Xbox Members Can Now Get 3 Months Free of Apple TV+ Until July 7

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enjoy a 3-month free trial of Apple TV+ on your Xbox. Whether you’re a sports fan, an action lover, or a comedy enthusiast, you’ll find something to suit your taste on Apple TV+. But hurry, this offer ends on July 7, 2024, so act now and claim your 3 months of unlimited streaming.

Imagine watching the thrilling adventures of “Argylle”, the world’s greatest spy, as he travels across the globe with a star-studded cast. Or cheering for Aaron Judge and the Yankees as they face their rivals on “Friday Night Baseball” from MLB. Or diving into the history and heroism of “Masters of the Air”, the Apple Original series that follows the lives of American bomber pilots in World War II.

 Not fully intrigued? How about the chance to catch the GOAT, Lionel Messi, play with his former FC Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, as they lead Inter Miami CF through the MLS gauntlet this season?

This is just some of the amazing content you can watch on Apple TV+, along with countless other movies and shows. You can also enjoy award-winning documentaries, kids’ entertainment, dramas, and more, all in stunning 4K HDR quality. And with the Apple TV app on your Xbox, you can easily browse and access all your favorite content in one place.

But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself and see why Apple TV+ is the ultimate streaming service for Xbox users. All you need to do is sign up for a new or qualified returning Apple TV+ subscription on your Xbox before July 7, 2024, and you’ll get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free. No strings attached, no hidden fees, just unlimited entertainment at your fingertips.

Don’t wait, this offer won’t last forever. Grab your Xbox controller and start your free trial of Apple TV+ today. You’ll be glad you did. Terms apply, visit the website to learn more.

The post Xbox Members Can Now Get 3 Months Free of Apple TV+ Until July 7 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 22 to 26

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 22 to 26

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass. Discover more about these forthcoming titles below and explore their profiles for additional information (note that release dates are subject to change). Let’s dive in!


Xbox Live

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

505 Games


25

$49.99

Eiyden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – April 23
Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! Gather your allies for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the grand JRPG adventure. Assemble your 6-party team from a cast of over a hundred heroes and shape your destiny in this lush, hand-crafted 2.5D world brimming with war, intrigue, and magic. Manage your town of vibrant characters, play delightful mini-games, and prepare for an unforgettable narrative of boundless charm.


Xbox Live

Hammerwatch II

Maximum Entertainment

Hammerwatch II – April 23
Smart Delivery

Gather your heroes and journey beyond the dungeons of Castle Hammerwatch to explore a pixelated world like never before. Adventure alone or gather your party to aid King Roland’s resistance, all while helping villagers along the way. Battle beasts, finish off hordes of the undead, and face the forces of evil in this epic ode to classic ARPGs.


Xbox Live

Lunar Lander Beyond

Atari

$29.99

Lunar Lander Beyond – April 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

As a newly appointed captain of the Pegasus corporation, you must guide a roster of colorful pilots, eclectic advisors, and state-of-the-art landers through a taxing series of missions. Deliver cargo, retrieve resources, and rescue stranded pilots as you navigate a mysterious universe of moons and planets.


Xbox Live

Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU Standard Edition

Electronic Arts


5


$19.99

$17.99

Tales of Kenzera: Zau – April 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Adventure into the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera as Zau, a young shaman who bargains with the God of death to bring his Baba back from darkness. With your cosmic powers and untried courage, advance into unknown mythological lands in this metroidvania title. Will you embrace the dance of the shaman?


Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

GameMill Entertainment


$29.99

$25.49

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants – April 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Re-experience the 2017 arcade classic with three additional stages and six additional boss battles! Take control of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael in this classic beat ‘em up inspired by the cult favorite Turtles in Time. Play with your friends through local co-op and dominate the Foot Clan to foil the Shredder’s maniacal plan.


Xbox Live

Aery – Cyber City

EpiXR Games

$9.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Aery – Cyber City – April 23
Xbox One X Enhanced

Play a little bird on its journey to find a home after losing its dear friend. You will discover unknown, giant, and beautiful environments and you will be able to enjoy the feeling of flying while exploring a whole world filled with beauty and little secrets.


