Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 16 to 20Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire EditorPublishedSeptember 13, 2024Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Game Pass. Discover more about these upcoming titles below and visit their profiles for additional information (note that release dates are subject to change). Lets dive in!Paladin's PassageBent Vector Studios, Inc.Get it nowPaladins Passage September 17Optimized for Xbox Series X|SEmbark on an epic journey in this challenging 2.5D precision platformer with over 100 hand-crafted dungeons filled with monsters. Become a master of block manipulation in your quest to restore harmony to the realm. The passage beckons; dare to answer the call!The Plucky SquireDevolver DigitalGet it nowThe Plucky Squire September 17Optimized for Xbox Series X|SThe Plucky Squire follows the magical adventures of Jot and his friends storybook characters who discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book. When the malevolent Humgrump realizes hes the villain of the book destined to lose his battle against the forces of good for all eternity he kicks the heroic Jot out of its pages and changes the story forever.STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor Standard Edition Xbox OneElectronic Arts6$49.99$44.99Pre-orderStar Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox One) September 17The story of Cal Kestis continues in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a third person galaxy-spanning action-adventure game from Respawn Entertainment, developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games now available on Xbox One! This narrative-driven, single-player game picks up five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and follows Cals increasingly desperate fight as the galaxy descends further into darkness.Train Sim World 5: Standard EditionDovetail Games$49.99Pre-orderTrain Sim World 5 September 17Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryAvailable on day one with Game Pass! The rails are yours in Train Sim World 5! Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across three new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey.World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, LLC$49.99Pre-orderWorld of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24 September 17Smart DeliveryWorld of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24 features 49 tracks, including all your favorites like Eldora Speedway, Knoxville Raceway, and Volusia Speedway Park, with new additions like Kevin Harvicks Kern Raceway, and Millbridge Speedway.Cozy DesignerLucky Raccoon GamesGet it nowCozy Designer September 18Position furniture and objects however you prefer and decorate 60 incredibly cozy environments. Without right or wrong, the only limit is your imagination. Photograph the finished spaces and create your own design gallery.Dark Elven LegacyOld School VibesGet it nowDark Elven Legacy September 18You are Elynar, the strongest archer in the Kingdom, who must face terrible creatures in the Great Dark Forest. Shoot with your bow, use a special power, or obtain power-ups during the game to fight various types of enemies.Elasto Mania IIInfinite ZoneGet it nowElasto Mania II September 18The long-awaited sequel is still a 2D enduro simulator with a nostalgic feel, but its also about giving you more bang for your buck than ever, with more challenges, extra collectibles, updated physics and new graphics.Hidden Cats in BerlinSilesia Games Sp. z o.o.Get it nowHidden Cats in Berlin September 18Take a little pleasant trip through a big and lovely illustration! Start with monochrome scenery and fill it with color! Kick back, relax, and find all the cats to reveal the final, colorful landscape.KeylockerSerenity Forge LLC$19.99Pre-orderKeylocker September 18Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA cyberpunk turn-based rhythm JRPG where you play as the singer and songwriter, B0B0. Fuel your moves with the electric power of music on this unforgiving planet by using real-time execution of moves in rhythm game style! Choose a unique class, battle the authorities, unlock the secrets of Saturn, play in your own bands concerts, and hack into the network to bring an end to this corrupt system, for better or worse.The Last Shot (Xbox Series X|S)Sometimes You$9.99$7.99Pre-orderFree TrialThe Last Shot September 18Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA platforming adventure game set in a war-ravaged, diesel-punk world. Militaristic cities fight endlessly with massive weaponry, all striving to be the last one standing. When your comfortable routine is interrupted and you are thrust into the outside world on a dangerous journey, you must uncover a terrible conspiracy and find a way to put an end to a nefarious plan.A Night on the FarmEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowA Night on the Farm September 18Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryFollowing a sudden car crash, youre stranded out in the country at night and all alone. A nearby farm might offer help or refuge, but theres something very unsettling about the place, and exploration only leads to greater fears. A Night on the Farm is an atmospheric retro-inspired horror adventure with unpredictable plot twists and deep lore to discover.Andromeda SurvivorsAfil GamesGet it nowAndromeda Survivors September 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryPrepare yourself for an epic journey in Andromeda Survivors, a casual game with rogue-lite elements that will challenge your skills and strategy! In a universe threatened by thousands of enemies, you are the last defender of Andromeda. Command your ship and destroy endless waves of adversaries while collecting skills and powerful upgrades to create the most incredible and invincible builds!AtamaIndie Games StarterGet it nowAtama September 19Use psychic powers in Atama to see through the eyes of your pursuers to avoid detection as you investigate a cursed rural Japanese village. You cant fight back; you must rely only on your abilities and your wits to avoid your enemies.Between HorizonsAssemble EntertainmentGet it nowBetween Horizons September 19Between Horizons is a modern 2.5D pixel art adventure that brings a branching narrative into a semi-open world. Set aboard the Zephyr, humanitys first-generation ship enroute to another star, you assume the role of Stella, born on the ship 24 years ago and recently inherited her fathers post as Chief of Security. Dive into a conspiracy behind the incident that threatens to disrupt Zephyrs social order and foil its mission.Broken Sword Shadow of the Templars: ReforgedRevolution Software LtdGet it nowBroken Sword Shadow of the Templars: Reforged September 19Step out onto the streets of Paris in Broken Sword Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, a substantially enhanced version of the multi-award winning, all-time classic adventure. Enjoy a globe-spanning story when intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard are pitched into a gripping adventure, exploring exotic locations, solving ancient mysteries, and thwarting dark conspiracies to discover the arcane secrets of the Knights Templar.Byte The BulletJanduSoft$5.99$5.39Pre-orderByte The Bullet September 19Get into an infected computer and restore every virus-ridden system by recovering game attributes like color or save functions. Enjoy this parody of multiple classic games from 80s & 90s.Dead Rising Deluxe RemasterCAPCOM CO., LTD.2$49.99Pre-orderDead Rising Deluxe Remaster September 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|SDead Rising returns with modern graphics! More than just a remaster, this Deluxe Remaster is a full graphical overhaul of the first game in zombie-slaughtering action game series, fully voiced, auto-saves, and various quality-of-life features. Witness the unmatched mayhem and freedom for yourself.DROSRedDeer.GamesGet it nowDROS September 19DROS is a dark fantasy adventure where youll swap between a small gooey creature and her human bounty hunter shell. Explore freely through 40 unique diorama-like levels filled with strange characters, intricate puzzles, hidden rooms, and ancient collectibles.The House of Da Vinci 3Blue Brain Games$24.99Pre-orderThe House of Da Vinci 3 September 19The grand finale to The House of Da Vinci trilogy is here! Solve numerous new puzzles and mind benders and explore new mystifying locations of ravishing beauty. Use your wits and observational skills to escape rooms and solve the mysterious story behind one of the worlds most prolific inventors in history. With sharp wits and an open mind, you will prevail.Matchbox Driving AdventuresOutright Games Limited.$39.99Pre-orderMatchbox Driving Adventures September 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryJump into an authentic Matchbox vehicle, show off those driving skills, and embark on larger-than-life quests as you explore six dynamic environments. Race against the clock to help citizens, complete deliveries, chase down runaway cars, and tackle exciting rescue missions.Paper Plane Arena Lost PlacesEpiXR Games$9.99Pre-orderXbox One X EnhancedPaper Plane Arena Lost Places September 19Xbox One X EnhancedPaper Plane Arena is an interactive game experience that is designed to ease your mind and have fun popping innocent balloons. You jump into the role of a little paper plane that is supposed to rescue the world from evil balloon demons by dashing through them.pureyaMameshiba GamesGet it nowpureya September 19Simple arcade games are great, but they can get boring quickly. What if they changed every 10 seconds? Pureya is a collection of arcade minigames that play with just 2 buttons. Every 10 seconds, the game will jump from one random minigame to another. Avoid obstacles and collect as many marbles as you can, then use them in the pachinko machine to unlock new mini games, music and skins.EA SPORTS FC 25 Ultimate Edition Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SElectronic Arts282$99.99$89.99Pre-orderEA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Edition (Early Access) September 20EA Sports FC 25 has the best players from the biggest clubs and competitions around the globe, with match data from the worlds top leagues powering how 19,000+ players move, play, and win in every match. New additions to Manager and Player Career let you live out the biggest storylines from the real-world with Live Start Points; rewrite the stories of past icons with todays teams in Player Career; and for the first time, play an authentic Womens Career experience, taking control of a club or player from the top five womens leagues. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with EA Play can experience a 10-hour trial of EA Sports FC 25 starting on September 20.Home Safety HotlineTorture Star Video$19.99Pre-orderHome Safety Hotline September 20Hearing noises? Seeing things? Call Home Safety Hotline! Our operators are standing by, waiting to give you the answers you need to protect your home from all manner of pests and household hazards.The Karate Kid: Street RumbleGameMill Entertainment$39.99Pre-orderThe Karate Kid: Street Rumble September 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliverySweeping across iconic locations of the first three classic The Karate Kid movies from the 1980s, youll step out of the dojo and into the streets of the West Valley and Okinawa as you battle waves of enemies in this pixel art, side-scrolling, beat em up adventure.MindSeize (Xbox Series X|S)Sometimes You$16.99$13.59Pre-orderFree TrialMindSeize September 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|SFast-paced combat and extensive exploration await in this metroidvania-inspired game. Transfer your mind into a MAG (Mind Action Gear) and set out on an epic action-adventure to save your daughter from the leaders of the dangerous criminal organization called The Ascended.Morkull Ragast's RageSelecta Play$17.99Pre-orderMordkull Ragasts Rage September 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA 2D video game that combines platforming and action with a touch of exploration. You control Morkull, the villain of the story, who not only knows hes a character in a video game, but is also aware of the player who controls him (i.e., you) and the developers who created him.They Came From the Sky 2Ratalaika Games S.L.Get it nowThey Came From the Sky 2 September 20Get ready for nostalgic arcade action inspired by 1980s vintage console classics, as terror from space throws world into panic once again! They Came From the Sky 2 is a fast paced arcade game wherein you take the role of one of the giant alien robot. The game offers infinite replayability, over 20 types of enemies, and 50 hidden artifacts to discover.Welcome to EmpyreumTapioca GamesGet it nowWelcome to Empyreum September 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryWelcome to Empyreum, the video game that will transform your gaming experience into a fun-filled party for the whole family! This exciting cooperative party game for up to 4 players immerses you in the fascinating and wild universe of Hotel Empyreum.The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 16 to 20 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 13, 2024Mortal Kombat 1: How We Reinvented Klassic Kombatants Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob SaibotJoe Epstein, Combat Designer, NetherRealm StudiosLaunching on September 24, the Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns expansion is not just a massive drop of story, modes, skins, palettes, new and adjusted moves, bloody new Brutalities, all-new Animalities, and other bits, chunks, and tweaks its also a reintroduction of three klassic characters whose pedigree and backstories both in and out of game stretch back almost to the beginning of the Mortal Kombat Universe.Yes, Khaos Reigns brings back Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot but with Mortal Kombat 1 establishing a whole new timeline for the series, they arent quite as you remember them. Heres how we honored the history of these fan-favorite Kombatants, while reinventing them for the new game.Cyrax and SektorThese fan-favorite yellow and red cyborg ninjas date back to Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and served as a change of pace from the typical ninjas and demigods that made up our roster previously. The appeal of the cyborgs has always been the way they mesh mechanized tools and more halting, robotic movements with the martial arts of the Lin Kuei. Back in the day, they were two of the most fun and fearsome fighters from one of the most beloved and distinctive games of that arcade era.In subsequent entries, theyve often returned, whether as fully-fledged roster fighters like in Mortal Kombat (2011), represented as the mash-up fighter Triborg in Mortal Kombat X, or as Story mode exclusive guests in Mortal Kombat 11. Paying homage to the klassic Mortal Kombat 3 forms, Cyrax and Sektor from the 90s arcade era already appear in Mortal Kombat 1 as Kameo Fighters, ready to pop out and assist your main fighter on command.Now with Khaos Reigns, entirely new versions will round out their own roster slots, mixing up and referencing various versions along the way, but with many curveballs courtesy of the New Eras leader, Fire God Liu Kang.The most important change? Theyre all-human now. Instead of a marriage of man and machine, Cyrax and Sektor are all flesh and blood. In this timeline, neither of them is a cyborg, but they augment conventional ninja training and the usual blades, bludgeons, and brawn with all sorts of advanced tech. Their styles, backstories, and allegiances are riffs on what you may remember. You want technological-minded mechanical ninja combat? You got it, but with a different finesse, heart, and wit than before.Gameplay-wise, Advanced Designer Michael Bellipannis focus for the reimagined, cyber-assisted fighters was to hearken back to various versions of both of them, while putting new spins on things. Let us break down both of them.Breaking Down CyraxCyrax is the quicker of the two, with an acrobatic fight style influenced by ninjitsu and enhanced by high-tech friction boots. Her tool deployment is less direct she can ensnare foes and lay explosive traps for them, and can quickly relocate all over the battlefield, sandwiching the opposition between her location and her devices. Most of Cyraxs tricks come by way of her amazing sphere multitools, which are brimming with lethal functions. To add extra bite or oomph to several of her normal attacks, Cyrax keeps an orb tool in her hand, which can either be used as a set of blades or detonated in bomb form at point-blank range dont worry about her safety, thats what the suits for. The orbs can also naturally be tossed as good old-fashioned timed explosives. In enhanced form, her orb devices zero in on the enemy before whirling to action with horrific spinning blades. Orbs can also be thrown directly at foes to burst upon them with sticky, trapping foam. When subterfuge is appropriate, a device can be detonated at Cyraxs feet, creating a distraction as she flits suddenly behind her quarry.She can even toss out devices that do nothing, the perfect dirty trick to make a defender turtle up and expose themselves to mix-ups and throws. With some dexterous device juggling, Cyrax can keep several of these options in play and on field simultaneously, improvising temporary defenses, and planning steps ahead on offense. And youll see just how creative Cyrax can get with the orbs when the time to Finish Them fatefully arrives.From her suits built-in features, Cyrax is most reliant on the high-tech friction skates on her feet. These work by jacking the surface coefficient of her footing way up or down, drastically affecting adhesion and repulsion properties on the fly. She uses this capability for effortless gliding and speed boosts, rapid direction changes off walls, and to enable ensnaring kick attacks. A modern take on Cyraxs klassic Mortal Kombat 3 air throw comes by way of this friction-boot assist, and shell be quite slippery to pin down in corners when she can spring off of walls over danger, when shes not just deceptively gliding right through it. If you havent guessed it, shes a bit of a trickster, ready to play with her food as a hit-and-run keep away artist.Breaking Down SektorCyraxs crimson-hued, somewhat awkward comrade-in-training, Sektor is far more direct. Sektor is much more reliant on the brute strength and futuristic ordinance capabilities of the Cyber Initiatives tech. Under the proverbial hood, Sektors packing an assault helicopters worth of guided and unguided explosives. On the ground, she can choose between dominating lateral space with rockets or launching more sophisticated targeted or homing missiles into arcing trajectories. In midair, she can release descending burst grenades that can be set off when desired; when enhanced, these airborne bomb-droppings can be immediately followed up with more aerial attacks, leading to all kinds of possibilities.Add it all up and shes better armed from afar in terms of sheer firepower than anyone on the field.Thats before you consider that she is wearing a fortress. Where Cyraxs suit is adapted for agility and deception, Sektors armor has all its points pushed into power. If Sektor has enough warning against incoming threats, she can extend extra anti-projectile shielding. With perfect timing, she can retaliate immediately after with one of her own projectile attacks just after deflecting a hostile shot and shot deflections dont just give Sektor an opening to shoot back, they also energize her suit, powering up a couple of her strongest normal attacks.Being able to redirect unpredictably in midair is one of the strongest (and most fun) traits a character can have. This is good for Sektor, because her suits boosters effectively give her multi-jumps and flexible air combo extensions. That puts her in a position of power against other kombatants who dominate the skies with irregular options, like Ermac, Homelander, Nitara, and Sindel. Thrusters also let her boost off from almost any position before slamming down behind the enemy.The suits numerous thrusters and ports can also be seen adding boosting and scorching touches to many of Sektors normal attacks, and when dialed up, considerably provide Sektor with a flamethrower special move. Would you like to bet that these features and more are demonstrated spectacularly in several ways throughout her high-energy Fatalities? You would win that bet.Sektor does not favor the indirect approach, and shes not very susceptible to direct approaches either. She can wear down the opposition at long range, firing off her own salvos while absorbing the opponents suit-boosted combos up close when the mood strikes.Noob SaibotA new interpretation of a generational villain also emerges from the shadows. Or rather, with the shadows. Noob Saibots first appearance was strictly as a deeply hidden secret foe all the way back in 1993s Mortal Kombat II, where the player had to score dozens of wins in a row to fight an entirely-black silhouette. One reason for the abundance of palette-swapped characters in early Mortal Kombat games was simply because of economy: everything had to fit onto arcade and console cartridges. Recoloring existing content was a low-impact way to add more stuff. Jade, Rain, Reptile, and Smoke also started out as simple recolorings, before being fleshed out on their own merits later on. Legend has it Ermac belongs on that list too, but thats another story for another time.Alongside the ketchup and mustard-flavored cyberninjas, Noob Saibot is a major player in the expansive story of Khaos Reigns, where New Era origins and motives are explored for all three. Fittingly, in past incarnations, the secret fighter named after Mortal Kombats co-creators (if you dont know, just read his name backwards) is usually depicted as a mindless pawn of a malevolent presence. Whether thats true in Khaos Reigns is not something were going to spoil here. But, come on; look at him. Noob Saibot is heavily cloaked, thoroughly armored, wearing blades on his fingers, and trailed by a roiling shadow that behaves independently. If hes not working towards evil goals, watch out for whatever is (this isnt foreshadowing or anything).Breaking Down Noob SaibotThat shadow is core to Noob Saibots whole identity, in every way. He isnt just a grimdark edgelord reaper-type. Almost all his moves are influenced by whether his shadow is present. That shadow can be cast underfoot or be seen standing up on its own two feet and moving around and it isnt just for looks, its information. If Noob Saibots shadow trails under him, waving on the floor like upside-down smoke, its available for summoning, joining in to enable or amplify most of his kit. But a preoccupied shadow is an unavailable shadow. Some of Noob Saibots moves simply arent available without the shadow, and many are quite different compared to their shadow-backed versions. Using the shadow to your advantage becomes a constant dance of risk and reward.Most of Noob Saibots normal attack combos feature him and his shadow weaving past each other, taking turns pummeling the target. His throw is different with the shadow, and many shadow-assisted special moves are safer, farther-reaching, with more margins for error, and better follow-up opportunities.For reasons that will become clear in the events of Khaos Reigns, Noob Saibot can use a ghastly disembodied hand in an incantation called Embrace Khaos, which supercharges the ghostly energy pouring through him. This unique special move can only be used once per match. For a short interval, almost any shadow attack is even more powerful, usually producing effects unique to this buffed state. There is a cost, though: after the spells short-lived effects expire, he will be completely without the help of the shadow for the rest of the current round. As a Noob Saibot player, pop Embrace Khaos and its showtime; as a Noob Saibot opponent, stay calm and watch every angle.Thanks to the conditional nature of lots of Noob Saibots attacks, his movelist is one of the largest in the game. A huge array of attacks means plenty of places to reference and embellish this fighters history. The goal of Advanced Designer Aaron Davis was to pull as many pieces of Noob Saibot from different places together as possible, with a particular emphasis on the portal-tumbling hijinx seen in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat (2011). But this doesnt mean that Noob Saibot should be taken as intimidating or overly complex to play. Its more that many of his moves have an escalation, with the best versions available during Embrace Khaos, and lesser versions occurring when the shadow is gone and who isnt stronger alongside a friend?As you can tell, weve put a huge amount of effort into recreating Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot for Mortal Kombat 1. But even with all that work, theyre just a piece of whats coming when the Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Expansion launches digitally on Sept. 24 for Xbox Series X|S.Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns KollectionWarner Bros. Games21$89.99Get it nowPre-order now and receive 4 additional skins at launch:Wedding ScorpionUltimate Mortal Kombat 3 Sub-ZeroEmpress MileenaUltimate Mortal Kombat 3 Noob SaibotNew to Mortal Kombat 1? Get started with the Kollection Edition! Mortal Kombat 1 ushers in a New Era of the iconic franchise with a New fighting system, game modes, and fatalities. Includes instant access to the Base Game, Kombat Pack, and Dragon Krystals. Gain access to the upcoming Story Expansion, Kombat Pack 2 and more!Khaos Reigns Story ExpansionKombat Pack 2*Khaos Reigns Fighters Available At Launch:Noob SaibotCyraxSektorGuest Fighters Available Post-Launch (includes 1 week early access)Ghostface (Scream Franchise)T-1000 (Terminator 2)Conan the BarbarianKombat Pack (Available Now):Omni-Man (Invincible)Quan ChiPeacemaker (DCs Peacemaker)ErmacHomelander (The Boys)Takeda TakahashiKameo Fighters (Available Now):TremorKhameleonJanet CageMavadoFerraJean-Claude Van Damme Skin for Johnny Cage (Available Now)1250 Dragon Krystals (Available Now)*Separate Kombat Pack 2 character bundle not available Related Stories for Mortal Kombat 1: How We Reinvented Klassic Kombatants Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot Category: ID@XboxHow Jackbox Games Took a Beloved Party Game and Made a New Remote Play Version Category: GamesHow Ubisoft Built an Authentic New World for Star Wars Outlaws Category: GamesPlanet Coaster 2: The Diary of a Park Management Intern The post Mortal Kombat 1: How We Reinvented Klassic Kombatants Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 13, 2024Planet Coaster 2: The Diary of a Park Management InternOswald B. Thompson, Coaster Coast CEO & Hank Brogan, Coaster Coast Acquisitions Intern(With writing assistance from Alex Bolton, PR Manager, Frontier)SummaryCombine thrilling theme parks with epic water parks as you reach new heights of creativity and manage your way to success.Build your creations alongside a friend, share them with the community and climb the global rankings as you build the ultimate theme park franchise.Pre-Order today to receive the Bonus Ride Collection, containing three iconic rides for your park. Or purchase the Deluxe Edition to expand your collection with the Vintage Funfair Ride Pack including ten classics from the past!Hello there! My name is Oswald B. Thompson, the CEO of Coaster Coast, where we create some of the worlds finest theme parks. Were looking forward to welcoming you to our team when Planet Coaster 2 launches on November 6 for Xbox Series X|S, where youll create the park of your dreams, packed with flumes and pools, plus coasters and rides, on your own or even with a friend!Weve been preparing for you to take the reins here at Coaster Coast, in the hope that you could be a worthy successor. In fact, weve already brought in an intern to acquire some new parks for you to work on! Before they left to start scouting parks, they gave us their diary, so youd have a few pointers to help you get up to speed on your first day. Now lets see where did I leave that aha! Here you go I hope its useful!Day 1Hayo! I cant believe Im writing this, but guess whos starting their first day by helping Oswald at Coaster Coast? Me! Now, I may not have credentials, experience, or one of those really businessy-looking ties yet, but even I can see that theres a lot we can do here. Apparently, Oswald might have found a successor for his company. Theyre starting as a new full-time Park Manager later this year, so I figured Id jot down some notes to try and help them out. Which, if youre reading this, is you! Congrats!Now, I must confess, I wasnt allowed near water until my 9th birthday, but Ive dreamed of working with it ever since! Oswald is currently showing me the ropes of what makes a good park. Im even working on my first pool, which Oswald made a little easier by providing a blueprint (they apparently arent all blue?). These are pre-built and already include paths and scenery, so theyre handy for getting started!Even though theyre pre-built, you can still make em your own by customising individual elements of the blueprint. For example, you can change the color scheme and some of the scenery to give it a new Viking theme I tried putting a lovely parasol on a Viking longship, so the crew wouldnt get sunburned.Plus, building this pool means I can finally test out one of the new flumes! Ive placed changing rooms and a guest services shop where our visitors can buy a pool pass, so they can enjoy it too. With that being said or written, thats me done for the day. Im off to grab my swimsuit!Day 2Hey! Oswalds just talked me through his vision to combine the thrill of a theme park with the spectacular splash of glistening pools and whizzing flumes. Im not one to brag, but weve made some amazing creations! I even got to test out some of the new customization tools. They allow me to build piece-by-piece and even integrate scenery pieces straight into my ride designs! Id say dont tell anyone, but I figure if youre reading this, then youll already know so ignore that.While I was looking through options for our latest coaster, Oswald also mentioned I can use mirroring tools to work on both sides of a coaster car at the same time! Talk about a time-saver! Anyway, this coaster definitely has a deep sea feel to it, so we decided to attach diving canisters to either side of the carriages, with some industrial-looking lighting on the front, too. Ohhhhhh yeah! Now its a vessel fit for the splashiest theme park:Next up, we had a class on park management! Ill be honest, I had no idea what was going on but then I discovered heatmaps. Those handy overviews help me keep on top of whats going on in the park, everything from the individual needs of guests to the power and water networks keeping everything running smoothly. I learned a lot! I found out about issues with my water network coverage not keeping my pools clean, and I learned that get this the sun is hot! Well, it can burn guests at least, so I had to pop in some shady overhanging scenery and sell sunscreen at our Guest Services shop.Day 3Working on Coaster Coasts latest park with Oswald has been a lot of fun! He tells me that Park Managers will be able to team up to work one-at-a-time on the same projects, and that other enthusiasts from around the world and across platforms (whatever that means) will be able to visit their parks! I cant wait to see what bright new ideas are built and shared plus we can even dip into the Frontier Workshop to add those creations to our own parks in future, putting our own spin on them!And why stop at just one park? Oswalds already talking about Franchise mode, where the top parks in the world can compete for the crown of Planet Coasters best! I think you have it in the bag though. See you soon!Hello again! Oswald here, just checking in. I hope you found that diary useful! Sorry about the food stains on the front Hank insisted on trying every food shop in the park. We have a little more work to do before were ready to welcome you to the team, but in the meantime well be sharing our work over on the Planet Coaster 2 social channels. See you on November 6, Park Manager! Oh, and remember to bring your sunscreen! And an inflatable for the pool! Also, the mechanics could do with a new staff room Actually, Ill email you a list.Planet Coaster 2Frontier Developments1Get it nowCreate a splash with Planet Coaster 2 sequel to the worlds best coaster park simulator! Reach new heights of creativity, management, and sharing as you construct the theme parks of your dreams combining epic water rides and coasters to delight and thrill your park guests.Dive in now!EMBRACE CREATIVITYExpand your imagination: Enhanced and improved building and pathing tools let you create spectacular, true-to-life theme parks, complete with sprawling plazas. Make your mark on the world as you shape terrain and populate your park with stunning swimming pools and thrilling rides. Its never been easier to bring your dream park to life.Next-level customisation: Embark on the coaster park experience of a lifetime as you push the boundaries of creativity like never before! Unleash your imagination as you build the most awe-inspiring themed creations with unparalleled customisation tools! For the first time, intuitively add scalable scenery and objects to every ride to elevate your park and give your guests a day to remember.Combine epic water and coaster rides: Create the ultimate experience for your thrill-seeking guests using piece-by-piece construction. Build a vibrant array of exhilarating rollercoasters and jaw-dropping thrill rides. Design a seamlessly interconnected park paradise with glistening swimming pools and twisting water flumes.Create unforgettable experiences: Surprise and amaze as you bring the dramatic flair of real-world theme parks to your guests with the brand-new event sequencer tool, while sophisticated global illumination lighting brings the theme park experience to your home with stunning visuals and striking authenticity.MASTER MANAGEMENTFind the secret to success: Balance thrilling your guests with managing your budget populate your park with amazing efficiently powered attractions and the right amenities to boost your rating and become a theme park master.Take care: Provide for your guests health, well-being, and happiness so your park can thrive. With all-new waterparks comes the need for shade, sunscreen, lifeguards, changing rooms, and more to ensure everyone has their best day both in and out of the pool.Satisfaction guaranteed: Understanding the wants and needs of your guests has never been easier! The new heat maps feature lets you understand the wider parks needs at a glance before diving deeper into the details -simply select any guest to see how they and their immediate group are enjoying your theme park. SHARE THE RIDECreate together: Unleash your collective creativity in Sandbox Mode. Take turns to work on building a park with players around the world using a shared cross-platform save!Play together: For the first time ever, collaborate with friends in Franchise Mode to create the best theme park empire and compete with others to reach the top of worldwide leaderboards!Visit together: Soak up the fun and get up close and personal, as you experience other players theme park creations first hand explore their worlds in first person as a park guest!Share creations: Share anything and everything! Upload coasters, rides, or even full theme parks for other players, and download and delight in others creations. All are easily accessible from the cross-platform Frontier Workshop both in-game and online. Related Stories for Planet Coaster 2: The Diary of a Park Management Intern Category: ID@XboxHow Jackbox Games Took a Beloved Party Game and Made a New Remote Play Version Category: GamesHow Ubisoft Built an Authentic New World for Star Wars Outlaws Category: GamesMortal Kombat 1: How We Reinvented Klassic Kombatants Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot The post Planet Coaster 2: The Diary of a Park Management Intern appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 13, 2024How Ubisoft Built an Authentic New World for Star Wars OutlawsDanielle PartisStar Wars Outlaws is a game that invites you to meander. If you move through its various locations, orbits, cities and homesteads at a considerate pace, youll spot all kinds of thoughtful props, quirks and details that are meticulously placed to showcase a part of the Star Wars galaxy through Kay Vess scoundrel eyes. While some locations featured in the game are known favourites from the Star Wars galaxy, other spots are lesser known.In fact, Toshara the savanna moon serving as a bubbling crime hotspot that youll visit early in the game was designed by Massive Entertainment, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, marking a new entry into the Star Wars galaxy. Adding a brand-new creation to this established world is no mean feat and we had the chance to speak to two Massive Entertainment designers about how the team went about building Toshara, right down to its inhabitants, wildlife, and even plants, as well as bringing other popular locations to life through a new lens.With countless pre-established locations on offer within the Star Wars galaxy, Massive Entertainment had to carefully consider which places felt fitting to tell Kay Vess and Nixs story. The team wanted to showcase diversity in its settings, ranging from classic, recognizable areas like Tatooine, the desert home of Luke Skywalker, to lesser-shown planets like Kijimi, briefly seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker as a snow-coated haunt for the galaxys rogues. Akiva, meanwhile, is a jungle planet that has never been seen, only described in the Aftermath series of Star Wars tie-in novels.Building TosharaBut Massive Entertainment crafted something entirely new in Toshara, the inhabited moon designed and purpose-built by the studio to act as a core component of the Star Wars Outlaws journey. After escaping her home city of Canto Bight, on Cantonica, Kay finds herself temporarily grounded on the moon, which is home to the Pyke Syndicate, as well as a host of other syndicates, ambiguous characters, hidden treasures and prosperous opportunities for a budding outlaw.We wanted to bring something entirely fresh to Star Wars that had never been seen before, and really embrace that as our playground for telling this exact story, says Matthieu Delisle, Lead Systems Designer on Star Wars Outlaws. This was the place where we could experiment the most and set a benchmark for the rest of the game.Toshara serves as a space where the different Syndicates in the underworld can come together, and, while it is controlled by the Pykes, its a location where The Empire is willing to let some things slide in exchange for some credits. Among its points of interest are Mirogana, a bustling major city that plays host to several Syndicate districts and Jauntas Hope, a smaller settlement. Off the beaten paths of Toshara, youll also uncover numerous points of interest flyer nests containing valuable items stolen from locals, fields full of grazing wildlife, or Pirate Camps with treats ripe for the taking.This is where we had the most freedom to define what feels good in terms of an open world experience, Delisle says. We considered the speeder distance between different activities, how we could create points that will catch your eye and lead to something interesting.Not only is Toshara an entirely new experience for Star Wars fans, its also the first truly open world area that you can freely explore in a Star Wars game. As soon as you land here, it feels like an authentic Star Wars location youve seen in a classic movie, but whats most impressive is that everything on Toshara, from its sweeping, dusty vistas to the flora and fauna that inhabit it, has been designed by Massive Entertainment in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games.Since we designed Toshara from scratch, we could create its entire history, from when it formed, to when it was first settled on, and how that fits into the wider Star Wars timeline, says Benedikt Podlesnigg, Art and World Director.We created all of the wildlife, the architecture, what Tosharas inhabitants eat, what they wear, their relationship to the Empire, and how all of these things are connected to each other. If you look really close, youll find food that characters are eating growing out on a tree somewhere, for example.Massive Entertainment hasnt just considered the visuals of Toshara, either. The team went as far as to define the planets gravitational forces and surrounding solar winds, so that pilots will struggle to navigate and land their ships without crashing unless they are very familiar with its orbit and layout. This in particular feels like an extremely cool detail that ties into Tosharas presence as a hideaway for criminals with minimal Empire presence.Its really in the DNA of Massive to create this logic of a world where things make sense, Delisle adds. Theres always a reason for something existing, and thats really a trademark for us to try and establish all of these locations and details to make them as believable and lived in as possible.An Overview of KijimiLater in the story, Star Wars Outlaws sees Kay Vess travel to Kijimi, a dark, frigid planet housing Crimson Dawn and the Ashiga Clan, another criminal syndicate, developed by Massive Entertainment in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games. Similar to Toshara, Kijimi is largely ruled by anarchy, but the Empire has a much greater presence here. Unlike Toshara, Kijimi has been seen in previous Star Wars media, which gave Massive Entertainment a jumping off point in how to build the planets eponymous main city into an interactive space, with a unique spin, of course.We worked closely with Lucasfilm on Kijimi we were given access to a big bank of concepts and behind the scenes footage, as well as the references they used for the location, these Japanese mountain towns that served as inspiration, Podlesnigg tells us.We also got to see the 3D model of Kijimi that they used as an overview shot of Kijimi City in [Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker], to also get a sense of orientation where buildings are placed, for example.Kijimi City is a densely packed area, a stark comparison to the open vistas of Toshara and Tatooine. The urban environments are comprised of small streets and alleys brimming with questionable figures walking through the city breeds a real sense of unease, as though anything could jump out at you.Theres a struggle here between The Ashiga Clan and Crimson Dawn, and theres this a mood of cloak and daggers going on throughout, Delisle adds. Were telling some of the main story here, but what was interesting for us was the smaller stories we could tell about people that ended up on Kijimi. It felt like a nice palette cleanser compared to the other more open environments in Outlaws.The Secret Ingredient is the UnderworldWhile all of the locations shown in Star Wars Outlaws vary in terms of familiarity, theyre all chosen with one primary focus in mind depicting the underworld. Each place acts as another flavor of the dodgy dealings that Kay and Nix (mostly) voluntarily take part in from the very first moment. Kay herself hails from Canto Bight, an Outer Rim gambling destination famously shown in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.The location is a hotbed for the wealthy to be frivolous with their earnings a situation that Kay has learned to take full advantage of as a thief. The contrast between Canto Bights setting and Kays upbringing sets the immediate tone for Outlaws this story wants to show you these locations not through the eyes of a known hero, but as a scoundrel, desperate and hopeful. In the sandy dunes of Tatooine, Kay is not looking at the home of Jedi Luke Skywalker, shes focused on opportunities, skulking down alleys, surveying buildings, perpetually on the hunt for something to give her an edge.One of the big ambitions when we started [Outlaws] was to show what is behind the curtain, Delisle says. Our generation grew up watching those movies and wondering what would it be like to go there? You see things in the movies, but you never really get off the rollercoaster to really look at the world, see the wildlife, talk to the people that live there, and it was really important to us all to let players be someone that can just live in this world.Every time I step out of the Mos Eisley Cantina, jump on my speeder, I just have a big smile on my face, Podlesnigg adds. This is just a love letter to everything Star Wars. Related Stories for How Ubisoft Built an Authentic New World for Star Wars Outlaws Category: ID@XboxHow Jackbox Games Took a Beloved Party Game and Made a New Remote Play Version Category: GamesPlanet Coaster 2: The Diary of a Park Management Intern Category: GamesMortal Kombat 1: How We Reinvented Klassic Kombatants Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot The post How Ubisoft Built an Authentic New World for Star Wars Outlaws appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Back in The Jackbox Party Pack 3, Jackbox Games unleashed a social deception game called Fakin It that had friends and family pointing at each other, throwing their hands up, and ultimately accusing each other of lying. At the beginning of the game, we let players know the best way to sit and enjoy the game so you can have the best view of your fellow players. Now, in Jackbox Naughty Pack, we are bringing it back, but is it possible to have this explosively funny game work remotely? Spoiler alert: Hell yeah it is!Hi, Im Tim Sniffen, the director of Fakin It All Night Long. When we started making this new version, one of the teams biggest hopes (and a request weve heard from Jackbox players over the years) was to have the game work in a