KrISS feed 8.7 - A simple and smart (or stupid) feed reader. By Tontof
  • Monday 13 November 2023 - 21:00

    Summary

    Today, The Game Awards revealed their full list of nominees and we’re so excited to see that Xbox players have an incredible line-up of acclaimed games to play, many of which are available now with Game Pass.

    On Xbox, fans have been treated to a wonderful collection of first-party games this year, starting with the rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush, the cutting-edge racing game Forza Motorsport, and the massive interstellar RPG Starfield. And to see so many games recognized by today’s nominations from our third-party partners, like Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Sea of Stars, make this an incredible time to be a player!

    On behalf of all the creative teams across Xbox, from Bethesda Softworks to our newest members at Activision Blizzard, congratulations to this year’s nominees.


    The Game Awards Nominations Available on Xbox

    Xbox Live

    Alan Wake 2

    Epic Games

    273
    $59.99

    Nominated for:

    • Game of the Year
    • Best Game Direction
    • Best Narrative
    • Best Art Direction
    • Best Score and Music
    • Best Audio Design
    • Best Performance (Melanie Liburd)

    Xbox Live

    Apex Legends™

    Electronic Arts

    2005
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Nominated for:

    • Best Ongoing Game

    Xbox Live

    ARMORED CORE™ VI FIRES OF RUBICON™

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    329
    $59.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Action Game

    Xbox Live

    Cocoon

    Annapurna Interactive

    255
    $24.99 $22.49
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best Independent Game

    Xbox Live

    Cities: Skylines II – PC Edition

    Paradox Interactive

    4
    PC Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best Sim/Strategy Game

    Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

    CD PROJEKT RED

    244
    $29.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Narrative
    • Best Performance (Idris Elba)
    • Best Community  Support
    • Best Ongoing Game

    Xbox Live

    The Crew Motorfest – Xbox Series X|S

    UBISOFT

    210

    Nominated for:

    • Best Sports/Racing

    Xbox Live

    Dead Island 2

    Deep Silver

    439
    $69.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Action Game

    Xbox Live

    Dead Space

    Electronic Arts

    471
    $69.99 $62.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Audio Design

    Xbox Live

    Destiny 2

    Bungie

    2005
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Nominated for:

    • Best Community Support

    Xbox Live

    Diablo® IV

    Blizzard Entertainment

    620

    Nominated for:

    • Innovation in Accessibility
    • Best Multiplayer

    Xbox Live

    DREDGE

    Team17

    220
    $24.99
    Free Trial

    Nominated for:

    • Best Independent Game

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Forza Motorsport

    Xbox Game Studios

    338
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Innovation in Accessibility
    • Best Sports/Racing

    Xbox Live

    EA SPORTS FC™ 24 Xbox Series X|S

    Electronic Arts

    248
    Free Trial

    Nominated for:

    • Best Sports/Racing

    Xbox Live

    F1® 23

    Electronic Arts

    180
    $69.99 $62.99
    Free Trial

    Nominated for:

    • Best Sports/Racing

    Xbox Live

    Fortnite

    Epic Games Inc.

    2016
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Nominated for:

    • Best Ongoing Game

    Xbox Live

    Ghostrunner 2

    505 Games

    30
    $39.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Action Game

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Hi-Fi RUSH

    Bethesda Softworks

    518
    $29.99 $23.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best Art Direction
    • Best Score and Music
    • Best Audio Design
    • Innovation in Accessibility
    • Best Action Game

    Xbox Live

    HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged

    Milestone S.r.l.

    18
    $49.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Sports/Racing

    Xbox Live

    Lies of P

    NEOWIZ

    489
    $59.99 $53.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best Art Direction

    Xbox Live

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Standard Edition

    SEGA

    $69.99

    Nominated for:

    • Most Anticipated Game

    Xbox Live

    Mortal Kombat™ 1

    Warner Bros. Games

    293
    $69.99

    Nominated for:

    • Innovation in Accessibility
    • Best Fighting Game

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    No Man's Sky

    Hello Games

    900
    $59.99 $47.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best Community Support

    Xbox Live

    Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

    GameMill Entertainment

    10
    $49.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Fighting Game

    Xbox Live

    Party Animals

    Source Technology

    362
    $19.99 $17.99
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best Family Game
    • Best Multiplayer

    Xbox Live

    Remnant II – Standard Edition

    Gearbox Publishing

    306
    $49.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Action Game

    Xbox Live

    Resident Evil 4

    CAPCOM CO., LTD.

    498
    $59.99

    Nominated for:

    • Game of the Year
    • Best Audio Design

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Sea of Stars

    Sabotage Studio

    278
    $34.99 $31.49
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best RPG
    • Best Independent Game

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Starfield

    Bethesda Softworks

    1641
    $69.99 $62.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Best RPG

    Xbox Live

    STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™

    Electronic Arts

    466
    $69.99 $62.99

    Nominated for:

    • Best Performance (Cameron Monaghan)

    Xbox Live

    Street Fighter™ 6

    CAPCOM CO., LTD.

    611
    $59.99

    Nominated for:

    • Innovation in Accessibility
    • Best Fighting Game
    • Best Multiplayer

    Xbox Live

    Star Wars Outlaws

    UBISOFT

    Nominated for:

    • Most Anticipated Game

    Xbox Live

    TEKKEN 8 Pre-Order

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    $69.99

    Nominated for:

    • Most Anticipated Game

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Venba

    Visai Games Inc

    249
    $14.99 $11.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    Nominated for:

    • Games for Impact

    It has been a remarkable year for players, and we’re thrilled to be included among so many incredible third-party partners with today’s nominations. Make your voice heard here on The Game Awards official site to vote for your favorite games, and tune in on December 7, 2023, to catch The Game Awards live to see if your pick takes home the big prize.

    The post The Game Awards 2023: Every Nominated Game Available on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 16 November 2023 - 19:30

    Greetings from sunny South America…

    Tourist Trap is a 2D hand drawn point & click adventure game with a strong focus on narrative and light puzzle solving. It´s a surrealist comedy with a dark secret at the core of the story. In a fictional South American tourist town called Santa Ballena, we play as a young tour guide, Lucas, who uncovers a conspiracy involving local abductions and an menacing corporation controlling the town.

    Developed by TragicoMedia, a two-man studio composed of myself and Manuel González Larrauri, the game tells a very personal story and has many layers but mainly revolves around the two sides of its plot.

    On one hand, the main text of the story about a tourist colony ruled by a foreign corporation and the lives of the many exploited locals that try to survive within it, is very much inspired by Manuel’s experience growing up in a working-class family in Punta del Este, Uruguay. As a coastal tourist town it suffers from most of the game’s fictional ills, such as no real economy beyond service to wealthy foreigners, no interest from the government to care for its population or infrastructure beyond the summer months and an ever rising sense of despair and wish to escape.

    TT screenshot

    On the other hand, the game also addresses the issue of touristification, which is not unlike the situation of cultural industries in the global south. Drawing parallels between working as an artist, developer or creative of any kind and living in the Global South. Meaning that one must choose to either entertain the tourists (i.e., Global North audiences) by serving to their tastes, culture and language (i.e., developing game in English based around a gaming culture developed by and for the Global North), or cannibalizing their own culture for profit (i.e., making games in English but featuring highly marketable elements of one’s culture).

    TT screenshot

    It’s naive to believe that the games industry should be safe from colonization or the Global North cultural influence, but as artists we are tackling the issue with the tools we have.

    Tourist Trap has something of value to add to that objective.

    We hope you enjoy Tourist Trap on Xbox!

    Xbox Live

    Tourist Trap

    TragicoMedia

    1
    $9.99 $8.99
    Welcome to Santa Ballena… A sunny paradise where you can free y̵o̶u̶r̸ ̶m̷i̴n̵d̴,̸ ̴r̸e̷l̵a̷x̶ ̶a̶n̶d̸ ̸e̴n̵j̷o̴y̷ l̴͖̈ḭ̴̈́f̶̣̚ë̵͎ ̶͙̇a̴͍̓s̴̳͑ ̴̺̈ȁ̸̢ ̸̡̆t̷̗͑ṛ̵͌ư̷̤e̸̩̚ ̵̡̓l̶̠͒ǫ̸̍c̵̞̎a̸̹͑l̶̺̂.̴͌ͅ Tourist Trap is a surrealist dark comedy point & click adventure set in Santa Ballena, a South American town affected by tourism gentrification. Introducing Lucas, a young tourist guide, who finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy involving local abductions, political rebels and Pharos, the shady foreign corporation controlling the town.

    The post Tourist Trap: a Surrealist Dark Comedy Adventure appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 17 November 2023 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox: November 20 - 24 Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 20 – 24

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Worldless

    Coatsink

    $19.99 $17.99

    Wordless – November 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this 2D active, turn-based, platformer, players will explore intricate and interconnected areas full of secrets and mysteries to uncover with a plethora of abilities like dashing and wall-jumps.


    Xbox Live

    DESERTED

    Zebik Media Interactive Ltd.

    $19.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Deserted – November 22
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    A stylized 3D action adventure with light RPG and narrative elements. Inspired by the alien atmosphere of Out Of This World, Deserted combines narrative storytelling with survival and fast paced strategic combat to deliver a thrilling adventure.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Farm Builder

    LAN – GAMES LTD

    $7.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Farm Builder – November 22
    Xbox One X Enhanced / Xbox Play Anywhere

    A strategy puzzle board game in which you must construct farms, roads, and surround it with windmills and water-towers to score points. To make points you must own a completed farm, road, windmill or water tower.


    Xbox Live

    SETTRIS

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Settris – November 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Relax and enjoy brainteasing block puzzles with a chill undersea theme. A block-arranging puzzle game in which players fit various shapes into empty squares on the puzzle board and fill all empty squares to clear the stage. Pieces must be rotated and flipped to fit together and be successfully placed in the right order.


    Xbox Live

    Train Valley 2 – Community Edition

    BlitWorks

    Train Valley 2 – Community Edition – November 22

    Drive forward the industrial revolution in this train tycoon micro-management game! Build railroads, upgrade your locomotives, and keep your trains on schedule without delays or accidents to meet the ever-growing demand of the cities and industries in your tiny valley.


    Xbox Live

    Alina of the Arena

    PINIX GAMES

    $14.99

    Alina of the Arena – November 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A roguelike deckbuilding tactics game that combines elements from Slay the Spire and Into the Breach. Play as a gladiator to survive. With roguelike deckbuilding and hex-based tactics, no longer bound by simple attack and defense. Make use of dodges and knockbacks to stay alive!


    Xbox Live

    Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure

    Jetpack Collective, The Iterative Collective

    Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure – November 23

    Explore the beautiful Ikonei Island, befriend magical creatures, and fight monsters with your friends or adventure solo. Gather resources, craft tools, and gear. Farm the land, build your base or a cozy home, and decorate it however you like.


    Xbox Live

    Train Traffic Manager

    Baltoro Games

    Train Traffic Manager – November 24

    Train Traffic Manager isn’t your grandpa’s model railway set. Think fast, plan faster, and keep those trains from turning into flaming metal confetti. In this strategy-puzzle game, you’re in charge of everything from switches and signals to drawbridges and, oh yeah, preventing cataclysmic train disasters.


    Xbox Live

    Trash is Fun

    Brinemedia

    Trash is Fun – November 24
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Trash is Fun offers exciting graphics, combining a harsh post-apocalypse theme with a bright stylized style. The soundtrack, featuring a blend of electronic beats and environmental sounds, enhances the overall experience, pulling you deeper into the post-apocalyptic universe.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 20 – 24 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 17 November 2023 - 19:30
    • Accessible on-rails arcade fun just in time for the holidays
    • Blast countless zombie hordes, either alone or with a friend
    • Preorder Railbreak today

    Hello Survivors! I’m Evan Wolbach, co-founder of Dead Drop Studios. We’re excited to share explosive details about our upcoming on-rails arcade shooter, Railbreak!  This is our first ever game built in Unreal Engine 5, and it’s taking aim at Xbox Series X|S just in time for the Holidays. Get ready for zombie-blasting carnage that’s as gorgeous as it is frenzied.

    RB screenshot

    An Arcade Shooter for the Modern Age

    Although we’re traditionally known for Outbreak, our survival horror thriller series, Railbreak marks our first entry in the under-represented on-rails arcade shooter genre. We’re huge fans of classic arcade games like The House of the Dead and Time Crisis, and Railbreak is built to channel the spirit of those titles and infuse it with modern technology and new, unexpected twists.

    RB characters

    Unreal Engine 5 Delivers the Visual Flair and Allows for Shrapnel-Spewing New Gameplay Twists

    As this is our first game utilizing Unreal Engine 5, the graphical leap over our previous titles is astronomical. Featuring next-generation garnishes like ray tracing, lumen, and volumetric lighting, Railbreak is a visual feast for the eyes; that is, if you have time to appreciate it while mowing down hordes of zombies! The new tools at our disposal also allow for advances in gameplay; our dismemberment physics allow players to strategically minimize zombie attacks, and the improvements in processing power also massively scale up the enemy count, making this game more frenetic than anything we’ve made before.

    RB zombie fight

    Spread the Lead Alone or with a Friend in Three Distinct Game Modes

    One important similarity to our previous games is support for optional two-player co-op in all modes. You and a friend can play through the very cheesy and fully voiced Story, test your skills in Score Attack complete with rankings, and take on an endless challenge in Onslaught. All modes can be played across a variety of difficulty settings, so regardless of if it’s your first time playing an on-rails shooter or if you’re an arcade veteran, you experience the game the way you want to.

    RB diner zombie

    Strapped with More Action Than You Can Shake a Boomstick at

    Railbreak is jam packed with content: we have seven unique scenarios, tons of zombies and enemy variations, multiple weapons, and a bevy of unlockable characters each with their own loadouts. The game is maximized for replayability; whether you want to try achieving a higher rank on an individual level or you want to relax and pass some time with a friend, Railbreak has the action you crave.

    Show the undead swarms you mean business when Railbreak launches for Xbox Series X|S on December 22nd. You can equip yourself for battle early when pre-orders begin on November 17th. Can you rise up to the retro challenge, or will the savage specters bite you to bits?

    Xbox Live

    Railbreak

    Dead Drop Studios LLC

    $19.99
    It's Saturday night in Cypress Ridge which means the city is in ruins, hordes of flesh eating undead are on the prowl, and you have the arcade all to yourself! Grab your controller, select your survivor, and blast your way to safety as the city burns around you in this on-rails survival horror shooter. Oh, and don't forget to bring a friend for zombie fodder, er, we mean multiplayer experience! Railbreak melds a classic on-rails arcade experience with the cutting edge Unreal Engine 5. In this prelude to Outbreak: Shades of Horror, you'll get an opportunity to see the sights and sounds of Cypress Ridge and get chomped on by a zombie or four! Face the city alone, or bring a friend along with optional 2-player co-op supported across the entire game Featuring a wide cast of survivors each with their own loadouts and traits, you'll find plenty of replayability in this absurd take of a survival horror game in a survival horror game. A full story mode experience awaits across six scenarios. Bonus modes include Score Attack, and the endless Onslaught Mode that keeps ratcheting up the difficulty until the undead finally seal your fate. Crack open your piggy bank, snag a fizzy soda, and take a trip back to the 1990’s arcade.

    The post Pre-orders for Bombastic On-Rails Arcade Shooter Railbreak Begin Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 22 November 2023 - 01:00
    • Retro Shoot ’em Up meets rogue-like genre.
    • Experience the synergetic perk system.
    • Tips for beginner players.

    Return to the arcade scene where shmups dominated, but now on your Xbox with pixel graphics on your giant TV. Stellar Interface gives you that exact experience with a modern twist, using rogue-like elements where every run is different, both in terms of perks and enemies.

    Customize your Runs

    SI satellite beam

    At the beginning of each run, you always choose a spaceship and its weapons. Still, as the game progresses new spaceships are unlocked, as well as new bosses, weapons, perks, enemies, and even environments. Each system is randomly generated,  and besides the normal ones where you have to overcome a few waves to progress, there are also levels with bosses (yes, plural!) and traders where you can equip your spaceship loadout. 

    So Many Perks…

    SI Laser field

    Each time you beat a level, you can choose a new perk to install on your spaceship, with more than 100 to choose from. Besides the usual risk/reward that each perk has, most of the perks are synergetic, meaning you can have a companion drone and then collect a multiplier projectile perk, and in addition to your own shots, your companion drone’s shots will be multiplied as well.

    Tips to Help you Succeed

    SI screenshot
    • The Dash is your best friend, besides the slight speed boost, it also makes you invincible for a short time.
    • Only a fool doesn’t pick up perks that start with “The Fool’s”.
    • Some waves are infinite, you must identify the motherships to end them, they are usually stationary on the right side of the screen.
    • Getting hit by an enemy spaceship is much worse than getting hit by one of its projectiles.
    • The more times you visit the merchant in a run, the better weapons he has for you.
    • In endless mode, you can only encounter the bosses that you have defeated in classic mode.
    • After defeating the Mirror boss, you unlock Lost Mode, which unlocks more difficult enemies and double-boss battles.

    Stellar Interface was the first game we ever developed and we are proud to be part of the Xbox family and hope you enjoy it!

    Xbox Live

    Stellar Interface

    ImaginationOverflow Studio

    11
    Fight In Ever Changing Space Battles! Run through the universe, discover the numerous perks/consumables and their synergistic effects. Explore the randomly-generated galaxy to find merchants, unlock spacecrafts, collect StellarNetES Cartridges, checkmark your kills of the various galactic overlords. And die. A lot! Can you find the most outrageous perk combination to defeat the Last Overlord? Rogue-like Elements: With a randomly generated universe and randomized perks, no journey will ever be the same! What will happen to you, in your own unique apocalyptic cataclysmic transgalactic voyage? Synergistic Perk System: Over 100 perks and consumables! Look out for the synergistic nature of the perks that suits your playstyle! Galactic Bounties: ​​Complete over 100 missions to participate in the StellarNET Entertainment System lottery! Customize Your Start: Choose your spacecraft: there is one for every playstyle, as they have unique starting perks. You can personalize your arsenal from numerous weapons: cannons, missiles and lasers! Unlock Spacecrafts, View Your Progress: Check out what have you accomplished in our in-game encyclopedia StellarNET. Unlock new spacecrafts, kill all the bosses to progress in StellarNET's kill table. Check which perks and consumables you have used and seen, and what is your progress towards the achievements! Explore the Universe: Some levels are more special than others: Merchants, Bosses, Spacecraft Factories. Fight through lower-difficulty levels to stock up on perks, or just streamline to the end-boss if you feel powerful enough! Controller Support: Plug-and-play with any kind of controller!

    The post Stellar Interface: the Old Shmups Meet the New appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 24 November 2023 - 16:00
    NWOX Hero

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 27 – December 1

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Rollerdrome

    Private Division

    Rollerdrome – November 28

    Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Available on day one with Game Pass: Welcome to 2030. In a world where corporations reign and the lines between reality and performance are blurred, the public are kept distracted by a brutal new blood sport – Rollerdrome. Experience an adrenaline-pumping, third-person action shooter that blends high octane combat with tricking mechanics. Do you have what it takes to become the champion? Playable on console and PC.


    Xbox Live

    Dune: Spice Wars

    Funcom, Shiro Games

    4
    PC Game Pass

    Dune: Spice Wars (Console) – November 28

    Game Pass

    Available on day one with Game Pass: Already available with PC Game Pass and coming soon to Xbox consoles and Cloud Gaming (Beta)! A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis. Playable on console and cloud.


    Xbox Live

    Forest Grove

    Blowfish Studios

    Forest Grove – November 29

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A first-person mystery game where you uncover forensic clues, solve puzzles, and piece together a story using your own conclusions. Will you be able to solve the case? Relationships and secrets must be revealed. If foul play is suspected, those responsible must be brought to justice!


    Xbox Live

    The Traveler's Path

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    The Traveler’s Path – November 29

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Put your logic and problem-solving skills to the test in The Traveler’s Path, a 3D spin on tile-based positional puzzles. From a bird’s eye view over forests, snowfields, deserts and more, it’s your job to help the traveler reach his destination by unscrambling the twisted footpath to his destination. Only by thinking critically and a few steps ahead can you line up pieces of the path to lead the traveler from start to finish.


    Xbox Live

    Dofamine

    Whale Rock Games

    Dofamine – November 29

    A first-person sci-fi puzzle game where the player must explore the labyrinth of riddles and investigate the apocalyptic event at the research facility following the experiments with the Higgs boson, or “the God particle”.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Orten Was The Case

    Woodhill Interactive

    Orten Was The Case – November 29

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Get ready to step into the (non-existent) shoes of Ziggy, an unexpected hero from a fictional Swedish neighborhood. Together you’ll take on the daunting task of foiling a sinister scheme that could potentially devastate the entire world. Embark on a thrilling adventure where a world of diverse gameplay features awaits you.


    Xbox Live

    Heavy Burden

    Whale Rock Games

    Heavy Burden – November 29

    Maybe we should admit that our lives are a bit like this Sisyphus? Approach Albert Camus’s thoughts and feelings, his philosophy. Perhaps you will find some answers to these difficult questions. Explore the world around you and find philosophical notes. Take the stone to the top, higher and higher, and if it falls, well, start over, that’s your punishment. Choose your path correctly. Your decisions will determine the end of the game. Discover the philosophy of Albert Camus. Don’t try to understand every word, just let it pass through you.


    Xbox Live

    Silent Scream

    Brainstation 23

    Silent Scream – November 29

    A Junji Ito, HP Lovecraft-inspired Stealth Cooking game where a fast-food restaurant worker sacrifices their customers to an otherworldly entity with the help of The Gatekeeper.


    Xbox Live

    Gangs of Sherwood Pre-order

    Nacon

    $49.99

    Gangs of Sherwood – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    An explosive action game for 1 to 4 players set in the reimagined world of Robin Hood. Through the powers of the Philosopher’s Stones, the armies of the Sheriff of Nottingham are now stronger than ever, and the people of England have never been so oppressed… Play as Robin, Marian, Friar Tuck or Little John, four heroes with unique, customizable gameplay styles, and set out to rob the rich so you can free the people.


    Xbox Live

    Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth

    CFK Co., Ltd.

    Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Kimo Kang, a man who knows how to relax with a caramel macchiato, has one fatal flaw. In all his thirty years, he’s never once been in a relationship, making him a Motesolo! Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth is an interactive movie game, uniquely produced to place you directly into a scene from a K-drama, featuring events that branch out and send you to one of multiple endings.


    Xbox Live

    Pixel Cafe

    Baltoro Games

    Pixel Café – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dive into this captivating blend of an arcade time manager and visual novel. Help a small-town girl navigate life in a big city, and take part in her coming-of-age story as she forges connections, overcomes difficulties, and struggles to find her worth.


    Xbox Live

    This Means Warp

    Jagex Limited

    This Means Warp – November 30

    Fly solo or with up to three other loyal crewmates as you boldly go where no-one has gone (and survived to talk about it) before. Obtain and upgrade new weapons and systems for your ship as you venture deep into a procedurally generated universe filled with increasingly grumpy and murder-y enemies. Map your unique path through the stars, but remember that the stakes are super high – one wrong move and it’s game over.


    Xbox Live

    Truck and Logistics Simulator

    Aerosoft GmbH

    Truck and Logistics Simulator – November 30

    Optimized for Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Load, drive, and deliver through a huge open world with up to 24 players in cross-platform multiplayer. Join your friends in exciting heavy transport convoys. Jump into the driver’s seat of more than 30 unique vehicles and carry out complex loading tasks to deliver a variety of cargo.


    Xbox Live

    Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered

    Nightdive Studios

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered – November 30

    A faithful restoration of the classic first-person shooter originally released in 2000, upgraded through Nightdive Studios’ proprietary KEX Engine for play on modern gaming devices with high-definition resolution and framerate. Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered features upgraded gameplay, high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting and rendering, and modernized controls.


    Xbox Live

    All of Us Are Dead…

    IKINA GAMES

    $19.99

    All Of Us Are Dead – November 30

    All of us are not dead. Our school has been infested with zombies, and we are still alive. Every day, our hopes of escaping this school become less and less likely. Follow us as we try to survive and escape our zombie-filled school. A visual novel based on the popular webcomic.


    Xbox Live

    Pinball M

    Zen Studios

    Pinball M – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Get ready to tilt into terror. The new horror-inspired pinball platform for fearless players. Prove your skills on the most sinister, gory, and badass tables ever brought to life.


    Xbox Live

    Elderand

    Graffiti Games

    Elderand – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Through the darkness and madness, promised glory awaits. Dismember deadly creatures and terrifying bosses by masterfully wielding an arsenal of brutal weapons in intense skill-based combat. Hunt for untold treasure as you explore a grim world in this gory, gruesome action-RPG.


    Xbox Live

    Arcadian Atlas

    Serenity Forge

    Arcadian Atlas – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Experience deep tactical battles across vast and treacherous landscapes as youbuild an army of powerful troops, customizing their classes and skills to gain every advantage against monsters, ruthless foes, a daughter scorned, and a queen so cruel she’d kill her own husband to gain the throne.


    Xbox Live

    Crashy Laps

    JanduSoft

    $6.99 $5.59

    Crashy Laps – November 30

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Crashy Laps is an arcade racing game, with all the track visible on the screen, designed for playing in Single Player and Local Multiplayer modes. Based on classic games, there are isometric and top-down selectable camera views.


    Xbox Live

    SteamWorld Build

    Thunderful Publishing

    $29.99 $26.99

    SteamWorld Build – December 1

    Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Available on day one with Game Pass: Break ground on a bustling SteamWorld town, inspired by the Old West. Keep your steambots from getting cranky by ensuring their complex needs get met; dig deep and spread wide to produce resources to aid your search for ancient technologies; defend your mine from the creepy varmints that lurk deep below your town. Round up the posse, circle the wagons, and let’s get to building a new home!


    Xbox Live

    Kingdoms and Castles

    BlitWorks

    Kingdoms and Castles – December 1

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Your kingdom must survive a living and dangerous world. Do the viking raiders make off with your villagers? Or are they stopped, full of arrows, at the castle gates? Does a dragon torch your granary, your people dying of starvation in the winter, or are you able to turn the beast back? The success of your kingdom depends solely on your skill as a city and castle planner.


    Xbox Live

    1 Square

    Misc.261

    1 Square – December 1

    1 Square is a jumping puzzle game. Your goal is to get rid of the numbered boxes by jumping on them. Each jump knocks their number down by one. When they hit zero, they fade away! Make sure to leave yourself a path to reach them all, and watch out for the rain! You have to finish the level before it floods.


    Xbox Live

    Zomborg

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Zomborg – December 1

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A deadly virus outbreak has plagued the planet and the United Nations has set up quarantine zones around the globe. With strategic top-down shooter gameplay, create unique, customizable characters and arm yourself with 10 types of weapons. You’ll need the firepower when you get attacked by up to 100 zombies at once!


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 27 – December 1 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 29 November 2023 - 17:00

    The Xbox November Update Is Coming Soon: Compact Mode, Japanese Language Support for Keyboards, and More

    Summary

    • Compact mode is now available for everyone in the Xbox app on PC.
    • Japanese language support for physical and virtual keyboards.
    • Console wish list notifications for Xbox Free Play Days, and more.

    Team Xbox continues to bring new ways to make Xbox better, with players at the center, as we refine the experience and deliver brand-new features based on your feedback. Compact mode is now part of the latest update on Windows devices and will help make your gaming experience more intuitive on smaller screens. You can also select specific layouts for Japanese language keyboards on your console. Get ready for the holidays with console notifications for Xbox Free Play Days for the games you have on your wish list, and more.


    PC Gaming | Xbox app on PC experience updates


    Introducing Compact mode

    We’re excited to announce that Compact mode is now available as part of the latest update on all Windows devices, including handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go! Compact mode is a new feature that enhances your gaming experience by providing a more intuitive user interface on smaller screens. With Compact mode, the side bar collapses into icons, providing you with more space to browse content. To use this feature, click on your profile in the top-left corner of the app and turn the toggle for “Compact mode” on.

    We’re also partnering with Asus and other manufacturers to ensure that Compact mode is enabled by default on your handheld devices. We’ll continue to focus on updates to deliver a great Xbox app experience for Windows handheld screens.

    Notifications and banners

    With new games and benefits coming to Game Pass all the time, we’re making it easier to keep up with what’s new by giving you the option to show only unread notifications in the notification dropdown on the Xbox app on PC.

    Additional improvements

    We’ve heard that you want a more streamlined experience when diagnosing and troubleshooting, so we’ve added the new Gaming Services Repair Tool, a dedicated tool to fix any issues with Gaming Services or missing content when launching the Xbox app on PC.  To use this feature, click on your profile in the top-left corner of the app and select “Support.”

    To see the full list of changes coming to the Xbox app on PC, check out What’s new.


    Xbox console updates


    Japanese language support for physical and virtual keyboards

    You can now select specific keyboard layouts for Japanese keyboards for your console. For example, you can choose between the 106/109 keyboard layout for Japanese or the 101/102 English keyboard layout.

    To update your keyboard settings, press the Xbox button on your Wireless Controller to open the guide, and then go to Settings > System > Language & location. You’ll be able to select the Japanese keyboard layout if the Keyboard & dictation setting is set to Japanese.

    Console wish list notifications for Xbox Free Play Days

    For the holiday season, do you have your Xbox wish list up to date? It’s a great time to make sure you have all the games you’re wishing for added to your list. With this update, if a game is on your wish list and is part of Xbox Free Play Days, you’ll get a notification on your console that the game is free to play for a limited time. Don’t have a wish list yet? It’s easy to get started. Press the Xbox button to open the guide, and then go to Store and select Add to Wish list on any game’s detail page.

    Redeeming rewards on your console gets better with new phone authentication

    Now you can use phone authentication to redeem your rewards from your console. To redeem Rewards directly from your console, visit your profile and look for the My Rewards tab. Open the guide and go to Profile & system > your profile > My Rewards and click on “Get rewards.” You’ll be able to confirm your rewards after you authenticate with your phone.

    Xbox Wireless Controller firmware update

    Keeping your controller updated with the latest firmware maximizes your controller’s capabilities and compatibility. We’re rolling out a firmware update that includes bug fixes to enable Shift mode for keyboard mapping on Elite Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers through the Xbox Accessories app. It also includes a fix for some users whose controller fails to take a previous firmware update.


    Help shape the future of Xbox


    Stay tuned to the Xbox Wire for future updates and all the latest and greatest Xbox-related news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.

    We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that you’d like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement.  If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, download the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PC today. Let us know what you think.

    The post The Xbox November Update Is Coming Soon: Compact Mode, Japanese Language Support for Keyboards, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 29 November 2023 - 20:00
    • Chessarama’s Xbox release, redefines chess and puzzles on December 5th.
    • Celebrate with a giveaway of boards signed by chess legends. 
    • Pre-order now and prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chessarama.

    Hello Chess fans! I am Raphael Dias, Founder of the Brazilian indie studio Minimol Games.

    We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Chessarama, our innovative take on chess, is making its grand debut on Xbox next week, on December 5th! At Minimol Games, we’ve combined our love for chess with a creative twist, crafting a game that’s both engaging and intellectually stimulating.

    Chessarama yard board

    In honor of this exciting launch, we’re thrilled to announce our special giveaway in partnership with the Champions Chess Tour. We’re giving away chess boards signed by chess legends Magnus Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa, Wesley So, and Anish Giri. This unique opportunity, ending on December 16th, is our way of celebrating Chessarama’s launch and connecting with the global chess community.

    Chessarama chess players

    Participating in the giveaway is easy. Just visit the Giveaway Link and follow the simple steps such as engaging with us on social media. It’s a great way not just to stay updated with all things Chessarama but also to stand a chance to win a piece of chess history signed by the masters themselves.

    Chessarama magnus

    In Chessarama you will find a collection of chess-inspired puzzle and strategy games that use chess pieces and their established move sets, then reimagines their goals and themes. You can solve challenges, unlock collectibles, and compete against each other on the leaderboards.

    Chessarama asian setting

    Key Features:

    • Play eight exclusive chess-inspired games available in Chessarama.
    • Puzzle campaigns featuring over 100 levels plus over 100 unique challenges.
    • 24 exclusive Chess Figures to unlock and collect.
    • Unique art style, with beautiful dioramas.
    • Daily and Weekly Challenges.
    • Compete against each other on the leaderboards.
    • Learn chess movements, tactics and strategies through a modern video game experience.
    • Also includes “Classic Chess” for you to put your learnings into practice.

    With its unique blend of entertainment and learning, Chessarama is poised to be a hit among Xbox players of all ages.

    Chessarama screenshot

    As the launch date approaches, we’re counting down the days with great anticipation. We can’t wait for you to join us in this chess adventure. Pre-order Chessarama on the Microsoft Store, check out the giveaway, and prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chessarama!

    Xbox Live

    Chessarama

    Minimol Games

    $14.99
    Chessarama is a collection of original puzzle and strategy games inspired by Chess. It reimagines chess rules and tactics using many different themes. Each game has its own set of rules, visual theme and original handcrafted challenges for you to play! Here are all the original games you will find in Chessarama: (1) Farm Life; (2) Dragon Slayers; (3) Street Soccer; (4) Lady Ronin; (5) Last Stand; (6) Knight Supreme; (7) Pawn Mania; (8) Soccer Chess. Take a look at some of the Chessarama games: In Dragon Slayer, you need to push your pawn to the end of a path in order to kill the mighty dragon. But it will not be that easy! The dragon attacks the board every time the pawn moves and every undefended piece will die. In Lady Ronin, Chess meets Sokoban. You play with a Ronin (a chess queen) and you need to eliminate the other pieces in order to get close to the Shogun and kill it. Pieces move like in chess, but push each other like in sokoban. In Soccer Chess you will play a soccer match using chess pieces. You will need to think a few moves ahead if you want to break through the adversary's defenses to score a goal. This is just some examples about how Chess can be reinvented. Welcome to Chessarama!

    The post Get Ready for Chessarama on Xbox with a Chance to Win a Board Signed by Four Chess Legends appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 30 November 2023 - 15:00

    Coming Soon to Game Pass: Far Cry 6, Remnant II, SteamWorld Build, and More

    Game Pass Coming Soon Asset

    Day one games, returning favorites, and even some additions are coming soon to the Game Pass Core library! This month, we’re going for a “let’s announce everything coming in Game Pass for December” sort of vibe; we’ll be back in early January after the holidays for more games coming soon to Game Pass. So, grab your controllers, charge those mice, and let’s get to the games!

    Available Today

    Remnant: From the Ashes (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    Making a return to the Game Pass library, Remnant: From the Ashes is a third-person survival action shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monstrous creatures. As one of the last remnants of humanity, you’ll set out alone or alongside up to two other survivors to face down hordes of deadly enemies and epic bosses and try to retake what was lost.

    Remnant II Key Art

    Remnant II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
    Sequel to the best-selling game Remnant: From the Ashes that pits survivors of humanity against new deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds. Play solo or co-op with two other friends to explore the depths of the unknown to stop an evil from destroying reality itself.

    Coming Soon

    Spirit of the North (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 1
    Awaken the Spirit of the North and start your journey. Set out on a beautiful and meaningful adventure across landscapes inspired by those in Iceland. Discover a land left in ruin as you’re guided across mountains by the Guardian of the Northern Lights, solving environmental puzzles to uncover what happened to the ancient civilization that once lived there.

    SteamWorld Build Key Art

    SteamWorld Build (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 1
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Break ground on a new frontier as the planet dies around you! Dig deep and build wide to excavate long-lost spacefaring technology, while ensuring everyone has the vital water, fuel and creature comforts they need! Do you have what it takes to reach the final frontier? Learn more about SteamWorld Build here on Xbox Wire.

    Clone Drone in the Danger Zone (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – December 5
    A robot voxel slice ‘em up where any part of your body can be sliced off. With your mind downloaded into a robot gladiator, you must survive the sinister trials of the arena. Fight up to 15 players in Last Bot Standing, team up for online co-op, or face down the robot emperor in story mode!

    Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 5
    Returning to the Game Pass library on December 5!  Featuring epic, high-octane action moments set in the most beautifully hostile environments on earth, Rise of the Tomb Raider delivers a cinematic survival action adventure where you will join Lara Croft on her first tomb raiding expedition.

    While the Iron's Hot Key Art

    While the Iron’s Hot (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 5
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Step into the boots of a journeyman blacksmith on a quest to become a master and restore a ruined village along the way. This crafty adventure game sends players to the mysterious isle of Ellian, where the world’s finest artisans dwell. While you might forge a few weapons on your journey, this isn’t the kind of game where you wield them – the island’s troubles can all be solved with your wits and crafting moxie.

    World War Z: Aftermath (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 5
    A heart-pounding, co-op third-person shooter for up to four players featuring swarms of zombies. Based on the Paramount Pictures film, World War Z focuses on fast-paced gameplay while exploring new storylines from around the world.

    Goat Simulator 3 Key Art

    Goat Simulator 3 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – December 7
    Pilgor’s baaack! Gather your herd and venture forth into Goat Simulator 3, an all-new, totally realistic, sandbox farmyard experience that puts you back in the hooves of no one’s favorite female protagonist.

    Against the Storm (PC) – December 8
    A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization’s last survivors.

    Tin Hearts (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 12
    Embark on Lemmings-like puzzles to relive the emotional and heartbreaking story of a genius inventor, Albert Butterworth. Spanning across four distinctive acts with 50+ puzzles masterfully woven throughout a grand Victorian home, steadily uncover a variety of whimsical inventions with unique abilities to provide a safe route of passage for a troop of tin soldiers to travel.

    Far Cry 6 Key Art

    Far Cry 6 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 14
    Welcome to Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. As the dictator of Yara, Antón Castillo is intent on restoring his nation to its former glory by any means necessary, with his son, Diego, following in his bloody footsteps. Their oppressive rule has ignited a revolution. Play as Dani Rojas, a local Yaran, as you fight alongside a modern-day guerrilla revolution to liberate Yara in this open-world first person action-adventure.

    Coming to Game Pass Core on December 6

    Game Pass Core Update Asset

    In the spirit of announcing more games – welcome Game Pass Core members to our first announcement of new additions to the Core library! As a reminder, we plan to update the Game Pass Core library 2-3 times a year. These games (along with more than 25 others) will be available with your membership alongside the benefits of online console multiplayer, discounts on games, and more.

    Chivalry 2 – December 6
    A multiplayer, first-person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. You’ll be thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era — from clashing swords to storms of flaming arrows, to sprawling castle sieges and more. Charge into battle on horseback and claim glory with your blade!

    Totally Reliable Delivery Service – December 6
    Buckle up your back brace and fire up the delivery truck — it’s time to deliver! Join up to three friends and haphazardly get the job done in an interactive sandbox world. Endure cruel ragdoll physics, pilot your favorite vehicle, and complete the tasks at hand to the best of your ability to attempt your deliveries.

    DLC / Game Updates

    Teamfight Tactics: Remix Rumble – Available Now
    Take center stage in Remix Rumble, the all-new set for Teamfight Tactics availableas a free update Recruit champions from award-winning Riot Music groups K/DA, True Damage, Pentakill, and Heartsteel to build the ultimate band — and the ultimate music track. Grant your team powerful buffs with Headliners, then play to your advantage with new and improved Portals and Augments.

    Fallout 76: Atlantic City – Boardwalk Paradise – December 5
    Face an Overgrown threat encroaching on the once glamourous Casino and Boardwalk of Atlantic City. The new expedition includes two new Missions, three colorful factions, and casino-themed rewards. Fallout 76: Atlantic City – Boardwalk Paradise is available on December 5 for free to all owners and members..

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    KartRider: Drift – Lucci Loot Pack – Available Now
    Grab the Lucci Loot Pack to claim 14,000 Lucci to spend how you want on your KartRider journey!

    3 Months of Discord Nitro – Available Now
    Enjoy 3 free months of an enhanced Discord experience with perks like custom emoji usage, repping a profile banner, per server avatars, 2 Server Boosts a month, bigger upload sizes, and HD video.

    Leaving December 15

    The following games are leaving soon but that doesn’t mean it has to be goodbye, save up to 20% on these games to keep them in your library and keep the good times going!

    • Chained Echoes (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Opus Magnum (PC)
    • Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Rubber Bandits (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    As always, stay tuned here or to us on social with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass for all the updates on when you can play the games. We’ll be back early January with more – talk to you then!

    The post Coming Soon to Game Pass: Far Cry 6, Remnant II, SteamWorld Build, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 30 November 2023 - 19:00

    How IkinaGames is Bringing the Korean Cult Classic Webcomic “All of Us Are Dead” Back to Life on Xbox

    A few years ago, Naver Webtoon became quite active in wanting to gamify their webcomic IPs – we had previously maintained a good relationship with them developing other games for them — so they proposed to us three choices, and one of them was “All of Us Are Dead.”

    For those unfamiliar, that particular webcomic was published online between 2009 to 2011. At the time, the Korean webcomic market was still exploding, and because zombie content was still somewhat unfamiliar in Korea, it gained a lot of enthusiastic fans. Fast-forward to 2021 and zombie-related content has poured out due to the spread of streaming and OTT. Against this backdrop is when we were able to make the bold decision to develop a non-mainstream genre game, a visual novel using the “All of Us Are Dead” IP.

    All of Us Are Dead Screenshot

    When I was offered the IP, it was when the adventure team had just formed at IkinaGames. Thankfully, both the producer and director enjoyed reading the webcomic “All of Us Are Dead,” so that made the decision easier (to pitch). I just wanted to be careful because it was my first challenge in this genre, and I set the goal as small as possible without making any major changes to the original story and began development with a 10-month schedule.

    Consulting with Joo Dong-geun, the author of “All of Us Are Dead,” the only request he had was he did not want the end-result to be somewhat subdued or too romantic. The webcomic itself utilized a mix of painting and realistic styles, and we agreed to put that atmosphere and the seriousness of the story into the game. That’s how the current graphics style was established after several iterations.

    All of Us Are Dead Screenshot

    Later in development, Joo Dong-geun became much more open about our version of the scenarios in the game and the additional elements we added. He also played early builds and encouraged our team throughout development. As we neared the end of production, he said he wanted to be helpful, and helped promote our game through his social media network.

    By early January 2022, we had gone through two prototypes, established the gameability with alpha builds, and by the time the scenario was written up to chapter 2. And then boom. The Netflix series “All of Us Are Dead” was released. We had no idea about the film until it was announced. However, after the release, the series became a global hit that far exceeded expectations — and I fell into a panic. We were suddenly under pressure to change the direction of the project, which was initially being developed as a small project, to now become a game that can withstand the weight of global IP.

    All of Us Are Dead Screenshot

    The fundamentals of visual novel and story-oriented games could not be changed, so we focused on strengthening the backbone of the game by refreshing character profiles and reinforcing episodes more dramatically to organize the scenarios more closely. You may notice that when you start playing, if you look at the story until Chapter 2, it flows similarly to the original webtoon and then unfolds completely differently starting with Chapter 3.

    I think, in some cases, this added pressure brought a positive effect to development. The number of scenarios increased and the graphics, number of characters, variations, effects, and even the illustrations started to exceeded our initial expectations. The art team became really motivated to create additional assets and they started to add new character expressions and variations. Thanks to this, there are now more than 10 differences for each character’s stance in the game. They even voluntarily went through the trouble of producing a scene like animation sprites in several frames, saying the scenes needed to be more dynamic.

    All of Us Are Dead Screenshot

    Looking back, I’d say there were two main problems I encountered while creating a game from a webtoon. The first was changing the storytelling technique of a webcomic to game narrative techniques. The original comic, which was serialized weekly, composes a story with a very short breath but with impact, and does not put much weight on long-term narratives. Visual novels tend to take on a stronger sense of immersion, providing catharsis by gradually building narratives and then bursting through the clash of characters.

    To change this type of scenario, the character’s past and profile were added with settings that were not in the original, and each story had to be produced with care to change the structure itself, such as meeting characters who were not in the original webcomic.

    All of Us Are Dead Screenshot

    The second was to consider multiple scenarios by considering people who had already known the original webcomic and those who didn’t, who in our case, were people who watched only the Netflix series. That version only shared the names of the characters from the original comics and had completely different stories and characters. So, we aimed to create our own storyline while taking the basics of the original webtoon.

    For example, while maintaining the original main event setting of the characters gathering on the rooftop of the school, the process of each character reaching the roof was a completely different. I wanted to make it possible for people who watched dramas to enjoy other points of view, and for people who don’t know IP to be immersed in the scene as well.

    All of Us Are Dead Screenshot

    There is a lot of prejudice about the visual novel form, especially in Korea. It’s a market where the likes and dislikes of the genre are very clear. Creating a visual novel outside of what was expected (e.g. romance) was a challenge I set for myself. Besides, there’s a horde of zombies and yet it’s not an action game, but a visual novel. Now come to think of it… perhaps yes. Maybe the project itself was a challenge from the very beginning.

    Many players who have experienced the game said that the story and graphics were of high quality. We hope that “All of Us Are Dead” will be open to the possibility of other visual novels. I want to show the global market that this game, this story, is possible with an IP like “All of Us Are Dead.”

    You can play All of Us Are Dead on Xbox starting today.

    Xbox Live

    All of Us Are Dead…

    IKINA GAMES

    1
    $19.99
    All of Us are Dead – The Visual Novel An interactive, visual novel based on the hit webcomic series. ◆ Story Summer. July. Zombie virus breaks out in Hyosan High. Friends and teachers become infected, and many can't bring themselves to take down the infected. They were friends and teachers, after all. Soon, the entire school is infested with zombies with no way of escape. Experience the struggles of ordinary students as they juggle extraordinary challenges. Join the jocks as they face overwhelming odds while fighting for their survival. Be wary of the terror that lies within the school for zombies were not the worst of their troubles. See how each and every one survives in their own, unique way. ◆ All of Us are Dead: The Visual Novel – Based on the hit webcomic of which the live-action drama series 'All of Us are Dead' is based on. Discover wholly new content untold in other adaptations! – All new events, endings, and more! Watch where your decisions take you and see how they unfold. ◆ Artworks – All new character artworks are made to reflect every character's individual personality. – Persistent artwork. Any encounters or events that affect the character persist in the artwork, even as the story progresses! ◆ High Quality Illustrated Events – 100+ high-quality illustrations for maximum drama. – Animated events! ◆ Fully voiced in Korean – 12+ hours of fully voiced scenarios. – Voice-over Lee Bohee, Park Seongyeong, Ryu Seung Gon, Lee Kyung Tae, Song Harim, Mun Yujeong, Kim Na Yul, Seo Da Hye, Kang Si Hyun, Ahn Hyomin, Kim Young Sun, Kim Hye Sung, Jang Mi, Choi Seunghun, Jang Ye Na, Shin Beomsik, Park MinGI, Bang SiU, Kim Jin Hong, Lee Eun Jo, Jung Eui Jin, Lee Myounghwa, Sung Ye Won, Jung Ui Taek

    The post How IkinaGames is Bringing the Korean Cult Classic Webcomic “All of Us Are Dead” Back to Life on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 01 December 2023 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 4 – 8

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Make Way

    Secret Mode

    Make Way – December 4
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Speed around loops, dart through train crossings, drift around helter skelters, and unleash wacky weaponry in this modern take on classic top-down multiplayer racing games. The twist? You build the track.


    Xbox Live

    Born Of Bread

    Plug In Digital

    Born of Bread – December 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Beings from another age are causing havoc across the land! And with their mischief comes a great threat to everyone. The unlikeliest hero, a golem born of bread, will find himself and his newfound buddies in the middle of a drama that’s thousands of years in the making. Born of Bread takes on turn-based combat tropes with a new interaction system that puts your reflex skills to the test.


    Xbox Live

    Chessarama

    Minimol Games

    $14.99

    Chessarama – December 5

    A collection of original puzzle and strategy games inspired by Chess. It reimagines chess rules and tactics using many different themes. Each game has its own set of rules, visual theme, and original handcrafted challenges for you to play!


    Xbox Live

    Laika: Aged Through Blood

    Headup Publishing

    Laika: Aged Through Blood – December 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Laika: Aged Through Blood is a western-inspired motorvania set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It is the story about a tribe oppressed by occupant forces, and the personal story of a mother coyote warrior who descends on an endless path of vengeance to take back what her people lost.


    Xbox Live

    Parkitect: Deluxe Edition

    BlitWorks

    Parkitect: Deluxe Edition – December 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A modern take on the classic park tycoons where you build and manage the theme parks of your dreams. Construct your own coasters, design an efficiently operating park that fully immerses your guests in its theming, and play through the campaign.


    Xbox Live

    While the Iron's Hot

    Humble Games

    While the Iron’s Hot – December 5
    Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Available on day one with Game Pass! Step into the boots of a journeyman blacksmith on a quest to become a master and restore a ruined village along the way. This crafty adventure game sends players to the mysterious isle of Ellian, where the world’s finest artisans dwell. While you might forge a few weapons on your journey, this isn’t the kind of game where you wield them – the island’s troubles can all be solved with your wits and crafting moxie. Playable on Cloud, Console, and PC.


    Xbox Live

    Battle Stations Blockade

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Battle Stations Blockade – December 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An intense 3D rail shooter presented in voxel style. Receive orders and then set out on treacherous waters as you control a pair of gun turrets, shooting down aircraft, destroying boats and battleships, clearing mines, taking out paratroopers and more.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Forklift Extreme: Deluxe Edition

    Last Man Gaming

    $14.99

    Forklift Extreme: Deluxe Edition – December 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    This unique forklift simulator puts you in the driver’s seat, with highly detailed physics that mimic the movement and handling of real machines. Master a variety of vehicles with unique handling characteristics and tackle a wide range of challenges. Pick up and move cargo, navigate tight corners and narrow aisles, and complete challenging missions that will put your operator skills to the test.


    Xbox Live

    AVATAR: FRONTIERS OF PANDORA™

    UBISOFT

    62
    $69.99

    Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – December 7

    A first-person, action-adventure game built using the latest iteration of the Snowdrop engine, bringing to life the alluring world of Pandora with all of its beauty and danger in an immersive, open world experience. In this new, standalone story, play as a Na’vi and embark on a journey across the Western Frontier, a never-before-seen part of Pandora.


    Xbox Live

    Clockwork Aquario

    ININ GAMES

    Clockwork Aquario – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Play as Huck Rondo, Elle Moon, or robot Gush through the stages of this mystical world to stop Dr. Hangyo from taking over! In this jump ‘n’ run, pick up and throw your enemies, rack up multipliers to boost your high score and play with friends in a dedicated two-player local coop. Will you collaborate to take down Dr. Hangyo or try to sabotage each other to get the high score?


    Xbox Live

    Cotton 100%

    ININ GAMES

    Cotton 100% – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Once again, the world has fallen into darkness and the fairy, Silk, sets out to look for help. She crosses paths with the young witch, Nata de Cotton, who seems rather uninterested in helping her… That is until Silk tells her that giant Willows, a magical candy that Cotton is addicted to, are waiting for her along the way! So, the two set out to destroy the evil that is causing the darkness… and to eat Willows!


    Xbox Live

    Evil Nun: The Broken Mask

    Feardemic

    Evil Nun: The Broken Mask – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    You have been selected to participate in a religious summer camp that promises to be the ideal place to make friends and spend the summer. As soon as you arrive at this place, you realize that it is a hoax. You are locked in a dilapidated school guarded by Sister Madeline, an evil nun who punishes children with her gigantic hammer.


    Xbox Live

    Irem Collection Volume 1

    United Games Entertainment GmbH

    Irem Collection Volume 1 – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    If you’re a fan of retro gaming or looking for a new challenge, the Image Fight series and X-Multiply are must-play classic Shoot ‘Em Ups. Originally released during the golden age of arcade gaming in the late 1980s and early 1990s, these games have become cult classics among retro gaming enthusiasts.


    Xbox Live

    Panorama Cotton

    ININ GAMES

    Panorama Cotton – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Play as Nata de Cotton, a chaotic witch with an unquenchable craving for a magical candy called Willow. Up in the land of fairies, eating burnt Willow causes Queen Velvet to act very strange… Someone has been burning Willow! Join Cotton and her fairy friend Silk, as they try to hunt down the menace responsible!


    Xbox Live

    Pocky & Rocky Reshrined

    ININ GAMES

    Pocky & Rocky Reshrined – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A multi-directional scrolling shooter in the classic 16-bit style with improved graphics, sound, and fun! Gameplay takes place from a top-down perspective and features both single-player and cooperative modes. The adventures of Pocky and Rocky begin again!


    Xbox Live

    Ruinarch

    Klabater

    Ruinarch – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Choose from three overlord Archetypes – each one provides you with a different playstyle. Do you want to focus on sheer destruction or are you into a more subtle puppetmaster approach? You can experiment by combining destructive spells, slowly gain new powers, afflict villagers with flaws, and more.


    Xbox Live

    Ultracore

    ININ GAMES

    Ultracore – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Ultracore is an authentic run ‘n’ gun game — a true love letter to classic 2D action games with elaborate stage design, tons of secrets to discover, and many mid- and end-bosses. Collect coins to acquire items and new weapons, delve into the original synthwave soundtrack and fall (back) in love with the retro pixel graphics.


    Xbox Live

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

    Owlcat Games

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – December 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games. Begin your adventure aboard your personal, giant voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse, a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space.


    Xbox Live

    Adventure Tanks

    EpiXR Games

    $9.99

    Adventure Tanks – December 8

    Engage in fierce battles against rival tanks in a variety of arenas, each with its own unique style and matching enemies. Strategize your moves, dodge enemy fire, and search out your flag to finish the levels. Progress through the different arenas one by one, but beware, the path to victory is not easy.


    Xbox Live

    Aircraft Carrier Survival

    Forever Entertainment S. A.

    Aircraft Carrier Survival – December 8

    Take control of the aircraft carrier, its crew, officers and planes during WW2. Give an example of military prowess by choosing the right equipment, crew, and escort for the mission. Assign a crew and choose what your officers should focus on. Your ship has many stations to man, and proper management will be the key to executing your plan.


    Xbox Live

    Against the Storm

    Hooded Horse

    Against the Storm – December 8
    Game Pass

    A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization’s last survivors.


    Xbox Live

    Bestial Reception

    Desert Water Games

    Beastial Reception – December 8 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A “roguelike shooter” in a bizarre radioactive world full of humanoid animals. In a radioactive wastelands and mutated biomes, animals are fighting for their existence and you are one of them! Choose a hero and make your way through the hordes of enemies. Collect various artifacts, explore secrets and defeat bosses. Destroy all enemies and get to the top of food chain! (alone or with your friend!) 


    Xbox Live

    Fearmonium

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Fearmonium – December 8 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A psychedelic metroidvania with an expressive aesthetic where suspense joins together with humor. You play as a phobia growing inside the confused mind of a teenage boy named Max. Discover a nightmarish world of his consciousness to explore.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Happy Words

    LAN – GAMES LTD

    Happy Words – December 8 – Xbox Play Anywhere

    Happy Words is a word-based, real-time online multiplayer board game for 1 to 4 players in which you must create new words based on existing ones. A player collects points by placing words on the game board. Each letter has a different point value, so the strategy becomes to play words with high scoring letter combinations.


    Xbox Live

    .T.E.S.T: Expected Behaviour

    ChiliDog Interactive

    $7.99

    T.E.S.T.: Expected Behavior – December 8

    Easy to grip gameplay, approachable controls and gorgeous sci-fi setting will let you feel the vibe of the top-notch puzzle solver who’ll do anything to get the job done. In our case, to get the test done and gone. A bit of humor and witty remarks by two narrators are included in the package!


    Xbox Live

    Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains – December 8

    The award-winning Chinese RPG Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains arrives on Xbox! Embark on a journey to unite the powers of the East and West against a looming evil, featuring a narrative that taps into mythological and historically-inspired architectural styles, garb, cuisine and customs, blended with traditional turn-based RPG mechanics and HD hand-painted sprites.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 4 – 8 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 05 December 2023 - 22:00

    Seasons Greetings from Xbox! We are proud to bring you 33 incredible demos to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Just like last year’s Winter Game Demo event, you can download and play these in the comfort of your own home between December 5 – 31.

    We encourage you to check them out with friends and families during this holiday season starting today and within the coming weeks as demos become available. These demos are an early look at gameplay and may not represent the full game at their release, including the availability in each country as developers continue to update and refine their title ahead of launch. So, don’t forget you can help provide early feedback to the devs!

    We’re also excited to share the 10 newly announced games below are coming to Xbox!

    502’s Arcade (502 Studios)

    502’s Arcade (502 Studios) Asset

    502’s Arcade is an anthology of arcade games. Each game is a remix of genres with mechanics that you’ve always loved with modern twists that will make them an enjoyable challenge for all kinds of players.


    Captain Bones (World of Poly)

    Captain Bones (World of Poly) Asset

    Captain Bones is an exhilarating action-adventure game that immerses you in an expansive pirate world. Your survival skills will guide you through epic ship battles and thrilling treasure hunts alongside your loyal crew. Navigate handcrafted pirate islands, harness resources to create weapons and vehicles, and embark on daring explorations. At its core, the game follows the journey of Captain Bones from a simple crew member to a legendary captain.


    Champion Shift (SRG Studios)

    Champion Shift (SRG Studios) Asset

    Champion Shift is a fast-paced, action roguelike where you play as a mythical champion fighting against the evil Dominion. Unlock mythical upgrades throughout your game session, shift form into a vehicle to power through masses of enemies and defeat epic bosses to progress through your run.


    Dinosaur Fossil Hunter (Pyramid Games S.A.)

    Dinosaur Fossil Hunter (Pyramid Games S.A.) Asset

    Become a real paleontologist, explore various environments and search for dinosaur fossils. Dig for and study the remnants of these majestic creatures to learn about their evolution. Build your own museum and experience an immersive background story. Drive off-road vehicles, explore dig sites, use excavation tools, search through deformable terrain. Prepare fossils.


    Donut Dodo (pixle.games)

    Donut Dodo (pixle.games) Asset

    If a long-lost arcade game from 1983 resurfaced today, it would be Donut Dodo. A classic platforming frenzy from the golden era that’s tough as nails and challenging for the whole family! Will you top the high score table today?


    New Star GP (Five Aces Publishing/New Star Games)

    New Star GP (Five Aces Publishing/New Star Games) Asset

    New Star GP is a retro arcade racer that puts you in the driving seat at iconic racing circuits from the 1980s to the present day. Lead your team through all the drama of race strategies, pitting, tyre blowouts and more to take glory and win the World Championship!


    Roguematch: The Extraplanar Invasion (Starstruck Games)

    Roguematch: The Extraplanar Invasion (Starstruck Games) Screenshot

    Roguematch: The Extraplanar Invasion is a challenging mystery dungeon combined with match 3 mechanics that will intrigue both turn-based roguelike and puzzle fans alike. Travel through a castle full of traps and monsters, strategically using your turns to move, attack, cast spells, and match mana to defeat enemies!


    Slopecrashers (byteparrot)

    Slopecrashers (byteparrot) Asset

    Slopecrashers is an arcade snowboard combat racer in which a wild crew of animals band together on a world spanning tour to become the best snowboarders. Unfortunately, somebody is trying to ruin their plans! Grab your friends and barrel down the slopes together while battling it out in high-speed races with over-the-top power-ups!


    The Land Beneath Us (PID Games/FairPlay Studios)

    The Land Beneath Us (PID Games/FairPlay Studios) Asset

    The Land Beneath Us is a turn-based rogue-lite action dungeon crawler. Use powerful skill combos and stylish weaponry to battle your way through the Underworld known as Annwn. Defeat the Seven Lords and rescue The Creator and her vital Soul-Tech.


    Vagrus – The Riven Realms (Lost Pilgrims Studio)

    Vagrus – The Riven Realms (Lost Pilgrims Studio) Asset

    Embark on a perilous journey across a realm forsaken by the gods and devastated by an arcane cataclysm. Accompanied by a hardy crew, you must trade, fight, and explore your way to success as the leader of a traveling company in Vagrus, an award-winning turn-based post-apocalyptic fantasy RPG.


