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Tag: ID@Xbox

  • Crosak: Tips, Tricks, and Secrets of a Multi-Gravity Play-Dough Universe – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • Open-world platformer set in multi-gravity, play-dough-style environments.
    • Pro tips to help you save everyone from the evil wizard Double G.
    • Two-player co-op mode with no splitscreen.

    Crosak has arrived, ready to transport you to a fun universe made of play-dough, where gravity is on your side. Step into the role of a true caveman, grab that sturdy bone club, and head out in search of adventure, because adventure is just a small planetary spin away.

    Life in Routine Village is peaceful, but it doesn’t take long for things to take a dark turn with the arrival of the evil wizard Double G.

    Your journey will take you through several freely explorable open worlds, each with its own distinct theme. You’ll need to overcome the challenges and minigames, and to progress in the adventure, you’ll also need to battle Double G’s minions, the Kobi, defeat Mr. Egg and Big Rock, eventually reaching the depths to face Double G himself. Read on to discover some of the best ways to explore, vanquish enemies and save the world.

    Exploring the planetoids and uncovering their secrets is a big part of the fun. Thanks to the smooth gravity shifts that keep you glued to the ground, you can walk across their entire surface. If you see the horizon getting close, don’t worry, just keep moving and you’ll discover you can loop around to the other side, uncover hidden areas beneath the surface, or even drop through a hole into the planet’s inner layer.

    There’s only one exception: those ultra-flat platforms have gravity fixed in a single direction, tied to their specific zone. So don’t try to stand on them upside down or you’ll fall into nothingness… or lava… or water… either way you end up respawning at the last checkpoint.    

    To save your impatient pals, you’ll need to overcome a wide variety of challenges and games. Here are a few hints of the ones you’ll have to discover: find the toy plane so a Kobi will agree to race you, convince a pterodactyl to carry you to a distant planetoid, chase and catch slippery critters, take on combat arenas, ground-pound buttons to flush out hidden Kobi, roll a massive ball of bones without falling into the void, and for those giant balls… find a proper goal.

    Oh, and will you manage to find the T-Rex? At first, it may seem a bit aggressive, but that’s only because you wandered into its lair unannounced. Soon enough, it’ll become a loyal friend, letting you ride on its back to reach places that would otherwise be impossible.

    As for enemies, don’t let them pile up. They may be small, but they pack a punch. If you keep them under control, you can definitely defeat them. Knock out the Kobi by hitting them or jumping on their heads. The karate dinos are easy to beat but very fast, so take them out quickly. If carnivorous plants give you trouble, try attacking them from behind. Snakes are sneaky, dodge their strike and hit back right after. And when it comes to skeletons, a solid ground pound will keep them from getting back up.

    If, when you start playing, you notice small white items floating around that don’t seem to do anything yet, don’t panic, they’re power-ups you’ll unlock later on. You’ll earn the anti-gravity feathers by defeating Mr. Egg, and these will allow you to jump higher and fall more slowly, making longer jumps possible and letting you escape the planet’s gravity at certain locations. The rock helmet, unlocked after beating Big Rock, adds weight so you can sink in water and grants damage resistance, enough to walk across lava. Finally, by defeating Double G, you’ll obtain the flaming club, which lets you shoot fireballs and access green fire areas.

    All of this can also be enjoyed in co-op mode with a second player. Invite a friend, sibling, parent, child, grandparent, cousin, anyone you like! They can jump into the game at any time.

    This co-op mode doesn’t use a split-screen setup to allow both players to work together toward the same goal without losing track of each other during exploration. And if the second player strays too far or gets a bit lost, the teleport function is always there to help.

    Crosak comes packed with a feel-good vibe, a touch of classic platforming, and a strong sense of adventure, all while having fun turning the world upside down. Jump in and enjoy the ride!

    Crosak

    WildSphere


    2

    $14.99

    Do you like platforming, exploration, and plumbing…? Uh, I mean… play-dough?! Well, we may not have pipes, but we can give you 64 reasons to join Crosak’s daring adventures.

    1. Become a real caveman jumping and clubbing your way through a multi-gravity universe made of sticky play-dough: six open worlds full of secrets plus three special worlds with everything a galaxy could wish for.

    2. Invite your favorite second player to have fun with Crosak and his friend Ena! Enjoy the full adventure in one- or two-player mode, switching whenever you like.

    3. Face crazy “Jurassic-inspired” enemies — from giant carnivorous plants to karate dinosaurs or our take on the missing link (the Kobi).

    4. Experiment with various power-ups to overcome the twisted planets’ challenges: anti-gravity feathers, rock-helmet, or flaming club, to name a few.

    64. And let’s not forget the main mission! Rescue the 60 cavemen from Routine Village captured by the fearsome warlock Double G. 60 objectives with all kinds of missions: races, pterodactyl flights, mini-games, free falls, T-Rex rides, powerful boss fights, and much more.

    Don’t overthink it — give your world a spin with Crosak!

    johns

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  • Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration – Our Yearly Selects, a Huge Indie Sale, and Xbox Dynamic Backgrounds – Xbox Wire

    Jump Space 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Sinking City remastered 85% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Killing Floor 3 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale I Am Your Beast 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale 30 Birds 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale 3D Don’t Die Mr Robot 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale 9th Dawn Remake 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale A Pizza Delivery 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Above Snakes 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Achilles: Survivor 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Afterlove EP 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Amanda the Adventurer 2 10% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Amazing Frog? 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Anima Flux 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Antarctica 88: 4k Remaster 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Anvil Saga 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Arctic Awakening 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Atomfall Story Expansion Pack: The Red Strain 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Aureole – Wings of Hope 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Axis Football 2026 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Bad Cheese 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale BAD END THEATER 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Baki Hanma: Blood Arena 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Beacon of Neyda 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Beyond the Ice Palace 2 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Biped 2 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Bloodshed 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Boxes: Lost Fragments 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Boxville 2 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Brews & Bastards 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Bridge Constructor Studio 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Brotherhood 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Bulterier Training Pack 67% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cabernet 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Candy Rangers 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Captain Blood 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Carnival Survivors The Parade 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cat God Ranch 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cat Needs 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cats and Seek: Dino Park 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Centum 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Chickenhare and the treasure of Spiking-Beard 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Chocolate Factory Simulator 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Chronicles of the Wolf 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale City Bus Manager 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale CLAWPUNK 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Construction Simulatro – DAF & Meiller Pack 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Contraband Police 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cooking Companions 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Copycat 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Coralina 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Crowns and Pawns 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cubic Odyssey 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Cute Puppy Academy 90% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dark Atlas: Infernum 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dark Deity 2 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dark Quest 4 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dead of Darkness 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dead Reset 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Deadzone: Rogue (Base Edition) 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Deathless. The Hero Quest 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Detective Dotson 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Discounty 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V 80% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V – Arcaea PACK 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V – V EXTENSION III PACK 80% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V – V EXTENSION IV PACK 80% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V – V EXTENSION V 80% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V – V LIBERTY II PACK 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale DJMAX RESPECT V – V LIBERTY PACK 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story 10% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dorfromantik 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dwerve 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Dwerve 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale EcoGnomix 55% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Electronics Puzzle Lab 2 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Empyreal 75% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Endoparasitic 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Esophaguys 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Everafter Falls 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Exit 8 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Fantasy Aquarium 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Farm Together 2 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Farm Together 2 – Explorer Pack 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Finding Paradise 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Firefighting Simulator: Ignite 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – Fire Station Companion Pack 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – Summer Camp DLC 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – Year 1 Season Pass 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Fly Corp 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Forgive Me Father 2 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Friends vs Friends 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Friends vs Friends: Wired Wrecks 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Garten of Banban 0 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Genopanic 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Get To Work 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale GigaBash | Ultraman: Rising DLC 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale GIGASWORD 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Gimmick! 2 90% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Golden Idol Investigations: The Curse of the Last Reaper 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Golden Idol Investigations: The Lemurian Phoenix 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Goodnight Universe 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Grit and Valor – 1949 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Guidus Zero 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Gym Manager 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Halloween 1985 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hannah’s Day 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hazard Levels 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Heading Out 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale HELLCARD 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hidden Cats in Rio de Janeiro 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hidden Cats in Tokyo 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hot Rod Mayhem 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hyper Team Recon 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Hyperspaced 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Into the Restless Ruins 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Ion Fury: Aftershock 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale ION Shift 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Islanders: New Shores 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale ISLANDERS: New Shores – Photo Filter Pack 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale JDM: Japanese Drift Master 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Judero 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Justice Ninja Casey 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Keeper’s Toll 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Kemono Heroes 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale KIBORG 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Killing Floor 3 Deluxe Edition 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Killing Floor 3 Future Seasons 2-4 Deluxe Pass 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Killing Floor 3 Shadow Agent Season 1 Deluxe Pass 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Kingdom Shell – White Temple Edition 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Kiosk 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale KreatureKind 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Lab Rat 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Labyrinth Of The Demon King 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Labyrinthine – Supporter Edition 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Laundry Store Simulator 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Let Them Come Onslaught 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria: Collectors Edition 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Love is all around 2 10% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Luck be a Landlord 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Luto 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Makis Adventure 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale MANIAC 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale MARVEL Cosmic Invasion 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Mika and the Witch’s Mountain 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Mind Over Magnet 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp XXL 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip XXL 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Monument Valley 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Monument Valley 2 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Monument Valley 3 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Morkull: Ragast’s Rage 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Mostroscopy 55% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Moving Houses 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale My Little Universe 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale NanoApostle 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale No Sun To Worship 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Noctuary 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Node: The Last Favor of Antarii 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale One Military Camp 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Oppidum 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pacify 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Paper Bad 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Parking World: Build & Manage 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pet Shop Simulator 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pilo and the Holobook 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pinball FX – Williams Pinball: Elvira and the Party Monsters 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pinball FX – Williams Pinball: Scared Stiff 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pinball FX – Williams Pinball: Volume 9 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Pocket Bravery 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Police Simulator: Patrol Officers: Adventurer Police Vehicle DLC 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Police Simulator: Patrol Officers: Contraband Expansion 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Porcelain Observer Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale PowerWash Simulator 2 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Preserve 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Psychroma 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Ra Ra BOOM 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Railroads Online 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rain World: The Watcher 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale RATSHAKER 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Ray of Sunshine 67% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Recycling Center Simulator 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Relic Hunters Legend 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Relic Hunters Legend – Heroic Content Upgrade Pack 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Relic Hunters Legend – Legendary Edition 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Republic of Pirates 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Reus 2 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Reus 2 – Ice Age 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Revival: Recolonization 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rise Eterna 2 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Robobeat 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale RoboDunk 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Robots at Midnight 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rocket Rats 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rocket Rats Windows 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rogue Loops 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rogue Waters 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Rue Valley 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Ruffy And The Riverside 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sea Fantasy 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Secret Paws – Cozy Offices 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution – Deluxe Edition 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Silly Polly Beast 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sir Whoopass: Immortal Death 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sir Whoopass: Immortal Death – Digital Deluxe Edition 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sir Whoopass: Threads of Mass Whoopery Skin Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sir Whoopass: WholeAss Emote Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sir Whoopass: Whoop and Chill – The Fluff Awakens 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona – The Jewel in the Skull 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sledders 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Slopecrashers 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Snezhinka 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley – Fuddler’s Courtship 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Songs of Conquest – Roots 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sorry We’re Closed 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale SOS OPS! 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale SOS OPS! – Guns’n’Ops 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale SOS OPS! – Trials 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Soulstone Survivors & Supporter Pack 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Space Chef 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Spacepunk Survival 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Spell Disk 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Spelunking For Your Life Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Spirit of the North 2 Deluxe Edition 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Starship Troopers: Extermination – Galactic Victory Edition 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sticky Business 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sticky Business – Book of Shadows 10% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sticky Business – Camp Zinnias 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sticky Business – Plan With Me 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Sticky Business Complete Bundle 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Still Wakes the Deep 75% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Still Wakes the Deep: Sirens Rest 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale SubwaySim 2 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Super Mining Mechs 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale SUPPORTER PACK 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Suzerain 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Suzerain Expanded Edition 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Suzerain Expanded Edition 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Taboo Trial 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Terrified Toddler Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Terrifier: The ARTcade Game 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Alters 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Cabin Factory 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Last Camp 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Last Camp Ultimate Edition 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Last Hero: Journey to the Unknown 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Legend of Cyber Cowboy 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Stone of Madness 67% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Stone of Madness – Special Edition 67% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale The Stone of Madness – Special Edition Content 67% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Thrill Penguin 60% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Through the Nightmares 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale To the Moon: Sigmund Minisode 1&2 (Holiday Special) 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Tormented Souls 2 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: BR Class 86/2 & Mk2F Coaches 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: Manchester Airport Commuter: Manchester – Alderley Edge 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: MBTA Providence/Stoughton Line HSP46 Pack 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: Peninsula Corridor – MP15DC Switcher 60% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: Peninsula Corridor – MP36PH-3C Express 60% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: Peninsula Corridor – San Jose 60% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: Standard Edition 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Train Sim World® 6: West Coast Main Line Birmingham – Crewe 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Turbo Overkill Ultimate Edition Upgrade 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Twins of the Sun 80% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale UFL Federico Valverde Edition add-on 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale UFL Raphina Edition 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale ULTIMATE GAMER PACK 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale UNDYING 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Universe For Sale 25% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Unwording 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale VALVERDE | RAPHINHA EDITION add-on 70% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Vanity Fair: The Pursuit 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Vessels of Decay 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale VIDEOVERSE 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Vlad Circus Curse of Asmodeus 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Wander Stars 33% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Westild’s Law 60% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Wildfrost 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Wildgate – Renegade Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Wildkeepers Rising 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Windswept 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Wings of Endless 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Witch It 75% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale WitchSpring R – Fluffy Peach Set 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale World of Heavyweights Pack 50% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale XENOTILT 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale XIII A final Game of Tarot 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale XIII A final Game of Tarot (Window) 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale XIII A final Game of Tarot (Xbox One) 40% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Yet Another Zombie Survivors (Game Preview) 35% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale ZOE Begone! 30% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Mutant Football League 2 15% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Bendy: Lone Wolf 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale Bendy: Ink Demon’s Collection 20% Indie Selects Anniversary Sale

    Will Fulton, Xbox Wire Editor

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  • The Last Train: Baquedano Turns a Ride Home into a Nightmare – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • First-person psychological horror where the familiar becomes terrifying.
    • How the designers twist common themes into nightmare.
    • Use calmness and wits to escape an abandoned subway station while being hunted by a familiar presence.

