Schlagwort: calcutlator

Following up from our previous coverage about the upcoming MLB The Show 23, including a detailed look at the new Storylines: Negro Leagues feature, we’re back with even more info about some of the exciting gameplay improvements and features that will be in store when MLB The Show 23 launches March 28 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and day one with Xbox Game Pass. Let’s dive in!

Defense

High fielding attribute matters more now than ever before. The disparity between players in-game with high vs low fielding attributes is more noticeable. Players with a lower Fielding attribute will react slower to contact made off the bat compared to players with a high Fielding attribute.

When it comes to our throwing interfaces, we have a couple to select from depending on your skill and engagement level. Our more approachable interfaces, Buttons and Analog, rely heavily on the Arm Accuracy attribute which has been tuned to be in line with MLB statistics. Or you can elevate your game with the Button Accuracy Meter where you are in complete control of your throws.

If using Button Accuracy throwing interface, consistent with last year’s game, the green portion of the meter (indicates a throw that will be accurate to the fielder), scales based on the Arm Accuracy attribute. However, the functionality of the meter has changed. Universally, the speed of the meter needle is slower than in years past. This is intended, as it will help to facilitate the upcoming changes.

In previous years of The Show, the meter was consistent, meaning the green spot was always in the middle. Repetition with this mechanic led to ease of use for many of you. Now, on difficult Infield plays and long outfield throws, the green portion of the meter will dynamically move. This change increases realism while also adding additional skill to defense.

On force throws to first base, you will experience a yellow portion of the meter. This section indicates the dirt ball region of the meter, leading to balls being thrown in the dirt. The frequency of the play being made is based on the first baseman’s Fielding attribute. Visit custom practice to experience and perfect the changes to fielding and throwing.

Two new quirks have been added/revamped on defense. These two quirks are Break Outlier and Pick Off Artist. A pitcher with Break Outlier loses break at a slower rate than those without the quirk. A pitcher with Pick Off Artist leads to 2x the chance of a successful pick-off.

Offense

The pitcher-batter dynamic is better than ever with the revamped competitive gameplay engine. And don’t worry Casual or Simulation fans, we have also tuned and balanced those gameplay styles as well.

One of the major attribute updates to MLB The Show 23 is we have redefined the Clutch attribute. With runners in scoring position, Clutch attribute directly replaces contact. This helps to facilitate more realism. The battle between a batter’s Contact attribute and a pitcher’s Hits per 9 innings (H/9) attribute is directly replaced with batter Clutch and Pitcher Clutch with Runners in scoring position (RISP).

Two new quirks have been added on offense. These are Bad Ball Hitter and Table Setter. A batter with Bad Ball Hitter will excel at hitting pitches outside of the Strike Zone. A batter with Table Setter excels with no runners on base.

Animations

We’ve added over 5,000 gameplay animations to MLB The Show 23! We have hundreds of new animations ranging from robbing foul balls, dives, hot shot variety at the corners, and as always animations for urgency and efficiency.

Gameplay Styles

Gameplay styles are meant to create unique experiences for all players out there. Gameplay style tuning for Casual and Simulation are continuously taking place. However, the biggest gameplay style change revolves around Competitive gameplay style.

Competitive gameplay style is the default for all Online Head-to-Head* games and all Diamond Dynasty* modes. Competitive Gameplay Style can also be accessed by visiting the gameplay settings and toggling the Gameplay Style setting under General Difficulty.

The goal of this gameplay style is to increase the consistency of good input for producing good results and bad input for producing bad results, without going too far from baseball strategy and basics. Players will notice more swings and misses, fewer popups and choppers, and the hits put into play are slightly better to make up for fewer being put into play.

Player Clarity, Visual Updates In-game, and Functionality Improvements

Updates to the in-game displays have been made. The largest focus for visual display updates revolved around increasing clarity amongst the player base.

Swing Feedback

Swing feedback is a piece of art that appears in the bottom left corner of the screen after a swing attempt is made. This feedback displays Batter Attributes, Pitch Location, Pitch Type, Swing Timing, and Plate Coverage Indicator Placement. It is meant to help describe the outcome of the hit. Although it is difficult to achieve perfection through this art, strides were made to increase precision and accuracy of the art. Previous versions of MLBTS swing feedback displayed Swing Inputs on the left and displayed the outputs on the right. Now, the swing feedback is a story that can be read from left to right, top to bottom.

In Game D-pad functionality

Left on the Directional Buttons now display live, up to date, Statcast numbers. Right on the Directional Buttons now display important Pitcher/Batter matchups, attempting to present all factors that impact the At-Bat. This includes vital attributes that dynamically swap in and all active quirks. Up on the Directional Buttons remains relatively consistent to previous years of MLB The Show, with slight functionality updates, including the ability to bring in a pitcher that’s being warmed up without needing to navigate back into the bullpen.

Settings Updates

Settings terminology, organization, and descriptions have been updated to better inform players as for what each gameplay setting does. There are now two new settings that allow for increased customization of Pre-Pitch displays while on Offense and Defense. These new settings can be found under Display and aim to allow for increased control over what information is presented on screen prior to a pitch being thrown. These two settings are Pitch Select Displays and Batter Controls Display.

Additional Visual Updates

The runner windows displayed in the top right for a first base runner and top left for a third base runner no longer appear. This camera can now be seen in the top right baserunning diamond during pre-pitch. Logic is tied to which runner is shown in the camera, leading to the most viable runner displaying based on the bases currently occupied. Now that space has been created in the top left corner of the screen, important information can be displayed here such as Road to The Show base gains increase or decrease, moment tracking, and Dynamic Difficulty updates.

Custom Practice Updates

We’ve added some important functionality to Custom Practice. It now has a couple important additions. While Batting, players now can finetune specific pitch locations around the Strike Zone. This tool is very useful for improving your eye and improving at specific problem areas. In previous years, players could solely turn specific pitches Off or On. This functionality has been expanded upon, allowing players to choose the frequency of pitches thrown through a slider mechanism.

Attribute Descriptions

MLB The Show has a lot of attributes and if you’re new to the franchise you might not know what they all mean. Be sure to check out the handbook/strategy guide located in the pause menu in-game. The attribute descriptions can now also be found in the Diamond Dynasty Handbook. These descriptions provide insightful information as for how each attribute functions and interacts with gameplay. The goal here is to ensure all players have the information needed to make the best possible decision when forming a squad or making an important managerial decision in game.

Passive Quirks Changes

We’ve removed passive quirks from MLB The Show 23. Simplifying the quirk system seems to be the best approach here, as there was generally confusion as for what Active Quirks did vs Passive Quirks. Universally, we hope this change leads to more clarity since only the quirks that impact gameplay is displayed.

Updated Options Explorer

The options explorer audio and art has been updated. This is a great area for players to learn the mechanics offered within MLB The Show. The general rule of thumb for gameplay mechanics is that the more control a player has over the mechanic, the less ability the CPU must influence gameplay.

MLB Rule Changes

Changes to Extreme Left and Extreme Right shifts are now implemented into MLB The Show 23. These changes set a good baseline but will need tuning based on real life strategy seen throughout the MLB season.

Online H2H/Co-Op

Improvements to Online Stability are continuously being worked on to provide the best experience possible. For those Co-Op players, Play Now Co-Op now offers the ability to toggle the rotational patterns prior to loading into game. Rather than being locked into rotating roles per inning on defense and rotating per at-bat on offense, teams can now choose additional rotation patterns. (Online features require internet connection).

Xbox Game Pass Members Can Play Four Days Early with the Xbox Game Pass Early Access Bundle

We’re excited to announce the return of the Xbox Game Pass Early Access Bundle, allowing members to join in on the fun and play four days early! In addition to playing early, players will receive two Gold Choice Packs, 10 The Show Packs, one Ballplayer Pack, double daily rewards, and 10K Stubs. If you pre-order the Early Access Bundle for Xbox Game Pass, you will receive an additional Gold Choice Pack.

Note: This bundle is exclusively designed for Xbox Game Pass members to play MLB The Show 23 early. If you’re not an Xbox Game Pass member and you purchase this bundle, you will not be able to play MLB The Show 23. For those fans, we recommend the MLB The Show 23: Digital Deluxe Edition.

We could not be more excited for MLB The Show 23 coming out March 28 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and available day one with Xbox Game Pass! Look forward to new ways to play, a new class of legends and much more! CheckTheShow.com and follow our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates about MLB The Show 23. For more detailed information on MLB The Show 23, read here.

MLB® The Show™ 23 Xbox Game Pass Early Access Bundle

MLB

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99 $44.99

GAME NOT INCLUDED. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers interested in playing MLB The Show 23 during Early Access, this is for you. Purchasers of the MLB® The Show™ 23 Xbox Game Pass Early Access Bundle will get access to MLB The Show 23 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on March 24th 2023 – four days early – as well as the following additional items:
Four Days Early Access for Xbox Game Pass Users.
2 Gold Choice Pack.
10 Show Packs.
1 Ballplayer Pack.
Double Daily login rewards.
10k Stubs™.

MLB® The Show™ 23 Xbox One

MLB

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Pre-order to get the Gold Choice pack. This edition includes:
• Full game.
• 5K Stubs™. MLB® The Show™ 23 gets you closer than ever to living your Baseball dreams on the diamond. Shock The Game and Own The Show with your favorite players, your favorite rivalries, and all your favorite MLB moments. Buy the MLB® The Show™ 23 digital version for Xbox One and when ready, upgrade to the MLB® The Show™ 23 digital version for Xbox Series X|S for an additional cost.

MLB® The Show™ 23 Xbox Series X|S

MLB

☆☆☆☆☆7

★★★★★

Pre-order to get the Gold Choice pack. This edition includes:
• Full game for Xbox Series X|S
• Full game for Xbox One • Five The Show Packs. • 10K Stubs™. MLB® The Show™ 23 gets you closer than ever to living your Baseball dreams on the diamond. Shock The Game and Own The Show with your favorite players, your favorite rivalries, and all your favorite MLB moments. Get the next-generation MLB The Show 23 experience when you play on Xbox Series X|S, including the return of Stadium Creator mode, and face your friends with cross-platform play* or continue your progress on other platforms with cross progression**.

When the original Dead Space released back in 2008, it offered a unique experience that skillfully blended elements of sci-fi and horror. It became an instant classic worldwide, and is now regarded as one of the best survival horror games ever made. Accompanying the release was a trailer so unique that it became an iconic piece of media in itself: the Lullaby Trailer.