Xbox Live

Farm Tycoon

PlayWay S.A.

Farm Tycoon – April 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Expand your farm business, produce cheap and sell your products at high prices. Control the land cultivation process, select the best employees, buy the most appropriate farm equipment, raise livestock, and process the harvested crops. Manage your own farm in the game Farm Tycoon!


Xbox Live

Hidden Cats in New York

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Hidden Cats in New York – April 24

Come and visit the famous Big Apple for a brand new cat-spotting adventure! Relax and look around the city, and with enough patience, find over 700 feline friends! The city only gets more vibrant the more cats you find!


Xbox Live

Insurmountable

Daedalic Entertainment

Insurmountable – April 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

An adventure roguelike with permadeath where you must overcome huge mountains. Thanks to the procedurally created environment, no two climbs are the same. Keep your climber alive by always making sure that your vital values don’t get into the critical range. This is made more difficult by a dynamic weather system, day/night changes, and a multitude of randomly generated events.


Xbox Live

Metro Simulator 2

Ultimate Games

Metro Simulator 2 – April 24

A distinctive game that recreates Moscow Metro and authentic train controls. 24 stations, various tunnels, and items within them. The game uses modern technologies to show the full experience of Russian capital’s subway — stations on this line will reflect the changes of their era.


Xbox Live

Ratyrinth

Eastasiasoft Limited

Ratyrinth – April 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Take the role of a nimble rodent separated from his family and lost in a frightening forest filled with fearsome foes! Ratyrinth is a side-scrolling precision platformer with brainteasing level design and retro presentation. Run, jump, cling to walls, swim and climb through mazelike stages presented in minimalistic 2-tone style with fluid pixel art animation.


Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Another Crab’s Treasure

Aggro Crab

Another Crab’s Treasure – April 25
Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere

Available on day one with Game Pass! A soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.


Xbox Live

Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute

CITY CONNECTION CO., LTD.

Assault Suit Leynos 2 S-Tribute – April 25

Developed by Masaya in 1997, this robot action game gained popularity at the time thanks to its customizable features, incredible robots, engaging storyline, and its position as the next installment in the Leynos series. The Saturn Tribute version includes new features like Rewind, Quick Save & Load, and Tips functions for smoother gameplay. You can also get power-ups with your Assault Suit.


Xbox Live

Manor Lords (Game Preview)

Hooded Horse

Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC) – April 26
Game Pass

Available on day one with Game Pass! Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord — the seasons pass, the weather changes and cities rise and fall.


Xbox Live

SAND LAND Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.


6

$59.99

Sand Land – April 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In this action RPG, players will find a nostalgic and heartwarming world created by Akira Toriyama where you’ll meet the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief, and the fearless Sheriff Rao, and follow the team on an extraordinary adventure in search of the Legendary Spring hidden in the desert. The end is only the beginning, as beyond this arid ground lies a new realm to explore.


Xbox Live

TopSpin 2K25 Cross-Gen Edition – Pre Order

2K


3

$69.99

TopSpin 2K25 – April 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Travel the world as an up-and-coming pro, go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennis, and take Centre Court at Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open as you strive to become a Grand Slam Champion in the MyCareer mode. Or choose from over 24 playable pros and unleash their explosive power and clever finesse against other players locally or online.


Xbox Live

Zombies, Aliens and Guns

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Zombies, Aliens, and Guns – April 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Aliens have attacked the planet, and they’re turning innocent people into mindless zombies. It won’t be long before the invaders have destroyed the planet unless somebody with guns stands in their way. That’s where you come in! Lead a cadre of soldiers who are ready to take down every last enemy in their path.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 22 to 26 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Sample Frostpunk 2’s New Sandbox Mode with the New Beta, Available Now Through April 22

  • Pre-order Frostpunk 2 Deluxe Edition to join the sandbox Beta.
  • Part of the new Utopia Builder mode with unique challenges.
  • Available now on PC now through April 22.

