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Tag: dave the diver

  • Xbox Partner Preview | November 2025: Everything Announced From Our Amazing Partners – Xbox Wire

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    Xbox Partner Preview returned today, shining a light on our third-party partners with world premieres, new announcements, DLC reveals and much more. During the 30-minute broadcast, we revealed five brand new games, released three that you can play today, and announced nine new titles that will be playable day one on Game Pass Ultimate -from partners such as IO Interactive, Poncle, THQ Nordic, and Future Friends, alongside other powerhouse developers.

    The broadcast kicked off with the world premiere of Armatus, the upcoming third-person action-roguelike from publisher, Fictions, ande wrapped up with the announcement of Raji: Kaliyuga, a surprise sequel to 2020’s action-adventure game, Raji. We also showed a world premiere of Vampire Survivors studio, Poncle’s new game, Vampire Crawlers. Even better – all three of these titles will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. We also saw new DLC and an Xbox release for Dave the Diver, plus a first look at the wild new Eminem Elusive Target mission heading to Hitman: World of Assassination next week, among many others.

    All of the games featured in today’s show are Xbox Play Anywhere, which means you’ll be able to play across console, PC and supported gaming handhelds with just one copy of the game.

    Additionally, we also announced that full screen experience—originally available on the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X—is generally available tomorrow (November 21) across all gaming handhelds currently in market. Plus, we’re expanding FSE to more Windows 11 PC form factors through the Xbox and Windows Insider programs soon.

    If you missed it, don’t worry, we’re here with a recap of everything announced during the show. Read on for more:

    007 First Light

    James Bond is of course, synonymous with fast cars packed with wild gadgets, and 007 First Light plans to honor that legacy with the inclusion of what else but a slick Aston Martin. The trailer showed a first look at the Aston Martin Valhalla, a state-of-the-art sports coupé with a few “special” modifications (guns) built in especially for on-duty 00 Agents. It looks as though this car will become a much-needed sidekick to young Bond’s activities in 007 First Light – and you can floor it over to our post to read more about the franchise’s long-running legacy with iconic vehicles.

    007 First Light launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC on March 27, 2026.

    Armatus

    We got a first look at the worldwide premiere of Armatus, a third-person roguelite shooter from Counterplay Games. The trailer introduces us to a mysterious event known as The Vanishing, which has ended the world. Armatus sees you become a masked warrior, summoned and magnificently armed, to defeat the demonic horrors wandering the ruins of Paris. Your motivations are a mystery for now, so we’re excited to see what Armatus‘ narrative has in-store. You can also read more on Xbox Wire about the gothic horror inspiration and background of Armatus right here.

    Armatus launches in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud. It’ll also be available day one via Xbox Game Pass.

    CloverPit

    Gamble for your life (quite literally) in CloverPit, the roguelite where every spin contributes to your survival. Locked in a room with a slot machine and an ATM, you must play to pay off your debts and not be plunged into the depths below via a trap door. With a host of odd prizes and curious items that can trigger big wins, combos and boost your luck, every run ends up different and more compelling than the last. Find out more about CloverPit’s gripping loop, plus information about the upcoming DLC, here on Xbox Wire.

    And the ultimate jackpot – CloverPit is out today! Play it on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud, and via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium.

    Crowsworn

    This stylish action platformer blends tight traversal mechanics with fluid combat manoeuvres, and we got to see a little more of it in action during today’s Crowsworn gameplay trailer. The world of Fearanndal is under a terrible curse, and it’s up to you to fight through hordes of monsters and unravel the mysteries of this forsaken land. Uncover secrets, upgrade your abilities, and enhance your loadouts as you progress through this gorgeous metroidvania.

    Crowsworn launches on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud, and will also be playable day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

    Dave The Diver + In The Jungle DLC

    Dave the Diver arrives on Xbox today! Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC players can dive into this deep-sea RPG and explore the Blue Hole by day, and run a thriving sushi restaurant by night. Its whimsical setting combined with a deeply moreish gameplay loop is an absolute must-play. We also got a look at In The Jungle, a new expansion that sees our titular marine hero Dave exploring solid ground, riding through jungle settlements, and doing battle against a fierce, giant crocodile. Read more about the inspiration behind Dave the Diver, here on Xbox Wire.

    Dave The Diver is available today on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud, and is optimized for handheld devices In The Jungle arrives early 2026.

