Our mutant arctic fox brings all her ninja assassin powers to the brawl. She swings her sickle-like kama around her, slicing foes with ease. She tosses kunai at close range to deal a major blast of damage. And the best part: she can briefly become invulnerable while targeting multiple enemies in rapid succession. Ninja powers that modify shuriken also affect her kunai, so try her out with the Ninja, Flame, and Water Powers for major impact.
Without further ado, here are some of the team’s highlights to watch out for:
Speed and power combos. Alopex is an agile and fast assassin – get in and out of combat to deal heavy damage then get back to safety. Play around with different Ninja Powers that modify her Kunai for extra elemental damage.
Power up with Artifacts. Alopex also comes with 5 new artifacts. The team’s particular favorite is Buddy the Wraith – the first ever companion in TMNT: Splintered Fate. Equip this artifact and Buddy joins you as an allied Utrom Wraith! Buddy levels up and evolves as you progress through your run – Buddy will pack a punch by the time you reach Shredder.
More Challenge. Alongside this update we have also introduced new 4-Pepper Challenges to the Arcade Mode. These will really ramp up the difficulty setting for experienced players. We have also added Ninja ranks, letting you showcase your victories with a new prestige system.
And to help you get the best out of Alopex and the new update, here are 5 top tips from the team:
Buff Alopex’s special. Alopex’s special hits several enemies. Elemental damage increases like Flame, Water and Utrom can add significant incremental damage to your special.
Use your special invulnerability. Alopex’s special also provides a brief window of invulnerability. Use it offensively and defensively! This can really help in causing an extra burst of damage while you’d be otherwise dodging and/or running away.
Beat the Mondo Metropoloso challenge (City 3). New Challenges require you to beat the Mondo Metropoloso challenge (City 3) before you can unlock them. Checking this box is a great way to start.
Max your Dragon Upgrades. These new challenges are harder than any other challenge that we’ve had in the game. Having fully levelled-up Dragon Upgrades is a great way to get ready for them.
Complete the campaign to help your ranking. The Ranking system updates with complete runs in the regular campaign and/or beating level-4 Challenges (new with this update). If you want to start with a higher ranking, completing the campaign is a great start.
With more heroes and challenges, now is a great time to jump into the portals of Splintered Fate. The Alopex Character DLC is available for purchase now, and the update with 4-Pepper challenges, ninja ranks, and more is free for all players. All content is available for Xbox Series X|S. Cowabunga!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate
Super Evil Megacorp
☆☆☆☆☆ 124
★★★★★
$29.99
$7.49
Unleash Turtle Power!
Grab your friends, pick your favorite Turtle and jump into an adventure to save Master Splinter from the Foot Clan! Master ninja skills, unite in bodacious online and local co-op gameplay, and conquer iconic NYC locales.
Looking for a more immediate, high-intensity challenge? Dive into the brand-new Arcade Mode packed with unpredictable runs, the Hex and Flex system, new biomes, fearsome Wraith enemies, and even more chaotic fun with friends.
Bodacious Co-Op Gameplay
Brace yourself for fast-paced, roguelike action where no two runs are the same. With randomized power-ups, room layouts, and boss modifiers, the excitement never ends. Take control of all four Turtles, each wielding unique powers, and team up with friends for bodacious co-op gameplay. Explore iconic NYC locations, upgrade your Turtle powers, and prepare to face off against formidable enemies.
Build Your Power
Master the powers of water and fire, utrom and ooze, light and darkness, robotics and -most importantly- Ninja to create unique and bodacious builds for your Turtles. Every run brings new challenges and opportunities – explore and perfect your favorite builds, and combine them with allies to conquer your enemies.
A Thrilling Story
When Splinter is kidnapped by Shredder, mysterious portals appear across NYC and the Turtles will battle to recover their father from the clutches of the Foot Clan. However, an even greater threat lingers in the shadows…
With additional settings, balance and tuning enhancements for PC, Splintered Fate promises to keep you engaged in the FIGHT, ADAPT, REPEAT portal loop. Be ready to restore peace to the city!
When two of the most iconic zombie universes collide, the result is something uniquely intense, atmospheric, and unmistakably thrilling. Today we’ve launched World War Z x The Walking Dead, bringing four legendary survivors into the heart‑pounding co‑op action of World War Z.
Players on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One can step into the boots of Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Michonne, and Negan as they fight through three new story chapters inspired by some of the most iconic locations in AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”
The Prison
Once a symbol of stability and hard‑won peace for Rick’s group, the Prison became one of the earliest and most dramatic battlegrounds in AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” In the crossover’s opening chapter, players return to this fortified correctional facility as a rescue mission spirals into a desperate fight for survival. Narrow hallways, cell blocks, and open yards create a mix of tight encounters and massive swarms — a perfect showcase for the new Walkers.
Walkers – The Walking Dead – Season 3, Episode 4 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC
The Alexandria Safe Zone
Alexandria has long represented hope — a walled community striving to rebuild civilization. But when Rick, Daryl, Michonne, and Negan arrive in this chapter, they find the settlement engulfed in flames and overrun by Walkers. Players will navigate and extinguish burning structures, defend panicked survivors, and push through increasingly dire challenges as the Safe Zone teeters on the brink. It’s a homecoming turned nightmare.
Walkers – The Walking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 9 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC
Grady Memorial Hospital
The final chapter takes the survivors to Grady Memorial Hospital, a location remembered for tense standoffs and its inhabitants’ moral flexibility. In World War Z, the hospital becomes a claustrophobic maze of dark corridors, abandoned wards, and sudden ambushes. Players will desperately search for much needed medicine — but will they make it out alive?
– The Walking Dead _ Season 5, Episode 4 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC
A New Breed of Undead
This crossover doesn’t just bring iconic characters — it transforms the battlefield. The standard Zeke that you face are now replaced by the slower, more methodical, and menacing Walkers from The Walking Dead, creating a threat that forces players to rethink every corridor, choke point, and fallback plan. A new special enemy, the Spiked Walker, adds even more tension. Armored, relentless, and capable of inflicting bleeding damage, it demands precision and teamwork to bring down safely.
Gino Crognale as Walker – The Walking Dead _ Season 7, Episode 10 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC
A Crossover Years in the Making
By blending WWZ’s frenetic Swarm Engine technology with the atmospheric dread of “The Walking Dead”, we’ve aimed to create a crossover that feels both familiar and entirely new. The result is hopefully a campaign that honors the legacy of both franchises while offering Xbox players a fresh, high‑stakes survival experience. If you own a copy of World War Z, you can pick up World War Z x The Walking Dead right now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!
World War Z
Mad Dog Games, LLC
☆☆☆☆☆ 515
★★★★★
$29.99
$9.89
Xbox One X Enhanced
Xbox Game Pass
Humanity is on the brink of extinction. From New York to Moscow and Jerusalem, the undead apocalypse continues to spread. As the end looms, a hardened few bands together to defeat the horde and outlive the dead.
World War Z is a heart-pounding co-op third-person shooter for up to 4 players featuring swarms of hundreds of zombies. Based on the Paramount Pictures film, World War Z focuses on fast-paced gameplay while exploring new storylines from around the world.
Battle swarms of hundreds of zombies – the Swarm Engine™ seamlessly renders hordes of zombies in incredible firefights. Advanced gore systems offer gruesomely satisfying action.
Co-op story-driven campaigns – survive around the world, as unique groups tell their stories of perseverance.
Fight other players for survival – several intense Player vs Player vs Zombies game modes complement the co-op campaigns.
Grow stronger – unlock powerful weapon upgrades and level 16 character classes to take on greater challenges.
Erangel, PUBG’s most iconic battleground, is about to face transformation unlike anything players have seen before. With the Erangel: Subzero update, the familiar landscapes of the island are plunged into a deep freeze, reshaping not only the map’s atmosphere but also the core survival experience. This update is more than a visual refresh; it expands the lore of the PUBG universe, evolves gameplay in meaningful ways, and marks the beginning of an ongoing environmental shift that will continue to unfold over time.
A Frozen New Chapter for PUBG’s Most Legendary Battleground
Since its debut, Erangel has been the heart of PUBG. It’s a battleground rich with stories, memories, and iconic skirmishes. Erangel: Subzero takes that legacy and reframes it through a dramatic environmental shift, introducing climate-driven gameplay changes that challenge players to adapt in real time.
Erangel: Subzero is not just a seasonal event. It is the start of a persistent environmental evolution, one that will grow harsher and more unpredictable as winter progresses. Players will revisit Erangel in a new atmosphere — and they will have to survive it.
Behind the Freeze: Tythonic’s Experiment Gone Wrong
What caused Erangel to plunge into a sudden and unnatural winter? The answer lies in the unfolding lore of the PUBG universe.
Tythonic, a shadowy corporation operating the Battlegrounds, initiated a secret climate-control experiment, “Project Zeus,” designed to make the battlefield more extreme purely to heighten the spectacle for the viewers. Their plan involved launching satellites into orbit to establish a weather-modification system capable of altering local climates on command.
But something went wrong.
The satellites malfunctioned and crashed back down to Earth, releasing a massive surge of cooling gas upon impact. The blast spread rapidly across Erangel, driving temperatures into freefall. As the cryogenic gas collided with the Blue Zone’s electromagnetic field, the zone itself began to crystallize, becoming colder, sharper, and more dangerous than ever before.