purely remote setting.Since the game relies on carefully studying your fellow players to see who might be Fakin It, we made the player avatars (designed by lead artist Owen Watson) more present in the game so they could raise their hands, point at each other, etc. All of the moments that would traditionally be enacted by players in the room are done by selecting options on your controller, and then those actions are shown on the game screen.We also paid a lot of attention to the timing and order of operations when things are revealed in the Remote Play version to make sure that it was easy to process all the information on screen. And both Same Room and Remote Play contain the same round categories, including one of our new ones, Emojional Damage (who doesnt love deception through emojis?), so ultimately the game plays the same, even with the adjusted interactions.This way, having your camera on isnt mandatory even though its always satisfying to watch someones face as they wiggle out of an accusation.So even if youre feeling like staying in, you can Fake It with the best of them! And for all you original Fakin It lovers the original in the same room playing style is present in the Jackbox Naughty Pack too. Because sometimes you just need to honk the nose of the person calling you a dirty liar for the third time.The Jackbox Naughty PackJackbox Games, Inc. $21.99Get it nowBring the heat with a threesome of fun in Jackbox Naughty Pack. Weve Seen How You Play Our GamesWe know youve been begging to burst out of the box. Its time to set your party aflame with a brand new pack of three adult party games that will bring some harmless heat to your next weekend hang with friends. Its the perfect pack for your next college party, grown-up game night, bachelor/ette celebration, or hump day gathering. Play with your phone or tablet no special controller required. All three games support 3 to 8 players and 10,000 audience members.Were spreading the love around the world. All Jackbox Naughty Pack games can be played in English, French, Italian, German, Castilian or Latin American Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.A Threesome of FunFakin It All Night Long (Social Deduction): Fakin It returns and this time were putting it all out there. Everyone gets a secret task except the Faker, who tries to blend in. Find out which of your friends is the best liar and SO much more! Featuring new categories like Finger Blasting and a brand new remote play mode. Who doesnt like a good Finger Blast with their friends?Dirty Drawful (Drawing, Guessing): Its Drawful, but dirty It's Dirty Drawful. Hosted by the one and only Drawful Owl, as youve never seen her before. Weve taken the game that you love and added prompts to ensure your drawings are both terrible and titillating. This game has everything:, sex, drugs, blasphemy, you name it! Also, if you cant commit to a relationship, or a drawing, we added an undo button just for you.Let Me Finish (Presentation): Let Me Finish is Jackboxs new presentation game that examines lifes serious questions like, Where is the mailboxs butt? or How does this avocado get aroused? Everyone gets a chance to speak their mind, but will others pick up what youre putting down?Content WarningJackbox Naughty Pack contains mature themes and explicit content. It is not intended to be played by children. This game contains references to consensual sex acts, light drug use, non-graphic violence, and crude languageThe post How Jackbox Games Took a Beloved Party Game and Made a New Remote Play Version appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Get ready for an action-packed Free Play Day with an exciting lineup featuring the intense battles of UFC 5, the tactical operations of Rainbow Six Siege, the strategic warfare of Classified: France 44, and the culinary chaos of Overcooked All You Can Eat! available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday September 12 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, September 15 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.Gamers can enjoy Rainbow Six Siege for an extra day with Free Play Days from September 12 until September 16.Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of over 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals! Read more about Game Pass Core at Xbox Wire.How To Start PlayingFind and install the games on each of the individual game details page onXbox.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 Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 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 GoingPurchase 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 (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)UFC 5Electronic Arts444$69.99$34.99Get it nowFree TrialEA Sports UFC 5Powered by Frostbite, EA Sports UFC 5 is the next evolution of the fight game. From unrivalled graphics upgrades to all-new damage systems and doctor stoppages that affect gameplay in truly authentic fashion this is as real as it gets.Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six SiegeUBISOFT2002Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedXbox Game PassRainbow Six SiegePlay the new season of Tom Clancys Rainbow Six Siege in Operation Twin Shells. This season introduces the Skops, an Operator who deploys modern robotics technology to outmaneuver her foes. Operation Twin Shells also brings enhanced player protection against cheating, Siege Cup (Beta) a new competitive playlist, improved player comfort with a redesigned After-Action Report, and new items in the Marketplace.Classified: France '44Team1750$34.99Get it nowClassified: France 44Command an elite team of allied special operators in Nazi-occupied France wreaking havoc in the run up to D-Day in this ambitious turn-based tactics game. Take on the might of Germanys war machine and launch daring raids in occupied territory. Can you do enough to ensure Allied victory?Overcooked! All You Can EatTeam17124$39.99Get it nowOvercooked! All You Can EatThe Peckish have risen again and its your job to satisfy their hunger, are you ready to save the world again? Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a chaotic cooking game where players need to work together (or alone) to serve as many dishes as they can before the timer runs out. Travel through the land cooking up a variety of recipes in evolving and dynamic kitchens.Dont miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members!Learn more about Free Play Days hereand stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.The post Free Play Days UFC 5, Rainbow Six Siege, Classified: France 44 and Overcooked All You Can Eat appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesTowerborne Releases in Steam Early Access TodayTrisha Stouffer, CEO and President, StoicPublishedSeptember 10, 2024Im thrilled to announce that today Towerborne has officially released to Steam Early Access. This marks an exciting new chapter for Stoic, building on the foundation we laid with the Banner Saga trilogy. Empowered by our partnership with Xbox, weve brought a new Stoic adventure to life where player feedback will directly shape the future of the game. In our third Developer Diary, we dive into some of Towerbornes coolest featureslike the flexible combat system and loyal Umbra companions. Were really excited to show how the game lets players shape their own experience, whether theyre seasoned pros or totally new to ARPGs, while staying true to our goal of building a world that grows and evolves with the community. A Co-op Brawler RPG Adventure Towerbornes gameplay draws inspiration from iconic side-scrolling brawlers, blending familiar couch-co-op feels with a deeply customizable and modern action RPG core. You take on the role of an Ace, a hero tasked with defending humanity, where youll team up with fellow Aces to explore a vast, ever-expanding story-rich world. Battle monsters, gather loot, and grow stronger together as you uncover mysteries and protect the last remnants of civilization.Towerbornes core game loop is delightfully action-packed and consistently rewarding. In-game combat, shaped by decades of fighting game expertise, balances intricate button combos with intuitive, pick-up-and-play mechanics. True to Stoic tradition, the sights and sounds of Towerbornes ever-expanding world have been meticulously crafted to bring your adventure to life including a soundtrack by the legendary Austin Wintory, whose work in titles like Journey, Assassins Creed Syndicate, and our own Banner Saga trilogy have set a high-water mark for music mastery in industry.From our initial concept pitch years ago, we designed Towerborne to be free-to-play and committed to players that the only thing youll ever pay for if you choose will be cosmetic items and convenience features never power progression. We intend to keep our game fair and fun and delight you with what we build to heighten your experience.With Towerborne, we are in it for the long haul. We plan to grow this game with you and support it for years to come with regular updates, new content, new classes, new weapons, new enemies, and new storylines.The Partnership that Paved the WayAt Stoic, our relationship with our players is unique. We quite literally wouldnt exist without you. From the very beginning, it was players who shared in our vision and invested in seeing it through that paved the way for us to deliver to the world the Banner Saga trilogy.Today, Towerborne is playable in Steam Early Access. And while Towerborne is a markedly different game, its our connection and commitment to players that compels us still. Its in our DNA. With Towerborne, our grand ambition would need a partner to match and we found that partner in Xbox.Working with Xbox Game Studios has been transformative, allowing us to push beyond what we initially envisioned, paving the way for Towerborne to evolve into something much bigger. Xbox didnt just invest in our projectthey believed in our philosophy: the importance of building not just for players, but with them.Early Access Means a Better GameWe chose Steam Early Access for two main reasons: first, it offers the ideal space for a studio like ours to gather feedback and iterate quickly a process fully supported by Xbox, as it ensures the best experience for players. Second, starting with Steam helps us build a solid foundation before expanding to the larger, global audience that comes with Xbox Game Preview.Weve seen the value of player-driven development before, especially with Banner Saga, where early backers helped shape the game. This time, were taking it even further, making Steam Early Access a deliberate and strategic starting point. Steam allows us to build a meaningful relationship with our core, invested players, gathering feedback that will ensure Towerbornes evolution is guided by player experiences. This phased approach isnt about holding anything backits about refining Towerborne to be as polished, fun, and content-rich as possible when were ready to release the full game.Your Guide to Towerborne Steam Early AccessBy purchasing a Founders Pack, youll unlock early access to the game, along with exclusive items like cosmetics, Umbra skins, and monthly rewards. These packs are designed to offer unique customization options for your Ace and will carry over to future releases. In Early Access, players get to experience the full core game loop, including missions, combat, and exploration. Youll engage in dozens of hours of gameplay, experimenting with different weapon classes and Umbra companions.By the time Towerborne arrives on Xbox and Windows PC via Xbox Game Preview in 2025, it will offer an immersive, fully realized experience from day one.New Game, Same StoicThe Banner Saga was a true labor of lovea journey we were as passionate about creating as you were about experiencing. With Towerborne, weve poured that same heart and dedication into every detail, carrying forward the spirit that drives everything we do at Stoic. Steam Early Access is just the first step in an exciting adventure. Weve built something were immensely proud of, but none of it would be possible without the support of players like you.After years of dedication, were handing this world over to you. And from here, it only gets bigger and better. Were excited to see where you will take us next.Jump into Towerborne on Steam today! Related Stories for Towerborne Releases in Steam Early Access Today Category: GamesLife Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre Category: GamesXbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for You Category: GamesThe Haunting Returns! Full Season 6 Reveal: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile The post Towerborne Releases in Steam Early Access Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 10, 2024Persona 3 Reload and Episode Aigis The Answer: A Deeply Personal JourneyKazuhisa Wada, Producer, Persona 3 ReloadSummaryPersona 3 Reload sees its epilogue DLC, Episode Aigis -The Answer- released today. Episode Aigis -The Answer- is part of the Persona 3 Reload Expansion Pass, available as a perk to Xbox Games Pass Ultimate members.Persona 3 Reload is available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Game Pass.Hello, everyone. This is Kazuhisa Wada, producer of Persona 3 Reload. As we approach the release of the final story chapter Episode Aigis -The Answer-, Id like to talk a little bit about how we got here.The journey begins with Persona 3 Reload. If you havent played it yet, I encourage you to do this first. Speaking personally, the original Persona 3 was not only the beginning of a new era for the Persona series, but a turning point for my career as a game developer as well. Many members of the P3R development team were fans of the original when it first released, so bringing their perspectives together with mine to create its remake has been quite emotional. We understood deeply how much this title meant to both fans and ourselves, pouring all of these feelings into creating the best version of the game we could from the ground up.The core storyline of Persona 3 resonated with the hearts of players across the globe, and we strove to maintain everything that made it that way while modernizing the gameplay and visuals to live up to the flashy and engaging experience fans loved in Persona 5. Whether youve been a fan for years or youre curious to try out the series for the first time, we wanted to make this game something that would leave a lasting impression. Ive said this before, but its my belief that good things never become obsolete, and seeing the outpouring of love from players has filled me with gratitude and relief that we have succeeded in our duty to deliver that goodness to a modern audience.Next, we have the downloadable content, Episode Aigis -The Answer-, available today. In the same way, we wanted to remake the original The Answer (released as part of Persona 3 FES on PS2) from the ground up. In truth, from the very start of planning P3R we felt that this was an indispensable part of the story and wanted to find some way to create it, but the realities of development got in the way and it wasnt looking like it was going to be possible I was so disappointed that I just couldnt give up on it, and continued searching for a way forward as we developed the main game.When we finally revealed to the world what we were working on, the response from fans was overwhelming, and many of them pleaded for The Answer to be included. Knowing that it wasnt just my own stubborn wish was the final push we needed, and so we managed to make it a reality. Honestly, thank you all so much.Lastly, Id like to highlight Metis, the new character who only appears in The Answer. While Persona 3s characters have already been featured in modern titles such as Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight, Metis herself hasnt been seen since Persona 3 FES, so we took extra care in how to depict her in the P3R style. While similar to Aigis, she has her own elements that are unique. Of course, she also comes equipped with her Persona, Psyche, along with her own special Theurgy skills to stand tall with the rest of the team. We hope both new and returning players will be able to appreciate the attention we gave to her design and animation!Thank you for your continued interest in the Persona series that we have all poured our hearts into. Please look forward to Episode Aigis -The Answer-! Persona 3 Reload is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Game Pass and the Expansion Pass (including Episode Aigis -The Answer-) is available as a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.Persona 3 ReloadSEGA380$69.99$55.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassStep into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour "hidden" between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.Key Features: Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI. -Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover. Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters. Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.Persona 3 Reload: Expansion PassSEGA236$34.99$31.49Get it nowDive deeper into the world of Persona 3 Reload with this expansion pass featuring new costumes, BGM, and an extended story content scenario Episode Aigis -The Answer-, offering over 30 hours of additional gameplay. Content will be released as follows:Wave 1 Persona 5 Royal EX BGM Set and Persona 4 Golden EX BGM Set Release Date: March 2024Unlock and listen to additional tracks from Persona 5 Royal and Persona 4 Golden while exploring and battling in dungeons in Persona 3 Reload and Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-.Wave 2 Velvet Costume & BGM Set Release Date: May 2024Unlock Velvet Room themed costumes and BGM to further customize your dungeon experience in Persona 3 Reload and Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-. Wave 3 New Expansive Story Scenario, Episode Aigis -The Answer- Release Date: September 2024After unravelling the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fighting epic battles through Tartarus, and all the unforgettable events of Persona 3 Reload, the S.E.E.S. members find themselves trapped in a never-ending March 31st. Journey through the Abyss of Time as Aigis, undertake new challenges, and uncover the cause of this strange fate and the truth of what happened on that day Delve into this final chapter now with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, fresh animations and UI, and a rearranged soundtrack. You must own Persona 3 Reload with the latest patch downloaded to access expansion pass content. Some content in this product may overlap.Names and descriptions in this product are subject to change without notice. For more information on each item, please refer to their individual listings.Scheduled release dates are subject to change. Related Stories for Persona 3 Reload and Episode Aigis The Answer: A Deeply Personal Journey Category: GamesLife Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre Category: GamesXbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for You Category: GamesThe Haunting Returns! Full Season 6 Reveal: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile The post Persona 3 Reload and Episode Aigis The Answer: A Deeply Personal Journey appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesAra: History Untolds Multiplayer is Designed for Speed, Flexibility, and FunMike Nelson, Xbox Wire EditorPublishedSeptember 10, 2024SummaryPresident of Oxide Games Marc Meyer shares additional details about Ara: History Untolds unique multiplayer system.The innovative multiplayer experience for Ara: History Untold will lean on new cloud-based technologies to give players more flexibility in how to play together online.Ara: History Untold is launching September 24, 2024, and is now available for pre-order on Steam and the Microsoft Store or play it day one with PC Game Pass.Its tough to get a group of friends to join you online to play a grand strategy game, a genre that is synonymous with epic gameplay sessions that can last many hours at a time; sometimes even spread across many days. But thats also part of its allure. Some of my favorite gaming memories are of playing strategy games with friends that extended well into the night.But finding that kind of time to enjoy this genre with friends these days is a tall order. Not only because I have a mountain of responsibilities, but its also because many of these heavy time-investment games have been unable to develop systems that can accommodate my life schedule. This is an area that Ara: History Untold is trying to solve for, by using new cloud-based technologies as well as innovative approaches to simultaneous turns, to have a grand strategy game that can fit around our busy lives, instead of the other way around.To make these epic games not only practical but also enjoyable for players over extended periods, weve implemented cloud-based Ara servers. These servers allow the game to exist in the cloud, enabling players to seamlessly continue games in progress, whether theyre playing synchronously with others or asynchronously at their own pace. The key feature here is the ability to pick up right where you left off, making it easier to enjoy the game over weeks or even months without losing momentum, President of Oxide Games Marc Meyer shares.This robust online experience for Ara: History Untold will be a huge factor that helps it stand apart from competitors in this genre space. With games being hosted on the cloud, it means that you will be able to jump in and out of multiple games you wont need to have all the players available at the same time. This is where its unique simultaneous turns system comes into play.The key differentiator in Ara: History Untold is our simultaneous turn system, Meyer says. Players arent stuck waiting for others to finish their turns; instead, everyone makes their moves at the same time. This significantly reduces turn times, enabling us to support 20, 30, or even more players in a single game. Its a more streamlined and engaging experience, letting you focus on the strategy rather than the waiting.To handle situations where different nations forces come into conflict, the game uses an initiative system based on the speed of the involved units to determine the outcome. Battles in Ara are similarly resolved as a single event, with both sides inflicting and receiving damage based on their statistics.Balancing fairness while ensuring each nation in the game feels unique is always a challenge, Meyer adds. Our focus has been on using extensive telemetry data to ensure that no nation (even Rome) dominates unfairly. With thousands of hours of data from players, weve been carefully fine-tuning the game to ensure that, while each nation plays differently, theyre evenly matched.The core game loop of Ara: History Untold is that you win by improving the lives of your people. You can measure how well youre doing by referring to the Quality-of-Life scale thats displayed in every city this represents