Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – How the Passion of a French Studio Brought a Japanese Legend Back to Life

Category: Games

August 29, 2025

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – How the Passion of a French Studio Brought a Japanese Legend Back to Life

John Harry De LaraXbox Wire France Editor

The legendary Shinobi returns today with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. At the helm of this revival is French studio Lizardcube, led by CEO and Creative Director Ben Fiquet. We spoke with him to understand how his team managed to balance respect for the series’ heritage with a modern touch, all while pouring an incredible amount of passion into every detail.

To appreciate the importance of this comeback, it’s worth remembering that Shinobi defined a whole generation of players back in the late ’80s. Born in the arcades and later released on the Master System and Mega Drive, the white-clad ninja Musashi became an icon of Sega’s golden years. Demanding gameplay, striking visuals, and unforgettable soundtracks made Shinobi a symbol of the 2D action genre’s golden age.

As launch day draws near, emotions are running high at Lizardcube: “Of course there’s some apprehension, but also a lot of excitement,” explains Fiquet. “We released a demo at the end of July, and the feedback has been excellent. That really reassures us about how the game will be received and about bringing this iconic series back to life.”

This excitement fuels the team, who see this release not only as an achievement but also as a huge responsibility: to deliver an experience worthy of the Shinobi name.

Reviving such an emblematic series requires striking a delicate balance. For Fiquet, the challenge was clear – extend players’ memories without simply replicating the past: “Players don’t want to replay exactly the same game they knew on Master System or Mega Drive. They hold on to strong memories, but gameplay has evolved. Our role is to prolong those memories while adapting them to today’s expectations.” This is the philosophy that guided Lizardcube: staying true to the franchise’s identity while refining its mechanics for a new era.

This expertise isn’t new for the Paris-based studio. Having already worked on Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (2017) and Streets of Rage 4 (2020), Lizardcube has earned its reputation as a specialist in bringing beloved franchises back to life. Their strength lies in recreating a faithful atmosphere while adding artistic and gameplay polish that elevates nostalgia into something fresh. With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, this vision takes on a whole new scale.

From the very first images, the studio’s distinctive style is unmistakable. Instead of opting for a realistic 3D approach, the team chose to embrace traditional 2D animation—a bold choice in today’s landscape.

“2D gives us finer control, almost an intimacy, over every pixel. There’s a warmth and honesty in hand-drawn animation that you don’t always find in 3D.” This artistic direction gives the game a sense of timelessness, reminiscent of classics like Cuphead or Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, while paying tribute to Shinobi’s visual legacy.

But beyond aesthetics, the feel of the game was central to development. “I love games that get straight to the point: you launch, you play, and you immediately have fun,” explains Fiquet. The combat system reflects this philosophy: combos, dashes, double jumps, and executions flow naturally without heavy tutorials.

Each encounter feels like a rewarding little challenge, almost a mini-game within the game. A unique “execution” mechanic even rewards players for skilfully chaining enemies, turning combat into a rhythmic and spectacular dance.

Demanding yet approachable, the game also includes options to adjust difficulty, making it accessible to newcomers without compromising depth for veterans. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was designed so that every type of player can find their rhythm—an inviting entry point for the curious and a perfect playground for seasoned players on Xbox.

While Shinobi is a quintessential Japanese franchise, Fiquet highlights the project’s dual identity. “I’m a Sega kid. I grew up with the Master System and the Mega Drive, and Shinobi was one of my very first games.” This personal connection is paired with deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship: “We don’t make Japanese games, but we have enormous respect for Japanese game culture. Our French touch blends with that heritage, and that’s what convinced Sega.”

Breathing new life into such a legendary franchise is no easy task, but Lizardcube’s relationship with Sega has been built over time. “There was real mutual respect. Of course, there are cultural differences and different working rhythms, but every discussion was about improving the game. We found a great synergy.” Thanks to this mutual trust, every exchange with Sega was focused on improving the game, always with respect for the original spirit of Shinobi.