This catastrophic event sets the stage for Erangel: Subzero and hints at deeper connections within the expanding PUBG lore.
What’s New in the December Update
The Subzero update introduces a series of major world and gameplay changes designed to deliver a fresh-yet-familiar Erangel experience. These additions build on the frozen narrative while reshaping how players move, fight, and survive.
Satellite Crash Sites Across Erangel
Evidence of the fallen Tythonic satellites can now be found across several key locations. Areas such as Stalber, Shelter, Sosnovka Military Base, and Boatyard show visible signs of impact, along with additional scattered points across the island. These crash sites introduce new environmental details and tactical opportunities, challenging players to navigate altered terrain and unexpected structures
A Colder, Deadlier Blue Zone
The Blue Zone now carries a chilling new twist. A freezing effect is applied when players enter it, introducing layered visual and audio cues that intensify based on exposure time. While the underlying damage rules of the Blue Zone remain unchanged, the new freezing presentation heightens tension and clarity around the danger zone. This chilling mechanic also extends to the BZ Grenade, expanding its strategic utility in the battleground.
Introducing the BZ Grenade Launcher
Available exclusively in Erangel: Subzero, the BZ Grenade Launcher is a single-shot, break-action weapon that empowers players to manipulate the battlefield in new ways. Cooling rounds can reshape engagements, deny space, or pressure enemies into risky repositioning. The launcher deepens tactical possibilities within the frozen combat environment.
Dynamic Weather and Frozen Terrain
Erangel’s climate now evolves gradually throughout a match, with winter weather intensifying as the battle progresses and creating shifting visibility and atmosphere over time. Snowfall intensifies, clouds thicken, and winds grow harsher as temperatures fall. Portions of rivers and coastal waters have frozen over, opening new traversal routes and altering familiar choke points. Even the plane shows signs of frost as players begin their descent into the battleground.
A Living, Evolving Erangel
December is only the first step. The current freeze represents the opening stage of a deepening environmental crisis, and players can expect the island’s conditions to grow even more severe. As this lore arc progresses, the island’s appearance, hazards, and tactical landscape will continue to evolve, weaving Erangel into a broader PUBG narrative that connects maps, events, and characters through environmental storytelling.
Dev Comments
“With Update 39.1, Erangel, our most iconic battleground, is overtaken by a brutal winter. The frozen rivers, shifting weather, and frosty Blue Zone demand quicker decision-making and sharper adaptability.
You will find yourself crossing icy surfaces to access new routes, fighting in areas transformed by heavy snow, and experimenting with new tools like the BZ Grenade Launcher to craft strategies that didn’t exist before.
This update isn’t just about changing the scenery — it’s about reshaping the tension, pacing, and tactical choices that define the PUBG combat. As the season progresses, Erangel’s winter will continue to intensify. We hope players embrace the frigid challenge and carve out new strategies as they conquer Erangel: Subzero.
Drop into Erangel: Subzero This Winter
The cold is coming. Erangel’s new chapter has begun, with more updates on the way as the island plunges deeper into the freeze.
Stay warm, stay sharp, and survive the Subzero.
For players who want a deeper breakdown of gameplay changes and system updates, be sure to check out the full patch notes here. And to stay ahead of the winter-long events and upcoming announcements, make sure to follow PUBG’s official social channels for the latest updates.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
KRAFTON, Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 2000
★★★★★
LAND
Drop into an ever-growing and changing selection of maps to keep you challenged. Will you choose the safer outskirts and risk not getting enough loot or hot drop into the dense cities and fight from the moment you hit the ground? Every drop is different, it’s up to you to make the best with what you find.
LOOT
With unique weapons, a variety of supplies, and special tools to outwit your opponents, how you outfit yourself is up to you! Kit out your favorite weapons with powerful attachments or risk going after the hotly contested Care Packages for unique loot to give you the edge you need to win.
SURVIVE
Stocking up is only the beginning. With the Safe Zone growing ever smaller as time goes on, your risk of running into other survivors dramatically increases. Die and you’re out. You’ll need to outthink, outrun, or outshoot your opponents if you’re to be the last one standing and claim ultimate victory.
MANY WAYS TO PLAY,
Warm up in Team Deathmatch, try out constantly changing modes in the Arcade, drop into the latest seasonal event, or build your own custom lobby and challenge your friends to something unique.
EVERY MATCH IS UNIQUE
No two battles are the same, and everything hinges on the choices you make to land, loot and survive. Drop into the Battlegrounds where victory hinges on every move and every choice, and fight to be the last one standing.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
They say the path to immortality is paved with hardship. But in your case, this hardship happened to take the form of seven dangerously beautiful women. You are Lin Fan, the chosen one of the Crane Illusion Sect. Born with a Pure Yang Lineage, you are destined to ascend to the heavens. However, no matter how hard you train, fate sends yet another challenge in your way… temptations in the shape of an unreliable master, a strict senior sister, or a saintess who seems far more interested in testing your heart rather than your skills.
Enter the abandoned workshop of Murray’s Costume Manor and unravel the mystery left behind by the reclusive inventor, Edwin Murray. In Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, you’ll step into a world where every dark corner holds a secret and every flicker of light hints at an ever-present threat. The Mimic, a prototype endoskeleton, can adapt to any costume and become any character, including what you fear most. Armed with only your wits, a few gadgets, and a heavily redacted corporate briefing, you’ll attempt to retrieve Fazbear’s prized prototype technology while grappling with cryptic clues and a relentless shadow determined to dispatch all unwanted company.
Frogo Deluxe
Zakym s. r. o.
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Frogo Deluxe – December 16 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Handheld Optimized / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery
Frogo Deluxe is the latest installment in the popular Frogo series. In this cross road game, players must navigate through various obstacles, collecting coins and special items along the way. The coins collected can be used to purchase new animals, each with more lives, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game is infinite, becoming more challenging as players achieve higher scores. How far can you go?
Step into the role of a Dungeon Monarch, a chosen guardian of your master’s dungeon. Equipped with formidable magic and an inexhaustible army of summonable troops that synergize with one another, your mission is to repel adventurers, envious rivals, and other deities seeking to invade and raze the dungeon.
Balloball – Ribbit & Rescue is a bright cartoon arcade game. You have to save all the frogs that the evil fairies have trapped in soap bubbles. Use your hero’s agility and speed to avoid all the traps and the power of physics to calculate the flight paths.
Let the ever-wandering Hidden Cats crew be your guide through colorful Istanbul! Explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Gülhane Park while relaxing to soothing Turkish-inspired music. Discover over 900 hidden objects, unlock special cats, and as always – enjoy cozy, no-stress gameplay in a city full of color, history, and charm!
Journey into the Forbidden Realms to reclaim a lost kingdom. Step into the role of Princess Lyria, a young royal whose once-prosperous realm has fallen to ruin. Its treasures have been stolen, its magic has faded, and dark forces now rule the land. To restore her throne, Lyria must venture into the Forbidden Realms — mysterious, dangerous lands filled with ancient power and hidden secrets. Armed with courage and emerging magical abilities, you’ll explore lush landscapes, forge powerful alliances, and uncover long-buried truths about your heritage. Each decision you make shapes Lyria’s destiny: become a wise and just ruler… or embrace the darker paths of ambition and power.
It’s mischief night at Billy’s haunted manor, and the host has quite the challenge in mind for all monsters invited! Partake in a competition of hide-and-seek with an original twist: the only place to hide is the crowd of monstrous guests of which you are part. Find who you are in the crowd and rise to the challenge to be crowned the sneakiest and most perceptive of all monsters! Figure out who you are discreetly, then fulfil your objectives and seek out other players without breaking character to avoid being caught.
The Axis Unseen is a heavy metal horror game created by one of the developers of Skyrim and Fallout. Track down nightmarish creatures from folklore in a mysterious open world, steal their enhanced senses, and discover arrows with immense powers. But beware — the hunter often becomes the hunted.
In a future ruled by steel and circuitry, humanity’s reign has ended. The machines we built to serve us have turned against us, deeming their creators unworthy to inhabit Earth. Cities lie in ruins, and the last remnants of humankind hide beneath the ashes of a fallen world. But hope isn’t dead — it’s armed to the teeth. Meet Explodera, a ragtag crew of reckless freedom fighters with one simple philosophy: if it sparks, it explodes. Fueled by chaos and defiance, they fight their way through mechanical armies to reach the ultimate target — the Mother Computer, the cold heart of the machine uprising. If they can blow it to pieces, humanity might just get another shot at survival.
Hoomanz! is a stealth-adventure game packed with coziness and humour, featuring non-combat gameplay & family-friendly content. Play as Shoo, the mythical guardian of Planet Erf with a hidden dual nature, to scare away all the ignorant invading Hoomanz. Darkness is nature’s friend, light is its enemy.
Humble Haunted House is an action tower defense video game. You act as Succubus, who disguised as a haunted attraction manager for a theme park. By setting up scary props, or popping out as a live actor, it’s a matter of time before the long line of visitors get scared. Little do they know, they have faced some real monsters.
Join Scott Whiskers on his new adventure and plunge into a colorful and family-friendly experience in a class of its own! Sun, beach and sea – sunken pirate treasures, mystical Mayan rites, a bubbling volcano – and lots of puzzles and lovable characters make for the vacation of a lifetime!
