Alisa – Developer’s Cut Brings Us to the Dollhouse

Welcome back to the dollhouse. Following last year’s demo featured in the ID@Xbox Demo Fest Showcase, Alisa Developer’s Cut is finally releasing on Xbox One & Series X|S systems. The game aims to be a callback to the golden age of survival horror, all the way down to the native resolutions and pre-rendered backgrounds of the games of old.  The newly released launch trailer aims highlights a mix of the game’s narrative as well as gameplay, featuring an introduction to the game’s story as well as the madness waiting for you inside of the dollhouse.

Alisa’s story takes place in a wartime fantasy universe inspired by the mid-late 1920s. You take the role of Alisa; an elite royal agent tasked with chasing a wanted criminal noted for stealing “blueprints”. However, things seem to go wrong immediately – after a surreal nightmarish experience with doll-like creatures, she wakes up in an old Victorian mansion. There she seems to be only surrounded by doll-like beings that lurk the mansion’s grounds – and aren’t exactly friendly either. Why is she there? What secrets does this strange mansion hold?

ADC screenshot

In-game, you’ll find yourself faced with highly nostalgic, familiar survival horror gameplay. Alisa is at its core a nostalgic throwback to the classics of the genre. The Developer’s Cut version of the game in this release features some modernized features for accessibility however, including multiple controller layouts (allowing the player to select both tank and non-tank control styles), as well as featuring the optional auto-aim toggle found in the old version of the game. It also features multiple save slots, unlike some older survival horror titles. Other than that, however, the game is a survival-horror classic down to its bones (or, pinwheels rather) – including limited currency-based saving, prerendered backgrounds, and even native 480p (upscaled to modern standards of course).

ADC shot

Despite taking place in a dollhouse, you’ll find yourself trekking through tons of distinct and zany environments. The game revels in variety and off-kilter humor, with tons of bizarre and surreal environments and enemies for you to overcome. The mysterious mansion is sectioned off into various different distinct areas, some of which include sprawling gardens and bathhouses, and others which are zany and otherworldly like the funhouse. Each area is filled with a sundry assortment of wicked enemies; these can range from zombie-like humanoid dolls to giant ballerinas to disembodied gigantic baby doll heads to strangely proportioned clowns – among others!

ADC screenshot

Lastly, Alisa features a full array of unique weapons and customizable outfits. Each weapon has a unique combat style and traits. Weapons can include the default sword and then an array of different guns – and possibly other weapons. You can both unlock as well as use your hard-earned pinwheels (the currency of the mansion) to purchase these weapons, outfits, and other items at the puppet shop in the various saferooms in the mansion. Just keep in mind you have limited inventory – so you’ll have to strategize what you take along with you as you venture deeper and deeper into the mansion’s depths.

Developed by Casper Croes and ported to Xbox and published by Top Hat Studios, Alisa Developer’s Cut is out now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with a 15% launch discount until February 20th.

Xbox Live

Alisa Developer’s Cut

Top Hat Studios, Inc.


$17.99

$15.29

Elite Royal Agent Alisa – hot on the heels of a notorious thief in a fantastical world somewhat reminiscent of the 1920s – finds herself suddenly whisked away to an old, bizarre, Victorian-style mansion. Now trapped in a world up-side down, Alisa must find a way to escape – all the while being haunted by the mansion’s strange, mechanized doll-like inhabitants. Can you survive the dollhouse… and escape with your humanity?

The post Alisa – Developer’s Cut Brings Us to the Dollhouse appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Madden NFL 24, Tales of Arise, PlateUp!, and More

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Madden NFL 24, Tales of Arise, PlateUp!, and More

Hi, your local game slinger here, back to add more to your “to be played” collection! Maybe you want to simulate some football before the big game; simulate running from horrors, or simulate moving things a little to the left without having to actually organize your things… we have some games for you. Claim your Perks, check out some updates, and get ready to pre-install some games!

Available Today

Anuchard (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The kingdom of Anuchard has fallen. Generations after the collapse, its surviving descendants have chosen you to become The Bellwielder of the magical Audros Bell. Go forth, battle monsters, solve puzzles, and restore Anuchard to its former skyward glory!

Coming Soon

Train Sim World 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 7
Hit high speeds, roam free along the tracks and get creative with a host of new tools and features in Train Sim World 4. Design your own liveries, plan Scenarios and capture railfan shots with the new Photo Mode across three detailed routes in the UK, Austria and USA.

