The post Under the Hood with Turn 10 Studios: Forza Motorsport appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Category: Xbox
Find Humanity in War with Long Gone Days
A Quick Intro to Long Gone Days
Long Gone Days is a JRPG set in a near-future, war-torn version of our world. Through a mixture of traditional exploration, expressive storytelling, and innovative turn-based combat, this game explores human connection during war with a focus on civilians, language barriers, and borders.
You play as Rourke, a young man who has trained all his life to be a sniper for The Core—a secretive and militaristic nation with a charismatic leader. Rourke believes strongly in the ideals of his nation, but on his first mission he stumbles into a vast conspiracy that strains his conscience and drives him to desert.
As an idealistic fugitive, Rourke will go on an odyssey to escape The Core’s clutches and avert the catastrophe they’ve set in motion. This journey will take Rourke across Europe, and in each new country he encounters a language barrier (including German, Polish, and more) that must be deciphered to progress.
Expand Your Skills by Forging Bonds with a Party of Comrades
Luckily, Rourke has help. Along his way, Rourke will forge bonds with a diverse party of colorful and well-rounded characters. Each party member contributes potential story arcs, valuable skills in and out of combat, and, crucially, fluency in new languages that allow Rourke to communicate with locals and achieve his goals. These characters form the heart and soul of Long Gone Days, and they serve as bridges between the player and the distinct communities found in each of the game’s three major cities.
These party members include Adair, a cool and collected fellow soldier who has trained as a medic, and in so doing seems to have made peace with the cost of war. By contrast, players will also meet Lynn and Ivan – civilians who find themselves under attack by the Core. Lynn is quiet but won’t hesitate to fight tooth and nail for those she loves. Meanwhile, Ivan is a pacifist who will not hold a gun but contributes everything he can to support the party—including foreign language skills and some fantastic cooking. Atiye and Pascal are two fan-favorite characters from later chapters in the game, and while we don’t want to spoil too much of their stories, suffice to say each brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and language capabilities to the table.
Overcoming Language Barriers is Key to Progression
As characters join your party and contribute their linguistic skills, a world of possibility opens. When you first arrive in a new city and can’t understand the language, you’ll find yourself feeling a bit alienated and without much freedom—much like in real life. But once you unlock the ability to understand the locals, you can make your way through each town, access shops, and progress storylines. Beyond the main plot, being able to communicate lets you engage with the numerous side-quests in each chapter.
Through both the main and side quests, the ability to speak the local language lets Adair and the party quickly become enmeshed in the lives of others. The game’s quests focus on the small stories of specific characters, but each also feeds into the larger plot. For example, you might evade curfew to bring medicine to a home-bound grandmother, help a local animal shelter search for stray animals before a city is evacuated, or help defang propaganda by covering it in hand-made art. With language as the key, these quests all unlock heartfelt emotional moments rooted in the people and the culture on display in each chapter.
Languages, Borders, and Human Empathy
Language and communication are powerful concepts, and they are at the heart of what Long Gone Days is trying to say. On the one hand, language can feel like an insurmountable, alienating barrier. Yet, the moment one understands another, they can freely access a new world of humanity—they can once again find common ground. In this way, through its unique language mechanics, Long Gone Days consistently highlights the beauty and importance of people, no matter their circumstances or nationality.
Long Gone Days is out today, October 10th, on Xbox! We hope you’ll join Rourke on his journey to fight for a future he can believe in. For more updates on the game, follow @SerenityForge on Twitter!
Long Gone Days
Serenity Forge
$24.99
$19.99
Long Gone Days is an RPG set in the real world about human connection during war, focusing on civilians, language barriers, and borders.
Follow Rourke, young man trained from birth to be a sniper for The Core— a subterranean paramilitary state.
On his first mission, he is sent to the surface under orders of great significance. Motivated to finally be able to show the fruits of his training, he carries out his first orders to perfection only to find out that The Core was far from being the noble organization he thought he knew.
The post Find Humanity in War with Long Gone Days appeared first on Xbox Wire.
