Coming to Game Pass: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Immortals of Aveum, Lords of the Fallen, and More

Grab your controllers and keyboards, because we have another round of games coming soon! Most importantly though, grab your headphones – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II launches next week. While sharing is caring, this is one you’re going to want to listen to yourself for the full experience. Now let’s get to all the games!

Available Today

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The critically acclaimed and award-winning classic is returning to the Game Pass library! Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director Josef Fares and developer Starbreeze Studios. Solve puzzles, explore the varied locations, and fight boss battles while controlling one brother with each thumb stick.

Coming Soon

Chants of Sennaar (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 15
In this award-winning puzzle adventure game, play as the Traveler whose quest is to reunite the Peoples of the Tower. Observe, listen, and decipher ancient languages in a fascinating universe inspired by the Myth of Babel.

EA Sports NHL 24 (Cloud) EA Play – May 16
EA Sports NHL 24 will be available with Xbox Cloud Gaming soon via EA Play! Feel the intensity of hockey with all new gameplay features that dial up the pressure, physicality, and control of authentic on-ice action.

Immortals of Aveum (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – May 16
Immortals of Aveum is coming to The Play List! Summon your power with PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play in this single-player, first-person magic shooter. Unleash an arsenal of spells as Jak, who joins an elite order of battlemages to save a world on the edge of abyss.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 21
Available on day one with Game Pass! 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. Pre-install now to get ready to play on day one.

Galacticare (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) – May 23
Available on day one with Game Pass! You are the Director of Galacticare, an interstellar healthcare company and quasi-voluntary savior of the Galaxy (for cash.) Build hospitals and recruit staff to satisfy the whims of various alien species and cure their bizarre illnesses Save the (literal) Galaxy in story mode, or head into sandbox to design the hospital of your dreams.

Hauntii (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 23
Available on day one with Game Pass! Play as a brave yet naive little ghost, Hauntii, and set off on a quest guided by enigmatic Eternians. Possess, solve puzzles, and shape your fate in this captivating adventure. The game’s hand-crafted art style blends line art and animation with a striking palette, creating a visually captivating experience. Coupled with the dynamic soundtrack, it enhances the immersive exploration of mysterious landscapes.

Moving Out 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 28
Are you ready to become an all-star F.A.R.T? That’s a Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technician in the world of Moving Out 2. Working solo, or with up to three friends, slip into your uniform and help the residents of Packmore, and beyond, to pack up and ship out!

Humanity (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 30
Become a Shiba Inu and help reconstruct humankind in the acclaimed action-puzzle game Humanity. Drop commands to guide a mindless human horde to the goal through 90 increasingly challenging handcrafted story mode stages. Then, choose from thousands of user-made puzzles expanding on the breadth of mechanics, or design your own and share it with the community.

Lords of the Fallen (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 30
A vast world awaits in the all-new, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As one of the fabled Dark Crusaders, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. Learn more about how Lords of the Fallen goes rogue(like) with its recent ‘Master of Fate’ update on Xbox Wire.

Firework (PC) – June 4
An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate the closed case of a massacre. You will play as a rookie police officer who participates in the re-investigation by chance. As the investigation goes deeper, the past of the victims gradually emerges and the case becomes more bewildering.

Rolling Hills (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 4
Available on day one with Game Pass! Serve up sushi as a robot chef in Rolling Hills, a life sim about running your own restaurant in a cozy village. Make new friends, purchase ingredients, enhance your shop, and improve the lives of your neighbors as you perfect your craft!

DLC / Game Updates

Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns – Available now
Game Pass members save 10% off their purchase! Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns sees the smash hit roguelike join forces with Konami’s iconic Contra series, adding tons of guns and other weapons (we’re talking 22, including evolutions!), 11 new characters, a huge map, and a soundtrack that combines classic Contra tracks with Vampire Survivors covers.

Minecraft 15 Year Anniversary – Starting May 15
Minecraft is celebrating 15 years of gripping adventures and mind-blowing creations! Whether you’ve been crafting since alpha or joined somewhere along the way, you’ve left your mark on every block. Watch out for upcoming announcements from Minecraft!

