Dynamic and Vibrant Shooter Project Downfall is Coming to Xbox Consoles

Hey there, Xbox fans!

It’s so good to see you in this New Year of 2024! I hope you spent the holiday season in a good atmosphere and your inner batteries are fully charged. If so, buckle up and get ready, because the ride through great, new launches is about to begin. I’m super happy to briefly present to you very interesting project that is going to be released on Xbox consoles next month. Wanna hear one-sentence pitch? Here it goes: A stylized, cyberpunk shooter for fans of Hotline Miami and “John Wick”. This is – Project Downfall!

Rise and Fall

Welcome to a dystopian future, traveler. You’ve just arrived at the Crimson Tide, a symbol of unity between the European Union and the emerging superpower, The Novorussian Federation.

You must know that in this world political parties are a thing of the past, having been replaced by aggressive corporations. Citizens vote with their wallets, and drugs they take enforce obedience.

This is the story of one, ordinary Lakk district resident whose routine day suddenly turns into a complicated game of power and influence in this rotten world. In the reality where corporate influences blurs the lines between what’s right and wrong…

Project Downfall, made by MGP Studios and Solid9 Studio is a unique and dynamic game that successfully blends shooting and action with bits of strategy and tactical thinking, offering players an exciting journey through a dystopian world. You must be prepared to immerse yourself in this hostile world, where your combat skills will be put to the ultimate test. Project Downfall offers a diverse array of weapons and cool skills (eg. superkicks, slammers, adrenaline slides and more!), and each of them is unique, allowing players to customize their playstyle and approach each mission with creativity. Whether you prefer long-range precision, melee combat or tactical tricks with use of gadgets, surely there is something for you to have fun.

However, it must be said that an equally important aspect of the game, and in fact, one of its main features, is the emphasis on non-linear progression. It may seem to be quite a strange design decision, in a project of this caliber, but if you were expecting just a simple, dynamic (let’s say) boomer-shooter, you are mistaken. Depending on the decisions you make in the game, and other factors such as the mental state of the main character, you can experience completely different gameplay sequences as well as entire, previously hidden levels. And all of them can lead you to new story elements and, as a result, to different endings. Thus, each approach to the game can offer a new experience, and you can still discover something fresh in your next playthroughs. Cool!

Dirty Neon Signs and Their Flashing Lights

Project Downfall isn’t just awesome gameplay; it’s a visual journey into surrealism, combining the rough aesthetics of such works as “Falling Down”with Michael Douglas, with the frenetic action of the ‘Hardcore Henry” and “John Wick” movies. Imagine this: the neon-soaked streets of “Crimson Tide” pulsing with cyberpunk energy, where every alley hides secrets and every corner creates chaos from Hotline Miami in a moment’s notice.

Trippy, cyberpunk visuals work in tandem with a dynamic and electrifying soundtrack which adapts to what’s going on-screen and gives a kick and propels you to play. Each track has been carefully crafted to enhance the immersive journey through Crimson Tide, making the game not only a visual and interactive feast, but also a symphony of electronic vibrations that will stay with you even after you put down the controller.

Release Date and Availability

Project Downfall is set to conquer the Xbox console world on February 2, 2024. Save the date in your calendar, but also don’t you worry, I will be happy to remind you about it in the next article, which will include a short interview with the game developers! Stop by our social media if you wanna know more about the project and see you soon.

Project Downfall

©RedDeerGames

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Find yourself in a future city full of gangs, mafias, and other shady people. Become a merciless assassin who works during the day, and gets into a killing frenzy at night. Hop in the car, select a destination, and explore every corner of Crimson Tide.

If you want to feel an adrenaline rush, you can explore the city on foot but watch your back and don’t ask too many questions.

EVERYTHING CAN BE A WEAPON!
Search your surroundings for anything that looks deadly and use it to protect yourself. Throw bottles, knives, or even guns at the enemies.

Nothing around you?

Take some pills and breach doors to stun opponents, or just disarm them by kicking their faces. They will be pleased to drop a weapon for you then. You should definitely find and lick a frog – you will love it.

PLAN YOUR ATTACK
It’s your decision how to enter combat and how to end it. Find your first victim, and go with the flow. Try every possibility and find the best way to get the highest score.

Kick an enemy while sliding to pick his weapon mid-air and land a headshot to defeat him. Creativity is the key to success.

