Schlagwort: next gen

  • How Monster Energy Supercross 25 Was Rebuilt From the Ground Up with You in Mind

    How Monster Energy Supercross 25 Was Rebuilt From the Ground Up with You in Mind

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Summary

    • Learn how Milestone has rebuilt the Monster Energy Supercross franchise in the last two years by leveraging key contributions from the community.
    • Simulation is the word, with a new physics system that allows full air control and a true riding experience in the dirt. And for the first time, the current season will be available on day one.
    • Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game will launch on Xbox Series X|S on April 10, 2025, with early access from April 7.

    Two years after the last chapter, Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game is about to be released for Xbox Series X|S on April 10, 2025, with early access starting on April 7. As Game Director of this franchise, it is both an honor and a challenge as this new installment marks a complete rebuild of the series from the ground up.

    This was made possible thanks to the valuable input from expert community members, whom we kept an open dialogue with throughout development to identify areas for improvement. Listening to their feedback was fundamental to crafting a gameplay experience that would truly meet the desires of our players, and importantly, the decision to adopt a biannual development plan also allowed us to step up the game technically with the adoption of Unreal Engine 5.

    The Most Accurate Supercross Tracks Yet

    Before diving into the gameplay facets, let me point out one of the biggest changes in terms of content, as Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game will feature for the first time in the history of the franchise the current season with 2025 riders, tracks and liveries available on day one. This has never been done before due to the structure of Supercross. In fact, each track only exists for the few days of the event and then is gone forever.

    Monster Energy Supercross 25 - The Official Video Game Screenshot

    To make this happen, we had to adopt a different technique; while in the past we used photogrammetry technology, this time we were able to access the blueprints of the 2025 tracks in advance to recreate them in the game engine without the need for additional photo reference. This is a new and different method that allows you to discover the tracks even before the real events take place — and real riders can also train with the game ahead of the championship final!

    Building with the Community

    As we mentioned earlier, we have collaborated with some of the most important Supercross creators asking them to test the game at various development stages. Listening to their opinions we have learned and tweaked many elements such as the riders’ animations, which are now more fluid and realistic than ever. Another crucial feature that the community helped us with is bike handling. Thanks to them, we have implemented a new bike balance system that will allow newcomers to enjoy the adrenaline of Supercross and veterans to perform better.

    Most importantly, the community helped us rebuild the riding physics from scratch. On the ground, you’ll find many changes: the steering angle, traction and tire-to-ground contact have all been reworked to create a more immersive experience. The in-air physics, on the other hand, has been completely revolutionized. A renewed stick control system will give you full control of the in-air motion, which is something we never did in the past and will now allow you to decide how to manage both the rider and bike’s weight after the jump. With the new physics, performing whips and scrubs will be much more rewarding and those who will be mastering these movements will get an even greater advantage.

    Upgrading to Unreal Engine 5

    From a technical standpoint, Unreal Engine 5 allowed us to create features that we once thought impossible thanks to Chaos, its physics engine. For the first time, the track will be alive, just as the community wanted, with a new system that will challenge you lap after lap. In a real Supercross race, the track is indeed modified by the passing of the riders, creating ruts on the ground. One of the pilots’ many talents is to interpret these ruts to find the best trajectory. The new ruts system simulates track evolution so that you will have to find the best path for each lap.

    With Unreal Engine 5 we were also able to implement for the first time a Neural AI system which will completely change the way rivals will behave during a race. In fact, the Neural AI is trained exactly like a real rider: we make them test the tracks hundreds and hundreds of times to learn how to approach corners and jumps.

    While working on this new feature we faced two of the biggest challenges of the project: first, we had to teach the AI how to handle the new ruts system. We achieved it by training what we call “agents”, namely the AI-controlled riders on the same track at different stages of ground degradation so that they could learn how to handle the various situations that a Supercross rider can encounter during a race. Secondly, we had to train the AI how to handle the air sections. Thanks to these technical achievements the AI can now race on user-generated tracks and we can’t wait to see our community enjoy this impressive milestone.

    The new AI is also an important element of the fresh career mode we have developed. Here you’ll become an integral part of the Supercross universe, thanks to a dynamic system full of challenges and tests to become the most successful rider. I can’t say too much here, so stay tuned to learn what we have in store for you.

    Thank you for your time and attention. Before I go I would like to reveal to the Xbox Wire readers a small surprise — at the top of this post you can see for the first time the official key art of the game, depicting some of the main protagonists of the 2025 season. Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game will launch on Xbox Series X|S on April 10, 2025, with early access starting from April 7. See you on the race track!

    Website: LINK

  • Elden Ring Nightreign: Answering 20 Burning Questions

    Elden Ring Nightreign: Answering 20 Burning Questions

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    FromSoftware bosses? Now we’re talking!

    Exactly. At the end of every day, you’ll battle a boss that will reward you with loot that will (presumably) make it easier to survive. At the end of the third night, you’ll face off against a Nightlord. Beat that boss to earn semi-permanent character boosts (more on those later). One of the coolest things about Nightreign is that it features bosses from several FromSoftware’s games, including Elden Ring (including Margit and Demi-Human Queen) and the Dark Souls series (hello, Nameless King!). If you’re a fan of From’s boss fights, you’ll be in heaven.

    Are there bosses from any of FromSoftware’s other game?

    Unfortunately, From has only confirmed bosses from the Dark Souls games and Elden Ring, but I think we’re all really hoping to see some bosses from Sekiro and maybe another game that isn’t on Xbox (I think you know which one). I will say that I feel confident that we won’t see any bosses from the Armored Core series.

    So, if you’re not making your own character, who are you playing as?

    Before each session, players will choose a Nightfarer, each of which has their own abilities and own set of skills. Each Nightfarer also has an ultimate power that could be categorized as damage, defense, or utility. Figuring out how ultimates work together and timing them is one of the most rewarding parts of the game. What’s more, players can choose to be three different Nightfarers or go with two or even three of the same ones. As you might imagine, there are benefits and drawbacks to each, so it pays to work together and communicate.

    What sort of character types did you play with?

    While there will be eight different Nightfarers in the final game when it releases in May, the network test will feature three:

    • Wylder, whose well-balanced abilities and straightforward playstyle make him the most accessible Nightfarer for new players.
    • Guardian, an eagle-headed warrior that’s a defensive specialist and can knock enemies back and deploy a barrier.
    • Recluse, a highly skilled magic user that is the most challenging to use but by far the most rewarding once you get good.

    Wylder and Guardian will feel familiar to Elden Ring and Souls fan, especially because they use weapons and shields. Recluse on the other hand, breaks the mold set by magic-wielding characters in those games.

    So, Recluse can’t just cast spells and refill her FP whenever it gets low?

    See, that’s where things get interesting. While Recluse can indeed cast spells and launch magic attacks, refilling your FP isn’t that easy. Rather than simply popping a potion, you’ll need to collect attribute marks from enemies that appear whenever they are hit with magic, fire, lightning, or holy attacks. Once you collect four marks, you can unleash a powerful attack that’s different depending on the types of marks. She can also use the “Song of the Blood Soul” ultimate to mark enemies, allowing her squad mates to recover HP and FP by attacking. I can see high-level Recluse players being a hot commodity since she can make the whole team better.

    So how does an average match start?

    Before you even dive into a session, you’ll find yourself hanging out in the Roundtable Hold, which has gotten some renovations since last we saw it. The biggest addition is a sparring area featuring dummies you can practice on. You’ll be able to change a variety of parameters like your character level, amount of stamina, damage dealt, etc. It’s a nice way to practice outside of a session. Anyway, once you’re ready to dive in, you’ll launch an expedition and be placed into matchmaking. After the game has found you two other players, you’ll each be given 10 seconds to choose your Nightfarer. From there, you’ll be deployed into Limveld.

    Website: LINK

  • Survival, Love, and Legacy: Why Undying Is a Zombie Game Unlike Any Other

    Survival, Love, and Legacy: Why Undying Is a Zombie Game Unlike Any Other

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Summary

    • Undying is available today.
    • Help Anling and Cody survive the zombie apocalypse.
    • A unique blend of heartfelt narrative, survival, and RPG gameplay.

    A Journey of Love and Survival Comes to Xbox

    Hello, Xbox players! I’m David Brevik, President and Executive Producer at Skystone Games. As someone who has spent decades creating and supporting games that blend immersive worlds with powerful storytelling, I am incredibly excited to share a game that pushes those boundaries even further. Undying, crafted by the brilliant minds at Vanimals, is out now. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience that will challenge your mind, touch your heart, and leave you thinking long after you’ve set the controller down.

    A Story That Stays with You

    In Undying, you step into the shoes of Anling, a mother facing the unimaginable. Bitten during a zombie outbreak, she knows her time is limited. With the clock ticking, her sole focus becomes teaching her young son, Cody, how to survive in a world that has fallen apart. This isn’t just a game about fighting off hordes of the undead. It’s a game about passing on knowledge, building bonds, and ensuring that what truly matters—love, resilience, and hope—endures.

    The narrative is deeply personal, and every choice you make ripples through Anling and Cody’s journey. Do you spend time gathering resources for the short term, or focus on teaching Cody skills that will last a lifetime? As Anling’s condition worsens, the weight of your decisions grows heavier. This is survival at its most intimate and emotional.

    A Unique Blend of Gameplay and Emotion

    From a gameplay perspective, Undying combines the best elements of survival mechanics with a heartfelt narrative. You’ll scavenge for resources, manage limited supplies, and craft tools to fend off the dangers of a zombie-ravaged world. But unlike other survival games, every action is tied to Anling’s dwindling time and Cody’s growth.

    Cody isn’t just a side character; he’s your legacy. As you teach him skills like cooking, crafting, and defending himself, you’ll see him grow into someone capable of facing the challenges ahead. The dynamic between Anling and Cody evolves in real-time, making every moment you spend together meaningful.

    The Vision Behind Undying

    What makes Undying truly special is the team behind it. Vanimals is a studio that doesn’t shy away from taking risks. They’ve created a game that not only challenges how we think about the survival genre but also prioritizes emotional depth and human connection.

    Every aspect of Undying reflects their passion and creativity. The art style, with its minimalist yet striking visuals, draws you into a world that feels both haunting and hopeful. The soundtrack underscores the emotional weight of the story, enhancing every moment. And the gameplay mechanics, from resource management to skill progression, are seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

    As someone who has spent a lifetime designing games, I’m constantly inspired by teams like Vanimals. They remind us that games aren’t just about mechanics or graphics; they’re about stories that resonate, characters that matter, and worlds that stay with us long after we’ve left them.

    And Guess What? It’s out Today

    Undying is more than just a game about surviving the end of the world. It’s a story about what it means to truly live, to love, and to leave something behind. It’s about the bonds that define us and the lessons that endure.

    Whether you’re a fan of survival games, narrative-driven experiences, or innovative gameplay, Undying has something for you. It’s a game that challenges not just your skills, but your emotions and your perspective on what survival really means.

    So, get ready to experience one of the most moving journeys in gaming. On behalf of Skystone Games and Vanimals, I can’t wait for you to step into Anling and Cody’s world. Their story is one of hope, resilience, and love—and it’s one you won’t soon forget.

    UNDYING

    UNDYING

    Skystone Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 1

    ★★★★★

    $19.99

    Caught amid the zombie apocalypse and with time running out, Anling will stop at nothing to ensure her son, Cody, gets to safety. Enduring countless perils, including the zombie infection that’s beginning to take over her body, not to mention teaching Cody how to survive their harsh new reality. As Anling and Cody explore the world they’ll come across an ensemble of characters that present unique challenges. How Anling and Cody handle each one determines their fates, some may die, some may live, and some may become staunch allies or even an archnemesis. Will humanity truly prevail? Your Path, Your Choices, Your Story!
    With everyone trying to survive, whether you help others or not can lead to devastating consequences. Everyone has their secrets, which begs the question… Who can you really trust? Every decision you make changes the outcome of your story, what will your ending look like? Crafting 1.0 Means of Survival!
    It’s not a survival game if there’s no crafting and now, with so many things to craft and enhance, it’s a wonder if there’ll even be enough resources! How you use the crafting system will determine if you survive or not, and how easy it will be. The World is filled with Dungeons, Stories, and loot! Did you really think we wouldn’t have David Brevik (the godfather of Diablo) help design dungeons and make sure looting felt satisfying? Each time you start a game of Undying, you’ll never know how the map will be laid out before your eyes. The 14 major locations will be spread across the map in a variety of layouts, while the other „Unsafe Areas“ are filled with random events that can quickly alter your plans. Will you help an ungrateful survivor; what about a gang surrounded by zombies? You never know who you will encounter on your journey, each with their own tale to tell.