How Skull Island: Rise of Kong Is Inspired by Its Rich Lore
Category: Games
How Skull Island: Rise of Kong Is Inspired by Its Rich Lore
An iconic quest for survival and vengeance. Kong, the King of Skull Island, pursues his ultimate arch-nemesis Gaw in Skull Island: Rise of Kong, an all-new action-adventure game that explores the origins of Merian C. Cooper’s “King Kong.” Before New York, Kong was born and raised in the prehistoric wilds of Skull Island; this childhood cut short as the super-saurian predator Gaw kills Kong’s parents forcing the eventual King to survive the exotic threats of Skull Island on his own. In Skull Island: Rise of Kong, you’ll journey as Kong on his quest to transcend this moment of terror, overcome all odds, and become the legendary battle-scarred 30-foot “King of Skull Island.”
This game involved the close collaboration with creator Joe DeVito, who penned and illustrated two original stories about the lore of the island in “Skull Island” and “The History of Skull Island.” These stories answered fan questions about King Kong: what was the human civilization like on Skull Island, how was the Wall built, the history of the Kong species and of course, how did Kong become the King of Skull Island?
Zach Alt: What from Kong’s story were you most interested in seeing adapted into a video game?
Joe DeVito The thing I was most excited about in this game was seeing the backstory of the young Kong himself and what he had to go through to become the ruler of Skull Island. Seeing Gaw, and her highly intelligent death runner minions interpreted as living creatures was particularly gratifying. In my King Kong of Skull Island universe life on Skull Island did not stop when the dinosaurs became extinct all over the rest of the earth some 65 million years ago. It continued to evolve, and I wanted to build on that. What if its ‘hands’ developed dexterity akin to ours, which have opposable thumbs–an essential detail that helped put our brains on the fast track towards developing a problem-solving intelligence? What I discovered was a race of pseudo-sentient saurians and their colossal Queen: Gaw.
When the human civilization and the Kongs arrived on Skull Island, it was Gaw and the deathrunners who had ruled there for uncounted years, and they had no intention of giving up their dominion over the island.
This struggle would not be finalized for many centuries. Its conclusion would finally come with the rise of an orphaned young Kong who would eventually grow into a giant among giants. He would pass into myth and legend as King Kong. This history is what I am hoping gamers really gravitate to and enjoy as they experience this title.
Zach Alt: What was fascinating about Kong’s origin story?
Joe DeVito The aspects I loved most about creating my prequel/sequel to King Kong were two-fold. The first was answering life-long questions behind the story of Kong and Skull Island, such as who or what was Kong and how did he come to exist on the island? For that matter, what was the history of Skull Island itself and why did the dinosaurs there never die out? What were the details of the human civilization that came to live there and how did they manage to build a gigantic Wall with the likes of ferocious dinosaurs and Kong himself lurking in their midst–and if they built the Wall to keep Kong and other giants out, why did it have doors big enough to let them in?
Unraveling all those mysteries naturally led to contemplating a myriad of associated details of Skull Island all the way down to the rocks, water, even the bacteria of the island’s make up, in order to detail a plausible reality on which to base my findings. This led to unending possibilities for the all the normally associated species of plant, insect, and animal forms of life, and the creation of many that have never been encountered before. An example of the last detail is an indigenous spider species that shows strange characteristics of both arachnid and mammalian, such as external musculature on the eight legs and feeding the dozens of hatched spiderlings with a milky substance–not to mention grasping appendages at the end of each of its eight otherwise spider-like limbs. I delved into the reasons for these and many other strange anomalies on the island, and why they have (so far) not spread to the rest of the world and visa-versa are all explored in detail. The questions could go on forever…in total, it is what could be described as the “world creation” of it all that enthralled me the most.
It was really fun to see some of these questions and backstory that I created adapted into the creatures in the game, especially the aforementioned spiders that Kong will encounter later in the game. I hope the gamer has fun seeing some of these creations adapted, seeing skullite-filled caves, and exploring some of the backstory through collectibles that are present within the title.
Zach Alt: Who are the most compelling creatures you wanted to see brought to life in the game?
Joe DeVito The main creatures I was most excited to see in the game and the main one–more accurately, ones–are the deathrunners and their monstrous queen, Gaw. Gaw is a deathrunner herself that is chosen early on and fed a special diet by the other deathrunners, like a queen bee. This diet triggers a physiological transformation necessary to preserve and propagate their line. They are a unique and intelligent species, the result of over 65 million years of additional adaptation in the strange environs of Skull Island. The smaller, though slightly larger than human, deathrunners are not at all like an ordinary raptor, such as Velociraptor. They exhibit many physiological differences including a greatly enlarged braincase with a more erect stance due to the spinal column being connected underneath the skull as in humans rather than through the back as in other saurians, with an altered hip structure and other anatomical changes.