    Along with these unique titles, there’s a diverse list of games that will be available to try! Below are the games, and their developers, participating in the ID@Xbox Game Demo Winterfest:

    Head over to your Xbox and chill out with these exciting demos on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S! And yes, we’d love to hear what you think. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord, Twitch, and YouTube. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire to learn more about what Team Xbox has planned and of course, have an incredibly fun winter season of gaming!

    The post ID@Xbox Game Demo Winterfest Showcases 30+ Games appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 07 December 2023 - 18:00

    February 22, 2024 will mark a new chapter in the King Arthur mythology, when we here at NeocoreGames will be bringing our dark fantasy role-playing tactical game, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale to Xbox Series X|S. We look forward to fans being able to immerse themselves in the mystical realm of Avalon, when the game launches digitally for Xbox Series X|S early next year.

    About King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

    Described by critics as “the definitive King Arthur game,” King Arthur: Knight’s Tale brings the legendary Arthurian mythology into the modern day – Sprinkling in some dark fantasy tropes to provide an all-new approach to the traditional chivalric tales. 

    KA screenshot

    The game, which combines turn-based tactical combat with a traditional, character-centric RPG gameplay, originally launched on PC following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020 – And has earned a devoted and passionate following in the years that followed.

    King Arthur: Knight’s Tale has now been reimagined for Xbox Series X|S, offering players a choice between a 4K Quality Mode or a framerate-boosting Performance Mode, Local PVP as well as Xbox achievements.

    We will continue to support the game long after its launch too, with plans for season content, optional skirmishes and more features coming at a later date.

    Check out King Arthur – Knight’s Tale at ID@Xbox Demo Fest

    From December 5 until December 31, fans will be able to get their hands on the console release of King Arthur: Knight’s Tale, via a demo, exclusively available to Xbox Series X|S players!

    KA screenshot

    The demo features the first three maps of the game, as well as three skirmish maps from the “The Trials of Sir Tewelyn” skirmish pack.

    To get your hands on King Arthur: Knight’s Tale during ID@Xbox Demo Fest, simply head here.

    Preorder King Arthur – Knight’s Tale Today

    Fans will be able to preorder King Arthur: Knight’s Tale for Xbox Series X|S right now! Simply click here to book your ticket to Avalon via the Camelot’s Fortune pack. 

    KA screenshot

    In order to assist in the battle against King Arthur’s forces, we’re happy to offer a host of goodies to players who pre-order from today, including:

    • Early Bird’s Ring – a console-exclusive Relic Item that grants a Hero the Slowing Hex skill.
    • 1,000 Gold and 300 Building Resources to help get your construction work off the ground
    • Satchel of Relic Dust – Use this in the Enchanted Tower to buy Relic items.
    • Topaz Case, Box of Sapphires and a Chest of Emeralds – Use these gems in the Forge to upgrade your items
    • Three Large Healing Potions
    • Three Refreshing Potions
    • Scroll of Fire Blast – A powerful, one-use AOE attack spell
    • Scroll of Taunt – Enemies will focus on a target that uses this scroll
    • Scroll of Recuperate – Target gains temporary HP for one turn
    • Sir Mordred cosmetic skin
    • Lady Dindraine cosmetic skin – Exclusive to console players!

    We look forward to seeing you on the battlefields of Avalon on February 22, 2024!

    Xbox Live

    King Arthur: Knight's Tale

    NeocoreGames

    You are Sir Mordred, the nemesis of King Arthur, the former black knight of the grim tales. You killed King Arthur, but with his dying breath, he struck you down. You both died – and yet, you both live. The Lady of the Lake, the ruler of the mystical island of Avalon brought you back to end a true nightmare. She wants you to go on a knightly quest. She wants you to finish what you have begun. Kill King Arthur – or whatever he has become after she took his dying vessel to Avalon. — A Role-playing Tactical Game — Experience a unique hybrid between turn-based tactical games and traditional, character-centric RPGs! This dark fantasy version of the Arthurian mythology invites you to manage a team of heroes on the dangerous battlefield, while also engaging in moral choices, hero management, and the rebuilding of Camelot. — The dark fate of the kingdom — Explore a land of nightmares where vile monsters and magical creatures lurk within castles and forests. The battle between Arthur and Mordred brought death, both of them falling at the hands of each other, and now the consequences unfold. Arthur, resurrected in Avalon, is now an undying mad king, his pain slowly turning this magical place into a nightmare version of Britannia. You are Mordred, brought back to life to find Arthur, and ultimately, kill him to end this accursed condition. — The Round Table reborn — Gather your knights and send them on quests involving deep, tactical battles! Assemble a team of heroes, selecting from six classes (Defender, Champion, Marksman, Vanguard, Arcanist, Sage). Level them up, gain unique skill points, equip the best items looted from missions. But beware! Heroes can die, and the treatment of their injuries, curses, diseases take time. Between missions, make sure that Camelot has the right facilities for recovery, and prepare different heroes for different quests. — A question of loyalty — Heroes are your main resources – but no mere numbers! They have their own distinct personalities, goals, rivalries (even unique traits, skills and bond benefits). They will observe your decisions closely! Settle disputes, grant favours, select heroes who can work together, send them on missions they are comfortable with. Tread carefully, because their loyalty depends on many factors. They can even leave and turn against you! — The making of a monarch — You, as a king, have a personality as well, shaped by your actions and moral choices. The Morality Chart will represent your status between Christianity and Old Faith, between Tyranny and Righteousness. Your choices affect values on this chart, influencing both gameplay and narrative. — The weight of decisions — Every small decision matters – not only the moral choices, but actions taken in the turn-based combat as well. The campaign unfolds with a roguelite twist: no reloads, only regrets! The thrill of dealing with the consequences is half the fun, but your decisions also affect the story. Each playthrough can unfold differently, branching in unexpected ways. — The end is only the beginning — Play through the campaign (once or see multiple paths), and after that, you unlock the endgame, reserved only for the bravest. Tough new challenges appear on the map with mythic bossfights, random quests, more loot and character progression ultimately leading to the banishing of Balor, the monstrous god-king of the Fomorians.

    The post King Arthur: A Knight’s Tale Comes to Xbox February 22 – Play Now During the ID@Xbox Demo Fest appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 07 December 2023 - 20:00

    In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war, and Owlcat Games is here to let you explore that future in a way that you never have before. The makers of the renowned Pathfinder video game series are excited to proudly present their brand-new title – Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader!

    Deservedly holding the title of first CRPG in the Warhammer 40,000 setting, the game releases today. For those who don’t fear the untold horrors that lurk in the depths of the warp, let us glimpse into the game’s deep and lore-driven narrative.

    Warhammer screenshot

    Inheriting the mantle of Rogue Trader, you hold the honour of serving as an intrepid adventurer of Humanity, a monolith of resources and power, pledging to spread the Imperium’s influence across the darkest corners of the Koronus Expanse. Bestowed with ultimate privilege, you are a privateer who explores the regions many ever-changing systems and controls the fate of its inhabitants. By seeking out and reclaiming long-neglected worlds, and developing them as you see fit, you can significantly increase your influence and subdue the sector through reputation and prestige alone.

    Artefacts beyond imagination, opportunities, and uncounted wealth dwell within this uncharted expanse, waiting to be claimed by the worthy few. As the yet untested inheritor of the sacred Warrant of Trade, you must assure a new era of dominance and prosperity for your dynasty. But be wary – you are not alone in your pursuit of power and glory. Rival Rogue Traders, as well as the agents of the Inquisition, closely watch your every action.

    As a Rogue Trader, you may requisition allies as you please and will have a vast number of companions willing to join your opulent retinue. Yet be sure to choose your confidants wisely – an Adeptus Mechanicus Tech-Priest, an Adepta Sororitas Battle Sister, a renegade unsanctioned Psyker, and even a mysterious xenos are just some examples of the distinctive crew that you may gather at your side. And as you can imagine, not all of them will be eager to work in tandem with one another.

    Warhammer screenshot

    Far from the oppressive influence of the Imperium, this labyrinthine sector of space has become a shadowy den for all kinds of heretics and enemies of Humanity. Along your travels, you will face the most vile of humanity’s foes.  Will you choose to become His retribution, the righteous instrument of the God-Emperor Himself? Or vanquish your enemies for your own personal gain? Utilize an advanced turn-based combat system to crush your enemies under the heel of your impeccable strategy.

    The autonomy granted to Rogue Traders is immense. As the newly established heir of the mighty Von Valancius dynasty, you are free to forge your own path in the Koronus Expanse and define the fate of this ill-omened sector. Will you choose to be a devoted servant of the Emperor or will you succumb to the insidious power of Chaos? Purge corrupted planets with the cleansing flames of holy Exterminatus or leave them to be torn apart by the sacrilegious followers of the Archenemy… The countless masses of the Koronus Expanse await your judgment. By your hand, the scales of destiny will bend or break. Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader is out today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

    Warhammer screenshot
    Xbox Live

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

    Owlcat Games

    $49.99
    A free DLC available to everyone who owns the game. This is a limited time offer which must be claimed before January 31st, 2024. Hurry before it vanishes! Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games. Begin your adventure aboard your personal, giant voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse, a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space.

    The post Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – the First CRPG in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 08 December 2023 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 11 – 15

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Cards We're Dealt

    Cole Chittim

    $9.99

    Cards We’re Dealt – December 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Wander haunted halls as an office temp and collect magical cards with supernatural abilities to fight demons and and explore the underworld in this horror, deckbuilding, roguelike game. Uncover the mystery of how you ended up here in the 6 chapter story and fight for your soul in the endless escape mode!


    Xbox Live

    Dungeons of Sundaria

    Industry Games

    $14.99

    Dungeons of Sundaria – December 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Adventure through epic dungeons facing fearsome creatures either solo or with a group of friends. Master your class, loot everything, and destroy the foul creatures of the deep! Will you survive long enough to become a hero of legend?


    Xbox Live

    Hell Well

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Hell Well – December 13
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take the role of a dark sorcerer as you defend yourself against waves of angels seeking to destroy you! Presented in retro 4-tone style, Hell Well is a top-down tower defense survival game where your downfall is inevitable, but the challenge is to survive and take down as many foes as possible before your ultimate demise.


    Xbox Live

    Aztek Tiki Talisman

    JanduSoft

    $5.99 $5.39

    Aztek Tiki Talisman – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Prepare for an exhilarating and challenging journey into the heart of the ancient Aztec jungle. This vibrant 3D platformer promises a unique and action-packed experience that will transport you to a world brimming with mystery and danger. Dive into a beautifully designed adventure that combines challenging platforming, thrilling combat encounters, and mind-bending puzzles.


    Xbox Live

    Cookie Cutter

    Rogue Games, Inc.

    Cookie Cutter – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Fueled by love and powered by rage, join Cherry on a blood-soaked quest for revenge as she explores the massive Megastructure and eviscerates the armies of INFONET in an unforgettable over-the-top 2D platformer that breaks tropes and bones.


    Xbox Live

    HARDCORE MECHA

    E-Home Entertianment Development Co., Ltd

    $24.99 $19.99

    Hardcore Mecha – December 14

    A 2D platformer action game that’s centered around giant mechs. The campaign mode offers rich gameplay and a seamless immersive experience. You can also hop online, choose your favorite mecha, and experience the fast-paced hardcore competitive battle of steel in multiplayer.


    Xbox Live

    Raccoo Venture

    QUByte Interactive

    Raccoo Venture – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Discover your true destiny through a world full of magic and secret items. Save the harmony of the world and prevent chaos from returning to the land of Verta. But for that, many puzzles and the most unusual enemies will cross your path.


    Xbox Live

    Rising Dusk

    Shinyuden

    $9.99

    Rising Dusk – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Enter the world of Rising Dusk. A land permanently in the hours of twilight and inhabited by an assortment of ghouls. Take control of Tamako, a young girl trapped in the realm of the Yokai. Can you navigate this perilous land and reach the strange new mountain on the horizon? The only way forward may be to avoid every coin in this puzzling 2D platformer.


    Xbox Live

    Argonauts Agency 2: Pandora’s Box

    8floor ltd

    Argonauts Agency 2: Pandora’s Box – December 15

    Pelias has accidentally opened Pandora’s Box in his storeroom. Now a real cataclysm was forming above his home, and picking up speed, and Pelias himself was being followed by all the trouble and disasters of the world. Something had to be done about Pandora’s Box at once! Join the argonauts and help them rid the world of Pandora’s Box across dozens of exciting levels with a fun plot, colorful comics, memorable characters.


    Xbox Live

    Ballotron Coolbox (Windows)

    Desert Water Games

    Ballotron Cool Box (Windows) – December 15

    Feel the coolness of Christmas in the new part of Ballotron! Shoot small balls to hit larger balls. Connect two large balls to complete levels. Break piles of ice and enjoy the atmosphere of winter, presents and holidays.


    Xbox Live

    Criminal Expert

    Forever Entertainment S. A.

    Criminal Expert – December 15

    A detective video game that puts you under the pressure of inexorably passing time. The story contains multiple selection paths, and you ultimately decide how it ends. Listen to witnesses, gather evidence, order searches and track suspects. Pay attention to every detail – the further fate of the characters depends on you.


    Xbox Live

    Emergency Call – The Attack Squad

    Aerosoft GmbH

    Emergency Call – The Attack Squad – December 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    The unclear damage situation at the beginning of every scene, whether it is fires, rescue of people or technical assistance requires your attention. Keep in mind that the choice of the right tools is just as important as a reasonable tactical order you must decide on, when exploring and working through the operations.


    Xbox Live

    Everdream Valley

    Untold Tales S.A.

    Everdream Valley – December 15

    A farming adventure with a breath of magic. By day, restore your homestead – raise crops, care for animals and rebuild your farm. At night become the various farmland creatures through your dreams.


    Xbox Live

    Hirilun

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Hirilun – December 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Welcome to Hirilun, also known as the city of shadows, where only the fleet of foot can rise to fame. In this mysterious environment you’ll race against the clock to reach your goal. Every level presents a new challenge with multiple paths to choose from, so it’s up to you to decide which route is the fastest.


    Xbox Live

    METRO QUESTER

    KEMCO

    Metro Quester – December 15
    Smart Delivery

    A dungeon exploration RPG based in a post-apocalyptic futuristic world created by the manga artist Kazushi Hagiwara, with a deep game system designed by Hironori Kato that offers the excitement and surprises reminiscent of 1980s computer games through hack and slash.


    Xbox Live

    Trinity Fusion Pre-Order Bundle

    Angry Mob Games

    $19.99

    Trinity Fusion – December 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take control of your parallel selves on a mission to save the dying multiverse in this rogue-lite action platformer! Explore dark, sci-fi worlds and engage in fast-paced, smooth, and precise combat. Fight through a combination of procedurally generated levels as well as hand-crafted challenges and arenas that will put your skills to the test.


    Yuletide Legends: Who Framed Santa Claus (Full)

    Artifex Mundi

    Yuletide Legends: Who Framed Santa Claus – December 15

    Take on the role of an experienced detective and get carried away by a winter adventure amid frozen lands. Find hidden motives of the antagonist and save Santa Claus from a false conviction in this seasonal Hidden Objects adventure.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 11 – 15 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 13 December 2023 - 16:00

    It started with a love triangle… 

    Then, a BIG BANG. 

    Now, as the universe expands, so does Feral Cat Den’s catalog! We’re excited to announce Nirvana Noir; the sequel to the acclaimed indie Genesis Noir

    With a stunning art style, and a jazzy, addictive soundtrack, Genesis Noir stole our hearts when it launched back in 2021. Nirvana Noir adds color to the beautiful expanding Noir universe and even more jazzy tunes to enjoy. To share more about the sequel, we asked Evan Anthony, Creative Lead at Feral Cat Den, to shed some color on how it came together, and how it ties into the original Genesis Noir story. 

    How does Nirvana Noir expand on the universe of Genesis Noir? 

    Evan: Genesis Noir tells the story of the Big Bang: the birth of our universe, but also a gunshot fired in the heat of a cosmic love triangle. The player explores this universe from the first moments of creation, to the emergence of life in primordial oceans, the history and future of mankind, all the way up until the very last explosive moments of the Big Bang. Genesis Noir tells a story through the past, present, and future of our universe, but only briefly introduces the cosmic city in which this Big Bang was fired in. After completing Genesis Noir, we were left with so many questions about this city!  

    What is it like to live in a city where a gunshot can create the entire universe? What is it like to walk down the streets, what would you find in a dark alley, what laws govern this place?  

    What other characters might inhabit this strange world? What are they like, who do they love, what conflicts do they find themselves caught in? 

    Nirvana Noir explores all these questions. While the streets of our home in New York City seem endless, a metaphysical metropolis where imagination embodies the unknown into steel girders and stomping feet and rioting crowds and alleyways filled with stellar bodies, well that seems unfathomably bigger! To expand the universe of Genesis Noir has been an exciting creative and technical challenge for our team, and we’re eager to see where it takes us. 

    What role does the soundtrack play in Nirvana Noir, and is it as prominent in as it was in Genesis Noir? 

    Evan: The soundtrack plays a similar role to the first game, definitely as prominent, interactive, and ‘sound-toy-y’. It’s like a character that plays a supportive role but then comes to the fore in various ways, sometimes quite unexpectedly. And like the first game, there are moments where the characters are holding various instruments and playing music. We’re so lucky to work on a game that draws attention to the music in this way. 

    How does Nirvana Noir differ from Genesis Noir in gameplay mechanics? Is there anything new players can expect? 

    Evan: We are still very interested in the tactile interactions, generative art, simple puzzles, and musical toys that we featured in Genesis Noir, but with Nirvana Noir we’re layering in a richer plot, larger environment to explore, and dialogue interactions. 

    While in Genesis Noir, the player progressed through individual levels that featured bespoke interactions and settings, Nirvana Noir tells a story of conspiracy and intrigue interwoven throughout the city. Players will see how the different areas and characters in this cosmic city change as the plot unfolds. 

    Players can expect a new dimension of gameplay through dialogue based interaction, which feature fun and bespoke ways of interacting with text. Players will cut up words, throw them around, dodge and break text blocks, and find truth hidden within word bubbles.  

    What inspired you to bring full color to the highly recognizable and deliberately black-and-white noir universe? 

    Evan: At the start of Genesis Noir development, we imagined the entirety of the game in black and white. But as we dove into the world and watched the characters take on a life of their own, we realised the themes of the game were drawing us to (spoilers) introduce color in the final act. Introducing vibrant color to the player after spending so much time in a world of black and white created a very memorable moment – No Man’s first and final decision in the game. To live a life of color and crime, or walk away into the monochromatic darkness. 

    This decision became the two endings of Genesis Noir, and we were fascinated by the idea that both of these endings could be canon. Perhaps No Man chose the impossible, and found himself split in two realities. One world, his city drenched in rain and moonlit shadows in the vain of 1940s/50s classic film noir like The Third Man. The other a world of psychedelic color vibrating under the hot sun of 1960s/70s neo-noir films like The Long Goodbye. 

    Contrasting these two palettes has provided us with lots of creative opportunities. Plus, we found out we missed working with color! 

    Were there specific songs or artists that inspired the music or style of the game? 

    Evan: The new period setting of the 60s/70s-inspired timeline allowed us to dig into a really exciting time in popular music. While there’s various strands of psychedelic pop music at play in the score, we’ve found that some of the darker material from that era best supports the mystery that No Man finds himself wrapped up in: The Doors, Velvet Underground, Love, Jefferson Airplane, some bits of Pink Floyd, and Silver Apples are a few of the artists we’ve been drawing from. There are some more obscure refs in there too but we’re actually finding the better-known artists are more useful to mine for period/genre tropes that resonate with the theme.  

    For the 40s/50s timeline, we’re finding ourselves going backwards in order to contrast with the colourful 60’s timeline.  In the first game we were exploring Jazz influences that went right up to the 70s as No Man went on his trip through the universe. In Nirvana Noir, No Man is spending a lot more time pounding the streets, doing good ol’ gumshoe detective-work so we’re digging deeper into classic film noir soundtracks than we did on Genesis Noir. Bernard Hermann and Jerry Goldsmith are constant inspirations. 

    What should players be most excited about in Nirvana Noir? 

    Evan: Players should be jazzed about meeting new characters in a plot chock full of intrigue and mystery that culminates in a psychedelic climax. Explosions and arson! Drugs and drama! Lovers and corrupt cops! An exploration of the cosmic and metaphysical wrapped up in a raucous pulp exterior.  

    They should also get ready for engaging interactions filled with the incredible music of IGF-winning Skillbard, all inside in a city of everlasting imagination. So buckle up, hit the streets, and embrace the Bigger Bang! 

    The post Nirvana Noir: How Feral Cat Den Is Bringing A Sequel To Life In Glorious Technicolor  appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 13 December 2023 - 19:00

    Play Xbox Game Pass on Even More Devices with Meta Quest 3 today

    Game Pass Key Art

    Summary

    • Players with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can now enjoy hundreds of games with their Meta Quest headset with the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app.
    • Award-winning titles like Forza Motorsport and Hi-Fi Rush can be experienced anywhere, anytime with a Meta Quest headset.
    • Get started by downloading the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Quest Store and launch it on your headset.

    At Xbox, we’re always looking to make gaming available to more people on more devices. Starting today Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is now available on Meta Quest 3. You can play hundreds of games with a Meta Quest 2, 3, or Pro headset, the latest Quest software update, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, a supported controller, and a high-speed internet connection.

    Experience your favorite games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport on a huge virtual screen, or discover ID@Xbox gems like Unpacking playable on the go. You can also enjoy classics like Fallout 4 and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order or have some fun with Goat Simulator and LEGO Star Wars that are currently available to play with your Game Pass membership. And the best part is, you can play them anywhere, anytime, and however you want to play.

    Enjoy Game Pass Today with Your Meta Quest Headset

    Getting started is easy. Simply download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Quest Store and then follow the tutorial to pair it with your supported controller. Meta Quest can work with a variety of devices, including Xbox Wireless controllers with Bluetooth support. Once paired, log in to your Microsoft account with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to start gaming! If you don’t have a membership, sign up for a trial today.

    From within the app, you can browse and play hundreds of games from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library. You can choose from four different display sizes and either immerse yourself in an Xbox-themed virtual space or enjoy a view of your physical surroundings with Quest 3 or Pro’s stereoscopic full-color Passthrough.

    Check out this clip to see Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) in action on Meta Quest:

    Today’s announcement is just another example of our commitment to bring everyone who loves to play games around the world together, across all platforms and screens. You can read more about Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta Quest devices in Meta’s announcement here, and to learn more about Xbox Cloud Gaming, visit xbox.com/cloudgaming.

    The post Play Xbox Game Pass on Even More Devices with Meta Quest 3 today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 14 December 2023 - 19:30

    Hi, this is Krzysiek, one of the founders of the Monster Couch studio. I would like to tell you about the just released Wingspan: Oceania Expansion. A continuation of the Wingspan game, which we hope you will love as much as we do.

    However, let’s start with what is Wingspan. It’s a digital board game full of birds for one-to-five players. You get to play with your nature reserve composed of three habitats – forest, grassland, and wetland. Your task is to attract the most interesting birds with unusual powers, which will help you score points, achieve various goals, and, consequently, win. You can play solo against AI, with friends on your couch, or with strangers online. All is done to the accompaniment of serene, tranquil music to give you a calming experience.

    WSO screenshot

    We wanted to combine the competitive side of the game with a relaxing experience, and an opportunity to learn about birds. To give you access to the colorful birdlife world we’ve implemented recordings of real bird sounds. Each card is accompanied by an interesting fact that will expand your knowledge of these remarkable creatures. We have also divided the entire board according to habitats. You can experience your gameplay on three layers created with eye-pleasing backgrounds hand-painted by our artists.

    Wingspan: Oceania Expansion develops all these features of the base version of the game and takes the gameplay to a new level. Look what you will encounter in the enchanting world of Oceania birds.

    Welcome New Feathered Friends

    So far, in Wingspan and its European Expansion DLC, we have been able to experience birds from the North American and European regions. The next addition will introduce nearly a hundred new birds from Oceania. Many of them have a completely new type of power, changing the balance of gameplay.

    WSO screenshot

    Try Nectar to Sweeten Your Day

    A brand new type of food will diversify the diet of Wingspan birds. Nectar becomes a resource useful for playing bird cards, and spending it earns you extra points at the end of each round. In Oceania, sweet snacks are worth having.

    WSO screenshot

    Varied Player Boards

    Wingspan: Oceania Expansion introduces new mechanics to the game, which requires adapting the player board to new decisions and challenges. We introduced a feature that enables you to reset some of your resources. Refresh the card tray or roll your bird feeder dice whenever you need. With a revamped player board you can also get more food dice and bird cards than before. You don’t have to focus on laying eggs as before. All these changes diversify available strategies and take the metagame in new directions.

    WSO screenshot

    Immerse Yourself in the Relaxing, Picturesque Landscapes of Oceania

    Wingspan: Oceania Expansion stays true to its commitment to being a relaxing, aesthetically pleasing experience. Hear a new soundtrack in the game that will put you in a state of bliss. New backgrounds will take you to paradise places such as green jungle, or a sandy beach.

    WSO screenshot

    Finally, I would like to invite you to join our flock of players on Discord. There you can learn a lot about the game and strategies, and find friends to play together. discord.gg/wingspan

    If you want to know what we’re up to, you can also follow our social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Thank you for your time and see you in the skies!

    Xbox Live

    WINGSPAN

    Monster Couch

    66
    $19.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced
    You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats. Each habitat focuses on a key aspect of the growth of your preserves. In Wingspan up to 5 players compete to build up their nature preserves in a limited number of turns. Each beautiful bird that you add to your preserve makes you better at laying eggs, drawing cards, or gathering food. Many of the 170 unique birds have powers that echo real life: your hawks will hunt, your pelicans will fish, and your geese will form a flock.

    The post Wonders of Oceania Birdlife Ready to be Discovered appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 14 December 2023 - 20:30

    Inin kicks off the holiday season with a bang! After releasing Air Twister digitally on Xbox in November, Inin surprises their retro game fans with the much-anticipated ports of their catalogue to Xbox Consoles! The first batch of ports includes some of its most precious gems, namely Pocky & Rocky: Reshrined, Ultracore, Clockwork Aquario, Panorama Cotton, Cotton 100% and the newly released Volume 1 of its IREM Collection. Since it’s the holiday season, most of these titles will be offered at a reduced price upon release. Relish in holiday joy by getting your hands on one (or all) of these Inin gems.

    Pocky & Rocky Reshrined

    Inin game art

    The XBOX InInvasion starts off with the return of Pocky & Rocky! Known to retro fans as the timeless classic KiKiKaiKai, developed by the Japanese arcade giant Taito, Pocky & Rocky is a fantastic remake you can’t miss out on.

    Pocky, a Shinto shrine maiden, befriends a tanuki named Rocky; and the two embark on a journey to defeat mythical Japanese creatures and save the world! This top-down scrolling shooter features improved graphics, sound and even a new playable character. With local co-op, you and a friend can embark on this nostalgic trip in feudal Japan together! Check out the new Xbox trailer here.

    IREM Collection – Volume 1

    Inin game art

    Ready for a challenge? The Irem Collection brings back several Irem classics from the golden era of arcade gaming. Volume 1 kickstarts the collection with a serious challenge: Image Fight, Image Fight 2 and X-Multiply. With the former regarded as some of the toughest shoot ‘em ups of all time, test your skills to get featured on the Worldwide Ranked Leaderboard. And get spooked in X-Multiply, a shmup set inside the human body!

    (Re)discover these cult classics in a modernized package, which includes save states and a rewind function.

    Clockwork Aquario

    Inin game art

    From stuck in development hell to hitting the ground runnin’ in heaven—Clockwork Aquario is finally available for all to enjoy! After close to 30 years of bumpy development, Clockwork Aquario received the Guinness World Record for the longest time between the start of a video game project and its release—so it’s time to pay your respects to this legend!

    In this fighting platformer, you get to pick up your enemies and throw them where you see fit to increase your score multiplier!  The game is also available in local coop, where you can collaborate to take down the nefarious Dr. Hangyo… or ruin each other’s day by fighting for the highest score.

    Relive the nostalgia of the nineties in this beautiful and vibrant unearthed Gem.

    Ultracore

    Inin game art

    If runnin’ and gunnin’ is your game, then Ultracore is your name. This love letter to classic 2D action offers large, elaborate stages with secrets hidden in every corner and a fistful of bosses to shoot at. Its original synthwave soundtrack is also the perfect accomplice to mass destruction. Start blasting, collect coins, buy new weapons and keep firing until the chamber’s empty.

    Cotton 100%

    Inin game art

    It’s broomstick time! The cult-classic sidescrolling shooter that practically birthed the cute ’em up subgenre is available worldwide for the first time since its initial release in 1994. Play as the moody witch Nata de Cotton as she sets off with Silk, her new fairy friend, on a journey to confront the ever-increasing forces of darkness. Her objective? Stuff her face full of Willow candies, and maybe save the world in the process!

    Panorama Cotton

    Inin game art

    Nata de Cotton and Silk are back for some 2.5D action in this classic rail shooter from the 90s. Evil is up to some new antics and started burning Cotton’s cherished Willow candies, an unforgivable deed for an addicted witch. Upgrade your weapons, avoid all obstacles and put an end to their nefarious plans, possibly saving a crazed Queen Velvet along the way!

    As Inin goes into the new year, more titles will be made available on Xbox consoles. The InInvasion is just getting started!

    The post Watch Out, the Xbox InInvasion Has Begun appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 15 December 2023 - 16:00

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 18 – 22

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Deleted – Cyber Invasion

    EpiXR Games

    $4.99

    Deleted – Cyber Invasion – December 19

    An intense, fast-paced rogue-lite twin-stick shooter that will push your skills to the limit! Take control of a powerful drone and prepare to face off against hordes of enemies standing in your way. Are you ready for the ultimate challenge?


    Xbox Live

    Aery – Calm Mind 4

    EpiXR Games

    $14.99

    Aery – Calm Mind 4 – December 20

    An interactive game experience that is designed to relax your mind and soul. Jump into the role of a little bird, explore beautiful landscapes, and collect magical crystals that mark certain landscapes. Because there are no enemies or any other danger in this game you will be able to lean back and enjoy the scenery and the sensation of flying.


    Xbox Live

    Cave Digger 2

    VRKiwi

    Cave Digger 2 – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Play as a prospector who begins their adventure in a seemingly abandoned camp with the goal of extracting valuables from the caves. Trade them for new tools, upgrades, and locations to advance your frontier exploration as you unveil the secrets of the Valley.


    Xbox Live

    fig.

    Take IT Studio! sp. z o. o.

    fig. – December 20

    You do not know anything, yet you must move forward. Wander through the corridors of a mysterious factory and recover your abilities. Fight patrolling drones and break through to demanding boss battles. Seek a way out and find the meaning of the game’s title.


    Xbox Live

    Ravva and the Phantom Library

    Eastasiasoft Limited, Galope

    Ravva and the Phantom Library – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take the role young summoner apprentice Ravva and call upon 4 unique companions as you attempt to escape the nightmarish Phantom Library! In this retro side-scrolling platformer, you can enter the world of haunted books in any order you choose and defeat each book’s master before facing the one who controls the library.


    Xbox Live

    Rough Justice: '84

    Daedalic Entertainment

    Rough Justice: ’84 – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this single-player board game, solve puzzles using dice and cards to successfully run your private security agency. Advise your agents as they deal with security, fugitive recovery, repossession cases, and more.


    Xbox Live

    The Rumble Fish + (Preorder Exclusive Price)

    3goo K.K.

    $7.19

    The Rumble Fish + – December 20

    Originally developed in 2004 by Dimps, renowned for its smooth animation and deep game mechanics, The Rumble Fish + has returned with new features. From online PvP with rollback netcode to a training mode with features such as CPU recording and playback, everything you need as a fighting game lover is here!


    Xbox Live

    STUFFED

    The Game Publisher

    Stuffed – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A procedurally generated, first-person shooter that takes place in the dreams of a little girl. Play as a teddy bear and defend your owner’s bedroom door and defeat a variety of nightmares in endless waves. Earn points from defeating nightmares and use them to unlock new map areas and weapons.


    Xbox Live

    Vostok 2061

    Omni Games

    Vostok 2061 – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    As a fresh graduate of the Earth Aviation Academy, you are assigned to the distant edge of known space. Investigate strange colonist behavior and deal with unknown threats in the ZPDN-A sector. Hone your piloting skills, expand your arsenal, and complete your mission.


    Xbox Live

    Wall World

    UniqueGames Publishing GmbH

    Wall World – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Welcome to Wall World, a mining rogue-lite with tower defense elements. Explore procedurally generated mines and discover fantastical biomes. Find resources and technologies for purchasing valuable upgrades. Fight off hordes of aggressive monsters using your mobile base.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Choo-Choo Charles

    Two Star Games

    Choo-Choo Charles – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Charles is a bloodthirsty train… and you need to destroy him. Navigate a massive play area in your trusty old engine. These winding tracks are treacherous, so you’ll need to plan each mission carefully. Be wary when traveling on foot or switching the track’s direction — Charles might be waiting for you.


    Xbox Live

    DETECTIVE – Stella Porta case

    JanduSoft

    $10.49 $9.44

    Detective – Stella Porta case – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Put yourself in the shoes of a detective who investigates three strange disappearances. In all cases there is a contract signed by the disappeared, that contract is from an organization called “Stella Porta”.


    Xbox Live

    My Child Lebensborn Remastered

    Sarepta Studio

    My Child Lebensborn Remastered – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    You adopt a young Lebensborn child in Norway after WWII, but parenting will be hard as your child grows up in a hostile and hateful environment. See a different side of the war, inspired by the true stories of the Lebensborn children. Discover how hatred continues to create victims, even after victory.


    Xbox Live

    Ominous Tales – The Forsaken Isle

    Joindots GmbH

    Ominous Tales – The Forsaken Isle – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    There’s an island 30 miles off the coast of England that the locals call “The Forsaken Isle”. This once bustling port city is now said to be home to ghosts, necromancers, and dangerous man-eating wolves. When you decided to hire a local boatman to take you to the island, you thought these were just legends – you’ll quickly be proven wrong in this blend of point-and-click adventure and hidden object game.


    Xbox Live

    Paperman: Adventure Delivered

    Mindscape

    Paperman: Adventure Delivered – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Meet Paperman and the team in an adventure to find the lost mail and defeat the greedy dragon. Explore colorful worlds and collect all golden letters in this 3D collectathon platformer!


    Xbox Live

    SokoWinter

    QUByte Interactive

    SokoWinter – December 21

    A puzzle game with slippery floors. Get to know the curious hobbies of four stylish penguins as they push around large ice cubes. Why do they like this activity so much? Unsure. Our knowledge of penguins is limited.


    Xbox Live

    Three Minutes To Eight

    Assemble Entertainment

    Three Minutes To Eight – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A mind-bending pixel art adventure game that breaks the mold by introducing an intriguing twist: the protagonist is destined to meet their demise at precisely 07:57 PM. However, hope is not lost. It’s up to you to unravel what lies beneath, uncover secret paths, find ways to cheat death, and unlock multiple endings.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    9Ball Pocket

    Super PowerUp Games

    $5.99 $4.79

    9-Ball Pocket – December 22

    9-Ball Pocket brings you eight-ball pool, also known as American billiards. You can compete with up to 4 friends or against the AI in Versus mode or challenge the best in the world in Arcade mode, where you can make combo shots and rack up points to become number one in the online rankings.


    Xbox Live

    Gray Dawn

    Interactive Stone

    Gray Dawn – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    You will be entangled in a terrifying adventure of a priest on a quest to prove his innocence. Guilty or not, you find yourself trapped in the middle of strange events involving a demonic possession and divine apparitions.


    Xbox Live

    Jack Dragon and the Stone of Peace

    Tea Monster Games

    Free Trial

    Jack Dragon and the Stone of Peace – December 22

    Jack Dragon and the Stone of Peace is a retro love letter to 80 and 90s arcade games. Avoid nasties, jump on platforms, glide around the screen, and collect gems! Sounds easy, right?


    Xbox Live

    Jinshin

    KEMCO

    $14.99

    Jinshin – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An RPG based on an ancient-themed fantasy tale of when Kami deities lived alongside humans. Mikazuchi, a man of sword mastery and wisdom, joins the Amaterasu Clan to save his master from Onigami Ichigan, the head of an ominous force. When the war is done, will peace or chaos reign supreme?


    Xbox Live

    Party Friends

    Revulo Games

    Party Friends – December 22

    Join the party extravaganza with Party Friends, a riotous collection of over 20 mini-games spanning 4 wildly entertaining themes – up to 4 players in multiplayer. From the charming Farm to the icy thrills of the Winter Resort, and from the sun-soaked Beach to the enchanting depths of the Forest, get ready for a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and competition!


    Xbox Live

    Pixel Strike 3D

    Vulcron

    Pixel Strike 3D – December 22

    Pixel Strike 3D is a multiplayer first-person shooter that features fast-paced gameplay and a wide variety of player customization. Battle friends and foes from all around the world in over 20 unique game modes.


    Xbox Live

    Railbreak

    Dead Drop Studios LLC

    $19.99

    Railbreak – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    It’s Saturday night in Cypress Ridge which means the city is in ruins, hordes of flesh eating undead are on the prowl, and you have the arcade all to yourself! Grab your controller, select your survivor, and blast your way to safety as the city burns around you in this on-rails survival horror shooter. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a friend for zombie fodder, er, we mean multiplayer experience!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Rock 'N Racing Off Road

    Super PowerUp Games

    $9.99 $7.99

    Rock ‘N Racing Off Road – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Entertaining and exciting races with loads of skids, crashes, and amazing jumps. You will have several modes of play, such as Cup mode, time trial and multiplayer with the option of up to four players at a time.


    Xbox Live

    SHMUP Mania

    DERIK D.F

    $4.99 $3.99

    SHMUP Mania – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Aliens have been identified by military radar and are advancing towards a planet. You must fight using your best vehicle and save the galaxy. This version includes adjustments, revisions, technical and graphic improvements, giving you the best high-definition experience and quality in the series.


    Xbox Live

    Wordsweeper by POWGI

    Lightwood Games

    Wordsweeper by POWGI – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A crossword puzzle solved using logic and deduction. This new word game draws inspiration from the classic puzzler Minesweeper and is exclusive to POWGI.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 18 – 22 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Monday 18 December 2023 - 17:00

    Summary

    • Embark on a brand-new adventure with 9 new playable characters
    • Explore the Polus Replica map, a reproduction of a popular Among Us map
    • Battle with 15 new weapons, and rack up 20 new achievements

    Hello, Xbox Wire readers! We hope you’ve completed your tasks, as our next DLC, Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting, is out today! If you hadn’t guessed already (or read the headline), it features characters, items and hilarious gags from Among Us, courtesy of our friends at Innersloth.

    So, what’s new? Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting adds a new map, 9 new characters, 15 new weapons, 6 new music tracks, 1 new Adventure, 20 in-game-only achievements, and space ducks. Obviously. 

    Did we say new map? We meant a BRAND NEW map! Named Polus Replica, it’s an eerily accurate reproduction of the scientific base on Polus, featuring multiple bizarre biomes ripe for exploration by Survivors and Crewmates with tasks and treasure chests galore. Unfortunately, it’s also being invaded by your average space dwellers, like aliens and robots. Oh, and those space ducks. Expect the unexpected and do NOT trust the bins. Never trust the bins. Or the chicken nuggets. In fact, it’s a good idea to remain alert at all times and not trust anything.

    The minute you land on Polus Replica you’ll be blasting away baddies with Among Us tasks turned into powerful weapons. Fire the supermassive sound waves of your Report! weapon, slice angry aliens in half with Lucky Swipe, and drop duplicitous foes to their doom with Just Vent. Survivors of all kinds should seek out one of the new gameplay mechanics we added to the DLC: Mini Crewmates! They will empower your Task-based weaponry (and just offer general companionship, which is nice). 

    On top of all this new content, daring Crewmates will also find an Adventure inside the DLC. Adventures are a remixed way to play Vampire Survivors that launched a few weeks ago. Oh, and just like our previous DLCs, Legacy of the Moonspell and Tides of the Foscari, Emergency Meeting will be playable entirely solo or in local co-op for up to 4 players. We can’t take any responsibility for suspicious behavior from your friends, however.

    Lastly we want to say a big thanks to Among Us developers Innersloth who helped us a ton to make this happen. We feel our games have a lot in common, as indie games that were discovered and championed by a great community that keeps them going(Also memes)so we couldn’t have thought of a better game and team to make our first collab with! You are the real Crewmates!

    That’s it from our side, hope you have fun being the bullet hell… in spaaaace! As always, if you want the latest on all things Vampire Survivors, make sure to follow us on X, head over to our Discord, or follow the Vampire Survivors Official Xbox Clubs page. We promise, there’s nothing suspicious on any of those.

    Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting is out now for Xbox and PC, and Vampire Survivors (base game) is available via Game Pass.

    Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting

    Poncle

    2
    $2.49
    The Survivors are desperate to hunt vampires, but are running out of places to look. Only one option remains: Be the bullet hell… in space! Gather your most trusted Crewmates, prepare to eject the Impostors, and try to survive while mowing down thousands of extra-terrestrial foes in this expansion for Vampire Survivors. Turn classic Among Us tasks into outrageous weapons, upgrading your abilities after every roguelite run to overcome impossible odds with ease. Be alert to subterfuge as you explore the vast weirdness of the Polus Replica and keep your wits about you, as suspicious eyes are always watching 👀. 9 Totally Trustworthy New Characters A cast of courageous Crewmates assembled to take on the tumultuous tasks, including: Crewmate Dino – Starry-eyed, optimistic, and unfortunately extremely tasty. Dino is a jack-of-all-trades who boosts stats whenever a task is completed (i.e. when you level up a weapon). Engineer Gino – Few Crewmates come as close to truly competent task-work as Gino, who offers a selection of passive weapons from their toolbox every few levels. Ghost Lino – Good Crewmates don't let a silly thing like death get in the way of their tasks. Lino can float through walls at will and can't be hurt, but can't deal damage either… what could be the goal of such suspicious game design?! Shapeshifter Nino – Look at this bean! They can do all kinds of… wait, where did they go? And where did this snowman come from? Oh well, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Guardian Pina – Everyone needs an angel on their shoulder. Pina isn't just there for moral support, though – they boost the defences of all nearby allies, and they love taking out the garbage. Impostor Rina – A fellow Crewmate that is in no way some kind of duplicitous, well-disguised killer. One hundred percent all-natural-bean, right here. Nothing to see or think about. Scientist Mina – Mina's scientific skill is matched only by their intense clumsiness. Thankfully, dropping potentially hazardous chemicals has a major upside when you're besieged by extra-terrestrial monsters. Horse – It's a horse. Neigh, etc. 15 New Weapons Transform your tasks into powerful weapons to defend yourself from Impostors, Shapeshifters, and all manner of extra-terrestrial weirdos. Blast away baddies with the supermassive sound waves of your Report! weapon, slice angry aliens in half with Lucky Swipe, and drop duplicitous foes to their doom with Just Vent. Lonely Survivors should seek out Mini Crewmates to empower their Task-based weaponry (or just for general companionship). A Brand New, Perfectly Safe Stage Polus Replica – an eerily accurate replica of the scientific base on Polus. This planet is packed with bizarre biomes ripe for exploration by Survivors and Crewmates, with tasks and treasure chests galore. Unfortunately, its also accidentally being invaded by your average space dwellers, like aliens, robots, and ducks. Expect the unexpected and do NOT trust the bins. Never trust the bins. Or the chicken nuggets. In fact, it's a good idea to remain alert at all times and not trust anything. 6 New Music Tracks ♫ Emergency Meeting ♫ Hide and Survive ♫ No Ducks Among Us ♫ No Aliens Among Us ♫ No Ghosts Among Us ♫ No Vampires Among Us
    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Vampire Survivors

    Poncle

    462
    $4.99 $3.74
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass
    Vampire Survivors is a time survival game with minimalistic gameplay and roguelite elements. There's no place to hide, all you can do is try to survive a cursed night and get as much gold as possible for the next survivor, before Death inevitably puts an end to your struggles. Starting Tips: – Take your time to grab gems and items, they won't disappear. – Get two or three offensive weapons at first, but focus on levelling them up one at a time. – Armour and Luck are good starting power-ups to spend money on. – Refund power-ups often, it's free, and try new upgrade paths.

    The post Call an Emergency Meeting in Vampire Survivors’ new Among Us themed DLC, Available Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 20 December 2023 - 19:00

    Stuffed is a procedurally generated first-person shooter that takes place in the dreams of a little girl. Play as a teddy bear and fight waves of endless waves of nightmares as you defend your owner, Ellie. Originally hitting the gaming scene in Early Access on PC, we’re thrilled to announce that Stuffed is now coming to Xbox. Get ready to dive into a world of dreams and unleash mayhem with our teddy bear protagonist armed with an arsenal that’s anything but cuddly.

    Fight Waves of Nightmares

    Stuffed characters

    Enter the world of Ellie’s dreams, where your goal is clear: defend your owner’s bedroom door and defeat a variety of nightmares in endless waves. From plunger-wielding garden gnomes to fanged rubber ducks and shadow-made monsters, there’s no shortage of creative foes. Defeating enemies earns you points, which you can use to unlock new areas of the map and weapons. With randomly generated maps every session, Stuffed promises a unique challenge each time.

    We drew inspiration from our favourite FPS titles but added a cute and colourful twist to make the genre accessible to all gamers. Don’t be fooled by the teddy bear aesthetic; Stuffed packs a punch, especially in the later waves.

    Unique Weapons

    Stuffed screenshot

    Ever imagined using a popcorn grenade or a jellybean shotgun? In Stuffed, you’ll wield weapons crafted from everyday household items. Our team delved deep into childhood nostalgia, and worked hard to make sure the internal workings of the weapons made sense regardless of how whacky the designs were – resulting in many debates within the team while gathered around a whiteboard with insane doodles. During the early days of development, we even had our animator wear oven gloves while holding toy guns to get an understanding of how a teddy bear might hold a weapon. Shoutout to Strikecast, our audio wizards, who brought these weapons to life using everything from wooden spoons to toilets for the perfect soundscape.

    Customise Your Bear

    Why a teddy bear? Because who didn’t have a stuffed friend growing up? But since everyone’s childhood was different, we wanted to make sure you could customise your bear to truly match your tastes. Every game you play will award you with Bear Coins based on your performance, and you can use these Coins to unlock new fur patterns and outfits for your bear. Mix and match to your heart’s content. Are you feeling like a skeletal astronaut, a stripey pirate with a peg leg, or perhaps a rainbow-patterned bear rocking a unicorn onesie? The choice is yours!

    Stuffed screenshot

    The entire team poured their hearts into Stuffed, and we hope you enjoy playing it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Brace yourself to enter Ellie’s dreams and conquer those nightmares.

    Xbox Live

    STUFFED

    The Game Publisher

    STUFFED is a procedurally generated first-person shooter, that takes place in the dreams of a little girl. Play as a teddy bear and fight waves of nightmares as you defend your owner. FIGHT WAVES OF NIGHTMARES Defend your owner's bedroom door and defeat a variety of nightmares in endless waves. Earn points from defeating nightmares and use them to unlock new map areas and weapons. PROCEDURAL MAPS Explore Ellie's house in Horde Mode with a fully procedural environment. UNIQUE WEAPONS From a popcorn grenade to a cola cannon, find and use unique weapons made from household objects. LEVEL UP YOUR BEAR Earn XP in Horde Mode to unlock special player abilities each game session. CUSTOMISE YOUR BEAR Use points to unlock new outfits and furs for your teddy bear. Mix and match outfits and furs to fully personalise them.

    The post Cute Yet Spooky FPS Finally Comes to Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 20 December 2023 - 19:30
    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    How Dungeons of Hinterberg Bridges Reality with Fantasy When Creating Its Massive Overworlds

    Summary

    • Inspired by the real glaciers in the Alps, Dungeons of Hinterberg’s Glacier overworld offers a unique and playful experience of magical snowboarding, exploration, combat, and discovery, with hidden secrets, adventures, and rewards.
    • The Glacier overworld is non-linear and requires players to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and revisit the area at different points. Like other overworlds, the gameplay is affected by the social dynamics in Hinterberg, as players build their reputation and connections to access new places and meet new NPCs.
    • Dungeons of Hinterberg will be available on day one with Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.

    Since the original reveal of Dungeons of Hinterberg during the Xbox Games Showcase this past June, we’ve gotten a steady stream of news and information from its creators. Whether it was getting a first hands-on and look at the mountainous overworld and dungeons during during gamescom, or learning more about the social-sim aspect that players will experience in the idyllic town of Hinterberg during Xbox Partner Preview, we’ve been treated to a lot of great details en route to the game’s 2024 launch!

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    But Microbird couldn’t let us sneak off into the holidays without another great look at Dungeons of Hinterberg, and today we were treated to a preview of its Glacier overworld as part of their latest livestream. Following that, we caught up with Co-Founder and Art Director for Microbird Games Regina Reisinger to get some more details on the icy overworld, how players can build rep, and monsters… so many monsters.


    Can you tell us a little bit about the four overworlds and how they function in Dungeons of Hinterberg?

    The overworlds are an integral part of your holiday in Hinterberg: every day of your vacation starts with a hearty breakfast, and then it’s time to decide which of the overworlds you want to visit today. Overworlds are distinct, mid-sized areas around Hinterberg, and are all inspired by real Austrian landscapes and biomes. They all hold ample opportunity and space to explore, fight monsters, discover some secrets, or just sit down in a beautiful spot and meditate for a day.

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    There are four visually distinct overworlds that all offer their own flavor of magic as well. If you feel like a relaxing hike, why not go to the lush green mountain meadows of Doberkogel? Are you in a more serene mood? Consider visiting Hinterwald, a picturesque forest where you can walk between tall trees and little streamlets, while spotting some deer in the distance. Or if you want to cool down, you could take the cable car up to Kolmstein, a glacier that is covered in snow and ice all year round.

    We’ve seen gameplay in the Forest and Mountain overworlds – and now Glacier! Can you share more about the process of developing the Glacier overworld?

    The glacier is an overworld that is very dear to our hearts, and one that was a lot of fun to design.  It is the third overworld that will become available in the game, and it switches up how we handle movement, by providing Luisa and the players with a magic hoverboard skill. We really wanted to capture the amazing feeling that you get in real life when skiing or snowboarding down a wide-open slope full of snow, surrounded by mountains and a view that goes on for miles. We used Unity’s terrain system, mixed with some manually built parts, so we could create exactly the kind of exploration experience that we imagined.

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    What unique abilities can players expect from the Glacier overworld?

    As already mentioned, the hoverboard is one of the two magic skills unique to the glacier, and probably the one players will use the most. Zipping along the snowy landscape at a dizzying pace, grinding along magical rails and trying to complete challenging slalom courses are just some of the fun things you can do with this skill. And of course, it comes in handy in combat as well, where you can use it to knock over enemies and draw a flaming barrier behind you. The second skill is a magical light ray that can be used to solve puzzles, hit enemies, or manipulate your environment. Combining both – grinding along a rail while zapping enemies or targets around you – is lots of fun as well.

    You’ve spoken a bit about how Dungeons of Hinterberg’s setting and monsters are inspired by locations in Austria and its folklore. What inspirations have directly influenced the Glacier overworld?

    The glacier overworld is actually one where we took a lot of inspiration from the real world. The Alps are known for their glaciers, where you can experience a wintery landscape all year round: even in summer, you might only be a cable car ride away from a mountaintop covered in ice and snow. This makes a glacier kind of a special and magical place in and of itself. Unfortunately, the changing climate has become a danger for these biomes as well. That’s another reason why it was important to us to try and capture that unique flair and feeling; to share it with players and hopefully make them appreciate this unique biome as much as we do!

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    What are you most excited for players to check out in the Glacier overworld when Dungeons of Hinterberg launches next year?

    The glacier overworld has a very non-linear, playful feeling to it. You can overlook much of the biome from your first vantage point, but reaching and getting access to all these areas, and the dungeon portals hidden there, is not as easy. Players will need to explore, puzzle, complete challenges, and revisit the overworld at different points throughout the game. We are very excited for players to discover all these spots, and are looking forward to seeing how they approach navigating this special overworld – be it on a magical hoverboard or on foot.

    You’ve shared with us previously on how some of the social dynamics work in Dungeons of Hinterberg. Can you share some more about how these different biomes will affect Luisa? I imagine a Glacier world may not hold the same type of social interactions one could have in the Forest, for example.

    Most of the socializing takes place in the village of Hinterberg, your home base that you return to every evening. That does not mean that you won’t need any help from your friends and connections when it comes to navigating the overworlds, though! Some places might only be accessible to you if you have a good enough reputation around Hinterberg, or a powerful friend to give you a leg up. And occasionally you might even meet a friend in the middle of a snowy slope, who might give you some rewards for teaching them a lesson in hoverboarding!

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    Thanks to Regina Reisinger for taking some time to speak with us today. You can look for Dungeons of Hinterberg to launch day one with Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and Windows in 2024.

    The post How Dungeons of Hinterberg Bridges Reality with Fantasy When Creating Its Massive Overworlds appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 20 December 2023 - 22:00

    As the meme goes, the real treasure is the friends you made along the way. Even more so if you are planning to go mining for gold and valuable gems, as you have more hands and backpacks to take the loot out.

    For the second anniversary of Cave Digger 2: Dig Harder, our latest VR game, we wanted to bring the mines to everyone. Thus, we started working on a version of Cave Digger 2 for flat screens and consoles.

    For those of you who haven’t heard of Cave Digger 2 before, welcome to an action-adventure game where you can explore the old mines, natural formations, and ancient ruins in wildland valleys .

    What do you do there? You start as a prospector with only a pickaxe. You dig for loot and trade the mined valuables for new gadgets, areas, funky fashion, and more. All while you try not to die by the hands of the local fauna.

    CD2 local fauna

    Compared to the first game of the series, we wanted to have players join forces with friends or other members of the community and adventure together. And so we did, and added co-op multiplayer to Cave Digger 2: Dig Harder.

    However, quite often VR players have friends who don’t own any headset or don’t like playing in virtual reality, even if a game seems interesting. So, we decided to build a bridge between the two worlds with Cave Digger 2: Dig Harder.

    CD2 screenshot

    The goal was ambitious: multiplayer co-op and crossplaying from all consoles and all systems, in VR or non-VR. Our team had an interesting challenge ahead. Not only did we have to implement each platform’s own multiplayer requirements, but we had to make sure that everything was working between the three VR versions and between the four flat versions. That took a lot of resources, from both our coding and testing teams.

    It was tough, but since you are reading this article right now, it worked! Now go take a pickaxe with you, grab some dynamite, ping your friends, and head into the caves to unearth the secrets they keep!

    If you are a lone adventurer who wants to find other players, join our saloon on Discord., and pick up the game today on Xbox!

    Xbox Live

    Cave Digger 2

    VRKiwi

    2
    $14.99 $11.99
    Play as a prospector who begins their adventure in a seemingly abandoned camp with the goal to extract valuables from the caves. Trade them for new tools, upgrades, and locations in order to advance your frontier exploration. To unveil the secrets of the Valley, follow the breadcrumbs left by a previous explorer known only as Clayton. The story has multiple endings, each revealing a different side of it.

    The post Cave Digger 2 is Out Now on Xbox: Multiplayer Co-op and Crossplay for Everyone appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 22 December 2023 - 19:00

    Good day, Survivors! I’m Evan Wolbach, co-founder of Dead Drop Studios. We’re elated to tell you all about Railbreak, our aggressively fun on-rails arcade shooter, launching today on Xbox Series X|S!  Since we last shared details with you, our first Unreal Engine 5 game has expanded in every way!

    Railbreak screenshot

    A “Scream” You’ll Return to Again and Again

    We understand that replayability is critical in an arcade game, which is why we’re stoked to share how Railbreak is set to deliver non-stop entertainment! We asked ourselves how we could create a new and compelling experience for both veterans and newcomers to arcade on-rails shooters, and our answer is the unpredictable ‘Glitch’ gameplay modifier system. While playing through any of the six acts awaiting you in Railbreak’s fully-voiced, campy story, you’ll encounter strange ‘Glitches’ that turn the game on its head.  Your shotgun might start firing icy blasts, zombies may no longer be susceptible to dismemberment, and…throwing a grenade may initiate a risky roulette?! The new Glitch Gauntlet mode freshens up every round of Railbreak with randomized enemies and constant randomized ‘Glitches’ to contend with. It may be the first rogue-like mode ever featured in an on-rails shooter.

    Railbreak frost

    Zany, Over-the-Top Firearms Give you the Edge in Battle

    It’s important that the armaments in any shooting game feel lively and satisfying to use, so we’ve upgraded Railbreak’s guns with spicy elemental attributes. Send zombies flying with explosive rounds, put out fire and freeze enemies in their tracks with icy blasts, build up an electrical force to make your foes pop, and more. In Story mode, you can switch between different weapons scattered in each act, but in other modes like Score Attack, you play as one of eight diverse unlockable characters, each with their own distinctive loadouts, making each round feel novel.

    Diverse Special Infected Creatures Will Keep you on your Toes

    Of course, it would be boring to defeat the same few types of enemies over and over. With Railbreak, we’ve taken care to include a wide variety of different zombies. The highlights of these are our special infected abominations. These beasts each have unique attacks and attributes that force you to be swift with the trigger button. The gargantuan Slab towers over you and deals out massive damage, the demonic Fetch strives to burn you to a crisp with its mighty laser attack, and Gluttons will even puke smelly acid onto you if you let them get too close. There are a total of six different types of these enemies, and faster and more aggressive ‘Glitched’ variants serve as brutal boss encounters. Think you’ve mastered the art of slaughter? Try out the new Boss Rush mode, and see if you can survive a parade of Railbreak’s biggest nasties in Cypress Ridge’s filthy sewers.

    Railbreak sceenshot

    Slay the Way You Want to with a Multitude of Options, Difficulties, and Modes

    We’ve designed Railbreak to be a blast no matter how you play! Jump into action alone or with a friend with optional co-op support. Learn the ropes on the accessible Assisted difficulty, or lunge head-first into a wicked challenge on Off the Rails difficulty. Break the fourth wall with an entertaining arcade Story, or fit in some quick action with the never-ending Onslaught mode or our special Shoutout Shootout mode.  Other helpful features include local score tracking, a beefy settings menu, and an in-depth How to Play manual. Can you survive a long and bloody night and live to fight another day?  Take up the challenge in Railbreak, launching today for Xbox Series X|S. Leave a deliciously bloody mess in your wake or die trying!

    Xbox Live

    Railbreak

    Dead Drop Studios LLC

    $19.99
    It's Saturday night in Cypress Ridge which means the city is in ruins, hordes of flesh eating undead are on the prowl, and you have the arcade all to yourself! Grab your controller, select your survivor, and blast your way to safety as the city burns around you in this on-rails survival horror shooter. Oh, and don't forget to bring a friend for zombie fodder, er, we mean multiplayer experience! Railbreak melds a classic on-rails arcade experience with the cutting edge Unreal Engine 5. In this prelude to Outbreak: Shades of Horror, you'll get an opportunity to see the sights and sounds of Cypress Ridge and get chomped on by a zombie or four! Face the city alone, or bring a friend along with optional 2-player co-op supported across the entire game Featuring a wide cast of survivors each with their own loadouts and traits, you'll find plenty of replayability in this absurd take of a survival horror game in a survival horror game. A full story mode experience awaits across six scenarios. Bonus modes include Score Attack, and the endless Onslaught Mode that keeps ratcheting up the difficulty until the undead finally seal your fate. Crack open your piggy bank, snag a fizzy soda, and take a trip back to the 1990’s arcade.

    The post Railbreak’s Ballistic Bloodshed Wreaks Arcade Havoc Today on Xbox Series X|S appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 22 December 2023 - 20:00

    Hello, Hitchhiker.

    I’m Craig Hauser, level and combat designer at Angry Mob Games. We just released Trinity Fusion, an all-new action roguelite where the only way to save the multiverse is to end it. We’ve been working on the game for four years now, and we’re happy to finally get the game out there in the wild, available now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S!

    TF screenshoty

    So, What’s the Story?

