The post What’s Coming in 2025 for Age of Empires and Age of Mythology appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Category: Xbox
PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look – Find Out More About the New Demo
2K Games and HB Studios invite you to get your hands on PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look, the free demo for the newest in the PGA TOUR 2K series. This is your first chance to experience some of the major improvements ahead of the February 21 launch date for the Deluxe and Legendary Editions (offering 7 days of early access ahead of the Standard version release date, February 28).
You can go download and play now – and rest assured that any progression made in the PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look demo will carry over into the full game (requires 2K Account and full game purchase on same platform).
The new demo will give you a taste of how PGA TOUR 2K25 captures the course experience like never before with stunning upgraded visuals, a new swing mechanic called EvoSwing, improved MyPlayer Progression Systems, and an all-new equipment progression system.
What to Expect in PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look
PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look is just a slice—no pun intended—of what you can expect in the full game. It features:
- MyPlayer: Progression has been overhauled with a new Attributes System, improved Skill Trees, and all-new Equipment Progression. Experiment with different builds and create up to 3 MyPlayers in the demo.
- The Back 9 at TPC Scottsdale: Enjoy one of the most recognizable courses on the PGA TOUR, home to the WM Phoenix Open. This popular course is a great first impression of PGA TOUR 2K25’s new visual fidelity.
- Perfect Swing: Any player will tell you that there’s no better feeling than consistently hitting the fairways and greens like a champion. PGA TOUR 2K25 adds this new difficulty setting to give you the feeling of hitting that Perfect Swing with every swing. Switch your difficulty to Perfect Swing in the settings to reduce how much external factors, like wind direction and lie affect your ball trajectory.
- EvoSwing: Swing mechanics have evolved! EvoSwing nails the feel of swinging a golf club in a way that no other title has. Whether your go-to is Swing Stick or 3-Click: a new era of golf has arrived!
In this demo, you’ll be able to try out PGA TOUR 2K25’s MyPlayer creator, and check out improved graphics and gameplay systems. You’ll have to wait for the full game to get your hands on the MyCareer, multiplayer, and Course Designer modes. That said, being able to create your perfect golfer and then take them for a swing is the perfect entry point into PGA TOUR 2K25.
To help you create your ideal digital golfer in MyPlayer, base head models have been increased, a larger variety of skin tones has been added, the number and style of different hair options—including facial hair—has increased, and you can now customize height and body type.
PGA TOUR 2K25 has also added other improvements to MyPlayer that are more than just skin-deep. For each MyPlayer, you will choose an archetype. Each archetype has its own set of starting attributes that are reflective of a specific playstyle. As you play and progress, you will gain experience and Virtual Currency (VC) to upgrade your base attributes and associated skills.
Can’t decide on a particular archetype? You don’t have to! In PGA TOUR 2K25, you can have multiple MyPlayers all suited to a different style of play. You can create up to 3 MyPlayer builds in the First Look demo – experiment with different archetypes and progression paths and never feel locked into your first pick!
PGA TOUR 2K25 also introduces Equipment Progression, which you’ll get a glimpse of in First Look. Along with your MyPlayer, the equipment you choose to bring with you into each round also gains experience. This XP gives you the ability to upgrade equipment in-tune with your specific archetype, playstyle, and MyPlayer attributes. Any MyPlayers you create—and any experience you earn—will carry over into the full game!
To aid you in leveling your MyPlayer and equipment, PGA TOUR 2K25 includes an all-new Quest system. Head to “Quests & Profile” from the main menu to view available quests, or cycle over to the “Quests” tab from the pause menu. In the demo, you’ll get an introduction to Quests during training. In the full game, you will have quests and challenges that can be completed to earn different rewards on a daily, weekly, or seasonal basis.
Once you’ve played the PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look demo and decide to upgrade to the full game, the transition is quite seamless—as long as you log in with the same 2K Account and purchase on the same platform on which you played the demo. Upon booting the full game for the first time, PGA TOUR 2K25 will import any MyPlayers created in the First Look, along with any experience gained and rewards earned. You can then edit them further, or simply continue your journey into MyCareer or multiplayer—which includes cross-platform play and really fun, competitive Ranked Tours.
The PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look demo is available to play right now on Xbox Series X|S.
The post PGA TOUR 2K25: First Look – Find Out More About the New Demo appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Coming Soon to Game Pass: Avowed, Madden NFL 25, and More
Welcome back, friends! Happy to be here with more news, games, and updates. Speaking of news, we had lots of it in the 2025 Developer_Direct – with a little “everything you see is coming to Game Pass” spice. Here’s what you missed!
So many games to look forward to, plus a few surprise “you can play them right now” messages. Now let’s get to even more games for Game Pass!
Available Today
Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Dive into a transformed, vibrant, post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen as they seek to take over the last remaining resources.