Starfield Update – May 15
Starfield’s largest update since launch is coming on May 15! The May Update includes more detailed surface maps; new gameplay difficulty options and display settings; new features for ship customization and more! Learn more on Bethesda.net.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Minecraft: 500 Minecoins – Starting May 15
Claim 500 Minecoins! Spend them on epic adventure maps, skins, add-ons, and more imaginative content, all crafted by creators and available on Minecraft Marketplace. What will your next adventure be?

Naraka: Bladepoint – Available Now
Claim exclusive Xbox headgear, new season treasures, legendary skin trial bundle and more in the new Perks Bundle! Get a kick start in the new season with the help of experience boost cards! This Perk content requires Naraka: Bladepoint to use.

Leaving May 31

The following games are leaving soon, so be sure to jump back in and tie up and loose ends or grab some extra achievements before they leave! You can also save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library and keep the fun going.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Farworld Pioneers (Cloud, Console, and PC)
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Pac-man Museum Plus (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Little Witch in the Woods (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Railway Empire II (Cloud, Console, and PC)

That’s the list for now, but you can always keep an eye on Xbox, Game Pass, and PC Game Pass for reminders on when all of these are available to play. Also, don’t forget to block your calendar for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct June 9 – we’ll have even more news for you then. Talk soon!

The post Coming to Game Pass: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Immortals of Aveum, Lords of the Fallen, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Forza Motorsport: Track Toys Come to Life in Update 8

The post Forza Motorsport: Track Toys Come to Life in Update 8 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Join the Circuit of Champions Event Now through May 23

Crafted with meticulous attention to player feedback, this electrifying track is a direct response to the clamor for more verticality in our racing experience. We heard you loud and clear after the release of our first Racing circuit, and Titans’ Alley delivers in spades. Prepare to navigate hairpin turns, dizzying ascents, and heart-stopping descents as you vie for victory in this thrilling new desertic environment.

Harness the power of your Dragons and ascend to victory in the ultimate test of speed and skill!

Ready for an unparalleled adrenaline rush? Get set to soar with the wind and command the strength of Dragons as you plunge into the depths of the Titan’s Alley desert.

The Circuit of Champions event not only unveils the new desert-themed circuit, but also two new Pick Ups:

Blast ability: This ability works like the one used in PvP modes on the Phantom & Windguard: You first launch a projectile with a visible “bubble” to display its blast radius (grey for the caster, red for the enemies). The projectile explodes when colliding with a surface or when you press the ability key again for manual activation.
Dash Ability: This ability is similar to the Feral Charge used by the Rimeblood in PvP modes. You can lock a target in front of you and quickly dash towards them upon activation. If you hit the target, they are struck while you continue forward.

You can also experiment with two new features added to the Dragon Racing game mode:

Double Pickup System: You can now carry up to two abilities at the same time. The UI now displays an active slot in the foreground and a reserve slot in the background.
Draft System: The Dragon Racing mode now features a Draft System, similar to other racing games. Staying behind a dragon for a short time (1.5s) will trigger a small speed boost.

The swiftest Dragoneers will not only claim victory but also unlock amazing prizes as a testament to their triumph!

As Dragoneers take flight atop their majestic dragons, navigating through challenging laps and outmaneuvering rivals, their quest extends beyond mere glory. They’re racing towards the promise of incredible prizes, awaiting those bold enough to seize victory with skill and determination.

Dragoneers will not only etch their names into the annals of dragon racing history but also gain access to exclusive rewards that will leave them in awe. From legendary Dragon gear, legendary and epic chests to scarce in-game currency and beyond, every triumph in the Circuit of Champions event propels you closer to a vault of jolly rewards.

Don’t wait another moment—leap into action today and claim your place as the quickest Dragoneer in this time-limited challenge!

Century: Age of Ashes

Playwing LTD

☆☆☆☆☆
326

★★★★★

Get it now

Century: Age of Ashes, the multiplayer dragon battle game is now available for free! Customize your dragon, dive into the arena and compete to become a legendary Dragoneer. Burn your enemies and rule the skies!