Gaw is utterly unique to herself, being an enormously enlarged version of a deathrunner with even more enhanced intelligence bringing her to a level on that with the Kongs themselves. But Gaw and the deathrunners are different in that theirs is a cold, calculating, reptilian intelligence, whereas Kong is a mammal, capable of a wider range of emotions. In the end it is Kong’s greater courage, his indomitable spirit if you will, that gives him the edge over the larger and in some respects, more powerful, Gaw. This was all well reflected in the design of the game!
To learn more, visit RiseofKong.com or pre-order Skull Island: Rise of Kong from the Xbox Store.
Skull Island: Rise of Kong
GameMill Entertainment
$39.99
$31.99
Embark on a 3rd person action-adventure quest to avenge the death of your parents at the hands of the ultimate alpha predator: Gaw. Conquer waves of primal beasts and defeat the minions of your arch-nemesis on your way to becoming the rightful King of Skull Island. Traverse the mysterious island and uncover lore and all the secrets the island has to offer as you encounter swamps, waterfalls, jungle, and skullite-filled caves that give the island’s flora and fauna its power
• Experience the origins of the orphaned Kong as he metamorphosizes from a young Kong to the fully mature King of Skull Island
• Unleash the combat fury of Kong to deal devastating combos to dominate the ferocious minions of Gaw and tactically unleash rage mode to heighten the impact of your attacks against the island’s gargantuan subterranean denizens
• Send your enemies running for the hills as you unleash Kong’s spine-tingling roar and deliver their final coup de grace through unique finishing attacks
• Discover the Mythos of Skull Island as you unearth collectibles, unlock mysterious areas of the island and learn about the history of the islanders, the exotic flora and fauna and the rich history of the Kongs.
• Ascend Kong to new heights through special events and a variety of boss fights that unlock his full combat potential
• Leap and Climb mountainous terrain, island vines, swamps, hidden caves, and the various terrain of the jungle-island on your quest to avenge the death of your parents.
The post How Skull Island: Rise of Kong Is Inspired by Its Rich Lore appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Forza Motorsport: The Ultimate Racing Game for Car Lovers – Out Now and Included with Game Pass
Summary
- Choose from over 500 real-world cars including more than 100 cars new to Forza Motorsport across 20 tracks with fan-favorite locations and multiple track layouts.
- Race alongside your friends or compete against cutting-edge AI opponents with customizable racing events – from single races to an ongoing career mode.
- Forza Motorsport is out now for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, plus it is included with Game Pass.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit one of the largest private automobile collections in the world, and as you might expect, the biggest names in the industry were on display – everything from Ferrari and Lamborghini to Jaguar and Bugatti. It even included some of the earliest and rarest American muscle cars like the Yenko Camaro and Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible. The experience was a bit overwhelming, standing there amidst such pristine and treasured cars, knowing most of them were built with a similar purpose – to go fast, but ultimately sharing the same fate – they never would.
As a car enthusiast, that is what makes Forza Motorsport so special to me. I know realistically speaking I will never sit behind the wheel of a Bugatti Chiron or Jaguar XJ220, much less drive one. On a racetrack. At 200+ miles per hour. In the rain. But with Forza Motorsport, I can! I love fast cars as much as I do fun games, so today is one that I have been looking forward to all year as Forza Motorsport, my most anticipated game of 2023, races onto Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Cars, Cars, and More Cars
I don’t know what is more impressive, the fact Forza Motorsport shipped with 500 cars, that 100 of them are new to the series, or that Turn 10 Studios will continue to regularly add more. Nearly 100 years of automotive history is represented in this extraordinary collection, with the oldest car in Forza Motorsport being the 1926 Bugatti Type 35 and the newest being the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, which is one of this year’s cover cars.
With the Free Play mode, you can rent any car and take it for a drive (free of charge, but you will not earn Car XP). So, if you want to test drive a 1981 Ford Fiesta XR2, you can. Or you can get behind the wheel of the most expensive car (currently) in the game, the 2020 Koenigsegg Jesko. To start out, I chose something I have a little bit of real-world experience with, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, before switching over to the 2021 Rimac Nevera, the electric hypercar often billeted as the fastest car in the world. It is indeed fast, and with no gas-powered engine noise, it is also a little eerie, as you race down the track at 200 mph and the only thing you hear is your heart beating in your chest (that might be a slight exaggeration). If you love cars as much as I do, you will have no problem finding a car you love in Forza Motorsport. I can’t guarantee you will have an easy time settling on which one to purchase first.