CREATE YOUR OWN STORY
There are 12 available endings waiting for you to be discovered. Each one takes around 4 hours for hardcore players to complete. The path you choose will never be completely the same next time. Also, check and search for collectibles that are hidden all over the city.

The post Dynamic and Vibrant Shooter Project Downfall is Coming to Xbox Consoles appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Design an Original Starfield Spacesuit and it Could Be Yours for Real

Starfield is the first new universe in over 25 years from the award-winning creators behind Skyrim and Fallout 4, Bethesda Game Studios. Gamers from around the world were excited to jump into this interstellar universe rich with adventure, peril, and excitement. 

But before anyone hops into space, they need something critical: a spacesuit.  

So, Xbox has partnered up with the European Space Agency (ESA) to give Starfield fans around the world a chance to win the spacesuit of their dreams, in real life, in addition to other incredible Xbox prizes. This is a physical, wearable, one-of-a-kind garment, fabricated for the most intrepid explorers.

Whether using a provided template as a base, or pushing their imagination to the limit with any creative format of their choice, fans will be asked to provide both a visual illustration of the suit from all sides—hand-drawn, 3D-rendered, or however their vision sees fit—as well as a description of the inspiration of the suit. More specifically, Xbox, Bethesda and the ESA want to know what you would wear in outer space – how would your spacesuit reflect your personal style, individuality and vision for space travel?

After submitting suits through the campaign webpage, the most creative option—the one that truly gives weight to the phrase “out-of-this-world individual style”—will win a full replica of their design, complete with an authentic ESA patch. The contest opens today and runs until 8pm Pacific Time on February 24, 2024, so make sure to hit that spacesuit workbench soon. After that, the winning suit will enter a two-month intensive fabrication process on the path to becoming reality. To see the full rules, visit here.

Fantastic role-playing games are all about player expression, and this contest allows fans to experience that in a completely different way. Our stories are unique to us, so what we wear while we travel through those stories should be too. So, submit your own design, then while you wait, we suggest downloading and exploring the worlds of Starfield with Xbox Game Pass.

About Starfield  

Starfield is the first new universe in over 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. Experience it for yourself on Xbox Game Pass.

The post Design an Original Starfield Spacesuit and it Could Be Yours for Real appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Delta (2402.240118-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Delta ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3432.240118-2200
Available: 4 p.m. PT – January 23, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 24, 2024

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Delta users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

My Games & Apps – Improved Filtering and Sorting

We’ve added some new filters and sorts to My Games & Apps to help you find exactly what you’re looking for! You can now filter games by Accessibility Options, Supported Languages, and Technical Capabilities. Additionally, subscription tabs have been updated to sort by recently added making it easier to see what’s new. Of course, you can always change the sorting if you prefer something else. Just head to My Games & Apps then Full library where you can find all the new filtering and sorting options.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Thumbstick Calibration

For users in the US who have independently replaced the circuit board on their Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or users in all regions experiencing minor thumbstick issues, we now offer a user-guided self-calibration tool for thumbsticks through the Xbox Accessories App.

Note: The support article linked at the end of the experience is currently unavailable. This will be available in the future.

Experience Changes

Please be aware this Xbox Update Preview includes the following experience or feature updates.

Capture & Share

Screenshots captured on Xbox Series S consoles will now have a maximum resolution of 1080p, matching the maximum resolution for game clips.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Home

Fixes to improve unexpected errors loading Home during sign in.

Installation

Various fixes to improve unexpected issues when installing or updating various titles.

System

Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Delta (2402.240118-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Diablo IV Season of the Construct: Diving into the Lore Behind the Sinister Zoltun Kulle

Category: Games

January 23, 2024

Diablo IV Season of the Construct: Diving into the Lore Behind the Sinister Zoltun Kulle

Marcus Kretz, Community Manager, Blizzard

Something sinister stirs – elemental machinations scuttle beneath the sands of Kehjistan. Launching today, Diablo IV’s Season of the Construct arrives. Arm your own Seasonal Companion, battle through Hazards in Vaults (the newest Dungeon type) and fight the fearsome Constructs at every turn.

The source of these Constructs has now been attributed to the malicious plans of the demon Malphas. The demon has taken an ancient power—originally devised by Zoltun Kulle and Ayuzhan of Caldeum to preserve humanity— to magnify his own strength. This power has been corrupted, and you must work with Ayuzhan to defeat Malphas at the source of this power in the Seasonal Questline.