    What if falling asleep on your daily commute was the worst mistake you could make?

    The Last Train: Baquedano is a first-person psychological horror experience that turns an everyday situation into a disturbing nightmare. Developed as an intense, narrative-driven indie title, the game invites players to explore the dark corridors of an abandoned subway station where time feels frozen and something is watching from the shadows.

    A Familiar Face Turned Into Fear

    One of the most striking elements of The Last Train: Baquedano is the presence of Tung Tung Sahur, a character widely recognized as a viral internet figure. In this game, that familiar face takes on a far more unsettling role. What was once humorous and recognizable becomes distorted and threatening, transforming internet culture into a source of psychological tension.

    The game builds fear through a unique blend of anticipation, sound design, and the unsettling contrast between recognition and danger. Seeing something you know and realizing it shouldn’t be there becomes one of the core emotional drivers of the experience.

    Explore, Survive, and Uncover the Truth

    Exploration, environmental storytelling, and light puzzle-solving are the core mechanics as you search for clues that hint at a deeper story hidden beneath the surface.

    Stay Calm and Observant to Survive

    The game features four different endings, encouraging replayability and interpretation. Each ending reveals new layers of meaning, allowing you to piece together what really happened and what the station represents.

    A Short, Intense Psychological Experience

    The Last Train: Baquedano is designed as a concise yet impactful horror experience, ideal for fans of atmospheric storytelling and emotional immersion. Its urban setting, inspired by real-world subway spaces, grounds the horror in reality, making the experience feel uncomfortably close to home.

    Blending psychological tension, subtle humor, and modern cultural references, the game offers a unique take on contemporary horror, one where the scariest things aren’t monsters, but the familiar routines we trust every day.

    Are you ready to reach the last stop? Just make sure you don’t fall asleep on the way.

    The Last Train: Baquedano is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

    THE LAST TRAIN: Baquedano

    Pdpartid@games


    5

    $7.99

    Last stop of the line. All passengers must exit

    In The Last Train, a first-person psychological horror game, routine turns into nightmare when you fall asleep on the subway. Upon waking, you discover you’ve reached the end of the line, an abandoned station shrouded in darkness. But you’re not alone; something else waits in the shadows, watching you and following your every move.

    Explore the gloomy corridors and hidden corners of the last station as you try to find a way back to safety. Every sound, every movement, could be a sign that what’s hunting you is closer than you think. You’ll need to keep your calm, solve puzzles, and find clues that reveal the dark secrets hidden within this abandoned station. Will you escape before the entity catches you?

    Features

    – First-person horror with touches of humor
    – 4 endings to unlock
    – Interact with and run from popular characters
    – Discover secrets that reveal a larger story
    – Intense experience in a mysterious station

    Prepare for a one-way journey into fear. The last station awaits you… and not everyone makes it back.

    johns

    Source link

  • Why Pro MTB Athlete Matt Jones Set Out to Create an Authentic Open-World MTB Game – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • Out now in Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S.
    • Designed from the ground-up by Red Bull rider Matt Jones from the UK.
    • A realistic, open world MTB game that captures the essence of the sport.

    Matt Jones is a professional MTB rider from the UK, well known for world’s first tricks, huge Red Bull projects and big world-tour results. In February 2024, together with his Cascade Interactive co-founders, Matt started work to design and create Mavrix, a realistic open-world mountain bike game that he believes captures the essence of the sport, striking the balance between authenticity and fun.

    Matt: “I grew up playing extreme sports games like SSX Tricky, Tony Hawks Pro Skater and Downhill Domination. In recent years however, I’ve struggled to find a bike game that truly reflects the sport I know and love. So, two years ago, I set out to build a realistic and authentic mountain bike game that represents everything I’ve learned through my career. The game is called Mavrix and I’m so proud to now be launching Mavrix on Xbox!”

    Mavrix offers a huge multiplayer open world, based on Wales in the UK. Explore mountains using chairlifts, discover trails, race on global leaderboards and compete in slopestyle trick events. Just like real life, you can grind to get sponsored and earn ‘Moolah’ to purchase new bikes, clothing and kit.

    Authenticity has been at the core of the design process. Dual stick controls balance steering with rider movement, and Matt went one step further by choosing to split up the front and rear brakes onto individual triggers for unique handling.

    Some of Matt’s most notable accomplishments are featured in Mavrix too, offering fans the opportunity to jump the infamous River Gap from Red Bull Hardline, and jump through two moving lorries.

    Mavrix is out now in Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S, with a huge update that brings new physics and features such as the new Slopestyle mode – designed by Matt to reflect the real Slopestyle events experienced through his career. This mode even has authentic in-game judging and commentary from legendary Red Bull commentor Rob Warner. Pick up Mavrix today and crack on!

    MAVRIX by Matt Jones (Game Preview)

    Cascade Interactive


    11

    $39.99

    This game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game.

    Designed by Pro Red Bull Athlete Matt Jones, MAVRIX is THE ultimate multiplayer open world for riders, with authenticity at the core.

    Pure creativity. Spanning 100 square kilometres of Downhill race tracks, huge Slopestyle lines and multiple bike parks! Get ready to race or bring your style and creativity to define your own lines.

    Ride Together with your buddies, discover hidden challenges and join the Pros to hit huge jumps.

    Global Rankings: Want to be the best? The rankings don’t lie. Race hard to unlock rare items and compete for genuine prizes.

    Authentic Physics & Control: Using dual stick controls, independent brake levers and physics based handling/suspension. The MAVRIX physics engine connects you with the bike to balance grip, stomp tricks and ride in your own unique way.

    Sponsorship puts the life of a professional rider in your hands. Sign and collect contracts to manage your own MTB career.

    Customisation is key. Unlock bikes, clothes and components from real MTB brands to create your dream set-up.

    See you on the mountain!

    Full details on the latest status of the game, how you can give feedback and report issues can be found at https://discord.gg/ZmambDFz].

    johns

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  • Exploring the Wilderness of Over the Hill on Xbox Series X|S – Xbox Wire

    We’re excited to share a closer look at Over the Hill, the next off-road adventure from Funselektor and Strelka Games, coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC (Windows) in 2026. Known for Art of Rally and Absolute Drift, Funselektor returns with a new experience that blends exploration, simulation, and the simple joy of driving classic off-road cars through the wilderness.

    Where those past games captured the elegance of drifting and the thrill of rally racing, Over the Hill shifts gears entirely, inviting you to take things slow, take a breather, and discover the beauty just… Over the Hill.

    A World Built for Exploration

    Over the Hill is divided into different regions, each offering its own atmosphere, terrain, and challenges. One of the playable regions at release is Canada, which is separated into three distinct areas. These areas are designed to gradually build your skill and confidence as you learn the particulars of off-road driving and navigation.

    The Valley (Working Title) – A Gentle Start

    Your journey kicks off in a valley, a smoother and more guided environment perfect for easing into the game’s driving mechanics. Natural landmarks like flowing rivers, winding paths, and soft slopes will subtly lead you forward toward the lake and the boat that marks your transition into the next area.

    Terrain here is forgiving, letting you get to know your vehicle without the pressure of harsh climbs.

    The Wetlands (Working Title) – Discovery at Your Own Pace

    From there, you’ll take the ferry into a new area, a more open and exploratory environment inspired by Canadian wetlands. Starting near the center of the map, you are encouraged to wander, discovering routes, landmarks, and hidden pockets of wilderness.

    This area features some of the game’s most diverse challenges, from broad swamps and muddy bogs to tricky rock-crawling paths and even pockets of early snow at higher elevation levels. It’s a place where the landscape becomes a playground for experimentation, inviting you to improvise and find your own way forward.

    The Mountains (Working Title) – The Final Test

    Your adventure culminates in a mountainous area: a rugged, high-altitude landscape defined by steep ascents and slippery, icy cliffs.

    In this part of the game, you’re challenged to make your way to the peak, which looms over you from the moment your journey in this area begins. The mountains require you to use everything you’ve learned, turning navigation into a rewarding puzzle while offering some of the most striking views in the game.

    Across all three areas, you will encounter signature landmarks that tell subtle stories: fire-watch towers perched above forests, abandoned logging or mining equipment, cabins tucked between trees, and fishing shacks along frozen lakes.

    A Wilderness with a Story to Tell

    The world of Over the Hill draws inspiration from places like the Kootenay Mountains in British Columbia. These regions blend rugged wilderness with remnants of human history, from hand-built cabins to forgotten sawmills and mining tunnels. Every structure you can find in the game ties into this theme.

    Seasonality also plays a crucial role in the game’s atmosphere. Over the Hill is set in autumn, giving the world a golden, slightly nostalgic tone. The yellowing grass, larch and birch trees turning bright amber, and the soft warmth of late-season light all create a peaceful contrast to the harsher, snowy climbs awaiting you in the mountains.

    Dynamic Weather and Real Terrain

    The weather in Over the Hill is more than a mood; it actively shapes the journey. Dynamic weather and day-night cycles both influence visibility and driving conditions, creating moments of calm and beauty,  but also moments of challenge and surprise.

    With over ten terrain types inspired by real Canadian landscapes, every surface affects vehicle handling in a unique way. Rain reduces grip on most surfaces, while snow can both obscure the path ahead and change the feel of the ground beneath your tires. As snow accumulates, trails may become harder to follow, making navigation more demanding and more fun.

    Adventure at Your Speed

    While Over the Hill features challenges and moments of technical driving, its heart lies in the connection between you, your car, and the landscape. Whether you’re exploring alone or teaming up with friends in multiplayer, the game invites you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the journey for its own sake.

    To give you control over the pace of your adventure, camping allows you to rest, recover, and even skip undesirable weather. Set up camp and wait out a storm before heading back onto the trails.

    There’s no rush. No ticking clock. Just the open wilderness and the road (or lack of one) ahead.

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    over the hill

    Funselektor

    Explore, navigate, and uncover the vast wilderness in over the hill, the newest installation from the creator of art of rally. Ramble your way through varied biomes inspired by real-world locations, from valleys to mountains and everything in between.

    Discover portals to travel to new areas, and complete objectives to unlock new vehicles, upgrades, customizations, and cosmetics, with many combinations to try. Who knows, maybe you’ll find some hidden gems along the way.

    Take a friend or go on a solo tour. Challenge yourself, collaborate with up to three friends, or just enjoy the sights – the world is your oyster.

    After a long day of exploring, pull up to the merchant and give your vehicle a personal touch. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, some extra lights to cut through the dusk, or a roof rack for that trusty old kayak, there are plenty of ways to kit it out. Add a continental spare or a bull bar: whatever makes your journey smoother, and helps your crew spot you from across the valley.

    Take on the elements with dynamic weather, day/night cycles, and realistic terrain deformation. Find solace in nature, even when you’re stuck in the mud.

    The best stories never start at the end. With so much to explore and uncover, it’s all about the cruise. Complete all the objectives, unlock the many customizations and upgrades, and discover everything the wilderness has to offer. Just take your time and find peace in the minimalistic serenity.

    Grab stills of your favourite landscapes with the built-in photo mode. We can’t wait to follow your journey. You never know what you may discover just over the hill.

    johns

    Source link

  • Escape from Ever After: When Storybooks Meet Corporate Hell – Xbox Wire

    Hey Xbox players! With Escape from Ever After launching fairly soon, we thought now’s the perfect time to dive into what makes this game tick. So, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when classic storybook heroes get stuck in a soul-crushing office job, you’re about to find out.

    Escape from Ever After is a Paper Mario-inspired RPG that takes the hero’s journey and tosses it straight into corporate bureaucracy. It’s equal parts adventure game, turn-based combat, and workplace satire—and it’s weirder than it sounds.

    Meet Flynt Buckler, your typical storybook hero out to settle the score with his nemesis, Tinder the dragon. But when he finally reaches her castle, things get weird. The fire-breathing villain he expected? Nowhere to be found. Instead, her once-majestic fortress has been gutted and rebuilt as a soulless office complex, complete with fluorescent lighting, mandatory coffee breaks, and employees trapped in the worst kind of grind.