Let’s Go Racing
You can’t have a great racing game without having great places to go racing, and Forza Motorsport features some of the most iconic locations in all of motorsports, with more tracks on the way. The iconic Grand Prix Nürburgring circuit is included, as is the ever-popular Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. One of my personal favorites is Lime Rock Park. I just like the layout and how you can let out of the throttle and roll through most of the turns without having to get on the brakes too hard (and it doesn’t have any of those deceptive turns that sneak up on you).
The tracks all feel so real, you will want to grab a hotdog from the concession stand and a t-shirt from one of the merch trailers before heading to the pits. Adding to the realism is the dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions feature. Obviously, I knew the game was going to include this, but what I did not expect was the range of possibilities. There are ten Time of Day options ranging from sunrise to midnight, and even more weather options. Would you like your rain to be a drizzle, all out thunderstorm, or something in between, because that is the level of detail you can choose from. These variables will impact how the tracks look and feel, and ultimately how you and the other racers will perform. During several rainy training sessions, I would pull over and just listen to the pitter patter of rain drops on the windshield as I contemplated the meaning of life (okay, really I was just looking for the windshield wiper button).
Race How You Want With Who You Want
Turn 10 Studios has always placed accessibility at the forefront of Forza Motorsport’s design and is already receiving high praise for it being one of the most accessible games ever made. But the team also deserves recognition for how approachable they have made Forza Motorsport for players of all skill levels by creating a competitive racing platform that caters to rookie racecar drivers all the way up to those wanting the most realistic, immersive racing experience possible. By fine tuning the difficulty and driving assist settings to your skill level, you can create a racing experience that is both challenging and rewarding. And with the new Risk vs Reward feature, you can even select your starting grid position, which will show your projected finish and podium bonus. I was starting out in the 10th position on most races but found I was catching the leader within a few laps, so each race I try to go a spot or two deeper in the field to earn even more Car XP.
As you race, you will earn Car XP, and you can use this to upgrade and tune your car by selecting from more than 800 performance upgrades – including fuel and air systems, engine, platform and handling, tires and wheels, and drivetrain. Using Car XP instead of purchasing the parts allows you to try different setups without further expense. And if you would rather race than tinker, you can opt for the Quick Upgrade and let the game handle tuning your car with a balanced setup.
If you want to race alone, in a single-player free play or career mode, those options are available. Or you can join any number of online multiplayer games, including your own private matches, and race against others. For those seeking a combination of the two, you will want to check out the Rivals mode, which allows you to compete against ghost cars to post the fastest lap times on tracked leaderboards. You will see how you stack up against the fastest racers without having to race against them. I really enjoyed the Rivals mode because it’s not only a fun and competitive experience, but it is also a great learning aid to see the cars and settings the faster drivers are using and what line they are taking through the turns.
Let’s Have a Clean Race
Surely, I am not the only one who has (accidentally) taken a shortcut off track, used the retaining wall to slingshot through turns, and pinballed off other cars on my race to the front of the field. Forza Motorsport implements new features and even incentivizes skillful driving to assist you in becoming the best racecar driver you can be…and it is working because I find myself looking at this feedback each lap to improve the next.
Each track is divided into Track Segments and your performance through each of these scoring loops is evaluated and displayed on screen providing you with immediate feedback. Plus, you are rewarded with Car XP based on your performance, so there is an extra incentive to do well. You will also receive Car XP for regular on-track activities like passing cars and improving on previous Track Segment times. Additionally, you can be penalized with time penalties for illegal passes and running off the track for an extended period.
Don’t worry, you will still have “pass in the grass” moments like Dale Earnhardt did at Charlotte Motor Speedway All-Star Race back in 1987 and you can still lean on cars and trade a little paint as you navigate those tight turns, but I applaud Turn 10 for implementing creative ways to inspire clean, competitive racing.
Turn 10 Studios has crafted an innovative racing simulation with iconic cars, incredible photorealistic visuals, realistic physics, and lifelike AI racers, but even more than that, they have created a live, connected, immersive, accessible, and ever-changing competitive racing platform that will evolve and grow with the Forza community.
Play Forza Motorsport today with Game Pass on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC and be sure to follow @ForzaMotorsport and check out the official website.