    Website: LINK

  • Sid Meier’s Civilization VII on Xbox Reignites That ‘Just One More Turn’ Feeling

    Sid Meier’s Civilization VII on Xbox Reignites That ‘Just One More Turn’ Feeling

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Founders Edition! This digital-only edition is only available until February 28, 2025—get it now before it’s history. Purchasing Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Founders Edition entitles digital versions of the game on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One! Founders Edition includes:
    • Full base game
    • Early Access – play the game up to 5 days early on February 6, 2025
    • Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack
    • Crossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Natural Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more
    • Right to Rule Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!*
    • Deluxe Content Pack, which includes:
    – 2 leader personas
    – 4 profile customizations
    – 1 alternate scout skin
    • Founders Content Pack, which includes:
    – 2 leader personas
    – 4 profile customizations
    – 1 fog of war tile set
    – 1 Founders palace skin EARLY ACCESS
    Play Civilization VII on February 6, 2025, up to 5 days ahead of the official launch date. TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK
    This content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII! Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense. His unique ability, Nicaakiyakoolaakwe, increases food, production, and combat strength based on the number of allied city-states. Shawnee is an Exploration Age civilization that excels at utilizing natural resources. Their unique ability, Nepekifaki, gives more food for settlements built on river tiles but slightly reduces food for any cities not built on rivers. Its associated wonder is the Serpent Mound. CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION
    Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Natural Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date. RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTION
    Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with even more post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date. DELUXE & FOUNDERS CONTENT PACKS
    Content listed below is inclusive of content included from the Deluxe Content Pack. 4 leader personas
    Each persona offers a new variant of an existing leader, including a different outfit and background for that leader, new gameplay bonuses, and an alternative agenda that reflects a different side of their personality! The personas included in this edition will be revealed at a later date. 8 profile customizations
    Embellish your player profile with these cosmetic customizations, including a striking new badge, a regal new title, an ornate new banner, and an eye-catching new border that will all make you stand out from other players! 1 fog of war tile set
    Change your gameplay landscape with a beautiful fog of war tile set! 1 alternate scout skin Give your scout recon unit a brand new look with this cosmetic outfit! 1 Founders palace skin
    Give your civ’s palace a regal new look with a glorious remodel that’s sure to stand out! The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.** Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII. BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next! EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power. PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization’s most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses. EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis. TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.** Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are. AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL With more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more! *The Right To Rule Collection contains 6 DLCs, all of which will be available on or by September 2025 (subject to change). Each DLC will be delivered automatically in-game on release.
    **Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply. Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal. Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice. Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS. Certain features of the game, including the in-game store, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently. ©2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meier’s Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

    Website: LINK

  • Celebrating Safer Internet Day by Digging Deeper into AI with Minecraft Education

    Celebrating Safer Internet Day by Digging Deeper into AI with Minecraft Education

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    People are using AI more and more at home, at work, in school, and everywhere in between. According to the most recent Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey, there has been a global increase in active generative AI users. Our findings showed that in 2024, 51% of people are users or experimenters of generative AI compared to 38% in 2023. Generation Z continues to drive this adoption with 64% of young adults reporting ever using the technology. That means it’s up to us – especially those of us who work in technology and gaming – to make sure that young people have the support they need to navigate the world of AI safely while also fostering their curiosity and creativity in exploring these new technologies.

    That’s why, for Safer Internet Day 2025, Minecraft Education is releasing a new installment in the CyberSafe series where players can explore the risks and opportunities of AI use through fun, game-based challenges. In each instance, players are tasked with articulating guidelines for how to use AI safely and responsibly. Welcome to CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, available free on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education!

    Safely Exploring Real-world AI Issues

    This DLC engages players by putting them in the role of a student tasked with helping to throw a fundraiser for their school. When the student sets out to investigate how AI technology could be used to help them mass produce the 3D-printed animals they’ve been learning to make in STEM lab, they encounter some common challenges and risks posed by using AI as a creative tool. They realize that its output might not be what they were looking for, and that they always need to check AI results against other trusted sources of information. While the player doesn’t engage with generative AI technology directly through the DLC, they will work through challenges and scenarios that simulate use of AI and learn about how to use it responsibly. Players will come to understand that, in the world outside their classroom, people might use AI both positively and negatively, building critical awareness of the roles that AI plays in their lives.

    “Human inventiveness is at the center of AI. This is a great opportunity to empower educators, kids, and families with the knowledge and skills to use AI safely, maximizing human creativity and its positive impact in the world,” says Carlos Figueiredo, Director of Player Safety at Mojang Studios. “I’m excited to continue the momentum of our CyberSafe content, which has already reached tens of millions of players worldwide.”

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WnRGRf4zK4?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Getting a Jump Start on AI Literacy and Skills

    CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on the success of the CyberSafe DLC series, available free on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education, which has helped a generation of players learn key digital citizenship skills like password protection, data privacy, and ways to deal with online bullying. Last year’s launch of Good Game inspired millions of young Minecrafters to create in-game codes of conduct. Through a partnership between Xbox and Minecraft, the CyberSafe series has reached more than 80 million downloads since 2022.

    With Dig Deeper, players will learn the critical questions to ask when working with AI or encountering AI-generated content and build an understanding of how to navigate these systems thoughtfully and safely. Ultimately, the experience aims to illustrate that for all their capabilities, AI systems require human intelligence, intervention, and oversight to work safely and constructively. Use the included Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit for further guidance on navigating the CyberSafe DLC series.

    If you’re looking for more resources and tips for family gaming, visit xbox.com/family. You can learn more about what Xbox offers for families, including information about privacy and access to privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app and Community Standards.

    You can read more about Microsoft’s Global Online Survey Results and the efforts being taken to tackle abusive AI-generated content risks at Microsoft’s Safer Internet Day 2025 blog.   

    Website: LINK

  • South of Midnight Hands-on: A Gorgeous, Pull-No-Punches Fairytale

    South of Midnight Hands-on: A Gorgeous, Pull-No-Punches Fairytale

    Reading Time: 9 minutes

    At first blush, South of Midnight could be described as a classic action-adventure: a heroine thrust from ordinary life into a remarkable journey; magical weapons and abilities; ability skill trees. But spend just a few minutes with it, and that feeling simply floats away. We’ve never seen a gaming world quite like this. In playing through its full third chapter, it’s a revelation that strikes again and again – this setting, this story, these ideas, even the music are something brand new, all underpinned by challenging combat and blissful exploration along the way.

    The preview begins as our hero, Hazel, has already set off to find her mother, who’s been swept away by a flood. Before we step into her sneakers, she’s discovered she’s a Weaver, able to wield an ancient form of magic that allows her to fight and explore by pulling on the once-invisible threads holding reality together. But around her, that reality seems to be warping. We step into a Deep South-inspired countryside that Hazel doesn’t recognize – and that is, in places, actively hostile to her.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klgw-To1rqc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Catch up on the story of South of Midnight.

    Trailers have showed us a lot of the world and story of South of Midnight, but getting your hands on it reveals the tight, action-focused game simmering underneath. As you travel the world, you’ll see shimmering spheres of energy, refracting light like an oil-slicked puddle. Entering one will see you facing off against Haints, creatures from real Southern folklore. These creatures come in various forms – some rush you, pulling off melee flurries, others flee for ranged attacks, while some simply pump out grotesque insects to harry you. It quickly becomes an element of strategy to work out which Haint needs to be taken down first in any given situation.

    South of Midnight doesn’t pull its punches here. Combat is tricky, often pitting you against multiple Haints at once, each able to lop off chunks of your health-bar in a single hit. It transforms into a lean, fast action game in these moments – you’ll flit around shimmering arenas switching up your attacks to cope. Melee combos are the obvious fixtures, able to take down enemies quickest, but leaving you open to follow-ups. You’ll also have magic at your disposal; enemies can be pushed and pulled (you can even fling smaller enemies as an ersatz weapon), or tied down with magical strands.

    Upgrades allow you to specialize further – I quickly opted for a passive ability that made tied enemies take more damage, allowing me to neutralize and take down major threats quickly. Aggression is key here – even a perfect dodge becomes an attack, setting off a blast of weaving magic where you once stood. It’s a great first impression – there’s more ticking away under the surface of combat than you might expect.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kUKHL9LPzk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    And none of this is to speak to how it moves. Each character has been built to mimic the looks of hand-crafted stop-motion maquettes – in cutscenes, they take on a gorgeous, almost uncanny movement style that echoes the animation classics it draws from. When you take control, however, it’s beautifully smooth, each of your actions reacting to your button presses immediately, never losing the immediacy of an action game. The added art is in how smoothly Compulsion transitions between the two.

    Then there’s the world around those characters. Islands jut out of mangrove swamps, abandoned shacks and tumbledown walkways failing to withstand nature’s chokehold around them. Huge tangles of thorns block your path, and giant peaches bob, gently rotting in the water. Reach higher ground, and you’ll find that, despite the traversable spaces being compact knots of smart level design, the world you can see extends far beyond what you can actually touch, offering a sense of huge scale to your travels. It’s a thrillingly unfamiliar location for a game, all pulled together by incredible lighting, a low sun casting soupy beams through the knotted treeline and low-hanging mist enveloping you.

    Getting around this world is a matter of using your Weaving powers (all your combat magic can be used in exploration, too) – conjuring remnants of the past back into existence to help you platform around, gliding across the flooded landscape, and using your powers to push and pull the world around you to uncover paths to hidden details. There’s a specific path to follow (which you can be guided along with a click of the right stick), but nooks and crannies hold upgrade materials for your abilities, not to mention narrative-widening notes. Understanding your powers, and the clues given by the world around you, will see you spending just as much time off the beaten path as on it.

    Once you’ve decided to follow the golden path, however, you meet Catfish, the game’s combined narrator/companion character, who’s currently trapped in the clutches of a humanoid tree – the mission he gives you works on something like dream logic. To secure his release, you need to collect a magic bottle from a bottle tree (you can see one on the game’s logo), and use it to absorb the latent psychic pain that’s twisting the tree, and the area around it.

    While this may sound a bit whimsical, the trauma you’re trying to heal is quickly revealed to be spectacularly dark – without spoiling anything, you’ll slowly learn the story of how this part of the world has transformed a regular man into a horizon-blocking tree through a (tragically shortened) lifetime of torment.

    It’s another facet of South of Midnight that feels refreshingly new – just like the combat, this story doesn’t hold back. Hazel isn’t afraid to swear (let’s face it, you would too if you were in her situation), and the stories she uncovers are far from the fairytales we’re used to. Compulsion Games has always called this a Southern Gothic tale, and that’s incredibly evident – the tales it tells can be truly bleak, and there’s no flinching from the horror that’s suffused this world. Hazel’s role as a Weaver is to mend what’s broken – and this world is very broken.

    But South of Midnight has more surprises in store. Just as you feel you have a handle on the flow of combat and exploration, the preview enters its final stages by turning the tables on you – something unkillable begins to chase you, and combat quickly turns to escape. In a thrilling sequence, the gentle platforming you’ve been doing suddenly becomes a survival method, asking you to string together jumps, glides, and wall runs to get back to safety. South of Midnight is willing to shift things on a dime, changing the form of the game you’re playing under your feet.

    The preview’s standout final sequence does this all over again. We already knew that every major area in the game will feature a Mythical Creature – gigantic obstacles drawn from real folklore, standing in Hazel’s way. But here, we realize that not all of the Mythical Creatures will end with the expected boss battle. You’re ultimately a healer, not a destroyer, and in this case, that giant tree you’re aiming to cure isn’t a threat – it’s just hurt. The climax of this level sees you scaling your way up, offering an incredible view of everywhere you’ve just journeyed, not to kill your target, but heal its wound.

    As you take on this platforming challenge, the game’s music reflects your ascent. Throughout the level, you’ll have heard snatches of a song float like mist across the soundtrack, but as you climb, that song comes to life, telling the tale you’ve pieced together, offering more information for every bough you reach. It’s a marriage of gameplay, story, and music in a single moment – there’s nothing quite like it.

    And that goes for this game as a whole – a single level reveals how Compulsion Games has created something truly unique. If there’s so much that feels new, this early in the game, that only makes its mysteries further down the line all the more compelling.

    South of Midnight will be available on April 8, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam and cloud, and arrives on day one with Game Pass. If you want to immerse yourself into the macabre and fantastical world of South of Midnight early, get the Premium Edition to play up to 5 days early, and get access to digital extras.

