Several hours in, it’s become apparent that I lack the patience for much of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s much-publicised historical accuracies, like needing to bathe yourself every six minutes or how 15th century Bohemians can take several consecutive sword swings to the neck without dying. Ah well! If you’re going to play it, know that it’s also a decent performer on PC – despite the almost threatening tone of its recommended system requirements – and, as far as I can see, isn’t anywhere near as bug-prone as the infamously unstable original.
Developer G.Rev may not be all that familiar to those who weren’t fully immersed in the shoot-’em-up scene of the early noughties. A boutique independent, it was assembled by former Taito employees who previously contributed to the likes of RayStorm and G-Darius. G.Rev’s most famous work, and the one that put it on the map, is Border Down: a wonderfully original 2003 shooting game for Sega’s Naomi arcade hardware and Dreamcast console. It was followed in 2006 by Under Defeat, switching from the horizontal to the vertical and trading sci-fi for a grounded militaristic theme.
Not to be confused with that other Dreamcast helicopter shoot ’em up, Psikyo’s Zero Gunner 2, Under Defeat pits pink-haired German soldier girls against the enemy forces of “The Union”. While any real-world similarities are dispelled by impossibly giant gunships torn from the pages of anime fiction, one of Under Defeat’s more interesting aspects is how hard-boiled it feels.
Coming Soon to Game Pass: Avowed, Madden NFL 25, and More
Megan Spurr, Senior Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass
Welcome back, friends! Happy to be here with more news, games, and updates. Speaking of news, we had lots of it in the 2025 Developer_Direct – with a little “everything you see is coming to Game Pass” spice. Here’s what you missed!
So many games to look forward to, plus a few surprise “you can play them right now” messages. Now let’s get to even more games for Game Pass!
Available Today
Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 4 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Dive into a transformed, vibrant, post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen as they seek to take over the last remaining resources.
Coming Soon
Another Crab’s Treasure (Console) – February 5 Now with Game Pass Standard
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.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Console) – February 5 Now with Game Pass Standard
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.
Starfield (Xbox Series X|S) – February 5 Now with Game Pass Standard
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
Madden NFL 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 6 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Read the defense and drive downfield with precision and get unlimited access to Madden NFL 25, coming soon to The Play List. Members can dominate the gridiron with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score a Supercharge Pack from February 6 to March 6.
Kingdom Two Crowns (Cloud and Console) – February 13 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard
Making a return to the Game Pass library! In Kingdom Two Crowns, players must work in the brand-new solo or co-op campaign mode to build their kingdom and secure it from the threat of the Greed. Experience new technology, units, enemies, mounts, and secrets in the next evolution of the award-winning micro strategy franchise!
Avowed (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 18 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one! Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can purchase the Avowed Premium Upgrade Addon to receive up to 5 days early access, two sets of premium skins, and access to the Avowed digital artbook & original soundtrack.
In Case You Missed It
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
The highly acclaimed and legendary game from 2008 returns graphically remastered! Ninja Gaiden 2 Black features the high-speed, ninja action of iconic hero Ryu Hayabusa and his deadly Dragon Sword. Embark on a global battle against formidable foes, engage in relentless combat, and play as additional characters Momiji, Ayana and Rachel. Learn more here on Xbox Wire.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Available on Xbox One and Cloud Gaming (Beta) via EA Play Game Pass Ultimate
Stand against the darkness in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, winner of IGN’s Best Action Game of 2023 — now on The Play List! Continue Cal Kestis’ journey on Xbox One and with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play.
DLC / Game Updates
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 02 – Available now You are in the fight now, so watch your back in four new 6v6 Multiplayer maps, fan-favorite modes like Gun Game, as well as a new Multiplayer mode where players can earn unique buffs. In Zombies, players will experience a brand-new map, The Tomb, and search for the Sentinel Artifact. The hunt has never been more thrilling. Check out the Call of Duty blog to learn more.
No Man’s Sky Worlds Part II Update – Available now The latest free update to No Man’s Sky, Worlds Part II introduces billions of new stars and planets (including epic and volatile gas giants, deep water oceans and new biomes), massive technology upgrades to lighting, terrain and water, and much much more. Learn more here on Xbox Wire.
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
There are more Perks to love coming your way in February. Keep checking the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership. Number and content of Perks vary by region, platform, and over time.
Stumble Guys: RIP Streamer Pack – Available now Grab the RIP Streamer skin, wield the Ban Hammer emote, plus 250 gems and 50 tokens in this fun multiplayer knockout battle royale!
Leaving February 15
The following games are leaving the library soon, so be sure to show them some love before they go! Save up to 20% off your purchase with your membership to keep these games in your library.
A Little to the Left (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Bloodstained Ritual of the Night (Cloud, Console, and PC)
EA Sports UFC 3 (Console) EA Play
Indivisible (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Merge and Blade (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Tales of Arise (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We’re adding more games over time to the ‘Stream your own game’ collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go here to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.