Forza Motorsport Premium Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$99.99
• Forza Motorsport Premium Edition includes the full game with up to 5 days early access, Race Day Car Pack, Car Pass (30 cars delivered to your game weekly, one per week), VIP Membership and Welcome Pack.
• Immerse yourself in over 500 real cars across 20 world-famous tracks, including fan favorite locations and multiple track layouts, each featuring fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions.
• Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
• Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings.
• Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.
• Immerse yourself in over 500 real cars across 20 world-famous tracks, including fan favorite locations and multiple track layouts, each featuring fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions.
• Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
• Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings.
• Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.
Race over 500 real-world cars including modern race cars and more than 100 cars new to Forza Motorsport. Make every lap count across 20 living tracks with fan-favorite locations and multiple track layouts to master, each featuring live on-track scoring, fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions that ensure no two laps ever look or play the same.
Experience a cutting-edge simulation with incredible photorealistic visuals that deliver real-time ray tracing on-track, new damage and dirt accumulation systems, and massively upgraded physics featuring powerful assists and a 48x improvement in tire fidelity.
Out-build the competition by earning over 800 performance upgrades and race our most advanced AI opponents yet in an all-new, fun and rewarding single-player campaign, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
Compete for the podium in Featured Multiplayer* events with a race weekend inspired structure or create the racing you and your friends desire in Free Play. Online racing is safer, more fun and more competitive with AI-powered Forza Race Regulations, tire and fuel strategy, and new driver and safety ratings.
Immerse yourself in an expanding world of motorsport. New career championships and online events will be regularly introduced offering unique challenges, incredible new cars and tracks, and exciting new gameplay experiences for years to come.
Forza Motorsport Premium Edition includes the full game with up to 5 days early access, Race Day Car Pack, Car Pass, VIP Membership and Welcome Pack.
Race Day Car Pack features 8, new-to-Forza cars built exclusively for the racetrack including high-performance machines; Car Pass delivers 30, new-to-Forza cars to your game weekly, one per week, for you to collect, build and race (available as released); Welcome Pack jumpstarts your career with 5 immediate Showroom car unlocks and 500,000 bonus credits that you can use towards purchasing the car of your dreams; and VIP Membership provides a PERMANENT 2x BOOST to BASE CREDITS, 5 Forza Edition cars reserved for VIP Members, VIP Driver Gear with 5 colorways to choose from, the VIP Player Card, VIP Crown Flair, VIP-exclusive events and more.
*Online console multiplayer requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Core, sold separately
Forza Motorsport Deluxe Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$89.99
• Forza Motorsport Deluxe Edition includes the full game and Car Pass (30 cars delivered to your game weekly, one per week).
• Immerse yourself in over 500 real cars across 20 world-famous tracks, including fan favorite locations and multiple track layouts, each featuring fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions.
• Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
• Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer* events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings.
• Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.
• Immerse yourself in over 500 real cars across 20 world-famous tracks, including fan favorite locations and multiple track layouts, each featuring fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions.
• Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
• Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer* events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings.
• Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.
Race over 500 real-world cars including modern race cars and more than 100 cars new to Forza Motorsport. Make every lap count across 20 living tracks with fan-favorite locations and multiple track layouts to master, each featuring live on-track scoring, fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions that ensure no two laps ever look or play the same.
Experience a cutting-edge simulation with incredible photorealistic visuals that deliver real-time ray tracing on-track, new damage and dirt accumulation systems, and massively upgraded physics featuring powerful assists and a 48x improvement in tire fidelity.
Out-build the competition by earning over 800 performance upgrades and race our most advanced AI opponents yet in an all-new, fun and rewarding single-player campaign, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
Compete for the podium in Featured Multiplayer* events with a race weekend inspired structure or create the racing you and your friends desire in Free Play. Online racing is safer, more fun and more competitive with AI-powered Forza Race Regulations, tire and fuel strategy, and new driver and safety ratings.
Immerse yourself in an expanding world of motorsport. New career championships and online events will be regularly introduced offering unique challenges, incredible new cars and tracks, and exciting new gameplay experiences for years to come.
Forza Motorsport Deluxe Edition includes the full game and Car Pass.
Car Pass delivers 30, new-to-Forza cars to your game weekly, one per week, for you to collect, build and race (available as released).
