Yoshi or Nabbit, make your choice.
I suspect many of my fellow parents can relate to this, but when you have your first child, a whole bevvy of problems that never existed before are suddenly thrust upon you.
“Do we have enough nappies?”
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Amazing games are at the heart of our mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet. Now, more screens than ever can be an Xbox, and those screens are lit up by the incredible portfolio of games brought to life by talented developers around the world. These teams create unforgettable gaming experiences that engage and inspire players of all ages. As a thank you to the creators of those games, and to shine a light on the games that players loved in 2024, today we’re announcing the recipients of the 2024 Xbox Excellence Awards.
With over a thousand games launching annually on Xbox consoles, PC and cloud, this could be a case of simply picking a panel to decide – but the Excellence Awards are all about how you engaged with Xbox over the last year. To assemble the list, we selected four key categories which are indicators of players’ passion, engagement, and love for these games. Those four categories are:
The final list represents a diverse collection of titles produced by studios comprised of anywhere from tens to thousands of developers, located in 15 different countries worldwide. You can find the titles for each category – listed alphabetically – below.
| Store Rating | Player Engagement | Daily Active Users | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balatro | Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Apex Legends | 7 Days to Die |
| Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden | Dragon’s Dogma 2 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora |
| Botany Manor | EA Sports College Football 25 | Dead Island 2 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 |
| Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | EA Sports FC 25 | Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred | Dragon Age: The Veilguard |
| Little Kitty, Big City | F1 Manager 2024 | EA Sports College Football 25 | Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero |
| Lollipop Chainsaw RePop | Farming Simulator 25 | EA Sports FC 25 | Dragon’s Dogma 2 |
| Metaphor: ReFantazio | Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail | Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree | EA Sports College Football 25 |
| Nobody Wants to Die | House Flipper 2 | Fallout 4 | EA Sports FC 25 |
| Persona 3 Reload | Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | Fortnite | EA Sports Madden NFL 25 |
| Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1, 2, 3 | Metaphor: ReFantazio | Forza Horizon 5 | Farming Simulator 25 |
| Return to Grace | MLB The Show 24 | Grand Theft Auto Online | Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 |
| Rounds | NBA 2K25 | Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | MLB The Show 24 |
| Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II | New World: Aeternum | Marvel Rivals | NBA 2K25 |
| Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance | NHL 25 | Minecraft | NHL 25 |
| Sonic x Shadow Generations | Path of Exile 2 | MLB The Show 24 | Palworld |
| Still Wakes the Deep | Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance | Palworld | Phasmophobia |
| The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria | Skull and Bones | Roblox | Star Wars Outlaws |
| The Outlast Trials | Star Wars Outlaws | Rocket League | The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria |
| Unicorn Overlord | Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 | S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chornobyl | Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 |
| Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 | WWE 2K24 | Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege | WWE 2K24 |
Developers and publishers will receive their trophies shortly, so be on the lookout to see how they celebrate!
Thinking of joining the many players that helped these games become award winners? Take a look at our collection of games that have received an Xbox Excellence Award for 2024 on the Xbox Store.
The post Introducing the Xbox Excellence Awards, Honoring the Studios Behind the Games You Loved Most in 2024 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Last week, we asked you to dive into the colorful world of Wuthering Waves and share your best moments using #PSshare #PSBlog:
calf_kansei shares Jianxin surrounded by purple orbs.
xenobitz shares a portrait of a male Rover reaching out.
call_me_xavii shares a female Rover in combat.
khwarezm89 shares a male Rover standing in a field.
Terza712C shares Baizhi posing with a glowing creature.
secondcapture shares a portrait of the female Rover.
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Waterfall
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 29, 2025
Next week, we’re chasing waterfalls. Share moments splashing around or landscape views of in-game waterfalls using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
The recently released Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is set for a physical release on PlayStation 5 only.
Playasia said it has partnered with publisher Koei Tecmo to exclusively release a PS5 physical version of the remaster on March 27.
There is no mention of a physical Xbox version, which is perhaps unsurprising given Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is available now on Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was announced during Xbox Developer Direct 2025 and shadow-dropped digitally across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S. It was a surprise reveal that came alongside confirmation that Microsoft is set to publish Ninja Gaiden 4 across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S (including Game Pass day one) later in 2025. For more, here’s everything announced during Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct 2025.