——-
INTENSE ARENA BATTLES
Dive into the arena alone or with friends and fight for your survival in exciting game modes:
– Outbreak (PvE): team up and protect the towers of Hel’s Breach against waves of horrific enemies.
– Carnage (PvP): A killing spree with special power ups. It’s Team Deathmatch, Dragon riders style!
– Gates of Fire (PvP): Two teams clash over possession of the flag. Gain points by flying through gates while holding the flag!
– Spoils of War (PvP): Steal gold from carriers & the enemy while protecting your own nest, and adapt to unexpected situations!
– Survival (PvP): It’s every dragoneer for themselves! Pit against other players in a ferocious and unforgiving free-for-all clash.

——-
CHOOSE YOUR CLASS
Experience different play styles with unique classes, each with their own abilities! Shield and disorient as the Windguard, track and destroy as the Marauder, stealth and trap as the Phantom, rush and thunder-shock your opponents as the Stormraiser, vine-trap them as the Thornweaver or frost-charge them as the Rimeblood! How will you choose your path to victory?

——-
FULL CUSTOMIZATION
Your dragon, your style! Century: Age of Ashes offers carefully designed cosmetic items to stand out in the arena. Gain experience as you play and unlock awesome skins to customize your dragon and its rider! Don’t worry, these items are purely cosmetic and offer no advantage in battle.

——-
FREE TO PLAY
Century: Age of Ashes is completely free-to-play. In order to keep the experience fair and equitable, in-game purchases are purely cosmetic. Battles are won by skill and teamwork alone.

The post Join the Circuit of Champions Event Now through May 23 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Magical Felines Collide in Strategy Deckbuilder Spellcats, Launching May 17

Summary

A magical roguelike deckbuilder where strategy is king and cats are the pawns.
Innovative card gameplay featuring a diverse deck of 100 unique magical cats.
Enchanting narrative set in a world where cats wield elemental powers.

Experience a magical convergence of strategy and chance in Spellcats, where mystical felines rule and tactics triumph. In this innovative roguelike deckbuilder, you are the catalyst in a spellbound world dominated by a group of humans called Nekocasters. Dare to venture into mysterious dungeons and the shadowy lairs where you must use your strategic skills to overcome your adversaries and free your four-legged siblings. Traverse mysterious dungeons, make card combos, and free your companions combining cards and cats.

As the Only Cat with Free Will, You are the Hope for Your Species.

Harness the raw power of over 100 diverse cat cards. Each cat comes to life with extraordinary abilities, from the stealthy Alley Pouncer to the majestic Thunderclaw. Build your deck with a mix of tactical prowess and random fortune, ensuring each dungeon run is filled with thrilling unpredictability.

Five Elements, Twenty Amulets, and Endless Meows

Spellcats also offers a unique gaming experience with five different elements: Water, Electricity, Fire, Ice, and Earth, each with its unique gameplay style that enriches the player’s experience through a myriad of mystical landscapes. Additionally, over 20 amulets await to be discovered and used. These will enhance the army of kittens and give an advantage in battles.

Strategy and Magic Combined in a Unique Rogueline Card Game

Empower your journey with unique trinkets, each adding layers of depth to your strategic maneuvers. These artifacts are imbued with capabilities that amplify your feline summons, turning the tide of battles. Dive into the heart of darkness and light in Spellcats, where each play is a step towards liberation or doom. The fate of the Nekos rests upon your shoulders—will you rise as their savior, or will the shadows of Nekocasters eclipse the land forever? Prepare to cast, conquer, and ascend in this enchanting saga of survival and sorcery, launching this May. Are you ready to unleash the true power of the paw?

Spellcats: Auto Card Tactics

NintaiStudios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$13.99

Pre-order

Calling all cat lovers and card game aficionados!
Step into the paws of the only sentient feline in a human-dominated world. Gifted with the extraordinary magic power to summon other cats, you alone hold the key to freeing your kind. Fight the Nekocasters, a cadre of humans exploiting innocent ‘Nekos’ for their own nefarious gains, serving a greater evil.

Embark on an enchanting journey through mysterious dungeons, the grim lairs of the Nekocasters. Outplay your adversaries with a powerful combo of summoned kittens.

As the world’s only self-aware cat, uncover the mystery behind your origins. Are you the product of an ancient spell, a botched experiment, or something more profound? This vibrant, cat-filled world teems with secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Brave through the perilous dungeons, outsmart the cunning Nekocasters, and liberate your feline brethren in ‘Spellcats’. The future of the Nekos rests in your paws.

