Feature: ‘Nairi: Rising Tide’ Dev On Standing Out In Switch’s Cosy Crowd Six Years On

“We expect future chapters to roll out in a timelier fashion. Hopefully.”.

Back in 2018, Dutch indie studio HomeBear — a two-person team made up of partners Joshua van Kuilenburg and You Miichi — released NAIRI: Tower Of Shirin, a lovingly-made point-and-click adventure game which we awarded an 8/10 in our review.

It’s been a fair old while, but the duo is now gearing up for release of the sequel, Nairi: Rising Tide. Having last spoken to the team way back in the mists of time (March 2018), we recently caught up with Joshua van Kuilenburg once more via email to find out why it’s taken so long to return to Nairi’s world, and what’s changed since those distant days when Switch was but a year old…

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Shocktober: Enjoy Savory Savings, Evocative Events, and Gruesome Games This Spooky Season

Shocktober: Enjoy Savory Savings, Evocative Events, and Gruesome Games This Spooky Season

Shocktober Hero Image

Summary

  • Many spooktacular games have had their prices slashed across console and PC for a limited time!
  • Sink your teeth into ghostly in-game events.
  • Game Pass members can dive into spooky titles throughout October.

Brace yourself for monster sales on major titles because Shocktober has arrived! Xbox’s annual celebration of all things spooky is back and better than ever — and this year we’re cranking up the terror by throwing in some of your favorite Game Pass games too!

That’s not all! Get into the Halloween spirit with limited-time events and freaky in-game content that’ll have you screaming for more.

Check back in all through October via your Xbox console, Windows Store, or the Xbox app on PC for the latest terrifying titles and ghoulish events. You don’t want to miss out!

For Console – Shocktober Games on Sale

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without. Sink deep into the next chapter of Senua’s story, a crafted experience told through cinematic immersion, beautifully realized visuals and encapsulating sound.

Resident Evil 4

Survival is just the beginning. Six years have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City. Leon S. Kennedy, one of the survivors, tracks the president’s kidnapped daughter to a secluded European village, where there is something terribly wrong with the locals.

Hogwarts Legacy

An immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world.

For PC – Shocktober Games on Sale

Back 4 Blood Ultimate

Back 4 Blood is a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter from the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead franchise. You are at the center of a war against the Ridden. With humanity’s extinction on the line, it’s up to you and your friends to take the fight to the enemy, eradicate the Ridden and reclaim the world.

Evil West

Evil never sleeps… but it bleeds. A dark menace consumes the American frontier. As one of the last agents in a top-secret vampire-hunting institute, you are the final line between humanity and a deep-rooted terror that now emerges from the shadows. Rise up to become a Wild West Superhero, eradicate the vampire threat and save the United State

Gotham Knights Deluxe Edition

Batman is dead. A new expansive, criminal underworld has swept the streets of Gotham City. It is now up to the Batman Family – Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin – to protect Gotham, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops, and fear to its criminals. Gotham Knights is an open-world, action RPG set in the most dynamic and interactive Gotham City yet. Patrol Gotham’s five distinct boroughs in solo or in co-op and drop in on criminal activity wherever you find it. Your legacy begins now. Step into the Knight.

Chilling Titles on Game Pass

Dead Space

The sci-fi survival horror classic Dead Space returns, completely rebuilt from the ground up to offer a deeper and more immersive experience. This remake brings jaw-dropping visual fidelity, suspenseful atmospheric audio, and improvements to gameplay while staying faithful to the original game’s thrilling vision.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

A new tale of the Kami awaits… Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a unique Japanese-inspired, single player Kagura Action Strategy game. The game takes place on a mountain covered by defilement. During the day, purify the villages and prepare yourself for sundown. During the night, protect the Maiden against the hordes of the Seethe. Repeat the day and night cycle until you cleanse the mountain of defilement and return peace to the land.

Dead Island 2

The much-loved zombie saga is back with a unique formula of horror, dark humor and over the top zombie-slaying, spanning an epic pulp adventure. Dead Island 2 is a thrilling first-person action RPG, stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection. Explore an iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer!

Haunting In-Game Halloween Events

Fortnite

Want to play a game? How about some Battle Royale… during Fortnitemares 2024? This year’s frightening festivities bring the explosive Boom Billy, a rideable chainsaw, the return of Horde Rush, and plenty of Quest rewards like the Jack-o’-Drifter Contrail and Great Scarecrow Glider. Fortnitemares 2024 runs now until the end of Chapter 5 Season 4!

