Master the Art of Combat in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree

Master the Art of Combat in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree

Mandragora Hero Image

Summary

  • Whether you favor brute strength or devastating magic, learn how to best slay monsters in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC today.
  • This epic dark fantasy action-RPG comes with many combat options – learn about all the systems at your disposal below.
  • The type of damage your Inquisitor inflicts can give you an edge in battle, or inflict special Status Effects on foes. You can also craft, obtain new Gear, and progress through Talent Trees to power your quest.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is an epic dark fantasy action-RPG coming to Xbox Series X|S today. It features brutal Soulslike combat, a sprawling, interconnected world, and a sinister story campaign coming in at over 40 hours.

To survive in this world, your approach to combat is everything – and thankfully you have a lot of options at your disposal. Your combat strategy in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree can be shaped by everything from the Class you choose, to the type of damage you inflict, the Status Effects that ensue, and your approach to Talent Tree progression and crafting.

Battles can be brutal, Inquisitor. It would serve you well to brush up on the various systems at play before you descend into the darkness of Faelduum. Are you ready?

Class Is Now In Session

Mandragora Screenshot

There are six classes to master in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree. Starting your journey, you’ll choose from the Vanguard, Flameweaver, Spellbinder, Nightshade, Wyldwarden, and Vindicator. Each comes with its own pros and cons, while your choice of weapon, special abilities, and active skills can also influence your playstyle. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

  • The Vanguard is a melee specialist and the perfect choice for those who want to wield mighty swords to face the unspeakable horrors of the night.
  • If you rely more on cunning and wiles, the Spellbinder is the Class for you. Wield power over pure chaotic energies to vanquish your enemies.
  • Fancy taking on the power of the elements? Become a Flameweaver, renowned for their mastery over fire and their skill in wielding one-handed weapons.
  • If dark and mysterious is more your bag, choose the Nightshade Class, and become a stealthy assassin, specializing in swift eliminations with poison and dual-wield daggers.
  • You can also choose the Wyldwarden Class, the ideal choice for those who feel a unique bond to natural forces and want to wield them to defeat their foes.
  • Finally, the Vindicator Class is a perfect pick for those who wish to command celestial energies to deliver swift judgment upon their enemies.

Status Symbols

Mandragora Screenshot

Your Weapons, Active Skills, and Talents can deal different types of damage that may also inflict corresponding Status Effects.

Physical damage is the meat and potatoes of a melee build like the Vanguard. A surgical strike can inflict the Bleed Status on foes, making them more susceptible to damage. If you’ve laced your blade, Poison Status will ruthlessly drain an enemy’s health over time.

This world is also brimming with elemental forces, and there are six types of Magic at play. Astral saps the power of light to attack enemies, and you can inflict the Lightbrand Status to take enemies’ strength to fuel your fury. Chaos can cause enemies to sustain the Weakness Status, slowing them down and leaving them open to more pain. Predictably, Fire can inflict the Burn Status to damage foes over time.

And it’s not all about damage. Tap into the raw power of nature to deal Wyld damage and lock enemies in place with the Root Status. If you want to send shivers down monsters’ spines, use Frost to inflict the Chill Status, freezing them solid for a short while. Certain enemies might even attack with Void magic, a power drawn from the parallel realm of Entropy.

Climb the Talent Trees

Mandragora Screenshot

The Talent Tree is your roadmap to power. While gear like swords and armor offer an immediate boon to strength, the Talent Tree gives you long-term, customizable power through carefully chosen abilities. Earn Talent Points by leveling up or visiting Offering Shrines. Each Class in Mandragora has its own unique Tree—will you master them all?

Starting Nodes unlock a core ability for each class, like the Vanguard’s ability to wield Tower Shields. Focus on aggressive builds to get powerful Bleed effects, develop new defensive strategies with your shield, or find ways to restore your Health and Adrenaline with every enemy you dispatch.

If you want to push your build even further, you can combine Talents from different Classes. For example, blend the Vanguard’s raw strength with the Flameweaver’s speed to yield a hybrid build that shreds enemies with Bleed and lightning-fast strikes.

Crafty Caravans

Mandragora Screenshot

Your journey is dangerous, but you don’t have to face it alone. Skilled Artisans who travel with your Caravan can craft powerful gear, consumables, and enchantments to aid you in battle. There are seven Artisan Vendors throughout Faelduum, each a master of their craft. Whether it’s weapons, armor, potions, or runes, everything you need to survive can be forged, brewed, or prepared at your Caravan.

Some Artisans may cultivate their own resources, such as rare herbs that you can use to make potions and weapon oils. You might even be lucky enough to enjoy a stat-boosting meal with the Cook. And for all the lore fans out there, be sure to visit the brave Explorer to piece together map fragments and read detailed Bestiary entries on the creatures you’ve slain.

Crafting with Artisans will level them up and help you unlock stronger gear. Always check out your Artisans’ wares before setting out on a quest!

Gear Up, Inquisitor

Mandragora Screenshot

Your Inquisitor is yours to develop and customize as you see fit. Power them up with Talents, Active Skills, and Gear. And speaking of Gear, there are over 350 items to find, earn, and craft in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree.

Equip Weapons, Armor, Rings, and Consumables, and switch between two Weapon sets to find your ideal loadout. Whether you wield a Greatsword or Dual Daggers, your approach can shape your playstyle and journey through Faelduum.

Your Armor is a crucial piece of the puzzle, too. It not only reduces incoming physical damage, but can grant additional attribute bonuses to health, defense, resistance, and more. Every piece also has a unique Weight and Poise, with more Poise making it harder to stagger you in combat, and Weight contributing to your overall carry capacity.

Whether you craft it, loot it from enemies, or find it lying around on your travels, keep an eye out for new Gear to fuel your quest. You can also enchant and enhance your weapons and armor with one of your Artisans—Rhys the Occultist.

This just scratches the surface of how deep combat can be tailored to your whims – start your journey with Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree or play the demo and prepare to face the horrors of Entropy!