*Online console multiplayer requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Core, sold separately
Forza Motorsport Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$69.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
• Immerse yourself in over 500 real cars across 20 world-famous tracks, including fan favorite locations and multiple track layouts, each featuring fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions.
• Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
• Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer* events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings.
• Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.
• Out-build the competition using more than 800 performance upgrades in the all-new, fun and rewarding single-player experience, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
• Race alongside your friends in adjudicated multiplayer* events with tire and fuel strategy, a race weekend inspired structure and new driver and safety ratings.
• Compete with cutting edge AI opponents, advanced physics, powerful assists, new damage and dirt accumulation systems and photorealistic visuals with real-time ray tracing on-track.
Race over 500 real-world cars including modern race cars and more than 100 cars new to Forza Motorsport. Make every lap count across 20 living tracks with fan-favorite locations and multiple track layouts to master, each featuring live on-track scoring, fully dynamic time-of-day with weather and unique driving conditions that ensure no two laps ever look or play the same.
Experience a cutting-edge simulation with incredible photorealistic visuals that deliver real-time ray tracing on-track, new damage and dirt accumulation systems, and massively upgraded physics featuring powerful assists and a 48x improvement in tire fidelity.
Out-build the competition by earning over 800 performance upgrades and race our most advanced AI opponents yet in an all-new, fun and rewarding single-player campaign, the Builders Cup Career Mode.
Compete for the podium in Featured Multiplayer* events with a race weekend inspired structure or create the racing you and your friends desire in Free Play. Online racing is safer, more fun and more competitive with AI-powered Forza Race Regulations, tire and fuel strategy, and new driver and safety ratings.
Immerse yourself in an expanding world of motorsport. New career championships and online events will be regularly introduced offering unique challenges, incredible new cars and tracks, and exciting new gameplay experiences for years to come.
*Online console multiplayer requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Core, sold separately
The post Forza Motorsport: The Ultimate Racing Game for Car Lovers – Out Now and Included with Game Pass appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App [2310.1001.69.0] & Game Bar for Windows [6.123.10031.0]
Hey Xbox Insiders! We are releasing a new Xbox App and Game Bar app for Windows build to Xbox Insiders who are enrolled in the PC Gaming Insiders preview! Here are the details:
New Versions of PC Gaming prerelease products:
Xbox App version: 2310.1001.69.0
- Available: 5:00 p.m. PT – October 6th, 2023
Game Bar version: 6.123.10031.0
- Available: 5:00 p.m. PT – October 6th, 2023
Current versions of Windows Gaming prerelease products:
Gaming Services version released: 15.91.24001.0
- Released: 5:00 p.m. PT – September 25th, 2023
Bug Fixes:
Xbox App:
- Fixed an issue where
- Fixed several issues related to text not being visible in light mode
- Fixed an issue where a user might only hear party chat if the Game Bar window was up
- Fixed an Issue where conversations might appear as “unread” even after opening them
- Fixed an issue where you might hit an infinite “Connecting” error when trying to join a party.
- Fixed an issue where a user might not be able to launch links via chat.
Game Bar:
- Fixed an issue where a user might not be able to bind a push-to-talk button
- Fixed an issue where users were not able to open their profile in rare cases
- Fixed an sisue where the notifications tab might not appear
- Fixed some various UI issues around contrast
Known Issues:
Game Bar:
The team is aware of an issue where a user might not be able to navigate to certain settings in Game Bar and is investigating
The Xbox App might not open when selecting “See Rewards in the Xbox App”
How to Get Xbox Insider Support
Don’t forget! If you encounter any issues, you can leave feedback by navigating to the feedback option on your profile menu.
You can find more information on known issues and troubleshooting steps, as well as interact with the community, on the Xbox Insiders Subreddit.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can!
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information!
Thank you to everyone who participates in the Xbox Insider Program! Your feedback helps us continue to build a great gaming experience in the Xbox app on PC.
The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App [2310.1001.69.0] & Game Bar for Windows [6.123.10031.0] appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2310.231005-2200)
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Alpha ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.
We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!
System Update Details:
- OS version released: XB_FLT_2310ZN25398.2488.231005-2200
- Available: 2 p.m. PT – October 9, 2023
- Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – October 10, 2023
Fixes Implemented
Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:
System
- Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console, for more information go here.
Known Issues
We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.
Audio
- We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
- When did the issue start?
- Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
- Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
- Does rebooting resolve the issue?
- What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
- And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
Games
- We are investigating reports of an unexpected cursor remaining visible during gameplay in some titles.