    South of Midnight Premium Edition
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    South of Midnight Premium Edition

    Xbox Game Studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $49.99

    Immerse yourself into the macabre and fantastical world of South of Midnight with the Premium Edition, which includes the full game, up to 5 days early access, and digital access (in English) to: • South of Midnight Artbook • Original Soundtrack composed by Olivier Deriviere
    • The Boo-Hag Comic book by Rob Guillory
    • Music Video: Songs & Tales of South of Midnight • Documentary: Weaving Hazel’s Journey, Director’s Cut UNRAVEL THE PAST From the creators of Contrast and We Happy Few, South of Midnight is a spellbinding third person action-adventure game set in the American Deep South. As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and encounter creatures of Southern folklore in a macabre and fantastical world. When disaster strikes her hometown, Hazel is called to become a Weaver: a magical mender of broken bonds and spirits. Imbued with these new abilities, Hazel will confront and subdue dangerous creatures, untangle the webs of her own family’s shared past and – if she’s lucky – find her way to a place that feels like home. A DARK MODERN FOLKTALE When a hurricane rips through Prospero, Hazel is pulled into a Southern Gothic world of memory made real and must embark on a journey to rescue her mother and safeguard her hometown. In this folktale for modern times, Hazel will need to reconcile the weight of family, history, and legacy against her own identity. CONFRONT MYTHICAL CREATURES Wield an ancient power to restore creatures and uncover the traumas that consume them. Cast weaving magic to fight destructive Haints, explore the diverse regions of the South, and reweave the tears in the Grand Tapestry. HAUNTING BEAUTY OF THE GOTHIC SOUTH Discover the lush, decayed county of Prospero and its locals. Experience a crafted visual style, touching storytelling, and immersive music inspired by the complex and rich history of the South.

    South of Midnight
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    South of Midnight

    Xbox Game Studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $39.99

    From the creators of Contrast and We Happy Few, South of Midnight is a spellbinding third person action-adventure game set in the American Deep South. As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and encounter creatures of Southern folklore in a macabre and fantastical world. When disaster strikes her hometown, Hazel is called to become a Weaver: a magical mender of broken bonds and spirits. Imbued with these new abilities, Hazel will confront and subdue dangerous creatures, untangle the webs of her own family’s shared past and – if she’s lucky – find her way to a place that feels like home. A DARK MODERN FOLKTALE When a hurricane rips through Prospero, Hazel is pulled into a Southern Gothic world of memory made real and must embark on a journey to rescue her mother and safeguard her hometown. In this folktale for modern times, Hazel will need to reconcile the weight of family, history, and legacy against her own identity. CONFRONT MYTHICAL CREATURES
    Wield an ancient power to restore creatures and uncover the traumas that consume them. Cast weaving magic to fight destructive Haints, explore the diverse regions of the South, and reweave the tears in the Grand Tapestry. HAUNTING BEAUTY OF THE GOTHIC SOUTH
    Discover the lush, decayed county of Prospero and its locals. Experience a crafted visual style, touching storytelling, and immersive music inspired by the complex and rich history of the South.

    Website: LINK

  • The Sims at 25: How an Iconic Series Kept Up with the Game of Life

    The Sims at 25: How an Iconic Series Kept Up with the Game of Life

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    25 years ago, The Sims made history with the first instalment of a legendary series that would go on to be one of the best-selling of all time. Few simulation games have enjoyed the success and longevity of The Sims – and the freedom and creativity to play with life however you want has afforded the series near-unrivalled appeal in the years since.

    This week, Electronic Arts is celebrating this milestone and the history of the series in a big way, which includes a huge The Sims 4 Free Content Update containing new Create a Sim options, clothing, Build/Buy Items and much more. The festivities will also include the limited-time Blast From The Past Event, which lets players earn revamped versions of iconic items from the original The Sims game via in-game goals.

    We had the opportunity to chat with Kevin Gibson, Production Director for The Sims at EA. Gibson has been working in production roles across the franchise since 2003, and has first-hand experience of how the series has evolved in that time. The studio is abuzz with excitement about the franchise’s birthday, and Gibson shares that digging deep into the series’ past to rediscover nostalgic highlights has been extremely rewarding.

    “Our incredible players have shown us that no one does life like The Sims, and we wanted to celebrate this journey we have been on together,” Gibson says. “25 years ago there was a game with an idea that made big a splash at E3, and look where we are today! We’ve been part of multiple generations and touched millions of lives.

    “We wouldn’t be here today without that, and we wanted to take a moment to pause and recognize all of our players – from those who were there at the E3 launch in 1999, to those that are brand new Simmers today enjoying The Sims 4 for the first time. All of the Simmers from all of the years and all of the different ways to play The Sims, are part of this 25-year journey, and this is our way of saying thank you.”

    Blast From The Past

    The Blast From The Past event is a particularly nostalgic look back at the early 2000s, bringing memorable clothing, furniture and decor from the early Sims games into The Sims 4. Among the items are some of my personal favourites, including two bold neon inflatable chairs, a three-tiered cake, and the fabulous light-up dancefloor where my young self also ordered many a Sim to boogie on down.

    A lot has happened in the world in 25 years too – in the year 2000, The Sims created a simulation in the image of real life. Now, that original game serves as a time capsule to a past life. For example, in the first game, putting a wired phone inside your home was a necessity. In The Sims 4, Sims carry their own mobile phones, brimming with services that can be accessed anywhere, just like us.

    “We’ve taken time to really explore the history of The Sims, going back to the roots and playing the original game, as well as exploring many of the previous game launches to remind ourselves of all the different ways people play with life,” Gibson tells us. “Everyone at the studio has had a different part of the franchise they cherish as meaningful to them, and the opportunity to share those moments with our players as part of the 25th birthday celebration has been a lot of fun.”

    Preserving the Spirit of The Sims

    The original The Sims was great fun, but often irreverent, difficult and downright wacky in the scenarios it presented. Your Sims could perish in freak accidents, their shrill screams piercing through your cheap PC speakers, all while another Sim is receiving a mysterious prank call about canoes. While The Sims has evolved to welcome a wider audience across two decades, its spirit remains largely unchanged, and this is something that the team has always wanted to preserve.

     “The Sims was hard. Your Sims died, a lot. However, a core concept of The Sims was that it was your story and the game provided the push back in a humorous way,” Gibson says, “The tradition of letting the player tell their story, while the game pokes at the edges with humor and challenge has been a key pillar of how we make decisions for the game.”

    The Sims 4 continues in that original spirit of serving the needs of the player and the story they are telling, while using comedy to enhance the story in new and different ways – your Sims can die, they can be ghosts, they can romance the Grim Reaper… or even become a Reaper themselves.

    Even at over a decade old, The Sims 4 continues to feel fresh, with a consistent roadmap of content packs and updates. The Sims as a franchise has always evolved over time, marking huge economical, societal and technological advancements inside its progression systems, and that is reflected in the recent Free Content Update.

    “The Sims 4 team wanted to give our players something that felt more in line with today’s fashions and trends for clothing and decor,” Gibson adds. “We spent time doing a full review of our assets in the game, finding where there was room to draw inspiration from modern expectations of aesthetics and style that our players expect as part of the new content we wanted to add.”

    “The Sims can draw from reality, fantasy and science fiction, romance, home decor, world culture, travel and so much more,” Gibson adds. “We’re always building onto this ever-growing toybox of options and experiences within The Sims. In addition, we have a large group of people who are all eager to share moments from their lived experiences and help bring authentic nuances to the game to help tell stories players are interested in telling.”

    The Sims team has also kept a close eye on community requests and discussions over the years, and lots of additions that have been made to The Sims 4 directly reflect what the players are asking for, a demonstrable commitment to building a game for everyone.

    “Our evolution has been fuelled constantly through listening to our players,” Gibson adds. “The Sims is about the player, the story they are trying to tell, the creative space they are trying to build within, and the expression they want to have within the game. We have evolved the most in the need to change and grow to meet our players expectations of this franchise and to reflect the world we all live in.

    “From the beginning, we’ve always sought to immerse our player community in this different version of the world we know, where they can experiment and explore, and express themselves. Across all our games and spin-offs, this core commitment to creativity and imagination has always remained true, and underlying it all is an enthusiastic, endlessly inspiring community.”

    The new The Sims 4 Free Content Update and Blast From The Past Event are available to play in The Sims 4 now. There are lots more Sims celebrations going on this week – be sure to visit the official website for more information. The Sims 4 base game is also free-to-play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

    The Sims™ 4

    The Sims™ 4

    Electronic Arts

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 718

    ★★★★★

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Unleash your imagination and create a unique world of Sims that’s an expression of you! Download for free and customize every detail from Sims to homes, and much more. Choose how Sims look, act, and dress, then decide how they’ll live out each day. Design and build incredible homes for every family, then decorate with your favorite furnishings and décor. Travel to different neighborhoods where you can meet other Sims and learn about their lives. Discover beautiful locations with distinctive environments and go on spontaneous adventures. Manage the ups and downs of Sims’ everyday lives and see what happens when you play out scenarios from your own real life! Tell your stories your way while developing relationships, pursuing careers and life aspirations, and immersing yourself in this extraordinary game, where the possibilities are endless. Play with life! Download for Free – The base game of The Sims™ 4 is free to download. Get a plethora of options for building homes, styling Sims, and customizing their personalities. Craft their life stories while exploring vibrant worlds and discovering more ways of being you all at no cost. Create Unique Sims – A variety of Sims are yours to personalize, each with distinct appearances, dynamic personalities, and inspiring aspirations. Use powerful customization features to bring your imagination to life. Create yourself, your favorite celebrities, your fantasy, or your friends! Change your Sims’ clothing to reflect your mood, develop stories that deepen your world, and give their lives purpose with traits and aspirations. Build the Perfect Home – Effortlessly build and design homes for your Sims in Build Mode. Construct the home of your – and their – dreams by planning its layout, choosing furnishings, and altering the landscape and terrain. You can even add a pool, basement, and garden, or rebuild with new ideas and designs! Play with Life – Control every moment of your Sims’ lives from their relationships to their careers. Your choices shape every aspect of their lives from birth into adulthood. Along the way, develop your Sims’ skills, pursue original hobbies, take them on adventures, start new families, and much more. Add New Experiences – Use the Gallery to find inspiration from a community of players just like you. Download and comment on your favorite Sims, homes, and designed rooms. Get More with EA Play – EA Play* members can expand their career possibilities with The Sims™ 4 Get to Work Expansion Pack *Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See tos.ea.com/legalapp/eaplay/US/en/PC/ for details. Conditions & restrictions apply. See ea.com/legal for details.

    Website: LINK

  • Avowed and the Living Lands Are the Next Great Frontier for Obsidian

    Avowed and the Living Lands Are the Next Great Frontier for Obsidian

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    This all feeds into the various cultures you will encounter along the way — what’s important to them (like their gods) is what gives life to the game. The Aedyrans, for example, are a nation that heavily values the ideas of rightful rule, leadership, and order – and now they’re plopped into the greatest frontier of Eora. What would it look like as they start to try and blend in with the locals? It may be a small change in their outfit or adapting to how they choose to live. This “Wild West” attracts all sorts, and rigidity may not blend very well with what’s required to survive the Living Lands.

    “Someone who primarily reveres [the goddess] Woedica, values her emphasis on law, order, justice, and rightful rulership above other things. If you venerate Abydon, who is the Smith, it’s not that you don’t believe in the other gods, but you value that sense of industry, hard work, and dedication above other things. This allows us to imbue those factions and groups with certain ideals that are recognizable and help us clearly inform the player about what they’re about,” adds Patel.

    I see this in the architecture and outfit design as well, and how the two feel intricately woven together. “This world has been an actual, living, breathing thing. It’s represented in the game, but it feels like it’s been like that in the development,” explains Lead Environment Artist Dennis Presnell. “It’s such an iterative process that as we go, and as our team members come up with new assets or clever ideas or storytelling, we all build upon that and stand on each other’s shoulders. All of it coalesces into something that has so much variety; a big, cohesive, authentic world.”

    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 10 to 14

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 10 to 14

    Reading Time: 10 minutes

    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!

    Quilts and Cats of Calico

    Quilts and Cats of Calico

    Monster Couch

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Quilts and Cats of Calico – February 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A cozy board game in which the player’s main task is to make a quilt from patterned fabric scraps. By smartly combining the colors and patterns of the scraps, the player can not only score points for the completed design but also sew on buttons and attract adorable cats, who have their own preferences for bedding patterns.

    Sid Meier's Civilization® VII

    Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII

    2K

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 100

    ★★★★★

    $69.99

    Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – February 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. You can start playing today by picking up either the Civilization VII Deluxe or Civilization VII Founders Edition on the Microsoft Store for Xbox .

    UNDYING

    UNDYING

    Skystone Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $19.99

    Undying – February 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Caught amid the zombie apocalypse and with time running out, Anling will stop at nothing to ensure her son, Cody, gets to safety. Enduring countless perils, including the zombie infection that’s beginning to take over her body, not to mention teaching Cody how to survive their harsh new reality.

    Alpacapaca Dash 2

    Alpacapaca Dash 2

    Synnergy Circle Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Alpacapaca Dash 2 – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    After saving the Alpaca Goddess and vanquishing the eternal darkness, you now have to save the Alpaca World again! Fragments of darkness started appearing and it’s your job to destroy them and ensure peace will remain into the colorful Alpaca World.

