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Category: Xbox
Battle Through and Build Ridiculous Dungeons for Gory, Gory Glory in King of Meat
In the world of Loregok, where flocks of local dragons hunger for fame, neighborhood trolls crave funds to pay rent, and global corporate commercialism thirsts to quench its bottom line, comes a fresh source of raw entertainment — you.
Get famous or die trying when King of Meat, the most-watched, sometimes controversial, but always talked-about survival gameshow comes to Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Glowmade and published by Amazon Games, King of Meat is a hacking & slashing online co-op spectacle for one to four players, who step into the role of fearless contenders battling through ridiculous dungeons.
Contender versus Dungeon Creator is more than just the mystical world of Loregok’s greatest pastime. Beyond the glitz, glamour, and celebrity media infatuation lies the true Loregokish dream: lights, camera, carnage! How will you impress bloodthirsty, desensitised crowds of middle-class monsters in this economy? Persevere through colorful deathtraps, build your own fiendish dungeons, or outclass everyone with your distinct, soon-to-be trademark style. Contenders have the lowest life expectancy of all legal occupations, so there’s always room at the top for gory, gory glory.
Sign up now for alerts on future playtests, become a Contender in the most exciting show in the universe, and begin your road to stardom.
Become the Ultimate Contender
Some of you yearn for the spotlight as Contenders. Others may have taken a wrong turn on their way to the restroom. Those desperately seeking fame and fortune can enter joyfully unhinged dungeons built by both the developers and the community. From outrageous enemy gauntlets to methodical puzzles, nothing is off the table in King of Meat.
Conquer the seemingly endless catalogue of devious dungeons to unlock new leagues, challenges, and more. However, completion alone isn’t enough. Whether you are crowned victorious or perish anonymously, you’ll need to impress your audience with stylish weapons, outfits, combos, and over-the-top Glory Moves. Fully customize your Contender to enter the stage your way.
Do not become a Contender if you’re prone to flowing lava, spinning blades, interdimensional black holes, exploding ducks, ice physics, giant hammers, psychotic imps, or hardcore fans. Possible side effects include discomfort, loss of limbs, and of course, death. Ask your coroner if King of Meat is right for you.
Inspire the Next Generation of Dungeon Creators
Take dungeon creation into your own hands in Create Mode, where you are given the tools to create the dungeons of your dreams — and someone else’s nightmares. All of the dungeons in King of Meat have been made with the same tools that you will use to create your own fiendish playgrounds. If you can play it, you can build it.
Do you like explosive barrels? Create a room with slopes and enough explosive barrels to challenge any Contenders determined to finish your dungeon with as few jumps as possible. How about precise jumps? Add bottomless pits with rotating spikes, lava-spitting skulls, and swinging platforms that lead to multiple switches. Shh! One switch triggers even more lava-spitting skulls, while another reverses the direction of the rotating spikes.
As the company whose job it is to empower Dungeon Creators to build unpredictable dungeons, Komstruct takes everything about King of Meat very seriously. Top performers often work themselves to the bone, which has proven to be one of the greatest conservation efforts for endangered skeleton populations. How far will you go to become the most celebrated Dungeon Creator in Loregok?
Unleash your Ridiculous
Heroes get remembered, but legends never die, especially in Ironlaw Plaza where you can buy all of your favourite Contender merchandise. Develop your own style to stand out on the shelves and up at Komstruct Koliseum. Ironlaw Plaza features all of the latest trends in customization – like edible sausage hammers. You never know when you’ll grumble during a rumble.
Embrace chaotic customization across outfits, accessories, emotes, weapons, and Glory Moves. As you progress, you’ll unlock even more cosmetics. Picture your signature look advertised on video streaming platforms everywhere. A look that took you days to earn, hours to perfect, and minutes to share, will now be skipped in seconds. Which of your looks will make those seconds last a lifetime?
We cannot wait to see how Loregok will become even more ridiculous through your stylish actions, wondrous creativity, and silly contributions. King of Meat is available to wishlist now. Check out the King of Meat website for more information and to sign up for future playtests.
The post Battle Through and Build Ridiculous Dungeons for Gory, Gory Glory in King of Meat appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft: Crossing Worlds for the Crossover Event
Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft: Crossing Worlds for the Crossover Event
Summary
- Overwatch 2’s Art Director shares more about how the team is celebrating World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary.
- The Sylvanas Windrunner Widowmaker skin was revealed live on stage at Opening Night Live during Gamescom 2024.
- The Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft collaboration event launches in September.
During Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2024, we revealed that Overwatch 2 would be celebrating World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary with an in-game crossover event, and we showed off a skin that will be available during the event—Widowmaker cosplaying as Sylvanas Windrunner. As the Overwatch 2 Art Director and a former World of Warcraft Environment Artist, this was a dream project for me!
Creating immersive worlds in video games is an art that demands imagination, skill, and a deep understanding of how to draw players in. Since joining Blizzard in 2006 as an Environment Artist, I had the opportunity to design some of the most iconic areas and log-in screens, from the original World of Warcraft release up to the Cataclysm expansion. Now, as art director for Overwatch 2, I find myself drawing on those experiences of blending the magical with the real to bring players the first-ever World of Warcraft x Overwatch 2 collaboration!
The Blizzard Journey Begins
Throughout my years with the WoW team, I poured my creativity into crafting the inviting landscapes that WoW players have come to know inside and out. Whether it was the hauntingly beautiful Zangarmarsh or the tranquility of the Grizzly Hills forest, each environment was a labor of love designed to draw players into Azeroth’s rich tapestry.