    Echo Generation 2

    Developer Cococumber has unveiled a sequel to voxel adventure Echo Generation, and it looks interesting indeed. Echo Generation 2 is bringing back the first game’s spooky, supernatural setting, as well as its explosive turn-based combat against cosmic horrors and raging robots. We’re also seeing welcome inspiration from many beloved ’80s and ’90s action movies, including a Gremlins-esque battle sidekick. It looks like great fun, and we’re curious to see more.

    Echo Generation 2 is coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, and Xbox Game Pass.

    Erosion

    We showed the world premiere of Erosion, an isometric action game set in a stylish, western-themed voxel world. The trailer showed us a super interesting mechanic – when you die, you respawn 10 years later. In the time that passes, the world around you has changed, and other characters have gotten older, creating an urgency to find what you’re looking for. It’s a curious concept, and we’re looking forward to seeing more.

    Erosion is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, and Xbox Game Pass, and will launch into Xbox Game Preview on PC in spring 2026.

    Hitman World of Assassination

    The next Hitman World of Assassination Elusive Target mission is on the way, and it’s a truly fantastic concept. This job sees Agent 47 tasked with hunting down none other than the alter ego Slim Shady, at the request of… yes, rapper, Eminem himself. In this world, the younger Slim Shady has become an entirely separate, violent entity, and our intrepid assassin is tasked with taking him out by the real Eminem, in fear that his own creation will come for him. We’re truly excited for this one – pop over to our post for more insight into how Eminem’s Elusive Target mission came to life.

    The Mound: Omen of Cthulu

    A team of explorers ventures deep into an unwelcoming land in this upcoming co-op horror game. In this new gameplay trailer for The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, the expedition arrives on a mysterious coastline shrouded by dangerous jungles and supernatural forces beyond comprehension. Inspired by the inexplicable (un)realities of H.P. Lovecraft’s original stories, The Mound challenges players to work together and navigate shifting perceptions of reality to survive the horrors and uncover the treasures that lie within.

    The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu arrives in summer 2026, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S.

    Raji: Kaliyuga

    We’re thrilled to reveal a brand-new sequel to Raji: An Ancient Epic, the multi award winning indie action-adventure title, set in ancient India. Set six years after the original game, Raji: Kaliyuga expands on the conflict, portraying not just a war among mortals but a cosmic struggle involving gods, asuras, and mystical forces. You play as Raji and her younger brother Darsh as dual protagonists that you’ll control during different parts of the story. The sequel also makes bold new strides into a new genre, pivoting from the first game’s isometric interpretation of ancient India, into a full third person action-adventure, and we can’t wait to see more! For now, you can read more about how developer Nodding Heads Games is bringing this ambitious sequel to life, here on Xbox Wire.

    Raji: Kaliyuga is slated to launch on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud. It’ll also launch day one on Xbox Game Pass.

    Reanimal

    From the creators of Little Nightmares – Reanimal is a darkly inviting co-op horror where you play as a brother and sister on a mission to rescue their missing friends and escape their home, which is now shrouded in horrors. As the duo, you’ll venture through a twisted world brimming with monsters and secrets. In this new trailer, we saw some new locations in this uniquely atmospheric setting, as well as some new gameplay mechanics that you’ll use to explore and survive this harrowing adventure.

    Reanimal launches February 2026, and will be available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud and is available to preorder today. If you can’t wait until then, a demo for Reanimal is available to play today.

    Roadside Research

    If you’ve ever wanted to be an alien working undercover at a rural gas station, well, that’s incredibly specific… and we’ve got the game for you. Roadside Research is a comedic co-op simulator where you’ll do just that, with the aim of gathering intelligence on humans. Day to day, you’ll be responsible for running the shop, stocking shelves, and appearing normal, while secretly conducting research on your customers. However, if you arouse too much suspicion, the government will show up, jeopardizing your Earthly mission. It looks like great fun, especially with friends.

    Roadside Research launches on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud in Q1 2026,and it’ll be available day one via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

    Tides of Annihilation

    Next up, we saw some incredibly cool gameplay from Tides of Annihilation, an upcoming fantasy action-adventure title inspired by Arthurian Legend. The trailer shows off an entire boss battle from start to finish, with protagonist Gwendolyn battling a giant winged entity, using abilities that allow her to shift through different realities to gain an edge in the fight. It’s a mesmerizing scene, complete with cinematic moments to add more flair to the frenetic combat.  For a full breakdown of what’s happening during that epic, reality-bending boss fight in the trailer, head over to our deep dive here.

    Tides of Annihilation is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud – stay tuned for news on a release date.