Here’s the official blurb on Ninja Gaiden 2 Black:
In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, players assume the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a deadly ninja who wields the legendary Dragon Sword while embarking on a global battle against a series of formidable foes. The beautiful and bloody remaster utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance the graphic expression, elevating everything from character visuals to environmental backgrounds. In fact, the stages, characters, effects, and lighting have all been completely redesigned and remastered to fully immerse gamers into the story’s dark ninja world.
Gore elements such as dismemberment and blood have also been remastered to enhance the action experience. The high-speed, violent fights play out in brilliant brutality, utilizing a variety of weapons and techniques including Japanese swords, shurikens, Kusari-gamas, and tonfas. Meanwhile, those looking for a more toned-down experience can simply toggle the dismemberment feature on and off in the Options menu.
In addition, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black includes extra elements from the spin-off titles released after the original game’s debut, including the ability to control three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The remaster also includes “HERO PLAY STYLE”, a mode for beginners that provides automatic support in the most difficult situations, making the notoriously challenging title more accessible for those who may not be so confident in their action skills.
In a post on Xbox Wire, Team Ninja boss Fumihiko Yasuda explained the decision to remaster Ninja Gaiden 2.
“This simultaneous announcement and same-day release alongside Ninja Gaiden 4 might have caught some people by surprise,” he said. “The biggest reason for developing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was to address the concerns of core fans who might be wondering, ‘What’s going to happen to Ryu Hayabusa?’ We also wanted to give players something to enjoy as they wait for the release of Ninja Gaiden 4. We chose Ninja Gaiden 2 because it stands as one of the most solid action games in the series. We added ‘Black’ to the title to signal to fans that this is the definitive version, much like Ninja Gaiden Black was for the first game.”
Yasuda continued: “This version is crafted to satisfy both those who played the original and newcomers discovering it as a current-generation action game. We’ve meticulously incorporated some of the additions of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 while staying true to the challenge and feel of the original 360 version, including its signature gore and violence. We’ve also adjusted the weapon upgrade system to more align with the original release.”
Team Ninja’s infamously challenging Ninja Gaiden series has a long association with Xbox. The developer’s reboot of the action series launched first on Xbox in 2004, propelling master ninja Ryu Hayabusa into the mainstream. Ninja Gaiden Black, considered one of the greatest action games of all time, launched the following year.
Ninja Gaiden 2 came out in 2008 published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360. Ninja Gaiden 3 followed in 2012 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Since then, fans have had the critically panned spin-off Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, and, more recently, Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, a compilation of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge.
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.
Doom is back, and this time it’s bringing its signature blend of demon-slaying chaos and heavy-metal energy to medieval times. Doom: The Dark Ages launches on May 15 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5—unless you’re eyeing one of the pricier editions, which grant early access starting May 13. Naturally, our attention is on the PC edition and, of course, where to get it for the best price.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet – Prismatic Evolutions represents the culmination of the slow build-up to Pokémania 2025. The wild popularity of the set sold preorders out fast, with stock only now starting to return to shelves and online retailers. But, despite these difficulties, it’s quickly become the ultimate crown jewel of the Scarlet and Violet era, delivering fan-favorite Eevee and its evolutions in jaw-dropping Special Illustration Rares and ultra-rare Master Ball foils.
Packed with over 200 cards, including powerhouse Pokémon like Roaring Moon ex and Pikachu ex, this set blends stunning artwork with competitive playability, making it a must-have for trainers and collectors alike. Improved pull rates for Special Illustration Rares sweeten the deal, giving fans a better shot at pulling their dream cards, even as demand hits an all-time high.
Yet, the new sets aren’t just about beautiful cards—they’re introducing exciting mechanics like Budew’s game-changing free attack, and doubling down on rarity tiers to thrill pack-openers. Fancy hunting for the Eeveelution family or stacking your deck with tournament-ready hits? Prismatic Evolutions offers something for everyone. It’s not just another expansion; it’s the kind of release that defines a generation of Pokémon TCG fans.