Coming Soon
Another Crab’s Treasure (Console) – February 5
Now with Game Pass Standard
A soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Console) – February 5
Now with Game Pass Standard
Gather your allies for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the grand JRPG adventure. Assemble your 6-party team from a cast of over a hundred heroes and shape your destiny in this lush, hand-crafted 2.5D world brimming with war, intrigue, and magic. Manage your town of vibrant characters, play delightful mini-games, and prepare for an unforgettable narrative of boundless charm.
Starfield (Xbox Series X|S) – February 5
Now with Game Pass Standard
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
Madden NFL 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 6
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Read the defense and drive downfield with precision and get unlimited access to Madden NFL 25, coming soon to The Play List. Members can dominate the gridiron with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score a Supercharge Pack from February 6 to March 6.
Kingdom Two Crowns (Cloud and Console) – February 13
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard
Making a return to the Game Pass library! In Kingdom Two Crowns, players must work in the brand-new solo or co-op campaign mode to build their kingdom and secure it from the threat of the Greed. Experience new technology, units, enemies, mounts, and secrets in the next evolution of the award-winning micro strategy franchise!
Avowed (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 18
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one! Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can purchase the Avowed Premium Upgrade Addon to receive up to 5 days early access, two sets of premium skins, and access to the Avowed digital artbook & original soundtrack.
In Case You Missed It
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
The highly acclaimed and legendary game from 2008 returns graphically remastered! Ninja Gaiden 2 Black features the high-speed, ninja action of iconic hero Ryu Hayabusa and his deadly Dragon Sword. Embark on a global battle against formidable foes, engage in relentless combat, and play as additional characters Momiji, Ayana and Rachel. Learn more here on Xbox Wire.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Available on Xbox One and Cloud Gaming (Beta) via EA Play
Game Pass Ultimate
Stand against the darkness in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, winner of IGN’s Best Action Game of 2023 — now on The Play List! Continue Cal Kestis’ journey on Xbox One and with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play.
DLC / Game Updates
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 02 – Available now
You are in the fight now, so watch your back in four new 6v6 Multiplayer maps, fan-favorite modes like Gun Game, as well as a new Multiplayer mode where players can earn unique buffs. In Zombies, players will experience a brand-new map, The Tomb, and search for the Sentinel Artifact. The hunt has never been more thrilling. Check out the Call of Duty blog to learn more.
No Man’s Sky Worlds Part II Update – Available now
The latest free update to No Man’s Sky, Worlds Part II introduces billions of new stars and planets (including epic and volatile gas giants, deep water oceans and new biomes), massive technology upgrades to lighting, terrain and water, and much much more. Learn more here on Xbox Wire.
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
There are more Perks to love coming your way in February. Keep checking the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership. Number and content of Perks vary by region, platform, and over time.
Stumble Guys: RIP Streamer Pack – Available now
Grab the RIP Streamer skin, wield the Ban Hammer emote, plus 250 gems and 50 tokens in this fun multiplayer knockout battle royale!
Leaving February 15
The following games are leaving the library soon, so be sure to show them some love before they go! Save up to 20% off your purchase with your membership to keep these games in your library.
- A Little to the Left (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Bloodstained Ritual of the Night (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- EA Sports UFC 3 (Console) EA Play
- Indivisible (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Merge and Blade (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Tales of Arise (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We’re adding more games over time to the ‘Stream your own game’ collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go here to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.
We’ll be back soon to check on your downloads for Avowed and more, so stay tuned to Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social in the meantime. Cheers!
The post Coming Soon to Game Pass: Avowed, Madden NFL 25, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.
ID@Xbox Showcase Returns with IGN on February 24
The post ID@Xbox Showcase Returns with IGN on February 24 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Turbo Overkill Chainsaws Its Way to Xbox Series X|S Today
Get ready, Xbox gamers—Turbo Overkill, the critically acclaimed cyberpunk FPS, is revving its chainsaw leg and making its explosive debut on Xbox today.
From indie developer Trigger Happy Interactive and legendary publisher Apogee Entertainment, Turbo Overkill is a love letter to retro shooters like Doom and Quake, blending their high-octane action with modern speed and style. It’s an adrenaline-fueled descent into the neon-drenched dystopia of Paradise, where players take on the role of Johnny Turbo, a cybernetically enhanced anti-hero armed with imaginative weapons, a chainsaw leg, and a thirst for vengeance.
What Awaits you in Paradise
Paradise isn’t the utopia it was promised to be. This futuristic megacity, riddled with corporate corruption and rogue AI monstrosities, is a brutal battleground. As Johnny Turbo, you’ll fight through three expansive episodes filled with intricate levels, unforgettable characters, and nonstop carnage—all at a buttery-smooth 60 FPS.