A Vibrant Deck of 60 Diverse Cats

Experience the excitement of collecting and summoning a wide variety of magical cats, each with their own unique abilities. Use these feline allies strategically to overcome challenges and vanquish enemies. From a small alley kitten to a majestic mountain cat (literally a mountain), the power of these cats will be at your command!

Five Elements with Unique Gameplay

Dive into the diverse mechanics of five unique elements: Water, Electric, Fire, Ice, and Earth. Each element offers a distinct playstyle that adds to the richness of the gameplay. The strategy you employ is entirely up to you!

Roguelike Trinkets

Discover and utilize over 20 unique trinkets to enhance your gameplay experience. These powerful items can power up your kitten army, granting them new abilities or augmenting their existing ones, giving you the upper hand in battles. Each trinket’s unique effect adds an extra layer of strategy to your dungeon runs, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.

The post Magical Felines Collide in Strategy Deckbuilder Spellcats, Launching May 17 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 13 to 17

Category: Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 13 to 17

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!

The Land Beneath Us

Dear Villagers

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Land Between Us – May 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A turn-based, rogue-lite action dungeon crawler. Use powerful skill combos and stylish weaponry to battle your way through the Underworld known as Annwn. Enjoy challenging dynamic encounters and discover the mysteries of this mythological world.

Athenian Rhapsody

Top Hat Studios, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Athenian Rhapsody – May 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A comedy RPG in which you’ll explore the World of Athens. Your goal is to build your very own Rhapsody – the story of you (the player) and your epic tale in this world. You’ll be faced with many challenges, and you’ll have to fight (or hug) your way through the world by either battling, or awkwardly trying to make friends with your opponents through esoteric knowledge, abstract jokes, memory games, and other strange and funny interactions.

Chip and Charge

Weakfish Studio Publishing

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Chip and Charge – May 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery6

A classic arcade-style tennis game with customizable characters and equipment as well as a wide variety of game modes to choose from, like Bomb mode where you don’t let the ball hit the ground. You can also play co-op with your friends.

Ziggy

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ziggy – May 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Get ready to jump, slide, and unleash the power of the dash in a game that will test your abilities and your capacity for triumph. Conquer the 30 challenging levels and become the ultimate master of Ziggy!

Awesome Pea 3

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

$3.99

Pre-order

Xbox One X Enhanced

Awesome Pea 3 – May 15
Xbox One X Enhanced

The final chapter, now in shape of a fast precision platformer where you must run and jump through a series of challenging stages. What you’ll definitely find in this game: nearly 70 different stages to show your skill, stylish pixel graphics, and a chiptune soundtrack.

Braid, Anniversary Edition

Thekla, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Braid Anniversary Edition – May 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Control the flow of time to solve subtle platform puzzles in this update of the indie classic Braid, featuring refreshed artwork and seriously in-depth creator commentary. Travel from a city house through a series of interconnected worlds where time behaves strangely, searching for an elusive Princess.

Electronics Puzzle Lab

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Electronics Puzzle Lab – May 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Awaken your inner engineer with the brainteasing circuitry of Electronics Puzzle Lab! In this fun and educational 3D puzzle game, your task is to inspect circuit boards and adjust power LED lights. Take a seat at your workbench, cut wires, flip switches and more as you trace the path of the current.

Please Fix The Road

Silesia Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Please Fix The Road – May 15

The roads are broken again. And so are paths. Sidewalks. Lakes. Oh dear. And now it’s your job to fix them all! Each level gives you a limited set of tools that will help you get all the cars, boats, trains or animals from point A to point B. The mentioned animals include, of course, kittens, dogs and… cute ‘ol pink llamas.

Time Trap: Hidden Objects Remastered

Two Cakes Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Time Trap: Hidden Objects Remastered – May 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Time Trap is a hidden object game telling a detective story with distinct realistic visuals, puzzles, and challenges. A journalist has gone missing after investigating a hazardous disaster. Now it is your job to follow in his steps and uncover the secrets of the danger zone.

Turbo Dash Kart 2024 Racing

Midnight Works

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Turbo Dash Kart 2024 Racing – May 15
Xbox Play Anywhere

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush with our action-packed kart racing game. Choose your champion driver, customize your ride, and dominate challenging tracks to become the undisputed ruler of the asphalt jungle! Buckle up for a heart-pounding adventure where strategy and skill meet lightning-fast laps.

