Following Microsoft's bombshell acquisition of ZeniMax Media, fans have been curious about how franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and DOOM will fit into Microsoft's plans for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. One of the more fun things many are hoping to see are some crossovers between Bethesda Softworks' games and the titles from other studios underneath Microsoft's wing. Here are five of those crossovers we'd love to see the most.
Doom Slayer in Killer Instinct
Microsoft's hit 2013 fighting game Killer Instinct has had quite an interesting lifespan. The developers supported the game with new content and updates for five full years, and even today, the game has an active playerbase despite the fact that there hasn't been a patch since 2018. That playerbase has been consistently asking Microsoft to release a sequel to the game since 2019, and while it doesn't look like one is in development now, there's no reason to think Microsoft won't make one in the future. And if that happens, what better way to build up hype than to bring the legendary Doom Slayer to the roster?
For one, Microsoft has already proven how open it is to the idea of bringing guest stars from other franchises into Killer Instinct. Arbiter from Halo, General RAAM from Gears of War, and Rash from Battletoads all appeared in Killer Instinct and were immensely popular with the fanbase. Additionally, a Doom Slayer appearance would help get eyeballs on the Killer Instinct franchise, which is something that it sorely needs if Microsoft wants it to compete fiercely with the likes of Super Smash Bros. and Mortal Kombat. Lastly, Doom Slayer in a fighting game would simply be awesome. With his vast arsenal of weaponry and his brutal melee moves, the Doom Slayer would be a perfect fit for the ultra-violent action of Killer Instinct.
Spartan Power Armor skin in Fallout
Halo's Spartans are defined by their titanium MJOLNIR armor suits, and we think it would be sweet if there were Spartan-themed skins for Fallout's own iconic Power Armor exoskeletons. There's even a bulkier type of armor from the Halo Legends anime that Bethesda Game Studios could use as inspiration for a Power Armor design. Perhaps the skin could be made available as part of Fallout 76's Atomic Shop.
While it's true that Bethesda could also simply add regular armor to a Fallout game that resembles Spartan suits, I think it would be cooler and more creative for it to make a Power Armor design instead. In Halo, Spartans are the one-man-armies of the battlefield, taking down hordes of Covenant soldiers that would wipe the floor with regular UNSC Marines. Power Armor-clad individuals in Fallout occupy the same role; players who are decked out with it can survive an extreme amount of damage that would instantly kill them otherwise. It's a perfect match.
DOOM skin in Halo Infinite, Gears 5
In addition to being an excellent fit for Killer Instinct, we think Doom Slayer, as a skin, would fit right into Halo and Gears of War, too. Specifically, we'd love to see a Doom Slayer skin in both Halo Infinite and Gears 5.
At the end of the day, both Doom Slayer and Master Chief get up to similar activities: saving the universe from overwhelming invaders that would exterminate all of humanity otherwise. Plus, they're both armored head-to-toe in green plate, so they share a similar aesthetic.
As for how Doom Slayer would fit into Gears of War, he would be in heaven fighting the Locust horde with a Lancer. Just imagine all of the glory kills that he would pull off with an assault rifle that has a chainsaw on it.
A Flood easter egg in a Prey sequel
Arkane Studios' creepy, atmospheric Prey was an instant hit for immersive sim fans, and we can't think of a better franchise for Halo's Flood to make a cameo appearance in.
Prey was all about making your way through a near-lifeless space station while desperately trying to escape the wrath of the Typhon aliens. These creatures, capable of reproducing rapidly and morphing into many different forms, are not unlike the Flood in these respects. Plus, the eerie and unsettling nature of the Typhon matches up well with the horror vibes that Bungie was going for with the Flood in Halo.
If a follow-up to Prey is indeed made, it would be cool for the developers to add a small nod to the Flood. Perhaps the player will be able to discover an Infection Form in a containment chamber, or a Combat Form hidden away in a locked room.
A Fallout reference in Wasteland 3
Finally, we think it would be cool to see inXile Entertainment include a reference to the Fallout series in one of Wasteland 3's future DLC expansions. Brian Fargo, the founder of inXile, also founded Interplay Entertainment — the company that created the first two Fallout games. These games were, like Wasteland 3, isometric CRPGs. Fallout and Fallout 2 were undeniably ground-breaking titles that helped pave the way for the future of RPGs, so for the franchise to make a cameo appearance in Wasteland 3 in some way would be awesome. Perhaps players can run into an NPC wearing Power Armor, or can come into contact with an NPC that shares a name with a Fallout or Fallout 2 character. Also, maybe players could come across a weapon from the isometric Fallout games, such as the iconic 10mm Pistol. The possibilities here are limitless.
Your thoughts
What do you think of our crossover ideas? Do you have any of your own? If so, share them in the comments.
For more on Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, don't miss our analysis of the deal in which we examine how the acquisition will seriously boost Xbox's RPG offerings. Also, don't miss our roundup of the best Xbox One RPGs.
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