- Workaround: If you have a physical mouse connected your console, you can move the cursor out of the way, or disconnecting it should remove the cursor.
Keyboard Button Mapping for Xbox Controllers
- If you change your keyboard language settings while the Xbox Accessories app is open, the change will be reflected after quitting the app or rebooting your console.
Networking
- We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2310.231005-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Get Your First Look at Halo Infinite Season 5: Reckoning, Arriving on October 17
The post Get Your First Look at Halo Infinite Season 5: Reckoning, Arriving on October 17 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
This Week on Xbox: Tear Up the Race Track, Dominate the Ice, and Explore Medieval Baghdad
The post This Week on Xbox: Tear Up the Race Track, Dominate the Ice, and Explore Medieval Baghdad appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2310.231004-2200)
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Alpha ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.
We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!
System Update Details:
- OS version released: XB_FLT_2310ZN25398.2482.231004-2200
- Available: 2 p.m. PT – October 6, 2023
- Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – October 7, 2023
Fixes Implemented
Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:
Installation
- Fixes to address the Microsoft Store getting stuck at 100% when updating/installing.
Manage Queue
- Fixed an issue where the border around “When games and apps are installing, you’ll see them here” could extend off-screen.
Mouse and Keyboard
- Fixes to address mouse clicks not behaving as expected in various supported titles.
System
- Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console, for more information go here.
Known Issues
We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.
Audio
- We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
- When did the issue start?
- Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
- Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
- Does rebooting resolve the issue?
- What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
- And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
Keyboard Button Mapping for Xbox Controllers
- If you change your keyboard language settings while the Xbox Accessories app is open, the change will be reflected after quitting the app or rebooting your console.
Networking
- We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2310.231004-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Battlefield 2042: How Season 6 – Dark Creations is Bringing More Variety and Versatility
Category: Games
Battlefield 2042: How Season 6 – Dark Creations is Bringing More Variety and Versatility
Battlefield 2042 has seen quite evolution since its initial launch back in 2021. This year alone has seen a tremendous amount of work put into the game to address fan feedback, including the return of the Class system, continuous quality of life improvements, and getting a handle on its expansive in-game narrative with a new Codex feature. Now its next steps forward are with a bit of a look to its past, with a new infantry only map that harkens back to Battlefield 3 and a major Gadget inclusion that could potentially be a game changer to keep players in the field longer.
What struck me immediately as I ran through a Conquest match on Battlefield 2042’s new Redacted map – coming soon with the launch of Season 6 – Dark Creations on October 10, 2023 – is how familiar it felt to the Close Quarters expansion pack for Battlefield 3. In that, the epic scale of all-out warfare was brought indoors for a tight-knit series of interior firefights that were equally a blast to play in and destroy, as bullets shattered just about everything in sight.
Here on Redacted, the whole map takes place under a ruined, domed facility – a recent “incident” has unearthed this gigantic hidden tech lab – thus negating any flying or drivable vehicles. Even though it’s infantry-only, it’s still a tremendously large play space, with unique traversal options like underground ziplines (effectively standing in for vehicles), allowing players to quickly move from one end of the map to the other. These kept the action moving at a chaotic pace, having to work with my squad to capture and defend on an epic scale – there was almost never any downtime.
There were a few solid “meatgrinder” spots as well – common chokepoints where the body count can quickly pile up. One area in particular, that could best be described as a type of loading zone, saw action constantly. But overall, it felt incredibly balanced and a ton of fun to play. I hope this is the start of a series of additional interior-focused maps because the team seems to have a good feel for what makes for some exciting corridor shooting. Season 6 – Dark Creations and Redacted both feel like the start of the next major phase of support behind Battlefield 2042, by tapping into a bit of its past (e.g. Close Quarters) to help inform its future.
Season 6 – Dark Creations will also see the arrival of some additional quality of life features, like aim assist improvements on console (helping with fairness during cross-play matches), vehicle handling improvements for jets and tanks, and balancing the Recon class a bit – these were all items we did not have a chance to test (see above: interior map with no vehicles) as our preview session was PC-only. While I can’t expertly speak to how these new features will be incorporated on console, I appreciate that – like DICE has done for much of this year – continues to make solid quality of life changes to help meet fan expectations.