GTA Online

Things have taken a terrifying turn in the snowy hills of North Yankton. Halloween’s chilling influence has transformed Ludendorff Cemetery into a battleground against the undead. For the first time in GTA Online, return to North Yankton and confront a nightmarish array of foes — including ambling corpses, colossal juggernauts, and possessed animals — and banish these living dead back to the darkness in the new Ludendorff Cemetery Survival mode.

Apex Legends

Now ’til November 5, 2024, in Apex Legends, haunt through the Techno Terror Collection Event and Trick N’ Treat Trios with Revivals. Plus, collect 24 event items before the event ends to get Pathfinder’s Prestige Skin!


That is just a glimpse of this year’s massive Shocktober collection! Don’t forget to creep over to your Xbox console, Windows Store, or the Xbox app on PC starting every Tuesday to uncover new titles and surprises. Oh, and don’t forget to explore the Perks gallery; there’s some exclusive treats waiting for you! Discounts will end October 31, 2024.

The post Shocktober: Enjoy Savory Savings, Evocative Events, and Gruesome Games This Spooky Season appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Share of the Week: Scared

Last week, we asked you to show your favorite gaming characters cowering in fear using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s scared highlights:

Javik_12 shares Astro shaking with fear in a spooky themed level of Astro Bot.

SithMorrison shares Joel’s daughter Sarah looking shaken in The Last of Us Part I.

JLunarTraveler shares Talion leaning back and yelping in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

silentgear1 shares Ashley hiding her face as she moves through a dark space in Resident Evil 4.

Defalt368 shares a orange and black cat reacting in horror in Gori: Cuddly Carnage.

lunar9p shares Amicia and Hugo fending off rats with fire in A Plague Tale: Innocence

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: Costumes
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on October 23, 2024 

Halloween’s around the corner and we’re looking for inspiration. Next week, share characters that would make a perfect costume from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau Team Put on Redundancy Notice Amid Funding Struggles

Tales of Kenzera: Zau development studio Surgent Studios shared an update today stating it had put its team on notice for redundancy amid efforts to secure funding for its next project.

“We’ve decided to put the work of the Surgent games division on hiatus while we secure funding for our next project,” the update reads. “In the meantime, we’ve unfortunately had to put our team on notice for redundancy.

“Our team has created a prototype for a bold new project,” the update later continues. “It’s darker, edgier, and more visceral than our first game, but it retains all ZAU’s high-octane combat and cultural depth. And we’re looking for a partner.”

Tales of Kenzera: Zau is the first release from Surgent Studios, which was founded by actor Abubakar Salim in 2020. The game received generally positive critical reviews, including our own 7/10 review that said while its action wasn’t groundbreaking, “it’s elevated by a truly moving tale about how to go on in this world when your loved ones have passed on to the next.”

Despite the game’s positive reception, Surgent Studios has had a rocky year. The studio and its members have been the victim of a growing campaign of ongoing, targeted harassment since Tales of Kenzera: Zau’s release, to the point where Salim addressed the wave of hatred in a public message back in May. And earlier this year, Surgent laid off “just over a dozen” developers, citing “a difficult time in the games industry.” These cuts come as part of a wider trend in layoffs sweeping the industry as project funding dries up, leading to over 13,000 individuals laid off just this year.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Dev Bloober Team Open to Making More Silent Hill Games

Silent Hill 2 Remake developer Bloober Team is open to making more remakes in the franchise or even a new Silent Hill game altogether.

Wojciech Piejko, Bloober Team director and designer, alongside Wojciech Piejko, director and producer on the just announced sci-fi survival horror game Cronos: The New Dawn, told IGN the team is open to all opportunities it finds interesting.

“I think we are always open,” Piejko said. “If we like the opportunity, we’ll take it.” Bloober Team released the Silent Hill 2 remake on October 8 to glowing critical reception and strong sales too, leaving many fans of the previously dormant horror franchise eager for more.

I do believe that everything’s possible.

“There are opportunities that you have to seize,” Piejko added. “Like Silent Hill 2, you can remake the legend. So yeah, I do believe that everything’s possible.”

The decision will also be in the hands of Silent Hill publisher Konami, though it is presumably happy with how the Silent Hill 2 remake turned out. Nothing has been announced regarding another remake or full sequel yet, however.

