Hello, Bleach fans! We’re thrilled to announce that as of today, our 3D action game Bleach: Brave Souls is available on Xbox consoles.

As Bleach fans ourselves, we dreamed of what it would be like for so many of its characters to be playable in a single game. To that end, every character in Bleach: Brave Souls is voiced and has a Special Move showcasing their prowess in battle. You can take control of Ichigo and use his Getsugatensho to get through the battlefield, choose Uryu to shoot enemies down from afar with a Quincy bow, or pick from many, many more.

How Does Bleach: Brave Souls Work?

In Bleach: Brave Souls, you’ll face off against enemies in a variety of single player and co-op quests using normal attacks, strong attacks, and a special move that can often deal devastating damage! However, button mashing isn’t always the answer – you’ll need to evade attacks by using your character’s Flash Step and manage the cooldown times of your character’s strong attacks.

To come out on top you’ll need to prepare. All playable characters and enemies have Attributes and Affiliations with strengths and weaknesses. For example, an enemy may have the “Power” Attribute and belong to the “Hollow” Affiliation. In this situation, it’s good to bring a character with a Speed Attribute, as they are strong against Power, and a “Hollow killer”, as this increases the damage dealt to Hollow Affiliation enemies.

It may seem simple at first, but to defeat more powerful enemies you’ll need to think about power-ups such as Link Slots, which let characters Inherit skills and boost their stats, as well as Transcendence, Ascension, and other mechanics that can be adjusted to bring out the best of your characters. 

Play as All Your Favorite Characters

Bleach: Brave Souls‘ story mode starts from the first arc of the Bleach anime, “The Substitute Soul Reaper” arc, and goes all the way through to the events depicted in the newly released “Bleach TV Animation Series: Thousand-Year Blood War”. Along the way, you can enjoy 3D action where you take control of your favorite characters to fight enemies in scenarios based on the anime, as well as 2D cutscenes containing stills from the anime, through which you can relive your favorite moments from the Bleach story.

Ever Wondered What Your Favorite Character Would Look Like in a Different Outfit?

While we’ve taken care to faithfully reproduce the characters’ looks from different points in the story, Bleach: Brave Souls also features a great number of characters in never-before-seen outfits. You can play as a parasol-toting version of Rukia, a cyberpunk-themed version of Ulquiorra, and many more exciting recreations! With over 600 characters in the game, you’ll be able to see a whole new side to your favorite characters.

Learn More About the World of Bleach

The “Spirits Are Forever With You” and “Can’t Fear Your Own World” novels, which also take place in the Bleach universe, may not have not had their stories told in the anime, but their characters are playable in Bleach: Brave Souls.

You can play as the “Spirits Are Forever With You” version of Toshiro, who has unlocked a power greater than Bankai, or the “Can’t Fear Your Own World” version of Shinji, whose Bankai became the talk of fans around the globe!

Play with Friends as your Favorite Characters

Bleach: Brave Souls has a lot of solo content, but we wanted to make sure that Bleach fans could play and enjoy the game together.

One of the game’s co-op modes is called Epic Raids, where you are tasked with defeating a powerful boss with a team of up to 6 players for great rewards.

Whether you and your friends launch into action as Ichigo and his companions, or as a more unlikely band of allies, the options are almost endless thanks to the roster of characters that have been carefully designed to fit into the world of Bleach.

Release Date and a Special Gift for Xbox Players

Bleach: Brave Souls is out now, and free-to-play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

And we’ve got an extra gift for you: if you download the game on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One you will get a free in-game pack that contains items which are ideal for new players, such as a 5-star Summons Ticket and an accessory that increases your character’s exp. points. Jump into Bleach: Brave Souls now to experience the world of Bleach.

The post Bleach: Brave Souls Is a Faithful Action Experience With Over 600 Playable Characters appeared first on Xbox Wire.

• Category: Announcements

June 27, 2024

Xbox Gaming Coming to Amazon Fire TV: Play More Games, No Console Needed

• Ashley McKissick, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Experiences and Platforms Engineering

At Xbox, we’re committed to bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone.  Today, we’re announcing a collaboration with Amazon where Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in over 25 countries can play games directly from the Xbox app on select Fire TV devices via cloud gaming, giving people even more choice in how they play their favorite games.

The Xbox app will soon be available on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) ($59.99) and Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) ($49.99). For people new to console gaming, or for those looking for another way to play, it’s a great low-cost, convenient, and portable option to enjoy a huge library of incredible games.

To get started, players just need a Fire TV Stick, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to gain instant access to hundreds of phenomenal games, including Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5, among others.

