Cabernet’s characters and voice acting are the heart of its story.
A vampire narrative RPG set in eastern Europe in the late 19th century.
Launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One today.
Cabernet, an indie vampire RPG out today on Xbox and PC, asks players one, core question: Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?
And it asks that question through a lovingly crafted world of intrigue, romance, and drama set in 19th Century Eastern Europe. My name is Buddy Sola, I’m the Head of Marketing for Akupara Games, and I sat down with the developers behind Cabernet, Arseniy Klishin and Laura Gray, to talk a little about their process for making a compelling narrative RPG and recording incredible voiceover for the characters in it.
“(Cabernet) became a fully fledged idea to us once we connected the idea of vampirism, actually, as a metaphor for alcoholism,” they told me. “We have another tagline in our game: Demons are hereditary.”
And with a basis exploring that core conflict between humans and vampires, empathy and nihilism, it became important for Arseniy and Laura to capture the emotional heart beating beneath the skin of their vampire characters. Voice acting, it turned out, became one of the most important components to making Cabernet really come together. And they certainly helped me understand the complicated nature of casting, directing and recording voiceover for the myriad of characters in game.
At the end of the day, the goal with the casting process was authenticity. “We did actually, in all of our casting calls that were public, we really did try to encourage Eastern European submissions.” The game’s Eastern European background isn’t just window-dressing; it makes up a core component of the game’s worldbuilding, but Arseniy and Laura wanted to avoid anything that felt fake in their casting. “For me, personally, it is a little strange to expect the character to speak in a British accent. We decided that our approach was going to be completely different: For us, we would rather have an authentic emotional experience that the actors have. We didn’t want people to imitate an accent that is not authentic to them.”
And it couldn’t get much more authentic than having Laura herself voice the game’s main character. “Liza plays a very grounding figure in the game. It’s slightly odd as the main character because you have to be a little of a foil that everybody can play towards and relate to in some way.” Liza, a newly awakened vampire who apprentices as a doctor, really is the conduit for the game’s core theme of choices. “We put her in that position as a vampire where she requires a substance in order to survive.”
Casting happened both with public casting calls as well as targeted outreach. Some of the game’s most high-profile actors, like Brian David Gilbert, were already in mind when Arseniy was writing the characters. “We kind of envisioned Petya’s character with his mannerisms when we wrote the script and when he accepted, it was really, really pleasant.”
Other characters were voiced by relative unknowns who had spectacular auditions and captured the emotional core of their part. For some performances, Arseniy and Laura directed the voice and tone of the actors in their studio– a foam-padded walk-in wardrobe– and for others, they took actors who provided professional recordings in their homes. And while sometimes, actors had a particular take that surprised and excited them, for the most part Arseniy and Laura were directing actors very carefully to make sure their lines were accurately captured in a game that, in some ways, had yet to be developed around them. Because the actors are recording their lines from the game’s 1200-page script without one another to play off of, Arseniy and Laura kept a cohesive, coherent vision by, as he puts it, “holding the keys in our hands.”
Cabernet’s voice acting was crafted by a deeply human process, finding the authentic emotions in talented actors from around the world. It seems fitting for a game about vampires struggling with their humanity to focus so heavily on the humanity in the voices of those characters.
Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire struggling with her morality and the supernatural world she has been pulled into. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become? Prepare to explore a hidden world of political intrigue, class conflict, and decadent corruption. Use the moonlit sky to plan your next feast and explore. Mingle among vampiric society and the humans who feed them. Uncover who can aid your new kin and whose only purpose is to be drained. Vampirism isn’t just an unholy transformation of your body– it also threatens to transform your mind. Will you choose to indulge your empathetic humanity or embrace your newfound nihilism? But to lure your next meal somewhere safe and secluded, you’ll need to understand who they are and what they desire. A kind-hearted, alcoholic coachman? A fraying newlywed couple? A greedy, yet charming charlatan? Their lives are yours to aid or unravel. Art, literature, history, science, these are the skills you’ll require to succeed. Your knowledge will be your greatest weapon in a world where the cunning drain the brutal of life.
In A New Quest, Katra and Vaer are striving to reunite Vaer’s soul with his body that was stolen by dark forces. During their journey, they reach Candlekeep, where Thesserai the Sage asks Katra and Vaer to aid him in locating his “Deck of Many Things”, hoping it’ll lead them closer to finding Vaer’s lost body.
The deck is a mighty set of cards with the power to either stir conflict or prevent it. The deck stems from chaos magic (sounds super safe tbh) , and as it now has gone missing, it needs to be returned before it ends up in the wrong hands (or claws).
Katra and Vaer accept the call to adventure, and thus, their perilous journey (and yours!) begins, meeting yetis, and dwarven hunters, recovering treasures, helping one-legged pirates, and discovering widespread conspiracies.
A major expansion to The Hunter’s Call sends pirates in pursuit of new victories!
The Sea of Thieves has always been a wild, untamed sanctuary for pirates, but in Season 15 the stakes across these scattered islands and open waters are being raised once again! The latest free Seasonal update sees The Hunter’s Call Trading Company vastly expanding their offerings while two uniquely powerful Megalodons join the fray, with further hunt-related excitement set to follow in the months ahead. Here’s what you can expect from Season 15 of Sea of Thieves…
The Hunter’s Call Grows
Season 15 is all about exploring the wilder side of life on the Sea of Thieves, and who better to lead the charge than The Hunter’s Call? This Trading Company, first introduced with our original Anniversary Update in 2019, sets itself apart from the others with a focus on fishing and, as the name would imply, hunting. Until now, pirates have been able to climb to rank 50 by delivering fish and meat to The Hunter’s Call representatives at Seaposts or, more recently, to the Sovereigns on their behalf.
From Season 15, however, The Hunter’s Call undergoes a major expansion. First and foremost, it’s being brought in line with other Trading Companies in terms of ranking prospects, with the reputation cap being raised to 100 and five levels of Distinction added. This means you can continue to progress with the Company well beyond what was previously possible, unlocking themed cosmetics as you go.
You can also choose to raise a Hunter’s Call Emissary Flag for the first time, enabling increased rewards for treasure handed in – but at the cost of making yourself a target for any Reapers lying in wait nearby! At the same time, new Fishing and Raid Voyages provide opportunities to set out in search of Company-specific loot, including exotic Treasured Fish hauled up from the depths and ready to make you rich…
Megalodon Mutations
Growing alongside The Hunter’s Call are the new dangers introduced to the seas, most notably two terrifying Ancient Megalodons that have crossed over from the Sea of the Damned, ready to unleash carnage with abilities that make them substantially more dangerous than any everyday shark.
The Feared Redmaw has risen from the boiling depths, wreathed in flame and wielding a devastating explosive attack to torch any ship that drifts a little too close. Keep your water barrel full to deal with fires breaking out or you’ll quickly find yourself in the hot seat! Meanwhile, the armour-plated Barnacled Dread torments sailors with Eel-ectric invasions, spawning these formidable Ocean Crawlers onto the decks of attacking ships. Repel boarders while using your cannons to chip away at the Megalodon’s coral armour until you can strike the beast directly!
These fearsome monsters offer tantalising loot if you manage to best them, but finding them isn’t always easy. In this, Hunter’s Call Emissaries have the advantage: ships flying a Grade 5 Emissary Flag will be able to track Ancient Megalodon locations using their Map Table and sail headlong into battle…
Hunter’s Gear
With a new Season, as always, comes 100 new levels of Renown to be earned and all the associated rewards! You can work towards earning new themed cosmetics such as Hungering One Hunter’s clothing, as well as a hoard of gold, Doubloons and Ancient Coins – while purchasing a Plunder Pass also lets you unlock the enigmatic Dynasty of the Deep collection and an extra 750 Ancient Coins.
The Pirate Emporium shopkeepers also debut the fabulous Rococo set this month, inviting you to indulge in the finest historical fashion. This collection includes a ship set with optional Collector’s items, weapons, costume and makeup to add some ostentatious flair to all aspects of the pirate life. Inclined towards the edible arts? You may also enjoy the Culinary Cadet Emote Bundle, with four cooking-themed emotes to get you in the gastronomic spirit!
All This and More
To keep the new content flowing steadily, not all of Season 15’s features will be landing at launch! The monthly updates in March and April will deliver further features on the hunting theme, as teased in our Season 15 launch trailer.
Over the next few months, you can expect to take up a new throwable hunting spear that will prove highly effective at taking down wild beasts, and experience a sudden bloom in the range of ambient wildlife you’ll see on your travels. Following that, some decidedly less passive wild boars will be taking up residence across the islands with their own stashes of loot to protect…
To help keep the feisty local fauna under control, The Hunter’s Call will offer pirates new Hunting Voyages, sending them off to seek a savage Grand Boar or trail in the wake of a rampaging Megalodon as it causes chaos across the waves. To get to grips with all the changes coming soon to the seas, be sure to dive into each month’s release notes when the accompanying updates go live!
Looking to amp up the action? With EA Play, members get unlimited access to EA’s most exciting sports games on The Play List, including the newly added EA Sports F1 24. Along with the hottest racing titles around, EA Play members can also enjoy in-game bonuses, discounts on digital purchases, up to 10-hour trials of fan-favorite games, and unlimited access to titles like EA Sports Madden NFL 25 and beyond.
EA Sports F1 24
EA Play members continue to win this month as EA Sports F1 24joins the Play List today! Players can join the grid and drive like the greatest in this official video game of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship. EA Sports F1 24 features an overhauled Career mode, the all-new EA Sports Dynamic Handling, a new broadcast presentation package and cutscenes that add to the race day immersion, actual driver audio samples taken from F1 broadcasts and much more. Play as your hero and build on their existing stats and reputation, bring back legendary icons from the past to continue their F1 legacy, or play as yourself and climb the ranks as an F1 or F2 rookie.
EA Sports Madden NFL 25
In addition to F1 24, EA Sports Madden NFL 25 is currently available on the Play List for EA Play members. Madden NFL 25 introduces upgraded iterations of FieldSense and Boom Tech on Xbox Series X|S — groundbreaking physics-based tackling and player control technologies — allowing players to be immersed in the game like never before. Alongside these innovative updates, Madden NFL 25 also brings new signature styles and mechanics to the field as well as overhauled visuals and presentation, including two additional commentary teams, to deliver unparalleled levels of NFL realism through all modes of play.
February Rewards
This month, EA Play members continue to unlock the thrill of special rewards, including:
EA Sports Madden NFL 25Supercharge Pack – February 6 to March 6
EA Sports Madden NFL 25MUT Pack – Now to February 28
EA Sports F1 245000 XP Boost – Now to February 28
EA Sports F1 24Champions Icon Pack – February 20 to March 18
EA Sports FC 25 Victory Wings Right Leg Tattoo & Clubs Coins – Now to March 13
EA Sports FC 25Football Ultimate Team Draft Token– February 15 to March 14
EA Sports NHL 25WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier Tokens – Now to March 27
EA Sports NHL 253000 CHEL Coins – Now to March 27
Apex Legends Fast Money Weapon Charm – Now to March 3
Visit the EA Play page for more details, and to stay up to date on the latest from EA Play, follow EA Play on, Instagram, or X. Please see EA.com/EA-Play/Terms for terms and conditions.
Take gaming to another level this weekend with Free Play Days! New World: Aeternum, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday February 20 at 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, February 23 at 11:59pm Pacific.
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 Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to 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 achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.
Free Play Days (Xbox Game Pass Membership Required)
New World: Aeternum Standard Edition
Amazon Games
☆☆☆☆☆736
★★★★★
$59.99
New World: Aeternum Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Experience a thrilling action RPG set on the supernatural island of Aeternum in the twilight of the Age of Exploration. As a shipwrecked explorer who washes ashore on the mysterious island, forge your destiny on an adventure filled with danger and opportunity.
ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4(Xbox One)
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆255
★★★★★
$39.99$9.99
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 All aboard, pirates! Battle your way through waves of enemies as your favorite One Piece characters in One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4. In search of treasure, relive some of the One Piece series’ most memorable moments that span all the way from the beginning. Experience the latest evolution of Pirate Warriors action and prepare for an even more thrilling gameplay on Xbox Series X|S, coming soon along with a new DLC!
DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆960
★★★★★
$19.99$9.99
Free Trial
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery Go Super Saiyan this weekend with Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2! Immerse yourself in the largest and most detailed Dragon Ball world ever developed: train with all iconic characters such as Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, Trunks, Cell, Frieza and more to create your perfect fighter and protect the history of the Dragon Ball universe. Join an online hub of up to 300 players from around the world to team up for hard raid missions or measure your strength! There’s never been a better time to jump into Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, now out for Xbox One, Series X|S, and on sale this weekend at up to 50% off.
As soon as Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii erupted into a musical number at the intro credits, I knew I was in for a spectacular and bizarre experience, even by Like a Dragon’s standards. There he is, Goro Majima, Mad Dog of Shimano and the game’s protagonist, gesticulating wildly in a plush, purple velvet trimmed coat, as a crew of pirates sing and dance around him about the lures of the open water.
There’s a lot to take in, and plenty of surprises we don’t want to spoil, so let’s go through some of the highlights from the early game. You’re in for a treat.
Riches to Riches
Majima awakens on the shores of Rich Island, a small plot of land inhabited by a small community. He’s also stricken with a severe case of amnesia and can’t remember who he is or how he got there. Memory or not, Majima is a resourceful character and is soon embraced by good-hearted, morally complex locals and embroiled in numerous brawls that ultimately result in him becoming captain of a ship. Not a bad day’s work.
Rich Island is where Pirate Yakuza starts to introduce its myriad of minigames and activities, true to Like a Dragon form. An early highlight is Goro Goro Kitchen – a cooking minigame where Majima can make health-replenishing meals with ingredients he’s bought or grown. It’s a cheerful flurry of well-timed button mashing, and your performance dictates the quality of the food.
Naval Battles and Treasure Hunts
Scrapping with enemies at sea and scooping up new riches are two activities considered integral to the pirate experience. Pirate Yakuza introduces both to the mix.
As you explore the seas, clusters of small vessels will intermittently engage with you, sparking water combat. Here, you’ll utilize your ship’s defences, which starts with hard-hitting cannons and a rapid-fire mini mounted on the bow. You’ll have the option to upgrade your ship’s artillery with parts you can scavenge or buy, which’ll come in handy for more powerful foes later on.
The ship combat is a standalone RPG experience. Your crew will gain experience and levels the more you battle, and some members have unique abilities that can give you an edge in a fight. They also have needs and moods – allowing them time to rest and giving the occasional gift will lift their spirits. Having a crew with skills and feelings makes them feel less like static props and more like an actual collection of characters worth caring for, akin to Majima’s Cabaret Czar side plot in Yakuza 0.
These battles are fast-paced and dole out small rewards, akin to the mini-encounters you’ll have on land with small groups of enemies, though it is a little easier to outrun a handful of men than it is to quickly steer your ship away.
Treasure Hunts are presented like a boss rush – your crew disembarks onto a small island and needs to fight through a series of pirate grunts before taking down a boss and copping the treasure at the end. Here, you’ll find unique items that can enhance Majima’s abilities, and of course, bucketloads of cash.
Sea Dog of Shimano
Majima also picks up a brand-new fighting stance exclusive to Pirate Yakuza – Sea Dog Style. The stance allows him to deliver swift, swishing blows with a pair of cutlasses, alternating between light and heavy attacks and dishing out big AoE damage. Majima can also wield a pistol for long-range attacks – perfect for staggering foes – and a chain hook that will launch him towards an enemy, which can be followed up with more close-range attacks. Later on, Majima can summon deities using ‘Dark Instruments’, strange items plundered from rival pirate gangs. To give you a sense of the abilities here, Majima can summon a giant man-eating shark by shredding on a violin, an outrageous scene to witness.
Majima also carries his classic Mad Dog stance seen in other Like a Dragon titles here too, so if you (for some reason) don’t feel like being an extremely cool, cutlass-swinging pirate, his traditional roster of speedy blows, slick knife attacks and shadow clones to boost attack power is also an extremely fun option.
The Path to Madlantis
Majima and his crew set sail to the island settlement of Madlantis a few hours into Pirate Yakuza, and it is perhaps one of my favorite locations I’ve seen in a Like a Dragon game. It’s a rogue trove of delights, nestled away inside a cave system and largely constructed from the wreckages of old ships.
Walking through Madlantis feels immediately unsettling in a way that spaces like Kamurocho and Sotenbori rarely do, even in their shadiest spots. It’s shrouded entirely in darkness, illuminated only by colorful neon signs, harsh floodlights and flaming barrels. Suspicious-looking faces are clustered in dimly lit corners drinking, playing card games or beating someone up while onlookers pay no mind.
It’s also home to The Coliseum, where Majima and his crew can face off against other pirate crews to rack up reputation as a feared pirate, as well as other rewards.
Madlantis is one of four distinct locations you’ll visit – Rich Island, Nele and Hawaii all boast their own unique settings, characters and activities, but Madlantis really blew me away as a hive of nefariousness brimming with characters that, again, even by Like a Dragon’s standards, felt truly outlandish.
The Heart of Yakuza
While a lot of this game presents an off-beat adventure full of swashbuckling and treasure-hunting, it’s still pleasantly rooted in the core themes of the series. While Majima can’t remember who he is, he’s quickly reunited with a roster of Yakuza allies, and his adventures with his new crew must intertwine with the urgent business he’s expected to deal with as a Yakuza boss.
It also touches on some more delicate themes; the perils of fatherhood, the balance between wanting to keep a loved one safe and letting them free, and of course, the ever-present, pertinent question that every Like a Dragon game poses: What it means to be a man.
That said, it’s also just an incredibly funny game. The characters are so wonderfully blasé in the face of total nonsense, which makes it even more entertaining. During one treasure hunt, Majima has a fistfight with a huge brown bear, and afterwards, exclaims “ah, he had a classic grizzly right hook.” Moments like this paired with the above tough emotional storylines coursing through Pirate Yakuza make for a fantastic, rounded adventure.
This is merely a small glimpse into the wacky word that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – it’s a truly unique adventure that feels like a fever dream, while remaining loyal to the heart of the main franchise. There’s not long to wait either, you can set sail with Majima when the game launches for Xbox Series X|S on February 21.
In this free demo version of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, you’ll embark on a modern-day adventure on land and sea as an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain, Goro Majima. Explore and fight your way through the vibrant city of Honolulu, then venture to the secret criminal haven Madlantis, where pirates engage in deadly naval battles for sport. Dynamically switch between two fighting styles as you take down enemies in exhilarating action combat that rewards your creativity. Dish out destruction with over-the-top combos, aerial juggles and finishing moves using your bare hands, makeshift weapons, cutlasses, and other buccaneer gear to hack, slash, and pummel enemies into submission. Take the helm of your ship and challenge rival crews in the infamous Pirates‘ Coliseum, where you and your crew engage in intense, real-time naval battles with machine guns, cannons and more. After immobilizing your enemy’s ship, issue the boarding call to swing into epic hand-to-hand deck brawls vs. hordes of enemies to claim victory. Don’t forget to customize your look, then blow off some steam with the variety of side experiences like karaoke and more. ※Note that you will not be able to carry over your save data from the demo into the full game.
Are you ready to rev it up and unleash your fury? SNK’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the legendary ’90s fighter reborn, launches on April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. Eager to sink your teeth in early? The Open Beta kicks off tomorrow, running from February 20–24, giving you an early shot at the fight. Prepare to feast on next-gen brawling—powered by revolutionary game mechanics, a stunning comic-inspired art style, and flexible control options tailored for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. Wolves, start sharpening your claws and get ready to take on South Town’s greatest and latest!
The Fatal Fury: City of the WolvesOpen Beta invites the hungry pack to step into the ring and test out the integrated rollback netcode and cross-network play functionality with eight of the game’s characters to choose from. Players can battle it out with friends across three online modes in cross-network play: Ranked Match, Casual Match, and Room Match. Those who are new to Fatal Fury can learn the ropes in the offline Tutorial mode, which offers the perfect training ground.
Debuting in City of the Wolves is the Rev System, a customizable toolset designed to supercharge offensive strategy from the very first clash. Only the strongest wolves can master (and balance) every Rev technique to reign as champion of South Town. Hit the books and study the Rev systems via our official Fighting Guide to learn more.
On the topic of South Town, the Open Beta will give players access to some of the tropical city’s legends, including the Legendary Wolf himself, Terry Bogard, and the fan-favorite fiery ninja, Mai Shiranui.
Terry is a jack-of-all-trades, equipped with a projectile, anti-air attacks, and rushdown moves to fight any opponent, near or far. His accessible arsenal of attacks makes him the perfect character to pick up for anyone new to the series, or fighting games in general. He’s not the poster boy of the series for nothing! Use your Power Charge and Crack Shoot to pressure the enemy while they are blocking and force them to overheat.
Mai is also a well-rounded character with a variety of special moves. Her Sayo Chidori can put the opponent under pressure continuously, even when they are blocking. She’s also a great pick for players looking for more movement options, as mastering her Musasabi no Mai allows you to move around the stage with ease.
Joining the roster are new challengers: Preecha, a diligent Muay Thai dynamo with calculated strikes, and the enigmatic Vox Reaper, whose demonic presence and deadly karate bring a fresh yet familiar intensity to the fight.
Preecha’s playstyle focuses on relentless multi-hit attacks. She can try to go for cross-ups with her Hyperbolic Kick or open up her opponent with a Rev Preecha’s Combination followed by a Circular Step.
Vox has long-range normals to check his opponents, including a standing heavy punch that can be followed up with his Kokuen Ryuu shockwave (and other moves) to deal seriously big damage. He even has a command grab to keep his opponent guessing at midrange.
Rounding out the Open Beta roster are a mix of returning legends and fresh faces ready to join the fray:
Rock Howard, Terry Bogard’s protégé and son of South Town’s infamous Geese Howard, carries a complex legacy. Rock has a well-balanced lineup of special moves, including projectiles that travel along the ground, anti-airs, and attacks with forward momentum. His Shippuu Ken works well against grounded opponents to keep them at bay, while the mighty command grab Shinkuu Nage can be used with Rev Accel as a strong combo starter.
Hotaru Futaba, easygoing but powerful, brings grace and discipline to the fight. She’s a speedy character who uses a variety of attacks to mess with her opponent and keep them at her mercy. Her forward step is a full-fledged run, allowing her to use her projectiles as a shield and close in on her opponent simultaneously. She also has a midair stomp (Koushuu Da) and a quick command grab (Shajou Tai) to help break through the opponent’s defenses even more.
B. Jenet, daring leader of the Lilien Knights, commands attention with her fearlessness. She’s a technical character whose spiraling Afterburner attack descends from the air and leads well into combos on hit. Gulf Tomahawk is another useful move that can be stopped midway through via the Braking mechanic, allowing her to follow up with a jump attack or her Harrier Bee. She has a number of ways to approach her opponent, making her a dynamic character on the ground or in the air.
Lastly, the highly ambitious Kain R. Heinlein, who aims to seize control of South Town—not for power or wealth, but his own ideals of true freedom. Kain is a methodical character who fights at mid-to-long range using his powerful projectiles and setups. His formidable Schwarze Lanze allows him to find gaps in hard-hitting enemy offense; it requires a charge motion, though, making him a more difficult fighter to master (albeit a highly defensive one adept at keeping himself out of harm’s way). Make the most of these and other moves in Kain’s toolkit to control the pace of every fight!
A diverse pack of wolves—with more to come in the full game—are raring for battle. The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold…
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is perfect for both new and experienced players, providing two control schemes tailored to all levels of experience: Arcade Style and Smart Style. Arcade Style offers traditional fighting game controls, while Smart Style streamlines gameplay, allowing flashy special moves and combos with simple directional inputs and single-button presses. Making its triumphant return after 26 years, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves aims to wow old and new fans with its dynamic art style, a mix of new and familiar fighters, and modernized battle systems. Read more on how to play on our official website.
Pre-orders for the Special Edition of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves are now live for $59.99 USD / €59.99 EUR, featuring the Base Game and Season Pass 1. Players who pre-order will unlock a classic Terry Bogard costume inspired by his original Fatal Fury appearance, along with three days of early access to the full game, starting April 21, 2025.
Get ready for the Open Beta and gear up for the full launch on April 24, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S. In the meantime, check out Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and the KOF Studio on X, Instagram, and the official Discord.
FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
SNK CORPORATION
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
After 26 years, FATAL FURY is back! SNK’s beloved Fatal Fury series first hit the market in 1991, spearheading the fighting game boom of the 1990s that swept the industry thereafter. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES (released in 1999) has, for some time, served as the franchise’s most recent installment. But that is all about to change: 26 years on, a brand-new entry—FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves—is set to arrive on the scene!
FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves features a unique art style that stimulates the senses, an innovative REV system that supercharges the excitement, plus a host of other battle systems even more robust than before. The game also breathes new life into the series by introducing two distinct control schemes (ensuring fun and excitement for newcomers and veterans alike) as well as other fresh features and elements.
The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold…
Although it’s still early, this model research is pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. We are already using Muse to develop a real-time playable AI model trained on other first-party games, and we see potential for this work to one day benefit both players and game creators: from allowing us to revive nostalgic games to faster creative ideation.
Today, countless classic games tied to aging hardware are no longer playable by most people. Thanks to this breakthrough, we are exploring the potential for Muse to take older back catalog games from our studios and optimize them for any device. We believe this could radically change how we preserve and experience classic games in the future and make them accessible to more players.
To imagine that beloved games lost to time and hardware advancement could one day be played on any screen with Xbox is an exciting possibility for us. Another opportunity we are exploring is how Muse can help game teams prototype new gameplay experiences during the creative process and introduce new content—taking games players already love and enabling our developers to inject new experiences for them to enjoy, or even enable you to participate in the creation process.
We’ll create opportunities for people to participate in this exploration, starting with short interactive AI game experiences for you to try on Copilot Labs very soon. There’s still so much for us to discover, and we can’t wait to share more.
Xbox’s Approach to Generative AI
Xbox has been innovating with AI and machine learning for decades, including in partnership with Microsoft Research—constantly working to find ways to delight players, and harness new computing capabilities to bring creative visions to life. While AI isn’t new to gaming, we’re now seeing an acceleration of generative AI research, both within Microsoft and across the broader technology community. We believe it’s important to shape how these new generative AI breakthroughs can support our industry and game creation community in a collaborative and responsible way.
For Xbox, game creators will always be the center of our overall AI efforts. We believe there is space for traditional game development and future generative AI technologies that serve as an extension of creative work and offer novel experiences. As part of this, we have empowered creative leaders here at Xbox to decide on the use of generative AI. There isn’t going to be a single solution for every game or project, and the approach will be based on the creative vision and goals of each team.
What’s Ahead: AI Experiences from Xbox
As we look ahead, we’re focused on how AI can address the barriers and frictions to playing and developing games. This means that we’ll share our AI product innovation earlier on, providing opportunities for players and creators to experiment with and co-build new AI features and capabilities with us. This allows us to make sure that our AI innovations address real problems and add new value to creating or playing with Xbox.
To develop tools that are used in ways that benefit everyone, our innovation will continue to be built on our commitment to Responsible AI and dedication to developing AI solutions guided by six principles: fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability.
You can expect more exciting announcements this year about how we are using AI to empower game creators and provide the best possible player experience across all devices. Stay tuned for more updates ahead of GDC 2025 on Xbox Wire and our AI Resource Hub as we continue to shape the future of gaming supported by AI.
Want to hear more? Check out a conversation with Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Dom Matthews, Studio Head of Ninja Theory, and Katja Hofmann, Senior Principal Researcher and Lead of the Game Intelligence Team, about today’s news:
Blow It Up is a physics-based destruction game by Brain Seal Ltd. that blends the explosive fun of Angry Birds with a robust physics engine for a thrilling puzzle experience. Set in “Boomtopia”, a land where destruction meets strategy, your mission is to rescue your bomb friends from mischievous oppressors. With seven unique bombs—each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities—you’ll need to think strategically to clear over 70 challenging levels.
To help you make every explosion count, this guide covers each of your bomb buddies in detail, along with essential tips and tricks. Master their destructive potential, unleash chaos, and take back Boomtopia!
Launching 101: Mastering your Launch
Each level presents a unique challenge, and finding the right weak points in the structures is key to causing maximum destruction. Using your launchpad, your objective is to eliminate all enemies, explode the gifts, and ideally finish with an extra shot remaining—earning you the prestigious gold trophy. If you run out of shots but still manage to explode all gifts, you’ll receive a silver trophy. Simply clearing the level will net you a bronze.
To maximize your impact, carefully aim using the launchpad and activate each bomb’s special ability mid-air at the perfect moment. Since every bomb has its own unique power, let’s break them down one by one:
Dashy (Dash Bomb)
Dashy is the starting bomb in Blow It Up, known for its versatility. When activated mid-air, it propels in a straight line based on the direction of its velocity at the time of activation. Dashy is great for reaching tough enemies, cleaning up leftovers, or targeting weak points in structures. However, its explosion is one of the weakest in the game, making it less effective in levels with many enemies or dense structures. Use Dashy strategically for its speed and precision, but be mindful of its limited power.
Diggy (Drill Bomb)
Diggy is a bomb that drops straight down when activated, making it perfect for targeting areas directly below. It’s great for situations where you need to thread the needle—hitting specific targets or enemies on lower levels with precision. While it only has a single explosion, it can cause significant damage in the area of impact. Use Diggy when you need a focused, direct hit, but keep in mind it’s usually not suited for taking out multiple targets at once.
Gunny (Gun Bomb)
When activated, Gunny fires its two handguns one by one, each shot causing a small explosion upon impact. This makes it perfect for breaking through structures, particularly when targets are aligned in a straight path or when you need to destabilize the foundation of a building. The shots weaken structures and create openings, allowing for precise, strategic destruction—especially when focusing on key points to bring the structure down.
Jetty (Airplane Bomb)
Jetty takes to the skies when activated, flying horizontally and dropping small bombs along its path before eventually falling down. This makes Jetty excellent for targeting multiple enemies or structures arranged horizontally. Its ability to cover a wide area with each drop makes it a versatile, all-around bomb, perfect for dealing with scattered targets or clearing large sections of a level.
Blasty (Remote Bomb)
Blasty is a remote bomb that explodes immediately upon activation. Its precise detonation makes it perfect for close-range targets, reaching hard-to-access areas (where other bombs would trigger too soon), or even pushing objects when needed. Blasty’s controlled explosion allows for strategic, creative plays in tricky situations.
Chainy & Linky (Chain Bomb)
Chainy & Linky are two bombs connected by a chain. When activated, they break free and move on their own, each following its own path until they reach their target. This unique dynamic allows for creative strategies, as their separate movement can hit multiple targets or cause destruction in different areas of the level.
Puffy (Fat Bomb)
Puffy is a bomb with a more limited range but a powerful punch. When activated, it releases shrapnel that carries the same momentum as the original bomb, causing the pieces to explode independently. This makes Puffy great for creating large explosions in tight spaces, taking out close-range targets, and cleaning up any remaining enemies or obstacles. Its unique blast pattern allows for focused, impactful destruction.
Mix, Match, Boom
With all these bombs at your disposal, the key to success is finding the right one for each level’s challenge. Whether you’re looking for precision, wide-ranging destruction, or something in between, there’s a bomb to match your playstyle and the situation at hand. The more you experiment, the better you’ll understand how each bomb’s unique abilities can be used to create the perfect explosion. So, go ahead, blow stuff up, and unleash chaos in Boomtopia! After all, who doesn’t love a good explosion?
Blow it up is a physics destruction game with light-puzzle elements where you shoot bombs to destroy your enemies who are hiding behind tower-like structures. Master seven unique bombs in a realistic physics simulation and explore over 70 levels of mayhem and destruction. STORYLINE
An alien invasion is in full swing—mysterious, powerful creatures have descended upon BOOMTOPIA, stripping it of its natural resources and claiming dominance with their explosive superpowers. As your friends are captured one by one, you’ve had enough. Fueled by determination, you gear up to fight back. The adventure begins, but with chaos all around, can you truly survive the mayhem and rescue all your friends? FEATURES
– 7 unique bombs to destroy your enemies.
– Advanced physics simulation where every block behaves naturally.
– Explore a world of adventure and rescue your friends!
– Over 70 levels of mayhem and destruction.
– TNT, confetti and fireworks for more spectacular explosions. Blow it up is the ultimate explosive experience!!
Shape your destiny as an Envoy chosen by a mysterious god, wielding divine powers to confront ancient threats, unravel hidden mysteries, and decide the fate of the Living Lands.
Forge your own playstyle with four expansive skill trees—Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, and Godlike—and fight using powerful weapons, magic, and unique abilities like Grimoire Snap and Blood Magic.
Your companions are more than just allies—their unique abilities, personal struggles, and choices shape not only your journey but the world of Eora itself.
The wait is finally over—Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated fantasy RPG has officially launched! Step into the breathtaking Living Lands, a wild and mysterious island located in the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, and embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and adventure.
Play today on Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, and cloud, to experience Obsidian’s latest RPG adventure. Available day one on Game Pass!
A Land in Turmoil
The Living Lands is a frontier unlike any other. This rugged and untamed island has become a haven for exiles, dreamers, and adventurers seeking a fresh start. Its vibrant regions and scattered settlements pulse with life, each hiding untold stories and ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered.
But this land of promise is fraught with peril. The Dreamscourge, a devastating soul-plague, is driving settlers to madness and turning them against one another. The very land itself resists colonization, haunted by echoes of lives long past. As an envoy chosen by a foreign emperor and blessed by a mysterious god, you are thrust into the heart of this chaos. With divine powers at your fingertips and the will to shape your own destiny, you’ll confront ancient threats, unravel mysteries, and decide the fate of the Living Lands. Will you unite its people or watch as their struggles tear them apart? The choices you make will define the future of the Living Lands—and the person you become.
Forge Your Own Path
In Avowed, the power of choice is yours. Create a character and shape your playstyle with four expansive skill trees—Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, and Godlike. Using two separate weapon loadouts, you can play as a stealthy sniper armed with dual pistols and a longbow or a spell-slinging barbarian wielding an axe and a grimoire, or whatever combination of loadouts you choose. This means that the possibilities are endless. Your choices define who you are and how you’ll tackle the challenges ahead.
But you’re not alone on this journey. Your companions each bring their own skills, personalities, and deeply personal stories:
Kai, the steadfast protector, whose calm demeanor and unwavering loyalty make him a dependable shield in battle.
Giatta, a brilliant animancer scientist, whose relentless curiosity drives her to uncover the mysteries of the Dreamscourge, even at great personal risk.
Marius, a lone-wolf hunter, whose sharp wit and tracking expertise make him an invaluable ally in the wilderness.
Yatzli, a fiery Godless expert, harnessing explosive magic and a rebellious spirit. Her disdain for the gods adds complexity to her character and your choices.
Their history, relationships, and perspectives intertwine with your story, adding depth and weight to every decision you make. Will you earn their trust, challenge their beliefs, or forge something more profound? How you guide your companions—and how they influence you—shapes the adventure in unexpected ways.
Your Living Lands, Your Way
Avowed is a game built to immerse you in its world. The Living Lands is a sprawling playground for adventurers, rewarding exploration at every turn. Traverse rugged cliffs, wade through winding rivers, and uncover unique hidden treasures—from ancient elemental weapons to fragments of God Shrine Totems that come together to create powerful new abilities.
Combat is equally immersive, offering a seamless blend of magic, melee, and ranged attacks. Unleash shockwaves with Grimoire Snap, trade health for devastating power with Blood Magic, wield weapons you have upgraded and enchanted, or mix and match abilities to create a playstyle that’s entirely your own. Every encounter is an opportunity to experiment, strategize, and push the boundaries of your party’s potential.
At the heart of Avowed lies its dedication to player choice. Inspired by the freedom of tabletop RPGs, the game puts the power in your hands. Your decisions ripple across the Living Lands, shaping alliances, influencing factions, and determining the fate of your companions. Whether you negotiate peace, spark conflict, or carve your own path through the chaos, your actions leave a lasting impact on the world of Eora.
This seamless blend of storytelling, exploration, and creativity makes Avowed an unforgettable RPG experience, one where every choice matters and every discovery feels personal.
Start Your Adventure Today
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Obsidian Entertainment or new to Eora, Avowed invites you to dive into a world of wonder, danger, and opportunity. With its vibrant setting, unforgettable characters, and deeply immersive gameplay, this is the role-playing experience you’ve been waiting for.