But, in my experience the pulls have been rough in Prismatic Evolutions so far. This won’t be the same for everyone, of course. Moreover, on the one hand, it is a good thing; your SIRs and the rest have a much better chance of holding their value. On the other hand, 25 booster packs didn’t bring the goods. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting new cards that I did manage to bag, and then discuss some of the other exciting (and rare) new additions the expansion brings to see is Prismatic Evolutions is truly worth the hype.
Glaceon ex could end up being a sound playable card by building up enough damage on an opponent’s bench to knock it out before it comes into play. The challenge with Tera ex-cards is using multiple energies. However, seeing a Glaceon Tera ex deck in action would be very entertaining.
Thanks to its stunning full artwork, this one will likely be in trainers’ binders rather than their decks. It’s still the standard Eevee card in this set, allowing trainers to evolve it as soon as it’s played. It certainly makes playing an Eeveelution deck a lot easier.
Mela is a powerful trainer card that can be used at the right time. Trainers can grab a fire energy from their discard pile whilst topping up their hand with 6 cards, which would come in handy mid to late game. Again, this is one for a trainer binder, with the usual Mela trainer card being fairly easy to pull.
Prismatic Evolutions also addresses Surging Sparks FOMO with Pikachu ex, although it’s not a Tera ex. Thanks to Thunder, it’s a relatively straightforward basic ex, with the possibility of one-hit knockouts in three turns. It’s a high energy cost, but it’s a lovely card to build up from the bench to switch in and out, thanks to its one energy retreat cost.
This card can literally flip a battle on its head. Imagine having Tyranitar’s ex knocked out alongside its four energy cards, then using this Max Rod to get it all back and start building it again from the bench. Probably one of the most useful Ace Specs cards we’ve seen.
Espeon ex decks are going to be very hard to combat thanks to their ability to both discard from an opponent’s hand and de-evolve all opposing Pokémon, shuffling the evolution cards into their deck. This one card can drag a battle out and whittle down opponents, so imagine a deck built around four of them. Insane.
At first glance, Grind makes Tyranitar ex very playable. But it’s a different story when I consider it a second-stage evolution with a minimum of three energy cards attached to stretch its legs. I love Tyranitar, but this ex-card ain’t it, chief.
It’s a given that we all want the Eeveelution SIR cards from Prismatic Evolutions. Still, some seriously cool overlooked artwork in this expansion might be worth snapping up if you see a bargain.
Dragapult ex SAR 165/131 is one of my favorite artworks from this set, and I’m very tempted to build a deck around Phantom Dive. Two energy costscosts for a combined 260 damage, 60 of which can be spread on your opponent’sopponent’s bench. It’s an insane move; watch for this card creeping up in value just because trainers want it in their deck.
Another heavy hitter with Roaring Moon ex-SIR with stunning artwork. A triple hit energy spend for its attacks is brutal, but this basic Pokémon card could be the final push in a tight battle. Loading a deck up with Stadium cards and building support around Roaring Moon ex sounds like a fun deck to build, that’s for sure.
Finally, I doubt anyone will use an $1200+ Umbreon ex SIR in their decks, but if you take a look at that mental moveset, you’d surely be tempted. Like Roaring Moon ex, this card has the chance of flipping a Pokémon TCG battle on its head in the 11th hour with both of its moves. Yes, it needs three different energy types. Still, there’s some fun to be had building out an Eeveelution deck around Umbreon ex.
So, with all things considered, is Prismatic Evolutions worth the hype? In short yes. There are plenty of awesome cards to add to your binder and more playable cards. Still, you’ll be waiting for stock to appear without brilliant timing. Eeveelution-based sets will always be cool, but the chances of pulling one of the elusive Eeveelution SIRs is 1 in 900 booster packs.
There’s also the addition of God packs and Master Ball cards, which is very cool. Imagine pulling every SIR in one booster pack? The problem is it’s very unlikely to happen, so strap in and get ripping packs and boxes.