your nations ability to research new tech, build military strength, how productive your cities are, and how fast they can grow.The way players affect quality of life is through producing items. Look around at the items you have (in your home): computers, mobile phones, refrigeration, vaccines, and so on. Go back in time to the medieval era. What did they have? Basic medicines, grain stores, musical instruments, maybe some glass windows. Go to the Bronze age or even Neolithic era and youre dealing with an occasional feast, herbal medicine, pottery, crude tools, Meyer says.For each example above, these items require resources and sophisticated supply chains to make them happen. In Ara, you can trade with other nations to get these goods and resources, or resort to conquest, as long as its not at the expense of your peoples well-being. Improving the lives of your people involves having access to resources and the knowledge to utilize those resources in innovative ways. And with crafted resources, players can form trade pacts, create research treaties, and forge alliances.While it might seem straightforward, in practice, its incredibly powerful. For example, if you want another player human or AI to handle a particular rival for you, you can gift them the resources or units they need to do the job. Its a subtle but effective way to influence the battlefield without getting your hands dirty.Being able to customize these experiences will also be part of Aras accessible approach to its multiplayer design, Meyer explains. At launch, were focused on understanding what players want rather than just what we envision. As we see how the games meta evolves in first few months following release, we will look at introducing a range of new features that will allow players to customize their multiplayer experience and enjoy different paths to victory.We wont have long to wait until were all able to start squaring off with friends online as Ara: History Untold is launching soon on Steam, Windows PC, and day one with Game Pass on September 24, 2024. While I may no longer be able to play multiplayer games well into the night too often anymore, Im excited to see how Ara will allow me to experience its magnificent grand strategy experience on my time.Ara: History Untold Deluxe Edition Preorder BundleXbox Game Studios Get it nowBuild a nation and lead your people throughout history to the pinnacles of human achievement as you explore new lands, develop arts and culture, conduct diplomacy, and go head-to-head with your rivals to prove you are the greatest ruler ever known. It's Your World Now.The Deluxe Edition Includes Ara: History Untold Base Game Exclusive Leader Collection featuring five exclusive leaders not included in the base game including: Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, Yoo Gwan Soon, Hildegard and Boudicca. Modern Leader Skin Set enhance five Ara: History Untold leaders (Elizabeth I, Genghis Khan, Nefertiti, Sappho and George Washington) with the Modern Leader Skin Set, featuring modern versions of their in-game costumes. With your pre-order of the Deluxe Edition receive the Gilded Leader Skin Set. Ara: History Untold Standard Edition Preorder BundleXbox Game Studios Get it nowBuild a nation and lead your people throughout history to the pinnacles of human achievement as you explore new lands, develop arts and culture, conduct diplomacy, and go head-to-head with your rivals to prove you are the greatest ruler ever known. It's Your World Now.Ara: History Untold is an evolution in historical grand strategy, featuring beloved classic PC strategy mechanics alongside innovative gameplay like a national crafting economy, true simultaneous turn resolution, a non-linear technology tree, and cloud-backed synchronous/asynchronous multiplayer all with an expansive and vibrant presentation where you can zoom out from surveying the very edges of your empire all the way down to your citizens living their daily lives. In Ara, there are no pre-set paths to victory, leading to endless possibilities. Your choices will define the world you create, your experience, and your legacy. Explore an Immersive Living WorldExplore a dynamic living world filled with life and charm across sweeping landscapes ranging from tropical jungles to sand-swept deserts as you discover the resources you need to develop your nation. Witness the world come to life in vivid, realistic detail as citizens move throughout the world and react dynamically to times of health and sickness, war and peace, wealth and despair with unique biomes, cultures, and eras representing the diversity of human experience.Build Your NationServe your people and grow your prestige with numerous Improvements, from forges to libraries, citadels to cathedrals, public parks to industrial factories as well as a global variety of the greatest architectural Triumphs ever conceived and built by human hands.Guide your people through the eras of human discoveryNurture your peoples brilliance and invention as you progress your Nation through twelve unique Technology Eras, making the hard choices about where to focus your Nations greatest minds. As you near the end of each Era, youll have to decide how fast to push your scientists along the path to the future at the risk of the present.Oversee a rich and detailed national economyHarvest the bounty of the natural world and deploy the labor of your people with a depth-filled National Crafting system. Will you manufacture Amenities like lavish feasts to provide your cities and citizens with powerful benefits, or invest in the creation of Equipment the weapons of war to prepare your Armies to defend your nation or conquer your rivals? Whatever paths you choose youll need to carefully optimize your resources and production to achieve the most efficient systems if you want to outpace your rivals to fortune and lasting glory.Rule Your WayChoose from dozens of historys most influential figures to embody as you reshape the world through your choices. The unique and varied global Leaders and Nations in Ara emphasize a wide variety of different playstyles. Experiment with gameplay-impacting Traits and powerful Leader Abilities drawn from the effect they had on world history. Whether friend or foe, each Leader has a distinct personality based on their historical background that informs their AI behaviors.Experience True Simultaneous TurnsEvery turn each nation's actions and choices resolve simultaneously, leading to suspense, anticipation, unique outcomes, and surprising twists on the classic turn-based formula. The fate of your people will be determined by your decisions and your ability to predict your opponents next move, putting your skill as a leader to the ultimate test.Defend your people by land, sea, and airWarfare in Ara is presented in the Living World, as thousands of years of military conflict reflect the progress and martial prowess of your people. Develop technologies to advance your weaponry against your rivals, hone your wartime economy and industry to gain the edge, and outthink your opponents strategies as maneuvers resolve authentically at once thanks to the power of True Simultaneous Turns.Prove Your Worth in Online MultiplayerCombining the speed and surprise of True Simultaneous Turns with the power of the cloud multiplayer in Ara is fast, seamless, and able to be enjoyed asynchronously with a wide range of options to tailor you and your friends experience to the way you want to play together.A Microsoft Account is required to play online multiplayer. Related Stories for Ara: History Untolds Multiplayer is Designed for Speed, Flexibility, and Fun Category: GamesLife Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre Category: GamesXbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for You Category: GamesThe Haunting Returns! Full Season 6 Reveal: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile The post Ara: History Untolds Multiplayer is Designed for Speed, Flexibility, and Fun appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Beginning this week, starting with Alpha Skip-Ahead users on Xbox consoles, and users that have joined the PC Gaming preview on Windows PCs and handheld devices, Xbox Insiders will be able to preview an updated friends and followers experience! With updated relationships, and new privacy and notification settings, you can start managing your social experiences with Xbox just the way you like, from any device.Friends and followersWere thrilled to announce the return of friend requests! Now, you can easily send, accept, or delete friend requests, making it simpler to connect with others. Friends are now a two-way, invite-approved relationship, giving you more control and flexibility. Meanwhile, following someone remains a one-way connection, allowing you to stay updated with their shared content, whether its another player, club, or game.Getting started is easyExisting friends and followers will update automatically with this change. Youll stay friends with people who had also added you as a friend previously and continue following anyone who hadnt.To start managing your friends and followers on Xbox consoles, press the Xbox button to open the guide and head to the People tab. Here, you can find all your existing friends in the Friends list, accept (or delete) new friend requests, or find someone new and send a friend request of your own.Its just as easy from all the devices youre already using! Starting with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs and handheld devices, and coming to the rest of your devices later, youre never far from your friends.Managing your social experienceWith these updates, we are also adding new privacy and notification settings, letting you decide who can send you friend requests or follow your account and which notifications you receive.You can manage who can send you friend requests, or follow your account, directly from your Xbox console by navigating to Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy, then select View details & customize > Friends, followers & clubs to customize your settings. You can also update your notification preferences on Xbox consoles from Settings > Preferences > Notifications.Additionally, you can manage your settings online by navigating to Privacy & online safety and signing in. Here, you can customize all your privacy settings, then select Submit when youre done.To learn more about managing your settings, visit: Manage Xbox online safety and privacy settings.Shape the future of XboxWe want to thank all the Xbox Insiders for the feedback you share with us. Your feedback is a key part of our process.If youre an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on theXbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We always recommend replying to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can!You can also provide direct feedback to Team Xbox by following the steps here: Provide feedback to Team Xbox, and follow the Xbox Insider Program on Twitter @XboxInsider to stay in the know.If youre not yet an Xbox Insider, and youd like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC.For more information, and to keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes, visit the Xbox Insider Home.The post New Xbox Friends and Followers Experience appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesLife Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming GenreJoe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-ChiefPublishedSeptember 11, 2024Max Caulfield became something of an unexpected video game icon in the course of the first Life Is Strange. In a medium often associated with over-muscled, under-dressed lead characters, stepping into the shoes of an ordinary person, with relatable hopes and fears (and, yes, just a dash of superpowers) felt quietly revolutionary.Discovering the mysteries of Arcadia Bay was the headline of that game, but helping Max discover who she was through the course of our adventure became the thing I remember most about the first installment in whats become a major gaming series.So, as I picked up the controller to play a slice of her unlikely return, I expected all of this to feel familiar a character, her powers, and a vibe that still live in my mind, years later. Im thrilled to say I was wrong.We knew that the Max Caulfield of Life Is Strange: Double Exposure would be older, with a life history for us to catch up on, but that translates into a game that feels equally evolved. Double Exposure is set years after the original, and places Max (and us) in the midst of a supernatural murder mystery. Her best friend, Safi, is killed, awakening a whole new power in Max the ability to shift between two timelines, allowing her to see a world in which Safi never died alongside her own.In my demo of the game, set a few hours into the game, I see quite how much those new powers change the fabric of Life Is Strange as a whole. Where Maxs original power to rewind time effectively played with the idea of a Choose Your Own Adventure the virtual equivalent of putting your finger in the page before you turn to a new one timeline shifting goes some way towards changing the genre entirely. Double Explosure is more of a puzzle game than this series has ever allowed for before.My demo sees me aiming to help Moses, a (seemingly innocent) friend suspected of Safis murder inadvertently incriminating evidence is locked in a Caledon University science lab, and Max needs to find and remove it before a suspicious detective can stumble across it himself. Max can only shift timelines through what amount to rips in space-time, offering me a way into the lab thats otherwise inaccessible.Initially, its pure Life Is Strange I enter the lab and ask other-Moses where he might safely keep a secret, building a picture of the situation entirely through dialogue. But soon, this becomes another kind of game entirely. Im tasked with figuring out not only how to make my way around, but piecing together the mystery across both timelines clues from one affecting how I proceed through another. There are elements of stealth, as I avoid the detective in the dark timeline, and even an entirely new power, allowing me to switch objects between timelines and change the rooms around me. This is not the Life Is Strange you remember, and its all the more enticing for that.Its a whole new take on puzzle solving for Life Is Strange there are still the pivotal dialogue choices, deeply personal histories to uncover, and carefully chosen diegetic indie music, but with a new focus on classic game design weaving it all together. Like Max, Life Is Strange is learning how to become something new.Life Is Strange: Double Exposure launches for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on October 29 this year and those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition can play both Chapters 1 and 2 from October 15.Life is Strange: Double ExposureSquare Enix$49.99Pre-orderMax Caulfield, photographer-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University, discovers her closest new friend, Safi, dead in the snow. Murdered.To save her, Max tries to Rewind time a power shes not used in years instead, Max opens the way to a parallel timeline where Safi is still alive, and still in danger!Max realizes the killer will soon strike again in both versions of reality.With her new power to Shift between two timelines can Max solve and prevent the same murder?ORDINARY GIRL, EXTRAORDINARY POWERMax is thrust into a thrilling supernatural murder mystery more dangerous than ever before!TRAVERSE TWO TIMELINESForge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality, shaping both timelines through unforgettable choices.RACE AGAINST TIMEA relentless detective has Max in his sights, and Safis killer grows closer with every clue uncovered. Can Max survive long enough to do the impossible?DECIDE THE FATE OF CALEDONExplore two versions of a vivid winter campus, each packed with clues, secrets, and tough decisions. EXCLUSIVE SOUNDTRACKA rich original score, new songs, and thrilling licensed tracks! Related Stories for Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre Category: GamesXbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for You Category: GamesThe Haunting Returns! Full Season 6 Reveal: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile Category: GamesThe Elder Scrolls:Castlesis Available Now on iOS and Android! The post Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: AnnouncementsSeptember 11, 2024One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffectOne Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffectSoccer-based shenanigans return to St. Georges Park as the UK games industry once again comes together to raise crucial funds for charity! Taking place across September 25 and 26 2024 a mere two weeks away 24 hours of high-quality game dev football will be livestreamed on Twitch for everyones viewing pleasure, all in the name of raising money for SpecialEffect.One Big Game has come a long way since its inception in 2020: what started off as a FIFA-based rivalry between Xbox Game Studios Rare and Playground Games evolved into a real-life football face-off between the teams in 2021, and has now transformed into a multi-studio, 24-hour effort played and broadcast live from the English FAs national football centre. This will be the second time the One Big Game squad have attempted to pull off an event on this scale, with 2023s event raising an astonishing 30,596 overall.Building on the brilliant efforts of last years One Big Game, teams from games companies such as Activision, Jagex, Ninja Theory, Ubisoft and more will come together to decide once and for all (or for at least a year) who is better: Team Red or Team Blue. All teams taking part will be assigned to represent one of those colours and will play in a full 90-minute match, where the final score will contribute to the overall Team Red and Team Blue tallies.The sporting showdown will kick off at 7pm BST on September 25, with coverage beginning on the Xbox On Twitch channel from 6:30pm BST and then at approximately 7:15pm BST on September 26, the final score will be settled alongside the final whistle, when one brave band of players will emerge victorious. You can expect to see some familiar faces on the broadcast and commentary team too, with the Xbox On crew (and some special guests!) taking the reins on hosting the event.Were once again thrilled to have the support of so many studios across the UK, all of whom are remarkably enthusiastic about donating their legs, lactic acid and, in some cases, dignity to raise money for SpecialEffect. Were so proud to be bringing so many people together both on and off the pitch, and this event promises to be an incredibly special show of skill, spirit and generosity amongst the games industry community.As Xbox Game Studios, wecouldnt be prouderto supportSpecialEffectsmission to level the playing field for all gamers with disabilities. For many people, games are a vital form of recreation and games like Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 have a particular role to play in connecting gamers with additional needs. SpecialEffect uses innovative technology to make gaming accessible to all, and your donations will allow this charity to continue supporting disabled gamers well into the future.So please, if you can, tune in from Wednesday, September 25 for competition, camaraderie and absolutely corking goals from the participating players. Rivalries will be born, heroes will be made and friendships will be forged on the immaculate astroturf of the Sir Alf Ramsey Pitch at St. Georges Park. And, most importantly, vital funds will be raised for charity. If youd like to get the ball rolling with donations, please head over to the One Big Game 24 Tiltify donation page to pledge your support.See you on the 25th and dont forget your stretches! Related Stories for One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffect Category: Tokyo Game ShowAsian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024 Category: AnnouncementsXbox and Forza Unveil New Game Content Inspired by the Jordan Luka 3 Sneaker Category: EntertainmentA First Look at the Minecraft Movie The post One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffect appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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The post The Haunting Returns! Full Season 6 Reveal: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 10, 2024Xbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for YouChris Lee, VP Xbox MarketingStarting today, we are launching a new plan for Xbox Game Pass Game Pass Standard. This plan brings together features that players love about Game Pass for Console and Game Pass Core, while providing an additional option when you are deciding which plan is right for you. If youre still wondering which Game Pass plan might fit your needs, we have the guide for you.As players, we all have different approaches to gaming. Maybe youre a PC player, or perhaps enjoy playing online with friends. Maybe youre gaming on a budget, or you want to play the latest titles day one like the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in October. Providing options to you is important, which is why Game Pass has several options to choose from.Choose the Plan thats Right for YouPC Game Pass Want to play high-quality games on your PC? PC Game Pass offers a multitude of benefits, including hundreds of great games and access to new titles on day one. That includes Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, access to an EA Play membership, Riot Games benefits in Valorant, League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and more. Members also enjoy discounts of up to 20% on many games. If youre a PC-only player, then PC Game Pass is designed for you.Game Pass Core Is your main interest jumping on your Xbox console and challenging your friends online or teaming up to take down a final boss? Game Pass Core is your main avenue for online console multiplayer. For a low monthly price, play with others online, get member deals of up to 50% off select titles, and enjoy a select catalog of over 25 high-quality games in the Game Pass library, including Grounded, Among Us, Halo, Gears 5, and more.Game Pass Standard Are you looking to level up your Xbox console gaming experience at a great value? Then Game Pass Standard may be right for you. In addition to all of the benefits you receive with Game Pass Core, including online console multiplayer and member discounts, you get access to hundreds of high-quality console games in the Game Pass library. Legendary series like Halo or Age of Empires, and massively popular games such as Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Tom Clancys Rainbow Six Siege are ready for you to play. Dive in and discover your next favorite game today.Game Pass Ultimate Are you a player who wants the total gaming experience? Then Game Pass Ultimate has what you need. Including all the benefits in the other Game