The Living Lands are calling. Gather your courage, forge your path, and let the adventure begin!
Avowed is available now for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and with Game Pass. Avowed also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning when you buy the game through the store on Xbox or Windows, it’s yours to play on Xbox and Windows PC at no additional cost, and your game progress and achievements are saved across Xbox and Windows PC.
When you purchase Avowed on Battle.net or Xbox, or have an Xbox Game Pass membership (PC or Ultimate only), and connect your Battle.net and Xbox accounts, it’s also yours to play on Battle.net, Xbox and Xbox App for Windows at no additional cost. Avowed lets you pick up where you left off, bringing all of your saves, game add-ons, and Xbox achievement progress with you.
Avowed Premium Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆651
★★★★★
$89.99
Premium Edition includes: – Avowed base game – Up to 5 days early access – Two Premium Skin Packs – Access to Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder? The Weird and Wonderful Living Lands
The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem. Visceral Combat to Play Your Way
Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance. Companions as part of your journey
Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.
Avowed Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆560
★★★★★
$69.99
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder? The Weird and Wonderful Living Lands
The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem. Visceral Combat to Play Your Way
Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance. Companions as part of your journey
Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.
For those of you that have been exploring the Living Lands in Avowed, thank you for taking a break to check out the latest Game Pass news! We have some exciting new reveals and exclusive Perks to tease your install buttons. Also, mark your calendars and check out the ID@Xbox Showcase during IGN Fan Fest 2025 on Monday, February 24 at 10am PT for even more Game Pass announcements. Let’s get to the games!
Available Today
Avowed (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 18 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one! Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. Check out Xbox Wire for Starting Tips to Help You on Your Adventure in the Living Lands.
Coming Soon
EA Sports F1 24 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 20 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Join the grid and chase podium glory with unlimited access to EA Sports F1 24, coming soon to The Play List. Members can master every turn and feel at one with the car with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass, or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score in-game rewards including 5,000 XP monthly.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 20 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an isometric RPG by Owlcat Games, set in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. As a powerful Rogue Trader, you command a starship, assemble a crew, and explore the Imperium, making fateful decisions in tactical, turn-based combat.
Watch Dogs: Legion (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 25 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities where you can recruit (and play as) anyone. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set for unique situations. Team up with your friends to complete new four-player co-op missions and PvP matches online.
In Case You Missed It
Ryse: Son of Rome Available with Cloud Gaming Game Pass Ultimate
Jump back in this immersive action-adventure story of struggle, brutality, and heroism with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Amidst the chaos of the late Roman Empire, become soldier Marius Titus and embark on a perilous campaign to avenge the death of your family and defend the honor of Rome. In Gladiator Mode, step into the Colosseum and fight for the glory, spectacle, and entertainment of the crowds.
DLC / Game Updates
Sea of Thieves: Season 15 – Starting February 20
Sea of Thieves is more exciting than ever as new life abounds across the waves. Set forth on new Voyages for The Hunter’s Call, grapple with wild boars and deadly sea monsters, master using hunting spears and more, with new features to enjoy each month.
Ark Survival Ascended: Astraeos DLC – Available Now Game Pass members save 10%! Embark on your next epic odyssey within the world of Ark with Astraeos! Explore and immerse yourself in an elysian land of colossal proportions, steeped in Greek mythology. At over 260km², this massive new map is overflowing with stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and sacred temples. Face off against powerful new bosses, alpha dino variants with enhanced loot, and a fearsome miniboss lurking in mysterious caves.
Forza Motorsport: Update 17 – Available Now Update 17 celebrates cars that are fun, compact, and performant. Race four new-to-Motorsport cars: 2023 Toyota Camry TRD, 2022 Hyundai i20N, 2022 Toyota GR86, and 2021 Hyundai #98 Elantra TCR. Get the 2021 Toyota Yaris GR and 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5N in the Challenge Hub.
Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars Expansion – March 4 Game Pass members can save 10% on their pre-order of Immortal Pillars, the highly anticipated first expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold. Harness the power of ancient Chinese mythology and discover a world where gods, monsters, and legends collide in an epic new chapter of mythical strategy.
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Find all these Perks and more in the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on Windows PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership.
Madden NFL 25: EA Play Supercharge Pack – Available Now Madden NFL 25 is now on The Play List. Get your Ultimate Team ready for the gridiron with the Supercharge Pack.
Minecraft: 1 Month Marketplace Pass – Available Now Get access to the Marketplace Pass for 1 month! Discover 150+ pieces of content including worlds, skin packs, add-ons and more refreshed monthly. This Perk requires a payment instrument to redeem. Terms apply.
Monster Hunter Now: MH Now Bundle – Available Now Claim 2 Ultra Hunting Tickets, 2 Paintballs, 2 Potions, a Wander Orb, and a Tigrex crafting material for weapons and armor. This Perk content requires Monster Hunter Now (mobile) to use. Valid only for iOS and Android versions of the game.
MultiVersus: MVP Pack 5 – Available Now The MultiVersus MVP Pack offers in-game content to further customize and boost your play for Game Pass Ultimate members. MVP Pack 5 includes a Rare Banner – Bun Power and a Legendary Taunt – Treat Break.
Naruto 4-Movie Collection: Free movies – Available Now (US Only) Claim four Anime classic movies including Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Blood Prison, Naruto Road to Ninja, Naruto The Last, and Boruto: The Naruto Movie. More Naruto titles are on sale during Anime month. Available in the US only.
Leaving February 28
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Whether there are loose ends to tie up or you still want to try these out, this is your call to jump back in. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% on your purchase to keep it in your library.
F1 22 (Console and PC) EA Play
Gris (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Maneater (Cloud, Console, and PC)
PAW Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Space Engineers (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Yakuza 3 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Yakuza 4 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We’re adding more games over time to the ‘Stream your own game’ collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go to Xbox.com/Play to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.
As always you can tune into Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social for a reminder when these “coming soon” announcements turn into “play today.” Otherwise we’ll be back here to talk more games soon. Cheers!
Some people say old legends never die. We fully agree with them, as we’re willing to give a helping hand to those that wish to rise again.
X-Out Resurfaced is a full-blown, high-definition remake of the old Commodore 64 classic X-Out. Featuring gorgeous visuals and a reworked control scheme, this new version is the perfect way to experience this incredible shoot’em up in all its glory.
The game starts with a unique loadout screen, revolutionary for its time, allowing you to choose your craft, weaponry and option types, before submersing yourself in frantic, underwater shmup action.
The challenge will be tough and the enemies numerous, but Captain Granger and his faithful craft Trilobite are definitely up to the task. He is after all the last line of defense against the alien horrors that are trying to invade Earth through the ocean depths.
These cosmic horrors sound like they might be too much for you to handle alone? Nothing to worry about, as X-Out Resurfaced features a brand new two-player mode. Sharing the underwater terror is caring after all.
Last but not least, the banger of a soundtrack got a complete makeover by the original composer himself, the great Chris Huelsbeck. Worth a good listen or two if you’re an enjoyer of fantastic retro tunes.
X-Out Resurfaced is still currently available for pre-order, with a full release on February 20, 2025.
We’re counting on you captain. Good luck!
X-Out: Resurfaced
ININ Games
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$19.99
You thought they’d come from space? Wrong!
It’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot ‘em up, dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms – X-Out: Resurfaced! Resurfaced:
In 1990, the year of X-Out’s initial release on Amiga, it stood out as a breath of fresh seaside air in the stale shoot ‚em-up space. It didn’t take place in “space” as so many games of its genre did (and still do) but instead went for a dive through underwater worlds.
But what really pushed it further than its side-scrolling competitors was its shop system, allowing players to mix and match from a wide variety of ships, weapons, and other accessories to build their fleet. This made every playthrough (attempt) feel different and unique. In 2024 the highly challenging underwater shoot ‘em up from the game development legends at Rainbow Arts is finally returning.
ININ and Ziggurat have collaborated to bring you a faithful remake completely rebuilt from the ground up and greatly improved. Redrawn:
The impressive sprite work of yesteryear has not only been remade into even more impressive modern high-resolution sprites but also greatly expanded upon with particle and lighting effects. 8 varied stages, the enemies, the bosses, the ships, the projectiles—everything shines in a brand-new light! Remixed:
Apart from the visual journey of each playthrough, you’ll embark on a musical one as well: epic synth soundscapes that drive you forward by the magnificent Chris Hülsbeck. In addition to him remastering his original works, we have created three entirely new tracks as well. Remembered:
And it’s not just Chris Hülsbeck who has returned for this remake: Ogan Kandemiroglu, the brother and co-artist of Celal Kandemiroglu who created the original iconic key art of X-Out, took on that task for the remake as a tribute. Re-equipped:
The shop system is back and thoroughly improved as well: new preconfigured load-outs allow you to jump straight into the action, added item descriptions help new cadets configure and build their fleet, and we’ve FINALLY marked the available slots for your weaponry. Reinforced:
Should you still feel overwhelmed by X-Out’s challenge, then maybe it’s time for a co-captain. Enlist a friend and face the terrors from the ocean deep together in the local 2-player co-op mode! Reversed:
If you think you’ve seen everything there is to the game already, then prepare to have your bearing changed and your gyro twisted in the Mirror Mode with its reverse-scrolling levels! Recapped:
• Experience a fresh but faithful take on a real shoot-’em-up classic!
• Get dazzled by the new and beautiful sprite work mixed with shiny particle and lighting effects!
• Take a journey through new and old synth soundscapes courtesy of composer legend Chris Hülsbeck!
• Choose one of three load-outs or build your own fleet in the improved shop system!
• Grab a trusty ally and face the depths together in a 2-player couch co-op dive!
• Get your world flipped, turned upside down in the Mirror Mode!
• Too challenging? Don’t fret we got some cheats for you to breeze through the game with ease!
Learn about what dark unknowns are lurking in the Replay Boys.
Classic otome vibes in a twisted world of horror and suspense.
There are emergency vehicles outside the arena. Your friend’s text messages are beginning to sound strange. A writhing darkness fills your vision, and your work day starts again.
In Replay Boys you play as Hannah, a video editor for a small record label. When everyone calls in sick, the task of wrangling all four members of the Replay Boys is thrust upon you. You’ll have to ferry them to the concert, get them ready for soundcheck, and deal with their meltdowns. Replay Boys contains all the lighthearted elements that you would expect from a visual novel about managing a dysfunctional modern-day boy band, but there is something sinister lurking under its straightforward premise.
The game’s darker elements, like the title hints at, can only be uncovered by replaying the same day several times. You’ll come face to face with a ghost, fight brainwashed fans and a dangerous cult, and deal with an array of more conventional crimes like kidnapping and firearms offences. The turning point comes when, for unknown reasons, the day begins to repeat.
I asked the game’s writer, Bell, how this came about. “I think it was a natural evolution as I wrote the story”, she says. “I really like games that make you question if your senses are reliable. I also think visual novels can be uniquely eerie since so much of the story’s visualizations are happening in your own head. It’s a creepiness that thrives on the power of your imagination.”
The crossover of visual novel and horror in Replay Boys is inspired by how both of the genres use repetition. In a classic visual novel, there are large portions of the story that remain static in every route, which have to be replayed in order to get to a point where the story branches. The replayability is twisted into a time loop that is actually part of the story. In a different manner, horror games and films often repeatedly demonstrate something as “safe”, only to later betray that sense of security by twisting it into something terrifying.
The first day in Replay Boys plays to the expectations of the visual novel genre, until it comes to an abrupt end. When the day restarts, at first it seems nothing has changed, but the pace of those previously-lived moments picks up, and creepy elements start to bleed through. You may hear odd noises on the phone, or gain the ability to explore a dark room that you didn’t have access to before. As you rack up more time loops, the original story structure distorts more dramatically, turning the familiar baseline into something eerie, surreal and fantastical.
While the standout feature of Replay Boys surrounds the subversion of expectations, Bell still wrote the game to be a proper otome dating sim. “I wanted each of the band members to feel lively and real, and able to develop a unique relationship with the main character. At the end of the game, the reward for the player should be the feeling that they very deservedly won this character’s trust.”
Spend a romantic and spooky Valentine’s Day with a quirky boy band. Replay Boys releases today, February 14, on Xbox One, Series X|S, and the Xbox app on PC.