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER

Chorus Worldwide Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver – May 16

ES88 is an esper tasked with capturing Golden Butterfly, a psychic entity hiding in the memories of others. Play as ES88 and join her cyborg colleague GATE, and the creature known as a NEURODIVER to help repair the memories Golden has damaged and stop them in their tracks in this “psy-fi” adventure!

PO’ed: Definitive Edition

Nightdive Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

PO’ed: Definitive Edition – May 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

An adrenaline-pumping space shooter that features gameplay elements inspired by generational powerhouses Doom and Quake. Play as a chef who crash lands on an alien planet infested with extraterrestrial foes.

Musashi vs Cthulhu

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Musashi vs. Cthulhu – May 16

A fast-paced action game where you take control of Musashi, the most famous warrior from feudal Japan, as he fights for his life against unspeakable monsters. The enemies come from both sides of the screen and must be attacked with precise blows to bulging weak spots shown in their bodies. Challenge your friends to see who the most precise warrior.

Claws & Feathers 3

ChiliDog Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$5.99

Pre-order

Claws & Feathers 3 – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The birds and cats are back in an all-new puzzle adventure that sends them soaring across the galaxy in search of a new home! When a zombie apocalypse ravages their home planet, the birds set off for the stars. But they’re not alone. Their eternal rivals, the cats, snuck on board and will do everything they can to make the journey an unpleasant one!

FoxyRush

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

FoxyRush – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Foxy is a little fox who loves to eat cherries. One day, his supplies were stolen! Now he must go through many levels and collect all the cherries to get his supplies back. Run, jump, slide on walls, cling to ropes, and dodge various traps and enemies!

Not Not – A Brain Buster

naptime.games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Not Not – A Brain Buster – May 17
Xbox Play Anywhere

Ready to push the limits of your brain and challenge your intelligence? The ultimate brain-busting challenge is finally here! Do exactly what the cube says in a limited amount of time to test your reflexes and your thought processing speed.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire

Merge Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mordbid: The Lords of Ire – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Morbid: The Lords of Ire is a continuation and reinvention of the critically acclaimed isometric Souls-like ARPG Morbid: The Seven Acolytes with the heroic Striver returning once more to do battle with horrific creatures in a dark and twisted world of pain and suffering

Outbreak The Fedora Files What Lydia Knows

Dead Drop Studios LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$15.99

Pre-order

Outbreak The Fedora Files: What Lydia Knows – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Super and extra-natural phenomena around the world are officially disavowed. In the United States, these phenomena are unofficially investigated by an elite squad of agents known as the Federal Disaster Organic Response Agency, FEDORA. These are their stories…

Spellcats: Auto Card Tactics

NintaiStudios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$13.99

Pre-order

Spellcats: Auto Card Tactics – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 13 to 17 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City

Category: Games

May 9, 2024

Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City

Shan Horan, Social Media Manager and Philippa Warr, Narrative Designer at Double Dagger Studio

Summary

Enjoy this guide to help you think more like a cat and get the most out of your shenanigans in Little Kitty Big City.
Is there anyone more curious than a cat? We don’t think so!
Little Kitty Big City is available now for Xbox, Windows, and with Game Pass.

Little Kitty Big City is an open-world exploration game which lets you play as an adventurous — and willful — little cat. You’ll make your way back home eventually, but not before you find distractions aplenty, a cast of quirky animals to befriend and so much mischief to get into! But we know it can be hard to let go of human ideas like “responding to emails” and “not tripping people up to see what’s in their briefcases,” so here is a little guide to help you think more like a cat and get the most out of your cat shenanigans.

Engage Your Curiosity

Is there anyone more curious than a cat? We don’t think so! In the world of Little Kitty, Big City, there are always new places, people, and collectibles to discover. You just have to stay curious to find them all, and the best way to stay curious is to keep asking yourself questions! What’s under that wall? What happens if I tread painty paw prints all over this human’s art canvas? Will this thing smash when I push it off a ledge? Finding the answers is a vital part of being a little cat.