    Trinity Fusion is a 2.5D action rogue-lite set in a doomed, man-made multiverse. In it, you’ll play as Maya, a woman psychically connected with her three parallel selves.

    Their worlds are literally falling apart around them, and you and your counterselves are the key element in a plan to reconnect them, fusing each of their scattered worlds back together into one stable whole again.

    The story is put together in collaboration with Ada Hoffmann, author of The Outside, The Fallen and The Infinite, which we are big fans of.

    TF screenshot

    The Tricky Art of Hitting Things Good

    Trinity Fusion, more than anything else, is all about great-feeling combat. Mechanics focus on slashes, dodges and satisfying special moves. We’re taking everything we learned from building our previous platform fighting game, Brawlout, and applying it to a purely PvE experience. Every strike and stagger is beautifully animated, every hit giving just the right amount of feedback. This is, and I’m not trying to brag too much, probably some of the best hit feedback you’re going to get in this niche.

    TF screenshot

    Combine that combat feel with three characters that have their own unique weapons and abilities, the usual roguelike-ish interconnected systems of permanent and temporary upgrades and our new Character Fusions(!) and players will find that they have tons of flexibility to play the game the way they want to play it, and get rewarded for doing so.

    Get Amped Up

    The flexibility and power of our mid-run upgrades, called Amplifiers, is what we consider to be Trinity Fusion’s “special sauce”, the thing that takes our already great-feeling combat into an escalating endorphin rush as players get further and further into their runs.

    For each Amplifier you equip, you’re not only getting an immediate upgrade, but you’re making progress toward what we call synergy powerups, massive upgrades like Critical Vampire that heals you for a percentage of the critical damage you deal. These synergies can quickly change how you might want to set up your build going forward.

    By Your Powers Combined…

    Finally, let’s talk about character fusions, where you combine two of your counterselves to get access to both of their toolsets at once. Fusing your characters isn’t just about giving yourself an extra ability or two, it can be essential to crafting a powerful build as you get to the later stages of your run. Keeping that “Critical Vampire” upgrade from earlier in mind, let’s talk about how fusions can play into buildcrafting.

    TF screenshot

    As your run progresses, you’ll find more and more weapons that have bonuses like dealing guaranteed critical damage to enemies afflicted with specific status effects. Fusing your current character with Altara, whose Energy weapons can inflict Weak, Chill, Freeze, Electric or Fire effects, can make late-run, crit-focused builds significantly easier to plan for. Having a tool in your back pocket that automatically doubles the damage of your other weapons and feeds into any crit-powered Amplifiers can be devastating, and can keep individual weapons viable for much longer than they would have been otherwise.

    But I Don’t Want to Make Builds, I Just Wanna Hit Things

    Let’s say you don’t care about any of that build stuff and just want more combat options. You can do that too! The fusion of Kera and Naira is actually my personal favorite way to play, switching between Kera’s melee launchers that carry smaller enemies into the air for air combos and blasting the tankier units that I can’t launch by using Naira’s guns. Combining abilities like Kera’s Dash Uppercut and Naira’s Glitch Dash abilities lets me temporarily become a hypermobile, invulnerable human wrecking ball.

    TF screenshot

    Whether you want to work towards a specific build from the start of your run, want to try and complete the game with a single character, or if you want unmatched versatility in combat, Trinity Fusion is designed to ensure that there’s no “wrong” way to go about saving/ending the multiverse.

    We have a lot more planned for the near future, but for now, we hope that you check the game out, and that those of you that have already taken the plunge are enjoying the 1.0 release of Trinity Fusion. Have fun, and we’ll see you out there in the multiverse!

    Xbox Live

    Trinity Fusion

    Angry Mob Games

    15
    $19.99
    Take control of your parallel selves on a mission to save the dying multiverse. Explore dark, sci-fi worlds and engage in fast-paced, smooth and precise combat. 𝐀 𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞-𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 The various branches of the multiverse are always changing. Fight through a combination of procedurally-generated levels as well as hand-crafted challenges and arenas that will put your skills to the test. Levels with 3D graphics are seamlessly constructed out of hundreds of hand-made rooms. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭 With weapons and attack systems that leverage our previous experience working on fighting games. You’ll slide, dash and dodge between enemy attacks and strike back with an arsenal of satisfying special weapons and abilities. 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 Each of your parallel selves has their own world with multiple biomes to explore, as well as their own sets of unique abilities and weapons. Travel through a universe of desolate wastes and caverns roamed by mutant creatures, escape the endless forges and labs of a world ruled by machines, and survive the dangerous sky cities of a post-human society. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 Unlock permanent upgrades in the Hub and discover new starting points for your run as you reclaim major locations in each universe. Finding yourself getting stuck in one area? Start your next run in a different one! No matter where you die, or which starting point you pick, you're making progress somewhere.

    The post Trinity Fusion – Bring Down the Multiverse appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 03 January 2024 - 15:00

    Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More

    Xbox Game Pass Update - January 2024 - Hero Image

    Happy 2024! We hope your new year’s celebration was full of fun and games and that you have even more in store in the days to come. To help with that, let’s add some more games to your “to be played” list!


    Available Today


    Close to the Sun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    Deep in international waters, Tesla’s Helios stands still. An unbound utopia for scientific research, Rose Archer steps aboard in search of her sister, quickly to discover not all is as it seems. Use your wits to guide Rose on her journey to find her sister Ada, overcome dangers unknown to understand the fate of the Helios and its inhabitants in this narrative driven steampunk adventure.


    Coming Soon


    Hell Let Loose (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 4
    Squad up and take to the battlefields of World War II in the ever-expanding, hardcore, first-person shooter experience that is Hell Let Loose. Join other players online in epic, 100 player battles, taking place across huge, to-scale maps, where working as a team is a matter of life and death, and the right – or wrong – decision can turn the tide of battle. We’ll see you on the front lines!

    Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 9
    Become Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior. Explore England’s Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla in this critically acclaimed entry in the Assassin’s Creed series.

    Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 9
    An action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique, surreal universe filled with music, humor and a multi-layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind, seeking to restore the courage that’s been lost.

    Super Mega Baseball 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – January 11
    Super Mega Baseball 4 is coming soon to PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play, so grab your glove and your bat. It’s time to go yard with the best to ever play the game. Hit, pitch, throw, and slide into home plate with the series’ signature combination of arcade-inspired style and immersive gameplay depth.

    We Happy Few (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 11
    Making a return to the Game Pass library! From Compulsion Games, set in a drug-fueled, retro futuristic city in an alternative 1960s England, We Happy Few is an action adventure game in which you hide, fight, and conform your way out of a delusional Joy-obsessed world.

    Resident Evil 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 16
    Revisit the critically acclaimed nightmare of Raccoon City in Resident Evil 2 with new visuals, modern gameplay mechanics, and an over-the-shoulder perspective. Join rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they fight to survive a mysterious viral outbreak in Raccoon City that has turned its citizens into terrifying, flesh-eating zombies.

    Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 16
    As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont. Confront uncomfortable horrors, keep your sanity in check, and survive the night in this story-driven first-person psychological-thriller.


    DLC / Game Updates


    Dead by Daylight: Chucky – Available now

    Game Pass members save 10% on their purchase! Meet your new best friend ‘til the end. Dead by Daylight: Chucky brings an iconic horror legend into The Fog with a new Killer: The Good Guy – Chucky. Purchasing this add-on unlocks an exclusive Charm: Good Guys Box. Wanna play?

    Hello Neighbor 2 Anniversary Update – Available now

    To celebrate the recent anniversary of Hello Neighbor 2 there is a new free update to check out. Visit the whole new area – the forest located on the outskirts of Raven Brooks. Explore the church and adjoining graveyard, once a renowned landmark and popular destination for townsfolk, now abandoned and eerily weird. Recent reports of a strange, cloaked figure seen lurking throughout the woods are probably completely unfounded. Are you brave enough to find it out?

    Sea of Thieves: Season Ten – Available now
    Sea of Thieves: Season Ten continues with the arrival of a new way to sail! Enjoy playing Safer Seas mode at your own pace, alone or with a crew of friends, immersing yourself in your adventures without interruption. Other crews and greater rewards await in the existing High Seas mode. Learn more here.


    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks


    Sea of Thieves: Nightshine Parrot Pack – Available Now
    This pack contains the Nightshine Parrot Jacket, Nightshine Parrot Sails, Nightshine Parrot Figurehead, Nightshine Parrot Hat and Nightshine Parrot Cutlass, as well as 10,000 gold to spend in-game.


    Leaving Soon


    The following games are leaving soon, so make sure to tie up any loose ends before they go. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

    January 5:

    • Grand Theft Auto V (Cloud and Console)

    January 15:

    • Garden Story (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • MotoGP 22 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Persona 3 Portable (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    That wraps us up! Be sure to toss us a follow on our socials at Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass PC and stay tuned for more updates. Catch you next time!

    The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 05 January 2024 - 16:00

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow

    Catthia Games

    $13.99 $12.59

    Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow – January 10

    A third-person stealth adventure game focused on the story of the Moonshadow Huntress: Cynthia Stranborg. Take control of the young adept and learn new stealth skills during your journey. Find out what happened in the home village and follow your desired path to rescue the ones you love the most.


    Xbox Live

    Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin – January 10

    Prove your worth as a village hero by rebuilding a tavern, taking on quests and discovering romance along the way! Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin is a Yaoi-themed fantasy adventure visual novel where you can manage your daily routine, travel the land, accept side quests, and more.


    Xbox Live

    Popcorn Rocket

    Battle Geek Plus, L.L.C.

    Popcorn Rocket – January 10

    Play it old school like being back in the arcade in a fluid top-down space shooter which feels as smooth as buttery popcorn! Have fun blasting away as you jam out to some rockin’ 8-bit, 16-bit, and orchestral tunes just like playing arcade games at the movie theater!


    Xbox Live

    Electrician Simulator

    Gaming Factory S.A.

    Electrician Simulator – January 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Learn the secrets of the electrician profession and become the best professional in town. Check your inbox regularly and accept a variety of jobs, from small tasks to complex electrical installations. Try to do your job with as much attention to detail as possible!


    Xbox Live

    Top Racer Collection

    QUByte Interactive & bleem.net

    Top Racer Collection – January 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S /

    Top Racer Collection brings back three ‘90s classic arcade racers in one incredible package, featuring classic titles such as Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000. In addition, the collection will feature new and exclusive content. Get up to speed and experience the nostalgic mix of action and addictive gameplay today!


    Xbox Live

    True Virus

    Ultimate Games

    6
    $8.99

    True Virus – January 11

    A point-and-click adventure game that takes players to an abandoned psychiatric hospital. Set in a world ravaged by an enigmatic and dangerous pandemic, play the role of a mental hospital patient who has awoken to a devastated world — your job is to find out what really happened.


    Xbox Live

    War Hospital

    Nacon

    $39.99 $35.99

    War Hospital – January 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    The year is 1918. You are major Henry Wells, a retired British combat medic, drafted back to take charge of a field hospital in the nightmare of World War I. Understaffed and undersupplied, the hospital is the last bastion of hope for countless soldiers on the Western Front. Your main aims are to keep up your team’s morale and support the war effort with the soldiers you have treated.


    Xbox Live

    Beyond Doors

    Old School Vibes

    Beyond Doors – January 12

    Immerse yourself in this mind-bending platformer as Caleb who has awakened in a mystical dimension after experiencing burnout in his job. Door-to-door, guided by enigmatic musical notes, he needs to be reminded of his true calling.


    Xbox Live

    Creatura

    FreeMind S.A.

    Creatura – January 12

    In Creatura, design and take care of enclosed ecosystems full of animals and plants grown from scratch, using scientifically accurate natural/artificial selection and genetic engineering. Make an epic journey over epochs of evolution, from single cell organisms sharing water with algae, to complex animals living in lush gardens.


    Xbox Live

    Grotto

    Digerati

    Grotto – January 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Grotto is a mystical, narrative-focused experience. You are the Soothsayer. The one capable of talking with the stars and unveiling their messages. In a time of turmoil, the tribe of the valley turn to your powers of divination and come to you for guidance.


    Xbox Live

    Kitten Hero

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Kitten Hero – January 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A fast-paced action platformer were you play as an extremely cute little cat trying to save his human and other kittens trapped inside a spaceship controlled by a powerful supercomputer. To get there, you’ll jump, climb, and dash your way through 80 levels filled with deadly spikes, saws, missiles and more.


    Xbox Live

    Shinorubi

    Red Art Games

    Shinorubi – January 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A shoot ’em up rooted in the bullet hell, danmaku, and manic shooter genres. In the universe, there is a compound that can only be found on one singular planet, Shinorubi. Shinorubi packs a great arcade action punch with great replayability thanks to its numerous difficulty levels, arranged modes, and player ships.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 11 January 2024 - 19:00

    The task of developing a game, from its initial idea to the final version, involves hard work and many challenges that are invisible to those who play it. The standard in a billion-dollar industry involves large teams and all kinds of tools and methods to make the process run as smoothly as possible.

    RV interior

    Raccoo Venture is one of the cases that escapes this pattern not by choice but by necessity. Just as the raccoon hero often faces trials and challenges alone in the kingdom of Verta, his creator, independent developer Diego Ras, on the other side of the screen, faced all kinds of challenges alone for five years to get his game onto modern video game consoles.

    RV chef costume

    At 39 years old and the son of a typical Brazilian family, Diego was born in the region known for being the cradle of industry around one of the largest cities in the world, the state capital of São Paulo. Due to the typical difficulties of a family formed by a metalworker Diego had late contact with games and technology. Always a few steps behind the most modern consoles, he had his first contact with games at the age of 8 and his first computer at the age of 21.

    For Diego, making games for a living had until then seemed a very distant and impossible reality. He graduated from a technical school for mechatronics and went on to study design. He entered the advertising industry and worked there for years until he suffered burnout from working at a fast and chaotic pace.

    RV balance

    He gave up what he did for a living and decided to divide his time between freelancing and starting his big project, Raccoo Venture. His entire professional history up to that point had given him a certain ease in the creative and design aspects, and even in programming due to his technical knowledge. But in making this choice, Diego had to give up some things and began to strictly control his savings in order to get the game off the ground. Even so, he used up his reserves and had to borrow money.

    Even his father, his biggest supporter, ended up helping out financially as best he could. But in 2019, the bad news came: his father was diagnosed with cancer. Now it was time for Diego to help his father financially who, during his many visits to the hospital, was the one who most wanted to know if the game was ready and how the project was progressing.

    RV environment

    The choice of genre and hero was no accident. When he started his project in 2018, he missed the more colorful and cuddly games of his childhood. The raccoon always had a bad guy stigma with its fur almost always looking like the mask of a thief or something. But that mask could also be that of a hero like Zorro, for example!

    RV character

    The part that took up the most of the developer’s time was the level design, not because it was exactly labor-intensive, but because Diego wanted a game balance that would make the game progressive and, of course, fun for the players.

    In this whole process, Diego needed a lot of balance and determination to get Raccoo onto the screens of gamers all over the world in a game that is closely linked to his personal history. And for this very reason, the developer never thought of giving up. On the contrary, he learnt valuable lessons that he is keen to share with every developer who wants to make their first game.

    RV screenshot

    He says that if someone has done it, he can do it too. Nothing is impossible to do. If you do it alone, the only difference is that it will take longer. With hard work, dedication, discipline and study, you can achieve it, or at least come close. Especially because what matters most is the journey and everything you learn along the way, not necessarily the final destination.

    RV bridge and stream

    Diego knows that Raccoo Venture could be much better than it already is. But what he really hopes is that the adventures through the kingdom of Verta manage to put a smile on the faces of the players who decide to venture into it. And, of course, that the game brings back wonderful memories for those who, like him, spent hours as a child collecting items and jumping around a colorful fantasy kingdom. That would be his greatest reward.

    RV treehouse

    Diego’s father, Edvaldo, passed away in 2023 and, as the biggest supporter of the game, he never saw it finalized. But all the players around the world will be playing this role for him. Have fun with the game that tells two incredible stories of two beloved, likable, persistent and fun characters: Raccoo and Diego Ras.

    Xbox Live

    Raccoo Venture

    QUByte Interactive

    $14.99
    Defeat different enemies and challenges in this spiritual successor to the 3D platform genre. Find new ways to customize the hero, and discover new friends who will help you on your journey to retrieve the holy relics. Discover your true destiny through a world full of magic and secret items. Save the harmony of the world and prevent chaos from returning to the land of Verta. But for that, many puzzles and the most unusual enemies will cross your path.

    The post Raccoo Venture was Created by Just One Person and Teaches Valuable Lessons appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 12 January 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox - January 15 - 19

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 15 – 19

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Food Truck Simulator

    UltimateGames

    Food Truck Simulator – January 16

    Renovate your very own food truck with a wide range of customization options with a large catalogue of equipment options to choose from. Create your own recipes with a detailed cooking system and encounter different locations across an entire city with different types of customers within a living city with dynamic day and night cycle.


    Xbox Live

    Argonauts Agency 3: Chair of Hephaestus

    8floor ltd

    Argonauts Agency 3 – January 17

    Join the Argonaut team in a new time management game, free Pelias from the trap, and crack the case of Hephaestus’ chair! Construct buildings, remove obstacles, repair damaged bridges, and more. Over 40 beautiful levels await you, along with a multitude of varied quests, increasing difficulty, an upbeat plot, an extraordinary magical world, and exciting gameplay for all ages.


    Xbox Live

    Nephenthesys

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Nephenthesys – January 17
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Nephenthesys is a vertical scrolling shoot’em up presented in widescreen top-down 3D style. Blast through a huge variety of enemy ships, collect power-ups for wider shot spreads and special bombs, then face off against screen-filling bosses. This mission will take you through caverns, waterways, cityscapes and more. Do you have the skills to see it through?


    Xbox Live

    Bahnsen Knights

    Chorus Worldwide Games

    Bahnsen Knights – January 18

    In a world of religious fanaticism, F5 tornadoes and Ford Sierras you are Boulder, an undercover agent. Your assignment sees you infiltrate the Bahnsen Knights, a deadly, supercharged cult with an enigmatic leader. In this murky and dangerous world, you must keep your wits about you and stay alive to unravel the mystery behind an old friend’s disappearance in this interactive adventure.


    Xbox Live

    Prince of Persia The Lost Crown

    UBISOFT

    9
    $49.99

    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – January 18
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.


    Xbox Live

    Resetail

    Weakfish Studio Publishing

    Resetail – January 18
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this 2D platformer you must watch out for spikes, obstacles and enemies and make the right moves to find the key to the right door! You can also use the enemies you see around to your advantage to beat the level. Speedrun mode allows players to race against the clock and beat their own records.


    Xbox Live

    Rising Lords

    Deck13 Spotlight

    Rising Lords – January 18

    Collect taxes and resources. Dictate rations and field work. Forge weapons, raise armies, and build mighty fortified cities. Help your people become knights, or dump them on a battlefield far away, but be careful: even the humblest peasants will revolt eventually, and an unlucky event card can change the fate of your realm quickly…


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Turnip Boy Robs a Bank

    Graffiti Games

    $14.99

    Turnip Boy Robs a Bank – January 18
    Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Turnip Boy is ready to commit more felonies in this comedic action-adventure game with roguelite elements. This time the career criminal is teaming up with the fearsome Pickled Gang to plan and execute the weirdest heist of all time! Shake down hostages, steal precious valuables, and explore the deep, dark depths and history of the Botanical Bank.


    Xbox Live

    Kubics

    RAFAEL V.F

    Kubics – January 19

    Kubics is a platform puzzle game, focused on switching between 2 characters, You have control of two players using one of the players as a shield or platform to achieve your objective.


    Xbox Live

    Palworld (Game Preview)

    POCKET PAIR, Inc.

    Palworld (Game Preview) – January 19
    Game Pass

    Available day one with Game Pass! Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!


    Xbox Live

    Witch Rise

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Witch Rise – January 19

    Witch Rise tells the tale of a sweet, innocent young girl who was turned into a piglet by the cruel Fallen Witch. Now, our heroine must embark on a quest to overcome the curse and change back into to her old self again. During your journey you’ll need to find the four magic staffs in order defeat the Fallen Witch, and thus recover your human body.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 15 – 19 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 19 January 2024 - 16:00

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Howl

    astragon Entertainment GmbH

    $14.99 $13.49

    Howl – January 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times. Play as a deaf heroine plunged into danger in search of a cure of a sinister “howling plague” that has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts.


    Xbox Live

    Lil' Guardsman

    Versus Evil, LLC

    Lil’ Guardsman – January 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Question humans, elves, goblins, cyclopes, and other fantasy creatures using your powers of deduction to determine who to admit or deny based on how they respond to your questions and your trusty tools. Sending visitors to jail, inadvertently zapping them to smithereens, or letting them go on their merry way are all part of the job.


    Xbox Live

    Stumble Guys

    Scopely, Inc.

    Stumble Guys – January 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Join millions of players and stumble to victory in this fun multiplayer knockout battle royale! Are you ready to enter the chaos? Running, stumbling, falling, jumping, and winning has never been so fun!


    Xbox Live

    Anomaly Agent

    NAISU

    $14.99 $12.74

    Anomaly Agent – January 24

    Become Agent 70 and stop the anomalies threatening to destroy the balance of the world! With memorable characters, unique Anomaly Bosses, a story full of twists, and smooth gameplay, Anomaly Agent is an adventure to be savored. We hope you enjoy your journey!


    Xbox Live

    Climber: Sky is the Limit

    Art Games Studio S.A.

    $12.49

    Climber: Sky is the Limit – January 24

    A mountain walking simulator game where you are a climber who takes on the most difficult and dangerous peaks on Earth. To succeed you need to plan your journey carefully by preparing appropriate equipment, choosing a suitable trail, facing extreme weather conditions, and surviving. Conquer your limits, overcome your fear, and reach the sky.


    Xbox Live

    Remains

    SoloQ

    $9.99

    Remains – January 24

    After a terrible incident, you were left in complete silence and absolute loneliness in the orbit of your planet. There is no one to help you, and you must survive and find out what caused such an incident. Find a way to restore oxygen, create tools for your needs, built a shelter in orbit while managing the dangers of outer space.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Saga of the Moon Priestess

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Saga of the Moon Priestess – January 24
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Tragedy strikes the world of Lunaria as the illustrious prince is kidnapped by an unknown assailant! The well-being of the land itself now rests in the hands of a young hero, Sarissa, as she must fight, explore, and figure out how to rescue the young prince in this retro, top-down action adventure inspired by 8 and 16-bit classics.


    Xbox Live

    Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder

    Johnny Ostad

    Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder – January 24

    A Story-Rich RPG/Action-Adventure game, made by one person over the span of five years. Step into the shoes of the young Orc Mogren and explore all of Thunder Island. Venture into dangerous dungeons, explore caves, solve puzzles, and help the residents of the island with their quests.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy

    CAPCOM CO., LTD.

    $49.99

    Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy – January 25
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features the 14 episodes of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, and the two DLC-only Special Episodes for a total of 16 episodes!


    Xbox Live

    Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil

    QUByte Interactive

    Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil – January 25

    A story focused horror game where you play as a priest and help a family with their cursed house. As Aughust Heylel, an exorcist legitimized by the Vatican and a relevant priest doesn’t believe in his own faith anymore. He writes a letter talking about his life and his worst mission, the case “Roots of Evil”, which started in 1984. His mission was to investigate a house with paranormal activities, but the problem was way deeper. The case stuck into Aughust’s head for more than 30 years, and now, it’s finally the time to finish it!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Go Mecha Ball

    Super Rare Games

    Go Mecha Ball – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Available on day one with Game Pass! Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs.


    Xbox Live

    Hidden Through Time 2

    Rogueside

    Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Join Clicky on a new, enchanted adventure in Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic! This charming 2D hidden object game is sure to delight with its playful tone, cozy vibes, and endless fun. Search for all the hidden objects scattered around beautiful hand-drawn worlds and unlock more as you go.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    The House of Da Vinci

    Blue Brain Games

    The House of Da Vinci – January 25

    Enter The House of Da Vinci, a must-try 3D puzzle adventure game. Solve mechanical puzzles, discover hidden objects, escape from rooms and dive into the authentic atmosphere of the Renaissance. Use all your wits to find out what’s behind your master’s disappearance.


    Xbox Live

    Jett Rider – Reduce, reuse and BLAST IT OFF!

    JanduSoft

    $12.49 $9.99

    Jett Rider – Reduce, Reuse, and Blast It Off – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Jett Rider, the most unlikely hero, stars in the biggest 2D adventure of the year. Save the planet Gravos, free its people, face the toughest bosses… And don’t forget to recycle!


    Xbox Live

    Phantom Abyss (Game Preview)

    Devolver Digital

    153
    $24.99 $19.99
    Xbox Game Pass
    Free Trial

    Phantom Abyss (1.0) – January 25
    Game Pass

    A massive asynchronous multiplayer game that casts you into procedurally generated temples and tasks you with retrieving the sacred relics hidden within deadly chambers. Dodge scores of hidden traps, leap treacherous chasms, and flee relentless guardians through branching paths until one of the relics are claimed or the devices of death overwhelms you.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat

    Afil Games

    PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat – January 25

    If you are passionate about kittens and enjoy solving puzzles, we have the perfect game for you: Feed Your Cat! Move the cat’s paw to grab the canned food and please the adorable kittens that appear on the map. The difficulty gradually increases, and players need to think about the order of obtaining the food before delivering it to the felines.


    Xbox Live

    Starward Rogue

    Klabater

    Starward Rogue – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Starward Rogue is a bullet hell twin-stick shooter. Blast your way through the Megalith, a rogue-lite labyrinth lodged in the side of a star. Customize your mech with a huge variety of weapons, perks, and upgrades. Steel yourself for the dangers that lurk in the depths of the dungeon.


    Xbox Live

    Classic Pool

    Revulo Games

    Classic Pool – January 26

    Dive into the captivating world of Classic Pool, an exhilarating game that invites you to showcase and elevate your skills in the timeless realm of pool. Immerse yourself in the challenge as you select from a diverse array of AI opponents, each with their unique strategies. With an extensive collection of cues and tables at your fingertips, the possibilities are as endless as your ambition.


    Xbox Live

    Dead Tomb

    8 Bit Legit

    $4.99

    Dead Tomb – January 26

    A point-and-click adventure game that will take you back to the heyday of retro gaming. Your employer sends you on a study that takes you back in time, but as fate would have it, you find yourself in a serious predicament. A malfunction in your ship forces you to land in Egypt 1300BC where luckily you spot a huge pyramid you can set your craft down on.


    Xbox Live

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Standard Edition

    SEGA

    $69.99

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – January 26

    Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down a battle of his last days of life. Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.


    Xbox Live

    sCATch 2: The Painter Cat

    Colossus Game Studio

    sCATch 2: The Painter Cat – January 26

    sCATch 2 is a puzzle game where the goal is paint all colorful places of the maze and come to the exit. Combining colors and items with different mechanics on the way.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Croc's World 4

    Sprakelsoft GmbH

    Croc’s World 4 – January 26

    After millions played the first 3 parts of “Croc’s World” it´s now time for “Croc’s World 4”! “Croc’s World 4” is a classical platformer with a lot of new enemies and new twists!


    Xbox Live

    The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection – January 26

    After nearly a decade; the legendary raid leader, General Panzer returns from his mysterious hiatus. Rejoined by his trusty lieutenant, Blarghe, the two of them set off on an incredible adventure to revisit their old raid team members.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Tardy

    Drageus Games S.A.

    Tardy – January 26
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Ramto isn’t the smartest guy in the Universe. He enjoys finding troubles – and solving them. But when he woke up on a spaceship, it was too much even for him. Now among heaps of weird devices created by a schizophrenic engineer, he’s on a quest to deal with crazy machines, solve a mystery of a vanished crew, and try to find a way back home.


    Xbox Live

    TEKKEN 8

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    Tekken 8 – January 26
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Get ready for the next chapter in the legendary fighting game franchise! Fist meets fate by bringing the fight to the new generation. Completely redesigned character visuals. Elaborate, highly detailed models built from the ground up, and high-fidelity graphics break the limits of new-generation hardware by adding a new weight and atmosphere to Tekken’s signature battles. Vivid environments and destructible stages combine to create an overwhelming sense of immersion, creating the ultimate play experience.


    Xbox Live

    Tibetan Quest: Beyond World's End (Xbox Version)

    Artifex Mundi

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End – January 26
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Journey to the mystical city of Shangri-La to find your missing niece. Embark on an adventure at the edge of the world to save Larisa from the clutches of the ancient labyrinth in this captivating hidden object game that blends elements of the thriller and adventure genres with oriental esotericism and lore.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 19 January 2024 - 19:00

    Knights of Braveland brings an epic action RPG experience to Xbox, offering players an endlessly replayable adventure set in the mesmerizing Braveland universe. Whether venturing solo or teaming up with up to four knights, the journey from a rookie to a kingdom hero is filled with excitement and unpredictable challenges.

    Unique Gameplay Mechanics

    In Knights of Braveland, each quest is uniquely crafted from hundreds of different events, creating a distinct story every time. The game’s innovative mechanics allow for diverse playstyles, thanks to an extensive array of equipment including swords, magic staffs, and more. The four-player co-op mode adds a communal dimension, enabling friends to battle together on the same screen.

    KoB exterior landscape

    Expansive World and Upgradeable Castle

    Players can immerse themselves in the richly detailed world of Braveland, where knights reveal secret paths and ordinary characters may hold extraordinary secrets. The option to upgrade your castle before each raid adds a strategic layer, enhancing the gameplay experience.

    Becoming a Hero

    Choose your origin – be it a peasant, blacksmith, tracker, or rogue – and embark on a journey to become Braveland’s most renowned knight. Each choice impacts your path, making every playthrough unique.

    KoB screenshot

    Exciting DLCs Released with the Main Game

    Alongside the main game, we are launching four DLC packs on February 1:

    • Fantastic Beasts DLC: Battle new bosses, play as the Wizard, and collect unique gear.
    • Fun And Memes DLC: Introduces whimsical items like a pigeon mask or a carrot sword for a humorous twist.
    • Around The World DLC: Offers globally inspired weapons and hats, along with a new hero, the Pirate.
    • Hero Pack DLC: Adds two new characters, Monk and Blacksmith, with additional gear.
    KoB screenshot

    Preorder Today

    Knights of Braveland, along with its exciting DLCs, is available for pre-order today, offering players early access to this captivating world, and will launch on Xbox on February 1st, 2024.  .

    Get ready to dive into the action-packed universe of Knights of Braveland and carve your path to glory. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a team player, a grand quest awaits you on Xbox!

    Xbox Live

    Knights of Braveland

    Ellada Games

    $19.99 $17.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced
    Knights of Braveland is a cooperative beat'em up action game with a generated story. You will hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. And with your friends it is much more fun. Smash your way to victory solo or in a team up to 4 knights. Infinite replayable action RPG in Braveland universe. Join the Heroes Guild and travel the path from a rookie to the hero of the kingdom. Head on a hunt for the vicious boss solo or with your friends. Your adventure will be randomly generated from hundreds of different events. Once you sign up a contract to catch the villain, you'll head into an adventure. Each quest is created from hundreds of particular events, melding into a unique story. The Elves will reveal secret paths to you and the ordinary pub owner might very well turn out to be a werewolf.

    The post Embark on a Heroic Quest in Knights of Braveland, Coming to Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 24 January 2024 - 18:00

    ID@Xbox has been helping bring amazing indie games to Xbox gamers for a decade now, and we’ve always strived to find new ways to highlight our favorites. We’ve sponsored our own dedicated showcases, we’ve featured rad games and creators in our E3 Briefings and Xbox Games Showcases, we have an awesome ID@Xbox community team, and we run monthly ID@Xbox theme sales.

    To build on that legacy we’re excited to announce that we’ve found a new way to bring attention to some of the top indie games on Xbox through our new “Indie Selects” program, which launches today!  

    Indie Selects includes a curated, dedicated collection in the Xbox Store featuring indie games chosen by the ID@Xbox team – along with support on our social and community channels, and even right here on the Xbox Wire. In the Games section of the Xbox dash, we now have a permanent hub that showcases indie games we are passionate about. A new collection, featuring various channels and rotating themes, will go live every Wednesday. 

    The first channel, which we’re calling simply “Featured Indies,” includes recent indie games that the ID@Xbox team recommends. These are games we’ve played and liked, and we feel positive indie game fans will enjoy too. Note that we’re not including titles that are in Game Pass here even if they’re fantastic, simply because they’re featured regularly in the Game Pass hub. 

    Our second channel features a rotating selection of games that fit with a weekly theme. Looking for “Games to Play With Your Cat,” or “Games that Need a Laugh Track,” or “Games for Evil Villains”? You’ll find them here. We’re working on a bunch of different, fun ideas for themes right now to roll out over the coming months, and we’ll always take suggestions for new themes (or games to include in existing themes) from players through our social channels.  

    Other channels will include themes to highlight games from around the world, games from new creators and voices, our ID@Xbox theme sales, and select games available for pre-order. Finally, we now have a channel to feature upcoming indie games that can be added to a gamer’s wishlist – one of our indie devs’ most highly requested features. 

    And now the best part: once a month – the last week of the month – we will showcase our choices for six titles to be designated our ID@Xbox “Indie Selects” of the month. The whole ID@Xbox team will vote to select their favorites and these are the six games that we feel confident you’ll love. These are games that we want to put our stamp of approval on. Not only will the Indie Selects be featured in a special collection for that week, we’ll also release a monthly highlight reel on our social channels, and publish an Xbox Wire article to dig more deeply into which games were selected, and why we like them. In addition, the developers will receive a digital award featuring the Indie Selects logo that they can show off on their own channels (example above). 

    So why are we doing this? The short answer: we love games made by independent developers, and we want more people to discover them, buy them, and play them! We know there are a lot of games out there right now, and it can be difficult for unique titles to find an audience in crowded marketplaces. With a dedicated, permanent, curated collection in the  Xbox Store, we’ll be able to bring more attention to games that we feel are particularly special – everything from current favorites, to older gems, to games from new creators from around the world. 

    Make sure to check out the collection, updated each Wednesday, with our Indie Selects being featured the last Wednesday of each month. You can find the collection on the Xbox dash by going to the store and then selecting Games from the menu on the left. From the whole ID team, thanks, as always, for supporting indie games!  

    The post ID@Xbox Presents: Indie Selects appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 24 January 2024 - 19:00

    Hey there, Xbox fans!

    It’s so good to see you in this New Year of 2024! I hope you spent the holiday season in a good atmosphere and your inner batteries are fully charged. If so, buckle up and get ready, because the ride through great, new launches is about to begin. I’m super happy to briefly present to you very interesting project that is going to be released on Xbox consoles next month. Wanna hear one-sentence pitch? Here it goes: A stylized, cyberpunk shooter for fans of Hotline Miami and “John Wick”. This is – Project Downfall!

    PD gunfire

    Rise and Fall

    Welcome to a dystopian future, traveler. You’ve just arrived at the Crimson Tide, a symbol of unity between the European Union and the emerging superpower, The Novorussian Federation.

    You must know that in this world political parties are a thing of the past, having been replaced by aggressive corporations. Citizens vote with their wallets, and drugs they take enforce obedience.

    This is the story of one, ordinary Lakk district resident whose routine day suddenly turns into a complicated game of power and influence in this rotten world. In the reality where corporate influences blurs the lines between what’s right and wrong…

    Project Downfall, made by MGP Studios and Solid9 Studio is a unique and dynamic game that successfully blends shooting and action with bits of strategy and tactical thinking, offering players an exciting journey through a dystopian world. You must be prepared to immerse yourself in this hostile world, where your combat skills will be put to the ultimate test. Project Downfall offers a diverse array of weapons and cool skills (eg. superkicks, slammers, adrenaline slides and more!), and each of them is unique, allowing players to customize their playstyle and approach each mission with creativity. Whether you prefer long-range precision, melee combat or tactical tricks with use of gadgets, surely there is something for you to have fun.

    PD screenshot

    However, it must be said that an equally important aspect of the game, and in fact, one of its main features, is the emphasis on non-linear progression. It may seem to be quite a strange design decision, in a project of this caliber, but if you were expecting just a simple, dynamic (let’s say) boomer-shooter, you are mistaken. Depending on the decisions you make in the game, and other factors such as the mental state of the main character, you can experience completely different gameplay sequences as well as entire, previously hidden levels. And all of them can lead you to new story elements and, as a result, to different endings. Thus, each approach to the game can offer a new experience, and you can still discover something fresh in your next playthroughs. Cool!

    Dirty Neon Signs and Their Flashing Lights

    Project Downfall isn’t just awesome gameplay; it’s a visual journey into surrealism, combining the rough aesthetics of such works as “Falling Down”with Michael Douglas, with the frenetic action of the ‘Hardcore Henry” and “John Wick” movies. Imagine this: the neon-soaked streets of “Crimson Tide” pulsing with cyberpunk energy, where every alley hides secrets and every corner creates chaos from Hotline Miami in a moment’s notice.

    Trippy, cyberpunk visuals work in tandem with a dynamic and electrifying soundtrack which adapts to what’s going on-screen and gives a kick and propels you to play. Each track has been carefully crafted to enhance the immersive journey through Crimson Tide, making the game not only a visual and interactive feast, but also a symphony of electronic vibrations that will stay with you even after you put down the controller.

    PD screenshot

    Release Date and Availability

    Project Downfall is set to conquer the Xbox console  world on February 2, 2024. Save the date in your calendar, but also don’t you worry, I will be happy to remind you about it in the next article, which will include a short interview with the game developers! Stop by our social media if you wanna know more about the project and see you soon.

    PD FPS POV
    Xbox Live

    Project Downfall

    ©RedDeerGames

    Find yourself in a future city full of gangs, mafias, and other shady people. Become a merciless assassin who works during the day, and gets into a killing frenzy at night. Hop in the car, select a destination, and explore every corner of Crimson Tide. If you want to feel an adrenaline rush, you can explore the city on foot but watch your back and don’t ask too many questions. EVERYTHING CAN BE A WEAPON! Search your surroundings for anything that looks deadly and use it to protect yourself. Throw bottles, knives, or even guns at the enemies. Nothing around you? Take some pills and breach doors to stun opponents, or just disarm them by kicking their faces. They will be pleased to drop a weapon for you then. You should definitely find and lick a frog – you will love it. PLAN YOUR ATTACK It’s your decision how to enter combat and how to end it. Find your first victim, and go with the flow. Try every possibility and find the best way to get the highest score. Kick an enemy while sliding to pick his weapon mid-air and land a headshot to defeat him. Creativity is the key to success. CREATE YOUR OWN STORY There are 12 available endings waiting for you to be discovered. Each one takes around 4 hours for hardcore players to complete. The path you choose will never be completely the same next time. Also, check and search for collectibles that are hidden all over the city.

    The post Dynamic and Vibrant Shooter Project Downfall is Coming to Xbox Consoles appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 24 January 2024 - 19:30

    Hello, soon-to-be climber.

    I’m Mateusz, PR Manager at Art Games Studio, here to tell you about the mountain adventure for the cold winter nights. We’ve just released Climber: Sky is the Limit on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, allowing you to become an alpinist while sitting comfortably in front of your console!

    CSITL climber pov

    Real-Life Experience

    Creating a realistic mountain climbing simulation game requires immense alpinistic knowledge, which our team didn’t have, so in order to create the immersive experience we teamed up with a member of the Polish National Team in Mountaineering – Paweł Michalski.

    His involvement in 19 expeditions in the Himalayas and Karakoram and several dozen expeditions to lower peaks on all continents, helped a ton when recreating those peaks in-game.

    Paweł helped us to introduce all the necessary equipment which is used during the expedition, explain their parameters, and, describe all practical aspects and difficulties of the high mountain environment.

    CSITL mountain exterior

    Preparing the Expedition

    As in real life the successful expedition in Climber: Sky is the Limit begins with the right preparations. In order to survive in the high mountains, you’ll need the proper gear. Depending on the funds you have available you can acquire items of various qualities. Each piece of equipment improves your chances in different ways:

    Clothing protects you from harsh weather conditions (increases your low-temperature resistance), allows for more freedom of movement (increases your stamina), and utilizes lighter materials (lowers the overall weight of your equipment)

    Specialized equipment such as ice axes, ropes, and leaders will help you traverse diverse terrain and clear slippery terrains, vertical ice walls, crevasses, and so on. However, watch out not to overburden yourself, take only the necessary things if you don’t want to gas yourself out in the middle of the expedition.

    During preparations, you cannot forget about nutrition. Energy bars, lyophilized soups, and others regenerate your Stamina, Mental Condition, and Food parameters. Warm meals will also regenerate your body temperature, but take into consideration that they must be prepared in the camp.

    Pack all of the needed things into your backpack, watch out for your balance and you’re ready to go!

    CSITL menu

    Hitting the Trail

    It doesn’t matter which one of the five eight-thousanders available in the game (Mount Everest, K2, Manaslu, Gasherbrum I, Cho Oyu) you choose, you’ll start your expedition in the base camp. Then slowly work your way to the top, while facing many challenges and harsh weather conditions.

    The key to success is a combination of careful planning and learning what equipment to use and when. You’ll probably not succeed during your first attempt, but contrary to the real-life mountain climbing you’ll always be able to try again with your new-gained knowledge.

    CSITL screenshot

    Staying Healthy

    If you want to succeed and reach the summit you must watch out for your health parameters:

    • Stamina – physical strength of the climber, indicates your ability to walk, run, jump, climb, and move objects.
    • Mental Health – the physical health of your climber and his willingness to venture forward. Taking risky actions, such as sliding down the frozen slopes, or overcoming crevasses will quickly deplete it.
    • Temperature – Indicates your climber’s body temperature, which is dependent on outside weather conditions and what you’re wearing. Adjusting clothes to the weather conditions is vital because freezing out means a brutal end to your expedition…
    • Food – You have to eat to survive. If you don’t, your Stamina will drop to zero extremely quickly, making you unable to move forward. Not every food is equal, some are more filling than others and can give you a boost to your Stamina and Morale, or heat you up.
    CSITL screenshoty

    Reaching the Summit

    If you manage to overcome the challenges of the mountain and balance your health parameters, you’ll surely reach the top of the mountain, finishing your sponsor contract gaining more funds for your next expedition, and increasing your climber prestige!

    CSITL victory stance

    That’s not all that will await you in the game. For example, Climber: Sky is the Limit support and also the leaderboards for seasoned climbers, allow you to compare your summit times with other alpinists across the world!

    See you at the top!

    Xbox Live

    Climber: Sky is the Limit

    Art Games Studio S.A.

    $12.49
    Climber: Sky is the Limit is a mountain walking simulator game where you are a climber who takes on the most difficult and dangerous peaks on Earth. To succeed you need to plan your journey carefully by preparing appropriate equipment, choosing a suitable trail, facing extreme weather conditions, and surviving. Conquer your limits, overcome your fear, and reach the sky. REACH THE SUMMIT Each expedition is different, and the journey to the top is a great challenge. Conquer your fear, face your limits, and reach the summit. In order to do that: traverse dangerous trails using specialized equipment such as ice axes, lifelines, or carabiners. FACE DANGERS During the journey, you will face diverse obstacles like blizzards, chasms, vertical walls, steep traverses, icy slopes, and crevasses. The key to success is to plan your next steps wisely and use the appropriate equipment at the right time. PLAN YOUR EXPEDITION Before setting off, decide which trail is best to the top taking into account weather conditions and the weather windows. Sometimes it's better to take a chance and choose a more difficult route, but thanks to this you will be able to reach the summit before a snowstorm. SURVIVE The key to survival is to have appropriate tools when you need them. Each piece of equipment has its weight but also makes your next step harder. Ensure you have enough food to recover your strength, or you have a warm jacket and sleeping bag to warm up after a full-day climb. Good timing also plays a great role during the expedition. In the high mountains, where weather changes quickly and night falls very fast, plan ahead to set up camp in the right place that gives you a chance to recover before the next challenging day. KEY FEATURES -Scale some of the world’s most famous peaks like Everest, K2, Broad Peak, and others. -Face a variety of environmental challenges from chasms, vertical walls, steep traverses, icy slopes, treacherous crevasses, and more. -Use specialized equipment to traverse dangerous trails and slopes like ice axes, carabiners, and lifelines. -Contend with and plan around harsh weather conditions like blizzards, extreme wind, and plummeting temperatures. -Keep up your health and strength by balancing stamina, morale, temperature, and hunger. -Plan every point of your journey, packing only the necessities, choosing your path (will you take the safer route or the risky one?), and preparing for each day’s trek and weather conditions. -Vie for contracts from sponsors for a chance to buy extra equipment and fund future excursions, but be advised they may include incredible challenges. -An immersive experience that has been created to be as realistic as possible through consulting expert mountaineers…

    The post Become a Professional Alpinist in Climber: Sky is the Limit appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 24 January 2024 - 21:00

    Embark on a cyberpunk journey with Anomaly Agent, a side-scrolling action-adventure game with a captivating pixel-art design. Manage Agent 70 and fight against anomalies in numerous levels filled with merging enemies. Enjoy the thrill of a mysterious time-bending story.

    We are thrilled to announce that our first game Anomaly Agent is available now!

    AA screenshot

    Fight with Merging Enemies!

    In the adventure of Agent 70, an Anomaly Agent affiliated with corporation T-Day, you will encounter a diverse array of enemies. Utilize both stylish close combat techniques and weapons to defeat these foes. Combos, weapons and any means necessary to beat those guys up!

    However, be cautious, as these clone enemies can merge and shape-shift, becoming more powerful!

    AA screenshot

    Earn some coins from defeated enemies and your surroundings to make permanent upgrades to Agent 70’s weapons. Enhance the range, damage and extend the clip of your most frequently used weapons. Thus, you may improve the weapon that brings you the most fun during combat.

    AA screenshot

    In the adventure of Agent 70, we aimed to provide you with a fast-paced and diverse action. Get ready to overcome numerous platform traps and enemies surrounding you! Embrace the challenge!

    Platforming along the Rooftops

    Jumping from rooftop to rooftop in a cyberpunk-themed metropolis. We think that it’s an elegant way of platforming! Anomaly Agent aims to provide a dynamic gameplay experience with not only action-packed combat sequences but variable platform elements. Use Agent 70’s agility and boomerang to overcome those obstacles!

    AA screenshot

    Whether it’s skyscraper rooftops, narrow corridors or the top of a metro, the platform elements in Anomaly Agent will consistently present a sweet challenge, spiced with a bit of puzzle-solving.

    Always Ready for a Small Talk

    Anomaly Agent weaves an entertaining and mysterious cyberpunk narrative, introducing encounters not only with adversaries but also with numerous characters you can engage in conversations with.

    AA screenshot

    Agent 70 is always ready for a quick chat. Interact with various characters, engage them in interesting and humorous dialogues. Just beware, clones can sometimes crack bad jokes.

    Anomaly Agent doesn’t just offer fast-paced action and platforming elements but also injects fun dialogues into the mix. Throughout the game’s story, you’ll meet different characters, clone enemies, and bosses. The choices you make in dialogues can assist you when upgrading Agent 70 permanently.

    As the Phew Phew Games team, we are extremely excited to bring this game to you. We hope that while playing this game, crafted with much enjoyment, you can also have a great time and spend entertaining hours!

    Xbox Live

    Anomaly Agent

    NAISU

    1
    $14.99 $12.74
    Become Agent 70 and stop the anomalies threatening to destroy the balance of the world! With memorable characters, unique Anomaly Bosses, a story full of twists, and smooth gameplay, Anomaly Agent is an adventure to be savored. We hope you enjoy your journey!

    The post An Action-Packed Cyberpunk Adventure: Anomaly Agent appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 26 January 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 29 to February 2

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Brotato

    Seaven Studio

    Brotato – January 30
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Brotato is a top-down arena shooter roguelite where you play a potato wielding up to 6 weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens. Choose from a variety of traits and items to create unique builds and survive until help arrives.


    Xbox Live

    Teppo and The Secret Ancient City

    Totalconsole

    $7.99 $6.39

    Teppo and The Secret Ancient City – January 30

    An exciting adventure where players take on the role of explorer Teppo, searching for the legendary stone fortress hidden in the Amazon jungle. Meeting the mysterious Tanaca Wanax, the last chief of the unknown tribe of elected allies, Ugha Lulala, players will discover the incredible and fantastic history of a highly evolved ancient civilization, superior to that of the Mayas and the Incas.


    Xbox Live

    Graveyard Girls

    Penguin Pop Games LLC

    Graveyard Girls – January 31
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A Halloween-themed visual novel about complicated grief and overcoming hardships. Collect Elle’s “scribbles” to learn about her struggles, befriend a mysterious girl, and talk about death and loss.


    Xbox Live

    Miniland Adventure

    RockGame S.A., Gameparic

    Miniland Adventure – January 31
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Miniland Adventure is a game where you can do anything you want to! Of course, you will still need to eat something from time to time, but besides that, there are no restrictions! You start with a small patch of land, that with time you can expand by yourself with biome tiles which you receive every day. In no time, you will find yourself in a big and pretty house with a farm beside crafting new tools and exploring caves.


    Xbox Live

    NINJA KIDZ: TIME MASTERS

    Selecta Play

    Ninja Kidz: Time Masters – January 31
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    America’s most popular online ninja family’s first video game is here! Ninja Kidz Time Masters is a colorful action adventure for the whole family where you can play alone or together with friends. Rescue the three greatest martial arts masters kidnapped by Dr. Disaster.


    Xbox Live

    Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

    Riot Forge

    Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story – January 31
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dive headfirst into an immersive narrative set in the undiscovered reaches of the Freljord, where every snowy step brings you closer to the truth about Nunu and Willump’s past. Discover the unbreakable bond between boy and yeti as you traverse a land both beautiful and treacherous, making new allies (and enemies) on a journey of family, friendship, and magic.


    Xbox Live

    Speed Crew

    Wild Fields

    Speed Crew – January 31
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Get ready for a high-octane, cooperative party game experience in Speed Crew! Assemble your team of 1-4 players and take on the role of an elite pit crew tasked with fixing cars and beating the clock to secure victory in this fun and chaotic adventure.


    Xbox Live

    Turret Rampage

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Turret Rampage – January 31
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Defend humanity from subterranean monsters as the last standing turret! Turret Rampage is a shoot ’em up game with tower defense elements. You are a defensive turret, the only unit that stands between the remnants of humanity and the fierce underground invaders.


    Xbox Live

    Knights of Braveland

    Ellada Games

    $19.99 $17.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Knights of Braveland – February 1
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Knights of Braveland is a cooperative beat ’em up action game with a generated story. You will hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. And with your friends it is much more fun. Smash your way to victory solo or in a team up to 4 knights in this infinite replayable action RPG in Braveland universe.


    Xbox Live

    GINSHA

    PolarityFlow, Adrian Zingg

    $17.99 $16.19

    Ginsha – February 2
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An atmospheric pixel art action-adventure platformer with special gravity shield and dash mechanics. Explore huge interconnected planets, filled with secrets, loot, obstacles, different enemy types and epic boss fights. Level up, equip and customize your Clone, craft companion drones, and enjoy ever evolving possibilities as you proceed to save your species.


    Xbox Live

    Adrian's Tale

    Badri Bebua

    Adrian’s Tale – February 2

    An action-adventure game where you control a little hero. You must improve your skills in order to move further through the plot, solve puzzles, fight enemies using your sword, as well as additional weapons that you can select in your inventory.


    Xbox Live

    Dr. Frank's Build a Boyfriend

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Dr. Frank’s Build-A-Boyfriend – February 2
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dominik seemed to be the perfect boyfriend: attentive, caring, and interested in Dr. Frank’s work. Three months into the rainbow-colored relationship, Dominik runs off with Dr. Frank’s lifelong research on resurrection to present at the annual prestigious Hindenberg University Conference. Not only is Dr. Frank going to one-up Dominik’s presentation by presenting the world’s first artificial life form, but Dr. Frank is going to make said life form the world’s hottest, most beautiful boyfriend. Dr. Frank’s Build-A-Boyfriend is a visual novel mixed with point-and-click adventure elements.


    Xbox Live

    Draw Rider Remake

    17Studio LLC

    Draw Rider Remake – February 2

    Rewritten from the ground up to be bigger, better, and more beautiful in every way from its original. Classic 2D racing with fun physics, where your goal is to get to the finish line within the allotted time.


    Xbox Live

    Dreamland Solitaire

    ChiliDog Interactive

    $5.99

    Dreamland Solitaire – February 2

    Escape to a world of wonder as you enjoy a magical twist on classic Solitaire! Simply play one card up or one card down from the top card on your draw pile to clear cleverly designed puzzle boards. As you remove cards, you’ll slowly uncover hand-painted scenes of a gorgeous fantasy realm.


    Xbox Live

    Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash Pre-Order

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    $59.99

    Jujustu Kaisen: Cursed Clash – February 2
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    For the first time ever, the highly acclaimed series from Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, “Jujutsu Kaisen,” is expanding into the domain of console games. Aim to become the strongest together by taking advantage of the characteristics of each technique, aiming for a joint attack that is triggered by combining attacks, and working together in harmony to assess the battle situation.


    Xbox Live

    Mighty Aphid 2

    Cascadia Games LLC

    $4.99

    Mighty Aphid 2 – February 2
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    After a two-year absence, Mighty Aphid returns to battle Lady Bug and her evil horde once again. This time, the villainess has created her own Mighty warriors to take on the pint-sized hero. Run, shoot, swim, dash, and fly. Rescue the innocent. Fight mighty bosses. Earn powerful upgrades.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Persona 3 Reload

    SEGA

    $69.99

    Persona 3 Reload – February 2
    Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour “hidden” between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.


    Xbox Live

    Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

    Warner Bros. Games

    3
    $69.99

    Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – February 2
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A genre-defying third-person action shooter from the creators of the Batman: Arkham series, Rocksteady Studios. Join the ultimate band of misfits, the newly “recruited” members of Amanda Waller’s infamous Task Force X (aka the Suicide Squad), Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark, as they set out on an impossible mission to save the world: Kill the Justice League. Pre-order Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Digital Deluxe Edition on the Microsoft Store and start playing January 30 – details here


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 29 to February 2 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 26 January 2024 - 17:00

    Discover the origins of Go Mecha Ball, a game born from late-night ideas during parental leave.

    A unique game where a rolling ball transforms into a powerful mecha, capturing the internet’s attention.

    From viral prototype to securing funding from Microsoft – a developer’s dream come true.

    GMB -screenshot

    Go Mecha Ball began with a critical look at classic top-down shooters during the reflective nights of my paternity leave. I questioned the traditional use of rolling merely for evasion. What if rolling could be offensive? What if an object, known for crashing into things, could also shoot? This line of thought led to the idea of a ball, an object synonymous with rolling and kinetic energy, transforming into a powerful mecha. This concept laid the foundation for a game that would uniquely blend action and strategy.

    GMB -attack

    I began developing this idea into a prototype, utilizing my new procedural animation system to ensure the transformation between ball and mecha was not just visually appealing but seamless – a crucial element of the game’s fun and engagement. The goal was to create something different: a game that was as enjoyable to watch as it was to play.

    GMB -ball launching

    After a brief pause due to parental cover and adjusting to a new job, I resumed tinkering with the prototype. To my surprise, it wasn’t long before Microsoft took notice of Go Mecha Ball. Their decision to support the project was transformative. It elevated my late-night prototype into a serious game development venture, bringing Go Mecha Ball closer to a wider audience.

    GMB -playing field

    Now, Go Mecha Ball is set to leave its mark in the gaming world. This game is a testament to the power of a good idea and what can be achieved when creativity meets opportunity. It’s more than just a game – it’s a journey from a simple yet innovative concept to an exhilarating adventure. Go Mecha Ball is ultimately a love letter to what I believe is most important in games: game feel.

    Try your hand at this new approach to kinetic movement today on Xbox!

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Go Mecha Ball

    Super Rare Games

    90
    $19.99 $17.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass
    Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs!

    The post From Late Nights to Limelight: The Story of Go Mecha Ball appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 26 January 2024 - 23:00
    • LCB Game Studio’s third Pixel Pulp, is out now on Xbox.
    • Unique interactive fiction experience merging 20th-century ‘Pulps’ with 80s game aesthetics.
    • A captivating fusion of undercover cop drama, supernatural beliefs, and tornado-chasing road trips.

    Bahnsen Knights is the third Pixel Pulp released by LCB Game Studio. A Pixel Pulp is our own way of understanding interactive fiction, trying to bring together two distant elements such as the genre narratives of the early twentieth century— the so-called ‘Pulps’—and the computer games of the 80s, with their limited palettes and with a whole history of possibilities ahead as a medium.

    But what we term “Pixel Pulps” is not mere nostalgia; it’s a glimpse into a past that might have been.

    History of Bahnsen Knights

    In Bahnsen Knights, players assume the role of Boulder, investigating the disappearance of a fellow Agency member by infiltrating the Bahnsen Knights—a cult led by Toni, a former used car salesman. Toni believes that hell is above us, and tornadoes are the devil’s doing. With his Bahnsen Knights, Toni drives his Sierra to conduct ‘road exorcisms’, as a way to fight F5 tornadoes.

    As with all Pixel Pulps, Bahnsen Knights aims to craft a gripping narrative experience reminiscent of stories published in pulp magazines from the first half of the 20th Century—stories that refuse to release their grip on readers.

    BK screenshot

    Art of Bahnsen Knights

    The starting point was the color palette of the ZX Spectrum console, limited to six colors plus black and white with two levels of brightness. Although the palette can be strident when used in its entirety, this is part of its charm and nostalgia.

    To create distinct identities for each game, we reduced the palette to a couple of colors for each Pixel Pulp. Drawing parallels with magazine printing techniques—mixing small dots of two colors to create the illusion of a third color—we aimed to achieve this effect.

    In Bahnsen Knights, centered around an undercover cop, saturating everything in red felt appropriate, creating a continuous sense of alertness. Combining it with magenta gives the visuals a vibrant neon 80s quality that complements the story perfectly.

    BK screenshot

    Input in Bahnsen Knights

    Our Pixel Pulps use a choice-based input system, extending beyond choose-your-own-adventure decisions to control mini-games. In Bahnsen Knights, this is no different. This system not only aligns with certain game genres we love but also allows us to experiment with game design elements such as time, muscle memory, and reflexes. And like our other Pixel Pulps, Bahnsen Knights includes a variant of a solitaire we designed… Cross Solitaire!

    Time in Bahnsen Knights

    Time is a crucial element that enhances the gripping nature of the story. As an infiltrated agent, Boulder is always on the verge of discovery, leaving no room for rest.

    Experimenting with quick-time events, counters, and other game design resources, we aim to break the passivity of reading an interactive fiction, where time is usually on the player’s side—one of the achievements of the game has to do with this, specifically with the reading time… can you unlock it?

    BK screenshot

    What Could Have Been and What Might be

    Our Pixel Pulps – rooted in pulp-like narratives, pixel aesthetics reminiscent of a 1980s that might have been, and a control system that allows itself to experiment as if the video game industry hadn’t already calcified some design practices – are not products of a past we yearn for, but of a past yet to come. We hope you enjoy discovering this little universe of ours!


    Xbox Live

    Bahnsen Knights

    Chorus Worldwide Games

    $9.99
    In a world of religious fanaticism, F5 tornadoes and Ford Sierras you are Boulder, an undercover agent. Your assignment sees you infiltrate the Bahnsen Knights, a deadly, supercharged cult with an enigmatic leader. In this murky and dangerous world you must keep your wits about you and stay alive to unravel the mystery behind an old friend’s disappearance. Who are the Bahnsen Knights? The Bahnsen Knights are the fastest cult in the land. Powered by religious fanaticism and supercharged Sierras they follow their charismatic leader Toni as they unleash hell upon earth. What are their aims? Why are they performing ‘route exorcisms’ and babbling about 'miracles on the road'? And adding to the enigma: Why are they holding paranormal investigator Lou Hill captive in a trunk? An enigmatic leader The Bahnsen Knights’ highest authority, Toni, is an ex-car salesman preaching that Hell is not below but above us all. He was being investigated by agent Cupra, one of your oldest friends in the Agency. But now Cupra’s gone. Does Toni have something to do with his disappearance? An undercover agent You thought you had seen everything in all your years working for the Agency, but this assignment is something else, something personal, something darker… and it scares you. Will you be able to keep it together for long enough to uncover what happened to Cupra and take down Toni and the Bahnsen Knights once and for all? Danger lies around every corner and every conversation. You just need to stay alive! Features – Immerse yourself in the story with its rich, branching narratives and evocative illustrations – Decide the fate of characters in ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ style gameplay – Earn the trust of the Bahnsen Knights to survive the investigation – Piece together more of the interconnected world of Pixel Pulps – Accessible, brain-tickling puzzles throughout the story… including the return of solitaire! A Pixel Pulps adventure Bahnsen Knights is a standalone experience and the third in the Pixel Pulps series of interactive adventures. Created by novelist Nico Saraintaris and artist Fernando Martinez Ruppel, Pixel Pulps fuse exceptional writing and stunning illustration, inspired by mid-20th century pulp fiction and 80s home computer graphics. The first volume comprises three games: Mothmen 1966, Varney Lake, and Bahnsen Knights. Bahnsen Knights, like all the Pixel Pulps, is made to be played by anyone who enjoys fine storytelling.

