More Action Awaits with F1 24 & Madden NFL 25 on EA Play

Charlie Fortescue, Director, Global Corporate Communications, EA

Looking to amp up the action? With EA Play, members get unlimited access to EA’s most exciting sports games on The Play List, including the newly added EA Sports F1 24. Along with the hottest racing titles around, EA Play members can also enjoy in-game bonuses, discounts on digital purchases, up to 10-hour trials of fan-favorite games, and unlimited access to titles like EA Sports Madden NFL 25 and beyond.

EA Sports F1 24

EA Play members continue to win this month as EA Sports F1 24 joins the Play List today! Players can join the grid and drive like the greatest in this official video game of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship. EA Sports F1 24 features an overhauled Career mode, the all-new EA Sports Dynamic Handling, a new broadcast presentation package and cutscenes that add to the race day immersion, actual driver audio samples taken from F1 broadcasts and much more. Play as your hero and build on their existing stats and reputation, bring back legendary icons from the past to continue their F1 legacy, or play as yourself and climb the ranks as an F1 or F2 rookie.

EA Sports Madden NFL 25

In addition to F1 24, EA Sports Madden NFL 25 is currently available on the Play List for EA Play members. Madden NFL 25 introduces upgraded iterations of FieldSense and Boom Tech on Xbox Series X|S — groundbreaking physics-based tackling and player control technologies — allowing players to be immersed in the game like never before. Alongside these innovative updates, Madden NFL 25 also brings new signature styles and mechanics to the field as well as overhauled visuals and presentation, including two additional commentary teams, to deliver unparalleled levels of NFL realism through all modes of play.

February Rewards

This month, EA Play members continue to unlock the thrill of special rewards, including:

EA Sports Madden NFL 25 Supercharge Pack – February 6 to March 6
EA Sports Madden NFL 25 MUT Pack – Now to February 28
EA Sports F1 24 5000 XP Boost – Now to February 28
EA Sports F1 24 Champions Icon Pack – February 20 to March 18
EA Sports FC 25 Victory Wings Right Leg Tattoo & Clubs Coins – Now to March 13
EA Sports FC 25 Football Ultimate Team Draft Token– February 15 to March 14
EA Sports NHL 25 WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier Tokens – Now to March 27
EA Sports NHL 25 3000 CHEL Coins – Now to March 27
Apex Legends Fast Money Weapon Charm – Now to March 3
Battlefield 2042 Fiend’s Maw – Now to February 25

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC members receive EA Play with their Game Pass subscription. Members can experience the world of EA with unlimited access to a collection of top titles, trials of select new games, in-game member rewards, 10% on EA digital purchases and more (conditions apply). Members can unlock the thrill of their next favorite game with up to 10-hour trials of EA’s latest titles such as EA Sports FC 25, EA Sports NHL 25, EA Sports College Football 25, F1 24 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, in addition to access to an unrivaled collection of EA’s best-loved series and top titles, including Madden NFL 25, Madden NFL 24, EA Sports FC 24, EA Sports WRC and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

Visit the EA Play page for more details, and to stay up to date on the latest from EA Play, follow EA Play on, Instagram, or X. Please see EA.com/EA-Play/Terms for terms and conditions.

The post More Action Awaits with F1 24 & Madden NFL 25 on EA Play appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a Swashbuckling Spectacle With Unexpected Heart

Category: Games

February 20, 2025

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a Swashbuckling Spectacle With Unexpected Heart

Danielle Partis

As soon as Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii erupted into a musical number at the intro credits, I knew I was in for a spectacular and bizarre experience, even by Like a Dragon’s standards. There he is, Goro Majima, Mad Dog of Shimano and the game’s protagonist, gesticulating wildly in a plush, purple velvet trimmed coat, as a crew of pirates sing and dance around him about the lures of the open water.

There’s a lot to take in, and plenty of surprises we don’t want to spoil, so let’s go through some of the highlights from the early game. You’re in for a treat.

Riches to Riches

Majima awakens on the shores of Rich Island, a small plot of land inhabited by a small community. He’s also stricken with a severe case of amnesia and can’t remember who he is or how he got there. Memory or not, Majima is a resourceful character and is soon embraced by good-hearted, morally complex locals and embroiled in numerous brawls that ultimately result in him becoming captain of a ship. Not a bad day’s work.

Rich Island is where Pirate Yakuza starts to introduce its myriad of minigames and activities, true to Like a Dragon form. An early highlight is Goro Goro Kitchen – a cooking minigame where Majima can make health-replenishing meals with ingredients he’s bought or grown. It’s a cheerful flurry of well-timed button mashing, and your performance dictates the quality of the food.

Naval Battles and Treasure Hunts

Scrapping with enemies at sea and scooping up new riches are two activities considered integral to the pirate experience. Pirate Yakuza introduces both to the mix.

As you explore the seas, clusters of small vessels will intermittently engage with you, sparking water combat. Here, you’ll utilize your ship’s defences, which starts with hard-hitting cannons and a rapid-fire mini mounted on the bow. You’ll have the option to upgrade your ship’s artillery with parts you can scavenge or buy, which’ll come in handy for more powerful foes later on.

The ship combat is a standalone RPG experience. Your crew will gain experience and levels the more you battle, and some members have unique abilities that can give you an edge in a fight. They also have needs and moods – allowing them time to rest and giving the occasional gift will lift their spirits. Having a crew with skills and feelings makes them feel less like static props and more like an actual collection of characters worth caring for, akin to Majima’s Cabaret Czar side plot in Yakuza 0.

These battles are fast-paced and dole out small rewards, akin to the mini-encounters you’ll have on land with small groups of enemies, though it is a little easier to outrun a handful of men than it is to quickly steer your ship away.

Treasure Hunts are presented like a boss rush – your crew disembarks onto a small island and needs to fight through a series of pirate grunts before taking down a boss and copping the treasure at the end. Here, you’ll find unique items that can enhance Majima’s abilities, and of course, bucketloads of cash.