To extend the experience, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance also includes secrets, powers, and unlockable skins. And that’s just the beginning: the first DLC has already been revealed. “It’s the ‘Sega Villains Stage’. You’ll get to face iconic antagonists from across the Sega universe. The first one we announced is Robotnik. Seeing Musashi take on Robotnik is pure fan service, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes working with Sega so exciting.”

With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Lizardcube delivers far more than the return of a legendary hero on Xbox—it offers a love letter to video games: to their heritage, their challenge, and their ability to evolve. It’s a bold gamble, crafted with passion and precision, proving that a legend can return without losing its soul.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆
10

★★★★★

Get it now

Pre-order SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance and receive a 10% discount, the Original Arcade Outfit, and Fortune Hunter Amulet.The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.

Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts. After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan.

• EXECUTE THE NINJA ARTS WITH PRECISION
Wield your vast ninja arsenal including the great Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo to vanquish your foes.

• MASTER THE WAY OF THE SHINOBI
Unleash limitless combos with unique combat moves, acquire Amulets for enhanced abilities, and discover Ningi tools to overcome obstacles and uncover new paths.

• JOURNEY THROUGH A STYLISTIC NEW WORLD
Venture through more than a dozen unique and visually striking stages, from military bases to a scorching desert, challenging platforming puzzles, and hidden secrets.

The post Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – How the Passion of a French Studio Brought a Japanese Legend Back to Life appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Share of the Week: Sword of the Sea

Last week, we asked you to surf through the deserts and oceans in Sword of the Sea using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

HappyMoonInc shares Wraith riding down a chain surrounded by sealife.

fogsblue shares Wraith riding an orca after freeing the sea on a new region

MdeavorVP shares Wraith falling in darkness alongside gold currency

LazareGvimradze shares a look up at Wraith doing a trick over sealife on the hoversword

hedgehog860 Wraith riding an orca with another floating nearby

Photo_Ra_Phy shares Wraith and their companion riding in a bubble

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on September 3, 2025

Next week, sneak through the world of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and share Naked Snake’s most epic moments using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Already Has Essential Mods That Improve PC Performance, Fix Graphics, and Let You Play as Hideo Kojima

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater only launched this week, but modders have already been busy tweaking and improving the game.

The remake launched on August 28, and in the space of just 24 hours modders have provided all manner tweaks, from reshaping Eva‘s and Ocelot’s faces, smoothing stuttering, improving visuals, removing the introduction, and — my favorite — even one that lets you play as series creator Hideo Kojima himself. There are already over 40 mods available to download on NexusMods right now.

Other early mods remove in-game movies — purportedly saving 21GB on your HDD — optimize the game, remove the HUD, unlock FPS “without the speed up or slow down bugs,” and replace Snake with The Last of Us’ Joel for some reason.

The majority of the mods, however, look to improve Delta’s PC performance. Some predate Konami’s recently deployed patch, which sought to address various scenarios that could inadvertently cause systems to crash. The publisher added that it was actively investigating and addressing all reported concerns.

You may be able to play as Hideo Kojima, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get him to play Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. When asked recently if he would be playing the remake, he laughed and replied: “No, I won’t.”

We awarded IGN’s Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review returned an 8/10. We said: “Between its old-school stealth-action gameplay and engaging spy-thriller story, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater largely succeeds as a faithful, visually impressive remake of the 2004 classic.”

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Sorry, Oblivion Remastered: dabbing, twerking, and the griddy are now unleashable on command in you

Are you sitting down, Oblivion Remastered? It’s alright. I’ve just got…some news I need to tell you. There’s no easy way to say this. A modder’s decided to put a bunch of Fortnitey emotes and dances inside you.

We can see the likes of dabs, the NaeNae, and even a stanky legg on the scans. They’re cranking it, spanking that, and Snoop Dogging all over your internal organs too. There’s nothing we could have done. That surgery which ported you from 2006 to 2025 increased the risk of this drastically, but how else were 12 year olds supposed to learn about the need to CLOSE SHUT THE JAWS OF OBLIVION?

75% of Cyberpunk 2077‘s Nintendo Switch 2 sales were physical, CD Projekt has confirmed.