During my work on World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, I found myself gravitating towards a new project called Titan, which eventually morphed into the game we now know as Overwatch. My passion for organics and game lighting found a new outlet here. I shifted focus to lighting and props, playing a role in developing what would become the vibrant world of Overwatch.
Bringing Together World of Warcraft and Overwatch 2
With my grounding in the magical realms of WoW, I approached Overwatch with a desire to create environments that were equally colorful and historically rich. Our goal was to replicate the vibrancy of WoW within the context of Overwatch’s real-world setting. Just like WoW’s distinct aesthetics, Overwatch environments needed to tell a story.
Working on the Widowmaker Sylvanas skin was a collaborative endeavor. It reunited me with former colleagues and friends, evoking a nostalgic sense of camaraderie. Together, we explored how the deep storytelling of WoW could inform the design of Overwatch’s characters and landscapes.
One such instance was our character concept artists’ decision to draw parallels between Widowmaker and Sylvanas, both of whom share aesthetics and pivotal moments in their lore. Widowmaker is a ruthless killer and the perfect assassin, and Sylvanas is a cunning ranger and vengeful leader: the two couldn’t be a better match.
The Art of Enjoyment
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of working on these projects is the simple fact that I genuinely enjoy playing both games. It’s a joy that fuels my creativity. It blurs the lines between work and play, turning long hours into passionate exploration rather than mere tasks.
Building worlds that captivate millions of players worldwide is a privilege I never take for granted. Throughout my career, both WoW and Overwatch have been platforms for learning, creativity, and development in ways I once thought unimaginable. The wealth of experiences and the community of talented individuals I’ve encountered along the way have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.
As I reflect on my career from WoW to Overwatch 2, I’m deeply appreciative of the opportunities and experiences that have come my way. The transition from Azeroth’s fantastical landscapes to Overwatch’s dynamic arenas has been a fulfilling creative journey—one enriched by beloved characters, vibrant worlds, and a devoted fanbase.
To all the fans of WoW and Overwatch, thank you for joining us on this adventure. Your passion and engagement continue to inspire us as we craft new worlds and stories. Here’s to many more adventures ahead in the captivating universes we create together!
The Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft collaboration will be launching in September. Stay tuned for more details about the event, and learn more about Overwatch 2, at PlayOverwatch.com.
The post Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft: Crossing Worlds for the Crossover Event appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – How Your Character Becomes Unique to You
Summary
- Build a unique character that reflects your in-game choices and personality.
- Explore an authentic medieval world that reacts to your words and deeds.
- Specialize your combat prowess to develop your character further.
Warhorse Studios has meticulously crafted the open world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II to give its players a historically authentic, deeply immersive portrayal of medieval Europe.
One of the truly exciting features is the personal journey you’ll take through this world as Henry, the humble blacksmith’s son of the original game, whose tale of personal vengeance now evolves into an epic saga starring kings, noblemen and villagers alike.
The characters of Henry and Hans Capon are designed to be multifaceted, each with their own flaws and strengths; Henry is more upright and honourable, while Hans has a more carefree (and sometimes reckless) approach to life. Their behavior – including how they interact with others – is meant to reflect their personalities and the world they live in.
To achieve the game’s unique sense of player freedom, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II employs a complex web of systems that sit largely unseen beneath your experience of the world. Through these systems, the world tracks your behaviour in granular detail, working to ensure that every decision you make is reflected in the actions and behavior of the characters in the world, which can unlock (or hide) dialogue options and even quest lines.
For example, and without going too much into spoiler territory, you’ll meet two men who are very aggressive (and probably plan on murdering you). Your natural choice is to remove them from the equation, with the use of a handy axe. But, if you spare them – despite their ill intent – they will then come back and assist you later in the game.
Even Henry’s interactions with his partner in crime, Sir Hans Capon, can take you down different paths, depending on if you address him like a lord or like an equal (Sir Hans doesn’t take too kindly to the latter).
Performing your more nefarious deeds in the shadows offers only limited protection from the consequences of your actions too. Your secret misdemeanours may not be directly acknowledged by the local population, but the world will react to your malevolent influence regardless.
Choose to unleash a secret reign of terror and the locals will become more fearful, arming themselves in the process. Guards will watch you far more closely and you can forget about any discount from local merchants. Push it too far and you may even be (literally) branded a criminal and the burn marks will make clear, to everyone who sees you, that you’re not to be trusted.
However you choose to navigate this complex medieval world, the solutions to many of the moral quandaries you’ll face are rarely a simple choice of good or bad. Indeed, the greyer the morality, the more advantageous the reward may prove to be; however the world will remember how you crumbled in the face of temptation and will judge you for it accordingly.
Many of the more visible systems in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II are built around the concept of mastery, rather than simply allocating stat points to gain an instant advantage.
Combat is deliberate and tactical in this world and deepening your skills with any given weapon class provides an unrivalled sense of accomplishment. Focus your efforts on mastering the darker arts of stealth-focused combat instead and you’ll find it easier to slip between your objectives unseen. Additionally, you can choose to invest more time into your crafting expertise and enjoy more potent potions and more effective equipment as a result.
As all these systems ebb and flow in response to your actions and your decisions, your experience of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – and how your own Henry emerges from the story’s conclusion – becomes one that’s uniquely your own.
The skills you master, the decisions you take, and the way you behave all weave together effortlessly to form a deeply immersive and unparalleled RPG experience.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Gold Edition
Deep Silver
$89.99
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an exhilarating Action RPG, set amidst the chaos of a civil war in 15th Century Bohemia.