Sea Dog of Shimano

Majima also picks up a brand-new fighting stance exclusive to Pirate Yakuza – Sea Dog Style. The stance allows him to deliver swift, swishing blows with a pair of cutlasses, alternating between light and heavy attacks and dishing out big AoE damage. Majima can also wield a pistol for long-range attacks – perfect for staggering foes – and a chain hook that will launch him towards an enemy, which can be followed up with more close-range attacks. Later on, Majima can summon deities using ‘Dark Instruments’, strange items plundered from rival pirate gangs. To give you a sense of the abilities here, Majima can summon a giant man-eating shark by shredding on a violin, an outrageous scene to witness.

Majima also carries his classic Mad Dog stance seen in other Like a Dragon titles here too, so if you (for some reason) don’t feel like being an extremely cool, cutlass-swinging pirate, his traditional roster of speedy blows, slick knife attacks and shadow clones to boost attack power is also an extremely fun option.

The Path to Madlantis

Majima and his crew set sail to the island settlement of Madlantis a few hours into Pirate Yakuza, and it is perhaps one of my favorite locations I’ve seen in a Like a Dragon game. It’s a rogue trove of delights, nestled away inside a cave system and largely constructed from the wreckages of old ships.

Walking through Madlantis feels immediately unsettling in a way that spaces like Kamurocho and Sotenbori rarely do, even in their shadiest spots. It’s shrouded entirely in darkness, illuminated only by colorful neon signs, harsh floodlights and flaming barrels. Suspicious-looking faces are clustered in dimly lit corners drinking, playing card games or beating someone up while onlookers pay no mind.

It’s also home to The Coliseum, where Majima and his crew can face off against other pirate crews to rack up reputation as a feared pirate, as well as other rewards.

Madlantis is one of four distinct locations you’ll visit – Rich Island, Nele and Hawaii all boast their own unique settings, characters and activities, but Madlantis really blew me away as a hive of nefariousness brimming with characters that, again, even by Like a Dragon’s standards, felt truly outlandish.

The Heart of Yakuza

While a lot of this game presents an off-beat adventure full of swashbuckling and treasure-hunting, it’s still pleasantly rooted in the core themes of the series. While Majima can’t remember who he is, he’s quickly reunited with a roster of Yakuza allies, and his adventures with his new crew must intertwine with the urgent business he’s expected to deal with as a Yakuza boss.

It also touches on some more delicate themes; the perils of fatherhood, the balance between wanting to keep a loved one safe and letting them free, and of course, the ever-present, pertinent question that every Like a Dragon game poses: What it means to be a man.

That said, it’s also just an incredibly funny game. The characters are so wonderfully blasé in the face of total nonsense, which makes it even more entertaining. During one treasure hunt, Majima has a fistfight with a huge brown bear, and afterwards, exclaims “ah, he had a classic grizzly right hook.” Moments like this paired with the above tough emotional storylines coursing through Pirate Yakuza make for a fantastic, rounded adventure.

This is merely a small glimpse into the wacky word that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – it’s a truly unique adventure that feels like a fever dream, while remaining loyal to the heart of the main franchise. There’s not long to wait either, you can set sail with Majima when the game launches for Xbox Series X|S on February 21.

For those eager to get a taste of the action right away, a free demo of the game is available to download and play now.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Demo

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆
55

★★★★★

Get it now

In this free demo version of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, you’ll embark on a modern-day adventure on land and sea as an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain, Goro Majima.

Explore and fight your way through the vibrant city of Honolulu, then venture to the secret criminal haven Madlantis, where pirates engage in deadly naval battles for sport.

Dynamically switch between two fighting styles as you take down enemies in exhilarating action combat that rewards your creativity. Dish out destruction with over-the-top combos, aerial juggles and finishing moves using your bare hands, makeshift weapons, cutlasses, and other buccaneer gear to hack, slash, and pummel enemies into submission.

Take the helm of your ship and challenge rival crews in the infamous Pirates’ Coliseum, where you and your crew engage in intense, real-time naval battles with machine guns, cannons and more. After immobilizing your enemy’s ship, issue the boarding call to swing into epic hand-to-hand deck brawls vs. hordes of enemies to claim victory.

Don’t forget to customize your look, then blow off some steam with the variety of side experiences like karaoke and more.

※Note that you will not be able to carry over your save data from the demo into the full game.

The post Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a Swashbuckling Spectacle With Unexpected Heart appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Details and Tips for the Open Beta, Beginning Tomorrow

Category: Games

February 19, 2025

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Details and Tips for the Open Beta, Beginning Tomorrow

Yasuyuki OdaProducer, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Are you ready to rev it up and unleash your fury? SNK’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the legendary ’90s fighter reborn, launches on April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. Eager to sink your teeth in early? The Open Beta kicks off tomorrow, running from February 20–24, giving you an early shot at the fight. Prepare to feast on next-gen brawling—powered by revolutionary game mechanics, a stunning comic-inspired art style, and flexible control options tailored for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. Wolves, start sharpening your claws and get ready to take on South Town’s greatest and latest!

The Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Open Beta invites the hungry pack to step into the ring and test out the integrated rollback netcode and cross-network play functionality with eight of the game’s characters to choose from. Players can battle it out with friends across three online modes in cross-network play: Ranked Match, Casual Match, and Room Match. Those who are new to Fatal Fury can learn the ropes in the offline Tutorial mode, which offers the perfect training ground.

Debuting in City of the Wolves is the Rev System, a customizable toolset designed to supercharge offensive strategy from the very first clash. Only the strongest wolves can master (and balance) every Rev technique to reign as champion of South Town. Hit the books and study the Rev systems via our official Fighting Guide to learn more.

On the topic of South Town, the Open Beta will give players access to some of the tropical city’s legends, including the Legendary Wolf himself, Terry Bogard, and the fan-favorite fiery ninja, Mai Shiranui.

Terry is a jack-of-all-trades, equipped with a projectile, anti-air attacks, and rushdown moves to fight any opponent, near or far. His accessible arsenal of attacks makes him the perfect character to pick up for anyone new to the series, or fighting games in general. He’s not the poster boy of the series for nothing! Use your Power Charge and Crack Shoot to pressure the enemy while they are blocking and force them to overheat.

Mai is also a well-rounded character with a variety of special moves. Her Sayo Chidori can put the opponent under pressure continuously, even when they are blocking. She’s also a great pick for players looking for more movement options, as mastering her Musasabi no Mai allows you to move around the stage with ease.