    Turns out Ever After Inc.™—a megacorporation from the real world—has discovered storybooks make for excellent cheap labor. Dragons file TPS reports. Knights optimize synergies. Heroes attend team-building exercises. And there’s no dragon to slay that can fix this mess.

    So Flynt does the only logical thing: he joins the company. To take down Ever After Inc.™, he’ll need to climb the corporate ladder from within, rallying other trapped storybook characters and figuring out how to rewrite the rules before it’s too late.

    Combat That Keeps You In the Fight

    Escape from Ever After builds on classic turn-based RPG combat but keeps you engaged every single turn through timing-based action commands. When Flynt throws his buckler or an enemy winds up for an attack, you need to nail your button presses. Perfect timing means extra damage on offense and flawless blocks on defense. Mess up your inputs and you’ll pay for it.

    It’s the kind of system that makes every turn feel active rather than passive. No sitting back and watching animations play out—you’re always involved.

    More Than Button-Mashing

    Raw damage only gets you so far. Enemies have their own tricks: armor that shrugs off weak hits, metal shields that deflect certain attacks, poison that chips away at your health, and battlefield hazards that punish careless aggression.

    The Research system lets you study enemies mid-battle, permanently revealing their health and weak points. That information gets saved to your Bestiary, giving you an edge in future encounters. The more you learn, the smarter you can fight.

    Build Your Party Your Way

    Between fights, you can customize your team through the Trinket system. Each character can equip trinkets that unlock new abilities, passive bonuses, or utility effects, limited only by their Trinket Points. Want a glass cannon? Stack damage. Prefer a support build? Load up on buffs and healing.

    You can also upgrade individual attacks using resources scattered throughout the world. These systems reward experimentation over min-maxing, letting you find builds that match your playstyle.

    Every Book Tells a Different Story

    Combat is only half the game. Escape from Ever After is structured around distinct storybook worlds, each with its own genre and atmosphere. One chapter might be a cozy fairytale forest under threat of corporate development. The next could dive into noir mystery or Lovecraftian horror.

    Exploration pays off. Hidden items, optional quests, environmental puzzles, and side stories are tucked into every corner. And it all connects back to the Castle—formerly a fairytale landmark, now the headquarters of Ever After Inc.™. It’s your hub between chapters, where you’ll meet recurring characters, take on side missions, manage upgrades, and watch the megacorp’s influence spread.

    A Story About Fighting the System

    Beneath the humor and absurdity, Escape from Ever After tells a story about what happens when someone realizes their entire world has been quietly rewritten by forces beyond their control. Flynt starts out confident in his role as a hero, only to discover that “hero” and “villain” don’t mean much when everyone’s just another cog in the machine.

    To fight back, he’ll need to make uncomfortable alliances—including with Tinder herself. The game balances sharp satire with character-driven moments that land harder than you’d expect from a game about storybook characters stuck in corporate hell.

    Worth Turning the Page

    Escape from Ever After thrives on contrast. It’s storybook whimsy meets office dystopia, classic RPG mechanics meets modern design sensibilities, and lighthearted satire meets genuinely thoughtful storytelling.

    We’ve spent years building this world, and every character, combat system, and storybook chapter was designed with one goal: giving players something worth discovering. Whether you’re here for the timing-based battles, the exploration, or just the absurd premise of fairytales stuck in corporate hell, we believe there’s definitely something in here for you.

    Thanks for reading, and we can’t wait to see you jump into the chaos!

    Escape from Ever After

    HypeTrain Digital


    $24.99

    $19.99

    Escape from Ever After is an adventure RPG inspired by the classic Paper Mario games, where fairytale and storybook characters must fight back against capitalism!

    When Flynt Buckler, a classic fairytale adventurer, storms the castle of his evil dragon arch-nemesis Tinder, he finds the once intimidating fortress has been converted into… corporate offices? The villainous dragon is nowhere to be found and her castle is full of mindless coffee-sipping, report-filing drones. What happened?

    It turns out that storybooks are an untapped market ripe with valuable resources, cheap labor, and profit to be had—so naturally, real-world conglomerate Ever After Inc.™ found a way to intervene! With Tinder’s Castle as their new corporate headquarters, Ever After Inc. is hellbent on taking over every storybook they can. With no choice but to get a job, Flynt Buckler must team up with his former nemesis Tinder in order to climb the corporate ladder and take down Ever After Inc. from the inside!

    Dive into storybook worlds packed to the brim with colorful characters, captivating locales, and electrifying secrets! One moment you’ll be fleeing Lovecraftian terrors while solving a noir murder mystery, and the next you’ll be up against villainous versions of The Three Little Pigs as they try to bulldoze a fairytale forest for their real estate developments. The rules are always changing!

    Face off against hordes of wacky enemies in snappy turn-based gameplay! Perfectly-timed action commands allow Flynt to finish off his foes with style, and an assortment of items, badges, and partners ensure there’s always a trick up his sleeve.

    Fight in a fun, fast-paced battle system that rewards experimentation and strategy
    Build and customize your party—every character has unique skills that can be equipped and upgraded throughout your journey
    Engage in office banter, help your storybook coworkers, and decorate your office as you climb the corporate ladder
    Explore vast storybook worlds brimming with sidequests, treasures, and secrets
    Stories within stories: experience a charming and lively narrative where the rules are constantly changing
    A jazzy, big-band soundtrack that keeps the energy pumping throughout

    johns

    Source link

  • From the Po Valley to the Deep: Building Italian Horror with Loan Shark – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • Horror driven by obligation, time pressure, and the quiet weight of an impossible debt.
    • Drawing on Northern Italian storytelling traditions.
    • Step inside a single night where every choice feels costly and every delay carries meaning.

    Horror doesn’t always come from monsters.

    Sometimes it comes from obligation.
    From silence.
    From a debt that cannot be repaid.

    When the team at Studio Ortica, based in Turin, Italy, began working on Loan Shark, they weren’t interested in building a traditional horror experience filled with combat encounters or overt shocks. Instead, they wanted to explore something more familiar, more uncomfortable, and deeply rooted in lived experience: the quiet dread of owing something you can never truly give back.

    That idea, debt as horror, is not abstract in Northern Italy. It is cultural.

    A Different Kind of Italian Horror

    Turin is a city shaped by restraint. Long winters. Industrial history. Catholic architecture that towers over daily life without spectacle. Unlike the sun-washed imagery often associated with Italy, this is a place where stories tend to unfold inward, where consequences matter more than spectacle, and where morality is often framed as an unavoidable reckoning rather than a heroic choice.

    These influences run quietly through Loan Shark.

    Italian storytelling tradition, from post-war literature to regional folklore, often avoid clear heroes and villains. Instead, they focus on inevitability. On characters trapped by circumstance. On moral decisions that are technically “choices,” but never feel free.

    Loan Shark adopts that sensibility fully.

    You are not a warrior.
    You are not a saviour.
    You are a person who made a bad deal and now has to live inside it.

    The Weight of Obligation

    At the heart of Loan Shark is a simple premise: a single night, a single boat, and a debt that cannot be delayed.

    Rather than treating debt as just number on a screen, the game treats it as a presence. It shapes how you move. When you act. What you fear. The true weight comes from the atmosphere itself: from strained conversations and the constant awareness that time is slipping away whether you act or hesitate.

    This approach mirrors how obligation is often depicted in Italian narrative traditions. Debt is rarely loud. It doesn’t announce itself. It waits.

    In Loan Shark, fear doesn’t come from what is chasing you. It comes from what you already owe.

    Catholic Guilt Without Preaching

    Northern Italy’s Catholic heritage is not presented in Loan Shark through overt religious imagery or doctrine. Instead, it appears in something more subtle: moral consequence without absolution.

    Many games offer binary morality systems. Good choices and bad ones, rewards and punishments. Loan Shark deliberately avoids this framing. The choices you make are rarely framed as ethical victories. They are compromises. Delays. Attempts to survive one more moment.

    This reflects a worldview where guilt is not erased by good intentions, and where consequences arrive regardless of how well-meaning you believe yourself to be.

    You are not asked to redeem yourself.
    You are asked to endure.

    The Sea as Indifference, Not Romance

    Although Loan Shark takes place on the water, the sea is not romanticised. It is not freedom. It is not escape.

    In Italian storytelling, nature is often indifferent rather than hostile, unmoved by human struggle. The sea in Loan Shark behaves the same way. It does not attack you. It does not help you. It simply exists, absorbing sound, swallowing light, and reminding you how small your situation really is.

    This indifference amplifies the horror. There is no villain monologue echoing across the waves. No dramatic storm to signal danger. Just the steady understanding that no one is coming.

    Designing Fear Through Restraint

    Studio Ortica’s small team of Nicola Dau, Luca Folino and Tremotino leaned heavily into restraint as a design philosophy. The game’s scale is intentionally narrow: one setting, one night, one unfolding spiral of consequence.

    This wasn’t a limitation as much as it was a creative decision.

    By reducing scope, the team was able to focus on tone, pacing, and psychological pressure. Every interaction matters. Every silence lingers. Every sound carries weight.

    This design approach aligns naturally with console play, particularly on Xbox, where immersive audio, controlled pacing, and focused play sessions allow atmosphere to do the heavy lifting. Loan Shark is designed to be experienced deliberately with lights low, and attention fully engaged.

    A Horror That Trusts the Player

    Perhaps the most Italian aspect of Loan Shark is its refusal to explain itself too much.

    The game trusts players to read between the lines. It trusts implication. It allows discomfort to exist without immediately resolving it. In a medium often driven by explicit feedback and constant reinforcement, this restraint feels almost radical.

    But it is also deeply human.

    Fear, after all, is rarely about what we see.
    It is about what we already understand and cannot avoid.

    Bringing a Local Voice to a Global Audience

    While Loan Shark is shaped by Northern Italian sensibilities, its themes are universal. Debt, obligation, desperation, and moral compromise are not bound by borders. They resonate precisely because they are familiar.

    Studio Ortica’s achievement lies in refusing to sand down those cultural edges in pursuit of mass appeal. Instead, they leaned into specificity trusting that authenticity would travel.

    On Xbox, Loan Shark stands as an example of how small, focused games can deliver powerful emotional experiences without spectacle. It is horror built from atmosphere, storytelling, and uncomfortable truths rather than mechanical escalation.

    And in doing so, it offers something increasingly rare: a quiet, unsettling experience that stays with you long after the screen goes dark.

    Not because of what it shows you —
    but because of what it asks you to live with.

    Loan Shark

    Dark Product

    $4.99

    You’re an indebted angler, trapped in a vicious cycle of borrowing and desperation. One dark, endless night at sea you haul up something unnatural: a talking fish named Cagliuso. It promises you riches — but its bargains come with terrifying strings.
    In LOAN SHARK, the nets you cast bring more than fish. They pull you toward sacrifice, secrets, and a deadline you may never meet. The “loan shark” isn’t just metaphoric — something is stalking the waters, your time is running out, and every deal you strike pushes you deeper into the unknown.

    johns

    Source link

  • Why PBA Pro Bowling 2026 Hits for Bowlers and Casual Gamers Alike – Xbox Wire

    Bowling is one of those sports that anyone can play and have fun with, but only a few will have what it takes to master it. PBA Pro Bowling 2026 is no different. Whether you’re a dedicated bowling fan wanting to play the most realistic bowling game ever, or a casual gamer looking for a fun way to decompress and have fun with friends, PBA Pro Bowling 2026 is your next obsession.

    The Balance Between Realism and Fun

    When the FarSight Studios development team decided to make a new version of the game, they had one goal in mind: to make PBA Pro Bowling 2026 the most realistic and fun bowling game ever. Sounds easy, right? Not quite.

    “We had to walk a fine line to make sure that the game was realistic enough to appeal to real bowlers, and still fun and engaging for casual gaming fans.” said Hale Obernolte, the game’s Director. “ Bowling is fun and approachable for everyone, but can also get repetitive fairly quickly if you aren’t a hardcore bowler. With this in mind, we added several new exciting game modes along with a deep and engaging career mode to make sure that the game always feels fresh and enjoyable. These important aspects of the game really elevated the playing experience and ended up being one of the main things that separates PBA Pro Bowling 2026 from other bowling games.”

    Fresh and Exciting Ways to Play

    The improved physics and need to adapt to changing conditions make the game fun and engaging for all kinds of players, but what most fans are truly excited for are all of the new game modes in the game.

    The FarSight team made the decision to expand this version of the game beyond standard tenpin bowling by including two entirely different types of bowling: Candlepin and Duckpin. Never heard of them? You’re not alone; these niche versions of bowling are pretty much only found in New England (US). Candlepin and Duckpin not only add variety to the game, but also allows players to play versions of bowling they likely would not be able to try in-person.

    Normal tenpin bowling is also kept fresh with all-new game modes such as Strike Derbies, Spare Pickup Challenges, Oil Pattern Roulette, Team Bowling, and more. These new types of gameplay are not only a highlight for true fans of bowling, but also bring an entertaining challenge for gamers that keeps the game interesting over time.