Madden NFL 24 (Console and PC) – February 8

Madden NFL 24 Key Art

Get ready to light it up in Madden NFL 24 with EA Play. PC Game Pass or Ultimate members can start your season on February 8, 2024, when it joins The Play List, and from then until March 8, you’ll also score an Ultimate Team Supercharge Pack.

Resident Evil 3 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 13

Resident Evil 3 Key Art

Jill Valentine is one of the last remaining people in Raccoon City to witness the atrocities Umbrella performed. To stop her, Umbrella unleashes their ultimate secret weapon; Nemesis! Playing as Jill, you must navigate through the chaotic, zombie infested streets of Raccoon City, stunningly re-built using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. Solve puzzles, encounter other gruesome creatures and try to escape the relentless Nemesis in this reimagining of the 1999 classic!

A Little To The Left (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 14
A cozy puzzle game where every day messes become pleasing puzzle arrangements. Stack documents, sort postcards, and solve all kinds of puzzles across over 100 levels. But watch out for a playful cat who might stop by to swipe away all your hard work!

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 14
Returning to the Game Pass library, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG packing all the best features you’ve come to know and love from the metroidvania genre into a single, content-packed game.

PlateUp! (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 15

Plate Up! Key Art

Classic cooking action with permanent roguelite progression. Cook and serve your dishes, design and decorate your restaurants, and expand your culinary kingdom with unlocks, abilities and dishes in procedurally-generated layouts. Take on the challenge solo or hire up to 3 friends.

Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 20
A daring space archaeologist has just unearthed the ancient resting place of a long lost A.I. god known as Grace. Adventure with various fractured A.I. personalities as you uncover the great mystery of why she was shut down all those years ago in this first-person narrative adventure set in a visually stunning ‘60s retro sci-fi world.

ICYMI

MLB The Show 24 is Coming to Game Pass

MLB The Show 24 Key Art

Coming to Game Pass on day one, MLB The Show 24 announced Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr will be the cover athlete of the Standard Edition. The Deluxe Editions will pay tribute to the legends of Negro Leagues –– Xbox Game Pass members can upgrade with the Digital Deluxe Add-On to get bonus items and play 4 days early. Learn more here.

DLC / Game Updates

Sea of Thieves: Season 11 – Available now
New adventures are at your fingertips! Discover your next Voyage directly at your Quest Table, or choose a challenge that suits you and dive straight into the action. Gather fresh plunder for the Trading Companies as you rise to level 100 and beyond, earning new Distinctions and rich rewards.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Mighty Doom: Cacodemon Mini Slayer Cosmetic – Available now
Wear this Cacodemon cosmetic on your Mini Slayer to show those demons you mean business!  Comes with an Xbox cosmetic for the BFG, Cacodemon cosmetic for the Heavy Cannon and more. Download Mighty Doom on mobile, and log into the game with your associated Microsoft account to claim your Perk. You will need to play through the tutorial at first launch.

F1 23: Champions Upgrade – Available now
Get the Champions Upgrade including 4 New My Team Racing Icons and more with your EA Play membership included with Game Pass Ultimate.

The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure Pack – Available now
Help celebrate The Sims 4’s 24th birthday with us! As a gift to you, enjoy the Jungle Adventure Game Pack with your EA Play membership included with Game Pass Ultimate.

Smite: Year 11 Starter Pack – Available now

Celebrate Year 11 of Smite in style! The Year 11 Starter Pack includes Anubis and his Voice Pack, as well as two skins for Anubis, Gravehound and Cosmic Power, and a 3 Day Account Booster.

Leaving February 15

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so make sure to jump back in and take care of remaining Achievements before they leave. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

  • Galactic Civilizations III (PC)
  • Opus: Echo of Starsong (Cloud, Console, and PC)

For more updates, stay tuned here on Xbox Wire or keep an eye on our socials over at @Xbox on WhatsApp, @XboxGamePassPC on X, or @XboxGamePass on Instagram. Catch you next time!

The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Madden NFL 24, Tales of Arise, PlateUp!, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240201-2000)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3474.240201-2000
  • Available: 2 p.m. PT – February 5, 2024
  • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 6, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

System

  • Various stability and performance fixes.
  • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
      • When did the issue start?
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

  • Some users are reporting an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Games

  • We are investigating user reports of some titles experiencing unexpected display or graphical issues.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240201-2000) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Minecraft Education Launches Good Game Ahead of Safer Internet Day

Every day, online games are a way for young people to connect with others. They’re engaging, creative spaces where players interact and build community. At Xbox, we strive for every player to have an inclusive, welcoming experience — and an important step in that is creating environments where players feel safe. Together, we can foster thriving digital communities. 

