Before we start this coverage, it would be remiss of us not to mention the current situation regarding Microsoft and the genocide occurring in Gaza. Microsoft is currently a major supplier of tech and software to Israel’s armed forces and continues to supply these products despite the horrific acts of brutality that are being committed by this regime. As a result, there is currently an active Boycott of Xbox products as a way for consumers to voice their displeasure towards Microsoft’s stance. Please head to the BDS Boycott website for more information and make an informed choice as to what’s occurring.
Player 2 Vs The Xbox Showcase 2025
The big show from the world’s biggest publisher is here, and once again, Paul James and Matt Hewson are diving into each of the trailers, so grab a cuppa and settle in to see exactly what these two think of the big dance.
The Outer Worlds 2
Matt: Everything about this game feels like it is made for me. The humour, the combat, and the style of game. The deep dive is well worth watching, and it shows just how far The Outer Worlds 2 has come since the first game.
Paul: I didn’t play the original, despite very much wanting to. I’ve got a few months to fix that before The Outer Worlds 2 launches because this looked excellent and I want to spend some serious time with it. More on this later, but Obsidian is on the mother of all rolls right now.
High on Life 2
Matt: Looks just as bonkers as the first one. I actually didn’t mind it once they updated it to make the knife talk less. Its biggest problem, though, was that the shooting wasn’t super satisfying, so it lacked the impact that a good FPS needs. If they can sort that out, I am more than happy to dive in again.
Paul: I was a bit overwhelmed by the constant chatter in the original game, and the Justin Roiland style that was all through the game, like Rick & Morty, was too much for me. Here’s hoping that the sequel dials things down a little bit with Roiland’s noted absence now a factor for the sequel.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy
Matt: This trailer had me all in, and when I saw it was A Plague Tale prequel, I knew why. The first two games are fantastic, and this looks stunning, so sign me up day one.
Paul: This leaked the evening before the showcase, which was unfortunate, but I’m concerned about this one. The rats are one of the biggest pillars of the franchise,e and there’s no sign of them in this trailer. I get that it’s a prequel, but does that preclude them from being present? My knowledge of the IP is lacking, but I feel like it’s a necessary component of the IP
Xbox ROG Ally and ROG Ally X
Matt: Looking at this after the event and the coolest thing about this is the new OS which apparently pushes all the annoying windows shit to the back, frees up resources and makes the experience feel more like a Steam Deck. This should resolve my biggest issue with all Windows-based handheld devices. It is also coming to existing handhelds, which is fantastic. Oh, and the Silksong shoutout should keep Paul happy.
Paul: Let’s address the Silksong part first. GOD FUCKING DAMNIT! More teasing with no date, no new trailer, nothing!!!! STOP!
As for the Xbox ROG Ally X, we’ve heard the rumours of this for a while now, so it’s great to get some confirmation. With the Switch being the awesome platform that it is, and my love of the PlayStation Portal, the Xbox ROG Ally X could be exactly what I need for portal Xbox play, but also to engage more with the PC gaming ecosystem.
The Blood of Dawnwalker
Matt: This looks like Dishonored had a baby with The Legacy of Kain, and I am all for it. This one looks really, really cool. We have been without a vampire power fantasy for too long
Paul: I’ll say up front that with expectations set really high due to the introduction to the game that we’d previously gotten, this follow-up was a little less impressive. That said, I’m still really into what The Blood Of Dawnwalker is shaping up to be, and I can’t wait to see more nice and soon
Super Meat Boy 3D
Matt: Oh god, a 3D Super Meat Boy. Talk about getting the rage demons rising! I both love and hate this series. Love it for the sublime, addictive platforming, hate it because it brings out the worst in me when I miss a jump for the 30th time. I expect this one to be no different… except, you know, the whole 3D thing.
Paul: Every game these days wants to make you angry, from the original Meat Boy games to the millions of Soulslikes out there. Can’t we develop more games that are nice, gentle and a laugh along the way? Setting that aside, my angry games are platformers, so I’m all in for Super Meat Boy 3D.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Matt: Nothing needs to be said. I am so excited for this game. It was fantastic to go back to NG2 earlier this year, so I am itching for a new adventure that will (by the looks of it at least) wipe the bad taste of NG3 out of our mouths forever. Oct is getting pretty bloody busy, I must say.