The Frostpunk 2 development team is excited to offer players a chance to return to the unforgiving Frostlands and experience a glimpse of our ambitious sequel, where in addition to the need to survive, you face the new, deadly threat of human nature and its insatiable thirst for power. The Beta features a part of the sandbox mode called the Utopia Builder Preview.

Frostpunk 2 screenshot

While the original Frostpunk launched without a sandbox mode, it quickly became one of the community’s top requests. Hence, we introduced the Endless mode, allowing players to expand endlessly. Witnessing players spend over 500 hours or more in the game has been truly inspiring for us.

Frostpunk 2 screenshot

From the outset, we knew a variation of the sandbox mode was essential for Frostpunk 2. As we believe Frostpunk 2 represents a significant step forward for the franchise, each aspect of the game needed expansion. For the sandbox experience, we aimed to infuse it with a richer narrative and other unique aspects specific to Frostpunk 2.

Frostpunk 2 screenshot

Thirty years after the Great Storm, which concluded the first game’s storyline, humanity has partially tamed the weather. So making a blizzard in a sequel even bigger than the one in the first Frostpunk wouldn’t feel satisfying, creative, or exciting for you as a player. It is impossible to tell the story of social change of ambitions without changing the scale. Thus, the time flow in the game transitions from hours and days to weeks, months, and years, and players oversee the creation of entire districts, emphasizing societal survival and shaping. Frostpunk 2 continues an approach to be a society survival type of strategy game but also places greater emphasis on how this society is shaped.

Frostpunk 2 citadel

With the absence of immediate survival pressure, citizens began to contemplate a different future, leading to varied visions among factions. As the new Steward, you are tasked with building a council representative of these factions. The ideological conflict is also present in the Utopia Builder Preview mode, demanding players reconcile conflicting interests and navigate societal complexities.

Mismanagement could lead to catastrophe while allowing ambitions to grow unchecked can foster social conflicts. Ultimately, human nature can lead to the city’s downfall, where one’s utopia may become another’s dystopia.

Preorder Frostpunk 2: Deluxe Edition today, and unlock the Utopia Builder mode with sandbox Beta for PC. Explore, create, and survive through April 22!

Xbox Live

Frostpunk 2: Deluxe Edition Pre-order

11 bit studios

Purchase the Deluxe Edition to receive the base game along with future access to a time-limited beta, early access to the full game, 3 future DLCs, and some cool additional content.

The beta access and the early access version of the game will be available exclusively for players who pre-ordered the deluxe pack. Beta access will include a limited, 7-day access to a fragment of the game’s sandbox mode (Utopia Builder) in April 2024. Frostpunk 2: Deluxe Edition gives you early access to story mode 72 hours before the game’s full release. Owners of this edition of Frostpunk 2 will receive 3 DLCs for the game directly after their releases.

The deluxe pack also includes a digital version of the novella Warm Flesh from the upcoming Frostpunk anthology, as well as access to a digital artbook, the game’s epic soundtrack, and an exclusive in-game item.

Features:
BASE GAME
ACCESS TO UTOPIA BUILDER PREVIEW
(part of the sandbox mode, available 15-22.04)
3 DLCs (PAID POST-RELEASE CONTENT)
PLAY STORY MODE 72H BEFORE RELEASE
EXCLUSIVE IN-GAME ITEM
“WARM FLESH” NOVELLA (DIGITAL VERSION / PART OF THE UPCOMING FROSTPUNK ANTHOLOGY)
DIGITAL ARTBOOK & SOUNDTRACK

The post Sample Frostpunk 2’s New Sandbox Mode with the New Beta, Available Now Through April 22 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How The Riders Market Addition is Turning MotoGP 24 Into the Most Authentic Entry Yet

How The Riders Market Addition is Turning MotoGP 24 Into the Most Authentic Entry Yet

Summary

  • MotoGP24 will feature the Riders Market for the first time in the history of the franchise
  • Both AI and players might be proposed to change teams, including promotion between classes
  • MotoGP24 will be available on May 2, 2024, on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

As the Lead Designer, working on a series like MotoGP is extremely challenging. Our goal has always been to replicate as closely as possible the real competition and finding room for innovative improvements is not easy. However, this is also what makes our job special and the reason why I’m so proud of the hefty experience MotoGP 24 will deliver to our fans, whose voices have become more and more central in shaping the series.