Pass plans, enjoy hundreds of high-quality games such as Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and Diablo IV, including new games on day one like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on your console, PC, and cloud. Get beloved series like EA Sports F1, Battlefield, and Star Wars with EA Play. Join friends and play together with online console multiplayer. Experience premium member benefits with deals and discounts on games and add-ons, free Perks, and more. Stream a game with cloud gaming before you download it on your console no installs required. Get a head start in Valorant, League of Legends, and more of the biggest PC and mobile games from Riot Games. With Game Pass Ultimate, theres always something new to play.We continue to be focused on delivering the best gaming experience at a range of price points so players can choose the plan with the features that best fits their gaming needs and budget. If you are interested in learning more about Xbox Game Pass and pricing for each plan, please visit our main page. You can also find additional information about the new Game Pass Standard plan on Xbox Support. Related Stories for Xbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for You Category: GamesThe Haunting Returns! Full Season 6 Reveal: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile Category: GamesThe Elder Scrolls:Castlesis Available Now on iOS and Android! Category: GamesForzaHorizon 5 Welcomes Hide & Seek, Its Newest Multiplayer Experience The post Xbox Game Pass Standard Is Here How to Choose the Right Plan for You appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: AnnouncementsSeptember 4, 2024Xbox and Forza Unveil New Game Content Inspired by the Jordan Luka 3 SneakerLindsay OConnor, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Forza Partnerships & LicensingSneakerheads, sports fans and car lovers rejoice! As announced at gamescom 2024, Xbox and Forzaare teaming up with the iconic Jordan brand and NBA All-Star Luka Doni to unveil new in-game content inspired by the new Jordan Luka 3 sneaker and its Motorsport colorway.Clean, classic and seamlessly sculpted like top-of-the-line performance cars, the Jordan 3 Luka Motorsport colorway pairs an ultra-clean white upper with touches of Jordans heritage black and red. Elephant print details and a metallic gold Jumpman logo give Lukas latest ride some signature Air Jordan flair.This shoe embodies what has made Luka Doni such a dominant presence on the basketball courtand is fueled by his passion for cars off the court. Driven by this shared inspiration (and Lukas impressive personal car collection), this collaboration brings design elements from the Motorsport colorway of the Jordan Luka 3 released yesterday on Jordan.com to a brand-new playing field through vehicle, wardrobe, and track options in the award-winning Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 from Xbox.Xbox and Forza worked directly with the five-time NBA All-Star and the Jordan team to select and design a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that sports color and trim details from the Jordan Luka 3 that will be featured in both Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5. Sneakerheads will be able to spot the shoes signature features on the car body.In addition to the in-game car, Forza Motorsport players can put on a new racing suit that features matching nods to Jordan, Luka, and the new shoe. The Hakone Track is getting a flashy upgrade with exclusive Jordan Luka 3 designs, turning every lap into a high-octane celebration of sneaker culture. All this in-game content will be live and free to download in Forza Motorsport on September 9 and Forza Horizon 5 on September 10 and players can download the car from the in-game Message Center.Beginning September 17, fans can visit the Microsoft Experience Centers in London, Sydney, and New York for an even more immersive Forza experience. Here, you can get behind the wheel of a racing simulator with a custom drivers seat inspired by the Jordan Luka 3 Motorsport colorway and feel the unexpected speed of this partnership for yourself.Forza MotorsportXbox Game Studios415Get it nowXbox Game PassImmerse yourself in over 500 real cars across 20 world-famous tracks, including fan favorite locations and multiple track layouts, each featuring fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions.Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer* events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings. Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.Race over 500 real-world cars including modern race cars and more than 100 cars new to Forza Motorsport. Make every lap count across 20 living tracks with fan-favorite locations and multiple track layouts to master, each featuring live on-track scoring, fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions that ensure no two laps ever look or play the same. Experience a cutting-edge simulation with incredible photorealistic visuals that deliver real-time ray tracing on-track, new damage and dirt accumulation systems, and massively upgraded physics featuring powerful assists and a 48x improvement in tire fidelity. Out-build the competition by earning over 800 performance upgrades and race our most advanced AI opponents yet in an all-new, fun and rewarding single-player campaign, the Builders Cup Career Mode. Compete for the podium in Featured Multiplayer* events with a race weekend inspired structure or create the racing you and your friends desire in Free Play. Online racing is safer, more fun and more competitive with AI-powered Forza Race Regulations, tire and fuel strategy, and new driver and safety ratings. Immerse yourself in an expanding world of motorsport. New career championships and online events will be regularly introduced offering unique challenges, incredible new cars and tracks, and exciting new gameplay experiences for years to come.*Online console multiplayer requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Core, sold separatelyForza Horizon 5Xbox Game Studios893Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedPC Game PassXbox Game PassYour Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the worlds greatest cars. Related Stories for Xbox and Forza Unveil New Game Content Inspired by the Jordan Luka 3 Sneaker Category: Tokyo Game ShowAsian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024 Category: EntertainmentA First Look at the Minecraft Movie Category: ConsolesThe Xbox August Update Is Rolling Out with Updates to Cloud Gaming, Consoles, PC Gaming, and Accessories The post Xbox and Forza Unveil New Game Content Inspired by the Jordan Luka 3 Sneaker appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: ID@XboxSeptember 4, 2024Star Trucker Keepin Galactic Truckin GroundedMariela Gonzlez, Brand Marketing Manager, Raw FurySummaryMaintain your rocket powered big rig as you haul a variety of cargo across the galaxy.Hit interstellar highways and use the CB radio to take on side jobs and hear local gossip.Play Star Trucker today with Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and PC.Creating a Believable Space Truck SimAt its core Star Trucker is a simulator and part of what makes sims fun is that feeling of reality. So, we knew from very early in development that we had to balance the excitement of space travel with the familiarity of terrestrial trucking.When players you out of you cab and see a distant nebula or binary planet system we want you to be reminded that youre also driving a truck and have a job to do.Far Out Yet FamiliarThe first thing that grounds the player in our setting is the fact that our galactic big rigs actually look like trucks. Obviously, we have no need for wheels and without the limitations of gravity we could make them much bigger nearly five times bigger in fact.And although we have faster than light travel and advanced maglock technology for hitching the dashboard is pure retro aesthetic with needles, dials, chunky switches and seven-segment displays. Its a theme we roll with throughout the galaxy from highway signage to gas stations.Down to Earth HaulsEven in space people need clothing, food and construction materials. Familiar consignments like these not only provide context for our galaxy but also play an important gameplay role for how to approach a job. Drive recklessly and youll quickly damage a haul of glassware, spend too long in a solar storm and you can assume those precious fresh cabbages are as good as perished.We extended this thinking to how goods are shipped too. Taking Earth-bound trailers such as flatbeds, tankers and reefers; and updating them to fit our larger than life space theme. This helps provide a sense of understanding to goods that might otherwise seem out of this world!Relatable Radio ChatterAnother approach to keeping the game grounded was to stay honest to our theme by treating truckers and the profession of trucking with respect. To that extent we worked hard to write a cast of fully voiced space truckers who use real trucker slang and 10-codes.With unique handles, personalities and side jobs this supporting cast of characters is the final ingredient in providing an authentic and familiar feel as you embrace the unique dangers and challenges of intergalactic shipping.Star TruckerRaw Fury270$24.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassHop into the driver's seat of your rocket-powered big rig as you haul cargo, scavenge for salvage and interact with an eclectic cast of star-hopping truckers in this Americana-infused journey on the ultimate open road space!HAUL AND HOLLERCruise the hyper highways, taking on a variety of jobs such as fuel hungry long hauls and hazardous drop-offs to earn cash and unlock new content.And don't forget to monitor the CB radio for chatter from fellow truckers; it's a fantastic way to uncover side gigs and stay updated on galactic gossip.MANAGE AND MAINTAINKeeping your rig runnin isnt always easy. Youll need to keep your core systems online, gravity compensator spinnin and hull patched to prevent your cab from leaking lung juice.Be sure to make pre-trip shop stops for replacement parts, and consider upgrading your truck at a local garage. These improvements are vital for safely navigating volatile sectors and ensuring timely deliveries.HYPERJUMP!Use the galactic map to plan your journey and warp jumps, while keeping an eye on your fuel reserves and power levels.Once your route is set, kick back, crank up the cab hi-fi and cruise to a selection of original songs covering starburst blues, galactic rock and asteroid infused americana. The open road is waiting!MADE BY MONSTERSStar Trucker is the passion project of a small team: Monster and Monster. A two-person indie studio with a love for all things sci-fi and sim.With the help of some talented friends theyve developed an out of this world experience filled with emergent challenges and complex systems to master. So buckle up and join them for the long haul!The post Star Trucker Keepin Galactic Truckin Grounded appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 4, 2024Grab Your Space Rod and Find the Perfect Fishing Spot in the No Mans Sky Aquarius UpdateSean Murray, Founder, Hello GamesSummaryThe No Mans Sky Aquarius update is available to download this week, and is free to existing playersThis latest free update makes full use of the recently upgraded water and introduces fishing as another meaningful activity to aid survival (or relaxation) in the universeA whole host of other water-based activities, challenges and rewards await Xbox, PC and Game Pass playersWow! What an amazing month weve had, welcoming so many more Xbox and Game Pass No Mans Sky Travellers into our newly-revamped universe, propelling our player numbers to among our highest in five years.The Worlds Part I update really struck a chord with the community, who rushed to share amazing screenshots of their vibrant new vistas, especially the seas, oceans, and lakes which now ripple and sparkle with realistic wave formations and foam generation.It was only appropriate then that our first expedition in this brave new world should be water-based.The Aquarius Update is free to download for existing Xbox players this week and introduces something we have been tempted to add ever since we stood on the shores of No Mans Skys planets and looked out across their watery expanses fishing!Those who have explored the depths in their Nautilon submarines will know that the bodies of water in No Mans Sky are as abundant with creatures as dry land. The thrill of the catch in No Mans Sky lies in the fact that you never quite know what youre going to pull up. The variety of aquatic life ranges vastly from common minnow-like fish to huge alien marine mammals.Fishing in No Mans Sky is a uniquely relaxing experience, either alone with your thoughts or with the companionship of others. Grab a rod and your friends (optional!) and set out to explore the universe in the hunt for the perfect fishing spot. Cast off from the riverbank, float out further on your deployable Exo-Skiff, or acquire the blueprints to make automatic bait pots and establish a fish farm. Craft bait and unique lures to catch rarer fish including legendary catches, each accompanied by a snippet of marine lore.While youre waiting patiently to catch a bite, why not dredge for hidden messages in bottles from those that have passed this way before? Or, participate in the associated fishing expedition launching alongside Aquarius, which sends players on a quest for the biggest catch of the day!Of course, with this newfound ability to farm the lakes, seas and oceans, you will want to develop your cooking skills with all-new recipes and ingredient combinations out there to be discovered alongside new marine life.Fill out your Fishing Records with over 150 unique catches, adorn your base with nautical-themed decorations, and earn a beautifully detailed set of deep-sea customisation parts, including a unique underwater jetpack.For those who have yet to jump into No Mans Sky, you have a lot to catch up on. The Omega, Orbital and the dramatic Worlds Part I updates so far this year alone have added so much! If youve got a Game Pass subscription, why not take the plunge with Aquarius?No Mans Sky is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Game Pass.No Man's SkyHello Games983$59.99$23.99Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedPC Game PassXbox Game PassNo Mans Sky comes complete with all 29 major updates up to and including Worlds Part I.Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man's Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action.In No Man's Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you'll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before and perhaps never will again.Embark on an epic voyageAt the centre of the galaxy lies a irresistible pulse which draws you on a journey towards it to learn the true nature of the cosmos. But, facing hostile creatures and fierce pirates, you'll know that death comes at a cost, and survival will be down to the choices you make over how you upgrade your ship, your weapon and suit.Find your own destinyYour voyage through No Man's Sky is up to you. Will you be a fighter, preying on the weak and taking their riches, or taking out pirates for their bounties? Power is yours if you upgrade your ship for speed and weaponry.Or a trader? Find rich resources on forgotten worlds and exploit them for the highest prices. Invest in more cargo space and you'll reap huge rewards.Or perhaps an explorer? Go beyond the known frontier and discover places and things that no one has ever seen before. Upgrade your engines to jump ever farther, and strengthen your suit for survival in toxic environments that would kill the unwary.Share your journeyThe galaxy is a living, breathing place. Trade convoys travel between stars, factions vie for territory, pirates hunt the unwary, and the police are ever watching. Every other player lives in the same galaxy, and you can choose to share your discoveries with them on a map that spans known space. Perhaps you will see the results of their actions as well as your own Related Stories for Grab Your Space Rod and Find the Perfect Fishing Spot in the No Mans Sky Aquarius Update Category: GamesFive Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13 Category: GamesWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Making a Sequel to a 13-Year Old Game (and How It Could Lead to More) The post Grab Your Space Rod and Find the Perfect Fishing Spot in the No Mans Sky Aquarius Update appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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Get ready for an epic weekend of sports action with Free Play Days, featuring the gridiron greatness of Madden NFL 25, where you can relive iconic football moments, and the court-smashing excitement of TopSpin 2K25, bringing you intense tennis matches and thrilling gameplay!Madden NFL 25 and TopSpin 2K25 are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday September 5 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, September 8 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of over 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals! Read more about Game Pass Core at Xbox Wire.How To Start PlayingFind and install the games on each of the individual game details page onXbox.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 Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 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 GoingPurchase 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 (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25Electronic Arts882$69.99$62.99Get it nowMadden NFL 25Hit like you mean it with FieldSense powered by Boom Tech on Xbox Series X|S. Experience how the new physics-informed dynamic tackling system unlocks realistic collisions and new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball. With a reengineered Hit Stick, perfect hit indicator, a new Ball Carrier Balance System, and physics-driven dives, trucks and stiff arms, timing has never been more important as each interaction reflects true-to-life motion and physical outcomes. (Boom Tech, FieldSense, and features described here only available on Xbox Series X|S.) Recharged Franchise mode provides a rebuilt NFL Draft experience featuring Roger Goodell, team and rookie records, new environments, personalized storylines, more ways to customize your NFL team and season, a fresh Super Bowl celebration experience, and Franchise Central with simplified league creation tools and more information at your fingertips so you can drive your Franchise to victory.TopSpin 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S2K99Get it nowTopSpin 2K25The TopSpin franchise returns with TopSpin 2K25 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Experience faithfully rendered surroundings honoring the storied history and unique beauty of every real-world venue, realistic court physics that wear the surface during matches, a brand-new Timing Meter and Serve Mechanic, and more! Featuring tennis legends Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga witek, Frances Tiafoe, and others, TopSpin 2K25 offers competitive single-player and multiplayer modes, and all four historic Grand Slam tournaments. Gather your friends and family to compete in intense, head-to-head matches on the same screen in Offline Exhibition, travel to larger-than-life venues and storied Grand Slam arenas in MyCareer, prove youre the best MyPlayer in the world on the TopSpin World Tour, and make a name for yourself. Open the door to online competition with 2K Tour and Online Exhibition, and dress from head to toe in your favorite industry brands, all available to enjoy during Xbox Free Play Days. From now until September 8, 2024, all Game Pass Core and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can strive for greatness during the Free Play Weekendwell see you on the court!Dont miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members!Learn more about Free Play Days hereand stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.The post Free Play Days Madden NFL 25 and TopSpin 2K25 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Making a Sequel to a 13-Year Old Game (and How It Could Lead to More)Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-ChiefPublishedSeptember 5, 2024Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a rare case of a game increasing in reputation over time the 2011 third-person shooter arrived amid a swathe of similar games, but its dogged approach to representing the ultra-violent world of Games Workshops tabletop universe has seen it steadily become a cult classic. That could quite easily have been all we ever got Space Marines original planned sequels were shelved, and little was heard about a return in the decade-plus since release.That was until Saber Interactive unexpectedly announced a sequel. The arrival of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 which takes place a full century after the events of the original, and still follows original hero Captain Titus is a cause of celebration for fans. A true, old-school shooter with some very modern ideas, its a marriage of what people loved about the original, with new ideas on how to keep this series not just alive, but thriving.But Saber faced a practically unique challenge; how do you approach creating a true sequel to a 13 year-old game especially when you didnt work on the original? I caught up with Creative Director Oliver Hollis to find out about the deft work needed to revitalize the world of Space Marine.The first step was to look at what everybodys memories of that first game were, Hollis explains. Because as we all know, we play things in our youth and then have slightly rosy memories of them. So, we tried to look at what everybody loved about Space Marine. The key things were embodying the unstoppable force of a Space Marine, the absence of any cover system, or the ability to recover health by doing massive amounts of damage.How can we take everybodys memories of what that game was and honor them, while taking them to the next level of current day gaming?Oliver Hollis, Creative DirectorWe then went back and looked at the actual game and, of course, it didnt quite marry up. All those elements were there, but games have moved on a lot in that time. So then we thought, OK, well, how can we take everybodys memories of what that game was and honor them, while taking them to the next level of current day gaming?The answers are myriad. Space Marine 2 feels gratifyingly similar to the original when it comes to ranged combat Bolters fire with a satisfying thud, your Marines move with real weight, and enemies arrive thick and fast (and die just as quickly). But Saber has injected action game mechanics into the mix improved melee, parries, finisher moves, and more. Tweaks have also been made to make the game challenging while still offering the sense of playing as a superhuman soldier:We always try to place