Turbo Overkill’s Highlights:
- Iconic Combat: Wield absurd firepower, from dual magnums to plasma railguns, and turn every encounter into a gory spectacle.
- Kinetic Gameplay: Chain wall-runs, double jumps, and mid-air chainsaw slides for fluid, fast-paced combat that rewards creative destruction.
- Epic Levels: Battle through neon slums, abandoned arenas, corporate skyscrapers, and even the depths of space in Turbo Overkill’s three episodes.
- Enhanced for Xbox: Enjoy silky-smooth 60 FPS and enhanced visuals on Xbox Series X|S, delivering a visceral, immersive experience like no other.
Voice Talent: Paradise with Personality
Turbo Overkill boasts a stellar voice cast that brings its gritty characters to life:
- Patricia Summersett (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom) as the enigmatic and deadly bounty hunter Ripper.
- Jon St. John (Duke Nukem) as Johnny’s wisecracking AI companion, SAMM.
- Gianni Matragrano (Ultrakill, Neon White) as the cunning and ruthless Maw.
- DB Cooper (BioShock 2, The Elder Scrolls Online) as The Exec, a mysterious TeraTek executive with an agenda of her own.
- Tay Zonday (Chocolate Rain) as Dr. Nyx, Johnny’s bio-cybernetics surgeon.
Their performances add depth to Turbo Overkill’s adrenaline-fueled narrative, ensuring every encounter and interaction is as unforgettable as the carnage.
Words from the Creators
“Turbo Overkill is something special. Sam Prebble poured everything into this game, and you can feel it in every corner of Paradise. From the brutal gameplay to the insane attention to detail, it’s a reflection of his relentless creativity and drive. As someone who grew up loving shooters, this game feels like a dream come true—and I couldn’t be prouder to see it finally land on Xbox.”
—Jeron Moore, Executive Producer, Apogee Entertainment
“This is the game I’ve always wanted to play—one that doesn’t let up and rewards players who embrace style, carnage, and creativity. Console players are in for a wild ride. This might be the fastest shooter you’ve ever played, and that’s one of the reasons that led me to calling it Turbo Overkill. Find me on X and let me know what you think!”
—Sam Prebble, Creator of Turbo Overkill
The Music of Turbo Overkill: A Cyberpunk Opus
Turbo Overkill’s pulse-pounding soundtrack perfectly complements its chaotic gameplay. Composed by Chipper Hammond, Nikola Jeremic, and Tim Stoney, the score blends cyberpunk synths, heavy metal riffs, and cinematic arrangements to fuel every chainsaw slide and wall run.
The Turbo Overkill soundtrack is now available from Apogee Music, featuring two distinct albums: the “Episode 1 Soundtrack”, a comprehensive collection of nearly two hours of music from the entirety of Episode 1, and the “Soundtrack Selections” album, a curated compilation running over three hours. Fans can stream or download these high-energy, genre-defining tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTubeMusic, and Bandcamp. Albums featuring the complete soundtracks for Episodes 2 and 3 are set to release in the coming weeks, delivering even more pulse-pounding music to accompany their adventures in Paradise, and beyond.
To learn more and explore all streaming and purchase options, visit apogeemusic.com.
Turbo Overkill is now available on Xbox. Follow @turbo_overkill and @Apogee_Ent on Twitter for updates, join the discussion on Discord, and check out exclusive content on Apogee Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
With its unapologetic carnage, lightning-fast gameplay, and neon-drenched world, Turbo Overkill is a glorious evolution of the boomer shooter. Paradise awaits—are you ready to clean it up?
Turbo Overkill
Apogee Entertainment
$19.99
Turbo Overkill is the most savage FPS ever released by Apogee. You play as Johnny Turbo, augmented with hidden arm rockets and a chainsaw that extends from your lower leg allowing you to slide-slice enemies wide open.
Johnny returns to his hometown of Paradise and finds its entire population possessed by Syn, a rogue AI, and its army of augmented minions. Desperate for enough money to outrun his past mistakes, Johnny takes on the impossible job of destroying the greatest AI ever created. Rival bounty hunters want to claim the prize first. Nothing is easy in paradise.
TURBO TIME, WALL-RUNNING, DASHING AND GRAPPLING HOOKS, OH MY
Turbo Overkill takes over-the-top to never-before-reached heights. Activate Turbo Time(
), a new form of slow motion with a twist. Build incredible speed by wall-running and dashing. Slide on your chainsaw leg, eviscerating foes and opening up bosses for critical damage, and go car-surfing on the hoods of flying cars. Blast away with the Twin Magnums, which lock-on and instagib several foes, the Boomer Shotgun and its attached grenade launcher, or the Telefragger sniper rifle, which teleports Johnny inside an enemy before they explode from within.