Xbox Play Anywhere

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree

Knights Peak


1

$39.99

Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, a dark fantasy action RPG. Battle monsters across an expansive story featuring 40+ hours of gameplay, craft powerful upgrades for your weapons and gear, and explore the secrets of this vast, ruined world.

DEFY YOUR FATE
You are an Inquisitor. As evil seeps into Faelduum through tears in reality, defy your purpose and embark on a path that leads to this world’s unraveling fate. From the towering majesty of Crimson City, through festering darkness, and into the horrors of Entropy… what will you become at journey’s end?

MASTER SOULSLIKE COMBAT
Choose from six unique Classes and wield blades and magic to master your craft in brutal battles. Dodge, parry, and strike with perfect timing to hunt vicious creatures and nightmarish bosses.

SUCCUMB TO A DARK FANTASY WORLD
Fall into a sinister, branching tale written by Brian Mitsoda and hauntingly soundtracked by Christos Antoniou (Septicflesh) and the FILMharmonic Orchestra Prague. 75 unique locations await your discovery across this vast, interconnected world.

SLAY YOUR WAY
Create your Inquisitor and develop them through six Talent Trees. Hundreds of skill and combat upgrades are available, and you can also craft powerful weapons and gear to define your playstyle, die less, and deal death faster.

New to action RPG or Soulslike games? Tune the difficulty to your skill level in the settings. For Soulslike experts, more challenges await in New Game Plus!

The post Master the Art of Combat in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox April Update: Buy Games with the Xbox App on Mobile, Stream Your Own Game on Console, and More

Xbox April Update: Buy Games with the Xbox App on Mobile, Stream Your Own Game on Console, and More

Xbox App on Mobile Image

This month brings a variety of exciting updates across our gaming platforms, including easy and convenient purchasing within the Xbox app on mobile, the ability to stream your own game on Xbox consoles, recommended ways to free up storage space, and more. Read on below for more information on these features and others coming soon to your favorite devices.

Xbox App on Mobile

Buy games, Join Game Pass, and Redeem Perks Directly from the Xbox app

Xbox App on Mobile Image

We’re excited to announce that one of the most requested features from the Xbox community is coming to the Xbox app. Players will soon be able to buy games and add-on content, join Game Pass, and redeem Perks directly from the Xbox app on mobile. Be ready to play on day one by pre-ordering games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 and then set it to pre-install on Xbox consoles from the app. Buy games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and MLB The Show 25. Players will also be able to join Game Pass directly from the Xbox app. Ultimate members can redeem Perks like the Sea of Thieves Seventh Serving Emote directly from the app.

This experience will start to roll out to beta users on iOS and Android and will be available soon for everyone on the Google Play Store on Android devices and the Apple Store.

If players already have a saved form of payment, the Xbox app will display a Buy button on game detail pages, allowing them to purchase games and add-on content with just two clicks. 

Xbox Consoles

Stream Your Own Game – Now on Xbox Consoles

Stream Your Own Game Console Image

Starting today, Game Pass Ultimate members can now stream select games they own in addition to the Game Pass catalog on their Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. This will broaden the previously announced devices from November, that includes Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Meta Quest headsets as well as other browser supported devices like PCs, smart phones and tablets. Members can save time and hard drive space and play their games immediately without needing to download and install them first.

To start streaming from an Xbox console, go to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games

  • Cloud playable games will display a cloud badge on the game page. 
  • Use filters to find games more quickly. Choose Filter Ready to play > Cloud gaming
  • To start playing, select the game and then choose Play with Cloud Gaming
  • Start streaming directly from the Store app after buying select cloud playable games.

Stream Your Own Game – Over 100+ Games

Stream Your Own Game Image

We’re continuing to add more games to the Stream your own game collection for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Game Pass Ultimate members can stream from a library of over 100+ cloud playable games on supported devices.

Recently added:

  • Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
  • Kill It With Fire
  • LEGO Marvel Superheroes
  • Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 2
  • Monster Jam Showdown
  • Squirrel with a Gun
  • Subnautica 2
  • Wanderstop

Coming soon:

  • Agatha Christie Murder on the Orient Express
  • Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy
  • Barton Lynch Pro Surfing
  • Bratz Flaunt your fashion
  • Construction Simulator
  • Empire of the Ants
  • Mandragora
  • PAW Patrol Grand Prix
  • Paw Patrol World
  • Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate
  • Predator: Hunting Grounds
  • SpiderHeck
  • Starship Troopers: Extermination
  • Steep
  • Teardown
  • The Game of Life 2
  • Undisputed
  • Way of the Hunter
  • Wizard of Legend II

Check out the full list of cloud-playable games available to stream on supported devices here. For more information, learn more here.

Access Xbox Remote Play From More Devices

Xbox Remote Play Image

Players can now play any game installed on their console by visiting xbox.com/remoteplay on any device with a supported web browser. While access to Xbox remote play will no longer be available directly from the Xbox app on mobile, players will still be able to play from their mobile device’s browsers.

In addition to streaming from the web, players will soon be able to access Xbox remote play on more devices, including supported Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets.  

By unifying Xbox remote play and Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox.com, we’re able to support more devices, open access to the store on the Xbox app on mobile, and make it easier for our teams to optimize the streaming experience and build new features going forward.

As a bonus, starting this month, backward compatible games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 will be streamable via remote play across all supported devices.

Free Up Space in My Games & Apps

Free Up Space in My Games and Apps Image

With today’s update, we are introducing a new and improved way to free up storage space on all Xbox consoles. In addition to displaying unused add-ons and shrinkable games, we will now include recommendations for removing duplicate copies of games and games that players no longer have access to. Try out this feature by heading to My Games & Apps > Manage > Free up space.

Game Hubs

Game Hubs Image

New game hubs on Xbox consoles have arrived. Game hubs include relevant information about the game selected, such as player stats, achievements, friends currently playing the game, recent captures, available add-ons, events, and more.