Online environments have their own unique challenges compared with real-world scenarios, and they require different digital skills, especially for our youngest players. Ahead of Safer Internet Day, Minecraft Education has created a new addition to the CyberSafe collection of immersive Minecraft worlds designed to help young people stay safe, happy, and thriving online.  

CyberSafe: Good Game is a fun, story-based adventure that helps players understand the responsibilities, tools, responses, and strategies that enable healthy online interactions, collaboration, and rewarding digital experiences, whether those are part of multiplayer gaming or other online activities.  

Minecraft Education users can find CyberSafe: Good Game in the in-game lesson library. The world is also available for free for Minecraft Bedrock players in the Minecraft Marketplace

An Adventure Through Online Gaming

CyberSafe: Good Game takes place just before summer break, as a group of friends discusses how to level up in their favorite game together. Unfortunately, one of their friends can’t play because they broke their controller after a series of frustrating encounters with online bullies. 

To help their friend, players create a Good Game Guide. This guidebook will provide helpful strategies for managing challenging online situations in support of a safer, more enjoyable gaming experience. 

In CyberSafe: Good Game, players encounter common problems they might experience in online spaces, including online bullies sabotaging their success, excessive distractions from the in-game chat, inappropriate screen names and language, and more. In each scenario, they’ll have the chance to use the right tools to address the issue. Players can choose to ignore, correct, mute, or report a behavior. 

After each challenge, players will reflect on what they’ve experienced and add an entry into their Good Game Guide. At the end of the adventure, they’ll be able to use this guidebook as a code of conduct for their future online gaming experiences.  

Building a Better Online Community for Everyone

CyberSafe: Good Game emphasizes responsibility and treating others with respect, kindness, and consideration when online. The game’s challenge-based framework allows players to apply effective tools and strategies to the gaming space, giving them opportunities to practice appropriate responses, normalizing their use, and fostering empathy and responsible digital behavior. 

“Good Game is the latest learning adventure in the CyberSafe series where players are given the tools to be agents on their safety journey. In a world that deeply needs more collaboration and dialogue, what could be more important than sparking a cultural shift to foster healthy and respectful communities,” says Carlos Figueiredo, Director of Player Safety on Minecraft.

As the world becomes more infused with technology, it’s critical that young people learn to look at digital spaces as forums they can use to make the world better. 

Research shows the role that parents and educators can take to help young people navigate the online world. Microsoft’s annual Global Online Safety Survey found that 87 percent of children surveyed reported talking to their parent about an online risk. That means young people often trust their parents for support on these issues, and speaking with parents, caregivers or trusted adults is an important part of creating safer online habits.  

These conversations aren’t always easy, but there are some powerful strategies parents can keep in mind. A report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology shares some key findings: 

  • Start the conversation early. 
    Discussions about digital citizenship can start as soon as young people begin using technology. By the time they’re in elementary school, children often already know about security, privacy, and online risks, and they’re eager to learn how to stay safe.  
  • Talk it out to help young people navigate online spaces. 
    Parents might hesitate to bring up online privacy and security because they don’t feel like they know enough. But when children talk to their parents, they become more knowledgeable, even if the conversations aren’t highly technical—just topics like online activities and making good choices.  
  • Understand how young people see the digital world
    Children tend to see online privacy and security as within their control, and they understand that different risks come with different situations. On the other hand, parents tend to see most online activities as risky, so they often enforce restrictions instead of discussing positive behaviors and outcomes. 

If you’re looking for more resources and tips for family gaming, visit xbox.com/family. You can learn more about what Xbox offers for families, including information about privacy and access to privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app, and our Community Standards. Finally, explore the Family Online Safety Toolkit to find further guidance and support for safe, fun, and healthy digital communities. 

The post Minecraft Education Launches Good Game Ahead of Safer Internet Day appeared first on Xbox Wire.

 Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – Meet Lost Ghosts and Determine Their Fate in Haunting Cases

Hi everyone, we are Elise Galmard, Lead Narrative Designer, and Simon Svoboda, Lead Level Designer at Don’t Nod. We’re a part of the team bringing you Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, a supernatural tale of two lovers and ancient secrets.

In this supernatural Action-RPG, play as two ghost hunters and lovers who face impossible choices that harbor dramatic consequences for the living… and the dead.