Race through two dozen stages packed with secrets, bonus arena stages, and white-knuckle combat puzzles. Find game-changing collectibles to unlock punishing modifiers like triple-monster-speed and insta-kill. Combine all of Johnny’s weapons and powers to outsmart, outgun and outrun the corrupted legions.
The post Turbo Overkill Chainsaws Its Way to Xbox Series X|S Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 3 to 7
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 3 to 7
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Xbox app for Windows PC, 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!
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To
Soft Not Weak, LLC
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To – February 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Samar is a young witch working the spirit-swapping night shift in the eastern outskirts of Demashq. A recent spike in spirits crossing over from another dimension breaks the chill atmosphere of their night shift, so with her trusty familiarZ by her side, she sets off into the city to find out what’s happened. With a popular band scheduled to kick off their big comeback tour in Demashq, Samar needs to work quickly before the city is overrun with stans and spirits alike!
Mystery Box: The Journey
Ocean Media
Mystery Box: The Journey – February 4
Welcome to the fourth chapter of the “Mystery Box” series with 10 new boxes full of enigmas to crack that are waiting for you on this journey through lost worlds.
Rogue Waters
Tripwire Interactive LLC
Rogue Waters – February 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Rogue Waters is a tactical, turn-based rogue-lite – with pirates! Lead Captain Cutter and their crew through procedurally generated encounters for revenge. Recruit, train, and upgrade crew, harness sea creatures, and engage in naval and melee combat to succeed.
Journey of Johann: Grasslands
Xitilon
Journey of Johann: Grasslands – February 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Journey of Johann is an action-adventure platformer with puzzle elements. Make your way through levels and a boss with different challenges and obstacles. Collect goblets, secrets and beat time trials. Use your weapons as tools such as climbing, blocking hits, and defeating enemies. The game was designed with speedrunning in mind.
Mechanita
Eastasiasoft Limited
Mechanita – February 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Embark on a steampunk adventure in Mechanita, a side-scrolling platformer with challenging pixel art stages! Guide a goggled heroine through 50 increasingly complex levels.
Mimi the Cat: Meow Together
Afil Games
Mimi the Cat – Meow Together – February 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
A charming puzzle game that blends cuteness and strategy into a relaxing and fun experience. Play solo or in local co-op mode to help the kittens solve puzzles and find their cozy beds.
Punch Monk
Old School Vibes
Punch Monk – February 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Punch Monk is a challenging puzzle game with 50 phases of incremental progression. As players advance, new mechanics are introduced, increasing the game’s complexity.
Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Nacon
$39.99
Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator – February 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator lets you experience a paramedic’s life. Your goal is to reach accident sites quickly, care for the injured, and provide first aid. Each case is unique, requiring you to adapt and make swift, effective decisions.
Big Helmet Heroes
Dear Villagers
$24.99
$19.99
Big Helmet Heroes – February 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Explore the engaging world of Big Helmet Heroes, a 3D beat ’em up that merges combat and adventure. Discover 29 unique heroes concealed within various kingdoms, and select your preferred characters to embark on a quest to rescue the princess. You can play solo or with a companion as you strive to conquer the significant challenges ahead.
Let’s Cook Together 2
Yellow Dot
Let’s Cook Together 2 – February 6
Embark on a gripping cooperative journey to save the planet and its food from the regime of Nutri Inc. – a powerful group of zero waste maniacs seeking to turn life on Earth into a tasteless dystopia. Become an Ohmie – member of Weldon Ohm’s resistance movement seeking to liberate the world from Nutri Inc’s food and mind control.
Luck be a Landlord
TrampolineTales
Luck be a Landlord – February 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Your landlord is banging on the door. You have a single coin left to your name. You insert the coin into your slot machine and… Jackpot!! Luck be a Landlord, tonight! Collect symbols, build synergies, and defeat capitalism in this cult classic roguelike deck builder – now on consoles by popular demand.
Moons of Darsalon
Dr. Kucho! Games & Astrolabe Games
Moons of Darsalon – February 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Teams of darsanauts got lost on Darsalon’s moons during mining missions. You must lead them to the nearest base station, where they will follow your commands using their AI. Protect them from dangers and enemies with your laser gun, jet pack, and vehicles. Use the ground maker gun to destroy terrain and create new paths.
Spacepunk Survival
Nejcraft
Spacepunk Survival – February 6
A multiplayer first-person shooter where players and their teammates must survive in the dark and hostile environment of the Iapetus Station, a former laboratory now inhabited by alien creatures. Featuring retro graphics, Spacepunk references notable sci-fi and retrofuturistic works from the past.
UNDER DEFEAT
Clear River Games
Under Defeat – February 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Under Defeat is a classic game developed by G.rev, originally released in Japanese arcades nearly twenty years ago. It later came to various platforms, including the Dreamcast. The 2024 edition is the ultimate version, featuring all previous content and expertly ported by industry veterans.