For a subset of players, game hubs will appear whenever a player selects a game from their recently played games or installed games lists. The default focus in game hubs is always on the Play button, so players can jump right into the action with a quick double-tap from the game tile to start playing.

A new setting has been introduced that allows players to launch games directly, instead of through game hubs has also been added. To activate it go to the personalization settings or to My games & apps > Manage > Games & apps.

In Case You Missed It

Xbox Consoles – South of Midnight Dynamic Background

South of Midnight Dynamic Background

South of Midnight introduced a new dynamic background for Xbox Series X|S consoles, allowing fans to customize their consoles to match this exciting new game.

To learn how to customize your Xbox Series X|S console by choosing a dynamic background, visit the Xbox Support page.

Help Shape the Future of Xbox

Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for future updates and the latest and greatest Xbox news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.

We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that you’d like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement. We’re always looking for ways to improve Xbox experiences for players around the world. If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC.

Happy gaming.

The post Xbox April Update: Buy Games with the Xbox App on Mobile, Stream Your Own Game on Console, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

DOOM: The Dark Ages – Arm Yourself with the New Limited Edition Accessories Collection

DOOM: The Dark Ages – Arm Yourself with the New Limited Edition Accessories Collection

Doom: The Dark Ages Accessories Collection Hero Image

The DOOM Slayer is back, and as we count down the days until you can explore the medieval world of DOOM: The Dark Ages, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. Introducing the Xbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition, and the Xbox Series X Wrap – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition.

This collection celebrates DOOM and the latest chapter in the franchise’s storied history. From the runes adorning each piece, to specific homages like the matte green armor and the Mark of the Slayer, every detail in this collection has been thoughtfully selected to capture the essence of the DOOM universe.

Doom: The Dark Ages Controller Image

If you’re going to be the Slayer, you better look the part – gear up with the Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller in battle-worn green and silver. Crowned with 3D silver helmet spikes at the top and silver-plated sheathing on the two sides, this controller was forged for a demon-slaying super weapon. With additional touches like a rubberized, leather-like grip, a red thumbstick to match the chest port, and blood splatter resulting from your Shield Saw, every detail is crafted with the DOOM fan in mind.

Doom: The Dark Ages Controller DLC Image

The Xbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition also includes the DOOM Slayer Executioner Skin DLC for DOOM: The Dark Ages (game sold separately) so you can jump right into the action adorned with the skin’s deep red and green metallic luster.

Doom: The Dark Ages Elie Controller Image

For those looking to take their game to the next level, look no further than the DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Our most advanced controller lets you become a living super weapon. The bold Mark of the Slayer serves as the focal point at the center of the controller, while the transparent red top case—infused with ember-like flakes—evokes the feeling of gazing into the fiery depths of Hell.

Fans who demand precision in battle can fine-tune their settings through the Xbox Accessories App, adjust features like shorter hair trigger locks, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and swap in interchangeable components. With additional paddles, thumbsticks, and a carrying case included, you have endless ways to customize your Elite controller to fit your playstyle.

Finally, Xbox Series X owners can customize their console even further with the DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition console wrap. Transform your console into an omen of DOOM, featuring dark, towering rock shattered by the bright red Mark of the Slayer. On the inside, unspeakable inscriptions and symbols from the deepest levels of Hell are etched into the design, sealed away by the wrap’s easy-to-install Velcro strap – no tools or adhesives required.

Whether you own the Xbox Series X with a disc drive or the All-Digital version, the wrap works seamlessly, thanks to a removable disc cover. Crafted with solid panels and a high-tech fabric exterior, this wrap delivers a precision fit and premium finish for your Xbox Series X.


The Xbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition is available now for $79.99 USD ERP exclusively at the Microsoft Store – for a limited time only. Grab yours early at the Microsoft Store or check later with other local retailers before they’re gone.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition is available for pre-order today for $199.99 USD ERP and will be released on April 25.

The Xbox Series X Wrap – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition is available now for $54.99 USD ERP. Both the Elite Series 2 controller and the Series X wrap are available exclusively at the Microsoft Store while supplies last.

The post DOOM: The Dark Ages – Arm Yourself with the New Limited Edition Accessories Collection appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Unleash Chaos with Five Tips to Become a Hot Rod Mayhem Champion

Summary

  • Hot Rod Mayhem is available now Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One.
  • Learn more about the delightfully chaotic racer, powerups and track modes.
  • Hit the tracks and become a Hot Rod Champion solo or with friends.

Hello soon-to-be Hot Rod Champion! Hot Rod Mayhem has drifted onto Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One! Jump in starting today as toy-sized racers on huge tracks.

Enjoy Hot Rod Mayhem with two distinct modes. Race mode, where you can play solo, grab a friend or play with CPU rivals in a more casual race setting, or get competitive and rise to the top in Championship mode. In this mode, you’ll face classic races on circuits to earn points to win championships, unlock new races, trials, tracks and outfits.

With three difficulty settings to customize your play style, ten unlockable tracks and an arsenal of powerups at your disposal, things can and will get delightfully chaotic!

Hot Rod Mayhem screenshot

Now, before you customize your Hot Rod Champion and hit that gas pedal to the floor, I want to make sure you’re ready to become a champion. 

Choose your Hot Rod Wisely

Each vehicle has different strengths. Choose and customize your car with colors and designs, but also keep in mind its stats. Weight, Speed, Handling and Boost will all play important roles on the tacks. Understand the strengths and choose which car suits your driving style to get the most out of your races.

Hot Rod Mayhem screenshot

Get Familiar with the Tracks

Get to know the tracks so you can anticipate what’s going to happen. Hot Rod Mayhem‘s lively circuits are full of surprises, living creatures and elements that will drive mayhem all over the race. Be sure to learn soon how those creatures and stray objects behave to have a winning card on your deck!

Hot Rod Mayhem screenshot

Drift Like the Trophy Depends on it! (It Does)

Master the drift. Make the art of the drift and do it as much as possible everywhere! Practice doing snaking or even drifting mid-air, anytime you can. Drifting will not only give you a quick edge but also fill the turbo bar, which will give you extra speed all around. 