REPLAY BOYS
Split Narrative Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$9.99
REPLAY BOYS is a visual novel with multiple endings including both romantic and platonic routes. It features wild characters, vivid CGs capturing moments of romance and chaos, and an exciting pace. Your decisions guide the outcome, choose carefully!
You play as Hannah, video editor for up-and-coming boy band The Replay Boys. When their manager calls in sick right before The Replay Boys’ first big concert, Hannah is the only one who can fill in and save the day. Help the band through their arguments and uncover their fears and anxieties, while dealing with crazy fans, a cult, and time loops!
Afterlove EP is a new slice-of-life adventure from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.
Pikselnesia shares how the team navigated its own grief alongside the game’s emotional beats after its founder unexpectedly passed away. Afterlove EP is out today on Xbox Series X|S.
When we, Pikselnesia, first heard the pitch for Afterlove EP from one of Indonesia’s greatest narrative minds, Fahmi Hasni, we knew it would be something special. But we never expected everything to unfold the way it did.
I first met Fahmi, funnily enough, through a dating app. After a very brief entangling, it quickly became clear that we were meant to create something far greater than just a fleeting companionship. Even before What Comes After took shape, he was already dreaming about what at that time was called Project Heartbreak. Back then, he didn’t even have a story – just a feeling he wanted to capture. The ache of trying to move on while the voice of lost love still lingers in your head.
Then, just as we were stepping into full production, Fahmi passed away. I remember spending a lot of horrible months in my grief wondering what went wrong – if anything could have gone differently. Fahmi’s passing was sudden, tragic, and utterly shocking.
When our team and publisher eventually chose me to be the Narrative Lead, I knew exactly what to do. Our protagonist would feel what I felt.
I was going to put him through hell.
As the team hurled itself into continuing production in the dark, I knew each of us struggled to fill the giant hole Fahmi had left. Our producer, Ivor, had known Fahmi since before his days as a gaming journalist. Now, he had to shoulder the impossible – leading a studio without its heart. He managed Pikselnesia, coordinated with our publisher Fellow Traveler, and kept Fahmi’s family updated. I knew he was skilled – his years in the AAA mobile game industry proved that – but guiding a grieving team while mourning a friend must have been gut-wrenching.
Our other co-lead, Damas, was a pillar of the Indonesian gaming industry. His Bandung-based studio – Rolling Glory Jam – had been our backbone when we released What Comes After years before. Then there was Giri, who I had worked with on What Comes After. Seeing him again as Lead Programmer for Afterlove EP felt like reuniting with an old ally. Our other programmer, Dany, took on even more – stepping into the role of Creative Director while still managing the back-end of our PC and Nintendo Switch builds. I had seen all these men stand beside Fahmi before. Though I perhaps would never fully grasp the depth of their grief, I could feel their determination to complete Fahmi’s final masterpiece, the swan song of his dying breath.
Even when Afterlove EP was just a conversation I had with Fahmi over coffee, Fahmi already knew he wanted Soyatu to lead the art direction. I remember being in awe – Soyatu’s unmistakable style, in an artful game about death? It would surely be a head-turner. I was relieved when Fahmi also found Pinga to create background arts that perfectly complement Soyatu’s lively characters. Together, their work felt seamless. And when Maxi joined the team, everything clicked into place. Watching Soyatu’s characters come to life – actually walking, actually talking – was surreal. It made sense, though. Maxi had worked with Giri before at Thinker Studio, and I never doubted his talent for a second.
This all-star team was exactly what Fahmi’s vision needed – anything less simply wouldn’t have sufficed. His love for Jakarta ran deep. The chaotic sprawl of the streets, the hidden gems tucked away in hole-in-the-wall eateries, the city’s thriving music and art culture – all of it shaped him, and his hopeless romantic tendencies. That was why he brought L’Alphalpha into the project so early. The shoegaze band has a unique, distinctive sound that is somewhat cinematic, exceptional lyrics written in Bahasa Indonesia that are melancholic without being maudlin, the type of songs that recognized pain but never let it consume you. It was everything Fahmi wanted Afterlove EP to express.
In Afterlove EP, you step into the life of Rama, a deadpan young musician grieving the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta, who died from a fatal heart disease. Coping with the weight of her absence is already overwhelming – sorrow, trauma, and guilt twist together in a relentless storm. But what makes it even harder is that Cinta’s voice never truly leaves him. She lingers in his mind, speaking to him, questioning him, making moving on feel impossible.
As Rama stumbles toward a new chapter in his life, he faces choices that shape his future – including three potential love interests: Mira, Regina, and Satria. Yet, Cinta remains. She watches. She comments on his decisions. She even occasionally disagrees with how he tries to move forward, a presence that refuses to fade into memory. Meanwhile, his band, Sigmund Feud, is barely holding together. His absence during his deepest grief took its toll, and when he finally returns, he somehow manages to make things worse. Anyone who has tried to start a band with friends in a garage will understand – sometimes it’s tangled in personal drama, other times it’s clashing ambitions. But in every indie band, there’s always that moment when everything feels like it could fall apart.
As you navigate Rama’s life in the most eventful month of his new life, you’ll be immersed in Soyatu’s signature art style – not just in character sprites you’re controlling and interacting with, but also in beautifully crafted comics woven throughout the game.
You’ll also be able to control how well Rama plays with the band in both practice sessions and live performances, as you jam out to L’Alphalpha’s incredible shoegaze post-rock soundtrack.
Jakarta itself plays a crucial role in Afterlove EP, with real-life locations that meant the world to Fahmi and our team. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself wandering these same streets, seeing the city through his eyes, and understanding why he fell in love with it.
There’s so much more to discover, but I don’t want to spoil the wonder of experiencing Afterlove EP for yourself. So, I’ll end here – with my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We’re finally at the finish line, and it’s because of you that we were able to bring Fahmi’s final masterpiece to life. Until later when we meet again, friends.
Afterlove EP
Fellow Traveller
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Taking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After. Step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on with life after the death of their girlfriend, Cinta. Whilst his close friends and bandmates are all determined to help him move on, Rama has been stuck for more than a year. He’s neglecting his music, his mental health and his relationships. Making things harder, he’s hearing Cinta’s voice inside his head, unsure if she is a spirit or part of his imagination. Now he has just one month to get it together! Rama’s band has a critical gig in one month’s time. Either he gets serious about his music and delivers the new songs he has been promising or the band will move on without him. KEY FEATURES
• An emotional new story from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.
• Set in a vibrant and authentic recreation of modern day Jakarta, Indonesia • A blend of narrative adventure, visual novel and rhythm game elements – explore, talk, jam out!
• Multiple endings and story paths – over 28 days and nights, it will be your choices that determine the path Rama takes.
• Featuring the distinctive art of renowned Indonesian indie-manga artist, Soyatu.
• Featuring an original soundtrack from popular Indonesian band, L’alphalpha.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die‘s free demo is available now on Xbox.
Return to the world of Random as Queen Aleksandra in this dark fantasy roguelite.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die will be released this year for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass.
Fate has spoken, and your chance to step back into the dark and whimsical world of Random has arrived! The free demo for Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is now available on Xbox, giving you a first-hand look at this exciting new chapter. If you’ve been craving an adventure filled with mystery, danger, and a touch of fate, now is the perfect time to dive in.
A First Glimpse into The Eternal Die
In our free demo, you’ll step into the first of four eerie worlds within the Black Die, ruled by the sinister Mare the Knight. This new realm is treacherous, unpredictable, and crawling with dangers that will push your skills to the limit – including the first of four ruthless world bosses, The Doublet Twins. But don’t worry – you won’t be taking on this challenge unarmed.
Your weapon of choice? The Sword of Sixtopia, swift and agile, perfect for rapid strikes and devastating spin attacks. Combine it with powerful card abilities and relics to customise your build for your own playstyle. And of course, you’ll have your die-companion, Fortune, by your side. Toss him into battle to deal massive damage, and use the all-new relic system to power up your skills, abilities, Fortune and more for a super slick and advanced combat experience. Combat in The Eternal Die is all about choice – no two runs will be the same!
In the demo you’ll get to experiment with our brand-new relic system and tiered upgrades, helping you become stronger every turn. Every time you fall, you’ll return to the Sanctuary, where you can unlock new skills, power up your weapons, and prepare yourself for another run. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Aama’s lost dicelings, too – finding them will earn you powerful, permanent upgrades bringing you one step closer to escaping this nightmare realm.
And this is just the beginning! When the full game launches, you’ll get your hands on three more weapons – the mighty Helleven’s Hammer, the fatal Sevendipity Striker, and the deadly Lance of Lady Luck – each with its own unique combat style and upgrade path, as well as 15 unique card abilities and over 100 relics to create your perfect build. Synergy will be everything and we cannot wait to see what creative and crazy builds you come up with!
Beyond battles, the demo is also your first glimpse into the twisted world of the Black Die. You’re trapped in the Black Die by Mare the Knight and it’s up to you to uncover its secrets, meet its peculiar (and perhaps familiar) inhabitants, and piece together the mystery of your imprisonment. Some of the odd folk you meet might even hold the key to your escape – if you take the time to listen. Seek wisdom from Chance, an enigmatic guide to the Black Die’s sinister machinations. Return Aama’s children to unlock powerful upgrades. Stock up on supplies at Mannie Chex’s ever-moving pop-up shop. And if you’re feeling bold enough, you can challenge the mysterious Wager Rollins, always eager for a game of chance.
If you loved Lost in Random, this demo is your chance to dive back into its beautifully bizarre world – but this time, with an exciting roguelite twist. We can’t wait for you to experience it!
The Next Chapter of Lost in Random
The Eternal Die takes you back to the eerie, ever-changing world of Random, but this time, luck plays an even greater role. Taking on a roguelite spin, each run treats you to a high-stakes game where skill, strategy, and a touch of fortune determine your fate. Roll the dice, wield your weapons, and embrace the unpredictable nature of combat as you battle through the Black Die’s twisted trials.
Martin Storm, Game Director, shares what makes The Eternal Die stand out:
“The Eternal Die offers more fast-paced, skill-driven combat packed with intricate synergies. Every roll, every battle, and every ever-changing encounter will test your adaptability and decision-making. With each run, you’ll unlock powerful upgrades and uncover the unpredictable magic of Random in an entirely new way.”
At the heart of this adventure is a new hero: Queen Aleksandra, the once-mighty ruler of Random. Stripped of her power and forced into the Black Die’s merciless trials, she must rely on her wits, combat skills, and her ever-loyal (and very adorable) die-companion, Fortune, to battle the ancient evil that took everything from her and reclaim what was rightfully hers. But she won’t be alone. Along the way, unexpected – and perhaps even familiar – allies may lend a hand… if luck is on your side, that is.
The choice to make Aleksandra the protagonist of The Eternal Die was no coincidence. As Oskar Hanska, Senior Narrative Designer, explains:
“We wanted gameplay changes to also resonate in the narrative. With the new focus on enhanced action and more complex combat, exploring the once fearsome Queen Aleksandra’s story and powers was the perfect choice.”
Prepare for the Full Release
Your adventure is just beginning. When Lost in Random: The Eternal Die launches later this year, you’ll get to experience the full story, wield additional weapons and upgrades, and uncover even more secrets hidden within the Black Die’s sinister world. And the best part? The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass from day one.
So, are you ready to roll the dice? Play the demo now and wishlistLost in Random: The Eternal Die today!
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die
Thunderful Publishing
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Aleksandra, Queen of Random, has lost everything. Deprived of her powers and trapped in a dark, nightmare realm, she must rely on her skills and trusty die-companion Fortune. Together, they gamble with fate on an epic adventure of revenge, redemption, and revelations in the whimsical realms of Random. Random Rules!