Joining the roster are new challengers: Preecha, a diligent Muay Thai dynamo with calculated strikes, and the enigmatic Vox Reaper, whose demonic presence and deadly karate bring a fresh yet familiar intensity to the fight.

Preecha’s playstyle focuses on relentless multi-hit attacks. She can try to go for cross-ups with her Hyperbolic Kick or open up her opponent with a Rev Preecha’s Combination followed by a Circular Step.

Vox has long-range normals to check his opponents, including a standing heavy punch that can be followed up with his Kokuen Ryuu shockwave (and other moves) to deal seriously big damage. He even has a command grab to keep his opponent guessing at midrange.

Rounding out the Open Beta roster are a mix of returning legends and fresh faces ready to join the fray:

Rock Howard, Terry Bogard’s protégé and son of South Town’s infamous Geese Howard, carries a complex legacy. Rock has a well-balanced lineup of special moves, including projectiles that travel along the ground, anti-airs, and attacks with forward momentum. His Shippuu Ken works well against grounded opponents to keep them at bay, while the mighty command grab Shinkuu Nage can be used with Rev Accel as a strong combo starter.
Hotaru Futaba, easygoing but powerful, brings grace and discipline to the fight. She’s a speedy character who uses a variety of attacks to mess with her opponent and keep them at her mercy. Her forward step is a full-fledged run, allowing her to use her projectiles as a shield and close in on her opponent simultaneously. She also has a midair stomp (Koushuu Da) and a quick command grab (Shajou Tai) to help break through the opponent’s defenses even more.
B. Jenet, daring leader of the Lilien Knights, commands attention with her fearlessness. She’s a technical character whose spiraling Afterburner attack descends from the air and leads well into combos on hit. Gulf Tomahawk is another useful move that can be stopped midway through via the Braking mechanic, allowing her to follow up with a jump attack or her Harrier Bee. She has a number of ways to approach her opponent, making her a dynamic character on the ground or in the air.
Lastly, the highly ambitious Kain R. Heinlein, who aims to seize control of South Town—not for power or wealth, but his own ideals of true freedom. Kain is a methodical character who fights at mid-to-long range using his powerful projectiles and setups. His formidable Schwarze Lanze allows him to find gaps in hard-hitting enemy offense; it requires a charge motion, though, making him a more difficult fighter to master (albeit a highly defensive one adept at keeping himself out of harm’s way). Make the most of these and other moves in Kain’s toolkit to control the pace of every fight!

A diverse pack of wolves—with more to come in the full game—are raring for battle. The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold…

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is perfect for both new and experienced players, providing two control schemes tailored to all levels of experience: Arcade Style and Smart Style. Arcade Style offers traditional fighting game controls, while Smart Style streamlines gameplay, allowing flashy special moves and combos with simple directional inputs and single-button presses. Making its triumphant return after 26 years, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves aims to wow old and new fans with its dynamic art style, a mix of new and familiar fighters, and modernized battle systems. Read more on how to play on our official website.

Pre-orders for the Special Edition of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves are now live for $59.99 USD / €59.99 EUR, featuring the Base Game and Season Pass 1. Players who pre-order will unlock a classic Terry Bogard costume inspired by his original Fatal Fury appearance, along with three days of early access to the full game, starting April 21, 2025.

Get ready for the Open Beta and gear up for the full launch on April 24, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S. In the meantime, check out Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and the KOF Studio on X, Instagram, and the official Discord.

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves

SNK CORPORATION

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

After 26 years, FATAL FURY is back!

SNK’s beloved Fatal Fury series first hit the market in 1991, spearheading the fighting game boom of the 1990s that swept the industry thereafter. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES (released in 1999) has, for some time, served as the franchise’s most recent installment. But that is all about to change: 26 years on, a brand-new entry—FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves—is set to arrive on the scene!
FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves features a unique art style that stimulates the senses, an innovative REV system that supercharges the excitement, plus a host of other battle systems even more robust than before. The game also breathes new life into the series by introducing two distinct control schemes (ensuring fun and excitement for newcomers and veterans alike) as well as other fresh features and elements.
The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold…

The post Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Details and Tips for the Open Beta, Beginning Tomorrow appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Blow it up: Tips & Tricks

Take Back Boomtopia

Blow It Up is a physics-based destruction game by Brain Seal Ltd. that blends the explosive fun of Angry Birds with a robust physics engine for a thrilling puzzle experience. Set in “Boomtopia”, a land where destruction meets strategy, your mission is to rescue your bomb friends from mischievous oppressors. With seven unique bombs—each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities—you’ll need to think strategically to clear over 70 challenging levels.

To help you make every explosion count, this guide covers each of your bomb buddies in detail, along with essential tips and tricks. Master their destructive potential, unleash chaos, and take back Boomtopia!

Launching 101: Mastering your Launch

Each level presents a unique challenge, and finding the right weak points in the structures is key to causing maximum destruction. Using your launchpad, your objective is to eliminate all enemies, explode the gifts, and ideally finish with an extra shot remaining—earning you the prestigious gold trophy. If you run out of shots but still manage to explode all gifts, you’ll receive a silver trophy. Simply clearing the level will net you a bronze.

To maximize your impact, carefully aim using the launchpad and activate each bomb’s special ability mid-air at the perfect moment. Since every bomb has its own unique power, let’s break them down one by one:

Dashy (Dash Bomb)

Dashy is the starting bomb in Blow It Up, known for its versatility. When activated mid-air, it propels in a straight line based on the direction of its velocity at the time of activation. Dashy is great for reaching tough enemies, cleaning up leftovers, or targeting weak points in structures. However, its explosion is one of the weakest in the game, making it less effective in levels with many enemies or dense structures. Use Dashy strategically for its speed and precision, but be mindful of its limited power.

Diggy (Drill Bomb)

Diggy is a bomb that drops straight down when activated, making it perfect for targeting areas directly below. It’s great for situations where you need to thread the needle—hitting specific targets or enemies on lower levels with precision. While it only has a single explosion, it can cause significant damage in the area of impact. Use Diggy when you need a focused, direct hit, but keep in mind it’s usually not suited for taking out multiple targets at once.