We’ll be back soon to check on your downloads for Avowed and more, so stay tuned to Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social in the meantime. Cheers!
Let’s be honest, Helldivers: Super Earth is worth it. No matter what “it” is. All Helldivers share this belief, and fanatical loyalty is expected from all citizens of Super Earth. But the Helldivers need to demonstrate their allegiance. They need to look like the democratic disciples they are inside, and the only way we know to properly show it off is with the gear from our next Warbond*: Servants of Freedom which launches on February 6.
So what does true devotion to Democracy look like?
Hellbombs. It looks like Hellbombs. They really send a message: liberation is big, loud, and happening all around you. It gets the spirit of democracy soaring, and gets a lot of other things soaring, too, like buildings, Bile Titans, and Automaton industrial sites. Now, imagine you’ve got that kind of freedom strapped to your back. That’s the B-100 Portable Hellbomb, a beacon of democratic truth in a convenient backpack format, which can be easily activated by you or a helpful teammate. Just be sure to drop the pack and clear the area once it’s active, because the B-100’s got a ten-second countdown that can’t be canceled.
How do you make the Sickle do more? Overclock it and bring some heat. The LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle is pure agony meets ecstasy as it starts to burn the wielder as well as everything in its path. Shoot through the pain, Helldiver.
To help you spread liberty around, you could equip the GP-20 Ultimatum–a front-loading grenade pistol for your secondary slot. The Ultimatum packs a punch like a grenade launcher on steroids, designed for closer-range use. But handle it with care, or you might accidentally liberate yourself along with the enemy.
There’s a new kind of throwable in Servants of Freedom, too. The G-50 Seeker is a small drone that follows you and explodes near enemies when detected. The Seeker can also target pinged enemies, like sending it on a little crusade.
The IE-3 Martyr and the IE-12 Righteous medium armors have robe and cloak-inspired details and come equipped with the Integrated Explosives passive, which gives every Helldiver protection against becoming Voteless: Upon death, your corpse will detonate and take out the enemies around you. Nobody’s going to control your mind, soldier.
These armors also have helmets with stoic faces to stare down the onslaught without fear. Show no weakness, Helldiver. Then drape yourself in symbolic reminders of your enlistment oath by pairing these sets with the Fre Liberam and Per Democrasum capes.
For the full effect, you can also equip the Servant of Freedom player title and equip the Raise Weapon cheer and look like a real follower of democratic values.
Become one of Super Earth’s most faithful fighters and show the squad your fervor for Managed Democracy with the Servants of Freedom Warbond on February 6!
*Requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock.
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Game Pass February 2025 Wave 1 lineup.
Out today, February 4, is Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard. In a post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft described the Ubisoft shooter as follows: “Dive into a transformed, vibrant, post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen as they seek to take over the last remaining resources.”
February 5 is a big day for Game Pass, with a number of additions to the Game Pass Standard tier. Another Crab’s Treasure (Console), Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Console), and Starfield (Xbox Series X|S) all hit Game Pass Standard then.
And here’s a big one: on February 6, Madden NFL 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) hits Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass via EA Play.
Fast forward to February 13, and Kingdom Two Crowns (Cloud and Console) makes a return to Game Pass via Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard. “In Kingdom Two Crowns, players must work in the brand-new solo or co-op campaign mode to build their kingdom and secure it from the threat of the Greed. Experience new technology, units, enemies, mounts, and secrets in the next evolution of the award-winning micro strategy franchise!”
Then, on February 18, another big one: Obsidian’s Avowed (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) launches as a day-one Game Pass launch across Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. It’s worth noting that Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can buy the Avowed Premium Upgrade Addon to receive up to five days early access, two sets of premium skins, and access to the Avowed digital artbook and original soundtrack.
Xbox Game Pass February 2025 Wave 1 lineup:
Far Cry New Dawn(Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 4 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Starfield (Xbox Series X|S) – February 5 Now with Game Pass Standard
Madden NFL 25(Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 6 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Kingdom Two Crowns(Cloud and Console) – February 13 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard
Avowed(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 18 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
As always, as new games hit Game Pass, existing games leave the service. You can save up to 20% off your purchase with your membership to keep these games in your library.
Games leaving Xbox Game Pass on February 15:
A Little to the Left (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Bloodstained Ritual of the Night (Cloud, Console, and PC)
EA Sports UFC 3 (Console) EA Play
Indivisible (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Merge and Blade (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Tales of Arise (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Dell’s new Alienware Area-51 Gaming Desktop lineup has landed, and if you’re struggling to find a Nvidia 50 series, or you just want an all in one PC gaming package at (albeit large) simple fee, then this could be the way to go.
If, like me, you failed and failed and failed to get a decent score in arcadey reaction game Super Hexagon, then take solace in this: there are a bunch of other games by the same developer you can fail at. Terry Cavanagh, also the maker of VVVVVV and Dicey Dungeons, is releasing a collection of his freeware bits and bobs on Steam next week, called simply Terry’s Other Games. Looking at the games included, it summons a nostalgic giggle just to see just how many of Terry’s short, free games have been intriguing enough to grab the eye of an RPS writer over the years. I mean it literally. One game is called Grab Them By The Eyes.