Bloober Team has already announced one of its new projects in the aforementioned Cronos: The New Dawn. Coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam, the game is set in a post apocalyptic 1980s Poland and promises a “twisted time travel story” in Bloober Team’s first foray into an original survival horror franchise.

In our 8/10 review of the Silent Hill 2 remake, IGN said: “Silent Hill 2 is a great way to visit – or revisit – one of the most dread-inducing destinations in the history of survival horror.”

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Dev Responds to Steam Review Bomb Campaign Over Nerf Patch

It’s been a turbulent week for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, its developer, its publisher, and its players. In the same breath as it announced an incredible 4.5 million sales in just over a month, publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive sparked an angry backlash with the release of the hotly anticipated Update 4.0.

IGN has reported on the details of this update and why it’s caused so much upset, but in short, it makes a number of significant nerfs to the Space Marines’ ability to fight back against the Tyranid horde and Thousand Sons Chaos Marines. The popular PvE co-op mode Operations was made harder, deliberately so, Focus said in the patch notes, after it deemed the missions too easy. The new Lethal difficulty, via a new mechanic that forces players to stick close together in an almost impossible fashion, was slammed by frustrated players who are now saying that Space Marine 2 is doing a Helldivers 2 and going so far with nerfs that it’s killing the fun.

These nerfs have gone down so badly with Space Marine 2 players that the game has suffered a now familiar review bomb campaign on Steam, with over 1,200 negative reviews in just two days. Space Marine 2’s official Discord and subreddit are packed with complaints, too.

Now, two days after the patch came out, publisher Focus Entertainment has signaled its intent to release a follow-up patch next week with “balancing fixes.”

“We closely read your feedback regarding the latest patch for Space Marine 2 and we’re actively working on another one including balancing fixes,” Focus said. “It should release next week.”

The hope, of course, is this patch rights the ship. Perhaps it will revert some of this week’s changes completely, tweak them slightly, or maybe even include a few buffs. We’ll have to wait and see. Meanwhile, this weekend’s going to be a tough one for Space Marine 2 players.

We’ve got plenty more on Space Marine 2, including a big feature on the game’s modding scene, where plenty of interesting things are going on behind the scenes. Last month, Saber Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits told IGN how the breakout success of Space Marine 2 had “changed everything” for the company. Eagle-eyed fans have spotted the Space Marine chapter now all-but confirmed to get a cosmetic pack after the Dark Angels, and even an unannounced new Thousand Sons enemy type.

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.

Review: FAITH: The Unholy Trinity (Switch) – A Profane Indie Horror Triumph That Will (One Hit) Kill You

Reach out, touch faith.

Fancy learning Latin? Well, you’re guaranteed to learn at least one word in the classical language by playing Faith: The Unholy Trinity: Mortis, or “death”, which flashes on screen every time you succumb. Facing off against legions of the damned armed with only a wooden crucifix and, well, your faith, it’s a given you’ll be succumbing quite a bit.

Dying a lot comes with the price of admission for developer Airdorf Games’ 8-bit horror odyssey, one that truly puts the ‘cult’ in cult status, which it has enjoyed since releasing on Steam and itch.io between 2017 and 2022. Now on the Nintendo Switch, fans of retro horror are in for a wholly unique entry in the genre that looks, sounds, and feels like nothing else.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 21 to 25

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 21 to 25

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, 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!


Speedollama

Chaosmonger Studio

Speedollama – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Speedollama is a fast platformer shooter that sets a new benchmark for speed in the genre. Bursting with quirky humor and vibrant pixelated carnage, this game is not for the faint of heart. Are you ready to embrace the chaos and prove your skills?


Fear the Spotlight

Blumhouse Games

Fear the Spotlight – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Fear the Spotlight is an atmospheric third-person horror adventure with a disturbing mystery to unravel. Sneak into school after hours with Vivian and Amy, survive a séance gone wrong, solve tactile puzzles, and, whatever you do, stay out of the spotlight…


Xbox Play Anywhere

Heroine Anthem Zero 2 : Scalescars Oath

WINKING SKYWALKER ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED

Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Heroine Anthem Zero 2 : Scalescars Oath is a real time 2D mixed with 3D side-scrolling story-based ARPG, simultaneously supporting controller and keyboard input. Unlock more skills by leveling your character. The game combines legends of mermaids as well as Serbian and East Asian tribal culture to create its cultural world.