Gunny (Gun Bomb)

When activated, Gunny fires its two handguns one by one, each shot causing a small explosion upon impact. This makes it perfect for breaking through structures, particularly when targets are aligned in a straight path or when you need to destabilize the foundation of a building. The shots weaken structures and create openings, allowing for precise, strategic destruction—especially when focusing on key points to bring the structure down.

Jetty (Airplane Bomb)

Jetty takes to the skies when activated, flying horizontally and dropping small bombs along its path before eventually falling down. This makes Jetty excellent for targeting multiple enemies or structures arranged horizontally. Its ability to cover a wide area with each drop makes it a versatile, all-around bomb, perfect for dealing with scattered targets or clearing large sections of a level.

Blasty (Remote Bomb)

Blasty is a remote bomb that explodes immediately upon activation. Its precise detonation makes it perfect for close-range targets, reaching hard-to-access areas (where other bombs would trigger too soon), or even pushing objects when needed. Blasty’s controlled explosion allows for strategic, creative plays in tricky situations.

Chainy & Linky (Chain Bomb)

Chainy & Linky are two bombs connected by a chain. When activated, they break free and move on their own, each following its own path until they reach their target. This unique dynamic allows for creative strategies, as their separate movement can hit multiple targets or cause destruction in different areas of the level.

Puffy (Fat Bomb)

Puffy is a bomb with a more limited range but a powerful punch. When activated, it releases shrapnel that carries the same momentum as the original bomb, causing the pieces to explode independently. This makes Puffy great for creating large explosions in tight spaces, taking out close-range targets, and cleaning up any remaining enemies or obstacles. Its unique blast pattern allows for focused, impactful destruction.

Mix, Match, Boom

With all these bombs at your disposal, the key to success is finding the right one for each level’s challenge. Whether you’re looking for precision, wide-ranging destruction, or something in between, there’s a bomb to match your playstyle and the situation at hand. The more you experiment, the better you’ll understand how each bomb’s unique abilities can be used to create the perfect explosion. So, go ahead, blow stuff up, and unleash chaos in Boomtopia! After all, who doesn’t love a good explosion?

Blow it up is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Blow it up

Brain Seal Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blow it up is a physics destruction game with light-puzzle elements where you shoot bombs to destroy your enemies who are hiding behind tower-like structures.
Master seven unique bombs in a realistic physics simulation and explore over 70 levels of mayhem and destruction.

STORYLINE
An alien invasion is in full swing—mysterious, powerful creatures have descended upon BOOMTOPIA, stripping it of its natural resources and claiming dominance with their explosive superpowers. As your friends are captured one by one, you’ve had enough. Fueled by determination, you gear up to fight back. The adventure begins, but with chaos all around, can you truly survive the mayhem and rescue all your friends?

FEATURES
– 7 unique bombs to destroy your enemies.
– Advanced physics simulation where every block behaves naturally.
– Explore a world of adventure and rescue your friends!
– Over 70 levels of mayhem and destruction.
– TNT, confetti and fireworks for more spectacular explosions.

Blow it up is the ultimate explosive experience!!

The post Blow it up: Tips & Tricks appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Avowed Is Available Now – Your Journey Awaits

Category: Games

February 18, 2025

Avowed Is Available Now – Your Journey Awaits

Shyla SchofieldSenior Communications Manager, Obsidian

Summary

Shape your destiny as an Envoy chosen by a mysterious god, wielding divine powers to confront ancient threats, unravel hidden mysteries, and decide the fate of the Living Lands.
Forge your own playstyle with four expansive skill trees—Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, and Godlike—and fight using powerful weapons, magic, and unique abilities like Grimoire Snap and Blood Magic.
Your companions are more than just allies—their unique abilities, personal struggles, and choices shape not only your journey but the world of Eora itself.

The wait is finally over—Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated fantasy RPG has officially launched! Step into the breathtaking Living Lands, a wild and mysterious island located in the Pillars of Eternity world of Eora, and embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and adventure.

Play today on Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, and cloud, to experience Obsidian’s latest RPG adventure. Available day one on Game Pass!

A Land in Turmoil

The Living Lands is a frontier unlike any other. This rugged and untamed island has become a haven for exiles, dreamers, and adventurers seeking a fresh start. Its vibrant regions and scattered settlements pulse with life, each hiding untold stories and ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered.

But this land of promise is fraught with peril. The Dreamscourge, a devastating soul-plague, is driving settlers to madness and turning them against one another. The very land itself resists colonization, haunted by echoes of lives long past. As an envoy chosen by a foreign emperor and blessed by a mysterious god, you are thrust into the heart of this chaos. With divine powers at your fingertips and the will to shape your own destiny, you’ll confront ancient threats, unravel mysteries, and decide the fate of the Living Lands. Will you unite its people or watch as their struggles tear them apart? The choices you make will define the future of the Living Lands—and the person you become.

Forge Your Own Path

In Avowed, the power of choice is yours. Create a character and shape your playstyle with four expansive skill trees—Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, and Godlike. Using two separate weapon loadouts, you can play as a stealthy sniper armed with dual pistols and a longbow or a spell-slinging barbarian wielding an axe and a grimoire, or whatever combination of loadouts you choose. This means that the possibilities are endless. Your choices define who you are and how you’ll tackle the challenges ahead.

But you’re not alone on this journey. Your companions each bring their own skills, personalities, and deeply personal stories:

Kai, the steadfast protector, whose calm demeanor and unwavering loyalty make him a dependable shield in battle.
Giatta, a brilliant animancer scientist, whose relentless curiosity drives her to uncover the mysteries of the Dreamscourge, even at great personal risk.
Marius, a lone-wolf hunter, whose sharp wit and tracking expertise make him an invaluable ally in the wilderness.
Yatzli, a fiery Godless expert, harnessing explosive magic and a rebellious spirit. Her disdain for the gods adds complexity to her character and your choices.

Their history, relationships, and perspectives intertwine with your story, adding depth and weight to every decision you make. Will you earn their trust, challenge their beliefs, or forge something more profound? How you guide your companions—and how they influence you—shapes the adventure in unexpected ways.

Your Living Lands, Your Way

Avowed is a game built to immerse you in its world. The Living Lands is a sprawling playground for adventurers, rewarding exploration at every turn. Traverse rugged cliffs, wade through winding rivers, and uncover unique hidden treasures—from ancient elemental weapons to fragments of God Shrine Totems that come together to create powerful new abilities.