But who was Zoltun Kulle, and why do those within Sanctuary still fear the power his name holds? We’re going to do a Lore deep-dive on Zoltun Kulle, and why his importance in the pages of History is matched only by his polarizing legacy.

Kulle and the Gang

Zoltun Kulle was originally one of the highest-ranking mages of the Ennead mage clan, a cohort of spellcasters specializing in enchantments and transmutation. Kulle became one of the original founding members of the Horadrim, an order of mages tasked by the Archangel Tyrael to hunt down and contain the three Prime Evils who threatened Sanctuary: Mephisto, Baal, and Diablo.

During The Hunt for the Three, Kulle was given the responsibility to wield the soulstones—shards of the infinitely powerful Worldstone—which were specifically created to capture and imprison the Prime Evils. Entrusted with the soulstones for his vast arcane expertise, Kulle studied them obsessively.

He eventually aided the Horadrim in the successful capture of all three Prime Evils, but at great cost. Kulle’s research led him to believe that a damaged soulstone could be used as a conduit to imprison a demon’s essence within a human. This led to the selfless sacrifice of Tal Rasha—leader of the Horadrim—to imprison the Prime Evil Baal after the Amber Soulstone was shattered.

The Dust Settles, and the Plot Thickens

Capturing all three Prime Evils within the soulstones was a great blow to the Burning Hells in the Eternal Conflict, the endless war fought between the Angels and Demons.

After The Hunt for the Three, Kulle’s obsession with the soulstones continued. He abandoned the Horadrim, retreating to the sands of Kehjistan to continue his work. Fearful of the vulnerability of humanity’s place in the Eternal Conflict, Kulle decided to take matters into his own hands. Kulle feared that both the Burning Hells and High Heavens alike could eradicate humanity if they felt it necessary. From the shadows, Kulle created a sinister means to protect them.

Kulle used his great power to build a series of vast archives beneath the desert. It is there he devised the Black Soulstone, capable of imprisoning both Demon and Angel within it. The Horadrim, allied with the High Heavens, sought out Kulle beneath Kehjistan for his blasphemous transgressions.

They were assaulted by many traps and Guardian Constructs that Kulle had set for them in case they tried to meddle in his experiments. Many of Kulle’s former Horadrim brethren died in their quest to hunt him down and deliver justice.

When the Horadrim finally succeeded in capturing Kulle, they discovered he had made himself impossible to kill through the use of dark arcane spells. The Horadrim separated his body and head, sealing them away to prevent any forces from ever attempting to resurrect Kulle ever again.

Kulle’s Constructs

In Season of the Construct, you will come across one of Zoltun’s allies from earlier in his life as a mage. You will need to work with Ayuzhan of Caldeum, who worked with Zoltun long ago to create The Loom.

A device of extraordinary power, the Loom was originally created with the intent to save humanity. Ayuzhan knew Zoltun at a time before his morality was corrupted by the power of the soulstones, a more optimistic young Mage than the one the history books now remember.

With Kulle long since dead, the Loom has been corrupted by Malphas to create the deadly mechanical Constructs now tasked with humanity’s ruin. From January 23, make your final stand against the sinister powers of The Loom in Diablo IV’s Season of the Construct, and earn your own Seneschal Companion and fight against the twisted machinations of Kulle’s legacy.

Diablo® IV

Blizzard Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆
649

★★★★★

Get it now

Diablo® IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or go rogue through an expansive End Game and shared world where players will meet in towns to trade, team up to battle World Bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.

Battle.net account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2023 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo, Diablo Immortal, World of Warcraft, and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. All rights reserved.

The post Diablo IV Season of the Construct: Diving into the Lore Behind the Sinister Zoltun Kulle appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Tekken 8 Is the Bombastic Return You Want It To Be

Within the first few minutes of Tekken 8’s story mode, I was whooping at the screen as I watched the iconic Jin Kazama sprout wings, throw three cars at his dad with his mind and then proceed to body slam him through a skyscraper. I knew that if the game has started on this foot, I was in a for a good time. Tekken 8 is a rambunctious, over-the-top, callback to the absurdity of the likes of Tekken 3, and you’re going to absolutely love it.

Tekken 8‘s story mode follows Jin Kazama’s journey to take down his father, Kazuya Mishima, who is once again hosting a tournament to find the world’s greatest fighter. Contestants from countries all over the world will compete, and those that fail will face horrible consequences unless Jin puts a stop to his antics, all the while fighting to rediscover his own devilish powers. There is more to this story, of course, but one that you’ll absolutely want to experience for yourself. Don’t worry, if you’re not up to date with the story so far, Tekken 8 offers a series of short videos that’ll catch you up on the main plot.