    The post Creating the Bahnsen Knights Universe – A Love Letter to Old-School Games and Pulps appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 31 January 2024 - 20:00

    Room of Depression portrays the story of Moon, a seemingly ordinary woman living with depression. Players can guide Moon through their life journey,, from resistance to acceptance, from inner conflict to liberation, in this heartfelt narrative.

    Room of Depression is available now. We sincerely invite you to join us and experience this journey together.

    Moon lies about being fine to avoid worrying her friends, struggles to sleep at night due to overwhelming thoughts, and faces difficulty concentrating on work. Through numerous details in the game, players can empathize with the challenges of depression and resonate with the protagonist.

    RoD screenshot

    Room of Depression employs soothing, almost nonexistent music, accompanied by long stretches of light dialogue, presenting you with a somewhat closed and oppressive inner world. As Moon, navigating the daily tunnel of life, will you ever feel a sense of loss? Repeating the same things every day, seeing the same scenes in the bright spots of the tunnel, hoping for a sudden disappearance. We all experience numerous people and events every day, but in your heart, these things leave no shadow, inexplicably melancholic, a daily weight…

    RoD tunnel of depression

    Room of Depression is filled with interactive details, focusing on portraying the impact of depression. For instance, during conversations with others, some words, though simple, are hard to say, like the straightforward ‘unhappy,’ which, out of consideration for others, turns into a hesitant ‘I’m fine.’ The game requires you to awkwardly drag these letter bubbles, depicting the inexpressible feeling, aiming to showcase the oppression that depression brings. There’s also the heavy feeling of tearing off the calendar, where every day is the same, and time helplessly slips away.

    RoD decision tree

    Playing this game gives you a sudden illusion of, “I might exhibit some mild signs of depression.” You’ll have difficulty concentrating on tasks, have restless sleep, a constant sense of chaotic thoughts, lacking both passion and joy—beautiful memories smoothed away by time, leaving only the helplessness of sadness. This is a day in Moon’s life, seemingly ordinary like ours but filled with various oppressive thoughts.

    RoD thought balloons

    The concept behind Room of Depression is from games like Florence, Hell Blade, which do not serve as entertainment but rather express some messages and want to raise the player’s feeling associated with issues like being lovelorn, psychosis and blindness.

    RoD Moon character

    As we immerse ourselves in Moon’s story, we may realize that there are countless Moons around us, individuals grappling with similar internal battles. Perhaps by understanding Moon’s story, we can extend our empathy and assistance to the countless Moons in this world, contributing to a collective effort to support those facing their own challenges.

    Xbox Live

    Room of Depression

    IndieArk

    7
    $9.99
    Is there anyone around you that suffers from depression? Do you really understand depression? This game allows you to enter a world of people who suffer from depression and understand how to deal with people with depression properly. "Room of Depression" is an adventure game on Steam that focuses on the atmosphere and experience of depression. Players experience Moon's daily life. Her encounters may be as ordinary as any passer-by but her world is very different from others. The big and small events in life affect her differently because she suffers from depression. Depression is a common mental illness around the world, especially in developed cities. The mission of this work is to not only explain depression, but to let players have a taste of depression themselves through the game experience. We will donate part of the game revenue to charity fundraising projects, and you are welcome to join us.

    The post A Journey of Spirit: Room of Depression appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 31 January 2024 - 21:00

    2024 is going to be a great year for Xbox players. Across Xbox consoles, PC, Cloud, and Game Pass, you’ll find a truly special line-up on the way. As you saw in the recent Developer_Direct broadcast, our teams and partners are bringing world-class experiences to Xbox platforms. With new ideas, long-awaited sequels, incredible exclusives, and more all on the way, no matter what kind of game you’re looking for, you’ll find it on Xbox.

    To try and cram it all into a single article would be impossible, but we’ve arranged a choice selection of just some of the upcoming games into categories, to give you a sense of what’s coming this year to Xbox and PC.

    The Choice is Yours in Avowed

    Avowed sees Obsidian taking us back to the world of Eora (the setting of the Pillars of Eternity franchise), and into the unexplored Living Lands, a fantastical, vibrant island filled with adventure and danger. As with all of Obsidian’s games, it’s going to be a journey to remember – this fantasy action RPG is built around the studio’s mantra of playing “your worlds, your way,” including opportunities to approach story and combat in multiple ways, as you ultimately uncover a mystery that affects not only you and your party, but the fate of the Living Lands themselves. Coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC and cloud (and available with Game Pass on day one) this fall.

    Advance into a New Age of Grand Strategy with Ara: History Untold

    The team at Oxide Games is comprised of strategy gaming veterans – many who have worked on the acclaimed Civilization franchise together. Now they’re paving their own path to create a game they’ve always wanted to make, while finding new ways to build upon the framework of what makes the genre so great to begin with.

    With an innovative crafting and simultaneous turns system, unique leaders, and a pedigree of talent behind them, Ara: History Untold isn’t just shaping up to be the next great grand strategy game – it’s planning to usher in a whole new arena of innovation to the genre that has us excited to advance into this next age with them. Ara: History Untold arrives this fall on Windows and Steam, and will be available with PC Game Pass on day one. We recommend that you Wishlist the game on Steam for the latest breaking game news.

    Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Makes Its Haunting Return

    Ninja Theory reignites the journey of Senua in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, the long-awaited sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. The story follows Senua’s next steps across a stunning 10th Century Iceland, taking you through dark and dangerous encounters, seen through the eyes of someone who experiences psychosis, and all intertwined in a truly unique audio-visual experience – rooted in staying true to its remarkable predecessor. We can’t wait to jump back into this unique gaming world, which tells an immersive, brutal story about facing the darkness within and without. Senua returns on May 21 for Xbox Series X|S, PC and Cloud, and will be available with Game Pass on day one.

    Join a New Adventure in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

    This new journey starring the legendary archaeologist comes from the award-winning team at MachineGames – the minds behind Wolfenstein: The New Order and Wolfenstein: The New Colossus – in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games and executive produced by Bethesda Game Studios’ Todd Howard.

    Set between “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Last Crusade”, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle is a first-person, single-player adventure that will take you all over the world, uncovering clues and solving an ancient mystery. Become the adventurer in a race against sinister forces. Your journeys will take you from the hallowed halls of the Vatican and the arid deserts of Egypt to the lush and sunken temples of Sukhothai and the frigid peaks of the Himalayas.

    Indiana Jones and The Great Circle is coming later this year to Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available with Game Pass on day one.

    Soar to New Heights with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

    This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming to create the most sophisticated, immersive and awe-inspiring flight simulator of all time. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 goes beyond letting us polish up those virtual pilot wings on our uniforms, it will allow us to pursue our dream of an aviation career.

    With features like aerial firefighting, search and rescue, commercial flights, remote cargo ops, VIP charter service, air racing, and more, we’ll not only be experiencing the joy of flight, but experience the pilot career we always dreamed of. The sky is calling – Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 takes off on PC and Xbox Series X|S this year, and will be available with Game Pass on day one.

    Experience a Never-Ending Adventure in Towerborne

    Gear up and for a brand-new take on action-RPGs in Towerborne, a new adventure from Banner Saga developer Stoic and Xbox Games Publishing. A colorful tale of courage and heroism with a rich arsenal of weapons and combat abilities, Towerborne will offer a ton of replayability and charm, set in a gorgeous, dynamic world that evolves as players progress. Towerborne will make its grand debut for Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2024, and will be available with Game Pass on day one.

    Explore Enormous Open Worlds

    There’s a reason open worlds are among gaming’s most popular places – the scope they offer for freedom, discovery, and self-expression are unmatched by most. Thankfully, there are some very big hitters coming in 2024. Star Wars Outlaws is the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Fight, steal, and outwit crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. Final Fantasy XIV Online arrives on Xbox for the first time this year, welcoming you into its huge, beautiful MMO world, and inviting you to explore every inch with your friends.

    2024 also sees the long-awaited return of two cult classic franchises with wide open worlds. Dragon’s Dogma 2 brings us another eldritch blast of Capcom’s unique action-RPG, mixing high fantasy with some truly outlandish combat – once you’ve taken down a cyclops with a meteor, you’ll know why people loved the first game quite so much. STALKER 2 (coming on day one to Game Pass) will reintroduce us to The Zone after many years away, asking you to explore a mutating world by way of intense, painstaking survival action.

    Strategize on an Epic Scale

    If turn-based role playing fans thought they were eating good last year, with celebrated entries such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Sea of Stars, it’s time to loosen that belt another notch; a feast of massive adventures is on the menu in 2024. Following November’s more action-focused Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, RGG Studio shifts focus back to turn-based battle in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, out now. This one’s as epic as it is wacky, with a full island-building game embedded as an optional diversion from Ichiban’s adventures in Hawaii – the first game in the series set outside of Japan.  This week, Atlus revisits one of the most beloved RPGs of all time with Persona 3 Reload (coming on day one to Game Pass), complete with overhauled visuals, new music and voice performances, and modernized gameplay features.

    Vaunted developer Vanillaware is known for its visually distinct RPGs, and it’s bringing its first-ever title to Xbox in March, the stunning tactical RPG Unicorn Overlord. The much-anticipated Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (coming on day one to Game Pass) promises an immersive JRPG experience with a focus on rich storytelling. Players can look forward to intricate town-upgrading mechanics and engaging combat, exploring a world brimming with diverse characters and compelling narratives. Finally, one of the most striking titles at last year’s Xbox Games Showcase, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a new fantasy RPG from some of the creative minds behind the Persona series.

    Prepare for More Fearful Encounters

    Horror is one of the most captivating genres in gaming. Designed to thrill while pulling you into a world of terror, these types of games have a way of staying with you even after the lights have come back on. 2024 might be upping this a notch with one of the masters of modern gaming horror, The Chinese Room, bringing us into their newest universe with Still Wakes the Deep (coming on day one to Game Pass). You’ll be stranded on a warping North Sea oil rig being seemingly consumed by a supernatural entity. Sounds fun; sign us up.

    Some of these fearful encounters in 2024 will be returns to the familiar. Supermassive Games is taking the reins from Tarsier Studios with Little Nightmares III, bringing their horror pedigree to this beloved puzzle-platform horror adventure series. We’ll also be taking a return trip into Red Barrels’ excellent survival horror series with The Outlast Trials. One of the newest features there will be the opportunity to play with friends within the walls of a corporate-controlled sanitorium.

    Speaking of returns, we’ll also be treated to a long-awaited arrival of a new Alone in the Dark, now with a reimagined take on a horror gaming classic starring David Harbour and Jodie Comer as playable protagonists.

    Traverse New Worlds

    Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of gaming is finding a brand new series, and a brand new world, to explore, shape, and fall in love with. 2024 is going to offer many, many opportunities to do that, with multiple games marking the start of brand new journeys for players. From Xbox, Towerborne and Ara: History Untold are the beginning of brand-new series, but our partners are also bringing a bevy of new ideas to the table.

    Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn weaves together brutal melee, gunplay, and magic for a fantasy narrative that looks strikingly original. Meanwhile, Dungeons of Hinterberg (coming to Game Pass on day one) will take us to a fantastical version of the Alps, The Plucky Squire will jump between 2D and 3D in its storybook world, and 33 Immortals (coming to Game Pass on day one) turns the action-roguelike template into a never-before-seen 33-player co-op experience.

    Dive Into a Simulation

    Sometimes, the only thing better than getting lost in a new world is sculpting that world yourself – “simulator” can mean many things in gaming these days, and 2024 brings ample opportunity to sculpt an empire, or create peaceful hangouts along with friends.

    In Manor Lords (coming on day one to PC Game Pass), dynamic, medieval settings meet real history in a fresh take on city-building and real time strategy. For a quieter adventure, take your mech for a stroll through the cozy cosmic hills of Lightyear Frontier (coming day one to Xbox Game Pass), an open-world farming adventure that can be explored alone or with friends.

    And of course, as we mentioned above, Flight Simulator 2024 takes flight this year, so be sure to keep your eyes to the virtual skies (and Xbox Wire) for updates.

    Relive The Adventure

    Returning to a story you know and love can be the ultimate joy, and 2024 is packed with shiny new spins on some classic titles. Explore the depths in Tomb Raider I – III Remastered, which includes the first three games in the classic series complete with upgraded graphics. Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster also promises a triumphant return to a classic tale of good vs. evil, complete with stunning new visuals that’ll entice old and new Star Wars fans alike. Plus, you can relive an Xbox indie gem with Braid: Anniversary Edition, a lovingly updated version of the time-bending platformer, complete with charming new graphics, improved sound, and developer commentary.

    Jump Into Long-Awaited Returns

    Many of the stories and worlds that we already love are making big comebacks this year. Tekken 8 – out now – is on top form, with cutting edge combat, stunning visuals and a bombastic new story – it’s the perfect instalment for new and returning fighting fans to jump into.

    Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 by The Chinese Room takes players to the dark underbelly of Seattle, where vampires struggle for survival and supremacy. As an Elder vampire, players meet compelling characters, navigate complex political relationships, stalk the streets for prey, and engage in intense combat to uncover the city’s secrets. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launches later this year, ending our 13-year wait to step back into the boots of Captain Titus as he hacks, slashes and boltguns through hordes of vicious Tyranids in a glorious sequel.

    A fresh entry into the enchanting Mana series – and its first appearance on Xbox consoles – is also on the way. As we discovered during Developer_Direct, Visions of Mana promises a beautiful reimagining of the series’ vibrant worlds, breathtaking environments and heartwarming characters, all within an epic RPG.

    Immerse Yourself in Unexpected Art Styles

    First impressions are everything, and this year is bringing some games that will open your eyes as much as they expand your mind. In a true, ‘I never thought I’d see that in a game’ moment, Harold Halibut (coming to Game Pass on day one) is a handmade adventure built with traditional stop-motion techniques – imagine a playable Wes Anderson movie set on a submerged spaceship and you’re on the right track.

    Rise of the Golden Idol is a sequel to the beloved (and truly bizarre) detective game Case of the Golden Idol, and brings with it a style that somehow fuses the painterly and the grotesque while evoking classic ’90s point ’n’ clicks. Open Roads (coming to Game Pass on day one) on the other hand blends a 3D world with beautiful, graphic novel-style characters to striking effect, helping to tell the story of a mother and daughter embarking on a road trip and uncovering long-lost family secrets.

    Enjoy More From the Worlds You Love

    Of course, a game doesn’t stop growing when it’s released, and many of your favorites will continue to get new content throughout 2024. From the Xbox family, you can expect Starfield’s DLC expansion, Shattered Space, later this year – not to mention new seasons and updates for the likes of Sea of Thieves, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone, Diablo IV, Halo Infinite, Overwatch 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Fallout 76, Grounded, Minecraft, and more. That’s not to mention our games on other platforms, such as World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Call of Duty: Mobile.

    From our partners, you can of course expect Fortnite to continue to grow in truly unexpected ways, Destiny 2 will receive its epochal The Final Shape expansion, and Apex Legends will celebrate its fifth anniversary. That’s not to mention the likes of Grand Theft Auto Online, the EA Sports catalogue, Rainbow Six Siege, and many, many more.

    Keep Discovering With Game Pass

    With all of these new games on the way, don’t forget that Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass already contain hundreds of titles for you to try out – your new favorite game might already be waiting for you. Encompassing console, PC, and cloud (with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), Game Pass offers new games, new genres, and new ideas, wherever you want to play.

    2023 saw some incredible games join the service, and 2024 will be no different. We’ve already started strong with the likes of Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, and many more joining Game Pass in January, and the year ahead is looking very good – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Persona 3 Reload, Manor Lords are just a few of the titles on their way. Make sure to check back with Xbox Wire to find out what’s coming, and when.

    The post 2024’s Games Lineup Is Going to Be Incredible for Xbox Players – Here’s Why appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 31 January 2024 - 22:00

    Hello there! I’m Tomas Sala – solo developer of Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.


    Way back in 2020, I launched my first game on Xbox in the form of The Falconeer, an Xbox Series S|X launch title that combined a hostile, flooded open world full of political intrigue, with supernatural and spiritual overtones all seen from the vantage point of Falconeers, skilled riders of giant building sized warbirds that fought each other with lances that charged from the stormy skies.

    Four years later I’m asking you to return to the Great Ursee with the next entry in the series, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles – set 40 years after the events of The Falconeer within the same flooded open world. But whilst The Falconeer focused on tight aerial combat and moment to moment thrills, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an open world builder with freedom and expression at its core. Build sprawling towns, spires, and fortresses as hubs for trade, or rallying grounds for conquests.

    The demo for Bulwark has just landed on Xbox consoles – here’s some useful tips that will help you make the most of your time with it as you reforge a shattered world.

    Demo Tips

    Experiment in Freebuild Mode

    The included opening tutorial gets you to grips with how you’ll grow from simple wooden outposts to sprawling cityscapes in the hostile world of The Great Ursee. There is also a freebuild mode, which allows you to build without the need to locate resources, and upgrade any of your towers at will. This mode is perfect for experimenting with how you build, or simply enjoying the art of painting the landscape and embracing chaotic creativity!

    Keep an Eye on Your Resources

    Bulwark treats resources a little differently than other builders, instead of collecting X amount of a resource to build a specific unit or building, you must locate each resource type and link its extractors to the buildings you want to upgrade. The number floating above an extractor will tell you exactly how many ‘building jumps’ that resource is effective for, so optimising the routes your resources take to get to your towers is important for creating huge sprawling citadels.

    Use the Right Captains

    Some resource nodes will be far from your initial settlement, scattered across the restless waters of the Ursee. You’ll need to set a pair of harbours (indicated by an anchor icon on your surveyor’s target reticule) for pick up and delivery of your resources.


    You’ll need to hire captains to transport these goods for you You’ll start with a set amount, unlock more in the soul tree or via random events. Each captain has vessels designed to carry certain types of cargo. Don’t forget to bring workers out to the resources to upgrade the extractors and increase their efficiency!

    Keep an Eye on Your Trade Routes

    Speaking of trade routes, you can see the path that each ship will take as it ferries your precious cargo across the Ursee, though be sure to install defences along the routes where possible and pay attention to updates from your advisor – there are opportunities that would rather raid your supply lines than scavenge for their own.

    Unlock and Use Commanders

    Commanders are powerful units that live within fully upgraded towers – converting them to their faction’s aesthetic and providing useful boosts to your economy, defences to your creations and trade routes, or units to escort your surveyor and act as a war band.

    More commanders can be recruited through random events (question marks in the world map) or by simply expanding your settlement and increasing your population (progress can be checked in the soul tree)

    Use the Photo Mode
    With Bulwark’s super flexible photo mode you can control the time of day, apply depth of field and camera positioning completely detached from any unit.

    Want to turn it from night to day and soar across the Ursee to capture a whale breaking the waters by your port whilst in the middle of a raid – go for it! You can also choose to pause the action when in photo mode, or allow events and time to play out, perfect for video capture or time lapse photography as you manipulate the time of day.

    Finally, Bulwark stores every single brick you build and commits the action to memory – just click the stick while in photo mode and watch your creation build itself brick by brick from where you started to really show off the scale of your achievement and progress!

    I hope you enjoy the Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles demo, whether you’re a fan of The Falconeer returning to try your hand at creation rather than destruction, or this is your first adventure in the Great Ursee – there’s a restless world out there waiting to be tamed and built upon – and I can’t wait to see what you create.

    Thank you!

    Xbox Live

    Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles Demo

    Wired Productions

    5
    A FRESH TAKE Paint the landscape with ever more complex and stunning fortifications simply by building up from humble wooden structures to colossal defensive 'command towers'. Connect your towers through a freeform network of walkways and battlements to supply resources and defences. Build a refuge for the scattered people of this broken world and they will build their houses and industries powering your ambitions, AN OPEN WORLD OF WAVES AND LORE Extend your empire across many islands in this open world through a network of trading ships, discover new locations to build or conquer, and learn about the ancient history of the Ursee and its people in this continuation of the Falconer Saga. A DIVIDED WORLD Who you invite into your home determines your political alignment, unlocking new commanders and their flying units, war or trade-ship captains, new building options and architecture. DEFEND YOUR BULWARK Some in this world will eye your progress with envy, and violence and conflict will come for your settlements, and it will do so from the air. Your defences need to be strong, your towers mighty and your commanders with their warbirds, dragons and mighty airships need to be ready!

    The post How to Build Your Bulwark – Demo out Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 02 February 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 5 to 9

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Sydney Hunter And The Curse Of The Mayan

    CollectorVision Games

    $9.99

    Sydney Hunter and the Curse of the Mayan – February 5

    A love-letter to 8-bit action-adventure games with challenging platformer gameplay and a huge number of Maya-inspired bosses. As Sydney Hunter, adventure supreme, who by sheer luck manages to get trapped inside a massive Maya pyramid, soon discovers that the “Feathered Serpent” Kukulkan has broken up the sacred Haab calendar into seven individual pieces and has hidden them inside the very same pyramid!


    Xbox Live

    Alisa Developer's Cut

    Top Hat Studios, Inc.

    Alisa Developer’s Cut – February 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Elite Royal Agent Alisa – hot on the heels of a notorious thief in a fantastical world somewhat reminiscent of the 1920s – finds herself suddenly whisked away to an old, bizarre, Victorian-style mansion. Now trapped in a world upside down, Alisa must find a way to escape – all the while being haunted by the mansion’s strange, mechanized doll-like inhabitants. Can you survive the dollhouse… and escape with your humanity?


    Xbox Live

    Dungeonoid 2 Awakening

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Dungeonoid 2 Awakening – February 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Classic dungeon crawling gets a block-busting twist in Dungeonoid 2 Awakening, a top-down adventure presented in retro pixel art style! In this genre mashup, you’ll pick from four role-playing classes, each with their own unique stats and special skill, then set off on a quest to conquer evil by controlling a floating platform to deflect a magical orb into targets along the way.


    Xbox Live

    Cannibal Abduction

    Torture Star Video

    $11.99

    Cannibal Abduction – February 8
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    From horror master Tomás Esconjaureguy, comes two twisted tales of terror! This thrilling VHS-styled low-poly survival horror pack is a must-have for any slasher enthusiasts. With cat and mouse style gameplay and light puzzles, avoid the killers at all costs by using the shadows or hiding spots. Can you survive, or will you join the ranks of those who have failed?


    Xbox Live

    Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure

    Jetpack Collective, The Iterative Collective

    Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure – February 8

    Welcome, adventurers! Explore the beautiful Ikonei Island, befriend magical creatures, and fight monsters with your friends or adventure solo. Gather resources, craft tools, and gear. Farm the land, build your base or a cozy home, and decorate it however you like.


    Xbox Live

    INVECTOR: RHYTHM GALAXY

    Warner Music Group

    Invector: Rhythm Galaxy – February 8

    From Warner Music and the acclaimed indie game studio, Hello There Games, Invector: Rhythm Galaxy invites players to embark on a musical journey. Soar through vibrant celestial landscapes perfectly synched to the beat of chart-topping hits from some of today’s biggest stars, including Charlie Puth, PinkPantheress, Fifty Fifty, and many more.


    Xbox Live

    Mustache In Hell

    QUByte Interactive

    Mustache in Hell – February 8

    John Mustache is a tough-as-nails police officer. After some disquieting dreams, he finds himself awake in a strange place and must make an unexpected deal with the Grim Reaper to regain control of his life in this comical, twin-stick action game. You and your mustache must battle hordes of enemies, collect loot, upgrade weapons, and take on enormous bosses.


    Xbox Live

    The Inquisitor

    Kalypso Media

    The Inquisitor – February 8
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    You are Mordimer Madderdin, an Inquisitor in God’s service, sent to the town of Koenigstein which is plagued by a series of mysteries and sin. Solve the various cases and crimes of those who have transgressed against the faith, all while uncovering the truth of a darker evil from another realm that is trying to enter the world of the living.


    Xbox Live

    Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2

    Samustai LTD

    Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2 – February 9

    In the card game Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2, you must weigh every decision to not die ahead of time. Explore the kingdom from the snowy forests of the north to the endless fields of the south and meet its inhabitants. Rule graciously but firmly, deal with traitors, and do not confuse friends with enemies.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Control:Override

    Brain Station 23

    Control:Override – February 9

    Control: Override is a puzzle game where you must switch control between yourself and the environment. Break the rules of physics. Solve puzzles. Stop the rebel AI. And maybe face the reality of why it turned against you.


    Xbox Live

    Deathly Dangerous

    ChiliDog Interactive

    $4.99

    Deathly Dangerous – February 9

    Deathly Dangerous is a new twin-stick action game with high emphasis on dynamic combat, rogue-like elements, and a crisp pixel art style. This game gives you literally hordes of enemies and different tools to dispose of them — cartoonish violence has never been so fun before.


    Xbox Live

    Jubilee

    Red Art Games

    $9.99 $8.99

    Jubilee – February 9
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Jubilee is about pure precision platforming. Jump and spin through a variety of challenges: no upgrades, no power-ups. Collect gems and rescue animals. There’s multiple routes through the diverse regions of the world: make your own way to the exit… and freedom!


    Xbox Live

    Manitas Kitchen

    Entalto Studios

    Manitas Kitchen – February 9
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Bring together a group of dinosaurs with extraordinary skills to make up the best kitchen brigade the world has ever seen, all under the supervision of a very rude and very tiny boss. How does an Ankylosaurus knead dough? Why do Triceratops need a flamethrower? A Pterodactyl that cannot fly? Use their incredible skills to cook faster and better!


    Xbox Live

    Prisonela DX

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Prisonela DX – February 9
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Get ready for platforming incarceration insanity in Prisonela DX. Use your special parkour abilities to overcome all the obstacles and avoid all the traps. Don’t expect to atone for your mistakes in this prison madhouse though — each time you die, you’ll be warped to a completely different level where you’ll have to adapt and survive.


    Xbox Live

    The Tales of Bayun

    Samustai LTD

    The Tales of Bayun – February 9

    The Tales of Bayun is a narrative adventure game with RPG elements in a grim Eastern European and Slavic fantasy setting. A unique world based on fairy tales and legends. Fascinating stories with unexpected plot twists. Authentic characters with their own secrets and motivation. Tough moral choices with unpredictable consequences.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 5 to 9 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 06 February 2024 - 15:00

    Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Madden NFL 24, Tales of Arise, PlateUp!, and More

    Hi, your local game slinger here, back to add more to your “to be played” collection! Maybe you want to simulate some football before the big game; simulate running from horrors, or simulate moving things a little to the left without having to actually organize your things… we have some games for you. Claim your Perks, check out some updates, and get ready to pre-install some games!

    Available Today

    Anuchard (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    The kingdom of Anuchard has fallen. Generations after the collapse, its surviving descendants have chosen you to become The Bellwielder of the magical Audros Bell. Go forth, battle monsters, solve puzzles, and restore Anuchard to its former skyward glory!

    Coming Soon

    Train Sim World 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 7
    Hit high speeds, roam free along the tracks and get creative with a host of new tools and features in Train Sim World 4. Design your own liveries, plan Scenarios and capture railfan shots with the new Photo Mode across three detailed routes in the UK, Austria and USA.

    Madden NFL 24 (Console and PC) – February 8

    Madden NFL 24 Key Art

    Get ready to light it up in Madden NFL 24 with EA Play. PC Game Pass or Ultimate members can start your season on February 8, 2024, when it joins The Play List, and from then until March 8, you’ll also score an Ultimate Team Supercharge Pack.

    Resident Evil 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 13

    Resident Evil 3 Key Art

    Jill Valentine is one of the last remaining people in Raccoon City to witness the atrocities Umbrella performed. To stop her, Umbrella unleashes their ultimate secret weapon; Nemesis! Playing as Jill, you must navigate through the chaotic, zombie infested streets of Raccoon City, stunningly re-built using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. Solve puzzles, encounter other gruesome creatures and try to escape the relentless Nemesis in this reimagining of the 1999 classic!

    A Little To The Left (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 14
    A cozy puzzle game where every day messes become pleasing puzzle arrangements. Stack documents, sort postcards, and solve all kinds of puzzles across over 100 levels. But watch out for a playful cat who might stop by to swipe away all your hard work!

    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 14
    Returning to the Game Pass library, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG packing all the best features you’ve come to know and love from the metroidvania genre into a single, content-packed game.

    PlateUp! (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 15

    Plate Up! Key Art

    Classic cooking action with permanent roguelite progression. Cook and serve your dishes, design and decorate your restaurants, and expand your culinary kingdom with unlocks, abilities and dishes in procedurally-generated layouts. Take on the challenge solo or hire up to 3 friends.

    Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 20
    A daring space archaeologist has just unearthed the ancient resting place of a long lost A.I. god known as Grace. Adventure with various fractured A.I. personalities as you uncover the great mystery of why she was shut down all those years ago in this first-person narrative adventure set in a visually stunning ‘60s retro sci-fi world.

    ICYMI

    MLB The Show 24 is Coming to Game Pass

    MLB The Show 24 Key Art

    Coming to Game Pass on day one, MLB The Show 24 announced Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr will be the cover athlete of the Standard Edition. The Deluxe Editions will pay tribute to the legends of Negro Leagues –– Xbox Game Pass members can upgrade with the Digital Deluxe Add-On to get bonus items and play 4 days early. Learn more here.

    DLC / Game Updates

    Sea of Thieves: Season 11 – Available now
    New adventures are at your fingertips! Discover your next Voyage directly at your Quest Table, or choose a challenge that suits you and dive straight into the action. Gather fresh plunder for the Trading Companies as you rise to level 100 and beyond, earning new Distinctions and rich rewards.

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    Mighty Doom: Cacodemon Mini Slayer Cosmetic – Available now
    Wear this Cacodemon cosmetic on your Mini Slayer to show those demons you mean business!  Comes with an Xbox cosmetic for the BFG, Cacodemon cosmetic for the Heavy Cannon and more. Download Mighty Doom on mobile, and log into the game with your associated Microsoft account to claim your Perk. You will need to play through the tutorial at first launch.

    F1 23: Champions Upgrade – Available now
    Get the Champions Upgrade including 4 New My Team Racing Icons and more with your EA Play membership included with Game Pass Ultimate.

    The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure Pack – Available now
    Help celebrate The Sims 4’s 24th birthday with us! As a gift to you, enjoy the Jungle Adventure Game Pack with your EA Play membership included with Game Pass Ultimate.

    Smite: Year 11 Starter Pack – Available now

    Celebrate Year 11 of Smite in style! The Year 11 Starter Pack includes Anubis and his Voice Pack, as well as two skins for Anubis, Gravehound and Cosmic Power, and a 3 Day Account Booster.

    Leaving February 15

    The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so make sure to jump back in and take care of remaining Achievements before they leave. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

    • Galactic Civilizations III (PC)
    • Opus: Echo of Starsong (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    For more updates, stay tuned here on Xbox Wire or keep an eye on our socials over at @Xbox on WhatsApp, @XboxGamePassPC on X, or @XboxGamePass on Instagram. Catch you next time!

    The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Madden NFL 24, Tales of Arise, PlateUp!, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 06 February 2024 - 19:00

    Welcome back to the dollhouse. Following last year’s demo featured in the ID@Xbox Demo Fest Showcase, Alisa Developer’s Cut is finally releasing on Xbox One & Series X|S systems. The game aims to be a callback to the golden age of survival horror, all the way down to the native resolutions and pre-rendered backgrounds of the games of old.  The newly released launch trailer aims highlights a mix of the game’s narrative as well as gameplay, featuring an introduction to the game’s story as well as the madness waiting for you inside of the dollhouse.

    Alisa’s story takes place in a wartime fantasy universe inspired by the mid-late 1920s. You take the role of Alisa; an elite royal agent tasked with chasing a wanted criminal noted for stealing “blueprints”. However, things seem to go wrong immediately – after a surreal nightmarish experience with doll-like creatures, she wakes up in an old Victorian mansion. There she seems to be only surrounded by doll-like beings that lurk the mansion’s grounds – and aren’t exactly friendly either. Why is she there? What secrets does this strange mansion hold?

    ADC screenshot

    In-game, you’ll find yourself faced with highly nostalgic, familiar survival horror gameplay. Alisa is at its core a nostalgic throwback to the classics of the genre. The Developer’s Cut version of the game in this release features some modernized features for accessibility however, including multiple controller layouts (allowing the player to select both tank and non-tank control styles), as well as featuring the optional auto-aim toggle found in the old version of the game. It also features multiple save slots, unlike some older survival horror titles. Other than that, however, the game is a survival-horror classic down to its bones (or, pinwheels rather) – including limited currency-based saving, prerendered backgrounds, and even native 480p (upscaled to modern standards of course).

    ADC shot

    Despite taking place in a dollhouse, you’ll find yourself trekking through tons of distinct and zany environments. The game revels in variety and off-kilter humor, with tons of bizarre and surreal environments and enemies for you to overcome. The mysterious mansion is sectioned off into various different distinct areas, some of which include sprawling gardens and bathhouses, and others which are zany and otherworldly like the funhouse. Each area is filled with a sundry assortment of wicked enemies; these can range from zombie-like humanoid dolls to giant ballerinas to disembodied gigantic baby doll heads to strangely proportioned clowns – among others!

    ADC screenshot

    Lastly, Alisa features a full array of unique weapons and customizable outfits. Each weapon has a unique combat style and traits. Weapons can include the default sword and then an array of different guns – and possibly other weapons. You can both unlock as well as use your hard-earned pinwheels (the currency of the mansion) to purchase these weapons, outfits, and other items at the puppet shop in the various saferooms in the mansion. Just keep in mind you have limited inventory – so you’ll have to strategize what you take along with you as you venture deeper and deeper into the mansion’s depths.

    Developed by Casper Croes and ported to Xbox and published by Top Hat Studios, Alisa Developer’s Cut is out now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with a 15% launch discount until February 20th.

    Xbox Live

    Alisa Developer's Cut

    Top Hat Studios, Inc.

    $17.99 $15.29
    Elite Royal Agent Alisa – hot on the heels of a notorious thief in a fantastical world somewhat reminiscent of the 1920s – finds herself suddenly whisked away to an old, bizarre, Victorian-style mansion. Now trapped in a world up-side down, Alisa must find a way to escape – all the while being haunted by the mansion's strange, mechanized doll-like inhabitants. Can you survive the dollhouse… and escape with your humanity?

    The post Alisa – Developer’s Cut Brings Us to the Dollhouse appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 06 February 2024 - 20:00

    Hello there, Survivors!  I’m Evan Wolbach, co-founder of Dead Drop Studios.  Today we’re excited to share more info about the present and future of Railbreak, our mind-meltingly entertaining on-rails shooter, which is currently available on Xbox Series X|S!  The new free Time Korrisis content update is available now, our ferocious Tailbreak DLC expansion arrives in October, and new players can save 20% on Railbreak via Deals with Game Pass from February 6th to February 13th.

    Railbreak screenshot
      Be Quick or Time Will Rapidly Expire

    The new features included in the free Time Korrisis update now available for Railbreak add a whole new dimension to the game’s variety! This feature changes the whole experience into a frenzied time attack game. Blast enemies and collect items to restore precious seconds to your timer; now on top of needing to survive, you also need to watch the clock. Running out of time in a mode will cost you a continue, and your rank will be determined by how much extra time you have remaining at the end of a round! This new twist on Railbreak’s ballistic on-rails arcade shooting is sure to provide a new challenge even for players who’ve already exhaustively blasted zombies!

    Railbreak new character
    Meet a Powerful New Character with the Most Outrageous Load out Yet!

    Another major component of Railbreak’s first free content update is the addition of playable character Korrine Joining the nine-character roster, Korrine’s play style is unique compared to the rest of the cast.  Korrine’s plasma cannon is a great screen clearing tool, but it costs a lot of ammo to fire. Her glitched sidearm causes all kinds of wild effects with each shot.  On top of the grenades that every character possesses, Korrine has a fourth weapon: the Katana. This weapon blasts sword beams that have a chance of dismembering your enemy, but using it also inflicts a Super Glitch; receive Korrine’s Blessing for improved score and damage output, but also be prepared for a significant nerf determined at random.  Korrine is the game’s first expert level character, so if you think you’ve seen it all, choose her for a spicy new challenge.  On top of the additions we’ve talked about today, Railbreak has also received a graphical boost on Xbox Series X|S and other tweaks to improve the gameplay experience.

    Railbreak Tailbreak dinosaurs
    Nature’s Most Ferocious Predators Join the Carnage this October

    Looking to the future, we recently confirmed that the Tailbreak DLC expansion will arrive for Railbreak this October.  If the zombie outbreak was bad, just wait until Cypress Ridge has to contend with fearsome dinosaurs, too!  The Tailbreak DLC expansion will include new voiced story content and levels, new modes, and more.  We hope you look forward to more ferocious details in the future as we stampede toward launch!

    If you haven’t leaped into the arcade madness of Railbreak, now is the best time to yet. With a total of two game types, six exhilarating modes, and nine characters with the free Time Korrisis update, the game has never been so exciting.  You can even enjoy a timed game trial on Xbox Series X|S before you commit to buying.  The newly announced Tailbreak DLC expansion coming this October also means there’s still plenty of thrilling content to come, so the fun has only just begun.  Save 20% via Deals with Game Pass from now until February 13th and show those pesky zombies you mean business today in Railbreak for Xbox Series X|S.  It’s a war against the undead….and the clock!

    Xbox Live

    Railbreak

    Dead Drop Studios LLC

    26
    $19.99
    Free Trial
    It's Saturday night in Cypress Ridge which means the city is in ruins, hordes of flesh eating undead are on the prowl, and you have the arcade all to yourself! Grab your controller, select your survivor, and blast your way to safety as the city burns around you in this on-rails survival horror shooter. Oh, and don't forget to bring a friend for zombie fodder, er, we mean multiplayer experience! Railbreak melds a classic on-rails arcade experience with the cutting edge Unreal Engine 5. In this prelude to Outbreak: Shades of Horror, you'll get an opportunity to see the sights and sounds of Cypress Ridge and get chomped on by a zombie or four! Face the city alone, or bring a friend along with optional 2-player co-op supported across the entire game Featuring a wide cast of survivors each with their own loadouts and traits, you'll find plenty of replayability in this absurd take of a survival horror game in a survival horror game. A full story mode experience awaits across six scenarios. Bonus modes include Score Attack, and the endless Onslaught Mode that keeps ratcheting up the difficulty until the undead finally seal your fate. Crack open your piggy bank, snag a fizzy soda, and take a trip back to the 1990’s arcade.

    The post Railbreak’s Free Time Korrisis Update Available Now and Upcoming Tailbreak DLC Expansion on Xbox Series X|S appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 08 February 2024 - 21:00

    Hi, Xbox Wire readers! Today, we held our annual Whitethorn Winter Showcase, where we shared some fantastic new trailers and new details about our upcoming games coming to Xbox this year! Also, the team from the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program joined us to share some information about how the program helps empower underrepresented creators to bring their games to Xbox, and revealed a new title to join our line-up of inclusive, accessible, easy-going games.

    In case you missed the premiere, you can catch the replay by visiting the Whitethorn Games YouTube channel.

    Now, let’s take a look at some of the announcements:

    Slime Heroes

    ID@Xbox Helps Whitethorn Games Reveal Pancake Games Partnership

    ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program Lead, James Lewis, sat down with CEO and Founder of Pancake Games, Tomas Gomez, to talk about how the program has worked with the studio to bring their upcoming 3D action-adventure game Slime Heroes to Xbox and announce Whitethorn Games partnership to help bring the title to launch. But wait — there’s more! Whitethorn revealed a new trailer, showing off a terrifying (and yet somehow adorable) new boss and new area players will get to explore at launch!

    Slime Heroes takes you on a journey through a whimsical world entrusted to an unlikely hero — a slime — who must save it from a mysterious corruption. You’ll journey through the expansive 3D world — alone or with a friend — encountering ferocious enemies, challenging but approachable puzzles, and uncovering forgotten treasures. Help your slime become the hero they were meant to be by consuming magical gems and dynamically combining them to create unique and powerful magical skills to help you take down even the most corrupted minions and bosses. Discover a touching story of overcoming expectations, friendship, and forgiveness as you progress because even slimes can be heroes!

    Botany Manor

    Botany Manor Gets a Release Date

    The wait is almost over for Balloon Studios’ stunning first-person plant-puzzle game. Botany Manor is coming to Xbox — available day one with Xbox Game Pass — April 9, 2024! During the showcase, the studio released a new trailer revealing some new forgotten flora for players to bring to bloom.

    In Botany Manor, you’ll travel back in time to the 19th century and take on the role of retired botanist Arabella Greene, researching long-forgotten plants that require some very unusual conditions to make them blossom. You’ll get to explore a majestic English manor house and its beautifully cultivated gardens to uncover Arabella’s decades of research and solve puzzles to figure out the exact conditions each plant requires. As you explore the tranquil homestead, you’ll also learn more about Arabella’s life and struggles as a woman in the botanical sciences during that era.  

    Mythwrecked

    Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is Coming to Xbox at Launch

    Your Island getaway is close at hand — Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is coming to Xbox this summer! In a new video, Polygon Treehouse’s Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou shared an in-depth look at more of the gameplay, including a comprehensive look at the central friendship mechanic, treasure hunting, and much more!

    Summer can’t come soon enough because we’re so eager for you to walk the beautiful sandy beaches of Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island. Playing as backpacker Alex, who finds herself shipwrecked on a stunning Mediterranean Island, you explore a gorgeous vacation-worthy setting and meet the many residents of the Island — who just so happen to be the gods of Greek myths and legends! Something is amiss, however, as you discover the gods have forgotten who they are. It’s up to you to befriend them, search for clues and treasures to gain their trust, and help them recover their memories so they can help you in your search to find your way back home!

    Magical Delicacy

    New Magical Delicacy Gameplay Revealed

    We’re gearing up to cook up a storm this year with the cozy Metroidvania-lite cooking game Magical Delicacy — coming to Xbox, available day one with Xbox Game Pass this year! To get you ready to venture off on your own culinary adventure, solo developer sKaule dropped by the showcase with a special message and a new gameplay trailer showing off more of the town, its community of adventurers, ingredients, and of course, delicious recipes!

    Journey as the young witch Flora to the charming harbor town of Grat, and whip up and deliver some tasty treats for the town’s eclectic residents. As you traverse the 2D platformer inspired by Metroidvanias, you’ll visit shops, meet the interesting townsfolk, and take on quests to collect recipes and gather exotic ingredients. A good chef is resourceful, so you’ll be able to take your customizable recipes to the next level by foraging throughout the town and growing yummy veggies in your garden. With secrets, mysteries, and drama to unravel in the bewitching linear story, Flora’s adventures in Grat are sure to whet your appetite and leave you saying, “Bon Appetit!”

    Accessibility in Games Matters

    Making sure that gaming is an inclusive experience is an important part of the games we publish, so as part of our showcase, our Chief Accessibility Officer, Britt Dye, outlined some of the accessibility features that will be available in our upcoming games. From high contrast and color-blind visual accommodations to dyslexia-friendly fonts, multiple control configurations for two- or one-handed play, adjustable camera settings, non-narrative descriptive text and more, we are dedicated to making sure that as many players as possible can enjoy their gaming experience. In addition to the showcase, you can also find more detailed information about the accessibility features for each of our games on our website.

    We hope you enjoy the showcase and announcements. We’re looking forward to sharing even more news about each of our 2024 titles coming to Xbox, so stay tuned!

    The post New Inclusive, Accessible, Easy-Going Games Revealed for Xbox During the Whitethorn Winter Showcase appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 09 February 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 12 to 16

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Airhead

    HandyGames

    $19.99 $17.99

    Airhead – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Airhead is a journey through a vast and connected world, where you need to discover, adapt, and solve complex puzzles to prevail. Use air tanks to keep Head inflated while you explore the game’s metroidvania-style world, searching for amazing abilities and upgrades that will unlock new areas and puzzles for you to overcome.


    Xbox Live

    Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Pre-order)

    Focus Entertainment

    $59.99

    Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – February 13
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Immerse yourself in a beautiful, intimate, and powerful story between two fated lovers. As Banishers, enter the lives of New Eden’s communities and solve haunting cases in a mystical, lore-rich world plagued with supernatural creatures and ancient secrets. Use your wits or combine Antea’s spiritual powers and Red’s arsenal to defeat and banish the souls tormenting the living.


    Xbox Live

    Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

    Limited Run Games

    Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    In this brand-new interactive action-adventure game, you control the resourceful princess Arzette. Travel through multiple breathtaking locations filled with scum, villainy, and secrets, speak with the locals to uncover mysteries and objectives, and take on the evil Daimur.


    Xbox Live

    GENIE Reprise

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Genie Reprise – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Unlock mysteries scattered through time in a surreal first-person fantasy adventure! Take on the role of Lula and explore a vibrant fantasy world as she journeys to discover the meaning of the Genie and fulfill her destiny told through fully voiced poetry and 3D first-person exploration.


    Xbox Live

    Lords of Exile

    PID Games

    Lords of Exile – February 14

    Relive the glory days of classic gaming with retro-inspired 16-bit physics and perfectly polished controls. The game’s stunning handcrafted 8-bit pixel art and fast anime-style animations, the 8-bit SFX and OST, enriched with sounds from the Megadrive sound chip, complete the immersive retro experience.


    Xbox Live

    Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft

    Aspyr

    $29.99 $26.99

    Tomb Raider I – III Remastered Starring Lara Croft – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Discover Lara Croft’s original adventures, lovingly restored boasting upgraded graphics, with the option to switch to the original polygon look at any time. Play the complete experience with all expansions and secret levels on modern platforms in this definitive collection that includes Tomb Raider I + Unfinished Business, Tomb Raider II + Golden Mask, and Tomb Raider III + The Lost Artifact.


    Xbox Live

    Ultra Foodmess Deluxe

    Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

    Ultra Foodmess Deluxe – February 14

    Experience the food mess! Call your friends to explode, shoot, swing, push, dodge, destroy and, eventually, ruin your friendship. Choose from a great variety of crazy modes, each of them with their own mechanics. Choose the food that you like the most to defeat the others and prove who is the best!


    Xbox Live

    Argonauts Agency 4: Glove of Midas

    8floor ltd

    Argonauts Agency 4: Glove of Midas – February 15

    Join the Argonauts in a new time management game and help Pelias with the Midas glove! Construct buildings, remove obstacles, repair damaged bridges. Over 40 beautiful levels await you, along with a multitude of varied quests, increasing difficulty, an upbeat plot, an extraordinary magical world, and exciting gameplay for all ages.


    Xbox Live

    HAWKED

    MY.GAMES

    Hawked – February 15

    Embark on the ultimate treasure hunt in Hawked, a free-to-play online extraction shooter full of daring adventures, boundless exploration, and all-out PvPvE action in pursuit of ancient treasures. Adventure through a mysterious world where roguish Renegades battle monsters — and each other — to reclaim powerful relics from a lost civilization.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    A Little to the Left

    Secret Mode

    $14.99

    A Little to the Left – February 15
    Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Sort, stack, and organize household objects into just the right spot in A Little to the Left, a tidy puzzle game with a mischievous cat who likes to shake things up! Which way should the clock hands point? How to arrange the eggs? Who put so many stickers on this fruit?!? Come enjoy a calming world in an observational puzzle game with surprises around every corner.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    PlateUp!

    Yogscast Games

    PlateUp! – February 15
    Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    In PlateUp!, you can enjoy a unique rogue lite game that mixes frantic kitchen and restaurant management with strategic planning and development. Up to four players start and operate a restaurant from the ground up, selecting dishes, purchasing and positioning appliances — some of which can be connected together to make complex automated kitchens — preparing food and satisfying customers.


    Xbox Live

    Smalland: Survive the Wilds

    Merge Games

    Smalland: Survive the Wilds – February 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    After centuries living underground, the Smallfolk emerge from their burrows to reclaim the Overland now that the giants have gone. Join the exodus as a vanguard in an epic adventure played at a tiny scale. Explore, scavenge, craft, and build as you fight to gain a foothold in this hostile new world.


    Xbox Live

    BBQ Simulator: The Squad

    CubeCube Sports LTD.

    BBQ Simulator: The Squad – February 16

    Grill, toss, and laugh as things go hilariously haywire, from flying steaks to BBQ mishaps. Join up to 8 friends in multiplayer co-op or fly solo. Whether you’re out for a tranquil BBQ in your garden or aiming to dish out a feast, be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions – and airborne meat. Collaborate, cook, and ensure every player is fed before they keel over from hunger.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Call of Heroes: Tower Defense

    Bakart Games

    $14.99 $11.99

    Call of Heroes: Tower Defense – February 16
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Terrible creatures attempt to invade the enchanted fairy kingdom, marching toward the magical portal that grants access to the fairy realm. In this moment of crisis, the fairies have summoned a team of heroes to face this monstrous invasion. Your mission is to recruit heroes and strategically position them across the scenario to intercept the creatures and prevent them from reaching the portal, stopping them from entering the fairy realm.


    Xbox Live

    Caveman Ransom

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Caveman Ransom – February 16
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Ooga, a friendly bearded caveman living his peaceful life during the stone age, must defeat the evil bandit cavemen and free his beloved grandfather. Crush dinosaurs with jumps and obtain primitive projectile weapons, battle challenging bandit bosses, collect coins to spend in the shop, and level up.


    Xbox Live

    Easy Red 2

    Marco Amadei

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Easy Red 2 – February 16
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Easy Red 2 is the game for those who know just what they want from a World War II shooter: simulation in weapons and mechanics, historical accuracy in battles, and expansive maps leaving room for large-scale infantry and vehicle combat alike.


    Xbox Live

    Edge of Reality

    Sometimes You

    $4.99 $3.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Edge of Reality – February 16
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    A mysterious young lady changes Dan’s life forever. He thought that being an appraiser in a pawnshop was the dullest job in the world, but a series of weird events after meeting her makes him rethink his views on his work. In this game, you will dive into a complex story, where reality and dreams are mixed – when, at some point, reality may become unstable.


    Xbox Live

    Exorder

    No Gravity Games

    Exorder – February 16

    The kingdom of Cerulean needs a new ruler! The king has died, leaving two siblings Princess Beyla and Prince Tristan to compete for the crown. As potential allies and enemies gather, who will be victorious and ultimate ruler of the Cerulean Kingdom? A solid entry into the turn-based tactics genre that focuses on fun and easy to pick up combat, while offering a complex layer of strategy for those looking for more.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Mayhem Heroes

    Lucky Raccoon Games

    Mayhem Heroes – February 16
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    A frenetic beat ’em up where you need to take down as many enemies as possible and, preferably, be the last one standing. Use punches, kicks, super attacks, and power-ups to send your opponents flying out of the arena. Play with up to 4 friends and show them who’s the boss.


    Xbox Live

    SENSHI SOKOBAN QUEST

    YUME GAME STUDIO

    Senshi Sokoban Quest – February 16

    Exciting traditional Sokoban game! Properly position the boxes on the markers before time runs out, but be careful not to lose hearts. Use lightning bolts to restart levels and earn more points by completing them quickly. Have fun and challenge your mind!


    Xbox Live

    Skull and Bones

    Ubisoft

    11
    $69.99

    Skull and Bones – February 16
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Enter the perilous world of Skull and Bones, a co-op pirate open world action-RPG experience, to become the most infamous pirate kingpin! Engage in thrilling naval battles, craft a variety of unique ships, and forge unlikely alliances as you overcome the odds and bring mayhem on the seas. Be part of an immersive open world that introduces new challenges and features every season. Pre-order and get the Highness of the High Sea Pack, which includes the Notoriety Garb and the Coronation Firework!


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 12 to 16 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 09 February 2024 - 19:00
    • Promenade is a brand new and ambitious collectathon coming to Xbox consoles.
    • Download the Promenade demo and try four different gameplay sequences.
    • Play as Nemo as he goes on a beautiful coming-of-age adventure.

    Promenade is coming to Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One on February 23. And we at Red Art Games are so excited that we wanted to give everybody the opportunity to try out the game before it comes out. That’s why we put together a playable demo that give players a taste of what we believe makes Promenade so good.  That demo is available right now! But before we get into the demo’s content, let us tell you a bit more about Promenade.

    In Promenade, you play as Nemo, a kid who finds himself dropped into a world that is as mysterious as it is colorful. Luckily for him, he won’t have to make his way through this magical place alone. When things look like they couldn’t get any worse for him, a cute, and very skilled, octopus swoops in to save the day.  Joined by his new cephalopod sidekick, Nemo is tasked with the mission to repair the Great Elevator whose cogs have been scattered all around the world by a scary character. Why did that mean looking guy break everything you ask? You will have to play Promenade to find out!

    What we can tell you is that to put the all important elevator back in working condition, the brave duo will have to go on a life-changing trip across a mysterious world full of challenges, puzzle, races and funny looking creatures. In order to collect the 180 cogs needed to fully repair the elevator, Nemo and the octopus will have to face many challenges. But it will be worth it in the end.

    Promenade is a charming 2D Collectathon full of gameplay ideas and memorable scenes. Its story, told through environmental storytelling, is one of growth. Throughout his journey, Nemo will learn to overcome his fears and self doubt. Promenade’s creators were inspired by numerous and varied pieces of work such as  “Alice in Wonderland” ,  “Little Nemo”  – after which the protagonist too his name –  “Adventure Time” ,  “Peter Pan” ,   “Gravity Falls”  and   “Over the Garden Wall” . And even though it is a 2D game, Promenade has also been inspired by 3D gaming classics such as Banjo-Kazooie and Spyro the Dragon. The game’s creators worked tirelessly to reinvent as a 2D title a genre that is closely associated with 3D games.

    In the Promenade demo, players get the opportunity to try out four different gameplay sequences, as many times as they like. We carefully selected those sections of the game as we believe that they show what Promenade has to offer without spoiling the latter levels. The first sequence, called ”Cavern of Awakening” starts off with the opening cutscene and leads into the tutorial level. When they reach the end of the level, players have a good grasp of the game’s controls.

    The second sequence, “Sandy Stroll”, is Promenade’s first full level. On this sunny level, players will get to pick ups some of the game’s very first cogs. Some are easy to spot, others are well hidden… Sandy Stroll gives players an idea of the various types of situations they will find themselves in during Nemo’s journey.

    The third sequence, titled “Slinghops”, is a trial-type level. The trials are skills-based levels and tend to be the most difficult levels of Promenade. Once they’ve managed to get to the end of trial levels, players can do it all over again. But this time, with a time limit…

    The fourth and final sequence, “Masked Demon’s Lair”, leads to a boss fight. In order to complete their cogs collection, and gain access to some very special mini-games, Nemo and his companion will have to face a collection of bosses. Each boss fight is different and the heroic duo will have to use their skills and reflexes to defeat them.

    While Promenade’s creators developed it with speedrunners and fans of challenging games in mind, more casual players will also be able their time with Nemo and his octopus friend. It is  possible, and absolutely fine, to focus on less difficult cogs to get to Promenade’s ending. That being said, players who manage to collect all 180 cogs will get to see something truly special…

    Promenade invites players to find out on their own what makes each part of the world and object unique. In Holy Cap’s debut title, trying things can lead to surprising results. But as we said previously, don’t let its pastel graphics and funny looking characters fool you. Promenade has been carefully crafted with experienced players and completionists in mind. Achievement hunters who want to get the 1,000 GS on Promenade will have their hands full for a while. We can promise you that!

    Ported to Xbox consoles by Red Art Studios, Promenade is coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on February 23. Its playable demo is available now.

    Xbox Live

    Promenade – Demo

    Red Art Games

    Oh no! The Great Elevator has been broken and its cogs have been scattered all around the world! Travel the world with your poulp using a dynamic moveset to find all the cogs! Interact with colorful characters and solve puzzles! Explore dungeons and face the bosses that dwell there! Use different objects and their properties to your advantage! Collect the lost cogs, repair the Great Elevator and unlock new levels in this collectathon directly inspired by 3D platformers!

    The post Promenade Showcases its Gameplay in a Brand New Demo appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 13 February 2024 - 21:00
    • Chaotic intensity from complex natural systems and wild magic: ice meteors, volcanic craters, electrified lakes, and more.
    • Explore a vast, beautiful archipelago by boat, wing, and paw in this open world adventure.
    • Available for preorder now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Windows Store.

    Hello Gamers and Goblin Enthusiasts,

    I’m Badru, Tenderfoot Tactics‘ director, and I’m writing this post to introduce you to the game which we just announced as coming to Xbox platforms and is available to preorder today ahead of its full release on February 21st.

    Tenderfoot Tactics takes advantage of both Play Anywhere and Smart Delivery so you’ll be able to carry your squad of goblins across a variety of platforms, such as the Xbox Series S|X where you’ll be exploring the archipelago at 60fps with a native 1440p and 4k resolution (respectively).

    I’ve been playing it again on my Series S and it’s such a joy to be reminded what a curious, distinctive, and gripping game it is. So, what is it?

    TT grid

    A Rowdy, Chaotic Tactics Game with No Random Chance

    Before everything else, Tenderfoot Tactics is a game about strategic thinking in small scale grid-and-turn-based combats. The battles are fast, tricky, and wild. One mistake can spiral out into a huge number of consequences, but clever play can recover a seemingly impossible battle and turn it into a win. In line with its goblin-brained ethos, it encourages risky, aggressive tactics.

    Unlike most games of this type, in Tenderfoot Tactics, skills always do exactly what they say: there are no damage ranges or hit chances. You’ll never have to restart a combat because of a random number generator. Nevertheless, the battles are anything but predictable.

    TT screenshot

    Chaos rom Complexity: Natural Systems

    Water flows downhill, pools in valleys, and soaks into soil.

    Plants propagate and draw moisture out of the soil.

    Fire spreads through dry plants (and goblins).

    Like in the real world, Tenderfoot Tactics’ natural systems are deterministic, but so richly interdependent that the results of an action are impossible to really know, and beautiful to watch unfold.

    At the start of the game, your goblins will be relative outsiders to magic, but as you grow in power you’ll be able to evolve them into advanced breeds: Wizards and Woods Witches, Liches, Elementalists, and other strange creatures. Before long you’ll be calling down meteors, raising mountains, electrifying lakes, opening volcanic chasms, and much, much more.

    TT boat

    Exploring the Archipelago

    Again unlike most games of this type, Tenderfoot Tactics takes place in a tremendously large world, and has a lightweight, exploratory, nonlinear story.

    Very early in the game, you’ll find yourself with an objective that is both distant and vague, and you’ll have to set your own route towards it. Don’t worry if you feel lost. Take some time to sail around, looking for landmarks or interesting features. Gather birds and use them to soar higher and further afield.

    As you roam, your goblins will express their impulsive desires: to follow their nose to a nearby herb, or maybe to visit that town on the horizon. Take whatever cues seem interesting to you. There’s no wrong way to spend your time in the archipelago.

    TT terrain fjords

    Tips for New Players

    The tutorials are all available in your pause menu at any time. Don’t be nervous about skipping them if they’re too much to read at first, but do go read them eventually! The game is much more enjoyable with a full understanding of its systems, which are fairly simple.

    You can change your goblins’ skills at any time out of combat, and for the starting breed, the base ‘goblin’, doing so is completely free.

    The game features dynamic difficulty adjustment, and very few consequences for fleeing a battle, so if a fight is too hard for you, just run!