CD Projekt revealed the eye-catching stat in its latest financial results, confirming that not only did the action-RPG benefit from positioning itself as one of Nintendo Switch 2’s day-one launch games, but it also found success by making the game available as physical media.

“We believe that thanks to its high quality and Switch 2 exclusive enhancements, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is well positioned to benefit from the [Switch 2’s] growing user base,” said Michał Novakovski, joint CEO. “As of June, the vast majority of sales — which is around 70% — came from physical copies sold and that reflects the strength of our offering.”

Novakovski believes this is, in part, because “the entire game, along with its expansion, is fully contained on a 64 gigabyte cartridge, providing a plug and play experience which players find particularly attractive.” And that has certainly proven to be the case, with 75.4% of all Cyberpunk 2077’s Switch 2 sales being physical.

It comes as fans continue to debate the practice of publishers providing Game-Key Cards in Switch 2 boxed games instead of a physical cartridge. It’s proven to be a divisive practice among some users, not least because while it allows collectors to have a game’s box on their shelf, they’re essentially useless unless your console is connected to the internet.

The practice is so controversial, however, that Nintendo has launched a survey designed to poll the Switch 2 userbase on its thoughts surrounding digital and physical games, with questions designed to probe the reasons you might consider one option over another. Nintendo’s also interested in finding out if your attitude to digital downloads has shifted over time.

“Our developers truly made the most of the console’s features, offering new exclusive ways to play Cyberpunk 2077,” Novakovski added. “We showcased them in a series of hands on presentations attracting praise from the player community and gaming media. And although we clearly see that sales of the on the new console are currently dominated by Nintendo’s first party titles, we were very pleased with Cyberpunk being among the best selling third party games.”

“The Switch 2 might pack much better hardware than the original, but a game I’m still surprised to see running at all (much less pretty well) on a Nintendo system is Cyberpunk 2077,” we wrote in our Nintendo Switch 2 Cyberpunk 2007 review update. “I spent a few days with CD Projekt Red’s latest port to get a feel for how it runs, how it holds up, and how the Switch 2’s fancy new mouse controls work when applied to a high-octane FPS. The answer across the board is impressive, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of exploring Night City before, this seems like a solid way to do so.”

Cyberpunk 2077 sequel Cyberpunk 2 has officially entered pre-production. The studio made the announcement as part of its latest financial results last month, where it said the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 had hit an impressive 10 million copies sold.

As for Nintendo’s handheld itself? The Nintendo Switch 2 debuted in June to become the fastest-selling hardware ever in the U.S., shooting spending on games to new records. Spending on hardware was up a whopping 249% year-over-year thanks to the console’s debut, reaching $978 million and greatly surpassing the previous monthly record from June 2008 of $608 million. In total, the Switch 2 sold 1.6 million units in the U.S. during its launch month, beating the PlayStation 4’s previous sales record of 1.1 million units in November of 2013.

Valve now require UK Steam users to verify their ages with a credit card, thanks to the Online Safety Act

Are you from the UK and partial to risque adult Steam games, such as Amarillo’s Butt Slapper – the Dark Souls of Butt Slapping – or the timelessly iconic MILFs of Sunville? Bad! Naughty! GO DIRECTLY TO BED. Unless you have a valid credit card. Steam have begun rolling out a requirement for all UK-based users to verify their ages, if they wish to access store pages for games rated mature.

You should already have done this, of course, if you’ve bought anything on Steam, which I’m going to assume is 90% of you, with the other 10% being GOG stopouts, holier-than-thou Itch lovers and stinky pirates. According to reports, debit cards are acceptable too.

Labor Day weekend is a great time to get together with the family, sure, but it’s also a nice little three-day window to get some serious gaming in. Assuming you don’t already have a massive backlog of PC games to play, now is actually a pretty good time of year to find some video game deals. If you’re looking to pick up a new game before the weekend arrives, you’ve got options.