Bomb Bowling X
Desert Water Games
Bomb Bowling X – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Bomb Bowling X is a casual retro game where you need to help a cute cat in a superhero cape win at Bomb Bowling. It has only a few bomb charges, as well as bowling balls, basketballs and your skill and ingenuity. Armed with the laws of physics and your own ingenuity, bring down the full power of your “striking” skill on the pins!
Beef Cat Ultra
Brainium Games
In the vibrant world of Beeflandia, our hero Beef Cat and his friends always know how to celebrate the good times. But when a mysterious Big Guy shows up and stirs up trouble, everything changes. The peaceful vibes are over and it’s time for a new kind of adventure!
Fly Punch Boom!
Jollypunch Games
$14.99
Fly Punch Boom! – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Engage in intense combat with your friends where the stakes are astronomical. Collide with skyscrapers, marine giants, and asteroids to gain the upper hand, pursue them relentlessly, and execute extraordinary special moves. The focus is on the exhilaration of strategic confrontation.
HOLYHUNT
Short N Sweet
Holyhunt – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
A roguelike shooter game that unites the nostalgic and fun 8-bit aesthetic with modern and deep shooting mechanics. Make your way into the church hall to shoot and dash-holy-punch through different species of demons and bosses with unique mechanics that keeps challenging your abilities each run.
Idle Devils
Happy Player
$11.99
$9.59
Idle Devils – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Idle Devils is a strategic placement game. You can choose devils to cultivate and conquer new female demons, ultimately saving the Demon World and becoming the Demon King. The game features rich roles, skills, and equipment systems.
Loot Stack – Relics Hunter
RISING MOON GAMES
Loot Stack – Relics Hunter – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
In this relaxing game, your ability to optimize inventory space will be put to the test. Each relic has a unique shape and its own challenges to fit, making the gameplay experience both challenging and rewarding. Relish the sense of achievement as you uncover hidden items and refine your strategy to collect all the available treasures.
Spot Challenge Vol. 2
Lucky Raccoon Games
Spot Challenge Vol. 2 – February 7
A game series inspired by the classic “Spot the Differences,” where you need to compare two images and identify the differences between them. With over 330 differences spread across 35 levels, will you be able to find them all?
Sugoro Quest: Dice Heroes
Ratalaika Games S.L.
Sugoro Quest: Dice Heroes – February 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Roll the dice and fight! Sugoro Quest: The Quest of Dice Heroes comes to the West for the first time! This is a board game-style turn-based RPG where dice will decide your fate! The story begins in the kingdom of Siland, where four adventurers set out to talk to the king in search of intrepid adventures. Each adventure is different, so be sure to choose the most suitable member for each journey.
The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 3 to 7 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Sniper Elite Invites You to Join the Resistance, with Tips to Get Started
With Sniper Elite: Resistance available from today on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox and Windows PC, we thought it would be a great time to give you some hints and tips for when you join the Resistance.
Find Your Playstyle
One of the key tenants of the Sniper Elite franchise is the freedom we give to you, the player. We want you to be able to approach every mission, objective and scenario in a way that suits how you want to play the game. You may be the kind of player who is extremely stealthy, taking their time to plan out each and every attack. Using binoculars to mark every enemy you see, planning your assault and taking out the enemies you need to from distance and cover.
Conversely you may be more “shock and awe” in your approach as you blow up a nearby vehicle and let the bullets fly as you steam in. The choice is completely up to you.
Adapt to Achieve Your Objective
The key here is being able to adapt on the fly, no matter your approach. Make sure you have a balanced loadout and are prepared for the scenario you are about to face. Even if you are a ‘run and gun’ style player, it never hurts to plan – even just a little.
Use the tools at your disposal, including your binoculars and focus, mark your enemies by hovering over them and then choose your approach before executing. But, be prepared for things to go wrong. Know where the alarms are and have an exit strategy, even if that’s just to let the bullets fly from an SMG as you run for cover.
Take Time to Understand Your Hunting Ground
The main Campaign in Sniper Elite: Resistance encompasses eight missions – all playable in single player and with a friend via online co-op. Each mission in is set in its own large, sprawling map in different locations behind enemy lines in France. While your primary objective will be clearly marked, there is so much more for you to discover.
Taking the time to explore the map, search enemy soldiers, and keeping an eagle eye for opportunities and hidden secrets will bring its rewards. You can discover additional objectives, unlock new insertion points, gain additional back story and mission information as well as discovering easter eggs.
Propaganda Missions
Each mission also has a Resistance poster hidden within the map. Once you find it you will unlock a separate Propaganda Mission. Here you play as a member of the Resistance in a variety of challenges, all against the clock. These smaller, repeatable levels will test your stealth, combat or sniping.
