I am going to break my own rules a little bit this week, because there have been two incredible games come out. Resident Evil Requiem and Pokopia must be mentioned, I love both these series. In fact, I love everything that I am about to talk about. This Wayward Roundup will apparently be just for me; how delightful.
Xbox confirms Project Helix as its next console
After taking over from Phil Spencer, Asha Sharma is wasting no time in getting started, announcing Project Helix. She confirmed what has long been speculated; it will be a PC – Console hybrid, like the ROG Ally but less portable. And also, like the Steam Machine. Microsoft couldn’t beat Sony, so they are taking a swing at the PC King.
We are still pretty early in the Helix lifespan, being that it was only just announced, so all we have is speculation. But it will need to bring the goods to take on Steam. With the Steam Machines release being something of a moving target, and AMD hinting the Helix is coming in 2027, these may launch at a similar time and go head-to-head.
My biggest concern is whether it will play discs and honor the “console” side of the equation. I have been moving more to digital titles on my Xbox, but it still needs the disc function. Otherwise, what will it have over Steam? Epic Games support, perhaps, but let’s be honest, they are second fiddle to Steam. Sharma said there will be more conversation about the Helix at next week’s GDC, so fingers crossed.
Resident Evil 9 Requiem smashes all expectations
I think that everyone in the world was expecting Resident Evil Requiem to perform well when it was released. This is down to one key factor: Leon Kennedy. Everyone loves him and for very good reason. But the level of that success has been a bit surprising.
It sold 5 million copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling in the series, and is sitting joint first in Metacritic user score. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the award magnet, is its only equal. It is still early in the year, but we could have a contender for GOTY already. Proof that we all need more Leon in our lives.
Pokopia is the highest-rated Pokémon game
Pokopia has proven one thing: for Pokémon to be happy, you need to get rid of the humans making them fight. This cozy Animal Crossing-like looks like one of the most charming games I have seen, even with the harrowing ditto-faced protagonist. You build habits for Pokémon, recruit them to help you rebuild a shattered society, and generally have a chill time.
It is an approach that has proven quite popular, given that it is the highest rated Pokémon game on Metacritic. I have also had to task my friend with stopping me from buying a Switch 2 for it. Having said that, its next competitor based on Metascore is Pokémon Y, which, just no. That’s good, but it isn’t better than Emerald. Also, why is Let’s Go Eevee only 6.4 on User Score?? What is wrong with everyone!? Moving on.
Echoes of Aincrad announced and available for pre-order
Whilst I am a fan of the Sword Art Online series, the best part of the franchise is the games. I bloody love these RPGs. Unfortunately, most of them have you play as Kirito. Only Fatal Bullet and Integral Factor let you make a character, and only the latter gives you a proper SAO adventure.
That is going to change, however, with the newly announced Echoes of Aincrad. Set in Aincrad, obviously, and coming July 10th, you will create your own hero and battle for survival. You get to pick an AI companion that you can customise to complement your style and enjoy a human playerless MMO experience. It is open for pre-orders, and I so badly want the Aincrad Edition. But it’s only for PS5, and I barely play mine anymore. First world problems.
Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced
We shall round it off with a quick victory; Ubisoft has announced we will be getting Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced. It was done in a way that was meant to be cryptic and suggestive, but then they also shared promo art for it. I appreciate the attempt to bring the Assassin’s Creed spirit to it, but it was just weird.
There was a bit more news from the Brotherhood, including about the live-action series, which still worries me. The movie left a lot to be desired. The thing I am most excited for, besides Black Flag, is Codename Invictus.
This is a PvP offering, and I missed the multiplayer modes of the past, which sounded so fun. Creeping through crowds, trying to find your target whilst also being hunted. Sadly, the article says it is a new approach, so it won’t be exactly that. Still, I am intrigued.