Combat is equally immersive, offering a seamless blend of magic, melee, and ranged attacks. Unleash shockwaves with Grimoire Snap, trade health for devastating power with Blood Magic, wield weapons you have upgraded and enchanted, or mix and match abilities to create a playstyle that’s entirely your own. Every encounter is an opportunity to experiment, strategize, and push the boundaries of your party’s potential.

At the heart of Avowed lies its dedication to player choice. Inspired by the freedom of tabletop RPGs, the game puts the power in your hands. Your decisions ripple across the Living Lands, shaping alliances, influencing factions, and determining the fate of your companions. Whether you negotiate peace, spark conflict, or carve your own path through the chaos, your actions leave a lasting impact on the world of Eora.

This seamless blend of storytelling, exploration, and creativity makes Avowed an unforgettable RPG experience, one where every choice matters and every discovery feels personal.

Start Your Adventure Today

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Obsidian Entertainment or new to Eora, Avowed invites you to dive into a world of wonder, danger, and opportunity. With its vibrant setting, unforgettable characters, and deeply immersive gameplay, this is the role-playing experience you’ve been waiting for.

The Living Lands are calling. Gather your courage, forge your path, and let the adventure begin!

Avowed is available now for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and with Game Pass. Avowed also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning when you buy the game through the store on Xbox or Windows, it’s yours to play on Xbox and Windows PC at no additional cost, and your game progress and achievements are saved across Xbox and Windows PC.

When you purchase Avowed on Battle.net or Xbox, or have an Xbox Game Pass membership (PC or Ultimate only), and connect your Battle.net and Xbox accounts, it’s also yours to play on Battle.net, Xbox and Xbox App for Windows at no additional cost. Avowed lets you pick up where you left off, bringing all of your saves, game add-ons, and Xbox achievement progress with you.

Avowed Premium Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
651

★★★★★

$89.99

Get it now

Premium Edition includes:
– Avowed base game
– Up to 5 days early access
– Two Premium Skin Packs
– Access to Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

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.
You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?

The Weird and Wonderful Living Lands
The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem.

Visceral Combat to Play Your Way
Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance.

Companions as part of your journey
Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.

Avowed Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
560

★★★★★

$69.99

Get it now

The post Avowed Is Available Now – Your Journey Awaits appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Coming Soon to Game Pass: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Category: Xbox Game Pass

February 18, 2025

Coming Soon to Game Pass: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Megan SpurrSenior Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass

For those of you that have been exploring the Living Lands in Avowed, thank you for taking a break to check out the latest Game Pass news! We have some exciting new reveals and exclusive Perks to tease your install buttons. Also, mark your calendars and check out the ID@Xbox Showcase during IGN Fan Fest 2025 on Monday, February 24 at 10am PT for even more Game Pass announcements. Let’s get to the games!

Available Today

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. Check out Xbox Wire for Starting Tips to Help You on Your Adventure in the Living Lands.

Coming Soon

EA Sports F1 24 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 20
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Join the grid and chase podium glory with unlimited access to EA Sports F1 24, coming soon to The Play List. Members can master every turn and feel at one with the car with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass, or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score in-game rewards including 5,000 XP monthly.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 20
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an isometric RPG by Owlcat Games, set in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. As a powerful Rogue Trader, you command a starship, assemble a crew, and explore the Imperium, making fateful decisions in tactical, turn-based combat.

Watch Dogs: Legion (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 25
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities where you can recruit (and play as) anyone. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set for unique situations. Team up with your friends to complete new four-player co-op missions and PvP matches online.

In Case You Missed It

Ryse: Son of Rome Available with Cloud Gaming
Game Pass Ultimate

Jump back in this immersive action-adventure story of struggle, brutality, and heroism with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Amidst the chaos of the late Roman Empire, become soldier Marius Titus and embark on a perilous campaign to avenge the death of your family and defend the honor of Rome. In Gladiator Mode, step into the Colosseum and fight for the glory, spectacle, and entertainment of the crowds.

DLC / Game Updates

Sea of Thieves: Season 15 – Starting February 20

Sea of Thieves is more exciting than ever as new life abounds across the waves. Set forth on new Voyages for The Hunter’s Call, grapple with wild boars and deadly sea monsters, master using hunting spears and more, with new features to enjoy each month.

Ark Survival Ascended: Astraeos DLC – Available Now
Game Pass members save 10%! Embark on your next epic odyssey within the world of Ark with Astraeos! Explore and immerse yourself in an elysian land of colossal proportions, steeped in Greek mythology. At over 260km², this massive new map is overflowing with stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and sacred temples. Face off against powerful new bosses, alpha dino variants with enhanced loot, and a fearsome miniboss lurking in mysterious caves.

Forza Motorsport: Update 17 – Available Now
Update 17 celebrates cars that are fun, compact, and performant. Race four new-to-Motorsport cars: 2023 Toyota Camry TRD, 2022 Hyundai i20N, 2022 Toyota GR86, and 2021 Hyundai #98 Elantra TCR. Get the 2021 Toyota Yaris GR and 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5N in the Challenge Hub.

Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars Expansion – March 4
Game Pass members can save 10% on their pre-order of Immortal Pillars, the highly anticipated first expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold. Harness the power of ancient Chinese mythology and discover a world where gods, monsters, and legends collide in an epic new chapter of mythical strategy.

Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Find all these Perks and more in the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on Windows PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership.

Madden NFL 25: EA Play Supercharge Pack – Available Now
Madden NFL 25 is now on The Play List. Get your Ultimate Team ready for the gridiron with the Supercharge Pack.

Minecraft: 1 Month Marketplace Pass – Available Now
Get access to the Marketplace Pass for 1 month! Discover 150+ pieces of content including worlds, skin packs, add-ons and more refreshed monthly. This Perk requires a payment instrument to redeem. Terms apply.

Monster Hunter Now: MH Now Bundle – Available Now
Claim 2 Ultra Hunting Tickets, 2 Paintballs, 2 Potions, a Wander Orb, and a Tigrex crafting material for weapons and armor. This Perk content requires Monster Hunter Now (mobile) to use. Valid only for iOS and Android versions of the game.