Since In the last year, we’ve met our players’ requests like never before by introducing Dynamic Weather and Flag-to-Flag races. This year, we’re following the same path by adding what is probably the most requested and long-awaited feature by the community, as MotoGP 24 career mode marks the introduction of the Riders Market. Here’s how it’s going to change the game for the better.

Starting this year, riders of all categories will be able to change teams, including promotion between classes. This way, players will see roster updates in every in-game season, thus finding exciting new challenges and scenarios to experience every year. The possibilities are endless, as both the AI and players might be proposed to change teams as seasons progress. Importantly, we designed the feature with the intent of offering different but always plausible championships. The Riders Market is based on a set of algorithms that generate transfers weaving the riders’ performance with the prestige and aspirations of each team. Consequently, riders are considered differently by teams based on their past results and the goals they want to achieve. For instance, a rising star like Jorge Martin might be called to bring the Repsol Honda Team back to the top after many difficult years.

Notably, since last year the career mode has become much more dynamic thanks to the introduction of turning points and rivalries, thus revolving around the performances and choices of each player. The Riders Market will follow and accentuate such a philosophy; if the player achieves excellent results in a minor team, he could even steal the seat of a real rider in a top team forcing him to find another contract. If he doesn’t, he will be excluded from the next season but could still come back after one or two years in case a struggling team needs an experienced rider to help with the development of the bike.

Likewise, if a team underperforms, riders will look for something better. Imagining the Ducati Lenovo Team losing competitiveness over the years, its top rider Francesco Bagnaia might look around. Just like in real life, his choice will not only be determined by the current values of the other bikes on the grid, but future perspectives will count as well. If the Aprilia Factory Racing Team obtains steadily convincing performances proving to be on the upswing, it might be able to sign the Italian champion despite not being an immediate contender for the title.

Moreover, players’ behavior on and off the track will greatly influence Riders’ Market dynamics. As I mentioned earlier, last year we introduced a rivalry system as well as a fictional social network where riders, teams, and manufacturers interact with each other. The evolution of rivalries as well as likes and replies on the fictional social network will fuel rumors about possible future transfers, which players will be able to keep an eye on through a dedicated menu of the career mode.

The Riders Market is the last major piece we needed to fully shape the game and the series itself, and I can’t wait to see our fans getting the most out of it. Will there be a day when we see the young, predestined Pedro Acosta challenging the eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez in the same team? Or maybe we are about to witness Fabio Quartararo’s new legacy away from Yamaha? History is still to be written. 

MotoGP 24 will be available on May 2, 2024, on PlayStation5, PlayStation4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

The post How The Riders Market Addition is Turning MotoGP 24 Into the Most Authentic Entry Yet appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Great New Games: Check Out the Season’s Most Exciting New Releases

Summary

  • A collection of the season’s hottest games, from roguelikes to RPGs
  • Key titles include Final Fantasy XIV Online, Harold Halibut, and Another Crab’s Treasure
  • Great New Games runs from April 16 through May 13 – jump in today!

Dare to explore new stories and worlds with Great New Games, a collection of brand new titles new to Xbox this season. Grab your controller. Gather your friends. Great memories await.

From April 16 to May 13, with new titles every week, Great New Games will continue to serve up a massive array of brand-new adventures. There’s a new game to suit every mood and style on Xbox, from new ID@Xbox titles, to new games hitting Xbox Game Pass on day one. Here are some examples of just a few exciting new releases to get stuck into, whether you’re looking for an underwater adventure, thrilling roguelike or a quirky platformer.

