E3 Is Almost Over–How Did Bethesda Do?

After being first out of the gate in 2015, Bethesda was second in line with its press conference at E3 2016. It was quick to hit viewers with a surprise before diving into many of its other franchises. Let’s take a look at how it did.

And you can click this link here for a complete list of the biggest news stories from Bethesda’s presentation.

Highlights: Fallout 4 DLC

The focus of each Fallout 4 DLC has changed dramatically from one to the next, with some centered on new playable content and others expanding the options you have for building a settlement. Building is again the highlight for the next two expansions: The first adds things like sorting machines and conveyor belts, while the second adds something that might excite even those who don’t care much for building–Vault-Tec Workshop allows you to build your own vault. Following that, another expansion that let players go to a place called Nuka-World.

Highlights: Fallout and Doom VR

Bethesda not so subtly hinted at its dispute with Oculus over who’s really responsible for VR tech during its conference. Whatever the details of that conflict, Bethesda excited a lot of VR fans with reveals of Fallout 4 and Doom VR support. There’s little word on Doom, but Fallout 4 is slated for a VR release in 2017, with the goal being to offer the entire game in virtual reality. You can check out our impressions of both here.

Highlights: New Wolfenstein Teased

Having brought back Quake, Bethesda also teased the continuation of another classic id Software shooter (albeit one that’s now handled by MachineGames). Hidden in a DOS-like screen shown prior to Quake’s reveal was a tease that a new Wolfenstein game is on the way called The New Colossus.

Highlights: New Doom Content

For those who like Doom’s multiplayer and SnapMap, there’s new content on the way to get excited about. Paid DLC will add new maps, a demon, armor, and more, with free updates delivering new modes and other features. If you’re hoping for new single-player content, we’ve gotten some good news since the conference.

Bonus Highlight: That Screaming Lady

Many of the Bethesda fans in the audience were enthusiastic, but none as much as one woman in particular. She was, suffice it to say, pleased with what was happening on stage. See what unfolded here.

Needs Improvement: Plug Your Leaks

While certainly not egregious as Microsoft, much of what Bethesda had to show was revealed ahead of times through leaks. Whether it was a remastered Skyrim, a new Prey, the return of Quake, or a trailer showing off new abilities in Dishonored 2, we knew a lot of what Bethesda had to say before it said it.

Needs Improvement: The Elder Scrolls Online: Dark Brotherhood

It was a strong show overall, but the debut trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online‘s Dark Brotherhood expansion fell on the underwhelming side. There were assassinations and talk of death, sure, but it didn’t quite manage to capture what made the Dark Brotherhood one of the most memorable aspects of the single-player games.

Biggest Games: Skyrim Special Edition

The rumored remastered version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was finally announced during Bethesda’s conference. Dubbed the Special Edition, it offers improved graphics and mod support on consoles, with 64-bit support coming for the PC version–something that should be a boon for the modding community.

Biggest Games: Dishonored 2

Bethesda’s conference featured the first-ever look at Dishonored 2’s gameplay. Emily, the game’s new protagonist (alongside the returning Corvo), was featured, showing how she can take down enemies in her own unique way.

Biggest Games: Quake Champions

Arena shooters are officially en vogue again, with Bethesda revealing at the start of its show that id Software is working on a new Quake called Quake Champions. It teased that the “game that defined competitive multiplayer is back.” Expectations are certainly high, both because Quake hasn’t been seen in the better part of a decade and because id is coming off the excellent Doom (even if it’s that game’s single-player that’s attracted accolades).

Biggest Games: Prey

While a new Prey may have been rumored ahead of the event, the reveal of the game still proved to be a surprise. Bearing virtually no resemblance to the previous game or its canceled sequel, the new Prey is what Bethesda calls a “reimagining of the IP.” It’s a psychological thriller starring a female lead, which is certainly a marked shift from the original game. It also has nothing in common with the canceled Prey 2.