We’re in between major Steam sales at the moment, but another big PC games sale going on right now is the Humble Bundle Summer Sale. There are a ton of discounted games here at prices that will last through the weekend.

If you’re looking for something great under $10, I’ve got some recommendations for you. Each of these games I’ve listed are wonderful for different reasons, but every single one of them are worth playing for hours at a time.

PC Games Under $10

My first pick might not be for everyone, but it’s one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time. It’s hard to really go too into detail without ruining some of it, but it’s essentially a roguelike deck-building card game with a twist of psychological horror. If any of that sounds interesting to you, it’s best to just start playing without learning more. Going in cold is the best way to play this game.

Next on this list is what has become one of the best indie games of all time. I was genuinely surprised how much I liked Hollow Knight. I don’t usually like metroidvania games, but it has a sort of sad, dark charm that really drew me in. The gameplay is fun and the battles can get difficult, but the atmosphere of this game keeps you engaged at every turn. With the long-awaited Hollow Knight sequel releasing next week, now is a great time to jump into the original.

I don’t really feel the need to say much about The Witcher 3, because of course it’s worth playing. CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece is one of those rare games that I’ve ended up playing through multiple times. While it’s the Witcher books that ultimately birthed this franchise, it’s really this game that made it a household name. With The Witcher 4 somewhere on the horizon, its as good a time as any to start your Witcher 3 journey for the first time.

If you’re a PC gamer who also happens to be a Nintendo gamer, Bug Fables is one of those games that hits a very specific sweet spot. It’s a turn-based RPG that has an eerily similar look and feel as the original Paper Mario game. It’s a storybook adventure with puzzles and battles that has a fun overarching story. If you love games like Paper Mario and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, you’ll love Bug Fables.

My last recommendation is the cheapest and shortest game on this list. Gris is a beautiful platformer game with some fun puzzles and stunning artwork. This game tells a story of grief and loss, and these feelings unfold through an incredible use of color, music, and gameplay. You can play through the whole thing in a few hours, and it’s definitely worth paying $2.99 for what you’ll get from it. This is one of those games that hit me surprisingly hard.

See all PC games on sale for under $10

The games I’ve listed here are just some of my favorites, but there’s actually a lot more in the sale that are worth a look. Humble Bundle has a specific page for all of the deals under $10 right now and it includes things like the Batman: Arkham collection and Yakuza games.

If you’re looking to grab some console games at a discount, there are also a few other Labor Day sales worth checking out. There’s a sale on popular PS5 games going on at both Amazon and the PlayStation store as well as discounts at Best Buy on various Switch games.

Disclosure: Humble Bundle is part of IGN Entertainment, the division of Ziff Davis that includes GamesIndustry.biz, IGN, and MapGenie.

Battlefield 6 is getting persistent servers, and two vehicle-heavy maps are coming in the next Labs playtest

Battlefield 6‘s open beta may be over, Battlefield 2042 might also have been transformed into Battlefield 6, but there must be more battles in the fields of six, so sign-ups for another round of Labs testing are now open. Two fresh maps with plenty of room for vehicle-based fisticuffs will be on offer, as well as a chance to check out the server browser that may well be chock full of 24/7 scraps once the final game launches.

EA have wheeled out all of this info in two separate blog posts, which follow neatly on from them running down all of their learnings from the open beta.

Guide: 66 Switch 1 & 2 Games You Should Check Out In The eShop ‘Blockbuster Sale’ (North America)

Every game we scored 9/10 or higher, plus a personal pick.

Nintendo of America is back at it again with yet another eShop sale to round out the summer.