    Camping Simulator: The Squad

    Camping Simulator: The Squad

    CubeCube Sports LTD.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Camping Simulator: The Squad – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Immerse yourself in the beauty and challenges of the great outdoors with Camping Simulator. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a test of survival skills, this game offers a dynamic camping experience tailored to your style.

    Fall Asleep

    Fall Asleep

    Xitilon

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Fall Asleep – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Assist Marsi in awakening from her deep slumber by gathering five-star shards in this engaging platformer. Navigate through five distinct locations, each presenting unique adversaries and challenges. Traverse the Enchanted Forest, the depths of the Volcano, Sandy Island, Snowy Peaks, and the Darkest Dungeon. Acquire new abilities with every star fragment collected.

    Penguin Flight

    Penguin Flight

    Afil Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Penguin Flight – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Get ready to flap, dash, and soar in Penguin Flight, a delightful 2D pixel art platformer that blends charm, challenge, and creativity! Join a little penguin with big dreams as he embarks on a journey to touch the skies, navigating through 40 meticulously designed levels brimming with fun mechanics, vibrant visuals, and heartwarming adventures.

    Pyramids and Aliens: Escape Room

    Pyramids and Aliens: Escape Room

    mc2games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $12.99 $11.69

    Pyramids and Aliens: Escape Room – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Your former mentor has disappeared inside an ancient Egyptian pyramid. Will you be able to find him? Pyramids and Aliens is an escape room game that will test your skills as an archaeologist. Solve puzzles, find clues, and reveal the secrets of the pyramid. Spoiler: it was not built by humans!

    Super Forklift 3000 (Xbox Series)

    Super Forklift 3000 (Xbox Series)

    Marcos Game Dev

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Super Forklift 3000 – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Super Forklift 3000 is an arcade space shooter with a twist: you drive a forklift that carries and shoots up to three boxes, each with unique effects. Defeat enemies and bosses while managing your different box types. Be careful not to run out of ammo!

    Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East – February 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Run, jump, fly and dash your way across dozens of unique stages in 2.5D style as you dodge enemies and collect bombs as fast as you can. Complete levels without dying to gain extra lives and use bonus rounds to multiply your score. Collect coins, practice, earn flight licenses and even unlock new playable heroes!

    Avowed Premium Edition
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Avowed Premium Edition

    Xbox Game Studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 2

    ★★★★★

    $89.99

    Avowed (Premium Edition Early Access) February 13
    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 up to 5 days early access, two sets of premium skins, and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack. Standard edition launches on February 18.

    Recall: Empty Wishes

    Recall: Empty Wishes

    DANGEN Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $14.99 $13.49

    Recall: Empty Wishes – February 13

    Recall: Empty Wishes is a psychological thriller set in Taiwan during the 2010s. Follow Yonny, a sister determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Tommy. As she delves deeper, she confronts unsettling secrets, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

    METAL SUITS: Counter-attack

    METAL SUITS: Counter-attack

    Eggtart Inc

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Metal Suits: Counter-Attack – February 13
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A side-scrolling run-and-gun action game set in the future. The main character, Kevin, who lost everything and was reborn as a cyborg, begins to take revenge on Golida, an alien who took everything from him.

    Snezhinka

    Snezhinka

    PLAYISM

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Snezhinka – February 13

    Sequel to Marfusha, the second entry in the series of high-tempo shooting games with simple controls. Play as Snezhinka, an employee of a private military company in a dystopian world depicted in beautiful 2.5D pixel art. Go to various different battlefields and defend your objectives from the enemy’s onslaught.

    Afterlove EP

    Afterlove EP

    Fellow Traveller

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Afterlove EP – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    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.

    Blood Hunting

    Blood Hunting

    Holcomb Entertainment LLC

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $24.99

    Blood Hunting – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Chase Jones lost his family at a young age and must piece together what happened to them. As he uncovers the truth, he realizes what actions he must take and those responsible for his family’s fate have started hunting him. Now he must survive long enough to discover the truth and locate the responsible party before they find him.

    Bumblebee - Search for Happiness

    Bumblebee – Search for Happiness

    EpiXR Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $9.99

    Bumblebee – Search for Happiness – February 14

    A story-driven 3D flight exploration game where you guide a small bee on its quest to find a new home. As the bee embarks on this journey, it discovers distant landscapes, encounters friendly and serene animals, and explores breathtaking yet mysterious habitats.

    Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower

    Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A game inspired by Japanese ninja games from the 80s and 90s. Chibi Ninja Shino-kun: Treasure of Demon Tower is a fast and smooth retro platformer in which you climb a giant tower while dodging enemies, traps and other obstacles. Use your wall jump, hookshot and ceiling running abilities to make it past the various enemies and discover the legendary treasure of Demon Tower!

    Dead Dragons

    Dead Dragons

    KEMCO

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $14.99

    Dead Dragons – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    100 years ago, humans triumphed over dragons, bringing peace to the world. But whispers of their return ignite a thrilling tale! Take on the role of a brave protagonist, uncover the mystery behind a young girl tied to the dragons, and decide the fate of an entire world.

    Deep, In the Forest

    Deep, In the Forest

    ChiliDog Interactive

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $6.99

    Deep, In the Forest – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Welcome to a world of strategic card-based RPG, where you must liberate the forest kingdom from the Mad King’s tyranny. You, once close to the royal family, are falsely accused of the princess’s disappearance. To clear your name and restore order, journey through a perilous forest to reach the royal castle. Along the way, collect powerful items and cards, and encounter unique forest inhabitants, some of whom are misled or coerced into hunting you.

    Doggy Up!

    Doggy Up!

    Axyos Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $6.99

    Doggy Up! – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A platformer game where you play as a German Shepherd named Ollie, trapped in his own dreams. Can you pass the main challenge and free Ollie from captivity? The game will delight you with pleasant graphics, diverse locations, the ability to improve character characteristics, and dynamic events in locations that will help you not to get bored.

    Hole Theory Series X|S

    Hole Theory Series X|S

    Webnetic s. r. o.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Hole Theory – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Dive into the addictive and satisfying world of Hole Theory! Control a growing black hole and consume everything in your path to clear each level. Strategically maneuver around obstacles, avoiding dangerous colored blocks that can end your run instantly.

    REPLAY BOYS
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    REPLAY BOYS

    Split Narrative Inc.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Replay Boys – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Play as Hannah, video editor for up-and-coming boy band The Replay Boys. When their manager calls in sick right before their 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!

    Stickman Odyssey

    Stickman Odyssey

    Gametry LLC

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Stickman Odyssey – February 14

    Embark on an epic journey with the nimble and fearless stickman in Stickman Odyssey! This fast-paced action platformer takes you through stunning, otherworldly landscapes filled with perilous traps, towering platforms, and menacing foes.

    Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

    Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

    Aspyr

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $26.99

    Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Her legacy lives on! Play the next series of Tomb Raider adventures in this remastered collection of the Darkness Trilogy with Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness.

    Unsolved Case: Above the Law CE Xbox

    Unsolved Case: Above the Law CE Xbox

    Legacy Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Unsolved Case: Above the Law CE Xbox – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A powerful villain has no fear of the law. After the high-profile murder of the mayor, it becomes clear that anyone could be a target. Do not let him escape justice! There are tons of new cases to tackle in this installment of the Unsolved Case series. Track down evidence, speak to suspects, crack complex puzzles, and make choices that determine the outcomes… for better or for worse!

    Witch of the Meta Loop

    Witch of the Meta Loop

    Happy Player

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $14.99 $11.99

    Witch of the Meta Loop – February 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Step through the magic mirror, break the fourth wall, and uncover the real you! Explore the entire island with your trusted companions, crossing golden wheat fields and snowy plains, visiting the library, and climbing the magical tower. Join the island’s charming inhabitants to uncover the secrets of the isolated land and reveal the truth behind the Demon King!

    Website: LINK

  • Make History Today: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Founders Edition is Available Now for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

    Make History Today: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Founders Edition is Available Now for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Founders Edition! This digital-only edition is only available until February 28, 2025—get it now before it’s history. Purchasing Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Founders Edition entitles digital versions of the game on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One! Founders Edition includes:
    • Full base game
    • Early Access – play the game up to 5 days early on February 6, 2025
    • Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack
    • Crossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Natural Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more
    • Right to Rule Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!*
    • Deluxe Content Pack, which includes:
    – 2 leader personas
    – 4 profile customizations
    – 1 alternate scout skin
    • Founders Content Pack, which includes:
    – 2 leader personas
    – 4 profile customizations
    – 1 fog of war tile set
    – 1 Founders palace skin EARLY ACCESS
    Play Civilization VII on February 6, 2025, up to 5 days ahead of the official launch date. TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK
    This content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII! Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense. His unique ability, Nicaakiyakoolaakwe, increases food, production, and combat strength based on the number of allied city-states. Shawnee is an Exploration Age civilization that excels at utilizing natural resources. Their unique ability, Nepekifaki, gives more food for settlements built on river tiles but slightly reduces food for any cities not built on rivers. Its associated wonder is the Serpent Mound. CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION
    Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Natural Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date. RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTION
    Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with even more post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date. DELUXE & FOUNDERS CONTENT PACKS
    Content listed below is inclusive of content included from the Deluxe Content Pack. 4 leader personas
    Each persona offers a new variant of an existing leader, including a different outfit and background for that leader, new gameplay bonuses, and an alternative agenda that reflects a different side of their personality! The personas included in this edition will be revealed at a later date. 8 profile customizations
    Embellish your player profile with these cosmetic customizations, including a striking new badge, a regal new title, an ornate new banner, and an eye-catching new border that will all make you stand out from other players! 1 fog of war tile set
    Change your gameplay landscape with a beautiful fog of war tile set! 1 alternate scout skin Give your scout recon unit a brand new look with this cosmetic outfit! 1 Founders palace skin
    Give your civ’s palace a regal new look with a glorious remodel that’s sure to stand out! The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.** Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII. BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next! EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power. PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization’s most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses. EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis. TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.** Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are. AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL With more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more! *The Right To Rule Collection contains 6 DLCs, all of which will be available on or by September 2025 (subject to change). Each DLC will be delivered automatically in-game on release.
    **Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply. Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal. Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice. Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS. Certain features of the game, including the in-game store, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently. ©2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meier’s Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

    Website: LINK

  • Free Play Days – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (MP & Zombies only), NBA 2K25 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed

    Free Play Days – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (MP & Zombies only), NBA 2K25 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Grab a slice of pizza and prepare for a totally tubular weekend with Free Play Days! NBA 2K25 is available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday February 6, 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, February 9, 11:59pm Pacific.

    Call of Duty Black: Ops 6 (MP & Zombies only) is free for all Xbox members to try from February 6, 10am Pacific to February 10, 10am Pacific (Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership not required).

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed is free for all Xbox members to try from Thursday February 6, 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, February 9, 11:59pm Pacific with a 2-hour timed trial (Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership not required).

    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)

    NBA 2K25 Standard Edition

    NBA 2K25 Standard Edition

    2K

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 754

    ★★★★★

    $69.99 $23.09

    NBA 2K25
    Command every court with authenticity and realism in NBA 2K25, and feel full control over how you play on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One. Compete your way as you define your legacy in MyCareer and MyTeam, and experience MyNBA and The W on Xbox Series X|S or MyLeague on Xbox One. Express your personality with an array of customization options and explore an all-new City (Xbox Series X|S) or urban metropolis in the Neighborhood (Xbox One).

    Free Play Days For All

    Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 - Cross-Gen Bundle

    Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle

    Activision Publishing Inc.

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 638

    ★★★★★

    $69.99 $55.99

    Xbox Game Pass

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (MP & Zombies Only)
    For a limited time from play Multiplayer and Zombies in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for free. In Multiplayer, keep the score streak going to unlock special powers in the brand-new limited time mode Overdrive, and dive into some all-out mayhem in the fan favorite Nuketown 24/7 along with the latest and greatest Stakeout 24/7, plus much more! In Round-Based Zombies, pick up where the story left off in Season 02’s newest map, The Tomb, and see if you can survive in the classic town of Liberty Falls

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed

    Outright Games Ltd.

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 69

    ★★★★★

    $39.99 $27.99

    Free Trial

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
     Join the legendary Turtle brothers straight from the sewer and slide into this new adventure of shell-shocking proportions. With the help of April’s insightful reports from the streets and Splinter’s sage guidance, gear up to fight crime and unravel an epic saga of justice and chaos! Embark on the adventure in single or co-op mode to change the minds of the citizens, get those pizzas delivered on time, and try not to eat them on the way.