Kong: Survivor Instinct

7Levels

Kong: Survivor Instinct – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A sudden Titan attack prompts massive evacuation efforts-but not everyone makes it safe before the devastation ensues. Caught in the crossfire between battling monsters, many residents become trapped in the collapsing city, your only daughter among them! Kong: Survivor Instinct is a 2.5D action-adventure game that combines realistic platforming, challenging combat, and metroidvania-style exploration during a thrilling quest of survival worthy of the Monsterverse franchise.


Potionomics: Masterwork Edition

XSEED Games / Marvelous USA, Inc. and Marvelous Europe Ltd.


1

$29.99

Potiononmics: Masterwork Edition – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

After the untimely death of her uncle, a penniless witch named Sylvia finds herself the inheritor of a potion shop — and massive debt. Although Sylvia is barely a novice, it’s up to her to build up the business and save herself. Thankfully, she won’t have to go it alone. With help from some new friends, Sylvia will hone her negotiation skills, outsell her craftiest competitors, and make her shop the number-one potion destination in Rafta.


Wildermyth: Console Edition

Auroch Digital

$24.99

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

A character-driven tactical RPG where your choices shape the destiny of your heroes. Lead a band of unique heroes as they evolve from humble beginnings to legendary warriors in a rich 2D fantasy world. With procedural storytelling, dynamic character development, and strategic combat, Wildermyth offers endless replayability and the opportunity to create your own legendary tales.


Bard’s Gold

Pixel Lantern


174

$4.99

Bard’s Gold – October 23

A challenging platformer that lets you explore eerie worlds in a quest for a Goblin that stole your gold. Help the Bard to overcome the dungeon’s many dangerous perils and use your new-found treasures to improve your character and to buy new weapons and gear!


Hidden Cats in Spooky Town

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Hidden Cats in Spooky Town – October 23

The spooky Halloween season is upon us, so our ever-travelling cat troupe decided to make an appearance in a particularly Spooky Town… Come a bit closer… And don’t be scared of monsters! The ones found in Spooky Town are quite friendly, and besides, you’d be here looking for cats, not monsters… mostly. Find cats, color in the scenery, and don’t get spooked!


Say Cheese!

Afil Games

Say Cheese! – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A delightful puzzle adventure where strategic thinking meets fun challenges. Help our mischievous mouse reach the cheese while navigating tricky mazes and collecting trophies! Welcome to the whimsical world of Say Cheese!


Silk

Huey Games

Silk – October 23

Enter the biggest handcrafted open world of all time as you explore three million square miles of uncharted terrain from Roman Damascus to Three Kingdoms China in an exploration RPG that transports you onto the Ancient Silk Road of 200AD as an intrepid traveler or a ruthless conqueror.


Super XYX

Eastasiasoft Limited

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

A vertical scrolling shoot ’em up presented in eye-scorchingly fluid pixel art animation. Choose from 6 unique pilots and their signature ships, each with unique shots and bombs, and blast off to face The Black Serpent’s forces head-on! Master 6 stages with screen-filling bosses, customize the experience with various difficulty settings and unlock alternate game modes as you progress!


Tiny Little Farm (Xbox Series)

Phoenix Reborn Games

Tiny Little Farm – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Manage your own farm, growing a variety of crops in this exciting game. Tackle unexpected challenges, from fussy customers to pesky crows eager to steal your harvest. Master a wide selection of culinary recipes using the fresh produce from your grandparents’ farm.


While We Wait Here

Troglobytes Games

While We Wait Here – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A kitchen management game with dialogue choices and multiple endings. Run a small diner located near a mountain range, take orders from your customers, cook them good food and serve them refreshments. The equilibrium of an ordinary working day is shattered when news of an impending catastrophe is broadcast.


The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication

PQube

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Try to escape with your life in The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication, a first-person survival horror adventure set within Wen Hua University, renowned in Taiwan for its ghost tales & folklore. Play through the eyes of four distinct characters as you evade and confront terrifying ghosts, unravel mind-bending puzzles, and unearth a sinister conspiracy… Will you survive the night, or become the latest victim of the curse?


Card-en-Ciel

INTI CREATES


$24.99

$22.49

Card-en-Ciel – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Card-en-Ciel is a roguelite card-battling RPG featuring over 300 different cards and 50 unique vocal songs! Play as Neon, the “Gaming Chair Detective” famous for solving net-crimes, as he encounters a strange new case when he dives into an in-development game world.


Date Everything!