Plus, Bethesda Game Studios’ beloved Fallout games are also available with Game Pass Ultimate, including Fallout 76 and Fallout 4. Fallout fans will be able to play these games on select Amazon Fire TV devices alongside the acclaimed Fallout TV show on Prime Video, which released in April.

Once downloaded, the Xbox app is designed to offer a smooth and seamless experience. Here’s how it works:

• Simply install and launch the Xbox app from your Fire TV device.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account to play. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll have instant access to hundreds of cloud-enabled games.
• Not a member? No worries! You can join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for one low monthly price, or check out Fortnite without a membership.
• Connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. Controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller are all compatible.
• Start Playing!

Over the past several years, we have been on a journey to deliver cloud gaming to more devices and to more people around the globe. We are excited to add Fire TV to our growing family of cloud gaming devices and eager to welcome new players into this experience.

Stay tuned for additional details. You can read about Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on Fire TV devices at Amazon’s blog here, and to learn more about Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), visit xbox.com/cloudgaming.

The post Xbox Gaming Coming to Amazon Fire TV: Play More Games, No Console Needed appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Hi, all! I’m so excited that BattleCakes is now on Xbox! Trouble is brewing in the cake kingdom of Pasteleria as the local critters have become riled up by some mysterious force – causing chaos in the neighboring lands. It’s up to you and your friends, the adventurous Red Velvet and the magical Midnite Truffle, to get to the bottom of it.

And you know what that means… road trip! So, to get off on the right foot… er, wrapper?… Here’s four tasty tips & tricks to aid you on your adventure!

Forage for Crafting Ingredients

Don’t just admire the scenery, shake it up! As you make your way through the various biomes of BattleCakes, make sure you forage for crafting ingredients by shaking bushes, chopping plants and digging wherever you see dirt Xs on the ground.

You can combine those ingredients via Crafting NPCs to make useful items like First Aid Frosting and other boosts and restoratives. Foraging locations randomize and refresh after a good night’s sleep at the local inn, so keep on foraging!

Critters Like Crafting Ingredients Too… Sometimes

Foraging ingredients are unique to each biome, and they can also be a unique favorite of the critters who live there. If you’ve got ingredients to spare, try giving one to critters during an encounter. Find their favorite and you could increase their friendship points. But be careful, because the wrong ingredient could make them extra grumpy, even potentially giving them a power boost.

Stock up on the right ingredients and you could end an encounter extra quick.

Keep Trying Different Toppers

Cake Toppers can give your heroes a variety of bonuses, so be sure to try different combinations on your heroes and swap them out as often as needed. Some Toppers can provide a general stat boost, like to Might or Defense. Some Toppers can boost your friendship with specific critters. Some can protect you from specific critter attacks. And some are just silly or stylish.

…Did you know? Some toppers can just be stuff you find out in the world and decide to stick on your noggin. True story!

Watch out for Reflective Critters

As your journey continues into strange and magical lands, some critters have the unique ability to repel and reflect specific types of attacks back at you. Watch out for the Might, Moxie or Magic icon on their body for a clue as to which hero needs to be careful. For example, Red Velvet’s moves are based on Moxie, so if there is a reflective critter with a Moxie icon on its body try using an item or aiding an ally instead of attacking on her turn. It can save your heroes from accidentally delivering a beating to themselves!

So, there you go! Four tips & tricks to help you on your way, you intrepid hero you. Oh, and of course, don’t forget to look behind those waterfalls!

Happy adventuring!

BattleCakes

Volcano Bean

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

Indulge in a delicious adventure as you choose to battle or befriend your enemies to save the day your way! Personalize your cupcake hero and meet charming friends along the way. Leave the world better off than you found it in this turn-based RPG.

The post Four Tasty Tips & Tricks to Aid Your Adventure in BattleCakes appeared first on Xbox Wire.

• Category: Games

June 25, 2024

Overwatch 2’s New Mercy Skins Fuel Lifesaving Breast Cancer Research

• Michael Laursen, Test Analyst, Blizzard Entertainment

Summary

• Overwatch 2 is raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
• The Pink Mercy skin and Rose Gold Mercy bundle are available for purchase.
• Blizzard will donate 100% of the purchase price (excluding any applicable platform fees and taxes) to BCRF’s mission to eradicate breast cancer.

Since 2018, you may have spotted the distinctive Pink Mercy skin in Overwatch and Overwatch 2 – the color symbolic of breast cancer awareness. Mercy wears it proudly as part of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Now, there’s another chance for players to show their support as well, with the return of the Pink Mercy skin and the debut of the all-new Rose Gold Mercy skin. Both are available for purchase today, benefitting BRCF.