MultiVersus: MVP Pack 5 – Available Now
The MultiVersus MVP Pack offers in-game content to further customize and boost your play for Game Pass Ultimate members. MVP Pack 5 includes a Rare Banner – Bun Power and a Legendary Taunt – Treat Break.

Naruto 4-Movie Collection: Free movies – Available Now (US Only)
Claim four Anime classic movies including Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Blood Prison, Naruto Road to Ninja, Naruto The Last, and Boruto: The Naruto Movie. More Naruto titles are on sale during Anime month. Available in the US only.

Leaving February 28

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Whether there are loose ends to tie up or you still want to try these out, this is your call to jump back in. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% on your purchase to keep it in your library.

F1 22 (Console and PC) EA Play
Gris (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Maneater (Cloud, Console, and PC)
PAW Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Space Engineers (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Yakuza 3 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Yakuza 4 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)

We’re adding more games over time to the ‘Stream your own game’ collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go to Xbox.com/Play to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.

As always you can tune into Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social for a reminder when these “coming soon” announcements turn into “play today.” Otherwise we’ll be back here to talk more games soon. Cheers!

The post Coming Soon to Game Pass: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The Cult Classic Shmup X-Out Surfaces Back after Slumbering in the Depths for 35 Years

Summary

X-Out Resurfaced comes out February 20, 2025.
Digital pre-orders are currently available.
Remake of the classic C64 shoot’em up.

Some people say old legends never die. We fully agree with them, as we’re willing to give a helping hand to those that wish to rise again.

X-Out Resurfaced is a full-blown, high-definition remake of the old Commodore 64 classic X-Out. Featuring gorgeous visuals and a reworked control scheme, this new version is the perfect way to experience this incredible shoot’em up in all its glory.

The game starts with a unique loadout screen, revolutionary for its time, allowing you to choose your craft, weaponry and option types, before submersing yourself in frantic, underwater shmup action.

The challenge will be tough and the enemies numerous, but Captain Granger and his faithful craft Trilobite are definitely up to the task. He is after all the last line of defense against the alien horrors that are trying to invade Earth through the ocean depths.

These cosmic horrors sound like they might be too much for you to handle alone? Nothing to worry about, as X-Out Resurfaced features a brand new two-player mode. Sharing the underwater terror is caring after all.

Last but not least, the banger of a soundtrack got a complete makeover by the original composer himself, the great Chris Huelsbeck. Worth a good listen or two if you’re an enjoyer of fantastic retro tunes.

X-Out Resurfaced is still currently available for pre-order, with a full release on February 20, 2025.

We’re counting on you captain. Good luck!

X-Out: Resurfaced

ININ Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

You thought they’d come from space? Wrong!
It’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot ‘em up, dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms – X-Out: Resurfaced!

Resurfaced:
In 1990, the year of X-Out’s initial release on Amiga, it stood out as a breath of fresh seaside air in the stale shoot ’em-up space.

It didn’t take place in “space” as so many games of its genre did (and still do) but instead went for a dive through underwater worlds.
But what really pushed it further than its side-scrolling competitors was its shop system, allowing players to mix and match from a wide variety of ships, weapons, and other accessories to build their fleet. This made every playthrough (attempt) feel different and unique.

In 2024 the highly challenging underwater shoot ‘em up from the game development legends at Rainbow Arts is finally returning.
ININ and Ziggurat have collaborated to bring you a faithful remake completely rebuilt from the ground up and greatly improved.

Redrawn:
The impressive sprite work of yesteryear has not only been remade into even more impressive modern high-resolution sprites but also greatly expanded upon with particle and lighting effects. 8 varied stages, the enemies, the bosses, the ships, the projectiles—everything shines in a brand-new light!

Remixed:
Apart from the visual journey of each playthrough, you’ll embark on a musical one as well: epic synth soundscapes that drive you forward by the magnificent Chris Hülsbeck. In addition to him remastering his original works, we have created three entirely new tracks as well.

Remembered:
And it’s not just Chris Hülsbeck who has returned for this remake: Ogan Kandemiroglu, the brother and co-artist of Celal Kandemiroglu who created the original iconic key art of X-Out, took on that task for the remake as a tribute.

Re-equipped:
The shop system is back and thoroughly improved as well: new preconfigured load-outs allow you to jump straight into the action, added item descriptions help new cadets configure and build their fleet, and we’ve FINALLY marked the available slots for your weaponry.

Reinforced:
Should you still feel overwhelmed by X-Out’s challenge, then maybe it’s time for a co-captain. Enlist a friend and face the terrors from the ocean deep together in the local 2-player co-op mode!

Reversed:
If you think you’ve seen everything there is to the game already, then prepare to have your bearing changed and your gyro twisted in the Mirror Mode with its reverse-scrolling levels!

Recapped:
• Experience a fresh but faithful take on a real shoot-’em-up classic!
• Get dazzled by the new and beautiful sprite work mixed with shiny particle and lighting effects!
• Take a journey through new and old synth soundscapes courtesy of composer legend Chris Hülsbeck!
• Choose one of three load-outs or build your own fleet in the improved shop system!
• Grab a trusty ally and face the depths together in a 2-player couch co-op dive!
• Get your world flipped, turned upside down in the Mirror Mode!
• Too challenging? Don’t fret we got some cheats for you to breeze through the game with ease!

The post The Cult Classic Shmup X-Out Surfaces Back after Slumbering in the Depths for 35 Years appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Fahmi’s Swan Song: Afterlove EP – Life, Love, and Music in Jakarta

Category: Games

February 14, 2025

Fahmi’s Swan Song: Afterlove EP – Life, Love, and Music in Jakarta

Sasha Ariana, Lead Narrative Designer

Summary

Afterlove EP is a new slice-of-life adventure from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.
Pikselnesia shares how the team navigated its own grief alongside the game’s emotional beats after its founder unexpectedly passed away.
Afterlove EP is out today on Xbox Series X|S.

When we, Pikselnesia, first heard the pitch for Afterlove EP from one of Indonesia’s greatest narrative minds, Fahmi Hasni, we knew it would be something special. But we never expected everything to unfold the way it did.