Yes, the ‘Blockbuster Sale‘ is now live on the North American eShop, and will be bringing discounts aplenty to a bunch of sweet Switch 1 titles (and a Switch 2 game or two) until 10th September at 11:59pm PT.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 1 to 5

Category: Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 1 to 5

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

Cronos: The New Dawn – Pre-Order Edition

Bloober Team S.A

☆☆☆☆☆
3

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Cronos: The New Dawn – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Cronos: The New Dawn is a brutal third-person survival horror where you fight for the future by salvaging the past. Burn monsters before they merge. Extract souls from the living. Adapt or die. Set in a grim world where Eastern European brutalism meets retro-futurist technology, Cronos: The New Dawn lets you experience a gripping story that straddles the line between past and future. Pick up the Cronos: The New Dawn Preorder Deluxe Edition to start playing on September 3.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion

XSEED Games / Marvelous USA, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
4

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Become the ultimate high-tech warrior in an action-packed new entry in the Daemon X Machina series. Fly into battle in your customized Arsenal, unleashing a variety of attacks tailored to your playstyle. Feel the exhilaration of fast-paced combat as you freely explore a deadly and dangerous open world on land or in the air. Suit up for a dark sci-fi story where you can face the titanic boss battles alone or with up to two other players online.

NBA 2K26 Standard Edition

☆☆☆☆☆
200

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

NBA 2K26 – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Bragging rights are on the line in NBA 2K26. Build your legend in MyCareer, collect and compete with stars in MyTeam, and make executive decisions in MyNBA on Xbox Series X|S or MyLeague on Xbox One. Dominate every possession with immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay on Xbox Series X|S. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover, and move with freedom as you unleash dynamic playmaking using all-new features.

Bad Cheese

Feardemic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bad Cheese – September 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Bad Cheese is a psychological horror game inspired by the eerie charm of 1920s animation. Step into the tiny paws of a mouse spending the weekend at home with a dysfunctional Dad while Mom’s away. Be on your best behavior and keep daddy happy! Complete tasks, eat snacks, find toys, and navigate the “complicated family dynamic.” Experience the gruesome reality of a child-mouse trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in a not-so-normal household.

Scar-Lead Salvation

Idea Factory International, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Scar-Lead Salvation – September 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

When Willow Martin awakens with no memories in an unfamiliar room, she can’t figure out how she got there. Without any semblance of who she is or where she came from, can she trust the AI who aids her? You’ll never know what comes next as you make your way through the military facility. Each floor will present a procedurally generated layout complete with new enemies to face and equipment to grab.

Nachtmahr

Mangy Goblin Games, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Nachtmahr – September 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A third-person adventure where you play as a magical unicorn, exploring five realms filled with puzzles, collectibles, and secrets. Uncover a poetic story as you journey through a world of wonder and magic.

Attic Archive

Pixel Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Attic Archive – September 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The Attic Archive presents a curious collection of forgotten games from the 1980s. Originally published for the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and Sinclair ZX Spectrum home computer systems, these games are authentically reproduced in all their 8-bit glory. Featuring classics from Ocean Software, Artic Computing, Imagine Software, and Atlantis.

Deadzone: Rogue

Prophecy Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Deadzone: Rogue – September 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Deadzone: Rogue is a fast-paced roguelite FPS set aboard the ISS- X, a space station overrun by rogue machines. Venture into The Deadzone solo or team up with up to 3 friends in online co-op. Wield over 30 upgradable elemental weapons to carve through enemies and powerful bosses. Improve your build each mission with augments, rare gear, and upgrades that amplify your strength and versatility. Snipe from afar, sneak in close, or go all-in with melee. Grow stronger in death. Fight. Die. Revive. Repeat.

Demonschool

Ysbryd Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Demonschool – September 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.

Dragon Snack (Xbox One)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dragon Snack – September 3

Get ready for a puzzle filled adventure with fire, coins, and clever decisions. In Dragon Snack, you don’t control the dragon… you prepare the path! Rotate and place hexagonal tiles to build a perfect trail that leads the creature to its golden nest.

Overpowered 1 – Mars Infestation

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Overpowered 1 – Mars Infestation – September 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

The year is 2050. Humans have been forced to flee Earth and colonize Mars! Now it’s up to you to exterminate hordes of aggressive local creatures so your kind can settle on the planet. Exterminate hordes of menacing creatures in twin-stick shoot ’em up style so your fellow humans can settle on a new planet!

