JDM: Japanese Drift Master races to Xbox this November

JDM: Japanese Drift Master races to Xbox this November

JDM key art

Summary

  • Homage to street racing and Japanese culture.
  • Extensive car tuning options both visual and mechanical.
  • Launching on Xbox Series X|S November 21.

Can’t wait for Forza Horizon 6? Maybe this indie racing game focused on drifting in open world Japan, will sweeten up your patience!

What is JDM and Why Should I Care?

JDM: Japanese Drift Master is an homage to Japan, Japanese street racing culture and drift. Set in a fictional prefecture of Guntama, the open world of JDM is a perfect blend of Tōge (mountainous) serpentines, narrow rural roads and vast highways leading to a modern cityscape. A drifting paradise come true!  In game you will be able to tune your cars visually and mechanically to create your dream ride. Master hundreds of kilometres of roads in an open world free roam or challenge your skills in a story-driven campaign. You will experience drift battles, race track grip challenges and even drag racing – all in a single indie game.

That’s the marketing paragraph, but let’s talk for a second about what that truly means for me as a player. When I came to the company I was instantaneously enamoured by the approach to detail – the realistic, tight roads of Japan, which stood in contrast to the extremely wide roads you see in other racing games; the rural Japanese scenery and not only a recreation of a mega city like Tokyo; finally, a full story campaign and not another car festival. This was equally fresh and sentimental at the same time – the good old arcade racing games I remembered from my gaming youth were brought to a modern audience. I was immediately hooked.

Car Tuning is a Lifestyle

I did not really know what it meant until I went deep into the project, but the drifting scene is so much more than fast cars. It’s about belonging, it’s about the chill vibes and going sideways on roads sparkled with the rays of the sun setting behind the horizon, it’s about love and passion for every piece of added fiberglass to your car; it’s about style. With JDM we wanted to emulate this feeling so we’ve put hundreds of hours into our tuning system, which allows for very extensive modifications of your cars. From mechanical performance parts to a wide selection of cosmetics, ranging from different hoods and rims, through lights and side mirrors to full body kit swaps. You can even go deeper, setting your suspension height, wheel camber alignment, wheel and rim sizes, up to manually tuning your gear ratios. If that immediately scares you away, don’t worry, the game has automatic fine tune setting options for grip and drift races for anyone who is not (yet!) versed in car technicalities. We want you to experiment with your rides, learn as you test them out to finally achieve perfection – your very own JDM car – an ultimate goal in the street racing scene.

See, I’m already writing too many words for a blog post and I haven’t even touched on the cars themselves, that’s how enticing this whole culture is! In Japanese Drift Master you will find legendary licensed cars from Nissan, Honda, Subaru and Mazda that will become the canvas for your next tuned beauty!

OK, we’ve got our ride, it’s time to take it for a spin.

How Does a Drift Focused Game Compare to Other Racing Titles?

Drift is technical, it requires a fair amount of driving skill to tame the power of tuned cars and remain in control of them at all times.  We were aware that racing fans might not necessarily be drifting champions as well, so we’ve prepared two different physics models to adapt for both seasoned drifters and the people for whom it may be the first step into this thrilling motorsport.

First and foremost there is the Arcade model, complete with various assists to ease going into and maintaining drift. It’s perfect for players who are primarily accustomed to grip racing on tracks. The other model – Simcade, is designed for drift enthusiasts who already know a thing or two about taking corners sideways. In Simcade you will have full control over your car but managing it will be that more challenging.

I would strongly advise to start your JDM adventure in the Arcade model and build your racing confidence before switching to Simcade. It’s a great way to understand how drifting works and what is really important to do it skilfully. At least, that’s how my story with the game went. I started playing JDM with mostly arcade background in racing games with no real idea how you should drift. Some hours into the game I was already switching my transmission to manual, the model to Simcade and doing another tōge run, to further my skills. Once you get a hang of it, the passion for drifting never goes away. 

A Story to Follow

Modern, open-world racing games feel a little bit detached for me, with no real story to follow or characters to like. We didn’t want that in JDM, which is why we’ve written a whole story campaign that puts you in the shoes of Touma, a foreigner trying to make his name in Japan. It’s a light story about second chances with colourful characters and fierce rivalry, full of drama happening inside the cars and outside of them. The story was also another layer of homage that we wanted to pay to Japanese culture, which is why we’ve put it into a comic book, manga, format. Before and after each campaign race the player will see a page or two that pushes the story forward. Everything was hand drawn by a dedicated team.

The Passion

It’s time to wrap things up. JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a game made out of passion for cars, motorsport, Japan’s modern cultural heritage. It’s a love letter to drifting and the community that builds it in real life. It’s a dream come true for us as developers of this game and for me, who got a chance to work on it, soaking in the culture I was not previously fully aware of. Very soon, you will be able to become a part of the game as well, as players, so join us on November 21 as we celebrate the launch of the game on Xbox Series X|S!

JDM: Japanese Drift Master

Gaming Factory

Explore the birthplace of drift and dive into Japan’s iconic car culture!

JDM: Japanese Drift Master combines realistic, carefully-tuned physics in a simcade experience that’s as smooth on a controller as it is with sim racing hardware. Tackle hundreds of kilometers of open-world roads and uncover story-driven events and quests along the way. Hone your drifting skills, perfect grip races, take on challenges, and feel the thrill of authentic Japanese street racing.