From February 13, you’ll get the chance to sift through the shadows of the past in New Eden, but before then we’d love to give you a glimpse into the world. Today we’re talking all about haunting cases, a common form of quest you’ll encounter in Banishers.

Behind The Veil

Our game universe is set in the world of the 17th century as we know it, with one major difference: the world is plagued with curses and ghost hauntings.

During a Haunting Case, you will find ghosts that are still attached to the world of the living, which you as a Banisher, will be asked to investigate and solve. Haunting Cases serve as side quests in our game.

A ghost is the lingering spirit of a dead person, holding onto some of their memories and feelings. Bound to the Incarnate world (the world of the living) by unresolved emotion that takes the form of an item called the Soul-tie, a ghost is also attached to one or more living beings, forever linked and wandering until you set them free. You must discover the truth behind each lingering ghost and why they’re here.

With time, all ghosts will decay and turn into specters: entities reduced to their base primal emotion, and with no memory or personality. This dilution of their humanity – also called paling – can be resisted if they feed from the surrounding life force. Indeed, the only way for a ghost to sustain themselves in the Incarnate is to feed on the essence of the living to keep their hold and grow stronger. That is the main reason as to why Banishers dispatch the dead: to protect the life force of the living, and to keep ghosts from paling into terrible, forever hungry spirits.

In the game you’ll encounter characters with deep secrets and concealed truth. For instance, you’ll uncover the story of an anxious wife awaiting her husband’s return, only to later realize that she had taken his life to escape an abusive marriage. As Banishers, a crucial choice awaits. Wil you blame her, seeking retribution for murder? Or will you banish the soul of her departed, abusive and revengeful husband?

Reveal The Unsaid and Bring Closure

To bring Closure, a Banisher needs to investigate and gather Hints on all people and ghosts involved in the case to understand everyone’s Intent.

In the case’s final moments, the Banishers will be presented with a choice to solve the situation. Three different solutions are available: releasing, banishing, or blaming the people and spirit involved. Ascending the departed souls allow them to find peace, whereas banishing lead them to infinite torment in a realm where souls wander without finding any solace. Blaming on the other hand, is a darker path where that involves a sacrifice: taking the life of the living to feed Antea with their soul.

Each decision that you take during the game will have a consequence on the remaining settlers. Each choice will have an impact and lead to different outcomes, especially for Red and Antea.

In Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, you’ll fall into a powerful and intimate narrative. We have put a lot of ourselves in each of the stories and narrative branches. We can’t wait for you to discover the game on Xbox Series X|S on February 13!

The post  Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – Meet Lost Ghosts and Determine Their Fate in Haunting Cases appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240131-2000)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3471.240131-2000
  • Available: 2 p.m. PT – February 2, 2024
  • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 3, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Profile

  • Fixes to address an issue where users were unable to ‘Like’ posts in the recent activity section on the welcome page when viewing the full profile.
  • Fixes to improve navigation of recent activity with a keyboard.

Rewards

  • Fixed an issue where the Rewards catalog was difficult to read when using Light Theme.

System

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
      • When did the issue start?
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

  • Some users are reporting an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Games

  • We are investigating user reports of some titles experiencing unexpected display or graphical issues.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240131-2000) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Anime Month Returns with Great Discounts on Games and Movies

Anime Month Hero Image

Xbox Anime Month Returns with Great Discounts on Games and Movies

Summary

  • More than 90 games and movies are discounted during Xbox Anime Month.
  • Experience new anime-inspired games on Game Pass like Persona 3 Reloaded.
  • Enjoy special Free Play Days events featuring One Piece Odyssey, Code Vein, and more.

Whether you’re into hanging out with Naruto, catching up on some of your favorite anime series, or just love to throw down in some of your favorite games, Xbox Anime Month is coming soon and will be running all through the month of February with awesome discounts across movies, games, and more! Grab these savings on the Xbox Store for a limited time as we celebrate all things anime across new Game Pass releases, new game launches (we see you Persona 3 Reloaded), and Free Play Days.


Save Big on Select Anime-Inspired Games on Console and PC

During Anime Month, play through awesome adventures with two amazing limited-time sales! The first collection will be available until February 14, followed by a second collection running through February 29. Both feature new titles and feature classic anime worlds from the likes of Dragon Ball, Naruto, Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle, and One Piece World Seeker.

