Bethesda opened their E3 2016 press conference in a huge way with the reveal of Quake Champions, the next entry in their arena-style first-person shooter franchise, and a game most of us probably didn’t expect was coming. That wasn’t all the new game announcements though, as Bethesda also showed up Skyrim Special Edition, and the much hope for return of Prey. Let’s take a look at each of these games in more detail!
Quake Champions
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, Quake is back! Bethesda shocked us all with the megaton announcement that Quake is back and coming to PC. The new game, called Quake Champions, brings back the core multiplayer arena combat, this time running at an impressive 120hz with completely unlocked framerates. That means the fastest and smoothest Quake gameplay yet, an announcement that had fans at the press conference (myself included!) cheering with excitement. This new game will also feature a roster of distinct characters, each with their own special abilities and appearance.
Quake has always been a highly competitive first-person shooter, and to support Quake Champions, Bethesda will be supporting eSports tournaments around the world, including the annual QuakeCon. Speaking of that event, more information about Quake Champions is expected to come at this year’s QuakeCon from August 4-7.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
One of the games Bethesda fans have been asking for the most is a remastered version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and today the company responded with a resounding “yes!” Skyrim Special Edition is coming to Xbox One, PS4, and PC on October 28. Major graphical enhancements will be introduced in this definitive version, including remastered art and effects, dynamic depth of field, volumetric god rays, and screen-space reflections. That’s a lot of technical terms, but simply put, these graphical improvements will make the world of Skyrim even more visually stunning. During the press conference, Bethesda showed before and after photos comparing the Xbox 360 / Xbox One and PS3 / PS4 versions and the improvements were downright breathtaking.
Skyrim Special Edition will also bring PC-like modding capabilities to consoles for the very first time. Using mod tools you’ll be able to create new quests, characters, environments, dialogue, armour, weapons, and more!
Prey
We found out today that not only is Arkane Studios working on the upcoming Dishonored 2, they’re also working on a new entry in the Prey franchise. Prey is a first-person sci-fi action titles that is reimagining the series with distinct new graphics and terrifying psychological twist.
In the game you play as Morgan Yu, the human test subject of morally questionable experiments intended to help the human race. Taking place in the year 2032, you awake aboard the Talos 1 space station and find out you’re not the only one alive. A mysterious alien hunter in on the lurk, and you’ll need to utilize the tools you find on the space station in order to survive. From what we saw in the debut trailer, the graphics are as vivid as they are haunting, and this game is certainly going to evoke terror in those who play.
Did you watch the Bethesda E3 press conference? Let me know in the comment what your favourite game reveals were!
Check out Best Buy’s coverage of E3 2016 for more great articles, links to preorder games and more