Combining haunting vocals with chilling scenes of horror, the trailer perfectly captured the atmosphere of the game. The trailer introduced the USG Ishimura, the doomed mining ship that acts as the main setting for the game. It was such an evocative and memorable introduction that fans instantly fell in love with it. In fact, it was so effective that similar trailers were created for later games in the franchise.

More than a decade later, our team started work on the remake. As part of that process we naturally spent a lot of time examining the original game – and we also revisited all the media surrounding it to use as reference. While I was working, I would frequently have the trailer playing in a loop in the background on another computer…and that creepy rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” just started burrowing into my mind.

Then, once we announced the game, I started seeing fans posting online about how cool it would be to see the trailer redone for the remake. As a long time Dead Space fan myself, I knew I could make this happen. So, after production wrapped up, I decided to grab some footage and put together my own updated version of the Lullaby Trailer, as a surprise for the rest of the team. And as soon as they saw what I was working on, other members of the team were more than happy to help out.

We worked hard to capture all the shots we needed, which wasn’t as easy as you might think. For one thing, I had planned to do an exact 1:1 copy of the original, but a lot of the shots in the original trailer were actually captured from the USM Valor section of the game, and not the Ishimura. I wanted to make sure all the footage was of the Ishimura, since it is  the primary setting of the game – so I decided to use shots that matched the composition and subject of the original, but change the locations when necessary. (There’s actually still one quick shot captured from the Valor; see if you can spot it!)

The most challenging parts, though, were all the Necromorph attacks; some of the footage is onscreen for just a fraction of a second, so it was tough trying to capture the exact same scenes – with proper lighting and clear composition, no less! And let’s just say Necromorphs are not the most willing collaborators. Olivier Asselin, Audio Director on the game, jumped in to update the trailer’s audio with our own recording of the vocals, and did an amazing job of perfectly recreating the chaotic cacophony of instruments that accompanies the jump cuts.

All the developers who worked on the remake have so much love for Dead Space. The series has a particularly special place in my heart because I was fortunate enough to work as an Environment Artist on Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3. Having the chance to update one of my favorite pieces of media from the original game was such a fun project. We’re really proud of the end result, and we hope fans will appreciate this trip down memory lane as much as we do.

Ready to hear Necromorphs sing you their own lullaby? Dead Space is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Dead Space Digital Deluxe Edition

Electronic Arts

☆☆☆☆☆1601

★★★★★

$79.99 $71.99

The sci-fi survival horror classic Dead Space™ returns, completely rebuilt to offer an even more immersive experience – including visual, audio, and gameplay improvements while staying faithful to the original game’s thrilling vision. The Dead Space Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game and five exclusive cosmetics (three Unique Suits and two Suit Textures). It’s everything you need to look your best while surviving the horrors aboard the USG Ishimura. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NEXT-GEN SCI-FI HORROR
A sci-fi horror classic returns fully rebuilt from the ground up with elevated visual fidelity and 3D atmospheric audio. From the frighteningly detailed rooms and workspaces of a slaughtered crew to the eerie atmospheric sounds of a desolate spaceship, you’ll explore a stunning sci-fi setting full of unpredictable and tense moments without interruption. UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY ABOARD THE USG ISHIMURA
What starts as a routine repair mission for engineer Isaac Clarke and the crew of the USG Kellion quickly turns into a battle for survival as the truth behind the horrors on board begins to unravel. Following an expanded narrative experience, uncover the dark secrets behind the events aboard the USG Ishimura through the final logs of the ill-fated crew and your encounters with the few survivors that remain. IMPROVISE TO SURVIVE
Confront the nightmare aboard the USG Ishimura with genre-defining strategic gameplay. Repurpose and upgrade Isaac’s engineering tools to creatively defeat enemies with precision. Conditions & restrictions apply. See ea.com/legal for details.

Dead Space

Electronic Arts

☆☆☆☆☆350

★★★★★

$69.99 $62.99

The sci-fi survival horror classic Dead Space™ returns, completely rebuilt from the ground up to offer a deeper and more immersive experience. This remake brings jaw-dropping visual fidelity, suspenseful atmospheric audio, and improvements to gameplay while staying faithful to the original game’s thrilling vision. Isaac Clarke is an everyman engineer on a mission to repair a vast mining ship, the USG Ishimura, only to discover something has gone horribly wrong. The ship’s crew has been slaughtered and Isaac’s beloved partner, Nicole, is lost somewhere on board. Now alone and armed with only his engineering tools and skills, Isaac races to find Nicole as the nightmarish mystery of what happened aboard the Ishimura unravels around him. Trapped with hostile creatures called Necromorphs, Isaac faces a battle for survival, not only against the escalating terrors of the ship but his own crumbling sanity. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NEXT-GEN SCI-FI HORROR
A sci-fi horror classic returns fully rebuilt from the ground up with elevated visual fidelity and 3D atmospheric audio. From the frighteningly detailed rooms and workspaces of a slaughtered crew to the eerie atmospheric sounds of a desolate spaceship, you’ll explore a stunning sci-fi setting full of unpredictable and tense moments without interruption. UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY ABOARD THE USG ISHIMURA
What starts as a routine repair mission for engineer Isaac Clarke and the crew of the USG Kellion quickly turns into a battle for survival as the truth behind the horrors on board begins to unravel. Following an expanded narrative experience, uncover the dark secrets behind the events aboard the USG Ishimura through the final logs of the ill-fated crew and your encounters with the few survivors that remain. IMPROVISE TO SURVIVE
Confront the nightmare aboard the USG Ishimura with genre-defining strategic gameplay. Repurpose and upgrade Isaac’s engineering tools to creatively defeat enemies with precision. Conditions & restrictions apply. See ea.com/legal for details.

The Mandalorian and Grogu are back in action. From exploring new worlds to battling fantastical creatures, Xbox and ‘The Mandalorian’ fans share a love of epic stories based in galaxies far, far away. In celebration of today’s highly anticipated release of Season 3 of the hit Star Wars series, Xbox and Lucasfilm are teaming up to give lucky gamers the chance to win their very own Mandalorian-inspired Xbox gear. Coinciding with the launch of Season 3, fans can enter a sweepstakes for a limited-edition, Mandalorian-inspired Xbox Series S & X bundle featuring a custom Grogu Xbox Controller and Hoodie with a simple retweet of the official Xbox Twitter account. The sweepstakes will run from March 1 through May 11, and is open to fans globally*

New episodes of ‘The Mandalorian’ follow Grogu as he reunites with Din Djardin for more planet-trotting quests — and this exclusive gear is ready for the adventure. And once you’re ready to make the jump to hyperspace, the color-coordinated controller and hoodie is the perfect accessory for wherever your mission takes you.

Just like a Jedi’s lightsaber or a Mandalorian’s Beskar suit, Grogu has his own iconic gear: the armored floating pram. That’s why, in addition to the custom controller and accompanying hoodies, we are also offering gamers a fully immersive experience in their very own Pram XL. Fans in the US can enter with Microsoft Rewards for the chance to win a full entertainment package that bundles a Grogu-themed Series S console and custom Grogu Xbox Controller and Hoodie with a human-sized pram replica — while it may not be able to hover, it is a fully operational gaming station where you can both game and stream the new season of ‘The Mandalorian’, now streaming on Disney+. Featuring massaging cushions, cupholders, LED lights, and holders for your controllers and headphones, it’s the greatest gaming seat in any galaxy.  The Pram XL sweepstakes runs from March 16 through May 11, to enter and for Official Rules (including free entry method), visit Microsoft Rewards.**

Experience Star Wars with Xbox Game Pass – enjoy playable adventures across fan-favorite titles like LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order via EA Play. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can save 10% on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor launching April 28th, 2023.

About Disney Studios’ ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3

In the third season of ‘The Mandalorian’, the journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together. The series stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito. The directors for this season include Rick Famuyiwa, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey and Bryce Dallas Howard. Jon Favreau is the showrunner and is executive producing along with Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers.

*Retweet to Win Sweepstakes Rules:  No purchase necessary, ends at 8:00pm on May 11, 2023. Open only to Xbox supported regions. Must be 18+ to enter. See official rules for full details.

**Microsoft Rewards Sweepstakes Rules:  No purchase necessary.  Ends May 11, 2023.  To enter and for Official Rules (including free entry method), visit Microsoft Rewards.

All of us in the studio have been great sci-fi fans since we were kids, and with some of us now in our forties, that means we’ve been into science fiction for several decades at this point.

A lot of things have changed since some of these classic tales were first told; but the core themes seem to stay just as thought-provoking and stories seem just as current today as they were back then, even if they missed the mark in certain details. For example, an Xbox console is probably several orders of magnitude more powerful than the central computer of the original Enterprise judging by its response time to Mr. Spock’s queries.

We injected this love of science fiction into our game – Scars Above, a single-player 3rd person action adventure. Scars combines the rewarding feel of overcoming difficulty with a compelling sci-fi story. In fact, the challenge itself is woven into the narrative, as are the game’s core mechanics. Set on a mysterious alien world, you play a stranded astronaut faced with overwhelming odds, having to use every resource at her disposal to survive. From crafting and using elemental weapons and gadgets, to exploiting the weaknesses of hostile fauna and flora, and opportunities found in the environment – the approach to combat is not only a design decision but also a storytelling one.

When writing Scars Above, we wanted to capture an old-school sci-fi feel; partly due to our love for these stories, but also due to their continued relevance, thrill, and imagination-building that stands the test of time. Of course, we gave our story a modern spin and hopefully managed to sneak in a few surprises here and there too.

While Scars draws inspiration from many sources – and there are too many to note here – a few of genre-defining works were stuck in my mind while coming up with the game’s original concept: the ethical dilemmas of science and the dangers of unchecked technological progress in Foundation by Asimov; the mission-oriented AI devoid of ethical restraints from Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey; and, perhaps surprisingly, the strangeness and the unexpectedness found beyond the rabbit hole in Carrol’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, all left their mark on Kate’s journey on the mysterious extrasolar planet.

When it comes to the cult classics on the screen, the comparison to Alien is, of course, obvious; from the resourcefulness of Ellen Ripley to the biological horror of the Xenomorph. A less obvious inspiration can be found in a movie before my time (I remember watching it on TCM as a kid, it was an “old classic” even then) – “Forbidden Planet” from 1956. It was the first science fiction movie set entirely on another planet, far from Earth. It also featured one of the first AI characters with its own personality.