Final Fantasy XIV Online

Join over 30 million adventurers worldwide and take part in the epic and ever-changing Final Fantasy XIV Online. Experience all the hallmarks of the best-selling franchise — an unforgettable story, exhilarating battles, and a myriad of diverse and captivating environments to explore. Party up with friends or play solo! Experience all the main story dungeons on your own by calling upon NPC allies to fight by your side.

House Flipper 2

Build the home of your dreams in this awaited house-flipping sequel! House Flipper 2 introduces brand new mechanics, and revamps ones from the original game, making for an even richer renovation experience. The good old hammer, the trusty paint roller, and the sturdy mop, all await your return! Complete jobs in the new story mode, or jump into sandbox mode and build a new house from the ground up, with more options than ever before.

Harold Halibut

Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’. Find out more about Harold Halibut in a recent Xbox Wire preview.

Another Crab’s Treasure

A souls-like adventure set in a crumbling and unique underwater world, Kril the hermit crab must wear trash as shells to survive a dangerous submerged landscape on the verge of collapse. Hone your skills, defeat lethal predators, and embark on a treasure hunt to decide the fate of the ocean. Another Crab’s Treasure is the second game from Aggro Crab, creators of the indie darling Going Under.

WWE 2K24

Step into WWE 2K24 and enjoy an all-new Showcase, MyRISE updates, Match Types & a roster of 200+ Superstars & Legends! Relive 40-years of WrestleMania and experience a gripping retelling of WrestleMania’s greatest moments in 2K Showcase of the Immortals, where you can relive a collection of some of the most unforgettable, career-defining matches.

Penny’s Big Breakaway

Ready. Set. YO! – Join Penny & Yo-Yo in a kinetic 3D-platformer bursting with expressive gameplay! Showcase your catalog of tricks and chain impressive combos to deliver Penny & Yo-Yo’s perfect breakout performance. Burst onto the scene in the fluorescent world of Macaroon, home to this over-and-under escape! Discover your true star power in this easy-to-play, difficult-to-master challenge.

Great New Games is your chance to immersive yourself in epic new adventures on Xbox. Grab your controller, summon your friends and create some great memories. Be sure to check out the full collection of titles here.

The post Great New Games: Check Out the Season’s Most Exciting New Releases appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How the Legendary Kombatant Ermac Made His Grand Return in Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat Ermac Key Art

How the Legendary Kombatant Ermac Made His Grand Return in Mortal Kombat 1

Summary

  • Ermac joins the Mortal Kombat 1 roster today as part of the early access period for Kombat Pack owners, followed by wide availability on April 23.
  • For Mortal Kombat 1, NetherRealm wanted to further evolve the visual presentation of Ermac by leaning heavily into certain horror inspirations.
  • You can pick up the Mortal Kombat 1: Kombat Pack here on the Xbox Store.

On the way to the cafeteria at the NetherRealm Studios offices, we have a large poster of Ermac hanging on the wall. Seeing it often reminds me how far he has evolved over the years. Back in the early days before the Internet, rumors often ran rampant about him and drove all kinds of speculation, particularly in the arcades. In the first Mortal Kombat arcade game, there was a diagnostic called ERMACS short for “Error Macro” that appeared underneath the number of “Reptile Appearances” and “Reptile Battles,” and it was therefore assumed by sleuthing fans that there must be a hidden character in the game. Over time, these rumors had taken on a life of their own and wound up being the catalyst to Ermac’s eventual creation and inclusion as a playable fighter in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.

Mortal Kombat Ermac Screenshot

Since the character’s arrival, Ermac has always been a vessel for souls and would use these souls to manipulate their energy for his own devious purposes. For Mortal Kombat 1, we wanted to further evolve the visual presentation of Ermac by leaning heavily into certain horror inspirations, and then explore the idea that Ermac has been haunted by unique souls he has captured throughout his existence. The collective of tortured souls include: the Witch, the Old Woman, the Monster, and the Soldier, each one playing a key role throughout Ermac’s move set. For Ermac’s classic Lift special move, the Witch’s soul bursts outward from Ermac to lift the opponent and slam them to the ground. The idea that these unique souls manifest themselves throughout his attacks is a common theme we wanted to showcase.