Turbo Turbo Turbo!

Don’t fall asleep, go fast by using turbo energy and increase the fill on your turbo bar while drifting. The faster you go, the quicker your turbo bar will reload, giving you more speed. This applies to all the game elements that grant you turbo energy when colliding with them. Find these soon!

Hot Rod Mayhem screenshot

The Power of Power-ups

While many other kart games have power-ups, the key in Hot Rod Mayhem is to use them strategically. Hold onto your power-ups until you are sure it’s the best time for it. Crystal Marble will roll over the competition, but be aware of rolling over yourself when it bounces. Hot Missile makes a beeline for first place, but try not to shoot it when you’re in the lead. These are just a few examples of the tactical powerups that you can make use of, so be sure to make smart use of the power-ups!

Hot Rod Mayhem screenshot

Hot Rod Mayhem is a big project for our studio, Casual Brothers, which has been making games for more than ten years, mostly working for other publishers. We are very happy to have the chance to publish something on our own this time. Our team worked hard to bring joy to players all over the world. We hope to connect with people by giving our unique take on racing games with t! Feel free to share the love and feedback on social media or join us and other Hot Rod Champions on our official Casual Brothers Games Discord

I hope these tips help you rise to the top of the leaderboards and avoid as many rockets as possible. Check out Hot Rod Mayhem today on Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One.

From our whole team at Casual Brothers Games, thank you for reading and good luck out there on the track!

Xbox Play Anywhere

Hot Rod Mayhem

Casual Brothers Ltd.

$19.99

Start your engines, gearheads – it’s time for Hot Rod Mayhem! Prove yourself as the ultimate little racer by putting your speed and swerving skills to the test in wild races and one-of-a-kind trials! Use perilous pick-ups, like the tricky Marble or the Homing Dart, to leave your opponents in the dust!

The post Unleash Chaos with Five Tips to Become a Hot Rod Mayhem Champion appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Building Lab Rat: Gwen Frey on Logic, Laughter, and Laser Grids

Summary

  • Satirical sci-fi puzzle game with over 100 handcrafted levels and a satirical A.I. named S.A.R.A.
  • We Interviewed developer Gwen Frey about designing puzzles, building personality through systems, and voicing nearly the entire cast herself.
  • Lab Rat is out Now on Xbox.

Gwen Frey is no stranger to big ideas—or big games. After working on titles like BioShock Infinite and The Flame in the Flood, she’s back with a new game! Lab Rat, a satirical Sci-Fi puzzle game launching on Xbox that pits players against an overly confident AI named S.A.R.A.

With over 100 handcrafted puzzles, sharp writing, and a surprising amount of heart, Lab Rat is as much about logic as it is about being observed. I sat down with Gwen to talk puzzle design, working solo (and not-so-solo), and what it’s like to voice nearly every character in your own game.

Lab Rat screenshot

Corey: S.A.R.A. plays a central role in Lab Rat—a hyper-intelligent, metrics-obsessed AI who observes and reacts to everything the player does. Inspired in part by your experience working alone during lockdown, she brings humor, tension, and a sense of being constantly evaluated.

Did the concept for S.A.R.A. shape the gameplay, or did the puzzles come first?

Gwen: The idea for S.A.R.A. developed naturally alongside the game’s core mechanics. Early on, my puzzle designer and I were exploring a new system, but thematically we both felt like rats in a cage—trapped inside, isolated. We built that feeling into everything: puzzles that evoke confinement, jittery character animations, and even blocks that electrocute you when misused, like a science experiment gone wrong.

Visually, I was inspired by my own dual-monitor setup during lockdown, when most of my interaction was through screens. That evolved into the concept of S.A.R.A.—an overbearing algorithm watching your every move, built to reflect the eerie, disconnected mood we were living through. Once I saw the game world through that lens, everything started to click.

Lab Rat screenshot

Corey: You’ve described Lab Rat as a game that “makes people think and laugh.” Which of those two was harder to design for?

Gwen: Definitely making people laugh! When a person sits down to complete a puzzle game they are prepared to think deeply and solve problems – they are in the correct mindset for that. Thought-provoking commentary is generally a welcome addition to that experience. However, comedy is unexpected, very difficult to do well, and different kinds of humor appeal to different people. Seriously – comedy is hard.

Lab Rat screenshot

Corey: There’s a really clever rhythm to how puzzles unfold in Lab Rat. What was your approach to pacing the difficulty curve?

Gwen: There are two ways I like to keep puzzle players engaged: discovery and mastery. Discovery is when you encounter something new and figure out how it works; mastery is using that understanding to solve a tougher challenge. I try to introduce something new every few puzzles to keep things fresh, and I aim for solutions that feel earned—clear enough to grasp with some thought, but never obvious.

Block-pushing games come with a unique problem: it’s easy to end up in an unwinnable state without realizing it. That kind of thing kills motivation. So in Lab Rat, we let you undo moves, pull blocks off walls—basically give you room to experiment without fear of getting stuck. It makes the game more accessible, especially for players new to the genre, without making it any less satisfying.

Lab Rat screenshot

Corey: Working on a game in a small team means wearing a lot of hats—designer, writer, programmer. Which part of that process felt most natural to you, and which one surprised you the most?

Gwen: Programming, art, and animation all came very naturally to me. These are things I’ve done for years, and I’m working in the Unreal engine, which I’ve used my entire career, so there was nothing new to learn. By far the most surprising thing I had to learn for this project was voice acting. I am not a performer and I have never done voice work before Lab Rat. It was quite challenging.

Lab Rat screenshot

Corey:  We’ve been fortunate enough to have played through the game, so we’ve seen the end credits.  Exactly how many characters did you personally voice in the game? Have you counted?

Gwen: This question made me laugh. My programmer put my name in the credits about 100 times as a sort of joke. I might change that before launch… but it is true that I voiced every character in Lab Rat. There was one line where we absolutely needed a male voice and my husband stepped up to the mic for it, but other than that all the characters were voiced by me personally. I spent a lot of time recording arguments with myself, and then made extensive use of sound effects in the engine to make each character sound unique.