I first met Fahmi, funnily enough, through a dating app. After a very brief entangling, it quickly became clear that we were meant to create something far greater than just a fleeting companionship. Even before What Comes After took shape, he was already dreaming about what at that time was called Project Heartbreak. Back then, he didn’t even have a story – just a feeling he wanted to capture. The ache of trying to move on while the voice of lost love still lingers in your head.

Then, just as we were stepping into full production, Fahmi passed away. I remember spending a lot of horrible months in my grief wondering what went wrong – if anything could have gone differently. Fahmi’s passing was sudden, tragic, and utterly shocking.

When our team and publisher eventually chose me to be the Narrative Lead, I knew exactly what to do. Our protagonist would feel what I felt.

I was going to put him through hell.

As the team hurled itself into continuing production in the dark, I knew each of us struggled to fill the giant hole Fahmi had left. Our producer, Ivor, had known Fahmi since before his days as a gaming journalist. Now, he had to shoulder the impossible – leading a studio without its heart. He managed Pikselnesia, coordinated with our publisher Fellow Traveler, and kept Fahmi’s family updated. I knew he was skilled – his years in the AAA mobile game industry proved that – but guiding a grieving team while mourning a friend must have been gut-wrenching.

Our other co-lead, Damas, was a pillar of the Indonesian gaming industry. His Bandung-based studio – Rolling Glory Jam – had been our backbone when we released What Comes After years before. Then there was Giri, who I had worked with on What Comes After. Seeing him again as Lead Programmer for Afterlove EP felt like reuniting with an old ally. Our other programmer, Dany, took on even more – stepping into the role of Creative Director while still managing the back-end of our PC and Nintendo Switch builds. I had seen all these men stand beside Fahmi before. Though I perhaps would never fully grasp the depth of their grief, I could feel their determination to complete Fahmi’s final masterpiece, the swan song of his dying breath.

Even when Afterlove EP was just a conversation I had with Fahmi over coffee, Fahmi already knew he wanted Soyatu to lead the art direction. I remember being in awe – Soyatu’s unmistakable style, in an artful game about death? It would surely be a head-turner. I was relieved when Fahmi also found Pinga to create background arts that perfectly complement Soyatu’s lively characters. Together, their work felt seamless. And when Maxi joined the team, everything clicked into place. Watching Soyatu’s characters come to life – actually walking, actually talking – was surreal. It made sense, though. Maxi had worked with Giri before at Thinker Studio, and I never doubted his talent for a second.

This all-star team was exactly what Fahmi’s vision needed – anything less simply wouldn’t have sufficed. His love for Jakarta ran deep. The chaotic sprawl of the streets, the hidden gems tucked away in hole-in-the-wall eateries, the city’s thriving music and art culture – all of it shaped him, and his hopeless romantic tendencies. That was why he brought L’Alphalpha into the project so early. The shoegaze band has a unique, distinctive sound that is somewhat cinematic, exceptional lyrics written in Bahasa Indonesia that are melancholic without being maudlin, the type of songs that recognized pain but never let it consume you. It was everything Fahmi wanted Afterlove EP to express.

In Afterlove EP, you step into the life of Rama, a deadpan young musician grieving the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta, who died from a fatal heart disease. Coping with the weight of her absence is already overwhelming – sorrow, trauma, and guilt twist together in a relentless storm. But what makes it even harder is that Cinta’s voice never truly leaves him. She lingers in his mind, speaking to him, questioning him, making moving on feel impossible.

As Rama stumbles toward a new chapter in his life, he faces choices that shape his future – including three potential love interests: Mira, Regina, and Satria. Yet, Cinta remains. She watches. She comments on his decisions. She even occasionally disagrees with how he tries to move forward, a presence that refuses to fade into memory. Meanwhile, his band, Sigmund Feud, is barely holding together. His absence during his deepest grief took its toll, and when he finally returns, he somehow manages to make things worse. Anyone who has tried to start a band with friends in a garage will understand – sometimes it’s tangled in personal drama, other times it’s clashing ambitions. But in every indie band, there’s always that moment when everything feels like it could fall apart.

As you navigate Rama’s life in the most eventful month of his new life, you’ll be immersed in Soyatu’s signature art style – not just in character sprites you’re controlling and interacting with, but also in beautifully crafted comics woven throughout the game.

You’ll also be able to control how well Rama plays with the band in both practice sessions and live performances, as you jam out to L’Alphalpha’s incredible shoegaze post-rock soundtrack.

Jakarta itself plays a crucial role in Afterlove EP, with real-life locations that meant the world to Fahmi and our team. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself wandering these same streets, seeing the city through his eyes, and understanding why he fell in love with it.

There’s so much more to discover, but I don’t want to spoil the wonder of experiencing Afterlove EP for yourself. So, I’ll end here – with my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We’re finally at the finish line, and it’s because of you that we were able to bring Fahmi’s final masterpiece to life. Until later when we meet again, friends.

Afterlove EP

Fellow Traveller

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Taking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.

Step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on with life after the death of their girlfriend, Cinta.

Whilst his close friends and bandmates are all determined to help him move on, Rama has been stuck for more than a year. He’s neglecting his music, his mental health and his relationships.

Making things harder, he’s hearing Cinta’s voice inside his head, unsure if she is a spirit or part of his imagination.

Now he has just one month to get it together!

Rama’s band has a critical gig in one month’s time. Either he gets serious about his music and delivers the new songs he has been promising or the band will move on without him.

KEY FEATURES
• An emotional new story from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.
• Set in a vibrant and authentic recreation of modern day Jakarta, Indonesia
• A blend of narrative adventure, visual novel and rhythm game elements – explore, talk, jam out!
• Multiple endings and story paths – over 28 days and nights, it will be your choices that determine the path Rama takes.
• Featuring the distinctive art of renowned Indonesian indie-manga artist, Soyatu.
• Featuring an original soundtrack from popular Indonesian band, L’alphalpha.

The post Fahmi’s Swan Song: Afterlove EP – Life, Love, and Music in Jakarta appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 17 to 21

Category: Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 17 to 21

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 on 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!

Avowed Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Avowed – February 18
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Blow it up

Brain Seal Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blow It Up – February 18

Blow it up is a physics destruction game with light-puzzle elements where you shoot bombs to destroy enemies hidden behind tower-like structures. Master seven unique bombs in a realistic physics simulation and explore over 70 levels of mayhem.