Paul: After finally getting into the 3D Ninja Gaiden games with Ninja Gaiden II Black release from earlier in the year, consider me 110% on board for this newest entry. PlatinumGames look to be doing PlatinumGames things, and I’m ready for them.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - The Order of Giants
Matt: More Indy? Does it even need to be commented on? I adored this game, so I am going to lap up any extra stuff they send my way.
Paul: I liked Indy a lot, I don’t know if it was quite as much as Matt, but I’m a big fan, and I’m certainly keen to jump into more Indiana Jones with it being a pretty fresh experience for me. Lock me in for this September
Beast of Reincarnation
Matt: Well, I have to say I loved the aesthetic this one was bringing. Very cool vibe and some really unique enemies on show. I worry that it is too much of a soulslike for my taste, but honestly, I think even if it is, I will be jumping in. It also looked to be much more mobile than most soulslikes, so that entices me even more.
Paul: I simply cannot fathom the idea that Game Freak, the developers of Pokémon, would ever develop a Soulslike. There are certainly elements of Beast Of Reincarnation that look the part, and then others that make it seem a touch more action-focused, and less Soulslike-ish. I’m so intrigued by this game, due to the pedigree of the studio, if nothing else, hopefully the game has as much substance to it as we’ve seen in this debut trailer.
A Clockwork Revolution
Matt: It is no secret that I am an inXile fan, and I have been excited to see what they can do with Microsoft money behind them. Holy shit I have to say, this one is bringing out the blackest of black humour, which is inline withe their previous games. The shooting and time mechanics look fantastic. I have to say that it was impressive, and an extra shout-out to the super cool character creator they showed. My personal game of the show.
Paul: The pacing of this trailer nearly came back to bite it, but A Clockwork Revolution’s trailer started strong, lingered a bit too long, and just when I was about to mentally check out, they flicked the switch of the time mechanics, and the trailer ratcheted back up to a 10 again. This game is shaping up so well, and I’m keen to see more in 2026.
Grounded 2
Matt: Is Obsidion some sort of super studio? Three games in one year have to be some sort of record. Grounded was a surprise hit and something of a weird direction for the largely RPG-focused studio, so it is cool that they are going back and bringing us more. Once again, this one is kicking off in early access, so it will be a while before the full game is out.
Paul: Obsidian must have access to some sort of game-development cheat code turned on because to be able to launch Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and now the game preview version of Grounded 2, all within about 6 months of each other, is absolutely insane. For a while, people considered Obsidian to be Xbox’s version of Insomniac Games, but the output from Obsidian is even greater at present, and their pedigree continues to stack up. Oh, and Grounded 2 looks really cool, I’ll jump in.
Chronos The New Dawn
Matt: Bloober does Dead Space. Look, Bloober are a studio that, up until the recent Silent Hill Remake that had never absolutely nailed it. They have made a lot of interesting horror titles that never quite hit the mark. Hopefully, this doesn’t fall back into that pattern.
Paul: Let’s see how Bloober Team go without the support of Konami, and an established product as a backbone. Silent Hill 2 Remake was huge, but this is something different now that they don’t have a skeleton to build upon, so the cynicism returns for now. Prove us wrong, Bloober Team
The Elder Scrolls Online
Matt: The ESO section of the show. Stay tuned to P2 for ESO coverage from Jenn and myself. I will say that, as far as MMOs go, this one is by far the best I have ever played for people who want to just go on an adventure and not worry about teaming up with others. It can really be played just like Skyrim if you so choose.
Paul: One day, one day I’ll get into it.. I keep trying, but the time is just never there. How about the industry stops releasing appealing games for 6 months? That could work. ESO looks so good, and I really want to get on board
Aphelion
Matt: I said Obsidian were some sort of super studio, well, Dontnod can’t be far behind. Every time I turn around, it feels like they have a new game. This looks to be a thrilling adventure, likely story-heavy heavy which is absolutely inline with the Dontnod we know and love. I will be watching closely.
Paul: I’ll push back on your sentiment there a little bit, Matt, because in the case of Dontnod, I would argue that the quality of the titles isn’t there to the same level. They’re certainly churning them out, and I wouldn’t say that there are any bad games in the mix, but I would say that the bar is set much lower. That said, Aphelion looks pretty cool, and I’m keen to track this one further as we get closer to its launch.