A combination of 32 old and new characters grace the roster this time; the Mishima family is out in force, capers between Paul Phoenix and Marshall Law are plentiful, and Kuma and Yoshimitsu are here to respectfully squeeze and slash their foes to pieces. Tekken 8 also introduces the dazzling Peruvian MMA fighter Azucena, the sleek leader of the UN independent forces Victor Chevalier, and the fierce Reina, with mysterious ties to the Mishima family fighting style. It’s the perfect combination of recognizable personalities to ease lapsed players back in, standing alongside exciting new options that slot brilliantly into Tekken 8‘s explosive narrative.

On top of the main Story mode, each playable fighter has their own Character Episode, a digestible session consisting of five fights that rewards you with a short cutscene about what they’ve been up to surrounding the events of Tekken 8. This is an excellent return to the silliness of older Tekken instalments; watching these characters indulge in their own wacky escapades outside of the Mishima conflict is infinitely joyous. Spoiling any of these cutscenes would be a disservice to the discerning Tekken fan, so I’ll let you discover them, but I’d recommend you make a beeline for Law’s for a taste of how wacky it can get.

Stepping back into a fighting stance can feel daunting, especially to someone that hasn’t played Tekken for a long time (myself included), but Tekken 8‘s controls are built to feel intuitive and comfortable for every type of player. The first few fights with Jin felt like stepping into an old pair of shoes; familiar moves and combos flew from the deepest recesses of my mind and landed with crystal clarity like I’d never been away. If you don’t have that basic familiarity, the new Special Style Mode is here to support newcomers and returning players one step further – pressing LB switches your controls to a much simpler style, and allows your character to perform complex, powerful moves with less need to memorize and hit the right buttons, which is a massive, welcome win for accessibility.

While a robust single-player experience has been offered up, it’s Tekken 8‘s multiplayer and competitive modes that will entice many players. The online area feels like a whole new game in itself – you’ll need to create a custom cartoon avatar before heading to an online plaza. Here, you’ll find Arcade Quest, a hybrid of tutorial and challenge that pits you against increasingly difficult computer-controlled foes, while the new Super Ghost Battle mode lets you take on fights against an AI that will replicate your playstyle in order to help you improve. Tekken has a highly competitive multiplayer scene, so this addition makes for a nice entry into online play for the uninitiated.

Once you’re ready to take on the world, those hunting for a simple PvP experience can head over to a set of different arcade machines; two players can sit down opposite each other and engage in a three-round fight, with options to rematch, switch characters or simply wander off after a shameful defeat. It’s a sleek, interactive system that replicates the feel of hanging out in a real arcade, rather than sitting in a static menu waiting for a match. If a player quits, you’re left to practise your moves until you’re matched with another player. In-between matches, you can explore the plaza, spectate other battles, or spend a little time customizing your avatar or Tekken fighters.

A familiar mode also makes its return – Tekken Ball. First introduced in Tekken 3, the object of the mini-game is to defeat your opponent by thwacking a big ball towards them, using your regular moves to power up the impact of the hit. It feels exactly as I remember it; and its inclusion feels like yet another nod back to classic Tekken.

The Tekken team has built an incredible step up for this iconic series, and it’s the perfect time to jump back in. Committed players will find more of the game they love; a belting story, stylish and fulfilling combat, wrapped up in a number of breathtaking settings and stages. This is Tekken at its very best; high-voltage, endlessly enjoyable and pushed to the absolute limit of its own rampant silliness.

But Tekken 8 also has its eyes on the back of the room, the lapsed fans and the retired fighters. One particular battle in the Story Mode hits a crescendo as the electrifying riffs of Jin’s theme, first heard in Tekken 3, erupt into the arena. If you’re a long-time fan, or a casual onlooker from the ringside, Tekken 8 sees you, and it’s saying ‘welcome home.’

Fist Meets Fate on January 26. Tekken 8 is available on Xbox Series X|S.

TEKKEN 8

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The TEKKEN series is breaking into a new era!
The longest-running story in a video game franchise is coming back with state-of-the-art graphics and powerful new rivalries.
Stay tuned for TEKKEN 8!