    All-New Career Mode

    Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the game for long-time fans and new players alike is the overhauled career mode. PBA Pro Bowling 2026 has one of the most interesting and engaging career modes of any sports game on the market, where players can track their progress through achievements and stats as they master the lanes and make their mark on PBA history.

    Character customization is always a highlight of any game – whether making a character that looks like you helps you to really immerse yourself in the game, or you’d rather have fun making the craziest character possible. Unlike past versions of the game, PBA Pro Bowling 2026 allows full customization of your character’s appearance!

    You start off as a rookie in your home town and advance through local, state, and regional competitions on your path to becoming a PBA superstar. Becoming a PBA legend isn’t just about tournaments though, you’ll also get to play all of the new fun and exciting game modes along the way. As you complete tournaments and challenges you’ll earn Pro Shop Credits which can be used to collect over 110 pieces of apparel and over 250 bowling balls.

    The new career mode has been a huge draw for bowling fans and sports gamers alike. Who knew that a bowling game could be so much fun!

    Ready to Play with the Pros?

    PBA Pro Bowling 2026 is available for purchase now on the Xbox Store! We can’t wait to see you on the lanes.

    PBA Pro Bowling 2026

    FarSight Studios


    38

    $39.99

    PBA Pro Bowling 2026 is a skill driven bowling simulation with authentic ball motion, real oil patterns, and evolving lane conditions. From your first local league to competing with the pros, every throw comes down to strategy and execution.

    From Local Leagues to the PBA Tour
    • Progress through a deep single player career, starting in local leagues and advancing to the PBA Tour
    • Build your ball arsenal from 270+ officially licensed bowling balls
    • Customize your bowler with a full character creator and 120+ apparel items to collect

    Real World Ball and Oil Physics That Reward Skill
    • Realistic ball motion shaped by oil patterns, lane friction, and simulation grade physics
    • Oil pattern breakdown and carrydown change ball reaction over time
    • Adjust line, speed, rev rate, and ball choice as conditions evolve

    Improve Your Skills Across Multiple Modes
    • Traditional Tenpin bowling alongside Candlepin and Duckpin bowling
    • Skill focused challenges like Strike Derbies, Spare Pickup Challenges, No Tap, and Oil Pattern Roulette
    • Designed for practice, competition, and mastery

    Bowl Against Licensed PBA Pros in Authentic Venues
    • Compete against over 30 licensed PBA professionals
    • Bowl across 13 unique venues inspired by real and imaginative locations
    • Broadcast style presentation and commentary from the TV broadcast team of Rob Stone and Hall of Famer Randy Pedersen enhances the professional atmosphere

    Prove Your Skill Against Others
    • Compete in online multiplayer with friends and rivals around the world
    • Bowl with or against up to 4 friends in couch local multiplayer

    Designed for both newcomers and experienced bowlers, PBA Pro Bowling 2026 balances approachable gameplay with rewarding depth and long term progression. Do you have what it takes to bowl with the greats?

    johns

    Source link

  • Injection π23 Tabula Rasa Brings Classic Survival Horror to Xbox Series X|S – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • The third and final entry in a classic-style survival horror trilogy.
    • Solo developer Abramelin Games’ deeply personal approach to setting and pace.
    • Emphasizing careful exploration, investigation and tense, vulnerable combat over constant action.

    It has been eleven years since I started building the world of Injection π23. Eleven years circling the same fears and the same question: what does fear do to the way we look at reality? Injection π23 Tabula Rasa is the end of that journey.

    I’m a solo developer, and I’ve spent practically my whole life making music. There’s no big studio or office full of people behind Abramelin Games. The Injection π23 trilogy began as a need to put certain things in order, and it ended up becoming a love letter to classic survival horror.

    Tabula Rasa is the third and final chapter. It’s the point where everything I’ve been hinting at for years – in the two previous games, in the symbols, in the imagery – finally comes into focus. It closes a loop.

    The setting of the game is not invented. It’s based on a real town where I’ve lived, with its slopes, plazas, narrow streets and corners that only truly make sense once you’ve walked them many times. In Tabula Rasa I tried to recreate that feeling of being in a specific place, not just on a generic map.

    First, I rebuilt it as faithfully as I could. Then I started to deform it. The town you explore in the game is a mixture of reality and altered perception: recognizable buildings twisted by anxiety, everyday spaces turned hostile, places that should feel safe and here feel profoundly strange. Walking through Injection π23 means walking through a mind contaminated by fear.

    On the surface, Tabula Rasa looks like a story about symbols, experiments and hidden societies. There are codes, geometric figures, references to mind control and power structures working in the shadows. The protagonist’s mind is trying to give shape to something that is, deep down, much more mundane and painful.

    It’s a story about broken trust. About what happens when the mind decides the world is too dangerous to look at directly, and builds a system of symbols and threats just to keep going. Two ways of looking at the same reality are constantly colliding: one tries to protect itself, the other refuses to keep hiding the wound.

    In the middle of all this noise there is a presence that doesn’t need symbols or speeches, or emotional prosthetics like the smile on the character’s shirt.

    Joy, the protagonist’s dog, is the emotional thread that runs through the entire trilogy. He represents a clean bond, a safe place to retreat to when everything else has fallen apart. Joy is the center of a small world the protagonist refuses to let go of.

    In terms of gameplay, Injection π23 Tabula Rasa is aimed at players who miss a certain kind of classic survival horror – the kind of game where moving slowly isn’t a flaw, but a design choice.

    There is careful exploration, limited resources to manage, puzzles that rely on the environment, and encounters that don’t try to make you feel powerful, but vulnerable. The game trusts that you can find your own way: there’s no giant arrow telling you where to go every second, and getting a little lost is part of the experience.

    At the same time, I’ve tried to keep that classic feeling from becoming an unnecessary barrier. Movement has weight, but the controls respond the way you expect from a modern game. The camera offers options so each player can find a comfortable balance between tension and playability. On Xbox Series X|S, the goal has been to use the hardware to deliver smooth performance, a clean image and very short load times, without betraying the slow rhythm the genre needs.

    Puzzles are another important part of the design. Some are necessary to progress; others exist only for players who enjoy staring at a symbol, a number or a strange pattern on a wall until it finally clicks.

    There are visible layers – locks, mechanisms, combinations – and more hidden layers that connect different areas of the game, and even different entries in the trilogy. There are multiple endings, secrets for players who search every corner, and small clues scattered around for those who want to build their own mental map of the Injection π23 universe.

    You don’t have to solve everything to complete the main story. But if you like sharing theories, taking notes, comparing details with other players and looking for a larger meaning in all the loose pieces, Tabula Rasa is built to reward that kind of obsession.

    This game doesn’t try to appeal to everyone.

    If you’re drawn to games like the early Silent Hill titles, classic Resident Evil, or that kind of horror that takes its time, you’ll probably find something here that resonates: heavy atmosphere, slow pacing, spaces that stay with you, and a story that doesn’t hand you every answer.

    If, on the other hand, what you’re looking for is constant action, very clear on-screen instructions and an experience that never pushes you out of your comfort zone, Tabula Rasa might not be the best fit for you. And that’s okay. This game aims for a different kind of experience: more introspective, stranger, and sometimes more uncomfortable.

    I can’t tell anyone how they should interpret what they’re going to see on screen. You will bring your own story, your own way of looking at the world. All I can offer is an honest space, built with patience and a clinical obsession with detail, for you to walk through at your own pace.

    When Injection π23 Tabula Rasa comes to Xbox Series X|S, I hope that as you walk through this town you don’t feel like you’re just moving through a map. I hope it feels like stepping into a place someone has been trying to understand for a very long time – and that, in some way, that attempt connects with something in you too. Injection π23 Tabula Rasa is available today on Xbox Series X|S.

    Injection π23 ‘Tabula Rasa’

    Abramelin Games


    1

    $29.99

    Classic survival horror focused on puzzle solving and strategy.

    Control a lonely character away from society who desperately searches for his dog and becomes involved in a dark conspiracy.

    Story about secret societies and mind control programs, inspired by historical facts and real events.

    johns

    Source link

  • Esophaguys: How The New Update Takes Players to the Necks-Level – Xbox Wire

    The Neckening Update is Here, and it’s Packed

    I’m thrilled to share that Esophaguys v1.2: The Neckening Update is now live on Xbox. After a few months of listening to your feedback, squashing bugs, and polishing every pixel, we’ve put together an update that takes everything you love about Esophaguys and cranks it up to eleven. Whether you’re a speedrunning madman, a cooperative chaos enthusiast, or someone just discovering the joy of esophagus elongation, there’s something here for you.

    Nothing but Neck with Online Leaderboards

    The solo hardcore Masochist mode just got amped up. We’re launching a new online leaderboard system that lets you race for the fastest speedruns and compete globally with other players. Whether you’re chasing world records or just trying to beat your friends, the leaderboard gives you a clear target and the bragging rights that come with it. Every run counts, and your skills will be on display for all to see.

    Jump into Four-Player Co-op Chaos

    The four-player co-op section, Block 3, is now unlocked and ready for mayhem. You can now experience four-player cooperative chaos from the start, perfect for those party sessions. These levels have been specifically designed to generate abundant laughter when you’ve got a full squad. Expect synchronized awkwardness, shared victories, and plenty of opportunities to both help and hinder each other.

    Fresh Emotes and Essential Help

    I’ve added a collection of new and updated emotes so you can express yourselves in all the jiggly ways. Beyond that, we’ve introduced a dedicated help menu that walks new players through the basics. No more confusion about game mechanics; if you’ve got a question, the help menu has the answer.

    We’ve also added a variable neck length feature, that corresponds to fine-tuned control to precise neck size. All necks are created equal.

    Visuals Juiced

    The visual improvements in this update are substantial. We’ve overhauled the entire camera system to eliminate jitter and deliver buttery-smooth gameplay. The geckos now animate dynamically with hungry grace, making every encounter feel more alive. Minigame scoring now comes with satisfying confetti effects, hub orb deposits have juicy new VFX, gnome deposit animations have been completely reworked, and I’ve added a helpful friend to identify secret areas you might otherwise miss.

    Grunts and Twangs Forever

    The unique audio in Esophaguys now feels more cohesive and polished. The game is now approaching 4500 personally-recorded, mouth-originated sound effects. Just when I thought I couldn’t make any more strange noises, I whipped out new quips for various mechanics – gnomes, whales, chickens, Travneck, and hub harp orbs. As the first game to feature traditional jews-harp music, new mixes have been added to the competitive minigame levels, showing off the banjo and jews-harp combo that is as twangy as it gets. I’ve additionally leveled volumes and smoothed spikes for seamless transitions across the game.

    Fixes and Refinements Across the Board

    This is where the rubber meets the road: we’ve eliminated a swarm of bugs, from gnats to fruit flies to cockroaches to rolly-pollies. Gnomes no longer get stuck or run in the wrong direction after spawning. Pre-biting a fly no longer breaks its logic. Puzzles now open doors correctly without being too easy or frustratingly hard.

    We’ve fixed issues where you couldn’t contest minigame weapons and resolved the flickering that occurred when switching between TravNeck and electric neck modes. Level design metrics have been reviewed and adjusted throughout, with special attention to Block 3 based on community feedback. Layering issues with art have been corrected, progress-critical objects now always work and respawn reliably, and bite disconnection issues have been resolved.

    Chained player mechanics work as intended, and we’ve added the build number to the menu so you always know which version you’re running. Individual levels are now numbered for clarity in the hub world.

    What’s Next?

    The Neckening Update represents our commitment to listening to our community. Every fix, every feature, and every visual improvement came from your feedback. We’re grateful for your bug reports and your enthusiasm for Esophaguys.

    Esophaguys is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Download The Neckening Update today and experience necks-generation gaming on Xbox!

    Esophaguys

    Esophaguys Team


    10

    $14.99

    You are the Esophaguys, old folks with elongating necks! Stretch, bite, and swing yourself around in 1-4 player guttural mayhem: co-op, competitive, and solo. Progress across each mode, reuniting your lost kin!

    Co-op Mode (2-4 players):
    Stretch, bite, and swing together, traversing and solving puzzles as you search to reactivate the forgotten monuments of your diasporic people.

    Minigame Mode (2-4 players):
    In team-based sports, free-for-all arena, and traversal trials, compete, neck-to-neck, to determine who has the greatest gullet.

    Story Mode (1-4 players):
    Accompanied by poignant narration, embark on a mythical journey to understand the past and shape the future. Will you uncover the true nature of the neck?

    Masochist Mode (1-4 players):
    No land. No checkouts. Nothing but neck. Subject yourself to grueling challenges in a hellish atmosphere ripe for speedrunning.

    Hub World Progression:
    Reconstruct the ancient monument of your people as you progress through each mode, reuniting and unlocking the garb of your lost lengthy kin.

    Twanging Tones and Elderly Grunts:
    Lose yourself in a soundscape all its own. The first video game dedicated to one of mankind’s oldest instruments, the jews-harp. Experience the ancient sound from a variety of world traditions combined with bold experimentations. Reconstructing centuries old tradition from archival material, classic twangs from America, Austria, the British Isles, India, Norway, Kyrgyzstan, and Yakutia will delight your ears with every jugular jiggle. Accompanied with over 4000+ personally-recorded, mouth-originated SFX, prepare your cochleas to be tickled to the extreme.

    johns

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  • Outbreak: Shades of Horror Gifts Co-op Festive Frights on Xbox Series X|S Today – Xbox Wire

    This year’s festive feast is being served with an extra heaping of zombie flesh!  My name is Julia Wolbach, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dead Drop Studios.  I’m overjoyed to welcome you to the doomed city of Cypress Ridge just in time for the holidays because Outbreak: Shades of Horror is releasing on Xbox Series X|S today!