You are Henry of Skalitz – an ordinary man doing extraordinary things – caught in a gripping tale of revenge, betrayal, and discovery as he embarks on an epic journey, ‘from a humble blacksmith’s forge to the court of Kings’, searching for purpose in this beautiful but brutal medieval world.
From bustling city streets to lush forests, explore this open-world Medieval Europe through an unforgettable adventure filled with action, thrills, and wonder.
FEATURES
A Tale of Love and Revenge
Live life through the eyes and actions of Henry, a young man on a quest to avenge his murdered parents. His story – illustrated with over five hours of stunning cinematics – takes him from aspiring warrior to rebel, crossing paths with a charismatic cast of characters and an unforgettable set of adventures, as he faces off against the King of Hungary, Sigismund the Red Fox, and his fearsome allies.
A True RPG Experience
Your actions shape Henry’s destiny and how the world will react to him. Customize his appearance, skills, and equipment freely while taking a moral stance on the events around you. Travel around the land engaging in unique activities, such as blacksmithing and archery, to fully immerse yourself in this vibrant region of Europe that will remember your actions forever.
Live a Medieval Life
This stunningly authentic rendition of 15th Century Bohemia allows you to experience this fascinating setting like never before. Get lost in a sprawling city, interact with peasants, and converse with nobles while exploring a vast and rich countryside with taverns, bathhouses, castles, and more.
Authentic First-Person Combat
Feel the clash of steel and visceral combat as you engage in thrilling real-time battles. There’s a range of authentic weapons and combat styles to suit every player. Whether on foot, horseback, or through stealth, you can specialize in elegant sword mastery, brutal blunt weapons, or deadly ranged attacks.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Deep Silver
$69.99
Pre-order now to receive the bonus quest, The Lion’s Crest.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a thrilling Action RPG, set amid the chaos of a civil war in 15th Century Bohemia.
You are Henry of Skalitz – an ordinary man doing extraordinary things – caught in a gripping tale of revenge, betrayal and discovery as he embarks on an epic journey, from a humble blacksmith’s forge to the court of Kings, as he searches for purpose in this beautiful but brutal medieval world.
From bustling city streets to lush forests, discover this open-world Medieval Europe through an unforgettable adventure filled with action, thrill and wonder.
A Tale of Love and Revenge
Live life through the eyes and actions of Henry, a young man on a quest to avenge his murdered parents. His story – illustrated with over five hours of stunning cinematics – takes him from aspiring warrior to rebel, crossing paths with a charismatic cast of characters and an unforgettable set of adventures, as he goes up against the King of Hungary, Sigismund the Red Fox and his fearsome allies.
A True RPG Experience
Your actions shape Henry’s destiny and how the world will react to him. Customize freely his appearance, skills and equipment while taking a moral stance on the events around you. Travel round the land engaging in unique activities, such as blacksmithing and archery, to truly immerse yourself in this vibrant region of Europe that will remember your actions, forever.
Live a Life Medieval
This stunningly authentic rendition of 15th Century Bohemia allows you to experience this fascinating setting like never before. Get lost in a sprawling city, engage with peasants and talk with nobles while exploring a vast and rich countryside with taverns, bath houses, castles and more.
Authentic First-Person Combat
Feel the clash of steel and visceral combat as you engage in thrilling real-time battles. There’s a range of authentic weapons and combat styles to suit every player. On foot, horse or by stealth, you can specialise in elegant sword mastery, brutal blunt weapons or deadly ranged attacks.
The post Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – How Your Character Becomes Unique to You appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Atomfall: The First Hands-On
Atomfall: The First Hands-On
Announced at Xbox Games Showcase earlier this year, Atomfall is the surprise new title from Rebellion (Sniper Elite, Zombie Army) that, on first glance, feels like a very British Fallout. A retro-future, post-apocalyptic setting, first-person RPG mechanics, and a world stuffed with weirdos all hearken back to Bethesda’s epochal series. But in my time with a first-ever hands-on build of Atomfall, it quickly became clear that there’s much more to this game than a location transplant.
Set in an alternate timeline following the real-life Windscale Nuclear Disaster of 1957, the first thing you’ll notice about Atomfall is that, for a game set after an atomic meltdown, this place is beautiful. Set in the rolling hills of the Lake District in Cumbria, this is a truly bucolic take on the end of the world – streams babble, nature grows unabated, and semblances of the old world still exist; never more so than in the picture-postcard village of Wyndham you’ll find early in your travels.
It’s a unique location for this kind of game, and sets the tone perfectly – this is less about a world destroyed than a world gone wrong. Outlaws roam the hills wearing cricket pads as armor, vicious rats with glowing blue eyes swarm around tumbledown farm buildings, and druids are said to be performing pagan rituals in the woods, towards ends unknown.
From the outset, how you choose to engage with all this is up to you. For the first portion of my time with the game, I simply hiked the backroads, taking down bandits to loot for their weapons, and scraps of material with which to craft bandages or throwables. Combat will be familiar to players of first-person RPGs, but comes with some distinct touches – you can only quickslot four weapons at any one time, and ammo is extremely scarce, making at least one melee item a must. You’ll also want to keep a stock of healing items, as death is quick here – it quickly becomes clear that avoiding a fight can be as helpful as starting one.
Once I felt suitably tooled up, I began to engage with what might be Atomfall’s most interesting design choice. In Rebellion’s take on the genre, you don’t get quests – you get leads.