Zumba – The Dragon’s Marble Trial invites you into an enchanting world where a charming dragon wields colorful marbles in mouth and tail! Pick a stage, aim your dragon-launched marbles at winding paths, and match three or more identical colors to trigger explosive combos before they invade your lair. Rack up high scores and up to three stars per level by clearing waves quickly and precisely.
Krampus is Coming! Grab your shotgun, finish your hot punch and don’t forget your mission: Save Christmas! Big Trouble in Little Chimney is a fast paced arena bullet-hell shooter. Survive endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark chimney and save Christmas! Try to beat your high score!
Step into the whimsical world of Cup Heroes, where everyday cups turn into mighty heroes on an epic quest to save their beloved Queen! Collect coins and gems to unlock a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities. Upgrade their skills to make them even more powerful and adaptable to different challenges.
In Escape From Crypt, you take on the role of a warrior determined to prove your worth by facing a deadly crypt filled with treacherous traps and relentless enemies. Can you make it out alive? Use your Wall Jump with precision, unleash powerful sword strikes, and overcome every challenge as you venture through the dark depths. Conquer your fears, defy the impossible, and reach the end of Escape From Crypt!
Responding to an unusual emergency call from a remote mining base, Jack arrives at the dark and desolate Fort Solis. With storm warnings imminent, he heads inside to make desperate contact. As the night grows longer, events spiral out of control, and the mystery of what happened to the crew begins to reveal itself. The storm is approaching, limiting Jack’s escape as he looks to hold out until morning arrives.
Leap, dodge, and conquer deadly gauntlets in Frog Hero DX a precision platformer where every jump could be your last. Take command of our determined, brave hero: a fearless frog on a perilous trek through lush swamps, blazing caverns, and clockwork fortresses. Bounce off enemies to defeat them, thread the gap between spinning blades and bursts of fire, and stick perfect landings across collapsing bridges and molten pits.
Welcome to the co-op shooter where the end of the world has never looked so… tasty! The end of days is near, with the city infested by ravenous, greasy food creatures, bringing total chaos and destruction. Our last hope lies with a band of skillful, trigger-happy cooks who are determined not to end up as the main course.
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 Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
Tribute Games and Dotemu are teaming up again, in collaboration with Marvel Games, to craft an original, fresh beat ’em up. Featuring dynamic combat combos and dazzling pixel art, this planet-hopping adventure stands as a love letter to the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or family, Marvel Cosmic Invasion has you covered with local/online play and a drop-in/drop-out adaptive system. A cosmic battle awaits!
Start from zero and discover the newest entry in the Octopath Traveler series. Experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings — an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra. Enjoy familiar features such as the series’ HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG; the player’s ability to roleplay using Path Actions of their choice; and the Break and Boost system that can turn the tide of battle. Additionally, brand-new features such as character creation and town building allow you to create your own character and restore your hometown.
Blood: Refreshed Supply follows Caleb, an undead gunslinger on a quest for revenge against his former demonic master, Tchernobog. Despite his once powerful position as a fearsome Cabal commander and one of Tchernobog’s “Chosen” few, Caleb and his fellow Chosen are betrayed by the dark god and slain for reasons unknown. Seeking answers and vengeance, Caleb rises from the grave to put a stop to Tchernobog and his murderous lieutenants once and for all.
ROUTINE
Raw Fury
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Routine – December 4 Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Optimized for Handheld / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery
Routine is a first-person sci-fi horror title set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Curious exploration turns into a need for survival when a lunar base goes completely quiet. Searching for answers puts you face to face with an enemy who is certain the main threat is you. Discoveries lead to deeper unknowns and the only way to go is forward.
Observe. Report. Survive the night. Monitor the surveillance system for anomalies and report them to survive the night. Use your sharp eyes and keen attention to detail to detect supernatural anomalies ranging from subtle environmental changes to eerie and unsettling otherworldly intruders. Can you survive the night shift, or will you succumb to paranoia…? I’m on Observation Duty 8 is the most ambitious title yet in the original viral franchise that ignited a trend in spot-the-difference horror games that have been loved by players and streamed for millions by legendary content creators.
You’re out of jail, but the debt isn’t gone. Sneak, steal, and break into houses solo or in 4-player co-op. Use lockpicks, sleeping gas, and brute force to complete jobs, outsmart security, and make enough money before time runs out. Will you pay back what you owe, or lose everything?
Seven centuries in the future, humanity is collapsing. In an attempt to spare yourself the same fate as the rest of the system, you flee to the furthest away place you can feasibly survive: Pluto. Survive the downfall of humanity in a centuries old survival bunker, or at least the first week. You crash land on Pluto, it’s the furthest away place you could reach that was apart of the CCOT’s emergency shelter program. It had been centuries since it was last used, which has left it needing maintenance. Ride out the Plutonian night while hiding from the end.
Brok, a former boxer turned detective, stumbles upon an underground bar hidden deep in the Slums. Old instincts kick in, and he jumps headfirst to prove he’s still top dog! (or…gator.) Solo or with a friend in co-op, take on creative challenges inspired by “Event matches” of platform fighters, taken to the next level with original addictive mechanics and variety. In this gritty-yet-humorous bar, meet unforgettable characters and uncover surprises around every corner as the story unfolds.
Step into the warm world of Cute Bonfire, a charming pixel-art puzzle game set inside a fireplace. Take control of a little fire spirit that moves tile by tile, pushing charcoal pieces to light up the bonfires. With 30 levels of gradually increasing difficulty, delightful visuals, and a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, Cute Bonfire is perfect for casual players who love the satisfaction of solving puzzles.
Elon and Friends: Winter Pack – 13 Games (Xbox+XPA+PC)
This winter celebration pack contains the following games: Elon and the Divine Proof, Green Soldiers Heroes, Extreme Bikers, Prison of Illusion, Super Snake Block DX, and SHMUP Mania. Windows (PC) versions are optimized for handheld PCs.
Sleep Awake is an immersive first-person psychedelic horror narrative experience that explores the realm between sleep and death. Submitted to perpetual insomnia, the denizens of the last known city on Earth are reaching a panic crisis of reckless experiments in an effort to avoid The Hush, the inexplicable disappearance of those who sleep. Playing as Katja, you must survive the devotees of various depraved death cults and desperately try to stay awake. Solve the puzzles of this mysterious world while avoiding the grasp of the death cults in an attempt to shatter the horrors of the past.
Slimeboo
Zakym s. r. o.
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Slimeboo – December 2 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Optimized for Handheld / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery
Slimeboo is a simple and fun platformer game that is perfect for children of all ages. The game is controlled with a single button, making it accessible to even the youngest players. Boo, a small and adorable slime, has gotten lost on a tropical island. To find his way home, he must leap over all the obstacles in his path. Help him overcome them! Good luck!
Caput Mortum is a short first-person horror experience inspired by retro 3D dungeon crawlers and survival horror games. Delve into a tower of forgotten nightmares, where every step could be your last. Overcome horrors from beyond death and unlock the secrets of forbidden knowledge.
An evil Lich has tainted Mama Duck’s beloved pond and kidnapped her ducklings! Arm up and beat him once and for all in this QuackMan roguelite – storm through dungeon mazes to rescue her family! With classic arcade controls and a twist – an attack button that lets you smash walls and enemies – you’ll fight back against the Lich and his army in no time!
Embark on a journey through the depths of a lost ancient jungle temple. Start your journey through the depths of a forgotten jungle temple. Match colorful balls, unlock powerful power-ups, and construct your own temple as you progress. Choose between adventure and endless modes, immersing yourself in classic match-3 gameplay!
A pirate turned into octopus. Can you break the curse? OctoCurse is an action platformer following the story of a pirate captain who has been turned into an octopus by an evil spirit. The little octopus embarks on the quest to save the rest of his crew and reverse the curse. Experience epic pirate adventure. Explore levels, collect coins, unlock doors and climb the mysterious tower as you get closer and closer to the final showdown. Make your way through the tropical jungle, brave the harsh winter, weather the storm and endure other exciting environs. Save your friends and meet new ones along the way.
Classic sokoban with a twist and a sci-fi theme! A scientific organization sends a robot-expeditor developed on artificial intelligence to the newly discovered exoplanet Xeran, on which, most likely, there are very valuable resources for humanity.
Explore a heartfelt and thought-provoking tale of bittersweet homecoming! As Elias returns to the coastal town that once sheltered him, he’s pulled into a slow winter of connection, memory and quiet decisions. Take the role of this young man and guide the choices he makes, surrounded by the warmth of townspeople young and old, often holding conversations in a bookstore over shared coffee.
Step into the shadows of New York City in Yakuza: Shadows of New York, a gripping action-adventure where the old codes of honor clash against the forces of modern corruption. Become Kaito Nakamura, a skilled enforcer on a mission to find his missing mentor while navigating the city’s dark and treacherous underbelly.
Baseless is a challenging planet-jumping shooter. Blast from planet to planet with 360° gravity, creatively demolishing every enemy in your path. Fire powerful weapons, rescue cute friends, and discover a galaxy worth fighting for!
Detective – Rainy Night puts you in the shoes of Iker Carmona, a police officer investigating a string of strange disappearances. After a long drive, Iker decides to spend the night at a small roadside motel called the Holiday. What begins as a quiet stop quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
Finding America: The Heartland Collector’s Edition
Strap on your seatbelts for a trip to America’s Heartland! From South Dakota’s monumental Mount Rushmore to the humble farmhouses of Kansas, this lovely slice of American pie will have something just for you. Visit jazz bars in Illinois, Wisconsin’s cheese shops, and stunning national parks, all as lovingly crafted Hidden Object Scenes and challenging Minigames! Complete each chapter, unlock tons of trivia, and enjoy everything the Heartland has to offer in this all-American Hidden Object game!