I was only eight years old when my family’s world was turned upside down. The diagnosis of my mother’s breast cancer marked the beginning of a long and arduous battle. Visits to City of Hope Hospital became routine, a place where my brothers and I would spend entire days waiting, playing, and hoping. The image of my mother, weakened by the treatments, is etched in my memory.

I recall the surgeries, the conversations, and the day we celebrated my mother’s first victory over the disease with pizza and paper party hats—a moment of joy. However, the reprieve was short-lived. The cancer returned during my high school years, and my family’s routine once again revolved around treatments and trips to City of Hope. The normalcy of having a sick parent was a reality that my family and I had to accept. It was during these years that turning to video games was the only way for me to escape the realities of what was happening and find some comfort.

The day my mother’s mastectomy was deemed a success was a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly overshadowed by the discovery that the cancer had moved to her liver. The weeks that followed were a blur, a rush to gather family and make the most of whatever precious time was left. My last memory of my mother is one of pain and a desperate fight for more moments together.

My story is more than just a recount of my personal struggle; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic, every campaign, and every research breakthrough, there are real people with real stories. It’s about the unseen battles that many face, the silent warriors who fight without fanfare, and the loved ones who support them through it all. I find solace and purpose in my work, where I am part of a team helping to prevent such stories from repeating. The commitment to fight, help those in need, and bring goodness into the world reflects the heroes we create in our work.

In the spirit of action, I’m excited to share an initiative that combines my passion for gaming with the fight against breast cancer. Blizzard has released special charity skins for Overwatch 2. The new skins are designed for the hero Mercy, a brilliant scientist and “guardian angel” who has dedicated her life to helping others. All sales of the limited-edition Pink Mercy skin and Rose Gold Mercy skin will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) – now through July 8, Blizzard will donate 100% of the purchase price (excluding applicable platform fees and taxes) towards BCRF’s mission to eradicate breast cancer, which will help families across the globe (terms and conditions here).

In the end, my story is not just about the pain of loss; it’s about the enduring hope that one day, no child will have to remember their mother’s battle with cancer. It’s about working towards a future where the victories are not just temporary, but permanent. It’s about ensuring that the paper party hats are not just a memory, but a symbol of a battle truly won. Let’s carry forward the memory of those we’ve lost by continuing the fight and by being the heroes in our own stories.

In loving memory of Gladys L. Laursen – October 6, 1940-August 21, 2000

The post Overwatch 2’s New Mercy Skins Fuel Lifesaving Breast Cancer Research appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The wait is nearly over. Coming to Xbox Series X|S this fall, Squirrel With a Gun is the nutty sandbox shooter and puzzle platformer that you didn’t know you needed. And joining the squirrel revolution has never been easier with this handy weapon training guide. Your first mission is to get your paws on a gun. Use your valuable acorns to unlock new weapons found throughout the world or steal one from an enemy agent. But watch your ammo—if you run out, find a reload circle or hold onto the automatic reload tool you can find throughout the world to get you out of a tight spot.

Be sure to try your paw at all 7 weapon types. Each one offers a unique advantage in combat and platforming.

Squirrel With a… 9mm Pistol

The 9mm semi-automatic pistol will be the first gun available to you. It’s a classic for eliminating enemies one-by-one, or boosting mid-air jumps up to 4 times. Pro tip: Fingers tired from all that shooting? Perform a takedown and watch the Squirrel unload the entire magazine for you.

Squirrel With an… SMG

The SMG inflicts less damage than the pistol, but its fully automatic feature aids in swiftly taking down enemies. Emptying the entire magazine during a midair jump acts as a makeshift jetpack to boost you up to those hard-to-reach places. A great pick for going on acorn hunts. Pro tip: Use this trick to get to the roof of the haunted house, nabbing the golden acorn on the chimney.

Squirrel With a… Shotgun

The double-barreled shotgun excels in close-combat, causing a ragdoll effect for epic takedown opportunities. Use its powerful recoil for long-distance travel. Pro tip: Equip the shotgun as you cruise around in your RC car to boost your car to top speed.

Squirrel With a… Six-Shooter

For the cowsquirrel wannabe, pick up a six-shooter for an especially flashy takedown. Fire all 6 shots to boost your jump. Pro tip: Earn your very own cowsquirrel hat by finding Wild Will and using the six-shooter to complete a secret objective for him.

Squirrel With a… Grenade Launcher

A much more powerful six-shooter, the grenade launcher dominates at crowd control and explosive gunplay. But beware of its short range and tricky aiming. The gun jump fires straight down, launching you far but causing significant damage. Pro tip: You’ll need to suit up properly to resist explosive damage. Find the bomb suit in a secret underground cave.