Finally, the idea of protagonists being explorers and scientists instead of soldiers and warriors stems from Star Trek – a continuing source of inspiration for our entire studio. In fact, here’s some trivia for you: Kate is named after the actress Kate Mulgrew – Captain Janeway from Star Trek Voyager.

Good sci-fi is timeless and we hope to have captured some of its essence in the story of Scars Above, giving it a bit of that enduring quality. Of course, it’s a modern story in a modern story-driven action game, following current trends in both gameplay and storytelling. Our plan has always been to have an interplay between the story and game mechanics. For example, the way Scars is challenging reflects the scale between Kate and the terrifying biological monstrosities that she must face. Kate’s engineering and scientific skills, rather than combat training, translate to gadgets and weapons players need to rely on as part of the tactical combat in the game.

When she’s not fighting, Kate is solving the mystery of the planet and revealing the story through research and scientific exploration, also depicted through gameplay. We made gameplay mechanics a part of the story (even the “respawn” mechanic is a narrative element), and we used the story to drive the design of the mechanics. It’s a modern story, told by modern gameplay – inspired by sci-fi classics and everlasting themes of human curiosity, exploration, and science; and alien planets filled with scary monsters, of course.

We can’t wait for you to beat the odds using knowledge, experimentation, tactical thinking, and sharp shooting skills – as you struggle to stay calm and precise during intense moments of terror. Scars Above comes out today, February 28^th for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Scars Above

Prime Matter

☆☆☆☆☆9

★★★★★

Scars Above is a challenging sci-fi third-person action adventure shooter combining the rewarding feel of overcoming difficulty with a compelling and intricate story, set in a mysterious alien world to explore. Some things were not meant to be discovered… A colossal and enigmatic alien structure appears in Earth’s orbit and stuns the entire world; humanity names it ‘The Metahedron’. The Sentient Contact Assessment and Response team (SCAR) – consisting of scientists and engineers – is sent to investigate. Things don’t go as planned and the Metahedron hauls the team across space onto a mysterious extrasolar planet. Playing the role of Dr Kate Ward – a SCAR member – who wakes up dazed, alone in a strange, hostile environment. Determined to survive, you set out to find your crew and unravel the mystery behind what’s happened. SURVIVE AGAINST ALL ODDS:
Kate is an astronaut and a scientist – not a soldier – but she’s resourceful and determined to do anything to survive.
Use a combination of ranged weapons, devices, consumables and melee attacks, you need to manage stamina as you run, dodge, exploit weak points and discover effective tactics to defeat your foes
Combine different elemental attacks to beat the odds and break through otherwise impassable obstacles.
Craft different items and gadgets to aid you against the countless threats in this exoplanet. EXPLORE A MYSTERIOUS EXOPLANET:
Immerse yourself in a carefully crafted adventure, inspired by the sci-fi classics.
Explore an alien world filled with countless threats, gorgeous landscapes and ruins hinting of an ancient – yet advanced – civilisation that somehow disappeared.
Journey through different biomes, such as marshlands, freezing wastelands, underground caverns and alien facilities – all with their own set of challenges, enemies, secrets and environmental hazards. EMBARK ON A RESEARCH JOURNEY:
Kate is a scientist to her core and you’ll use that scientific expertise to extract information from your surroundings by scanning artifacts, materials and creatures in order to learn about their features, properties and weaknesses.
As you explore your surroundings, you will conduct analysis and gain knowledge which will allow you to craft new gadgets, weapons and unlock abilities in Xenobiology and Engineering trees. THRILLING BOSS FIGHTS:
Ghastly enemy designs – with diverse strategies and tactics – will keep encounters fresh, forcing you to find creative ways to defeat them. The Scars Above Experience:
[*] Immerse yourself in an exciting sci-fi adventure inspired by the classics of the genre
[*] Explore an enigmatic and intricate alien world – with plenty of mysteries to uncover
[*] Fight tactically, using a combination of elemental attacks, gadgets and items, exploit the environment and enemy weaknesses
[*] Engage exciting and challenging enemies and bosses, from hulking rock-covered monstrosities to nightmarish creatures lurking in the dark
[*] Gain knowledge and acquire new skills
[* ]Scan enemies to learn about their weaknesses and behaviours
[*] Use your scientific skills to conduct research and extrapolate information Mature Content Description:
The developers describe the content like this:
Violence, Depictions mutated human bodies, Depictions of dead and mutilated aliens.

Greetings, Guardians. Today we celebrate the launch of Destiny 2: Lightfall, the latest chapter in Destiny 2’s Light and Darkness Saga, along with Season of Defiance. With an all-new campaign, new destination, new activities, new rewards, and more, we thought you’d want to know everything that’s happening.  Let’s dive in.

Our End Begins

As light falls, our end begins. The Witness and Calus, its newest Disciple, are rapidly approaching, and with them, the newly formed Shadow Legion. Your mission as a Guardian is to rally new allies, weave new powers into your arsenal, and give it everything you’ve got to help save humanity. The tools you’ll unlock during the campaign are plucked from the threads of consciousness themselves. Introducing Strand.

New Power: Strand

Strand is the latest power to come to Destiny 2. Throughout the campaign, you’ll unlock new abilities that allow you to manipulate reality and pluck at the cosmic web binding us all. When we introduce a new power, we want to make sure it’s brand new and unique to the game. We can confidently say that Strand is unlike anything that’s been in the Destiny universe.

With new power comes new responsibilities. Whether you’re a Warlock summoning Threadlings from thin air, a Hunter gracefully gliding into battle, or a Titan smashing any and everything in your way, one thing is clear: You’ll need to master your new abilities to defend Neomuna and protect your new allies. And with more Fragments and Aspects for Strand to unlock after beating the campaign, we can’t wait to see how you build around these new powers.

Legendary Campaign

For Guardians looking for a challenge, we have some great news. The Legendary Mode we debuted in The Witch Queen returns for Lightfall! Test your skills and be rewarded with gear fit for legends. When you complete the Legendary Mode campaign, you’ll be ready to dive headfirst into the raid launching March 10.

New Exotics

If you thought we wouldn’t have new Exotics to liven up your arsenal, you thought wrong. Feast your eyes on some of the exciting Exotic weapons and gear up for grabs:

• Final Warning: Hold down the trigger of this Kinect Strand Sidearm to mark targets within range and load a burst of bullets. When hip firing, projectiles track aggressively toward marked targets.
• Deterministic Chaos: While holding the trigger, every fourth bullet of this Void Machine Gun becomes a heavy projectile that weakens targets on impact. Every fourth heavy projectile makes targets volatile on impact.
• Winterbite: This Heavy Exotic Stasis Glaive fires a large ball of energy that locks onto nearby targets and freezes them.
• Cyrtarachne’s Façade: After grappling, this Exotic helmet gives extra protection as Hunters gain body armor and flinch resistance.
• Abeyant Leap: When Titans use their Barricade, it gives extra armor to its wielder and spawns two additional seeking projectiles that track targets aggressively and suspend them.
• Swarmers: This new Exotic leg armor allows Warlocks to createThreadlings that infest and attack enemies after destroying a tangle.

Each of these brings something unique to the table, and we can’t wait to see how you mix and match them.

Neomuna Nights

A hidden neon metropolis unlike anything you’ve seen in Destiny 2, Neomuna is where the story of Lightfall begins, and where you’ll fight against the Shadow Legion and come face to face with towering Tormentors. To save humanity, you’ll need to team up with Cloud Striders and push back the Shadow Legion as they wreak havoc on Neomuna.

New Activity: Terminal Overload

The Shadow Legion and the Vex are conducting an all-out assault on the city. Put an end to their destruction in this new public activity on Neptune. Team up with your fellow Guardians and stop Vex from opening Vex Portals to flood Neomuna with their forces. Sounds easy? Think again because Shadow Legion strike teams are trying to capture these portals for themselves. You’ll need all the help you can get in repelling both factions and defending Neomuna.

Season of Defiance

Seasonal Story

The story of Lightfall continues in Season of Defiance. The Vanguard calls upon its closest allies. The Guardian must master the righteous powers of the Awoken to stand against the encroaching Shadow Legion and prove themselves as Queensguard.

New Activity: Defiant Battlegrounds

Guardians will traverse the EDZ, the Cosmodrome, and a Shadow Legion prison ship in search of Pyramid outposts. They’ll need to tear a portal into the Ascendant Plane using the Seasonal artifact, fight back Taken and the Shadow Legion, find missing captives, and prepare a ritual that will allow the Techeuns to open a gateway to safety.

Defiance Drip

You know we had to come correct with tools fit for defying the odds. Throughout the Season, we have new Legendary armor and weapons up for grabs, along with Verglas Curve, a new Exotic Bow. Load up your bow with Ice Arrows after every final blow and send them flying to create Stasis shards and freeze nearby targets. Crash the party and break the ice by picking up the Season Pass to instantly unlock the daring new weapon.

Guardian Games

A little competition never hurt anybody. Band together with your fellow Guardians and show the other classes why yours is the most dominant during the annual Guardian Games event later this Season.

Glaives Out

Can you spot the imposter? Starting today, Bungie has teamed up with Among Us for a special collaboration. Make sure to check out all the new Destiny 2-themed cosmetics available in Among Us, including items inspired by Mara Sov, Osiris, Saint-14, Shaxx, and more. Find out who done it in style today.

The Beginning and the End

As much as you think you’re prepared for the end, think again. The Witness and Calus have one thing on their mind: total annihilation. If you and your fellow Guardians can rally together, we might be able to beat the odds and push back the Shadow Legion.

Take your mission to the next level with new Destiny 2-themed Dynamic Backgrounds available today. Just head into your background settings, select the dynamic background you want, and sit back and enjoy the view.

Destiny 2: Lightfall and Season of Defiance are available today. We hope you enjoy playing, and we can’t wait to see you swinging through those Neomuna streets.