For PC gamers we have two collections: One is full of anime-inspired PC games and the other related to games available with PC Game Pass, including Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Persona 5 Tactica, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, and more. Many of these games support Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning your saved progress is shared between console and PC.


Experience Two Epic Anime Game Launches

  • Persona 3 Reload (Cloud, Console, and PC): If I told you there was an hour “hidden” between one day and the next…would you believe me? Walk the delicate line between life and death and unravel the mysteries of the Dark Hour in Persona 3 Reload, a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era. Learn how Atlus has reimagined this classic game in this in-depth preview on Persona 3 Reloaded here on Xbox Wire.
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash: Experience the highly acclaimed series from Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, “Jujutsu Kaisenjutsu Kaisen,” for the first time on console. Play iconic characters from the series and relive the story of the anime with 2 VS. 2 3D battles! You can learn more about how this new game is based on the beloved source material in this exclusive feature on Xbox Wire.

Get up to 80% off on Microsoft Movies & TV

Find your new favorite anime movies and TV series, or catch up on the ones you already love, in our massive Microsoft Movies & TV Anime sale. Our collections feature favorites such as “Bleach: The Complete Series,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Sailor Moon,” and more.


Explore more with Xbox Game Pass

Dive into collections of anime-inspired games available with Game Pass on Console and PC. Game Pass Ultimate members also get special discounts on movies and TV shows throughout the month and Season 1 of “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” as a Perk from February 7 to March 7, 2024. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the U.S. on Console and PC can find this specific Perk within the Game Pass Gallery.

Game Pass members can also check out the anime-inspired fighting game, Guilty Gear – Strive-. The latest entry in the critically acclaimed Guilty Gear fighting game franchise, Guilty Gear -Strive- upholds the series’ reputation for groundbreaking hybrid 2D/3D cell-shaded graphics and intense, rewarding gameplay with a fully voiced story mode diving deep into the Guilty Gear universe.


Free Play Days

Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can try the below games for free during Free Play Days:

  •  One Piece Odyssey: February 2 – February 4, 2024
  • Code Vein: February 8 – February 11, 2024

More details can be found by navigating to the Free Play Days section from your home Xbox console by following these steps:

  • Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
  • Select Store > Home > Subscriptions.
  • Scroll down to Free Play Days to explore what’s currently available.

Make sure you take advantage of these savings on the Xbox Store for a limited time while you can! Xbox Anime Month will be running through February 2024 with awesome discounts on movies, games, and more!

The post Xbox Anime Month Returns with Great Discounts on Games and Movies appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 5 to 9

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 5 to 9

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!


Xbox Live

Sydney Hunter And The Curse Of The Mayan

CollectorVision Games

$9.99

Sydney Hunter and the Curse of the Mayan – February 5

A love-letter to 8-bit action-adventure games with challenging platformer gameplay and a huge number of Maya-inspired bosses. As Sydney Hunter, adventure supreme, who by sheer luck manages to get trapped inside a massive Maya pyramid, soon discovers that the “Feathered Serpent” Kukulkan has broken up the sacred Haab calendar into seven individual pieces and has hidden them inside the very same pyramid!


Xbox Live

Alisa Developer’s Cut

Top Hat Studios, Inc.

Alisa Developer’s Cut – February 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Elite Royal Agent Alisa – hot on the heels of a notorious thief in a fantastical world somewhat reminiscent of the 1920s – finds herself suddenly whisked away to an old, bizarre, Victorian-style mansion. Now trapped in a world upside down, Alisa must find a way to escape – all the while being haunted by the mansion’s strange, mechanized doll-like inhabitants. Can you survive the dollhouse… and escape with your humanity?


Xbox Live

Dungeonoid 2 Awakening

Eastasiasoft Limited

Dungeonoid 2 Awakening – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Classic dungeon crawling gets a block-busting twist in Dungeonoid 2 Awakening, a top-down adventure presented in retro pixel art style! In this genre mashup, you’ll pick from four role-playing classes, each with their own unique stats and special skill, then set off on a quest to conquer evil by controlling a floating platform to deflect a magical orb into targets along the way.


Xbox Live

Cannibal Abduction

Torture Star Video

$11.99

Cannibal Abduction – February 8
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

From horror master Tomás Esconjaureguy, comes two twisted tales of terror! This thrilling VHS-styled low-poly survival horror pack is a must-have for any slasher enthusiasts. With cat and mouse style gameplay and light puzzles, avoid the killers at all costs by using the shadows or hiding spots. Can you survive, or will you join the ranks of those who have failed?