    Website: LINK

  • How Candy Crush Solitaire Takes on a Classic Game With a Vibrant Twist

    How Candy Crush Solitaire Takes on a Classic Game With a Vibrant Twist

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Candy Crush Saga is among the most popular games of the modern age. With hundreds of millions of players, it’s a game that combines relaxation with a compelling “just one more go” approach. You could say much the same thing about casual gaming classic, Microsoft Solitaire, the game that introduced many of us to the beloved solo card game when it was included on Windows PCs from 1990.

    Perhaps it’s no wonder, then, that today sees the release of Candy Crush Solitaire for iOS and Android devices – it’s a combination of Candy Crush’s vibrant looks and beloved mechanics with Solitaire’s enduring appeal.

    “We saw an opportunity to bring together two timeless gaming experiences, Candy Crush Saga and Solitaire, both of which offer a satisfying balance of relaxation and challenge,” King Executive Producer Marta Cortinas tells me. “Extensive research and player testing showed strong demand for a product that combines strategic card play with engaging visuals and creative mechanics. The goal was to create a fresh, immersive experience that retains the strategic depth of Solitaire while incorporating the vibrant and rewarding gameplay that Candy Crush Saga is known for​. The first step was identifying the right type of solitaire gameplay that would best align with the Candy Crush experience.”

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt_w50yqqAg?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Unlike the suit-matching solitaire you might be familiar with – known as Klondike – a key change here is that Candy Crush Solitaire bases itself on another variant, known as TriPeaks.

    “TriPeaks Solitaire differs from Klondike in that it focuses more on clearing a board by playing cards in ascending or descending order, rather than building suits,” explains Cortinas. “This means players can focus on making strategic decisions without being restricted by suit or color. It was the right choice for Candy Crush Solitaire because it allows for a faster-paced, more intuitive gameplay experience that aligns with the rewarding, pick-up-and-play nature of the Candy Crush franchise​.

    “Its mechanics provide a great blend of strategy and progression, similar to how players advance in Candy Crush levels. From there, we layered in the signature Candy Crush Saga elements, colorful boosters, engaging progression, and collectible rewards, ensuring that players would recognize the familiar sense of accomplishment and fun from our franchise​.”

    Candy Crush Solitaire screenshot

    For Candy Crush players, those elements will be immediately familiar. The Color Bomb and Lollipop Hammer boosters from Saga make appearances here to help you along, obstacles in your game will (of course) be candy-themed, and Candy Crush characters will make appearances along the way, taking you on an adventure outside of the Candy Kingdom for the first time.

    Which brings us to another big change to Solitaire – progression. The original card game tends to be built for standalone rounds but, in classic Candy Crush style, each round of Candy Crush Solitaire is now part of a series of escalating levels.

    “Progression in Candy Crush Solitaire is designed to feel just as rewarding as in other Candy Crush games,” says Cortinas. “Players advance by completing levels and unlocking postcards from various locations around the world, adding a collectible element to the game. Additionally, we’ve introduced the ‘Hold Slot’ mechanic, which allows players to strategically set aside a card for later use, adding another layer of progression and planning​. We have the same plan for Candy Crush Solitaire – as with our other live games – of adding new levels each week to help our players keep progressing through the game and always refining and tweaking those levels, to ensure we are hitting expectations when it comes to delivering the best quality content for our players.”

    Candy Crush Solitaire screenshot

    The team at King is committed not only to adding new levels, but tweaking the game based on player feedback, introducing new gameplay mechanics, and keeping things moving with seasonal events, challenges, and rewards. Solitaire might be a static game, but Candy Crush Solitaire certainly won’t be.

    As the first new Candy Crush game since 2018, it’s clearly something King is very proud of, and excited to release. I ask why this game was chosen to continue the franchise’s lineage:

    “We only launch a new game when we believe we have something truly special to offer,” enthuses Cortinas. “Our business is built on testing and learning, to ensure the experience we’re giving our players is the best we can deliver. The Solitaire genre has been growing, and our research showed strong interest from both Candy Crush players and Solitaire fans in a game that merges the best of both worlds. After extensive testing and refinement, we saw that Candy Crush Solitaire had the potential to be a meaningful and engaging addition to the franchise​.”

    It’s all the more special that King is now a part of Microsoft, home of the version of Solitaire many played for the very first time. In some ways, this game is the continuation of two gaming lineages.

    Candy Crush Solitaire is available today for iOS and Android devices.

    Website: LINK

  • Stellar Ghosts Settlers: A Third-Person Shooter that Sticks to the Basics

    Stellar Ghosts Settlers: A Third-Person Shooter that Sticks to the Basics

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Summary

    • Complete the missions to get credits towards character stats upgrades.
    • Seven playable characters to upgrade.
    • Complete the missions to unlock Arena mode.

    The wait is over: single player Sci Fi fantasy Third person shooter Stellar Ghosts Settlers (SGS), is out today on Xbox. Let’s jump in to some details on how to get the best out of your gameplay and stay alive!

    Upon succeeding a mission, the player will receive credits that can be spent towards upgrading the player characters’ stats of his choice. Seven playable characters are available and each of them starts with their specific stats (Health, Stamina and Armor) and their own unique special ability (force shield, incineration invincibility, orb sidekick, regeneration, megablast and homing electro shots). Making the best use of those hard-earned credits is crucial to enhance your favourite playable characters so that it gets easier to complete the missions.

    SGS screenshot

    Make sure to get rid of as many enemies getting in your way as possible. It’s the best way to earn additional credits! So have no mercy! Blast everything that moves! The SGS will reward you for it! But watch your ammo!

    Completing missions will also unlock the Arena Mode. This mode will provide countless hours of gameplay where the player will have to go through all the waves of enemies and try to beat the top ranked players on the leaderboards.

    If you want to reach the highest ranks in the leaderboard, the best practice would be to use the weakest weapons first to beat a maximum of the weaker enemies in the early waves. As the player gets to the higher waves it will be useful to use stronger weapons since more enemies will attack or stronger enemies will rise. There is a set number of collectibles items (weapons, mechs, energy kits and health kits) in each arena, so you will have to collect them wisely if you want to make it to the highest ranks.

    You have an hour to complete an arena, the faster you complete it, the more points you receive. So, you’ll have to be as accurate as possible to save ammunition and try to be as quick as possible to gain extra points thanks to those sharp shooting skills!

    We have also hidden a secret object in each mission and arena. If you want to finish the game, you’ll have to find them all to complete that achievement.

    SGS screenshot

    You can only earn credits during Campaign mode. So, if you plan on upgrading all the playable characters, you’ll have to redo the missions. The way to go if you want to find all the secret items as well.

    Playing the arenas will be a requirement if you plan on completing all the achievements in the game. And you’ll relax while blasting away all the alien creatures and the enemies of the settlers using all the arsenal of weapons available.

    Making it to the top ranked players on the leaderboard will feel like a great achievement in itself as you’ll have to beat the score of some relentless pest control players! SGS is available today on Xbox!

    Stellar Ghosts Settlers

    Stellar Ghosts Settlers

    PROTOFACTOR, Inc

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 5

    ★★★★★

    $9.99

    Stellar Ghosts Settlers is a Sci Fi Fantasy 3rd person action shooter game that sticks to the basics and immerses you in a world full of original and powerful wildlife. You are part of a group of settlers who decided to go away from the corrupt galactic Government’s yoke. The settlers decided to set their first colony on the recently discovered and uninhabited planet Prosopopia B-21, planet full of resources so that the colonists could thrive. Despite the hostile wildlife the settlers managed to set multiple bases across the planet. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that long until the galactic Government found out about that treason and decided to invade the planet in order to get their hands on all those new resources.

    Website: LINK

  • What’s Coming in 2025 for Age of Empires and Age of Mythology

    What’s Coming in 2025 for Age of Empires and Age of Mythology

    Reading Time: 6 minutes
    author avatar

    Michael Mann
    February 4, 2025

    2024 was a year for Age of Empires and Age of Mythology players and —a year shaped by your passion, creativity, and epic moments. Thanks to your dedication, it’s been an incredible year not just for the community, but for the franchise as a whole. Together, we’ve had an incredible year. We kicked things off with the New Year, New Age showcase, crowned champions at Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado, connected with many of you at Gamescom, and celebrated the launches of Age of Mythology: Retold and Age of Empires Mobile. Along the way, we expanded the franchise in new ways and welcomed over 10 million new players—reaching an incredible milestone of 60 million Age of Empires players worldwide. 

    Our players continue to influence the many ways in which the franchise moves forward. Today we’re thrilled to start 2025 by unveiling what’s ahead. Settle in, because we’ve got a lot to share! 

    Immortal Pillars Expansion Launches March 4, Pre-Order Now

    For Age of Mythology: Retold players, the wait is almost over! After revealing the Immortal Pillars expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold at Tokyo Game Show, we’re excited to announce it will launch on March 4th – and pre-orders are live now! Packed with brand-new content, this expansion introduces the Chinese pantheon, alongside stunning new maps, myth units, and gameplay features. Check out some highlights of all the exciting content here!

    *As a reminder, if you already own the Age of Mythology: Retold Premium Edition, Immortal Pillars is yours at no additional cost – jump in and play on day one! 

    Age of Empires II: DE and Age of Mythology: Retold coming to PlayStation 5 

    I’m delighted to share that we are giving fans more choice to play where they want by bringing Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Mythology: Retold to PlayStation 5.  

    Playing across all platforms is a game-changer for our franchise, and it’s all about bringing our community together. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about growing and strengthening the Age community. With cross-play, we’re creating one global battlefield where every strategy, every empire, and every player matters.  

    Age of Mythology: Retold on PlayStation 5 

    First, on March 4, Age of Mythology: Retold will expand into new myths, new cultures, and welcome new players alongside the Immortal Pillars expansion release. We will welcome PlayStation 5 players to adventure with Arkantos, choose their pantheon, and fight for divine blessings with all the same content available in the Xbox and PC versions. PlayStation 5 players will also be able to purchase Immortal Pillars, and expand their Age of Mythology: Retold experience with the all-new Chinese pantheon.  

    PlayStation 5 Bonuses: 

    • Get the Premium Edition for 5-day early access to Age of Mythology: Retold starting February 27th, access to the new Immortal Pillars expansion on March 4th, and much more! 
    • Pre-order now and enjoy two exclusive Blessings for the Arena of the Gods mode.

    All game updates from March 4th onwards will go to all platforms simultaneously – Steam, Windows Store, Xbox and PlayStation 5 – and players will be able to play together.  

    Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on PlayStation 

    This spring, the globally beloved Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will make its debut on PlayStation 5. Alongside this release, we’ll be dropping one of the most exciting DLC expansions for Age II: DE yet, packed with fresh new content, new civilizations for Ranked play, and ready for all players to enjoy together across all platforms – PC, Xbox , and PlayStation 5. 

    While we’re keeping some details under wraps until spring, here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming. 

    No matter where you are or what platform you prefer, you can now unite with friends, challenge rivals, and share your passion for Age of Empires and Age of Mythology. 

    Two DLCs Bring Exciting New Ways to Play Age IV in 2025 

    Big news for Age of Empires IV players! Last year we shared we were working on new DLC for Age of Empires IV, and now we’re back with even better news. We’re not rolling out one DLC in 2025 – we’re actually rolling out two! 

    With these DLCs, we’re expanding upon concepts we’ve introduced previously, like variant civilizations, with your feedback in mind. Variant civilizations allow us to capture diverse strategic tactics and military forces afforded to various historical bodies, and we’ve got some very exciting ones in development, one of which we’ve heard the community’s been wanting since the release of The Sultans Ascend. Not only are we changing up strategic gameplay with these variants, but we’re also spending time on the fine details: we’re introducing a large set of new units and buildings and, in some cases, updating the overall visuals of many shared units and buildings to assist with better readability and make sure your experience feels fresh! In addition to adapting the variant civilization concept, we’re also exploring unique game modes in both 2025 DLCs that focus on shorter and repeatable experiences – these modes will encourage you to try out new playstyles while also allowing you to adapt your skills and test your mettle over time. 

    Excited to learn more? You won’t have to wait long! The first of these two DLCs, Knights of Cross and Rose, is set to launch this spring. This DLC brings fresh new gameplay experiences to the Age IV community, allowing players to lead two well-known armies inspired by history and offering a solo mode that will challenge even the most skilled strategists.  

    Stay on the lookout for a deep dive soon. The Age IV team is excited to share what they’ve been cooking up!  

    Age of Empires Mobile: The Journey Continues

    In just four months since launch, Age of Empires Mobile has captivated millions of players worldwide and brought new fans to our community. From Halloween mayhem to the Mightiest Empire contest, governors have been busy expanding kingdoms and leading legendary heroes like Boudica and Lu Bu to victory. 