Mortal Kombat Ermac Screenshot

To me, one of the most compelling aspects to the design and implementation of Ermac was the challenge he presented to us. The last time we saw Ermac in a Mortal Kombat game as a playable fighter was in Mortal Kombat X, and we are lightyears ahead in terms of our capabilities from a visual perspective since then. For us, this meant an opportunity to evolve the look of his soul energy to create intricate visual effects-based attacks that help sell the unique telekinesis power he possesses. The inherent challenge is to ensure the visual elements are impactful, blend well with the gameplay elements, and are readable to the player. This is something the design and visual effects teams are constantly iterating on.

Mortal Kombat Ermac Screenshot

Gameplay wise, Ermac stands out as a character with interesting combo potential and routes, especially from the air. In terms of special moves, he employs a variety of his mainstay special attacks as well as new additions for Mortal Kombat 1. One of the main design goals was to evolve and showcase his classic attacks in a distinctive way while at the same time creating new special moves that both serve his gameplay plan while giving players a fresh experience. For instance, Ermac can still perform his Teleport attack but can now initiate it from either the air or ground then cancel it into an air or ground version just before he teleports acting as a mind game with options for different setups.

Mortal Kombat Ermac Screenshot

One of his new special moves is a Mana Shield where one of his souls creates a shield around him whereby incoming damage depletes his super meter instead of his health. Additionally, he has another new attack where he violently ejects souls upward, capable of launching the opponent and allowing Ermac to dash cancel out of. Lastly, one of my personal favorites and something players will want to check out is a brutality we created off Ermac’s Lift special move, which is a clear nod to his telekinesis Fatality from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.

Mortal Kombat Ermac Screenshot

Working on klassic characters for a new Mortal Kombat game is almost a sacred responsibility, let alone one of the ninjas. I joined the team many years ago for the first Injustice game and I will always remember the surreal moment working on Scorpion attacks for the first time. This responsibility is a sentiment shared by everyone on the team. We are all very pleased to bring Ermac back in Mortal Kombat 1 and hope players enjoy playing him as much as the team did working on him.

Xbox Live

Mortal Kombat™ 1

Warner Bros. Games


391


$69.99

$34.99

It’s In Our Blood!

Discover a reborn Mortal Kombat™ Universe created by the Fire God Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat™ 1 ushers in a new era of the iconic franchise with a new fighting system, game modes, and fatalities!

MK1: Kombat Pack

Warner Bros. Games


208


$39.99

$19.99

The Kombat Pack includes the Johnny Cage character skin featuring voice and likeness of actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme (available now), along with 6 new post-launch DLC playable characters and 5 new post-launch Kameo Fighters. Kombat Pack also includes 1-week early access to all DLC playable characters. 

DLC Playable Characters (All Coming Post-Launch)
Omni-Man (Invincible)
Quan Chi
Peacemaker (DC’s Peacemaker)
Ermac
Homelander (The Boys)
Takahashi Takeda

DLC Kameo Fighters (All Coming Post-Launch)
Tremor
Mavado
Janet Cage
Ferra
Khameleon

MK1: Ermac

Warner Bros. Games

No longer Quan Chi’s slave, nor bound to a royal family, Ermac must find a future worth fighting for.

This pack includes playable character Ermac including all new movesets.

The post How the Legendary Kombatant Ermac Made His Grand Return in Mortal Kombat 1 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Coming to Game Pass: Manor Lords, Another Crab’s Treasure, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and More

Coming to Game Pass: Manor Lords, Another Crab’s Treasure, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and More

It’s nice to see you’re willing to take a break from watching “Fallout” on Prime Video, because I have the next round of amazing games for you to check out! We have new games coming to the Game Pass Core library, your PC, and even one you can download and start playing today! Let’s dive in.