Destiny 2: Lightfall

Bungie

☆☆☆☆☆2

★★★★★

Pre-order to instantly unlock a new Exotic Ghost and Legendary emblem. Includes Lightfall, the new raid, and a Season Pass for Season 20. Campaign In a Neptunian city under siege, find strength in your fellow Guardians as the end to all things approaches—the Witness is here. Arm yourself with new rewards and unlock new Dark powers to triumph in Lightfall’s unforgettable Legendary mode. Strand Harness Darkness and pluck at the threads of reality with this new subclass. Flow through the city with newfound speed as you grapple from building to building. Every class can tap into this new element, but it’s up to you to create the perfect build. New Destination Travel to Neptune and discover a neon metropolis unlike any you’ve explored in Destiny 2. Meet the Cloud Striders, join the fight against the Shadow Legion, and prevent devastation in the technologically advanced secret city of Neomuna. 105 GB hard drive storage space required as of November 10, 2020. Subject to change. Requires broadband internet. After November 10, 2020 see www.destinythegame.com/size-requirements for current requirements prior to purchase. Destiny 2 may contain flashing patterns and images that may produce adverse effects for a small percentage of people sensitive to them. Bungie, Inc. makes no guarantee regarding the availability of online play or features and may modify or discontinue online services with reasonable notice at any time. Using the software constitutes acceptance of the Destiny Software License Agreement available at www.bungie.net/sla. © 2022 Bungie, Inc. All rights reserved. Destiny, the Destiny Logo, Bungie and the Bungie Logo are trademarks of Bungie, Inc. Published and distributed by Bungie, Inc.

Great New Games Spotlight has officially kicked off and we’re excited to bring you a ton of games every week for the next six weeks — more than 100+ new games will launch on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One between February 28 and April 10! Like prior years, you’ll also be rewarded for buying Great New Games Spotlight games.

Play More, Get More

Spend $50 on eligible games and movies to receive 2,500 Microsoft Rewards points! In addition to the games, we are including several movies and TV titles in the collection each week that are eligible for the promotion. To kick things off, here’s a sneak peak of some exciting Great New Games Spotlight games coming your way to get you get you pumped for a fantastic season of gaming.

• Anno 1800
  Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age in this city-building real-time strategy game. Experience one of the most exciting and fast-changing periods of all time as you discover new technologies, regions, and societies, implement your own strategy, and build a new world to your design.

• Catan Standard Edition
  Play the official video game version of Catan on console! Acquire resources, master new strategies, and build your settlements across a board that comes to life. Challenge friends in your living room or play against smart and dynamic AI to become the winning Catanian, then take these skills online with full cross-play compatibility!

• Deliver Us Mars
  Sequel to the award-winning Deliver Us The Moon, Deliver Us Mars is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure offering an immersive astronaut experience. Explore new frontiers on a suspense-fueled, high-stakes mission to recover the ARK colony ships stolen by the mysterious Outward.

• EA Sports PGA Tour
  EA Sports PGA Tour features some of the world’s most exclusive golf courses, designed in stunning fidelity powered by the Frostbite engine. With gameplay features like Pure Strike for superior golf gameplay powered by ShotLink, and as the exclusive home of the Majors, including the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open Championship, and The Open, EA Sports PGA Tour is the premiere golf game experience.

• Like a Dragon: Ishin!
  Don the clothes and weaponry of the elite to become the samurai of legend, Sakamoto Ryoma, and venture across an 1860s Kyoto to find your father’s killer. Draw your blade, load your revolver, and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure that only the creators of Yakuza: Like a Dragon could produce. The Deluxe Edition both adds challenge to your journey and gives you additional resources to overcome it.

• MLB The Show 23 – Game Pass
  MLB The Show 23 gets you closer than ever to living your baseball dreams on the diamond. Shock the game and own The Show with your favorite players, your favorite rivalries, and all your favorite MLB moments. Get the next-generation MLB The Show 23 experience when you play on Xbox Series X|S, including the return of Stadium Creator mode, and face your friends with cross-platform play.

• The Settlers: New Allies
  A strategy game with an in-depth build-up experience and real-time strategic battles. Fully reimagined from the ground up, with stunning graphics and detailed animations, play as one of three unique factions: the Elari, the Maru, and the Jorn. Each has a unique look, playstyle, and background story. Experience a story-driven campaign set in the world of The Settlers or play online with up to eight players in thrilling skirmish battles for long-lasting fun.

• WWE 2K23
  Expanded features, gorgeous graphics, and the ultimate WWE experience. Hit the ring with a deep roster of WWE Superstars and Legends including Roman Reigns, “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and more!

• Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Xbox Game Pass
  From Fumihiko Yasuda, the producer of Nioh, and Masaaki Yamagiwa, the producer of Bloodborne, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty follows the dramatic, action-packed story of a militia soldier fighting for survival in a dark fantasy version of the Three Kingdoms. Supernatural elements mixed with Chinese swordplay are just some of the highlights of the next great action RPG title from Team Ninja.

This is just a small taste of all the great games releasing this spring. Make sure you check out the Microsoft Store every Tuesday to discover all the new games to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Be sure to follow Major Nelson on Twitter to get weekly updates and find out about special giveaways including a chance to win a token for games participating in Great New Games Spotlight! See the full list of games at Xbox.com.

Mutation is just a way of life in the irradiated wilds of post-nuclear Appalachia. Fallout 76’s latest update, available now, takes things to a new level with Mutation Invasion, offering a mutated take on Public Events, updates to Daily Ops and a brand-new Season to uncover!

Public Events Are Mutating

If you’re familiar with Fallout 76’s Daily Ops, you may have already come across Mutations. These modifiers ramp up the challenge, offering deadly traits to your enemies ranging from caustic acid blood, to cloaking capabilities, to exploding upon death! Now, thanks to the launch of Mutation Invasion, Mutations are coming to Public Events as well!

At the top of the hour, every hour, a Mutated Public Event becomes available inside Appalachia, indicated by a special icon. For the remainder of the hour, other Public Events operate as normal, but these Mutated variants offer up more challenge for the chance for more rewards!

Completing Mutated Public Events will net you XP, Legendary Items, Treasury Notes or even Mutated Packages containing all kinds of rare loot.

A New Threat Comes To Daily Ops

Public Events aren’t the only thing adapting to the Mutation Invasion: Fallout 76’s latest update also brings new content to Daily Ops, including a new damage-repelling Reflective Skin Mutation and three new locales: Capitol Building, Garrahan Mining Headquarters and Morgantown High School.

And what’s this? It appears an out-of-this-world foe has joined the Daily Ops roster! Players can now encounter and battle extraterrestrial Aliens during Daily Ops – time to grab your friends and team up!

A New Season Begins With Rip Daring And the Cryptid Hunt

Along for the ride with this free update is all-new Season for Fallout 76! Join adventurer extraordinaire Rip Daring on an adventure for the biggest, baddest and obscurest game around in Season 12: Rip Daring and the Cryptid Hunt.

Earn S.C.O.R.E. by playing the game and completing challenges to boost your ranks and unlock new rewards! This Season also features the brand-new Re-Roller, a consumable allowing players to swap existing challenges for new ones. In addition to exclusive rewards, Fallout 1^st members will also be able to unlock additional Re-Rollers, offering more flexibility as they journey through Season 12.

Mutation Invasion is a free update available NOW for all Fallout 76 players. Play Fallout 76 today on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass. For more information, visit fallout.com, and follow the official Fallout accounts on Twitter and Facebook.

Fallout 76

Bethesda Softworks

☆☆☆☆☆866

★★★★★

$39.99 $31.99

Xbox One X Enhanced

Xbox Game Pass

Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Skyrim and Fallout 4, welcome you to Fallout 76. Twenty-five years after the bombs fell, you and your fellow Vault Dwellers—chosen from the nation’s best and brightest – emerge into post-nuclear America on Reclamation Day, 2102. Play solo or join together as you explore, quest, build, and triumph against the wasteland’s greatest threats. Explore a vast wasteland, devastated by nuclear war, in this open-world multiplayer addition to the Fallout story. Experience the largest, most dynamic world ever created in the legendary Fallout universe. Immersive Questlines and Engaging Characters
Uncover the secrets of West Virginia by playing through an immersive main quest, starting from the moment you leave Vault 76. Befriend or betray new neighbors who have come to rebuild, and experience Appalachia through the eyes of its residents. Seasonal Scoreboard
Progress through a season with a completely free set of rewards like consumables, C.A.M.P. items and more, by completing limited-time challenges. Multiplayer Roleplaying
Create your character with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L system and forge your own path and reputation in a new and untamed wasteland with hundreds of locations. Whether you journey alone or with friends, a new and unique Fallout adventure awaits. Mountain Splendorland The story lives and breathes through the world of Fallout 76, which brings to life six distinct West Virginia regions. From the forests of Appalachia to the noxious crimson expanses of the Cranberry Bog, each area offers its own risks and rewards. A New American Dream
Use the all-new Construction and Assembly Mobile Platform (C.A.M.P.) to build and craft anywhere in the world. Your C.A.M.P. will provide much-needed shelter, supplies, and safety. You can even set up shop to trade goods with other survivors. Fallout Worlds
Play unique adventures in Appalachia with Fallout Worlds, which is an evolving set of features that give players the capability to play Fallout 76 in unique ways with customizable settings.

Travel across eras this March in Games with Gold! On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, start the month with a visit to a 1960s-era set sci-fi mystery in Trüberbrook or strategize WWII battles in Sudden Strike 4- Complete Collection, and then midmonth survive 19^th century supernatural horrors in Lamentum.

Xbox Live Gold members will have exclusive access to these games for a limited time as part of Games with Gold. So will Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, who receive all the fantastic benefits of Gold plus access to hundreds of high-quality games with Xbox Game Pass.

Trüberbrook

Explore the charming 1960s German village of Trüberbrook where not all is as it seems. Get trippy in this single-player Sci-Fi mystery adventure game. The world of the game is beautifully built using meticulously handmade miniature scenery. Discover reality rifts, encounter crazy scientists, and fight for true love as you step up to save the world!

Sudden Strike 4 – Complete Collection

Play the original World War Two RTS classic and all five previously released DLCs. Command forces from all sides in iconic battles including on the Road to Dunkirk, across the snowy landscape of Finland, the rugged deserts of Africa, or engaging in the naval battles of the Pacific. You can play single-player or multiplayer leading over one hundred different units into battle across eleven campaigns.

Lamentum

Delve deep into nightmare-fueled madness. How far would you go to save the one you love? For young aristocrat Victor Hartwell the cost to save his ailing wife might be unthinkable. Explore the mystery and encounter horrific creatures. Who will you choose to trust? How will you ever hope to survive? Spending one night in Grau Hill Mansion may be the last night you ever see.

Read more about our Games with Gold program here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire for all the latest news on Xbox. Like we said before, if you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you get all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, hundreds of high-quality games you can play on console, PC, and across devices from the cloud, and access to EA Play at no extra cost. New games are added all the time, so you’re never without something new to try when you’re looking to find your next favorite game. If you’re new, or if you’re an existing Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass for Console member, join or upgrade today. 