    Unwrap Your Very Bloody Gift

    When you dive into Outbreak: Shades of Horror, you’ll discover a full course of content awaiting you.  You can enjoy every morsel of it in single player or in online four-player co-op, and you can swap between first-person and third-person views at any time.  Access action-packed modes and mini-games from Cypress Reel, which functions as both a hub world and as a lobby in multiplayer.  We’ve included two prequel campaigns playable both online and offline: Chromatic Split Enhanced Edition, a classic Survival Horror adventure rebuilt from the ground up with new content, and Trials of Hank, a new, frenetic thrill ride you have to play to believe.  Feeling lonely? Optionally enable AI teammates to aid you in your struggle to endure our Invasion and Raid modes. You can even access a robust Photo Mode from anywhere in the game; share your favorite gory snapshots with your Xbox friends!

    A Growing World & Adventure

    Just when you think you’ve seen everything Cypress Ridge has to offer, think again!  At launch, Dinobreak will be our first featured game crossover event.  Explore a distinctive, sprawling Raid Mode map, obtain roaringly fun cosmetics, and take a few pictures at the special photo booth in Cypress Reel! Immerse yourself further by assuming the role of fan-favorite characters from the original game with the Dinobreak Crossover Character Pack DLC, also available today.

    You can also expect regular seasonal events for even more cheeky chills.  To kick off release, we’re extending our Halloween seasonal event for Xbox players.  Unlock spooky cosmetics, and explore Farmer Clay’s Pumpkin Patch, a seasonal map with a gothic twist.  At the same time, prepare to brave the Winter Wonderland season, which will also be available at launch.  This season has its own gifts to offer; earn merry costume pieces and weapon skins, survive a frozen tundra in the Wordy’s Winter Wonderland map, and admire themed decorations in Cypress Reel.  We even have the technology to make it snow indoors!  What will future seasons have in store?  Stay tuned!

    A Frightening Technical Delight on Xbox Series X|S

    Outbreak: Shades of Horror is a dazzling visual treat on Xbox Series X|S.  This is one of the first Unreal Engine 5.6 titles leveraging Epic’s new technology to enable full ray tracing on console.  On Xbox Series X, the game runs at a higher fidelity and still maintains a buttery 60+ FPS.  You can utilize built-in graphics quality settings to tailor your experience; prioritize frame rate or activate higher fidelity options for features such volumetric lighting on your character’s flashlight, additional critters roaming the sleazy city streets, and breathtaking weather effects.  The lineup of diverse playable characters is designed with the latest metahuman bells and whistles; each Survivor is unique and carefully detailed, and with an abundance of mix-and-match cosmetics, there are endless dress-up possibilities. In 2026, you can look forward to Outbreak: Shades of Horror supporting Xbox Play Anywhere — blast the undead on console, mobile, and PC, and maintain your progress across all platforms!

    The Fight of Your Life Begins Now

    Do you have what it takes to escape Cypress Ridge with your life? Alongside today’s game launch, you can purchase the Dinobreak Crossover Character Pack DLC, which adds two additional, fully customizable characters to your roster.  To celebrate the beginning of the Winter Wonderland season, the free character Illena will be added for all players, bringing the default selection to thirteen. New to the world of Outbreak?  Catch up on the series with the Outbreak: Cypress Reel Ticket Collectionbundle, also available today.

    Unwrap a new generation of salacious survival horror gameplay, either in single-player or in four-player online co-op, with the release of Outbreak: Shades of Horror, available now on Xbox Series X|S!

    Outbreak: Shades of Horror

    Dead Drop Studios LLC


    $29.99

    $23.99

    BEWARE! Retro survival horror lives!
    Outbreak: Shades of Horror is inspired by retro survival horror from the ’90s and ’00s! The title blends bleeding edge tech and modern gameplay mechanics with archaic concepts from the roots of survival horror, like a restricted inventory, heavy resource management, and crushing difficulty. If you’re an old hat, or a lover of the past, you’ll find a lot to love in the janky but crushing experience. If that’s not your jam, proceed with caution as this nightmare is unforgiving!

    Welcome to Cypress Ridge!
    Experience the harrowing beginning of a full-scale Zombie Apocalypse as it descends on the Midwestern city of Cypress Ridge. Start from the (relative) safety of the beloved local movie theater, Cypress Reel. Choose between a central cast of 9 characters, with loads more on the way, and then venture out into a city fundamentally changed with the goal to survive and outlast the mysterious horrors that have suddenly arisen?

    Do You Want To Play a Game? Or maybe some shopping?
    Between rounds of running and gunning, there is plenty to do at Cypress Reel. Shop ‘til you drop at Ferret’s Emporium, where you can earn new guns, weapon skins, and millions of different combos of clothing to customize your character just the way you like. If you are in the mood for a different kind of game, Cypress Reel Arcade has a vast array of small-scale mini modes to cleanse your palette before you go back to chasing zombie flesh. Can you survive the Boss Rush gauntlet? Will you be able to skip a creepy rural town in Looming Dread? Test your reflexes as you escape a flooding subway tunnel in Collapse! While short and sweet, these mini-games will put your skills through drills! Plus – with adjustable difficulties, there’s always new challenges to face.

    Past Meets Present
    Players will also have access to Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split, the original prologue to Shades of Horror, and an all new side story, Trials of Hank.

    Shades of Horror: Chromatic Split Enhanced Edition: Enjoy the classic, three act prequel to the main game, now enhanced with new weapons, items, and mechanics. Can Lydia get essential information from her contact in the Cypress Ridge underground before it’s too late?

    Trials of Hank: While Lydia is traversing the underground in Chromatic Split, fan-favorite Hank hits the rooftops in this over-the-top side campaign where the answers to all of life’s problems are lead, explosions, and more lead! Will Hank complete his mission, or will the monsters that haunt the Cypress Ridge skyline be too much for him to handle?

    Challenges and Events: Seasonal and game-crossover events begin immediately with a Halloween celebration and DINOBREAK-themed content and cosmetics. Players can enjoy fun decorations in the theater, thrilling seasonal maps, special challenges to complete, and unique rewards to earn. In addition, test your mettle with Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Crossover and Seasonal challenges.

    johns

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  • Indie Selects for November 2025 (and More Cool Things!) – Xbox Wire

    Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Select Hub — your gateway to a fresh, curated indie collection plus four themed spotlights that rotate weekly! You can always find this collection hub in the Xbox Store and on Xbox.com/IndieSelects.

    The holiday season is here, and the ID@Xbox team is excited to share this month’s Indie Selects! Before we dive in, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support of independent games on Xbox as we celebrate the second year of this program. Thank you for exploring our staff picks and for championing the incredible creators who make these experiences possible.

    We’re also excited to bring back our annual Indie Select Highlights! Starting December 10 and through the end of the year, we’ll be showcasing and promoting some of our favorite titles from 2025. Don’t miss out!

    Finally, mark your calendars! On January 28, 2026, the Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration returns. We’ll be curating six standout indie titles from the past year, our absolute must-play picks, and featuring them in our special Anniversary Collection to honor their lasting impact. We’re excited to share more details soon, but for now, let’s enjoy what’s here and now. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):

    Blood West is a gritty, stealth-horror immersive sim that drops you boots-first into a cursed frontier where every shadow hides something sharp, hungry, or undead. Think cowboy survival but dipped in occult folklore and stitched together with classic immersive-sim decision making. It’s a slow-burn experience — one where every bullet matters, every footstep counts, and every encounter feels like it came straight out of a dusty nightmare.

    Jumping into Blood West felt like stepping into a fever-dream remix of Thief, S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and a late-night spaghetti-western. What grabbed me first wasn’t the monsters — it was the silence. The game rewards patience, planning, and the quiet satisfaction of outthinking something that definitely wants to eat you. Before long, I was creeping through abandoned mines, scavenging for ammo, and learning how to turn the environment itself into a weapon. There’s a real sense of mastery as you start threading together stealth routes, landing perfect bow shots, and managing scarce resources like a frontier tactician.

    If you’re someone who loves immersive stealth, tense exploration, and that unmistakable “I survived by this much” adrenaline, this will feel like home — well, the weird, haunted kind of home. Fans of slow-building tension, clever systems, and atmospheric worlds will find a lot to enjoy here. And if you’ve ever wanted a western that leans all the way into supernatural horror without losing its grit, Blood West rides tall in that space.

     – Steven Allen

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Blood West

    New Blood Interactive


    27

    $24.99

    Weird West legends meet eldritch horror in BLOOD WEST, an immersive stealth FPS. Become the Undead Gunslinger, doomed to roam the barren lands until he manages to purge their curse, freeing his soul. 3 varied scenarios, perk-based character progression, and 20+ hours of gameplay await you!

    A follow up to its award-winning predecessor, Tormented Souls 2 is a fixed camera survival horror game that embraces the atmosphere and direction of the classics, while tailoring the experience for a modern audience. Players take the role of Caroline Walker, who’s on a quest to save her sister from a sinister cult. Solve puzzles, fight monsters, and get lost a few times!

    From the moment I fired it up, Tormented Souls 2 felt almost like a continuation of the original Resident Evil remaster – which I LOVE. It stays true to the roots of the early survival horror classics through fixed camera angles, puzzle design, limited resources, etc., while embracing features and unique concepts to make the experience feel modern. In other words – if you like the gameplay and tone of classic Resident Evil and Silent Hill but want something new with fresh visuals and no tank controls, then this game is for you!

    It’s a wild, gothic horror, kinda lovecraftian story about saving your sister from a cult, filled with various enemies and bosses to fight, a few jump scares, gorgeous environments to explore, and of course, mind-boggling puzzles. I wouldn’t call myself a survival horror aficionado, but from what I’ve played, the 15-to-20-hour runtime really stood out to me — the genre usually leans tighter and faster, yet this one keeps growing in ways that stay engaging. You don’t need to play the predecessor to jump in, but I feel like I owe Dual Effect a thank you for re-igniting my forgotten love for the genre. This game had me hooked from start to finish and easily became one of my top picks this year!

    – Deron Mann

    Tormented Souls 2 Digital Deluxe Edition

    PQube


    46

    $34.99

    The Tormented Souls 2 Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game plus two unique outfits for Caroline:
    – “Classic Caroline” outfit
    – “Rebel Biker” outfit

    The party pack is back baby! If you’ve never tried this game night favorite, call up some friends to come over, because this new pack delivers.  This pack has no repeats with 5 brand-new games, so it’s definitely a must-have for those of us regular partygoers gearing up for holiday get-togethers.  Per usual, no extra controllers needed — everyone joins the lobby on their phone, ready to prove they’re as clever as they claim!

    Our friends started with Legends of Trivia and oh my god, the nerds in the room rejoiced.  This immediately set the bar high as it’s a freaking 6 player cooperative D&D style trivia game with classes, monsters, loot, and branching paths. Conquer the land of Tri-via with facts and wit!

    We moved on to Suspectives, a new mafia/werewolf-style party game with surveys that really test your lie-detecting skills. After trust was shattered, the creative crowd jumped into Cookie Haus, a drawing game where you design cookies with wild textures, crazy requests, and tons of customization. The twist? You’re locked into your chosen shape, so think outside the box! Next was Hear Say, all about sound and visuals: get a prompt, mimic it with your mic, and watch the best interpretation play out. Mic required, laughter guaranteed. Finally, we hit Doominate, the most classic Jackbox-style game: start with a cheerful phrase and finish it with the funniest awful twist. The most “Debbie Downer” answer wins!  All in all, this made for a very dope game night.

    This is probably my favorite Jackbox Party Pack in years.  If you’re looking to add something new to game night, this is it, regardless of whether you are new to the series or have a bunch of these packs in your library.

    – Raymond Estrada

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    The Jackbox Party Pack 11

    Jackbox Games, Inc.


    6


    $29.99

    $23.99

    The Party Pack is back!

    The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed – players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!

    Five brand-new games will change the way you party this holiday season and beyond:

    Doominate (Writing): Take a perfectly lovely situation and destroy it in this head-to-head joke game where it feels so good to be so bad. Doominate supports 3-8 players.

    Hear Say (Sound Effects): Record sound effects and dialogue directly from your phone in a foley-inspired game where laughter is the soundtrack. Then, watch your voices come to life in a series of short movie clips! Hear Say supports 2-8 players.

    Cookie Haus (Drawing): Play our coziest and kookiest drawing game yet by fulfilling cookie design orders for unusual clientele. Don’t play on an empty stomach! Cookie Haus supports 3-8 players.

    Suspectives (Social Deduction): There’s been a crime, one player secretly did it, and the evidence comes from your own survey answers! Study the clues, defend your innocence (even if you’re lying), and put your friends on trial. Suspectives supports 4-8 players.

    Legends of Trivia (Trivia): Assemble your team and put your trivia knowledge to the test in a fantastical world full of danger! Teamwork! Monsters! Do you dare take on one of the most challenging trivia games yet? Legends of Trivia supports 1-6 players.

