Category: Xbox Game PassSeptember 17, 2024Coming Soon to Game Pass: Ara: History Untold, Frostpunk 2, and Wargroove 2Megan Spurr, Senior Community Lead, Xbox Game PassWe have games for all kinds of people, and in this batch, we especially have games for people who are ready to build their own city or civilization (and maybe watch it burn, who knows?). We also have games, Perks, and updates for adventure, sports, and more. Lets jump in!Coming SoonWargroove 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) September 19Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassEmbark on an all-new adventure filled with unlikely friendships, unknown adversaries, and ugly revenge plots. Wage war against your foes with a cast of new Commanders. Design and share maps, cut-scenes, and campaigns with easy-to-use editors and in-depth customization tools.Frostpunk 2 (PC) September 20Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassComing day one to PC Game Pass: Take the role of a Steward and lead your city through a cascade of calamities taking place in a postapocalyptic, snowy setting. Develop, expand, and advance your city in a society survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth. In Frostpunk 2, you face not only the perils of never-ending winter, but also the powerful factions that watch your every step inside the Council Hall.Ara: History Untold (PC) September 24Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassComing day one to PC Game Pass: From Oxide Games and Xbox Game Studios, Ara: History Untold is an evolution in historical grand strategy, featuring beloved classic PC strategy mechanics alongside innovative gameplay. Build a nation and lead your people throughout history 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. Its your world now. Pre-install today to get ready to play on day one.Unlock In-Game Loot In Overwatch 2 with Game PassStarting today, Game Pass members will receive six awesome hero skins and an instant one-time grant of 30 Mythic prisms to spend on Mythic unlocks. These items will be yours to keep, but youll need to login and ensure that your accounts are linked by October 21 November 11 to claim them. Members will also earn ongoing rewards, including a stackable XP boost and access to Overwatch 2 Shop cosmetics from prior seasons. Overwatch 2 benefits are available to Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass for Console members.DLC / Game UpdatesFallout 76: Milepost Zero Available nowEscort caravans across the Shenandoah and recruit a diverse crew of merchants to build your caravan empire. Customize your dream arsenal with the revamped Legendary Crafting system. Submit and upvote player C.A.M.P.s on the paper map with Best Builds.EA Sports FC 25 Early Access Trial September 20Starting September 20, PC Game Pass and Ultimate members can try EA Sports FC 25 for up to 10 hours via EA Play and win for the club. Members unlock a Welcome Pack available until Oct 31, Football Ultimate Team Draft Tokens, and seasonal Clubs Rewards. Plus, save 10% on pre-orders, FC Points, and more.Starfield: Shattered Space September 30Game Pass members save 10%! Shattered Space is a new story expansion for Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios epic role-playing game and first new universe in more than twenty-five years. A mysterious power stirs in the city of Dazra on House VaRuuns hidden homeworld. Investigate a frightening cosmic threat, explore a new planet, and find unique weapons, spacesuits, and gear in this all-new adventure.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate PerksPersona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass Available nowThe final story chapter just launched! Dive deeper into the world of Persona 3 Reload with this Expansion Pass featuring an extra story DLC Episode Aigis -The Answer-, offering over 30 hours of additional gameplay, new costumes, and BGM. All 3 waves are available now dive into Episode Aigis today! This Perk content requires Persona 3 Reload to use.The First Descendant: Season 1 Invasion Bundle Available nowEnhance your gameplay in this co-op action RPG looter shooter with the Season 1: Invasion Bundle! Featuring a stylish pink back accessory, unique weapon skins, vibrant sprays, custom makeups, and bold paints.This bundle lets you stand out in every battle!Apex Legends: Bright Idea Weapon Charm Available nowAdd some flair to your arsenal with the Apex Legends Bright Idea Weapon Charm, available with your EA Play Membership!Hawked: Plunder Pack 2 Available nowDaring adventures await in Issue #2: Dark Arrival, so load up on new loot for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to use in this free-to-play online extraction shooter. Claim the intrepid Evergreen Outfit, blaze by on the Halcyon Green Hoverboard, and make your mark with the Slash Weapon Pattern!Leaving September 30The following games are leaving the library soon, so be sure to jump back in before they go. Remember you can save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library.Gotham Knights (Cloud, Console, and PC)Lets Build a Zoo (Cloud, Console, and PC)Loop Hero (Cloud, Console, and PC)My Time At Portia (Cloud, Console, and PC)PAW Patrol Grand Prix (Cloud, Console, and PC)Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Cloud, Console, and PC)The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season (PC)The Walking Dead: Season Two (PC)Valheim (Cloud, Console, and PC)It was great seeing everyone jump into the Beta last weekend for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6! Now we just need to (im)patiently wait for October launch. In the meantime, well be here with more games to play, or you can tune into @Xbox, @XboxGamePass, and @XboxGamePassPC on social for what else is coming to your download queue next. Cheers! Related Stories for Coming Soon to Game Pass: Ara: History Untold, Frostpunk 2, and Wargroove 2 Category: GamesWar Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Available October 3 Category: Xbox Game PassOverwatch 2 is Coming to Xbox Game Pass Category: Next Week on XboxNext Week on Xbox: New Games for September 16 to 20 The post Coming Soon to Game Pass: Ara: History Untold, Frostpunk 2, and Wargroove 2 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: GamesOverwatch 2: Creating Sound for Support Hero Juno That is Out of this WorldNicholas Yochum, Senior Sound Designer, Blizzard EntertainmentPublishedSeptember 18, 2024SummaryCheck out Juno, the newest support hero in Overwatch 2Find out about Junos abilities, and how the audio helps brings them to lifeLearn the stories behind the sounds with insight from Junos design teamHello Overwatch 2 fans and fellow sound engineers! Recently, we welcomed the newest hero and Martian colonist Juno to Earth and into the Overwatch mission in Season 12. As the senior sound designer for her, I thought Id share a bit about creating the sound identity for Juno, and how my journey through the world of sound design led me there.Discovering My PassionLike Juno finding her footing on Earth, my path to designing her sound profile began at Berklee, where I initially went to study electric bass. Music has always been my first love, but as I immersed myself in different aspects of audio production, I discovered a fascination with sound design. Ultimately this led to a decision to chase a career in sound design. Unfortunately, life events led to the tough decision to leave Berklee, but I still wanted to break into the industry and begin making connections. Since I was just starting out, I began creating sound design music and shared it with anyone who would listen. It was a hustle that paid off when I landed a few gigs making sample packs for large sample pack companies. These jobs may have been small potatoes, but they were incredibly educational and helped me build a solid starter reel of work.Joining the Overwatch 2 TeamWith a growing