Your daughter is missing. The world is gone. Only the Mist remains. In Mist, a devastating crash marks the beginning of your descent into a world lost to alien terror. As a father, you search desperately for your child—but what you find instead is a crumbling world buried in fog, crawling with monsters beyond comprehension. This is no ordinary RPG. Mist fuses idle progression, visceral real-time combat, and an evolving horror narrative into a genre-defying experience. As you explore the ruins of civilization, you’ll form a pact with a mysterious alien being that grants you strength—at a cost. Level up, mutate, and unlock terrifying new abilities as you battle grotesque creatures and uncover long-buried truths.
The Phantom is an arcade-style beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles. Play as the Phantom or his partner, Diana Palmer, in this 14-level adventure. The feared pirates of the Singh Brotherhood are battling for power and threatening the Phantom’s legacy, and it’s up to you to stop them. Use your hand-to-hand fighting skills and trusty weapons to dispatch this evil, and call in assistance from your animal friends Fraka the falcon and Devil the wolf. The Phantom features a brand-new story approved by King Features. Experience this canon addition through full-screen cut scenes and captivating in-game visuals, hand-illustrated and animated frame-by-frame by seasoned comic book artists and Art Of Play’s dedicated in-house 2D creative team.
A warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. What’s left of humanity are minds trapped in circuits. You are awaken as ReSetna, a warrior on a mission to rescue last human remnants. Explore seven hostile zones, face seven brutal bosses and evolve through a unique upgrade system. Uncover horrifying truth and decide if the future is worth saving.
Experience interaction in a new and engaging way. Choose to respond to what the characters have to say… directly! Deal with your own hostage situation, negotiate for more than just your freedom. Learn about the people who hold you captive, deconstruct the cult, manipulate them- all to not end up as their next sacrifice.
Your veterinary adventure begins at the wildlife park! Help injured and sick animals such as horses, deer, ducks, donkeys, goats, rabbits, and many more. With a great deal of empathy, you examine symptoms, make diagnoses, and treat over 30 different diseases. Each animal has individual needs and is waiting for your expert help. Use modern instruments, accompany your patients’ recovery step by step, and experience a varied everyday life in the animal park. Intuitive controls, realistic treatments, and lovingly animated animals make this game a highlight for young animal lovers.
Connect It is a clever, visually striking puzzle game that challenges you to link matching colors scattered across a grid. Your mission? Draw connections between all the pairs—without crossing paths. It sounds simple… until it’s not. With over 200 handcrafted levels, each one more intricate than the last, Connect It constantly surprises with new layouts and clever twists. The controls are intuitive, the gameplay is smooth, and every solved puzzle delivers that satisfying “aha!” moment.
With his children away on the moon, there is no time to relax for Dr. Cavor. Once again, Victoria is under attack. The aging but brilliant scientist begins research on a new means of defense. After much work, he finds success with Mechanized Assault Unity 19 — M.A.U.S.
Pixapple Adventure is a colorful pixel-art platformer starring a brave little apple with arms and legs! Run, jump, and collect all the stars to open the portal and reach the next level. Across three vibrant worlds — Forest, Snow, and the Valley of Fear — the challenge increases as you progress. Simple, fast, and fun, Pixapple brings back the joy of classic platformers with a charming twist.
Santa’s World is a jump-‘n-run Christmas game inspired by classic platform games. The goal is to find the three lost Christmas gifts and go to the next level while collecting items. Traps, obstacles, and enemies make the quest very challenging. Find snowballs and throw them at enemies to remove them. 3D graphics packed in a nice graphics style, great 2.5D levels and proven gameplay gives you hours of fun.
The year is 1996 and you’re employed by a science lab called Nova Nexus. You work as a security guard at the front gate to the lab, inside a guard booth. However, tonight it seems something important is happening inside of Nova Nexus and things are… well… a little strange. Your job is simple. you must make sure that only the right authorized personnel are getting into the facility. To do this, when a car arrives at the gates, it is your job to go and talk with the driver and check their license plate. Make sure that the person is on the employee register by finding the license plate on the register. If the person is not on the register you must tell them to leave. Make sure to only open the gates to employees and keep the gate closed at all times.
Inspired by 80s and 90s classics, Speed Factor is an old-school racing game with pixelated graphics, arcade driving style, exhilarating punk rock music, and some awesome classic cars! Customize the difficulty level and traction assist level to your personal tastes to make the game as easy or challenging as you want. Cruise through 50 different tracks spread across 5 locations! Win races and earn money to level up and improve your ride!
Get ready for non-stop fun in Stacky Dash! Slide to collect tiles, build paths, and race through colorful levels full of exciting surprises. Dodge blasting cannons, and zip through portals as you conquer each tricky stage! Save adorable animals to grow your own zoo and take on timed challenges to test your speed. With tons of cool skins to unlock, every level is packed with energy and fun!
Fix, build and renovate highly detailed and fully interactive tanks (German, USA or Soviet), armored cars or self-propelled guns. Experience a realistic simulator game of being a Tank Mechanic. Find abandoned and destroyed tanks from battlefields of Second World War. Use special tools to find each tank, and extract it from the ground. Grow your repair service business and start your own tank museum.
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
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
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.
In the ’90s, over a decade before the release of epic Western adventures like Red Dead Redemption, LucasArts introduced the world to Outlaws. Originally released in 1997, Outlaws was a truly groundbreaking entry in what was widely considered a niche genre at the time.
It was also LucasArts’ first venture into the creation of an original first-person shooter.
From Star Wars to Outlaws
To help set it apart from previous Star Wars-related releases, LucasArts modified the Jedi game engine they’d previously utilized for Star Wars: Dark Forces and enhanced the INSANE animation engine to better optimize it for Outlaws’ cutscenes.
LucasArts also created a compelling Western-style plot and cast of characters for the game, including protagonist James Anderson, a retired U.S. Marshal who sets off on a quest for vengeance after his wife is murdered and his daughter kidnapped by outlaws.
Drawing inspiration from Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns, the outlaws who murder Anderson’s wife aren’t rogue agents wreaking havoc at random. Instead, they’re employed by a corrupt railroad baron, Bob Graham, who seeks to intimidate Anderson into selling his farm so he can build his railroad through it.
Departing from the colder sci-fi settings of titles like Star Wars: Dark Forces, even the grimmest moments in Outlaws are bathed in warmth thanks to its colorful, hand-painted backgrounds and fully animated, voice-acted cutscenes.
A great example of this can be found right at the beginning of the game, with cutscenes showing the happy home life Anderson will soon be robbed of, along with his wife and daughter.
Beyond its visuals and story, a key way in which Outlaws proved itself noteworthy was with its soundtrack.
LucasArts understood music to be an essential part of the Western genre, with Outlaws becoming the first FPS of its kind to feature a fully orchestrated score created by legendary composer Clint Bajakian.
Working with the Original Team
In Nightdive’s recently released Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster, you’ll be able to revisit the game’s iconic soundtrack in its Vault. In addition to behind-the-scenes documents and concept art, the Vault features commentary from Clint Bajakian for each of the score’s 15 tracks.
“The style was to be an original homage to the great spaghetti Western soundtracks of the late Ennio Morricone,” Bajakian explains in his exclusive Vault commentary. “Most all of the score is live recording, making possible the achievement of something real, something truly spaghetti.”
Not only will fans be able to enjoy Clint Bajakian’s insight into the creation of the game’s soundtrack, but Nightdive also conducted a special Deep Dive podcast interview for Outlaws with original level designer Kevin Schmitt.
“I textured most of the levels in Outlaws — you know, the texture artist created it and I put it on the walls,” Schmitt recounts in his Deep Dive interview. “I placed the props, I placed the enemies, I did the scripting, I placed the audio. We wrote a lot of the dialogue; we did everything back then.”
As nice as it is to have these as bonus items with Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster, for Nightdive including members of a game’s original development team wherever possible is considered a key part of the remaster process.
“Involving members of the original development team is important because it’s vital for authenticity, accuracy, and respect for the artists and developers who brought their vision to life,” Kick explains. “Their insight into mechanics, limitations they faced, and design helps our team keep the remasters we develop faithful to the original, not just in look, but in spirit as well.”
Modernizing a Timeless Classic
For Nightdive, maintaining the authenticity of a game’s original experience is one of the studio’s primary goals. The team wants the game to play the way you remember it, with options included in Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster that emphasize this, including the ability to toggle between the game’s original and remastered graphics.
While originally a PC release, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster will be available on consoles for the first time ever, including Xbox One and Series X|S. On consoles, Outlaws will offer improved gamepad support, including a weapon selection wheel, aim assist, and rumble.
No matter how or where you choose to play it, nearly three decades after its original release, Outlaws continues to remain a defining entry in the Western genre — one that’s well worth revisiting or checking out for the very first time.
When asked why Outlaws continues to resonate with gamers to this day, Kick explains:
“Where most FPS games of its era were about shock and spectacle, Outlaws told a simple, emotional story underscored by a music composition that treated the material with genuine gravity. There simply weren’t many Western-themed games during this time.”