    Total Chaos

    From the creator of Turbo Overkill comes Total Chaos, a first-person survival horror brimming with mysteries to solve and monsters to kill/avoid/scream at. In this eerie, atmospheric world, you’ll scavenge materials to craft makeshift weapons, and battle against horrific creatures as you unfurl a nightmare narrative. The gameplay trailer alone looks tense and truly unnerving, but fortunately, you don’t need to wait to experience the horrors for yourself.

    Surprise! Total Chaos is available today, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

    Vampire Crawlers

    Poncle, the creator of Vampire Survivors, is back with a brand-new game announcement inVampire Crawlers – a first-person, deckbuilding, roguelike dungeon crawler brimming with the developer’s trademark chaotic approach. Many of your favorite familiar upgrades are featured – the bible, the whip, and of course, the garlic. It’s a fresh, interesting twist on the Vampire Survivors look and feel, with that same compelling, “one more go” appeal we know and love. Want to know more? Stick with Xbox Wire to read our exclusive interview with Poncle about building your future favorite time sink.

    Vampire Crawlers is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud and Game Pass Ultimate soon – keep an eye on Xbox Wire for news on a release date.

    Zoopunk

    Take control of a ragtag group of sky-faring, traditional-weapon-wielding anthropomorphic animals in Zoopunk, a new action game from TiGames, and part of the universe introduced by the acclaimed F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch. This new trailer sees one character on the hunt for an enigmatic object called “Spark”, before being captured by a rival group looking to take it for themselves. We also got a look at the fast-paced, third-person combat, which sees the characters pulling off different acrobatic moves and explosive abilities in battle.

    Zoopunk looks like a fun, sci-fi romp, and it’s coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud in 2027.

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    Danielle Partis, Xbox Wire Editor

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  • Dave the Diver Harpoons a Godzilla Collaboration & PlayStation Debut

    Dave the Diver Harpoons a Godzilla Collaboration & PlayStation Debut

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    Dave the Diver is the gift that keeps on giving, thanks to its quality-of-life updates and unique collaborations. But even with all of the game’s wacky features, I never expected it to see a crossover with the legendary reptilian monster Godzilla.

    In the snippet shown during the PlayStation State of Play showcase, we see Godzilla emerging from the ocean next to the beloved Bancho’s restaurant. If you look closely, you’ll also notice another monster that looks similar to the Mantis Shrimp boss. That means we could see a similar face-off like Godzilla versus King Kong, which would certainly be a sight to behold.

    It isn’t entirely clear if Godzilla will be a boss to defeat like the others you may have faced off against. Or, maybe the beast could be an ally that could help in an upcoming fight. It will likely unleash a brutal brawl, nonetheless, and you can expect the DLC’s release sometime in May 2024.

    Based on what we’ve seen from past crossovers, you can look forward to new fish types and locations. In particular, Dredge introduced the latest crustaceans, providing more recipes and challenges.

    Apart from the collaboration with Godzilla, Dave the Diver will arrive on PlayStation in April. Fans have been waiting around for this launch since it was first released, and now they can finally dive into all of Dave’s sea adventures.

    The game has gradually made it onto other platforms, starting out with PC and eventually onto the Nintendo Switch. However, there has been no word on an Xbox release, nor will it be available on the Game Pass anytime soon.

    With all of the new content expected to come, it seems like Dave the Diver will continue to thrive in the gaming industry, and it’s certainly well-deserved. These updates will, of course, improve the hidden gem of 2023 even further, bringing in more sea shenanigans to come.

    About the author

    Kristina Ebanez

    Kristina is a Staff Writer and has been with Twinfinite for more than a year. She typically covers Minecraft, The Sims 4, Disney Dreamlight Valley, anime, Call of Duty, and newly released games. She loves the Metal Gear Solid series (Snake Eater especially), Rockstar’s Bully, the Horizon franchise, What Remains of Edith Finch, and many more. Her dog is also an avid video game watcher, primarily when there’s a horse or a cat. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and grew up gaming on the islands.

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    Kristina Ebanez

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  • Best Indie Games of 2023

    Best Indie Games of 2023

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    If you ever tire of the glitz and glamor of the mainstream, indie games can provide some of the most unique experiences in the industry. The gap in quality between indie and AAA has shrunken to the point of near-imperceivable in 2023, with creative visions that far exceed their smaller budgets.

    Trying to narrow down the field to three entries is no simple feat, but the team at Twinfinite has at long last anointed our trinity of indie greatness and the best indie game of 2023. If you’ve already given these games a go, you’ll know what we mean — and if not, what are you waiting for? You’re missing out on some absolute gems.