the Space Marines in a context that makes them seem powerful. We begin the game with manageable enemies we set the stage with, Wow, this guys tough. He can take on 20 enemies at a time and succeed. Once weve set that tone, we increase the pressure, so it goes from 20 enemies to 50, or 60, or 100. Then we add 2 extra Space Marines youre always fighting with two brothers so then that allows us to increase the pressure even further. Now, youve got three guys fighting 200 enemies.Sabers bringing its own experience to bear with those huge numbers where the first game saw sizeable Ork hordes, the switch to a Tyranid invasion allowed the team to go so, so much further.The team that made Space Marine 2 also made World War Z, which was a huge success for us, and introduced the Swarm Engine, our own proprietary engine. When we first pitched this to Games Workshop, we showed them scenes from World War Z and said Imagine that, but with Tyranids. And they jumped straight in.The result is a game that can have hundreds of enemies onscreen at any one time, wave after wave meeting the business end of your chainsword, Multi-Melta, or good old-fashioned gauntlets. Saber has bridged the gap between playing as a single character, while still feeling like youre part of a full-scale war worthy of the tabletop game.Becoming a Primaris is a metaphor for the game as a whole. Space Marine 2 offers a bigger, stronger, more modern version of the original.As you might expect, Warhammer creator Games Workshop has been heavily involved in helping Saber find that path and Hollis and his team have had some conversations thatll be the envy of Warhammer fans.Games Workshop were incredibly helpful to us. At the very beginning, they opened up some of their personnel to us, gave us access in a way that they just dont normally do. So I got to meet Jes Goodwin, the creator of the Space Marine, and he explained how all the armour works, or what each of the little ports does in the armour for injecting combat stims he was incredible.Games Workshop stayed in touch throughout development, explaining things like how Space Marine weapons should be balanced, and even informed the team on deep lore around more obscure elements, like how computers need to be turned on in the world of 40K (a lot of rites and rituals, incense burnings, offerings, and sacred ointments). And they also gave Saber the key to telling a new story with the original games hero: We were told from the very beginning that this was a Primaris game.Primaris Marines are a new, enhanced breed of Space Marine introduced to the 8th Edition of the tabletop game in 2017, meaning they hadnt even been dreamt up when the original Space Marine arrived. In many ways, Titus (very violent) ascent to become a Primaris is a metaphor for the game as a whole. Space Marine 2 offers a bigger, stronger, more modern version of the original.And the benefit of being a modern game is that Space Marine 2 is built to last. Beyond its campaign, theres a PvP mode, and even what amounts to an entire second campaign designed for 3-player co-op, called Operations. Theres room to expand both.Saber has already announced a roadmap of updates for the game, and its clear that the team is thinking well beyond launch, even in such a generous game. For PvP, new customization options will pop up over time including, it seems, for the Chaos Marines that act as one of the two teams:Weve built so much tech and so many systems to support future stories, that were in a really good place to move straight onto another game.Oliver Hollis, Creative DirectorPeople love to be bad. We created Chaos Marines not just as a as a tool to make PvP work, but because people love to play them. Weve built so many systems now that thats just begging for expansion.Similarly, Hollis has plans for PvE to go further than it already does: Operations is definitely an area that we can continue to explore. If you think about World War 2 movies, theres always a new one coming out about some crazy operation that was going on under the radar that nobody knew about. Thats the thing about a war there are so many untold stories.But the burning question for fans is, with all this work put in, does Saber see this as not just a return to a long-awaited game, but the rebirth of a series?I really believe in this game, Hollis enthuses. This is a really, really solid offering weve built so much tech and so many systems to support future stories, that were in a really good place to move straight onto another game, if thats how things work out.Im very hopeful that it wont take another 13 years for a Space Marine sequel and in the meantime, Space Marine 2 seems destined to evolve in itself. The Emperor himself would be proud.Space Marine 2 launches today on Xbox Series X|S for those who pre-order the Gold, Ultra, or Collectors Editions of the game. The game will see general release on September 9.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Ultra Edition (Pre-order)Focus Entertainment145$109.99Get it nowPre-order the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Ultra Edition to receive the Macragges Chosen DLC and play up to 4 days before release.The Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Ultra Edition includes the base game, the Ultramarines Champion Pack and the Season Pass.Your Craft is Death. Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperors warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity. Crush the Tyranid swarms. Defend humanity.Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.Defend the Imperium as your own Space Marine in an endlessly brutal and replayable PvE missions up to 3 players featuring 6 classes, unlocking new skills and cosmetics.Wage eternal war on your enemies in ferocious 6v6 PvP matches and bring glory to your faction!Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Gold Edition (pre-order)Focus Entertainment91$99.99Get it nowPre-order the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Gold Edition to receive the Macragges Chosen DLC and play up to 4 days before release.The Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Gold Edition includes the base game Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and the Season Pass.Your Craft is Death. Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperors warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity. Crush the Tyranid swarms. Defend humanity.Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.Defend the Imperium as your own Space Marine in an endlessly brutal and replayable PvE missions up to 3 players featuring 6 classes, unlocking new skills and cosmetics.Wage eternal war on your enemies in ferocious 6v6 PvP matches and bring glory to your faction!Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Focus EntertainmentGet it nowYour Craft is Death. Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperors warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity. Crush the Tyranid swarms. Defend humanity.Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.Defend the Imperium as your own Space Marine in an endlessly brutal and replayable PvE missions up to 3 players featuring 6 classes, unlocking new skills and cosmetics.Wage eternal war on your enemies in ferocious 6v6 PvP matches and bring glory to your faction! Related Stories for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Making a Sequel to a 13-Year Old Game (and How It Could Lead to More) Category: GamesFive Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13 Category: GamesFree Play Days Madden NFL 25 and TopSpin 2K25 The post Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Making a Sequel to a 13-Year Old Game (and How It Could Lead to More) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: Next Week on XboxSeptember 6, 2024Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire EditorWelcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, 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). Lets jump in!Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (Pre-order)Focus Entertainment$69.99Pre-orderWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine II September 9Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperors warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity.Customers From HellRatalaika Games S.L.Get it nowCustomers From Hell September 10Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryPunch in for this intense wave-survival game where you have to defend the store, eliminate deranged customers, and upgrade your base. Each wave of shoppers becomes more and more challenging as the customers gets more aggressive. Protect your supplies and base, build barricades, traps, upgrades, weapons and survive for as long as possible!Vampire: The Masquerade Reckoning of New YorkDear VillagersGet it nowVampire: The Masquerade Reckoning of New York September 10Immerse yourself in the third installment of this gripping visual novel series, set against the backdrop of a modern metropolis teeming with supernatural intrigue. Embrace the darkness as a Kindred, a vampire thrust into a world of danger and betrayal where survival is paramount.Yars RisingAtari$29.99Pre-orderYars Rising September 10Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryIn WayForwards experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platforming action. Take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy QoTech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through challenges as you slowly unravel a complex secret shrouded in intrigue.Action SuperCrossInfinite ZoneGet it nowAction SuperCross September 11Action SuperCross is the first of its kind a physics-based motorbike simulator, inspiring many famous franchises. It is the direct predecessor of Elasto Mania, showcasing the evolution of countless fascinating, unique and experimental concepts and gameplay mechanics.Aidan in DangerBrainium GamesGet it nowAidan in Danger September 11Aidan in Danger is an exciting platform game where the player takes on the role of Aidan, a young red-haired elf whose main weapon is a slingshot. Tasked with protecting Drakor, the last dragon on Earth, Aidan must navigate challenging levels, face dangerous monsters, travel to the future, and thwart the plans of an interdimensional villain aiming to dominate the world.Crossy Road CastleHipster Whale$19.99Pre-orderCrossy Road Castle September 11Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryClimb castles with the Crossy Road crew in this adventurous multiplayer arcade platformer. Shoot out of cannons, ride rainbows, and make your way through a maze of never-ending levels. Bring your friends into the fray with co-op mode for even more chaotic fun!Kiki A Vibrant 3D PlatformerEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowKiki A Vibrant 3D Platformer September 11Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryPut your platforming prowess to the test as you navigate vibrant 3D obstacle courses in first-person perspective! Kiki is a fast-paced action experience thats laser-focused on precision platforming skills. Run and jump while dodging treacherous traps, collecting stars and trophies, finding keys to unlock gates and more, all set to a pumping chiptune soundtrack!Rugrats: Adventures in GamelandThe MIX Games Inc.Get it nowBuy Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland | XboxOptimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryWhen Tommy, Chuckie, Phil and Lil see a commercial for the new Reptar video game, they pretend that theyre in a video game of their own! Toggle between beautiful 8-bit and HD art, select your favorite baby and play solo or co-op in Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, a neo-retro platformer.Dice AssassinAfil GamesGet it nowDice Assassin September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryDice Assassin is a challenging game in which you defeat enemies on the board according to the numbers on the dice. Choose your moves using cards, position yourself strategically to defeat enemies on the board squares, and create tactics using action cards.FabledomDear Villagers$24.99$19.99Pre-orderFabledom September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|SFabledom offers an accessible and intuitive way of playing City builders, no excel sheets nor optimization is required to build yourself a kingdom. Set in a strange world where Fairytales became reality, you will witness the growth of your village; follow your citizens lives and watch the rise and fall of your relationships with the neighboring kingdoms.Garden Witch LifeSOEDESCOGet it nowGarden Witch Life September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|SExperience a fun, cozy witchs life! Your life just took a whimsical turn, and youre now on a quest to create a magical food forest and make it a home for all kinds of cute creatures! Grow your own magical garden, decorate your ancient treehouse, care for cute creatures, and make friends along the way.GoobnBalloonsDXIconicArtsLLPGet it nowGoobnBalloonsDX September 12Evil forces have invaded Goobstar! Join Goobert and his friends on their quest to save the denizens of planet Goobstar from the invading balloon menace in this wacky hand-drawn shoot em up, and watch the world grow around you!Grapple Dogs: Cosmic CaninesSuper Rare OriginalsGet it nowGrapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|SSwing, jump, and blast through dimensions in the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2D action-platformer Grapple Dog! Zip between action-packed worlds as Pablo and Luna team up to save the cosmos in their own unique ways.The Jackbox Naughty PackJackbox Games, Inc. Get it nowJackbox Naughty Pack September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play AnywhereWe know youve been begging to burst out of the box. Its time to set your party aflame with a brand new pack of three adult party games that will bring some harmless heat to your next weekend hang with friends. Its the perfect pack for your next college party, grown-up game night, bachelor/ette celebration, or hump day gathering.LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW RePOPDRAGAMI GAMES$44.99$40.49Pre-orderLollipop Chainsaw RePOP September 12The cheerleader Juliet, born into a family of zombie hunters, uses her trusty chainsaw to rip and tear through the undead! But now that RePOP adds speedier chainsaw action and auto-fire for her chainsaw blaster, the action never slows down till the very end! And its not just the gameplay thats been improved, the visuals and soundtrack have been powered up too! Dont miss out on this unparalleled zombie hunting adventure!PICO PARK 2TECOPARK$8.99Pre-orderPico Park 2 September 12A 2D action-puzzle game where working together is key with four modes to choose from: World, Endless, Battle, and Dark.PneumataPERP GAMES4Get it nowPneumata September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryPneumata is a true Lovecraftian survival horror with disturbing and brutal gameplay, enveloped by the psychological horrors that exist somewhere between reality and the beyond. With a fractured mind you must: Investigate, explore, and fight for your life as you lose yourself trying to survive the unimaginable horrors within the walls of Clover Hill.Poppy Playtime: Chapter 2Mob EntertainmentGet it nowPoppy Playtime: Chapter 2 September 12After a run in with Huggy Wuggy and freeing Poppy, you must descend deeper into the Playtime Co. toy factory. Challenging puzzles and horrific toys await. Grapple, swing, and power your way to safety. Try to escape- and dont let Mommy find you.Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3Mob EntertainmentGet it nowPoppy Playtime: Chapter 3 September 12A decrepit orphanage known as Playcare sits beneath the once magical toy factory. You must make your way through this haunted place, solving new puzzles and avoiding the nightmares that lurk within the dark. Answers lie between the blood-stained bed sheets and screaming echoes If you can survive.Road Defense: OutsidersQUByte InteractiveGet it nowRoad Defense: Outsiders September 12Road Defense: Outsiders is a game that combines elements of the roguelike and tower defense genres. Upgrade the towers and your own skills to be able to annihilate all the life around you!Samurai KentoRatalaika Games S.L.Get it nowSamurai Kento September 12Play as an elder Samurai in this mini action RPG based on Feudal Japan, and save your people from evil yokai monsters! Travel through four different biomes based on Feudal Japan. Along the way, youll face the dangerous yokai while searching for the legendary four golden scrolls.SelflossMerge GamesGet it nowSelfloss September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|SAn emotional adventure game set in a Slavic-inspired, whale-worshiping fantasy land. The old healer Kazimir makes an epic journey by boat and on foot in search of a ritual that can cure his soul wound. Meet memorable characters and use the light of your magic staff to fight Miasm the mysterious affliction taking over the world.Test Drive Unlimited Solar CrownNacon$59.99Pre-orderTest Drive Unlimited Solar Crown September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|SExpress your passion for cars via innovative gameplay and meticulous attention to detail. Drive around a map that has never featured in a racing game before: Hong Kong Island. Fully recreated at 1:1 scale, it is brimming with unique locations to explore. From old narrow streets and major highways to mountain roads and beaches: every cruise will be different from the last.UnholyDuality Games S.A.Get it nowUnholy September 12Open the doors between your everyday reality and a dark unholy world to unveil the mystery of the disappearance of your child. Explore both worlds to find clues, solve puzzles, decide whether you infiltrate or fight brutal enemies and stand up to an aberrant establishment.Wild BastardsMaximum Entertainment$34.99$29.74Pre-orderWild Bastards September 12Optimized for Xbox Series X|SFrom the veteran team behind Void Bastards and Card Hunter, Wild Bastards has you travel from planet to planet to recruit, manage and gun sling with a team of 13 outlaws, each of whom has their own weaponry, special power, and growth tree. On planets, youll wrangle loot and start showdowns that are then played out in intense, bite-sized shootouts.Deep BeyondPurple Play LLC$9.99$8.49Pre-orderDeep Beyond September 13In the short story Deep Beyond, dive into a world of mystery and adventure alongside Lilly as she embarks on her quest. Explore ancient wrecks, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover the secrets of her past as you journey through the depths of the ocean.Edge of SanityDaedalic Entertainment$19.99Pre-orderEdge of Sanity September 13A psychological survival horror game set in the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska featuring hand-crafted 2D art and intense atmosphere inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos. Explore hostile caves, forgotten mines and hidden laboratories in search of precious resources for you and other survivors. Look for clues to uncover the dark secrets of the mysterious PRISM organization and unveil the real story behind their experiments.Funko Fusion10:10 Games $59.99Pre-orderFunko Fusion September 13Optimized for Xbox Series X|SExpress your fandom with 60+ unique playable characters from more than 20 fan-favorite franchises, all lovingly recreated in Funko Pop! form. Explore incredible worlds inspired by Jurassic World, Back to the Future, JAWS, The Thing, Chucky, Battlestar Galactica, Hot Fuzz, The Umbrella Academy, Five Nights at Freddys, Masters of the Universe, Invincible, and many more!METRO QUESTER | OSAKAKEMCO$19.99Pre-orderMetro Quester | Osaka September 13A dungeon exploration RPG based in a post-apocalyptic futuristic world created by the manga artist Kazushi Hagiwara, with a deep game system designed by Hironori Kato that offers the excitement and surprises reminiscent of 1980s computer games through hack and slash.The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesSeptember 6, 2024Five Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on XboxWill TuttleIts that time of year again, when basketball fan and gamers both come together to celebrate the launch of the latest installment in the long-running NBA 2K series. This year, NBA 2K25 is raising the bar with its innovative features and immersive gameplay, offering something for every basketball fan. Here are the five coolest aspects that make NBA 2K25 a must-play for hoop heads and gamers alike.ProPLAY Elevates the Series to New HeightsOK, this is a little bit of a cheat, since ProPLAY isnt a feature but rather a technology that enables most of the features listed below. Essentially, ProPLAY replaces traditional motion-captured animations by taking authentic movements from actual NBA footage and translating them into immersive real-time gameplay. A whopping 9,000 new ProPLAY animations have been added in NBA 2K25, including 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,100 signature shot animations, and over 1,300 new off-the-ball animations, including 150 new signature motion styles.Put it on the Floor with the Dribble EngineThis is probably the biggest update to the NBA 2K series weve seen in a while. The new Dribble Engine transforms the way players handle the basketball, allowing for an unprecedented level of control. Players can now execute a wider variety of dribble moves with greater precision, including advanced crossovers, behind-the-back moves, and quick changes of direction. The Dribble Engine also integrates with the games physics engine, creating realistic ball-handling that reflects the true-to-life movement of basketball stars.The Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting Mechanic Hits from DowntownAnother game-changer in NBA 2K25 is the Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting feature. This mechanic adds a layer of skill and timing to shooting, requiring players to use the right stick with a precise rhythm to achieve the perfect shot. By syncing the stick movements with the players shooting motion, you can now execute a variety of shot types with more accuracy and flair. This system not only enhances the realism of shooting but also offers a deeper, more engaging gameplay experience for those who master it.Hyper-Realistic Player Models and Animations Make You Feel Like Youre CourtsideNBA 2K25 pushes the envelope in player realism with its stunningly detailed player models and animations. Utilizing a combination of ProPLAY and advanced motion capture technology, the game features lifelike movements and facial expressions that make each player look and feel true to life. The improved animations capture the subtle nuances of player behavior, from intricate footwork to Signature Shots, making every game more authentic than ever.Play Smarter with Advanced AI and Tactical DepthNBA 2K25s improved AI system brings a new level of strategic depth to the game thanks to improvements to the Court Spacing, Offense, Defense, Coaching, and AI Difficulty systems. Opposing teams now exhibit more sophisticated tactics and adaptive strategies, making every match a unique challenge. On offense, youll see better driving lanes and drive and kick opportunities, while updated defensive help logic allows for better pursuit angles and rotations.Thanks in large part to the ProPLAY system, NBA 2K25 is redefining what sports simulation games can offer with its cutting-edge features, while still feeling rewarding and intuitive for all experience levels, whether youre a seasoned player or a newcomer, these features ensure that NBA 2K25 stands out as one of the best entries in the best basketball series ever.NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition2K350$149.99Get it nowThis edition includes a digital copy of NBA 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.In addition, purchase, download and play by 10/17 to redeem the Trendsetter Reward*** as the Season 1 Level 1 reward, including 15,000 VC and other MyCAREER and MyTEAM bonus content!The NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition contains: 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription**** Season 1 Pro Pass***** with 4 upfront Pro Pass rewardsVirtual Currency 100,000 VCMyCAREER Content 150x Skill Boosts (25 Games) 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games) Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey Vince Carter Cover Jersey Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-ShirtMyTEAM Promo Box 10 MyTEAM Player Cards (3 guaranteed to be 89 OVR) 3 Diamond Shoe Cards 3 Takeover Boosts 1 Amethyst Coach CardCompete 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).POWERED BY ProPLAY Experience your favorite NBA players signature moves and fine-tune your skills to deliver career-defining plays in dramatic fashion. Bring your game to life with ProPLAY on Xbox Series X|S, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in the most authentic NBA experience to date. COMPETE IN MyCAREERHonor NBA legends in MyCAREER as you eclipse their milestone achievements and usher in the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen. The City on Xbox Series X|S is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some competitive streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Or dominate in the new Neighborhood on Xbox One as you complete quests, earn rewards and eclipse your Rivals in new and returning game modes.YOUR MyTEAM, YOUR WAYCompetition thrives in MyTEAM. Challenge rival lineups with your all-time MyTEAM roster, and clash with other elite players in the weekly King of the Court. Go head-to-head and showcase why you deserve to be crowned the best of the best in this exclusive event.Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyLEAGUE are available offline. All other game modes and features require Internet connection and may require online account registration (varies 13+).**Internet connection and NBA 2K Account required to redeem and use bonus content. Terms apply.***Trendsetter bonus offer is available on purchases of any edition of NBA 2K25 through October 17, 2024. Trendsetter bonus content will be available to redeem via the Season Pass page in-game and must be redeemed by October 17, 2024. Internet connection and NBA 2K Account required to redeem and use bonus content. Terms apply.****NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition (Digital) only available through September 8, 2024. Includes 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription. NBA League Pass valid for 12 months from redemption and auto-renews monthly unless canceled prior to the renewal date at the then-current published MSRP for NBA League Pass in your territory. Availability restrictions apply. See nba.2k.com/2K25/league-pass for full terms, availability, redemption, and cancellation instructions.*****NBA 2K25 Pro Passes and Hall of Fame passes are available for separate purchase and require base game, internet connection and NBA 2K account. Paid premium passes unlock additional rewards for the season that are earnable through gameplay. Progress and rewards reset at the end of each season. For more information on Season Pass, go to https://nba.2k.com/2k25/season-pass-faq/NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition2K369$99.99Get it nowThis edition includes a digital copy of NBA 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.The NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition contains:Virtual Currency 100,000 VCMyCAREER Content 150x Skill Boosts (25 Games) 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games) Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-ShirtMyTEAM Promo Box 10 MyTEAM Player Cards (3 guaranteed to be 89 OVR) 3 Diamond Shoe Cards 3 Takeover Boosts 1 Amethyst Coach CardCompete 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).POWERED BY ProPLAY Experience your favorite NBA players signature moves and fine-tune your skills to deliver career-defining plays in dramatic fashion. Bring your game to life with ProPLAY on Xbox Series X|S, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in the most authentic NBA experience to date. COMPETE IN MyCAREERHonor NBA legends in MyCAREER as you eclipse their milestone achievements and usher in the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen. The City on Xbox Series X|S is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some competitive streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Or dominate in the new Neighborhood on Xbox One as you complete quests, earn rewards and eclipse your Rivals in new and returning game modes.YOUR MyTEAM, YOUR WAYCompetition thrives in MyTEAM. Challenge rival lineups with your all-time MyTEAM roster, and clash with other elite players in the weekly King of the Court. Go head-to-head and showcase why you deserve to be crowned the best of the best in this exclusive event.Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyLEAGUE are available offline. All other game modes and features require Internet connection and may require online account registration (varies 13+). 2005-2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Published by 2K. 2K, T2, and related logos, are all trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. 2024 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved. The NBPA identifications are the intellectual property of the National Basketball Players Association and may not be used without the prior written consent of National Basketball Players Incorporated 2024 the National Basketball Players Association. All rights reserved. The ESRB ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Patents and Patent Pending: www.take2games.com/Legal.NBA 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S2K220Get it nowCompete 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).POWERED BY ProPLAYExperience your favorite NBA players signature moves and fine-tune your skills to deliver career-defining plays in dramatic fashion. Bring your game to life with ProPLAY on Xbox Series X|S, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in the most authentic NBA experience to date. COMPETE IN MyCAREERHonor NBA legends in MyCAREER as you eclipse their milestone achievements and usher in the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen. The City on Xbox Series X|S is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some competitive streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Or dominate in the new Neighborhood on Xbox One as you complete quests, earn rewards and eclipse your Rivals in new and returning game modes.YOUR MyTEAM, YOUR WAYCompetition thrives in MyTEAM. Challenge rival lineups with your all-time MyTEAM roster, and clash with other elite players in the weekly King of the Court. Go head-to-head and showcase why you deserve to be crowned the best of the best in this exclusive event.Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyLEAGUE are available offline. All other game modes and features require Internet connection and may require online account registration (varies 13+).*For Trendsetter Reward terms and redemption instructions visit https://nba.2k.com/2k25/faq/ 2005-2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Published by 2K. 2K, T2, and related logos, are all trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. 2024 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved. The NBPA identifications are the intellectual property of the National Basketball Players Association and may not be used without the prior written consent of National Basketball Players Incorporated 2024 the National Basketball Players Association. All rights reserved. The ESRB ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Patents and Patent Pending: www.take2games.com/Legal. Related Stories for Five Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13 Category: GamesWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Making a Sequel to a 13-Year Old Game (and How It Could Lead to More) Category: GamesFree Play Days Madden NFL 25 and TopSpin 2K25 The post Five Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: Tokyo Game ShowSeptember 5, 2024Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024Larissa Hazel, Director, Gaming Integrated Marketing, AsiaThe Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast returns on Thursday, September 26 at 7pm JST / 3am Pacific / 6am Eastern / 11am UK. We warmly welcome players around the world to tune in as we share content from Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, and Bethesda. Well also showcase an exciting lineup of games from third-party partners primarily based in Japan and across Asia, including games coming to Xbox Game Pass.This years broadcast will be available on Tokyo Game Shows official YouTube channel, as well as on select Xbox social channels in Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, French, French Canadian, German, Arabic (MSA), Filipino, Hindi, Italian, Maori, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish and Turkish. It will also be broadcast with Japanese Sign Language (JSL), Australian Sign Language (AusLan), American Sign Language (ASL), and with audio descriptions in both Japanese and English. A full list of where you can watch the broadcast will be available the week of the show.Every year, Xboxs Tokyo Game Show logo is redesigned to showcase a unique, Japan-inspired theme. This year, the iconic Xbox Nexus, a Japanese player and a lucky black cat have been paired together and given a sci-fi look. We hope that this years Xbox theme brings players around the world good luck and great joy in their gaming pursuits.We cant wait to bring our Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast to players from Japan, across Asia, and the world and to celebrate the amazing games that creators are building for Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud. For more details and a full schedule for Tokyo Game Show 2024, visit the official site from the shows organizers. Join the conversation at @Xbox_JP, using the hashtag #XboxTokyoGameShow. Related Stories for Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024 Category: GamesClair Obscur: Expedition 33 A Detailed Breakdown of its Painterly RPG Combat Category: gamescomHow Microsoft Flight Simulator Helped a Groundbreaking Lost Airliner Soar Once Again Category: gamescomThe Casting of Frank Stones Features: Everything to Know The post Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

SummaryDefend the Leporidae Kingdom with a diverse deck of heroes.Uncover hidden connections within the DCF Universe.Dive into the expansive backstory with the upcoming DCF Universe Ultimate Collector Edition Pack.All games from the DCF Universe have their unique story, leading up to the outstanding plot twist that hits you in the guts. So, you must have a keen eye to catch the small intrinsic details, to see the hidden linking points between titles, the Easter eggs, and loose ends. And it has been this way since the game Cruz Brothers, when the DCFU made its debut on Xbox. But now, with Bunny Battle Nemesis, the Universe takes center stage. This game is the epicenter of the content, culminating in a doomed Kingdom worth defending.The bunnies, known as the Leporidae, are not just ordinary inhabitants of their kingdom. They are a unique species crafted by the Goddess of Death herself, Hell Ella, with the aid of the Great Anunnaki. The Leporidae have lived in harmony with their environment, mining Natural Dolomites under the protection of Hell Ella. Their kingdom is a place of both spiritual and material significance.However, the arrival of a rogue Maiden in this world, along with her army of Homo Sapiens mercenaries, disrupted the peace and put the Leporidae under threat.To defend the Kingdom, Ella summons our main protagonist, Valentina, who is also a powerful Maiden. You may have seen her in the final cutscene of Tony and Clyde. Remember the loose ends mentioned earlier? This is a huge one! Lets address the Maidens topic a bit: To craft a Maiden, Hell Ella needs an individual to call out to her in desperate times of need. If youre lucky enough to get the Goddesss attention, the situation creates a strong bond and pure connection between that soul and Hell Ella. Blessed with Ellas power, a Maiden is born. These Maidens are a tool for Ella to intervene in the material realms.Not only is Valentina at your disposal in your deck of heroes, but you can also choose from the Leporidae resistance: Bjrka, the Leporidae General, who also made a special appearance in Tony and Clyde in the Bjrka Madness update; the warrior Gladius, who, with his deadly blades and laser beams, will shred anything in his path; and Berserker, a cute little rabbit with a deeply complicated temper!Players will engage in combat with a fast-paced rhythm, a unique feature for the beat em up genre. The fight system embraces both simplicity for casual gamers and depth for those who wish to master it. Each hero has their own unlockable deck of skills and attacks. Find optimal combinations to fit your own playing style. Accessibility with depth!Facing the rogue Maiden, our nemesis Miss Amanda, in the boss fights is a game changer in the overall experience. Here, a clash of genres occurs, as the combination of beat em up, hack n slash, and arcade-style bosses converge in a unique challenge against the rogue Maiden, who uses high-end alien technology stolen from the Great Anunnaki.But wait, aliens? Anunnaki? Ok, ok If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of backstory and lore, its because you are! Bunny Battle Nemesis is the culmination of a great chunk of content from the DCFU applied to one game. You do not need to learn it all to enjoy the overall experiencenot at all. But if you wish to dig deeper into this rabbit hole, get ready for the upcoming add-on, DCF Universe Ultimate Collection Edition Packa coming-soon goodie youll be able to get within the game.Bunny Battle Nemesis is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Bring your A-game to the battleground, invite a friend for local couch co-op, and defend the Leporidae Kingdom from certain doom.Bunny Battle NemesisDCF Studios2$24.99Get it nowSci-fi, bloodthirsty bunnies, and the powers of a goddess at your disposal! This is Bunny Battle Nemesis. Experience intense action, explosions, and chaos as you defend the Bunny Kingdom from certain doom at the hands of a vengeful demigod and her army of mercenaries.The post Save the Kingdom: Epic Battles Await in Bunny Battle Nemesis appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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Category: GamesSeptember 2, 2024My Lovely Empress: How Xbox Helped a Fascinating Game Find Its AudienceCarlo Lopez, Writer in Residence, Neon DoctrineSummaryMy Lovely Empress is an indie empire sim based on Asian fantasy, created by Indonesian developers.Indonesian game developer Riris Marpaung shares how the Xbox Global Expansion Team assisted in My Lovely Empress finding its audience beyond Southeast Asia.My Lovely Empress is out now for Xbox Series X|S.When you think of games made in Asia, your mind most likely goes to games made in Japan or, more recently, China. Asias a big continent though, with plenty of talent just waiting for their time to shine but its tough out there for small developers from developing regions to get the attention often focused on their larger neighbors.Thats why the Xbox Global Expansion team exists, designed to help developers from places like Southeast Asia, India, Africa and Latin America reach audiences around the world. Heres how the Xbox Global Expansion team put a spotlight on a small Indonesian team and their new title, My Lovely Empress.My Lovely Empress is a dark fantasy empire management game inspired by Asian mythology and created by Jakarta-based developer GameChanger Studio. You play as the most powerful man in the Ashuwa continent, Emperor Hong of the Crimson Empire, and your life is torn to pieces after your beloved Empress Xiang succumbs to a mysterious disease.Unwilling to accept that there are limits for even an emperor, you turn to black magic and begin summoning the supernatural Yaoguai to help you run your empire and eventually resurrect your empress.With a game so clearly based on the myths and legends of East and Southeast Asia, it can be quite a challenge for indie game developers to get the word out, especially when it comes to audiences unfamiliar with the original tales. This is where the Global Expansion Team came in to help.In April 2023, GameChangers CEO Riris Marpaung met with the Global Expansion Team to discuss strategies on how to best release My Lovely Empress on Xbox, as well as share the games development progress from using 2D art to 3D models.Discussions culminated in My Lovely Empress being featured in the Xbox Digital Broadcast at Tokyo Game Show 2023, helping GameChanger and their publisher Neon Doctrine set the stage for the games world premiere. This was an incredible opportunity for GameChanger to get the game in front of players outside their own region, and for its founder and CEO Riris Marpaung to appear on camera speaking directly to global audiences. The response was amazing with people from around the world reaching out to share their interest in My Lovely Empress and their support for the studio.The Global Expansion teams support provided GameChanger Studio more than just the ability to sell copies of the game, it provided a platform from which a small team could create meaningful connections and foster more opportunities. And more such games are being discovered through the Global Expansion teams work, traveling to events around the region, and through initiatives such as Game Camp Asia Xboxs education program to uplevel developers in regions like Southeast Asia and India and the Developer Acceleration Program which provides funding and support for underrepresented developers sharing their games and stories with the world.It is GameChangers hope that players from around the world enjoy My Lovely Empress take on East Asian and Southeast Asian culture, and that people find many more games from all over the world supported by these invaluable initiatives.My Lovely Empress launched on Xbox August 21, 2024. If youd like to support the growth of the wonderful Southeast Asian indie scene, do give My Lovely Empress a chance and check out all the other indie titles the region has to offer!My Lovely EmpressNeon Doctrine7$19.99Get it nowYou have an empire at your command and the world at your feet. Your hands hold the happiness, hopes, and lives of an entire nation, and those who call you, their ruler.You have everything, and yet, in your heart, you have nothing.You are Emperor Hong, the esteemed Emperor of the Crimson Empire, and you have experienced profound loss. Following the passing of your mother, the former ruler, you tragically lost your beloved Empress as well.Faced with no other options, you are compelled to summon and seek the aid of the Yaoguai, forbidden but powerful creatures of the north with a taste for human souls, to assist you in resolving imperial challenges, enforcing your will, and supporting the welfare of your citizens.You are far from the only ruler in the world, and balancing the needs of your people with the businesses you conduct with other rulers will be a difficult necessity on the path of growing the Crimson Empire. However, once your land has hit the peak of its prosperity, you are given a choicelive with all you have created or command the Yaoguai to bring about a calamity to devour your empire and sacrifice your people in a bid to resurrect your beloved empress. Related Stories for My Lovely Empress: How Xbox Helped a Fascinating Game Find Its Audience Category: PodcastOfficial Xbox Podcast | Deep Dive Into Atomfall Category: GamesYour Guide to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta Weekends on Xbox Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 2 to 6 The post My Lovely Empress: How Xbox Helped a Fascinating Game Find Its Audience appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 2 to 6Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire EditorPublishedAugust 30, 2024Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Game Pass. Discover more about these upcoming titles below and explore their profiles for additional information (note that release dates are subject to change). Lets dive in!Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Deluxe EditionWarner Bros. Games$39.99Pre-orderHarry Potter: Quidditch Champions September 3Take to the sky as one of the classic positions Chaser, Seeker, Keeper, or Beater each with their own unique play style. Soar into legendary Quidditch arenas, as well as maps that showcase never-before-seen areas of the wizarding world.Star TruckerRaw FuryGet it nowStar Trucker September 3Available on day one with Game Pass! Hop into the drivers seat of your rocket-powered big rig as you haul cargo, scavenge for salvage and interact with an eclectic cast of star-hopping truckers in this Americana-infused journey on the ultimate open road space!The Casting of Frank StoneBehaviour Interactive$39.99Pre-orderThe Casting of Frank Stone September 3The storytelling prowess of Supermassive Games meets the Dead by Daylight universe in a haunting horror game that wont soon be forgotten. The shadow of Frank Stone looms over Cedar Hills, a town forever altered by his violent past. As a group of young friends are about to discover, Stones blood-soaked legacy cuts deep, leaving scars across families, generations, and the very fabric of reality itself.3XTINCTION2BAD GAMES$9.99Pre-order3xtinction September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery3xtinction is an online co-op, top-down shooter with tactical and strategic elements. After a series of experiments on spiders gone wrong, the world is devastated by an outbreak. You and your friend will have to cooperate to complete missions. Prepare yourself before every wave, buy weapons, ammos and set up turrets to stay alive. Each wave, the Infected are more and more numerous.Age of Mythology: Retold Standard EditionXbox Game Studios$29.99Pre-orderAge of Mythology: Retold September 4 Game Pass / Xbox Play AnywhereAvailable on day one with Game Pass! From the creators of the award-winning Age of Empires franchise, Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond history to a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Combining the best elements of the beloved Age of Mythology with modern real-time strategy design and visuals, Retold is an epic and innovative experience for old and new players alike. Secure your domain, command legendary monsters, and call upon the power of the gods to crush your enemies.Alpacapaca DashSynnergy Circle GamesGet it nowAlpacapaca Dash September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA 2D run and shoot game where you are the last hope of saving the Alpaca World from eternal darkness! Control the last alpaca and run through the world, using your mighty Alpaca Beam to destroy evil your hooves to purify and restore the world to what it once was. Do you have what it takes to save the alpaca goddess?Billys Game ShowSometimes You$9.99$7.99Pre-orderXbox One X EnhancedBillys Game Show September 4 Xbox One X EnhancedYoure the current contestant in a twisted game environment designed by Billy himself, for his own twisted enjoyment. Billys Game Show set is made for you to choose your own path, but remember, its Billys game, and he sets the rules.Bunny Battle Nemesis DemoDCF Studios10Get it nowBunny Battle Nemesis September 4Sci-fi, bloodthirsty bunnies, and the powers of a goddess at your disposal! This is Bunny Battle Nemesis. Experience intense action, explosions, and chaos as you defend the Bunny Kingdom from certain doom at the hands of a vengeful demigod and her army of mercenaries and robots. Pick between the servants of Ella, a powerful goddess from the DCF Universe and lay waste to hundreds of enemies with might and magic!Elon and the Divine Proof (Xbox + Windows)DERIK D.F$7.99Pre-orderElon and the Divine Proof September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|SThoroughly explore every part of this beautiful, mysterious beach. Use all of Elons skills to perform acrobatic jumps, spins, wall jumps and, above all, his ability to glide without getting tired. You can reach high, distant and dangerous places.Green Soldiers HeroesDERIK DF23$4.99Get it nowGreen Soldiers Heroes September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryAfter a long and intense war. The army has created a machine to regenerate the bodies of the best soldiers. But due to the chemicals used in the regeneration process, the soldiers skin turns greenish. Therefore, many of them do not return to society and live exclusively for military service.Mining MechsEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowMining Mechs September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryStrange noises and weird activities have been detected underground and youve been called in to help! Mining Mechs is a retro 2D action game presented in fluid pixel art style! Commander a high-tech mining mech to dig deep into the earth and collect valuable resources. Sell those resources on the surface to earn money, which youll need to upgrade your mech or buy new ones.Offroad Mechanic Simulator PlayWay S.A.Get it nowOffroad Mechanic Simulator September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryIn Offroad Mechanic Simulator you are employed to modify off-road vehicles and prepare them for the toughest challenges they could face! Accept contracts that go well beyond standard repair jobs. Equip the clients cars with the best parts that far exceed their original capabilities and make sure theyre ready to travel the most difficult terrains possible.Super Snake Block DXDERIK DF16$4.99Get it nowSuper Snake Block DX September 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliverySuper Snake Block: Moves automatically and along the way there are coins, snake body parts, boxes, shield, magnet and scenery objects. Be careful with objects in the scenery. Even in the dark, the snake will lose body parts when colliding with solid objects.The Holy Gosh DarnYogscast GamesGet it nowThe Holy Gosh Darn September 5 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryRewind time and save the future in this hilarious time-travelling adventure game. In six hours, Heaven will be destroyed. Unless you can save it. Use your powers of time travel to jump freely between the past and present across Heaven, Hell, Earth and Helheim.Mudness Offroad 44 Truck Car SimulatorMidnight Works5$12.99Get it nowMudness Offroad 44 Truck Car Simulator September 5 Xbox Play AnywhereExperience the ultimate offroad adventure with Mudness, where youll encounter a diverse range of vehicles from standard offroaders to monstrous trucks. Navigate a meticulously crafted map spanning three biomes a treacherous muddy forest, expansive sandy quarry, and challenging snowy mountains.Shogun ShowdownEntalto StudiosGet it nowShogun Showdown September 5 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryShogun Showdown is a turn-based combat game with rogue-like and deck-building elements. Position yourself and attack at the right time, upgrade your tiles and combo them to get ready to face the Shogun!Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Ultra Edition (Pre-order)Focus Entertainment$109.99Pre-orderWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Ultra Edition and Gold Edition September 5Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperors warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity. Pre-order Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Ultra Edition or Gold Edition to play up to 4 days before release.Ace Attorney Investigations CollectionCAPCOM CO., LTD.1$39.99Pre-orderAce Attorney Investigations Collection September 6 Xbox Play AnywhereExperience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Step into the shoes of Miles Edgeworth, that prosecutor of prosecutors from the Ace Attorney mainline games! Leave the courtroom behind as you walk with Edgeworth around the crime scene, gathering evidence and clues and talking with persons of interest. Use your wit and what you discover to solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction.Aero The Acro-Bat 2Ratalaika Games S.L.Get it nowAero The Acro-Bat 2 September 6 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryAfter managing to stop Edgar Ektors mad plans to destroy the world of amusement, Aero decides to investigate the madmans museum of horror. Aero will need to escape the mysterious place hes trapped in if he wants to stop Edgar Ektors new plan!Live Factory17Studio LLCGet it nowLive Factory September 6Explore an underground factory hidden from eyes, filled with dangers, secrets and spatial puzzles. Use your wits and reaction to reveal all the secrets!NBA 2K25 Standard Edition2K55$69.99Pre-orderNBA 2K25 September 6 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Optimized for Xbox Series X|SCompete 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). Bring your game to life with ProPlay on Xbox Series X|S, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in the most authentic NBA experience to date. Pre-order to play up to two days early starting September 4, 2024, and receive 5,000 VC to spend in-game.Ship Graveyard Simulator 2Ultimate Games S.A.Get it nowShip Graveyard Simulator 2 September 6 Optimized for Xbox Series X|SDust off your torch and hammer its time to get back to work, you have a new job to do. Visit the new beach coast with the largest, biggest ship graveyard in the world, dismantle huge ship parts and collect tons of precious steel. Roll up your sleeves, its time to get back to the business.SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game SelectionRed Art Games$9.99$7.99Pre-orderSunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection September 6 Optimized for Xbox Series X|SIn SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection, discover three of the legendary Japanese publishers 8-bit games and play them in English for the first time ever: The Wing of Madoola, Firework Thrower Kantaros 53 Stations of the Tokaido, and Ripple Island.The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 2 to 6 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesAugust 30, 2024Your Guide to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta Weekends on XboxMike Nelson, Xbox Wire EditorSummaryThe two Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta weekends will be your first chance to try new Multiplayer features like Omnimovement.Level-up and earn exclusive Multiplayer Beta Rewards that include Weapon Charms, Operator Skins, and a Weapon Blueprint.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will launch October 25, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and will be available on day one with Game Pass.Welcome, recruit! Starting today, those who have pre-ordered any version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, or those with an active subscription to select Game Pass plans, can start playing the Multiplayer Beta during this limited Early Access period. This will be your first time to check out the Multiplayer offerings of the action-packed spy thriller series that Black Ops has become synonymous with.Over the course of the next two weekends, with more maps and modes rolling out over this limited play period, your goal during this time will not only be to engage with your opponents across various maps, but to level-up and earn unique in-game rewards that will only be available to those who participate in the Multiplayer Beta period. Also, this time is key for the development team to assess data helping to ensure that Black Ops 6 Multiplayer is going to be as great an experience as possible at launch on October 25, 2024.This will also be the first time for you to try out the new Omnimovement system and other Black Ops 6 combat innovations that will make this years Call of Duty experience one of the most innovative (and fun) experiences you can play this year.During both Beta weekends, the official Call of Duty Blog will be a great place for you to check out as well during this time, as it will be chock full of gameplay tips, map guides, and much more.Start Playing Weekend One: August 30 to September 4Like we mentioned earlier, if you pre-ordered any version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, or if you have an active subscription to select Game Pass plans, you can jump in and start playing the Beta during Early Access which kicks off on August 30 and runs through to September 4. You can download the Beta from the Microsoft Store, Battle.net, or Steam. Digital pre-orders dont need a Beta code to participate during Early Access youre automatically registered and ready to play.Six Multiplayer Maps will be available for you to play during this first weekend: Derelict, SCUD, Skyline, Rewind, Pit, and Gala. These various maps will take you to locations such as a deserted desert outpost, a shopping plaza, an underground mining tunnel, and even a fundraising event. Youll also be able to sample a variety of game modes that include Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Order, and Face Off.Personally, Im most excited to try out Kill Order, the newest game mode to be introduced in Call of Duty Multiplayer. Here youll be tasked with eliminating the enemys High Value Target (HVT) while keeping your HVT alive (taking it out can earn your team bonus points). It sounds like a great mix of chaos and teamwork, and I cant wait to try it myself.During the first weekend of the Closed Beta, you can max out at Player Level 20. While progressing down this path, you can unlock additional Loadout gear, the ability to create Custom Loadouts, as well as earn in-game rewards playing in the Beta and in Black Ops 6 at launch. Youll also get a chance to play as a range of Operators during the Multiplayer Beta, including Adler, Park, Brutus, and Klaus who will only be available in the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Vault Edition. Plus, flex the Mastercraft Weapon Collection, only available in the Vault Edition.For even more information on the first weekend of the Call of Duty Multiplayer Beta, check out the official Call of Duty Blog which has a detailed breakdown of every map, Loadout, Beta Reward, and Multiplayer mode for you to experience during the first Beta Weekend event. Check it out here.Prepare for Weekend Two: September 6 to 9For the second Beta Weekend, all players can jump in and start playing regardless of if they have pre-ordered Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Game Pass Core not required. It kicks off September 6 and runs through to September 9 and will include all the other maps and modes from the previous weekend.Speaking of, if you played the previous weekend during the Early Access period, youll find that your current Player Level will carry over into this weekend along with the ability to get up to Level 30 now, which in turn also includes several new in-game rewards. The second Beta Weekend will also include two new maps Babylon and Stakeout in addition to the Gunfight and Face Off Kill Order game modes.Diving into a new Call of Duty Beta Multiplayer experience is always a fun time because it lets you scratch that multiplayer itch before launch. And with Omnimovement gearing up to be a game changer, I cant wait to try this out first-hand and see what makes this such an exciting prospect for engaging opponents online. Also, gunning for all those sweet Multiplayer Beta rewards is a great incentive (I see you Bug Smasher Weapon Blueprint).For even more details on the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta, check out the Call of Duty Blog for a game-winning overview and tips to levelling up to ensure you unlock all those great Beta Rewards. Also, be sure to check out Xbox Wires coverage of Call of Duty NEXT to get even more information about whats in store for the next Call of Duty entry.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will launch October 25, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and will be available on day one with Game Pass.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Open BetaActivision Publishing Inc.221Get it nowXbox Game PassPre-order any digital edition or subscribe to select Game Pass plans* and get Early Access to the Open Beta**. Early Access is August 30th September 4th Open Beta access is available for all players from September 6th September 9thGet your first taste of the next-level action coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 with the Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta. Feel Omnimovement for yourself and experience the most fluid Call of Duty movement to date that allows players to sprint, slide, and dive in any direction. Explore several of the brand-new core 6v6 maps and Strike maps coming at launch, and start defining your perfect strategy for each across multiple game modes. Try out new weapons and gadgets, in addition to a refreshed Gunsmith and attachment system, to start planning your ideal loadout. Gear up, hit the lobby with your team, and experience many other game-changing innovations coming to Black Ops 6 so that youre ready to go as soon as the game officially launches on October 25th.Earn in-game rewards for playing the Beta, which will be immediately available in the Beta once unlocked, and playable in Black Ops 6 once the full game launches. Pre-order the Black Ops 6 Vault Edition and use the Hunters vs. Hunted Operator Pack in the Beta, including Operator Skins for Adler, Park, Brutus and Klaus, as well as the Mastercraft Collection, including five Mastercraft Weapons.*Requires active subscription to Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass Console.**Actual launch date(s) and platform availability of MP Beta subject to change. See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details. Minimum Open Beta duration is 2 days. Limited time only. Internet connection required.Activision may modify or discontinue online service in the future, which may impact the continued availability of online gameplay. Online services may be discontinued due to factors including number of players.Additional storage space may be required for mandatory game updates.For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com. 2024 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. This product contains software technology licensed from Id Software ('Id Technology'). Id Technology 1999-2024 Id Software, Inc.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Vault EditionActivision Publishing Inc.1341$99.99Pre-orderPre-order any digital edition and receive: Early access to the Open Beta* Early Access is August 30 September 4 Open Beta access is available for all players from September 6 September 9 Items for immediate use in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile**: Woods Operator Pack unlock the Classic Woods Operator Skin. Plus, get access to unlock the Zombie Woods and Numbers Woods Skins Reflect 115 Camo Pack unlock the Reflect 115 Weapon Camo. Plus, get access to 9 acquisitions for Modern Warfare ZombiesThe Vault Edition includes: Cross Gen Bundle of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Includes Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game Hunters vs. Hunted Operator Pack 4 Operator Skins: Adler, Park, Brutus and Klaus Mastercraft Collection 5 Mastercraft Weapons BlackCell (1 Season)*** Includes: Battle Pass, 20 Tier Skips, 1,100 CP and more GobbleGum Pack for Zombies 12 GobbleGums of high raritiesForced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops.The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.*Actual launch date(s) and platform availability of MP Beta subject to change. See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details. Minimum Open Beta duration is 2 days. Limited time only. Internet connection required.**Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III or Call of Duty: Warzone on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S required to redeem. Sold / downloaded separately. Must be redeemed by October 25th, 2025.***Battle Pass, BlackCell an Tier Skips will be accessible in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 once the Season 1 Battle Pass is made available in game. Battle Pass / BlackCell redemption applies to one Season of Black Ops 6 Battle Pass only.Activision may modify or discontinue online service in the future, which may impact the continued availability of online gameplay. Online services may be discontinued due to factors including number of players.Additional storage space may be required for mandatory game updates.For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com. 2024 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. This product contains software technology licensed from Id Software ('Id Technology'). Id Technology 1999-2024 Id Software, Inc.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Cross-Gen BundleActivision Publishing Inc.4685$69.99Pre-orderPre-order any digital edition or subscribe to select Game Pass plans* and receive: Early access to the Open Beta** Early Access is August 30 September 4 Open Beta access is available for all players from September 6 September 9 Items for immediate use in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile***: Woods Operator Pack unlock the Classic Woods Operator Skin. Plus, get access to unlock the Zombie Woods and Numbers Woods Skins. Reflect 115 Camo Pack unlock the Reflect 115 Weapon Camo. Plus, get access to 9 acquisitions for Modern Warfare Zombies. Includes: Cross Gen Bundle of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Includes Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the gameForced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops.The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.*Requires active subscription to Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass Console. Subscribers must login to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III or Call of Duty: Warzone on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S by October 25th, 2024 to redeem the Woods Operator Pack and Reflect 115 Camo Pack.**Actual launch date(s) and platform availability of MP Beta subject to change. See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details. Minimum Open Beta duration is 2 days. Limited time only. Internet connection required.***Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III or Call of Duty: Warzone on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S required to redeem. Sold / downloaded separately. Must be redeemed by October 25, 2025.Activision may modify or discontinue online service in the future, which may impact the continued availability of online gameplay. Online services may be discontinued due to factors including number of players.Additional storage space may be required for mandatory game updates.For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com. 2024 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. This product contains software technology licensed from Id Software ('Id Technology'). Id Technology 1999-2024 Id Software, Inc.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Vault Edition UpgradeActivision Publishing Inc.4834$30Get it nowUpgrade to the Vault Edition and receive the following bonus content*: Hunters vs. Hunted Operator Pack 4 Operator Skins: Adler, Park, Brutus and Klaus Mastercraft Collection 5 Mastercraft Weapons BlackCell (1 Season)** Includes: Battle Pass, 20 Tier Skips, 1,100 CP and more GobbleGum Pack for Zombies 12 GobbleGums of high rarities*Requires existing ownership of the digital version of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Cross-Gen Bundle on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S (sold separately), or active subscription to select Game Pass plans (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Console).**Battle Pass, BlackCell and Tier Skips will be accessible in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 once the Season 1 Battle Pass is made available in game. Battle Pass / BlackCell redemption applies to one Season of Black Ops 6 Battle Pass only.For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com. 2024 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. This product contains software technology licensed from Id Software ('Id Technology'). Id Technology 1999-2024 Id Software, Inc. Related Stories for Your Guide to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta Weekends on Xbox Category: PodcastOfficial Xbox Podcast | Deep Dive Into Atomfall Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 2 to 6 Category: ID@XboxShadow of the Ninja Reborn: The Three-Decade Journey of a Cult Classic and its Epic Remake, Out Now on Xbox The post Your Guide to the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta Weekends on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.