portfolio, I found a job at a third-party audio company, where I worked up to a senior role, gaining experience and refining my skills. It wasnt long before I felt ready to take on a more significant challengea position in an AAA work environment. My opportunity came when I applied for a position on the Overwatch 2 team. The application process was intenseI interviewed and tested while battling my first case of COVIDbut despite the hurdles, I was accepted for the role of Senior Heroes Designer. Within the first year, I was entrusted with designing Juno, my first hero.Designing JunoJuno uses her space-age technology to solve any problem that enters her orbit, and her spunky and energetic personality called for a sound design that was lighthearted and fun. Her primary fire and torpedoes are quick burst weapons, so they needed to be punchy and concise, clean and satisfying. One of the challenges was in balancing her primary fire to fit both a medical healing device and a laser gun. The team went back and forth on this element, tweaking it until we found the perfect equilibrium that felt right for Juno.For her cosmic abilities, I experimented with some unconventional techniques. To capture some otherworldly effects, I used de-noising plugins on tonal sounds like bass synths and glassy textures. This was one of the most fun parts of the process because it allowed for a lot of creative freedom.Junos retro aesthetic meant I could lean into a more cliche pew pew gun style. I took modern sounding shots and blasts and processed them with quick filter and pitch sweeps to give them that vintage pew quality.Creating the sounds for her mech and foley provided another interesting challenge. I wanted them to sound minimal yet authentic, while avoiding anything too plastic or toy-like. So, I took a trip to Home Depot and found various items I could experiment with to add a unique layer of authenticity to her mechanical sounds. The objective was to find rubber and soft plastic items that could be mixed, so I ended up using some plumbing supplies, a plastic paint bucket, and a plastic plunger. I also took a trip to a local sporting goods store and found some great sounds using a catchers mitt and a collapsing camping bucket.All in all, Junos sound identity is plucky future-retro. Keep an ear out for Junos unique soundsknowing the story behind them might just make your next game even more enjoyable!An Experience to CherishDesigning Juno has been a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally, and seeing the positive feedback from the Overwatch community has been the cherry on top. My journey from Berklee dropout to creating sounds for a beloved game like Overwatch 2 has been filled with twists, turns, and invaluable lessons.Check out my latest character designs in the World of Warcraft x Overwatch collab, where I added sound to bring to life the iconic Widowmaker/Sylvanas skin!If youre an aspiring sound designer or simply curious about the process, I hope this window into my experience inspires you to follow your passion, no matter the obstacles. Until next time, happy gaming and noise-making!If you enjoyed this post, consider joining our community forum where we discuss all things Overwatch 2 and sound design. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome!Juno is available now in Overwatch 2 play for free on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC now.Overwatch 2Blizzard Entertainment2019Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedXbox Game PassOverwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatchs 40 distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.Overwatch 2 Season 12: New FrontiersPrepare for an interstellar journey to discover new frontiers as this season introduces Juno, a formidable new Support hero hailing from Mars. Then, battle through two new maps in the Clash game mode where youll engage in an intense tug of war for the win! Unleash ancient Egyptian divinity with the new Mythic Anubis Reaper Hero Skin and smite your foes as the sun God Ra sends down a blazing heavenly sword animation to mark your kills with the upcoming Mythic Ana Weapon Skin. And don't miss out on adding Legendary Bast Doomfist and Oni Ana to your collection from the Premium Battle Pass. Play for free to earn 600 coins, 1500 credits, plus the Apep Zarya and Polar Lucio skins.The Overwatch League Token will no longer be purchasable after December 9, 2024. The OWL shop will remain open until at least December 2025, with limited inventory purchasable with players remaining OWL token balances. 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Category: GamesSeptember 18, 2024Castlevania Dominus Collection: How Konami Recreated DS and Arcade Games for XboxDonell Tucker, Brand Manager, KonamiThe Castlevania Dominus Collection has launched on Xbox Series X|S. This bumper package brings together three classic Castlevania entries originally created for Nintendo DS Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, and Castlevania Order of Ecclesia as well as a redesigned version of the original Castlevania arcade game, Haunted Castle, titled Haunted Castle Revisited. All of this comes alongside modern quality-of-life features, brand new art to check out, and more. Its a true celebration of the series.As part of that celebration, we spoke with Tsutomu Taniguchi, the producer behind Castlevania Dominus Collection. From the excitement of working on Castlevania again to adapting almost two decade-old mechanics for modern consoles, learn why the developers were committed to honoring the legacy of Castlevania for the beloved fans, while also getting new players interested in the series.When you revisit these classic Castlevania games from the Dominus collection, what emotions or memories come to mind?Since most of the original games in this collection were on a 3-inch LCD screen, its surprising to see these games on a TV or monitor now and discover all the attention to detail that you may have missed before. The carefully crafted detail in the background, the attention to detail towards the characters animations and more.All the titles have such incredible soundtracks, so the moment we heard the music play, it took us right back to all the fun we had playing them on the DS for the first time.As you say, several of these games were created for Nintendo DS, which is a very different visual format to traditional on-TV play. How have you adapted them?The Nintendo DS has two 3-inch LCD screens with an aspect ratio of 4:3, and theres a big difference in the pixel count (resolution) compared to modern home screens. So, to adapt that to the current 16:9 Full HD display, weve prepared five different screen modes to choose from. We hope users can find the screen layout that works best for them.We recommend the three-screen layout, with the enlarged game window as the main screen, and a smaller status window and map window as sub-screens. With this layout, you can see three different screens at once, something that wasnt possible in the original game. This allows you to conveniently keep both your map and character status screens open as you play, which we think will help with the overall gameplay experience.Of course, for anyone whod like to recreate the same experience as the original version, two-screen layouts will also be available. We also have a screen mode specially designed for optimal magnification (dot by dot), for when the display resolution differs from the original pixel resolution.As developers, whats the most exciting and challenging part of bringing a collection like this to life?Firstly, were honored to be working with the series and just the fact that we were able to play a part in creating this collection is so exciting. The chance to bring these titles that werent available on current consoles to players again was also a big motivating factor. Its so rewarding to know that, with the collection, players