The post Tekken 8 Is the Bombastic Return You Want It To Be appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed

Category: Developer_Direct

January 22, 2024

Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed

Jeff Rubenstein

At the recent Xbox Developer_Direct 2024 broadcast, Obsidian Entertainment shared its most comprehensive look yet at its upcoming fantasy-action RPG, Avowed.

But even that only scratched at the surface of what’s coming your way this fall. On today’s special episode of The Official Xbox Podcast, Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel and Gameplay Director Gabe Paramo shared an extended look at the quest showcased during Developer_Direct, providing more detail on the moment-to-moment experience of the flexible combat system, and where this side quest fits in the larger narrative of Avowed.

This latest look at Avowed gives us a good idea of what to expect from Shatterscarp, one part of the ecologically diverse island of The Living Lands, all in the same universe as Obsidian’s CRPG series Pillars of Eternity. But what makes Avowed a very ‘Obsidian game’ goes far beyond the commonality of setting in the world of Eora.

“It’s really about our player-centric approach to role play,” Patel shared during this week’s Podcast. “The way we really approach consequence and choice is giving players the opportunities to define who they are in this world, how they want to behave – what fantasy, what challenges they want to undertake.”

It’s all part of Obsidian’s “your worlds, your way” approach, and players will feel the weight of their choices moment-to-moment with every slash, parry, and spell cast.

What stands out is not just the variety of ways you can tackle combat – examples include the classic ‘sword and board [shield]’, samurai-esque sword and gun, and dual-wielding wands like a wizard in the Old West – but also how you’ll frequently want to (or need to) change your loadout to best suit what you find yourself up against. These loadouts are also complemented by skills, and Obsidian had a deep well of moves to pull from out of the Pillars of Eternity universe.

“We wanted to be able to grab as many abilities from the trees as possible – and categorize them a little bit differently so that the player doesn‘t feel locked into a single choice at the start of the game,” said Gabe Paramo, Gameplay Director. “They can mix and match between different abilities to get some variety. You can commit to being a fighter, but it’s not an enforced class setup.” And if you want to try out a new suite of abilities, you can always respec your character.

We saw great examples of this in the Developer_Direct: dual-wielding wands served as effective crowd control when a group of smaller Xaurips swarmed the player. But in a more one-on-one encounter with a slightly larger enemy, using an ice-imbued wand to freeze an enemy, then shattering the newly-frozen block with a charged power attack of an off-hand sword was supremely effective.

Paramo cited another devious combo: “With ‘Into the Fray,’ you can use a fireball ability that creates an AOE [area of effect] ability on the ground, and then pull the enemy into the fire.”

It’s all part of a comprehensive elemental system that comes into play both in and out of combat. Paramo continues, “you can light guys on fire, you can freeze them, you can shock them, you have objects in the environment you can interact with. They’re not just on weapons, on wands – you might find it on swords, certain abilities might cause elemental damage. And your companions [can] as well.”

Patel shared more about those companions – your hero won’t be wandering the Living Lands alone. “They all have deep ties to different regions of the Living Lands, and they all have their own personal reasons for wanting to ally with the player and help them resolve the big conflicts that you’re encountering over the course of the game. They’re your allies – in some ways your advisors, your local guides. They provide a lot of additional commentary and context that reveals something about their character, but also about the corner of the world you’re exploring.”

They’re also your allies in battle; Kai, who we saw in the Developer_Direct, played a tanky role, drawing aggro, while Giatta, who also makes an appearance, keeps the party healed up. Expect to meet more in your journeys across the Living Lands.

‘Playing your way’ expands beyond moment-to-moment action; as demonstrated in the Developer_Direct, you’ll be making meaningful decisions that affect the story.

“For us, creating these choices, like the big ones that affect the outcome of a quest, or the wellbeing of certain characters or communities are just as important as the smaller choices that you make in navigating a dialogue and, in subtle ways, influencing your relationship with another character,” said Patel. “All of it is really centered around letting the player be the main character in this setting.”

It’s important to note that for all we’ve now seen of Avowed, there’s much, much more to explore throughout the Living Lands. In fact, the specific quest in Shatterscarp we covered “is entirely discoverable, which means it’s also entirely missable.” In terms of scope of the game, Paramo compares with another recent Obsidian title, “it’s open-zone, size comparable to The Outer Worlds areas on the larger side, and [with] multiple paths essentially to tackle combat situations, or avoid them.”