Experience the automotive culture of Japan and discover the roads where drifting was born.

Open world with hundreds of kilometers of content
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Japan with the fictional prefecture of Guntama, inspired by the region of Honshu. With over 250 km of visually stunning main roads, you’ll explore diverse landscapes featuring traffic, dynamic weather, and day-night cycle systems. Challenge your skills on winding mountain passes or drift through the city’s bustling streets.

Customize licensed cars
The world of JDM would not be complete without a paint shop, where you can personalize your car in a truly Japanese style. Head to the tuner shop to unlock the full potential of the cars you’ve acquired from the dealership. Choose from licensed vehicles, including iconic brands like Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru.

Drift in the most satisfying way
No matter what your favorite steering device is – gamepad, steering wheel, or keyboard – the simcade driving physics ensures an enjoyable experience. Hone your skills and dominate over a variety of events and subquests, including drift, grip and drag races, as well as drift battles and more.

Get to know the story
Step into the shoes of a foreigner determined to make his mark on the Japanese drifting scene. Compete in 40+ narrative-driven events and additional sidequests against the top drifters in the area. Experience this journey through hand-drawn manga pages, which add a unique and artistic touch to the game.

Listen to the whirr of the engine
Experience authentic car sounds, captured through original recordings and brought to life with attention to detail, making you feel like you’re truly behind the wheel. Cruise along picturesque roads while tuning in to genre-themed radio stations, and choose the perfect soundtrack for your drive.

The post JDM: Japanese Drift Master races to Xbox this November appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Share of the Week: Ghost of Yōtei – Atsu

Last week, we asked you to focus in on the Onryō herself, and share epic portraits of Atsu in Ghost of Yōtei using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

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NoviKaiba23 shares Atsu peeking through the holes of her straw hat.

domgatica shares Atsu wielding her kusarigama as lightning strikes in the distance.

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TakaSanGames shares holding her hand out for a bird, surrounded by flowers and butterflies

AzureKnight75 shares Atsu stalking forward after unleashing an Onryō howl in black and white.

domo_vp shares Atsu wielding her odachi wearing a white demon mask

secondcapture shares young Atsu surrounded by yellow ginkgo leaves

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on X 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: Ghost of Yōtei – Landscapes
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on October 22, 2025 

Next week, we’re taking in the breathtaking beauty of Ezo. Sharing landscapes from your journey across Ghost of Yōtei using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

In Japan, Pokémon Legends: Z-A Discusses Pikachu Pooping, Though The Game’s English Translation Simply References ‘Tummy Troubles’

Japanese fans playing Pokémon Legends Z-A have spotted a rare mention of Pikachu pooping. However, the game’s English-language translation adjusts the dialogue — and instead simply references Pikachu experiencing “tummy troubles.”

According to Automaton, “Pikachu’s Poop” briefly trended on X for some Japanese users after the discovery of a Lumiose City NPC who mentions that their Pokémon is unwell. “Pikachu’s pooping more than usual, I’m worried,” the character reportedly says.

There’s no follow-up dialogue, leaving players without any further detail on Pikachu’s bowel habits. Nevertheless, the mention is notable, based on how infrequently Pokémon actually references the creatures’ need to poop at all.

The Pokémon series has occaisonally mentioned Pokémon droppings, suggesting that some species’ poop makes for good fertilizer (Diglett), while other species’ poop can be dangerously explosive (Turtonator). A particular favorite Pokédex of mine mentions the Fire-type creature Darumaka, whose “droppings are hot so people used to put them in their clothes to keep themselves warm.” Lovely.

Back to Pikachu, though, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s English translation of the above scene. As seen by IGN, the explicit mention of poop has been replaced with the following dialogue: “My Pikachu’s been having tummy troubles recently. I’m worried…”

The English dialogue feels something of a santized take on the game’s original script, though in keeping with a franchise about wild creatures that tries to skirt around some of the less family-friendly aspects of their lives whenever possible. Breeding, death and Pokémon eating other Pokémon as food are all canon within the franchise — though it’s increasingly rare to hear these elements referenced in the series’ games or anime.

Earlier today, IGN reported on a viral post discussing whether Pokémon can eat food meant for humans without getting some serious indigestion, sparked by the ability to take in-game photos of your character with their Pokémon hanging out in cafes. And for news on leaks of a different kind, we brought you the latest on this week’s spread of information pertaining to unannounced Pokémon projects — much of which has now been scrubbed from social media due to copyright notices.

If you have already picked up Pokémon Legends Z-A and are wondering which initial Pokémon to pick, see our tips for choosing from the game’s three starters. If you’re jumping into Pokemon Legends Z-A, choose your Starter Pokemon, then check out our in-progress Pokemon Legends: Z-A Walkthrough, plus our Side Missions List to make sure you don’t miss anything. We’ve also got a Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pokedex, and most importantly, a guide to All Clothing Stores and Clothing in Pokemon Legends: Z-A so you can catch ’em all in style.

There’s also IGN’s Pokémon Legends: Z-A review-in-progress, which shares some early thoughts. Our full review comes out next week.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

The final free Arc Raiders open playtest is rolling out now, showing off quests, progression and crafting

As I wrote in our King of Meat preview, I’ve long since fallen out of love with looting games. After thousands of hours rinsing RPG dungeons, I gaze upon even the shiniest and most temptingly crenelated of treasure chests with frigid contempt. But I’m not unenticed by the clanky and colourful, Deathloop meets The Division stylings of Arc Raiders, Embark and Nexon’s third-person extraction shooter, which is getting a three day open playtest this weekend.