can experience all the fun that Castlevania has to offer again.We noticed comments online saying, I wish I could play the three DS titles on current consoles! and seeing that always made us happy to be working on it, and really motivated us to bring these titles back as soon as possible! We were truly grateful to see that players were still interested in the games.For all those players who have fond memories of these titles, we would be delighted if this collection aids to relive the times youve enjoyed with Castlevania. And for players new to Castlevania, we hope this will be the perfect opportunity to give these titles a try.Why do you think now is the perfect time to bring these titles back?It was around 2019 when we started seeing people online mention, I love exploration-based action games! But Ive never played a Castlevania game That was what got us first thinking about making Castlevania available on current consoles again, so that people could have the chance to discover them.At that time, we didnt have any ported versions of the exploration-action style of Castlevania titles available on current consoles, and any of the originals that were floating around the market went for a premium price, so even for people who wanted to play the games, it wasnt so easy to get into.We have several of these exploration-action style Castlevania titles, so it was hard for the team to decide which order we wanted to go in to adapt them to current consoles. But in the end, we decided to follow the order in which they were released, so we started with the 3 GBA titles in the Castlevania Advance Collection, released in 2021. We were pleasantly surprised to see it so well received by even more players than we had imagined.Since that was the thought process from the start, it was easy to follow through and have a team consensus of if we ever create anything next, it would be the three DS titles!What do you hope new players will discover about Castlevania through this collection? Are there any aspects of the games that you think will surprise them?Firstly, for returning players, we hope this collection helps them rediscover Castlevania and relive those moments they enjoyed in the past. Additionally, this collection includes features such as Gallery Mode where you can view concept and design documents, a newly-added Encyclopedia, and a Music Player Mode, all to provide a deeper dive into the world of Castlevania. Please do have some fun and try these additional contents out!And for players who have never played Castlevania, we hope this will be your chance to get to know the series. Finally, weve included a bonus title, Haunted Castle Revisited, an adaptation of the arcade game, Haunted Castle. We hope you enjoy!For new players, out of the 4 titles in the Castlevania Dominus Collection, what order should they play these games in?Even within the development team, we cant all agree on which of the three wed recommend first, so we think players will likely enjoy them no matter which order they try them in.But if we had to say, perhaps the order they were released in might be the way to go.Alongside the DS remasters, youve also created an entirely revamped version of the original Castlevania arcade game. Why did you return to that game, and how have you improved it?The bonus title was decided by going through all the available options, together with M2 Co. Ltd. [the collections co-development studio]. A little secret: it was so hard to decide between the titles that we had many, MANY discussions just to narrow down our top options. I had decided early on that the bonus title should be a stage-clearing action game, something thats different from the three featured NDS titles. We thought that the bonus title should either be a port of a game that was not compatible with the current consoles, or a small remake of a past title.Having said that, I somehow knew that it would be a port, just like the Castlevania Advance Collection. In the end, we narrowed down the possible port and remake titles, but none of them felt right. That was when the director of M2 suggested, How about redesigning an arcade title that was super difficult so that it could be played on console? and thats when we all had the Aha! moment. Thereon, deciding which title to include was smooth sailing.I think weve succeeded in creating beautiful graphics while retaining the original feel of the pixels, and I believe the game design is finished in a way that people can have fun with.I really hope that this game gets played by many and brings enjoyment to them! Initially, we intended this to be a small-scale remake, but when we realized, it had turned out to be a full-scale remake. This is all thanks to M2s commitment and workmanship.Castlevania Dominus CollectionKONAMI123$24.99Get it nowIn addition to the three action adventure games from the Castlevania series, Haunted Castle Revisited, an redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade game, makes its debut! And you can also play it in its original format!Experience the world of Castlevania like never before, with never-before-seen art and handy new features such as rewind, quick saves and much more! TitlesCastlevania: Dawn of SorrowThe adventures of Soma continue! Discover a completely new way to create countless weapons by combining souls, in stunning 2D graphics.One year after the events of Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, a boy named Soma Cruz is once again put at the center of a plot to resurrect Dracula led by a mysterious cult.. Will he finally be able to face his own destiny and put an end to all this?Castlevania: Portrait of RuinNot one but two heroes join their forces to fight the evil this time! Switch between Jonathan and Charlotte with a single button press and make the best use of their unique abilities.Dracula's Castle has suddenly resurfaced, but something doesn't add up. Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin make their way in to investigate, they soon discover that the mind behind all this is not who they thoughtCastlevania Order of EcclesiaThe enigmatic Shanoa is the only human capable of using the glyphs, symbols full of magic.Gather glyphs by exploring the Castle and its surroundings and absorb the power of the mighty foes you fight!The three most powerful glyphs, thought to be able to even defeat Dracula himself, have been stolen. Can Shanoa bring them back to the Order, and finally destroy the Dark Lord?Haunted CastleHaunted Castle Revisited, an redesigned version of the very first Castlevania arcade game, makes its debut! And you can also play it in its original format! 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Category: Mobile GamingSeptember 18, 2024How The Elder Scrolls: Castles Builds on Fallout Shelter to Create a Fascinatingly Authentic Elder Scrolls Spin-OffJoe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-ChiefAlmost a decade ago, Fallout Shelter transformed the Wasteland we knew into a mobile management game, turning players into Overseers for their very own vault. It was a worldwide smash, taking what we loved about Fallout and transmuting it into something brand new and now Bethesda Game Studios is taking that idea further, with a whole new franchise, in The Elder Scrolls: Castles.Available now for iOS and Android, Castles builds on what Fallout Shelter began, allowing you to control rulers and their subjects as you build a thriving castle in the world of Tamriel. As Bethesda Game Studios Director of Mobile Games, Craig Lafferty puts it:Castles is the spiritual successor to Fallout Shelter. In Castles, youll take on the role of the right hand of the king or queen and manage your kingdom from the ground up. Youll build the castle of your dreams, rule over your subjects, and make critical decisions about your kingdoms future as you build your dynasty.Every day in our world is a year in the game. Time passes, subjects live