To defeat her tormentor, Aleksandra must brave ever-changing realms packed with random twists, challenges, and rewards. Embracing chaos, adapting, and strategizing is key. Throw Fortune or rely on weapons to smash foes. Split-second decisions, some luck, and your mastery of chance will determine your fate! A Unique Relic System
Collect and strategically match Relics on your board to uncover hundreds of combinations of instant effects, chaotic synergies, and powerful bonuses that heavily impact various playstyles – making each attempt at victory feel like a fresh opportunity. The Sanctuary
Death is not final but returns you to the Sanctuary, an evolving haven with a fully-voiced band of eclectic characters. Unlock and upgrade weapons from a living weapon rack, choose wisely among the Blessings from the almighty Aama, or simply freshen up your wardrobe. Performing quests for your allies will restore Aleksandra’s full power and reveal her true potential. Rambunctious Realms
Immerse yourself in a rich, fully voiced story and the distinct artstyle of Random. Delve deep into four, randomly-generated realms, each with its own unique flair and style that will keep you coming back for more.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Xbox App on Windows PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
Avowed Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$69.99
Avowed – February 18 Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can purchase the Avowed Premium Upgrade Addon to receive access up to 5 days early, two sets of premium skins, and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack.
Blow it up is a physics destruction game with light-puzzle elements where you shoot bombs to destroy enemies hidden behind tower-like structures. Master seven unique bombs in a realistic physics simulation and explore over 70 levels of mayhem.
Upgrade and manage zoos to become a top tycoon in Idle Zoo Park! Revive old zoos and construct new ones, add various animals to boost appeal and income, build income-generating spots, and attract more visitors to grow your zoo empire and achieve tycoon status!
Rewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Bee Flowers, a delightful puzzle game where you guide busy bees through hexagonal grids to pollinate vibrant fields of flowers. With its relaxing mechanics and progressively challenging puzzles, the game offers the perfect blend of strategy and serenity.
Engage in block-building activities by reconstructing three sets of islands in the Build Lands mode, or by building and sharing your own creations in the Land Editor. With a wide selection of blocks, you can create various structures such as mountain cabins, castles, forests, or other designs.
Harmony Chronicles: Demon Of The Void Collector’s Edition
Mona is about to travel through dimensions again! After her adventures, she meets her divine protector before a magic portal sends her to a collapsing world, finding herself at the decayed Interdimensional University of Magic. Now she must navigate awe-inspiring worlds with unique challenges, creatures, and allies in this hidden object adventure game.
A beautifully crafted 2D platformer designed to provide a relaxing yet engaging experience. With mesmerizing hand-drawn landscapes and a soothing soundtrack, players are invited to explore a serene world filled with light challenges and immersive gameplay.
A 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire struggling with her morality and the supernatural world she has been pulled into. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?
Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.
An evil curse that transforms the dead into living corpses was cast upon the land. The only way to stop the entire nation from crumbling to the undead is defeating the Kind of Undead, but entire armies of soldiers were annihilated and transformed into zombies. Only the master of steath, Ninja Master Toru, can infiltrate into the enemy territory and claim the leader’s head!
Dodge, roll, block incoming cats! Use power-ups to turn the scores. If you’ve always wanted to catch your friends with a giant laser pointer or shoot’em with a cheese cannon you can do it all! Just watch out for those flying yarn balls.
You thought they’d come from space? Wrong! It’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot ‘em up, dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms – X-Out: Resurfaced!
Bay Breaker is a game that involves navigating across serene seascapes and using a boat to launch balls that break rocks. Players can collect jewels and coins hidden within the levels. The game includes challenges where players destroy all the blocks and earn enchantments to improve their abilities.
An arcade game for all ages. With 40 levels, your goal is to use skill and quick reflexes to destroy all the blocks on the screen. The blocks get tougher as you progress, requiring clever strategies, keeping you engaged and provides a sense of achievement with every level.
Dr. Cavor is trapped inside the Moon, held captive by the mysterious Selenites. He endeavors to escape to the surface and from there to Earth, but first he must match wits with the dwellers of the lunar underworld, whose catacombs are complex and deadly!
An electrifying twin-stick shooter that propels you into a whirlwind of action and intensity. Dive into an immersive experience with lightning-fast gameplay that will keep your adrenaline pumping and your reflexes sharp.
After many years of battles, a group of Vikings decided it was time to conquer new lands. With the protection of the god Njord, a new clan specialized in navigation sets off in search of glory! Arrange the Viking villages in the islands to expand their domains, in this logic puzzle game!
Lulu’s Temple challenges you to venture inside a deep horrifying pyramid, filled with dangerous foes, traps and mysteries. Play as a curious archaeologist who foolishly traps himself inside a temple after stumbling his way in. Use your powerful gun to blast the undead and your torch to light your path ahead.
The master of golf sims is back! Tee off with the world’s top golfers on the most storied courses on golf’s biggest stages. Pre-order PGA Tour 2K25 Legend or Deluxe Edition for up to 7 days of Advanced Access starting on February 21. Get the Legend Edition to upgrade your play, and your look, with a staggering six extra content packs full of powerful upgrades, chic cosmetics, and a new playable character as well as the Clubhouse Pass Premium (Seasons 1-5).
A comfy, slice-of-life visual novel set in a fictional version of Wellington, New Zealand. Born as a fox in the forest of Korea, Miho carries with her the memory of a traveler who showed her kindness and spoke of home. Now more human than fox, Miho has spent a long, long time searching for her person.
The ultimate race is here, and you are one of Earth’s chosen drivers. Compete in an extraordinary tournament beyond time and space, hosted by the galaxy’s gods. Each planet sends one driver to race through 27 stunning tracks filled with giant titans. The stakes are high: losing planets face elimination.
The Living Lands are full of exciting adventure, hidden treasure, captivating secrets… and danger!
We’ve compiled some of our favorite tips and strategies to help you on your first steps into the world of Avowed.
Avowedis launching February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and will be available on day one with Game Pass. Start playing today by picking up the Avowed Premium Edition on the Xbox Store, Battle.net, and Steam. Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass members, and standard edition owners can purchase the Avowed Premium Upgrade Addon for early access.
The Living Lands is ripe with adventure, excitement, and a significant amount of danger – and we’re here to help. We’ve been exploring Avowedfor a while now and throughout our time with Obsidian’s next great RPG, we’ve come away with a few tips to share with new adventurers who are about to take their first steps into this new corner of Eora. These are not meant to be an all-encompassing guide to the Living Lands, but we think you might benefit from one or two of these to help you on your journey.
Explore!
Avowed is a deeply inviting game – each of its open zones are truly dense, not just with the typical quests and side quests, but hidden treasure, buried lore, and points of interest. If something looks or sounds a little odd, there’s almost always a reason for that.
Did that NPC just say something interesting as you passed? They might not have a quest marker over their head, but that doesn’t mean it won’t kick off a cutscene when you talk to them. Does that out-of-the-way balcony look a little too conspicuous? Work out a parkour route to it and you might just find – to take an example – a room full of spirits and treasure.
And it’s not just solid ground that is brimming with treats – the waters of The Living Lands are also ripe with goods. Secrets are scattered across the bottoms of riverbeds, underground pools, and most importantly, nestled behind waterfalls, making it worth your while to take a dip wherever you can.
If you can resist the urge to plough on with the main story, there’s so much to discover here.
Don’t Neglect Upgrades to Your Equipment
Unlike a lot of RPGs, your ability to tackle tougher quests is tied to your gear more than your level – which means you should be thinking about upgrades to your equipment often at the workshop in your Party Camp. Quests are clearly marked in your Journal with skull ratings. No skull showing? You’ll be fine. One skull? It might be tough but be careful and you’ll make it through. Three skulls? Here be some ferocious enemies.
While you can find better equipment as you travel, it’s often more efficient to simply upgrade what you have, using crafting materials you’ll find all over the world to incrementally improve your weapons and armor. Find your preferred items and keep levelling them when you can, and your progression will keep feeling smooth.
Here’s a tip to speed up the gather/trudge to camp/upgrade/return to what you were doing process: Once you’ve gathered what you need for an upgrade, you can fast travel to a previously established Party Camp to do your business from almost anywhere by popping open the map. Then when you’re ready to get to exploring, select Exit to Previous Location at the Adra Stone or preferred fast travel point, to pick up exactly where you left off. Easy!
And remember: You can easily send items directly to your Party Camp from your Inventory at any time by pressing the X button if you become over encumbered. And you can break down any unused weapons or items by holding down the X button from your inventory – helpful if you’re coming up short on crafting ingredients like wood and metal.
Speak to Your Companions
At the Party Camp, you’ll always have a chance to catch up with your travelling companions – and this can be more practical than you might think. You’ll know when a party member wants to speak to you when you see their icon pop up with a speech bubble on the left of the screen. Once you head to Party Camp, aside from learning their backstories (and filling out your own), you may even stumble on some real benefits.
For instance, early on, Kai may bring up that he’s been studying your fighting style, and has some pointers. You can ask him to train you in his own style, leading to permanent stat buffs that would have taken multiple levels’ worth of upgrades to get. It’s a huge bonus, simply for stopping for a chinwag.
Pay Attention to Companion Abilities
You’re not the only one levelling up in your party – for every few of your levels, your companions will also open up the opportunity to learn or upgrade an ability, and some of these can be gamechangers. Every active ability they learn can be accessed easily in combat, and while your party members will use them on their own, we highly recommend working them into your combat loop.
For example, if you’re playing primarily as a magic user, it may mean you do a lot of damage but also take a lot of damage. Kai’s ability to leap onto an enemy can not only stun them but taunt them as well, meaning you can get out of a pinch by redirecting their ire onto him, letting you step back and drop ice knives out of a blizzard without fear. It’s saved us more times than we can count already.
Your Map is Your Guide… and Your Shopping List
The Living Lands are a colorful, visually dense world, filled not only with awe inspiring sights, but lots of stuff you’re going to want to pick up. The best way to separate the signal from the (beautiful) noise? Your minimap.
In the early game, the biggest limiter to your being able to upgrade is the ‘Paradisan Ladder’ – these handy plants are usually hidden away in crannies in and outside of settlements, just out of sight. And if you’re having trouble locating them, make sure you check for an up or down icon on the marker. That will give you better insight on where to look.
Back to that mini-map: it not only shows the location of harvestable plants, but there’s a specific icon just for that Paridisan Ladder (and later, its more potent varieties like Hylea’s Talon). It looks like this (left). Now you can spare the occasional glance at the map to get what you need, but keep your eyes focused where they’ll already be drawn to: the danger and beauty of The Living Lands.
Examine All of the Abilities
Building out your character and assigning abilities is one of the highlights of customization in Avowed. And even though you may start approaching combat as a specific build type, like Fighter, Ranger, or Wizard, you should know that as a classless game, there are many complimentary abilities hiding within each of these trees that can help you become a well-rounded adventurer.
For example, even though you may be going down the Fighter branch, one of the most helpful abilities that you can get early on is Parry, which is located under the Ranger branch as a passive ability. So, it’s worthwhile to take some time and look over all the abilities afforded to you which can be helpful in creating a balanced character as you set out on your adventure. And if you find that you’d like to change your build later, you can reset everything by spending your skeyts.
Utilize Combat Techniques
As much fun as it could be to just swing wildly at your enemies, there is a strategic flow to battle in Avowed where being able to step aside from attacks, blocking them, or masterfully parrying them to run up the stun meter are key to your survival in the Living Lands.
One of the key indicators you want to pay attention to in combat are the colored circles that will appear on enemies – putting points into Perception can help here. For example, if you see a red circle on an enemy as they’re about to attack, that’s unblockable so you should be nimble and dodge (A button) that attack. Or if you see a white diamond hovering over the location of an enemy while aiming with a rifle, pistol, or bow, that’s a weak point you should focus your attack on.
Weapon Swapping
This is for those of you who (like us) were so dang excited to jump into Avowed, that you somehow breezed through the section of the opening level that explained that you can hot-swap between two weapon builds by tapping Y on your controller or hitting U on your keyboard. Now that admission is out of the way, this is one of the more important aspects of combat for you to utilize and master, and it all comes down to how you like to play, giving you flexibility in how to approach a variety of enemies and combat situations.
A few of our favorite combos include pairing an arquebus with a sword and shield, giving us a great option to use in wide open areas or while navigating narrow caverns. Another pairing we like is having a pistol and shield mixed with a grimoire and wand, providing a mix of magic-based and projectile-based attacks (with a shield to help guard attacks as you load your pistol). Or if you prefer a quieter approach, we were also partial to wielding a two-handed bow in one loadout setting and a combination of a wand and grimoire in the other, which helped for stealthily picking off enemies before launching into a flurry of aggressive magic after being discovered.