    TT mountains

    Okay thanks! Have fun with Tenderfoot Tactics! I think it looks, sounds, and plays beautifully on my Xbox Series S. It’s a strange game, and one I’m very proud of. I hope it gets its nasty little hooks in your brain like it does mine.

    • Badru
    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Tenderfoot Tactics

    Ice Water Games

    $14.99
    MODERN TACTICAL RPG, INSPIRED BY THE CLASSICS A novel, deterministic combat system, with easy to grasp rules and astonishing depth. No random miss chances. No damage ranges. Manipulate the elements to turn the battlefield to your advantage, but beware the consequences, as nature is complex and fickle. Open chasms, raise mountains, boil lakes, drain rivers. Start fires you later regret. VAST OPEN-WORLD EXPLORATION Unearth ancient ruins, discover strange artefacts, and meet new friends, in a lush, painterly world. Explore the reaches of the archipelago by boat. Take to the skies as a bird to survey the landscape and plan the best route forward. For a generation, the terrible Fog – one vast, voiceless, and cruel spirit – has been eating the once-thick forests of the mainland. Now, with nowhere left to call home, and granted magic by the friendly spirits of the archipelago, one small party of would-be adventurers sets out. Find a way to save the many goblin towns of the rocky coast, discover the truth of the Fog, and, if possible, put an end to it.

    The post Go Goblin Mode in Tenderfoot Tactics on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 14 February 2024 - 17:00

    The Xbox February Update is Starting to Roll Out 

    Xbox Update - Xbox Remote Play Touch Enabled Asset

    Summary

    • Touch controls enabled in Xbox remote play.
    • New thumbstick calibration tool for Xbox Wireless Controllers.
    • Improved filtering and sorting – My games & apps, and more.

    Team Xbox continues to bring new ways to make Xbox better, with players at the center, as we refine the experience and deliver brand-new features based on player feedback. This month’s update offers touch controls enabled in Xbox remote play, and improved filtering and sorting in My games & apps. There’s a new thumbstick calibration tool for Xbox Wireless Controllers, and a new access restriction option to make it easier for many players to play on shared consoles in places like hospitals.

    Touch controls enabled in Xbox remote play

    Xbox Update - Xbox Remote Play Touch Enabled Asset

    Want to play games when away from your console, but don’t have your Xbox Wireless Controller handy? No problem! Xbox remote play now supports custom touch control layouts on more than a hundred games when using the Xbox app on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. The same custom touch layouts available through Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) will now be available when remotely playing games from your personal console. This includes games like Minecraft Dungeons, Psychonauts 2, Sea of Thieves, and many more. Additionally, a basic touch control layout can now be used for most other games.

    New thumbstick recalibration tool for Xbox Wireless Controllers

    Xbox Update - Thumbstick Calibration Asset

    We’re excited to release a user-guided, self-calibration tool on the Xbox Accessories app that helps you to recalibrate thumbsticks for Xbox Wireless Controllers. This is part of Xbox’s continued investment in improving the repairability experience of controllers. To address minor thumbstick issues such as inconsistent responses, use the self-calibration tool in the Xbox Accessories app on console or PC to resolve issues without the need for support calls, controller repairs, or returns. 

    Xbox enables owners of Xbox Wireless Controllers to self-repair their devices by selling official replacement parts in the Microsoft Store. If you’re self-repairing your controller, the thumbstick recalibration tool should be used after you have replaced the controller’s base and circuit board, as that will likely disrupt thumbstick calibration values. Not all thumbstick issues can be resolved with this recalibration tool, including drift due to normal wear and tear.

    Improved filtering and sorting – My games & apps

    Xbox Update - New Filters My Games and Apps Asset

    We’ve added new filters and sorts to My games & apps to help you find exactly what you’re looking for on your Xbox. You can now filter games by accessibility, supported languages, and technical features. For example, if you want to see which games are touch-enabled for remote play, you can filter by Technical features > Touch enabled and find your next game to play.

    Additionally, subscription tabs in your full library have been updated to sort by Recently added, making it easier to see what’s new in subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass and EA Play. You can always adjust the sorting to find games to play in your library. Just head to My games & apps > Full library, and you’ll find all the new filtering and sorting options.

    Automatic profile sign-out

    Xbox Update - Access Restrictions Asset

    A new access restriction option has been created to make it easier to play on shared consoles in places like hospitals. Some children’s hospitals have programs to provide consoles that can be wheeled into a patient’s room and give them time to play and connect with friends. The new option makes it easier for player’s profiles to be deleted when they sign out, and it removes the need to check if patients have signed out of the consoles when the gaming cart gets moved between patients.

    To view and adjust the new options, navigate to Settings > System > Access restrictions to allow use of the Edge web browser, set a Home console, and to delete profiles on sign-out.


    Help shape the future of Xbox

    Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for future updates and all the latest and greatest Xbox related news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.

    We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that you’d like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement. We’re always looking for ways to improve Xbox experiences for players around the world. If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC. Let us know what you think!

    The post The Xbox February Update is Starting to Roll Out  appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 15 February 2024 - 21:00

    Xbox’s Promise to Bring More Games to More Players Around the World

    Today, on a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast, we shared an update on plans to continue to bring more games to more people around the world, with the exciting news that the first Activision Blizzard game on Xbox Game Pass will be Diablo IV, beginning March 28.

    Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Matt Booty also shared the vision on game exclusivity, the future of Xbox hardware, and the overall Xbox promise. There’s a lot to talk about, so we encourage you to watch the full episode here:

    With the combined creativity across Team Xbox, players can expect an incredible 2024 with the likes of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, Towerborne and more coming your way, alongside continued updates for our blockbuster franchises Call of Duty, Minecraft, Forza, The Elder Scrolls Online and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

    There will be even more to play as we begin to fulfill our commitment to offer Activision and Blizzard games with Game Pass, both new releases and classic games from its legendary catalog. We’re happy to share that Diablo IV will be available to play by the 34 million Game Pass subscribers on both PC and Xbox consoles beginning March 28! This is only the start of Xbox players being able to enjoy Activision and Blizzard games on Game Pass – we look forward to sharing more soon.

    Our combined studio teams already ship some of the biggest franchises and critically-acclaimed adventures across multiple platforms: Minecraft, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, The Elder Scrolls Online, and more have built communities across consoles, PC, and mobile. Likewise, Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda have brought dozens of games to Steam alongside Xbox consoles on launch day; the teams at Xbox have extensive experience supporting multiple platforms, while continuing to invest heavily in our studios, our consoles and services.

    Indeed, our games are reaching more players than ever; across Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, King, and Xbox Game Studios, we reach hundreds of millions of players across console, PC, and mobile.

    To ensure long-term success for both Xbox and the industry as a whole, we must continue to evolve. Today we announced that we will expand the communities we reach: we are currently in the process of bringing four Xbox games to other platforms. These are titles which have been available to Xbox players for at least a year, including hidden gems that deserve to be experienced more widely, and live service games whose communities will benefit from welcoming even more players. We will share more details on these titles soon.

    By bringing these games to more players, we not only expand the reach and impact of those titles, but this will allow us to invest in either future versions of these games, or elsewhere in our first-party portfolio. There is no fundamental change to our approach on exclusivity. 

    Likewise, our commitment to game preservation is unwavering. Xbox players should have confidence in building your digital library in the Xbox ecosystem.  We will continue to reward that with the most robust, player-friendly experiences, including backwards compatibility, cross-play, cross-save progression, convenient cloud gaming, and more. Xbox consoles will continue to provide a flagship experience for players; it’s where you get the best value and convenience, it’s where Game Pass provides unprecedented access to an ever-evolving library of games. To be clear: Game Pass will continue to be only available on Xbox platforms. 

    This is what it means to be part of Xbox:

    • The biggest games in the world will be on Xbox.  
    • Our games will come to Game Pass day one
    • A robust and innovative multi-year hardware roadmap
    • Compatibility with your library is a priority, inclusive of cross-play, cross-save, and robust cloud features.  
    • Xbox will continue to help game creators find the biggest audience possible.

    Whether you’ve been with us since 2001, recently joined Game Pass to enjoy games like Starfield or Palworld, or are looking forward to the next season of Call of Duty, the creative teams at Xbox are stronger together – no matter where you play. Xbox will be around for decades to come – we hope you’ll join us on this journey.

    The post Xbox’s Promise to Bring More Games to More Players Around the World appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 16 February 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 19 to 23

    This is Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature shows you all the games that are coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can find more information about these upcoming games below and click on their profiles for more details (release dates may vary. Let’s get started!


    Xbox Live

    Balatro

    Playstack Ltd

    Balatro – February 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress.


    Xbox Live

    qomp2

    Atari

    $19.99

    qomp2 – February 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Control a Pong ball aching to break free of its life stuck between two paddles. Explore a dangerous, minimalist world, armed with simple two button controls: tap a button to change direction diagonally by 45 degrees, and hold down a button to unleash a cathartic dash forward.


    Xbox Live

    Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters

    Frontier Developments

    1
    $44.99 $38.24

    Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Demonhunters – February 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Welcome to the brutal, war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, where the forces of Chaos threaten humanity’s very existence. Lead the Grey Knights to exterminate the forces of Chaos in this fast-paced, ferocious, turn-based tactical combat game in a saga penned by acclaimed Black Library author, Aaron Dembski-Bowden


    Xbox Live

    A Time Traveller's Guide To Past Delicacies (Xbox Series X|S)

    Sometimes You

    $4.99 $3.99

    A Time Traveler’s Guide to Past Delicacies – February 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A short game about a fictional time traveler raiding the past to steal recipes. Follow a sock puppet into the dark bowels of time and learn new recipes. Meet your long-dead ancestors. Exploit them to further your cooking skills. Take some pictures of dinosaurs. Appropriate what you can in this experimental story-driven adventure.


    Xbox Live

    Froggie – A Retro Platformer

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Froggie – A Retro Platformer – February 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Return to a simpler style of platforming action in Froggie – A Retro Platformer, a side-scroller presented in minimalistic black-and-white style where you take the role of an anthropomorphic frog as he leaps his way through 100 challenging levels! Run, wall jump, and wall slide with fluid pixel art animation as you hop on enemies’ heads, avoid spike traps and more!


    Xbox Live

    Geometric Sniper Z

    Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

    Geometric Sniper Z – February 21

    The zombifying pathogen has come out of nowhere. Society is falling apart. People are in pain. Still, they can take comfort in knowing that there is a watchful sniper always on the lookout for zombies. Take the role of that sniper in Geometric Sniper Z, a highly stylized 2D isometric shooter. Challenge yourself in different game modes, neutralize zombies using different weapons, save and escort survivors, and progress through the story.


    Xbox Live

    ROUNDS

    Landfall

    $8.49

    Rounds – February 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Shoot, block, and jump your way to victory with your shotgun-rocket-launcher-that-shoots-heat-seeking-bouncy-missiles or one of the other over 11.2 million different powerup combinations. Wave your noodle arms around to assert dominance.


    Xbox Live

    Slave Zero X

    Ziggurat Interactive, Inc.

    $24.99

    Slave Zero X – February 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Use swift swordplay, explosive ordnance, and stylish combos against an army of meat and metal. Air juggling, dashes, and frequent target switching allow for you to take down foes of any size while wall-jumping and platforming can help you outmaneuver your enemies. Conquer mini-bosses, set pieces, and climactic 1-on-1 encounters that offer intense challenges against unforgettable villains.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Tenderfoot Tactics

    Ice Water Games

    $14.99

    Tenderfoot Tactics – February 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    A novel, deterministic combat system, with easy to grasp rules and astonishing depth. No random miss chances. No damage ranges. Manipulate the elements to turn the battlefield to your advantage, but beware the consequences, as nature is complex and fickle. Open chasms, raise mountains, boil lakes, drain rivers. Start fires you later regret.


    Xbox Live

    502's Arcade

    502 Studios

    502’s Arcade – February 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An anthology of fast-paced arcade games where your goal is to reach the top of the leaderboards in each one. The games go from a dungeon crawler set in a procedurally generated temple where you must seal spirits, to a cute but challenging puzzle where you must prepare the orders of a very hectic potions shop. Come and get that good old feeling of competition you got when going to the arcade, or just having fun and challenging yourself by trying to get all the achievements for each game.


    Xbox Live

    Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator Pre-order

    Nacon

    $39.99

    Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator – February 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A relaxing gardening game in which you create your dream garden in a peaceful, colorful world. Plant and add ornaments at your own pace, transforming an overgrown forgotten plot into a flourishing community garden.


    Xbox Live

    King Arthur: Knight's Tale Pre-Order

    NeocoreGames

    $44.99

    King Arthur: Knight’s Tale – February 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Play as Sir Mordred, the former black knight of the grim tales. You killed King Arthur, but with his dying breath, he struck you down. You both died – and yet, you both live. The Lady of the Lake wants you to finish what you have begun… in the twisted, dark realm of Avalon! Experience a unique hybrid between tactical games and character-centric RPGs in this dark fantasy version of the Arthurian myth.


    Xbox Live

    Quadroids

    Just For Games

    Quadroids – February 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Control your Quadroids simultaneously on four screens and make your way through more than 100 danger-filled levels. Jump to avoid acid baths, lasers, deadly spikes, and other vicious traps, or strategically sacrifice your minions to create new platforming opportunities.


    Xbox Live

    Aery – Stone Age

    EpiXR Games

    $9.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Aery – Stone Age – February 23
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Play as a little flying spirit that watches humanity in its early states evolve. You will discover a long-forgotten land with beautiful environments, and you will be able to enjoy the feeling of flying while exploring a whole world filled with beauty and little secrets.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Demons of Asteborg

    PixelHeart

    $9.89 $7.91

    Demons of Asteborg – February 23
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    A new action-platform game straight out of the 16-bit era. Play as Gareth, a knight of the royal guard and defeat the evil forces of Asteborg. Learn powerful spells and use them to unlock your path or defeat your enemies. Collect gold from the remains of your opponents and purchase upgrades to unlock your full potential!


    Xbox Live

    Flooded

    Forever Entertainment S. A.

    Flooded – February 23

    The waters have risen to an alarming level, leaving merely a handful of places habitable. As a leader of a small group of survivors, you are tasked to extract resources to construct an ark and move to a safer location. Gather enough resources to flee to safety while the surrounding world gets flooded.


    Xbox Live

    Promenade

    Red Art Games

    $24.99 $22.49

    Promenade – February 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    The Great Elevator has broken, and its cogs have been scattered all around the world. Collect the lost cogs, repair the Great Elevator, and unlock new levels in this collectathon inspired by 3D platformers.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 19 to 23 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 16 February 2024 - 19:00

    Hello, I’m Alastair, the creator of PlateUp. I love deep roguelike games, which you can play over and over, with a different experience every time. And I love playing co-op games with friends. But it was hard to find a game that had the depth I wanted but was approachable enough for everyone to enjoy. So I left my job and made PlateUp – a co-op roguelite restaurant game – to be the game I wanted to play. After the amazing support the game has seen on PC, with over 1.5 million players, I’m excited to bring the game to so many new players on Xbox with Game Pass.

    Plateup kitchen

    You’ll need to build up your restaurant from scratch to make it in the cutthroat world of hospitality. Spend your earnings each day to buy new appliances, then arrange your restaurant to optimise your performance. You’ve got complete control of the layout. Can’t reach the sink easily? Pick it up and move it closer. Kitchen too small? Move some things into another room. Customers too far away? Cook in front of them – just try not to set their table on fire!

    It’ll start simple. You’ve got one meal to serve. Your customers behave themselves.

    But every three days, the heat turns up. You’ll be presented with a choice of two new random challenges and you (and your team) will have to decide what to take on. You might opt to add more to your menu; maybe adding a side, a starter or a dessert. Or you could increase the complexity of one of your existing dishes by adding a sauce or swapping an ingredient out for a home-made version. Alternatively, you can keep your menu simple and handle more – and fussier – customers. Maybe you’ll need to remember your customers’ orders, or maybe from now on they’ll all turn up at the same time?

    Plateup screenshot

    I wanted PlateUp to be a game everyone could enjoy. There’s lots of depth, but you only need two buttons to interact with everything. You can join your friends mid-session, and it doesn’t matter if you’re not as experienced as them – everyone can contribute without getting in the way. It’s not a blame game, and there’s no shame in losing; it’s all part of the process! I made it a roguelite, so that every time you start a new run you’ll get new dishes to serve, new challenges to overcome, and new tools to overcome them with. Everything you face will be something you’ve chosen to take on. Never get stuck on your least favourite level again.

    Plateup kitchen scene 2

    Replayability is a core part of PlateUp. It’s great to have games to play with friends, but it’s even better when everyone can keep enjoying them. Each run you play will be different, with everything from the layout of your restaurant to the appliances you can buy changing every time. It’ll be a fresh experience for everyone, experienced and new players alike.

    And as you play, you’ll unlock more content, including challenging game modes, dishes, and bigger layouts. You’ll also get a reward when your restaurant closes, which you can bring along to a later attempt, helping you get started. The more you play, the closer you’ll get to building the restaurant of your dreams.

    Plateup screenshot

    Since the game first launched on PC, I’ve grown the PlateUp team and we’ve been hard at work improving the game. Over the last year, we’ve added relaxed coffee shop and bakery modes (no dishes to clean!); we’ve also added Turbo, a fast-paced way to turn up the pressure and push the limits. Throughout the year we’ve had seasonal maps, each with new gameplay and content. I’m excited to bring PlateUp – and all these new updates – to Xbox players, and we’ve added a brand new dish (the much-requested spaghetti) to celebrate.

    I hope the PlateUp experience is something you’ll share with all your friends with Game Pass, both locally and online!

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    PlateUp!

    Yogscast Games

    168
    $19.99 $15.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass
    PlateUp! combines chaotic kitchen and restaurant management with strategic planning and development to create a delightful roguelite dish unlike any other. Up to four players build and run a restaurant from scratch, choosing dishes, buying and placing appliances – some of which can be daisy-chained together to create ambitious automatic kitchens – cooking food and serving customers. Players have free rein to design their restaurant which will expand and develop between shifts – with additional content and challenges unlocked through progression. Can you cook, serve and manage your way through 15 hectic days in your restaurant and unlock a brand-new franchise? Classic co-op cooking action, with a wide selection of mains, sides, sauces, toppings, desserts, and starters. Choose your equipment, lay out your kitchen, curate your menu and plate up your dishes. From bubbling soups to sublime salads, tender steaks to hearty pies, there's something for everyone. Look after front-of-house: seating customers, delivering orders, and managing patience. Equip your restaurant to handle the most fickle of customers and deliver them what they need, right when they need it. Co-operate with your team like a well-olive-oiled machine or build a name for yourself going it alone. Exceed your goals and take your franchise to greater heights at a new location, bringing with you new unlocks and upgrade Upgrade and rearrange your restaurant to your personal taste: when the restaurant closes for the day, the planning begins! Decide what new equipment to purchase, and place it wherever you want. Want to go high-tech? Install the turbo-ovens, crank up the conveyors, and make way for the robo-kitchen of the future. Fancy something a little more… fancy? Curate your art collection, fix up that wallpaper, enlist a friend as a maître d' and get ready to provide the culinary experience of a lifetime. Exceed your goals and start over at your next location, bringing with you new unlocks and upgrades. Tailor your brand towards gourmet dining, or fine-tune your fast food franchise. Every restaurant is procedurally-generated with its own climate, customers and conditions. Return to your franchise HQ to view your achievements, customise your characters and upgrade your kit, ready for your next adventure!

    The post PlateUp! A Delectable Kitchen Roguelite Combining Kitchen Chaos and Management appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 22 February 2024 - 21:30
    • Releasing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and via Xbox Game Pass
    • 700-year-old manuscripts as concept art
    • Inkulinati and Pentiment team up with characters available in both games

    Hello Xbox community!

    Today marks a monumental milestone – our medieval turn-based strategy game, Inkulinati, is leaving the Xbox Game Preview Program and you can now enjoy the full 1.0 release! To mark the occasion, we’ve got a brand-new shiny release trailer, voiced by famous bardcore musician Hildegard von Blingin’. Check it out above!

    So. what is Inkulinati, you might ask? Well, it is a turn-based strategy game, where a rabbit’s bottom can be deadlier than a dog’s sword (trust me, this is not a mistake!). It is inspired by real medieval art and is entirely played on the pages of medieval manuscripts. If you’ve ever seen old medieval books with funny drawings on the sides of the pages, or even medieval memes on the internet, these hilarious doodles (called “marginalia”) were used as the basis for, well, everything in our game.

    Inkulinati animals

    All of our characters, maps (which we call Battlefields), beasts and objects are based on these drawings made by medieval monks and scribes, sometimes called Illuminators. That’s why we say Inkulinati has been over 700 years in the making.

    So, while you may come across some ridiculous shenanigans like donkeys playing trumpets with their bottoms, fish wielding knives and devils with faces instead of butts, trust me, it’s not us who came up with it – it’s actually people from the Middle Ages and Inkulinati is a tribute to their work.

    In fact, to be as authentic as possible, we even consulted with a real medievalist to make sure we were using these inspirations correctly and staying true to the source material. So, as you sit back and watch your army of manuscript monkeys throw poop at enemy beasts, you can relax in the knowledge that you’re actually learning history (feel free to flex that fact in front of your history teacher!).

    Inkulinati sketch 2

    As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been part of the Xbox Game Preview program for just over a year now. And in that year, we’ve made a lot of changes. We added a lot of content, worked tirelessly on balancing and tweaking, squashed those pesky bugs – we’ve listened a lot to you – our community – to make Inkulinati the best it can be. And at this point, I must give a huge shout out to the wonderful Xbox community who have helped us improve along the way.

    Thanks to you, we’ve added a lot of new features and ironed out the kinks you thought needed ironing out. For example, our tutorial (called the Academy) is now very different from what it was a year ago – it consists of learning the game through numerous puzzles and challenges that require you to understand the mechanics of Inkulinati in order to solve them and progress. We have added some accessibility features and reduced the shaking of the screen during certain actions to give you a better experience. Without you, Inkulinati would not be the game it is today – so thank you!

    But hey, let’s talk about one of the coolest things that has ever happened to our studio – it happened during our time in the Game Preview program. We had the chance to work with the fine folks at Obsidian Entertainment and their fantastic game Pentiment!

    Inkulinati pentiment key art

    How did this happen, you might ask? Well, during Gamescom 2022, where Inkulinati and Pentiment were both showcased on the Xbox stand as future Game Pass releases (in fact, we were literally neighbors – our gaming stations were next to each other), and we had the opportunity to discuss a collaboration for the ages – cameo appearances of our characters in both of our games. We both thought it would be a good fit, as historical accuracy and the manuscripts themselves are an important part of both titles.

    One conversation led to another, and eventually we welcomed Pentiment’s main protagonist – Andreas – as a playable character in our game! (You can play as Andreas in the Journey – a single-player campaign with rogue-like elements) In return, some of our in-game characters were added to the margins of the Pentiment books! What’s cool is that it was a real collaboration – Obsidian artists recreated our art in the Pentiment style, and our art director drew Andreas himself. It was right thing to do – that way all the characters, originals and their versions from another game, are concise and fit the game they’re now part of.

    For us indie game developers making our first game, it was an incredible experience. Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would have a character from a game by Obsidian Entertainment – a studio we were fans of before we started our game development journey – in our game, and our characters in theirs.

    So, if you decide to play Pentiment (and you should – it’s a real labour of love and one of the most extraordinary gaming experiences out there), you might also come across some Inkulinati characters in Pentiment’s in-game books. If someone had told us that our characters would be in an Obsidian game, we would have thought it ridiculous. So, our story just proves that crazy things do happen!

    Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and I really, really hope that you will have a blast-of-a-time in our turn-based strategy. Inkulinati 1.0 is now available to play on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows and via Game Pass. Thank you so much for reading and good luck out there illuminating the Battlefields! Oh, and we are still planning to do some post-release updates, so feel free to join our Discord and share your feedback with us!

    All the best,

    Ryszard Kiełtyka

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Inkulinati

    Daedalic Entertainment

    178
    $24.99 $19.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass
    Free Trial
    Inkulinati is an ink-based strategy game straight from medieval manuscripts, where a rabbit’s bum can be deadlier than a dog's sword. Take your turn in Inkulinati duels filled with unexpected tactical depth (and humour!). Embark on an ever-changing journey, build your own bestiary, defeat medieval superstars and collect perks to unleash special powers. Become a master of the Living Ink, grab your quill and build your unique strategy time after time so that you can be named the greatest Inkulinati of all time! INKULINATI IS INSPIRED BY REAL-LIFE MEDIEVAL MARGINALIA 700 years in the making, finally these bizarre art pieces can come alive in a video game and show that medieval people also had their “memes” and that they laughed from the same silly things that we do today. You’ll see sword-wielding rabbits, dogs with spears, trumpets lodged in bottoms, human-eating snails, and more. Much, much more… FIGHT LIKE AN INKULINATI Inkulinati are a legendary group who battle one another on the pages of medieval manuscripts. They fight by drawing Beasts with the Living Ink. Thanks to this magical substance, those creatures come to life and an epic battle ensues.Move your Beasts across the battlefield, perform actions on or with them, make tactical use of obstacles and collect more Living Ink to draw new Beasts which allows you to gain an advantage over your opponent. MULTIPLE DEADLY (AND BIZARRE) BEASTS TO UNLOCK Donkeys playing trumpets with their bottoms, bishop cats vanquishing heretics with prayers, heavy but deadly snails that eat units alive, and more. Much, much more. They all have their special skills and are waiting for your command. SPECIAL, BATTLE TIDE-TURNING ACTIONS PERFORMED BY THE INKULINATI It’s not just your Beasts that can cause havoc and damage. Use your fists to smash your opponent's units, draw obstacles to create barriers, relocate your units with a move of your finger, or explode your troops to create pure, pure chaos. Just remember – your opponent can do it too. ADAPT YOUR TACTIC TO EVERY BATTLE Each Inkulinati has its own army, with different Beasts, who in turn, have different abilities, strengths, and unfortunately, weaknesses (or fortunately – depending which side you’re on). But it’s not just the armies that can influence who will win any given duel. Each Battlefield is its own domain, with its own particular dangers that you should watch out for, and opportunities that you can use. You will have to use your wits and adapt your strategy to beat the opposing Inkulinati’s army on each specific Battlefield. A SINGLE-PLAYER CAMPAIGN Uncover the mystery and secrets of Inkulinati and face such opponents as Death, Dante Alighieri, and more. Go out into the world and start your adventure! Fight the biggest Inkulinati masters in the land, tame the untamed Beasts, build your ultimate army, try to bring back your Master from the clutches of death, and most importantly, finish your grand quest with the biggest party that the middle ages have ever seen! Howza!!! CREATE AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN CHARACTER As any aspiring Inkulinati Master, you will get to create your own Tiny-Inkulinati. During your journey you will learn the secret techniques of drawing new Beasts and Inkulinati Hand Actions, allowing you to choose the composition of your army. You can be a brave knight that has no fear and will send his loyal troops straight at his opponents. Or perhaps you would like to play with a bit more tact? In that case, you can be a nun who with the power of prayer can confuse her enemies and heal thy own servants. Those styles, and more, are waiting to be discovered and made your own. Express yourself! EVERY BATTLE HAS ITS OWN STORY To mark every battle in history books for all future generations to see, a procedurally generated text describes the dramatic (or hilarious) events in detail just above the battlefield.

    The post After 700 Years in the Making, Inkulinati 1.0 is Now Available to Play appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 22 February 2024 - 22:00

    A Survival Shooter Like No Other

    Innovation often comes from blending distinct genres to create a new, engaging experience for players. Geometry Survivor is a testament to this creative process, merging the fast-paced shooting action of Geometry Wars with the addictive progression and survival elements of Vampire Survivors.

    The Origin of the World of Geometry Survivor

    The idea for the game originated from a desire to combine the high-adrenaline gameplay of classic arcade shooters with the strategic depth and character progression found in modern survival games. Geometry Wars provided the perfect template for the game’s intense shooting mechanics, renowned for its vibrant visuals and dynamic enemy patterns. Meanwhile, Vampire Survivors offered a blueprint for incremental progression and survival against overwhelming odds, where players enhance their character’s abilities over time to withstand hordes of enemies.

    Our aim was to create a game that not only pays homage to these influences but also create a game that stands on its own as a unique title. The core concept revolves around navigating a large arena, surviving against waves of enemies, and evolving the player’s abilities through strategic choices.

    GS concept photo

    Overcoming the Obstacles for Challenging Gameplay

    Blending two distinct gameplay styles presented several challenges for the development team. One of the primary hurdles was balancing the game’s pacing. The team needed to ensure that the shooting mechanics complemented the progression and survival aspects without overwhelming the player or making the game too easy.

    Another challenge was designing enemy patterns and progression systems that would keep players engaged over time. We had to conduct extensive testing to fine-tune the difficulty curve, ensuring that the game remained challenging yet fair.

    GS attack screen

    Unique Features of Geometry Survivor

    A fundamental element of the game harks back to the essence of arcade classic shooters, where a player’s bullet would immediately annihilate an enemy ship, disintegrating it into fragments. We decided to use a simplistic health system where each entity can be eliminated with a single bullet.

    This departure from the conventional damage/health paradigms introduces distinctive challenges in the design of varied and engaging weaponry.  Given the one-shot kill mechanic, the game strategy involves flooding the screen with enemies spaced at various intervals. Each adversary exhibits unique movement behaviors, which, when combined, result in highly challenging combat scenarios.

    Players are required to adeptly navigate through hordes of enemies, making tactical use of weapons to dispatch foes before becoming overwhelmed.

    GS screenshot

    High Performance Highlights

    The implementation of the Entity Component System (ECS) in Unity significantly contributed to enhancing the performance of Geometry Survivor, enabling the game to achieve a solid and high framerate even during intense gameplay moments. ECS architecture separates data and behavior, which allows for more efficient data access and manipulation, reducing the overhead typically associated with object-oriented programming. This approach was particularly beneficial for Geometry Survivor, where the screen can be inundated with numerous enemies, projectiles, and effects simultaneously. By utilizing ECS, we were able to take advantage of highly optimized, multithreaded code execution, ensuring that the game’s performance remained fluid and responsive.

    This optimization was crucial for maintaining the fast-paced action and visual clarity that were central to the game’s design, providing players with a seamless and engaging experience without compromising on graphical fidelity or gameplay complexity. We hope you enjoy Geometry Survivor! The game is available now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

    Xbox Live

    Geometry Survivor

    Brain Seal Ltd

    3
    $7.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced
    Geometry Survivor is a rogue-lite auto shooter where you must survive for 20 minutes. Fight against waves of geometry ships, defeat their formations and survive the grid world. – One hand gameplay: Use just one hand to control the direction of your ship – Auto-Shooter: Your weapons fire automatically, letting you concentrate on staying alive – Weapons: Each run allows you to get a unique combination of weapons – Credits: Earn credits and permanently unlock new upgrades – Enemies: Enjoy the multitude of enemies each with their own AI – 20 minutes of intense gameplay – Retro visuals and music straight from the 80s – Delicious gameplay! Geometry Survivor is the ultimate survival game, do not miss it!!

    The post The Making of Geometry Survivor, Out Now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 23 February 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 26 to March 1

    This is Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature shows you all the games that are coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can find more information about these upcoming games below and click on their profiles for more details (release dates subject to change). Let’s get started!


    Xbox Live

    Bio Inc. Redemption

    Klabater

    Bio Inc. Redemption – February 27
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A complex biomedical simulator in which you make life or death decisions. Create the ultimate illness to infect and torment your victim or play as the head of a medical team and hopefully find a cure to save your patient. Will you be the plague or preserve humanity?


    Xbox Live

    TRUDOGRAD

    ATENT GAMES LLC

    Trudograd – February 27

    Trudograd is a standalone story expansion to Atom RPG. Explore a vast open world, containing 40+ hours of gameplay and 45+ populated locations. Your goal is to travel to a giant post-apocalyptic metropolis that withstood the tests of nuclear obliteration and social collapse. There you must find what is thought to be humanity’s last hope in fending off the menace from outer space!


    Xbox Live

    BROADSWORD: WARLORD EDITION

    Hoplite Research LLC

    $29.99

    Broadsword: Warlord Edition – February 28

    Experience turn-based strategy gameplay as players move from mission to mission in the Middle Ages. Command one of five different armies: the English, The French, the Spanish, the Poles or the Hapsburgs. Lead different types of units into battle , and control special hero units such as Henry III, Joan of Arc, Wladylaw I of Poland, and Peter of Castile, among others whose special ‘hero’ powers can affect the entire battlefield.


    Xbox Live

    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake

    505 Games

    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake – February 28
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Hailed by critics when it was originally released, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is back! Faithful to the gameplay and touching story from 2013, guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale filled with discovery, loss, adventure, and mystery. With their father suffering from a deadly illness, two brothers must bravely set out to find the “Water of Life,” the one cure that can save him.


    Xbox Live

    Cook, Serve, Delicious!

    Vertigo Gaming Inc.

    Cook, Serve, Delicious! – February 28

    A deceptively easy game to learn but incredibly challenging to master as you progress from owning a rundown zero-star café into a five-star world famous restaurant. Manage your restaurant as you balance out your menu with thirty foods and hundreds of recipes, compete in cooking television shows and mysterious tournaments, and upgrade your equipment while battling robbers, impatient customers, and lots more!


    Xbox Live

    Dead End City

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Dead End City – February 28
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Blast your way through post-apocalyptic wastelands in retro shoot’em up style! Dead End City is a post-apocalyptic vertical shooter. You drive a heavily armed car called a Chariot into the wastelands to rescue your loved ones from Scorpio, a gang that has conquered what little is left of humanity. Relive the thrill of ’90s arcade classics in top-down shoot ’em up style!


    Xbox Live

    STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster

    Nightdive Studios

    Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster – February 28
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Brought to life by the team at Nightdive Studios, and fully remastered through its proprietary KEX engine, in the first Star Wars FPS video game, players assume the role of Kyle Katarn, a defector of the Galactic Empire turned mercenary for hire. Katarn joins the Rebel Alliance’s covert operations division tasked with infiltrating the Galactic Empire, where he discovers the secret Dark Trooper Project. New and returning players will enjoy upgraded gameplay, high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting and rendering, and support for gamepads.


    Xbox Live

    Pecaminosa – A Deadly Hand

    2Awesome Partners

    $9.99 $7.99

    Pecaminosa – A Deadly Hand – February 28
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Blending the charm of pixel art and the mechanics of an action RPG, with the atmosphere of film noir, you have not seen and played anything like Pecaminosa – A Deadly Hand. Interrogate suspects, explore a city dominated by crime and sin, and never hesitate to use your fists and guns. These are hard times in a very tough city.


    Xbox Live

    Tamarak Trail

    Versus Evil, LLC

    $14.99

    Tamarak Trail – February 29
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this deck-building roguelike, you’ll use a customizable dice set as you battle through randomly generated trails – full of loot, mysteries, and danger to protect inhabitants from the evil that has corrupted the trail. As a member of the Sturgeon Lodge: a secret society tasked with defeating a malevolent presence that has corrupted Tamarak Trail, it is your job to bring peace to all inhabitants.


    Xbox Live

    Welcome to ParadiZe Pre-order

    Nacon

    $39.99

    Welcome to ParadiZe – February 29

    Do you want your very own zombie companion? A faithful friend that protects you from its peers and accompanies you on all your adventures? At ParadiZe, we make it happen! Here, the zombies do all the dirty work. In this action-RPG with co-op capability, ingenious survivors are testing a technology that can be used to control the zombies that have overrun the world. Once hacked, they become invaluable allies, even though they are not that smart and sometimes rather unstable. It’s not all rosy in ParadiZe, but if you’re reasonably clever and handy, maybe you’ll manage to survive…


    Xbox Live

    PopSlinger

    Artax Games

    $12.49

    PopSlinger – February 29
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Join Ria Carbon along with the former PopSlinger heroine Gin in a whimsical adventure to save their planet from the otherworldly forces using their magical soda-powered guns, while grooving to a funky and dynamic original soundtrack that reacts to your performance.


    Xbox Live

    Match Village

    QUByte Interactive

    Match Village – February 29

    A minimalist puzzle and strategy experience about combining buildings to build villages on beautiful, procedurally generated islands. Combine buildings to create your villages and cities on endless islands scattered around the world and enjoy relaxing atmosphere – no resource management or armies, just focus on building.


    Xbox Live

    Eldgear

    KEMCO

    Eldgear – February 29
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A tactical strategy RPG set in a fantasy world. In the vast unexplored land of Argenia, where hundreds of nations are crowded together, a new era is about to begin, leaving behind the medieval era and entering the era of magical civilization. In turn-based battles, you can choose your own strategy, whether you dash alone like lightning, or advance steadily like the earth. Immersive and enjoyable pixel animations take place to enhance the battle experience.


    Xbox Live

    Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions

    SHUEISHA GAMES Inc.

    $24.99

    Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions – March 1

    Become Captain Velvet Meteor and help Damien conquer his fears in a tactical adventure enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. Damien’s life is flipped upside-down when his family moves him to Japan. A shy boy, he copes with his newfound loneliness with the power of his infinite imagination and creates an imaginary hero named “Captain Velvet Meteor”.


    Xbox Live

    Dynacat

    Replayne

    Dynacat – March 1
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dynacat’s home has been invaded by an army of robots who are draining energy from the land and storing it in the form of magic crystals. Follow Dynacat on an adventure to fight back against the robots and protect the land from withering. A fast-paced 3D platforming game with an isometric perspective – speed through stages by using platforms, springs and other stage elements to overcome obstacles. If you’re going fast enough you can even run on walls!


    Xbox Live

    The Mobius Machine

    Madruga Works

    $24.99

    The Mobius Machine – March 1
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A classic 2D adventure game with detailed 3D visuals. Explore an interconnected world filled with brutal lifeforms and malfunctioning machines. Find your way through abandoned facilities and perilous environments, on the surface and in the depths of this remote alien planet. Choose your own path and explore a complex open world, discovering it in your own way.


    Xbox Live

    Ufouria: The Saga 2

    Red Art Games

    Ufouria: The Saga 2 – March 1
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    In this family-friendly platformer sequel, rampage through the fluffy feltwork arts-and-crafts recreation of the world of Ufouria, with your trusty crew from the original game in this exploration-based action side-scroller. Of course, newcomers to Ufouria are welcome too!


    Xbox Live

    M.A.D. Cows

    Cascadia Games LLC

    $4.99

    M.A.D. Cows – March 1
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Militant. Armed. Domestic. Cows! An exciting, retro, action-platform game. Mow down aliens. Buy better guns. Rescue cows, dogs, raccoons, and more. For centuries, the aliens mutilated cattle with little to no consequence. Finally, the cows had enough. They organized. They trained. Now they are ready… for their revenge!


    Xbox Live

    One More Dungeon 2

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    One More Dungeon 2 – March 1
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A dungeon crawler roguelite in a fantasy setting. As a nameless adventure seeker, you venture into an ancient dungeon full of secrets, traps, and hostile creatures. You wake up in the ruins of an ancient fortress, held captive by giant sentient snails. Use a wide arsenal of magic staves, melee weapons, and forbidden artifacts to fight your way through the crowds of enemies and make it out alive!


    Xbox Live

    Frontier Pilot Simulator

    RAZAR s.r.o.

    Frontier Pilot Simulator – March 1
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Embark on a thrilling journey as a Frontier Pilot in this immersive sci-fi cargo sim, where dynamic missions, seamless trading, and a vast alien world await your exploration. Take command of customizable and upgradeable VTOL craft, navigate challenging weather conditions, and push your piloting skills to the limits.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Colorful Boi

    Webnetic s. r. o.

    Colorful Boi – March 1

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey like no other! This captivating platformer boasts 63 levels of intense gameplay, filled with treacherous traps. Colorful Boi will push your skills to the limit and deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. Are you ready to conquer all the challenges and become the ultimate platforming champion?

    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 26 to March 1 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 27 February 2024 - 21:00

    Dinosaur Survival Horror

    While the gaming world waits for Dino Crisis to one day be raised from the grave, the indie scene is already being treated to the bone-chilling world of Fossilfuel 2, a puzzle-filled horror shooter with a huge cast of dinosaurs. Developed by indie outlet DangerousBob Studio LLC, this highly-anticipated sequel takes survival horror to new depths. Brace yourself for a heart-pounding journey through flooded tunnels, puzzle-filled bunkers, and dark corners teeming with jump scares.

    FF2 dinosaur
    Spinosaurus will track you down on land or in water.

    The Sierra Research Facility: Run, Think, Shoot, Live.

    In the cold wilderness of Alaska lies the Sierra Research Facility, once the pinnacle of cutting-edge research and development. But when the dinosaurs imprisoned within its walls break free, the base becomes an underground tomb. As Jack Allen, part of an expedition sent to investigate the Sierra disaster, you’ll face the ancient reptilian menace and also discover a vast conspiracy that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

    FF2 explosion
    The flamethrower is particularly satisfying.

    Gameplay

    • First-Person Survival Horror: Step into Jack’s shoes and sneak around maze-like corridors, hide in vents, and lay traps, as raptors hunt you down.
    • Non-Linear Layout: Explore the flooded base, revisit areas, upgrade weapons, and create safe zones by draining water unlocking the game’s multiple endings.
    • Glorious Gory Detail: Blast dinos apart, earning the game that M rating, with an arsenal of deadly weapons, from shotguns and magnums to flamethrowers that dynamically light up enemies.
    • Scuba Gear Required: Dive into flooded hallways and rooms, battling monsters of the deep, as aquatic dinos prove to be just as threatening as their land-based relatives.
    • War Photographer: Use a digital camera to snap pictures of dinosaurs. Photo points can be traded to get upgrades and weapons adding an RPG element to the game.
    FF2 megalodon
    A horror game with a Megalodon? Yes, please.

    Features

    • Multiple endings: With multiple endings, players will have a unique experience based on the dynamic choices they make.
    • Primal action: Players will have the option to turn on Primal, which will overhaul the entire game into an intense boomer shooter, effectively giving players an entirely new experience.
    • Horde mode: Unlock achievements as you try to survive the 50-wave horde mode.
    • Sandbox mode: a Garrys mod-like sandbox can be unlocked for players to brandish their creativity. Spawn NPCs and watch them fight, or make a house with the block spawner, the possibilities are endless.

    Check out Fossilfuel 2 today on the Xbox Series X|S.

    Xbox Live

    Fossilfuel 2

    DangerousBob Studio LLC

    24
    $19.99
    Turn up the volume, dim the lights, and get ready for the ultimate Jurassic survival horror experience. Load your shotgun and put those dinos back where they belong—in the ground! Summary: Return to the Sierra Research Facility, now overrun by dinosaurs in the Alaskan wilderness. Assume the role of Jack Allen, the point man of PMC Alpha, a team of mercenaries assigned to unravel the mystery behind the dinosaur outbreak. Gameplay and Features: Fossilfuel 2 boasts a diverse array of terrifying dinosaurs, from Utahraptor to Spinosaurus. Survive using your wits, strategically utilizing items and weapons found along the way. The game offers multipath gameplay, allowing players to make choices that dynamically shape the narrative, leading to multiple endings based on their actions. Additionally, enjoy RPG elements such as in-game shops and item collections to level up your character and achievements. Can you conquer nature and survive? Horde Mode: Fossilfuel 2 introduces a challenging horde mode, where players can push their skills to the limit and unlock achievements. Multiple Endings: Player actions matter. Progress through the game, and your decisions will influence its course. Fossilfuel 2 adapts to your playstyle and choices, ensuring significant replay value with multiple endings across 6 to 10 hours of gameplay. Play as a Raptor: Experience Raptor gameplay, enabling players to take control of a Velociraptor. Sneak through vents and corridors to eliminate human intruders, turning the tables on the survival dynamic. Primal Mode: The adventure doesn't end after beating the game. Unlock Primal Mode, where Fossilfuel 2 transforms from a survival horror game into an action-packed experience. Start with the best weapons, face doubled and buffed enemies with new challenges, as the developers throw everything at you!

    The post Dinosaur Survival Horror Makes its Grand Return in Fossilfuel 2 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 28 February 2024 - 17:00

    February’s Indie Selects: Amazing and Delightful Indie Games Chosen by the ID@Xbox Team

    Indie Selects February Hero

    Last month, we announced the Indie Selects program, through which the ID@Xbox team highlights recent indie faves with our weekly “Featured Indies,” along with great older titles showcased via rotating themes.

    The program culminates in our monthly “Indie Selects,” where we choose six games from the month’s featured indies to be the team’s picks for the month. We don’t like to say “best,” as there are undoubtedly going to be some amazing games that don’t end up getting chosen, but these are the ones that the whole team has voted on and that come out on top. With Indie Selects, we want to shine a spotlight on games you might not otherwise see – and you’ll get an incredible selection of new, revolutionary, or just downright strange games to play every month.

    The criteria is relatively simple: we look at games we consider to be Indies that have recently launched on Xbox, and the whole team votes. The top six vote-winners are our Indie Selects for the month. (Note that we are not including Game Pass games in this program, as they get tons of exposure through the Game Pass channels).

    With that explained, I’m incredibly excited to announce the Indie Selects for February, which include everything from a spirited lil gator, to an incredibly deep puzzle game, to a wizard whose chosen weapon is a firearm. These are all games that the team feels confident you’re going to love. Here they are, in our own words (and in no particular order):

    Lil Guardsman

    Lil Guardsman Art

    Timbre says: The delightfully quirky Lil Guardsman had me equal parts giggling like a maniac and critically thinking about my choices. Playing as a 12 year old who’s taken over her dad’s shift at the guard house, you need to use your deduction and puzzle solving skills to decide the fates of elves, goblins and other fantasy creatures – and your choices determine the outcome for the whole Kingdom.  After getting killed by a singing princess and inadvertently inviting capitalism into the city, let’s just say I had a lot to consider. What I know for sure is I highly recommend this wonderful, funny and literal gatekeeping game.

    Xbox Live

    Lil' Guardsman

    Versus Evil, LLC

    10
    $19.99
    In this deduction adventure, you play as Lil – an unlikely 12-year-old hero – covering your dad's shift at the guard shed and are tasked with deciding the fate of over 100 unique characters. You will question humans, elves, goblins, cyclopses, and other fantasy creatures using your powers of deduction to determine who to admit or deny based on how they respond to your questions and your trusty tools. Sending visitors to jail, inadvertently zapping them to smithereens, or letting them go on their merry way are all part of the job. But be careful: who you let through the castle gates will determine the kingdom's fate. FEATURES: • Fantasy/Comedy Narrative: See the Sprawl and its fantastical & quirky citizens through a royal wedding to one of two kingdoms vying for an alliance, and a subsequent siege by whoever you've angered in the process. Your decisions can determine the fate of the city and its people! • Interrogation Puzzles: Interrogate 100+ fully voiced characters in just the right way to earn a perfect score. Tools of the trade: Spend your hard earned gold wisely on powering up your guardsman toolkit, and strategically deploy these to admit or deny the right people or…goblins? • Rewind Time: Use your trusty Chronometer3000 to go back and get a higher score… but be careful not to break space and time in the process.

    Lil Gator Game

    Lil Gator Game Art

    Glenn says: From the moment you first meet Lil Gator, this cozy, narrative-based exploration adventure game oozes with charm. It feels playful and simple at first, as you complete tasks to draw your distracted older sister into the amazing game you’re creating, but beneath the surface there’s an incredible amount of heart to uncover. This would be a great game for kids, but you definitely don’t have to be a kid to fall in love with it.

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Lil Gator Game

    Playtonic Friends

    21
    $19.99
    The island is your playground There’s a buddy atop every hill in this open-world, movement-focused adventure and they all seem to need help! Bop cardboard baddies, brave serene hills and forests, and scale sheer rocks that only a kid would dare! Joyful Exploration Explore a lovingly crafted island full to the brim with areas to discover, friends to make and joy to be had. Each area of the island brings unique quests and characters to meet. Glide through the mountain tops and drop in on the Theatre Troupe kids, swing your stick sword through the forest with the Prep schoolers or find the ‘Cool Kids’ down in the Creaklands. With plenty more areas to discover, there's no knowing who you might run into! Make Friends The world is big when you’re a lil gator… Good thing it’s also full of friends! Make new friends and invite them to play in the islands playground. Each new friend you make will add to your adventure, but making new friends isn’t always easy, You might have to complete a quest or two! Crafty Customization Collect arts & crafts supplies all over the island! Use them to make yourself all kinds of goodies and bring the playground to life! Craft new abilities – use your ragdoll teddy to ragdoll lil Gator from mountain top to the valleys below! Skim pebbles into hard-to-reach cardboard baddies! Bop Baddies A no-pressure adventure game! Lil Gator game focuses on adventure and play, don't let a health bar hold you back from reaching your goal!

    Laika: Aged Through Blood

    Deron says: After dying… a lot, I found an experience that’s hard to put down. Laika: Aged Through Blood is an innovative twist on the metroidvania genre that’s bound to draw you in. Who would’ve known that combining shooting and motorbike riding in a 2D plane would work so well! On top of that, the immersive storytelling elevates the game to a whole new level. Coyote made me cry. 10/10.

    Xbox Live

    Laika: Aged Through Blood

    Headup Publishing

    20
    $19.99
    Laika: Aged Through Blood is a western-inspired motorvania set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It is the story about a tribe oppressed by occupant forces, and the personal story of a mother coyote warrior who descends on an endless path of vengeance to take back what her people lost. Drive, jump and fight your way through the huge hand-drawn world on your trustworthy motorbike. Race through the wasteland and perform dangerous jumps, shoot enemies in slowmo and reload your gun by performing a backflip! Use skill-based power-ups and persist challenging battles against big bosses! FEATURES – Vehicular combat on a fast and agile motorbike. – A beautiful, hand-painted and post-apocalyptic world. – A deep story about a mother-daughter relationship, vengeance and loss. – A varied world, epic boss battles and loads of missions. – The very first MOTORVANIA!

    El Paso, Elsewhere

    James says: El Paso, Elsewhere is described as a “third-person love letter to classic shooters,” but it’s much more than that, adding in slow-mo gunplay, the stylistic elements of classic Film Noir, and a heavy dose of the supernatural. You tell yourself that slaying vampires and werewolves in slow-mo is not the key to happiness. Then you play El Paso, Elsewhere, and now your every thought is a beautiful neo-noir internal monologue. In the words of James Savage “Here’s to believing.”

    Xbox Live

    El Paso, Elsewhere

    Strange Scaffold

    79
    $19.99
    El Paso, Elsewhere is a supernatural neo-noir third-person shooter. Hunt werewolves, fallen angels, and other damned creatures in a vivid slow motion love letter to action classics. Fight your way through a reality-shifting motel, floor by bloody floor. Save the victims of Draculae, lord of the vampires. Destroy the villain you loved–even if it means dying yourself. Somewhere in El Paso, Texas, a three-story motel gained another 46 stories… all below ground. So, yeah. This is going to get loud.

    Wizard With a Gun

    Tao says: You’ve got five minutes before the apocalypse. That’s it. Sounds stressful, right? But don’t worry. You’re a wizard. And you have a gun! Cool. The fun premise plays out as a roguelite with deep crafting mechanics that lets you evolve your gun in all kinds of magical ways, making each run to gather upgrade materials increasingly rewarding. And the best part? You can do it all with a friend in co-op.

    Xbox Live

    Wizard with a Gun

    Devolver Digital

    99
    $24.99
    Free Trial
    Wizard with a Gun is an online sandbox survival game for 1 – 2 players set in a magical wilderness wrought with dangerous creatures and arcane mysteries. Embark on a journey alone or with a friend to collect, craft, and outfit your wizard however you see fit as you explore the unknown. Carefully design weapons, bullets, and furnishings for your tower home but try not to burn it all down as the magic you wield escalates beyond your control… Magical Weapon Customization Collect resources from the world and craft unique enchanted ammunition for your arsenal of guns. Combine elements for intended or suprising effects that alter the shot, blast radius, bullet trail, and even the status of the creature in your crosshairs. Customized Whimsical Wizards Create a dazzling wardrobe for your magic wielder from robes and hats to armor and accessories – functional and fashionable in a way that's sure to impress. Randomly Generated Biomes Explore and uncover new sections of the world filled with deserts, swamps, tundra, and prairies – all loosely floating together through space and time after the world was fractured. Unleash cosmic power from the safety of your tower to reset the world and emerge once again to find a new layout to once familiar lands. Cooperative Adventuring Survive alone or with a wizard friend in online cooperative play to combine resources, magic, and creativity in your tower building. Or just watch it all burn down together – the choice is yours. Systemic Gameplay Experiment with new spell combinations and find out how they affect enemies and the world around you the hard way. Creative arrangements can lead to powerful creations that overwhelm your foes while untethered amalgamations can be a recipe for disaster!

    The Talos Principle II

    Glenn says: The first Talos Principle really sucked me in with its deep, evolving puzzle system some ten years ago, so I was delighted when I learned a sequel was forthcoming. And I was not disappointed! The Talos Principle II takes the “puzzle on top of a puzzle on top of a puzzle” mechanism of the first game to an entirely new level. The challenge of creating any great puzzle game is making the player feel smart and accomplished when they solve things, without making them feel frustrated for very long, and the Talos Principle II is masterful at finding that balance.

    Xbox Live

    The Talos Principle 2

    Devolver Digital

    69
    $29.99
    Free Trial
    The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. Born into a new world where biological humanity is extinct but human culture lives on in a city of robots, you find yourself swept up in a mind-bending adventure involving a mysterious megastructure hiding enormous powers. The more you discover, the more you will be confronted with questions about the nature of the cosmos and the purpose of civilization. The broken promise of a better tomorrow, the fear of repeating humankind’s mistakes, faith in reason or renouncing humanity altogether – the choices you make and the sides you take will determine the course of events. A New Generation of Puzzles Solve a wide array of puzzles with varying difficulty levels, including clever metapuzzles and highly challenging Gold puzzles. Finish the game without solving every puzzle, or pursue the rewards of complete mastery. A variety of new abilities, such as gravity manipulation and mind transference, join the established mechanics of the original Talos Principle, creating a fresh but familiar experience. A Philosophical Odyssey Take the next step forward in the story of The Talos Principle in a thought-provoking, character-driven interactive story with multiple endings penned by returning writers Jonas Kyratzes (The Eternal Cylinder, Clash: Artifacts of Chaos) and Tom Jubert (The Swapper, Subnautica), joined by Verena Kyratzes (The Hand of Merlin, Serious Sam 4). Brave New World Explore more than a dozen all-new environments, from a city on the brink of a paradigm shift to the varied landscapes of a mysterious island that holds the keys to the future. Take a break from puzzle-solving to discover long-buried secrets and strands of forgotten history. The Melodies of Creation Immerse yourself in the rich, bittersweet world of The Talos Principle with a stunning soundtrack by master composer Damjan Mravunac (Serious Sam, The Talos Principle), with a guest appearance by Chris Christodoulou (Risk of Rain 1 and 2).

    The post February’s Indie Selects: Amazing and Delightful Indie Games Chosen by the ID@Xbox Team appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Thursday 29 February 2024 - 19:00

    It’s been a long time coming, agents, but we’re thrilled to introduce Operation Overhaul, a massive update to Deceive Inc. which includes reworks to many of the game’s systems. Streamlining the experience and adding all new ways for you and your friends to pull off the perfect heist!

    Additionally, we’ve lined up a free weekend with Deceive Inc. on Xbox. So you can hop in and experience Operation Ovehaul right now!

    Here’s what’s new:

    Gameflow Change: Vault Printers

    Now, the vault area sees more action with the introduction of Vault Printers. Obtain a golden keycard by using intel to start a print at one of the four hidden keycard printers in the vault. Watch out for spies trying to steal your prize!

    Combat Overhaul

    Experience smoother combat with reworked animations, recoil adjustments, and directional hit indicators. Melee attacks are now more reliable, and aim-punch has been toned down for a better gameplay experience.

    Expanded Ping System

    Enhanced ping system with contextual icons and a radial menu for more precise communication during matches.

    Updated Guards Behavior

    Guards now scale their response based on the spy’s heat level, making interactions more dynamic and strategic.

    Map Updates

    Each map receives updates ranging from small adjustments to significant changes, improving flow and gameplay experience.

    Controller Experience Upgrade

    Controller aim-assist and input remapping have been improved for a better gaming experience.

    First Aid Vials and Dispenser

    Heal on the go with first aid vials. Carry up to three, healing for 20 HP each. Find them in maps or purchase them for three intel in staff rooms. (Note: cannot be used during certain states like Chavez’s Invincibility or Larcin’s vanishing).

    Private Lobbies Update

    Unlock everything for everyone in private lobbies, perfect for experimenting with friends. Bots can also be added to fill out matches.

    New Cosmetics

    Discover new inks, poses, and an Xiu intro-pose in the store.

    Join us as we dive into these exciting updates and continue to refine the ultimate multiplayer spy experience in Deceive Inc. And stay tuned for more updates in the future!

    Follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, Discord, and TikTok to stay up to date on all things Deceive Inc.!

    Xbox Live

    Deceive Inc.

    Tripwire Interactive LLC

    208
    $19.99 $7.99
    Welcome, agent, to DECEIVE INC. Go undercover as the world’s greatest secret agents in this multiplayer game of social stealth and subterfuge. Disguise yourself as anyone to blend into the crowd, deploy high-tech gadgets to gain the upper hand, and extract the package before the competition takes it for themselves! No trick is too dirty when you work for DECEIVE INC. Game Features: MEET THE SPIES – Pick your play style with a roster of diverse agents, each with their own customizable weapon and skillset. From world-renowned burglars to up-and-coming espionage sensations, DECEIVE INC. prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer. GEAR UP – Create your loadout from a plethora of highly versatile gadgets. With agent's favorites like the Inflatable mat, holo-mimic, and bulletproof umbrella, our world-class R&D department has you covered. Literally. MASTER YOUR DISGUISE – Use your trusty holographic watch to avoid detection and infiltrate restricted areas by disguising yourself as one of the various types of NPCs. Or equip the holo-mimic gadget to fully blend in by taking the form of inanimate objects like toilets, chairs, plants, and more! VISIT EXOTIC LOCALES – While working for DECEIVE INC., you’ll visit many locations all over the globe. Teeming with sophisticated NPCs and full of secrets for you to discover, every map comes to life the minute you load into a match. CHOOSE YOUR MODE – Squad up with other agents and craft the perfect heist in Teams mode, or squash the competition as a lone wolf in Solos. DECEIVE INC. also features support for gaming in 4K HDR at 60 FPS on Xbox Series X|S Want to get a taste of what it’s like to work at DECEIVE INC.? From November 11th to November 13th come join us for an invite-only Closed Alpha Internship! (Unpaid and potentially unsafe, of course)

    The post Deceive Inc. Operation Overhaul – Free Weekend Live Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 01 March 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 4 – 8

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature presents you with all the games that are arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can see more information about these upcoming games below and click on their profiles for more details (release dates may vary). Let’s begin!


    Xbox Live

    Classified: France '44 – Pre-Order

    Team17

    $34.99

    Classified: France ’44 – March 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Classified: France ‘44 is a new turn-based strategy game, set in World War II during the desperate months leading up to the Allied invasion of France in June 1944. Take charge of a special-ops team of Allied commandos and French resistance fighters. Recruit elite operatives to build your squad, then engage in a sweeping campaign of sabotage and destruction.


    Xbox Live

    Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (Pre-order)

    Focus Entertainment

    31
    $49.99

    Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game – March 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Embark on ever-rewarding scientific expeditions as you adapt to nature’s challenges and unravel the mysteries of uncharted lands. Lead research missions as you drive a variety of all-terrain vehicles through treacherous paths, using advanced technologies and high-tech tools to overcome obstacles. Build and manage your base and equip your vehicles with essential gadgets like drones or scanners to ensure your success in the wild. Hire a team of top-notch experts to improve your skills in the field, unlocking new possibilities for exploration.


