Oh boy, where do I start? Let’s dive into this tangled mess of thoughts. I once bumped into Phil Spencer, had a couple of drinks—yea, real fun, except I must’ve made the worst first impression ever because I’m convinced he has it out for me. Hear me out: Xbox must seriously dislike me. Why else was the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 missing those games I was itching to see?
Okay, I jest—don’t take it too seriously, internet folks. But seriously, there were some Xbox and Windows PC projects that went AWOL during the show, and I was left wishing we’d seen them. Now, while we’re on this chaotic ride, allow me a mild rant.
Honorable Mentions? Sure, let’s start with Hollow Knight: Silksong. No offense to the diehard fans, but it doesn’t tickle my fancy. And yes, I’d probably wrestle the sun before pretending otherwise. I never played the first game, so, yeah, not happening.
Yet, I must award Silksong the coveted award for gaming’s best troll of the decade. It’s like this elusive creature, always dodging the spotlight whenever fans gather, practically a running gag now. It got a shoutout at Summer Game Fest, just to toy with everyone again at the Xbox Games Showcase—classic bait-and-switch. No trailer in sight, just a surprise dropped later.
Now, switch gears—pun intended. Everwild. What even is it? Who knows! It’s been in the ether, all mysterious and rumor-fed. Rare’s trying something new, and I’m on pins and needles. Let’s not forget Sea of Thieves, which didn’t quite reel me in. But Everwild sparks a flicker of hope. Announced in 2019 when Xbox needed to tease future wonders, and here we are, still wondering. Is it light-years away? Maybe. A peek at Xbox’s extravaganza would’ve been nice, though, just to know it’s fewer myth, more reality.
Fable, too. Oh, Fable, how I yearn for your renaissance. Playground Games, known for turning asphalt to art in Forza, is taking on this age-old RPG. Sounds exciting, right? Well, I mean, except for that recent delay. So, no surprise it was a no-show. But, I can be impatient, sue me. Gross exaggeration, of course—but seriously, I want more Fable goodness on my screens. Word is, 2026 is the target. It’s like waiting for spring in the dead of winter.
And then there’s REPLACED. This beauty isn’t from Xbox’s own studios, but hot dang, it’s gorgeous. Pixel art at its finest, and I’ve even played a snippet. Day one addition to Xbox Game Pass, marking its territory in my must-play radar. Just waiting for this one feels like eternity.
Speaking of Forza Horizon 6, can we talk about that? My review for Windows Central gushed over Forza Horizon 5, and now I crave more. Rumors swirl that the next destination is Japan, which would be…chef’s kiss. Playground teased and ducked me this time around. But whenever it drops, FH6 is bound to redefine eye-popping visuals. I’m ready for the open-road escapade, though it’d have been heartening to get a teaser.
Lastly, State of Decay 3—my undead obsession. State of Decay 2? Loved it to bits, especially with friends. And the sequel? Still in the far-off land of Yet-to-Be-Released. Undead Labs, take your time, make it grand. But do hurry a bit? At this rate, I might join the undead before it hits. I just know it’ll be worth it—patience is key.
So there you have it, my chaotic rundown. Xbox may say otherwise, but these games and I have unfinished business. Whether they like me or not, I’ll be here waiting.