Go Treasure Hunting
A good way to get off the beaten path and to explore more of Eora is to pick up bounties or unearth treasure maps to not only line your pockets with new weapons and crafting materials, but to get a better sense of the world around you – and you never know what you’ll stumble upon as you dive deeper into the Living Lands. Once acquired, treasure maps won’t simply drop a marker on your map, oh no. They artistically illustrate an area – maybe a cave, a path by a river, etc, with a classic X marking The Spot. Commit that vista to memory, because the only way you’ll find that treasure is by paying attention. And even then, don’t expect a chest to just be sitting on the beach, but the map should get you close enough to hear the telltale twinkling of treasure. My precious!
Use Your Environment
There’s a logic to the lay of the Living Lands if you take the time to assess what’s in front of and around you. See some xaurips up ahead surrounded by tall grass? Perhaps a stealthy approach could work best. Notice that brick wall that’s hanging on by a thread? A well-thrown grenade — or, if you’re lucky, a well-aimed shot at a nearby exploding barrel — can give you a surprise advantage against a group of enemies. Mysterious ice looking plant located above a body of water? Shoot it down to create an ice platform for you to jump on.
Another mantra that has been repeating for us as we explored pockets of the Living Lands was ‘anything but the front door’ – there is often an obvious, visible entrance to a building or area, but entering could cost you a fair few lockpicks. Instead of using up those precious picks in the early game, consider scouting around the location you’re exploring – perhaps there’s a hidden window to crawl through or a weak wall that you can destroy. This often offers an alternate route in that saves your lockpicks and may even give you an upper hand on any nasties lurking inside.
The point here is to not always rush into every situation (although that too can be fun) but recognize the way the land and world is presented to you for your adventure. Player freedom is at the heart of Avowed and all these unique ways to approach it is intentional. So have some fun experimenting on the ways to utilize the environment to your advantage.
Don’t Forget Your Grimoire
Even if you find yourself focusing your abilities as more of a Fighter or Ranger, you’ll discover that always having access to a Grimoire of Elements (which you get for free at the start of the game) will come in handy more times than you can count.
Yes, it can be effective in battle, but it’s also very useful at helping you solve many of the environmental puzzles. For example, being able to cast lighting spells to activate an electronic switch or being able to burn away a batch of cobwebs that could reveal a shortcut that wasn’t available to you before.
So even if you’re not wielding it in your off-hand, make sure you give it a little spot in your inventory. You’ll never know when you’re going to need it (spoiler: you’re going to need it).
Avowed is launching February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and will be available on day one with Game Pass. Avowed also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning when you buy the game through the store on Xbox or Windows, it’s yours to play on Xbox and Windows PC at no additional cost, and your game progress and achievements are saved across Xbox and Windows PC.
When you purchase Avowed on Battle.net or Xbox, or have an Xbox Game Pass membership (PC or Ultimate only), and connect your Battle.net and Xbox accounts, it’s also yours to play on Battle.net, Xbox and Xbox App for Windows at no additional cost. Avowed lets you pick up where you left off, bringing all of your saves, game add-ons, and Xbox achievement progress with you.
Avowed is currently available for pre-order on the Xbox Store, Battle.net, and Steam. The Premium Edition (or Premium Upgrade Addon for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members or standard edition) offers up to five days early access, two premium skin packs, and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook & Soundtrack.
There’s something for everyone to love this weekend with Free Play Days! Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash, NHL 25, Dying Light and For the King are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday, February 13 at 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, February 16 at 11:59 Pacific.
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 Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to 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 achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.
Free Play Days (Xbox Game Pass Membership Required)
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash Ultimate Edition
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆771
★★★★★
$99.99
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash Master the Jujutsu of your favorite Sorcerers and Cursed Spirits! Bring a friend and dive into the world of Jujutsu Kaisen in this action-packed, 2-on-2 fighting game! Enjoy action-packed co-op as you utilize each character’s unique Jujutsu, hone your skills in battle, and wield ever more powerful Jujutsu and Domain Expansions to take down your foes!
The Survivalists
Team17
☆☆☆☆☆153
★★★★★
$24.99
NHL 25 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S EA Sports NHL 25 is powered by ICE-Q, a new gameplay intelligence system that gives you the time and space to control every inch of the ice. Experience true hockey intelligence, with a revamped Franchise Mode experience, a brand-new WOC Live Events structure, HUT Wildcard Mode, and a simplified, single-path XP progression shared across HUT kicks Chel’s game modes. NHL 25 is next-gen hockey.
Dying Light
Techland
☆☆☆☆☆1650
★★★★★
$19.99
Dying Light Dying Light is a first-person, action survival game set in a vast open world. Roam a city devastated by a mysterious epidemic, scavenging for supplies and crafting weapons to help defeat the hordes of flesh-hungry enemies the plague has created. At night, beware the Infected as they grow in strength and even more lethal nocturnal predators leave their nests to feed on their prey. Live to survive another day. Good Night, Good Luck.
For The King
Curve Games
☆☆☆☆☆295
★★★★★
$24.99$6.24
For The King For The King is a strategic RPG that blends tabletop and roguelike elements in a challenging adventure that spans the realms. Set off on a single player experience or play cooperatively both online and locally. None before you have returned from their journey. Will you put an end to the Chaos?
Die Premiumausgabe enthält: – das Basisspiel – Bis zu 5 Tage früherer Zugang – Zwei Premium-Skin-Pakete – Zugang zum digitalen Artbook und zum Original-Soundtrack Willkommen im Land der Lebenden, einer mysteriösen Insel voller Abenteuer und Gefahr.
Avowed findet in der fiktionalen Welt von Eora statt, die erstmals in der „Pillars of Eternity“-Spielserie vorgestellt wurde, und wird als Fantasy-Action-Rollenspiel in Egoperspektive vom preisgekrönten Team von Obsidian Entertainment entwickelt.
Du bist der Abgesandte des fernen Landes Aedyr, ausgesandt, um Gerüchten über eine sich ausbreitende Seuche im Land der Lebenden nachzugehen. Auf einer Insel voller Rätsel und Geheimnisse, Gefahren und Abenteuer, Entscheidungen und Konsequenzen und ungezähmter Wildnis. Du entdeckst eine persönliche Verbindung zum Land der Lebenden, und ein uraltes Geheimnis, das alles zu zerstören droht. Kannst du diese unbekannte Grenze und deine Seele vor den Kräften retten, die sie zu zerreißen drohen? Das seltsame und wunderbare Land der Lebenden
Das Land der Lebenden ist ein Ort, der sich fremd und dennoch vertraut anfühlt – als würde dich die Insel selbst um Hilfe bitten. Erkunde eine Insel, die viele unterschiedliche Umgebungen und Landschaften beheimatet, von denen jede ihr eigenes einzigartiges Ökosystem aufweist. Spiele auf deine eigene Art in packenden Kämpfen
Kombiniere Schwerter, Zaubersprüche, Schusswaffen und Schilde für deinen eigenen Spielstil. Nutze dein Zauberbuch, um Gegner in Fallen zu locken, sie einzufrieren oder zu verbrennen, schlage sie mit deinem Schild oder greife mit Bögen aus der Ferne an. Gefährten begleiten deine Reise
Gefährten unterschiedlicher Spezies kämpfen an deiner Seite mit ihren eigenen einzigartigen Fähigkeiten. Vom ehemaligen Söldner bis zum exzentrischen Zauberer – sie werden Teil deiner Reise, beeinflusst von deinen Entscheidungen, während du ihnen bei ihren Aufgaben beistehst.
With Atomfallcoming to Xbox and Game Pass in just over a month (arriving on March 27), today we released the latest trailer for the game. Featuring brand new gameplay, the trailer highlights the main features that you will experience when you enter the quarantine zone.
I thought now would be a good time to give you more information on some of the game’s key features and what you can expect when you play Atomfall. For those who haven’t had chance to see the trailer yet, take a look:
The trailer starts at the very beginning of the game. You wake up in a dark and eerie bunker and are met by a wounded man in a hazmat suit who immediately asks who you are and asks for your help. The problem is you don’t know who you are, or how you got there.
He tells you that you are inside a quarantine zone, built around the Windscale Atom plant following a nuclear disaster.
Set in the luscious British countryside in 1962, Atomfall is a fictionalised telling of what happened five years after true events in Northern England. It is a game about investigation and discovery – as you try to uncover the mystery behind what really happened at Windscale, but also who you are and what you’re doing there.
There is plenty to explore beyond the rolling hills of Cumberland, including a picturesque village, bandit camps, caves, tunnels, and mysterious buildings and facilities left abandoned by the British Atomic Research Division. All of these will hold their own secrets for you to discover.
You will find clues about what has happened and learn more about the colourful characters you meet along the way – but there is no clear single “truth”, and different people interpret what happened in different ways. This feeds into the game’s ‘Leads’ system, our new take on traditional gaming quests.
Some information that you uncover will open a Lead in the game. You can choose to track this down to uncover further secrets and hopefully get closer to some form of the truth. All the Leads in the game are completely optional, and all connect in one way or another to the larger mystery. As a result, the path you take through the game and the storyline is entirely up to you.
Another source of Leads is the cast of characters you will meet along the way. One of the first you may meet is Nat Buckshaw, who you find playing his guitar in the ruins of an old house. He is an extremely talkative chap and more than happy to give away everything he knows just to have someone to talk to.
However, with Nat and indeed everyone you meet along the way, you can never be sure who to trust and whether they are trying to use you for their own means.
Some characters also act as Traders, for example Molly the Tinker, who can be found in the Dale. In fact, one of the Leads that Nat provides, helps you to find Molly. Resources are scarce in Atomfall, and money is useless, so all trade is done by barter – striking a good deal with a trader can be vitally important. Each of them will prize different sorts of assets. One may want food and bandages, while another needs weapons. Careful observation and making a balanced trade will enable you to get the resources you need to survive.
One valuable tool you can trade for is the metal detector (you can either find one as you search the countryside or barter for one.) The metal detector is a vital asset as you scavenge for further resources. Atomfall is as much a game of survival as it is exploration – the resources, weapons and ammo you find will be vital if you are to find out what happened at the Windscale nuclear plant.
To aid you in the hunt for resources, you’ll be able to find metal detectors. Once you have one, you will hear it beep as you come within range of something to find. You then need to equip it and use it to find your treasure – whether that be some scrap metal, medical supplies or ammunition.
And you’ll need all the ammunition you can find – supplies are tight! Gangs of bandits litter the countryside, and they will think nothing of attacking on sight. Whether you choose to engage or run for cover is your choice but there are likely to be times when you will have no choice but to fight.
Raising a gun to someone who is only armed with a melee weapon may well be enough for them to be the one who retreats. Whether your gun is loaded or not, only you will know…
No matter what, you will need to be ready to adjust your strategy on the fly, using all the tools at your disposal to make it out alive. Melee combat, both armed and unarmed, will be vital. Sometimes, aiming a swift kick at an opponent in order to stagger them back is all the time you have to reload, and can be a life saver.
You are going to have to find ways to adapt and make do with what you have as you track down leads in the search of the truth… or at least one version of it.
We have only scratched the surface of the challenges, mystery and intrigue you discover in the quarantine zone. We cannot wait for you to get your hands on Atomfallwhen it launches on Game Pass as well as on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on March 27.
Atomfall
Rebellion
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
A survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.
Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.
From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.
Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences. Search, Scavage, Survive: You’ll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive! Desperate Combat: With weapons and ammunition scarce, each frenetic engagement will see you blend marksmanship with vicious hand-to-hand combat. Manage your heart rate to hold a steady aim and ensure you have the energy you need to reach for your cricket bat and land the killer blow. Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you. Navigate cult-controlled ruins, natural caves, nuclear bunkers and more as you explore this dense, foreboding world. Reimagining Windscale: A fictional reimagining of a real-world event, Atomfall draws from science fiction, folk horror, and Cold War influences to create a world that is eerily familiar yet completely alien.
Symphonia was released for Xbox Series X|S on December 5, 2024.
Custom level design, precision platforming and special features great for speedruns.
Deep dive into speedrunning with player perspectives and tips.
From its inception, Symphoniawas envisioned as a game that rewarded control and timing mastery. Initially designed as a game to bring classical music to the world, it quickly became apparent that its fluid mechanics and open-ended level design also made it a natural fit for the speedrunning community. After many hours spent perfecting the optimal character controls, our goal was clearly set on creating a game that would feel rewarding whether played casually or competitively, with extra layers of depth for those willing to explore them. This vision became the foundation for Symphonia’s mechanics and collectibles.