    Xbox Live

    Mediterranea Inferno

    Santa Ragione

    Mediterranea Inferno – March 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Three young men in their early 20s reconnect after two years of forced isolation, hoping to rekindle their friendship; an exceptional bond that made the trio truly special! A mythological force well beyond the sum of its parts! Or so they think…


    Xbox Live

    The Outlast Trials

    Red Barrels – Montreal

    $39.99

    The Outlast Trials – March 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Red Barrels invites you to experience mind-numbing terror, this time with friends. Whether you go through the trials alone or in teams, if you survive long enough and complete the therapy, Murkoff will happily let you leave… but will you be the same? Pre-order now to get the Legendary Grizzly Hazmat outfit!


    Xbox Live

    10 Seconds to Win!

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    10 Seconds to Win! – March 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take the role of an agile little blonde hero as he leaps and dashes his way to glory in 10 Seconds to Win! This is a precision platformer where you only have 10 seconds to complete each single-screen challenge. Run, jump, and air dash to avoid spikes, spinning saw blades and more as you try to reach a trophy cup on the far side of the stage.


    Xbox Live

    Cat and Ghostly Road (Xbox Series X|S)

    Sometimes You

    $9.99 $7.99
    Free Trial

    Cat and the Ghostly Road – March 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    An atmospheric point-and-click quest in which you play as a wise white cat. One day the artist saved a cat that was in trouble, and they began to live together. There were no signs of trouble until one day an evil spirit attacked the artist. After this, the artist became seriously ill and now the wise white cat must help his friend and save him from death.


    Xbox Live

    Hex Gambit: Respawned

    Blowfish Studios

    Hex Gambit: Respawned – March 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Bounce over the strangely elastic heads of your opponents to advance. Swat characters clear across the map. Inspire teammates with an operatic blast from a guy with a giant speaker for a head. Command a squad of minions in this quirky turn-based strategy game for 1-4 players. Hex Gambit is a perfect game night staple: easy for new players to pick up, with tons of creative tactics to explore!


    Xbox Live

    REVEIL

    Daedalic Entertainment

    $19.99

    Reveil – March 6
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    In Reveil, you’ll be immersed into a world designed with attention to detail, where the boundaries between reality and illusion become blurred. The setting is an authentically orchestrated environment inspired by the circus of the ‘60s, which soon takes on surreal features.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    ABRISS – build to destroy

    astragon Entertainment GmbH

    $19.99

    ABRISS – build to destroy – March 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    ABRISS is an atmospheric physics-destruction building game. Build structures from parts to let them crash into your targets. Unlock new parts, destroy more, witness entropy at its worst in digital-brutalist cityscapes.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Dungeons of Shalnor

    Johnny Ostad

    Dungeons of Shalnor – March 7
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    A tactical roguelike featuring turn-based combat along with a “turn the camera” mechanic that also turns all monsters and projectiles, causing interesting outcomes like monsters walking into traps; or attacking one another.


    Xbox Live

    Greed: The Mad Scientist

    Joindots GmbH

    Greed: The Mad Scientist – March 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dr. Ralph Goodwin invented a miracle cure to heal the world from almost all types of diseases and he is going to present his elixir to the audience at a press conference the next day. But today his research laboratory was destroyed, and the elixir seems lost forever. His daughter Sara jumps into action, searching the laboratory for any clues about the whereabouts of the elixir. She was not prepared to uncover the dark events of her own past. Amid mad scientists and ruthless assassins, will you be able to find the elixir?


    Xbox Live

    Manic Mechanics

    4J Studios Ltd.

    Manic Mechanics – March 7

    It’s time to dust off your overalls and hitch on your toolbelt in Manic Mechanics – a chaotic couch co-op game where you and up to three fellow grease monkeys pay a visit to the car-obsessed Octane Isle. No two games are the same as you work your way through 30 unique garage levels, each one more challenging than the last.


    Xbox Live

    New Star GP

    Five Aces Publishing Ltd

    $29.99

    New Star GP – March 7

    A retro arcade racer that puts you in the driving seat as you take control of your own motorsport team and compete at thrilling and iconic racing circuits around the world from the 1980s to the present day. Upgrade your car, choose your race perks and pit strategy, and battle a grid of CPU opponents and ever-changing weather conditions to win the championship and unlock the next decade of racing!


    Xbox Live

    Sokobalien

    Afil Games

    Sokobalien – March 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In Sokobalien, you take on the role of a fearless alien determined to create a farm of epic proportions. Your mission is to push cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens, ensuring that the UFO beams abduct them. Be prepared for increasingly complex challenges as you will need to use your strategic skills and problem-solving abilities to overcome obstacles and achieve success.


    Xbox Live

    Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator Pre-order

    Nacon

    $39.99

    Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator – March 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Climb into the driver’s seat of your car and your business, transport passengers across Barcelona and grow your company! After arriving in the city with nothing but a car and a dream, drive around the busy streets and transport passengers while offering them impeccable service across 286 miles (460 km) of roads in a large area of Barcelona reproduced at 1:1 scale.


    Xbox Live

    Top Racer Collection

    QUByte Interactive & bleem.net

    $19.99

    Top Racer Collection – March 7
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Top Racer Collection brings back the 90s classics in one incredible package, bringing together three iconic games from the renowned racing franchise. The Top Racer Collection features classic titles such as Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000.


    Xbox Live

    Horror Gallery

    EpiXR Games

    $9.99
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Horror Gallery – March 7
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    You have been hired to solve the mystery of a missing caretaker and a scary female ghost that has been seen in the Waterfront gallery. On arrival you start searching for the ghost but slowly but surely are being pulled into her own world. Before you know it, you find yourself in a crazy world that represent the thoughts of the dead woman. However, you are determined to find her, figure out why she can’t leave the world of living and finally bring her peace. Will you be able to succeed?


    Xbox Live

    Stolen Realm

    Burst2Flame Games

    Stolen Realm – March 7

    Stolen Realm features an innovative turn-based combat system where simultaneous turns allow every team to take their actions at once, creating quick combat encounters that blend the tactical depth of titles like Divinity: Original Sin with the thrill of a fast-paced action RPG. Every battle scales based on the number of players involved, so you can easily jump in and out of the game even in the same playthrough!


    Xbox Live

    Perfect Ninja Painter 2

    SilenGames

    Perfect Ninja Painter 2 – March 8
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    This ninja master is back in action and this time he’s bringing a friend along. Help them complete their missions while they take the art of the ninja to a whole new level.


    Xbox Live

    WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen Edition – Pre Order

    2K

    39
    $69.99

    WWE 2K24 – March 8
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    WWE 2K24 boasts a star-studded roster featuring WWE Legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE Superstars “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, whose larger-than-life entrances and signature moves are heightened by ultra-realistic graphics.


    Xbox Live

    Xatrom Command

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Xatrom Command – March 8
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A top-secret government laboratory experiment went wrong, and now invading aliens have infested the military base. Time to clean things up! Grab your weapon, recruit a friend, and start blasting wave after wave of alien scum into oblivion.


    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 4 – 8 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 01 March 2024 - 20:00
    • Ufouria: The Saga 2 is the brand new sequel to a 33 year old cult classic.
    • This sequel keeps the original game’s humorous tone while giving it a brand new art style.
    • The developers used real versions of characters and objects to create the in-game models.

    Ufouria: The Saga 2 is coming to Xbox Series X|S and for long-time gamers, this release is quite the event. It is not everyday that a game gets a sequel 33 years after its release after all. When our friends over at Sunsoft in Japan first showed us an early version of Ufouria: The Saga 2, we knew then and there that we had to bring it over to the West and allow Xbox gamers to play it. But before we get more in depth about this brand new sequel, allow us to give you a quick history lesson.

    Ufouria 2 landscape

    Sunsoft is a legendary Japanese games publisher that has been in operation since the 1970s. In the late 1970s, it began developing Arcade games, which led to the creation of some hits such as Arabian, Ikki, and Kangaroo. In the late 1980s, it expanded into home gaming with products for consoles like the Famicom (known in the West as the Nintendo Entertainment System). Following the growth of the home console market, Sunsoft went on to produce iconic titles such as Blaster Master, Batman, Battle Formula, Ufouria: The Saga (known in Japan as Hebereke), and Gimmick!. Despite facing various challenges along the way, Sunsoft has continued to develop games with passion and creativity thanks to a small but dedicated team that cherishes its commitment to quality and playfulness.

    Ufouria 2 underground setting

    After making itself more discreet for a few years, Sunsoft has embarked on its « Sunsoft is back! » campaign with the goal of coming back to the forefront of the gaming world. And as part of said campaign, it decided to give a sequel to one of its most famous 8-bit titles. The original Ufouria: The Saga came out in Japan on September 20 1991 as a Famicom title. Now described as a Metroidvania, it was so ahead of its time that the word didn’t exist back it when was first released. Ufouria: The Saga features a comical and surreal world where a crew of very unique characters embark on a humorous adventure to save the planet from an alien invasion. Thirty-three years later, it’s once again up to Hebe (a mysterious snowman-like creature), O-Chan (a girl wearing a cat costume), Sukezaemon (a ghost) and Jennifer (an anglerfish) to join their very specific forces to get rid of those nasty aliens.

    Ufouria 2 sky environment

    As old school gaming fans ourselves, we at Red Art Games wanted to support Sunsoft’s initiative and bring this new title to as many players as possible. That’s why our very own Red Art Studios created the Xbox Series X|S version of Ufouria: The Saga 2 in collaboration with the Sunsoft team. While this sequel keeps the same cast of protagonists, basic premise (the comically evil alien Utsujin has landed on Earth with ambitions to take over the planet) and open world platformer gameplay style, it also features new story, dialogue, character and even areas. But most of all, Ufouria: The Saga 2 features a brand new, and quite striking, art style.

    Ufouria 2 screenshot

    For this sequel more than 30 years in the making, Sunsoft chose to give the world of Ufouria a stop motion, hand-made feltwork style. To get the idea of what they wanted the game to look like, the developers created real versions of the characters, ennemies and levels to use as reference pictures. First, they took the fabric used for needle felting and physically recreated a certain well-known stop motion character by hand to experience the texture and feel. With that information in mind, they then began the computer generated graphics (CG) creation with the mock-up as reference. 

    Ufouria 2 concept art
    A Kerasu bird made out of chocolate was created to be used as a reference by the CG artists

    The developers really tried to express the warmth and softness that wool brings to mind when creating the CG. They especially emphasized the impression that the wool seen in-game had multiple layers and to give it that fuzzy silhouette of wool. They also purposely made some parts, such as the platforms, uneven to give them that imperfect hand-made feel. And when it comes to the enemies, the development team had a very specific idea in mind: small enemy characters are all made from snack materials. 

    Ufouria 2 screenshot

    Multiple enemies are made of things like chocolate or grape jelly for example. The design was born from the idea that people wouldn’t want such snacks to stick to felt as the stains would be hard to wash off. Taking all those creative ideas and combining them with the wacky and humorous world of Ufouria made for a truly special game. We are thrilled that Xbox gamers get to experience Ufouria: The Ufouria : the Saga 2 now and we hope that they will enjoy their time with Hebe and his motley crew.

    Ported to consoles by Red Art Studios, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

    Xbox Live

    Ufouria: The Saga 2

    Red Art Games

    $24.99
    Upyo! How's everyone been? SUNSOFT's Ufouria is back! – An authentic evolution of the original ""Ufouria""! Rampage through the fluffy feltwork arts-and-crafts recreation of the world of Ufouria, with your trusty crew from the original game in this exploration-based action side-scroller. Of course, newcomers to Ufouria are welcome too! – Adventure in the lovingly crafted wacky world of Ufouria! Familar characters and stages of the original game are back, transformed from their formal pixel art to charming handmade feltwork. Iron bead artwork also plays homage to the nostalgic pixelated look of the original. Look for all the similarities and differences if you've played the original! – Different courses each time you play! The various stages from the original game now change randomly every time your enter, making for a fresh new challenge each time! New characters joining your crew let you reach more areas, even ones that weren't in the original game at all! – Popoons are now a super powerful cleaning agent! A new threat…the icky Bumyon makes an appearance! The troublesome Bumyon sticks to everything and everyone and is quite the annoyance, but Hebe and crews can counteract them perfectly with their Popoons. Clean up the Bumyons that litter the planet and thwart the Utsujin's evil plans! *Visit the never before seen Hebe's house! *Meet rare characters that were only ever seen before in Ufouria art books! *A Collection feature lets you read up on enemies and their backgrounds!

    The post Ufouria: The Saga 2 Reinvents an 8-Bit Classic appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Monday 04 March 2024 - 17:00

    Xbox Partner Preview | March 2024: We’re Back with Fresh Looks at Games for Xbox and Windows

    Xbox Partner Preview | March 2024 Hero Image

    Today, we’re thrilled to announce the next Xbox Partner Preview, this time featuring a mix of new and upcoming games for you from publishers like Capcom, Nexon, EA, and others with more than a dozen new trailers over the course of a 30-minute broadcast.

    During Xbox Partner Preview, you can learn more about combat and traversal in Tales of Kenzera: Zau, with a video narrated by Abubakar Salim himself, see new gameplay from Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, get a closer look at The First Berserker: Khazan, and other great titles coming to Xbox, Windows, or Game Pass.

    Our Xbox Partner Preview format is all about sharing exciting games news from our talented studios from across the globe with no frills: just new game reveals, release date announcements, and fresh new gameplay from upcoming games, coupled with unique behind-the-scenes stories from developers on Xbox Wire.

    This event will be digitally broadcast on Wednesday, March 6, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm GMT across our Xbox channels on YouTube and Twitch and it will feature updates on a variety of Xbox and Windows games that are launching on our platforms. 

    We hope to see you back here on Wednesday, March 6!

    Q&A

    What time does Xbox Partner Preview begin? Wednesday, March 6, at 10am Pacific time / 1pm Eastern time / 6pm UK time.

    How do I watch? Xbox Partner Preview will be available through a variety of outlets, and in over 40 languages. It will also be viewable with American Sign Language, British Sign Language, and English Audio Descriptions:

    Please note the YouTube streams will be in 4K at 60fps, while all other channels will be 1080p / 60fps.

    Is the event available in languages other than English?  We will be providing subtitle support in the following languages: Arabic (MSA), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional – Hong Kong & Taiwan), Czech, Danish, Dutch, Farsi, Filipino, Finnish, French (EU & Canadian), German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian & EU), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Castilian & Mexican), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. For the first time we’ll also be supporting Bengali, Māori, Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Swahili, Tamil, Urdu and Zulu in hopes of gauging interest for future broadcasts.

    Aside from going directly to a regional Xbox channel, you can find support for all languages,  at YouTube.com/Xbox. ASL and AD video will be listed separately, but just click the gear icon in the lower righthand corner of our primary stream to choose the language of your choice. Oftentimes YouTube will default to a random language when you join the stream so you may also want to switch over to English if needed.

    Is the show going to be Accessible to those with low/no hearing or low/no vision? There will be a version of the show with Audio Descriptions (AD) in English on the Xbox YouTube channel, and American Sign Language (ASL) on Xbox’s YouTube channel and the /XboxASL Twitch channel. The /XboxOn YouTube channel will also carry a British Sign Language (BSL) feed.

    I’m not going to be able to watch, where can I find out what was announced? As announcements roll out during the broadcast, the Xbox Wire team will be publishing detailed blog posts containing key announcements right here on Xbox Wire (including localized versions in Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, LATAM Spanish, and Japanese). A full show recap will go live immediately following the end of Xbox Partner Preview.

    Co-streamer and content creator notes for the Xbox Partner Preview: We at Xbox greatly appreciate any co-stream efforts and aim to ensure you have a smooth experience if you choose to do so. However, due to forces beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that glitches or disruptions by bots and other automated software won’t interfere with your co-stream. For those planning to create post-show breakdowns of Xbox Partner Preview in the form of Video on Demand (VOD) coverage, we recommend you do not use any audio containing copyrighted music to avoid any action by automated bots, and to also consult the terms of service for your service provider.


    We can’t wait for you to join us on Wednesday, March 6 at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm GMT for the next Xbox Partner Preview! See you soon.

    The post Xbox Partner Preview | March 2024: We’re Back with Fresh Looks at Games for Xbox and Windows appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 05 March 2024 - 15:00

    Coming to Xbox Game Pass: MLB The Show 24, Lightyear Frontier, Control Ultimate Edition, and More

    Batter up, friends! We’ve got the next round of games coming soon to your download and install queue. Whether you want to bend reality in Control, check out Bikini Bottom, or more, we have your bases covered… er… loaded! Let’s play ball!!

    Available Today

    Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    Load up your Boltgun and unleash the awesome Space Marine arsenal to blast your way through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood in a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, frenetic gameplay and the stylish visuals of ’90s retro shooters.

    Coming Soon

    PAW Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 7
    Explore the world of “PAW Patrol” like never before, in a 3D action adventure where anything is PAWsible. Play as your favorite pups, drive their vehicles, and save the day by taking on fun rescues and missions either in single-player or with your family in couch co-op. It’s the ultimate PAW Patrol playtime!

    SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 12
    Are you ready, kids? SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom is coming to Game Pass! Play as SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy in this faithful remake and thwart Plankton’s evil plan to take over Bikini Bottom. Battle Plankton’s army of rogue robots – this time with friends in multiplayer mode! Meet all your favorite Bikini Bottomites, voiced by their original voice actors and show Plankton that crime pays even less than Mr. Krabs.

    Control Ultimate Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 13
    From developer Remedy Entertainment, this supernatural third- person action-adventure will challenge you to master the combination of supernatural abilities, modifiable loadouts and reactive environments while fighting through a deep and unpredictable world. Control Ultimate Edition contains the main game and all previously released expansions (The Foundation and AWE).

    No More Heroes 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 14
    No More Heroes 3 follows the otaku assassin Travis Touchdown as he takes up his trusty beam katana once more and slashes his way through 10 of the deadliest fighters in the galaxy. Rack up combos with Travis’ beam katana and experience hack-and-slash action like never before!

    Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – March 19
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Start your interstellar homestead in this peaceful open-world farming adventure! Build your sustainable exofarm, grow alien crops, customize your mech, and explore a new world full of mystery with up to three friends!  

    MLB The Show 24 (Cloud and Console) – March 19
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Swing for the fences, experience game-deciding moments, become a legend and live out your baseball dreams in MLB The Show 24. Want to hit the field early? Game Pass members can unlock up to four days early access plus deluxe edition bonus content with the purchase of the Digital Deluxe Add-On Bundle. Learn more about how MLB The Show 24 continues to tell important stories from the Negro Leagues on Xbox Wire.

    In Case You Missed It

    Dead Island 2 (Cloud and Console) – Available now
    A deadly virus is spreading across Los Angeles, turning its inhabitants into zombies. Bitten, infected, but more than just immune, uncover the truth behind the outbreak and discover who – or what – you are. Survive, evolve and save the world in this first-person zombie slaying adventure!

    DLC / Game Updates

    Age of Empires II:  Definitive Edition – Victors and Vanquished – March 14
    Embark on a thrilling journey with Victors and Vanquished! In 19 epic scenarios, play as Ragnar Lothbrok, Oda Nobunaga, Charlemagne, and more. Your strategy and choices decide your fate: will you emerge as the ultimate victor, or fall as the vanquished? Secure your pre-order now and save 15% – and be prepared to conquer the battlefield! 

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    Stumble Guys Retro Hot Dog Pack – Available now
    Show off your wackiness as you race to the finish line with your Retro Hot Dog skin, Fire Emote, 250 Gems and 50 Stumble Tokens. This Perk content requires Stumble Guys to use (Free to Play).

    Century: Age of Ashes – Forgotten Bay Pack – Available now
    Brave the silence with the Forgotten Bay dragon, the Flaming Crude Cleaver axe and a 14-Day XP Booster. Requires Century: Age of Ashes to use (Free to Play).

    Leaving March 15

    The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. If you want to keep the fun going, be sure to use your membership discount to save up to 20% off your purchase!

    • Hardspace: Shipbreaker (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Shredders (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    Keep tuned in at @XboxGamePass or @XboxGamePassPC for updates for when these games are available, and we’ll catch you here next time for more games coming to Game Pass!

    The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: MLB The Show 24, Lightyear Frontier, Control Ultimate Edition, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 05 March 2024 - 19:00

    A Treacherous Visual Novel Set in Italy about Friendship, Desire, and Grief.I’m thrilled to announce the release of Mediterranea Inferno on Xbox Series S|X, a mature visual novel set against the backdrop of the Italian south. My name is Lorenzo Redaelli, also known as Eyeguys, a multimedia artist from Milan, and I’ve made this game to offer a glimpse into Italy that goes beyond the usual clichés. Together with the team at Santa Ragione, we’ve worked to create a narrative that draws from personal experiences and cultural reflections, aiming to present a story that resonates with both its authenticity and depth.

    M I screenshot

    In the game, you join Claudio, Andrea, and Mida in their travels as they try to recover from the collective trauma of the 2020 pandemic. These three young men in their early 20s reconnect after two years of forced isolation, hoping to rekindle their friendship. As you pick their daily activities, you’ll discover their darkest fears and obsessions, and, as the reality of their failed expectations emerge, so does their hunger for revenge and retribution.

    M I snapshot

    Drawing on my personal experiences, the inspiration for Mediterranea Inferno comes from the summers I spent in Southern Italy, particularly in Martina Franca, Puglia. These visits, retracing my mother’s childhood, were filled with family traditions and rituals that shaped my view of the region. From spending time at my great-uncle’s countryside home to enjoying meals with Aunt Maria and participating in local festivities, these experiences offered a mix of comfort and monotony, highlighting the dual nature of familiar rituals. There’s a bittersweetness in being distanced from friends during summertime and an acute awareness of the passage of time, reflected in the aging eyes of our relatives year after year.

    M I screensghot

    In terms of art direction, the visual style of the game is influenced by Italian horror cinema, with references to directors like Dario Argento, Mario Bava, and Lucio Fulci, incorporating vivid neon colors and exaggerated dark themes. Additionally, the photography of Luigi Ghirri, particularly his work on Puglia, has been a significant inspiration, bringing a metaphysical quality to the game’s environments. This blend of horror elements, illustration, and photographic realism aims to create a nostalgic yet unsettling visual experience.

    M I screenshot

    Through the game’s characters, I tried to capture the concept of boredom as a status symbol, inspired by the films of Luca Guadagnino. They represent privileged Milanese youth, reflecting on the contradictions and challenges of life beyond bourgeois confines. This exploration is intertwined with Italy’s rich religious iconography, drawing from the influence of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s films and the omnipresence of Catholic imagery in Italian culture. The game incorporates these elements to delve into the complex relationship us Italians have with our cultural and religious heritage.

    Mediterranea Inferno’s objective is to blend personal memories and critical reflections on our society. Through this game, I hope to contribute to the broader discourse on game narrative and continue the tradition of Italian creativity. I can’t wait for you to play it, Mediterranea Inferno is available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S starting today!

    Xbox Live

    Mediterranea Inferno

    Santa Ragione

    What’s better than a sensual summer retreat in the South of Italy? Join Claudio, Andrea, and Mida in their travels as they try to recover from the collective trauma of the 2020 pandemic. Three young men in their early 20s reconnect after two years of forced isolation, hoping to rekindle their friendship; an exceptional bond that made the trio truly special! A mythological force well beyond the sum of its parts! Or so they think… As you pick their activities for the day, you’ll discover their darkest fears, their obsessions, and, as the reality of their failed expectations becomes apparent, their thirst for revenge and retribution. A lazy afternoon by the pool, a lustful night at the club, or even a morbid visit to the local cemetery: you’ll decide how to spend this summer vacation, but wherever you go, something or someone will be waiting, offering an additional, forbidden trip through the arcane inner spaces of conscience. Eat the Fruit of Mirages and fight for your endless summer!

    The post The Critically Acclaimed Mediterranea Inferno is Now Available on Xbox Series S|X appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 06 March 2024 - 19:08

    Xbox Partner Preview – How Creatures of Ava Places You in the Role of a Creature Saver

    Xbox Partner Preview Creatures of Ava Hero Image

    Summary

    • Creatures of Ava is a Creature Saver game in which you will have to help creatures escape from an infection that is rapidly growing on the planet Ava. 
    • Learn the local customs of the native people of Ava, who have a deep spiritual connection with the planet and all its life forms. 
    • Using flute skills, you can communicate with these creatures and see what they see and request their assistance to figure out puzzles that involve Ava’s surroundings and the natural world. 

    Earlier today, Creatures of Ava was announced during Xbox Partner Preview, and we’re excited to confirm it’s arriving on Xbox Series X|S in 2024. That’s why we at Inverge Studios wanted to use this opportunity to tell you more about the beautiful world of Ava. 

    Creatures of Ava is a Creature Saver game in which you will have to help creatures escape from an infection that is rapidly growing on the planet Ava, threatening to wipe out all living beings. Your goal is not to collect the creatures for your amusement nor hurt them — your goal is to save them.  

    Xbox Partner Preview Creatures of Ava Screenshots

    One of our overarching goals when developing the game was to make it non-violent while remaining really fun to play. From the outset, we’ve been captivated by the notion of saving creatures from a distant planet, not for any utilitarian purpose, but simply because they’re sentient beings deserving of compassion. With that vision in our mind creating a non-violent game was essential. However, this initially proved to be one of our biggest challenges, until we settled on the flute as one of the key mechanics in the game — that really helped us realize our goal. Let me explain…. 

    You play as Vic, a human explorer of the rescue team sent to planet Ava to save all living beings before an inevitable catastrophe. In order to save them, you will be forced to leave behind all technology and learn the local customs of the native people of Ava, who have a deep spiritual connection with the planet and all its life forms. Music is their common way of communicating and you must learn how to play the traditional flute of the natives, harmonizing with the beat of Ava. 

    Xbox Partner Preview Creatures of Ava Screenshots

    Using flute skills, Vic can communicate with these creatures and see what they see. They can also request their assistance to figure out puzzles that involve Ava’s surroundings and the natural world. By imitating the sounds creatures make with your flute, you will be able to gain their trust, and then connect to see through them. Connecting with creatures allows you to see from their point of view and control it to interact with different parts of the environment by using their unique traits and abilities.  

    Xbox Partner Preview Creatures of Ava Screenshots

    Vic can also use her time in Ava to investigate the infection, learn its origin, and try to stop it. A special staff – called Nafitar – from an extinct Ava civilization will allow her to cure the infection growing in the environment, as well as the one growing on the creatures.  

    The infection renders creatures aggressive, which challenged us to find a way to implement unique, non-violent combat mechanics. For example, you use the staff to absorb the infection while dodging the attacks of frenzied creatures. The result is you’re simply cleaning the infected part of the enemy, which is not fatal for the creatures.  

    Xbox Partner Preview Creatures of Ava Screenshots

    At Inverge Studios, we’ve dedicated years to bringing Creatures of Ava to life and ensuring it carries a profound message for players. We’re excited for you to experience it and to connect with the diverse species that call Ava home. Stay tuned for more updates! 

    The post Xbox Partner Preview – How Creatures of Ava Places You in the Role of a Creature Saver appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Wednesday 06 March 2024 - 19:35
    Xbox Partner Preview | 2024 Hero Image

    Xbox Partner Preview | March 2024: Every Announcement and Trailer We Showed

    We’ve just wrapped up our second Xbox Partner Preview – a broadcast that brought you new game reveals, trailers, and news from the likes of EA, Square Enix, Sega, and many more. Over the course of 30 minutes, you got brand new looks at 14 incredible games coming to Xbox and Windows from our third-party partners.

    Xbox Partner Preview Slate Asset

    On today’s broadcast you got first peeks at brand new games, like The Sinking City 2 and Creatures of Ava, a release date reveal for Frostpunk 2 and Final Fantasy XIV Online, a detailed look at the upcoming Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess — and we even snuck in a shadow drop in the form of the entire original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy, which is available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S today!

    If you couldn’t tune in, fear not! We have every single announcement and reveal from the show in handy text form waiting for you below:


    Final Fantasy XIV Online Set for Full Release on March 21 for Xbox Series X|S

    Square Enix treated us to a first look at the release date trailer for Final Fantasy XIV Online ahead of its full launch announcement on March 21 for Xbox Series X|S. It was also announced that a Starter Edition will be available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks for a limited time from March 21 to April 19, 2024. You can start playing Final Fantasy XIV Online today with the Open Beta which is now live on Xbox Series X|S.


    Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Coming to Game Pass in 2024

    Capcom delivered a detailed look at the upcoming Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, a unique single-player game set in a Japanese-inspired universe. First revealed in June last year during Xbox Games Showcase 2023, this new title from Capcom will release day one with Game Pass, as well as with Xbox Series X|S and Windows in 2024. For even more on Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, watch the Capcom Highlights Day 1 broadcast here on their official site on March 7, 2024, starting at 3:00pm PT. Also, check out our in-depth Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess preview here on Xbox Wire.


    New Game Reveal: The Sinking City 2 Rises From the Deep

    The Sinking City 2 made a world premiere appearance during the show, with a trailer showing the iconic Lovecraftian city of Arkham, and the very unpleasant sights within. The long-awaited sequel from Frogwares is evolving into a full-on horror game, as you guide a new character through the mysteries of why Arkham is flooding, and take on some of its abominable residents along the way. Find out much more in our exclusive interview on Xbox Wire.


    Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass Announced

    SEGA delivered the first exclusive details on the upcoming Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass that will allow players to dive deeper into the world of Persona 3 Reload featuring new costumes, background music, and extended story content with Episode Aigis -The Answer-. Get more details here on Xbox Wire with our detailed, first-look preview.


    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy Available Today on Xbox

    As a surprise for Xbox gamers everywhere, GSC Game World launched the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (via backwards compatibility) with the cult-classics Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat all available to play today! You can learn how the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy finally made its way to Xbox in this in-depth interview with GSC World.


    Unknown 9: Awakening Surprises with New Exclusive Gameplay

    Bandai Namco and Reflector Entertainment reintroduced us to the world of Unknown 9: Awakening, giving us a fresh look at its exciting world and showing off the hero Haroona, played by Anya Chalotra, in this exclusive gameplay reveal. You can learn more about the world of Unknown 9 with an in-depth developer update here on Xbox Wire.


    Abubakar Salim Narrates In-Depth Gameplay Trailer for Tales of Kenzera: Zau

    Surgent Studios and EA Originals delivered a fresh look at the upcoming Tales of Kenzera: Zau, showcasing its beautiful and treacherous lands in a new trailer narrated by Abubakar Salim, and how the unique interchangeable gameplay between the mask of the sun and the mask of the moon can influence how you traverse this unique world. Look for Tales of Kenzera: Zau to launch April 23, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.


    Chucky is Ready to Bring a Bloody Good Time to the World of Roblox

    RocketRide Games and Universal Products & Experiences revealed Griefville: Survive the Nightmare! for Roblox during today’s Xbox Partner Preview broadcast. Describing itself as a “chilling interactive experience,” it’s inspired by the beloved classic horror films of the ‘80s and ‘90s — with horror movie icon Chucky at the center of it all. And in a bonus surprise, you can experience Roblox, Griefville, and Chucky today on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S!!


    New Game Reveal: Creatures of Ava, A New Creature Saver Game From Inverge Studios

    Inverge Studios revealed their newest title, Creatures of Ava, where you’ll learn to understand and tame the creatures of the planet Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection. Learn more about how this unique game places you in the role of a creature saver here on Xbox Wire.


    New Game Reveal: Monster Jam Showdown Crushes It

    Jump behind the wheel of fan-favorite monster trucks like Megaladon, El Toro Loco, and Grave Digger in a new thrilling off-road arcade racing experience that’s ready to rock on Xbox. Look for Monster Jam Showdown to land on Xbox Series X|S in 2024.


    The Alters Reveals Its Many Sides

    11-bit Studios shared a deeper look at its upcoming emotional sci-fi game that features a unique blend of adventure, survival, and base-building elements. As Jan Dolski, you’ll play as a simple worker who creates alternative versions of himself in a desperate attempt to escape from a planet where even sun rays can prove deadly. Look for the The Alters to come to Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.


    First Berserker: Khazan Shows Off Its Visceral Combat in Action

    Based on the DNF (Dungeon & Fighter) Universe, The First Berserker: Khazan focuses on the betrayed hero Khazan who is seeking revenge against those who orchestrated his downfall. During today’s Xbox Partner Preview broadcast, Nexon gave us a deeper look at the fierce gameplay we can expect to see when the game arrives on Xbox Series X|S.


    Frostpunk 2 Coming to PC Game Pass on July 24

    11-Bit Studios showed off more of its upcoming city survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth, transforming our world into a harsh, icy wasteland. In Frostpunk 2, you must face a new deadly threat that appears on the horizon — human nature and its unsatiated thirst for power. Look for Frostpunk 2 to arrive with PC Game Pass and Windows on July 24, 2024.


    New Game Reveal: Sleight of Hand

    Riffraff Games revealed their upcoming title, Sleight of Hand, with an amazing cinematic trailer. This upcoming 3rd-person stealth game of hard-boiled espionage action will have you infiltrate your old witch coven using a cursed deck of cards in the rain-slicked city of taboo, where ritual magic and cursed artefacts set apart those with power from those without.

    The post Xbox Partner Preview | March 2024: Every Announcement and Trailer We Showed appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Friday 08 March 2024 - 16:00
    Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 11 to 15

    Next Week on Xbox is a weekly feature that shows you all the games that are coming soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can find more information about these games below and click on their profiles for more details (release dates may change). Let’s get started!


    Xbox Live

    Contra: Operation Galuga + Early-purchase Bonus

    KONAMI

    $39.99 $35.99

    Contra: Operation Galuga – March 12

    A new entry in the legendary Contra series is here! Contra: Operation Galuga is a thorough reimagining of the classic run-‘n’-gun action game from the ’80s, featuring modern graphics and sound, new stages, new enemies and bosses, new play mechanics, an updated weapons system, and explosive co-op combat for up to two players in Story Mode or four players in Arcade Mode!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    For The Warp

    ImaginationOverflow

    $17.49

    For The Warp – March 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    For the Warp is a rogue-like deck-building game in space! Discover and add new cards to your arsenal and increase your chances of surviving. Explore procedurally generated systems and fight your way to the warp gate. Encounter allies and foes, ancient civilization ruins, unlock powerful technologies and ships.


    Xbox Live

    Cybertrash STATYX (Xbox Series X|S)

    Sometimes You

    $9.99 $7.99
    Free Trial

    Cybertrash STATYX – March 13
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Run, jump, slide, destroy enemies, gain experience points, upgrade your character in this tactical 2D action-platformer. As the main character, Janet, you’ll be plunged against an evil dictatorship, trying to remember the past and escape from the clutches of the corporation. Uncover the conspiracy against humanity!


    Xbox Live

    Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story

    Digital Eclipse

    $29.99

    Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story – March 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Gridrunner. Revenge of the Mutant Camels. Tempest 2000. Llamatron. In the British gaming universe of the ‘80s and ‘90s, nobody made games like Jeff Minter. Now, in a new interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse, you can play the history of one of the weirdest, wildest game developers to ever exist – a man who loved shooters and sheep, lasers, and llamas.


    Xbox Live

    Violet Wisteria

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Violet Wisteria – March 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Become a magical sword-wielding heroine and take on the forces of evil across time, space, and alternate dimensions! Return to the style of Japanese fantasy platformers from the ’80s and ’90s as you take command of brave heroine Wisteria Asagiri on her quest to save Earth, the Higher Realm and the Under-Realms from the dark wizard Maskandes!


    Xbox Live

    Dune: Imperium

    Dire Wolf Digital

    Dune: Imperium – March 13

    Experience the ultimate blend of strategy and intrigue as you navigate the treacherous landscapes of Arrakis in the award-winning board game Dune: Imperium! Battle online, locally with AI, or against the formidable House Hagal. Earn achievements that showcase your prowess as a leader and embark on more than a dozen challenges that will test your wit and cunning.


    Xbox Live

    Treasures Of The Roman Empire

    Strange Beat Games

    Treasures of the Roman Empire – March 13

    Whether you are below or above the ground, you will have a lot of work to do as you visit places like stables, bars, cinema, squared, forest, gigs, market, docks, luna park, Circo Massimo, and mor while trying to find all the hidden treasures left by the Romans.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Astebros

    PixelHeart

    $12.99

    Astebros – March 14

    Astebros is a roguelite game about the beginnings of the kingdom of Asteborg! Choose your hero among three different characters and go through procedural dungeons to eliminate your formidable opponents! Defeat bosses to obtain valuable power orbs, collect coins and materials to buy and upgrade your equipment, and discover mysterious secrets within the dungeons.


    Xbox Live

    Bing In Wonderland Deluxe Edition

    E-Home Entertianment Development Co., Ltd

    $14.99 $13.49
    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Bing in Wonderful Deluxe Edition – March 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Bing in Wonderland is a new entry in the Wanba Warriors franchise. A Roguelite monster killing satisfaction galore without any exploration elements. The game is filled to the brim with exotic enemies and stages with a collection of deep and robust boons, weapons, and items plus an abundance of pointless features and useless details. You will be encapsulated by the unique Butt Slam mechanic a vague and abstract art style that puts Picasso to shame.


    Xbox Live

    Highwater

    Rogue Games, Inc.

    Highwater – March 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Highwater is a whimsical, 3D adventure game with an isometric turn-based puzzle-combat system set in a flooded, post-apocalyptic world. Navigate by boat, discover islands, find new allies to help battle foes, and experience a humorous tale about friendship in this melancholic and atmospheric escape.


    Xbox Live

    Match Village

    QUByte Interactive

    Match Village – March 14

    A minimalistic puzzle and strategy experience about combining buildings to build villages on beautiful, procedurally generated islands. Combine buildings to create your villages and cities on endless islands scattered around the world and enjoy a minimalistic and relaxing atmosphere, no resource management or armies — just focus on building.


    Xbox Live

    Rebel Transmute

    JanduSoft

    $19.99 $17.99

    Rebel Transmute – March 14

    In this modern metroidvania you play as Moon Mikono, a space scrapper turned adventurer on a mission to uncover the true fate of her missing mother. Battle your way through a sprawling 2D action-exploration epic as you explore, reprogram your abilities, duel twisted sci-fi experiments, and rebel against colonizers.


    Xbox Live

    Sherlock Purr 2

    COMMANDO PANDA

    Sherlock Purr 2 – March 15

    Our clever cat detective is back, and this time the mystery unfolds all over the apartment. Immerse yourself in an extended adventure full of intriguing challenges, vibrant colors, and brain-teasing puzzles. Sherlock Purr 2 is an enchanting children’s game, tailor-made for young explorers who love cats and crave delightful mysteries.


    Xbox Live

    STAR WARS™: Battlefront Classic Collection

    Aspyr Media Inc.

    $34.99 $31.49

    Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection – March 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Play the classic Star Wars Battlefront games on modern consoles, online and offline in this complete classic collection. This Classic Collection includes Star Wars Battlefront (Classic) and Star Wars Battlefront II with bonus maps and heroes. Traverse the galaxy in Campaign Mode and Galactic Conquest. Fight on the ground, drive iconic vehicles, and piloty legendary starships as you battle it out across iconic Star Wars locations.


    Xbox Live

    Storyblocks: The King

    Afil Games

    Storyblocks: The King – March 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An engaging puzzle and narrative game that offers a short and relaxing experience. In a charming medieval setting, players can carve their own path, choosing the next story block at each stage. With a library of journeys filled with intriguing variations of the main storyline, players are invited to unravel all possible outcomes.


    Xbox Live

    UNABLES

    Forever Entertainment S. A.

    Unables – March 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Unables is all about physics, puzzles, and comedy. Welcome to a world where characters are so lazy, that even the player is unable to control them. Take matters into your own hands by controlling the environment instead, with the innovative gameplay mechanics!


    Xbox Live

    Argonauts Agency 5: Captive of Circe

    8floor ltd

    Argonauts Agency 5: Captive of Circle – March 15

    A courier arrived at the Argonauts Agency one calm morning. He delivered a wedding invitation for Jason and Medea from Pelias, their old friend and a fellow collector. A secret plea for help was also in the letter. Jason and Medea won’t let their friends down! Play the new time management game with the Argonauts, find out about Circe’s story, and rescue her captives!


    Xbox Live

    Crown Wars: The Black Prince Pre-order

    Nacon

    $49.99

    Crown Wars: The Black Prince – March 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Knights and brigands run rampant throughout the land, sowing destruction. But an even greater evil is lurking and plotting in the shadows. At the helm of your domain, lead the fight against the forces of evil in this turn-based tactics and strategy game.



    Xbox Live

    MLB® The Show™ 24 – MVP Edition (Pre-Order)

    MLB

    $84.99

    MLB The Show 24 – MVP Edition & Digital Deluxe Editions – March 15 (Early Access)

    It’s your Show. Ready to own it? Set out on the road to baseball greatness – whatever it is you want to achieve, MLB The Show 24 has got you covered. Earn your call up from the minors to the big leagues and prove you’ve got what it takes at the top. Learn from the legends of the sport, take inspiration from their heroics, and use it to improve your game. Pre-order to receive a Gold Choice Pack and early access starting on March 15, 2024. Game Pass members can start playing on March 15 as well with the purchase of the MLB The Show 24 – Digital Deluxe Add-On Bundle.


    Xbox Live

    Outcast – A New Beginning

    THQ Nordic

    $69.99 $59.49

    Outcast: A New Beginning – March 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    20 years after the award-winning action adventure hit, Outcast, pioneered the genre of non-linear open-world games, the long-awaited sequel sees Cutter Slade return to the spectacular alien world of Adelpha. Resurrected by the almighty Yods, he has returned to find the Talans enslaved, the world stripped of its natural resources, and his own past intertwining with the invading robot forces. It’s up to him to go on a mission and save the planet again.



    Xbox Live

    PJ Masks Power Heroes: Mighty Alliance

    Outright Games Ltd.

    $39.99

    PJ Masks Power Heroes: Mighty Alliance – March 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko are teaming up with An Yu, Newton Star, Ice Cub, Lilyfay, and Bastet to form a Mighty Alliance. Hop into the Explorider and search The City, Mystery Mountain, and Ice World for lost parts. But be quick! Before Romeo, Luna Girl, and Night Ninja get to them.


    Xbox Live

    Tiny Tales: Heart of the Forest (Xbox Version)

    Artifex Mundi

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Tiny Tales: Heart of the Forest – March 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Hidden deep in the foliage of the forest, between the blades of grass and mushrooms, there’s a place where tiny people coexist with animals. Our little hero Max suddenly interrupts the search for his father when he is called home to help his mother save his childhood home. Help Max to unravel mysteries, find clues in hidden objects and defeat all puzzles that stand in his path.



    The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 11 to 15 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

  • Tuesday 12 March 2024 - 20:00
    • 18 games with a major discount starting today through March 25.  
    • Two-week exclusive sale with up to 80% off the original price. 
    • Get a smorgasbord of games and genres for a fraction of the price. 

    It’s March! To herald in the fresh new spring, we are excited to announce that we are basically (almost, almost) giving away a ton of our games. From March 12-25, we are celebrating the Raw Fury Xbox Publisher Spotlight Sale—and our games are up to 80% off!

    Get ready to embark on mysterious adventures in Call of the Sea, go on a journey of self-discovery on your hoverbike in the alien landscape of Sable, and unleash your inner hero in Kingdom Eighties. Just to mention a few! In the sale you can also find the highly original arcade experience Pizza Possum, and the turn-based battle RPG Cassette Beasts where you collect, battle, and fuse with beasts that you find on the mysterious island of New Wirral. But that is just glimpse of what you can get: the wide selection of games spans from heart-pounding action to brain-teasing puzzles, from immersive RPGs to adrenaline-pumping shooters. Whether you’re a battle-hardened veteran or are fresh-faced and eager to dive into something new; this is your smorgasbord. And it is ready for you to explore! 

    For us, the Raw Fury Xbox Publisher spotlight is a real highlight of the year. We love our Xbox players, and whether you have experienced us through playing our titles with Game Pass or have just dived in when they launched (or beyond), we thank you – as this is one of our favourite places to be. And the joy we have experienced through dialogue with the Xbox community is one that we love – feel free to hit us up on our socials and tell us if you checked out any of our games. And if there is something you want to try, now is the time, as our games are super cheap (up to 80% off in some cases). Check out our music video above for the complete list of discounts. It’s delightfully unhinged, but you know, in a good way! 

    But,, if you don’t want to listen to our lovely song – which you are missing out on if you don’t watch it – you can find the complete list of games and their lovely discounts below:  

    Content TypeDiscount
    Atomicrops 75%
    Call of the Sea60%
    Cassette Beasts30%
    Dandara80%
    Gonner 270%
    Kathy Rain80%
    Kingdom Eighties30%
    Kingdom Two Crowns75%
    Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Lands15%
    Kingdom New Lands85%
    Night Call80%
    Norco50%
    Pizza Possum25%
    Sable60%
    The Longest Road on Earth 65%
    The Mosaic80%
    Townscaper45%
    West of Dead75%

      The Raw Fury Xbox Publisher Spotlight Sale runs from March 12-25 – The smorgasbord is set up – are you ready to dig in?

      The post Dive into the Raw Fury Xbox Publisher Spotlight Sale – Up to 80% off appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Tuesday 12 March 2024 - 23:00
      • Launching on March 21.
      • Puzzle-packed point-and-click adventure.quest for a missing noble cat.
      • Fun, exciting family-friendly story about animals, people and pop culture.

      Start Scott Whiskers’ quest for the star of the famous cat beauty contest “Ricky’s Finest” on March 21.

      ScottW outdoor

      Scott Whiskersin: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw is a funny, family-friendly point & click adventure game about animals, people, pop culture and the everyday madness of life. Solve lots of challenging puzzles, have hilarious dialogs and help quirky characters solve their very own problems and immerse yourself in a 12-hour adventure in the spirit of the classics of the genre. Classics like Monkey Island, Broken Sword or Zak McKracken .

      A Game About Animals

      Scott Whiskersin: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw is a game about animals. Animals like the loyal German shepherd Buddy, who has developed an unhealthy fixation for fine, fresh cat litter.
      Or animals like the poor hamster Mr. Snuggels – who, if you don’t help him, is unfortunately doomed to an existence as a movie monster on the big screen.
      And then there’s Steve the rat, who, despite his rather modest height, nevertheless ensures the security of “Bob’s Drug Store” with a firm hand.

      ScottW greenhouse

      A Game About People

      Scott Whiskersin: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw is a game about people. People like the old, sad, long forgotten but highly talented movie actor Vlad Popescu. Will you make sure that the old star’s star shines again?
      Or people like eleven-year-old and slightly crazy Susie Longbottom. Susie’s greatest wish is to make the best horror movie of all time. And that only with the help of a chemistry set from her nursery and lots of ambition.

      ScottW bedroom


      Or people like postal worker Johnny. Eager Johnny has based his entire life and career on his favorite TV show – a sitcom about paper.
      Meet lots of other funny characters and help each of them get to grips with their very own problems.

      ScottW exterior

      A Game with Tricky Puzzles

      What would a point & click adventure game be without lots of challenging puzzles? Solve exciting and fun tasks by correctly combining items in your inventory, by interacting with objects in the world – and by carefully reading and choosing the right dialog options in the game’s hundreds of fully voiced dialogs.
      All puzzles can be solved with a little logical thinking. Although it does help to think outside the box from time to time.

      Features at a glance

      • A gripping story about animals, people, and life itself, told with a big wink.
      • Beautifully hand-drawn, high-resolution backgrounds in combination with three-dimensional characters give the game its very own visual charm.
      • A captivating soundtrack you won’t be able to get out of your head for a long time.
      • An automatic journal of your journey and tasks.
      • Hotspot display that can be activated at any time.
      • Free and automatic saving.
      • Unlock many achievements.
      • About 12 hours of gameplay.

      Will you bring Scott’s search for Mr. Fumbleclaw to a furry conclusion? It’s entirely up to you!

      Xbox Live

      Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw

      Fancy Factory – an Axel Friedrich company

      Join Scott Whiskers on his quest to find Mr. Fumbleclaw – the future star of the legendary cat beauty contest "Ricky's Finest". A modern, funny and family-friendly point & click adventure game about cats, Star Trek and life itself. Created in the spirit of the classics of the genre. Classics like Monkey Island, Broken Sword or Zak McKracken. Visit many colorful, crazy, forbidden, dangerous, scary and other totally boring locations. Meet crazy characters and solve tricky puzzles. Will you find Mr. Fumbleclaw and bring the story to a beastly conclusion? It's up to you! ** A game about our four-legged furry friends ** "Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw" is a game about cats and lots of other furry friends. Furry friends like Buddy the faithful German shepherd with a rather unhealthy fixation on fine-grained cat litter. Or furry friends like Steve the rat. Steve is not to be trifled with – after all, he provides security at the sales stall of the dodgy, yet likeable crook Bob. Or furry friends like the hamster Mr. Snuggels, who, if things go badly, can expect a fate as a movie monster on the big screen. Or furry friends like the nameless, extremely dangerous – and certainly absolutely deadly – Chihuahua that guards the Longbottom family estate. It is up to you to survive this encounter safely. And last but not least, we have Mr. Fumbleclaw himself, the award-winning, perennial champion of the legendary cat beauty contest "Ricky's Finest", who has inexplicably disappeared from the face of the earth. Your task? Find the cat – save the day! ** A game about people ** "Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw" is a game about people. People like Mary, the lonely soul, Scott's boss and caring director of the city's animal shelter. Help Mary find the great love – and bad boy – of her dreams! People like little Susie, Lord Longbottom's daughter. Susie is probably a little crazy and hell-bent on making an absolutely perfect monster movie. And she is now looking for a way to turn her hamster Mr. Snuggles into a vicious movie monster! Will you help Susie fulfill her dream – or will you stand by poor Mr. Snuggles? It's up to you! People like chain-smoking pet groomer Ricky, host of the legendary cat beauty contest "Ricky's Finest". And keeper of a hairy, and immensely profitable secret. Or people like Alfredo, inventor of a sensational vegan cheese pizza topped with ceiling mushrooms. Never heard of ceiling mushrooms? Alfredo will explain it to you! Or people like the almost forgotten old-school movie star Vlad Popescu. Help the once so celebrated Dracula actor escape his depression and make his return to the big screen. You see – there is a lot to do! ** A game with tricky puzzles ** What would a point & click adventure game be without tricky puzzles? Combine items from your inventory in the right way, unlock further paths of your entertaining journey in dialogues, and interact with numerous objects, characters, and four-legged friends. All tasks in "Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw" can be solved logically with a little puzzling – even if it doesn't hurt to think outside the box now and then. To help you not lose sight of the many, many goals on the search for Mr. Fumbleclaw, an automatically created journal helps you to keep track of everything at all times. In order for you to not miss any interesting events, a "hotspot display" that can be activated at any time to help you highlight important objects in the current scene. ** Features ** * A gripping story of animals, people and life itself, told with a big wink of the eye * Lovingly hand-drawn, high-resolution backgrounds in combination with three-dimensional characters give the game its very own visual charm * A captivating soundtrack you won't be able to get out of your head for a long time * Automatic journal * Hotspot display * Free and automatic saving * Many achievements * Duration: approx. 12 hours

      The post Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw – Start Your Search on March 21 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 13 March 2024 - 00:00
      • Rogue-like meets deck building in space.
      • Huge card variety suited for different play styles.
      • Tips for beginner players.

      For The Warp invites gamers to navigate through a procedurally generated galaxy, each playthrough offering a unique and unpredictable experience. Set in a pixelated universe, the game’s charming retro aesthetic belies the depth of its strategic gameplay.

      Customize Your Run

      FTW menu

      Start your run with one of seven ships, each with its unique deck, basic stats and equipment slots. Each nudges you into a different play style, that you can follow or ignore, the choice is up to you! Buy, find and trade equipment, allowing you to upgrade your spacecraft with more fire-power, durability or special traits!

      So Many Cards…

      FTW options screen

      The game has 120 cards and 34 equipment components, which you can find mix and match, full of synergies and gameplay opportunities. You can get them after clearing a level, during procedural generated events, or just by scavenging space waste, so remember to explore each system thoroughly.

      Tips to Help You Succeed

      FTW screenshot
      • The shields are preserved between turns, take advantage of this. Alternate between attacking and setting up shields.
      • Never underestimate the power of controlling your enemy’s intent! With cards that change the enemy’s intent you can stop them from attacking!
      • You can gain fuel after each combat or purchase it on space stations. So, feel free to explore around the entire map.
      • Don’t be afraid of scrapping cards that aren’t helping your current build.
      • Follow those beacons! In them you can find shortcuts, new cards and equipment and even entirely new systems!
      • Your HP is only refilled when you change systems, so manage it wisely.
      • The cards and equipment are shared between all ships, only the starter deck is different for each one.

      For The Warp was developed by Massive Galaxy Studios and it’s ImaginationOverflow’s first title as a publisher, all the team from both studios hope you enjoy this new entry on the Xbox family!

      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      For The Warp

      ImaginationOverflow

      $17.49 $14.86
      For the Warp is a roguelike deck-building game in space! Discover and add new cards to your arsenal and increase your chances of surviving. Explore procedurally generated systems and fight your way to the warp gate Encounter allies and foes, ancient civilization ruins, unlock powerful technologies and ships. You assembled a ragtag team for a dangerous trade route, but suddenly the nearest warp gate was destroyed. You have no option but to take the longest route and deliver your valuable cargo to make a hefty profit… Just survive and reach for the warp gate! Features – 7 ships and more than 150 play cards – Explore procedurally generated systems and fight your way to the warp gate – Encounter allies and foes, ancient civilization ruins, unlock powerful technologies and ships – Discover and add new cards to your arsenal and increase your chances of surviving. – Pixelart by Kirokaze – Synth-pop music made by Martyn Stonehouse

      The post A Journey Through For the Warp appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 13 March 2024 - 20:00

      I saw the original “Dune” movie in 1984; I didn’t know anything about “Dune” at the time, and to be honest, afterwards I didn’t really understand what I’d just seen. But it piqued my interest enough that I read the book and fell in love with Frank Herbert’s tale of grand conflict, interwoven plots and prophecies, and – of course! – massive sand worms.

      Forty years later, with a new “Dune” film in theaters from Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment, tabletop strategy gamers around the world have given Dire Wolf’s board game, Dune: Imperium, a tremendous reception since its release, with numerous awards and recognitions. And now we’re expanding the conflict on Arrakis to a whole new world of gamers in a crossplay digital adaptation on Xbox.

      Dune screensghoty

      Dune: Imperium combines deck-building and worker placement to deliver a highly thematic board game experience, where leaders plot and scheme to maneuver their pieces into appropriate positions in a complex world of intrigue. Our game welcomes each player to portray a leader of a Great House of the Landsraad, fighting over control of Arrakis and the spice trade.

      Each player is not only waging a land war for precious territory and resources, however. They must also court the key pillars of the Imperium – the Emperor, the Landsraad Council, the Spacing Guild, the Bene Gesserit, CHOAM, even the Fremen – all NPC factions offering strategic advantages to any House who earns their favor. In one game, you might play as Duke Leto Atreides and befriend the Fremen and make an alliance with the Spacing Guild. In another, you might be Baron Harkonnen, exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses with the Bene Gesserit’s secrets and schemes, while tying your destiny to the Emperor.

      Dune screenhot

      We take a “what if?” approach to gameplay, staying true to what each faction should feel like within the context of the game, but allowing players to divert from the specific political alliances and events in the book allowing a new, yet authentic, “Dune”narrative to emerge in every playthrough.

      This “what if” approach goes even further. In the book, one of the reasons that Duke Leto becomes a target is that the Atreides family has attracted some of the best allies in the Imperium. Thufir Hawat is a celebrated Mentat, Gurney Halleck is an inspirational military leader, while Duncan Idaho is an unrivaled swordsmaster. In Dune: Imperium, all of these powerful figures who loyally served House Atreides in the books are now available to any House to recruit. What if the Beast Rabban rose to power with Duncan at his side? Or if House Richese aligned with Lady Jessica? You get the idea.

      Dune screenshot

      Finally, the story of “Dune” is not only about politics. Why would you be recruiting swordmasters and military geniuses if there weren’t wars to be waged? So, we obviously had to inject a healthy dose of military conflict into the game. Every round, there is a conflict that players can engage with, a skirmish or battle to be won. You’ll have to decide whether to use your cards to send your agents into battle or toward other endeavors. Keeping a watchful eye on your opponents is key; if a battle is heating up between two of your rivals, perhaps it’s better to sit it out and instead muster some troops for future conflicts. Much like the films, we’ve made a game where the fate of the Imperium is determined by the choices you make. What strings will you pull? Who will you trust or betray? How much will you claim, destroy, or sacrifice? With every card comes another choice and challenge that takes the story in a new direction, making each game an epic and memorable adventure.

      Dune: Imperium launches today on Xbox!

      Xbox Live

      Dune: Imperium

      Dire Wolf Digital

      $24.99
      Experience the ultimate blend of strategy and intrigue as you navigate the treacherous landscapes of Arrakis in the award-winning board game Dune: Imperium! * Battle online, locally with AI, or against the formidable House Hagal. * Earn Achievements that showcase your prowess as a leader. * Embark on more than a dozen Challenges that will test your wit and cunning. * Compete for badges in the rotating Skirmish Mode where no two games are the same! Arrakis. Dune. Desert Planet. Raise your banner above the vast wasteland before you. As the Great Houses of the Landsraad marshal their forces and their spies, whom will you influence, and whom will you betray? A tyrannical Emperor. The secretive Bene Gesserit. The shrewd Spacing Guild. The ferocious Fremen of the Deep Desert. The power of the Imperium can be yours, but war is not the only way to claim it. Dune: Imperium blends deck-building and worker placement in a deeply thematic new strategy game where the fate of the Empire hangs on your decisions. Will you seek political allies or rely upon military might? Economic strength or subtle intrigues? A council seat… or a sharpened blade? The cards are dealt. The choice is yours. The Imperium awaits. In Dune: Imperium, you'll step into the role of one of the leaders of the Great Houses of the Imperium in a struggle to control the planet Arrakis and the invaluable Spice it provides. The game plays out in a series of ten rounds, each of which is defined by a new Conflict on the surface of the planet; some award critical resources, and some provide Victory Points that will propel you to dominance. But choose your battles wisely: spread your forces too thin, and you'll find your enemies growing too strong to oppose. Each round, you'll draw a hand of five cards from your deck, which will get stronger over the course of the game as you acquire new cards. Each card can be played in one of two ways: To send an Agent out into the Imperium to gather resources, or to Reveal at the end of the round to purchase new powerful cards. You must maintain a careful balance to get the most of the resources available to you. How will you find your path? As your game progresses, you'll vie for Influence with four factions of the Imperium: The Emperor, the economically powerful Spacing Guild, the mysterious Bene Gesserit, and the ferocious Fremen of the deep deserts. Earning Influence among the various groups helps you to earn the Victory Points you need…but will you compete with your rivals for their favor, or abandon alliances to pursue other opportunities? Many strategies are at your disposal, and many paths to victory. The cards are dealt. The choice is yours. The Imperium awaits.

      The post Deep Board Game Strategy in the World of Dune appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Thursday 14 March 2024 - 18:00
      • Throw everyone and everything around.
      • Quirky humor in a physics-bending universe.
      • Twist the surroundings to get things done your own way.

      Unleash Your Inner Puppet Master in Unables!

      Do you crave a world where the laws of physics bend to your will and the results are laugh-out-loud funny? Just try Unables, the physics-based puzzle game that throws traditional controls out the window!

      Unables Let's Go

      Unables is full of awfully lazy characters. These lethargic souls are simply unwilling to exert even the slightest effort. Shoelaces remain untied, dishes pile up eternally, and even escaping prison seems like an insurmountable task. But fear not, that’s where you step in.

      Since controlling the characters directly is out of the question, Unables flips the script entirely. You take charge of the environment itself! Using innovative gameplay mechanics, you manipulate the surroundings, tilt the playing field, and unleash a series of wacky contraptions to nudge, push, and propel the hapless characters toward their objectives. 

      Unables screenshot

      Unables offers a delightfully diverse world to explore. Across 15 unique maps, you’ll encounter a variety of settings, each brimming with humor and personality. Ever dreamed of orchestrating a prison break without a single pickaxe swung? Or perhaps a zero-gravity space adventure where the biggest threat is your own inertia? Unables throws you into these scenarios and many more, challenging you to solve puzzles and complete objectives before the clock runs out.