If you’re wondering whether physical editions of Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster will be available for purchase in the future, the answer is almost certainly yes.
“Fans are always asking about a physical edition,” Kuperman notes. “We think that physical editions are important to game preservation. We know that our fans always appreciate that option, so we hope to release physical editions of the game, including the game cart, for our fans to enjoy in the future.”
If you want to saddle up and play the game right here and now, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is available digitally on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster
Lucasfilm, Disney, Atari, Nightdive Studios
☆☆☆☆☆ 19
★★★★★
$29.99
From the team that brought you STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster comes the return of the 1997 western FPS classic, Outlaws!
Saddle up and ride back into the Wild West with the gunslinging ex-Marshal, James Anderson, and face off against the good, the bad, and the even worse this side of the Mississippi as you work to uncover a twisted plot of greed and corruption. With your trusty six-shooting .45 Revolver, Scoped .44 Rifle, 10-Gauge Shotgun, and good ol’ Sawed-Off 12-Gauge Shotgun, you’ll be packin’ plenty of firepower to take out all manner of outlaw varmints.
Outlaws + Handful of Missions features high-resolution, uncompressed cutscenes and updated visuals for weapons, characters, and enemies, all fully recreated from archived art and stylized to match the original look with full color palettes. Outlaws + Handful of Missions also offers Cross-Play Multiplayer with game modes including Deathmatch, Team Play, Capture the Flag, and Kill The Fool With The Chicken!
Players should check out the BCX event for exciting new announcements, as well as play the free in-game anniversary event.
Managing Director Zeke Sparkes reflects on the early days of the game, how it’s grown to a community over 125 million players strong, and keeping the community at the core of the game’s vision.
Brawlhalla, the free-to-play platform fighting game, is celebrating its 10th anniversary since launching its open beta in 2015. What started as an indie game with five playable Legends has grown into a pillar of the fighting game community, with 67 playable Legends; a plethora of maps and biomes; crossovers with popular IP such as Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Halo, among many others; and over 125 million lifetime players.
Each year, around its anniversary, Brawlhalla celebrates in two ways: an in-game anniversary celebration, and the in-person Brawlhalla World Championship Expo (BCX). BCX 2025 is taking place at the Gateway Center in Atlanta, GA from November 21-23, and will feature world-class competitive Brawlhalla, announcements of what’s coming in 2026, and an expo packed with dev panels, cosplay, and more.
The in-game anniversary event runs now through December 3: a month-long celebration of Brawlhalla featuring new content, community events, rewards, and surprises. The festival introduces a new Legend – a cleric named Lady Vera – as well as the long-awaited Guild feature, which allows players to build community in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a new player, Brawlhalla’s 10th anniversary is the perfect time to log in, join a Guild, and brawl it out in the arena.
Zeke Sparkes is Brawlhalla’s managing director, and he’s been a developer on the game since its inception. We spoke to him to learn more about Brawlhalla’s beginning, how it’s continued to grow over the past decade, and how the team kept the player community at the core of the game’s vision.
What can you tell us about Brawlhalla’s early days of development and the vision for the game?
It was exciting because we realized pretty early on that we had something that had legs, but we didn’t know how far it could go. So, we poured our hearts into it and built really strong ties with the community early on. We knew, especially being free to play, that we had to be talking and listening and adapting based on what the community was saying. And so, we put ourselves out there and it’s been a wild ride seeing how far we can go.
Has the approach to development changed in the last decade?
I’d say the mentality is still the same. It’s a team that loves the game – everybody is here because they want to be working on Brawlhalla, and we are connected to the community. We’re constantly finding new ways to listen to the community and figure out what we can do to tweak the game, keep people interested and excited, see what things we’re doing that are working well, and what things we’re doing that aren’t working so well that we need to update. We’ve had a constant commitment to that.
Over the years, we’ve gone from launching just on Steam, where we could patch two, three, four, five times a week – really, really fast – to being on every major platform. That adds a layer of logistics we didn’t have early on; we have to plan a bit further ahead. So, the processes changed a little bit, but the heart and mentality are still the same.
As you’ve mentioned, community is a huge part of Brawlhalla, and being connected to the community has been the plan since day one. How did you build that community relationship? Was there any surprising feedback?
One of the first things we did was stream the game on Twitch, even before we really understood what Twitch was or how to do a good stream. We knew that it was going to be important, and it was one of the first times you could get real-time feedback from players as a developer, which was really exciting.
Because of that connection, we had a really big change early on. Originally, the game wasn’t character-focused; you would build an avatar and then spec out exactly how you wanted your character to be based on the weapons we dropped for you during gameplay. The early feedback told us the prototype was cool, the combat’s fun, but characters were missing. That’s when we started to think about pivoting to a character-centric game and started figuring out what archetypes we could add based on what we had made. We started with five Legends and released the 67th this month.
Now, we’ve got a full-on livestream studio with a set and awesome production values and motion graphics, but the core of the experience is still there, where it’s us talking to the community about what we’re doing, what’s going on, seeing how they react to stuff, and listening to the things they want to see in the game. That’s how we keep Brawlhalla moving forward.
Brawlhalla’s World Championship Expo (BCX) is taking place November 21-23 in Atlanta. What can fans expect this year?
That is the place to tune into. You get the best Brawlhalla gameplay in the entire world, and it just gets better every year. It’s incredible – the atmosphere is amazing, and it’s where we make some of our biggest announcements and reveals. We’ve got some really good ones lined up this year (I’m thinking of a couple now that are going to make people go crazy), so make sure you tune in on twitch.tv/Brawlhalla.
Any reflections on the past decade you’d like to share? What’s up next for Brawlhalla?
Lady Vera, our 67th Legend, is out now. She’s a cleric with some really interesting signature moves, and you can do some pretty fun stuff with her. She has a lot of radial skills, so depending on where you are when you do the move, the direction that your opponent goes can change pretty dramatically. So, if you’re creative, this really is a character for you. We’ve also just released phase one of our Guilds feature, which is a long-time player request. You’ll be able to build your community of players around a Guild that works across all different platforms, and that’s just phase one. We’ll continue to add cool, new, engaging mechanisms to Guilds as we move forward. Tune into BCX 2025 for more specifics of what’s to come!
I’d also like to say that building Brawlhalla with this team and with the community has been amazing. Over the past decade, players have shaped this game’s direction, fueled its esports scene, and fostered a welcoming space for brawlers of all backgrounds. The Anniversary Event is as much a celebration of the community as it is of the game itself. It’s exactly what we love to do and we’re so thankful for everybody that’s been on this journey with us whether you’re brand new today or you’ve been playing Brawlhalla since the closed alpha. We’re super excited that there’s a community of people that love the game and love what we’re doing.
Brawlhalla is free to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Brawlhalla
Ubisoft
☆☆☆☆☆ 1014
★★★★★
An epic platform fighter for up to 8 players online or locally. Try casual free-for-alls, ranked matches, or invite friends to a private room. And it’s free! Play cross-platform with millions of players on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android and Steam! Frequent updates. Over fifty Legends._x000d_
_x000d_
The Legend Rotation of nine free to play characters changes every week, and you can earn gold to unlock more Legends by playing any online game mode. _x000d_
Includes: Orion Legend unlock, Dark Age Orion Skin, Thumb’s Up Emote, Trident Weapon Skin._x000d_
_x000d_
Brawhalla will always be 100% free to play with no pay-to-win advantages.
Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Selects 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.
It’s spooky season, which means scary movies and creepy vibes are in full swing. If you’re not quite ready to face the dark alone, no worries — the ID@Xbox team has handpicked 6 awesome indie games to keep you company.
Some of these are in keeping with the dark vibes of October, but others are far from it – if you’re easily scared, we have some friendlier picks, too. Whether you want to team up with friends for a space raid, enjoy some alone time tending crops, explore strange buildings with even stranger gameplay, or solve wild puzzles in new lands, there’s something here to keep the shadows at bay.
Here’s more on what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):
Jump Space (formerly Jump Ship) delivers one of the most thrilling sci-fi co-op experiences I’ve played in a while. This mission-based PvE co-op game puts up to four players in charge of crewing a spaceship with seamless transitions between ship management and on-foot missions. You and your crew head out on roguelike missions traveling across a chosen path gathering resources, engaging in cargo raids, and more – all with the hopes of bringing permanent upgrades back to your base. Aside from taking on quests to progress the narrative, you’ll also be doing side quests for the various vendors in the Hangar to earn credits, spacesuits, and Materia Ingots for upgrades. The gameplay loop is simple yet engaging: explore space, customize your ship and gear, and survive intense deep-space encounters together – and, if you’re lucky, upgrade.
After spending around 12 hours traveling the stars, I really enjoyed what’s here. Each mission is a roguelike journey made up of multiple jumps, where each choice affects future paths and rewards. Strategic route selection is key to optimizing both short-term success and long-term gains for your base. From what I’ve experienced so far, Jump Space truly shines when played with a group, because even in the most desperate situations, smart teamwork and a bit of luck can lead to the most exhilarating, last-second escapes.
Jump Space is still in Game Preview, but it’s already showing incredible promise. If you’re into games like Void Crew or Wildgate, this is an easy recommendation. But even fans of the spacefaring elements in No Man’s Sky or Starfield might be surprised by how much they enjoy it. I’m genuinely excited to see how it evolves over time – Raymond Estrada
Jump Space (Game Preview)
Keepsake Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 239
★★★★★
$19.99
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.