    February brings a host of new features and events to enhance your gameplay experience: 

    • Battle of Dawn: A campaign set in a legendary temple is about to unfold. Secure ultimate victory by transporting temple relics and employing class skills. With four stages leading to cross-server combat, there’s plenty to look forward to.  
    • Stellar Glory: This new event activates a battle zone mode letting you face off against governors from different kingdoms.   
    • Valentine’s Day Cosmetics: Obtain exclusive themed items like the Heart Hunter’s Circus Citadel Theme and Passionate Reverie Troop Set. 
    • Josephine’s Treasure Hunt: Follow Princess Josephine and compete in three events; Celestial Chronicles, Path of Starlight and Alchemist’s Secret Art. Earn dice items to roll and earn points. Move around a game board to earn rewards! 

    Stay tuned for these exciting updates and new features in February. 

    To celebrate Age of Empires Mobile, we’ve also got an exclusive gift code for the first 20,000 users to redeem it! Code: AoEMVLTN 

    Making History in 2025 

    This is just a glimpse of what’s shaping up to be an extraordinary 2025. We’ve got plenty more surprises in store, so make sure you’re following our community channels and reading our blogs at ageofempires.com to stay up to date. 

    Please continue to send us your feedback, your thoughts and what you’d like to see next across our social channels, forums, Discord and Steam.  

    Armor up and rally your forces—it’s time to charge into 2025 like Zeus commanding the skies, Joan of Arc leading her crusade, or Genghis Khan conquering the steppes – and I’ll see YOU on the battlefield!! 🛡️⚔️ 

    Website: LINK

  • Four Ways Rogue Waters Lets you Live the Pirate Life

    Four Ways Rogue Waters Lets you Live the Pirate Life

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Ahoy mateys! We hope you’ve worked on your sea legs because it’s time to set sail in Rogue Waters!

    Rogue Waters is a tactical turn-based roguelite where players take control of Captain Cutter, a pirate captain on a quest for revenge after being betrayed by rival pirate Blackbone and left with a mysterious cursed eye. On the journey to find Blackbone, players will hire a ragtag crew and navigate a procedurally generated game world full of turn-based naval and melee combat encounters, curious landmarks, plunderable treasures and even more secrets to discover. 

    Rogue Waters sets sail on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One starting today! Rather than break open a bottle of oh-so-precious rum, we threw together a list of four ways Rogue Waters lets you live the pirate life.

    Rogue Waters Captain Cutter

    Captain Your Own Ship

    No true pirate can call themselves captain without their very own ship! In Rogue Waters, players can use their ship to navigate the game world and equip various types of artillery to dominate in in naval combat and leave the enemy ship vulnerable to their boarding party.

    Rogue Waters screenshot

    Hire and Manage a Ragtag Crew

    Although players start with humble beginnings, they’ll quickly find that there are plenty of swashbuckling cooks, spearmaidens, grapplers, and more just waiting to be hired aboard your ship!

    As the crew gains combat experience, they’ll unlock new abilities and increase their combat proficiency. However, their health persists through each rogue-lite “run” (similar to a traditional mission, but with a rogue-lite twist). Between runs, crew members will need to rest in order to get themselves back into fighting order.

    Rogue Waters screenshot

    Become a Master of Naval and Melee Combat

    Experience Rogue Waters’ fresh take on turn-based tactical combat designed to replicate the delicate and visceral dance of high-seas sword-fighting and naval combat. After boarding an enemy vessel, players will have to navigate a grid-like play space, trading turn-based attacks with enemy AI and sending them overboard into the briny deep.

    Rogue Waters kraken

    Summon Creatures of Pirate Legend

    Creatures of legend no more! In Rogue Waters, the Kraken is very, very real. There are three monsters in total just waiting to be discovered along your journey. Play your cards right, and they may choose to be your ally; aiding you in battle and striking fear in the hearts of your enemies.

    There you have it, folks! There are plenty more piratey secrets awaiting Captain Cutter on his quest for vengeance that we’d rather not spoil here. So, hoist anchor and set sail in Rogue Waters on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One today!

    Rogue Waters
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Rogue Waters

    Tripwire Interactive LLC

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 7

    ★★★★★

    $29.99 $23.99

    Rogue Waters is a Pirate Tactical Turn-Based Rogue-lite. Play as Captain Cutter, commanding your ship and crew through procedurally generated encounters to seek revenge. Recruit, train, and upgrade crew, use powerful sea creatures, and engage in dynamic naval and melee combat to gain the upper hand. Set sail as Captain Cutter, a pirate caught in a deadly struggle for power and vengeance. Navigate dangerous waters, unleash mythical sea creatures, and outwit enemies as you chase legendary treasure and confront dark secrets.
    ● Embark on a journey of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge, as you unravel the mysteries of the Sea Shepherd prophecy and face the immortal Captain Blackbone.
    ● Use your Pirate Cave (HUB) to equip ship upgrades & crew members before each run.
    ● Each run generates new encounters, requiring careful navigation as you work your way toward Captain Blackbone.
    ● Enjoy a rich, story-driven adventure across 3 acts, with endless replayability. Recruit and grow your pirate crew, discovering their hidden potential as you lead them into battle. It’s your responsibility to mold them into the legendary pirates they were destined to be.
    ● Recruit from 6 unique classes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles for your ship’s crew.
    ● After each run, upgrade your crew’s skills to increase their effectiveness.
    ● Damage persists across runs, requiring you to swap out crew members to allow them time to heal. Face new challenges as the game world shifts procedurally with each run, offering fresh secrets, combat scenarios, and treasures to discover.
    ● Encounters feature diverse pirate factions and enemy types—choose your battles wisely.
    ● Your crew will engage enemies on ships and land alike.
    ● Visit shops to heal, upgrade crew, buy cannons, and repair your ship.
    ● You can extort shops for loot, but it’ll lead to a fight. Customize your naval encounters with cannons and ship artillery. Unleash powerful shots during naval combat to destroy enemy ship modules and gain the upper hand in boarding fights.
    ● Encounters begin with Sea Battles where you can use cannons to target key areas of enemy ships.
    ● Both your ship and the enemy’s have distinct buffs that can be destroyed.
    ● Crew members can be targeted and killed during battle, so defend your ship and crew before boarding. Experience a fresh take on turn-based tactical combat that replicates the visceral intensity of cloak-and-dagger duels. Use the environment to gain the upper hand like never before.
    ● The boarding phase involves hand-to-hand combat where your crew faces off against enemies.
    ● Use your crew’s unique abilities to maneuver and pin enemies against obstacles for fatal damage.
    ● Leverage the environment by pushing enemies into spikes, grabbing one-time weapons, or swinging into position with ropes. Legendary sea creatures, once thought to be myths, roam the oceans of Rogue Waters. Free them from captivity and gain their trust to summon them in battle.
    Summon 3 sea monsters to assist in the boarding phase:
    ● The Kraken crushes nearby enemies.
    ● The Mermaid disrupts and pushes enemies in any direction.
    ● The Giant Snail drops a deadly spiked obstacle on the deck. Each run resets your equipment and items, but unlocks permanent upgrades for your crew, ship, and Captain Cutter, allowing you to grow stronger with every battle. Items and upgrades reset between each run:
    ● Personal items (character equipment): additional weapons, attack modifiers, and side upgrades for abilities.
    ● Shipboard weapons (cannons and similar items): each new run begins with a usable, basic starter set.
    ● Ship modules reset as well. Each run permanently increases your progress:
    ● Unlock skill trees for crew members and Captain Cutter.
    ● Acquire ship and port facility upgrades in the Pirate Cave (HUB).

    Website: LINK

  • The Belly Bumpers Preview is Now Available for Xbox Insiders!

    The Belly Bumpers Preview is Now Available for Xbox Insiders!

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Xbox Insiders can now join the preview for Belly Bumpers! Use your belly to knockout other players in this 2-8 online and local party game. Eat juicy burgers to increase the size of your belly or force-feed opponents until they burst. Bump it out in a world of food-themed stages.

    About Belly Bumpers

    Local and Online Multiplayer

    Bump your friends out of the arena in this belly-centric party game. Play with 2-8 local players on a single device! Cross-platform online multiplayer is also supported for 2-8 players.

    Eat Burgers

    Eat burgers to increase the size of your belly and the power of your bumpers. Be careful as you eat a variety of foods because some have horrible side effects!

    Force-Feed Opponents

    Force-feed opponents until their bellies burst by slapping them in the face with food!

    Food Arenas

    Bump it out on over 10 food-themed stages. Each stage has unique interactive food elements such as stretchy licorice!

    Custom Games

    Play with only the tastiest foods. Set your own rules, modify bump powers, choose stages, and more with in our customizable games.

    How to Participate:

    1. Sign in on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One console and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary).
    2. Navigate to Previews > Belly Bumpers.
    3. Select Join.
    4. Wait for the registration to complete, and you should be directed to the Store page to install it.

    How to Provide Feedback:

    If you experience any issues while playing Belly Bumpers, don’t forget to use “Report a problem” so we can investigate:

    • Hold down the home button on your Xbox controller.
    • Select Report a problem.
    • Select the Games category and Belly Bumpers subcategory.
    • Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.

    Other resources:

    For more information: follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for release notes, announcements, and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.

    Website: LINK

  • Coming Soon to Game Pass: Diablo, EA Sports UFC 5, and More

    Coming Soon to Game Pass: Diablo, EA Sports UFC 5, and More

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Welcome to our first “Coming Soon” announcement for 2025! And special welcome to all you new friends that picked up gaming hardware the last few weeks. Let’s get you prepped for what to install or play next. To the games!

    Available Today

    Road 96 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 7
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Returning to the Game Pass library, Road 96 is a crazy, beautiful road-trip. On this risky road trip to the border, you’ll meet incredible characters and discover their intertwined stories and secrets in an ever-evolving adventure. But every mile opens a choice to make. Your decisions will change your adventure, change the people you meet, and maybe even change the world.

    Coming Soon

    Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Xbox Series X|S) – January 8
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    Start your interstellar homestead in this peaceful open-world farming adventure! Build your sustainable exofarm, grow alien crops, customize your mech, and explore a new world full of mystery with up to three friends!  

    My Time at Sandrock (Console) – January 8
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    Just like My Time at Portia, My Time at Sandrock takes place in a wholesome post-apocalyptic world 300 years after the Day of Calamity destroyed most modern technologies. Gather resources to build machines, befriend locals, and defend Sandrock from monsters — all while saving the town from economic ruin!

    Robin Hood – Sherwood Builders (Xbox Series X|S) – January 8
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    Join Robin Hood and his unwavering band of outlaws in 12th-century England on their mission to free Nottingham. Travel across various regions, build up a secret hideout village and help the denizens of the surrounding lands. Complete quests, construct various builds, craft a broad range of items, and freely explore locations inspired by both myth and history in this open-world RPG with base-building features.

    Rolling Hills (Console) – January 8
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    Serve sushi as a robot chef in Rolling Hills, a life sim about running your own restaurant in a cozy village. Make new friends, purchase ingredients, enhance your shop, and improve the lives of your neighbors as you perfect your craft!

    EA Sports UFC 5 (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – January 14
    Game Pass Ultimate

    Unleash your fury  and get unlimited access to EA Sports UFC 5, coming to Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, members can score the Bruce Lee Bundle and play as alter egos of the father of mixed martial arts, available at no additional cost in the Perks section from January 14 to February 11.

    Diablo (PC) – January 14
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Return to the legendary town of Tristram in Diablo, the groundbreaking action-RPG that defined the genre, coming to Game Pass on January 14! With its satisfying progression, deep character customization, and intense battles, Diablo delivers an unforgettable journey through a dark gothic fantasy world.

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    New year, new Perks! Check the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on PC on a regular basis to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership.

    First Descendant Season 2: Ancestors Bundle – Available now
    Play the next-generation looter shooter, The First Descendant, and elevate your experience with the exclusive Season 2: Ancestors Bundle! Customize your Descendants and weapons with unique styles and enhancements!

    Vigor: Coast Guardian Pack – Available now
    Beneath the shimmering northern lights on the frozen coast of Anniken, a silent lighthouse overlooks the Outlands. Gear up and carry the legacy of this iconic landmark into every battle with the Coast Guardian Pack.

    Apex Legends: Feelin’ Lucky? Weapon Charm – Available now
    Add some flair to your arsenal with the Feelin’ Lucky? Weapon Charm. Equip this to your favorite weapon and battle for glory, fame, and fortune in style.

    Metaball: Punk Pack – January 7
    Metaball is a free-to-play, crossplay-enabled multiplayer sports game with fast-paced action. The Punk Pack unlocks seven colorful and cool legendary outfits!

    Leaving January 15

    The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so be sure to show them some love and jump in before they go. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

    • Common’Hood (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Escape Academy (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Exoprimal (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Insurgency Sandstorm (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    We’ll be back to our usual twice monthly announcements, so keep tuned here and to Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social for all the updates on when “coming soon” turns into “available today” to play. Be back soon!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox and LG to Bring Cloud Gaming to LG Smart TVs

    Xbox and LG to Bring Cloud Gaming to LG Smart TVs

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    We’re focused on bringing more games to more people around the world, on the devices you choose to play with. Millions of Game Pass Ultimate members are already using Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to play great games from the Game Pass catalog on various devices.