Xbox Live

Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure

Jetpack Collective, The Iterative Collective

Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure – February 8

Welcome, adventurers! Explore the beautiful Ikonei Island, befriend magical creatures, and fight monsters with your friends or adventure solo. Gather resources, craft tools, and gear. Farm the land, build your base or a cozy home, and decorate it however you like.


Xbox Live

INVECTOR: RHYTHM GALAXY

Warner Music Group

Invector: Rhythm Galaxy – February 8

From Warner Music and the acclaimed indie game studio, Hello There Games, Invector: Rhythm Galaxy invites players to embark on a musical journey. Soar through vibrant celestial landscapes perfectly synched to the beat of chart-topping hits from some of today’s biggest stars, including Charlie Puth, PinkPantheress, Fifty Fifty, and many more.


Xbox Live

Mustache In Hell

QUByte Interactive

Mustache in Hell – February 8

John Mustache is a tough-as-nails police officer. After some disquieting dreams, he finds himself awake in a strange place and must make an unexpected deal with the Grim Reaper to regain control of his life in this comical, twin-stick action game. You and your mustache must battle hordes of enemies, collect loot, upgrade weapons, and take on enormous bosses.


Xbox Live

The Inquisitor

Kalypso Media

The Inquisitor – February 8
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

You are Mordimer Madderdin, an Inquisitor in God’s service, sent to the town of Koenigstein which is plagued by a series of mysteries and sin. Solve the various cases and crimes of those who have transgressed against the faith, all while uncovering the truth of a darker evil from another realm that is trying to enter the world of the living.


Xbox Live

Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2

Samustai LTD

Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2 – February 9

In the card game Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2, you must weigh every decision to not die ahead of time. Explore the kingdom from the snowy forests of the north to the endless fields of the south and meet its inhabitants. Rule graciously but firmly, deal with traitors, and do not confuse friends with enemies.


Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Control:Override

Brain Station 23

Control:Override – February 9

Control: Override is a puzzle game where you must switch control between yourself and the environment. Break the rules of physics. Solve puzzles. Stop the rebel AI. And maybe face the reality of why it turned against you.


Xbox Live

Deathly Dangerous

ChiliDog Interactive

$4.99

Deathly Dangerous – February 9

Deathly Dangerous is a new twin-stick action game with high emphasis on dynamic combat, rogue-like elements, and a crisp pixel art style. This game gives you literally hordes of enemies and different tools to dispose of them — cartoonish violence has never been so fun before.


Xbox Live

Jubilee

Red Art Games


$9.99

$8.99

Jubilee – February 9
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Jubilee is about pure precision platforming. Jump and spin through a variety of challenges: no upgrades, no power-ups. Collect gems and rescue animals. There’s multiple routes through the diverse regions of the world: make your own way to the exit… and freedom!


Xbox Live

Manitas Kitchen

Entalto Studios

Manitas Kitchen – February 9
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Bring together a group of dinosaurs with extraordinary skills to make up the best kitchen brigade the world has ever seen, all under the supervision of a very rude and very tiny boss. How does an Ankylosaurus knead dough? Why do Triceratops need a flamethrower? A Pterodactyl that cannot fly? Use their incredible skills to cook faster and better!


Xbox Live

Prisonela DX

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Prisonela DX – February 9
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Get ready for platforming incarceration insanity in Prisonela DX. Use your special parkour abilities to overcome all the obstacles and avoid all the traps. Don’t expect to atone for your mistakes in this prison madhouse though — each time you die, you’ll be warped to a completely different level where you’ll have to adapt and survive.


Xbox Live

The Tales of Bayun

Samustai LTD

The Tales of Bayun – February 9

The Tales of Bayun is a narrative adventure game with RPG elements in a grim Eastern European and Slavic fantasy setting. A unique world based on fairy tales and legends. Fascinating stories with unexpected plot twists. Authentic characters with their own secrets and motivation. Tough moral choices with unpredictable consequences.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 5 to 9 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Get To Know Our Team: Joshua – Program Manager (OS Flighting)

Get To Know Our Team
Joshua
Program Manager (OS Flighting)

Hi, everyone! Wynn here. Today is the first in a series of quick dives into the people behind the Xbox Insider Team. We’re here with Joshua—a Program Manager and familiar face around the Wire—to chat more about the man behind the burger.

Let’s give it up for the Release Notes Virtuoso himself. Joshua, how’s it going man?