    3rd Place: Sea of Stars

    Image Source: Sabotage Studio

    Freelance Writer Grace Black: When the question of standout Indie titles of 2023 is brought up, Sea of Stars is my immediate first thought. This game takes the classic nostalgic pixel RPG formula and enhances things with gorgeous graphics, fun gameplay, and a simple story that revolves around the tightly-knit friendship held between the three lovable main characters; Zale, Valere, and Garl. These characters are heartwarming, and make the title an absolute joy to experience with their tender, heartfelt speeches and hilarious sarcastic quips towards each other and the world they live in.

    Speaking of the world, the pixel art style in Sea of Stars is nothing less than stunning, with every area holding high-quality aesthetics that are brought to life by beautiful dynamic lighting, creating a real sense of magic. Every single location that you can explore is bright, vibrant, eye-catching, and unique, which makes exploration feel so much fun.

    Within these various areas are a series of unique monsters to fight against, with battles that utilize timing-based rhythm input for dealing extra damage or blocking incoming hits, which makes combat feel that much more interactive in the old-school turn-based setup. Sea of Stars truly is a heartwarming tale that proves every character (even those without magical abilities) has their strengths, each of which is embraced with nothing but love and appreciation, and a brilliant gameplay experience for any indie fan to enjoy.

    2nd Place: Coffee Talk Episode II: Hibiscus & Butterfly

    Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Riona key art
    Image Source: Toge Productions

    Associate Editor Tony Cocking: I’ve never really been one for telenovelas in the traditional sense, and yet, after my time with Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, I can affirm that I totally get the appeal now.

    Technically, Coffee Talk is a visual novel, though I don’t think that accurately describes how vibrant and alive the world feels. Fleshed out characters new and old wander into your twilight cafe, seeking a warm brew and a sympathetic ear. The gameplay aspect of correctly serving their desired order may seem secondary to the appeal of watching the drama unfold, and yet your barista skills can very well sway the influence of your customers’ lives.

    It’s the kind of game you want to play again and again to see where your botched brews sent a particular narrative awry. Perhaps you didn’t listen to the specifics of their order, or you neglected to deliver a requested item. Even the most studious players will slip up here and there, and it’s this organic system of trial-and-error that creates a dynamic, fascinating atmosphere you won’t want to leave.

    Also, I’m calling it now: this is one of the the definitive soundtracks of the year. Andrew Jeremy’s lo-fi tunes are your ticket to the finest chill vibes.

    Winner: Dave the Diver

    Dave the Diver relaxes peacefully while reading a nice book
    Image Source: MINTROCKET via Twinfinite

    Staff Writer Kristina Ebanez: If I had to choose one of the most unexpected games of the year, Dave the Diver would be at the top of the list. It’s a concept I never knew I needed, and now I can’t seem to get enough of it. What initially caught my eye was its incredibly unique gameplay style of running a sushi restaurant while exploring the vast sea. The duality of it all makes Dave the Diver feel like multiple entries packed into one, especially with its updated content that furthers its longevity.

    One of the many elements I admire about this game is how significant each session can be. Any creatures you catch, no matter how big or small, can be used for the menu of the day, ultimately shaping the way your business runs. Even though these sea quests can seem minor, it’s much more meaningful when you see your hard work being utilized to benefit your experience. The restaurant will only run if you obtain the product, and vice-versa when you’re strapped for cash with diving. The two blend superbly together, and it’s exceptionally satisfying when you’ve mastered both of them.

    But just when you think it can’t get any better, the storyline and cast are the real MVPs of Dave the Diver. I constantly found myself smiling and giggling at all of the adorable and chaotic moments that Dave often gets himself into. Now, I hope to discover another gem like this in 2024 while patiently waiting for a DTD sequel.

    We hope you enjoyed this list of the best indie games of 2023 nearly as much as we enjoyed playing them. It’s awards season here at Twinfinite, so make sure to check out our other prizewinners, including our anime of the year or the top underrated anime you need to watch.

    About the author

    Kristina Ebanez

    Kristina is a Staff Writer and has been with Twinfinite for more than a year. She typically covers Minecraft, The Sims 4, Disney Dreamlight Valley, anime, Call of Duty, and newly released games. She loves the Metal Gear Solid series (Snake Eater especially), Rockstar’s Bully, the Horizon franchise, What Remains of Edith Finch, and many more. Her dog is also an avid video game watcher, primarily when there’s a horse or a cat. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and grew up gaming on the islands.

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    Kristina Ebanez

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