Read more

Hallmark’s New Decayed Master Sword Zelda Christmas Ornament is Now Up for Preorder

Just when you thought Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas ornament lineup couldn’t get any better, it pulls this out of its festive stockings.

Halo 3’s 2025 ornament is certainly fantastic, and another immensely popular decoration from Hallmark.

But, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom “Decayed Master Sword” ornament just might take its place as a frontrunner on many of our trees this year.

Releasing on the same day as many of the other new ornaments, October 20, the Zelda ornament is up for preorder now and costs $31.99.

That’s a tiny bit more expensive than some of the other new ornaments available, such as the Halo 3 Master Chief, or that Xbox 360 which plays the Halo theme, but still well worth considering for gamers who love to get festive.

The increased cost may be down to the material used and its larger size, as it’s a metal ornament with a hanger attachment that makes it stable when hanging on the tree. Size-wise, it comes in at approximately 5.5in height, 2.25in width, and 0.75in depth.

The Master Sword isn’t the only Nintendo-themed ornament going this year either, with the dedicated Hallmark Nintendo collection expanded earlier this year.

That included a handful of great new additions like Link, Elephant Mario from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Venusaur, and an adorable Winter-themed Rowlet.

These don’t light up or make sound like the Star Wars holo-chess diorama, so the prices are much more tolerable.

Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN’s resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

Stellar Blade On PS5 Is Down To Its Black Friday Price Right Now at Amazon

One of last year’s most highly anticipated action titles, Stellar Blade, has seen a price cut at Amazon.

The game has landed within 2 cents of its previous lowest price at the retailer, bringing the character action title from Shift Up down to $49.99 from its $69.99 MSRP – a drop of 28%.

Save On Stellar Blade at Amazon Right Now

Stellar Blade puts players in the shoes of EVE, tasked with saving humanity from the Naytiba through fast, flashy combat that constantly evolves as she levels up and faces ever more challenging foes.

It looks incredible, too, whether you’re on a base PlayStation 5 or the PlayStation 5 Pro, with lightning-fast loading times.

The game previously dropped to around $50 around Black Friday 2024, but it’s worth noting that with another Holiday season on the horizon, there’s every chance it could drop further.

Our reviewer Mitchell Saltzman gave the game 7 out of 10 in his review, saying “Stellar Blade is great in all of the most important ways for an action game, but dull characters, a lackluster story, and several frustrating elements of its RPG mechanics prevent it from soaring along with the best of the genre.”

In the months since, the game got an improved Photo Mode in patch 1.3.0, and has come to PC, which pushed the game past the 3 million sold mark.

A sequel, unsurprisingly titled Stellar Blade 2, is in development and slated to arrive before 2027.

Lloyd Coombes is an experienced freelancer in tech, gaming and fitness seen at Polygon, Eurogamer, Macworld, TechRadar and many more. He’s a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games, much to his wife’s dismay.

Marvel Rivals gets its first ever PVE mode when the zombies arrive on October 23rd

Marvel Rivals is finally getting a PVE mode, pitting five of the game’s 42 stylish and bizarre, caped or capeless crusaders against… zombies. Ah, zombies, the real heroes of any videogame looking to phone in a quick co-op wave attack mode (while dabbling in a little cross-promotion). The AI and character design are supposed to look basic, stoopid. The experience is supposed to feel like punching a bucket of porridge, you ass. These are brainless shamblers, not the Sinister Six.

Read more

Nintendo Reportedly Increases Switch 2 Production To 25 Million Units For Year 1

Now that be some Mario magic.

Nintendo has apparently requested its global suppliers to pump out as many as 25 million Switch 2 console units by the end of March 2026, Bloomberg reports (paywalled).

If the Big N can manage this, it would set the company up for meeting the demands of what’s set to be a record-breaking first year of sales for the new console.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 20 to 24

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 20 to 24

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

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!


NINJA GAIDEN 4 Preorder Deluxe Edition

Xbox Game Studios


1

$89.99

NINJA GAIDEN 4 Preorder Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios


10

$69.99

Ninja Gaiden 4 – October 20
Game Pass

The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with Ninja Gaiden 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat. Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch.


Double Dragon Revive Deluxe Edition Pre-order

ARC SYSTEM WORKS

$49.99

Double Dragon Revive Pre-order

ARC SYSTEM WORKS

$34.99

Double Dragon Revive – October 21

The Double Dragon series has defined the belt-scroll action genre ever since it hit the arcades in 1987. Now it returns as Double Dragon Revive, thanks to the passionate support of retro game fans over the years! See your favorites from the golden age of arcades recreated in modern 3D graphics. Powerful foes from their past return to face off against the Lee brothers.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Jurassic World Evolution 3: Deluxe Edition

Frontier Developments

$74.99

Xbox Play Anywhere

Jurassic World Evolution 3

Frontier Developments

$59.99

Jurassic World Evolution 3 – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

The next entry in the award-winning series, Jurassic World Evolution 3 puts you in control of building and running your very own Jurassic World. Help life find a way by synthesizing, breeding and nurturing prehistoric species. Manage each species and allow them to thrive, while helping your dinosaurs raise families and pass their genes onto future generations. Create incredible havens for your dinosaurs to help them flourish, build exciting new attractions to amaze guests, and maintain control when disaster inevitably strikes. Pre-order now to unlock the Badlands Set at launch.