and die, and rulers change as you build your dynasty. Eventually you will need to find new resources and items to keep your castle growing. Craft and equip outfits and weapons to your subjects and send them on epic quests to battle classic Elder Scrolls creatures and enjoy the rewards.Key to the teams work has been taking what players loved about Fallout Shelter and (often quite literally) building on it, while capturing the vibe of a whole new world. Our goal has been to build on everything players loved about Fallout Shelter, but with a ton more content, features and things to do in-game. We know that players loved building their vault in Shelter but wanted more ways to customize and make it their own. Because of that, in Castles, you can fully customize a built castle at any time, and these changes impact not only how your castle looks like visually, but it can also affect gameplay to some extent.That means your castle isnt just a growing series of rooms, but dynamically reacts to what you do build a new wing and zoom out and youll notice that your changes have resulted in new turrets and offshoots of the wider building. Add to that the ability to decorate your castle (with added benefits for each decoration you choose), and you have a place that feels distinctly yours. Weve aimed to provide players with as much castle-building flexibility as possible adds Lafferty. We look forward to seeing all the fun TES castles that fans will create!Customization goes deeper than you might imagine every new subject you attract to your castle or birth as a baby has a distinct personality that can affect their roles. Some characters may be better suited to crafting tasks like working at a mill, or in the forge, while others may be perfect for heading out on combat-heavy quests to earn rare materials. Some of these traits can be very odd a personal favorite was my Haunted subject, whod periodically be chased by a ghost who could also do their work for them.And atop them all is your ruler you can choose your king or queen, and their heir, which can affect things wildly. The rulers traits affect everyone in the Castle, says Lafferty, whether its through their rulings or general influence over the subjects. For example, a rulers personality trait could make subjects more productive, but less happy at the same time. So, paying attention to your rulers traits/personalities can affect the overall happiness and productivity of your subjects roaming within Castles walls.Your ruler has more to do than simply sit on a throne, however. Castles introduces a rulings system youll periodically be presented with choices that can affect everyone from individual subjects to the fate of the kingdom around you.Weve spent a lot of time on the rulings system, making sure it was fun and easy to make rulings, at the same time, ensuring that decisions have a noticeable impact on the subjects in your Castle, explains Lafferty. Sometimes youll see an immediate impact on a subjects happiness, or a material benefit from a ruling. But others take more time to become more obvious. And rulings can lead to immediate assassination of your ruler or a subject if youre not careful with your decisions. So, how you rule over your dynasty has a real impact on your subjects and how long your ruler stays in power.Theres a lot more to this than you might expect from a mobile game and its been designed to evolve over time, always offering something new for you to rule over. With each in-game year taking a real-life day to pass, Castles is designed to offer something new for you constantly. This is where the growing a dynasty and building a lasting legacy really comes into play, says Lafferty. The passage of time means the player needs to always have a proper succession plan in place for the heir to the throne.We did a lot of work in the game design to ensure that subject relationships and how long a ruler reigns are elements that players can work towards improving. Players also need to continue to improve their gear type and level to progress through the quests. Its an important mechanic within the game. We have a Dynasty Level system, with rewards that continues on endlessly. Our goal is to update the game regularly with new dynasty levels, quests, events, and challenges.On top of this, Castles is designed to be a treasure trove for Elder Scrolls fans, and the more you play, the more youll see how the game ties into the wider world. Weve worked particularly hard to make sure that Castles feels as authentic as possible to the Elder Scrolls Universe, explains Lafferty. And die-hard fans will be able to pick up on this when playing the game.From the games score, to the sheer number of classic Elder Scrolls races included as subjects (who form their own distinct factions within your castle) to even the smallest pieces of dialogue (dialogue bubbles often have direct and indirect references to The Elder Scrolls universe, lore and locations including some references only the hardcore fan will recognize), theres a lot to discover here.You can even pick up unique subjects whove appeared in other Elder Scrolls games. For example, [Skyrims] Ulfric is a legendary subject, and so is the Adoring Fan, teases Lafferty. These legendary subjects have various unique traits that player can take advantage of to elevate their Castles experience From assigning them to stations for more effective output, to making babies and carrying those traits further.Both the game itself and its connections to The Elder Scrolls will only get deeper over time. Castles may only just have arrived, but the team has a lot of plans in place for how it can grow. We have tons of ideas for more content we really had to force ourselves to stop adding new features and focus on releasing the game! All to say that we have so many great ideas that will be coming into the game. From simple elements, like new decorations, to whole new ways to play the game and interact with friends.Right now, the games seeing a Redguard-themed event (including the ability to transform the look of your castle entirely), but well see Castles take on multiple Elder Scrolls locations over time. The team is also planning on expanding the games quests, and has some still-secret plans for how to celebrate real-life holidays in your virtual kingdom.It may have begun as a successor to Fallout Shelter but, Castles is already evolving into something truly new pick your rulers wisely, and see how far this goes. 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Category: Games5 Things You Need to Know About Ara: History UntoldMike Nelson, Xbox Wire EditorPublishedSeptember 17, 2024SummaryLearn about some of the ways Ara: History Untold differentiates itself from other grand strategy games.Unique elements like crafting, simultaneous turns, and a diverse group of well-known and lesser-known historical figures are just some of the ways it stands apart.Ara: History Untold will launch September 24, 2024, for Steam, Windows PC, and available day one with PC Game Pass. Its currently available for pre-order on Steam and the Windows Store.Grand strategy games are an incredibly unique gaming experience where else can you find the joy in learning how to harvest food, research pottery, and fight in a war of attrition all in one game? Many of them apply their own tweaks to a variety of game mechanics to make their mark, but none in my opinion are taking as big a swing as what Ara: History Untold is endeavoring to pull off.Throughout our coverage of Ara here on Xbox Wire, weve learned a lot about what the team at Oxide Games is trying to achieve, pouring lots of modern elements into their game and finding ways to try and evolve the genre at the same time. With launch coming up on September 24, 2024, I wanted to detail some of more noteworthy elements for Ara: History Untold to help you better understand what it is (and isnt) before you set out to make your mark on