Trüberbrook

Headup GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆35

★★★★★

»Trüberbrook« is a thrilling mystery-sci-fi adventure game. Enjoy an adventurous vacation to a 1960’s parallel universe! A Sci-Fi-Mystery Adventure Game with handmade scenery. Imagine yourself on a vacation to Europe in the late sixties. Now, picture yourself as a young American scientist; Hans Tannhauser. While you’re at it, think of Trüberbrook, a remote village in rural Germany. Because, that’s where you end up after hitting the continent. But who cares, you won the trip in a lottery! Or at least, that’s how it seems. But don’t fear, instead of getting some rest, you could find yourself having to save the world …

Sudden Strike 4 – Complete Collection

Kalypso Media

☆☆☆☆☆32

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

The Sudden Strike 4: Complete Collection offers fans the ultimate World War II strategy experience, containing the main Sudden Strike 4 game plus all five previously released DLCs: Battle of Kursk, Road to Dunkirk, Finland – Winter Storm, Africa – Desert War and The Pacific War.
Sudden Strike 4 sends you off on three extensive campaigns set amongst the battlefields of World War II. Command the British and American, German or Soviet troops in the most iconic conflicts of the war, leading over 100 different units into battle. Prove your strategic expertise in over 20 demanding singleplayer scenarios, the challenge-focused skirmish mode and the ultra-competitive multiplayer mode.
In Road to Dunkirk, relive the battles leading up to one of the world‘s most daring military rescue missions ever – the evacuation of British Expeditionary Forces and French soldiers from German superior numbers in 1940.
Advance the Soviet forces into Finland during the Winter War’s Vyborg Offensive, and take part in some of the most infamous Finnish vs. Soviet military conflicts in Finland – Winter Storm. Fight as the Finnish against an overwhelming threat, or play as the Soviets and crush the last Finnish defensive lines.
Africa – Desert War shifts the setting from the cold north to the unforgiving and harsh deserts of Africa. Lead the Axis powers in their mission to invade Libya, Tunisia and Egypt to crush the unprepared American forces, or take command of the Allies and relive the battles that turned the tide of the Western Desert campaign.
Gather your forces for an all-out attack on the Pacific shores. Experience the fiercest battles of the South East Asian campaign like never before, as the The Pacific War throws you right into the conflict between the Allied Forces and the Imperial Japanese Army. Features:
• Sudden Strike 4: Complete Collection offers realistic real-time strategy gameplay with tactical depth and a historical setting across 11 campaigns with over 45 missions and more than 200 different units in a complete package.
• Contains all free content updates available, with over 10 new maps and gameplay refinements.
• Command German and Soviet forces in the Battle of Kursk – one of the largest tank battles of World War II!
• Road to Dunkirk features 4 new missions, 2 new commanders and 10 all-new units, as well as additional buildings and ships. • Finland – Winter Storm features 6 new missions, 3 new commanders, and 19 all-new vehicles, along with additional buildings and units. • Africa – Desert Storm features 6 new missions, 5 new commanders, and 30 new vehicles, including a medical truck. • The Pacific War features 10 new missions, 6 new commanders, and over 50 new vehicles, including aircraft carriers. • Adapt and refine the military doctrines of more than 20 renowned commanders, such as Heinz Guderian, George S. Patton or Charles de Gaulle for a different strategic and tactical approach to each scenario.
• Pit yourself against other commanders or challenging enemy AI enemies in competitive multiplayer modes.

Lamentum

Neon Doctrine

☆☆☆☆☆18

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

Guide Victor Hartwell, a young aristocrat on a desperate journey to cure the deadly disease that afflicts his beloved wife, Alissa. Their last hope resides in the darkened halls of Grau Hill Mansion whose Earl has uncovered ancient secrets and forgotten sciences. He claims he can heal Alissa, but… at what price? Grau Hill mansion will open its doors and immerse you in a world of nightmares where you may be trapped forever. Lamentum is a pixel art survival-horror game set in New England in the mid-nineteenth century. To solve the dark secret at the heart of Grau Hill Mansion, you will have to immerse yourself in a nightmare world full of terrible creatures. Choose well in whom to trust, every decision you make may alter the course of the story. Will you survive? Lamentum is inspired by classic survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill along with cosmic horror masterpieces, especially the Cthulhu mythos. Lamentum is a dark and adult-themed game, in which the player can enjoy classic survival-horror gameplay.

As a part of our mission to expand the joy and community of gaming to every player in the world, we’re excited to announce we’re bringing a preview of PC Game Pass to 40 new countries for the first time ever, comprising:

• Albania
• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Bolivia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Georgia
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Iceland
• Kuwait
• Latvia
• Libya
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Nicaragua
• North Macedonia
• Oman
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Qatar
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Tunisia
• Ukraine
• Uruguay

Beginning on February 28, gamers in these new markets can sign up for PC Game Pass Preview program giving them immediate access to a library of hundreds of high-quality PC games on Windows including new Xbox Game Studios releases on day one, iconic Bethesda games, an EA Play membership, and member-only benefits in Riot Games. ​It only takes a few minutes to download the Xbox Insider Hub app and sign up to join the Insider Program. Once registered, players can join the preview of PC Game Pass for a special testing price for the first month.

The PC Game Pass library adds new games all the time, and more great games from Xbox and Bethesda are coming to PC Game Pass soon. The upcoming action-strategy game Minecraft Legends will be released on Tuesday, April 18; Redfall, Arkane Austin’s story-driven first-person shooter, hits on May 2; and more great games are coming soon.

In the coming months, PC Game Pass will launch in these countries for all players to experience. This means that Game Pass community members from 86 countries around the world can play hundreds of games together with their friends and family.

We look forward to welcoming more players from around the world to the Game Pass community.

Sometimes, your greatest enemies are your own memories.

We’re telling a new kind of love story in El Paso, Elsewhere, the latest title from my studio, the developers behind Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator, Strange Scaffold. A nightmarish one-way trip set deep beneath a motel in El Paso, Texas, you’ll unravel a tale about addiction and heartbreak as you shoot and stake monsters from horror movies and our own minds. El Paso, Elsewhere is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC this Fall.

The setup is, after learning that the world as we know it is going to be destroyed in an arcane ritual, recovering drug addict and Black folklore researcher James Savage returns to his hometown of El Paso, Texas. In a fight to save reality itself from being consumed by the Forces Beyond, he has to travel to a strange motel, clearing the floors that have mysteriously appeared beneath it of horrific creatures while saving hostages along the way. The lord of the vampires – and his ex – Draculae, is behind the plot, opening old wounds and abandoned coping mechanisms.

Inspired by the Max Payne-era of games, El Paso, Elsewhere is combining raw third-person action with a heavy, neo-noir narrative. As James Savage, you’ll be able to mow down the monstrous creatures you come across with a variety of weapons, including dual pistols, uzis, shotguns and – naturally – stakes. When you run out of ammo, you can always smash the wooden furniture located throughout the dimension-hopping biomes under the motel for more stakes. But you have to be careful: staking a creature means getting painfully close to the monsters guarding Draculae.

Savage also has some extra tricks up his sleeve, including Bullet Time. By diving or with the press of a single button, you can make the world slow down, letting you aim precise headshots or dodge attacks with ease. You can also leap into the air and bounce off of nearby walls to give your dive more airtime or a better vantage point. With near-inhuman movements and the ammo littering the floors you’ll explore, you will be able to tear through Draculae’s army.

But not every battle can be fought with guns. Through his descent, Savage will battle with his own memories – coming to terms with everything that brought him back to his hometown of El Paso, Texas and the fact that he might have to kill the monster he once loved. Through lush, minimal 3D cinematics, you’ll learn the tragic story of James and Draculae, and the roads they traveled to end up once again facing each other—this time, as enemies at the end of the world.

El Paso, Elsewhere is set to launch this Fall on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Follow us on Twitter at @StrangeScaffold or visit https://linktr.ee/strangescaffold for more.

All proceeds to go toward the rebuilding effort for the Ukrainian aircraft.

As part of Microsoft Flight Simulator’s ongoing digital preservation efforts, it is pleased to introduce the world’s largest aircraft, the Ukrainian-built Antonov An-225 Mriya, today. It is an ultra-heavy lift jet transport aircraft featuring six engines, and holds the record as the world’s longest plane as well as many other size-related aviation records. Only one Mriya was ever completed, and it was rendered catastrophically inoperable in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Efforts are underway to attempt to rebuild the aircraft and fly it again.

Using the An-124 Ruslan as a design base, in 1985 Antonov began engineering a project called “Mk. 401.” It was later named the An-225, since it could carry up to 225 tons of cargo. Apart from being much larger than the An-124, the Mriya (“dream” in Ukrainian) was fitted with six turbofan engines, the same power sources used by the Ruslan. Further distinguishing it from the An-124, the An-225’s empennage took a different form from that of its smaller progenitor. Instead of one large vertical stabilizer, the An-225 was designed with two, one on each end of its horizontal stabilizer, a design dictated by the aerodynamics of carrying massive loads atop its fuselage. The landing gear was also enlarged from that of the An-124; the Mriya had a total of 32 wheels, the rearmost of the main landing gear assembly able to turn.

Two An-225s were slated for production, but Antonov only completed one. It took its maiden flight on December 21, 1988, officially becoming the heaviest aircraft ever to fly. During a subsequent flight on March 22nd, 1989, the AN-225 set 110 world records at once, which is itself a record.

A few months later the plane arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome and technicians fitted the Buran orbiter to its upper fuselage. And on June 9, 1989, spectators at the Paris Air Show were stunned by the sight of the massive An-225, with the Buran riding atop its form, approaching through the clouds, the first plane to fly above the Eiffel Tower, and then landing.

Tragically, on February 27, 2022, the Mriya was attacked during the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rendered unusable. Tentative plans are to bring the Mriya to the sky again by piecing together parts of the destroyed An-225 with those of the airframe that was never completed.

The An-225 measures 275 feet, 7 inches in length (longer than the first flight of the Wright Flyer), stands 59 feet, 5 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 290 feet. It is powered by six Progress D-18T high-bypass turbofan engines that each deliver 51,600 pounds of thrust, can carry up to 559,580 pounds (253.8 tons) and has a maximum take-off weight of 1,410,958 pounds. With a range of 9,600 miles and a service ceiling of 36,000 feet, it cruises at 500 miles per hour, and reaches a top speed of 530 mph.