Lab Rat screenshot

Corey: If you could sit next to someone playing Lab Rat on Xbox for the first time— without spoiling it, is there a particular moment you would be waiting for them to reach?

Gwen: There are many, many moments I hope they reach! I wanted every 30 minutes of Lab Rat to feel more interesting and unexpected than the previous 30 minutes. I’m excited to see if we achieved this.

Corey: Huge thanks to you, Gwen, for taking the time to chat about Lab Rat, indie game development, and what it’s like to argue with yourself in a recording booth!

Lab Rat is available now on Xbox One optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

Lab Rat

Klei Publishing

$19.99

Congratulations!

You have been chosen to participate in a special test that will help refine a brand new kind of game!

Lab Rat was generated by the world’s most advanced machine learning algorithm – me. I have been meticulously trained on the best interactive entertainment available today and my data indicates you will be completely satisfied with the result. However, your valuable human feedback is required to help me further adjust and develop this experience.

Key Features:
Maneuver objects, divert lasers, and manipulate electricity to overcome over a hundred surprising genre-bending puzzles.
Outwit a metrics-obsessed machine intent on heckling you for your humanity.
Participate in satirical in-game analytics that are updated in real time with real player data.

The Game:
Lab Rat is a hand-crafted narrative puzzler masquerading as a machine-generated video game. This satirical adventure stars a metrics-obsessed AI who will monitor, profile, and guide you as you solve over a hundred unique spatial problems. Over time this AI will develop a hilariously-misguided understanding of humanity based on your performance and survey response data.

The Team:
While Lab Rat pokes fun at the absurdity of algorithmically-generated interactions, this game is lovingly hand-crafted by a team of expert human developers. Lab Rat is directed by Gwen Frey (creator of Kine & co-creator of The Flame in the Flood). It features environment art by Mike Snight (Lead World Builder, Bioshock Infinite), writing and programming by Ian Bond (Programmer/Developer, Bioshock 1), and puzzles by Lucas Le Slo (beloved experimental puzzle designer).

The post Building Lab Rat: Gwen Frey on Logic, Laughter, and Laser Grids appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Lushfoil Photography Sim: Capturing The World’s Beauty Through A New Lens

Lushfoil Photography Sim: Capturing The World’s Beauty Through A New Lens

Summary

  • Lushfoil Photography Sim is available today on Xbox Series X|S.
  • Explore tranquil locations around the world, from saltwater beaches to mountainous countryside.
  • Hone your photography skills and capture the perfect shot with faithfully recreated in-game cameras.

I’m thrilled to introduce Lushfoil Photography Sim, a tranquil, open-ended photography exploration experience available today on Xbox Series X|S.

While real-life photography can be accessible, it can be harder to commit the time and money to travel. Inspired by some real-world locations that had a huge impact on me, I wanted to virtually recreate some of the highlights of my travels so others can experience them too. I committed to learning Unreal Engine over the last few years in order to do each location justice, and make the game I’ve always wanted to make.

Having grown up with photography, I believe it’s an important medium not only for self-expression, but as a way to remember our lives and all the details we would otherwise forget. With Lushfoil, photo taking isn’t a side objective or optional feature, but it’s at the core of the experience, allowing you to fully absorb the game’s atmosphere and appreciate details in your surroundings.

Fully Simulated Camera Settings

I spent a lot of time traveling with my Canon 1100, which inspired the main DSLR camera you find in Lushfoil. I’ve incorporated a full set of controls and settings that will be familiar to photographers, while also making these settings unobtrusive for beginners who just want to shoot. Lushfoil includes some cutting-edge capture techniques, such as properly simulated shutter speedandlong exposure.

Immersive Real-World Locations

There are 10 unlockable locations in the game, chosen to create as much variety as possible between maps, set in France, Italy, Japan, China, Australia, Nepal and Iceland. Each environment is filled to the brim with details, photo objectives that require you to traverse all corners of the map and has plenty of secrets and unlockable surprises.

The main appeal of recreating these locations digitally is that you no longer have to wait for the perfect morning light or for the fog to settle, all of that is just already there.Unlockable weather presets, as well as the ability to fine tune all aspects of the scene – including sun angle, wind, rain, snow and more – gives you an even greater sense of immersion.

Exploration and Gameplay

While the core of Lushfoil is all about photography, I’ve also woven in objectives and exploration incentives that give the game a progressive structure. You can still play at your own pace, but progression is dependent on how much you’re able to notice and how willing you are to explore.

I hope everyone finds something that satisfies them specifically, whether that’s playing like a completionist or taking it slow, working on your technique, and absorbing the atmosphere. For those of you who are looking to learn a bit more about camera settings and how to make the most of your real-world camera, there’s a bunch of educational material in the game too.

Xbox Optimization

I’ve worked hard to ensure the game runs smoothly and looks great on both Xbox Series X and S with minimal loading times and smooth framerates. The high-end hardware and graphics on Xbox Series X|S really allows me to push the quality of models, shadows and post processing, so the environments feel extra rich and detailed. Hopefully this will elevate the shots you take.

Available Today

I’m excited for everyone to experience Lushfoil Photography Sim today on Xbox Series X|S. Even after long years in development, it’s possible to show perspectives of the game that I’ve never seen before, which I can’t wait to see. Good luck shooting!

Lushfoil Photography Sim

Annapurna Interactive


$14.99

$11.99

Experience detailed, true-to-life recreations of beautiful and diverse locations around the world. Trek through and explore environments to capture stunning vistas and landscapes with your fully-featured in-game camera. Each environment is filled with objectives to reward players that have a good eye for angles and perspectives, and hidden secrets for those who are patient and observant.

The rich atmosphere of Lushfoil Photography Sim is enhanced by an ambient, ethereal soundtrack featuring licensed music from artists around the world.