    Today, we’re excited to announce our collaboration with LG Electronics to bring the Xbox app to their new LG Smart TVs later this year. This means Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to play their games directly from the Xbox app on supported LG Smart TVs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This gives players even more choice in how they enjoy their favorite games.

    Soon, players with LG Smart TVs will be able to explore the Gaming Portal for direct access to hundreds of games in the Game Pass Ultimate catalog, including popular titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and upcoming releases like Avowed (launching February 18, 2025).

    Stream Your Own Game

    We also recently announced that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can stream select games they own, outside the Game Pass catalog. This feature will also be available on the Xbox app with LG Smart TVs, allowing Game Pass Ultimate members to stream over 50 games they own, including NBA 2K25, Hogwarts Legacy, and more.

    We’ll share more details on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with LG TV in the coming months. To learn more about Xbox Cloud Gaming and how you can play across TVs and browsers on supported devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets, visit xbox.com/cloudgaming.

    Website: LINK

  • Valorant: Meet Your New Agent, Tejo

    Valorant: Meet Your New Agent, Tejo

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Summary

    • Say hello to our newest Agent, Tejo, who’s joining our roster from Colombia.
    • As part of the Initiator class, Tejo specializes in flushing out enemies with a unique kit consisting of information gathering, explosions, and a concuss.
    • Those who have strategic game sense and understand how the enemy plays will be able to thrive on this Agent.
    • Tejo, like all Valorant Agents, is unlocked for those with a Game Pass membership.

    “This should be simple enough. I flush them out. You finish them.” This statement from Tejo perfectly encompasses our newest Initiator-class Agent, the well-dressed man of action.

    Hailing from Colombia, Tejo will undoubtedly shake up the gameplay with his unique kit that flushes out enemies using a top-down approach. Tejo will require you to think proactively and strategically–analyzing the situation mid-round and using his abilities to help clear the way for your team.

    Tejo’s abilities, which revolve around flushing out enemies, consist of 3 outputs: information gathering, damage, and concuss effects:

    • Stealth Drone: Throw and possess a stealthed drone that, upon activation, creates a small sonar pulse at its location.
    • Guided Salvo: Pull up a map to target one or more missiles towards a location. Upon reaching their location, the missiles explode twice, pushing enemies off of angles.
    • Special Delivery: Toss a grenade that bounces once (sticks to players immediately), sticks, then winds up and explodes. Explosion concusses.
    • Armageddon: Cast a wave of explosions, forcing enemies to move in the direction of your choosing.

    The perfect teammates for Tejo will be those who can quickly follow up on the space he creates. Let’s take a closer look at how that’s done.

    Stealth Drone

    Valorant Tejo Screenshot

    Whether your team is attacking and attempting to take a site or defending and playing retake, having a drone can be extremely impactful. Especially on maps where there are a lot of corners to clear, it allows your team to take space safely or be prepared to fight for that space. Since drones are great pieces of utility, the enemy team is often prepared to shoot down whatever you’re using to take space. Tejo’s Stealth Drone is unique in that it’s invisible at long range, giving you more time to grab information about where the enemy team could be.

    “Drones typically give a lot of baseline value of information gathering, but we wanted to give this drone a little spin where the information is secondary, and the effect of suppressing an enemy is why you take this drone over others,” Game Designer Ryan Cousart tells us.

    Guided Salvo

    Valorant Tejo Screenshot

    When we asked the devs, “Why rockets?”, Cousart smiles and says, “Because rockets are sweet.”

    In addition to rockets being sweet, they made sense thematically for what the devs were trying to accomplish.

    “When you start putting things like a map targeter or world placements on Agents, you force people to think about the game more proactively and more strategically. We wanted something to lead your team in and show you the effect of telling your team, ‘Hey something is going to happen.’ We could’ve used anything but we landed on rockets for these reasons,” Cousart adds.

    Tejo’s abilities, which revolve around flushing out enemies, consist of 3 outputs: information gathering, damage, and concuss effects. “There’s a lot to consider and be careful about when deciding the output of an ability. Damage as an output is a lot more permanent than a concuss or a flash. It’s worthwhile to explore though and I think we’ve landed in a pretty good spot but that’s one we’ll need to keep a really sharp eye,” states Cousart.

    Special Delivery

    Valorant Tejo Screenshot

    “With how naturally ‘guns down’ his other abilities are, Tejo really needed something that was just simple to understand and simple to cast but still captured that feeling of being explosive but directed. I wanted Special Delivery to be a quick, like, ‘Let’s fight’ button”, states Cousart.

    Unlike the other abilities where Tejo needs time to set up the play, Special Delivery allows him to initiate a fight quickly in the moment. Whether or not an enemy is there for the concuss, using the ability there will give them the confidence they need to take that space. One thing is for certain – even if players can use the ability quickly, we won’t be surprised when players are making fancy lineups to get that perfect angle to land on that perfect circle.

    Armageddon

    Valorant Tejo Screenshot

    “Tejo’s rockets are really only valuable if you’re following up on the pressure that’s created. But the sweet spot is when you fire your rockets and you force people to move and then while they’re moving, you’re able to capitalize on them having to reposition. Tejo would be great with another Agent that can go in very fast, like Neon, who can capitalize on the distance he casts his abilities from,” notes Character Producer, John Goscicki.

    Tejo’s ult, Armageddon, is something enemies will need to be aware of round-to-round. Watch that scoreboard and check how many ult points he’s away from being able to use it, since it can heavily impact the flow of a round. The wave of explosions will force enemies to move in a direction of Tejo’s choosing or at least have players moving further back, since the site will be difficult to hold. This will give his team the perfect opportunity to follow up and take control of the space he just created.

    Everyone can play Tejo but those with strategic game sense can make this new Agent really shine. All of Valorant’s Agents are unlocked for Game Pass members, so step up to the challenge and learn to use him to your advantage before everyone else.

    In the words of Tejo, “We can stand around all day talking about killing them… or we just do it.” So what are you waiting for?

    VALORANT

    VALORANT

    Riot Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 783

    ★★★★★

    Xbox Game Pass

    VALORANT is a character-based 5v5 tactical shooter set on the global stage. Outwit, outplay, and outshine your competition with tactical abilities, precise gunplay, and adaptive teamwork. DEFY THE LIMITS
    Blend your style and experience on a global, competitive stage. You have 13 rounds to attack and defend your side using sharp gunplay and tactical abilities. And, with one life per-round, you’ll need to think faster than your opponent if you want to survive. Take on foes across Competitive and Unranked modes as well as Deathmatch and Spike Rush. CREATIVITY IS YOUR GREATEST WEAPON
    More than guns and bullets, you’ll choose an Agent armed with adaptive, swift, and lethal abilities that create opportunities to let your gunplay shine. No two Agents play alike, just as no two highlight reels will look the same. FIGHT AROUND THE WORLD
    Each map is a playground to showcase your creative thinking. Purpose-built for team strategies, spectacular plays, and clutch moments. Make the play others will imitate for years to come.

    Website: LINK

  • New Year, New Rewards with Xbox

    New Year, New Rewards with Xbox

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Rewards with Xbox are our way of, well, rewarding you for your love of gaming, and today we’re thrilled to announce new ways for players to earn points. From expanding Quests to PC Game Pass, to reimagining the Game Pass Quests you use to earn points, to weekly Rewards for all Xbox players 18 and older, there are lots of new ways to earn points through your play time. 

    Lastly, today we’re sharing an important update on earning Rewards with Xbox. This update aligns more closely with our continued commitment to foster positive, age-appropriate gaming experiences by making points earned through play activities available only to players 18 years and older.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oDZoc5MlOY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Game Pass Quests Arrive on Your PC 

    Previously exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate members, Quests unlock opportunities to earn even more Rewards with Xbox. Starting to roll out on January 7, Quests are also available for PC Game Pass members in all regions where Rewards with Xbox is available. Now you have more ways to earn Rewards points on PC in addition to  console and mobile. The new  Game Pass Quests will also launch in Japan, bringing the region the full Rewards with Xbox experience. 

    If you’re an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass member 18 years or older, starting to earn is simple: 

    1. Explore the new Quests by navigating to your Xbox profile and accessing the Rewards Hub, which is available across console, the Xbox app on mobile, and the Xbox app on Windows PC. 
    1. Earn points by playing your favorite games with Game Pass. 
    1. Claim your points on the Rewards Hub. 

    Once you’ve earned enough, redeem your points for Xbox gift cards to use for games, in-game content, donations to your favorite causes, and more. 

    As part of these changes, minimum playtime is required to earn points through gameplay. For now, Quests are only available for titles in the Game Pass catalog, and this does not include PC games that require third party launchers or are played on Battle.net. Check Xbox.com/Rewards for more details. 

    Game Pass Quests on PC image

    Download the Xbox app on mobile and the Xbox app on Windows PC to start earning more today. 

    New Game Pass Quests Available 

    We have reimagined Game Pass Quests, making them easier to use, and more fun to play – we’ve made it possible to earn even more points, simply by playing games you love and discovering your next favorite games. Quests offer daily, weekly, and monthly opportunities to add to your Rewards, and we’ve also brought back a player favorite: weekly streaks.  

    Here’s how Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can now earn points (and remember, Rewards offers may vary by region and may change over time. Check terms and conditions here): 

    • Daily Play – Earn 10 points a day by playing any game from the Game Pass catalog for at least 15 minutes. 
    • Weekly Streaks – Play for at least five days a week to complete your streak. The more days you play, the more points you earn. Now comes the challenge: maintain your streak week over week to unlock bigger point multipliers. A 2-week streak will earn 2x the base streak points, a 3-week streak will earn 3x the base streak points, and anything beyond a 4-week streak will earn 4x the base streak points. 
    • Monthly 4-Pack – Explore the Game Pass catalog by playing four different games (for at least 15 minutes each) every month.  
    • Monthly 8-Pack – Push your gaming further and play eight different games (for at least 15 minutes each) every calendar month. Don’t worry, the 4 games from your 4-Pack count towards the 8-Pack, too.  

    New Ways to Earn Rewards for All 

    Beyond changes to the exclusive Quests for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members, we’re also bringing new ways to earn points for all players. Starting January 7, 2025, all Rewards members 18 years and older will be able to access the new PC Weekly Bonus, awarding them 150 points when playing (for at least 15 minutes) for 5 days or more.  

    With this update, we’re also rebalancing points from the current Console Weekly Bonus to 150 points and the Daily PC Play to 10 points.  

    Play and Earn Update 

    We are constantly evaluating the Xbox platform to ensure our continued commitment to foster positive, age-appropriate gaming experiences for our players to enjoy. Starting today, earning Rewards points via gameplay will only be available to Xbox players 18 years and older. With these changes, the Rewards Hub used for tracking and earning points on Xbox console, the Xbox app for Windows PC, and the Xbox app for mobile will no longer be available to players under 18 years old. 

    This update will not impact existing Rewards and points previously earned by players, and going forward players under 18 will still be able to earn Microsoft Rewards points via parentally approved purchases of eligible items on the Microsoft Store, eligible searches on Microsoft Bing and other non-gameplay activities, such as completing the Microsoft Rewards Daily Set. They can continue to track and redeem their available Microsoft Rewards at Rewards.Microsoft.com. 

    We can’t wait to see all the great Rewards you’ll redeem, simply by playing with Xbox.  You’re already playing, so now start earning! 

    Learn more on: Game Pass Quests: Play Games & Earn Rewards | Xbox or our Xbox Support page. 

    Website: LINK

  • How Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Brings Us Inside the Mind of Indy

    How Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Brings Us Inside the Mind of Indy

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Another key element for The Great Circle’s take on the character was in having him change over time – MachineGames isn’t looking to create a static icon of who Indiana Jones is, but offer a meaningful exploration of how he grows after ‘Raiders’ and before ‘The Last Crusade’. That comes down not just to the story, but the game itself – MachineGames has found ways of hinting at Indy’s personal growth through mechanics.

    “There are several ways we have worked with this,” begins Torvenius. “Throughout the game we reward the player with Adventure Points. These points can be spent to unlock skills that you find in ability books. These are basically new skills you learn throughout the adventure – and all these skills and moves you unlock have been carefully crafted to fit the character of Indy. Some of these are things like more health or stamina and others are related to handling the whip – all features intimately tied to Indiana Jones. This gives a sense of experience building up.

    “We also have a visual progression with his hat and jacket becoming a tad more beaten up throughout the experience, and the same goes for the journal. Indy’s journal becomes more and more built out, and shows stains and scribbles on the pages to emphasize the player’s journey. All of these things combine to work together very nicely – the player will never be left feeling that the character of Indy is not evolving throughout the game.”

