Square Enix Presents Spring 2021 Digital Showcase wrap up

Digital showcase events are becoming the norm for the video games industry. Subsequently, Square Enix held their first program of the year called Square Enix Presents. This new series focuses on new games, updates and news. In the 40 minute debut episode, we got updates on Outriders, Balan Wonderworld, Marvel’s Avengers and the world premier of Life is Strange True Colors.

Let’s take a look at the exciting news from today’s event!

In-depth look at Outriders

Outriders, the high-intensity RPG-Shooter from People Can Fly, is just weeks away from its April 1, 2021 launch. As a result, today we got an even further look at the game. With more than 2 million players playing the demo in the first week, my impressions of the Outriders demo, gamers are eagerly awaiting to partake in the game’s 30+ hour sci-fi story, intense combat and powerful loot.

In the meantime, while we make our way to launch, check out the video below. See where your journey across the wild and hostile planet of Enoch will take you in Outriders.

Pre-order Outriders for PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PS4

Balan Wonderworld local multiplayer trailer

Balan Wonderworld launches March 26, 2021 and today during the Square Enix Presents digital event the company released a new trailer. This 3D platformer features two characters, Leo and Emma. With the help of maestro Balan, you must restore balance to the hearts of 12 troubled souls by clearing out the Negati. These are physical forms of worry and other negative emotions.

The trailer showcased the game’s local multiplayer mode where you must work together to find ideal combinations of costumes and use their abilities to defeat enemies.

Pre order Balan WonderWorld for PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S or PS4

Marvel’s Avengers next-gen update, launch of brand new Hawkeye DLC and new features

Last fall, Marvel’s Avengers received a lukewarm reception upon release, read my review here. Since then, the game has undergone some changes. First, the game is now natively available for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles with higher framerates, enhanced visuals and up to 4K resolution. Additionally, load times have been reduced thanks to each console’s built-in SSD. Moreover, those that purchased the PS4 and Xbox One version of the game get a free next-gen upgrade at no additional cost.

Next, Marvel’s Avengers Operation: Hawkeye – Future Imperfect was shown off and released today as DLC. In this second post-launch Operation, Hawkeye is added to the roster as a playable character along with a new storyline. We learn more about Hawkeye’s quest to find Nick Fury and along the way Clint finds himself wrapped up in a time-bending experiment.

Finally, two new features were added to the game today—Reassemble Campaign Replay and an entirely new customizable HARM Room. The Reassemble Campaign Replay allows you to reset your Reassemble campaign progress. And, play content again from the beginning while keeping your Hero progression. Lastly, the new customizable HARM Room allows you to choose the number and type of enemies you face, environmental hazards and combat bonuses.

Get Marvel’s Avengers on PS4 with a free upgrade to PS5
Buy Marvel’s Avengers on Xbox One with a free upgrade to Xbox Series X|S

Life is Strange True Colors and Life is Strange Remastered announced

A brand-new entry in the Life is Strange series along with a remaster of the first two games was officially announced and shown off today at the Square Enix Presents digital showcase. In Life is Strange True Colors, you play as Alex Chen who has the psychic power of Empathy.

This supernatural ability allows her to experience, absorb and manipulate the strong emotions of others. Interestingly enough, she sees these strong emotions as blazing, coloured auras. After her brother dies in a suspicious accident, she seeks the truth and in the process uncovers dark secrets buried by a small town.

Also announced is a remaster of Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Entitled Life is Strange Remastered Collection, these remasters include improved visuals and animations. Life is Strange Remastered Collection will be available as part of the Ultimate Edition of Life is Strange True Colors. Furthermore, it will be available as a stand-alone edition on September 10, 2021. Both of these games are coming to PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia and PC.

Square Enix and Luminous Productions unveil ForSpoken

Originally revealed as Project Athia last year, the new narrative driven adventure has a new name. Developed by Square Enix’s newly established studio, Luminous Productions, ForSpoken puts you in the role of Frey Holland, a young woman who must use her magical abilities to survive the land of Athia.

The game is being designed for PS5 and PC. As a result, ForSpoken will take advantage of all the capabilities Sony’s brand-new console and high-end PCs have to offer. The game is set to release next year in 2022. Check out the video below for a sneak peak at a brand new scene from the game.

Square Enix Presents showcased new games, updates and news 

At the end of today’s presentation, Square Enix announced that the next episode in the Square Enix Presents digital showcase will take place this summer. While they didn’t give an exact date, it’s probably safe to say that it will take place sometime in early June.

Let me know in the comments section below what you think of today’s event put on by Square Enix. Will you be picking up Outriders? Are the new updates and DLC for Marvel’s Avengers enticing to draw you back into the game? What do you think of Life is Strange True Colors? Finally, what do you think of the new gameplay footage from ForSpoken?

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