Hiya!

Well, it’s that time of the year again when I turn to Microsoft’s gaming division and see if they have anything that’ll make me take the plunge for an Xbox console or even an Xbox Game Pass. I really want a reason to want to get a new console other than a Sony PlayStation console because I honestly don’t like the label of being a Sony fangirl anymore. I just want to be a gamer who likes different things. So, like with every year, I awaited Not-E3‘s annual Xbox Games Showcase.

I will say what Microsoft had prepared for the Xbox Games Showcase did impress me. However, the question is if it impressed me enough to take the plunge to get their console or upgrade my aging laptop to a more current standard to get an Xbox Game Pass. Well, let’s go talk about the announcements and reveals which did catch my eye.

One slight caveat before you go on. Once the Xbox Game Showcase ended, I stopped watching and didn’t stick around for The Outer Worlds 2 Direct. It looks like a cool game but, as this is also coming out on PlayStation 5, I didn’t really bother. I’m more interested in the exclusives, which is what I’m going to talk about below!

#1 Xbox is going portable… sorta

Right now, the biggest system in the world is not Sony’s PlayStation 5. No, as of this moment, it’s the Nintendo Switch 2. The new system just launched worldwide and is the talk of the town of the gaming world. It’s also the only real portable system available right now. I said “right now” because, during the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft announced they’re putting out their own portable version of their Xbox system. Well, not exactly but it does seem like that’s what they’re doing with the ROG Xbox Ally.

Technically speaking, the ROG Xbox Ally (and the ROG Xbox Ally X) isn’t really an Xbox console. Rather, is an Xbox branded ROG Ally handheld gaming computer. I’m not entirely familiar with these new handheld gaming computers but, from what I know, they’re usually connect to a gaming service like Steam. This specific version will only be connected to the Xbox Store.

Right off the bad, the ROG Xbox Ally is definitely intriguing as they’re saying it’s essentially the current Xbox console but in portable form. That ultimately means it’s much beefier than the Nintendo Switch 2. It’ll also be able to play all of the Xbox games, which is also a really good idea. I’ve been clamoring for a reason to get an Xbox system for years. Well, now that they’re making a portable version, that just may be enough for me to actually get this specific one. Of course, I still have to know how much it’s gonna cost. Also, are there any exclusive games I would wanna play on the go? Time will tell!

#2 Clockwork Revolution

Time travel can be a messy deal. However, when done right, especially in a video game, it can be a glorious experience. Games like Chrono Trigger, Day of the Tentacle and Bioshock Infinite are just some examples which proves this. Not that I haven’t played any of them as I just googled “video games with time travel” and these are the ones which I’m familiar with. Still, there is a good chance Clockwork Revolution may be one of these game with time travel that’ll be good enough to be remembered in the future.

The story seems to have a sense of humor and follows the tone of something like the early Borderlands games while looking like Bioshock Infinite. Well, if you’re going to copy a stylish first-person shooter with a gimmick, you might as well steal your ideas from some of the best in the business.

Personally, I’m not all that big on first-person shooters so I don’t think Clockwork Revolution is going to get me to buy an Xbox console or an Xbox Game Pass. However, I do think the game has the potential to garner a fanbase because of its quirky style. I just don’t see me becoming part of that fanbase.

#3 There Are No Ghosts At The Grand

I’m sorry, but when did home renovation become a gaming genre? From Powerwash Simulator to House Flipper, it looks like developers have been watching the HGTV channel and said, “Hey, you know what would be a cool video game?” and promptly went on cranking them out on their computer. Well, while There are No Ghosts At The Grand does seem to follow this weird trend, the small indie team of Friday Sundae decided to add a supernatural element to their upcoming game. Oh, it’s also a musical?

So, I’m not exactly sure what the game is all about based on the trailer. Apparently, you inherit a hotel and you have a gun which can fix stuff and move furniture around. You can also use it to take out malevolent spirits as well? It also seems as if the residents of the town will burst into song just like in a musical.

Now, I like weird games but I’m not sure There are No Ghosts At The Grand is something that’ll get me to buy an Xbox. Heck, my current laptop, based on the game’s Steam page, is powerful enough to run it! I may give this game a try if it gets good enough reviews… but I’ll just go play it on the setup I have.

#4 Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive

I wasn’t sure if I needed to include Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive because, while it doesn’t seem to be out on the Xbox’s competitors, it is available on mobile platforms. Also, this does seem to be more like an expansion pack for the game that’s out right now. What the heck, lemme include it on this list.

Nope! Not for me! I know Solo Leveling is a huge deal in the anime world but I just never got to watching it as, while the concept of a person “leveling up” is cool, I just wish it was lighter in tone. So, yeah. I don’t think this’ll sell me on an Xbox. Next!

#5 Aniibo

When Palworld became a huge hit against all odds, it was only a matter of time for more Pokemon-likes to come out of the woodwork. I’m not sure if this trend is going to be a good thing or a bad thing but Pawprint Studios, the makers of Aniibo, is banking on gamers to want to catch them all.

Like with Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive, Aniibo isn’t coming out on Sony or Nintendo’s systems yet. However, it is coming out on mobile devices as there is an option to join their closed beta and there is an option to join on mobile platforms. So, even though my interest for Aniibo is already negligible, the mere fact my phone can play this really doesn’t give me a reason to shell out for an Xbox. I do think this can gain an audience. After all, I didn’t care for Palworld but, for a brief instant, that game took over the world.

#6 Keeper

Oddly enough, I am familiar with Double Fine as I did play a couple of their games, specifically Stacking and the first Psychonauts, for a brief moment. So, when I saw the trailer for Keeper, I kind of knew it was going to be a weird and silly game. I mean, you control a lighthouse that walks? That’s a first!

However, you may have noticed I mentioned I only played both Stacking and the original Psychonauts “for a brief moment.” Well, that should give you a clue about my feelings for Keeper. While I’m sure Double Fine has its fans, I am not one of them. So, the name has no weight to me. Also, just by looking at Keeper, it just doesn’t scream “system seller” to me. So, I don’t think this’ll make me buy an Xbox.

So, those were all the exclusives shown off during the Xbox Games Showcase for this year. Honestly, the only thing which really caught my eye was the ROG Xbox Ally because it does look like a sleek piece of hardware. However, that’s essentially an Xbox and that wasn’t the point for me! What I needed was a game that’ll make me want to get an Xbox! Maybe I would go out and get a ROG Xbox Ally in the future if there was an Xbox exclusive that excited me. I’m sorry but I just wasn’t feeling any of this. So, looks like no Xbox for me this year.

Byee!

What did you think of the Xbox Games Showcase? Was there an exclusive which got you all hot and bothered? Let me know in the comments section below!