The Bloodborne PSX demake has become the latest Bloodborne-related fan project to be hit with a copyright claim after the Bloodborne 60fps mod was struck last week.
Well-known Bloodborne 60fps mod creator Lance McDonald announced last week that he’d received a takedown notification on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment “asking that I remove links to the patch I posted on the internet, so I’ve now done so.” The DMCA takedown arrived four years after the mod was released.
Now, Lilith Walther, creator of Nightmare Kart, which was previously known as Bloodborne Kart, and the eye-catching Bloodborne PSX demake, tweeted to say a YouTube video of the demake was hit with a copyright claim by a company called MarkScan Enforcement.
McDonald followed up to tweet that MarkScan are a company hired by Sony Interactive Entertainment, and the same company that “DMCAed my page about the Bloodborne 60fps patch.”
“And now they’ve DMCAed an old video about the Bloodborne PSX demake project. That’s pretty wild. What the hell are they doing??”
Bloodborne is of course one of the biggest conundrums in the video game industry. The FromSoftware masterpiece launched on PS4 to critical and commercial acclaim, but since then Sony hasn’t touched it. Fans are desperate for an official next-gen patch that would make the game run at 60fps, up from 30fps, but there are also calls for a remaster and a sequel.
Recently, fans managed to get PS4 emulators to deliver something akin to a remaster on PC. The tech experts at Digital Foundry released a video covering “a breakthrough in PS4 emulation” via ShadPS4, which means Bloodborne is now fully playable start to finish in 60fps. Could this breakthrough have triggered an aggressive response from Sony? IGN has asked Sony for comment, but it has yet to respond.
McDonald offered what he called his “copium theory,” though: that Sony could be working on an official remake.
“My copium theory is that Sony DMCAed the 60fps patch and the video about the Bloodborne demake so that when they announce a 60fps remake, google searching for ‘bloodborne 60fps’ and ‘Bloodborne remake’ won’t have collisions with our fan projects,” McDonald said.
“Let me cope.”
Then: “Like if they plan on trademarking ‘bloodborne 60fps’ and ‘Bloodborne remake’ they need to actually clean up in order to actually file a trademark request. Right??”
“Bloodborne has always been the most asked thing,” Yoshida began. “And people wonder why we haven’t really done anything, even an update or a remaster. Should be easy, right? The company is known for doing so many remasters, right, some people get frustrated.
“I have only my personal theory to that situation. I left first-party so I don’t know what’s going on, but my theory is, you know because I remember, you know, Miyazaki-san really, really loved Bloodborne, you know, what he created. So I think he is interested, but he’s so successful and he’s so busy, so he doesn’t want, he cannot do himself, but he does not want anyone else to touch it. So that’s my theory. And the PlayStation team respect his wish. So that’s my guess, right? Theory. I am not revealing any secret information, to be clear.”
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Nintendo has lowered sales forecasts for Switch hardware sales for the second time in a row with the publication of its Q3 results for FY2024/5.
With a 30.6% year-on-year drop in console sales across the Switch range, the platform holder now forecasts 11 million unit sales for the year ending March 31st 2025. For comparison, that’s down 1.5 million on its forecast back in November, which had already been cut from 13.5 million.
New details about the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows are circulating online after an artbook purportedly leaked on, among other places, a hub for hentai.
Spotted over on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours, an artbook entitled “The Art of Assassin’s Creed Shadows” has been spreading like wildfire around the internet. It contains several hundred pages of concept art, quotations, and development info surrounding the next Assassin’s Creed.
The leak itself is notable, but the post on Reddit also alleged it originated from a site known for hosting hentai. Bizarre, to say the least. IGN has asked Ubisoft for comment.
The gallery had already been removed from the site in question, but has since been archived in other file-sharing sites and galleries.
Several interesting details are shown throughout, including concepts for famous historical characters, major cities, and a variety of weapons. The art also, presumably, leaks some potential spoilers for the plot of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. We can’t confirm as much until the game is actually out, but the images we have seen seem real enough.
At a recent preview event for Shadows, IGN spoke with Assassin’s Creed Shadows game director Charles Benoit, who confirmed that the month delay was “mostly about polishing” and did not change any big systems. The team did update “a couple of things in progression to make it more engaging, also balancing a bit more,” Benoit added, but the main feature that needed extra tweaking was the parkour system, which was running up against an obstacle unique to Feudal Japan.
“The Japanese architecture, the roofs [are] super complex,” he said. “Probably the most complex thing that I ever worked with if we compared to Odyssey and Syndicate. We needed specific codes and specific animations to support something super fluid, changing the transition of the parkour to make it even more fluid. So that’s one of the specific feedback that we heard that we wanted to address, and it really improved since the last few months.”
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