Jump Space is a mission based co-op PvE for 1-4 players, where you are the crew of a spaceship. Transition seamlessly from crewing the ship to on-foot exploration and space walks. Explore, upgrade, and survive intense encounters in deep space together.
Full details on the latest status of the game, how you can give feedback and report issues can be found at https://jumpspacegame.com
Echoes of the Plum Grove, my comfy farming obsession. Picture this: you wake up, the sun’s shining, and your biggest dilemma is whether to plant carrots or go chat with the quirky neighbor who keeps gifting you turnips. That’s Echoes of the Plum Grove in a nutshell—a charming farming and life-sim game that feels like a warm hug with a side of strategy. It’s all about growing crops, crafting, and building a life in a world that moves at your pace.
From the moment I started, I was hooked. There’s something magical about watching your little farm transform season by season. Sure, winter can sneak up on you (pro tip: stockpile food!), but that’s part of the fun—planning ahead becomes its own cozy challenge. And the townsfolk? They’re full of personality, making every interaction feel like a mini story.
If you’ve played Stardew Valley or a Harvest Moon game, you’ll feel right at home here. But Echoes adds a cool twist: generational gameplay. Your choices echo (pun intended!) through time, which makes every decision feel meaningful. I’ve spent countless hours tending crops, exploring hidden paths, and laughing at unexpected events. It’s the kind of game that makes you lose track of time—in the best way – Jessica Ronnell
Echoes of the Plum Grove
indie.io
☆☆☆☆☆ 16
★★★★★
$19.99
A new life awaits you in Honeywood! After washing onto the island’s shores, you’ll find yourself the newly minted owner to a humble plot of land. Pull up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get to work building a farm that will last not only a lifetime, but span generations!
Echoes of Plum Grove is a casual, cozy farm simulator where your decisions have consequences! What to plant, what to stock for the winter, and who to befriend will shape not only the town of Honeywood, but the island itself.
Detective Dotson is a mystery adventure game set in a vibrant pixelated version of modern India. The story follows a detective uncovering clues to solve various cases, each one revealing new details about the mysterious death of his father. The story is engaging as each case, no matter how small it might look, provides a new piece of the larger puzzle about the mystery of his father’s sudden passing. The game rewards exploration, you gather clues by interacting with the colorful cast of charismatic characters and engage in fun mini games – my favorite being dancing.
Masala Games perfectly captured nuances, vibes, and expressions of the characters and fun environments. The world is inviting and stimulating, I love spending time exploring to discover countless details in the background, from street vendors and people celebrating the Festival of Colors, to the hilarious moment when a guard throws a sandal at trespassers. It’s clear this is a labor of love, the lively soundtrack and top-tier voice acting elevate the experience even further, making the world of Detective Dotson a joy to explore.
There’s also a 60 minute movie available for free on YouTube that serves as prologue to the story. You don’t need to watch it to enjoy the game, but I recommend it if you want to dive deeper into Detective Dotson’s universe.
Overall, Detective Dotson is a charming, engaging experience that combines mystery and humor, with puzzles and mini-games. It’s a game that invites you to linger, explore, and return to catch the little details you missed the first time – Oscar Polanco
Detective Dotson
Masala Games Private Limited
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$14.99
A cozy mystery game about a detective with Bollywood dreams. It’s the first adventure game set in the colorful streets of India. Engage with adorable 2D characters living in a 3D world. Find clues and solve the evidence board. With each case, a larger mystery unfolds. Play gully cricket, dance at weddings or help a cute grandma find hidden objects. Everything is always at your own pace in Detective Dotson. Enjoy the wholesome vibes but don’t forget to bargain, for everything!
Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion III is a wild mash-up of genres that includes Metroidvania-style progression, Match-3 puzzle “combat”, and visual novel presentation. You’ll make your way through dozens of branching paths as the seemingly cookie-cutter maybe-game hero, J.J. Hardwell, in order explore the eponymous mansion while stumbling upon some seriously goofy, deeply meta story elements that keep this firmly footed in comedy rather than creepy.
Spoiler alert: While this game has a “3” at the end of its title, this isn’t a sequel to any real-world existing game series. That fact alone should tip you off to the fact that the always clever minds behind CRDM3 at Strange Scaffold (I Am Your Beast, Clickolding, etc.) have cooked up a game that continually surprises in a way that I found absolutely compelling and entertaining. Each confrontation in the mansion – be it with a pterodactyl in clown make-up or a foul-mouthed tiny angry dino with a pistol – is solved through Match-3-style puzzle “fights”, each with unique attacks/abilities based on lining up colored gems or other symbols. I can’t say I’ve seen this type of mechanic used in this particular way to such silly, smartly written, and yet challenging effect. I loved every minute of it.
The systems in the game go much deeper than just “Candy Crush but with dinosaurs,” including branching dialogue choices that unlock “traits” which in turn give you access to new areas that you weren’t able to explore before. If you’re on board to dive into a wildly unhinged, hilarious, and very inventive interactive love letter to indie game development (and being “always online”), then look no further than this oddball delight. It may have all the trimmings of being a (fantastic) joke-filled romp on its surface, but ultimately there’s an earnest heart (especially for game creators in a tough, relentless industry) beating beneath all those layers of absurdity.
Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3
Strange Scaffold
☆☆☆☆☆ 4
★★★★★
$19.99
Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 is “committing to the bit” so hard that it hurts. It’s a sequel to a game series that doesn’t exist, complete with lore and a fictional development team. It’s a game where match-3 is used not just for combat, but for lockpicking doors, debating robots, and swallowing a bunch of diamonds in front of a notorious gem thief so that he can’t steal them first. It is, all genre elements considered, a match-3 survival horror comedy RPG metroidvania, and it’s rad as hell.
20 years ago, Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion emerged as a smash-hit genre fusion, casting fan-favorite protagonist Jack Briar in a fast-paced puzzle adventure.
8 years ago, Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 was announced on the biggest stage in gaming.
This is what happened next.
Hotel Barcelona feels like a hidden gem from the early 2000s, mixing 2.5D roguelike action with a wild blend of ’90s anime and ’80s horror. You play as Justine, a U.S. Marshal sharing a body with the soul of serial killer Dr. Carnival, on a mission to avenge her father. After a bizarre crash and a run-in with two hitchhikers, she ends up at Hotel Barcelona — a place she can’t leave thanks to a witch’s curse and a bunch of trapped serial killers. To survive, Justine and Dr. Carnival team up for fast-paced, over-the-top combat against waves of killers, bosses, and the witch herself.
I think the story beats are what kept me locked in, especially after an intense interaction between the hotel manager (easily my favorite character) and Dr. Carnival. I desperately needed to understand their connection. Honestly, nearly every character interaction was entertaining, and I found each character charming in their own unique way. As for the actual gameplay, it’s pretty challenging and I found myself dying on the first stage… a lot. However, there are several difficulty options, along with the ability to play co-op with friends to ease things up a bit. There’s a ton of variety such as run modifiers, skill & weapon upgrades, unlockable costumes, mini-games, and a unique Slasher Phantom system – allowing players to follow the steps of their previous run but also leverage their phantom’s attacks to fight enemies if properly strategized.
Hotel Barcelona is an entertaining roguelike, packed with inventive take on combat, some nice narrative touches, and a cast of delightfully unhinged characters. If you’re into horror, you’ll appreciate exploring the hotel and diving into the story — the game wears its weird, grindhouse vibes loud and proud – Deron Mann
HOTEL BARCELONA
CULT Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 30
★★★★★
$29.99
Justine, a rookie U.S. Marshal, thought this was just another routine case.
But when her car crashes in a freak accident at the edge of nowhere, she finds herself trapped in a twisted new world: HOTEL BARCELONA.
Seven serial killers.
One haunted hotel.
And a second personality living inside her head…
Meet Dr. Carnival: murderer, psychopath, devastating ancient monster.
THIS FALL… DEATH HAS A ROOM KEY
In this blood-soaked 2.5D sidescroller straight from your nightmares:
Battle through insane horror-themed floors!
Face killers inspired by the nastiest corners of your local video store!
Every time you die, your past self fights beside you – like a ghost with a grudge!
BLOOD IS POWER
The more you kill, the stronger you become.
But let the blood stop flowing… and you’re next.
CARNIVAL’S AWAKENING
Unleash the brutal power of the serial killer in your mind.
Turn the tide of battle. Become a legend.
Not recommended for:
Individuals with weak stomachs
Fans of quiet indie puzzle games
People afraid of mirrors
Anyone still emotionally recovering from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
There’s something timeless about sitting down to play with someone you care about — a shared laugh, a moment of discovery, that unspoken rhythm of working together. Lego Voyagers, from Light Brick Studio and Annapurna Interactive, captures that feeling perfectly. It’s a quiet, heartfelt co-op adventure that invites two players to journey through breathtaking Lego worlds where imagination and friendship guide every step. With no dialogue or instructions, the story unfolds naturally through play — a gentle reminder that connection doesn’t always need words.
Each puzzle feels like a conversation between two people. You’ll build bridges, balance across floating platforms, and find joy in the smallest details — the sound of a brick clicking into place, the light dancing off translucent pieces, the simple pride of solving something together. Lego Voyagers isn’t just about reaching the end; it’s about slowing down, communicating without speaking, and rediscovering the quiet magic of creating side by side. It’s a story that resonates long after the controller is set down, because it’s really about the people holding them.