Squirrel With a… Rocket Launcher

For the arsenal expert, grab a rocket launcher for large enemy takedowns or handling groups of agents. Like the grenade launcher, reserve the gun jump for when you’re in a blast-resistant suit. Pro tip: When an enemy fires a rocket at you, try to hitch a ride on it right back at them.

Squirrel With a… Sniper Rifle

Post up on a squirrely vantage point with the semi-automatic sniper rifle to take out enemies long distance. Even the sniper rifle performs an epic takedown on enemies, even if they’re far away. When platforming, utilize the sniper gun jump for an extreme vertical boost. Its powerful kickback can even knock down nearby baddies. Pro tip: Take down a certain boss from above by finding the sniper rifle up in the scaffolding and aiming for weak spots.

Choose your weapon wisely and when a gun isn’t handy, try to get creative. Throw a grenade, brick, bottle, football, cake, or whatever is around that you can get your paws on to take down the enemy and earn those nuts at any cost.

Squirrel With a Gun is coming to Xbox this Fall! Wishlist now on Xbox Series X|S. For more information on Squirrel With a Gun and Maximum Entertainment visit www.SquirrelWithAGun.com follow @QuiteDan on X (formerly Twitter) and @MaximumEntmt on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Discord.

The post The Armed Squirrel’s Weapon Guide: An Arsenal Overview of Squirrel With a Gun appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Mika’s beloved tale comes to Xbox for the first time, with updated graphics and a new photo mode. Explore Kaltenbach, bond with Windstorm, and uncover hidden secrets.

Embark on a journey like no other as Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship – Remastered gallops onto Xbox for the first time! Dive into the captivating world of Windstorm and experience the heartwarming tale of Mika, a young girl with a remarkable gift for understanding horses. As Mika forms an unbreakable bond with the magnificent black stallion, Windstorm, players are invited to join them on an unforgettable adventure.

Based on the beloved “Windstorm” movies and bestselling books, this Xbox release promises an immersive experience like never before. With fully updated graphics and a brand-new photo mode, players can explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Kaltenbach estate in stunning detail.

Engage in exhilarating riding tasks alongside Windstorm, as you navigate the picturesque Alpine area and uncover hidden treasures scattered throughout the terrain. Feel the thrill of horseback riding as you interact naturally with Windstorm, learning to communicate and understand each other’s movements with ease.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Care for Windstorm like a true friend, tending to his needs with love and dedication. From grooming to training, ensure Windstorm is in peak condition as you forge an unbreakable bond that will withstand any challenge.

Experience the world of Windstorm like never before with this Unreal Engine 5-powered remaster that boasts updated graphics, enhanced character details, and new animations for all creatures, including Windstorm himself. Explore every corner of the game world to discover new collectibles and hidden surprises, all while capturing stunning moments with the new photo mode.

Windstorm: Start of Great Friendship – Remastered on Xbox promises to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. So, saddle up, embrace the adventure, and write with every gallop legends of your own.

Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship – Remastered

Mindscape

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

Discover the breathtaking world of Windstorm and experience the fascinating story of Mika, a young girl known as a horse whisperer, as she befriends the majestic black stallion called Windstorm.

Based on the successful Windstorm movies and best-selling books, experience exciting riding tasks together with Windstorm and freely explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Kaltenbach estate. Ride alongside other horses, look for hidden objects and try to become the racing champion. Numerous secrets and hidden locations are waiting to be discovered!

After a long day of adventuring across the beautiful hills of Kaltenbach, take care of your animal friend with all of your love! Grooming, scraping out hooves and much more is necessary to keep your newly made friend in good shape. Windstorm is happy when you clean his stable or play around with him in the paddock. In return, he will always be by your side during your adventures and you will push each other to become the best you can be!

Become an unbeatable team and form an unforgettable bond with Windstorm.

• Ride Windstorm and freely explore the gorgeous Alpine area
• Learn to interact naturally with Windstorm and enjoy the freedom of horseback riding
• Carefully groom Windstorm and keep an eye on his health, training and happiness

Explore the world of Windstorm – completely Remastered!

• Updated graphics, more details to the characters you know and love
• All animals, including Windstorm, have been updated with new animations
• Updated nature scenes with new trees and plants, lighting and weather effects
• Explore every corner of the game world to find new collectibles
• A new photo mode to take beautiful pictures. Edit and add filters to make your photos unique!