Painkiller: Deluxe Edition

3D Realms


3

$49.99

Painkiller

3D Realms


3

$39.99

Painkiller – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Painkiller is a modern reimagining of the classic franchise, featuring online co-op for up to three players and offline play. Trapped in Purgatory, you are sentenced for your transgressions against Heaven. But the Voice of the Creator gives you a chance to redeem yourself. As one of the Champions, you are to stop the fallen angel Azazel, who is about to unleash his demonic armies onto Earth. Jump, dash and hook across vast biomes while fighting hordes of demons with a host of new and classic Painkiller weapons. Pre-order now and lock and load with the Iron Crusade Skins Pack.


Vampire: The Masquerade® – Bloodlines™ 2 – Premium Edition – Preorder

Paradox Interactive


22

$89.99

Vampire: The Masquerade® – Bloodlines™ 2 – Deluxe Edition – Preorder

Paradox Interactive


22

$69.99

Vampire: The Masquerade® – Bloodlines™ 2 – Preorder

Paradox Interactive


22

$59.99

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Hunt your way through a modern-night Seattle on the brink of an open supernatural war in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, where visceral vampire action meets a neo-noir murder mystery. Navigate the vampire Court of Seattle and its dark underbelly in this action RPG, realized by the BAFTA award-winning studio The Chinese Room. Pre-order Bloodlines 2 and get an exclusive in-game jukebox with iconic tracks by original Bloodlines composer Rik Schaffer.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Bounty Star

Annapurna Interactive

Bounty Star – October 23
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Bounty Star is an over-the-shoulder third-person action game that marries mech combat and customization with farming and base building. The player takes on the role of a broken but powerful ex-soldier named Clem — a war veteran, talented fighter and expert mech pilot. Clem attempts to shed the guilt and shame of her past and become a legitimate force for good in the Red Expanse, a post-post-apocalyptic version of the American Southwest.


Xbox Play Anywhere

PowerWash Simulator 2

FuturLab Limited

PowerWash Simulator 2 – October 23
Game Pass / Optimized For Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

PowerWash Simulator is back – satisfaction is a spray away! Dust off your power washer and relax into pure feel-good fun. Blast away every last speck, smear and splatter of filth to restore Muckingham (and beyond) to gleaming glory. Craving more to clean? The jobs and water keep flowing in PowerWash Simulator 2. Play through a fresh new campaign, uncovering more of Muckingham’s mysteries. Plus, venture even further out to brand-new grime-coated locations like Sponge Valley, Power Falls and Lubri City.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Chicken Run: Eggstraction

Outright Games Ltd.

$39.99

Chicken Run: Eggstraction – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Eggs-traordinary times call for eggs-traordinary heroes. After surviving the daring events of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the gang is back in a brand-new adventure, and it turns out nuggets weren’t the only thing on the menu – chickenkind is still in danger! Take control of Molly, Rocky, Frizzle and the gang as they sneak, scurry and scramble through five tantalizingly treacherous fortified farms to liberate captured chickens.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Dora™: Rainforest Rescue

Outright Games Ltd.

$39.99

Dora: Rainforest Rescue – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Oh no! Swiper got his paws on the Super-Duper Duplicator, and now his clones are causing chaos everywhere. Dora and Boots must fix the Duplicator and restore the vibrant Alebrije Tree. Join them and their amigos, Tico, Isa, Benny, Big Red Chicken and Ale. Run, jump and swing through five locations, collecting Magic Leaves and pods. Unlock new places and objects. Solve riddles, use clues from friends and use Map to guide you! Qué Aventura! Stop Swiper from swiping while playing solo or team up in local co-op mode.


Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition

GameMill Entertainment

$29.99

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition delivers high-speed racing and adrenaline-fueled action straight from the arcade to console! Choose from licensed supercars and tear through intense, cinematic tracks packed with shortcuts, stunts, missions, and explosive surprises. Race solo or go head-to-head in thrilling 2-player split-screen. With drifting, nitro boosts, and precision driving, this is the ultimate pick-up-and-play racing experience for fans of pure, unfiltered speed!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Hot Wheels Let’s Race™: Ultimate Speed

GameMill Entertainment


$39.99

$35.99

Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

It’s a high-octane arcade racer packed with iconic cars, epic tracks, and action-fueled gameplay inspired by the hit Netflix animated series “Hot Wheels Let’s Race.” Drift through wild courses, take on giant boss battles, and unlock a garage full of fan-favorite rides. With track building, local multiplayer and non-stop speed, the race is always on!


Xbox Play Anywhere

The Jackbox Party Pack 11

Jackbox Games, Inc.

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed – players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!


Once Upon A KATAMARI – King of All Sounds Edition Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

$59.99

Once Upon A KATAMARI

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

Once Upon a Katamari – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A shiny, new Katamari Damacy adventure awaits! Experience new stages and a fabulous new soundtrack! Behold a fresh rolling experience, with never-before-seen support tools like the magnet to draw in nearby objects! How … attractive! The King was so well-behaved until he mistakenly crushed the Earth, the Moon, and numerous planets while fiddling with a peculiar scroll. Now roll your katamari through the Jurassic Era, Ice Age, historic Japan and more eras to rebuild the sky’s dazzling field of stars.