    And, of course, playing the majority of the game in first-person plays a major part here too. While it may seem a challenge to set the game within a character so defined by his look, it gave MachineGames a chance to use their experience within this area – particularly in the recent Wolfenstein games.

    “We knew this was super important challenge from the get-go,” says Andersson. “Luckily, this is not our first rodeo. Big parts of the team have worked together on story-driven first-person games all the way back to The Chronicles of Riddick and The Darkness. Also, I think the Wolfenstein series surprised the world by having a very interesting and relatable character with B.J. Blazkowicz, so we have had a lot of experience with this.”

    “One important thing that has been part of our DNA for a very long time – and is definitely something that helps create great characters – is that we put story front and centre,” adds Torvenius. “We always start with a strong narrative, and we always end with a narratively strong ending. And our experience is weaving those stories tightly with solid gameplay.

    “Having the perfect mix of strong cutscenes and interesting gameplay, driven by an interesting character that is complex with many nuances, that continues to evolve throughout the game, is crucial. A good story survives everything and that’s why we’re always so very focused on getting the story just right.”

    Finding a Voice

    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 2 to 6

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 2 to 6

    Reading Time: 12 minutes

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

    Get To Work

    Get To Work

    Isto Inc.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Get To Work – December 2

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    This story is a metaphor for climbing the corporate ladder. Get To Work is a punishing, yet satisfying experience about a young man on a mission to conquer the corporate world… on rollerblades. Maneuver a slippery character with rollerblades on both his arms and feet, who only knows how to move fast.

    Cricket: Jae's Really Peculiar Game

    Cricket: Jae’s Really Peculiar Game

    PM Studios, Inc.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Cricket: Jae’s Really Peculiar Game – December 3

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A hand-animated JRPG adventure that draws from genre classics. Join Jae as he goes on a journey with his best friends to try and fix the past in a story full of laughs, tears, and Elemelons. Engage in silly battles that involve timed hits, meter, and teamwork.

    The Thaumaturge

    The Thaumaturge

    11 bit studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $34.99 $27.99

    The Thaumaturge – December 4

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An isometric, story-rich RPG with a unique take on turn-based combat, character development features, and investigation mechanics, facing you with morally ambiguous choices – set in a world teeming with mysterious powers and strange ethereal beings called salutors.

    Godsvivors

    Godsvivors

    Afil Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Godsvivors – December 4

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Prepare to descend into the depths of the Underworld in Godsvivors! As a powerful god of Olympus, your mission is to challenge the ruler of the Underworld, Hades, and restore the balance of power. Battle through waves of demonic foes in this roguelite bullet-hell adventure, where every second counts. Godsvivors offers an action-packed journey through hell, blending fast-paced combat with a satisfying bullet-storm experience. Will you conquer the Underworld and emerge victorious?

    Super Astro Cat

    Super Astro Cat

    Synnergy Circle Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Super Astro Cat – December 4

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    After getting their home planet destroyed by a meteor, the cats’ only option was to flee on a spaceship and embark on a journey to find a new suitable planet to colonize and live. Super Astro Cat is a 2D pixel art shoot ‘n run with a jetpack mechanic. Choose wisely, as all their 9 lives are in your hands!

    Boundland

    Boundland

    SilenGames

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Boundland – December 4

    A fun physics-based platform game where you navigate your multi-shaped character through lots of dark levels and scary boss fights.

    Magical Backpack

    Magical Backpack

    Old School Vibes

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Magical Backpack – December 4

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Lara found a magical backpack that gives her the power to fly through the skies and collect Light stars scattered across an enchanted kingdom. Embark on this journey filled with exciting challenges, helping Lara overcome obstacles, capture each star, and advance through the levels.

    FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

    FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

    SQUARE ENIX

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 4

    ★★★★★

    $49.99

    Fantasian Neo Dimension – December 5

    The Father of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu return to deliver an original RPG story. Mechteria—a deathly mechanical infection that robs humans of their emotions and lives—is slowly engulfing the world. The protagonist Leo awakens with only one memory left to him in a strange land abundant with machines. Using the Warp Device that was left behind, Leo must now embark on an interdimensional journey to reclaim his lost memories and save the world from the mechteria infection.

    The Thing: Remastered

    The Thing: Remastered

    Nightdive Studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    The Thing: Remastered – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    The 2002 third-person survival horror shooter that serves as a sequel to the genre-defining 1982 film is back, remastered by Nightdive Studios to bring this innovative blend of fast paced squad action meets survival horror to the modern era. Where the movie ended, the true terror begins.

    Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop

    Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop

    Kasedo Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Where most of his customers find meaning in pastimes like worshipping deranged space gods, feeding random crap to a sentient black hole, endlessly digging for The Treasure, or mentally enslaving donut shop workers, Wilbur lives a more humble life, fixing the galaxy’s ills one broken ship module at a time. Fix stuff, read stuff, upgrade stuff, talk about stuff, discover stuff, and do all that stuff again, but better.

    Symphonia 𝄞

    Symphonia 𝄞

    Headup Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Symphonia – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In the realm of Symphonia, music acts as a source of life and energy. 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.

    DETECTIVE - The Motel

    DETECTIVE – The Motel

    JanduSoft

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $12.49 $9.99

    Detective: The Motel – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Grab a pencil and paper to write down what you need because no one is going to help you. You play the role of a detective who has been assigned a case. When you arrive at the crime scene, you find a hotel with several rooms. At that moment you will have to discover what has happened, but it will not be easy. You will have to be very attentive to your surroundings to find all the possible evidence. If you are a good detective you will find the truth that is hidden behind the walls of each of the rooms in “The Motel”.

    Railroads Online

    Railroads Online

    astragon Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Railroads Online – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Set in a huge open world reminiscent of the Americas during the golden age of steam trains, Railroads Online puts you in the role of a pioneer helping to shape the future of America. Build tracks, traverse vast landscapes in various steam locomotives, transport goods to earn money, and customize and buy new locomotives and equipment as you grow to become a railroad tycoon.

    UFL Foundation

    UFL Foundation

    XTEN Limited

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 25

    ★★★★★

    $14.99

    UFL – December 5

    A free-to-play football game that features real footballers with a rich metagame. UFL offers tons of unique content like various club kits, boots, gloves, balls, and stadiums. In UFL, you create your club from the ground up, assembling a team of real-world footballers customized to your liking. Compete with players worldwide, climb the ranks, and win championships!

    Highway Police Simulator

    Highway Police Simulator

    Aerosoft GmbH

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Highway Police Simulator – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Dive into the action of American patrolling duty! Put on your uniform and step into the shoes of an American police officer with Highway Police Simulator. This game brings the heart-pounding action of the American Highway Patrol right to your fingertips. Immerse yourself in the unique challenges and serious police duties that officers face on a daily basis and truly feel what it’s like to patrol the highways while maintaining law and order.

    Love Too Easily

    Love Too Easily

    H2 Interactive Co., Ltd.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Love Too Easily – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A memory of a sweet kiss from last night. A lost cell phone. Three suspects. Become the main character’s helper, make story choices, collect hints, and clear mini-games. A full-scale mystery romantic comedy interactive movie.

    Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island

    Whitethorn Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island – December 5

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

    You’re Alex, a rookie backpacker taking a much needed break from modern life. Your trip is interrupted when you are suddenly shipwrecked on Ambrosia Island; a beautiful long-forgotten place of myth and sunshine. It’s home to the gods of Greek mythology. They’re real after all, even if they are having an identity crisis. Can you discover the secrets of Ambrosia Island in this sun-drenched ‘Friend Em Up’ adventure?

    Overthrown (Game Preview)

    Overthrown (Game Preview)

    Maximum Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Overthrown (Game Preview) – December 5

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    You play as a Monarch in possession of an ancient soul-stealing crown with magical abilities. With its power, establish a kingdom in a perilous wilderness and defend it from mutants and bandits roaming the land. Build, gather resources, farm the land and more to turn your fledgling realm into a commanding, self-sustaining kingdom. As your fame grows, more will flock to your banner – but so will those who have come to overthrow you, including your friends in up to six-player co-op.

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™: Digital Premium Edition

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™: Digital Premium Edition

    Bethesda Softworks

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $99.99

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Early Access) – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Purchase the Premium or Collector’s Edition to secure up to three days of early access ahead of the game’s December 9 release date. Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘The Last Crusade’. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them – Indiana Jones.

    Marvel Rivals

    Marvel Rivals

    NetEase Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Marvel Rivals – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A superhero team-based PvP shooter. Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!

    Path of Exile 2 Early Access Supporter Packs

    Path of Exile 2 Early Access Supporter Packs

    Grinding Gear Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 229

    ★★★★★

    $29.99

    Path of Exile 2 – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more.

    Shadow Tactics: Aiko's Choice

    Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice

    Daedalic Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $19.99 $17.99

    Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Set in Japan around the early Edo period, Aiko’s Choice is a stealth strategy game that takes place within the story of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. This standalone expansion focuses on one of the main game’s protagonists: the kunoichi adept Aiko. She is a master of camouflage and distracts enemies disguised as a Geisha. Although Aiko was certain that she left her old life behind her, Aiko’s former sensei, the cunning spymaster Lady Chiyo, reappears from the shadows to challenge her. Together with her deadly companions she sets out to hunt down the ghosts of her past…

    Lord of the Click 4

    Lord of the Click 4

    Desert Water Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Lord of the Click 4 – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Find incredible new challenges, amazing graphics and improved mechanics. As a great monarch, you will fight many new and dangerous enemies using your clicker skills. Every click on your screen summons powerful warriors, deals crushing blows to enemies and directs the magic of nature into battle. Get ready for exciting battles, strategic decisions and unforgettable adventures! The future of the kingdom depends only on your skill and determination. Are you ready to become a real hero and save the world?

    JanKenUP!

    JanKenUP!

    Dolores Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    JanKenUP! – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An exciting combat game that breaks with traditional schemes. Instead of the typical punches and combos, strategy boils down to three buttons: rock, paper, and scissors. Get ready for a cerebral challenge where your quick thinking and mental agility are key! Hop on the elevator of fun and prepare to act swiftly! Face all kinds of rivals and prove that you can outshine everyone in the arena. Become the undisputed champion!

    Westild's Law

    Westild’s Law

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Westild’s Law – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Westild’s Law offers dynamic shootouts where you must cleverly use every element of your arsenal to achieve victory. Throw dynamite to clear your path or send enemies flying, you can throw your weapon at your enemies to stun them when ammo runs low and then take their weapons. Also when the situation gets critical, activate “ultra-sense”, slow-down time and enhance your abilities to showcase the true power of the hero.

    Beat the Machine Rebooted

    Beat the Machine Rebooted

    Sanguine Studios

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $24.99

    Beat the Machine: Rebooted – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Beat the Machine: Rebooted is a top down retro roguelike arcade shooter where you must defeat the virus T.O.M (Totally Overpowered Machine) that is invading Sector VIII. Play as Damon, the cocky cadet, willing to aid Sector VIII from total destruction. Guided by Logan, Syncopia and Pete, natives of Sector VIII, traverse across 25 levels corrupted by T.O.M’s virus brigade.

    Endless Deaths

    Endless Deaths

    EpiXR Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $9.99

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Endless Deaths – December 6

    An intense top-down twin-stick shooter rogue-like game that plunges players into the heart of a zombie apocalypse. As a lone survivor, your mission is to navigate through procedurally generated levels filled with relentless zombie hordes, utilizing a diverse arsenal of weapons and character abilities to stay alive.

    Taboo Trial

    Taboo Trial

    Happy Player

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Taboo Trial – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    In this 3D roguelike action game, you are a Valkyrie, choosing blessings from the Nordic gods to build your unique combat style. Go to complete the Taboo Trial guided by Loki. Unlock different Valkyries in Valhalla, each playable with distinct styles. Take up the weapons of the gods to challenge the “giants”, each weapon having a distinct combat style.

    MasterChef: Learn to Cook!

    MasterChef: Learn to Cook!

    QubicGames

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $11.99 $9.59

    MasterChef: Learn to Cook! – December 6

    Choose your ingredients, slice, prepare, plate and serve delicious dishes with style in fun mini-games! The MasterChef judges will evaluate your dish based on your performance and speed. Complete and unlock new recipes, challenges, and mini-games along your cooking journey!

    Dog Man: Mission Impawsible

    Dog Man: Mission Impawsible

    Mindscape

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Dog Man: Mission Impawsible – December 6

    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Bringing the beloved book series to life, dive into this action-packed, humor-filled adventure. The key to the city has fallen into the hands of a supa bad guy, unlocking all the prison doors and releasing many evildoers. Help Dog Man and his friends chase down the supa bad guys in their most impawsible mission yet!

    Website: LINK