Lego Voyagers shines with crisp visuals, soothing sound, and seamless co-op play — locally or online. Thanks to the Friend’s Pass, only one player needs a copy, making it easy to share the experience with anyone you’d like to reconnect with. Short, warm, and beautifully made, this is more than a game — it’s a shared memory waiting to be built – Steven Allen
LEGO® Voyagers
Annapurna Interactive
☆☆☆☆☆ 44
★★★★★
$24.99
From the makers of LEGO® Builder’s Journey comes a new 2-player co-op adventure about friendship and play. When two friends make it their mission to rescue an abandoned spaceship, they embark on a journey beyond their wildest dreams, ultimately learning the value of being connected.
● Experience what it feels like to be a LEGO brick. Tumble, jump, snap together, and build your way through rich brick worlds.
● Unravel a poetic, non verbal narrative, set in beautiful brick built environments, supported by an atmospheric soundtrack.
● Cooperatively solve the game’s many challenges and discover how two bricks are better than one. Play locally on the same screen, or online.
● Invite a friend to join your adventure for free with the Friend’s Pass. As long as one of you owns LEGO Voyagers, you can both play the full co-op experience together.
LEGO Voyagers asks open questions about building friendships, sharing dreams, and giving space.
It reminds us that while playing and being creative is for all shapes and sizes, it’s always better when you share it with a friend.
Our goal with Game Pass has been clear: deliver unmatched value, benefits, and a deep library of games for our players. Since launching in 2017, we’ve steadily grown our subscriber and creator satisfaction – and today, creator participation and player engagement in Game Pass are at an all-time high. But we have the opportunity for Game Pass to help more players find the creators and games they love.
We know not everyone wants the same thing in their Xbox experience, so we’re evolving Game Pass to offer more flexibility, choice, and value to all players, whether you love day one releases, discovering hidden gems, or playing across multiple devices and screens and across Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud.
Starting today, we’re introducing three upgraded Game Pass plans based on how players play: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each includes expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits (including Riot Games titles), and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience. Today’s Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and Ultimate subscribers will remain in the Ultimate plan.
It’s all a part of our commitment to meet players where they are, so you can choose what works best for you, no matter how or where you love to play.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Got Its Biggest Upgrade Yet
Ultimate has been upgraded for players who want the best of everything. We’re rolling out our most expansive upgrade yet, including more day one games than ever before, Fortnite Crew & Ubisoft+ Classics for the first time ever, enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality up to 1440p, Rewards with Xbox, and more. Now players can have it all.
Ultimate subscribers now get access to over 75 day one releases a year. That includes some of the most anticipated upcoming games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. These join a growing library of more than 400 games playable on Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud on supported devices, with more than 45 new games added today. Think of hits like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, plus exclusive benefits like access to EA Play.
We’re also welcoming major additions to the Ultimate experience. Starting November 18, Fortnite Crew – an $11.99/month value – will be included in Ultimate, with access to the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks each month, and more. This is just the beginning of Xbox and Epic’s work together toward an open gaming ecosystem where friends can play and create together, anywhere, across devices. And today, Ubisoft+ Classics (valued at $7.99/month per platform) joins Ultimate, offering access to a curated selection of Ubisoft games playable on console, PC, and cloud, like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and more.
Cloud gaming is also getting a major boost. Ultimate subscribers exclusively enjoy our best quality streaming and shortest wait times, so it’s easier than ever to jump into your favorite games. Xbox Cloud Gaming has also officially exited “Beta,” as part of our commitment to make gameplay smoother and more responsive. And we’ll keep expanding the Stream your own game collection for all subscribers. Keep an eye on Xbox.com/Play for the latest list of cloud playable games.
Ultimate subscribers can now earn up to $100 per year (100k points globally) in the Store just by playing games. With our upgraded Rewards program, players can get up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, with 4x points on purchases of games and add-ons, 10% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons, and up to 20% off select Game Pass games.
Xbox Game Pass Premium – More Games, More Flexibility
Premium has been upgraded to offer even more flexibility and value for those who want to play on their own terms at exceptional value. Premium provides access to a broader library of great games and extends the Xbox gaming experience across console, PC, and cloud.
We’re now giving Premium subscribers more games than ever before, from gaming’s biggest hits to hidden gems, now with access to 200+ games on Xbox console, PC, and supported devices, all still at $14.99. This library, with more than 40 new games available today, is also now playable on PC, including timeless hits like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V. Plus, Premium subscribers get newly added fan-favorites like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy starting today, and new Xbox-published games within a year of their launch (excludes Call of Duty titles).
Cloud gaming is also expanding in Premium. Subscribers now enjoy unlimited cloud gaming, including select games you own, and newly added in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X, instantly unlocking cosmetics, characters, and more to enhance your gameplay.
Premium also brings new value through Rewards with Xbox. Premium subscribers can also get up to $50 per year (50k points globally) in the Store just by playing games, earning 2x points on purchases of games and add-ons, plus 5% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons.
Xbox Game Pass Essential: A Great Way to Get Started
Essential is for players who want the essence of everything Xbox. With access to games across console, PC, and cloud, Essential makes it easy to jump in and start playing, whether you’re diving into solo adventures or teaming up with friends.
Our revamped Essential plan now includes unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, in-game benefits, and Rewards with Xbox, plus a curated catalog of 50+ games playable on both console and PC.
The Essential library is now fully playable on PC, featuring standout titles like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. You also get unlimited cloud gaming, allowing you to play games, including select games you own, on the devices you choose — giving you more freedom to play your way.
Subscribers also get access to in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2.
And with our Rewards with Xbox program, Essential members can earn up to $25 per year (25k points globally) in the Store just by playing. You’ll also get points on purchases of games and add-ons.
Getting Started with the New Xbox Game Pass Plans
As we continue to evolve Xbox Game Pass, we’re focused on delivering more value, more benefits, and more great games across every plan. Whether you play on console, PC, cloud – or all three – there’s a Game Pass option designed to fit your playstyle.
With the latest upgrades, Ultimate is now priced at $29.99/month, reflecting the expanded catalog, new partner benefits, and upgraded cloud gaming experience. Standard subscribers will be upgraded to Premium remaining at $14.99/month, offering exceptional value for players who want flexibility and access to new Xbox-published titles within a year of launch. Core subscribers will be upgraded to Essential remaining at $9.99/month, providing a curated library, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming for those who want to jump in and start playing.
We regularly evaluate exchange rates and market conditions, so pricing may vary by region. For the most up-to-date information on plan features and pricing in your area, visit the plan picker on Xbox.com.
We continue to add more games to Xbox Game Pass. Check out the latest games available starting today below, along with in-game benefits available across each plan. As a reminder, game titles, features, and availability vary over time, by region, Game Pass plan, and platform. Learn more about supported regions here.
Ultimate – Available Today
Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed II (PC)
Assassin’s Creed III Remastered (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Freedom Cry (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Revelations (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection (Cloud and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Unity (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Child of Light (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Far Cry 3 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Far Cry Primal (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Hungry Shark World (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Monopoly Madness (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Monopoly 2024 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
OddBallers (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Rabbids Invasion: The Interactive TV Show (Cloud and Console)
Rabbids: Party of Legends (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Rayman Legends (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Risk Urban Assault (Cloud and Console)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Skull and Bones (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
South Park: The Stick of Truth (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Starlink: Battle for Atlas (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Steep (Cloud, PC, and Console)
The Crew 2 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
The Settlers: New Allies (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Tom Clancy’s The Division (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Trackmania Turbo (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Transference (Cloud and Console)
Trials Fusion (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Trials of the Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Trials Rising (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Uno (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Watch_Dogs (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Wheel of Fortune (Cloud and Console)
Zombi (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Premium – Available Today (also in Ultimate)
9 Kings (Game Preview) (PC)
Abiotic Factor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Against the Storm (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (PC)
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (PC)
Age of Mythology: Retold (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Ara: History Untold (PC)
Arx Fatalis (PC)
Back to the Dawn (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Battletech (PC)
Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) (PC)
Cataclismo (PC)
Cities: Skylines II (PC)
Crime Scene Cleaner (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Diablo (PC)
Diablo IV (PC and Console)
An Elder Scrolls Legends: Battlespire (PC)
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (PC)
Fallout (PC)
Fallout 2 (PC)
Fallout: Tactics (PC)
Football Manager 2024 (PC)
Frostpunk 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Halo: Spartan Strike (PC)
Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC)
Minami Lane (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Minecraft: Java Edition (PC)
Mullet Madjack (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
My Friendly Neighborhood (Cloud, PC, and Console)
One Lonely Outpost (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Quake 4 (PC)
Quake III Arena (PC)
Return to Castle Wolfenstein (PC)
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition (PC)
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Sworn (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Terra Invicta (Game Preview) (PC)
Volcano Princess (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Warcraft I: Remastered (PC)
Warcraft II: Remastered (PC)
Warcraft III: Reforged (PC)
Wolfenstein 3D (PC)
Essential – Available Today (also in Ultimate and Premium)
Cities: Skylines Remastered (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S)
Disney Dreamlight Valley (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Hades (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Warhammer 40,000 Darktide (Cloud, PC, and Console)
More Rewards with Game Pass
Editor’s Note (October 1): We’ve clarified the pricing information for Ubisoft titles.