Stock has been hard to come by for Pokémon TCG: Prismatic Evolutions, and things are only now starting to even out a little. Pokémon is at the height of popularity again, between TCG Pocket, investors buying up stock, and general increased demand for sets such as Surging Sparks, it’s a crazy time to get into the hobby. With The Pokémon Company’s efforts to restock shelves ASAP, Prismatic Evolutions also represent a turning point of going online or in-store to buy stock instead of resorting to the questionable secondary market.
The Prismatic Evolutions collection offers a range of products for collectors and players, each celebrating the beloved Eeveelutions. At the top, the Elite Trainer Box provides nine booster packs, an exclusive full-art Eevee promo, and useful extras like sleeves, dice, and condition markers—ideal for anyone building their collection or deck.
For a simpler option, the Surprise Box includes a few booster packs and a random Eeveelution ex promo with a Prismatic Evolutions stamp, offering an affordable way to dip into the set. Similarly, the Mini Tin is a compact choice with two booster packs, a collectible Eevee coin, and an art card, doubling as a neat storage solution.
Collectors will appreciate the Binder Collection, which pairs four booster packs with a sturdy Eevee-themed binder for organizing prized cards like Master Ball foils or Special Illustration Rares. The Tech Sticker Collection adds a playful touch with Eevee stickers and two booster packs, perfect for younger fans or casual fun.
Lastly, the Poster Collection combines display-worthy content with collectibility, featuring three booster packs, a fold-out Eevee poster, and exclusive holo promos of Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon. Each product highlights the magic of the Prismatic Evolutions set, offering something for every kind of Pokémon fan, whether you’re chasing rare cards, organizing your collection, or simply enjoying the Eevee hype.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Best deals and cheapest prices.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is coming to Switch on 20th March and its release marks the arrival of one of the most anticipated Wii U ports on Nintendo’s hybrid console.
The series has gone from strength to strength on Switch, with XC2 and XC3 bringing new fans into the Xenoblade fold as well as wowing critics. The arrival of this one completes the set on Switch, but this is so much more than an also-ran – we’re incredibly excited to see XCX get the Definitive Edition treatment!
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, 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!
Dovetail Games
City Transport Sim – January 28
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Become a tram driver, so hop into the cab for the ultimate tram driving experience! Take your pick from a selection of three real life trams, the ULF B1, R2.2b, or ULF A1, and hit the city streets of Tramau! Transport your passengers while sticking to a timetable and create your own tram routes to build up a fully functioning and effective tram network.
XSEED Games
Cuisineer – January 28
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
Dive into dungeons and cook up a storm as Pom, an adventurer-turned-restaurateur! Cuisineer‘s food-focused action challenges you to build your dinner the hard way: by dungeon-diving for materials and ingredients.
Yellow Brick Games
Eternal Strands – January 28
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
Available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate! Eternal Strands is the debut fantasy title from Yellow Brick Games, a new independent studio founded by industry veterans from franchises including Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Watch Dogs, and Assassin’s Creed. Fight epic, towering creatures while blending magical abilities with an arsenal of powerful weapons to keep the world from crumbling in this third-person, action-adventure game.
Robot Entertainment, Inc.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap – January 28
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate! Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an action-packed, third-person shooter and trap defense game. Evolve as an orc-slaying War Mage through rogue-lite choices and obliterate, eviscerate, and incinerate massive hordes with up to four players.
United Label
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – January 28
Smart Delivery
As Arlo, young heir to the Warden of the Wastes, journey through the vast, snow-ravaged lands of the North in an epic quest to overcome the Dark Wings once and for all. Hunt down giant beasts. Unite disparate clans. Upgrade your settlement. And discover a terrible secret of blood and crown…
Tripwire Interactive LLC
The Stone of Madness – January 28
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
A real-time tactical stealth game set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery. Located in the Pyrenees, this time-worn Jesuit monastery is home to a madhouse and an inquisitorial prison. Five prisoners – plagued by cruel punishment, madness, and despair – pool their skills and resources to face their phobias, stave off insanity, uncover the mysteries of the Monastery, and find a way to escape.
Airship Syndicate
Wayfinder – January 28
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Become a Wayfinder and unlock their powers as you choose your path and playstyle while pushing back a hostile force that has overtaken your world. A co-op ARPG where you directly shape and customize the endless adventures you go on with friends, because Wayfinders are stronger together.