From the beginning of the demo, it’s clear that my character is on a journey simply to find out what’s happened here – there’s no grand objective, no hero’s quest. You just have a simple question driving you: What’s going on? And to support that, your journal isn’t full of concrete explanations of what to do, but rather clues you’ve amassed. Early on, I met a trader, who’d throw in local gossip with every barter deal we made – that gave me a lead to a local bunker I might explore, and an approximate location on my map.
Later, I visited Wyndham, and decided to see what was inside the local church – and here’s where the promise of leads became very exciting. Inside, I found a vicar standing over a murder victim – he asked me not to investigate, for fear of inciting the wrath of the soldiers that have occupied the town. I could have left it here, but I searched the body and found a bloodied note that pointed me to a local hotel. Again, I could have followed that clue and gone to explore – but I chose to speak to the church caretaker, who revealed she’d seen the victim entering an out-of-the-way cellar the night before.
Now I had two leads about the same thing – the game didn’t tell me if one was the primary quest, or give me any indication as to the right path, it was down simply down to my own interest. I chose to look through the cellar and, on first glance, thought I’d hit a dead end – until I saw a chink of light from under a wall and realized I could crawl through. Here I found a note that pointed to the local shopkeeper as the murderer, and a clue that he was in-line with the local faction of druids. I went to confront him, and was presented with multiple options – I could report him to the soldiers, explain his part in the murder to the vicar… or even make a deal for his silence.
I chose the latter, and wasn’t just given a physical reward, but an entirely new lead that seems to be drawing me to meet those druids rather than confront them. What the domino effect might be here is unclear this early in my time with the game, but the sheer number of choices I made after effectively stumbling over a quest by accident leaves me very intrigued.
You’re being rewarded for curiosity more than anything else, and I think this speaks to Atomfall’s key interest – this isn’t a game about just exploring a world, but following your own intuition, rather than what the game might tell you is the correct path. Even in this small slice of the game, I could have walked in a different direction – nothing told me to look in that church in the first place.
The secret to Atomfall may be that it’s as much a mystery game as it is a traditional RPG – every quest I’ve completed so far has led me to more quests, more questions, more leads. The game’s form might be familiar, but there’s something unfamiliar bubbling under the surface – I very much want to see more.
Atomfall arrives for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in 2025, and will be available with Game Pass on day one. Available to wishlist now.
Atomfall
Rebellion
A survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.
Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.
From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.
Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences.
Explore this Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you.
Search, Scavage, Survive: You’ll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive!
Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.
From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.
Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences.
Explore this Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you.
Search, Scavage, Survive: You’ll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive!
The post Atomfall: The First Hands-On appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – New Features Revealed Live at Gamescom
The post Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – New Features Revealed Live at Gamescom appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Avowed Hands On: Playing One Quest in Two Very Different Ways
Avowed Hands On: Playing One Quest in Two Very Different Ways
Avowed, as with all Obsidian Entertainment games, has been designed with player choice at the forefront – your gear, your playstyle, your dialogue, your approaches to quests are all up to you. Xbox Wire had the chance to experience this for ourselves with the first playable preview with the game, which sent us on a journey to retrieve a lost relic.
To get a sense of the freedom that Avowed presents, Wire editors Danielle and Mike both played, and took two very different approaches to the demo. Here’s what we found.
Character Background
Danielle: True to RPG form, Avowed offers up myriad ways to approach the job at hand – even with your very first choices. Avowed offers five different background choices that will primarily affect your dialogue choices in-game, but all equipment and abilities are available to you regardless of the background you choose. Forever a fan of clean, stealthy operations that make me feel cool, I opted for a ranger build with a Vanguard Scout background – more at ease with the wilderness than around noble folk, but a skilled and observant hunter.
Mike: I, however, picked the Barbarian — Danielle took my preferred ranger class before I could blink — but I enjoyed not having to concern myself with stealth, and instead leaned in heavily on the power of my melee weapons, where running headlong into enemies was a bit more of my character’s forte during this demo. My character traits were not strong enough to do any Intellect or Perception checks in interactions with any characters I encountered, but I was able to successfully lie (more on that in a bit).
The World
Danielle: After picking our characters, we headed into the game itself. Avowed is an action RPG set in the land of Eora, which Pillars of Eternity fans will be familiar with. The section we played takes place inside a lush dungeon, paring down the scope of the full game for the sake of a demo but, as we quickly found out, by no means restrictive. In this quest, we’re tasked with locating an expedition group that has gone missing in search of a holy relic. We are however, in true Obsidian fashion, immediately sidetracked by another quest, which involves fetching that relic for another character we meet on the way, which we’ll get into shortly.
As I’m making my way through this cave system towards the first objective, it’s impossible not to notice how gorgeous these surroundings are – vibrant wildlife coats the walls and ceilings, a sparkling waterfall cascades in the distance. I’m transported instantly into the world of Avowed and the adventures it has to offer.
Mike: I too was immediately struck by the bright and colourful design of the cave system. This is no dark, grim fantasy adventure (as the developers have previously mentioned). It’s rich and full of greenery and grand views. I particularly liked how the giant tree roots almost looked like massive arms holding everything up and in place. We know Avowed will have a variety of biomes for us to adventure through, but this was a great introduction to seeing what one of these dungeons looked like – and this is just a side quest! This bodes well for what the main adventure will have in store for us.
Weapons and Magic
Danielle: This is where the fun truly begins. As a ranger, I am of course equipped with a trusty and extremely potent bow called “The Long Touch” which offers some serious bonus perks to sharpshooters. I’m also given the option to upgrade the bow using materials gathered from the wilderness, which is a nice touch for when you don’t want to give up that special weapon after levelling up a few times. Using the bow alongside the Shadowing Beyond skill – which made me invisible for a time – allowed me to deftly chew through smaller enemies with ease.