Plants vs. Zombies™: Replanted

Electronic Arts


3


$19.99

$17.99

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted – October 23

After years in Crazy Dave’s attic, the original battle between Plants and Zombies is back – bigger, brighter, and crazier than ever before! Experience the game that started it all, now remastered with upscaled HD graphics and packed with new secrets to uncover. Fend off waves of Zombies in the original lane-based defense mode, now with added bonus levels and new content! Pre-order to receive a retro Peashooter Skin!


Reus 2

Firesquid

Reus 2 – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Become a God once again in Reus 2 by taking control of mighty giants whose command over their elements allows you to shape worlds, create an ecosystem of resources and enable human civilizations to thrive. Your choices will determine the fates of these fragile human beings, whose autonomy may lead them to great heights.


THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake

Forever Entertainment S. A.

The House of the Dead 2 Remake – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The House of the Dead 2: Remake is a remake of the second entry in the well-known and popular rail-shooter series. Take on the lone role of a secret agent as James or Gary, or team up in co-op mode to neutralize the dangerous undead monsters standing in your way.


Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp XXL

Beautiful Glitch

Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp XXL – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp brings you more of the world’s best (and maybe only?) multiplayer dating sim, but in a way you’ve never expected! The original Monster Prom is a multiplayer dating sim that shines for its beautiful art and unapologetic humor. The sequel brings you into a new setting (summer camp) with new characters to romance, including old faces and new ones: Damien, Calculester, Milo, Dahlia, Joy, and Aaravi. But that’s not all: Monster Camp comes with other new twists here and there, from the campfire mechanics to a new stage full of magic mixed drinks.


Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip XXL

Beautiful Glitch

Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip XXL – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip finally answers the age-old question: “What if we added survival mechanics to a beloved dating sim franchise?” Monster Roadtrip adds a twist to its predecessors Monster Prom and Monster Camp, multiplayer dating sims brimming with beautiful art and unapologetic humor. This sequel takes you on an unforgettable road trip along with fan-favorites Scott and Polly. On the way, you will stay at crummy motels, engage in dark cult rituals, help out strangers on the road and pick up more hitchhikers than Scott can count. Bump into old friends and meet plenty of new faces on your way to one of six destinations!


Super Fantasy Kingdom (Game Preview)

Hooded Horse

Super Fantasy Kingdom (Game Preview) – October 24
Game Pass

Returning from a hunting trip to find your lands in ruin, you must rebuild your home while fending off hordes of monsters that attack your gates every night. Should your city fall and the forces of darkness sweep across the land, you will awaken to begin a new run where you carry forward the rewards of prior attempts – more heroes at your disposal, previously unexplored lands already uncovered, and every opportunity to push further as you uncover the mystery that has you trapped in a never-ending cycle of life and death.


ILA: A Frosty Glide

First Break Labs

Ila: A Frosty Glide – October 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Ila’s beloved kitty, Coco, has mysteriously disappeared, and she’s determined to bring him back home! Explore a whimsical small open world as Ila, a spirited young witch-in-training flying on a magic Skatebroom. Uncover hidden stories, collect valuable items and improve your magical flying abilities in this cozy exploration platformer adventure.


Xbox Play Anywhere

DREAMOUT

Valkyrie Initiative LLP

Dreamout – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Explore a surreal world with a cute alpaca! Solve puzzles, fish out the most unusual items from rivers, fight watermelon thugs and uncover all the secrets of this world!


Fit and Fry: Mise en Place (Xbox One)

Afil Games

Fit and Fry: Mise en Place – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Fit and Fry: Mise en Place is a casual puzzle game set in a restaurant, where every challenge takes place inside a frying pan. The goal is to perfectly organize the ingredients on the board, fulfilling customer orders and progressing through 40 levels that mix strategy and fun.


Junkyard Builder

FreeMind S.A.

Junkyard Builder – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Junkyard Builder, you’re the proud owner of a once-forgotten junkyard, now brimming with endless potential. Dive into the satisfying world of restoration, recycling and raw hustle as you transform trash into treasure and rise to become the ruler of the junk empire!


Murder Inc

Sometimes You


$9.99

$7.99
Xbox One X Enhanced
Free Trial

Murder Inc – October 21

In a grim world of chaos, where reality feels like a thin layer over madness, welcome to Murder Inc — a top-down adrenaline-fueled shooter where time and style are your ultimate weapons. You are a mysterious operative, an antihero walking the fine line between life and death. Your targets are the criminals who rule the city from the labyrinth of filthy streets. But there’s a catch: every shot, strike, or step you take sets time in motion. The faster you move, the faster the world collapses around you.


SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure

kopiforge

$19.99

Sedap! A Culinary Adventure – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Sedap! is a co-op cooking-combat adventure that combines the chaos of a co-op kitchen and the wonders of adventuring into an unexplored world. Embark on an exciting culinary journey, whip up delectable delicacies, and serve your way through a fantastical reimagining of Southeast Asia!


Astro Duel 2

Wild Rooster

Astro Duel 2 – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Astro Duel 2 blurs the line between space shooter and platform fighter. Whether versus or co-op, prepare to fight in space and on foot at the same time! Strike within the fully-destructible arenas or just nuke ‘em from orbit.


Gnomdom

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Gnomdom – October 22

In a little gnomey village, in a whimsical forest … A Gnome Grandpa awaits his family to gather ‘round for his 100th birthday. Explore the forest’s lush greenery and find his tiny gnome kin trapped in curious places. Solve puzzles, collect family pictures, enjoy the hand-drawn artwork and help each gnome find their way back home.