The post Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship – Remastered Gallops onto Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

As an indie game developer with a passion for filmmaking, I’ve always sought to blend the cinematic with the interactive. My latest project, NightGhast, is a testament to this fusion. NightGhast is a first-person horror game that delves into the eerie world of wicked witches and sinister widows. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, this game stands out not just for its chilling narrative but also for the innovative techniques we employed during its creation. A significant part of this process involved working with real-life theatre actors, filming them on green screen, and integrating their performances into the game. This approach not only enhanced the game’s realism but also opened new doors for future projects.

The Vision Behind NightGhast

My background in filmmaking has always driven me to create visually compelling and narratively rich experiences. Even though I have self-developed and self-published many indie games, NightGhast is special because it allowed me to merge my two passions: filmmaking and game development. The game’s story required a level of emotional depth and authenticity that could only be achieved through the nuanced performances of real actors. This led us to explore the use of real-time theatre actor shooting on green screen as a core part of our development process.

The Role of ID@Xbox

The journey of NightGhast was significantly supported by the ID@Xbox program, which assists indie developers in bringing their games to Xbox platforms. The ID@Xbox team was instrumental during the certification process, providing invaluable support and resources. Their assistance ensured that NightGhast met all technical and quality standards, allowing us to focus on the creative aspects of the game.

Integrating Real Actors into the Game

The use of Unreal Engine 5’s virtual production and cinematic tools allowed us to push the boundaries of traditional game development. We collaborated with talented theatre actors, filming their performances against a green screen. This process involved capturing a wide range of emotions and actions that were essential to the game’s narrative. The actors’ performances as image sequences were then imported into Unreal Engine 5, where we utilized advanced virtual production techniques to seamlessly integrate them into the game world. Although our budget was limited, for an indie game, I’m happy how their performance enhanced the narrative. Naturally, for future reference, if we ever have a chance to shoot real-time actors over a sophisticated virtual set, the results would be much more compelling.

Technical and Creative Highlights

Realism and Authenticity

The inclusion of real actors brought a level of realism to NightGhast that would have been difficult to achieve with purely digital characters. The subtle nuances of human performance added depth to the characters, making the horror elements more impactful and the story more engaging.

1. Enhanced Player Immersion

Using real actors helped create more believable interactions and heightened the emotional connection between the player and the game. The actors’ performances were not just visual; they conveyed the underlying tension and fear essential to a horror game, drawing players deeper into the experience. For example, one of the main adversaries in the game is inspired from Alpen folklore, a mystical character named “Schnabelperchten”. We experimented with great detail for her costume and make up, which would be nearly impossible if we wanted to develop that character as a 3D model, within our very limited budget.

2. Innovation in Game Development

This project demonstrated the potential of combining traditional filmmaking techniques with modern game development tools. By using green screen and virtual production, we were able to create complex scenes and character interactions more efficiently and with greater creative freedom.

Obstacles We Crushed

While the process was incredibly rewarding, it was not without its challenges. Filming on a green screen requires precise lighting and camera work to ensure that the actors’ performances are captured accurately. Additionally, integrating these performances into a real-time engine like Unreal Engine 5 involved overcoming some problems like “video codes”. Initially, we had certain problems with video and audio codecs on different platforms, and in the end, we had to develop new workflows and pipelines to manage the data and ensure that the final product was seamless.

What’s Next?

The success of NightGhast has opened up new possibilities for future projects. The technique of using real actors filmed on green screen can be applied to various genres and game types, offering a way to bring more lifelike characters and performances into the gaming world. This approach not only enhances the storytelling potential of games but also provides opportunities for actors to explore new forms of performance art.NightGhast is a pioneering blend of traditional filmmaking and cutting-edge game development, creating a unique and immersive horror experience. This innovative approach sets NightGhast apart and paves the way for future projects that will continue to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. As an indie developer, this journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I hope you, too, will soon be immersed in a strange and eerie world as you jump in to NightGhast, out now on Xbox.

NightGhast

Playstige Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

$3.99

Get it now

NIGHTGHAST is a first-person horror game about wicked witches and sinister widows…

“I have received an invitation from a widow named Mildred Bartgis, who resides in the countryside. She claims that her house became haunted after her divorce. She insists that an entity by the name of ‘Schnabelperchten’ is angry with her because her house is never clean enough. Perhaps, due to her depression after the divorce, she has become obsessive-compulsive.

However, I’m not a psychologist, so I’m not concerned about her mental state. This case is perfect for me as it holds many paranormal clues. I must search her house to determine whether it is genuinely haunted or not.”

The post How Working with Theatre Actors Enhanced our Indie Horror/Mystery NightGhast appeared first on Xbox Wire.