In a later boss fight, I quickly realized stealth wasn’t going to cut it, and I was able to completely flip the switch into a “shocking” secondary loadout. This included a unique pistol that dealt shock damage. It’s a slower, louder option that sacrificed dexterity for pure pain, which came in handy for battering down the dungeon’s boss. I didn’t just have different weapons either – Tanglefoot, a magic ability that sprouted spiky roots out of the ground to hold enemies in place, came in super handy for dealing with pests. I also had a throwable Electric Lily Seed, which dished out additional shock damage to everyone in this relatively small room.
Even with a loadout I hadn’t fully chosen myself, it felt like I had a ton of options for how to approach each situation, but the tools I had still felt augmented to the style and background of my character.
Mike: Mine was a more… direct approach than Danielle’s. I was able to hot-swap between two weapon loadouts: a dual wield option that paired a common sword with a one-handed axe called “Drawn in Winter” – it deals frost damage, if the name wasn’t a giveaway. I could also quickly swap to the two-handed “Seven Strings” club which dealt massive damage. I elected for the club for most of my playthrough, mainly because I liked the ability to block enemy attacks from the lizard-like Xaurip and giant spiders we encountered. I also had two abilities: Charge, which was a powerful dash-like attack, and Barbaric Shout, which interrupted enemy attacks.
I also liked how my companion Kai, a blue-skinned Aumaua voiced by Brandon Keener (Garrus from Mass Effect), would call out locations of enemies to ensure I don’t get flanked. While the demo only offered us a small glimpse, it’s clear the companion system will be a major component of Avowed and I’m excited to see how this works in the longer-term adventure. Obsidian has shared there will be four recruitable companions that can aid you on your journey – and I’m excited to see how they all play into the story.
Play Your Way
Danielle: The preview presented several opportunities for dialogue, which gave a sense of how conversations will shape your adventure just as much as combat. The Vanguard Scout-specific choices were snappy and to the point, as a background of roaming amongst the trees rather than mingling with royalty would imply. I was given the choice to be polite and honest to Caedmon, a young chap that needed aid, or snarky and unhelpful, but figured that kindness might afford more opportunities down the road if he remembers that I saved his life in a dark cave. Avowed features attribute points that will unlock different dialogue choices, as well as buffs to your combat skills. As a ranger, I was particularly buffed out in the Dexterity and Perception departments, which delivered both extra critical hit chances and more observant options while I talked with other characters.
Mike: It wasn’t long until I was saying to myself that this felt very Obsidian-like – the myriad of dialog choices and interactions afforded to my character will be immediately familiar to players of the studio’s other games. While Danielle took a noble, helpful approach, I took the opportunity to see how the world and characters would respond to a brash warrior who lies through their teeth. There seems to be a wide variety of choice, and more humor than I was expecting (this was a good thing), that make this feel like an Obsidian RPG in the vein of Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds. Being able to either help Caedmon by healing his wounds or straight-up lying to him and pretending you’re a ghost is peak form for this studio – and I hope to see high level of player choice throughout Avowed.
I was also curious to see how far I could “push” the dialog with Sargamis, the gold-bodied Oracle who tasked us with retrieving the dagger so he could imbue a soul into a giant, lifeless stone giant – who may just have had something to do with the missing expedition. I’m not going to spoil exactly what happened here – it’s way too much fun not to let you discover it for yourself – but the fact that Avowed let me go so far with Sargamis’ conversation branches, has left me really excited for just how many dialog paths there will be in the mainline adventure.
It’s clear to see that Avowed is shaping up to be an extremely impressive adventure – there’s rich lore to be found in every corner and minimal rigidity to the builds, so you can play however you’d like. Even in this purposely select area, the bones of Obsidian’s RPG mastery are truly at work here, and we can’t wait to see how the choices play out in the full game. This will have to sate you for now but keep an eye out for more updates on Avowed, heading to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass on February 18, 2025.
Avowed
Xbox Game Studios
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
The Weird and Wonderful Living Lands
The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem.
Visceral Combat to Play Your Way
Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance.
Companions as part of your journey
Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.
The post Avowed Hands On: Playing One Quest in Two Very Different Ways appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Revolutionizes the Strategy Classic by Building History in Layers
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Revolutionizes the Strategy Classic by Building History in Layers
Summary
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII takes player on a new type of journey, one through distinct historical chapters called Ages.
- Build a unique cultural lineage as your empire is represented by unique Civs across each Age.
- Launching on February 11, 2025, with support for cross-play and cross-progression.
From everyone at Firaxis Games, we’re thrilled to finally reveal gameplay and share that Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is launching on February 11, 2025.
In Civilization VII, we invite you to go on a journey never experienced before in the franchise – one through the Ages of human advancement. Ages divide history into distinct playable chapters, each designed to immerse the player in the essence of these time periods. We have three Ages for you to experience:
- Antiquity Age: When agricultural societies began to cluster into urban centers, forming the foundations of the very first civilizations.
- Exploration Age: When the desire for precious commodities from distant lands spurred empires to stretch across the great oceans.
- Modern Age: A period of incredible technological growth and global conflict, where mankind goes from development of the steam engine to the splitting of the atom.
What’s particularly interesting about Ages, and separates it from previous Civilization features like Eras, is that for the first time you aren’t just playing as a single civilization. Instead, you build a unique cultural lineage in Civilization VII, where your empire is represented by different civilizations during each Age. You’ll be able to carry forward your past civilization’s legacy, while also playing as a new Civ in the new Age – one with refreshed abilities, unique units, buildings and more!