Gruniożerca Trilogy

Take IT Studio! sp. z o. o.

$7.99

Gruniożerca Trilogy – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Gruniożerca Trilogy is a remastered compilation of three independently developed retro puzzle games that originally launched on the NES. Take control of Grunio – a hungry pig on a mission – and dive into creative challenges packed with charm, humor, and pixel-perfect nostalgia.


Polar Bear is Hungry (Xbox Series X/S)

Synnergy Circle Games

Polar Bear is Hungry – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Polar Bear is Hungry is a 2D puzzle-platformer game where you must collide blocks of ice to break them and get all the fish stuck inside. Simply touching the blocks will make them move, but pressing the attack action button is necessary to throw the ice blocks at one another to break them and get the fish. Now it’s time to use your logical thinking, creativity and puzzle solving skills to help our polar bear friend!


REDEX – Console Edition

Eastasiasoft Limited

Redex – Console Edition – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Survive a relentless battlefield in side-scrolling retro arcade style! Redex is a pixel-art survival shooter where you battle waves of enemies in fast-paced side-scrolling combat. Collect coins to buy ammo, grenades, armor, and more from vending machines, then trade rare gold for permanent upgrades and new characters.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Schoolboy Escape – Xbox Edition

SimulaMaker

Schoolboy Escape – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

You’re grounded again for something totally unfair, but your friends are hanging out at the arcade tonight and you CANNOT miss it! In Schoolboy Escape, you play as a clever teen with a talent for creative problem-solving who must devise the perfect plan to sneak out for an evening of fun while the house is on high alert.


Tormented Souls 2

PQube


$29.99

$26.99

Tormented Souls 2 – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The award-winning survival horror classic is back! Following the harrowing events at Wildberger Hospital, Caroline Walker hopes for a normal life with her sister, Anna. Yet in the months that follow, Anna is haunted by visions of violence and death, compelling her to create disturbing drawings that rapidly manifest into horrifying reality, and the sisters soon find themselves at the center of an entirely new nightmare …


Acre Crisis (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You


$9.99

$7.99
Free Trial

Acre Crisis – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In 1992, following a series of mysterious deaths caused by wild animals, as well as strange sightings of cryptids in the sparsely populated and underdeveloped Amazon region of Acre, a special operations brigade from the Brazilian Military Police was sent to the area to gather intelligence. However, the situation took an unexpected turn for the soldiers, who soon found themselves cornered in the midst of a jungle infested with hungry dinosaurs.


Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit

Retroware

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The ultimate nerd rage is back in Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit: an all-new action platformer set in the AVGN universe! Play as The Nerd and blast your way across a host of pixel art levels crawling with zombies, mechanical skeletons, ghoulish reapers and more!


Becastled

Pingle Studio


$24.99

$22.49

Becastled – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Build a castle by day and defend it by night. Becastled combines cozy city-building with thrilling tower defense strategy. Lead the Sun Kingdom in its final stand against the Moon beasts and bring an end to the ancient conflict between light and darkness! Rule over your own fantasy realm. Build a mighty keep, lay roads, gather resources and grow a thriving settlement that will feed and shelter your people. Keep your subjects happy with taverns and decorations, and your economy strong with markets and workshops — all to support an army ready to fight at your command.


Bloodshed

Headup

Bloodshed – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Bloodshed is an exhilarating fusion of roguelite elements merged with retro-styled visuals and first-person “Survivors-like” frenetic combat action: Face endless waves of undead foes, collect experience points, and upgrade your skills and weapons in a battle to survive the night. Even after death, you keep your hard-earned money which can be exchanged for persistent improvements and unlockable content, allowing you to progress further while adding depth to the overall gameplay.


Dreamed Away

Pineapple Works

Dreamed Away – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dreamed Away is an emotional action-adventure RPG with psychological horror elements. Play as Théo, a boy lost in a dark, mysterious world. Explore a unique reality, duel against darkness in a unique, fast paced combat system and mind your choices.


Just a Little Purr Suit (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

Just a Little Purr Suit – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Just a Little Purr Suit, guide a clever kitten in a turn-based strategy puzzle with 65 handcrafted levels. Use cards to decide every move: advance, launch the kitten with cannons, bounce on trampolines, cross mysterious portals and even create new platforms to overcome challenges.


The Lonesome Guild

DON’T NOD


$24.99

$21.24

The Lonesome Guild – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The Lonesome Guild is a single-player top-down action-RPG all about togetherness. Embark on a heroic adventure as Ghost, a spirit who wakes to find they hold no memories. The world has become shrouded by loneliness and the mist just keeps spreading, corrupting everyone in its path. Now it’s up to you to get the band back together … even if they’re meeting for the first time.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Science Skaters

Artax Games

Science Skaters – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

A fearful entity has taken over the world, but luckily the key to fight back is hidden inside your best friend’s body! A team of young, adventurous and brilliant scientists will shrink their bodies and use their skating skills to get inside their friend’s body and explore a world like they have never seen before! Join Max, Jin, Lia and Zev in this fun adventure and skate around thanks to their customizable nano-skates, solve science puzzles adapted to different ages. Explore, learn and fight to save the future of humanity!