Team17

Date Everything! – October 24

Date Everything brings an exciting new twist on the dating simulator genre. Your BFA in customer service unfortunately goes to waste as you lose your job to AI. But… a mysterious stranger sends a gift – magical glasses called ‘dateviators’ – which make your house come alive and dateable!


Flint: Treasure of Oblivion

Microids

$39.99

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience the golden age of piracy through a strong and original narrative, real-time exploration and turn-based tactical combat in Flint – Treasure of Oblivion. Dive into the world of piracy bordering on fantasy of Flint: Treasure of Oblivion. Immerse yourself into a rich well-documented and exciting universe thanks to comic-book styled narration and tactical turn-based combat.


Xbox Play Anywhere

The Jackbox Survey Scramble

Jackbox Games, Inc.

The Jackbox Survey Scramble – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Discover how people across the country think! The Jackbox Survey Scramble is a collection of hilarious survey-based games, using real one-word answers from real people. Really!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Miraculous – Paris Under Siege

GameMill Entertainment

$49.99

Miraculous – Paris Under Siege – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Step into the suits of Ladybug and Cat Noir in their most daring adventure yet! Embark on a thrilling adventure where heroism, acrobatic combat and parkour agility collide as Shadow Moth unleashes a wave of villains across the city. It’s up to you and your friends to save Paris!


Neon Blood

Meridiem Games S.L.

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

The dual Viridis, separated between the luxurious Bright City and the dangerous Blind City, where inequality reigns until you, Axel McCoin, an idealistic detective, start a revolution to change the world in this cyberpunk RPG adventure.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Orange Season

SOEDESCO

Orange Season – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A delightful farm-life RPG inspired by the classics of the genre! Make your farmer dreams come true in the charming Orange Town.


Puppet House

Gaming Factory S.A.

Puppet House – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Take on the role of Rick Evans, a photographer with a passion for abandoned and haunted places. Visit the mansion of the deceased Peter Hill and check if you can unravel the place’s dark history.


Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut

Serenity Forge

Slay the Princess: The Pristine Cut – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

You’re on a path in the woods, and at the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a Princess. You’re here to slay her. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world. Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut is a fully voice-acted horror tragicomedy featuring the impeccable talents of Jonathan Sims and Nichole Goodnight, with lovingly hand-penciled frames by Ignatz-winning graphic novelist Abby Howard.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Soul Stalker

Radhood

Soul Stalker – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

A bullet heaven roguelike where you assume the role of the steward of ghosts bound to eternal life on earth. Wield 4 to 6 weapons simultaneously to fend off waves of apparitions determined to defeat your spirited friends. Choose from a diverse pool of 21 characters, 35 weapons, 84 trinkets, and 21 pets to craft your ultimate build!


Stilt Fella

Pineapple Works

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

A highly challenging physics-based arcade game about walking on stilts and overcoming obstacles.


The Smurfs – Dreams

Microids

$39.99

The Smurfs – Dreams – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Gargamel has devised a new evil scheme to catch the Smurfs! He cast a cunning curse on the sarsaparilla bushes, causing a deep slumber across the Smurfs after they eat the delicious leaves. Embark on a dreamlike quest to awaken all the Smurfs before the evil Gargamel reaches the village!


Zombie Survivors XONE Edition

Cube Games

Zombie Survivors – October 24

Zombie Survivors is an action-survival roguelite where you must fight and defeat thousands of zombies and other monsters that seem to devour you.


Boom Robots

Revulo Games LLC

Boom Robots – October 25

Get ready for the ultimate showdown in Boom Robots! Dive into the action as you assemble and customize your dream team of robots, each packed with unique abilities and ready to dominate the battlefield.


Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle

Activision Publishing Inc.


6560

$69.99

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – October 25
Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops. Featured a dynamic Campaign, best-in-class Multiplayer, and the return of Round-Based Zombies.


The Coma 2B: Catacomb

Headup

The Coma 2B: Catacomb – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a Korean survival horror adventure. It is the back story to the previous game, The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters, and a story bridge for the full series. You return as Youngho Choi, the hero from The Coma 1, as you once again venture forth into the terrifying mirror dimension.


Cute Bite

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Cute Bite – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

You are a butler, a loyal servant bound by vampire blood. Unfortunately, after long years asleep in a coffin, your vampire mistress shrank to child-size form! In this condition, she’s too weak to protect you. Train the Little Mistress in skills so she can bite her way through obstacles. She might hunt criminals for their blood, become a celebrity and feed on her fans, raise a dark army to threaten the world, or many other possible outcomes!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Golfing in Aether

Vetron


10

$9.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Golfing in Aether – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Minigolf for up to 16 players online, or 4 players via split screen. Features randomized course layout allowing you to experience something different every time you play.


Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split

Dead Drop Studios LLC

$24.99

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Go back to the beginning of the end in the prologue to Dead Drops’ Studios upcoming Outbreak: Shades of Horror. Play as both the heroes and the villains of the outbreak as you attempt both to avoid an outbreak of epic proportions and to stop word from getting out.


Paper Plane Arena – The Haunted House

EpiXR Games

$9.99

Paper Plane Arena – The Haunted House – October 25

A spooky interactive game experience that is designed to ease your mind and have fun popping innocent balloons. Jump into the role of a little paper plane that is supposed to rescue the world from evil balloon demons by dashing through them.


Rogue Flight

PERP GAMES

Rogue Flight – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Rogue Flight is a breathtaking arcade space combat game inspired by the landmark style of 80’s and 90’s prestige anime. Jump into true stylish arcade action with a huge host of spacecraft upgrades, game modes and multiple narrative paths. Take control of an advanced light space fighter and face hordes of enemies in a last-ditch effort to destroy ARGUS and restore peace to the Sol system.


SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS

SEGA

$49.99

Sonic X Shadow Generations – October 25

Shadow the Hedgehog is back with Classic and Modern Sonic in Sonic X Shadow Generations, an all-new collection featuring two unique experiences! Play as Shadow in a brand-new story campaign featuring never-before-seen abilities that prove why he’s known as the Ultimate Life Form! Speed through iconic stages from Shadow’s history, discover hidden secrets in an expansive hub world, and unlock new powers to take on Black Doom and save the world.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 21 to 25 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Call of Duty 2025 Reportedly a Black Ops 2 Sequel Set ‘Around 2030’

The Call of Duty series looks set to take players back to the future in 2025 with a Black Ops 2 sequel set in the early 2030s.

Fans were alerted to leaked information about next year’s unannounced Call of Duty game after details allegedly revealed in a focus group meeting hit social media. Some of these details were then corroborated by Insider Gaming. Activision declined to comment when contacted by IGN.

While 2024’s Black Ops 6 is set in the 90s to the backdrop of the Gulf War, 2025’s Black Ops game reportedly shoots forward to the 2030s, picking up where 2012’s Black Ops 2, set in 2025, left off.

It reportedly continues the Black Ops storyline from that point, with David Mason from Black Ops 2 as the protagonist. Mechanics from Black Ops 6 said to return include the new body shield and Omnimovement, with some tweaks such as human shields with grenades stuck to them that can be thrown at enemies, and wall jumping. Zombies mode, meanwhile, is said to introduce an eight-player mode.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Infinity Ward is reportedly hard at work on the next Modern Warfare game, presumably Modern Warfare 4. Perhaps that’s due out in 2026.

Developer Treyarch has had four years to work on Black Ops 6, the longest development period of a mainline Call of Duty game yet. Expectations are high then after 2023’s Modern Warfare 3, which is perhaps the most poorly received campaign in Call of Duty history.

Modern Warfare 3, originally conceived as an expansion pack for 2022’s Modern Warfare 2, reportedly imposed crunch on its developers as they battled to create a fully-fledged sequel in just 16 months. Sledgehammer studio head Aaron Halon has insisted Modern Warfare 3 was “years in the making.”

Assuming the reports of next year’s Call of Duty being another Black Ops game hot on the heels of this year’s Black Ops 6 are true, Activision will once again face tough questions around its value as a fully-fledged sequel.

In the shorter term, Black Ops 6 launches on October 25 and straight into Game Pass. It’s the first Call of Duty game to do so since Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. For more, we’ve got confirmation of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s launch Multiplayer maps, modes, and Operators, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s preload and global launch times.

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.

Deadlock is an adrenaline soaked successor to the brawls of Dota 2 – get it away from me

Deadlock gives me the shakes. Valve’s not-so-secret third-person MOBA shooter is a fiercely competitive game of push and pull through monster-peppered city streets. You’ll get into hectic scrapes with a giant blob man and come out of it sweating and swearing, and possibly alive. It is tactical, deep, instinctive, and an interesting work-in-progress. It elicits adrenaline almost as much as it forces murder economics down your piehole. This is the kind of game that puts you into a blistering, exciting (and confusing) battle for survival, then displays a graph when you lose. I need to get as far away from it as possible.

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