This idea is a revolutionary one for Civilization, and merits some more detail. To explain, let me take you back to the original foundational idea for Civilization VII – a design mantra we call “History is Built in Layers.”
History is Built in Layers
A few years after we shipped the last Civ game, the design team at Firaxis Games sat down to begin planning out what we wanted to see in Civilization VII. Designing a new Civ game is a unique challenge and we take feedback from all areas. We think about what we’d like to improve on, we hear what the community is asking for, and we look at what players are doing in our games to see how we can make that experience even better.
One area of inspiration for us is, as you might guess, history itself. So I took a trip to London – a big, sprawling modern city, and thought about its past. London was originally an ancient Roman settlement called Londinium, established on the far reaches of the Roman Empire. Back then, it looked very much like any other Roman town, with a forum, bathhouses, and temples.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Londinium was largely abandoned. Eventually, the Normans, following their conquest in the 11th century, established what would become Medieval London. On top of the old Roman ruins, new buildings were constructed, including fortifications, churches, and markets. However, Medieval London also faced hardships, such as the devastation of the Black Death.
Fast forward a few centuries, and the Industrial Revolution ushered in what would be Victorian London. This era saw the transformation of the city with new constructions like factories, railways, and commercial buildings, replacing or repurposing many older medieval structures.
This sparked an idea for us – what if you could build your empire in the same way? Where you could experience the same type of journey that London went through: going through different Ages, the identity of your empire represented by different civilizations from that time period. And as a video game, what if you could determine which direction your empire evolved? Imagine if, instead of the Normans, the Spanish had taken control of London? How would that change the future?
Forge Your Path Through the Ages
That’s the unique journey we want you to experience in Civilization VII. During each Age, you’ll select a historical civilization relevant to that time. You’ll compete and cooperate with rival civilizations and face the unique challenges of that Age. As you progress from one Age to the next, you’ll choose a new civilization to represent your empire—determined not just by historical connections, but also by the actions you can take as a player. Over the course of a campaign, as you carry your legacy forward from one Age to the next, you’ll build a unique cultural lineage for your empire – one that may even stand the test of time.
Civilization VII promises to be a revolutionary new chapter for the franchise, and today is just the first step in our journey to February 11, 2025. You can watch our official gameplay showcase for more details; for the latest information on Civilization VII, visit www.civilization.com and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII
2K
$69.99
Pre-order Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Standard Edition and receive the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack!* The Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack is included as part of the Deluxe and Founders Editions.
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.**
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS
To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS
Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization’s most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.
EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis.
TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER
Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.** Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.
AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
With more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more!
*Pre-order offer available until February 11, 2025. Internet connection required to redeem bonus content. Terms apply.
**Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.
Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal.
Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice.
Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS.
©2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meier’s Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition
2K
$99.99
Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition! Purchasing Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition entitles digital versions of the game on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!
Deluxe Edition includes:
• Full base game
• Early Access – play the game early on February 6, 2025
• Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack
• Crossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!
• Deluxe Content Pack, which includes:
– 2 leader personas
– 4 profile customizations
– 1 alternate scout skin
EARLY ACCESS
Play Civilization VII on February 6, 2025, up to 5 days ahead of the official launch date.
TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK
This content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII!
Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense. His unique ability, Nicaakiyakoolaakwe, increases food, production, and combat strength based on the number of allied city-states.
Shawnee is an Exploration Age civilization that excels at utilizing natural resources. Their unique ability, Nepekifaki, gives more food for settlements built on river tiles but slightly reduces food for any cities not built on rivers. Its associated wonder is the Serpent Mound.
CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION
Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details of the Crossroads of the World Collection will be revealed at a later date.
DELUXE CONTENT PACK
2 leader personas
Each persona offers a new variant of an existing leader, including a different outfit and background for that leader, new gameplay bonuses, and an alternative agenda that reflects a different side of their personality! The two personas included in this edition will be revealed at a later date.
4 profile customizations
Embellish your player profile with these cosmetic customizations, including a striking new badge, a regal new title, an ornate new banner, and an eye-catching new portrait that will all make you stand out from other players!
1 alternate scout skin
Give your scout recon unit a brand new look with this cosmetic outfit!
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.*
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS
To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS
Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization’s most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.
EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis.
TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER
Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.* Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.
AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
With more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more!
*Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.
Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal.
Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice.
Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS.
©2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meier’s Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Founders Edition
2K
$129.99
Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Founders Edition! This digital-only edition is only available until February 28, 2025—get it now before it’s history. Purchasing Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Founders Edition entitles digital versions of the game on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!
Founders Edition includes:
• Full base game
• Early Access – play the game up to 5 days early on February 6, 2025
• Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack
• Crossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more
• Right to Rule Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!*
• Deluxe Content Pack, which includes:
– 2 leader personas
– 4 profile customizations
– 1 alternate scout skin
• Founders Content Pack, which includes:
– 2 leader personas
– 4 profile customizations
– 1 fog of war tile set
– 1 Founders palace skin
EARLY ACCESS
Play Civilization VII on February 6, 2025, up to 5 days ahead of the official launch date.
TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK
This content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII!
Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense. His unique ability, Nicaakiyakoolaakwe, increases food, production, and combat strength based on the number of allied city-states.
Shawnee is an Exploration Age civilization that excels at utilizing natural resources. Their unique ability, Nepekifaki, gives more food for settlements built on river tiles but slightly reduces food for any cities not built on rivers. Its associated wonder is the Serpent Mound.
CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION
Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date.
RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTION
Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with even more post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date.
DELUXE & FOUNDERS CONTENT PACKS
Content listed below is inclusive of content included from the Deluxe Content Pack.