One new feature I was able to try that’s coming with Season 6 came in the form of Pouches, a Gadget item that can come in Ammo and Health varieties. These are not intended to replace Crates (those will still hold more resupply value), but are designed to bring a mobile option for resource replenishment to squads and players that like to push deeper into enemy territory without the need to hunt for a Supply Crate. An added benefit here is that it gives some versatility to some of the other Classes as well, providing a valuable lifeline that hadn’t been so readily available before. I am very interested to see how this plays out across all the larger maps in the game.
Also, as you may have seen from the recent reveal trailer, the narrative surrounding Season 6 – Dark Creations continues to take the series down a heavy sci-fi, almost cyberpunk-like path, with modified soldiers and mysterious bio labs making an appearance. Most of the core details surrounding this and how it ties into the larger narrative are things the dedicated Battlefield community is trying to crack. If you’re interested in following their progress, check out The Exodus Archives where they have expanded upon the current Season 05 lore and what that may mean for players in the upcoming Season 06.
Tying that together will be a pretty exciting looking Season 6 Premium Battle Pass (for purchase) with an awesome looking Legendary Skin for Mackay as a part of the Premium reward tier, which gives me some strong Enemy Territory: Quake Wars vibes. There will also be a free Battle Pass that includes a specialist skin for Boris, new weapons, gadgets, and more.
While DICE may have picked the work “dark” to refer to their latest creations this Season, its inclusions to Battlefield 2042 with this upcoming update are making the future of the game shine even brighter. We’re excited about where this game is heading into the next year and are eagerly looking forward to the launch of Battlefield 2042: Season 6 – Dark Creations starting on October 10, 2023.
Battlefield
2042 Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
Electronic Arts
$69.99
$62.99
Buy the Battlefield 2042 cross-gen bundle and get both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions.
2042 cross-gen bundle and get both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions.
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles.
Grab your squad and embrace your fears in the claustrophobic close-quarters battles of Season 6: Dark Creations. Master any obstacle with new gear as you seek out the enemy lurking in the darkness of a secret facility hidden within the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. When diving into Season 6, you’ll wield the new VHX-D3 AR, the L9CZ Sidearm, and the G428 DMR. You’ll pilot the YUV-2 “Pondhawk” vehicle and use throwable Ammo and Medical Pouches to save teammates who are on the ropes. Unlock 100 new tiers of Battle Pass content as you fight through Battlefield 2042’s darkest and most nerve-racking season yet.
Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present.
This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items.
*REQUIRES BATTLEFIELD 2042 (SOLD SEPARATELY) & ALL GAME UPDATES. NO WEAPON, MILITARY VEHICLE OR GEAR MANUFACTURER IS AFFILIATED WITH OR HAS SPONSORED OR ENDORSED THIS GAME.
Battlefield 2042 Elite Edition Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
Electronic Arts
$99.99
$89.99
Get the definitive version of Battlefield 2042. Packed to the brim with value, Battlefield 2042 Elite Edition contains:
2042. Packed to the brim with value, Battlefield 2042 Elite Edition contains:
• Dual Entitlement: Battlefield 2042 Elite Edition includes both Battlefield 2042 Xbox Series X|S and Battlefield 2042 Xbox One
• Four Seasons worth of content instantly unlocked: battle on 17+ maps, wield over 35 weapons, deploy as 14 Specialists
• “Lost World” Epic Cosmetic Bundle* containing:
– Epic “Forsaken” Rao Specialist Set
– Epic “Starved Vulture” Vehicle Skin
– Epic “Banisher” Weapon Skin
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter that marks the return to the iconic all-out warfare of the franchise. With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles. Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles. Find your playstyle in class-based gameplay and take on several experiences comprising elevated versions of Conquest and Breakthrough. Explore Battlefield Portal, a platform where players can discover, create, and share unexpected battles from Battlefield’s past and present. Battlefield 2042 has never played better thanks to ongoing improvements like a returning Class system, map overhauls, weapon balancing, squad management tools, and much more.
This game includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency that can be used to acquire virtual in-game items.
*Conditions and restrictions apply. See www.ea.com/legal for details.
©2023 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, the EA logo, the DICE logo, Ripple Effect Studios, and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc.
NO WEAPON, MILITARY VEHICLE OR GEAR MANUFACTURER IS AFFILIATED WITH OR HAS SPONSORED OR ENDORSED THIS GAME.
The post Battlefield 2042: How Season 6 – Dark Creations is Bringing More Variety and Versatility appeared first on Xbox Wire.