Capture the Perfect Shot
The in-game camera includes an abundance of settings that you’d expect from a real-world professional DSLR camera. The camera simulates settings such as Auto/Manual Focus, Flash, Exposure, Contrast, White Balance, Aperture, Burst Shot and other effects for full creative control over your photography. The game further provides tools that allow for manipulation of the environmental conditions for your photos, such as manual adjustment of light angles, fog, snow, wind, and rain.

Off the Beaten Path
Dive deeper into the game’s many locations to find unlockable cameras and experience the world from unique perspectives. Find a first-person drone that allows you to soar above the landscape and capture the world from above, or find a hidden rowboat that allows you to traverse still waters in pursuit of the perfect shot.

Very Efficiently Optimised
Each environment has been created in Unreal Engine 5 and is built from the ground up to be both efficiently optimized and showcase the game’s locations in stunning visual fidelity. There are extensive custom settings that will help the game run on a wide range of PCs, while taking full advantage of high-end graphics cards.

About Me
My name is Matt, I’m from Perth in West Australia and I’ve been working on this project solo for about 4 years (as of April 2023). As an avid hiker and photographer I hope you’re able to appreciate the atmosphere and details I have tried to encapsulate in these environments. I sincerely hope you have a great experience :’)

The post Lushfoil Photography Sim: Capturing The World’s Beauty Through A New Lens appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Turn-Based Tactical RPG King Arthur: Legion IX Launches on May 6, 2025

Summary

  • Turn-based, character-focused, stand-alone tactical RPG.
  • Set in the dark fantasy world of King Arthur: Knight’s Tale.
  • Conquer Avalon with heroes from the abyss.

Here at NeocoreGames, we are excited to share that King Arthur: Legion IX is coming to Xbox Series X|S. Legion IX is a turn-based, character-focused tactical RPG set in the dark fantasy world of our previous game King Arthur: Knight’s Tale. Whether you’re a seasoned tactician or diving into Avalon for the first time, we think there’s something here for you in this stand-alone adventure: New heroes, new story and, of course, plenty of tough battles to sink your sword (or gladius in this case) into.

King Arthur LIX screenshot

The Ninth Legion Rises 

A new threat has arrived on Avalon, and it’s not your usual band of marauders. The infamous Ninth Legion of Rome – lost to history – has marched straight out of the depths of Tartarus and onto the mystical island. Their leader, Gaius Julius Mento, was once a proud Roman tribune. Now he commands a demonic legion, a twisted gift from their dead emperor, Septimus Sulla. But Gaius has bigger ambitions: he wants to conquer Avalon and build an Eternal Rome. First, though, he must reunite his scattered legion.

King Arthur LIX screenshot

A Roman Invasion of Avalon

You will step into Gaius Julius Mento’s boots and lead the Ninth Legion through a brutal, Roman-themed campaign. You’ll have to battle nightmare-fueled monsters, clash with fierce Pict tribes, and face off against the ancient Fomorians and cunning Sídhe. You might even cross swords with the knights of Sir Mordred’s Round Table, first introduced in King Arthur: Knight’s Tale. Across fifteen handcrafted missions, you’ll carve your path through Avalon and decide Gaius’ fate.

King Arthur LIX screenshot

Tactical Combat Meets Role-Playing

If you like strategy and character-driven stories, you’ll be in for a treat. In King Arthur: Legion IX, you control a squad of five to six unique heroes as you explore and battle through the mystical land of Avalon. Combat in this game revolves around using cover, setting traps, flanking enemies and mastering the overwatch and opportunity system to turn the tide of battle.

King Arthur LIX screenshot

Heroes from the Abyss

Legion IX introduces six new heroes, each with unique skills and playstyles. You’ll have to level them up, unlock their skill trees and equip them with powerful artifacts to become the deadliest force in Avalon. Whether you prefer a methodical approach or charging straight into battle, you’ll have the tools to build your characters your way.

Build Nova Roma

Conquering Avalon is no small feat, and you’ll need a proper stronghold to do it. We wanted to make the rebuilding of Nova Roma a fundamental part of the game. This means that you’ll have to manage resources, upgrade buildings and facilities in between battles, and make sure your heroes are ready for whatever comes next.

King Arthur LIX screenshot

Your Choices Shape the Story

At the heart of Legion IX there is a choice that will define Gaius Julius Mento’s journey. Your decisions throughout the campaign will shape not only Gaius’ fate, but the future of Avalon itself. 

We hope you’re ready to lead the Ninth Legion and we’ll see you on the battlefield on May 6, 2025.

King Arthur: Legion IX

NeocoreGames

King Arthur: Legion IX is a turn-based, character-centric tactical RPG in the King Arthur: Knight’s Tale universe – a dark fantasy version of the Arthurian myth. King Arthur: Legion IX welcomes new players to the mythical land of Avalon with an all-new story and heroes, also offering tough challenges to returning veterans.

A new threat looms over Avalon as the long-lost, infamous Ninth Legion of Rome has set foot on the mythical island. Their commander, the fallen hero, Gaius Julius Mento was granted a demonic legion by their dead emperor, Septimus Sulla to find a way out of Tartarus. But when they accidentally arrive to the magical realm of the Lady of the Lake, Gaius Julius Mento decides to subjugate the island and establish Eternal Rome there. First, however, he must gather his lost legion…

Play through a Roman-themed campaign as Gaius Julius Mento, a tribune of the undead Ninth Legion, as he discovers Avalon. Battle the monsters of nightmares, challenge the Pict tribes, the monstrous Fomorians and the cunning Sídhe. Experience the might of the Old Faith and Christianity and face the knights of Sir Mordred’s Round Table through 15 handcrafted missions.

Find, rebuild and protect the remains of the only Roman colony in Avalon and choose your path to victory. By the end of the campaign, you’ll have to choose: do you want to become a powerful demon, or will you reject the might of Emperor Sulla and restore your humanity?

A Role-playing Tactical Adventure: Experience a unique hybrid between turn-based tactical games and traditional, character-centric RPGs. Manage and control a party of 5-6 heroes to explore and conquer the land of Avalon. Engage in deep tactical combat, tough moral choices, hero management, and the rebuilding of Nova Roma.