Sports Renovations

Dear Villagers

Sports Renovations – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Give sports facilities a second life in this relaxing story-driven simulator. Restore the glory of old gyms, courts and pitches, and add a sprinkle of your own style. Collect trash, clean up the dirt from walls and floors, give the place a fresh coat of paint, fix broken fixtures, furnish and decorate the place. Use the money you earn to upgrade your equipment and expand your headquarters – each unlocked room comes with its perks and sometimes a little side quest …


Sushi For Robots

Mameshiba Games

Sushi For Robots – October 23 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Sushi For Robots is a whimsical puzzle game about quirky robots and their insatiable cravings for sushi – how they actually process it is a mystery, but hey, if that makes them happy. As the seasoned chef of the favorite sushi venue in robot town, it’s up to you to get the perfect dish in time for each of your picky patrons, placing the right stickers on the conveyor belts to change one tuna roll into a salmon nigiri.


Trainz Simulator: World Tour

N3V Games Pty. Ltd.

$39.99

Trainz Simulator: World Tour – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step into the driver’s seat and embark on an epic train-driving experience built exclusively for console gamers. Trainz Simulator: World Tour takes you across 4 stunning locales in 3 countries – spanning the rugged landscapes of the USA, the iconic railways of Great Britain and the untamed beauty of the Australian Outback.


Windborn – Echoes of the Night

EpiXR Games

$11.99

Windborn – Echoes of the Night – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Embark on an exhilarating journey as a bird navigating the skies alongside your flock. In this beautifully crafted adventure, you will soar through 11 vibrant and diverse levels, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking landscapes. Your mission isn’t just about speed – it’s about staying connected with your flock as you all journey together, guided by instinct and unity.


Juiced Fruit Racing

Cascadia Games LLC

$14.99

Juiced Fruit Racing – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Splash and smash your friends in this juicy party kart racing game! Make and take speedy shortcuts as you compete against the sweetest competition. A wholesome and hectic racer packed with power-ups and heavy laughter.


Ultimate Zombie Defense

Ultimate Games S.A.


$7.99

$6.39

Ultimate Zombie Defense – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Ultimate Zombie Defense is a top-down survival horror set in the suburbs of a once quiet city, in the heart of continental Europe. The city and the surrounding 250 km landmass have been sealed off in an attempt to curtail the outbreak, although sadly all attempts have failed, until now.


CORALINA

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Coralina – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

After a traumatic event, Cora, a cinema student, finds herself suddenly transported to what’s known as the Limbo, or land of oblivion. In this land, you’ll be accompanied by a crow, who claims to be a god of death, and you will help him to solve the mystery of why you are on limbo and why other deaths occurred, in an investigation through time and space, in labyrinths that connect oblivion to human emotions.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Criss Cross

moesoft

$22.99

Criss Cross – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Does liking someone really make you happy? I disagree. We might just enjoy the feeling of liking someone. I live in a serene and peaceful little village. There are no wars, and everything here is very pleasant, just like heaven or a utopia. In this perfect world, we meet and get to know each other. People’s emotions constantly intersect.


EVERDARK: Undead Apocalypse

Pdpartid@games


$19.99

$17.99

Everdark: Undead Apocalypse – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Inspired by horror and B-movies from the ’80s, Everdark takes us to a city infested with vampires. Armed with stakes, garlic, crosses, holy water and an arsenal of firearms and melee weapons, we’ll fight our way through this shooter that blends classic survival horror with an oppressive atmosphere.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Grand Poker Casino

Dolores Entertainment

Grand Poker Casino – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Play poker like a champion! Think smart, bluff hard, and win big in this classic Texas Hold’em experience. Outsmart your opponents and prove that poker is more than luck — it’s skill, strategy, and nerve. Even a poor hand can become a brilliant victory in the right hands. Take a seat at the table, call, check, fold, raise, and bluff your way through intense rounds. With up to 4 AI opponents, every match is a new challenge. Are you ready to prove you’ve got what it takes to become the ultimate poker champ?


Junkyard Simulator

PlayWay S.A.

$19.99

Junkyard Simulator – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Make a fortune while working at a junkyard. You start with nothing but a hangover and slowly climb your way to success. You will have complete freedom in how you want to make money. Do you want to explore the world on foot or drive one of the available vehicles? Do you prefer to search for junk or look for hidden treasures? Is renovation your thing? Or maybe you’re more of a heavy machinery kind of guy? Would you rather sell enormous amounts of small items or try something more ambitious, like repairing a vintage car? Whatever you choose, and as long as it is junk-related, we got you covered.


Monster Survivors: Complete Edition

QubicGames S.A.

Monster Survivors

QubicGames S.A.

Monster Survivors – October 24

The world is overrun by terrifying creatures, and only the toughest will make it out alive! Battle endless waves of monsters, face massive bosses and upgrade your survivors to become unstoppable. Every run is a new challenge! Improve your stats, unleash devastating abilities and buy epic artifacts as you carve your path through the apocalypse.


Once Upon a Jester

Crunching Koalas

Once Upon a Jester – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Best friends Sok & Jester devise a mischievous scheme to steal the Royal Diamond! To complete their master plan, they must start an improv theatre show and outperform every other act – including their rivals, Hofnar & Bok. Only becoming the best show in the kingdom will get them invited to the Royal Theatrical Spectacle in the Royal Palace, where the king keeps his precious gem.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Puff Up

QubicGames S.A.