Available Today

Harold Halibut (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Available on day one with Game Pass! Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Join Harold as he explores a vibrant retro-future world in his quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’. You can learn more about Harold Halibut in Xbox Wire’s recent hands-on preview here.

Coming Soon

Orcs Must Die! 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 17
Orcs Must Die! 3 ushers orc-slaying mayhem to a previously unimaginable scale. Solo, or 2-player co-op, arm yourself with a massive arsenal of traps and weapons. Slice, burn, toss, and zap hordes of repugnant orcs in this long-awaited successor to the award-winning tower defense series.

EA Sports NHL 24 (Console) EA Play – April 18
Just in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL 24 is coming to Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play! Members can experience authentic on-ice action and give their Ultimate Team a boost with the EA Play Mega Players Pack until May 9, containing 30 items, all Gold Players, with at least five 80+ OVR Players for Ultimate Team mode in the game.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 23
Available on day one with Game Pass! Gather your allies for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the grand JRPG adventure. Assemble your 6-party team from a cast of over a hundred heroes and shape your destiny in this lush, hand-crafted 2.5D world brimming with war, intrigue, and magic. Manage your town of vibrant characters, play delightful mini-games, and prepare for an unforgettable narrative of boundless charm.

Another Crab’s Treasure (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 25
Available on day one with Game Pass! A soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.

Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC) – April 26
Available on day one with Game Pass! Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord — the seasons pass, the weather changes and cities rise and fall.

Have A Nice Death (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 30
In this darkly charming 2D action roguelike, play as an overworked Death, whose employees have run rampant, completely throwing off the balance of souls – and his vacation plans. Grab your trusty scythe and show your employees who’s boss.

More Games Coming to Game Pass Core on April 23

For Game Pass Core members, there are three more games coming to the library on April 23! Become a badass space Dwarf in Deep Rock Galactic, dance the slow-motion ballet of destruction in Superhot: Mind Control Delete, and face total demolition derby madness in Wreckfest.

DLC / Game Updates

Ark: Survival Ascended – Scorched Earth – Available now
Saddle up and stake your claim on the Scorched Earth! Build new Western-style structures like your own rootin’ tootin’ saloon, then tickle the ivories on your own piano for an authentic frontier experience. Hunt for buried treasure with your trusty shovel, tame hardy new creatures to pull your configurable wagon and even hop aboard your own chugging steam train to explore those harsh badlands!

Conan Exiles: Age of War Chapter 4 – Available now
 In the new Sacred Hunt, embark on a quest to fell the champions of Jhebbal Sag, Lord of Beasts. Discover a new hub area and uncover a new mystery. Unleash brutality with fatalities. Daze enemies by bringing their health low and then finish them off with a range of savagely animated finishing moves, depending on the weapon you have equipped. If there is glory in gore, you will find it.

Grounded: Fully Yoked EditionAvailable now
The ultimate Grounded experience is now bulging with new content that’s sure to get you pumped! Experience new ant queens, new game + mode and an exciting array of new gear. Are you ready to get Fully Yoked?

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Fallout 76 Vault 33 Survivor Kit – Available now
Vault-Tec is happy to offer Vault Dwellers a handy bundle of Wasteland survival and a sturdy Vault 33 Backpack to use in this vast open-world multiplayer entry in the Fallout universe.

The Elder Scrolls Online 10th Anniversary Pack #1 – Available now
Celebrate 10 years of The Elder Scrolls Online with a Perks bundle that includes three Grand Gold Coast Experience Scrolls and 500 Seals of Endeavor.  Explore and quest solo or with friends in the award-winning fantasy RPG today. 

Leaving April 30

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in before they go or save 20% on your purchase to keep them in your library!

  • 7 Days to Die (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Besiege (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • EA Sports NHL 22 (Console)
  • Loot River (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Pikuniku (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Ravenlok (Cloud, Console, and PC)

That wraps us up! Keep up with the coming games on social at @Xbox, @XboxGamePass or @XboxGamePassPC. Catch you next time!

The post Coming to Game Pass: Manor Lords, Another Crab’s Treasure, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.