Eastasiasoft Limited
Agent Fall – January 28
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
A retro side-scrolling shooter across sprawling platformer stages, from the desert sands and jet hangars of the surface to mysterious underground labs and waterways. Choose from 4 agents and infiltrate the base in a search-and-destroy operation where you’ve got the ultimate license to kill.
Afil Games
Stellar Docks – January 28
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Embark on an interstellar puzzle adventure in Stellar Docks, a Sokoban-inspired game with charming 2D pixel art. Guide an astronaut as they maneuver drones to their recharging docks across grid-based maps filled with logical challenges.
RainForest Game Studio
Checkmate Survivors – January 29
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
A top-down automatic shooter game where you control the King on a chessboard where all the other pieces rebel against the King’s tyranny. Your mission is to defeat enemy pieces, such as pawns, knights, rooks, and queens, using weapon upgrades, movement, build management, and positioning to face the enemies. Each enemy piece has distinct movement and attack patterns, challenging you to use tactics and speed to survive and advance.
Wales Interactive
Slasher: Origins – January 29
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
A chaotic, 2.5D, auto-attack survival game with rogue-lite elements and noir-anime storytelling. Unlock powerful heroes, create builds of unique abilities, and survive the escalating inferno of Mephistopheles’ underworld.
QUByte Interactive & Atari
Accolade Sports Collection – January 30
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / smart Delivery
Step back into the golden age of sports gaming with the Accolade Sports Collection! Featuring five legendary titles: Hardball!, Hardball II, Hoops Shut Up and Jam!, Winter Challenge, and Summer Challenge. This collection delivers nostalgic thrills with modern enhancements.
JanduSoft
Basureroes – January 30
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Dr. Diogenes is back, but this time the real threat comes from beyond the stars: an alien invasion seeking to conquer the Earth. The Basureroes must prepare to spring into action and save the world. Once again, it’s time to take out the trash!
Clear River Games
Gimmick! 2 – January 30
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
A classic challenge modernized. In Gimmick! 2, you once again meet the green little yokai Yumetaro. Decades after his first adventure he now sets out on a new quest in a world packed with interesting challenges, dangerous enemies, and hidden treasures.
Artax Games
A Rite from the Stars: Remaster Edition – January 30
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Join Kirm and his guiding star Hoku on this adventure full of puzzles, exploration and growth to unveil a beautiful coming of age story with multiple endings. Meet unique supernatural creatures and new companions along the way, cooperate with them and conquer the wisdom, courage and spirit paths!
Kwalee
Robobeat – January 30
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You’re Ace – a famous bounty hunter after your latest target, the eccentric robot-showman Frazzer. To find your way through his twisted techno-playground, you’ll have to master the art of shooting, wall-running, sliding, and bunny hopping, all in sync with the beat! Get ready to dance till you’re dead and then suit up for the remix in this rogue-like rhythm shooter.
Rebellion
Sniper Elite: Resistance – January 30
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate! Offering unparalleled sniping mechanics, stealth and tactical third-person combat, Sniper Elite: Resistance turns the attention of the award-winning series towards a hidden war, far from the front lines, deep within the heart of occupied France. Bring a friend – the full campaign can be experienced in co-op. Sniper Elite: Resistance – Deluxe Edition launches January 28.
Crunching Koalas
Techno Banter – January 30
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You’re the bouncer of the Green Door club, where every decision matters. Reject the unworthy of partying with clever retorts, explore a neon-lit city, and immerse yourself in the Berlin-like city’s underground techno scene. The beat is pumping—are you in?
Revulo Games LLC
Casual Sport Series: Tennis – January 31
Casual Sport Series: Tennis brings the excitement of the game to life with its accessible and action-packed gameplay. The game features realistic court surfaces just like in real tennis — play on grass, clay, or hard courts, each offering a unique feel and gameplay experience. Plus, every shot and serve is at your disposal, from topspin and slices to powerful smashes and precision drop shots, giving you the freedom to play like a pro.