history.Its Living World is DynamicYouve probably seen the footage of the Living World for Ara: History Untold. Its incredibly detailed and a joy to scan through as you take in the majesty of it all. Its also interactive clicking on citizens will cause them to react by dancing or waving and its procedurally generated so youre given a new experience with every game that you play. Related Stories for 5 Things You Need to Know About Ara: History Untold Category: ID@XboxCo-op Fun Awaits the Chaotic Welcome to Empyreum Arrives on September 20! Category: GamesWar Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Available October 3 Category: AnnouncementsUna Fuerza Hermosa: Xbox Celebrates the Diverse Voices of Hispanic Creators But one of my favorite features is watching as my Nation comes alive, turn-by-turn, through visual progression. Not only is the world highly detailed with blades of grass, crashing waves, and swirling clouds, but its structures are all incredibly intricate, even evolving structurally over time.I love being able to see my people walk around, or pick up a hoe and help with farming, or huddle up to take down a rogue lion. It just makes the whole experience more engaging I want to continue upgrading my Nation to see what visual changes will happen as a result. All this feeds into the desire to care about what youre building, and for whom youre building it for: Your people.It Features Crafting as a Central ComponentHarvesting resources is the centerpiece of nearly all grand strategy games. Collecting wood and meat to build units is practically the law in most cases. For Ara: History Untold, it also has its share of resource gathering, including Materials, Wealth, Timber, and Food but its what you can do with those resources that helps it stand apart. This is where Crafting comes to play a tremendously crucial role in shaping your nations development.Crafting in Ara is broken down into a couple of different components, each tremendously important for you to utilize if you want your people to succeed. You can build Improvements, like an Apothecary, that let you craft various Goods, including Amenities which can be distributed to your citizens, or Supplies which can be attached to Improvements to enhance their capabilities. Some great Triumphs also require unique ingredients or goods that must be harvested, crafted, or traded for.Crafted items can also be used to improve your cities or train units and can be utilized as a Gift to trade with other nations or to help improve Favor nothing says friendship like gifting five ceramic pots. All of this helps bring another layer of depth to Ara: History Untold, which lets you adjust your strategy to your style of play by letting you dive into manufacturing amenities, buffing your plots, or training your armies.Its Powered by Simultaneous TurnsIn a typical turn-based grand strategy game, players take turns sequentially you can see what your opponent is planning and youre given a chance to counter that move and vice versa. The difference for Ara is that it will process all those actions at once this is what the team is referring to when talking about Simultaneous Turns; its simultaneously resolving every players turn at the same time.The intent is to create a higher sense of suspense and anticipation during your Decision Phase, as you need to factor a bit of guesswork into what your opponents moves might be. Once you press End Turn to kick off the Resolution Phase, the game will process everything in the queue and issue the commands at the same time. Youll then see all moves transpire across the map, and then its time to begin the cycle anew.This creates a compelling challenge that requires you to quickly adapt to your opponent and learn to anticipate their moves more than you would in a typical grand strategy-like. As I covered in our recent multiplayer preview, this significantly reduces turn times, enabling the game to support 20, 30, or even more players in a single game, letting you focus on the strategy rather than the waiting. And in the latter stages of the game when many nations begin to converge upon one another, the nation that can best adapt to these situations will likely be one of the last ones standing.It Features a Diverse Group of Historical FiguresGrand strategy games can put you in the shoes of a variety of historical figures, menacing aliens, or even dwarfs. Ara: History Untold if the name didnt give it away leans into the more historical side of things by letting us play as well-known and noteworthy figures of history like Jeanne dArc of France, Julius Caesar of The Roman Empire, and Elizabeth I of England.But its also here where Ara takes the opportunity to forge a more diverse path by introducing some lesser known (but no less noteworthy) historical figures to play as, like Eva Peron of Argentina, Wilma Mankiller of The Cherokee, and Howard Florey of Australia.This is great to experience for everyone, from history buffs to players looking to learn more about the world, but also a reminder that a great Leader doesnt always have to be likened to that of a great conqueror, but by those who have shaped the course of the world like youll be invited to do when you sit down and play Ara: History Untold.Its All About PeopleThere are many strategies to consider with Ara: History Untold, but they all bubble up into one key element: improving the lives of your people. Acquiring resources, crafting goods, building iconic structures all of this is designed to make the lives of your people better. And this is how you win.Finding the right mix of what brings happiness to your citizens is what feeds into so many elements of the game, from expansion to harvesting and more. Other nations on the map are clued to this element as well; its a constant balance to make sure youre doing everything you can to make your people thrive, while cutting off those benefits to your opponents citizens.Youre not just a brilliant Leader trying to take over the world. You are the peoples steward. Once you start baking that into the rest of your strategic approach to Ara, youll be on the right path.Ara: History Untold will launch September 24, 2024, for Steam, Windows PC, and available day one with PC Game Pass. Its currently available for pre-order on Steam and the Windows Store.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. The post 5 Things You Need to Know About Ara: History Untold appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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SummaryChaotic co-op party game for up to four players.Four unique playable characters with unique narratives.Out September 20 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.The doors of the Empyreum Hotel are opening! Step into a world of madness and fun with Welcome to Empyreum, an exciting cooperative game for up to four players that promises laughter and unique challenges. Developed by the Madrid-based studio Tapioca Games, Welcome to Empyreum will arrive on September 20 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.From cleaning up puddles and vacuuming dust, to taking care of alien babies, watching over kleptomaniac penguins or serving food to jelly bears, players will never know what to expect in this hotel full of surprises and original guests.Imagine a mysterious hotel where you and your friends lose what you love the mostIn Welcome to Empyreum, players will take on the role of one of the newly hired employees. Their goal? To keep this enigmatic hotel clean while cooperating (or not) to earn the best reviews from the guests.Although their personalities and stories are very disparate, the four main characters have one thing in common: they all lost something when they arrived at the hotel! Tommy has been transformed into a humanoid lizard, Miriam cant remember someone very important to her, Apolo cant play the piano anymore and everything seems to be going wrong