Sunset Overdrive – Xbox One’s First True System Seller

In just eight months the Xbox One has already amassed a solid collection of exclusive titles, but some would argue that we still haven’t see a true “system seller.” Even Titanfall, a game revealed with Microsoft’s latest console and strongly promoted by the company, is available on Xbox 360 as well as PC, giving consumers plenty of opportunity to make the purchase on platforms they already own. Sunset Overdrive, the latest from Insomniac Games, a studio formerly reserved for Playstation owners, aims to deliver an undeniable reason to buy an Xbox One.

Making the Apocalypse Awesome

Post-apocalyptic settings with exaggerated societal doomsdays have become a huge cliche in modern game development. All too often we see dark, dreary games full of brown and gray accent colors filled with brooding characters broken by the horrors surrounding them. Sunset Overdrive takes this cliche, flips it on its head, and blasts it full of glorious neon color. Who ever said the end of the world can’t be cool?

Sure, navigating a modern wasteland via a large truck or SUV might be a very practical option, but why the hell would you do that if you could vault, grind, and wall-run with hyper-agility? Your days of slowly trudging along on the ground to find alternate routes are over. Oh, so there’s a wall there and no door? Well grind over it, bro! Sunset Overdrive delivers a wild open-world experience with incredible character mobility. Just imagine Dead Rising and Jet Set Radio Future had a beautiful love-child.

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And what’s an awesome post-apocalyptic shooter without some disgusting mutants and a ridiculous arsenal of weapons to destroy them with? Insomniac Games kind of specializes in over-the-top firepower and their latest project doesn’t plan to disappoint in that department. With weapons like the High Fidelity, an outrageous gun that launches ricocheting records with deadly force, the Captain Ahab, an enormous harpoon gun fueled by a bottle of Overcharge, and the TnTeddy, a device that transforms a cute Teddy Bears into a dangerous explosives, you can be sure  slaughtering thousands of enemies will remain fresh and exhilarating.

Four-Player Co-Op? That’s Cute

Often times our games are restricted to four-player co-op, but what happens when you have a fifth or even sixth friend who wants to play? Well, worry no more. Sunset Overdrive and its relentless campaign to be the boldest game this holiday season means double the traditional number of players available for your special bro-op sessions with the recently announced Chaos Squad mode.

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In Chaos Squad you and seven other buddies team up to battle waves of merciless mutants. These infected fiends have become addicted to the vile energy drink Overcharge and your team must keep these creatures from reaching the two vats of Overcharge Delirium XT you’re protecting. While this is technically considered a “co-op” mode, you and your frenemies are still competing to get the most points by eliminating enemies in a more stylish manner. Don’t get too caught up farming for points, though. If these mutants reach the vats and unleash the toxic elixir, it’s game over for your team.

Players feeling a little lonely in single-player can access the Chaos Squad mode and its glorious 8-player co-op by finding an in-game photo booth and snagging a sweet #selfie. This allows you to bring your customized character from your campaign adventures into multiplayer and any upgrades, including shiny weapons can be carried over to use in the single-player as well.

Sunset Overdrive is shaping up to be a huge win for Microsoft and the Xbox One. The press and public alike are attracted to the outrageous concept and early gameplay impressions are proving this title offers far more than others in the same genre. As it stands, PS4 sales are significantly higher than those reported by Microsoft, but a recent announcement from the company revealed that console sales have doubled from May to June for the Xbox One. This outrageously awesome exclusive accompanied by a fresh price drop just might finally swing the tides in favor of the guys in green.

Sunset Overdrive is scheduled to release on October 28th exclusively for the Xbox One. 

Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on Insomniac Games’ latest venture into extreme absurdity. It’s titles like this that demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to honest, innovative gaming and build a great foundation for the console’s future. 

Miles Dompier is the chief editor and founder of What’s Your Tag?. He is a Seattle native who recently moved to the sweltering heat of Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a composer/voice actor. When he’s not up writing until his eyes bleed, he likes to play a Prince level of instruments and listen to terrible death metal. Follow his shenanigans on Twitter and be sure to join our gaming community; TEAM XBRO.