    If you’re after chaotic fun with a distinctly Southeast Asian twist, Sedap! A Culinary Adventure by kopiforge is the co-op cooking-combat game for you. It’s a vibrant celebration of our region’s food culture, where you and a friend race to serve up classics like chicken rice, beef rendang, banh mi and more, to hungry customers, all while exploring the mystical, monster-filled Khaya Island.

    The magic of Sedap! (“delicious” in Malay) is in its joyful mayhem: you’ll be chopping, frying, plating, and (inevitably) yelling at your partner as orders pile up and monsters crash the kitchen. Whether solo or in co-op, every moment is a hilarious test of coordination, timing, and your ability to keep cool as the proverbial chili hits the fan during Rush Hour mode.

    Sedap! cleverly builds on the Overcooked formula with its unique two-role system: Som the Cooker and Gon the Hunter. This means teamwork is essential as each has a job to do, but hilarity ensues when one must stop chopping mangoes to help the other hunt a chicken, or the other must stop hunting to go make boba. There’s also weapon and utensil upgrades, a Makanomicon to fill up with all sorts of dishes, and biomes with unique challenges to navigate.

    With its whimsically fresh Southeast Asian vibes, cheeky character banter, and riotous gameplay, Sedap! is full of personality that’ll leave you hungry for more.

    – Jun Shen Chia

    SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure

    kopiforge


    3

    $19.99

    SEDAP! is a co-op cooking-combat adventure that combines the chaos of a co-op kitchen and the wonders of adventuring into an unexplored world. Embark on an exciting culinary journey, whip up delectable delicacies, and serve your way through a fantastical reimagination of Southeast Asia!

    Two aspiring culinary geniuses open a traveling food truck and venture out to Khaya Island – a long abandoned, dangerous island with no shortage of monsters and mysteries. Together, the duo explore Khaya Island in search of new recipes and tastes while slowly uncovering the veil of secrets that haunts the locale.

    Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland is a whimsical indie adventure that blends cozy exploration with gentle, idea-driven puzzles and charming pixel-art aesthetics. You play as Lemon, a courageous polyglot navigating storybook versions of Iceland—windswept coasts, mossy trails, and quirky characters—while a warm, low-key narrative encourages curiosity over speed.

    I started with a “quick play” and hours later realized it was well past midnight. The game layers new traversal tricks and puzzle concepts like friendly nudges: you learn, you smile, you try one more thing. What truly surprised me was how it sparked my love for languages. I found myself listening to Icelandic words (other languages too) and repeating them out loud. Those moments made Lemon’s world feel authentic and turned gameplay into a cultural adventure. It even reminds you that words carry power—something easy to forget in everyday life.

    Knowing the backstory made the experience even more meaningful. This is a deeply personal project from founder Julio de Santi, inspired by his friend André Lima (“Limão”), a Brazilian polyglot who dreamed of learning Icelandic and visiting Iceland. After Limão fulfilled that dream, he tragically passed away. The game stands as a tribute to him and an invitation for players to chase their own dreams.

    If you enjoy the calm exploration of A Short Hike, the playful mischief of Untitled Goose Game, or the quirky creativity of Donut County, you’ll feel right at home. It’s perfect for anyone seeking an imaginative space to unwind, learn by doing, and savor small discoveries. You’ll come for the charm, stay for the “aha” moments, and leave with a couple of new words rolling around your head.

    – Jessica Ronnell

    Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland

    Pepita Digital

    $19.99

    MASTER LEMON is a TRIBUTE TO MY POLYGLOT FRIEND who tragically passed away in an accident while pursuing his dream of living in Iceland. Experience his legacy in this NARRATIVE ADVENTURE. Harness the POWER OF WORDS and CREATIVITY to transform reality and save the world.

    The opening music sets the tone immediately: lush, nostalgic, and evocative of epic tales. Paired with charming, cozy artwork, you know from the beginning that The Lonesome Guild is inviting you into an adventure with a heart. The story begins with Davinci, a quirky anthropomorphic rabbit inventor exploring the outdoors when the world is enveloped by a mysterious red mist that infects everything that it touches with Loneliness and turning them into evil beings. While escaping the chaos, you encounter a nameless ghost who fell from the sky without any memories.

    Despite the title, as the story unfolds you recruit new guild members from all walks of life, each driven by their own reasons and motives but with the same goal of saving the world. The cast is wonderfully written, offering not only distinct combat styles but also charming personalities that genuinely balance one another. Before long, you’ll find a favorite character like the quiet archer, Mr. Fox or the stylish and spirited Capybara, Ran Tran Trum.

    The combat is a top-down hack-and-slash RPG with each character possessing unique special abilities. You control up to 4 characters by using the ghost to “possess” the character you control, which adds an extra fun layer of charm and creativity for puzzle-solving and combat.

    My favorite element were the campfire rest stops; these are memorable moments that serve not only to pause and reflect on the story so far but also to advance and progress your characters through Relationship Points. These moments feel warm and intimate giving you the space to bond with the characters, reminiscent of classics like Chrono Trigger where you feel invested in every storyline and ending.

    If you’re looking for a cozy game with emotional depth to brighten and warm the winter days, or simply want a relaxing blend of puzzles, exploration and combat, The Lonesome Guild is an easy recommendation. Pull up a seat by the campfire and enjoy the company of its charming crew — you’ll be surprised how quickly the real foe, “Loneliness,” disappears.

    – Oscar Polanco

    The Lonesome Guild

    DON’T NOD


    10

    $24.99

    A TALE OF TOGETHERNESS IN A WORLD APART

    The Lonesome Guild is a single-player top-down action-RPG all about togetherness. Embark on a heroic adventure as Ghost, a spirit who wakes to find they hold no memories. The world has become shrouded by loneliness and the mist just keeps spreading, corrupting everyone in its path. Now it’s up to you to get the band back together… even if they’re meeting for the first time.

    SIX MISFITS, ONE GOAL

    The ragtag group of unlikely friends you’ll recruit each will bring their own story, quirks, motives, and abilities. Switch seamlessly between the 6 of them during exploration and combat to navigate Etere, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies!

    BOND & BATTLE

    Relationships are the heart and soul of The Lonesome Guild – it’s a party, literally. As your friendship grows, so does your power with new abilities and combos. A party can only be strong if each member is strong too – unravel your new friends’ stories and help them find peace. Unlock side quests, new abilities, and heartfelt chats by the campfire. Together, we’re unstoppable!

    FIGHTS THAT KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES

    Three difficulty levels, a roster of cool abilities, one very powerful Ghost power. Test your might in intense battles where you can switch between characters whenever you fancy and ambush enemies with clever combos. Build your dream team and fight your way through Etere.

    A WORLD WORTH FIGHTING FOR

    Etere is full of charm and secrets, mystery and treasures to uncover. From unearthing old secrets in the ruins to gathering round campfires in the forest, there’s always something new around the corner in The Lonesome Guild. Solve puzzles, explore vibrant landscapes, and find shiny things as you restore balance and hope to the world.

    The world might be lonely, but you don’t have to be.  

    Will Fulton, Xbox Wire Editor

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  • Cat God Ranch: Deck-Building Meets Animal Ranch Management – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • Out now on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere.
    • Unique blend of deckbuilding and ranch management with over 100 animals, including prehistoric creatures.
    • Our favorite genre combining animals, terrains, and props to create powerful synergies.

    Hello everyone, we’re CrazyPotato Studio, and we’re thrilled to introduce our passion project — Cat God Ranch — to the Xbox community. Launching on November 20, 2025, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (with Xbox Play Anywhere support), this game is a fresh take on the roguelite genre, combining strategic deckbuilding with the charm of animal ranch management.

    Standing on the Shoulders of Great Roguelite Games

    When we formed our studio, we knew we wanted to create a roguelike game. Not only is the genre more manageable for a small team, but it’s also one we deeply love. We’ve spent countless hours playing roguelikes like Brotato, Balatro, and Slay the Spire.

    Cat God Ranch draws significant inspiration from Luck be a Landlord, and while the core mechanics share similarities, we’ve added our own twists and improvements

    For example, we allow players to freely choose three families to bring into the game, primarily to prevent the card pool from expanding excessively and to facilitate future updates. We currently have eight families, and even if we increase this to ten families in the future, it won’t affect the spawn probability of individual animals. Furthermore, placing all animals into one large pool would limit both playability and creative freedom. We want you to be able to mix and match families according to your own ideas, further enhancing the game’s replayability.

    Highlight Moments of Extinct Animals and Powerful Builds

    For every type of extinct animal, we designed highlight moments for them to heighten the game’s excitement to deliver a uniquely thrilling experience. Take the Phorusrhacos, for instance. Its design aims to instil a sense of dread, so we made it capable of removing all other small animals upon entering the field and absorbing their contributions. This mechanic transforms it into a pivotal moment that drives the game’s pace and amplifies the emotional intensity.

    Another example is Smilodon. It’s like an upgraded version of a tiger, but it leaves leftover meat after eating. While it looks less formidable than Phorusrhacos, when paired with mice, it can ignore distance and devour every animal on the field—a true highlight moment.

    Besides the highlight moments, there are many more different builds to explore. For example, you can get an army of expensive Peacocks to get rich, allow Chimpunks to breed unchecked, or even discover more fun with prehistoric creatures in the latest DLC.

    A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Players

    Our goal was simple: create a fun roguelike game filled with adorable animals. Since launching on PC, more than 100,000 players have supported us—and we can’t thank you enough. Now, we’re thrilled to bring Cat God Ranch to Xbox players. Thank you all for joining us on this wild, animal-filled adventure!

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Cat God Ranch

    E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd


    1


    $12.99

    $10.39

    Cat God Ranch is an animal-themed casual strategy roguelite game. Manage hundreds of animals to pay tribute to the Cat God! 8 animal families, 100+ animals, 10+ Cat Gods, 100+ items, and various animal combinations waiting for you to explore!

    New Content – Age of Dinosaurs
    New Content is included in this version! New rainforest scenario, 20+ dinosaurs, 20+ items, 2 cat gods, 10+ achievements, and more.

    Manage Your Ranch
    Take on the role of ranch manager and grow your fledgling herd of animals into one worthy of pleasing the Cat God! There are many different paths to choose from, but only one hurdle to overcome at the end of each week. Pay tribute to the Cat God or face his wrath and have your ranch shut down.

    100+ Animals with Unique Abilities of 8 Families
    Whether it’s alpacas, crocodiles, hyenas, larks, or a combination of all, you choose the kind of ranch you want to build. Feed your barnyard buddies to the carnivores, or watch an army of penguins and pandas propagate across your ranch.

    Utilize Different Terrains and Watch Your Animals Thrive
    Combine grasslands, caves, puddles, and other tile cards to create endless possibilities and combos.

    Tango with 100+ Prop Cards to Make Tribute in Time!
    As you improve on your ranch, the Cat God will bestow you with prop cards. Add these modifiers to your daily earnings and watch them grow!

    With 10+ cat gods, 100+ animals, 100+ props, 20+ toys, and 10+ tiles, it’s time to build your own unique deck and appease the Cat God!

    johns

    Source link

  • Everything you Need to Know about Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury – Xbox Wire

    Hello Xbox fans! Thanks for reading. I am thrilled to announce that our game Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury, which is based on the “Paws of Fury” movie, is out now on Xbox Series X|S, just in time for the holidays. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up in local co-op with your friends and family, we wanted the game to feel fun-packed, wacky, and full of surprises. So, let me tell you a little bit about our game.

    A Story That Picks up Right After the Movie Ends

    Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury continues the story of Hank, our unlikely hero, right after the events of the “Paws of Fury” movie. Just when they thought the fighting was over, Hank and Jimbo are thrown back into combat, this time pitted against the mighty Shogun himself. Something’s changed, and the once-respected leader now commands an army of cats with one goal: to wipe out our heroes and the villages they’ve sworn to protect. As the chaos unfolds, it’s up to you to sharpen your samurai skills, defend Kakamucho, rescue Hank’s allies, and uncover the truth behind this evil plot.

    During development, we had access to exclusive concept art from the animation studio, including never-before-seen environments and weapons. For us, huge fans of the universe, this was an absolute treat – and a huge dose of inspiration. If you’re a fan as well, we hope you’ll love what we created.

    Discover Kakamucho Through Core Challenges and Quests

     We’ve kept things simple and joyful: no micro-transactions, just fun gear to help you become the wackiest hero around.

    In our game, you’ll face two core challenges on your path to becoming a true Samurai:

    Village Raid: A tower defense-style mode where you’ll protect villages from waves of ninjas and samurai. Use your surroundings wisely, samurai. Exploding barrels and hidden tools might just turn the tide in your favour!

    Samurai Trial: A fast-paced 2.5D runner-platformer mode. Dash, dodge, and leap through obstacles as you race to the finish line. Every second matters!

    Along the way, you’ll unlock powerful skills and two additional playable characters, Emiko and Sumo, each with their own unique abilities.

    Beyond the main story, each hub offers optional quests, and if you’re paying close attention, you might spot something… odd. Rumors swirl of red-furred creatures sneaking around and listening at doors. You might even catch a glimpse of their tails in strange places! What are they up to? We’re not sure. But we definitely should be investigating.