      Unables isn’t just about physics-based mayhem, it’s also a laugh riot! The game is infused with a quirky sense of humor that unfolds through witty dialogue, hilarious situations, and the sheer absurdity of its core concept. Visually, Unables stuns with a vibrant and eye-catching cartoon art style that perfectly complements its lighthearted tone.

      Beyond the core gameplay, Unables offers a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Each level is packed with clever Easter eggs for eagle-eyed players.  As you progress, you’ll unlock a collection of peculiar new levels, each one introducing fresh challenges and gameplay twists. And if that’s not enough, the game is filled with unlockables and unexpected surprises that we won’t spoil here – just be prepared for the delightful chaos!

      Unables is a breath of fresh air in the gaming world. It’s a game that embraces silliness, celebrates the power of physics, and rewards your creativity. So, if you’re ready to unleash your inner puppet master and experience side-splitting laughs along the way, Unables is the perfect game for you!

      Xbox Live

      UNABLES

      Forever Entertainment S. A.

      $12.99 $11.69
      UNABLES is all about physics, puzzles and comedy. Welcome to a world where characters are so lazy, that even the player is unable to control them. Take matters into your own hands by controlling the environment instead, with the innovative gameplay mechanics! THROW EVERYONE AROUND! The game comes equipped with a 360-degree, slow-motion precision controls to sway, spin, push, shove and catapult everything and everyone on screen. No outlaw, zombie, or procrastinating vampire is safe anymore. Use physics to solve puzzles, complete quests, unlock peculiar levels, and reveal all the secrets!

      The post Unables is Available Now on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 15 March 2024 - 15:00

      Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 18 – 22

      Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

      Every week, Next Week on Xbox brings you all the upcoming games for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can learn more about these games below and click on their profiles for more information (release dates are subject to change). Let’s begin!


      Xbox Live

      Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview)

      FRAME BREAK, Amplifier Studios

      Lightyear Frontier – March 19
      Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Start your interstellar homestead in this peaceful open-world farming adventure! Build your sustainable exofarm, grow alien crops, customize your mech, and explore a new world full of mystery with up to three friends!


      Xbox Live

      MLB® The Show™ 24 – Xbox Series X|S Standard Edition (Pre-Order)

      MLB

      $69.99

      MLB The Show 24 – March 19
      Game Pass

      Available on day one with Game Pass! Swing for the fences, experience game-deciding moments, become a legend and live out your baseball dreams in MLB The Show 24. Want to hit the field early? Game Pass members can unlock up to four days early access plus deluxe edition bonus content with the purchase of the Digital Deluxe Add-On Bundle.


      Xbox Live

      Alone in the Dark

      THQ Nordic

      6

      Alone in the Dark – March 20
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Alone in the Dark weaves a chilling tapestry of psychological horror and Southern Gothic charm, reimagining the iconic game that set the benchmark for the genre. Journey to interbellum Louisiana, where an era of decadence hides a darker tale – of escape from past traumas and an intolerant society, into the waiting grasp of something darker, something that has patiently lurked for impossible eons.


      Xbox Live

      Master Maker 3D Ultimate

      Eastasiasoft Limited

      Master Maker 3D Ultimate – March 20
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Play as Master Maker, a young builder who possesses a special boomerang hammer capable of collecting items, destroying boxes, and defeating enemies from a distance! In this 3D adventure inspired by classics of the ’90s, you can explore and build freely. Presented in high-definition 3D style, Master Maker 3D Ultimate is a low-poly action experience that’s fun for the whole family.


      Xbox Live

      Power of Ten

      Pew Times Three

      $11.99

      Power of Ten – March 20
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      It’s your starfighter against a bloodthirsty armada. Gather weapons, resources, and upgrades to help you hold back the relentless tide and protect the galaxies civilians. If you don’t succeed, try again with a whole new galaxy.


      Xbox Live

      FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

      SQUARE ENIX

      266

      Final Fantasy XIV Online – March 21
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Join over 30 million adventurers worldwide and take part in an epic and ever-changing Final Fantasy. Experience all the hallmarks of the best-selling franchise — an unforgettable story, exhilarating battles, and a myriad of diverse and captivating environments to explore. Party up with friends or play solo! Experience all the main story dungeons on your own by calling upon NPC allies to fight by your side.


      Xbox Live

      House Flipper 2

      Frozen District

      House Flipper 2 – March 21
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Whether you have lots of experience with makeovers or you’re just a beginner, House Flipper 2 brings new features and improves the ones from the first game. The classic hammer, the reliable paint roller, and the strong mop are all ready for you! The new graphics make our houses look sharper than ever!


      Xbox Live

      Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure

      Jetpack Collective, The Iterative Collective

      7

      Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure – March 21

      Explore and gather resources, farm the land, craft tools, build your base or a cozy home – Ikonei Island is yours to discover! Befriend magical creatures and fight monsters with your friends or adventure solo!


      Xbox Live

      Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw

      Fancy Factory – an Axel Friedrich company

      Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw – March 21
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Join Scott Whiskers on his quest to find Mr. Fumbleclaw – the future star of the legendary cat beauty contest “Ricky’s Finest”. A modern, funny and family-friendly point & click adventure game about cats, Star Trek and life itself. Created in the spirit of the classics of the genre like Monkey Island, Broken Sword, or Zak McKracken.


      Xbox Live

      Stunt Paradise

      Brinemedia

      $7.99 $6.79

      Stunt Paradise – March 21
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Welcome to Stunt Paradise, the ultimate destination for extreme driving and heart-pumping stunts! Buckle up and prepare to experience the thrill of a lifetime as you take on the most epic challenges on four wheels. Push your driving skills to the limit as you perform ridiculous stunts, including jumping off ramps, flipping through the air, and smashing through explosive obstacles.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Tram Simulator Urban Transit

      astragon Entertainment

      $19.99 $17.99

      Tram Simulator Urban Transit – March 21
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

      Take on the role of a tram driver and manager in Angel Shores, the North American-themed city from the popular bus simulator game Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop. Drive 6 tram models, from cutting-edge, sleek trams to those with a classic, timeless charm through the lively city with its numerous sights.


      Xbox Live

      DARKGEMS (Xbox Series)

      Xeneder Team

      DarkGems – March 22
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      A cartoony mining rogue-lite game set in the deep gemstone caverns. Journey through three randomly generated maps filled with zombies, ghosts, and demons. Keep an eye on your rapidly ending energy supply – one cannot survive in the dark dungeon without a light.


      Xbox Live

      Dragon's Dogma 2

      CAPCOM CO., LTD.

      9
      $69.99

      Dragon’s Dogma 2 – March 22
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Dragon’s Dogma is a single-player, narrative driven action RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.


      Xbox Live

      Gambit Shifter

      Volcanite Games

      Gambit Shifter – March 22

      A relaxing, minimalist puzzle game for chess experts and beginners alike! Take control of a single piece, solve your way through 80+ hand-crafted levels, and lose yourself in the zen-like atmosphere as you advance!


      Xbox Live

      Space Moves

      Desert Water Games

      Space Moves – March 22
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A sci-fi puzzle adventure game that features a unique game mechanic where enemies move in sync with the main protagonist (grid based movement mechanics).


      The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 18 – 22 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 15 March 2024 - 21:00
      • A step beyond scratching the Baldur’s Gate 3 itch.
      • Synchronous turn-system.
      • Fast-paced tactical co-op combat.

      Stolen Realm is a game that’s been partly inspired by the work of Larian Studios, via the fantastic Divinity: Original Sin games, so while we’ve been finishing up Stolen Realm over the last few months, it’s been fantastic to see Baldur’s Gate 3 explode and show there is a huge appetite for games like ours. If you’re one of those Xbox fans looking for a new game to scratch that Baldur’s Gate 3 itch, we hope Stolen Realm will do that for you. However, we also want to tell you about the unique twists our game has that helps speed up combat, keeps you making fun choices and makes it perfect for co-op.


      Stolen Realm has a synchronous turn system.  This means that all the players on your team can all take their turns at the same time, the enemies likewise. With this system, our game offers the same kind of tactical combat you’d expect from the likes of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sun, but with combat encounters that move at a far quicker pace. This means that when you’re playing co-op with your friends, there’s no waiting around for your turn while your buddy ponders his next move. You’ll be onto the next step of your adventure in no time, so you can spend less time waiting and more time having friendly argument about whether you should go for another combat encounter, a special event, or some treasure as you move through our games diverse fantasy environments. 

      SR axewwnahor


      Speaking of co-op, we’ve built a really flexible six-player drop-in/drop-out system that means it’s super easy to see your friends playing on Xbox Live, jump in for a few rounds and then leave again. The game automatically balances itself based on how many people are playing, so the game will simply adapt the experience to make sure that you’re coming up against the right level of challenge based on how many of you are playing together at any given moment. Friction-free multiplayer is something Xbox has always been good at, so we think Stolen Realm fits in perfectly in that respect!

      Our approach to combat is something that we’ve tried to implement across the whole game. We’ve designed Stolen Realm to be an RPG that focuses on the best part of RPGs: making choices. Whether it’s what move you will make next in combat, what skill you’re going to take next, what to do when a demon offers you a deal in one of our attribute-altering D&D style special events, or whether to switch out your armour and weapons based on what you’ve looted in your latest encounter. We’ve opened up those choices with a highly-flexible class system that lets you take abilities from any class-tree you wish (there are over 300 skills in the game), so you can make some really creative builds. We’ve also got over 700 unique items to discover, each of which can be customised with modifiers. These include the epicly-named Abbadon the Soul Crusher, a mace that raises slain enemies as skeletal warriors to fight for you and The Bloodletter, a cursed sword that grants additional power at the cost of your lifeblood, to give you a small taste of what you can discover! Basically, there’s a lot of fun ways your choices can impact your character and your adventure and Stolen Realm keeps you making those fun choices as often as possible.   

      SR axewwnahor


      When it comes to choice, we’ve also built a few of modes for you to choose from! Stolen Realm has a full campaign (with six difficulty levels), a hardcore mode for those who want to deal with permadeath, and even a roguelike mode. In roguelike mode, you gain a level after every battle and can choose from a set of random skills and items, making every run unique. Even if you fail, each run helps towards permanently unlocking new characters and passive skills for future runs.

      Myself and the team want to take the time to thank you for reading about our game, as well as our awesome community for the feedback that’s help make Stolen Realm a better game (and made us retain talking bears as a feature), as well streamers like Sacriel, Shroud, Anthony_Kongphan, Strippin, Sequisha, Fairlight_Excalibur and lots of others who we can’t mention because it would make this list too long, for singing the game’s praises and raising the profile of a debut game made by a tiny team. I hope our words about the game have made you eager to begin making your own choices and jump into Stolen Realm with your friends. Enjoy your adventure, available right now on Xbox!

      Xbox Live

      Stolen Realm

      Burst2Flame Games

      30
      $19.99
      TURN-BASED STRATEGY MEETS ACTION RPG IN THIS DUNGEON CRAWLING LOOTER Stolen Realm is a simultaneous turn-based tactical dungeon crawling looter with action RPG elements where you control up to 6 heroes, solo or through online co-op, venturing forth in adventures set in a high-fantasy, low-poly world. Stolen Realm features an innovative turn-based combat system where simultaneous turns allow every team to take their actions at once, creating quick combat encounters that blend the tactical depth of titles like Divinity: Original Sin with the thrill of a fast-paced action RPG. Every battle scales based on the number of players involved, so you can easily jump in and out of the game even in the same playthrough! With a highly customisable class system, Stolen Realm allows you to create traditional RPG classes or break the mold to forge a unique champion of your own as you draw from a pool of hundreds of possible skills. Make a spell-slinging assassin, a priest born of frost, or a shadow-infused knight. Further customize your build by earning and reforging loot that truly changes the way you play: wield Abbadon the Soul Crusher, a mythic mace that raises slain enemies as skeletal warriors to fight for you, or unsheath the Bloodletter, a cursed sword that grants additional power at the cost of your lifeblood. D&D-like events where attribute-based rolls will have permanent effects on your character add yet another layer to building a character that is truly your own. Anything is possible in this title that keeps compelling choices at the forefront of your experience. Keeping the core appeal of RPGs at its forefront, Stolen Realm ensures you spend all your time, fighting, building your characters and making compelling choices that determine your immediate path or effect your character, rather than getting bogged down in side quests and other RPG-bloat. After each battle, pick your path between story events, resource gathering, shops and treasure rooms, until you get to the final boss of each procedurally generated adventure. If you’re up to a challenge, crank the difficulty up with 6 different difficulty levels – or pick Hardcore Mode with permadeath, where every battle can be the last! Also features Roguelike Mode, a fast paced version of the game where you can mix and match builds that are simply not possible in the traditional campaign! Carve a place in history with your sword and magic. Rise to honor and glory in the battlefield. Recover the Stolen Realm.

      The post Stolen Realm Brings a New Twist on Baldur’s Gate 3-Style Combat to Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Tuesday 19 March 2024 - 14:00

      Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Diablo IV, The Quarry, Ark: Survival Ascended, and More

      This “coming soon” announcement we’re going to many different places with Game Pass, including the Old West, the open road, the other roads meant for toy themed cars, and even going to hell. That’s just a small taste of where Game Pass is taking us, so let’s dive in!

      Available Today

      Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) 
      Available on day one with Game Pass: Start your interstellar homestead in this peaceful open-world farming adventure! Build your sustainable exofarm, grow alien crops, customize your mech, and explore a new world full of mystery with up to three friends!    

      MLB The Show 24 (Cloud and Console) 
      Available on day one with Game Pass: Swing for the fences, experience game-deciding moments, become a legend and live out your baseball dreams in MLB The Show 24

      Coming Soon

      The Quarry (Cloud and Console) – March 20 
      When the sun goes down on the last night of summer camp, nine teenage counselors are plunged into an unpredictable night of horror. The only thing worse than the blood-drenched locals and creatures hunting them are the unimaginable choices you must make to help them survive. 

      The Quarry Key Art

      Evil West (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 21 
      A dark menace consumes the Old West. In solo or co-op, fight with style in visceral, explosive combat against bloodthirsty monstrosities. Eradicate the vampiric hordes with your lightning-fueled gauntlet and become a Wild West Superhero. 

      Terra Invicta (Game Preview) (PC) – March 26 
      From the creators of Long War, an alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat. 

      Diablo IV (Console and PC) – March 28 
      The next-gen action RPG experience is coming to Game Pass with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Experience a gripping story or jump straight into Season of the Construct to unearth a new threat looming deep beneath the sands of Kehjistan. 

      Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 28 
      Get behind the wheel of the coolest cars and vehicles from the Hot Wheels universe, including the new ATVs and motorcycles. Explore 5 new stunning environments and race the way you want with new mechanics in exciting challenges and crazy game modes! 

      Open Roads (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 28 
      Available on day one with Game Pass: Long-lost family secrets. Hints of a hidden fortune. And miles to go before they sleep. Tess Devine’s relationship with her mom has never been easy, but they’re about to set out together on a journey into the past that they’ll never forget. 

      Ark: Survival Ascended (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) – April 1 
      Respawn into a new dinosaur survival experience as Ark is reimagined from the ground-up into the next-generation with Unreal Engine 5! Are you ready to form a tribe, tame and breed hundreds of species of dinosaurs and other primeval creatures, explore, craft, build, and fight your way to the top of the food-chain? Your new world awaits! 

      F1 23 (Cloud) EA Play – April 2 
      EA Sports’ F1 23 will be available with Xbox Cloud Gaming via EA Play. Test your driving talents, create your dream team, and be the last to brake in the official video game of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship.   

      Superhot: Mind Control Delete (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 2  
      Making a return to the Game Pass library! Time moves only when you move. Superhot: Mind Control Delete gives you more insight into the signature power fantasy world of Superhot with more story, more signature gameplay, more action, more guns. Keep dancing the slow-motion ballet of destruction for so much longer than ever before.   

      In Case You Missed It

      NBA 2K24 (Cloud and Console) – Available now 
      Strive for greatness with NBA 2K24 – experience a collection of competitive game modes and immerse yourself in a sports simulation unlike any other. NBA 2K24 boasts a variety of exciting game modes, now available for all Ultimate Game Pass Subscribers. We’ll see you on the court! 

      NBA 2K24 Hero Image

      DLC / Game Updates

      Fallout 76: America’s Playground – March 26 
      Experience a new Fallout story set in the fading glitz and glam of Atlantic City. In this intrepid return visit to New Jersey, players will work together with competing local factions to take on a new threat lying in wait deep within the New Jersey Pine Barrens.   

      The Elder Scrolls Online: Scions of Ithelia DLC – March 26 
      A challenging new dungeon crawling adventure awaits in the Scions of Ithelia DLC. Do you have what it takes to emerge victorious? Conquer both dungeons to unlock unique rewards, including new item sets, collectibles, achievements, and more. Game Pass members can save 10% on their purchase of Crowns to use towards the Scions of Ithelia DLC in the Crown Store. 

      Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

      Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass – Available now 
      Dive deeper into the world of Persona 3 Reload with this expansion pass featuring upcoming content including new costumes, background music, and extended story content. Play this role-playing turn based content in the expansion pass Episode Aigis -The Answer-, offering over 30 hours of additional gameplay in this reimagining of the genre-defining RPG! This Perk content requires Persona 3 Reload to use, available now with Game Pass Ultimate. 

      Super Animal Royale Spring Perks Pack – Available now 
      Take your animal apparel to the next level with the Super Animal Royale – Spring Perks Pack. Claw your way to the top of the food chain in style with this exclusive set of cosmetics in this 64-player, top-down 2D battle royale. This Perk content requires Super Animal Royale, available free-to-play. 

      Smite Netherbeasts Perk – Available now 
      Play the all new Netherbeasts Event in the popular action MOBA, Smite. Unlock the Gods, Voice Packs, Emotes for: Chaac, Cernunnos, and Cerberus. Plus enjoy a 3 Day Account Booster! This Perk content requires Smite to use, available free-to-play. 

      Leaving March 31

      The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, be sure to show them some love before they go or consider using your 20% membership discount on your purchase to keep them in your library! 

      • Hot Wheels Unleashed (Cloud, Console, and PC) 
      • Infinite Guitars (Cloud, Console, and PC) 
      • MLB The Show 23 (Cloud and Console) 

      Time for me to decide what my next Diablo IV build will be (spoiler alert it is probably going to be another necromancer). Let us know what you’re pushing the leaderboards with over at @Xbox,  @XboxGamePass or @XboxGamePassPC. See you next time!

      The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Diablo IV, The Quarry, Ark: Survival Ascended, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Tuesday 19 March 2024 - 17:00

      How Xbox Continues to Help Independent Developers Reach More Players

      Greetings from GDC 2024 – every year we use this show as a way to meet tons of developers and as a convenient check in to talk about the goings on at ID@Xbox.  

      2024 got off to a fast start with players this year — Xbox had its biggest month ever on console this past January, measured by play time (including ID@Xbox program member Pocket Pair, whose Xbox Game Preview title, Palworld, has more than 10,000,000 players on Xbox so far!). 

      With more than 3500 titles from independent developers in more than 100 countries in active development for Xbox and Windows via the ID@Xbox program, we’re always working to help independent developers reach more players, and for players to find the best new games. Our new open pitch portal and our Indie Selects program are two ways in which we‘ve unlocked new opportunities for creators and players alike.  

      Last year, we mentioned that we’d be launching an open pitch portal for members of the ID@Xbox program to pitch their games for deal consideration for Game Pass and our Developer Acceleration Program. I’m happy to say that since the portal launched in August, we’ve had hundreds of studios use the portal to submit games for consideration.

      While we don’t publicly talk about our deals before they’re announced, we can say that opening up this process more transparently and publicly has been a huge step forward, to ensure the curators at Xbox across Game Pass and other programs get access to the broadest variety of games to consider, so we can keep bringing players the best selection of games on Earth. While we’re incredibly excited to meet old and new friends from development studios this week at the Game Developer’s Conference, travelling to San Francisco (or anywhere) to meet Xbox staff in person shouldn’t be a pre-requisite to get a game in consideration for a deal — and I am happy to say that it no longer is.  

      Second, this January, after an enormous amount of work from our amazing marketing and store teams, we launched the Indie Selects section of the Xbox Store! This section of the store harkens back to the olden days of Xbox Live Arcade with hand-curated collections of great titles from independent developers available on Xbox. In February, we began awarding six titles a month with an Indie Selects designation / award as well. 

      Although I’m not personally the biggest fan of awards – we all have our own criteria for what makes a great game – so I’m always a little uncomfortable trying to pick winners in any category, especially where there are so many great games out there. However, I also live and breathe games. One of our discovery challenges is helping folks who love games, but don’t immerse themselves in gaming news on a daily (or hourly!) basis. For them, the Indie Selects designation is a great way to help them quickly find games that are endorsed by a group of curators and staff at Xbox who vote on them each month. (I can also share that Phil Spencer volunteered to serve on the voting committee!) These are all awesome games, but of course, there are a great many awesome games that won’t have the Indie Selects designation as well.That includes most games that launch with Xbox Game Pass. The marketing efforts we’ve started with the Indie Selects program are predominantly for games that are not in Game Pass.  

      Game Pass already provides an amazing discovery mechanism (if you see a game you think you might like… download it!), and our Indie Selects efforts are there to ensure that folks see the amazing breadth and depth of the whole catalog on Xbox, not just Game Pass. 

      And that depth and breadth just keeps getting bigger. We now have “business hours” coverage for developers 24/7 around the world, and the team’s work is paying off, with more than 100 titles in development for Xbox consoles via the ID@Xbox Program from Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Of course, we have a lot of work to do to grow and help the developer base in these areas, and from other developers who are under-represented on Xbox wherever they are geographically. We want Xbox to be a place where everyone feels comfortable playing and developing.  

      Of course that doesn’t mean every game will be for every person, and that’s where some of our most challenging, and exciting work will be in the months and years to come – enhancing discovery so that we can help players find their next favorite games, and so we can help developers of great games find their audience wherever they live around the globe. Games remain a hit driven business, but we believe in a future where every game has a reasonable shot in front of its intended audience to make a critical and commercial impact. This is crucial to our dual vision to bring players the widest and deepest array of games to play, and to enable developers to have a sustainable future creating and entertaining us for years to come. And from what we’ve seen coming, we’re incredibly optimistic about the future of games and developers on Xbox. 

      The post How Xbox Continues to Help Independent Developers Reach More Players appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 22 March 2024 - 15:00

      Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 25 – 29

      Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


      Xbox Live

      SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! Digital Deluxe – Pre-Order

      THQ Nordic

      7
      $49.99

      Join Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny, in three-dimensional glory, to celebrate the most magical day in any young child’s life – a snow day! A massive blizzard has thrown the town into chaos and, more importantly, canceled school. Play alone or with up to three friends, and battle through the snow-piled town of South Park.


      Xbox Live

      Planet Zoo: Console Edition

      Frontier Developments

      $49.99

      Build a world for wildlife with Planet Zoo: Console Edition. Create unique habitats and vast landscapes, and make meaningful choices to nurture animals as you construct and manage the world’s wildest zoos using intuitive console controls.


      Xbox Live

      Grandia HD Collection

      GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.

      Dive into the captivating journey of Justin and his allies as they race against the sinister Garlyle Forces. Unravel the mysteries of a forgotten civilization and immerse yourself in an RPG hailed as a timeless classic, with beautiful HD graphics.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles

      Wired Productions

      $19.99

      Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an open world builder with freedom and expression at its core, allowing players to build sprawling towns, spires, and fortresses that become hubs for trade, or rallying grounds for conquests


      Xbox Live

      The True

      Badri Bebua

      A spinoff of “Laws of Machine”, you play as a young girl named Sarah, who has to find out what happened in Robotec lab. To figure out what really happened in the lab, you have to reach underground Ascendo lab, where the trail that Sarah found in the memory of a robot DR12 leads


      Xbox Live

      Super Space Club

      GrahamOfLegend

      Super Space Club is a colorful endless arcade gunner set to the backdrop of chill, lo-fi music. As a club of skilled misfit pilots, defend the galaxy by taking on galactic forces and completing a series of thrilling missions. In space, everyone can hear you groove.


      Xbox Live

      Terra Memoria

      Dear Villagers

      A shortage of magic crystals and the sudden awakening of ancient robots leads six new friends on an incredible investigation across Terra – a cozy and fantastic world that combines 3D and pixel art.


      Xbox Live

      One Last Breath

      Catness Game Studios

      $17.99

      The Earth is sick and we are the disease. All hope rests on Gaia, a powerful being born from mother nature’s last breath. Use her abilities to alter the environment, escape from dangerous creatures, solve thoughtful puzzles and survive in this dying world.


      Xbox Live

      Ario

      Artax Games

      A fantasy land plagued by nightmares, a common lad trying to rescue his missing mother and an evil forces conspiration to be unveiled. Join Ario in this thrilling adventure where your crossbow and skills will determine the fate of your people.


      Xbox Live

      Stasis: Bone Totem

      Feardemic

      Experience a thrilling underwater adventure with classic point-and-click gameplay. Explore with 3 characters simultaneously. Ready for a journey to hidden places deep below the waves…?


      Xbox Live

      The Master's Pupil

      Noble Steed Games

      Explore the eye of master artist Claude Monet and experience a unique biographical adventure! Test your skills and perseverance as you overcome the progressive disease that threatened Monet’s eyesight and solve puzzles to help the painter complete some of his greatest masterpieces!


      Xbox Live

      Forrader Hero

      Ratalaika Games S.L.

      Forrader Hero is a turn-based tactical roguelike where heroes must battle hordes of monsters, undead creatures, and their sinister overlords. Choose between multiple heroes with different unique skills, chart your path through the danger, and collect items to survive.


      Xbox Live

      House

      Glowstick Entertainment

      HOUSE is a horror adventure game where you play as a young girl exploring a dangerous house that’s doing everything it can to kill you and your family. Race against time to change fate…or fall into darkness yourself.


      Xbox Live

      Re:Touring

      Sometimes You

      $9.99 $7.99
      Xbox One X Enhanced

      Re:Touring is a first-person puzzle game in which you’ll explore the abandoned Luoni Energy Competence Center and uncover the facility’s history, navigating through a total of 26 varied levels. Using a retro-style computer, you’ll create color patterns to control elements such as doors, platforms and lasers.


      The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 25 – 29 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 22 March 2024 - 17:00

      GDC 2024: Indies from Around the World to Your Xbox

      GDC 2024 Indies Feature Hero Image

      Summary

      GDC is an exciting time on gamers’ calendars, when the collective knowledge of the game industry comes together to share ideas, reveal upcoming projects, and engage with players and creators. It’s also a great time to see what some of the world’s most talented indie game developers are working on.

      The ID@Xbox Showcase returned to GDC this week and hosted 10 game creators and their upcoming projects from seven different countries — all of which are in development for Xbox players to enjoy.

      Xbox Wire had a chance to talk with game creators behind the upcoming Sopa (Colombia), The Sinking City 2 (Ukraine), Sonzai (India), and Go-Go Town (Australia) to learn more about these games and the people who make them, far from the more established indie game development scenes like Japan and the United States.


      What’s the Indie Game Development Scene Like in Your Country?

      Studio Bando Creative Director & CEO Juan Castañeda: Colombia is booming and there’s a lot of great and super talented studios. There’s also a Colombian Video Game Association. The studios have some of the most established, talented, and super experienced people that I think people should hear more about because a lot of them have experience of working on a lot of projects.

      SOPA SCREENSHOT
      SOPA

      All that accumulative knowledge [is starting] to really crystallize to the point where they can really deliver these awesome projects.

      Now in terms of our experience, I think it’s been a little bit different because most of my experience, even though I’m from Colombia, I’ve been working in the US. I moved back to Colombia, and we started connecting with the folks there. And as things started working out, that’s how the team started growing. We started involving more Colombians, so it was all very organic.

      Prideful Sloth Creative Director Cheryl Vance: Coming from Australia, it’s amazing. I think we’ve managed to, as a country, build up quite a reputation internationally for being really good with indie development. So, it’s great, it’s flourishing and there’s so many fantastic games coming out of the country.

      SONZAI SCREENSHOT
      SONZAI

      Sonzai Executive Producer Andy Andi Han: The best way to describe the indie gaming scene [in India] is “isolated.” This creates a situation where a lot of young and upcoming aspiring developers have second thoughts, never have the opportunity, or are simply driven away from the indie scene in the first place… There are more factors in play here, such as the infamous social pressure to go for more standard jobs or simply the fact that we have multiple spoken languages all over India, so finding a group of passionate indie developers is fairly hard.

      All that said, I have seen a handful of indie games pop up from India in the last decade. This should pave the way for future projects, indie or otherwise. I do believe India has extremely talented artists whose creative visions are worth investing in. Hopefully, very soon, we will see some of that potential being realized.

      Frogwares PR Manager Paul Milewski: The indie gaming scene in Ukraine is maybe not in its infancy, but it’s still taking those first steps. The country is getting to a point now where they are starting to get recognition from around the world. Unfortunately, the situation with the war happened. But one of the, you could say silver linings, is that there’s a lot [more] attention on the country than previously. And so more people are starting to look at what has been going on there.

      Go-Go Town Screenshot
      GO-GO TOWN

      They have had a flourishing tech scene for decades now. But it was very, very isolated. They were looking to the West to get ideas and now they’re starting to come up with their own stuff. Now the West is looking at them, seeing what they’re starting to create. So, I think right now, there’s this moment of hope that this attention will amount into something… The more games that break out in Ukraine, the more it inspires the next generations to follow to get into it.

      How is This Game a Unique Journey (From Other Projects)?

      Juan Castañeda: Sopa is the most passionate project ever in my entire career, probably in my entire life, and I feel that the whole team behind the project feels the same way. And so, we are approaching it differently. Being able to transmit and convey what we set out to do to represent the things that we set out to do. And making sure that that it’s accessible and that we’re able to find that audience to have a fun experience — but also an emotional one. But also, it is just how much we’ve had to fight to get this far. How committed we must be and the sacrifices that we’ve had to make. And that comes back again to just believing in the project.

      Cheryl Vance: As a studio, we worked on titles like Batman: Arkham and Devil May Cry, and here we are now making cozy games. So, I’d say that’s pretty much a complete opposite change of what we used to do. We just wanted to focus on something different. All of us were kind of like, “We’ve done combat for a while now; let’s not do combat.” And now here we are, and this is our third game.

      The Sinking City 2 Screenshot
      THE SINKING CITY 2

      It was more just wanting to take games from the farming genre, and I wanted an experience where it was open world and could do more things, and that kind of morphed — with some feedback — into this Zelda-meets-farming thing and it’s constantly about what experiences do we want to make.

      Sonzai Project Coder Ritam Ray: I have been into game development since I was 12. It started with modding my favorite games to then tinkering with game engines and making smaller games/demos. So, I have been on the indie game development journey for as long as I can remember. The biggest difference between this, and other tech jobs I had, is creative freedom. Not a very interesting answer but it’s an important distinction regardless.

      Sonzai Project Artist Swapnil Karmakar: As for me, I’ve drawn for most of my conscious existence. But both my game development and animation journey started in college with a game we were developing right before Sonzai. It never saw anything near completion but taught me the challenges game development brings. I learned animation entirely through developing Sonzai. So, the biggest difference from other jobs I’ve taken on is that in a long-form project both the quality and style of my work changed, which makes it difficult to keep the entire thing cohesive. In short-form projects, this has never been an issue. But I think we’re working on something that we can be proud of here.

      SOPA SCREENSHOT
      SOPA

      Paul Milewski: It was only up until recently that Frogwares decided they were able to go independent, and one of the first games that they released was Sherlock Holmes: The Awakening. The thing is though, that project came out of necessity. That project wasn’t really meant to happen, but then the war broke out and they needed to essentially stop what they were doing and do something that was a lot smaller; they needed to figure out if they could even produce a game under these (war) conditions, right?

      Team members would drop in and out in terms of availability. Power cuts happen all the time. Air raids happen. This is essentially the team’s big test to see if everything that they have learned in the previous game can still be applied to this when you’re working on something on a bigger scale. But they’re also going a step further to make [Sinking City 2] more survival horror and keep the investigation feature as optional. So, this is also a very big step to see if they can pull this off and be able to broaden their horizons a bit.

      How Does Your Game Represent Your Region?

      Juan Castañeda: We tried to represent even the mundane of it as a backdrop. There are so many colorful and new and fresh things that exist in in Latin American culture that I think most people have never seen, even in projects that are set in these places. You see it in a more traditional game and then they’ll take some of the aesthetic. And that’s beautiful and wonderful. And I’m happy to see it when it happened.

      GO-GO TOWN SCREENSHOT
      GO-GO TOWN

      In our case, we wanted to take that a step further and really try and communicate the sensation of being there, including the mundane right? So just hanging out in your grandmother’s house and walking around and looking at the objects that she has in her house and that back and forth. Another thing that that we wanted to bring that we think is pretty refreshing is the concept of magical realism. And that’s a very that’s something that’s very like part of our identity in Colombia specifically.

      Andy Andi Han: Sonzai is simply a game that we wanted to make. It takes a few of Ritam’s favorite things in gaming like JRPGs like the Persona series, Final Fantasy 6, and combines them with my Swapnil’s love for stylish character action games like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising and fuses them together.

      It is truthfully hard to say how much it represents our local game development scene. However, it represents something far more fundamental, in my opinion. As long as you want to create a game and know your limits you can actually jump into indie game development.

      SONZAI SCREENSHOT
      SONZAI

      More and more players are giving the indie gaming scene the attention it deserves. Hopefully, with Sonzai, we can generate more interest in game development in our local scene. So that in the future, people will be less intimidated to do what we did. Everything starts in the grassroots, and Top Hat Studios took the time to go down to the weeds and believe great things were being done there. With support like that, it’s possible for creative projects like ours to exist, and hopefully many more in the future.

      Cheryl Vance: It’s the culmination of both our experiences in the industry as well as the vibrant dev community with our peers providing feedback on our games. It’s also the government funding that’s helped us stay here and continue… Because now we have real tax incentives in our country as well too, which is fantastic. And that’s also allows us to change and do different things than we otherwise would with our money knowing that we have a bit of safety net, to try things differently than we would and that’s been fantastic for us.

      Specifically with this title, what we’ve done is run play tests that we started about a year into development. We’re on our fourth one now and that’s pushed out our development timeline. But again, we have that safety net of funding to help with that. That’s a part of what’s been good about having government backing to help with those sorts of things to do that.

      THE SINKING CITY 2 SCREENTSHOT
      THE SINKING CITY 2

      Paul Milewski: I don’t know if it’s an Eastern European thing or just if it’s more question of like upbringing, but you can also look at it, sort of how it was in Poland and how it is in Ukraine. There’s something about the way that these companies write their stories. It’s not very black and white, right? Maybe you could argue that Western audience always wants the good guy, always the bad guy. You know, it’s very clean cut.

      With stories that are coming out of Ukraine, there’s always this moral gray, middle road. They want to kind of do this thing where not everything is clean. You are not playing this hero that’s basically untouched in terms of infallibility and all that stuff. That’s always something that they have that they’ve done well, and this is something they’re going to apply here.


      These games are just a small look into the world of indie game development from across the world, and all are being developed for Xbox. In fact, we can confirm that Sopa will be available with Game Pass once it launches, and that it and Sonzai are both part of our Developer Acceleration Program which works to empower game creators from underrepresented groups– you can learn more about DAP here.

      The post GDC 2024: Indies from Around the World to Your Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 27 March 2024 - 15:00
      No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

      No Man’s Sky Orbital Update Introduces Space Station Overhaul, Ship Customization, and More

      Summary

      • No Man’s Sky free Orbital Update available to download today.
      • Space stations are now vast and varied in the all-new Orbital update for No Man’s Sky.
      • No Man’s Sky players on Xbox can now customize their starships.

      Last month, all Xbox owners were able to try No Man’s Sky’s free Omega expedition whether they owned No Man’s Sky or not. We were thrilled to welcome so many new Travellers into our friendly community. This month, we’re excited to show all those new players what veteran players have come to expect by way of regular updates as we unveil the Orbital update, free for existing owners to download today.

      Orbital focusses on an area of the game which has remained largely unchanged since No Man’s Sky launched on Xbox five years ago. It’s an aspect which every player encounters almost every time they embark on a new adventure – the ever-present space stations!

      No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

      Space stations have always been a vibrant and much-frequented feature of every No Man’s Sky star system and are a bustling destination for trade, equipment upgrades, missions, fast travel around the universe and endearing yourself to the locals.

      The first thing to strike you about these news stations is their vastness. They loom ever larger upon your starship as you approach the docking entrance. Secondly, their procedurally-generated exteriors mean that you rarely encounter the same form twice. Upon initiating the docking sequence, the large, cavernous landing strip you traverse hints towards a much larger interior than previous, again with a wide variety of layouts.

      No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

      One of the new additions to the space station map which Travellers will no doubt race towards is the Ship Fabricator. For a while now, players have dreamed of the ability to create their own starships in their dream configuration. This new function enables you to combine parts of salvaged ships together in a near-limitless array of permutations to create brand new form factors. You may still need to scour the universe for that perfect S-Class though!

      The envoys from the three universe guilds – Merchant, Mercenary, Explorer – frequent the new space stations and it’s always worth paying them a visit. Your standing with the guilds can be increased with donations of interesting artefacts from your travels, and a higher standing unlocks ever-higher gifts, cheap supplies and discounts, anything from free ammo and fuel to powerful equipment upgrades.

      No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

      Orbital also ushers in the concept of “Intervention Events” as part of freighter expeditions. Frigates that you have dispatched to the far-flung corners of the universe on lucrative missions can now call upon further instruction mid-voyage or even ask you to come to where they are to assist them in their objective.

      As with all No Man’s Sky free updates, Orbital features a whole host of other additions and improvements, large and small. It is available to download from today, free for all existing Xbox and Game Pass owners. Our journey continues.

      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      No Man's Sky

      Hello Games

      925
      $59.99 $47.99
      Xbox One X Enhanced
      PC Game Pass
      Xbox Game Pass
      No Man’s Sky comes complete with all 26 major updates up to and including Omega. Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man's Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action. In No Man's Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you'll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before – and perhaps never will again. Embark on an epic voyage At the centre of the galaxy lies a irresistible pulse which draws you on a journey towards it to learn the true nature of the cosmos. But, facing hostile creatures and fierce pirates, you'll know that death comes at a cost, and survival will be down to the choices you make over how you upgrade your ship, your weapon and suit. Find your own destiny Your voyage through No Man's Sky is up to you. Will you be a fighter, preying on the weak and taking their riches, or taking out pirates for their bounties? Power is yours if you upgrade your ship for speed and weaponry. Or a trader? Find rich resources on forgotten worlds and exploit them for the highest prices. Invest in more cargo space and you'll reap huge rewards. Or perhaps an explorer? Go beyond the known frontier and discover places and things that no one has ever seen before. Upgrade your engines to jump ever farther, and strengthen your suit for survival in toxic environments that would kill the unwary. Share your journey The galaxy is a living, breathing place. Trade convoys travel between stars, factions vie for territory, pirates hunt the unwary, and the police are ever watching. Every other player lives in the same galaxy, and you can choose to share your discoveries with them on a map that spans known space. Perhaps you will see the results of their actions as well as your own…

      The post No Man’s Sky Orbital Update Introduces Space Station Overhaul, Ship Customization, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 27 March 2024 - 16:00

      It’s been a month since our first round of Indie Selects were announced, and we’re back again with another great batch of games that we think you’ll love. As a reminder (or introduction if you’re new to this program), Indie Selects are chosen from recently launched Xbox games that the ID@Xbox team considers to be indie and that aren’t available with Game Pass. The whole team votes and the top six vote winners are our Indie Selects for the month.

      The selects for March 2024 run the gamut from the return of an old favorite, a brilliant new take on a very old card game, and an intense horror experience. Here’s the list (in no particular order):

      Balatro

      Balatro Image Asset

      It’s just video poker, right? You’d be forgiven for thinking that by just glancing at it, but you’d be very wrong. It takes the rather simplistic poker framework and reinvents it as a deep, engaging and utterly addictive roguelike. You start with a basic deck and play hands to beat a target number of chips for each round. But where it gets fun is unlocking bonus and special cards that make your choices much more complex and interesting. Leveling up “three of a kind” and playing it with a Spade bonus can make it more valuable than even a Royal Flush. And you can unlock new Jokers and other cards after each run to create new options for the next run. And…suddenly it’s 3:00 AM and you’re still playing.

      Tomb Raider I – III Remastered Starring Lara Croft

      Tomb Raider Remastered Image Asset

      The first Tomb Raider came out in 1996 and took the gaming world by storm. It’s an absolute classic from start to finish. This remaster of the first three games is a love letter to the origins of the series, featuring all three original adventures, including the expansions and secret levels, improved graphics, and the choice to play with classic or modern controls. The classic “tank” controls might seem a bit alarming and strange to anybody under 35, but playing that way certainly took us back to our youth and thrill of tomb raiding with Lara.

      As with many games from the ‘90s, they’re not considered particularly easy by modern standards, but finding your way through platforming-based puzzles and figuring out the best solutions is incredibly rewarding. Does a remaster compilation of games that were undeniably “triple A” back in their day count as “indie”? Great question. Who knows for sure. We decided that it counts since the developer behind the remaster, Aspyr, generally fits the bill. But instead of getting bogged down in that thought experiment, go play the games. You can thank me later.

      The Outlast Trials

      Outlast Trials Image Asset

      The original Outlast and its sequel, Outlast 2, were terrifying first-person adventure survival games, where, with no way to defend yourself, you survived by hiding, sliding, creeping, crouching, and running through the levels, staying one step ahead of whoever was trying to kill you at that particular moment.

      The Outlast Trials takes that formula and adds four player co-op, and radically over-the-top villains, who hunt you and buddies down in a series of outrageous death games. After each run you can upgrade your character through various class-based skill trees, before you and your friends jump back into the next terrifying experience. It can be as hysterically funny as it is terrifying, while the gameplay loop of surviving, solving puzzles, and finding an escape is incredibly compelling. The game can be played solo, but it’s much more fun if you can find some friends to brave the experience with you.

      Rounds

      Rounders Image Asset

      Landfall created the delightfully wacky Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, and Stickfight, The Game. With Rounds, they’ve created probably the world’s first 1v1 roguelike combat game. At the start of the game, each player uses their noodle arms to select a card containing a power-up. You’re given a half dozen to choose from out of 65 or so overall. Powerups can let you shoot straighter, make bullets explode on impact, let your bullets push enemies back, or give you all kinds of other slight advantages.

      Where it gets interesting is at the end of each, uh, round the loser gets to pick a new card with a new ability. And since abilities stack, by the end of each five-round game, you can create an overwhelmingly powerful custom build (assuming, of course, that you lose a lot). This mechanic turns an otherwise simple, level-based combat game into a sophisticated roguelike where each player can build their strengths against the other player’s weaknesses. The game is never the same from one round to the next.

      Slave Zero X

      Slave Zero X Image Asset

      Slave Zero, a cult favorite 1999 Windows and Dreamcast game, cast the player as a giant, rampaging robot in a third person shooter. A quarter century later, Ziggurat brings us a prequel to that game, in a stylish 2.5D world. But unlike the original, Slave Zero X plays out as a brawler blended with the precise gameplay mechanics of a fighting game.

      It’s the kind of game that can drive you to toss your controller through a window, but in the next breadth has you climbing through the window to retrieve it because you just can’t stop playing. The art and music are both fantastic and do a lot to help serve up the rich cyberpunk world. Hard? Yes. A bit unfair at times? Maybe. Rewarding, addictive and compelling? Absolutely.

      Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2

      Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2 Image Asset

      Finally, this month we have something completely different. Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2 is a medieval choose-your-own-adventure experience, where you play your cards to direct your choices. Each decision you make leads to seemingly endless twists and turns. There are apparently over a thousand different events that you can encounter in the game, along with over 99 ways to do, but you’d have to go through many different playthroughs to find them all.

      It’s a relaxing, casual experience that encourages you to play around with your choices to see where your kingdom will end up. At the end of the first playthrough (which might be very short, since death is constantly right around the corner) you’ll almost certainly find yourself wanting to jump in and see where else fate, and your decisions, will take you.

      The post Indie Selects for March 2024: The ID@Xbox Team Serves Up Another Batch of Outstanding Indies appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 29 March 2024 - 15:00
      Next Week on Xbox Hero Asset

      Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 1 – 5

      This is Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we list all the games that are coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can find more information on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for more details (release dates may vary). Let’s get started!


      Xbox Live

      Alchemist: The Potion Monger

      Art Games Studio S.A.

      $19.99

      Alchemist: The Potion Monger – April 3
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Alchemist: The Potion Monger is a mixture of simulation puzzle and RPG game, in which you can leave your lab, venture into the world, and change it with your brews! Choose your character “Race” from a wide array of animal types, with their strengths and weaknesses and begin your alchemical journey!


      Xbox Live

      Deceit 2

      World Makers

      Deceit 2 – April 3
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      An online social deduction horror game where you can inspire fear as the Terror, play detective as the Innocent, or create mayhem as the Cursed. Who can you trust to help you escape?


      Xbox Live

      Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris

      Eastasiasoft Limited

      Flight Path: Adventures in Venaris April 3
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A top-down vertical shoot ’em up where choices presented in certain stages drastically alter the way the narrative unfolds. With multiple paths, unique content for each pilot you choose, specific tasks to complete, procedurally generated levels and unpredictable enemy attack patterns across 10 stages, Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris offers a wealth of replay value as you explore its narrative possibilities!


      Xbox Live

      Knowledge Keeper (Xbox Series X|S)

      Sometimes You

      $4.99 $3.99
      Free Trial

      Knowledge Keeper – April 3
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Become a keeper of knowledge by collecting shards of divine crystals. Look for the right way to obtain the crystals, avoid dangerous obstacles, and teleport from one space to another to get closer to your goal. Solve tasks on memory, logic, and orientation in space to get to the blocked areas.


      Xbox Live

      Freedom Planet 2

      XSEED Games / Marvelous USA, Inc.

      2
      $24.99 $22.49

      Freedom Planet 2 – April 4
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Return to the vibrant world of Avalice to battle an ancient threat in the long-awaited sequel to the surprise indie action-platformer hit, Freedom Planet. With 24 expertly designed stages, an ambitiously expanded Adventure mode, retro-but-refined 2D visuals, and the addition of the highly requested Boss Rush mode, Freedom Planet 2 is the indie darling grown up to become a true platforming power.


      Xbox Live

      Vigour

      Weakfish Studio Publishing

      Vigour – April 4
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      In this puzzle platformer game, you’ll play as a cute bird that must solve challenges with different mechanics per each of the levels, completing them by solving different puzzles for each season. With 30 differently designed levels, will you be able to pass them all?


      Xbox Live

      Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy

      ChiliDog Interactive

      $5.99

      Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy – April 5
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Enter a world of magic in a stunning new solitaire adventure! Guide a kind-hearted fairy, a noble knight, and a powerful wizard as they pursue the evil witch, Jill, who intends to destroy the knight’s realm and enslave its people.


      Xbox Live

      Sky Survivors

      Desert Water Games

      Sky Survivors – April 5
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      An arena shooter roguelike where you choose from a variety of skills, unlock unique characters, and weapons. Build a sky tower where each floor gives your character a unique bonus. Create your own overpowered build and survive against hordes of monsters!


      Xbox Live

      Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded

      Ratalaika Games S.L.

      Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded – April 5
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A 2D arcade with intense, addictive arena-based gameplay. Battle for as long as possible in 10 different arenas, each with its own unique set of challenges. Shoot down enemy combatants and gain special power-up drones that add extra firepower to your side.


      Xbox Live

      Withering Rooms

      PERP GAMES

      Withering Rooms – April 5
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Take on the role of young Nightingale in this challenging 2.5D RPG that draws inspiration from roguelikes, Souls likes, and classic survival horror games. Explore an expansive procedurally generated map of Mostyn House full of hedge mazes, tombs, caves, churches, and ruins that lie beyond its gates. Craft a wide variety of weapons, tools, spells, outfits, and magical artifacts. Encounter a cast of strange friends, merchants, and liars each with their own agenda.


      The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 1 – 5 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 29 March 2024 - 22:00
      • Lo-fi arcade space shooter to chill to.
      • Stylized modern take on iconic classic arcade games that we all love.
      • Available now!

      Hey! Graham here, the Jamaican solo indie dev behind your next favorite space shooter, Super Space Club. I’m a big fan of the shoot-em-up genre, and I also have a ton of respect for classic arcade shooters. I’ve always wanted to make my own arcade-inspired shooter, while also making it my own — visually, sonically, and mechanically driven by my interests and my background. That’s how Super Space Club came to exist, and I’m not sure there’s anything that’s beat-for-beat akin to it.

      SSC animal face

      Your mission is to defend the galaxy by taking control of one of the five skilled anthropomorphic misfits known as the titular Super Space Club. Enemies are seemingly endless, profusely coming at you wave after wave, each wave increasing in difficulty and variety. You must skillfully dance around the sea of incoming attacks while launching your own, use your selected character’s ability to level the playing field, and if your ship runs out of energy, barely escape death by initiating your hyperdrive. This is the core loop of the game, and my homage to the arcade era of games where you could pick up and play a round or ten at any given point and thoroughly enjoy your time with it.

      From there, I brought it to the modern era of gaming with the art direction, certain gameplay mechanics, and most importantly, the music. I didn’t want to add to the seemingly infinite list of space-themed games set in a realistic dark and moody universe with intense electronic music as a backdrop to raise your blood pressure. Instead, Super Space Club takes the hectic moment-to-moment gameplay and pairs it with a funky, visually striking color palette and chill music with vocals to groove to.

      SSC Screenshot

      The heart and soul of Super Space Club is in fact the music. Thanks to the Missouri-based duo Fat Bard, the game truly sounds and feels one-of-a-kind. The soundtrack pulls from lo-fi, hip-hop, jazz, and reggae, and fuses them to make auditory butter. Laid on top of the tracks are vocals from African-American hip-hop artists, a Jamaican reggae artist, and a French hip-hop artist and singer, all of whom further elevate the music beyond your average “video game music.” It’s not just you, the player, that is listening to the tracks, however. The music is actually a part of the game as the characters themselves are jamming to it. When your ship takes damage, the track skips a beat. When you’re low on energy, the music becomes muffled so that you both can focus on surviving just one more wave. If you slow time, the music gets chopped and screwed.

      Utilizing color in the way I did allowed me to keep the game’s visuals minimal yet extremely readable and strikingly pleasant to look at for hours on end. Space should be a colorful place! Adding characters to the mix allowed me to have fun creating abilities that matched the animals’ personalities, and it allows you to find one that resonates with you both as a player and as a person. Each character has their own ability, look, and personality, and you’re sure to find your favorite of the bunch.

      Having various characters, weapons, and ships to unlock as you progress throughout the game, you’ll ultimately have over a hundred different loadout combinations at your disposal, each giving the game its own unique flavor — each combo changing how you play the game. Will you pair a slow yet sturdy ship, a character with a shield, and a low-speed, high-impact weapon to create a tank-like build? Or, will you pick a low-energy, speedy ship and combine it with homing missiles and a character who tosses out homing mines for a fragile chaotic run? There are so many combinations for you to try out and find which one suits your playstyle the most.

      Whether you decide to play Super Space Club as a zen wind-down experience, or as something to quickly dive into to try and get a new high score, I truly hope that you enjoy outlasting your enemies and vibing to the rhythm of the stars.

      Xbox Live

      Super Space Club

      GrahamOfLegend

      4
      $14.99
      Super Space Club is a colorful endless arcade gunner set to the backdrop of chill, lo-fi music. As a club of skilled misfit pilots, defend the galaxy by taking on galactic forces and completing a series of thrilling missions. In space, everyone can hear you groove. Sling fireworks with the explosive Olly, or dish out ship-seeking shots with the stealthy Roscoe? With a variety of pilots, ships, and weapons at your disposal, choose the perfect build and soar across the stars through physics-based thrusting. As you're taking down enemies and completing objectives, be wary of your ship's energy. Depleting energy could leave you vulnerable to devastating damage. Don’t get too comfortable after coming out on top, as the next wave is always right around the corner. Despite the challenge that gameplay may bring, space can be quite dope. Missouri-based audio duo Fat Bard provides the backdrop of lo-fi beats and chill-hop tunes featuring vocal artists from around the globe. Paired with a vibrant and colorful cool-toned aesthetic, Super Space Club delivers a relaxing yet challenging arcade experience unlike any other.
      • Available now

      The post How Super Space Club Beautifully Pairs Hectic Arcade Gameplay with Pure Chill-Hop Jazzy Vibes appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Tuesday 02 April 2024 - 15:00

      Coming to Xbox Game Pass: LEGO 2K Drive, EA Sports PGA Tour, Harold Halibut, and More

      My favorite part about “coming soon” to Game Pass is that it quickly turns into “available today” messaging. From driving to golfing to tomb raiding, there’s plenty here that’s going to be available sooner rather than later. Let’s take a look at the games that are mere moments away from your download queue!

      Available Today

      Superhot: Mind Control Delete (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      Returning to the Game Pass library today, Superhot: Mind Control Delete gives you more insight into the signature power fantasy world of Superhot with more story, more signature gameplay, more action, more guns. Keep dancing the slow-motion ballet of destruction for much longer than ever before.

      Coming Soon

      LEGO 2K Drive (Cloud and Console) – April 3
      Welcome to Bricklandia, home of a massive open-world LEGO driving adventure. Race anywhere, play with anyone, build your dream rides, and defeat a cast of wild racing rivals for the coveted Sky Trophy!

      Lil Gator Game (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 4
      Who wouldn’t want to be an adorable Lil Gator? Embark on a cute “lil” quest, discovering new friends, and uncovering everything its island has to offer. Climb, swim, glide, and slide your way into the hearts of the many different characters you meet along the way in this adorable open-world adventure!

      EA Sports PGA Tour (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – April 4
      EA Sports PGA Tour is coming to The Play List with PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play. Become a Major champion, tee off on the Par 3 Course at Augusta National, along with three new 2024 Major host courses.

      EA Sports PGA Tour Key Art

      Kona (Cloud and Console) – April 9
      Another game is making a return to the Game Pass library! A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive in this chilly, interactive tale you won’t soon forget.

      Botany Manor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 9
      Available on day one with Game Pass! Explore the historic manor home of retired botanist Arabella Greene, who has amassed a collection of rare, long-forgotten flora that require special conditions to help them bloom. Unlock new seeds, look for clues in the items scattered around the residence, and solve each gardening puzzle to revive these plants.

      Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 11
      Experience the final chapter of Lara’s origin as she is forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be. Combining the base game, all seven DLC challenge tombs, as well as all downloadable weapons, outfits, and skills, Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition is the ultimate way to experience Lara’s defining moment.

      Harold Halibut (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 16
      Available on day one with Game Pass! Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’. You can learn more about Harold Halibut in Xbox Wire’s recent hands-on preview here.

      DLC / Game Updates

      No Man’s Sky Orbital Update – Available now
      Dock your fully customized starship in the sleek new space stations of update 4.6, Orbital! Space stations have been completely overhauled internally and externally; new starships can be constructed from salvaged parts; frigate fleets can reach out for guidance with interstellar expeditions; standing and guilds have been improved, trading and system economies have been deepened – and much more! Learn more about No Man’s Sky’s Orbital update here on Xbox Wire.

      Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

      Final Fantasy XIV Online: Starter Edition – Available now
      Join over 30 million adventures worldwide in the critically acclaimed online RPG.  From now through April 19, the Final Fantasy XIV Online – Starter Edition base game is now free for a limited time – including a 30-day free play period for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Terms apply. You can also learn how to build your Warrior of Light in Final Fantasy XIV Online here on Xbox Wire.

      YouTube Premium 3 Month Trial – Available now
      Watch your favorite YouTube creators without ads, offline, and in the background. Plus, stream the latest songs from your favorite artists with uninterrupted access to YouTube Music. New users only. Monthly subscription fee starts at the end of trial. Cancel anytime. Not available in all regions. Terms apply.

      Battlefield 2042: Season 7 Field Kit – Available now
      In the iconic all-out warfare first-person shooter of Battlefield 2042, Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play members can get the Battlefield 2042 Season 7 Field Kit containing a Ride’em Crab Boy Weapon Charm, Rising Tide AM40 Weapon Skin, and Dustproof Specialist Headgear.  Check out the other EA Play member rewards and Perks here on Xbox Wire.

      Leaving April 15

      Make sure you give the following games a proper farewell before they leave the Game Pass library. As always, you can save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library.

      • Amnesia Collection (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Amnesia: Rebirth (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Back 4 Blood (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Phantom Abyss (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Research and Destroy (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Soma (Cloud, Console, and PC)

      That wraps us up! Let us know which game you’re planning on playing first over at @Xbox@XboxGamePass or @XboxGamePassPC. Catch you next time!

      The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: LEGO 2K Drive, EA Sports PGA Tour, Harold Halibut, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 03 April 2024 - 19:00

      Hello soon to be Alchemists,

      I’m Mateusz, Game Designer of Alchemist: The Potion Monger, here to convince you to buy property surrounded by gigantic vines (a small annoyance) on a faraway island.

      This fresh opportunity is now available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S owners!

      APM screenshot

      Purchase Agreement Includes:

      • Solving puzzles to brew potions and using them during RPG adventures.
      • Furnishing and decorating your newly bought property.
      • Adopting alchemical pets (and petting them!).
      • And much more…

      Interested?

      Feel welcome to the world of Alchemist: The Potion Monger, full of anthropomorphic animals! Let me be your guide.

      Potion Brewing

      APM cauldron

      Alchemy is the key aspect of the game (as you surely expected from the title called Alchemist: The Potion Monger).

      Every potion recipe is based on Aspects – reflections of emotions, forces of nature, and ideas. Aspects are divided into four Elements:

      • Earth – the backbone of many brews, such as Healing Potions, Poisons, Resurrection Potions, and many more!
      • Air – a huge part in Speed Potions, Jump Potions, Perfumes, and all kinds of mind-boosting brews.
      • Fire – can set fires (what a surprise), explode, cause aggression, or spread love.
      • Water – creates brews such as Cleaning Potions, Quick Reflexes Potions, Ice Potions, etc.
      APM screenshot

      Creating a potion is no easy task and every brew is a Puzzle to solve. How you solve them will depend on the ingredients and alchemical tools you have available. Use various alchemical and other (demonic altars, holy waters, and more) tools to process the ingredients. Then put them into the cauldron and start brewing!

      Using your Brews

      This is a unique aspect among the alchemist simulators available on the market. After creating potions venture outside your home and influence the world with their help! Possibilities are plenty:

      • Help the farmer grow plants
      APM screenshot
      • Or„ “Grow” the farmer!
      APM frmer
      • Make a fireworks show for the townsfolk
      APM fireworks
      • Or freeze them with the bottled snowstorm!
      APM screenshot
      • Turn the townsfolk into sheep and adopt them
      APM screenshot
      • Or burn them to the glory of the oinking pig god!
      APM exterior

      Design your Home/Lab

      and make it truly your own! – Alchemist: The Potion Monger will allow a lot of customization in designing your home and yard.

      APM dog

      When you first arrive at the Island as an alchemist apprentice, you’ll have an empty home, a sleeping bag, and only some basic alchemical tools with you. Slowly you’ll be able to fill the empty space with furniture, trophies (from slain bosses), advanced tools, and some other weird stuff.

      APM screenshot

      Acquire blueprints from the market, find them in the world, or receive them as a quest reward, and make your – empty at-first – home a true mansion of the wealthy alchemist!

      Pets

      To learn alchemy you’ll surely need some help, luckily you’re not alone.

      You’ll arrive on the island with yourtrusty Shiba (you’ll be able to name him/her as you wish). He/she is very special. He/she is the best boy/girl!

      APM dog facing

      Actually, there is one more thing that makes him/her special -the ability to discover the Earth’s element Aspects. With time you’ll be able to let more special animals join your party! Every element (Earth, Air, Fire, and Water) has its own corresponding pet for you to find and tame.

      Potion Trading

      Everybody has to eat, and is there any better way to make your coin than to sell magical potions to those in need?

