steam Early Access that's filled with games on sale but still in development. Steam has over 9 Million concurrent users as of March 2015 and is by far the most popular online service to buy and play games.
We met some of the people behind Zeenoh Games at last year's ESGS (ESports and Gaming Summit). A mobile game studio that was working on a new horror game based on Filipino folklore.