4 leader personas
Each persona offers a new variant of an existing leader, including a different outfit and background for that leader, new gameplay bonuses, and an alternative agenda that reflects a different side of their personality! The personas included in this edition will be revealed at a later date.
8 profile customizations
Embellish your player profile with these cosmetic customizations, including a striking new badge, a regal new title, an ornate new banner, and an eye-catching new portrait that will all make you stand out from other players!
1 fog of war tile set
Change your gameplay landscape with a beautiful fog of war tile set that changes in each Age!
1 alternate scout skin
Give your scout recon unit a brand new look with this cosmetic outfit!
1 Founders palace skin
Give your civ’s palace a regal new look with a glorious remodel that’s sure to stand out!
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.**
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS
To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS
Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization’s most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.
EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis.
TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER
Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.** Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.
AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
With more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more!
*The Right To Rule Collection contains 6 DLCs, all of which will be available on or by September 2025 (subject to change). Each DLC will be delivered automatically in-game on release.
**Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.
Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal.
Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice.
Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS.
©2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meier’s Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
The post Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Revolutionizes the Strategy Classic by Building History in Layers appeared first on Xbox Wire.
gamescom Opening Night Live 2024: Everything Xbox Revealed
At today’s gamescom Opening Night Live, fans were treated to a bevy of new game reveals and amazing trailers that gave a glimpse of what’s in store from Xbox. This included big news like the release date of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, gameplay from the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign, and the announcement of early access starting soon for Towerborne. But that’s not all! Fans were also given more details on Diablo IV, Starfield: Shattered Space, and more!
With Opening Night Live 2024 complete, gamescom is officially underway, and Xbox will be on the ground floor with one of its most dramatic-looking booths ever – we can’t wait for you to see it! Not only will we have many of the games mentioned here on display, but many titles for both Xbox and Windows PC will be playable, like Ara: History Untold and Age of Mythology Retold, as well as games from our partners like Genshin Impact, Star Wars: Outlaws, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, giving you the chance to explore all the different ways you can play your favorite games across Cloud, Console, and PC.
Catch up on all of today’s news and reveals from Xbox below:
Age of Mythology: Retold Heads for Launch with Brand New Trailer
Coming September 4, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, or play it day one with Game Pass.
During Opening Night Live fans around the world were treated to a new Age of Mythology: Retold trailer. Focusing on Arkantos, the hero of the game’s 50+ campaign missions, we hear the voice of Athena, coaxing Arkantos to adventure. Showcasing stunning graphics and mythological magic, the trailer gives us another taste of how much players have to be excited about. The trailer also showed the bacchanal of chaos that comes in the final Wonder Age, a new addition to Retold.
Whether you choose to play through the campaign alone or with friends, vs AI or in ranked multiplayer, every game will be different. Advanced Access starts August 27, 2024, at 5pm PT for those who pre-order the Premium Edition and full global launch kicks off on September 4, 2024, on Steam, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X|S. You can learn more about what it’s store by checking out our hands-on preview of Age of Mythology: Retold here on Xbox Wire.
Ara: History Untold Debuts Launch Trailer Ahead of September 24 Release
Windows PC, Steam, or play it day one with Game Pass.
Ara: History Untold helped kick off gamescom 2024 with the world premiere of its launch trailer at Opening Night Live. The trailer, featuring a combination of live action and gameplay, puts the player in focus, inviting you to explore, create, rule, and conquer in the world of your imagination. Ara: History Untold is an upcoming grand strategy game where you build a nation and lead your citizens throughout history as you compete head-to-head with rivals to prove you are the greatest ruler ever known. Create your own story of history when Ara: History Untold launches on September 24, 2024. Pre-order and pre-install today! It’s your world now.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Shows Off the Action-Packed “Most Wanted” Campaign Mission
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or play it day one with Game Pass
We got a look at highlights from one of Black Ops 6’s signature Campaign missions, “Most Wanted”, as Frank Woods’ team attempts to locate and retrieve legendary operative Russell Adler. Beginning with a covert infiltration of a political fundraiser (with a cameo from Governor of Arkansas, Bill Clinton no less), we then see a descent into a CIA Black Site, and a bike riding escape sequence worthy of a classic action movie.
Along the way, we see how Campaign developer Raven is innovating – while this is a classic set piece-driven CoD mission, player choice is at the forefront. There are multiple options for how to get access to the Black Site, and you can choose to go loud or quiet as you infiltrate – it’s your mission. This is just a taste – we’ll learn much more about Black Ops 6 MultiplayerandZombies when the Call of Duty NEXT event kicks off on August 28, before Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches on October 25.
Never Fight Alone – Mercenaries are Coming to Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PC via Battle.net, Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
The first expansion for Diablo IV releases worldwide on October 8, and game director Brent Gibson took to the gamescom stage to introduce the Mercenaries – a new feature coming to Vessel of Hatred. Mercenaries are your companions in battle, who grow in strength and can be customized to support your playstyle. Each mercenary is unique in the role they serve, so no matter your class or build, you’ll find a mercenary that’s right for you!
The team also introduced the Dark Citadel, a new co-op PvE experience that will put everything you know about combat to the test through a gauntlet of cooperative puzzles and mechanics, as well as the Kurast Undercity – an intense new multistage, time-attack dungeon that gives you the control over the challenge as well as the loot you will find!