According to Patel, sharp-eyed players will have much more to seek out throughout their time with Avowed: “One of the big delights of being a developer on a game like this is creating so much for players to find, and knowing that not everybody’s going to seek it out, and not everybody’s gonna find it, but knowing that the players who do are really going to enjoy the secrets they discover.”

Avowed launches this fall on Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC – for more information please visit the Avowed website.

Avowed

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?

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

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

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

The post Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240117-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3429.240117-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 19, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 20, 2024

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Alpha users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

My Games & Apps – Improved Filtering and Sorting

Xbox Guide

Starting today, a random subset of users will notice a new experience in some areas of the guide. If you have feedback, be sure to submit it via Report a Problem!

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Home

Fixes to improve unexpected errors loading Home during sign in.

System

Fixed an issue where recently added profiles were being removed after the console was restarted.
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240117-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Embark on a Heroic Quest in Knights of Braveland, Coming to Xbox

Knights of Braveland brings an epic action RPG experience to Xbox, offering players an endlessly replayable adventure set in the mesmerizing Braveland universe. Whether venturing solo or teaming up with up to four knights, the journey from a rookie to a kingdom hero is filled with excitement and unpredictable challenges.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics

In Knights of Braveland, each quest is uniquely crafted from hundreds of different events, creating a distinct story every time. The game’s innovative mechanics allow for diverse playstyles, thanks to an extensive array of equipment including swords, magic staffs, and more. The four-player co-op mode adds a communal dimension, enabling friends to battle together on the same screen.

Expansive World and Upgradeable Castle

Players can immerse themselves in the richly detailed world of Braveland, where knights reveal secret paths and ordinary characters may hold extraordinary secrets. The option to upgrade your castle before each raid adds a strategic layer, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Becoming a Hero

Choose your origin – be it a peasant, blacksmith, tracker, or rogue – and embark on a journey to become Braveland’s most renowned knight. Each choice impacts your path, making every playthrough unique.

Exciting DLCs Released with the Main Game

Alongside the main game, we are launching four DLC packs on February 1:

Fantastic Beasts DLC: Battle new bosses, play as the Wizard, and collect unique gear.
Fun And Memes DLC: Introduces whimsical items like a pigeon mask or a carrot sword for a humorous twist.
Around The World DLC: Offers globally inspired weapons and hats, along with a new hero, the Pirate.
Hero Pack DLC: Adds two new characters, Monk and Blacksmith, with additional gear.

Preorder Today

Knights of Braveland, along with its exciting DLCs, is available for pre-order today, offering players early access to this captivating world, and will launch on Xbox on February 1st, 2024. .

Get ready to dive into the action-packed universe of Knights of Braveland and carve your path to glory. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a team player, a grand quest awaits you on Xbox!

Knights of Braveland

Ellada Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$17.99

Pre-order

Xbox One X Enhanced

Knights of Braveland is a cooperative beat’em up action game with a generated story. You will hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. And with your friends it is much more fun.

Smash your way to victory solo or in a team up to 4 knights. Infinite replayable action RPG in Braveland universe.

Join the Heroes Guild and travel the path from a rookie to the hero of the kingdom. Head on a hunt for the vicious boss solo or with your friends. Your adventure will be randomly generated from hundreds of different events.

Once you sign up a contract to catch the villain, you’ll head into an adventure. Each quest is created from hundreds of particular events, melding into a unique story. The Elves will reveal secret paths to you and the ordinary pub owner might very well turn out to be a werewolf.

The post Embark on a Heroic Quest in Knights of Braveland, Coming to Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

Category: Next Week on Xbox

January 19, 2024

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Howl

astragon Entertainment GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

$13.49

Pre-order

Howl – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times. Play as a deaf heroine plunged into danger in search of a cure of a sinister “howling plague” that has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts.

Lil’ Guardsman

Versus Evil, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lil’ Guardsman – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Question humans, elves, goblins, cyclopes, and other fantasy creatures using your powers of deduction to determine who to admit or deny based on how they respond to your questions and your trusty tools. Sending visitors to jail, inadvertently zapping them to smithereens, or letting them go on their merry way are all part of the job.

Stumble Guys

Scopely, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Stumble Guys – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Join millions of players and stumble to victory in this fun multiplayer knockout battle royale! Are you ready to enter the chaos? Running, stumbling, falling, jumping, and winning has never been so fun!

Anomaly Agent

NAISU

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

$12.74

Pre-order

Anomaly Agent – January 24

Become Agent 70 and stop the anomalies threatening to destroy the balance of the world! With memorable characters, unique Anomaly Bosses, a story full of twists, and smooth gameplay, Anomaly Agent is an adventure to be savored. We hope you enjoy your journey!