There Are No Ghosts at the Grand
Matt: What a unique-looking game. Presentation, the focus on music and the gameplay are all bringing something new and, quite frankly, exciting. I guess I have another one on my watchlist. Also, despite what he says, I reckon trusting the Aussie cat is a mistake.
Paul: Seeing this trailer only makes me want ‘Bloody Hell Hotel’ more, to be honest. There Are No Ghosts At The Grand looks pretty cool, though, and I’m keen to see more of it in the future. But also, can we see more Bloody Hell Hotel soon please?
Age of Mythology Retold: Heavenly Spear
Matt: Can’t get enough of this game, so bring it on.
Paul: Loved the game back in the day, and it was great to go back with the recent remaster. What is also awesome is that this older title is now getting new updates. Really keen to check out what Heavenly Spear brings to the mix.
Mudang Two Hearts
Matt: A stealth action game with supernatural elements, this also looks fantastic. If the gameplay can match up to what was shown here, this could be a big hit. There really isn’t much in this space at the moment, so it could really break out.
Paul: This one is very dark, and does tease some of that stealth action gameplay that we’ve all been missing *ahem Ubisoft, pay attention please* – I’m interested in this game, so bring on more footage in the future.
Planet of Lana II
Matt: I missed the first game, but maybe I should rectify that because I love the style that this trailer presents. Not usually my first choice of genre, but I can absolutely be tempted. One to keep an eye on.
Paul: Though I never played the original Planet of Lana, I picked this one immediately, and I’m already looking at opportunities to go back to the original game.
Fallout 76: Gone Fission
Matt: I haven’t jumped into this game for yonks, I only have room for one MMO, and that is ESO. But I have heard it has gone from strength to strength with the constant updates and support over the years. So I guess if you are looking for a big community game, you could do a lot worse.
Paul: My time with Fallout 76 didn’t make it beyond the first couple of weeks of the game’s launch period, and while I’m well aware that a whole lot of the experience has changed significantly, I don’t see a scenario where I’m won over enough such that I’ll go back and try again. Sorry Fallout 76.
Solo Levelling: ARISE OVERDRIVE
Matt: This has to be the single dumbest name in gaming history, and that is saying something. With a name like that I automatically assume this is going to be some sort of Gatcha-filled money sucking mess. The first bad trailer of the show, for mine.
Paul: The game just has that gross anime slop, money sucking quality about it that I really despise. Hard pass.
Aniimo
Matt: Well… I didn’t hate that trailer, but I certainly didn’t love it. Once again, I am worried that it is gatcha garbage, but if it isn’t, I can see it being a fun spin on the Pokémon formula. If it is a F2P game though… into the bin.
Paul: Aniimo holds more appeal to me than Palworld does, but I’m still not wild about it. Maybe with some extended gameplay, I’ll find something more appealing to me. Visually, though, the game looks gorgeous.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
Matt: Hell yeah, I will be kicking the flips to rad 2000s music for hours and hours to come. Love the series, always have and always will. Good to see the turtles return to the series, too. Can’t come soon enough.
Paul: If you follow any of my AFL content, then you’ll know that I’m a bit traumatised by the inclusion of the turtles, but setting all of that aside, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster is looking fantastic, and I’m super keen to kickflip into it.
At Fates End
Matt: I really liked the look of that, though I worry there is a lot going on during combat, so it could become tough to juggle. The style and RPG elements appear to be bang on, though. I think this could be a real winner if the combat doesn’t become too bogged down in systems.
Paul: It’s great to see that, beyond 33 Immortals, Thunder Lotus are still making singleplayer games that their community came to love them for. I’m keen to see what At Fate’s End can become, but for now, I just love the stylings of the game.
Gears of War: Reloaded
Matt: I am more than happy to jump back in for another round of Gears. The fact that people who have already bought the last remaster get this update for free is also rad. I also love that PS players are going to get the chance to dive in, too.
Paul: I know it’s the second time that the original game has been remastered, however, as a predominantly PlayStation oriented player, I’m delighted to go back to the original Gears Of War for a third time; the game is actually one of my most anticipated for the remainder of the year due to this reason. But, before the launch, we need a remade ‘Madworld’ trailer, please!