The An-225 Mriya features six liveries:

• Antonov Airlines ‘2010’
• Antonov Airlines ‘2008’
• Antonov Airlines ‘2006’
• White
• Xbox Aviators Club
• Aviators Club

Try your hand at flying the An-225, available in the Microsoft Flight Simulator in-game marketplace on PC today for $19.99. All proceeds will go to the Antonov Corporation to re-build the An-225. It will be available for Xbox Series X|S and on Xbox Cloud Gaming starting in late March.

Join the more than 10 million pilots in Microsoft Flight Simulator today! The sky is calling! Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆402

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises. From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world. Create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions.

We know you’re eager to get your hands on Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty when launches day one with Game Pass on March 3. But before Team Ninja’s latest action RPG arrives, we’re dropping a new two-chapter demo today on the Xbox Store that showcases the thrilling combat and intense fighting of a demon-plagued, dark fantasy-infused Three Kingdoms.

Here you’ll be tasked to defy the odds using a mix of magic and Chinese martial arts as an anonymous militia soldier, battling your way through waves of monsters and enemy soldiers in this Later Han Dynasty epic. It’s a great opportunity to see what the game has in store, and best of all your saved data from the Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Demo will carry over to the full game starting on March 3. If you manage to complete the first chapter, you’ll even be rewarded with the Crouching Dragon Helmet to equip in-game.

Before you jump into the action, though, I wanted to break down seven things to know before you awaken your inner strength in the full game.

Morale to the Story

The first thing you’ll need to understand about the game is Morale Rank. Morale Rank is a growth element used during missions that is different from your character’s level. The higher your Morale Rank, the less damage you’ll receive from enemies and the more battle elements are made available. Morale Points can be earned by defeating enemies or by landing Martial Arts attacks, Spirit attacks, or a Fatal Strike. Your Morale Rank can increase to a maximum level of 25.

Enemy Morale

Enemy Morale Ranks are displayed in the UI above their heads. The higher your Morale Rank is compared to the enemy’s, the greater the damage they will deal. In addition, the color of the Morale Rank icon indicates their threat level, with green Morale Ranks being lower or equal to your character, yellow being 1-4 points higher, and red being 5+ points higher. Basically, if you see an enemy with a red Morale Rank, you might want to raise your own level a bit before fighting them, or you could be in for a swift death.

Spirit Squad

Beyond Morale, you’ll also need to keep an eye on your Spirit Gauge. Spirit is the strength of an individual’s willpower during battle and can be used to strike down enemies using Martial Arts, Wizardry Spells, and Spirit attacks. Increase your Spirit Gauge by landing normal attacks or deflecting an enemy attack, but beware, getting hit by enemies will decrease your Spirit, leaving you vulnerable against some of the tougher soldiers and monsters in-game.

Deflect! Deflect! Deflect!

While you’re able to block most attacks, the key to making enemies miss or even stagger, while setting them up for even bigger blows, is the ability to Deflect. Wait for your opponent to set up for their strike, and as they move in for their attack, use just the right timing to press B in order to Deflect the assault, setting yourself up for your own maneuver. And remember, Deflects also help increase your Spirit!

Wizards and Warriors

Wizardry Spells are special skills that align with the elements of the Five Phases. You can set up to four different Wizardry Spells for use during combat. By targeting the enemy’s weak elements and status effects, you can gain the upper hand in battle. Successful use of Wizardry Spells can nullify an enemy’s elemental attack. For example, a Flame area (of the Fire Phase) created by an enemy can be extinguished by a Water Phase Spell.

Death From Above

When climbing up cliffs or alongside a building, look down and check for enemies. Press Y while jumping down to perform a Fatal Strike against an unaware soldier or demon! Fatal Strikes can also be performed from behind by sneaking up on an enemy and pressing Y. The lock-on marker will turn red if it’s possible to perform a Fatal Strike on a target.

Part Destruction

Demons have hardened body parts that can be destroyed. You can destroy the hardened part by attacking it or by deflecting an enemy’s Critical Blow. If you successfully perform part destruction, the enemy will no longer be able to perform a Critical Blow or other attacks with that part. Part destruction also reduces the enemy’s maximum Spirit limit, which will then increase your chance to launch a Fatal Strike.

These seven tips are just the start to the depth of Wo Long’s gameplay. From Divine Beasts to the various weapon types and Chinese martial arts, there are layers upon layers upon layers to learn, and this demo will give you a taste of what’s to come when the game launches March 3 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and will be available day one with Game Pass on console and PC.

Until then, jump into the demo and see how many demons you can destroy. And don’t forget to check out the exciting new launch trailer released today, showcasing just some of the famous faces from the Three Kingdoms you’ll encounter along the way.

Since his arrival in the Realm, Azaan has been preparing for a looming threat – a foe whose advent could tear the world asunder. But just before Azaan is able to enact his last ditch efforts, she has arrived…and the Realm will never be the same. Give welcome to your new matriarch – Nyx, Queen of the Abyss, has emerged from the darkest corners of the Abyss into the Realm.

Nyx is the newest Frontline Champion to tower over the Paladins roster, bringing the total number of playable characters to 58. Her passive ability, Queen of Change, gives her a healing bonus while near an objective, encouraging players to stay up close and personal at all times. Nyx doesn’t have a traditional weapon and instead deals with foes using her fists. Her primary fire is a five hit chain of melee strikes and her alternate fire, Rift Slash, splits open reality in an area, dealing damage and slowing enemies caught in the effect.

But what would a queen be without a way to punish those who would dare raise a hand at her? Nyx’s first ability summons a wide shield in a target location and her second ability deploys a poison aura around herself that deals persistent damage to enemies caught within it. Nyx’s ultimate is Chaos Nexus – she unleashes three powerful attacks around her that pulls and stuns enemies, forcing them to grovel at her feet.

Even the Champions of the Realm are not immune to the tempting powers of the Abyss. This patch also features a new Into The Abyss Event Pass with over 20 levels of chaotic rewards, including the Abyss-corrupted Doom Bringer Seris and Wings of Darkness Saati.

Also featured in this sixth season launch is a fan-favorite returning mode: Payload. Originally released in the Paladins’ beta, Payload features large new locales as one team attempts to push a cart to the enemy base while the opposing team tries to stop them before time is up. This mode will be available to play Monday through Friday each week, so players will have plenty of time to experience an iconic part of Paladins’ history!

But that’s not all – this update also features a new ranked season, more new skins, and a refreshed store overhaul. There has never been a better time to jump into Paladins – the Season 6 update is available now on all Xbox platforms! Download and play free today.

Paladins

Hi-Rez Studios

☆☆☆☆☆752

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

Join 50+ million players in Paladins, the free-to-play fantasy team-based shooter sensation. Wield guns and magic as a legendary Champion of the Realm, customizing your core set of abilities to play exactly how you want to play. © 2015 – 2022 Hi-Rez Studios, Inc. „Paladins“, „Champions of the Realm“, „Evil Mojo Games“, and „Hi-Rez Studios“ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hi-Rez Studios, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All trademarks and copyright material are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has released another aircraft as part of its Local Legends Series, in conjunction with World Update XII: New Zealand, the DHC-4 Caribou.

From aerospace manufacturer de Havilland Canada, the DHC-4 Caribou is the eighth addition to the Series, a twin-engine, short takeoff and landing (STOL) cargo aircraft originally developed as a military cargo and troop carrier. The Caribou was conceptually based on the STOL performance of the smaller de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter, but with greater cargo capacity.

The Caribou first flew on July 30, 1958, and was introduced into mainline service in 1961. De Havilland built a total of 307 Caribou planes, with the majority going into military service, and the rest serving civil missions. 32 countries’ militaries flew the Caribou, including that of the United States. Designated first as the CV-2 and then as the C-7, the United States Army and the United States Air Force operated a total of 159 of the planes. Spain, Kenya, India, and Australia also used the airframe until 2009.

The DHC-4, crewed by two pilots, can carry up to 32 troops and their gear along with 8,000 pounds of cargo or some combination thereof. The Caribou has a distinct, utilitarian look, featuring a long, narrow fuselage with a rear cargo ramp and elevated tail section, allowing for easy and efficient loading and offloading of equipment and personnel.

It can also execute in-flight drops of equipment and/or paratroops on demand. The empennage is a cruciform design, with a large vertical stabilizer and rudder for low-speed yaw authority and it has a retractable tricycle undercarriage with long landing gear legs for use in remote, rustic airfields. The high aspect ratio design of the main wing is mounted on the forward of the fuselage and has full-span, double-slotted flaps.

The wing has a polyhedral, inverted gull form and supports its two radial engines in nacelles that also serve as mounts for the main landing gear. Finally, the aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp 14-cylinder radial piston engines that each deliver 1,450 horsepower and turn a 3-blade Hamilton Standard constant-speed, reversible-pitch propeller.

The Caribou served in several combat zones and has been used for a variety of humanitarian assistance missions through the years, most notably in Vietnam, Vanuatu, and on the Line of Control along the India-Pakistan border region. In these harsh operating arenas, the Caribou earned its legendary status, as it took off from and landed on short, rugged runways in as little as 1,000 feet of ground roll.

The DHC-4 features a range of 1,300 miles, climbs at 1,355 feet per minute, and has a service ceiling of 24,800 feet above sea level. It cruises at 182 miles per hour, stalls at 68 mph, and has a top speed of 215 mph.

The DHC-4 Caribou by de Havilland Canada is a beast of an aircraft that is a true aviator’s machine. It can fly into and out of almost any airstrip and responds confidently to every pilot input.

Available today in the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace for $14.99, the DHC-4 Caribou comes with seven liveries:

• Default
• Blue with Red Stripe
• Blue with White and Red Accents
• Blue with Yellow Stripe
• Camouflage 1
• Camouflage 2
• White

Join the more than 10 million pilots in Microsoft Flight Simulator today! The sky is calling!Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆410

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises. From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world. Create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update XII: New Zealand beckons all to experience the expansive beauty that the country has to offer, reproduced in stunning photo-realistic quality.

The jewel of the southwestern Pacific, born of volcanic fire and hewn by the sea and sky, New Zealand is globally renowned for its breathtaking vistas from Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest mountain at 12,218 feet above sea level; to the Milford Sound, a spectacular fjord that novelist Rudyard Kipling called the eighth Wonder of the World; Auckland’s needle-like Sky Tower, one of the highest structures on the planet; and the Bay of Islands, a group of 144 islands and numerous small peninsulas and inlets.

Experience the stunning vistas that unfold with each glance from the cockpit above New Zealand.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator team brought together the latest geographic data to create World Update XII: New Zealand, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and digital elevation models. The team even incorporated the Hobbiton Movie Set on New Zealand’s North Island that is surrounded by the region’s unique natural splendor.