Idle Zoo Park

Ocean Media

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Idle Zoo Park – February 18

Upgrade and manage zoos to become a top tycoon in Idle Zoo Park! Revive old zoos and construct new ones, add various animals to boost appeal and income, build income-generating spots, and attract more visitors to grow your zoo empire and achieve tycoon status!

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

DON’T NOD

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – February 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Rewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives.

Bee Flowers

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bee Flowers – February 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Bee Flowers, a delightful puzzle game where you guide busy bees through hexagonal grids to pollinate vibrant fields of flowers. With its relaxing mechanics and progressively challenging puzzles, the game offers the perfect blend of strategy and serenity.

Build Lands

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Build Lands – February 19

Engage in block-building activities by reconstructing three sets of islands in the Build Lands mode, or by building and sharing your own creations in the Land Editor. With a wide selection of blocks, you can create various structures such as mountain cabins, castles, forests, or other designs.

Harmony Chronicles: Demon Of The Void Collector’s Edition

Ocean Media

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Harmony Chronicles: Demon Of the Void Collector’s Edition – February 19

Mona is about to travel through dimensions again! After her adventures, she meets her divine protector before a magic portal sends her to a collapsing world, finding herself at the decayed Interdimensional University of Magic. Now she must navigate awe-inspiring worlds with unique challenges, creatures, and allies in this hidden object adventure game.

Solir

Old School Vibes

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Solir – February 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A beautifully crafted 2D platformer designed to provide a relaxing yet engaging experience. With mesmerizing hand-drawn landscapes and a soothing soundtrack, players are invited to explore a serene world filled with light challenges and immersive gameplay.

The Backrooms 1998

Feardemic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Backrooms 1998 – Found Footage Survival Horror Game – February 20

A first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998.

Cabernet

Akupara Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Cabernet – February 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire struggling with her morality and the supernatural world she has been pulled into. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – February 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.

Ninja Master Toru

Synnergy Circle Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ninja Master Toru – February 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

An evil curse that transforms the dead into living corpses was cast upon the land. The only way to stop the entire nation from crumbling to the undead is defeating the Kind of Undead, but entire armies of soldiers were annihilated and transformed into zombies. Only the master of steath, Ninja Master Toru, can infiltrate into the enemy territory and claim the leader’s head!

TactiCats

Pineapple Works

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

TactiCats – February 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Dodge, roll, block incoming cats! Use power-ups to turn the scores. If you’ve always wanted to catch your friends with a giant laser pointer or shoot’em with a cheese cannon you can do it all! Just watch out for those flying yarn balls.

X-Out: Resurfaced

ININ Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

X-Out: Resurfaced – February 20

You thought they’d come from space? Wrong! It’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot ‘em up, dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms – X-Out: Resurfaced!

Bay Breaker

Desert Water Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bay Breaker – February 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Bay Breaker is a game that involves navigating across serene seascapes and using a boat to launch balls that break rocks. Players can collect jewels and coins hidden within the levels. The game includes challenges where players destroy all the blocks and earn enchantments to improve their abilities.

BREAKING BRICKS

YUME GAME STUDIO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Breaking Bricks – February 21

An arcade game for all ages. With 40 levels, your goal is to use skill and quick reflexes to destroy all the blocks on the screen. The blocks get tougher as you progress, requiring clever strategies, keeping you engaged and provides a sense of achievement with every level.

Cavorite

Cascadia Games LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Cavorite – February 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dr. Cavor is trapped inside the Moon, held captive by the mysterious Selenites. He endeavors to escape to the surface and from there to Earth, but first he must match wits with the dwellers of the lunar underworld, whose catacombs are complex and deadly!

DAMN!

Totalconsole

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$6.99

Pre-order

Damn! – February 21

An electrifying twin-stick shooter that propels you into a whirlwind of action and intensity. Dive into an immersive experience with lightning-fast gameplay that will keep your adrenaline pumping and your reflexes sharp.

Dolmenjord – Viking Islands

Mens Sana Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dolmenjord – Viking Islands – February 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

After many years of battles, a group of Vikings decided it was time to conquer new lands. With the protection of the god Njord, a new clan specialized in navigation sets off in search of glory! Arrange the Viking villages in the islands to expand their domains, in this logic puzzle game!

Lulu’s Temple

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lulu’s Temple – February 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Lulu’s Temple challenges you to venture inside a deep horrifying pyramid, filled with dangerous foes, traps and mysteries. Play as a curious archaeologist who foolishly traps himself inside a temple after stumbling his way in. Use your powerful gun to blast the undead and your torch to light your path ahead.

PGA TOUR 2K25 Legend Edition Pre-Order

☆☆☆☆☆
22

★★★★★

$119.99

Pre-order

PGA Tour 2K25 (Deluxe & Legend Edition Early Access) – February 21

The master of golf sims is back! Tee off with the world’s top golfers on the most storied courses on golf’s biggest stages. Pre-order PGA Tour 2K25 Legend or Deluxe Edition for up to 7 days of Advanced Access starting on February 21. Get the Legend Edition to upgrade your play, and your look, with a staggering six extra content packs full of powerful upgrades, chic cosmetics, and a new playable character as well as the Clubhouse Pass Premium (Seasons 1-5).

Please Be Happy

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$15.99

Pre-order

Xbox One X Enhanced

Please Be Happy – February 21
Xbox One X Enhanced

A comfy, slice-of-life visual novel set in a fictional version of Wellington, New Zealand. Born as a fox in the forest of Korea, Miho carries with her the memory of a traveler who showed her kindness and spoke of home. Now more human than fox, Miho has spent a long, long time searching for her person.

Racing the Gods – Beyond Horizons

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Racing the Gods – Beyond Horizons – February 21

The ultimate race is here, and you are one of Earth’s chosen drivers. Compete in an extraordinary tournament beyond time and space, hosted by the galaxy’s gods. Each planet sends one driver to race through 27 stunning tracks filled with giant titans. The stakes are high: losing planets face elimination.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 17 to 21 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Introducing Call of Duty: Mobile Season 2 — Digital Dawn

The post Introducing Call of Duty: Mobile Season 2 — Digital Dawn appeared first on Xbox Wire.