Haha. Going well. So, we’re sticking with that virtuoso stuff?

Just trying to give everyone’s positions a little more flair. “Program Manager” is so boring and corporate, you know?

That’s fair, that’s fair.

So yeah man, welcome to our inaugural “Get To Know Our Team” interview. How are you feeling about being the guinea pig for this first one? Excited?

Excited is a word. Nervous? Hah. Just happy to be here.

Well, as Philly D likes to say, let’s just jump into it. Tell the Community a little about yourself.

Lemme try to think of a good answer here. I don’t wanna just be like, “I’m Joshua, I’ve lived all over the West Coast. I have a dog.”

You’re 6’3” and totally shredded. Yeah, we get it.

Yeah, exactly. But I guess a few things about me would be that I’m really into media consumption, like movies, shows, music, anything you can be entertained by, I’m there; in particular, I love movies. I’m also pretty much non-existent on social media.

I’m sorry. I didn’t catch that last bit over the sound of 15 apps sending me a notification on my phone.

I just don’t really care about them. I have some accounts to lurk occasionally, but I’m not active or posting anywhere. I’m generally a pretty private person. It’s also how I have so much time to watch all these movies.

I’ll probably just put that Anthony Mackie, “He’s outta line, but he’s right,” gif as a response to that. But since movies are your favorite, do you have the AMC Stubs Pass or whatever?

Oh yeah. BIG, Stubs A-List user. I go to the movie theater all the time. Even before A-List, I had MoviePass, and before that I was just spending way more money. I watch pretty much anything from your F-Tier slop to summer blockbusters.

Hahaha. I will be inconsolable when they finally get rid of $5 ticket Tuesdays. So, what was your favorite movie going experience in 2023 then?

Another tough one. Let me go look back through my app. *finger scrolling noises*

Okay, there were a lot of good movies this year. *finger scrolling intensifies*

Obviously, stuff like Oppenheimer, Spider-Man, John Wick, Guardians of the Galaxy, are all at the top of my list. But I think that Sisu is going to be my pick just because it really surprised me with how good it was.

That was John Wick type dude vs. Nazi’s, right?

Yeah, basically. He’s a miner and they steal his stuff. It’s pretty cool because the main character only says like 5 words right at the end of the movie. Lots of interesting shots and camerawork.

That’s dope. I like it when movies/shows stick to a certain unique premise like that. I think my favorite from 2023 was easily Dungeons & Dragons. I know that’s the nerdiest answer ever, but as a hardcore Realms enjoyer it was just a great, fun time.

But let’s talk more XIP stuff. Take us through your Microsoft journey. How did you end up on this team?

You know, it’s kinda interesting. I’ve basically worked my entire adult life with Xbox, except for a few brief places early on (classics like delivering pizza). I was hired as T1 Support in July 2011 out of an old call center in Beaverton, Oregon. I spent around five years in the support channels moving my way up the ranks.

I started like anyone else at a new job, but I was pretty good at it and had some experience with Networking, so that’s where they put me. From there I was one of the original Xbox Rangers, and I’ve been a member of Tier 3 tech support, a Case Manager, and a Mentor Lead. Oh, I also moved to Washington during this time!

Then, in 2016, Jon [Note For Readers: Jon is also on the Xbox Insider Team.] pings me and says he’s leaving the Rangers to come to XIP. He wanted to see if I was interested in being interviewed to be his replacement to join the Rangers again. I got that gig and worked for the Rangers for another five or so years before Jon tells me about an opening on this team. So, I started here in 2022 and have been working on OS Flighting ever since.

I’m sensing a pattern here.

Haha. Yeah, if Jon moves to another team, I’ve got a 2-year countdown that automatically sits above my head like a boss-timer.

Amazing. I’ll make sure we don’t party wipe. But that’s interesting, I didn’t realize you were the newest on the team besides me. I assumed everyone had been here since the dawn of time.

It’s really cool how easily everyone slots into their niche. We’re really a well-oiled machine. I took over OS Flighting from Jon and he became Team Lead, and I was really able to hit the ground running.

Speaking of, with our big 10th Anniversary coming up, is there anything you can share with the Community about what you’re working on?

Absolutely. I think you may have touched on this in the last Community Update, but my current project is giving the release notes some TLC. Updating sections, making sure we’re giving as much info as possible, lots of little things to make sure the experience is best it can be. That plus the daily feedback triage stuff is what I’m focusing on right now.