Each of the challenges has its own set of rules, weapons and scoring to vary the experience. Keep on playing to get the highest score possible and unlock medals and new weapons. We think you are really going to enjoy them.
Choose Your Weapon
As you would expect from a Sniper Elite game you have an arsenal of authentic World War 2 weaponry at your disposal, including some old favourites and new entries to the series. These weapons are combined with our best-in-class ballistics and the series defining X-Ray Kill Cam which lets you reveal in the destruction caused by your sniping prowess.
Weapon unlocks can be earned by finding the workbenches that are hidden within each of the Campaign maps. These workbenches will not only give you access to new weaponry, but they also unlock a number of customisation options. They allow you to alter your loadout, which can be incredibly helpful mid-mission. You may find that you need to increase the zoom capability of your scope or add a silencer to your side arm, all options are open.
Take the Fight Online
Again, this is where exploring and gathering as much intel as possible is vital to success.
Knowing the maps and the various vantage points and hiding places can also be hugely advantageous, especially when Invasion mode is enabled. This optional game mode allows players to ‘invade’ another person’s campaign mission as an enemy sniper tasked with eliminating the lead player.
No matter which side you are on, there are additional tools you can utilise to gain information on your opponent’s location. As the invader you can instruct the AI soldier’s to be extra vigilant and report back if they spot the host player to reveal their position. As the host player you can use the telephones dotted around the map to gain intel on the invader. However, be careful when you use them as overuse will in-turn give away your position.
On top of this, we have a suite of adversarial online multiplayer options for up to 16 players, including a favourite for the snipers amongst us, No Cross. You can also join up to three other players to take on waves of enemies in Survival Mode.
There’s certainly a lot for you to get stuck into so grab your rifle and join the Resistance! We really hope you enjoy the game. Sniper Elite: Resistance is available today on Game Pass, Xbox and Windows PC.
Sniper Elite: Resistance
Rebellion
Pre-order the Sniper Elite: Resistance standard edition now and receive:
• Target Führer – Lights, Camera, Achtung campaign mission
• 1x weapon skin
• Karabiner 98 Rifle
• Target Führer – Lights, Camera, Achtung campaign mission
• 1x weapon skin
• Karabiner 98 Rifle
NEW OPERATIVE, NEW THREAT, NEW EPIC CAMPAIGN
Offering unparalleled sniping mechanics, stealth and tactical third-person combat, Sniper Elite: Resistance turns the attention of the award-winning series towards a hidden war, far from the front lines, deep within the heart of occupied France.
In a gripping new story that runs parallel with Sniper Elite 5, Harry Hawker, agent of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), takes the lead for the first time as he discovers an insidious new Wunderwaffe – something so powerful, it guarantees the Nazis will win the war.
Working with the French Resistance, this deadly addition to the Reich’s arsenal must be eliminated.
Multiple Kill List targets, and different infiltration and extraction points give you an unequalled choice with how to accomplish objectives and create your own playstyle.
The full campaign can also be experienced in co-op. Fight against the Nazi war machine with an ally to share weapons, items and tactical know-how, as well as help each other get back in the fight when you go down during firefights.
VISCERAL X-RAY KILL CAM AND ADVANCED GUNPLAY PHYSICS
The trademark X-ray kill cam returns, showing the true destructive power of every one of your signature shots. Bones deflect bullets to unpredictably rip new paths through enemy bodies and SMGs and pistols also trigger kill cams, showing multiple bullet shots in dramatic slow motion.
To land that shot you will need to think like a true sniper. Factor in rifle stock and barrel options along with gravity, wind and heart rate while you zero your sights on the target.
AUTHENTIC WORLD WAR II WEAPONS AND CUSTOMISATION
The arsenal at your disposal will feature returning franchise favourites as well as a host of new authentic WWII weapons. Picking your loadout will be key to striking down the Reich’s nefarious plans!
Customise your weapon to suit your operating style. Find workbenches scattered around the campaign to customise and upgrade your rifles, secondaries and pistols with new scopes, stocks, barrels, magazines and more. Also remember to pick the right ammo for the right job, whether you need armour-piercing shells or a non-lethal takedown.
PROPAGANDA MISSIONS – BE THE RESISTANCE
Locate unique Propaganda posters across the main campaign and step into the shoes of a French Resistance fighter in all new Propaganda missions. During these scenarios, sneak, snipe and take down enemies to complete time-sensitive objectives and help end the Nazi occupation.
AXIS INVASION MODE
The fan-favourite Axis Invasion mode is back! invade another player’s Campaign as an Axis sniper and engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Whether you stalk your prey, lay an ambush, or run in guns blazing, the threat of invasion provides a new dimension to the campaign’s challenge.