      APM street

      Start with working for the middleman and fulfill potion contracts to earn Gold and Reputation. Receive bonuses for better-quality brews, and slowly grow topurchase your own market stall!

      APM screenshot

      Every sold Potion will award you with:

      • Gold- a basic resource on the Island, thanks to it you’ll be able to buy Ingredients, Blueprints, Home Upgrades, Potion Recipes, Skill Books, Tools, and more. However, there are some things gold cannot buy…
      • Reputation- You arrive on the Island as a nobody and have to slowly gain trust and renown. Do various quests for the Islanders, complete potion contracts, and participate in various events to grow your reputation. A higher reputation will unlock new goods in stores, more quests, more lucrative potion contracts, and progress in the story.

      Abilities

      During your alchemist career, your character will develop in various ways. However, there is no ordinary leveling-up system, instead, you’ll be able to get/find/purchase ability scrolls. When you acquire them, the task for the respective skill will be unlocked (e.g. have four potion effects on yourself at once – Slower Metabolism), and when you finish it, you’ll gain a new ability.

      APM abilities

      Abilities take the form of Merit Badges for you to collect and store in the Almanac, here are some of them:

      • Pro Milker – Milking the cow will give you two times the milk.
      • Farmer – Planted seeds grow faster.
      • Toxic Botanist – Allow to pick up toxic plants without hurting yourself.
      • Rascal – Acquire more gold when knocking out characters.

      That’s not all that will await you on the Island when you get there, but I’ll let you discover the rest for yourself.

      Happy brewing!

      Xbox Live

      Alchemist: The Potion Monger_SGD23

      Art Games Studio S.A.

      12
      Alchemist: The Potion Monger is a mixture of simulation puzzle and RPG game, in which you can leave your lab, venture into the world and change it with your brews! Take the role of apprentice of the alchemical arts, in a world full of anthropomorphic (described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes ~Merriam-Webster) animals! Choose your character "Race" from a wide array of animal types, with their strengths and weaknesses. And begin your alchemical journey! BREW POTIONS Use various alchemical (and not only… – demonic altars, holly waters, time-controlling sands, and more) tools to process the ingredients. Then put them into the cauldron and start brewing! SELL YOUR BREWS Residents of the surrounding town and countryside, have their potion needs, fulfill them and become the wealthiest alchemist alive! USE THEM YOURSELF! During your adventures, you may need healing, immeasurable strength, insanely high jumps, or even the ability to fly, help yourself and drink one of your brews! Every potion can also be thrown to create an environmental effect. Set fires, launch wildlife and NPCs into the air, or make the whole village throw up! Do good, bad, or just have fun – the whole world is your playground. EXPLORE Venture outside your warm and safe alchemical hut into the world, discover various secrets, meet distinct NPCs, and gather ingredients! Collect merit badges and then complete the assigned challenge to learn new skills. Find out how to pick poisonous plants, trade more efficiently, get into the battle frenzy, regain health by helping others, and much more… DISCOVER ALCHEMICAL ASPECTS Every ingredient you'll find consists of alchemical aspects. To find out about them you'll need some help from your pets. Unravel the whole Great Alchemy Wheel!

      The post Use the Potions You Craft in Alchemist: The Potion Monger appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 05 April 2024 - 16:00
      Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

      Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 8 to 12

      Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


      Xbox Live

      Botany Manor

      Whitethorn Games

      $24.99

      Botany Manor – April 9
      Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Available on day one with Game Pass! Explore the historic manor home of retired botanist Arabella Greene, who has amassed a collection of rare, long-forgotten flora that require special conditions to help them bloom. Unlock new seeds, look for clues in the items scattered around the residence, and solve each gardening puzzle to revive these plants.


      Xbox Live

      Gigantic: Rampage Edition

      Gearbox Publishing San Francisco Inc.

      Gigantic: Rampage Edition – April 9
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A premium and definitive release of the original 5v5 MOBA Hero Shooter, Gigantic, that provides a dynamic and exciting team-based multiplayer experience for fans of both genres. Choose from a diverse roster of unique heroes, each with a set of upgradeable abilities, and team up with four other players to control objectives and take down the opposing team’s mighty Guardian, all while protecting your own.


      Xbox Live

      Broken Roads

      Versus Evil, LLC

      $39.99 $35.99

      Broken Roads – April 10

      Born of a love for traditional computer role-playing, Broken Roads provides a rich, engaging narrative in which players make their way across a desolated future Australia. Blending traditional and all-new role-playing elements, Broken Roads presents players with an original morality system: the Moral Compass. This novel design sees dialogue options and questing decisions influence, and be influenced by, a character’s philosophical leaning.


      Xbox Live

      House Flipper 2

      Frozen District

      House Flipper 2 – April 10
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      It doesn’t matter if you’re a makeover veteran or if you’re only starting out, you’ll feel at home in no time with House Flipper 2. With new mechanics and revamps to the ones from the original game, your old hammer, trusty paint roller, and sturdy mop all await your return!


      Xbox Live

      Jorel’s Brother and The Most Important Game of the Galaxy Complete Edition

      Double Dash Studios

      Jorel’s Brother and The Most Important Game of the Galaxy – April 10

      A point-and-click adventure game about an eight-year-old boy who lives with his eccentric family in the shadow of Jorel, his handsome and popular brother. Based on the award-winning Brazilian animation “Jorel’s Brother.”


      Xbox Live

      SokoFrog

      Eastasiasoft Limited

      SokoFrog – April 10
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Embark on a colorful puzzle adventure as you guide a block-pushing frog through forests, caves, dungeons and more in this top-down pixel art adventure for the whole family! Key blocks, star blocks, fire blocks, ice blocks, and more await as stages shift between five themes, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics.


      Xbox Live

      TRAIL OUT

      Crytivo

      Trail Out – April 10
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      You’re in for a mad race in different parts of the world in Trail Out, where your main goal is to live to the finish line and take the main cup of the festival. Exploding cars, flying and screaming drivers, the hype from the fans, and unseen destruction around the entire track – it’s all waiting for you.


      Xbox Live

      Ato (Xbox)

      Tiny Warrior Games

      $14.99

      Ato – April 11

      An atmospheric, sword dueling metroidvania set in an era of Feudal Japan. It tells a visually driven story about a father who has given up his past ways to live a life of peace with his wife and child. However, this peace is soon disturbed as his child is taken from him… Perform risky parry maneuvers, bounce off your opponent, evade their attacks and unlock new abilities to further expand your arsenal of options against your adversaries.


      Xbox Live

      Goons: Legends & Mayhem

      Firestoke

      Goons: Legends & Mayhem – April 11
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      A frantic blend of arcade hockey, beat ’em up, and sports action that will trigger couch co-op nostalgia. Choose from one of eight unique characters divided into three classes: the attack-focused Sharpshooter, the defense-oriented Enforcer, and the Wingman who can focus on either supporting their team or harassing their opponents.


      Xbox Live

      Let's! Revolution!

      BUCK

      $19.99

      Let’s! Revolution! – April 11
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A colorful roguelite puzzle mashup about stopping a narcissistic king from ruining your world. Flip tiles to uncover the hidden path to the king and use deductive reasoning to avoid his cronies — or take them all down in strategic turn-based combat.


      Xbox Live

      The Kindeman Remedy

      3D Realms Entertainment ApS

      The Kinderman Remedy – April 11
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Scorned and hated by the entire medical community for his “questionable” methods, Dr. Kinderman accepts a miserable job in an appalling prison — but that’s all part of the plan. Here, no one will notice his experiments in this dark story populated with complex characters that adds depth to this gut-wrenching experience, raising disturbing moral questions and showing us the other side of evil: humanity.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Die Again

      Catness Game Studios

      $14.99

      Die Again – April 11
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

      A shooter that challenges your limits and immerses you in an epic experience filled with action and strategy. From frantic shootouts to the creative use of an extensive arsenal of weapons, every moment is an opportunity to demonstrate your skill and prowess. Every bullet is a puzzle to solve, and every scenario is a new chance to surprise your enemies with innovative tactics.


      Xbox Live

      Bunhouse

      Digerati

      Bunhouse – April 12
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A cute, simple, bunny-filled game focused on growing plants and managing a greenhouse. Take care of your leafy plant buddies by balancing the amount of water and light they get. Play with friends and upgrade your greenhouse for wholesome, relaxing fun.


      Xbox Live

      Coffee, Plis

      Cube Games

      Coffee, Plis – April 12

      A young man gets to fill in for his colleagues at a large cafeteria franchise as his first job, but things spiral out of control when he discovers chaos, also known as rush hour.


      Xbox Live

      Outer Terror

      Ratalaika Games S.L.

      Outer Terror – April 12
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Outer Terror is a horde shooter where you hold out against massive quantities of other worldly cosmic creatures. Assemble a ridiculous arsenal of weapons and blast apart seemingly endless waves of horrific creatures in this stylish roguelike that pays homage to the B-movies and Golden Age horror comics of the 80s and 90s.


      The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 8 to 12 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 05 April 2024 - 22:00

      Summary

      • Microsoft Store Spring Sale starts today and runs through April 18, 2024.
      • Save up to 80% on select Xbox games such as Baldur’s Gate 3, EA Sports FC24 Standard Edition, and NBA 2K24.
      • Get deals on select Surface devices and save up to $500.

      We’re excited to bring you the return of the annual Microsoft Store Spring Sale now through April 18, 2024! The Spring Sale is full of great savings across console and PC games as well as amazing deals on your favorite TV shows, apps, and more. So, if you’ve been waiting to add titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Modern Warfare III, and EA Sports FC 24 to your library, or wanting to build up your PC gaming library with Persona 3 Reload, Lies of P, and Forza Motorsport, jumping into the Microsoft Store Spring Sale is the best time to do so. Read on for more info.

      Great Deals on the Games You Love to Play

      Save up to 80% on select Xbox digital games 

      Whether it’s adventure, fantasy, or sports, you can save on select Xbox games during the Microsoft Store Spring Sale. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power with Baldur’s Gate 3. Get the most authentic soccer experience with over 700+ teams and 30+ leagues playing together in EA Sports FC 24 Standard Edition. Or recreate some of Kobe Bryant’s captivating performances in NBA 2K24 for Xbox Series X|SThis is just a sampling of what’s on sale — check out all the great Xbox game deals here.

      Save up to 35% on select PC games 

      Elevate your play with hundreds of deals on select PC games. Create unique driving conditions on world-famous tracks with Forza Motorsport Premium. Navigate a web of lies, monsters, and untrustworthy figures in the thrilling Lies of P. Chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave your mark in Persona 3 Reload.

      Shop Xbox consoles and Xbox controllers 

      Whether you are new to gaming or it’s time for an upgrade, Spring Sale is a great time to pick up your next Xbox Series S – the best value in gaming or the Series X – the fastest, most powerful Xbox console ever!

      Time for a new controller? Check out the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 controllers or the Artic Camo Special Edition wireless controller and more!

      Stay Entertained Through Spring and Beyond

      Save up to 50% on select movies and TV shows 

      Spring Sale is the hub for all your entertainment needs! Whether it’s family movie night or binging your favorite TV show, there’s something for everyone. Check out great offers on popular movies and TV shows like “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” “Spider-Man 3-Movie Collection,” “Sisu,” and more!

      Save up to 30% on select creativity, productivity and entertainment apps 

      Enhance your audio experience with popular apps like Dolby Access and DTS Sound Unbound or jump into Movie Maker- Video Editor to edit or create videos from your photos, video clips, and music with high-quality, full HD support.

      Cast your favorite entertainment from your phone to your big screen with AirReceiver AirPlay Cast DLNA — now exclusively available on Xbox. You can find these apps and many more available during the Spring Sale.

      Save on select Surface devices and Microsoft PC accessories

      Whether you’re working from home, on-the-go, or kicking back on the couch, Surface devices are designed for all the ways you work, learn, and play. Check out these great deals on select Surface devices: 

      • Save up to $600 on select Surface Laptop 5 13”. Offer runs March 31 through April 14, 2024.
      • Save up to $500 on select Surface Laptop 5 15”. Offer runs April 14 through April 28, 2024.
      • Save up to $500 on select Surface Pro 9. Offer runs April 7 through April 21, 2024.
      • Save up to $700 on select Surface Pro 9. Offer runs April 14 through April 28, 2024.
      • Save up to $500 on select Surface Laptop Studio 2. Offer runs April 14 through April 28, 2024.
      • Save up to $150 on select Surface Laptop Go 3. Offer runs April 14 through April 28, 2024.

      Get the most out of your Windows PC with select Microsoft accessories now up to 20% off! Visit here for a full list of Microsoft accessories on sale now

      Protect your devices with Surface Complete

      Keep your new Surface or Xbox up and running with accidental damage protection from drops, spills, and cracked screens. With Microsoft Complete, if something goes wrong, you’re covered — simple as that.

      • Save 30% on Surface Complete 2-, 3-, and 4-year plans with purchase of eligible Surface Laptop 5. Offer runs March 31 through April 28, 2024.
      • Save 40% on Surface Complete 2-, 3-, and 4-year plans with purchase of eligible Surface Pro 9. Offer runs April 7 through April 21, 2024.

      Made easy with Microsoft Store: Free personal shopping and set-up appointments

      If you’re having trouble choosing from the right Xbox console to get, getting your accessories to work right, or setting up your console with Game Pass, Microsoft Store product experts are readily available to support all your gaming needs. To schedule a free, online appointment, visit microsoft.com.

      Don’t wait! Jump on these deals before the Microsoft Store Spring Sale ends April 18.

      Select deals are available in the US only. Timing and prices may vary by region. Visit your Microsoft Store location online for more details on availability and pricing. Offers valid for a limited time, while supplies last. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or coupon code(s). May not be combinable with other offers. Refunds will take into account the discount. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. 

      The post Save Big During the Annual Microsoft Store Spring Sale appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 05 April 2024 - 23:00
      • A game where dying can be your best ally;
      • Heart-pounding narrative in a war-torn landscape.
      • Innovative top-down shooter with an extensive weapons array.

      Die Again presents an electrifying top-down shooting experience where survival hinges on death itself!

      By strategically perishing near foes, you can inhabit their bodies and persist in the bloody fray. Sometimes the best option is to die, so plan your strategy because death can be your best ally. Thus, mere shooting isn’t always the optimal path.

      DA nightclub exterior

      This shooter is changing the genre. The ultimate goal is not always to shoot your way through the level. Leverage an extensive array of weaponry to carve your path, whether by dispatching foes or embracing mortality, as demise merely marks a new beginning. In Die Again, triumphing over adversaries demands lightning reflexes and split-second decision-making, where a single errant shot spells the divide between success and defeat.

      Open your way by killing or letting them kill you, but, be careful! Your enemies can also take your body.

      DA screenshot

      Dive into an Array of 100 Thrilling Scenarios

      DA sillhouette

      Each level is meticulously crafted to offer diverse solutions. Engage enemies head-on, manipulate them into combating each other, or seize control of alternate bodies to surmount any obstacle. You´ll meet different characters along the way, and some of them will have an effect on you. Think carefully who to trust!  The narrative journey of Die Again will guide you through a world transformed by the enigmatic Blue Blood, striving to reach the enigmatic Zero Zone, the epicenter of existence itself. Navigate a landscape scarred by ceaseless conflict.

      DA screenshot

      Face death in a brand new way of surviving with Die Again, launching on Xbox April 11 and available for preorder now. Are you ready to die in order to survive?

      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Die Again

      Catness Game Studios

      $14.99
      Die Again is a shooting game that challenges your limits and immerses you in an epic experience filled with action and strategy. Do you like games that keep you on the edge of your seat? Then get ready for an experience like no other! What makes Die Again so incredibly addictive? Everything! From frantic shootouts to the creative use of an extensive arsenal of weapons, every moment is an opportunity to demonstrate your skill and prowess. In this game, every bullet is a puzzle to solve, and every scenario is a new chance to surprise your enemies with innovative tactics. But it doesn't end there, dive into a completely unique story set in a world transformed by the mysterious Blue Blood. Travel to Ground Zero, the epicenter of it all, as you fight for your life in a landscape marked by war. Get ready to meet unique characters whose fate is intertwined with your decisions. More than 100 different scenarios to enjoy, each designed to challenge your wit and combat skills. In Die Again, the challenge never ends, and the excitement never fades. So, get ready to dive into a gaming experience like no other. Don't wait any longer to join the battle and discover what's behind every corner in Die Again!

      The post Innovative Action Strategy Top-Down Shooter Die Again Launches April 11 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 10 April 2024 - 19:00
      • Explosive racing action for all ages.
      • A variety of destruction modes across 40 different locations.
      • Customize and upgrade over 70 vehicles, from sports cars to unconventional options like tanks and school buses.

      If you’re a fan of classic games like Carmeggedon, Wreck Fest, and Burnout Paradise, Trail Out’s own brand of destruction is right up your alley. From the creative minds at Good Boys indie game studio and publisher Crytivo comes the explosive racing game Trail Out, now available on Xbox! The game explores different avenues of destruction through a variety of modes, including Roulette and even Zombies. You will build your own vehicles, upgrade them, and destroy them and your opponents in a story campaign and free races.

      Imagine this: you’re behind the wheel of your customized ride, tearing through destructible environments, battling it out with fierce competitors, and leaving a trail of chaos in your wake. That’s the thrill of Trail Out.

      TO screenshot

      Key Features

      • Total Car Carnage: Experience heart-pounding action as you unleash chaos with destructible cars that shatter, crumble, and explode in spectacular fashion.
      • Dynamic Environments: Immerse yourself in the thrill of the chase amidst destructible environments where every building, barrier, and obstacle is fair game for demolition.
      • Endless Excitement: Choose from a variety of adrenaline-fueled game modes, including intense battle royales, high-speed pursuits, and unpredictable challenges.
      • Customization Galore: Take control of over fifty unique vehicles, from sleek sports cars to monstrous tanks, and personalize them to suit your racing style.
      • Uncharted Territories: Blaze a trail across fifty diverse tracks, from bustling city streets to rugged off-road terrain, each offering its own set of challenges and surprises.

      What truly sets Trail Out apart from the rest? It’s the player-centric experience that puts the power in your hands. Over 70 vehicles await your command, each one a canvas for your creativity and racing prowess. Whether you prefer the sleek lines of a sports car or the sheer mayhem of a tank, the choice is yours to make.

      TO screenshot

      But here’s the kicker: These cars aren’t just vehicles; they’re your ticket to total domination on the track. Start with a humble rust bucket and transform it into a racing marvel in the junkyard. Earn cash from races and loyal fans who’ll dish out special requests, propelling you towards unlocking new rides and upgrading existing ones. From custom paint jobs to personalized license plates, every detail is yours to mold to perfection.

      TO screenshot

      And let’s not forget the wild cards in your arsenal. Ever dreamed of tearing through the competition in a school bus or unleashing chaos in a Mario-inspired Kart? Trail Out makes it possible, with unconventional options that add a whole new level of thrill to the race.

      TO screenshot

      You got the car of your dreams? Well, let’s now embark on a thrilling journey through fifty diverse locales in Trail Out, each presenting its own set of challenges and surprises. From sprawling metropolises to adrenaline-pumping arenas, every location offers a unique racing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

      TO screensgot

      But be prepared for the unexpected as you navigate through these dynamic environments. Whether you’re sliding across icy terrain, dodging aggressive vehicles, or facing off against wild animals, each map is filled with obstacles to test your skills.

      But fear not, because destruction is your ally. Cut through buildings, smash barriers, and leave a trail of chaos in your wake to create shortcuts and gain the upper hand. And with every structure you demolish, you’ll not only gain valuable time but also attract more fans to cheer you on to victory.

      TO armored car


      Tired of Storylines and Campaigns?

      Choose from eight action-packed modes, each offering its own unique challenges and opportunities for destruction. Dive into Derby Classic Mode for a pure battle royal experience, or test your skills in Derby Domination by earning points through skillful collisions with opponents.

      TO environments

      Experience the fast-paced chaos of Cross Mode, where intersecting tracks invite intense clashes, or take control of a police cruiser in Hunter Mode and deploy spikes, traps, and missiles against your rivals. And don’t forget about the excitement of Roulette Mode, where fate decides your next challenge and vehicle.

      But the fun doesn’t stop there. Explore thrilling stunt modes like Bowling and Darts, race against the clock in No Time Mode, or face off against bosses in Catch Me Up Mode. And for those craving even more destruction, Trail Out offers the ultimate challenge with Dead Out Mode, where you’ll battle hordes of zombies and equip your cars with guns for epic boss battles.

      TO starting line

      Now, let’s not forget about the fans. In Trail Out, you’ll earn fans as you race, and these loyal supporters will not only send you cash but also make special requests to fuel your racing dreams. It’s like having your own cheering squad on the sidelines!

      TO coop screen

      Grab your controller, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Trail Out is now available on Xbox, and trust me, you won’t regret it.

      Xbox Live

      TRAIL OUT

      Crytivo

      1
      $29.99
      The game contains the following DLCs: Legendary Cars, Luxury Life, Steel Wheels Welcome to the festival of explosive races, TRAIL OUT! You're in for a mad race in different parts of the world, your main goal is to live to the finish line and take the main cup of the festival! Exploding cars, flying and screaming drivers, the hype from the fans, and unseen destruction around the entire track – it's all waiting for you here! Relive the story of racer Mihalych, a simple story where you'll try to take the main cup of the festival by defeating all the bosses in unique battles. You are expected: Up to 50 cars in different classes, different eras, and different conditions 50 different tracks, from big-city tracks with lots of destruction, derby arenas and to dangerous tracks The game contains the following DLC's: Legendary Cars Luxary Life Steel Wheels Hunt 007 Special

      The post Trail Out: Explosive Racing Hits Xbox Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 10 April 2024 - 20:00
      • Critically acclaimed RPG Grandia HD Collection is out now.
      • Two timeless adventures with iconic casts of characters.
      • E nhanced UI, visual improvements to cinematic videos, updated language support, and more.

      I am excited to announce that the remaster of the classic role-playing series, Grandia HD Collection, has launched on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S! Whether you are returning to these iconic games or entering these worlds for the first time, the series’ dynamic attack system, rewarding magic and skill progression, and immersive storylines offer dozens of hours of heroic adventures. 

      Getting You up to Speed on All Things Grandia

      The Grandia HD Collection brings two role-playing games that have defined the genre for decades to come to contemporary audiences.

      Grandia 

      Grandia follows Justin, a young adventurer who fatefully inherits a magic stone and thus sets out to uncover the mysteries of a lost civilization. In his search, he attracts all types of attention. Some good, in that he meets other adventurers who aid him along on his quest. However, some are bad, like the Garlyle Forces who work to keep him from unraveling the truth of the past.

      Grandia screenshot

      Meet the Crew

      Justin – Driven by his curious and fearless nature, Justin often dives headfirst into situations without thinking. He possesses the mysterious Spirit Stone—an artifact passed down through his family—which plays a pivotal role in his adventures.

      Sue – Justin’s childhood friend from the town of Parm. She often joins him on his misadventures, bringing to them her courageous optimism and unexpected maturity that balances out Justin’s impulsiveness. She is almost always accompanied by her flying ball of fluff Puffy, who is as mysterious as he is adorable!

      Feena – The most well-traveled of the bunch, Feena has an independent spirit and impressive skillset that garners the respect of those around her, especially Justin. As the journey unfolds, players delve deeper into her multifaceted character and mysterious past.

      Grandia II

      Grandia II acquaints us with Ryudo, a Geohound who does odd jobs to get money alongside his loyal eagle companion, Skye. One fateful day, he receives a request from the Church of Granas to serve as a bodyguard to one Elena, Songstress of Granas. Together, they bring out pieces of each other that neither of them knew existed amidst their journey to rid the world of Evil in the form of Valmar, God of Darkness.

      Grandia screenshot

      Meet The Crew

      Ryudo – A mercenary with a tough exterior and noble heart. He takes on various jobs for money—despite the moral implications—and is accompanied by his trusted bird companion, Skye.

      Elena – The epitome of innocence and purity, Elena’s world is opened wide when she begins to journey alongside Ryudo.

      Millenia – Uninhibited, playful, and mischievous, Millenia is a force to be reckoned with. Her origins and the nature of her existence cause her relationship with the party to take many interesting and unexpected turns.

      Key Destinations

      On your journey, you’re bound to visit many enticing cities. Here are just a few of the places you will come across on your travels:

      Grandia

      • Port City of Parm – Our protagonist Justin’s hometown. The century of adventurers has ended, and the century of the industrial revolution has begun. Once a port of departure for adventurers, Parm City has now developed into a metropolis with two faces, the birthplace of modern industry and a center of trade. This city, where the pleasant sea breeze and the smell of coal coexist peacefully, is full of bright energy of residents striving for a better tomorrow. Order in this city is protected by the Garlyle Force, the Industrial Foundation’s private army. As a port city, Parm’s main food source is fish; the city is comprised mainly of metal houses with sparse vegetation.
      Grandia port
      • Gumbo – A charming village facing the Sea of Mermaids located in a volcanic region with an everlasting summer climate. The land of love with a beautiful emerald green sea, white sand coastline, and many frogs. This is truly a place of relaxation, especially for young lovers. However, a dragon settled on the top of the volcano and began absorbing the volcano’s power, subsequently cooling the surrounding area.
      Grandia village

      Grandia II

      Grandia castle
      • Cyrum Kingdom – A vast colorful kingdom that finds itself along the coast. In the center of this kingdom sits Cyrum Castle, the key to the Cyrum people’s dark history. In Valmar and Lord Granas’ historic battle, the Cyrum people—or People of Darkness as they were once known—served Valmar. However, once he was sealed away, they renounced their commitment to darkness.
      • St. Heim Papal State – thehome to Pope Zera and impressive Granas Cathedral.

      This cathedral sits atop a looming mountain overlooking St. Heim. The Granas Cathedral is the largest church to Lord Granas, making it a place of religious significance for his followers.

      What’s New 

      Embrace the collection and unlock your childhood nostalgia—now with enhanced UI, sprite, and texture art details. Watch cult-favorite cinematics, now visually improved along with widescreen support. The collection also has updated language support for English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional). You can also play the games in entirely English or Japanese audio!

      The Grandia series is known by its loyal fanbase for its unique Skill Point system, turn-based combat, incredible world-building, melodic compositions, and more.

      Interested? Check out the Grandia HD Collection launch trailer on the ID@Xbox YouTube Channel!

      The Grandia HD Collection can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for $39.99 USD.

      Xbox Live

      Grandia HD Collection

      GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.

      31
      $39.99
      The highly-anticipated Grandia HD Collection for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S are here! Get your hands on two games that changed the landscape of RPGs forever, in beautiful HD graphics. GRANDIA: Dive into the captivating journey of Justin and his allies as they race against the sinister Garlyle Forces. Unravel the mysteries of a forgotten civilization and immerse yourself in an RPG hailed as a timeless classic, inspiring generations of games to come. GRANDIA II: Step into the shoes of Ryudo, a jaded Geohound with a heart, as he embarks on a magical quest alongside a group of unlikely allies. Their journey is riddled with twists and turns as they seek a divine weapon to save the world. Delve deep into this tale where the line between good and evil blurs, and everything is open to question…

      The post Time for an Adventure – Grandia HD Collection, Remastered for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, Out Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 12 April 2024 - 15:00
      Next Week on Xbox - April 12 Hero Image

      Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 15 to 19

      This is Next Week on Xbox! Every week, we show you all the games that are coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can find out more about these upcoming games by clicking on their profiles (release dates may vary). Let’s get started!


      Xbox Live

      PERISH

      HandyGames

      Perish – April 15
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      A stylish four-player FPS with a cross to bear. Slay hordes of creatures on the scorched sands of Purgatory and sell their gold-stained corpses to craven priests. Kill magnificent bosses and use the proceeds to gain entrance to Elysium, a place of cosmic revelations.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Harold Halibut

      Slow Bros.

      Harold Halibut – April 16
      Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Available day one with Game Pass! A handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of home.


      Xbox Live

      Argonauts Agency 6: Missing Daughter

      8floor ltd

      Argonauts Agency 6: Missing Daughter – April 17

      Join the Argonauts in a new time management game and unravel the story of the missing daughter! Construct buildings, remove obstacles, repair damaged bridges. Over 40 beautiful levels await you, along with a multitude of varied quests, increasing difficulty, an upbeat plot, an extraordinary magical world, and exciting gameplay for all ages.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      The Mildew Children

      Valkyrie Initiative LLP

      The Mildew Children – April 17
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

      Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel, The Mildew Children is a grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. Combining the elements of fairy tale and horror, the story draws on pagan folklore and ancient beliefs.


      Xbox Live

      Lunar Axe

      QUByte Interactive

      Lunar Axe – April 18

      A point-and-click adventure game with locations and story inspired by real places with incredible hand-drawing art. The story begins after a massive earthquake rocks the city, trapping you inside the ruins of a collapsed building. Now, you must find a way to escape this abandoned house, unravel the mystery behind the strange tremors, and meet the guardian spirit of a mystical artifact.


      Xbox Live

      Pummel Party

      Rebuilt Games

      Pummel Party – April 18

      An online and local multiplayer party game. Pummel friends or AI using a wide array of absurd items in Board Mode and compete to destroy friendships in the entertaining collection of minigames.


      Xbox Live

      Sker Ritual

      Wales Interactive

      $24.99 $22.49

      Sker Ritual – April 18

      An intense, round-based, zombie horror shooter by Wales Interactive. Play solo or up-to 4-players online, facing relentless waves of Quiet Ones whilst solving mysterious missions, uncovering Easter Eggs, upgrading steampunk weapons and obtaining Miracles — a vast network of Celtic God powers.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Richman 11

      Eastasiasoft Limited

      Richman 11 – April 19
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

      Board game mayhem comes to life with Richman’s biggest and zaniest multiplayer experience ever! From classic maps paying homage to the series’ 1989 origins to brawl boards with missiles and bombs, there are many ways to keep the multiplayer mayhem fresh and exciting no matter how many times you play.


      The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 15 to 19 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 12 April 2024 - 20:30

      Have you ever climbed a mountain? With WW1 technology… while under fire? That’s your mission in the special Ascent game mode for our WW1 Italian Front FPS game Isonzo, which is out now! This will be the first time players can join one of our extraordinary WW1 events on Xbox – an important part of our recent console enhancements, which also include the introduction of voice chat.

      The time-limited Ascent event comes with climbing mechanics, rock throwing, and a whole new map recreating the Marmolada cliffside. Italian mountaineers must scale the mountain and evict the Austro-Hungarian defenders – a truly epic task.

      The Ascent map is a section of vertical cliff, with an Austro-Hungarian command post at the top. A number of small ledges and caves provide checkpoints for the Italian Alpini on their way up, where forward spawn points can be constructed. Unfortunately, the Austro-Hungarian defenders begin the battle already occupying those positions, and will need to be evicted before the Italians can progress safely.

      Climbing Technique in Ascent

      Climbing in Ascent is freeform – just approach the cliffside and start climbing. If there isn’t too much of an overhang, you can choose your own path up the mountain. Moving sideways is slower than going up or down though, so plan your route carefully. Speed isn’t the only consideration though, because this isn’t a fun climb on a winter holiday. Your enemies will be shooting and throwing rocks at you, so it’s worth experimenting to discover the safest routes up, that avoid exposing you any more than necessary.

      Isonzo climbing

      Remember that Isonzo is a team game, and climbing is no exception. On your way up, you can place pitons into the rock. Place two pitons close enough to each other and they’ll be connected by a rope, which will speed up everyone who follows in your wake. It takes a few moments to hammer in the pitons though, so try to find somewhere at least a little sheltered to do it. At the end of the day climbing is a dangerous business and sometimes, you just have to trust to luck and take a chance. Fortune favors the brave!

      Defender Challenges

      It might seem like the defenders have an easier job, but there are still challenges from fighting in such extreme terrain. Shooting down at climbers will often leave you silhouetted against the sky and exposed to fire from Italian marksmen below you. Trying to maintain an overview of the situation when climbers can appear from almost anywhere isn’t a simple job. It’s also important to remember that only the command post objective matters for victory, every ledge and cave is only an intermediate point that makes it easier to get to the top. Fixate too much on holding your current position and the Alpini might climb right past you to conquer a forward spawn point further up the mountainside.

      Luckily you have a secret weapon: the humble rock. Grab one from the rock piles scattered around and you can throw it down at enemies below you. There’s skill involved to be a master rock thrower, because rocks have simulated physics and will bounce off the mountainside on their way down – or off unfortunate climbers. You can control the angle and power of your throw to allow for gentle rolls off the cliff edge or more aggressive directed attacks. One of the big advantages of the rocks is that you don’t have to move right up to the edge to use them, keeping you safe from Italian gunfire.

      Isonzo mountainside

      Real Life Inspirations for Climbing Mechanics

      Unlike the other maps in Isonzo which are based on specific battles, Ascent is intended to represent the many different climbs made during the First World War on the Italian Front. Some of these daring missions have been written about, and many more are lost to history. In the harsh Alpine environment climbing was dangerous even without an enemy shooting at you, and many soldiers were killed or wounded by accidents, avalanches, or other consequences of the cold, like frostbite.

      One of the inspirations was a climb made by two Alpini called Ugo Vallepiana and Giuseppe Gaspard. These two veterans made many ascents during the war, including one attempting to move some heavy weaponry up to a ledge overlooking a well defended Austro-Hungarian position called the Castelletto. During this climb, Gaspard lost his footing and fell, only surviving because of the great fortune to land in a thick snowbank. The pair continued on, and came under fire from the Austro-Hungarian defenders, with Gaspard being shot in the arm. They were even shot at by artillery, with both shrapnel and blasted fragments of rock raining down on them.

      Isonzo rock drop

      Other Updates

      The release also goes live alongside other improvements to the game, including voice chat! Additionally, for those who want more options for visual customization of their character, the Altitude Units Pack DLC is releasing alongside the free Ascent event and contains high-altitude uniforms for Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. Where our previously released Glacial Units Pack focused on more improvised cold weather clothing, the Altitude Units Pack provides uniforms from well prepared soldiers geared up for the worst possible conditions.

      That means plenty of scarves, gloves, balaclavas, and even full ski suits and hoods. We also included some non-uniform additions made by troops, including wicker wrapped footwear, which you can see in the screenshot below. Also featured are one of the fur collared coats and a pair of early sunglasses – more like goggles with slits cut in them to minimize glare from the sun or snow. If you want to stand out on the battlefield (in a good way), to celebrate the Ascent mode event we have big discounts on the Isonzo special editions that include cosmetic DLCs! Check out the new Ultimate Edition for every DLC in the game, including immediate access to the two future DLCs we have planned as soon as they release.

      Isonzo cliff enemies

      The Mountain Awaits…

      The Ascent mode is playable for free right now until April 24th. Whether you’re making a daring ascent under fire, or throwing rocks down to defend your ledge, it’ll be an unforgettable battle. 

      We’ll see you on the cliff face!

      Xbox Live

      Isonzo

      BlackMill Games

      229
      $29.99
      AVANTI! TO ARMS! Isonzo is a realistic tactical multiplayer FPS crafted by BlackMill Games, known for their critically acclaimed authentic WW1 wargames such as Verdun and Tannenberg. Immerse yourself in faithful recreations of historical battles with intense 48-player matches, testing your tactical skills and mastery of Alpine warfare. World War One expands to the mountains of the Italian Front – beautiful but deadly in equal measure. Take part in key offensives of the Great War, from the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo to the Strafexpedition, and lead your team to victory among the scenic landscapes and peaks of Northern Italy. – Master high altitude combat by leading offensives, flanking enemies or taking a support role – Dive in intense 24v24 matches, testing your skills against players or AI – Customize your class loadout with 50+ iconic WW1 weapons, gear, special perks & cosmetics – Fight across The Italian Alps in dynamic battlefields, from city streets to vertical cliffs – Immerse yourself in the Great War with historically-accurate maps, weapons, uniforms & music Console Cross-Platform Play allows you to play with other console players (Gen 8 and Gen 9) for faster matchmaking and higher match population.

      The post Climb for Victory in Isonzo’s Ascent Game Mode, Available until April 24 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Tuesday 16 April 2024 - 15:00

      Coming to Game Pass: Manor Lords, Another Crab’s Treasure, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and More

      It’s nice to see you’re willing to take a break from watching “Fallout” on Prime Video, because I have the next round of amazing games for you to check out! We have new games coming to the Game Pass Core library, your PC, and even one you can download and start playing today! Let’s dive in.

      Available Today

      Harold Halibut (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
      Available on day one with Game Pass! Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’. You can learn more about Harold Halibut in Xbox Wire’s recent hands-on preview here.

      Coming Soon

      Orcs Must Die! 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 17
      Orcs Must Die! 3 ushers orc-slaying mayhem to a previously unimaginable scale. Solo, or 2-player co-op, arm yourself with a massive arsenal of traps and weapons. Slice, burn, toss, and zap hordes of repugnant orcs in this long-awaited successor to the award-winning tower defense series.

      EA Sports NHL 24 (Console) EA Play – April 18
      Just in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL 24 is coming to Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play! Members can experience authentic on-ice action and give their Ultimate Team a boost with the EA Play Mega Players Pack until May 9, containing 30 items, all Gold Players, with at least five 80+ OVR Players for Ultimate Team mode in the game.

      Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 23
      Available on day one with Game Pass! Gather your allies for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the grand JRPG adventure. Assemble your 6-party team from a cast of over a hundred heroes and shape your destiny in this lush, hand-crafted 2.5D world brimming with war, intrigue, and magic. Manage your town of vibrant characters, play delightful mini-games, and prepare for an unforgettable narrative of boundless charm.

      Another Crab’s Treasure (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 25
      Available on day one with Game Pass! A soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.

      Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC) – April 26
      Available on day one with Game Pass! Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord — the seasons pass, the weather changes and cities rise and fall.

      Have A Nice Death (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 30
      In this darkly charming 2D action roguelike, play as an overworked Death, whose employees have run rampant, completely throwing off the balance of souls – and his vacation plans. Grab your trusty scythe and show your employees who’s boss.

      More Games Coming to Game Pass Core on April 23

      For Game Pass Core members, there are three more games coming to the library on April 23! Become a badass space Dwarf in Deep Rock Galactic, dance the slow-motion ballet of destruction in Superhot: Mind Control Delete, and face total demolition derby madness in Wreckfest.

      DLC / Game Updates

      Ark: Survival Ascended – Scorched Earth – Available now
      Saddle up and stake your claim on the Scorched Earth! Build new Western-style structures like your own rootin’ tootin’ saloon, then tickle the ivories on your own piano for an authentic frontier experience. Hunt for buried treasure with your trusty shovel, tame hardy new creatures to pull your configurable wagon and even hop aboard your own chugging steam train to explore those harsh badlands!

      Conan Exiles: Age of War Chapter 4 – Available now
       In the new Sacred Hunt, embark on a quest to fell the champions of Jhebbal Sag, Lord of Beasts. Discover a new hub area and uncover a new mystery. Unleash brutality with fatalities. Daze enemies by bringing their health low and then finish them off with a range of savagely animated finishing moves, depending on the weapon you have equipped. If there is glory in gore, you will find it.

      Grounded: Fully Yoked EditionAvailable now
      The ultimate Grounded experience is now bulging with new content that’s sure to get you pumped! Experience new ant queens, new game + mode and an exciting array of new gear. Are you ready to get Fully Yoked?

      Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

      Fallout 76 Vault 33 Survivor Kit – Available now
      Vault-Tec is happy to offer Vault Dwellers a handy bundle of Wasteland survival and a sturdy Vault 33 Backpack to use in this vast open-world multiplayer entry in the Fallout universe.

      The Elder Scrolls Online 10th Anniversary Pack #1 – Available now
      Celebrate 10 years of The Elder Scrolls Online with a Perks bundle that includes three Grand Gold Coast Experience Scrolls and 500 Seals of Endeavor.  Explore and quest solo or with friends in the award-winning fantasy RPG today. 

      Leaving April 30

      The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in before they go or save 20% on your purchase to keep them in your library!

      • 7 Days to Die (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Besiege (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • EA Sports NHL 22 (Console)
      • Loot River (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Pikuniku (Cloud, Console, and PC)
      • Ravenlok (Cloud, Console, and PC)

      That wraps us up! Keep up with the coming games on social at @Xbox, @XboxGamePass or @XboxGamePassPC. Catch you next time!

      The post Coming to Game Pass: Manor Lords, Another Crab’s Treasure, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 17 April 2024 - 20:00
      • Pre-order Frostpunk 2 Deluxe Edition to join the sandbox Beta.
      • Part of the new Utopia Builder mode with unique challenges.
      • Available now on PC now through April 22.

      The Frostpunk 2 development team is excited to offer players a chance to return to the unforgiving Frostlands and experience a glimpse of our ambitious sequel, where in addition to the need to survive, you face the new, deadly threat of human nature and its insatiable thirst for power. The Beta features a part of the sandbox mode called the Utopia Builder Preview.

      Frostpunk 2 screenshot

      While the original Frostpunk launched without a sandbox mode, it quickly became one of the community’s top requests. Hence, we introduced the Endless mode, allowing players to expand endlessly. Witnessing players spend over 500 hours or more in the game has been truly inspiring for us.

      Frostpunk 2 screenshot

      From the outset, we knew a variation of the sandbox mode was essential for Frostpunk 2. As we believe Frostpunk 2 represents a significant step forward for the franchise, each aspect of the game needed expansion. For the sandbox experience, we aimed to infuse it with a richer narrative and other unique aspects specific to Frostpunk 2.

      Frostpunk 2 screenshot

      Thirty years after the Great Storm, which concluded the first game’s storyline, humanity has partially tamed the weather. So making a blizzard in a sequel even bigger than the one in the first Frostpunk wouldn’t feel satisfying, creative, or exciting for you as a player. It is impossible to tell the story of social change of ambitions without changing the scale. Thus, the time flow in the game transitions from hours and days to weeks, months, and years, and players oversee the creation of entire districts, emphasizing societal survival and shaping. Frostpunk 2 continues an approach to be a society survival type of strategy game but also places greater emphasis on how this society is shaped.

      Frostpunk 2 citadel

      With the absence of immediate survival pressure, citizens began to contemplate a different future, leading to varied visions among factions. As the new Steward, you are tasked with building a council representative of these factions. The ideological conflict is also present in the Utopia Builder Preview mode, demanding players reconcile conflicting interests and navigate societal complexities.

      Mismanagement could lead to catastrophe while allowing ambitions to grow unchecked can foster social conflicts. Ultimately, human nature can lead to the city’s downfall, where one’s utopia may become another’s dystopia.

      Preorder Frostpunk 2: Deluxe Edition today, and unlock the Utopia Builder mode with sandbox Beta for PC. Explore, create, and survive through April 22!


      Xbox Live

      Frostpunk 2: Deluxe Edition Pre-order

      11 bit studios

      Purchase the Deluxe Edition to receive the base game along with future access to a time-limited beta, early access to the full game, 3 future DLCs, and some cool additional content. The beta access and the early access version of the game will be available exclusively for players who pre-ordered the deluxe pack. Beta access will include a limited, 7-day access to a fragment of the game’s sandbox mode (Utopia Builder) in April 2024. Frostpunk 2: Deluxe Edition gives you early access to story mode 72 hours before the game's full release. Owners of this edition of Frostpunk 2 will receive 3 DLCs for the game directly after their releases. The deluxe pack also includes a digital version of the novella Warm Flesh from the upcoming Frostpunk anthology, as well as access to a digital artbook, the game’s epic soundtrack, and an exclusive in-game item. Features: BASE GAME ACCESS TO UTOPIA BUILDER PREVIEW (part of the sandbox mode, available 15-22.04) 3 DLCs (PAID POST-RELEASE CONTENT) PLAY STORY MODE 72H BEFORE RELEASE EXCLUSIVE IN-GAME ITEM "WARM FLESH" NOVELLA (DIGITAL VERSION / PART OF THE UPCOMING FROSTPUNK ANTHOLOGY) DIGITAL ARTBOOK & SOUNDTRACK

      The post Sample Frostpunk 2’s New Sandbox Mode with the New Beta, Available Now Through April 22 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Friday 19 April 2024 - 16:00
      Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

      Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 22 to 26

      Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass. Discover more about these forthcoming titles below and explore their profiles for additional information (note that release dates are subject to change). Let’s dive in!


      Xbox Live

      Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

      505 Games

      25
      $49.99

      Eiyden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – April 23
      Game Pass

      Available on day one with Game Pass! Gather your allies for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the grand JRPG adventure. Assemble your 6-party team from a cast of over a hundred heroes and shape your destiny in this lush, hand-crafted 2.5D world brimming with war, intrigue, and magic. Manage your town of vibrant characters, play delightful mini-games, and prepare for an unforgettable narrative of boundless charm.


      Xbox Live

      Hammerwatch II

      Maximum Entertainment

      Hammerwatch II – April 23
      Smart Delivery

      Gather your heroes and journey beyond the dungeons of Castle Hammerwatch to explore a pixelated world like never before. Adventure alone or gather your party to aid King Roland’s resistance, all while helping villagers along the way. Battle beasts, finish off hordes of the undead, and face the forces of evil in this epic ode to classic ARPGs.


      Xbox Live

      Lunar Lander Beyond

      Atari

      $29.99

      Lunar Lander Beyond – April 23
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      As a newly appointed captain of the Pegasus corporation, you must guide a roster of colorful pilots, eclectic advisors, and state-of-the-art landers through a taxing series of missions. Deliver cargo, retrieve resources, and rescue stranded pilots as you navigate a mysterious universe of moons and planets.


      Xbox Live

      Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU Standard Edition

      Electronic Arts

      5
      $19.99 $17.99

      Tales of Kenzera: Zau – April 23
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Adventure into the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera as Zau, a young shaman who bargains with the God of death to bring his Baba back from darkness. With your cosmic powers and untried courage, advance into unknown mythological lands in this metroidvania title. Will you embrace the dance of the shaman?


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

      GameMill Entertainment

      $29.99 $25.49

      Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants – April 23
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

      Re-experience the 2017 arcade classic with three additional stages and six additional boss battles! Take control of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael in this classic beat ‘em up inspired by the cult favorite Turtles in Time. Play with your friends through local co-op and dominate the Foot Clan to foil the Shredder’s maniacal plan.


      Xbox Live

      Aery – Cyber City

      EpiXR Games

      $9.99
      Xbox One X Enhanced

      Aery – Cyber City – April 23
      Xbox One X Enhanced

      Play a little bird on its journey to find a home after losing its dear friend. You will discover unknown, giant, and beautiful environments and you will be able to enjoy the feeling of flying while exploring a whole world filled with beauty and little secrets.


      Xbox Live

      Farm Tycoon

      PlayWay S.A.

      Farm Tycoon – April 24
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Expand your farm business, produce cheap and sell your products at high prices. Control the land cultivation process, select the best employees, buy the most appropriate farm equipment, raise livestock, and process the harvested crops. Manage your own farm in the game Farm Tycoon!


      Xbox Live

      Hidden Cats in New York

      Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

      Hidden Cats in New York – April 24

      Come and visit the famous Big Apple for a brand new cat-spotting adventure! Relax and look around the city, and with enough patience, find over 700 feline friends! The city only gets more vibrant the more cats you find!


      Xbox Live

      Insurmountable

      Daedalic Entertainment

      Insurmountable – April 24
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      An adventure roguelike with permadeath where you must overcome huge mountains. Thanks to the procedurally created environment, no two climbs are the same. Keep your climber alive by always making sure that your vital values don’t get into the critical range. This is made more difficult by a dynamic weather system, day/night changes, and a multitude of randomly generated events.


      Xbox Live

      Metro Simulator 2

      Ultimate Games

      Metro Simulator 2 – April 24

      A distinctive game that recreates Moscow Metro and authentic train controls. 24 stations, various tunnels, and items within them. The game uses modern technologies to show the full experience of Russian capital’s subway — stations on this line will reflect the changes of their era.


      Xbox Live

      Ratyrinth

      Eastasiasoft Limited

      Ratyrinth – April 24
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Take the role of a nimble rodent separated from his family and lost in a frightening forest filled with fearsome foes! Ratyrinth is a side-scrolling precision platformer with brainteasing level design and retro presentation. Run, jump, cling to walls, swim and climb through mazelike stages presented in minimalistic 2-tone style with fluid pixel art animation.


      Xbox Live
      Xbox Play Anywhere

      Another Crab's Treasure

      Aggro Crab

      Another Crab’s Treasure – April 25
      Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere

      Available on day one with Game Pass! A soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.


      Xbox Live

      Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute

      CITY CONNECTION CO., LTD.

      Assault Suit Leynos 2 S-Tribute – April 25

      Developed by Masaya in 1997, this robot action game gained popularity at the time thanks to its customizable features, incredible robots, engaging storyline, and its position as the next installment in the Leynos series. The Saturn Tribute version includes new features like Rewind, Quick Save & Load, and Tips functions for smoother gameplay. You can also get power-ups with your Assault Suit.


      Xbox Live

      Manor Lords (Game Preview)

      Hooded Horse

      Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC) – April 26
      Game Pass

      Available on day one with Game Pass! Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord — the seasons pass, the weather changes and cities rise and fall.


      Xbox Live

      SAND LAND Pre-Order

      Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

      6
      $59.99

      Sand Land – April 26
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      In this action RPG, players will find a nostalgic and heartwarming world created by Akira Toriyama where you’ll meet the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief, and the fearless Sheriff Rao, and follow the team on an extraordinary adventure in search of the Legendary Spring hidden in the desert. The end is only the beginning, as beyond this arid ground lies a new realm to explore.


      Xbox Live

      TopSpin 2K25 Cross-Gen Edition – Pre Order

      2K

      3
      $69.99

      TopSpin 2K25 – April 26
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

      Travel the world as an up-and-coming pro, go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennis, and take Centre Court at Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open as you strive to become a Grand Slam Champion in the MyCareer mode. Or choose from over 24 playable pros and unleash their explosive power and clever finesse against other players locally or online.


      Xbox Live

      Zombies, Aliens and Guns

      Ratalaika Games S.L.

      Zombies, Aliens, and Guns – April 26
      Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

      Aliens have attacked the planet, and they’re turning innocent people into mindless zombies. It won’t be long before the invaders have destroyed the planet unless somebody with guns stands in their way. That’s where you come in! Lead a cadre of soldiers who are ready to take down every last enemy in their path.


      The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 22 to 26 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Monday 22 April 2024 - 17:00

      IGN x ID@Xbox Digital Showcase Returns April 29, 2024

      ID@Xbox Digital Showcase Hero Image

      Summary

      • The ID@Xbox Digital Showcase will premiere on April 29, 2024, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST.
      • Get the latest updates on games like Vampire Survivors, Dungeons of Hinterberg, 33 Immortals, Lost Records Bloom & Rage, and more!
      • If you miss out, IGN will have the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase archived on their channel after the show concludes.

      Last year, you got a first-hand look at Karateka, Axiom Verge 2, Sea of Stars, and many other incredible games during the first IGN x ID@Xbox Digital Showcase. Today, we’re excited to announce that the show is returning on April 29, 2024, with another batch of hotly anticipated indies for you to play across Xbox and PC.

      On top of epic trailers, fresh gameplay, and new reveals, the show will feature new details on upcoming games like Dungeons of Hinterberg, 33 Immortals, Lost Records Bloom & Rage, and many others.

      The ID@Xbox Showcase will premiere on April 29, 2024, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST and you can tune in across all IGN Platforms.

      We are also proud to share that the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase will also be available in American Sign Language (ASL): Stream the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase in ASL. We hope you’ll join us for lots of indie goodness, but if you cannot watch live, the showcase will be available on demand post-premiere on IGN’s channels, and of course, we’ll have a recap of everything showcased on Xbox Wire!

      Stay tuned to Xbox Wire and IGN for more! 

      The post IGN x ID@Xbox Digital Showcase Returns April 29, 2024 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Tuesday 23 April 2024 - 21:30
      • Captivating adventure inspired by Studio Ghibli, featuring vibrant landscapes and intricate puzzles.
      • Diverse environments, and engaging puzzles in a mystical realm.
      • Breathtaking visuals and immersive gameplay for all ages.

      Hey there, gamers! Let’s delve into something truly exciting: the unveiling of Lost Twins II, a highly anticipated puzzle platformer from Playdew, an innovative indie game developer based in Pakistan. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of seven years of hard work and dedication, promising players an extraordinary gaming experience that transcends the ordinary. Step into the whimsical realm of Lost Twins II, where you’ll guide the titular lost twins, Abi and Ben, through a mesmerizing adventure filled with intricate puzzles and unexpected twists. With its focus on exploration and discovery, rather than conflict, Lost Twins II invites players to unravel the mysteries of its dualistic-inspired narrative, where seemingly opposing forces merge to create a harmonious and enchanting journey.

      Embark on a Mystical Adventure

      Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Lost Twins II, where wonder and adventure await at every turn. In the mystical realm of Phoenix, a radiant community of sibling phoenixes once flourished, their existence a testament to the eternal dance of life and rebirth. But fate had other plans. A mighty storm, born of unseen forces, tore through their world, leaving devastation in its wake. The once-vibrant phoenixes were frozen in time, transformed into statues of stone, their essence scattered to the winds.

      Our story begins amidst this chaos. Twin siblings, Abi & Ben, stumble upon the remains of one such phoenix, hidden within the halls of their parents’ museum. Drawn by a mysterious light, they follow its ethereal trail, leading to the stone phoenix and a portal beyond imagining.

      With a burst of radiant energy, you are whisked away to the shattered remnants of the phoenixes’ homeland, where a grand adventure awaits. Joined by the phoenix, now in a transformed state, you’ll embark on a quest to reunite him with his scattered essence and breathe life back into the world of Phoenix.

      Discover Vibrant Worlds and Engaging Puzzles

      The game unfolds across three primary zones, each offering a distinct environment inspired by the vivid imagination of the twins. From lush forests to majestic castles, players will explore beautifully crafted landscapes while solving puzzles in each zone.

      LT2 screenshot

      As you progress, you’ll collect feathers to unlock new areas, unveiling the secrets of this enchanting world one puzzle at a time.

      LT2 screenshot

      Dive into Captivating Features

      As you guide the twin siblings through dynamic environments, you’ll encounter a myriad of challenges and delights along the way. With the ability to control both siblings, you’ll navigate through enchanted forests, traverse frozen castles, and explore the whimsical realm of Toyland, all inspired by the captivating worlds of Studio Ghibli. Immerse yourself in the beauty of each landscape with an atmospheric soundtrack that sets the tone for your adventure, while unlocking achievements hidden throughout the game. Solve a variety of puzzles, from logic challenges to spatial conundrums, each offering multiple solutions to spark your creativity. With privacy and offline play guaranteed, Lost Twins II invites you to delve into a world of magic, mystery, and endless exploration.

      Featuring stunning visuals reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic style and meticulously designed puzzles, Lost Twins II guarantees an unforgettable experience brimming with wonder and delight for players of all ages. With Lost Twins II, you are invited into a world where curiosity and creativity reign supreme. So, are you ready to embark on this enchanting journey and reunite the lost twins? Wishlist now, and get ready for the release later this year on Xbox.

      Wishlist now to be the first to embark on this thrilling journey!

      Xbox Live

      Lost Twins 2

      Playdew

      Lost Twins 2 is an incredibly cute puzzle adventure that will challenge, entertain and maybe even inspire you. Guide Abi and Ben on their journey to find a way back home across a whimsical polygonal playground crafted with an enormous amount of care. Is the mystical Fenghuang leading them home or steering them down a rabbit hole? Inspired by Miyazaki, the art style merges soft, painterly backgrounds with simplified, memorable characters and fluid animations. Each frame is crafted meticulously with pride – specific lighting techniques, thoughtful composition, and immense attention to detail mean that every single moment you'll spend playing Lost Twins 2 will be a feast for the eyes. The original musical score is atmospheric, soothing, and thematic to complement the art style. The puzzles in Lost Twins 2 are painstakingly designed, with elegant solutions that make you feel, momentarily, like a genius. They are hard enough to present a challenge but logical enough that you'll be able to solve them within a few attempts. There is a joy to be discovered in every level in Lost Twins 2. A signature sliding puzzle mechanic forms the core complemented by mechanics such as pressure switches, water gates, breakable domes, lifts, elevators, and more to ensure that the pace of the game never falters. There's no repetition in the puzzles, each new puzzle will feel interesting and unique. The goal is to delight both children and adults with a gameplay experience that is based on discovery, tinkering, and exploration–not on conflict and threat. There are no timers, no enemies, no deaths, not even any dialogues to read – just a poetic, visually breathtaking world full of puzzles challenging your wits. A cerebral and pleasant experience for everyone, never frustrating without proper reward, never dull or monotonous.

      The post Wishlist Playdew’s Lost Twins II, Coming this Year appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    • Wednesday 24 April 2024 - 00:00

      Hello there! I’m Leo Zullo, Co-founder and MD of Wired Productions and we really love indie games.

      Today my team hosted “Wired Direct ’24”, our blockbuster indie showcase where we revealed free updates for the games you already love – release dates for the games you are waiting to love, and announced one that youre going to love. If you caught the show live – you rock, but if you didn’t then let us bring you up to speed.

      Gori key art

      Kicking off the showcase we dropped the release date for Gori: Cuddly Carnage. Those of you who played the demo during the Xbox Winter Showcase (where you left it with five-star reviews and more hype than you can shake a bag of catnip at) will be intimately familiar with the unique brand of carnage that Gori brings to the table. But if this is the first time you’re seeing our feline friend – let us sum it up for you.

      You’re a cat. On a hoverboard. Fighting unicorns.

      Gori glamor shot


      Obviously there’s way more to it than that – it looks fantastic, has a bone-shaking soundtrack and a surprisingly heartfelt story, but at a base level it’s the fever dream neon drenched marriage of Sunset Overdrive and Devil May Cry with a splash of Conker’s adult humour for good measure that you didn’t know you needed – wrapped up in a disturbingly cute and violent package. And more Importantly – It’s launching on August 29, 2024 and you can pre-order right now!

      Karma key art


      Up next we announced Karma: The Dark World – A psychological thriller drenched in abstract Lynchian imagery, intense horror, jaw dropping Unreal five visuals, set in an alternate history take on a dystopian post war Germany.

      Karma T heads

      There’s a lot we could tell you about Karma: The Dark World, but honestly, the trailer will give you none of the answers and leave you asking ‘what the hell?’ and wanting to know more – which is right where we want you to be right now – take a trip down The Rabbit Hole.

      Lumote Key art

      We think we better try to settle pulses a little after that one, so next we’ll take a dive down to the Great Depths and check up on Lumote. Originally released on Xbox back in ’22, Lumote: Mastermote Chronicles is a beautiful 3D puzzle platformer with a reactive, mesmerising soundtrack that stole our hearts.

      Lumtoe screenshot

      Now, two years later, we are providing a free next-gen update for Xbox Series X|S – and this time you can bring a friend! With a visual overhaul and brand new co-op mode coming that lets you squish, bop and bounce with a companion by your side. Together, you can take control of the world’s inhabitants on a quest to seize control of the Great Depths from Mighty Mastermote! The free Companion Mode and Next-Gen Update is coming soon to Xbox.

      Finally – we take a trip back to the Great Ursee – A world that will be familiar to those of you that played the Bulwark demo last year on Xbox, or soared high with solo developer Tomas Sala’s previous game and Series X launch title, The Falconeer.

      Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is a chill twin stick builder with a focus on verticality and a focus on giving you true freedom to paint the last great civilization across a world shattered by war, and though it only launched last month, solo developer Tomas Sala is providing the first of several sizeable updates to the game on its roadmap with the aptly named  “Trade, Tribute and Splinters”.

      Bulwark screenshot

      Check out the trailer to see how Bulwark continues to evolve, allowing you to secure and spend fresh resources, and more ways to interact with the inhabitants of the world as you leave your mark upon i

      Bulwark screenshot

      The “Trade, Tribute and Splinters” update is coming very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for the free update landing in your Bulwarks!

      That wraps up the announcements for our Direct this year. Thank you all for helping to celebrate indie games with us, and helping us bring the outstanding talent of small teams the world over to light, where you might just find your next favourite game!

      The post Upcoming and Available Xbox Games in Wired Direct 2024 appeared first on Xbox Wire.