There are a few things in Symphonia that we baked in, to up the ante of the challenge for those who enjoy it. The protagonist, Philemon, is a violinist who traverses the world of the quiet and sleeping Symphonia with one goal: to reunite the prodigies of all orchestral sections. His greatest tool in the game is his violin bow. As you play through the game, you unlock mechanics that allow you to bounce through levels in different ways. The bow can be used as a pogo stick, a catapult, or a grapple, and this feeling of moving through the air at just the right time is difficult to master but extremely satisfying once you do. Precision in the timing to make every pixel count is something that lends itself very well to the speedrunning mindset of pushing yourself frame by frame.
Some of our team members have their own personal history with speedrunning, ranging from enjoying being a spectator, all the way to completing their own runs for Celeste and Katana Zero. Even in Symphonia’s earlier iteration as a student project back in 2020, our team would speedrun the game, compare times and some folks even hid glitches they found to use them as an advantage! This enthusiasm also reached members of the public. We released a free small demo online which received 500,000 downloads and saw some players submitting entries on speedrun.net. We knew that we were onto something special with this project so after university we decided to start a studio and pitch to work on the full vision of our game. It took us another four years to bring the game to full release.
It wasn’t just the precision platforming subgenre that attracted speed runners, we also deliberately wanted to keep the speedrunning spirit in mind when developing new features and even in the level design. Sometimes moving a block or a collider by just a few pixels can create an entirely new path with some creativity. Another game feature is the collectible music notes that are placed in hard-to-reach areas of the platforming challenge, rewarding you for risk, experimentation and unlocking different areas in the game. A close comparison would be the strawberries in Celeste. Once you complete a whole playthrough of the levels, you unlock a Shadow Philemon. This is a copy of your character who trails closely behind you with a small delay, waiting for you to slip up and be caught. The player is also able to tinker with unlockable abilities like double jumping, transforming all surfaces into cushions or game speed. These abilities were initially designed to be accessibility options, but some have proved useful in allowing players to experiment and create new challenges.
When the game released in December, we were really thrilled to see a sustained level of interest with speed runners and made sure to facilitate discussions and brainstorming with a dedicated channel in our community Discord.
In general, it’s amazing to see how speedrunning has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. Over the last two decades, we have watched speedruns of first-person shooters, platformers and even in genres where one would least expect it, such as roleplaying or strategy games. Thanks to the accessibility of platforms like Twitch and YouTube, speedrunning has been able to engage millions of players and raise millions of dollars for charity through Games Done Quick (GDQ). GDQ hosts two large charity events a year, and weekly Hotfix episodes to keep viewers engaged.
It’s clear to see the passion driving the creation of such experiences, when I asked Queuety, showrunner of GDQ, why speedrunning is meaningful to him, he answered,
“Speedrunning turns any game into both a puzzle and a competitive performance, something which fascinates me and keeps me coming back.”
Our publisher has been enthusiastic about the speedrunning elements of the game, with the CEO Dieter Schoeller coming from a speedrunning background himself with Quake 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog in the 1990s. Dieter says he loves speedrunning because “the person to beat is no one but yourself.” Due to this shared passion, and visible community engagement, our publishing partners reached out to GDQ for a collaboration. We are all super happy that the showrunners were drawn in by the visuals and premise of Symphonia. We then arranged to participate in a segment of the most recent GDQ Hotfix episode. This was really rewarding and a memory we’ll never forget. I personally got to provide commentary, and the dedicated members of our community supported us by running the game live. You can check out the episode here.
If this article has given you a speedrunning itch, the community is still relatively new so you can add a lot just by trying it out or by conversing with other runners and developers. We would delighted if you wanted to give Symphonia a run and check out our Discord speedrunning discussions.
Speedrunner or not, we hope you will take a chance on us and enjoy the glorious world of Symphoniain your own way.
Symphonia 𝄞
Headup
☆☆☆☆☆3
★★★★★
$19.99
In the realm of Symphonia, music acts as a source of life and energy. But since the founders and their orchestra vanished the inhabitants are divided, and the world slowly falls into silence. What if there was a way to gather a new orchestra? That’s the question Philemon, the mysterious musician in Symphonia, will have to answer. Embody a mysterious violinist, brought back to life in a declining world. Your violin and bow are both your instrument and a means of transport. Catapult yourself through the world, and complete levels by solving exciting platforming challenges while re-activating the machinery that brings life and energy back to this world. Discover a musical world, based on the symphonic orchestra, and filled with colourful characters. Each area in Symphonia has its own distinct feel and characters, and each room is hand-crafted. Meet prodigious musicians and try to convince them to join the orchestra. A unique soundtrack, based on the romantic musical period, crafted by composer Olivier Esman. Enjoy the performance of the Scoring Orchestra Paris, recorded specifically for Symphonia and written by composer Olivier Esman and his partners Alexandre Bucas-Français and Lou Corroyer. Play engrossing concerts, each centred around one of the families of instruments – Strings, Brass and Woodwinds. Explore, navigate, play the violin, gather musicians. Awaken Symphonia. Features
– Experience and overcome great platforming challenges with all of Philemon’s abilities – Discover various environments which combine music and machinery – Play the violin to activate level elements and bring life to the realm -Gather musical Prodigies and play breathtaking concerts to bring music, joy, and glory, back to the land
Perks are exciting new abilities forOverwatch 2heroes, offering wild gameplay twists and creative strategies.
Lead gameplay designer for Overwatch, Alec Dawson, explains how Perks work.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 launches February 18.
Hey everyone! Alec here, ready to spill the tea on one of the most exciting new mechanics coming your way in Overwatch 2—Perks! If you’ve been looking to switch things up with your favorite heroes and add even more strategy and adaptability to your matches, well sit tight, we’ve got something for you today! This is the story of how the Perks system came to life and why we think it’s going to completely change the way you play Overwatch 2.
The Spark That Started It All
The idea for Perks wasn’t just something we pulled out of thin air—it came from some important questions we kept asking ourselves in design meetings. Questions like, “How can we bring more dynamic gameplay to Overwatch?” and “How do we heighten the hero fantasy and give you the opportunity to lean into different playstyles?”
We wanted to find new ways to challenge and delight our players, and giving you more in-game choice seemed like the perfect solution. Enter Perks—a system that allows us to inject a layer of strategy into each match without completely reinventing the game you know and love.
The Evolution of Perks
Our idea of Perks has been kicking around since early last year, with the bulk of the project coming together in the last six months. Like any good project, Perks went through some stages of trial and error, and (spoiler alert) our first attempt showed promise but had numerous issues to work through. Initially, Perks were just a level-up system with pre-determined upgrades—you’d hit level three in a match and automatically get some minor power boost. Simple? Yes. Really changing your Overwatch gameplay? Not so much.
It became clear that while having something to work toward mid-match was exciting, we were missing the magic of choice. We wanted to amplify the notion that there was more than one way to switch things up for your hero from game to game.
Our next iteration introduced a hybrid system with automatic perks for your first two levels and one big choice for level three. This added a glimmer of excitement, but it still felt clunky. Making that one singular, late game-changing choice during the heat of battle sometimes caught players off guard, since they weren’t doing it earlier in the match. It wasn’t fully integrating into the flow of gameplay.
So after some serious playtesting and more “what if” conversations than I can count, we landed on the version of Perks you’ll see in-game. You now unlock a choice between two Minor Perks at level 2 and a choice between two Major Perks at level 3 —all tailored to your hero. It’s enough flexibility to feel fresh and strategic while keeping the game’s fast-paced tempo intact.
Major and Minor Perks
With this split of Minor and Major perks, we really wanted to give you an interesting decision at each level. This meant trying to split up which abilities your perks targeted and differentiating the type of power boost each would provide.
For Minor Perks, we wanted to treat these as small upgrades, such as Lucio’s Bass Blowout perk that increases the knockback of his Soundwave. Minor Perks come early in the match and elevate your abilities, but don’t completely change their behavior.
Major Perks are more about shifting your core gameplay loop, and even adding new abilities to heroes. Reaper’s Dire Triggers perk gives him a Secondary Fire that does decent mid-range damage, great for getting that last shot on an escaping foe. Hitting your Major Perk on a hero is a big moment in the match and can totally change how you approach an engagement.
Keeping Overwatch… Overwatch
One of our most important goals with Perks was ensuring they felt true to Overwatch. We’ve all enjoyed our wacky arcade April Fools’ moments, but the core gameplay of Overwatch is sacred territory. We didn’t want Perks to completely throw off the balance or make you feel like you were suddenly playing too far away from the heroes you already know and love.
Every decision—whether it was deciding how powerful perks should be, crafting trade-offs, or ensuring balance across heroes—was made to keep the core Overwatch DNA intact. We spent a lot of time debating scenarios where “less is more,” striking the delicate balance of giving players fun perks without making things chaotic or unfair.
Take Orisa, for example. One of her perks trades her Javelin Spin for a Protective Barrier. That’s a sizable change, but it allows Orisa to hold different positions, something that can be clutch on the right map. Since taking Protective Barrier is more of a “kiss/curse” decision, Orisa’s other perk Charged Javelin allows you to keep her typical playstyle intact (with a supercharged Javelin of course). When you choose a perk, your choice should reflect the situation at hand, our goal is to make these decisions meaningful without being overwhelming.
Building Player Choice into Gameplay
With the gameplay structure set, the next challenge was making perk selection easy. Overwatch is fast—blink, and you might miss your front-line Winston jumping right into the fight. Asking players to make meaningful mid-match decisions had to be intuitive, not stressful.
We designed two ways to pick Perks:
Standard Selection: Hold down Alt (or up on the D-Pad for console), then use Left/Right click (or bumpers) to select.
Quick Selection (for the “don’t slow me down” squad): A one-button press to instantly pick your perks.
Muscle memory and familiarity will build over time, but these options ensure you won’t feel overwhelmed in those clutch, intense moments.
Developer Favorites
To get you started, here are some of our favorite Perks from playtesting:
Winston’s Chain Lightning lets him charge up Secondary Fire to zap multiple enemies near his target. It’s not just useful, it’s pure chaotic fun.
We brought back Hanzo’s Scatter Arrows, giving you clever shot opportunities. Watch out for some wild multi-kills—you’ll want to clip those plays for sure.
Baptiste’s Shoulder Turret? Yes, it’s real. When you pop Amplification Matrix, the turret comes out to add (extra) Automated Healing. It’s as cool as it sounds.
And my favorite: Ramattra’s Vengeful Vortex, enabling you to explode Ravenous Vortex in the air and send down those pesky flying enemies.
These are just a few examples of how Perks can take your hero and amplify the fantasy.
Now It’s Your Turn
Perks are more than just a mechanic—they’re a fresh way to flex your creativity, adapt your strategies, and rediscover the game you love. We can’t wait to see the builds, plays, and clips you all come up with. This is Overwatch stepping into a new chapter, but still staying true to its heart with teamwork, adaptability, and buckets of fun.
Hop into Overwatch 2, try out Perks, and tell us what you think. Who knows…the next big Perk idea could come from you. See you in game!
Season 15 of Overwatch 2 begins February 18. For more information about Overwatch 2, visit PlayOverwatch.com.
Overwatch® 2
Blizzard Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆2002
★★★★★
Xbox One X Enhanced
Xbox Game Pass
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatch’s 40 distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes. Overwatch 2 – Season 14: Hazard Get ready for an explosive season as we introduce Hazard, the new Scottish tank hero, embodying the spirit of anarchy for the greater good. Then test your skills with a unique blend of past and present in the 6v6 Role Queue event, where teamwork and synergy shine within the 2-2-2 setup. Master the elements with an Overwatch 2 x Avatar: The Last Airbender collab event, celebrating unity, resilience, and the power within. Plus, prepare to wield the hammer of Gods as Mythic Thor Reinhardt and earn up to five Legendary skins with the Premium Battle Pass. Packed with nostalgia, customization, and radical gameplay, Season 14 has everything you need to dominate in style! The Overwatch League™ Token will no longer be purchasable after December 9, 2024. The OWL shop will remain open until at least December 2025, with limited inventory purchasable with players’ remaining OWL token balances.
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