TENSE ONLINE MULTIPLAYER
When you’ve mastered your rifle, customise your character and loadout as you take the fight online in competitive 16-player battles to earn XP, medals and ribbons.
If competition isn’t your style, you can also team up with up to 3 other players against waves of enemies in Survival mode.
The post Sniper Elite Invites You to Join the Resistance, with Tips to Get Started appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Makes You The Protagonist Of Your Own Space Odyssey
Typically, if I’m holding my breath while playing a game, it’s because I’m focused on the rhythm of say, an intense combat sequence or platforming section. The tension stems from the precise, real-time input needed to triumph in those situations, a perfectly-aligned leap or parry. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, an RPG in which the main mechanic is placing dice into a slot at your leisure, does not require the lightning fast touch of a button, and that in itself is a testament to how exhilarating the game can be.
Citizen Sleeper 2 is the sequel to 2022’s Citizen Sleeper, and a compelling evolution to the first instalment that introduces new characters, stories and mechanics. You don’t necessarily need to have played the first game, but it does help in understanding the nuance and complexities of the unforgiving, dystopian world that Citizen Sleeper is set in. While the first game often felt like an isolated journey where helping yourself was often a zero-sum game, Citizen Sleeper 2 introduces a crew system, alongside some other clever new features, allowing your Sleeper to become the quirky, unappointed protagonist of your very own episodic sci-fi adventure.
Mechanically, the sequel feels fresh but familiar. Like the first game, Citizen Sleeper 2 is driven by ‘Cycles’, and at the start of each, you’ll roll a set of six-sided dice that will determine your output during any given Cycle. These dice will then slot into numerous activities, and the higher the roll, the higher the chance of success. Where Citizen Sleeper 2 builds on this is in a brand-new ‘Glitch’ system, a quirk that can debuff one or multiple of your dice rolls substantially, and the ‘Push’ system, which allows you to decrease the risk of using a specific dice to accrue Stress, another new feature.
Stress is an exchange, letting you exchange short term success for further complications later on like ‘breaking’ a die, rendering it useless for a Cycle. This system forces you to gamble, to analyse whether success in the moment is worth whatever damage you’ll do to yourself in the long run. This is where those tense, exhilarating moments come into play, Citizen Sleeper 2 is at its best when a critical success or punishing failure hinges on an unpredictable dice roll.
It’s a much more engaging system, turning the act of simply rolling dice into a wider risk/reward system that enables you to essentially push through a difficult situation and pay for it later. Citizen Sleeper 2 is effectively a game about being alive in a body that doesn’t quite work as you’d like it to, and its mechanics are masterfully built to force you to wrestle with that at all times, yet it never feels a burden to play.
Another new addition that impacts how you play is the class system, which introduces three distinct Sleeper archetypes with their own strengths and weaknesses. Each class starts with strength in one skill, with the ability to unlock points and build out other skills as you play. However, each of these has one skill completely blocked off, you’ll not be able to build on it and will always be at a disadvantage on activities that require it. For example, I went with the Machinist role, a pragmatic archetype that excels with the ‘Engineer’ skill and falls short with the ‘Engage’ skill. In short, great at fixing things, not so great at socialising. It’s a balanced system, but one that drives a natural instinct to play a role, which will also impact how you build your party, another excellent addition to Citizen Sleeper 2.
As you progress, you’ll meet new characters that can be recruited as part of your crew, and each of these new additions comes with their own skills. This changes the dynamic of Citizen Sleeper 2 dramatically – you’re no longer only dependent on your own dice rolls, your crew members can contribute additional die in certain moments.
However, these characters are more than just tactical additions to your tabletop arsenal. Citizen Sleeper 2‘s colorful cast is compelling to follow, because they’re not merely compelled to follow you. They’re individual personalities, each with their own drives and dreams. Sometimes, crew members will be indisposed on errands of their own making, and sometimes their actions will put you in interesting positions, and sometimes those situations may conflict with how you have chosen to roleplay your Sleeper. These characters are not written to be necessarily “good” or “bad” personalities, but everyone you meet has been molded by the dystopian landscape they all share in some way. There’s moral ambiguity in characters that have been shaped by loneliness, conflict and desperation, and there’s a muted cordiality in everyone just trying to survive.
One thing to really heed is that there is no right or wrong way to play Citizen Sleeper 2. Progression is not confined by the binaries of success and failure here, there is no “game over” if you find yourself stumbling through a run of bad luck and poor dice rolls. The decisions that you or your crew decide or deign are the ones that truly matter, and your priorities may change as you uncover new threads to pull on.