Climber: Sky is the Limit

Art Games Studio S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.49

Pre-order

Climber: Sky is the Limit – January 24

A mountain walking simulator game where you are a climber who takes on the most difficult and dangerous peaks on Earth. To succeed you need to plan your journey carefully by preparing appropriate equipment, choosing a suitable trail, facing extreme weather conditions, and surviving. Conquer your limits, overcome your fear, and reach the sky.

Remains

SoloQ

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Remains – January 24

After a terrible incident, you were left in complete silence and absolute loneliness in the orbit of your planet. There is no one to help you, and you must survive and find out what caused such an incident. Find a way to restore oxygen, create tools for your needs, built a shelter in orbit while managing the dangers of outer space.

Saga of the Moon Priestess

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Saga of the Moon Priestess – January 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Tragedy strikes the world of Lunaria as the illustrious prince is kidnapped by an unknown assailant! The well-being of the land itself now rests in the hands of a young hero, Sarissa, as she must fight, explore, and figure out how to rescue the young prince in this retro, top-down action adventure inspired by 8 and 16-bit classics.

Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder

Johnny Ostad

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder – January 24

A Story-Rich RPG/Action-Adventure game, made by one person over the span of five years. Step into the shoes of the young Orc Mogren and explore all of Thunder Island. Venture into dangerous dungeons, explore caves, solve puzzles, and help the residents of the island with their quests.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy

CAPCOM CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy – January 25
Xbox Play Anywhere

Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features the 14 episodes of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, and the two DLC-only Special Episodes for a total of 16 episodes!

Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil – January 25

A story focused horror game where you play as a priest and help a family with their cursed house. As Aughust Heylel, an exorcist legitimized by the Vatican and a relevant priest doesn’t believe in his own faith anymore. He writes a letter talking about his life and his worst mission, the case “Roots of Evil”, which started in 1984. His mission was to investigate a house with paranormal activities, but the problem was way deeper. The case stuck into Aughust’s head for more than 30 years, and now, it’s finally the time to finish it!

Go Mecha Ball

Super Rare Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Go Mecha Ball – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Available on day one with Game Pass! Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs.

Hidden Through Time 2

Rogueside

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Join Clicky on a new, enchanted adventure in Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic! This charming 2D hidden object game is sure to delight with its playful tone, cozy vibes, and endless fun. Search for all the hidden objects scattered around beautiful hand-drawn worlds and unlock more as you go.

The House of Da Vinci

Blue Brain Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The House of Da Vinci – January 25

Enter The House of Da Vinci, a must-try 3D puzzle adventure game. Solve mechanical puzzles, discover hidden objects, escape from rooms and dive into the authentic atmosphere of the Renaissance. Use all your wits to find out what’s behind your master’s disappearance.

Jett Rider – Reduce, reuse and BLAST IT OFF!

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.49

$9.99

Pre-order

Jett Rider – Reduce, Reuse, and Blast It Off – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Jett Rider, the most unlikely hero, stars in the biggest 2D adventure of the year. Save the planet Gravos, free its people, face the toughest bosses… And don’t forget to recycle!

Phantom Abyss (Game Preview)

Devolver Digital

☆☆☆☆☆
153

★★★★★

$24.99

$19.99

Get it now

Xbox Game Pass

Free Trial

Phantom Abyss (1.0) – January 25
Game Pass

A massive asynchronous multiplayer game that casts you into procedurally generated temples and tasks you with retrieving the sacred relics hidden within deadly chambers. Dodge scores of hidden traps, leap treacherous chasms, and flee relentless guardians through branching paths until one of the relics are claimed or the devices of death overwhelms you.

PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat – January 25

If you are passionate about kittens and enjoy solving puzzles, we have the perfect game for you: Feed Your Cat! Move the cat’s paw to grab the canned food and please the adorable kittens that appear on the map. The difficulty gradually increases, and players need to think about the order of obtaining the food before delivering it to the felines.

Starward Rogue

Klabater

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Starward Rogue – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Starward Rogue is a bullet hell twin-stick shooter. Blast your way through the Megalith, a rogue-lite labyrinth lodged in the side of a star. Customize your mech with a huge variety of weapons, perks, and upgrades. Steel yourself for the dangers that lurk in the depths of the dungeon.

