The cancelation of Scalebound has come as a big surprise to many. Microsoft scoring an exclusive with PlatinumGames was the sort of thing you don't see very often, which made the news far more impactful. The move not only means that we don't get to play what appeared to be 2017's most unique RPG, but also that the Xbox One's 2017 library has changed.
Originally expected to release later this year, Scalebound's departure now leaves a void in the roadmap. But things aren't so bad, especially once Microsoft makes announcements at E3. Below we'll go over all the Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusives coming in 2017.
Halo Wars 2
Release Date: February 21st, 2017
Genre: RTS
The first Halo Wars was not only one of the best RTS games of 2009, it also demonstrated that the genre can fit perfectly on console when properly tailored. This sequel will offer Halo fans a unique way to enjoy the franchise, delivered with a strong selection of game modes that support up to six players online. Although RTS games have largely fallen off the map in recent years, this one has a grand story to tell, and that alone makes it an attractive pick-up.
Sea of Thieves
Release Date: Q1 2017
Genre: Adventure
This is no ordinary open-world multiplayer game, it's one made by the one and only Rare Ltd. This is the first time in over 10 years that the studio has been able to create the game it wanted, and without having to support the Kinect. Sea of Thieves' debut trailer showed several players drinking stout and engaging in an explosive ship battle at sea. It made a very good first impression, hence why it's considered one of the most widely anticipated games of 2017.
Tacoma
Release Date: Q1/Q2 2017
Genre:
Made by the same studio as the award-winning Gone Home, Tacoma is unlike anything else coming this year. The developer has left a lot unknown about the game, but has described it as a horror mystery game with a heavy emphasis on exploration. Its characters are represented by translucent holographic avatars, hence the strange image above. We want to know more, and soon we'll find out what it's all about.
Cuphead
Release Date: Q2/Q3 2017
Genre: Platformer
Hand-drawn in 1930's cartoon fashion, this platformer tosses you right into the climactic action by focusing on boss brawls. It earned a reputation at E3 2015 for being one of the best upcoming indie titles, and a recent delay has allowed its small development studio to put in some extra time to make it something magical.
Crackdown 3
Release Date: TBA 2017
Genre: Action-Adventure
Crackdown 3 fits the most traditional role of all the Xbox One's 2017 exclusives. Yes, it's an action adventure game, but as with the first game in the franchise it has some neat ideas. Some of those are delivery through the technological backbone of the title, including cloud-computed physics. On a fundamental level it's an exciting superhero style game that provides a wide range of weapons and abilities for you to use when combating enemies. Think of it as Microsoft's inFamous, but with cell shaded graphics.
State of Decay 2
Release Date: TBA 2017
Genre: Survival
Zombie games have been beaten to death (pun intended) during the past few years. Thankfully, State of Decay is one of the best. Base building, scavenging, trading, exploring, and general survival techniques all play a role in the experience. Although bearing a striking resemblance to its predecessor, this sequel will support up to four player co-operative play. That alone has many gamers excited, and reasonably so.
Phantom Dust Remastered
Release Date: TBA 2017
Genre: RPG
Although the development of this remaster isn't still confirmed, the latest word is that the game is headed for a 2017 release. Phantom Dust was arguably the original Xbox's most unique title, but millions of gamers never had the chance to play let alone see it. Employing cards, it's a strategy oriented RPG that will make the Xbox One a much more compelling console in 2017 if it managed to complete development. Cross your fingers.
Below
Release Date: TBA 2017
Genre: Adventure
I know, it seems like this game will never release. For one reason or another it hasn't shown much progress during the past year, but its debut trailer has imprinted a strong impression into our minds. This is a Capybara Games title, so it isn't to be taken lightly. We expect something truly special, and at this point all we can do is hope that it arrives before the end of the year.
Gigantic
Release Date: TBA 2017
Genre: MOBA
Gigantic is a charming MOBA that has a surprisingly high skill ceiling. It's highly competitive, and made better plays extremely well on console. It's currently in Beta as balance is being tweaked. Impressions have been positive, and we're expecting it to be a great option for competitive players.
Final Word
The Xbox One's 2017 library isn't outstanding, but does have some top shelf titles even after the loss of Scalebound. It's a tight-nit list, but one that should produce several high-rated titles.
It's important to remember that Microsoft regularly announces titles at E3 that come out during the same year, so we're fully expecting another two to three titles to touch down on this list by the end of June. Also, Project Scorpio is scheduled to hit store shelves during the Holiday season, and Microsoft has surely invested in software that will push the machine. This is great news for Xbox One fans who may be disappointed in this list, as Microsoft will have special anouncements to make during the year.