The main story of Citizen Sleeper 2 is propelled forward by Major Drives, main missions that’ll advance the plot, but you’ll also pick up Minor Drives, side quests that are optional but will uncover integral additions such as new crew members and valuable items, some of which will pertain to the personal goals of your crew members. However, the new Contract system is where Citizen Sleeper 2 really shines in its homage to the episodic television format the game draws influence from. Contracts are little missions that your crew can embark on with their own engaging narratives and rewards, and they’re also where camaraderie with your crew is key to survival. Opportunities are often shrouded behind inconspicuous interactions that require good use of every skill, and not just your own.
Contracts are accessed via a new map layout, which allows your crew to travel freely between several locations. Citizen Sleeper 2 is far less linear, some Minor Drives will take you to new locations, or you can just choose to spend a few Cycles exploring a place with no specific goal. While its predecessor kept you isolated and tied to one place, Citizen Sleeper 2 extends an open invitation to explore a sprawling galaxy, as long as you have the supplies to get where you’re going.
There is, however, a constant clock running in the background as you partake in all of this wild-eyed wandering. The next narrative beat will often be forced upon you after a certain number of Cycles, and the way to keep failure at bay is to always be moving around. Again, this isn’t a pending failure, but a persistent reminder that there are consequences to your actions in this unrelenting universe.
Citizen Sleeper 2 constantly dances on the line between a calm, controlled stroll and a high-octane sprint. While you may be engaging in some non-important churn, taking your time with its many engaging dialogue sequences, the everpresent thrum of danger is always creeping up to you, making sure you can never truly relax wherever you are. It’s a masterful feat of thoughtful worldbuilding, where your success is often either clutched through chaos or entirely incalculable, which is also a salient question that Citizen Sleeper‘s world poses about existence: What if everything just went wrong anyway, and that was okay?
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is out January 31 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and is available day one with Xbox Game Pass.
The post Citizen Sleeper 2 Makes You The Protagonist Of Your Own Space Odyssey appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Xbox Free-To-Play Frenzy: More Games, More Wins, More Adventures!
Xbox is your ultimate destination for free-to-play excitement! From January 28 through February 10, join the Free-To-Play Frenzy and immerse yourself in thrilling worlds, epic quests, and intense battles with millions of players worldwide. Take advantage of fantastic discounts and special Perks offers to elevate your gaming experience (perks and offers may vary by region and title. Check the Xbox console or app for the latest details).
Whether you’re into international pop stars, exploring expansive mountain ranges, or flushing out enemies, Xbox has the perfect free-to-play game for you. But don’t wait—the collection is only available until February 10! Enjoy new experiences in popular titles like Genshin Impact, Fortnite Festival and Valorant. Here’s what’s new in each game:
- Genshin Impact: Version 5.3, “Incandescent Ode of Resurrection”, is now available! Fight for Natlan’s future alongside Mavuika and Citlali, and welcome Teyvat’s new year with the joy and tradition of Lantern Rite!
- Fortnite Festival: Mikufans, it’s time to grab your glowsticks (or should we say leeks?!). Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), one of the biggest virtual pop stars in the world, is bringing her futuristic sounds to Fortnite as the Icon for Festival Season 7!
- Valorant: Say hello to our newest Agent, Tejo, who’s joining the roster from Colombia. As part of the Initiator class, Tejo specializes in flushing out enemies. Tejo, like all Valorant Agents, is unlocked with a Game Pass membership. Learn more about his abilities on Xbox Wire.
Exclusive Perks for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members
Level up your gaming with exclusive Perks for games like Throne & Liberty, War Thunder and Crossout. From bonus loot to unique skins, these rewards will enhance your gameplay experience. Visit the Perks gallery on your Xbox console or app to claim these exciting offers.
- Throne & Liberty – Lottie and Percy Bundle (Xbox Exclusive): Join the Resistance in this Xbox exclusive colored Lottie Outfit and get a Fuzzy Percy Amitoi to tag along on your adventures.
- Crossout – Midgar 2.0 Bundle: Get a unique armored car, “Fenrir 2.0”, a character portrait, “Wotan”, a paint can: “Red grid”, 1500 in-game coins, and a premium account for 21 days.
- War Thunder – Year of the Snake Bundle: Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Snake with a mighty tank, the Sherman Jumbo “Cobra King”, and a versatile fighter plane, the P-63C-5 “King Cobra”.
Get Ready for Non-Stop Fun
Xbox Free-To-Play Frenzy is your gateway to endless adventures. Whether you’re trying new games, revisiting old favorites, or creating your own stories, there’s something for everyone. Grab your controller, hit play, and let the fun begin!
Check out our Free-to-Play Frenzy collection here.
The post Xbox Free-To-Play Frenzy: More Games, More Wins, More Adventures! appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Diablo IV: Pursue Celestial Fortune in the Lunar Awakening Event!
The post Diablo IV: Pursue Celestial Fortune in the Lunar Awakening Event! appeared first on Xbox Wire.