Puff Up – October 24
Xbox Play Anywhere

Inflate your balloon as much as you can while dodging spiky balls. Time your moves perfectly to grow bigger without popping — and watch out, the bigger you are, the harder it gets! Challenge your friends in the exciting Versus mode, where 2 players go head-to-head! Race to the finish line or compete to collect the most coins before time runs and win!


Solus

Renan Games

Solus – October 24

In Solus, you play as a lost soul navigating through a dark, dreamlike landscape in this platforming adventure. To escape, you must collect symbols of light and awaken ancient totems that will guide you toward freedom. Explore atmospheric stages filled with hidden secrets, deadly traps, and intense platforming challenges. Discover collectibles in secret areas, avoid lethal hazards, and unravel the mysteries of your subconscious. Every step forward brings you closer to the truth — or drags you deeper into the nightmare.


Zoochosis

Clapperheads

Zoochosis – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Zoochosis is a bodycam horror simulation game. You’re a zookeeper. Identify infected mutant animals, make a vaccine and cure them. Will you save all of them and survive? 

 This is your first night shift as a zookeeper. You find out that some animals are infected and turning into mutants. Save them and save yourself. Unravel the mystery of the zoo. Choose wisely. Your choices will determine your ending. 




The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 20 to 24 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Sony Blasts Tencent’s ‘Knock-off Horizon’ Lawsuit Response As ‘Nonsense,’ Insists ‘Damage Is Done’ And Calls For Injunction

Sony has asked the courts for a preliminary injunction against Light of Motiram maker Tencent to stop the Chinese megacorp from commencing pre-release promotion of the upcoming adventure game, filing its opposition to Tencent’s motion to dismiss the high-profile copyright lawsuit.

It comes after Sony accused Tencent of developing a “knock-off game [of Horizon Zero Dawn] so blatant that the public loudly decried the obvious and pervasive copying of Horizon’s protected elements,” claiming the release of Light of Motiram “jeopardizes Horizon’s continued success, including current expansion plans for the franchise.”

Sony claimed Tencent’s upcoming game Light of Motiram was nothing more than a “slavish clone” of Horizon Zero Dawn, and filed a copyright lawsuit in a California court at the end of July, outlining numerous similarities and comparing various marketing screenshots from both games, as well as their descriptions. As we explained at the time, just like Horizon, Light of Motiram takes place in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by giant robot dinosaurs who roam large, natural environments such as tropical forests, deserts, and snowy mountains. Both games even feature red-haired women protagonists that wear very similar outfits and styles, and devices similar to Aloy’s “Focus” earpiece.

Just days after Sony filed its lawsuit alleging the upcoming game was a “slavish clone” of Horizon, Tencent quietly updated its Light of Motiram Steam page and swapped out a number of screenshots, including its cover image, before responding to Sony’s lawsuit by claiming it was only making use of “well-trodden” tropes and suggesting the PlayStation maker’s own game was too similar to Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.

Tencent then hit back by describing Sony’s lawsuit an overreach, highlighting other game franchises with similar elements to Horizon Zero Dawn such as The Legend of Zelda and Far Cry. It was “startling,” Tencent said, that Sony was now attempting to claim Horizon’s concept was original, rather than an idea based on “ubiquitous genre ingredients.”

Now, as reported by The Game Post, Sony has dismissed Tencent’s response as “nonsense,” insisting “the damage is done – and it continues” and accusing the Chinese company of trying to minimize its involvement by using “shell” entities even though the Chinese firm remains “at the helm.”

“The copying was so egregious that numerous journalists and Horizon fans called Light of Motiram ‘a major Horizon rip off,’ ‘an obvious knock off,’ a ‘copycat’ with a main character that ‘resembles Aloy to a tee,’ and ‘extremely similar to Horizon Zero Dawn’,” Sony wrote.

That’s not all, though. As spotted by Games Fray, Sony has also filed for a preliminary injunction in a bid to prevent Tencent from using a red-haired character in Light of Motiram, as well as other visuals or storyline elements close to that of the Horizon franchise. It hopes for the injunction to be enacted by the end of the year.

Tencent, however, maintains that with a scheduled release date on Q4 2027, Sony “cannot possibly hope to demonstrate the ‘immediate threatened injury’ that is the prerequisite of a preliminary injunction” given the game is so far from release. It attached declarations from a number of key stakeholders, including Guerrilla’s head of music, Lucas van Tol, and artist Jan-Bart Van Beet who both claim they were “shocked” when they saw Light of Motiram, with Van Beet writing: “Tencent’s promotional material presents a visual setting almost identical to SIE’s Horizon promotional material.”

“After spending over a decade creating and developing the Horizon franchise, it was disappointing to see our work copied to such a significant extent,” he wrote. “Instead of spending the years and money that we invested into creating the Horizon world, Light of Motiram simply copied it, sidestepping the investment we made — and significant risk we took — in developing Horizon.”

He continued: “There is an even greater risk of harm to the Horizon franchise if Light of Motiram, once released, does not have the same high quality as the Horizon games. The confusion caused by Light of Motiram promotions has already interfered with our existing Horizon development strategy, as there is a risk that future expansion could be incorrectly interpreted as copying Light of Motiram.”

Van Tol wrote: “I have reviewed the music and sounds in Light of Motiram’s promotional materials. I found striking similarities between their promotional trailer and the Horizon music. Light of Motiram’s promotional materials contain the same core features of the Horizon sound, including the pillars, instrumentation, intimacy of the lead female voice, melodic composition, and rhythm, creating a similar overall feel.”

The case continues.

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.