    Key Tips and Tricks

    Here are a few tips and tricks that will be useful to read before jumping into the adventure:

    • Optional quests will be useful before returning to the main quest, making the game easier.
    • Persistence is the key to succeeding in the Samurai Trials — don’t hesitate to retry to achieve the best time possible!
    • Take advantage of background elements during Village Raids — you’ll find plenty of items to help you face the Shogun’s armies. And who knows? A red barrel exploding at the right moment could be the key to victory! Sometimes, your katana alone won’t be enough.
    • Pay attention to your HUD for visual indicators that quickly show where threats are coming from.
    • Communication is key! Share important information with your teammate and ask for help or assistance to overcome the cats.

    Thank you so much for reading and I hope that our game Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury has sparked your interest. Good luck Samurai! 

    Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury

    Maximum Entertainment France SAS


    1


    $24.99

    $19.99

    The village of Kakamucho is under attack by the Shogun’s cat armies! Join Hank, a dog samurai in a world of cats, and his friends as they reveal a sinister plot and save the day, samurai-style. Slash, dash, and laugh through this wacky third-person action adventure.

    The Story
    Just when they thought the fighting was over, Hank and Jimbo are thrown back into combat, this time pitting against the mighty Shogun himself. That’s right—the leader of the Paws of Fury world has had a mysterious change of heart. He aims to crush the blazing duo and the villages under their protection with his cat armies. It’s up to you to master samurai skills, protect Kakamucho, rescue Hank’s friends, and discover who is behind this evil plot.

    Become a True Samurai
    • Prove your skills and hone your lightning reflexes in progressively difficult samurai trials
    • Learn mystical skills to quickly traverse the scenery or ambush unsuspecting hordes
    • Wield an arsenal of gadgets and weapons to put an end to ever-rising enemy waves

    Protect the Humble Settlements
    • Defend the temples of Kakamucho, Dookiehill, and Pippishore against raids of powerful enemies, including Ninja ambushers, Viking warriors, and Jetpack elites
    • Use creative traps to cause massive damage and bring the fight to the shogun’s minions
    • Team up with beloved Paws of Fury characters and use their unique powers to assist in grandiose battles

    Explore a Wacky, Colorful World
    • Adventure to villages beyond Kakamucho in a vibrant, animated world packed with surprises
    • Unlock new areas, items, and playable characters to expand the realm as you progress
    • Discover and complete sidequests from quirky locals and friends both old and new, gaining fame, awards, and treasure

    Uncover the Evil Plot
    • Play through a lengthy story campaign, following the events of Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
    • Follow the tale through animated cutscenes, featuring both old pals and new characters
    • Rescue your friends, unite the villages, and rally your allies to put an end to an evil conspiracy that threatens the empire and become a legendary hero!

    Samurai Shenanigans for All
    • Fun and accessible gameplay for players of all ages
    • Challenging Samurai Trials to compete with your friends
    • Local multiplayer mischief with split screen co-op: Play through the complete campaign with two players

    johns

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  • GigaBash’s Long-Awaited Gamera DLC Introduces Two New Characters – Xbox Wire

    It’s Time for A Rebirth!

    Reports are coming in fast, folks. The oceans are rippling with the arrival of the newest additions to the GigaBash roster, blazing through from the Gamera universe as DLC characters! The GigaBash – Gamera – Rebirth DLC adds two new playable characters, Gamera and Guiron, into the game with their own unique skillsets to clash in the GigaBash arena.

    From the outset, GigaBash was always meant to be a love letter to the legendary franchises that have shaped and colored the childhoods of the Passion Republic Games team. We never imagined that our little homage would afford us the generous opportunities to officially represent titans of kaiju cinema in our game. The Gamera – Rebirth DLC is yet another notch on our belts, and an incredible chance to round out the big three of fan-requested collaborations with Gamera, just in time for the franchise’s 60th anniversary!

    With quite the selection of remarkable kaiju from the animated series, how did we decide who would join Gamera in the arena? Guiron’s striking and unique design lent itself an edge when it came to making the cut to GigaBash‘s roster. The distinctive knife head and speed give Guiron a frantic, mobile moveset and playstyle — one that fans of the Gamera franchise are sure to enjoy playing as and against. Not to mention, Guiron is well-beloved and frequently pops up in fan requests when it comes to adding characters, so we are excited to be able to fulfill them at last!

    The time has come for a closer look at the new characters coming into the game and their powerful moves. Let’s take a deep dive!

    Gamera

    The one, the only, the guardian of children and protector of humanity. It’s Gamera in its most recent incarnation, as seen in the 2023 fully animated “Gamera – Rebirth” series! Speed across the arena with its Plasma Jets, giving it mobility beyond measure.

    Overwhelm the foes from long range with Magma Blasters and Plasma Fireballs.

    Immolate the enemy with Scorching Hand, showcasing Gamera’s mastery over the purifying flame.

    Tough, determined, capable; Gamera is a force of nature not to be taken lightly. Nothing’s getting past this kaiju, and that’s a fact.

    Guiron

    Sporting its sleek, agile form as shown on screen in the 2023 “Gamera -Rebirth” series, Guiron cleaves its way into the arena with alacrity! Its bladed head delivers swift and devastating slices, driven by acrobatic flips and leaps.

    Launch its razor-sharp Scale Shots at enemies who dare assume they’re safe out of blade’s reach.

    Tired of being outranged? Close the distance with a piercing headlong charge.

    Guiron’s agility makes it harder to pin down, and its body itself is a weapon to be reckoned with. Let the knife carve out a foundation for its dominance.

    We hope the GigaBash Gamera -Rebirth DLC will resonate with longtime fans of the franchise as well as players yet to be introduced to such legends. It has been an honor for us to be able to bring these beloved characters to life and put them in your hands! Gamera and Guiron join the ranks of Godzilla and Ultraman, from the silver screen to your screens, in the ultimate kaiju fighting game.

    With two of the most vicious kaiju ever put on screen entering the GigaBash stage, alongside a whole host of other iconic characters and 13 original GigaBash characters in the game, fans are in for a whale of a time. It’s high tide in the arena, and the waters offer no mercy, no remorse, and brook no quarter! Will you be the bulwark Gamera who stands unmoving against the break of waves? Or will you be the riptide Guiron, sharp and deadly, cutting off all hope of escape? Surge forth and take control of your fate!

    GigaBash – GAMERA -Rebirth- DLC

    Passion Republic Games


    8

    $5.99

    It’s time for a rebirth! This DLC adds “Gamera” and “Guiron” from the iconic Gamera series in their modern, fully animated incarnations into GigaBash, featuring their own unique skillsets.

    As seen in “GAMERA -Rebirth-“, Gamera emerges to protect those it was made to destroy. Gamera shows that defense and offense go hand-in-hand, with plasma jets to close the distance and flaming projectiles to engage at range. Its thick armored shell ensures no attack gets through. The guardian kaiju is devastating and dangerous at any distance.

    Slicing through at lightning speed, Guiron launches into the fray in its “GAMERA -Rebirth-” incarnation. With unmatched agility, Guiron wields its iconic bladed head to drive destruction into any who stand in the way. Its razor-sharp Scale Shots threaten those who try to escape. This kaiju is a living weapon in name and purpose.

    Will you embody the cutting edge of Guiron and strike terror upon the world? Or will you don the shell of Gamera to purify and protect your allies?

    johns

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  • Spikeball Smash Brings the Party to Xbox Today – Xbox Wire

    If you don’t live near a beach, you might not know roundnet, the clever twist on volleyball invented by Jeff Knurek in 1989. The game simmered for years, then exploded when Spikeball was founded. It took over college quads, grew into a pro circuit, and now it’s coming for a new arena: your Xbox.

    Spikeball Smash is now available globally and offers an authentic take on the popular leisure sport. Featuring 2v2 local and online multiplayer, Spikeball is as competitive and intense as you choose to make it.

    What is Spikeball?

    Imagine volleyball, but the net is flat to the ground inside a 36-inch ring. Your team gets three alternating touches to return the ball to the net. Rally until the ball drops and a point is scored. First to 21 wins.

    After a serve, there are no “sides,” since the net is round. So unlike volleyball or tennis or any other “game with a net,” players move around 360 degrees in controlled chaos. There’s no real out of bounds, so huge smashes can send defenders sprinting and diving for last-second saves.

    Why Bring Spikeball to Xbox?

    We love the rush of the real thing, but we wanted a way to play anytime and with anyone from anywhere. Queue up online, drop into a quick match with cross play, or set up couch games for your friends. Turn up the music, chase the rally, and run it back.

    Spikeball Smash is out now worldwide for $4.99 USD. It delivers an authentic take on the sport with 2v2 local multiplayer and full online cross play. Bad weather or absent friends won’t stop you from enjoying Spikeball Smash.

    What Comes Next

    This is the starting line. We priced Spikeball Smash low for two reasons:

    1. We want to make it easy for anyone to jump in during the holidays.
    2. We have more on the way and early players get added benefits.

    Our focus now is on giving you more reasons to keep playing and more rewards for your time. We’ll share those details soon.

    See you on the field.

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Spikeball Smash

    The Munky

    $4.99

    Spikeball Smash brings the party to your room. Tap into the real-life energy of Spikeball solo or with up to four players. Feel the sand between your toes as you serve from the beach or listen to the cheers from the party as you dominate in the quad. Play to win with authentic Spikeball rules.

    Dive for a last-second save, get back to the net for the setup, and crush the winning smash. The competition is fierce, but the controls are simple. Easy to learn, deep enough to master. Play it casual with friends or climb in ranked play. There’s no wrong way to approach Spikeball Smash.

    Play for fun. Play for bragging rights. Play loud.

    johns

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  • Spray Paint Simulator Update with More Colors, Better Flow, Smoother – Xbox Wire

    Grab your spray tool, and step back into Spatterville—there’s a new coat of polish on Spray Paint Simulator! This update focuses on player creativity, smoother gameplay, and better performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new painter just learning the ropes, you’ll find this update makes your work smoother, faster, and a lot more colorful.

    Paint the Bridge Your Way

    Just like the three new levels, the bridge level has opened up to your full creative control! You can now paint the bridge in any combination of colors you like. Whether you want a sleek industrial gray, a sunset gradient, or a chaotic rainbow masterpiece, go wild.

    Smarter Preparation and Masking

    We’ve also reworked how masking and preparation steps are grouped in certain jobs. To make things flow better, we’ve streamlined these areas by combining some masking and prep steps. You’ll now spend less time fiddling with tape and more time spraying. It’s all about getting you into the action faster without losing the satisfaction of doing a professional-grade job.

    Clearer Tutorials and Better Guidance

    New tutorial messages have been added throughout the game to help new players understand key mechanics and progression steps. If you’ve ever wondered why a surface wasn’t taking paint, or how to perfect a tricky angle, the new tooltips and hints should keep you on track.

    Nozzle Improvements – No More Getting Stuck

    Some players reported trouble completing certain later jobs when using smaller nozzles or fine-detail spray guns. We’ve tweaked how completion zones and spray detection work in those cases, so you won’t get stuck trying to hit every last pixel. The smaller tools should now behave more consistently across all job types, letting you focus on technique instead of wrestling with the last stubborn patch of unpainted surface.

    Performance and Memory Optimizations

    Behind the scenes, we’ve been sanding down rough edges to make Spray Paint Simulator run even smoother. This update includes further optimizations to performance and memory usage, especially noticeable on longer sessions and larger levels. Expect quicker load times, steadier frame rates, and an overall more responsive feel.

    Improved Network Reliability

    For those who like to spray with friends, our multiplayer experience just got sturdier. The network layer has been rebuilt to better handle communication hiccups and recover gracefully from temporary issues. Fewer disconnects, faster recoveries, and smoother co-op sessions all around.

    A Fresh Coat and a Better Feel

    This update is all about refining the experience: more freedom in color choice, less friction in setup, and smoother play from start to finish. We’ve listened closely to player feedback and made targeted changes that should make every job, big or small, feel more satisfying.

    We hope you’ll dive back in and see how much smoother it feels to paint, spray, and create. As always, we’re grateful for your feedback and support!

    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Spray Paint Simulator

    Whitethorn Games



    225




    $14.99

    $11.99


    PC Game Pass


    Xbox Game Pass


    COLOR YOUR WORLD

    Bring color to the world in Spray Paint Simulator! Restore worn-out surfaces with a fresh coat of paint and watch them come back to life. Use your spray tool with precision, cover every inch, and enjoy the satisfaction of a flawless finish. Step into Spatterville, where you’ll build your own spray-painting business. Meet the locals as you restore, repair, mask, and spray paint everything—from kitchens and local landmarks to a giant robot. Buy new tools and equipment, unlock Free Spray mode, and transform the town.

    PREP AND MASK-TERPIECE

    You’ve got to earn your stripes before becoming the town’s top spray painter. No worries, though! There’s plenty to keep you busy! Mask surfaces to protect them from overspray, remove and repair objects, and fill damaged areas to create the perfect canvas.

    SATISFATION IN EVERY SPRAY

    Grab your spray tools and watch worn-out objects spring back to life with fresh, snazzy colors! Feel the thrill of transformation, groove to the soothing rhythm of spraying, and enjoy the sheer joy of rejuvenating each item. It’s all about making things look brand new and having a blast while doing it! Let’s spray, play, and make the old new again!