There’s a lot to uncover with these new upcoming features, as well as across the Diablo universe, so Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson, lead game designer Rex Dickson, systems designer Aislyn Hall, and Diablo Immortal’s executive producer Peiwen Yao will be joining us on the Xbox broadcast live at gamescom to share more about what’s to come.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Coming December 9
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, or play it day one on Game Pass
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam on December 9, 2024. Step into the shoes of the legendary archaeologist as he sets off on his latest global adventure. Play it on day one with Game Pass, or up to three days early by pre-ordering the Premium Edition, Premium Edition Upgrade, or Collector’s Edition.
The release date was revealed alongside a brand-new trailer. Get a new look at Indy’s journey around the world and the tools at his disposal as he faces off against sinister forces. From the whip and revolver to his trusty journal and camera, you’ll need everything he’s got to unravel the mystery of the Great Circle.
Starfield’s Shattered Space Arrives on September 30, and the REV-8 Land Vehicle Is Available Today
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam.
To the people of the Settled Systems, House Va’ruun is a mystery. Some call them fanatics. Zealots, even. They are seen as violent aggressors. But there’s so much more to this secretive faction. In Shattered Space, the first major expansion for Starfield, you will visit the homeworld of House Va’ruun, hear their story, and make choices that will determine their future. Shattered Space launches on September 30.
In addition to the Shattered Space release date reveal, Opening Night Live also showed off the new REV-8 land vehicle that’s landing in Starfield in the latest update. The update goes live just a few short hours after Opening Night Live and will be available to all Starfield players. Just visit a ship technician and add the REV-8 module to your ship to start touring planets in a new way.
Towerborne Announces Early Access Begins September 10
Early Access begins September 10 on Steam. Coming 2025 to Xbox Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Game Pass.
Towerborne showcased a brand-new trailer during Opening Night Live that gave us a fresh look at its striking, vibrant world and crisp, action-packed gameplay. The latest game from Stoic (Banner Saga Trilogy), Towerborne seamlessly blends the best parts of side-scrolling brawlers and action RPGs to create a unique adventure where you take on the role of an Ace, a hero who must protect humanity’s last sanctuary from malevolent forces that lurk outside the tower walls.
You can experience Towerborne starting September 10, 2024, when early access begins on Steam; later via the Xbox Game Preview program on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and with Game Pass in early 2025. To learn more about Towerborne and how Stoic is bringing their latest creation to life, check out our Xbox Wire piece here.
The Worldsoul Saga begins August 26 with World of Warcraft: The War Within
PC via Battle.net
2024 is a year of anniversaries for the Warcraft universe, which is turning 30 in the same year. Hearthstone celebrates 10 years, Warcraft Rumble approaches one year, and of course, World of Warcraft… which turns 20 years old in November! Feel old yet?
World of Warcraft: The War Within launches globally on August 26 and is the first installment of The Worldsoul Saga—the most ambitious story arc in WoW history. With four new zones to explore, as well as ongoing gameplay and system updates to support players of all types, this is the perfect time to celebrate the last 20 years of WoW as Blizzard prepares for the next 20 years and beyond!
Overwatch 2 is also getting in on the celebrations, revealing their new in-game collaboration with World of Warcraft. In mid-September, skins featuring some of the most iconic World of Warcraft characters will be made available, including Widowmaker as Sylvanas Windrunner.
Keep an eye on the Warcraft X account for more information about how you can celebrate Warcraft’s anniversaries alongside Blizzard, and join the Xbox broadcast live from the show floor at gamescom where we’ll be speaking to senior game director Ion Hazzikostas and associate art director Tina Wang about all things World of Warcraft!
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Xbox Insiders: Everything You Need to Know About Xbox Game Pass Standard
Hey Insiders, let’s talk Game Pass! Starting today, we’re offering Xbox Insiders the option to try out and provide feedback on our new membership, Xbox Game Pass Standard.
We created a new membership option in the Game Pass family to give players more choice in how they discover and play games and provide different prices and plans so players can find what works best for them. For those looking for a larger library with hundreds of games to play on your console, plus all the benefits of Game Pass Core including multiplayer access, Game Pass Standard may be the option for you. Game Pass Standard also includes select member deals and discounts, including up to 50% off select games.
Hundreds of great games will be available with Game Pass Standard at launch. Players will get access to select titles as part of the new Game Pass Standard library, with more games being added throughout the preview period. Once you join the preview, you can look up the Game Pass Standard library to find your next favorite game.
During this Xbox Insiders preview, you can sign up for just $1. Any renewals during the preview period will also be $1 per month. At launch, Game Pass Standard will be available for $14.99 USD per month (pricing varies by market).
If you’re looking for other console membership options, Game Pass Core has a select collection of over 25 Game Pass games, online multiplayer access, and select member deals and discounts. Game Pass Standard includes everything available in Game Pass Core, plus hundreds of great games. If you are looking for those benefits plus day one titles, specific entries to Game Pass Ultimate library, access to EA Play, cloud gaming, Perks, Quests, and additional discounts for games in the Game Pass library, Game Pass Ultimate might be the best option for you.
Some games coming to Game Pass Ultimate (day one games or other game entries) will not be immediately available with Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date (can be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title). We’ll continue to share with all Game Pass members when games are being added and available to play for each plan.
If you’re interested in joining the Insiders preview, please go to the Xbox Insider app located in the Microsoft Store. Terms and Conditions are located there. Game Pass Core members with less than 2-months stacked onto their account, Game Pass for Console and PC Game Pass players who are a part of the Xbox Insiders program can participate and share their feedback.
As always, huge thank you to all our Insiders – you are a wonderful community, and we appreciate all your feedback. If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help.
We’re excited to hear from those that join Game Pass Standard during the preview, and we’ll have more to share on availability for all players coming soon!
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