Sorry to be tardy to the party but I just realized we never did a roundup for the non-E3 non-Sony console mid-year showcases. Thankfully, the only important game shown that we would have included, but has since seen a release, seems to have been Pikmin 4. But now that we've at least mentioned that one, we can get on with the rest. Continue on after the break for a look at some of the highlights from both Microsoft and Nintendo.
- Starfield - Microsoft aired their showcase first, and not only did it include a 3-minute trailer of their most-anticipated game coming out this year, but they also saw fit to follow the main showcase with a 45-minute "direct" presentation of the game as well. All told, the wealth of information provided about Starfield was about as comprehensive as one might possibly hope for. They even went into quite a bit of detail about the collector's edition collectibles, as well as special game-themed peripherals that will soon be available. That being said, anyone who watched the showcase and direct should have little doubt about whether or not this game (and/or its various accessories) will be for them when it launches on September 6th.
- Fable - Despite Starfield being the clear centerpiece of the showcase, the whole thing actually kicked off with a brand new trailer for the long-awaited Fable remake/sequel (requel?). The clip featured themes and imagery both new and old, including heroes, swords, taverns, chickens, giants, produce, and the irreverent sort of humor the series is known for. The only thing missing from the trailer was any kind of hint at a release date which is still sadly unknown.
- Avowed - Again, even though Bethesda's Starfield was the clear star of the show, the showcase also featured a trailer from Bethesda's former rival studio Obsidian. Whereas Starfield may be Bethesda's answer to Obsidian's Outer Worlds, Obsidian's upcoming game Avowed may just be their answer to Bethesda's Elder Scrolls series. But even if it doesn't quite manage to live up to that comparison, Avowed still looks to be shaping up pretty nicely; and given Obsidian's excellent record, it will still almost certainly be worth checking out when it arrives sometime next year.
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - At one point in the showcase, Melina Juergens, the actress who portrays the title character, introduced a video clip from the upcoming sequel to Ninja Theory's 2017 critical hit, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. The brief in-game cinematic was somewhat trippy-looking, but quite impressive as well. Fans of the first game will no doubt be looking forward to this follow-up when it releases sometime next year.
- Forza Motorsport - At another point, a team member of Turn 10 Studios appeared to show off two of the brand new supercars that will be featured in the upcoming non-numerical installment to the popular Forza Motorsport series. The segment included footage of the cars racing in-game, as well as a glimpse of some of the various car customization options that would be available. The video concluded with an announced release date of October 10th of this year.
- Super Mario Bros Wonder - Though the biggest game we can't cover from Nintendo's June 2023 Direct presentation may have been the since-released Pikmin 4, thankfully, that wasn't the biggest highlight from that Direct. That particular distinction would have to go to the final reveal of the presentation, the announcement of a brand new entry in the Super Mario universe - - Super Mario Bros Wonder. A multi-player side-scrolling platformer very much in the style of the New Super Mario Bros games, Wonder seems to feature some pretty trippy, albeit entertaining-looking flower-related power-ups and/or effects. The best news of all is that this game is slated to release this very year, on October 20th!
- Super Mario RPG - But Super Mario Bros Wonder wasn't the only super Mario news to come out of Nintendo's Direct, it was also announced that the beloved Super Nintendo game, Super Mario RPG, is getting a brand new remake on the Nintendo Switch. What's even better is that the game will be releasing on November 17th. Presumably, the perfect time for SMB Wonder players to keep the Mario party going.
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince - Although Mario's name may have graced the biggest announcements of the Direct, his franchises weren't the only to receive love. Dragon Quest Monsters fans were no doubt overjoyed to learn that they will be receiving the first new series installment in 12 long years. While they may have had to endure an awfully long wait since the last release back in 2011, they won't have to wait much longer, as Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is scheduled to relase on December 1st of this year!
- Star Wars: Outlaws - Although it may have been announced with a stunning trailer during the Xbox Showcase, Ubisoft's upcoming Star Wars: Outlaws game is actually coming to PC and PlayStation as well. Frankly, that's a good thing, because if this game turns out to be even half as exciting as the trailer made it look, everybody and their protocol droid will deserve an opportunity to play it. Unfortunately, no specific release date has been given as of yet, beyond a vague 2024 window, but this is one game we simply can't wait to get a hold of.
- Sonic Superstars - While Sega's upcoming Sonic Superstars may have only received a spot in the Nintendo Direct, it's another title that will actually be arriving on a number of platforms. Pretty much all of them, actually. While Sonic's track record has been a little spotty over the years, Sonic Mania being the sole exception, Sonic Superstars does look somewhat intriguing, especially given that it will apparently boast 4-player local co-op. Consider us looking forward to its upcoming fall release with cautious optimism.
- Persona 5: Tactica - Being billed in the Nintendo Direct trailer as a tactical spinoff of Persona 5 (which is also a pretty dead giveaway by the title), Persona 5: Tactica both looks and sounds like another must-play title from series creator, Atlus. It was also one of the only games to appear in Nintendo's Direct and the Xbox Showcase, so you know it's something that you ought to be paying attention to. At any rate, it is one that we will definitely be checking out when it releases on November 17th.
- Star Ocean: The Second Story - R - One of the last announcements of Nintendo's Direct (minutes before the aforementioned Super Mario Bros Wonder) was an unexpected remake of Star Ocean: The Second Story. This remake will feature new stylized graphics and some interesting new features as well. As a result, Star Ocean: The Second Story - R, may just be the definitive way to experience the game. We know we'll certainly be keeping an eye out for it when it launches on multiple platforms on November 2nd.
So those were some of the biggest announcements from both showcases. Be sure to check out the full videos here and here, if you'd like to see everything that will be headed your way over the next year or so. Also, feel free to let us know what titles you're most looking forward to in the comments below.
[Images: Bethesda, Nintendo, Ubisoft]
 | [AJ Amideo] |