    BUSINESS MADE EASY

    Running a spray-painting business has never been more fun! Keep an eye on your consumables like paint, masking paper, and tape, because nobody likes a half-finished job. Upgrade to cooler spray tools with more paint capacity, greater coverage, and bigger batteries. Need a boost? Choose from a variety of step ladders and scaffolding to reach those pesky high spots. Managing your supplies and equipment adds just the right amount of strategy, keeping things fun and light-hearted without getting too complicated.

    UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

    After completing jobs for customers, dive into Free Spray mode! Return to your finished projects and let your imagination run wild. Spray the job and the surrounding environment any way you please. With a rainbow of colors at your disposal, the entire town becomes your canvas. Express yourself freely and enjoy hours of creative fun. Make Spatterville your masterpiece, one spray at a time!

    johns

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  • From Tony Hawk Dreams to BMX Reality: How Legends BMX Was Made by Riders – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • Inspired by childhood skatepark memories and classic games.
    • Authentic tricks and community-driven gameplay.
    • Join friends for jumps, grinds, and nostalgia on Xbox.

    Ask any member of the Saga Legends Games team what inspired Legends BMX, and childhood afternoons come flooding back: hours spent playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater with friends, then heading outside to try those virtual tricks on real bikes. Those games didn’t just entertain, they sparked a lifelong love of BMX and extreme sports, a passion shared by nearly every developer on the team.​​

    We grew up grinding rails in Tony Hawk’s, then trying to copy the moves at the local park, laughs Carlos, gameplay programmer and amateur BMX rider. The team’s mission was clear from the start: bring that same mix of fun, freedom, and creativity to BMX, with controls that reward experimentation and a vibe that welcomes everyone.

    The design process turned personal stories into game mechanics. Lead producer David drew inspiration from neighborhood skateparks seen through childhood eyes, blending stylized art with authentic features that riders recognize and appreciate. Developers debated every trick, not just for realism, but for that feeling of triumph when landing something new: We focused on the simple joy of small victories every rider knows, like landing a bunny hop or a first grind,” recalls David.

    Many on the team still ride BMX today, and sessions between work inspire new features. They met up on weekends to test animations and recreate their favorite park stunts. Mistakes became moments to laugh and learn. “Our community playtests felt like reliving our early days. The feedback from actual bikers pushed us to keep improving, says David, lead producer.

    Legends BMX isn’t just made by coders, it’s made by riders, by gamers who learned about courage and confidence from both controllers and handlebars. The game aims to capture the thrill of landing a new trick and the joy of inviting friends along for the ride just like those beloved classics from childhood.

    As Legends BMX launches on Xbox, the developers hope players, whether longtime fans or curious newcomers, will feel that sense of nostalgia, friendship, and possibility with every jump and grind. Enjoy Legends BMX on Xbox starting today!

    Legends BMX

    Firenut Games



    1




    $9.99

    $7.99


    Pure Flow and Adrenaline!
    LEGENDS BMX is an energetic and exhilarating game made for extreme sports enthusiasts! Ride your BMX through a variety of parks and scenarios designed to let you pull off incredible tricks.

    Simple & Intuitive
    Enjoy easy-to-learn mechanics and intuitive controls that provide tons of fun and a wide range of experiences. Reach attainable goals while soaring over ramps and verticals, performing spectacular tricks. Explore multiple parks filled with a variety of ramps, surfaces, and verticals in semi-realistic environments. Achieve greatness and rise to the top of the competitive leaderboard!

    Ride & Challenge Yourself
    Move freely, performing countless tricks and lines to rack up massive points in diverse parks and scenarios. Attempt the wildest tricks with our one-directional analog system. After your first stunt, your Trick Line begins, recording each additional trick and combo, adding extra points until the rider wipes out or stops. The total score for the trick line is then added to your overall tally.

    Competitions & Customization
    Execute dozens of tricks, each with variations in Spin, Flips, Manuals, and Grinds. Climb the global rankings with your best scores. Choose from multiple Riders and bikes, each with their unique style and flow.

    Cartoon & Realistic
    LEGENDS BMX combines a charismatic 3D cartoon style with semi-realistic parks, immersive environments, and striking VFX. A dynamic isometric camera follows the rider seamlessly, enhancing the thrill of riding, flowing, and executing amazing tricks.

    Gameplay Feedback
    To amplify the experience, LEGENDS BMX features engaging VFX, including bike effects, grind sparks, skids, dust trails, camera effects, small particles, pump trails, and more.

    johns

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  • An Inside Scoop of the Boxes: Lost Fragments Development Process – Xbox Wire

    Summary

    • Come behind the scenes with Big Loop Studios.
    • Focus on intricate mechanical puzzles and beautiful design.
    • Developed over 30 months with major late-stage improvements.

    What if every puzzle you solved revealed another hidden layer beneath? Boxes: Lost Fragments invites players into a world of intricate mechanisms and mesmerizing mystery.

    Hi everyone, we are Big Loop Studios – the creators of Boxes: Lost Fragments.

    We have made many puzzle games before, but when developing Boxes: Lost Fragments, we decided to double down on intricate and satisfying mechanical designs, sensible puzzles, unexpected quirks, and a bit of surreal surprises. This game is for players who like tinkering with multi-component, beautifully crafted puzzle boxes at a relaxing pace.

    Concept & Development

    We wanted each puzzle box to hold many layers of hidden mechanisms, riddles, and surprising revelations waiting to be uncovered.

    The entire development took around 30 months – way, way longer than initially planned. But this extended period turned out to be a true blessing. As time passed, many ideas evolved naturally into better versions of themselves, and some were completely replaced. For example, the tower-like upward progression of the game was introduced in the last three months of production. Talk about last-minute…

    If we have to share another peculiar detail, the initial release had a different ending that players did not like. So, thanks to our fans, we created an even better game.

    Visuals & Atmosphere

    It was essential for the game to draw you in with its sheer atmosphere even before the puzzles begin. All puzzle boxes needed to be highly detailed and beautiful to just observe. In other words, a triumph of the visual crafts, combined with polished animations, effects, and audio.

    We approached each box like a piece of art, carefully considering how each part connects to the whole, how each level transforms and evolves as the player solves different puzzle pieces, and how sound cues could build atmosphere and immersion. The result is a cohesive blend of visuals, animation, and audio designed to draw players deeper into the world without overwhelming them.

    The load on our artists and designers was immense compared to previous projects, and they did an excellent job. So prepare to get mesmerized.

    Puzzles & Gameplay

    Boxes: Lost Fragments rewards logical thinking, careful observation, and a willingness to experiment. The puzzles are varied, from clue finding to mechanical inventions and multi-step challenges that unlock new layers of intricacy. Striking the right balance between difficulty and flow was one of our primary goals. We will let you decide for yourself how close we got to this goal. If you ask us, we think the result leans more towards “enjoyably puzzling” than “brain-meltingly hard”.

    Bringing Boxes: Lost Fragments to Xbox allows us to showcase every polished animation and detailed mechanism in full fidelity. The tactile feeling of interacting with the puzzle boxes using the controller’s precise feedback feels especially satisfying on Xbox Series X|S.

    Boxes: Lost Fragments launches today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Dive into a beautiful detailed world of puzzle solving today!

    Boxes: Lost Fragments

    Snapbreak Games



    2




    $14.99

    $13.49


    As a legendary thief, your next assignment lures you into a grand and lavish mansion. There you find a series of puzzle boxes, designed for an unknown purpose.

    Suddenly, you realize that this is no ordinary building and that you are no longer in control of what is unfolding, and perhaps never were. What should have been a quick in-and-out, turns into your own harrowing struggle for freedom and answers.

    Inspired by the cryptic atmosphere, intricate machinery, and smooth controls of the best room escape games, we have created a diverse set of original puzzle levels that will test your resolve and skills to navigate this mysterious and compelling journey. Each level is beautiful, unique, and a true delight to explore and figure out.

    johns

    Source link

  • Face the Eternal Night — Everdark: Undead Apocalypse Awakens on Xbox Series X|S – Xbox Wire

    From Comic Panels to Console Screens

    Before it was a game, “Everdark” existed as a dark, gritty graphic novel — a world of eternal night where humanity’s last survivors hunted ancient bloodlines beneath a blood-red moon. The creators wanted to bring that intensity to life: the torn leather, the neon-lit rain, the smell of gunpowder and fear.

    What began as a side project among friends — illustrators, programmers, and horror fans — soon evolved into something much bigger. Everdark was first imagined as a VR experience, designed to immerse players directly into the chaos of a vampire-infested world.

    But as the prototype grew, so did the ambition. The team realized the story deserved a broader canvas — a full, cinematic game that could combine modern gameplay depth with the visceral tension of survival horror. And so, Everdark: Undead Apocalypse was reborn.

    Crafted in Unreal Engine 5

    Harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5, the developers built a world where light and shadow are as dangerous as any enemy. Dynamic global illumination, volumetric fog, and real-time reflections make every dark alley, burning church, and moonlit street come alive — or undead.

    On Xbox Series X|S, Everdark reaches native 4K resolution at 60 FPS, delivering an atmosphere so tangible you can almost feel the damp fog cling to your skin. Shadows stretch, flames flicker, and blood shines under the pale glow of the moon.

    Every environment — from abandoned cathedrals to ruined cities — has been crafted to evoke the gritty aesthetic of 80s horrorcinema, with subtle nods to the films and novels that defined an era: relentless monsters, doomed heroes, and the fragile line between humanity and darkness.

    Action, Strategy, and Survival

    At its core, Everdark: Undead Apocalypse is a third-person shooter with survival horror elements, blending gunplay, melee combat, and stealth in equal measure. Players will wield an arsenal of ranged and melee weapons — from precision rifles and shotguns to brutal hand-forged blades.

    But there’s a twist that makes every encounter unforgettable: vampires don’t die easily. To end them, you must move in close and drive a wooden stake through their heart, turning every battle into a deadly dance between aggression and risk.

    This mechanic captures the raw tension of the hunt. Every time you close the distance, you gamble everything — a heartbeat away from death.

    Beyond the combat, players will face environmental puzzles, hidden clues, and moments of stealth and infiltration, demanding both reflexes and intelligence. Light becomes your greatest ally… and your greatest weakness. Every flicker, every sound, every breath can draw attention.

    Small Team, Big Vision

    The team behind Everdark may be small, but their ambition is monumental. Composed of fewer than twenty developers — artists, writers, and coders spread across several countries — they share a single obsession: to revive the emotional, tactile horror that defined a generation.

    Instead of chasing trends, they embraced creative freedom. They wanted to make a game that feels handmade, one that channels the analog grit of VHS horror but uses the power of Unreal Engine 5 to make it modern, visceral, and alive.

    “Every flicker of light, every echoing scream, every frame was built by someone who grew up loving this genre,” says the creative director. “We didn’t want to just scare players — we wanted them to feel like they’ve stepped into a nightmare they recognize, but can’t escape.”

    Evolving from VR to a Full Apocalypse

    The first prototypes of Everdark were built for virtual reality, focusing on close-quarters combat, atmosphere, and immersion. The team experimented with first-person interactions, hand tracking, and environmental tension.

    But as the lore expanded, thescale, the exploration, the story — they all demanded more space.

    So, they pivoted from VR to full third-person gameplay, without losing that sense of intimacy and danger that defined their early vision. The result is a game that feels both cinematic and personal — where every encounter is up close, every fight leaves scars, and every decision can mean survival or damnation.

    A Tribute to 80s Horror, Reimagined for a New Generation

    From its haunting synth-inspired soundtrack to its neon-lit visuals, Everdark: Undead Apocalypse is a love letter to the horror of the 1980s — but reimagined with modern storytelling and technology.

    You’ll see echoes of forgotten classics: smoky city streets, fog-drenched cemeteries, flickering televisions, and monsters that feel terrifyingly real. But beneath the nostalgia lies a new story — one about faith, loss, and the thin line separating hunters from the hunted.

    Out Now on Xbox Series X|S

    Prepare to face the eternal night in its most intense form. Built with the soul of independent creators who dared to dream bigger.

    Everdark: Undead Apocalypse is more than a game — it’s a resurrection of classic horror for a new era.

    EVERDARK: Undead Apocalypse

    Pdpartid@games



    2



    $19.99


    Inspired by horror and B-movies from the ’80s, Everdark takes us to a city infested with vampires. Armed with stakes, garlic, crosses, holy water, and an arsenal of firearms and melee weapons, we’ll fight our way through this shooter that blends classic survival horror with an oppressive atmosphere.

    Main features

    Frenetic first-person shooter that will take you back to the ’80s with its atmosphere, references, and inspirations.

    Classic survival horror elements, including scarce resources and ammunition for your firearms, as well as puzzles that complete the experience.

    15 levels full of bloodsuckers, action, exploration, and all the ingredients you could expect from a vampire story.

    Fearsome enemies that will only die if you manage to drive a stake through their heart.

    Powerful arsenal of weapons that will allow you to fight against vampires with different strategies, using firearms, melee weapons, and classic vampire-slaying tools like holy water, crosses, garlic, and the favorite among experts: the wooden stake!

    Everdark is the first chapter of a series of video games that will take place in the same universe.

    Find out what happened in Everdark and put an end to the nightmare!

    johns

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