Microsoft kicked off Day Zero of E3 2015 with quite a bang. Not only did they announce a feature that fans have been asking for since the unveiling of the console, but a slew of surprise games, as well as a deeper look at those coming out later this year.
Halo 5's Warzone multiplayer mode shown off
Aside from seeing some gameplay action from Spartan Locke and his team, we also got a good look at an all-new mode coming to Halo 5: Guardians, Warzones. This mode will allow 12v12 gameplay with AI controlled adversaries all taking place on maps that are four times the size of standard Halo multiplayer maps. Damn!
Xbox One is getting backwards compatibility!
Microsoft's megaton was announcing that the Xbox One will be backwards compatible with Xbox 360 games, physical and digital. It will work similarly to the Xbox 360's backwards compatibility, where games will continually get added to a compatibility list.
As of right now, the list is rather small, but at least it shows that Microsoft is listening, and giving fans one of the most request features to date.
Check out the world premiere for Xbox One Exclusive ReCore
From developer Keiji Inafune as well as ex-Metroid Prime developers at Armature Studios comes ReCore. We only got a cinematic look at the game with no actual gameplay, but it looks like it will revolve around the titular cores, and the ability to revive or reanimate your robot partner into various forms.
Phil Spencer announced that ReCore will be an Xbox One exclusive.
Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 announced for Spring 2016
If you like your warfare just a little silly, then get excited for Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2. The humor is amped up, and fans will get more weapons, classes and maps.
Fallout 4 PC mods can be played on Xbox One
One of the more surprising announcements was when Todd Howard announced that Fallout 4 on Xbox One will support mods created on the PC. Now, the statement was very vague, and it was then confirmed that this feature won't be implemented during Fallout 4's launch, but it's still a very interesting concept.
Skyrim is flourishing thanks to a dedicated modding community, and it looks like Fallout 4 will also benefit from this. It's nice that console players will be able to take part in mods, though I imagine graphical mods will be completely exempt from this.
Forza Motorsports 6 release date confirmed for Xbox One
If you like aerodynamic vehicles that go fast then Forza Motorsport 6 should be making your wishlist when it releases later this year.
Dark Souls 3 confirmed and revealed for 2016
Looks like the leaks were indeed true. Dark Souls 3 is real and apparently helmed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, which is a relief to many, considering his absence on Dark Souls 2 made the game feel less 'Soulsian.'
EA Access goes free for E3 2015 week; Titanfall, Dragon Age: Inquisition added to Vault
The $5 a month program that entitles Xbox owners to not only play a bunch of EA games but also test drive them early, will be getting some pretty big blockbusters. Titanfall and all of its DLC will be available to subscribers now, and later this Summer, Dragon Age: Inquisition will join the vault as well.
Xbox Game Preview brings Early Access to Xbox One
Whether you're a fan of Early Access on Steam or not, it's undeniable that the program is flourishing. Sure, you get a few duds here and there *cough* Stomping Land *cough* but for the most part a bunch of great games emerged from there.
Now, a similar program will be headed to Xbox One. Xbox Game Preview will allow players to purchase games while they're still in development.
Rise of the Tomb Raider release date confirmed for Xbox One
Lara is coming back, this time more hardened than ever, and is exclusive to Xbox One. Exclusive deals are pretty shitty, so it's sad to see that PS4 gamers will have to wait for its release.
Rare Replay brings 30 old-school games to Xbox One
RARE has some amazing titles in their library and most of them will be making their way to the Xbox One. For only $30, you get 30 fantastic games from RARE's library of games. That's a $1 a game guys! Seriously, JET FORCE GEMINI IS INCLUDED!
Xbox exclusive Cuphead gets a new trailer
The game that doesn't look like a game, but more like a 1930's cartoon is coming exclusively to the Xbox One and fans got treated to an awesome gameplay trailer. Make sure you check it out.
Check out the world premiere for the Xbox One exclusive Sea of Thieves
RARE isn't only bringing its collection of fantastic classic titles to the Xbox One, but also an original IP that has you assuming the role of a pirate. The game will have a multiplayer component that will allow you to join up with other pirates and sail across the blue sea in search of treasure.
Gears of War Ultimate Edition announced for Xbox One
While I would have been more excited if this was the entire trilogy, fans of the original game have a lot to look forward to. Remastered graphics to display at 1080p and at 60 frames per second, expanded content from the PC version, as well as a complete suite of multiplayer modes will be included. The public beta is live now.
Gears of War 4 coming to Xbox One Holiday 2016
Microsoft closed off its presentation with a first look at the upcoming Gears of War 4, complete with gameplay.