World Update XII: New Zealand features seven new cities created using high-resolution photogrammetry data and triangulated irregular network modelling:

• Auckland
• Christchurch
• Hamilton
• Nelson
• Queenstown
• Tauranga
• Wellington

From acclaimed scenery developer, Orbx, there are also 62 handcrafted points of interest to experience from the air. And, from Orbx and NZA Simulations, there are nine handcrafted airports:

• Gisborne Airport (NZGS)
• Milford Sound Airport (NZMF)
• Martins Bay Aerodrome (NZMJ)
• Gorge River Airstrip (NZQE)
• Rotorua Airport (NZRO)
• Lake Tekapo Airport (NZTL)
• Whangarei Airport (NZWR)
• Westport Airport (NZWS)
• Quintin Lodge Airstrip (T004)

Rounding out the release, Perfect Flight created ten missions that invite simmers to explore the country’s myriad sights, test their skills, and bask in the majesty of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes from above. These include:

Three bush trips:

• New Zealand’s North Island in a Textron Aviation Beechcraft Bonanza G36
• New Zealand’s South Island in a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter G950
• A historic recreation of the country’s first air route in a Douglas DC-3 Classic

Three discovery flights:

• Auckland, the country’s largest city, in a Cessna 152
• Queenstown in a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter
• Lake Benmore in a DG Aviation DG-1001E neo glider

Four landing challenges:

• A strong wind landing at Wellington Airport (NZWN) in an Airbus A320neo
• An epic landing at the Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome (NZRC) in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk
• A technical landing at Gorge River Airstrip (NZQE) in a Savage Cub
• A famous challenge in an Airbus A310-300 at Christchurch Airport (NZCH).

Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update XII: New Zealand is available free to all owners. Confirm that your simulator is updated to version 1.30.12.0, download World Update XII: New Zealand and take in the natural beauty of New Zealand. The sky is calling!

Join the more than 10 million pilots in Microsoft Flight Simulator today! Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆410

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises. From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world. Create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions.

Battle through a demon invested castle, discover what secrets lie await in Savathûn’s Throne world, or try to survive as ordinary citizens against some of Dragon Balls biggest bad guys! Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, and Dragon Ball: The Breakers are available this weekend for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member to play from Thursday, February 23 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, February 26 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. 

How to Start Playing

Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and enter the Gold member area to locate the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Keep the Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and earned achievements during the event! Please note that discounts and percentages may vary by title and region.

Game Details

• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
• Destiny 2: The Witch Queen
• Dragon Ball: The Breakers

Blood Stained: Ritual of the Night

Experience the beautifully crafted gothic world filled with challenging enemies, powerful abilities, and fascinating characters. Play as Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist curse, as she journeys through a demon-infested castle. With its beautiful 2D art style, challenging gameplay, and fantastic soundtrack, Bloodstained is a must-play for those seeking non-stop side scrolling action. You can buy Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S at a 65% discount during Xbox Free Play Days.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

The Witch Queen expansion will be open to all players until February 26, 2023. This is a great time to get your friends or the old fireteam together to explore the Throne World and earn Exotics that can be used after the free weekend is over or going into Destiny 2: Lightfall.

Dragon Ball: The Breakers

Dragon Ball: The Breakers  is an online asymmetrical action game in which a team of seven ordinary citizens try to survive the Raider (a classic Dragon Ball rival such as Cell, Frieza, and Buu), who will hunt them down and evolve during the game into an unstoppable force. Escaping will not be so easy! Cooperate with others while there is still time, but the Raider or other Survivors’ decisions might force you to go at it alone. What will be your playstyle?  Dragon Ball: The Breakers is 35% off during Xbox Anime Month in February!

Don’t miss out on this exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

Video games are all about fun and entertainment… but sometimes, they can also be a bit more than that.

There’s a million reasons why people play video games. If you like interactive stories and visual novels, for instance, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy The Wreck, with its branching narrative, its dialog choices and its brave main character, Junon. But when I say brave, I mean it, because the 36-year-old failed screenwriter is facing the absolute worst day of her life.

Picture this: Junon’s called by the hospital because Marie, her mother, had a stroke. And when she arrives there, she learns that Marie designated her as her trusted advocate. In the coming hours, Junon’s going to have to make very complicated decisions… except, let’s face it: she’s not ready for this. So, she decides to flee from the hospital and her responsibilities… only to be caught in a car crash. Absolute worst day, I told you.

We like calling The Wreck a “reality-inspired game” because it’s about real life, and more specifically the moments in life when you’re playing in hard mode, facing situations you wished you’d never had to face. You might not be surprised if I told you this game’s idea came to me after I was caught in a car accident with my daughter. Luckily, we came out of it okay, but it made me think: if things went south tomorrow, would I be ready? Probably not.

So in The Wreck, your role, as a player, is to help Junon become ready. And to do that, you have a special ability: you’re able to access her thoughts, and even dig into them. The more you do that, the more you help her process how she feels in the face of this terrible day, the more you unlock new dialog options that allow Junon – and you – to react differently to what she’s facing.

But there’s a lot on Junon’s plate – the sick mom and car crash being just the tip of the iceberg. So, musing in her thoughts won’t be enough: if you really want to help her, you’re going to have to accompany her while she reminisces about some of the most pivotal moments in her life. Better, yet: you’ll explore them, in order to discover their real meaning.

We built those memories as little dioramas that you can travel back and forth in, looking around for clues. We went with his cyclic architecture in order to mimic how, in real life, we sometimes mull over a memory again and again until it finally reveals its true meaning to us. The more you progress, the more moments that first seemed trivial bloom with newfound meaning and logical connectors. Find them all and Junon will be granted a crucial revelation.

Those epiphanies will in turn allow Junon to return to the hospital and, made stronger by them, she’ll be able to progress through that terrible day. New dialog options will unlock, new people will be met, and with your help, Junon will explore the depths of her past – and fix some of the trauma that holds her back in her life.

At The Pixel Hunt, we’re like every odd gamer: we enjoy slaying dragons, throwing fireballs or infiltrating mutant-infested bases… But we also believe that the real life is full of deep, important, powerful stories to explore, and that video games are the perfect medium for it. Sure, it’s a bit unusual, but hopefully you’ll enjoy helping Junon – and if it makes you ponder about your own life, that’d be a tremendous achievement for us!

The Wreck is also a story about sisterhood and family relationships – a topic that’s not often explored in games. I co-wrote it with my sister Coralie, and we put a lot of ourselves and our shared personal experiences in it, so we really hope you’ll enjoy it. The Wreck will be out March 14th, on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

The Wreck

The Pixel Hunt

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

At 36, Junon’s life is in pieces: her career has stalled, she’s emotionally numb, and her personal life is falling apart. Things come to a head when she’s called to the ER to find her estranged mother in a critical condition. This is the most important day of Junon’s life, and unless something changes, it might be her last. Relive the Past. Experience Junon’s memories and piece together the story of her past, including the tragic secret that lies at its centre. Alter the Present. Use your understanding of Junon’s trauma to change how she navigates the day, unlocking new dialogue options and healing broken relationships. Embrace the Future. When you’re at rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up. Help Junon find peace with herself and discover the humor, beauty and hope that lie even on life’s bleakest days.

Another massive Rust Console Edition content update is set to release today on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S!

Introducing Power Surge. This highly requested update promises to “energize” your gaming experience. With it comes the new Power Plant monument, as well as cutting-edge components that will expand your base-building capabilities. Be prepared to transform your gameplay like never before, and stick around to learn more about all the new exciting features coming out with Power Surge.

Electrify the Competition

One of the major highlights of this update is the introduction of electricity. This new feature will provide power to your base components and incorporating it brings numerous benefits, greatly enhancing your base-building potential.

By utilising circuits, you’ll have the ability to link multiple electrical components together, providing a multitude of possibilities to improve your base’s functionality. For instance, you can do something simple like installing a heartbeat sensor outside of your base connected to an alarm system to get an alert anytime someone tries to camp you, or or you can do something way more complex and create a trap base! This base can be fully automated, so don’t forget to check it every now and again to collect the loot from those who are unfortunate enough to fall for your trap.

The possibilities are endless, and the system is designed to be as complex as you wanted it to be, giving you a lot more freedom on how you decide to survive on the island.

Before planning a new base layout, there are two crucial aspects that require your consideration. First is ensuring a dependable source of energy, which can be obtained through solar panels, wind turbines, or small generators that consume low-grade fuel, to keep your electrical components operational.

Second, it is essential to take into account the number of items you plan to incorporate in your base, as each item consumes a specific amount of power, and it is necessary to ensure that you have adequate energy to keep everything functional. Power supply can be challenging during the night, as solar panels will not generate any power. Therefore, to keep your base functional you will need to install batteries capable of storing sufficient energy for the night.

Not Even Radiation Can Stop You!

The Power Plant marks the newest addition to the roster of monuments in Rust Console Edition. This mid-game monument boasts a plethora of valuable loot, including a valuable Red Keycard for those who complete the puzzle in the main building. Code Locked Hackable Crates can also drop in this monument.

However, be warned that certain areas of this monument are irradiated due to the remnants of the abandoned nuclear power plants at its core. As such, it is highly recommended that you equip yourself with adequate protective gear like a hazmat suit, before venturing into this area of the map. It is also advisable to bring along some medical supplies and at least one gun, as the Power Plant is frequently contested by other players.

At the end of your loot run, if you manage to survive the rewards are sure to be worth your time.

A Brand New Start

As part of the Power Surge update, we will be performing a complete Blueprint wipe across all servers. This means that every player, regardless of their experience level, will be given a fresh start.

With the introduction of new electricity items, the tech tree will be expanded, offering players an increased range of options. The result is a more nuanced and intricate blueprint system that enables you to build your character in unique and imaginative ways. 

We are very excited to finally get Power Surge in the hands of our Rust Console Edition Xbox players and we can’t wait for you to try all the new amazing features and systems. We hope to see you soon on the island! 