The Nameless City

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

$7.99

Pre-order

The Nameless City – September 3

Narrative-driven first-person horror adventure inspired by Lovecraft’s short novel “The Nameless City” (1921). Explore the ruins of a city that some say is older than humanity itself. While you delve deeper into the ancient buildings, reality and visions blend into an indistinct haze.

Above Snakes

©RedDeer.Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Above Snakes – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Craft your world. Survive the Wilds. Discover the secrets of the land. Step into a handcrafted Wild West-inspired world in this relaxing isometric adventure RPG with light survival elements. Build, explore, farm, and fight as you piece together your own unique journey across shifting biomes and mysterious threats.

Adventure of Samsara

Atari

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$17.99

Pre-order

Adventure of Samsara – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Adventure of Samsara, a mysterious, Metroidvania action-adventure, reimagines the spirit of the original Atari 2600 title, Adventure. With stunning, 2D pixel art, Adventure of Samsara combines classic gameplay, a deeply connected world, and a heady, twisting narrative of death, rebirth and memory.

Candylands Journey

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

$7.99

Pre-order

Candylands Journey – September 4

Explore 15 colorful locations, look for lost puzzle pieces to open the way to the last boss. Pass through the green meadows, dark caves, deep rivers and oceans, mystic castles, ruins, islands and other colorful locations. Collect jewelry fragments to buy unique types of magic. Collect all the elements and summons. Find all the secrets, destroy all the cake towers and solve all the riddles. All this will help you to win and save Magic University!

Chocolate Factory Simulator

Playway S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Chocolate Factory Simulator – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Welcome to Chocolate Factory Simulator, where cogwheels and steam work overtime to create the most delicious chocolate! Use your clockwork workshop full of gourmet machinery to create every kind of chocolate your customers could dream up! The world’s steampunk technology is perfect for sweet-making, and all available to you in your manufacturing.

DETECTIVE – Scene Crime

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$10.49

$9.44

Pre-order

Detective – Scene Crime – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step into the role of a detective in Detective – Scene Crime, a challenging mystery game where you’ll investigate five gripping crime scenes. Each level presents clues, testimonies, and puzzles to analyze carefully in your quest for the truth. Do you have what it takes to solve them all?

Double Dangerous

Entity3 Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$2.99

Pre-order

Double Dangerous – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Get ready to lock, load, and double the chaos! Double Dangerous is a high-octane third-person shooter that flips the script on traditional gameplay. Wield dual guns and unleash a storm of bullets in any direction—regardless of where your character is facing. Run forward while blasting behind you, pull off wild one-arm shots, or take down enemies mid-dive in slow motion. The choice is yours, and the fun is limitless.

Fling to the Finish

Daedalic Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$15.99

Pre-order

Fling to the Finish – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

In Fling to the Finish, teams of two players race through colorful, chaotic obstacle courses while tethered by a stretchy elastic rope. When you and your friends first pick up the game your rope will get tangled in practically everything you pass. But as you quickly improve your communication skills you’ll learn that the rope is your biggest asset.

Gunsmith Simulator

PlayWay S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Gunsmith Simulator – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Push the boundaries of what’s possible and deliver what clients ask for! Change weapon configurations and customize equipment with modern accessories. Check optical sights, pistol grips or lasers. Add flashlights or collimators to create weapons with maximum unique features, perfectly suited to the individual needs and style of each enthusiast. Let your work become a symbol of perfection and a dream come true for the fussiest clients!

Hell is Us

Nacon

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Hell is Us – September 4

A 3rd-person action-adventure game that combines intense melee combat with the thrill of exploration. Explore a semi-open world to find answers to your questions and face mysterious creatures all along your journey.

The Order of the Snake Scale

Ultimate Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Order of the Snake Scale – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Inspired by Lovecraft, a psychological survival horror game set in a dystopian, alternative universe. Discover the mystery of the woman’s death and learn the dark secrets of the Happy Rock. Are you ready?

Tiny Lands – Deluxe Edition

Hidden Trap

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tiny Lands – Deluxe Edition – September 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A relaxing 3D game about finding the differences between two handcrafted dioramas. If you are looking for a game that allows you to just sit back and play Tiny Lands is for you! This also includes the “Final Challenge” special world for those who are ready for the ultimate Tiny Lands experience.