Interact With Humans

If you’ve ever met a cat, you’ll know that they each have their own unique personality and their own way of interacting with humans. Being a cat in Little Kitty, Big City is no different — how you interact with the people around you is up to you. Are you feeling a little mischievous? Time to trip an innocent pedestrian by weaving between their legs in a very unhelpful way and then steal their phone! Feeling in need of affection? You can rub against those human legs instead and give a little purr. Humans eat that stuff up. And if you’re feeling annoying, you can meow meow meow the day away! Who doesn’t love a very noisy cat following them around for no reason?

Navigate The World

Cats are graceful (sometimes), small, can climb ivy walls, squeeze into tight spaces and always land on their feet! Since you’re no longer a clumsy human in this game, all those tiny little spots you never thought you’d be able to fit into are now open to you as a little kitty. From the rooftops to ground below, all the vents, awnings, cars, and fences are your domain. Except those big puddles. Let’s just stay far away from those…

Express Yourself

As you explore the city, you will meet other cats who will offer new ways to immerse yourself in the mind of a cat. You’ll learn crucial kitty emotes like how to make muffins, have a biiiiig stretch, take naps, sits where you fit, and even gag at gross smells or unpalatable tasks! These gestures are an invaluable part of your toolkit for self-expression and can be combined with Kitty’s extensive wardrobe of collectible hats to create the perfect reaction to a situation.

Try the Sunflower hat with the biiiiiiig stretch for Kitty’s attempt at the traditional Sun Salutation yoga flow. Follow that up by swapping to the Crab hat and making a yuck face in the greengrocer’s – you must protest her lack of seafood. Then round off the day by donning the Sheriff’s hat and lashing out with a paw swipe at a board game. How else will the humans know that you’re not into chess?

Relax

Humans don’t understand how hard cats work to find the perfect nap spot. In fact, if cats didn’t spend so much energy looking for new places to sleep, perhaps they wouldn’t be so sleepy in the first place…? But that’s a topic for a different blog! What you need to know for Little Kitty, Big City is that, when you find a good nap spot, you want to get in there immediately, and in whatever pose fills the space. After all, when a nap is at stake, who cares which way the humans say your spine and limbs are “supposed” to be facing!

Little Kitty Big City is available now for Xbox, Windows, and with Game Pass.

Little Kitty, Big City

Double Dagger Studio

☆☆☆☆☆
12

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Will you make your way home or will you explore what the big city has to offer first? I mean, getting home is obviously your main priority. Obviously. Well, it’s one of your priorities. Maybe more of a guideline… It’s definitely on your To-Do list somewhere! But first? Exploration!

The post Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Use Your Powers of De-duck-tion in Duck Detective: The Secret Salami

Summary

Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Windows Store.
Interrogate suspects and pilfer evidence to find clues and quack the case!
Two to three hours of light-hearted narrative adventure mystery.
Fully voice-acted cast of eccentric suspects to inspect and interrogate.

Solving crime is no walk in the pond.

We’re very excited to announce that Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Windows Store! Duck Detective is Aggretsuko meets Return of the Obra Dinn, in a cozy mystery setting where a down-on-his-luck duck is tasked with exposing a sinister sausage-based conspiracy.

You play as Eugene McQuacklin, part-time private investigator, full-time duck. As a recent divorcee and ex-police detective, you must use your supreme powers of deduc(k)tion to save your ailing career and maybe, just maybe, pay next month’s rent.

Our small team at Happy Broccoli Games have been greatly inspired by the classic Agatha Christie novels. While they take a darker and more suspenseful approach, we wanted to create something that would keep you guessing as much as it will make you smile. It has been fantastic fun for our team to write such an energetic and twisty tale. A pompous detective, mismatched characters, and cramped environment, all mixed together surely makes for a big hoot!

Justice is a dish best served at the bottom of a pond. And you’re sure to get your flippers wet when it comes to the case of The Secret Salami.

We are very much looking forward to having all you detectives quack the case on release! We don’t have a firm date just yet, but we’ll work hard to get it in your hands as quackly as possible. Please look forward to more puns and more fun when the game launches on Xbox!

The post Use Your Powers of De-duck-tion in Duck Detective: The Secret Salami appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Compact Mode continues evolving in the Xbox App on PC

Jump back in comes to Compact Mode

In November, we introduced Compact Mode, a feature available via the Xbox app on PC that enhances your gaming experience by providing a more intuitive user interface on smaller screens, including Windows handhelds. We’re excited to announce that the Jump back in feature and enhancements to the Friends panel are rolling out to all Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview starting today!