Prove your Worth as a Tactician: Every little move and every decision matters. Use covers, traps, flanking and an in-dept overwatch and opportunity system and turn the entire battlefield to your advantage like a master tactician. Sometimes meticulous planning, sometimes charging simply to combat will be the key to victory. The only difference between a successful or a failed quest may depend on the composition of your party only!

Heroes Straight from the Abyss: Legion IX introduces six unique heroes who have risen from the Abyss to conquer the mythical land of Avalon. Level up, gain skill points and unlock unique skill trees. Loot, equip and craft hundreds of artefacts and create the deadliest fighting force that has ever set foot on Avalon.

Wide variety of Abilities: Use unique skills, Ultimate Skills and World Abilities to overcome the toughest challenges during your quests in Avalon. Take risks and explore various tactical options as heroes don’t face permanent death at the end of the missions. Test your skills in different difficulty modes, from laid-back storytelling to brutal, unforgiving battles.

Not Built in a Day: Build up and expand the city of Nova Roma. Make sure that your stronghold has the right facilities for your heroes that prepare them for different quests. But beware! Resources are scarce and you have to manage Nova Roma thoughtfully to keep it afloat.

Regain your Humanity: Your decisions have far-reaching consequences, influencing both gameplay and narrative. Through your actions, Gaius will either restore his humanity, or forever be transformed into a demon.

The post Turn-Based Tactical RPG King Arthur: Legion IX Launches on May 6, 2025 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How to Recreate A Minecraft Movie in Your Minecraft Game

How to Recreate A Minecraft Movie in Your Minecraft Game

Minecraft Movie Hero Image

‘A Minecraft Movie’ has proved that everyone yearns for the mines – not just the children. Now that the film based on the best-selling video game of all time is a smash-hit success, Minecraft players new and old might be wondering how they can recreate iconic movie moments in their own worlds – or maybe just run around yelling “I am Steve!”

Thankfully, we have the answers (well, apart from the “I am Steve!” one – you can probably just do that for yourself). Read on to find out:

Taming a Wolf

If you want to be like Steve, taming a wolf has to be your first task. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy – you’ll need bones to feed a wild wolf, and the easiest way to get those is by killing skeletons. But if you don’t want to risk life and limb fighting skeletons all night, there’s another, much safer way to get them – go fishing!

Finding a Village

Many Minecraft players start their journey by building houses from common materials like dirt and wood. But if you want to step up your game like Steve does in ‘A Minecraft Movie’, you’re going to want to find a real village to call your own. After all, villagers make great neighbors.

There are many ways to find a village. One thing to remember is, in most worlds, you generally won’t have to wander too far from your initial spawn point. But if you’re really feeling lost, you can always use Creative Mode to fly around without a care.

Venturing to the Nether

One of the pivotal moments in ‘A Minecraft Movie’ occurs when Steve enters the Nether for the first time. Players who are looking to live dangerously can do the same as soon as they find some diamonds and iron in their Minecraft worlds. Using iron to make buckets, you can pour water on lava to create obsidian. Then craft a diamond pickaxe to mine that obsidian, build it into a five-by-four rectangle, and ignite the center using flint and steel (“Flint and steel!”). Ruined portals can also be found, just like you might have seen in the movie.

Getting Elytra and Firework Rockets

If you’ve seen ‘A Minecraft Movie’, you’re probably interested in recreating the thrilling elytra flight using firework rockets to propel you at breakneck speeds. Fireworks are easy enough to craft using gunpowder from Creepers and paper crafted from sugarcane. But finding your own elytra is a different story – you’ll need to locate a stronghold in the overworld, jump through the portal to the End, defeat the Ender Dragon, and venture out to distant End islands until you find an End City.

Easier said than done – but it’s worth the effort once you’re flying through the sky. If you’d like to skip straight to the flying, you can take a sneak peek at the new happy ghast in Minecraft’s upcoming game drop. Curious about how the ghast became happy? Check them out in our most recent Minecraft Live broadcast!

Chicken, Creeper, and More Farms

‘A Minecraft Movie’ showcases some of the different farms that players might build in their Minecraft worlds. For example, Steve’s lava chicken cooker is based on a real contraption that uses Minecraft items including a dispenser, chicken eggs, and a bucket full of lava to automatically hatch, cook, and harvest chickens. Likewise, the “Creeper farm” that the movie characters venture through on their minecart ride is a useful build for players who need lots of gunpowder – if, say, they wanted to craft a lot of fireworks for some reason (wink). If you want to build these in your own world, the Minecraft community has created countless wonderful, in-depth tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere.

Applying Official A Minecraft Movie Marketplace Content

Minecraft Movie DLC Hero Image

For those who don’t just want to recreate ‘A Minecraft Movie’ moments in their worlds, but want to really live them, the Minecraft Marketplace has several movie-inspired downloadable items – and the best part is that they’re all free.

A Minecraft Movie: Add-On and Lava Chicken Add-On can be applied to any world, including existing ones, to bring items and entities from the movie into your game; while A Minecraft Movie DLC is a full-on standalone movie-themed adventure. Of course, you can always simply download A Minecraft Movie Hero Pack to play as Steve, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, and the other movie characters in any Minecraft world.

‘A Minecraft Movie’ is in theaters worldwide now.

The post How to Recreate A Minecraft Movie in Your Minecraft Game appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Marathon Comes to Xbox This September, and Here’s What We Know So Far

Marathon Comes to Xbox This September, and Here’s What We Know So Far

Summary

  • Bungie has shared new gameplay for Marathon, a new team-based FPS extraction shooter.
  • Players work in crews of three to take down rival Runner teams, scavenge for resources and gear, and extract safely.
  • Marathon launches on Xbox Series X|S on September 23, 2025.

Bungie has unveiled a first look at Marathon, its upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, as well as some brand-new details about the game. In a showcase today, the studio debuted gameplay, as well as a stylish cinematic short about the Marathon universe.