Persona 4 Revival
Matt: Not much of a trailer, but it confirms the rumours that have been kicking around. Fans will be pumped.
Paul: The Twitter denials have been blown apart (yes, I know it was all a part of the marketing plan!), but now P4 is getting its big glow-up. I’m still yet to dive into the franchise properly but with P3, P5, and now P4 all set to be in pretty great, modern shape, I’m counting down the days to be honest.
Sea of Thieves: Smugglers and Tide
Matt: Another live service game I totally appreciate, but just can’t find time for. It is great that it is still giving new content to players, that’s for sure.
Paul: Sea of Thieves is the gift that keeps giving for its fans, and there are millions upon millions of them. Still, I just wish we’d see Everwild or whatever Rare is working on next.
Invincible Vs
Matt: A great series, it will be interesting to see if it turns into a great game, though. It seems that Tag fighting is once again in which I am ok with. It is giving strong Mortal Kombat vibes with both the gameplay and the brutality on display. I will be watching closely.
Paul: Not at all familiar with Invincible, but I must say, as a non-fighting game fan, I thought this was seriously lacking compared to Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, which was shown at the PlayStation State Of Play the other day. Pass
Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XVI
Matt: Finally, Xboxers get a chance to jump in, and they don’t have long to wait. Both titles are well worth playing, so it is good news. FF XVI is available today, and Remake later in the year. No word on Rebirth yet.
Paul: For me personally, this holds no appeal as I’ve played both Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XVI to death on the PS5. But for the Xbox audience, who’ve not yet played either game, I’m stoked – you’re getting some absolute gems. Missed opportunity for some serious dollars for Square-Enix by (presumably) denying a Gamepass bag here.
Keeper
Matt: Two magic words started this trailer… Double Fine. I am 100% in for anything they do. This looks wild, crazy and totally unique. I expect nothing less from Tim Schafer and co. It is coming this year too!
Paul: Double Fine doing Double Fine things. Honestly, given the stakes at Xbox, I’d half expected their first post-Psychonauts work to be something licensed. I’m really happy that that isn’t the case, but what a strange, only-Double-Fine-could-ever-come-up-with-it idea. Keen to see more of Keeper later in the year. Hopefully, this game is a keeper as well.
Call of Duty Black Ops 7
Matt: Cripes, going straight back to Black Ops, Cool. I have always enjoyed the Black Ops campaigns more than any other COD game, and the fact that this one is going future again will make it feel different enough from the last game to keep people happy. I am in.
Paul: Phil signed off the showcase in a really epic way, and I was expecting a big splash from a beloved IP like Perfect Dark, Banjo, Halo, Fable or something else that fans are demanding, but then we got… Call Of Duty. For as cool as that trailer was, the fact of the matter is that the playing experience won’t really match what we just saw (I presume), and there were a million other big things Xbox could have used to close the show, yet opted not to. This ending left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth..
Final Thoughts
Matt: Another great show from Xbox in terms of variety, quality and pace. There is no doubt they are firing on all cylinders. There were some surprising omissions, though, with no Fable, Perfect Dark or Gears: E-day, but I suspect we may see them at Gamescom or the VGAs. Of course, the biggest issue with Xbox and Microsoft as a whole right now is their compliance in selling tech and software to Israel as they commit genocide. This is something that needs to be at the front of everyone’s mind when interacting with MS in any way. I won’t tell anyone what to do, but maybe check out the current boycott and protest activity to see if you can help. There is no denying this was a good show, and I won’t pretend otherwise, but at the same time, I know that the company bringing this fun is helping to bring death to many.
Paul: We’re in a really different, super interesting space for Xbox right now as they transition towards being a third-party publisher, more than the first-party one that we’ve known for 2.5 decades. Obviously, there are still a few exclusives, many of those are likely to be timed, but the Xbox brand is in a pretty good place. If somehow all this work causes console sales to rise, and Gamepass subscriptions to explode, then that’s awesome, and if not, well, the brand is going to continue to build as they deliver titles for PC, PlayStation and (soon enough) Nintendo. A solid showcase that was missing 1-2 big first-party bangers (think Elder Scrolls VI, Fable, Perfect Dark, Blade, or Gears Of War E-Day for example), that stopped it from being a classic.