When we launched Compact Mode, we focused on giving you more space to browse content by simplifying the sidebar. We are now taking it further with Jump back in, our latest feature that allows you to quickly access the games you have recently played on your Windows device when you are immersed in Compact Mode.

Jump back in will feature the last nine games you played from the app. When you click on any game card, you will go directly to its game hub where you can jump into game play. You can also right-click or press the menu button on your controller to launch directly into game play from the context menu.

Enhancements to the Friends panel

With Compact Mode, we have also made it easier to access the Friends panel via controller navigation, with quick access directly from the sidebar, and consistent with other panels like Notifications. We are looking forward to hearing your feedback as we continue to improve the experiences related to Friends in the app.

Starting next week, a new survey will be available in the Xbox Insider Hub (open or install clicking here) for players enrolled in the PC Gaming preview to give us your feedback on Jump back in and the updated Friends panel access with Compact Mode. As a reminder, you can always give us suggestions for the app or leave feedback by clicking on your Profile card inside the Xbox App and then selecting Feedback from the dropdown menu. We can’t wait to hear from you as we work to bring more enhancements to Compact Mode and the Xbox App on PC for you to enjoy seamless Xbox gaming experiences across all your Windows devices.

How to get Xbox Insider support and share your feedback

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, you can provide direct feedback to Team Xbox by following the steps here under the “Report a problem online” section. For more information on the Xbox Insider Program, follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding the PC Gaming Preview.

Like what you see but not an Xbox Insider?

If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC. (Note: The features outlined in this article are currently only available for PC-based Xbox Insiders.)

The post Compact Mode continues evolving in the Xbox App on PC appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Athenian Rhapsody Brings Laughs, Community, and IBS

Welcome to the colorful and unpredictable world of Athens. Athenian Rhapsody releases May 14 on Xbox One & Series X|S systems, and with it, the chance to build your very own Rhapsody! Inspired heavily by a mixture of retro RPGs, choose-your-own-adventure books, and numerous other inspirations, Athenian Rhapsody is a unique blend of traditional RPG mechanics, player-focused narrative and exploration, and surprises such as varied minigames and a unique online system. No playthroughs will be the same – find out why in the brand new launch trailer above!

The world of Athens is weird, highly unusual, and filled with a host of surprises. Along the way, you’ll meet tons of friends (and foes)! As you navigate the world in your own unique way, you’ll decide how you want to interact not only with those you meet, but also the world itself. As the world shifts and you interact with denizens, you’ll begin to flesh out your very own rhapsody. You can meet 16 potential party members, all with tons of depth – the very world will change depending on who you have in your party when. Plus, every single enemy can be fought or befriended! You’ll also find smaller friends and foes to commune with, and find tons of unlockable outfits to deck yourself and your party out with.

The game also features a unique combat system, which mixes traditional JRPG-esque turn-based combat alongside real-time bullet-hell elements. However, that’s not all! The game throws a monkey wrench in this formula by introducing a vast assortment of distinct ways of battling through an eclectic mix of unique minigames. This may include playing basketball, cooking, dancing your heart out, working out, playing old arcade games, drawing pictures, and more! And that’s not even mentioning the unique conversations and personalities of each enemy you can find throughout the game.

As you explore Athens, you’ll come across tons of different biomes, all with their own unique feel and residents (both friendly and not)! Not only will your party members play a role in how you explore these biomes, but so will the choices you make throughout the game and how you interact with those around you. You’ll find yourself in situations that range from odd (such as fighting an arrogant fly) to utterly bizarre (helping out in an Italian restaurant). What other secrets does the world of Athens hold? You’ll have to explore every nook and cranny to find out!

Last but not least, what’s up with that online system we mentioned? The complexity and deep variety of the game’s design means no two playthroughs will ever be the same. As you wrap up each playthrough of the game, you’ll be awarded your very own “rhapsody”, something of a unique memento that contains your player character and each and every nuance of how you experienced Athens. These rhapsodies can be collected and viewed, but also traded to friends! Collected rhapsodies can also be stacked/combined to give them additional effects. Plus, some rare rhapsodies exist, which may grant special in-game bonuses or allow for unique experiences to pop up in game.