Soulbind: Tales Of The Underworld

Axyos Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Soulbind: Tales Of The Underworld – September 5

Embark on an epic journey into a procedurally generated world where you will explore a variety of locations full of monsters and traps. You must collect body parts of the various monsters, and the rarity system will affect the generation of stats and passive effects. Each collected body part provides new abilities and capabilities, changing battle tactics.

Sokocat: Islands – Remastered

Rising Moon Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sokocat: Islands – Remastered – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Sokocat – Islands is a charming puzzle adventure where you guide an adorable cat across peaceful islands filled with clever challenges! Slide blocks with precision and solve smart, minimalist puzzles. Every move counts — think carefully, explore each space, and find the best path forward.

Psycho Dream

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Psycho Dream – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A dangerous trend has emerged among young people: they are evading reality by taking permanent refuge in a new entertainment medium known as DMovies, which allows people to immerse themselves in a world of virtual reality and become part of a movie. Join Diamond Dogs Ryo and Maria in their mission to rescue young Sayaka from the DMovie she’s trapped in before it’s too late.

Ragdoll Fighter

Gametry LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ragdoll Fighter – September 5

Ragdoll Fighter throws you into chaotic, physics-based battles where only the most unpredictable brawler survives. Control a wobbly warrior and face off against wild ragdoll enemies in hilarious, high-stakes duels!

Carnival Heroes

LAN – GAMES LTD

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Carnival Heroes – September 5

Carnival Heroes is online multiplayer super party board game for 1 to 4 players. Inside the game you will enjoy 24 fun minigames which you play along the main game. You’ll play arcade games, runner games & other offline games. The game offers online play, local play or solo play (vs AI).

DeTechtive 2112

5Deniz

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

DeTechtive 2112 – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

The year is 2112, and the world is no longer the same. In the crumbling remains of a country once known as England, Detective Matthew Wallace—a man with a mysterious past—works as a private investigator. After returning from the Third World War, Matthew takes on an off-the-record case with only one ally: Abigail, a resourceful young secretary. Together, they uncover the dark secrets of the city’s elite while confronting shadows from Matthew’s past in a series of interconnected cases.

Dragon Ruins

KEMCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$8.99

Pre-order

Dragon Ruins – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Brave the depths of an ancient ruin discovered in the capital of Isigwere, where no soul has ever returned—and where a legendary dragon awaits. In this retro-style dungeon crawler RPG, become the hero who conquers the maze and slays the beast lurking in the shadows.

Folly of the Wizards

Numskull Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Folly of the Wizards – September 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Folly Of The Wizards is a comedic 2D roguelike action game that puts you in the shoes of a clumsy wizard apprentice. Join a wacky wizard cult and use unique spells to defeat enemies, explore procedurally generated dungeons, and save the world from chaos.

Red Cape Knight

Magnific Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Red Cape Knight – September 5

Step into the dark halls of the royal castle with the fearless Red Cape Knight, summoned by the King after dangerous creatures seize his home. Armed with his sword and the magic of his enchanted red cape, the knight must face deadly traps and fierce enemies to reclaim the castle.

Sky of Destruction

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.99

$10.39

Pre-order

Free Trial

Sky of Destruction – September 5

Before starting a mission, select a combination of three types of aircraft in your fleet, which will help you during the mission. Your goal is to destroy the enemy aircraft carrier or buildings, breaking through the enemy air armada. If your plane was hit, it’s not the end of the game, the extermination of the enemy will not stop. Just keep your aircraft carrier safe.

Skyline Bowling

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Skyline Bowling – September 5
Xbox Play Anywhere

Get ready for an action-packed challenge where every strike brings you closer to victory! Join friends or family in up to four-player matches, compete in thrilling tournaments against top bowlers from across the lanes, and bowl in amazing alleys with cool views. Only the best players make it to the final rounds – will you be the one holding the trophy?

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 1 to 5 appeared first on Xbox Wire.