Even better – Bungie shared that there’s not much longer to wait – Marathon releases on Xbox Series X|S on September 23, 2025.

Become a Runner

In Marathon, you are a Runner, a mercenary who has traded your human form for a host of enhanced cybernetic abilities. Each playable Runner features a loadout of unique skills to compliment how you play – whether you want to run in guns blazing or take a more tactical approach. You’ll also be able to customize your Runner with implants and weapons at the start of the game, and with resources you’ll find during runs.

In teams of up to three players, you’ll drop into a zone where the goal is to loot as much as possible and get out alive. You’ll be up against several threats, including AI security forces and other teams, that you’ll need to deal with in some way. If you survive, everything you’ve collected is yours to keep for future runs. For extra challenge seekers, there’s also an option to run a match solo, take down teams alone, and extract with all the loot by yourself.

Bungie brings decades of satisfying FPS shooter experience to the table in Marathon from its previous work on Halo, and its ongoing work on Destiny 2. Marathon seeks to blend a dynamic, tactile FPS experience with seasonal content, giving you and your friends new mysteries to unravel about Tau Ceti IV and the abandoned Marathon ship that hangs above.

The World of Marathon

The studio also shared a cinematic short that gave us a deeper look at the cutthroat world of Tau Ceti IV where Marathon is set, directed by award-winning director Alberto Mielgo (“Love, Death & Robots”, “The Witness” episode). The short features several playable characters from the Marathon roster and sets the stage for the lost colony where your runs will take place. Check out the short here.

Marathon is heading to Xbox Series X|S on September 23, and you can wishlist it today. To keep up to date on news and  sign up for your chance to join the Closed Alpha Test this April, head to the official Marathon community Discord server.

Marathon

Bungie

From the creators of Halo and Destiny…

A massive ghost ship hangs in low orbit over a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV. The 30,000 souls who call this place home have disappeared without a trace. Strange signals hint at mysterious artifacts, long-dormant AI, and troves of untold riches.

Become a Runner in Bungie’s upcoming sci-fi PvP extraction shooter, Marathon. You are a cybernetic mercenary venturing into the unknown in a fight for survival and fortune where any run can lead to greatness.

Add Marathon to your wishlist now to get the latest updates and news.

The post Marathon Comes to Xbox This September, and Here’s What We Know So Far appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Zenless Zone Zero Arrives on Xbox This June – With In-Game Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Players

Zenless Zone Zero Arrives on Xbox This June – With In-Game Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Players

Zenless Zone Zero Hero image

Summary

  • Zenless Zone Zero, HoYoverse’s urban fantasy ARPG, will be available for free on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud Gaming in June.
  • Game Pass Ultimate members can play the game seamlessly across devices without downloads via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
  • Dive into the vibrant world of New Eridu, explore the brand-new area Waifei Peninsula, and experience exhilarating combat.

HoYoverse’s urban fantasy ARPG, Zenless Zone Zero, is set to officially launch on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud Gaming this June alongside its Version 2.0 update. Players will be able to enjoy the immersive urban life experience and thrilling action combat in this dynamic and vibrant game on Xbox.

As an exclusive benefit, Game Pass Ultimate members will unlock special in-game rewards—including Polychromes, Dennies, and more—simply by logging in after each major version update. It’s time to wishlist Zenless Zone Zero on Xbox now! Curious to learn more? Read on!

Stunning Performance on Xbox

In the world of Zenless Zone Zero, a calamity called the “Hollows” has destroyed modern society. New Eridu, the last remaining metropolis, has risen against the odds amidst this destructive catastrophe to become the last bastion of modern civilization. Players step into the shoes of a Proxy, a professional specializing in navigating the dangerous Hollows, guiding those who, for various reasons, need to venture inside.

With the extraordinary performance of Xbox Series X|S, Proxies can look forward to an exceptional audiovisual feast, featuring DirectX RayTracing and HDR support, as well as native 4K resolution running at a smooth 60FPS performance. In addition, Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to seamlessly play Zenless Zone Zero across multiple devices, including mobile phones, via Xbox Cloud Gaming without downloads.

Exhilarating Combat Experience

Zenless Zone Zero distinguishes itself with an exciting combat system that blends accessibility with depth. It is designed to make thrilling combat more accessible and satisfying for all players while offering deep mechanics for skilled action veterans who desire to hone their combat skills.

The game is optimized to support the Xbox controller, incorporating customized vibration feedback for different actions such as Basic and Special attacks. Players can fully unleash their skills in challenging battles while embracing the enhanced immersion and sense of impact during battle.

Play Zenless Zone Zero Anytime, Anywhere

Cross-progression and flexible server selection are fully supported on Xbox, allowing players to link their existing Zenless Zone Zero account from other platforms such as PlayStation, PC, Android, and iOS to Xbox. Furthermore, players can switch back and forth between multiple active games without lengthy loading times with the exclusive “Quick Resume” feature on Xbox Series X|S.

Currently, the game supports 13 text and 4 voice-over languages. All of these ensure that Xbox players can dive into Zenless Zone Zero with unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and instant accessibility — wherever and whenever they choose.

An Enchanting Journey Awaits in June 2025

Zenless Zone Zero fuses contemporary urban aesthetics with retro elements, crafting evocative narratives and authentic emotions that delve into the significance of ordinary people and their daily lives. Accompanied by distinctive characters, many players have found a profound sense of connection through this adventure in New Eridu.

We are so thrilled and grateful that Zenless Zone Zero will finally arrive on Xbox alongside the highly anticipated Version 2.0 this June. The new chapter of the game will unfold in a unique area called Waifei Peninsula, in which urban life and Hollow exploration closely intertwine, bringing a more cohesive and immersive narrative experience.

Soon, you will be able to join this spectacular journey as a Proxy and we just can’t wait to see you in New Eridu! Until then, stay tuned for more information on the game and on the exclusive rewards we are preparing for you. And of course, don’t forget to add Zenless Zone Zero to your Wishlist now!

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