Fellow Traveller
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – January 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
The highly anticipated sequel to one of 2022’s most acclaimed RPGs! You are a sleeper, an emulation of a human mind housed in an artificial body. You are on the run from the corporation that made you and the gang that seeks to control you. Commandeer a ship, build a network of crew and allies, and take on challenging contracts as you seek to build a future for yourself.
17Studio LLC
Every 25 years, horrifying events occur in a lost town in the south. Is a serial killer, who has passed his craft from generation to generation, to blame for these terrible disappearances, or is it a curse? As the protagonist John, you receive a tempting offer from a friend: To explore the long-abandoned house of a deceased old lady who once instilled terror in all the residents.
Happy Player
Hero of Fate – January 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Unstoppable Rogue-like excitement! Unlock new classes, gather allies, and dive into unique adventures. Survive the swarms of monsters, navigate the paths of fate, conquer formidable bosses, and fight alongside a variety of randomly acquired Guardian Spirits to ultimately defeat the supreme demon lord!
Phoenix Reborn Games
Marine Survivors – January 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Dive into the depths as a mystical whale in this spellbinding twist on the survivor’s genre! Enter an underwater arena where ancient magic meets endless action. Cast powerful spells against waves of deep-sea foes as you grow stronger with each run. Choose your path wisely – each level-up presents new magical abilities that can make or break your survival strategy.
Seashell Studio
A fighting game that takes up the aesthetics of the horror and Luchador films of Mexican cinema from the 1950s, with an eclectic roster of monsters and masked Luchadores and a simple gameplay style with a retro presentation.
Ratalaika Games S.L.
Squab – January 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
An exciting precision platform adventure that puts players in control of a young pigeon full of energy but unable to fly. Using the dash as his main means of locomotion, players embark on a challenging journey to rescue his missing father, Maximus.
Valkyrie Initiative LLP
Stones Keeper – January 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
The Order of the Griffin has at its disposal a floating island-fortress on which its castle sits. As you develop your castle, you will have the opportunity to hire new warriors, equip them with weapons, armor, and elixirs. You can upgrade the castle’s core systems to fight off pirate ships, artillery, and other flying islands. While moving your castle around the map, you explore and participate in story quests, discover ancient ruins, secrets, rewards, and artifacts.
The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 27 to 31 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard developer BioWare has released a new patch for the game and in the same breath suggested it’s basically done with it less than three months after launch.
As spotted by Eurogamer, Patch 5 includes a number of quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes, but it’s the wording from BioWare that suggests this is the final major patch Dragon Age: The Veilguard will get.
“Thank you all for playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard; we were so happy with the game’s stability at launch and hope you have enjoyed our Quality of Life patches since then,” BioWare said. “With the game being in a stable place, we are moving to monitor for any game-breaking bugs should those occur. Dareth shiral!”
Moving to monitor game-breaking bugs sounds like players shouldn’t expect any new content. Perhaps that shouldn’t come as a surprise given BioWare has already confirmed Dragon Age: The Veilguard wouldn’t get any post-launch DLC.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard was the first new game in the fantasy RPG series in 10 years, but it came and went not with a bang but a whimper. This week, publisher and owner EA admitted Dragon Age: The Veilguard had failed to meet sales expectations by a whopping 50%; it had expected three million players, but the game managed only 1.5 million.
There’s been some smoke around Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s struggles, such as it receiving a significant discount just a month after launch for Cyber Monday, and the departure of its director, Corinne Busche, from BioWare just last week. We’ve chronicled some of the game’s development challenges already, including layoffs and the departure of several project leads at different stages.
Mass Effect 5 now appears to be BioWare’s focus, although it seems far, far away still. And what next for Dragon Age? Given how Dragon Age: The Veilguard went for EA, it seems the publisher will take some convincing to greenlight yet another sequel any time soon.
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.
Cardy, Matt, and Wes are here to talk through January 2025’s Xbox Developer Direct and the impressive quartet of games featured; Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Ninja Gaiden 4. Plus, there’s also some time for some hands-on impressions of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows thanks to Matt’s sneaking and slashing around rural Japan.
Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you’re enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.
IGN UK Podcast 784: Doom, Doom, Doom, Doom, I Want You in My Room