Rust Console Edition – Ultimate

Double Eleven Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆ 6275

★★★★★

Welcome to Rust. The only aim in Rust is to survive – Overcome struggles such as hunger, thirst and cold. Build a fire. Build a shelter. Kill animals. Protect yourself from other players. Those who purchase Rust Console Edition – Ultimate will receive: Rust Console Edition game New Cobalt Employee – Welcome Pack (Ultimate)
Elite Combat skin pack
1100 Rust Coins
Public Test Branch access

Rust Console Edition – Deluxe

Double Eleven Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆ 6428

★★★★★

Welcome to Rust. The only aim in Rust is to survive – Overcome struggles such as hunger, thirst and cold. Build a fire. Build a shelter. Kill animals. Protect yourself from other players. Those who purchase Rust Console Edition – Deluxe will receive: Rust Console Edition game
New Cobalt Employee – Welcome Pack
Public Test Branch access

Do you have what it takes to become the world’s next hero? In Rise of Fox Hero, all you need is a trusty sword and shield combo!

A colorful and fun journey through 32 different platforming levels, featuring beautiful environments and soundtrack. This game by solo developer Josep Monzonís is not the first title under his belt; however, it represents his first entry into the 3D game genre, after almost 13 years developing many 2D titles.

In his own words, his passion resides in “playing and creating fun and addictive games” and with this most recent shift into 3D games, it’s safe to say there’s an entire new set of possibilities to explore and bring to life! To him, game development is a work of craftsmanship, and he loves being deeply involved in all aspects of development in order to give the final product a very personal touch. Although Josep has partnered with 2Awesome Studio as a publisher before, up until this day seeing his games released on consoles is still one of the highlights of his journey and the feeling of excitement never gets old!

Although Rise of Fox Hero is a platformer at its core, Josep also wanted to incorporate combat and puzzle elements to create a more exciting experience for players that fully takes advantage of the three-dimensional POV. In the game, perspective is key, and you will find yourself needing to make use of the fully rotatable camera to really get a good glimpse of all the different angles and corners, as well as solving all the different puzzles.

Challenging yourself and experimenting with new forms of game development can be a scary, yet exciting, experience so I hope you decide to give this game a try and take the role of an adorable fox on its way to herodom. Have fun!

Rise of Fox Hero

2Awesome Partners

☆☆☆☆☆14

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Rise of Fox Hero is a colorful 3D platformer with fun combat and puzzle elements. Armed with a sword and a shield, you will help our fox jump, fight and solve puzzles throughout 4 different chapters and 32 different levels. Explore colorful and beautiful environments and find all the collectibles while battling tons of different enemies. And beware, by the end of each chapter, an epic boss fight awaits! In Rise of Fox Hero, perspective is key — so make use of the rotatable camera and look in every angle to find your way through obstacles, or even hidden secrets.

Blood Bowl 3, launching February 23, is a new turn-based video game based on the well-known fantasy football Warhammer board game “Blood Bowl,” faithfully using the latest edition of its rules and up-to-date content.

In Blood Bowl, similar to American football, the ultimate goal is to score more touchdowns than your opponent. However, the way to achieve this goal differs slightly, including the referee’s more liberal approach to fouls.

Blood Bowl 3 comes seven years after its predecessor, Blood Bowl 2, released in 2015. We had time to freshen things up and are confident that it was worth the wait!

With Blood Bowl 3 we had two major objectives in mind:

• Shaping a game that will please the core fans, who have been loving Blood Bowl for decades in some cases. We owe it to them to meet their expectations.
• Making Blood Bowl 3 a more accessible video game for new players who may be interested in the theme of this game – American football with orcs, dwarfs and elves beating the snot out of each other, which although a simple concept, holds many complexities as a game.

That second objective was really important to us, here’s some some more on why now is the best time to start playing Blood Bowl!

The solo campaign

In the new solo campaign “Clash of Sponsors,” players will be invited to follow the advice of an Agent, and will join different competitions organized by sponsors while facing their best Teams and Star Players.

This theme was also chosen for gameplay-related reasons. Contrary to Blood Bowl 2, we wanted the players to be able to create their team based on any faction, giving more flexibility, and allowing players to enjoy their favorite factions or get familiarized with different ones. This way, you can learn Blood Bowl basics while enjoying the different scenarios, gather experience and get ready before meeting other players online, if that’s what you want to do. Or, you can just enjoy the solo content offline with a variation of teams, outside of simple match vs AI.

Easy to play, hard to master

Blood Bowl is a very deep tactical game. That will never change as this is also what makes Blood Bowl… well, Blood Bowl! However, we believed a lot could be done to help new players comprehend the game. We wanted Blood Bowl 3 to have the ‘easy to play, hard to master’ tagline.

One of the first things we did to that end was to simplify the User Interface. We wanted it to be simple and clear, which is important given the variety of content. A new player could easily be confused by all the different leagues, tournaments, and ladders, each having a different set of rules. This could lead to them giving up when they could potentially be the next number one Blood Bowl champion!

With the new interface, new and returning players find what they were looking for with ease. That attention was also applied to the different menus such as team creation or formation, which are not only simpler, but will also save you a lot of time from one game to another by allowing you to save your different formations.

These are little quality of life improvements that, once put together, will make a real difference in Blood Bowl 3. On the topic of saving time, one of the major things we believed was important to change was the duration of a game.

We wanted to give more flexibility to players, so they do not feel obliged to commit to a long specific amount of time whenever they want to play a game.

For this reason, we did our best to reduce the length of a match while keeping all the aspects that give a Blood Bowl game its identity. We are quite happy with the result as we managed to cut the duration of a match in half in some cases.

One of the main features allowing this is the Turn timer. Players have less allocated time per turn, with an allocated time bank allowing some flexibility during turns that require creative thinking or more actions. For comparison, while Blood Bowl 2 gave players 4 minutes per round, Blood Bowl 3 will cut that time in half, giving 2 minutes per round, with a total of 7 minutes and 30 seconds to allocate to turns that need more than 2 minutes. This will make for more dynamic games and keep you more involved in the match even when you are not playing.

We hope all this will encourage players to try Blood Bowl 3 when it launches February 23, and open the door to discovering its depth in a smoother way, so they can see how great Blood Bowl is and what it has to offer!

Blood Bowl 3

Nacon

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Strap on your boots, don your helmet, adjust your shoulder guards and chest plate… and slip a sharpened dagger into your belt (discreetly). • Be merciless but not brainless – Take control of a team from 12 factions available, each with its own unique characteristics, and hobble the progress of your opponents by positioning your players wisely. Dodge or ruthlessly eliminate those who get in your way and reach the end zone to score decisive touchdowns! The cleverest strategists will obviously have the advantage, but will that be enough? An out-of-control troll could devour a team-mate and change the course of the match. • You’re the boss – Create players; customize their appearance, emblems and armour; recruit cheerleaders and your coach; then compete in the fiercest competitions in the Old World. All-new single-player campaign
An agent has spotted your coaching achievements on the pitch and has decided to pay for you and your team to participate in a brand-new Blood Bowl event: the Clash of Sponsors. Can you destroy your opponents?
• Compete against the most successful sponsor teams in the Old World
• Pit yourself against star players who have become brand ambassadors, including the legendary Griff Oberwald
• Play with your choice of faction and use this team in all other game modes Factions available at launch: The Orcs, The Humans, The Dark Elves, The Dwarves, The Skaven, The Chaos Chosen, The Elven Union, The Nurgle, The Imperial Nobility, The Black Orcs, The Old World Alliance and The Chaos Renegades. Competitive modes with limitless possibilities
As well as the campaign and friendly matches against other players or the AI, Blood Bowl 3 has an all-new competitive mode in which you can compete against other players of all levels and from all over the world:
• Competitive seasons with an official ladder
• A league system available to players, with new management options and the ability to create your own custom tournaments with your preferred settings (stadiums, pitches, timer, factions…)
• Regular challenges via temporary game modes

Hello, we’re excited to let you know that today we are releasing our first major update of 2023. We’re calling it Fractal (version 4.1).

The Fractal update introduces the chance to earn a stunning and exclusive new starship, the Utopia Speeder, which allows travellers to skim across planet surfaces at high velocity.

We’re also launching a new Expedition, Utopia, which challenges players to work together and rebuild an abandoned solar system for the mysterious Utopia Foundation. All is not as it seems, and an expedition-exclusive new crafting mechanic will require players to think about exploration, construction and survival in a whole new way. Other expedition rewards include the exclusive new Fearsome Visor helmet, a robotic drone companion, and much more.

Exploration-minded players also have a new tool-the brand new Wonders Catalogue. This shows off your most incredible discoveries, from tallest mountain to strangest creature. This detailed record of your journey not only allows you to easily compare records with fellow travellers, but gives explorers new goals as they set out to find and document the universe’s most unusual sights.

The options menu has also been totally reworked, introducing a raft of new accessibility features and giving players even more control over the way they play and experience the game. What’s more, these new system features and controls are joined by even more in-game quality of life changes and improvements.

2022 was a pretty packed year for No Man’s Sky with major free updates like Sentinel, Outlaws, Leviathan, Endurance, and Waypoint, plus a whole suite of expeditions. We’ve got an even bigger year planned for 2023, with Fractal marking just the starting point.

Thanks again so much for your continued support. It means a lot to us.

No Man’s Sky

Hello Games

☆☆☆☆☆631

★★★★★

$59.99 $29.99

Xbox One X Enhanced

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

No Man’s Sky comes complete with all 21 major updates up to and including Waypoint, our 4.0 update. 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…

We’re always looking for ways to offer players more choice and value in how they discover and experience games with their friends and family. Beginning today, Xbox players in Chile, Hungary, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sweden will be able to join a plan that enables up to five friends and family members to share Game Pass Ultimate benefits. These countries will join the players participating in the plan in Colombia and Ireland.

This plan makes it even easier to play the best Game Pass games with friends and family across console, PC, and cloud. ​You can play at the same time on multiple devices and even play the same game at the same time​. Each member can enjoy the library of hundreds of games on console, PC, or cloud (in supported countries).  ​

You can add up to four people to your membership, all with their own unique access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games, content, and benefits.

Things to know about this plan:

• The people you share your membership with must reside in the same country as you.
• Joining this plan will convert the time remaining on your membership to time in the new plan, based upon the monetary value of the old membership. For example, a full month of Ultimate will be converted to 18 days of membership for this plan. This way you won’t lose any of the remaining value on your existing subscription. Conversion is final, and users must wait for their new membership to expire before returning to a previous membership.
• Conversion is not available for invited group members. Before joining a group, a group member can cancel their existing subscription or wait for it to expire. If they do not have a Microsoft account, invited friends and family will have to create a new Microsoft account and sign in with it to participate.
• Members with Xbox All Access (in supported countries) won’t be able to participate in this plan.

To join the plan in available countries, visit this link. More details on pricing in your country are available here.

Stay tuned here or @XboxGamePassPC and @XboxGamePass for more games and updates coming soon.