for Elisabeth what a way to start a new job!Making beds, vacuuming, or mopping are tasks youll need to agree on!To recover what theyve lost, they must work their way up through the hotel, floor by floor, until they reach the directors office, Beatriz, facing unique challenges in each scenario. From washing sheets to make the beds, vacuuming, spraying carnivorous plants, or feeding gummy bears, anything is possible! You and your friends must be ready for any unexpected situations.Some guests will test your cooperation.The players progression involves not just cleaning rooms but also uncovering the mysteries of the Empyreum Hotel and its intriguing director, Beatriz. Talk to the guests between levels or take the opportunity to change outfits; each character has their own story and motivation for working at the hotel, adding an extra layer of depth and humor to the game.Romantic suites for couples of cats, a spa, a nursery and even a medieval castle haunted by ghosts the Hotel Empyreum is designed to meet the needs of all types of guests, and there cant be a single upset customer!The hotels stage is one of the hotspots for our guests. Dont miss the chance to chat with them!Welcome to Empyreum combines the best of party games with a unique and captivating setting, offering a gaming experience that promises to be as fun as it is challenging.Are you ready to check in? Welcome to Empyreum will arrive on September 20 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Whether solo or with companions, are you up for the challenge?Welcome to EmpyreumTapioca GamesGet it nowWelcome 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.Imagine a place where action, strategy, and simulation intertwine in an amazing way. With characters like Tommy, the narcissistic influencer; Miriam, the desperate mother; Elisabeth, the fortunate girl; and Apolo, the depressed musician, you will embark on a unique journey in this enchanted place that takes away what they want the most.To recover it, they must work there, floor by floor until reaching the office of the director, Beatriz. Tasks range from making the bed or vacuuming to other hilarious jobs like taking care of alien babies, running away from ghosts, fumigating carnivorous plants, or feeding jelly to gummy bears get ready to live unforgettable moments!Welcome to Empyreum offers a party experience like no other, bringing the best of party games to a unique setting: an enchanted hotel full of comical and improbable situations. Team coordination and communication are key to maintaining order and controlling the madness of this place, but remember, the customer is always right (even lazy sloths and candy-loving gummy bears)!Book your room for an individual experience or bring your friends to enjoy team action. Up to 4 players can immerse themselves in this world full of challenges and laughter, where the better the cooperation, the cleaner the rooms, and the happier the hosted customers. Do you like games that appeal to both children and adults alike? Look no further, because Welcome to Empyreum is the ultimate choice for experiencing unparalleled moments with your loved ones!The post Co-op Fun Awaits the Chaotic Welcome to Empyreum Arrives on September 20! appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: AnnouncementsSeptember 17, 2024Una Fuerza Hermoza: Xbox Celebrates the Diverse Voices of Hispanic CreatorsTeam XboxSummaryXbox celebrates the diverse Hispanic and Latino communities by showcasing games from Hispanic and Latino creators that highlight their unique cultural perspectives. Minecraft Education, in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, has created LatinExplorers and LatinExplorers 2 to inspire and educate young players by featuring Latino leaders and celebrating Hispanic culture. Personal stories from the Xbox community emphasize the profound impact of these initiatives, reflecting Xboxs commitment to empowering individuals and fostering inclusivity through diverse representation in gaming.At Xbox, were dedicated to honoring the rich and multifaceted nature of Hispanic and Latino communities. Often misunderstood as a singular identity, these communities encompass a vibrant array of cultures, each with its own distinct history, values, and traditions. From diverse languages and cuisines to varied art forms and practices, the Hispanic and Latino experience is a complex and vivid mosaic. By recognizing and celebrating this rich diversity, we aim to shift the narrative from simplistic perceptions and appreciate the myriad voices and stories that globally impact art, music, cuisine, and more.This year, Xbox is proud to showcase more games than ever before that reflect the unique perspectives and creativity of these communities. Through our partnerships with Hispanic and Latino developers, Xbox is amplifying these diverse voices and ensuring they have a unified platform to share their stories.Juan Castaneda from StudioBando shares Weve incorporated the landscapes and fauna of Latin America, drawing inspiration from across the region; from the small towns we grew up in in the Andes Mountains to the Amazon region, to the Salar de Uyuni, where the sand blends into the sky. Weve brought in incredible creatures from these places, like The Harpy Eagle, the Pink Dolphin, and the Culpeo Fox.Our collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation underscores this commitment, helping to bring educational opportunities, strengthen workforces, and promote social impact. In particular, Minecraft Education partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to create LatinExplorers: A Hispanic Heritage Journey! and its sequel, LatinExplorers 2. These initiatives introduce Latino leaders as characters in Minecraft, providing an immersive experience that celebrates Hispanic culture and leadership. Players can navigate the lives of these leaders, celebrating their victories and learning about their challenges, thereby fostering a deeper connection to their culture.The personal stories from within the Xbox community further highlight the profound impact of this support. As one community member shared, I stand on the shoulders of women who came before me, who could not do what I do. We want to open doors for others. This is how I honor my community and my family, and how Microsoft lives up to its mission by empowering others to do more. Another added, Each generation works hard so the next generation can do better. Im proud to partner with our ID@Xbox team, who is reaching out to Latino developers and giving them new opportunities we never had.The focus on legacy and community support is evident in the dedication of many Hispanic and Latino individuals at Xbox. Our commitment to creating inclusive and impactful experiences through Minecraft aligns with our broader mission to empower individuals and communities. By showcasing real-world Latino heroes and providing a platform for diverse voices, were fostering a more understanding, collaborative, and unified global community. The pride and connection felt by players, parents, and educators when they see their culture reflected in the game underscore the importance of representation and inspiration in driving positive change.The title Una Fuerza Hermosa captures our celebration of the diverse and expansive range of games from Hispanic and Latino creators. This diversity reflects the vast and varied nature of these communities, showcasing their incredible contributions to the gaming world. Xbox is proud to support and elevate these voices, enriching our understanding of ourselves and fostering a more inclusive society through the powerful and beautiful force of their creative expressions.GIVEGamingand Impact with Microsoft RewardsMicrosoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Hispanic communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout September and October:Hispanic Heritage Foundation Hispanic Heritage Foundations mission focuses on education, workforce, identity, and social impact through the lenses of leadership and culture.CARE CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice in 100 countries including Latin America and the Caribbean.Xbox players can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games, completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Start earning today and redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points on the Rewards hub or on the Rewards redeem page.PLAYExplore Games Curated by Hispanic and Latino Communities at MicrosoftHispanic and Latino voices bring a rich and vibrant history to life through authentic storytelling and inspired creativity. Video games elevate these stories for an immersive experience. To celebrate these communities, explore a variety of game collections spanning creators, playable characters, and titles influenced by Hispanic and Latino cultures around the world.Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, check out the Latin American community games collection that exists year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. For Xbox Game Pass members, check out theXbox Game Pass Hispanic community collectionandthePC Game Pass Hispanic community collection.Some highlights for Xbox Game Pass members include:Commonhood (Available on Console, PC, and Cloud) Build your own community in this economy management and city building simulation game from the brain of Chile-born architect and urban planner, Jose Sanchez. Decide how you want to live in this highly customizable habitat, form a thriving neighborhood, and share your designs in multiplayer mode.Far Cry 6 (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Welcome to Yara! Take on the role of Dani Rojas, and fight alongside revolutionaries against the regime of Antn Castillo. With a story heavily influenced by Cubas revolution, Dani being local to Yara brings a unique perspective of someone fighting for their home while embracing the complexity of political conflicts. For the first time in the Far Cry franchise, players also have the choice to play as a woman or a man, making the game even more inclusive.Overwatch 2 (Free on Xbox Console and PC) Starting on September 17, unlock in-game loot with Xbox Game Pass in Overwatch 2! Featuring a wide roster of characters with backstories from all over the globe, Overwatch 2 includes many Hispanic and Latino options. IIari is a warrior from Peru, voiced by Peruvian musician, Myriam Andrea Cisneros Linares. From the city of Dorado, Mexico comes Sombra, one of the worlds most notorious hackers. While the mercenary Reapers background is largely a mystery, its known that he was born Mexican-American. And Lcio is a support hero that uses his DJ talents from Brazil for social change.Explore Even More Games from Hispanic and Latino Creators on the Microsoft StoreXbox is thrilled to partner with talented creators from across the vibrant regions of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, and Peru, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences they bring to the gaming world. Many had some personal stories on how their culture and history impacted their creations.Leo Motta from Mad Mimic: we always carry a lot from our personal experiences living and growing up in Brazil into all of our creations. A good example in Mark of the Deep of how we brought our culture to the game to make it special for Brazilian players is present in Okiros, one of the main characters in the game. As he is a cook, and this is an important aspect of the character, he is constantly talking about herbs and spices he will use in his dishes, so in Portuguese, we changed them to herbs and spices that are traditional in Brazilian cuisines, such as folha de louro, a common herb used, for example, in feijoada, one of our most famous dishes.Paola Vera from Maula Games said, Growing up, I always heard my grandfather talk about lvaro Obregn, the president who stole less than others because he only had one hand The leader of the revolution, shot and killed by a cartoonist. Its been a story thats followed my life forever. So learning my countrys history through investigation and game design has been magical, to say the least.Mario Vallarta from Dracma Studios wanted gamer to know, A lot of the architecture for the castle in Candle Knight is inspired by a church in Zacatecas, Mxico, called Nuestra Seora de Ftima and also by some other gothic buildings in our country.These collaborations highlight the incredible creativity and innovation emerging from these diverse communities, enriching the global gaming landscape with unique stories and perspectives. By featuring these exceptional games through the Microsoft Store, Xbox not only provides gamers with access to extraordinary new experiences but also amplifies the voices of these talented creators.Adore (Available on Xbox consoles) Adore is a monster-taming action game where the main character, Lukha, is able to summon and control creatures to fight by his side in a simple and innovative way! In Adore, you can customize your gameplay according to the creatures you capture. Each of them has very different characteristics and abilities. Traits, special abilities and the Synergy system allow even more varied playstyles and powerful combos!Play Adore TodayCandle Knight (Available on Xbox consoles) Wield your flame to overcome menacing creatures lurking in the shadows of a ruined castle, use the dynamic difficulty system to your advantage, traverse challenging platforming sections and solve cryptic puzzles inside surreal paintings in this 2.5D action-adventure platformer.Play Candle Knight TodayTunche (Available on Xbox consoles) Tunche is a charming hand-drawn action game with roguelike elements. Team up with your friends or play solo. Choose from five unique characters and restore peace in the Amazon rainforest!Play Tunche TodayAstor: Blade of the Monolith (Available on Xbox consoles) In this adventure game, explore the vibrant planet of Gliese, once inhabited by an ancient race, and now home to their sentient creations the Diokek. After the ancients disappearance, the Diokek lived in peace until malevolent creatures, the Hiltsik, started wreaking havoc among their settlements. With threats of a more sinister force at play, Astor a young Diokek warrior, must journey across Gliese to solve the mysterious disappearance of his creators thousands of years ago, believing that they may have left behind the key to their salvation.Play Astor TodayThe Inheritance of Crimson Manor (Available on Xbox consoles) In The Inheritance of Crimson Manor you will explore a beautiful and enigmatic Victorian manor with a dark secret. This is a gothic horror story first person exploration puzzle game filled with fine art, secret passages and mysterious mechanical puzzles playing as the executor of the last will & testament from the enigmatic railroad magnate Hadley Strange.Play The Inheritance of Crimson Manor TodayMulaka (Available on Xbox Console & PC) Dive into northern Mexicos breathtaking landscapes with Mulaka, a 3D action-adventure game based on the rich indigenous culture of the Tarahumara. Renowned for their impressive running abilities, embark on the journey of a Sukurame a Tarahumara shaman as you fight back the foulness corrupting the land, while drawing upon the powers of demigods. Play Mulaka TodayOn the HorizonXbox is proud to also showcase these incredible upcoming gaming experiences from Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil that will be coming soon to Xbox consoles and PC. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the Microsoft Store for these unique and captivating experiences coming your way!SOPA: Tale of the Stolen PotatoFrom the talented developers at StudioBando, comes an adventure game like no other. As Juan Castaneda from StudioBando describes:Growing up in Colombia with my co-writer and Game Designer Nelson Guevara, as part of a huge family, was a major inspiration for SOPA Tale of the Stolen Potato. We came up hearing fantastical stories from our parents and uncles and aunts about the remote places where they had grown up. We heard stories of fish raining from the sky, of pigs as big as houses, of ghosts hanging out at home along with everyone else. We grew up around incredible landscapes and animals that weve never seen anywhere else to this day, and have witnessed a sort of everyday fantastical absurdity that has tinted our view of the world. So get ready to meet quirky characters, venture through the depths of South America, and learn the importance of the things we pass along in this unforgettable emotional narrative adventure.Check out SOPA: Tale of the Stolen Potato and look for it on Xbox from Q4, 2024.Mexico, 1921: A Deep SlumberMexico, 1921 follows the life of Juan Aguirre, a young photojournalist that will be swept by Mexicos whirlwind transformation to modernity, find himself inside the surreal revolutionary art world, rub shoulders with politicians and discover through his camera why Mexico aint no place for the weak.Paola Vera, Macura Games: In Mexico, 1921: A Deep Slumber weve anchored our story to one of Mexicos history biggest mysteries: Who planned the assassination of President lvaro Obregn? In this game youll play as a journalist that will have to interview and photograph subjects and collect historical objects that will immerse the player in Mexican post revolutionary history.Check out Mexico, 1921 and look for it on Xbox from Q4 2024.Mark of the DeepBrought to you from the incredible team at Mad Mimic, Mark of the Deep is an epic pirate adventure with a strong narrative and a thrilling mix of elements from acclaimed Metroidvania and soulslike games. Embark on this journey as the pirate Rookie, explore the mysteries of a cursed island and find your missing pirate crew!Play the Demo for Mark of the Deep today and look for it on Xbox in October 2024.Continue Learning with Minecraft EducationWere thrilled to announce the continuation of our successful partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation through Minecraft Educations LatinExplorers 1 & 2. This exciting installment, featuring four game characters, is available in the Minecraft Education lesson library and for free on Minecraft Marketplace for Bedrock Edition players.In LatinExplorers 2, students can explore the impactful journeys of three remarkable Hispanic mentors: Gloria Estefan, the trailblazing Cuban-American singer; Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to travel to space; and Monica Ramirez, a dedicated social activist and attorney. These figures inspire players with their stories of perseverance, creativity, and leadership. Building on 2022s LatinExplorers, which introduced three other influential Latino leaders, this release continues our mission to empower and educate young players by showcasing real-world heroes in the beloved world of Minecraft.Join Minecraft on October 11th (11AM -12PM PST) for an exciting Discord Stage Show featuring a Minecraft software engineer, Minecraft Marketplace Creators, and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation! This is your chance to uplift and celebrate the Hispanic community, hear inspiring stories of history and achievements, and get valuable advice for those aspiring to build careers in gaming. Tune in and be part of the celebration!DISCOVERXbox Meets with Hispanic & Latino Creators at Gamescom LATAMThis June, the Xbox Team traveled to So Paulo, Brazil for Gamescom LATAM. During our visit Xboxs ID@Xbox Round Table and Mixer event made a significant impact, bringing together over 50 developers and 50 creators at the Mixer and holding 75 meetings with industry professionals. We engaged with a diverse range of developers, including, Mad Mimic, VR Monkey, Pipa Studios, Double Dash Studios, and many new to Xbox. This visit underscored not only Brazils, but Latin Americas rapid growth and rich talent pool, reinforcing our commitment to this vital market.Wallpapers and Dynamic BackgroundsThe Hispanic Heritage Month Xbox design is available today as an Xbox Wallpaper as well as via Gamerpics. Get your wallpaper here.Content is subject to availability by country. Related Stories for Una Fuerza Hermoza: Xbox Celebrates the Diverse Voices of Hispanic Creators Category: AnnouncementsSea of Thieves & Xbox in NYC to Kick Off New York Libertys Push to Playoffs Category: AnnouncementsOne 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 The post Una Fuerza Hermoza: Xbox Celebrates the Diverse Voices of Hispanic Creators appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Category: AnnouncementsSeptember 16, 2024Sea of Thieves & Xbox in NYC to Kick Off New York Libertys Push to PlayoffsChris MunsonHead of Xbox Global Sports Partnerships As the New York Liberty charts a course to the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, Xbox and Sea of Thieves are landing on the shores of Brooklyn to add their fearless seafaring energy to the fandom. Well spread fun and pirate shenanigans across the five boroughs, finally coming together at Brooklyns Barclays Center on International Talk Like a Pirate Day Thursday, September 19 to celebrate the New York Libertys final home game of the regular season. The Liberty are marauding their way into the playoffs, and the Sea of Thieves crew will bring all the trappings of a proper pirate send-off as the team pursues their first championship.The Libertys mascot, Ellie the Elephant, will serve as Pirate Queen for the week, leading the Sea of Thieves pirate crew as they make landfall across New York City today, sharing their signature swashbuckling excitement with fans. Once the pirates land, from September 16-18, Ellie will send her crew out to the five boroughs to hide various pirate treasure such as New York Liberty VIP tickets and one, three and six-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscription token codes (in the form of Gold Doubloons) around the city. Follow Ellie the Elephant on social media for clues on where to find the treasure! The adventure continues September 19 at the Libertys Fan Appreciation Game, where Ellie and her pirate crew will host more Xbox giveaways and help fans perfect their arrrghs and aye mateysjust in time for International Talk Like a Pirate Day. For the ultimate nautical flair, this game will feature a custom Xbox and Sea of Thieves-themed court at Barclays Center.The continuation of the Liberty and Xboxs award-winning and innovative partnership allows both brands to reach and engage with new fans in unique ways, while also creating synergy between the WNBA and gaming communities.This collaboration continues Xboxs commitment to womens sports. In past seasons, we have teamed up with the Liberty to bring the excitement of Roblox and Starfield to the teams loyal fanbase, and now the adventure continues with Sea of Thieves, marking yet another innovative partnership.In Sea of Thieves, the fun of International Talk Like a Pirate Day lasts all week long! Check out discounts in a Pirate Emporium sale beginning September 19, stream your adventures on Twitch and give out Twitch Drops to your viewers, and set course for a Community Weekend full of login bonuses and boosted rewards. Check out the Sea of Thieves website and social channels for all the dates and details! Related Stories for Sea of Thieves & Xbox in NYC to Kick Off New York Libertys Push to Playoffs Category: AnnouncementsOne 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 The post Sea of Thieves & Xbox in NYC to Kick Off New York Libertys Push to Playoffs appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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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. 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