Developed by Nico Papalia with co-development help, porting assistance for Xbox, and publishing by Top Hat Studios, Athenian Rhapsody is launching May 14 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with a 15% launch discount until May 28th.

Athenian Rhapsody

Top Hat Studios, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CRAZIEST GAME EVER? CAN THE DEVELOPER OF THE GAME DO A BACKFLIP??? No, he can’t. Maybe one day, but for now he’s too scared!

…anyway, Athenian Rhapsody is a super-fresh, one-of-a-kind comedy RPG in which you’ll explore the World of Athens! Your goal is to build your very own Rhapsody – the story of you (the player) and your epic tale in this world. You’ll be faced with many challenges, and you’ll have to fight (or hug) your way through the world by either battling, or awkwardly trying to make friends with your opponents through esoteric knowledge, abstract jokes, memory games, and other strange and funny interactions.

If you want more of the meat’n’cheese, well feast your eyes upon these rather dry feature descriptions, written by someone who’s probably a little bit boring:

– Each character in the world of Athens has a bold personality, and a large amount of depth for you to discover. You can choose to adventure with whoever you’d like! There truly is a favorite for everyone to bond with, I promise.

– This world has no shortage of intense battles with opponents that range from weird, wacky, tough, cute, and outright goofy!

– On your journey, you may face mind-bendingly difficult challenges such as “Spell Richard” and “Carry A Feather” throughout your Rhapsody. Would you dare come face to face with the infamous 3×3 slide puzzle?

– Many characters will switch up the tactics of battle, you’ll be faced with various minigames based on the scenario you find yourself in.

– This game is fast paced, action packed, and full of zany and ironic humor that anyone can have a nice laugh at.

– You will NOT run out of things to do. If you do, you probably haven’t seen the sunlight in quite some time!

– Nothing substantial in this game is up to RNG. You choose your pathway from start to finish, creating an extremely specific pathway which’ll then be recorded – this is your playthrough’s Rhapsody, a narrated story of your journey through Athens! When you come to the end of the line and reflect upon your Rhapsody, could you say you did your best?

– You’ll be able to share Rhapsodies between your friends. Share, combine, read through, and maybe even delete your friend’s Rhapsodies!

The post Athenian Rhapsody Brings Laughs, Community, and IBS appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Feel the Burn Today with the Fire Vapor Special Edition Controller

Category: Accessories

Feel the Burn Today with the Fire Vapor Special Edition Controller

Introducing the Xbox Wireless Controller – Fire Vapor Special Edition, the latest and boldest addition to our Vapor Series alongside Stormcloud Vapor, Dream Vapor, and Nocturnal Vapor. Inspired by flames, every red and orange color swirl is an expression of blazing fire with a mesmerizing design that’s unique to each controller. Feel the power of fire in your hands and hold on to the heat with rubberized, red diamond-pattern grips on the back case. With vibrant flashes of color, the Fire Vapor controller is guaranteed to add some heat to your gaming setup. Get your today exclusively at the Microsoft Store.

Xbox Wireless Controller Vapor Collection

Experience peak performance and style with the Fire Vapor controller. With textured side and back grips, it ensures a firm hold during intense gameplay. Seamlessly connect to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android devices via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details) and enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors). Utilize the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your favorite compatible headset, perfect for listening to your game or chatting with friends. Share your gaming moments effortlessly with the dedicated share button, and customize your experience with the Xbox Accessories app, giving you endless potential to elevate your play.

Elevate your Xbox experience with Fire Vapor’s exclusive dynamic background! Simply connect your new controller to your Xbox Series X|S console to unlock a vibrant display of red and orange swirls, instantly adding a fresh, exciting theme to your gaming setup. To access this feature, select the Settings button on your console dashboard. Under the General tab, hit the Personalization button and find the “My Background” button. Once there, you’ll be able to see Dynamic Backgrounds and can choose between this or other dynamic looks to customize your Xbox experience even further.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Fire Vapor Special Edition is available today in select Xbox markets worldwide and sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store at $69.99 USD ERP. Visit Xbox.com or Microsoft.com for more information.

The post Feel the Burn Today with the Fire Vapor Special Edition Controller appeared first on Xbox Wire.