Classic Pool

Revulo Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Classic Pool – January 26

Dive into the captivating world of Classic Pool, an exhilarating game that invites you to showcase and elevate your skills in the timeless realm of pool. Immerse yourself in the challenge as you select from a diverse array of AI opponents, each with their unique strategies. With an extensive collection of cues and tables at your fingertips, the possibilities are as endless as your ambition.

Dead Tomb

8 Bit Legit

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

Pre-order

Dead Tomb – January 26

A point-and-click adventure game that will take you back to the heyday of retro gaming. Your employer sends you on a study that takes you back in time, but as fate would have it, you find yourself in a serious predicament. A malfunction in your ship forces you to land in Egypt 1300BC where luckily you spot a huge pyramid you can set your craft down on.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Standard Edition

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – January 26

Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down a battle of his last days of life. Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.

sCATch 2: The Painter Cat

Colossus Game Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

sCATch 2: The Painter Cat – January 26

sCATch 2 is a puzzle game where the goal is paint all colorful places of the maze and come to the exit. Combining colors and items with different mechanics on the way.

Croc’s World 4

Sprakelsoft GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Croc’s World 4 – January 26

After millions played the first 3 parts of “Croc’s World” it´s now time for “Croc’s World 4”! “Croc’s World 4” is a classical platformer with a lot of new enemies and new twists!

The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection – January 26

After nearly a decade; the legendary raid leader, General Panzer returns from his mysterious hiatus. Rejoined by his trusty lieutenant, Blarghe, the two of them set off on an incredible adventure to revisit their old raid team members.

Tardy

Drageus Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tardy – January 26
Xbox Play Anywhere

Ramto isn’t the smartest guy in the Universe. He enjoys finding troubles – and solving them. But when he woke up on a spaceship, it was too much even for him. Now among heaps of weird devices created by a schizophrenic engineer, he’s on a quest to deal with crazy machines, solve a mystery of a vanished crew, and try to find a way back home.

TEKKEN 8

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tekken 8 – January 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready for the next chapter in the legendary fighting game franchise! Fist meets fate by bringing the fight to the new generation. Completely redesigned character visuals. Elaborate, highly detailed models built from the ground up, and high-fidelity graphics break the limits of new-generation hardware by adding a new weight and atmosphere to Tekken’s signature battles. Vivid environments and destructible stages combine to create an overwhelming sense of immersion, creating the ultimate play experience.

Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End (Xbox Version)

Artifex Mundi

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End – January 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Journey to the mystical city of Shangri-La to find your missing niece. Embark on an adventure at the edge of the world to save Larisa from the clutches of the ancient labyrinth in this captivating hidden object game that blends elements of the thriller and adventure genres with oriental esotericism and lore.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App [2401.1000.59.0]

Hey Xbox Insiders! We are releasing a new Xbox App for Windows build to Xbox Insiders who are enrolled in the PC Gaming Insiders preview! Thank you all for being Xbox Insiders. Continue read to learn about fixes and known issues. Make sure that you update the Xbox app, and Gaming Services to ensure you get all of the fixes!

New Versions of PC Gaming prerelease products:

Xbox App version: 2401.1000.59.0

Available: 5:00 p.m. PT – January 18th, 2023

Current versions of Windows Gaming prerelease products:

Game Bar version: 6.123.11012.0

Released: 5:00 p.m. PT – November 3rd, 2023

Xbox App Bug Fixes:

Fixed an issue where certain pages weren’t loading when trying to preinstall games.
Fixed an issue where the tooltip for games in MRU doesn’t always show the full title
Fixed various UI issues, including some cut-off text, misaligned buttons, truncated text, etc…
Fixed an issue where the “only show unread messages” setting did not persist after changing it
Fixed an issue where playtime might not correctly show up in a friend’s profile.
Fixed various issues where content was not correctly displaying upon initially loading the app

Known Issues:

The team is investigating an issue where you might see an error when trying to install a small number of games.
The team is investigating an issue where some buttons on certain screens do not properly render

How to Get Xbox Insider Support

Don’t forget! If you encounter any issues, you can leave feedback by navigating to the feedback option on your profile menu.

You can also provide feedback, as well as interact with the community, on the Xbox Insiders Subreddit. Please be as specific as possible when providing feedback.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can!

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information!

Thank you to everyone who participates in the Xbox Insider Program! Your feedback helps us continue to build a great gaming experience in the Xbox app on PC.

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App [2401.1000.59.0] appeared first on Xbox Wire.