I’m super stoked about everything we’ve got going on with Release Notes right now. I think this is going live before the [Big Change In Feb Community Update], but if I had a camera I would turn to it and say, “It’s almost like we planned this.”

Yeah, I think it’s a great change.

In a similar line of questioning, do you have a particular favorite moment or favorite thing you’ve worked on since you started?

Hmm. Let me think. I don’t think there’s a like particular, big, huge moment. But last year we did this project around mapping keyboard keys to controller buttons, and I got to work really closely with that team on the articles and rollout. It was just a really fun experience and anytime we get to expand our accessibility efforts is always great.

Dude, that’s awesome. We love to see it.

Okay, let’s switch gears a little bit. Some rapid fire questions.

I’m ready. Let’s go.

What’s the game that has impacted your life the most?

That’s your rapid fire?

Haha, point taken. I like this one more than “favorite” game.

Well, luckily, I have an immediate answer. Secret of Mana for the SNES. It was one of the first games that I played through with my dad, and I have just amazing memories I’ll never forget from that experience.

That’s so awesome dude. I played a ton of SNES games with my parents as well. I still remember when I accidentally erased my mom’s Super Mario World save file and spent a fair amount of my formative years getting her back to 96 stars.

Wow, that’s tough love.

Definitely, but I was dumb kid, and this probably ended up making me better at platformers in the long run.

Okay, maybe this one will be quicker. Favorite album you’ve been jamming recently?

Oliver Tree’s entire discography. Just every song is a banger and I love watching his music videos too. They all have this “low budget” feel while still looking amazing and having great direction. That said, my music is pretty often ‘just hit shuffle’ and I’m into it. Anything from Taylor Swift to Heilung, Tommy Cash to Johnny Cash, and everything in between. Of course, I still sometimes end up listening to the same songs for six months until I never want to hear them again. You know, like a normal human.

Do you have a show that you keep on repeat for those six months as well, or something you always go back to?

Aqua Teen [Hunger Force]. Easily seen every episode of that show dozens, if not a hundred plus times.

Excellent choice. An absolute classic. That opening song is legendary.

Okay, let’s move out of tech/gaming/multimedia. Do you have any hobbies that don’t involve electricity?

I love to cook, but I don’t have a gas-range, does that count? I also read a lot. I recently went through all the Drizzt books from R.A Salvatore, and I’m two books deep into the original Dune trilogy.

If this wasn’t already so long, I would fanboy with you about Forgotten Realms for another 15 minutes. I adore that setting and the Drizzt books rule. “Come gather ‘round ye hardy men of the steppes. Of heroes bold and friendships fast and the Tyrant of Icewind Dale.” Still gives me chills.

Yeah, there’s so many of them now, but they were all very solid.

Okay, let’s wrap this up. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with the Community?

I think it’s safe to say we’re all fans of gaming, just like most of you are. I’ve been playing games forever, and I still remember getting my original Xbox console / playing Halo for the first time. If I were not working here, that wouldn’t change. I would still stay up way too late playing my favorite games and watching for all the latest games and tech coming out. Being here just means I can channel that passion a bit. With my work on the release notes, I may not be able to provide everything you want, but I’ll always do my best to give you what you need.

Wonderfully said, man. Thanks so much Joshua for taking the time chat with us today, and for being our first interviewee!

Xbox Insiders, be sure to be on the lookout for more content all throughout February including more interviews from the team, a beefy Community Update, a trip down memory lane, and so much more. All of our 10th Anniversary content can be found on our Hub Page (Coming Soon).

Until next time! Wynn/

The post Get To Know Our Team: Joshua – Program Manager (OS Flighting) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240129-2000)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3465.240129-2000
  • Available: 4 p.m. PT – February 1, 2024
  • Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – February 2, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Omega users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Xbox Game Pass

When launching an Xbox Game Pass title that is leaving the catalog soon, a random subset of users will see we have re-enabled a new dialog which will help clarify exactly when it is leaving and offer an easy path to purchase the game to keep playing even after it has left.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Accessibility

  • Fixed an issue where the voice and keyboard indicators in party chat would not display as expected when using speech-to-text.

Controllers

  • Fixed an unexpected error indicating there was a problem updating your controller, even when the update was successful.

Guide

  • Fixes to address some areas of the guide appearing larger than expected.

System

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
      • When did the issue start?
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

  • Some users are reporting an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Games

  • We are investigating user reports of some titles experiencing unexpected display or graphical issues.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240129-2000) appeared first on Xbox Wire.