What happens when a couple of Legobricks decide to chase their dreams of exploring space? You’ll find the answer in Lego Voyagers, the next brick-based adventure from the talented team at Light Brick Studio.
Light Brick has always been inspired by the Lego brick and the limitless ways it connects us – through storytelling, creativity, and the simple joy of building. Their debut title, Lego Builder’s Journey, invited players to create with bricks. With Lego Voyagers, they’re taking things one step further: this time, you don’t just build with the bricks, you become one.
Two Bricks are Better than One
In Lego Voyagers, you’ll tumble, jump and snap together as you explore a playful universe – and because bricks are always stronger when connected, the entire experience has been designed as a cooperative adventure. Whether online or side by side in couch co-op, you and a friend will solve challenging puzzles together, combining diverse thinking and the magic of teamwork to progress.
Because Lego Voyagers is fully cooperative, the team strived to make it as easy as possible to share. That’s why the game includes a Friend’s Pass – allowing you to invite a friend for free. For Light Brick, it’s a simple extension of their belief that play is best experienced together.
A Living, Buildable Universe
The world of Lego Voyagers is built from the same selection of Lego bricks you’d find in real life (1,694,756 to be exact – the devs counted) – meaning every structure you see could, in theory, be recreated with actual physical Lego bricks. This brick-built universe encourages curiosity and creativity with every tumble and snap. There’s rarely just one solution to a puzzle, instead players are encouraged to think outside of the box, experiment with different approaches, and discover surprising new outcomes. Rather than finding one straight answer, it’s more about enjoying the kind of open-ended play that the world of the Lego brand naturally inspires.
Storytelling Without Words
One of the most unique aspects of Lego Voyagers is how it communicates. The game tells its story entirely without dialogue (human dialogue, that is). Instead, the story relies heavily on visual cues, evocative music and environmental storytelling to guide players. In Lego Voyagers, Light Brick makes a point of visually establishing ideas before they’re needed, so that when players encounter a puzzle or narrative beat, it feels familiar and fair. This careful layering keeps the experience understandable without words while still leaving plenty of room for interpretation.
Composer Henrik Lindstrand – who also scored the critically acclaimed Lego Builder’s Journey – returns once again with a handcrafted soundtrack. This time, he expands his instruments to include his childhood Casio keyboard, giving the music a nostalgic coming-of-age feel. In Lego Voyagers, Lindstand works with recurring themes or leitmotifs that follow the characters and events, giving players a sense of familiarity and helps them connect emotionally with the story.
Lego Voyagers invites players to reflect, experiment, and form their own understanding of the story. The game asks open questions about friendship, connection, and how we navigate challenges together. Light Brick hopes these comments spark conversations long after the controller is set down. What does it mean to stay connected? How do we support each other when the path ahead isn’t always clear? The team doesn’t want to dictate the answers – and the game encourages players to find their own.
Looking Ahead
Lego Voyagers is playful, heartfelt, and true to the Lego brand. It’s a game about friendship, creativity and most of all – connection – built on a brand that has been inspiring players for generations. Lego Voyagers is out now! We can’t wait for players on the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One to set out on this journey together. Grab a friend, bring your curiosity and see what happens when a couple of bricks reach for the stars.
LEGO® Voyagers
Annapurna Interactive
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
From the makers of LEGO® Builder’s Journey comes a new 2-player co-op adventure about friendship and play. When two friends make it their mission to rescue an abandoned spaceship, they embark on a journey beyond their wildest dreams, ultimately learning the value of being connected.
● Experience what it feels like to be a LEGO brick. Tumble, jump, snap together, and build your way through rich brick worlds.
● Unravel a poetic, non verbal narrative, set in beautiful brick built environments, supported by an atmospheric soundtrack.
● Cooperatively solve the game’s many challenges and discover how two bricks are better than one. Play locally on the same screen, or online.
● Invite a friend to join your adventure for free with the Friend’s Pass. As long as one of you owns LEGO Voyagers, you can both play the full co-op experience together.
LEGO Voyagers asks open questions about building friendships, sharing dreams, and giving space.
It reminds us that while playing and being creative is for all shapes and sizes, it’s always better when you share it with a friend.
We’re thrilled to announce that our Indie Selects Demo Fest has begun, featuring more than 40 exciting game demos available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Like our last Demo Fest, you can download and play these games anytime between September 9 and September 30.
You can start playing demos today, and we encourage you to keep exploring them all month long. All demos are available in the dedicated Indie Selects Demo Fest collection on the Xbox Store. We’d love for you to share your feedback with the developers!
Please remember that most demos offer an early glimpse of gameplay and may differ from the final version at launch, including which countries will have access as developers continue to polish their games.
We’re also excited to share that 6newly announced games below are coming to Xbox!
Breaking Gates is a fast-paced 2D action-RPG with hand-drawn visuals and a focus on responsive combat and constant progression. Inspired by classic platformers and modern hack ’n’ slash titles, the game offers a dynamic mix of exploration, character upgrades, and frantic real-time battles.
The cult indie horror sensation finally arrives on Xbox. What you are about to do has not been approved by the Vatican. As a young priest, struggle against demons, insane cultists, and your own weakening faith in this pixel horror game inspired by the era of classic 8-bit gaming and the “Satanic Scare” of the 1980s. M O R T I S.
Slay hordes of terrifying monsters in this horde survival roguelite. Descend into the Halls of Torment where the Lords of the underworld await you. Treasures, magical trinkets, and a growing cast of heroes will grant you the power to vanquish these horrors from beyond. How long can you survive?
Possessions is a reality-twisting adventure that challenges the way you see the world. Immerse yourself in a minimalist, atmospheric world free from text and distractions, where every rotation and alignment uncovers hidden paths and silent stories.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or a thoughtful challenge, Possessions offers an immersive journey that stimulates your mind and soothes your senses. It’s a game about discovery, perception, and the quiet thrill of seeing the world from a new angle.
Weave your own story in this dark fairy tale. In the mysterious ancient ruins, you will adventure with Tania to reveal her origins and fate. Is there any chance of survival in the darkest and desperate place?
A new life awaits in Honeywood! Build a thriving community that will last generations in this cozy farm simulator. Farm, socialize, make friends, cook, craft, forage and uncover the secrets of the island! If someone doesn’t want to be friends? There are always other means.
ID@Xbox Indie Selects Demo Fest – Full List of Demos
In addition to those newly announced titles, you’ll find an impressive collection of creative and unique games available for you to experience firsthand! Check out the line-up below for a list of participating games and their developers in this year’s ID@Xbox Demo Fest:
Exciting news – Indie Selects is bringing you a monster new Demo Fest next week. From September 9-30, players on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One can dive into more than 40 demos, including upcoming titles and games with new content.
Whether you’re eager to try something new or get a sneak peek at games coming in future, this demo event is one you won’t want to miss!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
While some may return to the Demo channel later, most of these demos will only be available to play this month, so don’t delay – if you see something you like the sound of, try it now!
These game demos differ from the usual ones in our Demo channel, as they’re shared before the games are finished and may not reflect the final product. Think of them more like “showfloor demos,” giving you early access and a chance to provide feedback. Expect these games to develop and improve before release.
Speaking of feedback – please share your thoughts with the developers via social media, or their websites! You could help shape the future of these games.
We’ll announce the full list of demos on September 9, but here are some games you can expect to see:
Echo Weaver – Moonlight Kids/Akupara Games
Can you master time itself? Echo Weaver is a “metroidBRAINia” where time is your best resource and secrets are your only upgrades. You’re the last of the Weavers, a remnant of a ruined society trapped in a glitching time loop. The Congregation set out to explore the stars and find paradise. What they found instead has led their utopian project to ash and cinders – can you break the loop?
Mina The Hollower– Yacht Club Games
Descend into a frightful world of action-adventure in Mina the Hollower. Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Burrow beneath hazards and monsters, whip foes into oblivion, and gear up with an arsenal of sidearms and trinkets.
Explore a vast world filled with pixel-perfect graphics, masterful gameplay, beastly bosses, and infectious music. Encounter a cast of bizarre characters, search out secrets in an array of exotic locales, and illuminate the omnipresent darkness in Mina the Hollower, a brand-new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!
The Jackbox Party Pack 11– Jackbox Games
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. Play two of these games in our demo:
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.
Yooka-Replaylee – Playtonic Games/PM Studios
Yooka-Replaylee is the definitive remade and enhanced version of the 3D indie platforming collectathon darling, Yooka-Laylee, developed by key creative talent behind the Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country games.
New, remixed challenges and old favorites await as you embark to explore the huge, beautiful open worlds as the lovable buddy-duo Yooka (the green one) and Laylee (the purple one) once more, all while backed by a beautiful orchestral soundtrack. Did we mention there is a map now? A shiny new currency? And tons of customization options? It’s never moved, looked, or sounded better!
And there’s so much more in store. The ID@Xbox Indie Selects Demo Fest will offer a wide variety of games to discover and enjoy. When you get the chance to check them out, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord, Twitch, Bluesky and YouTube. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire to learn more about what Team Xbox has planned!
The legendary Shinobi returns today with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. At the helm of this revival is French studio Lizardcube, led by CEO and Creative Director Ben Fiquet. We spoke with him to understand how his team managed to balance respect for the series’ heritage with a modern touch, all while pouring an incredible amount of passion into every detail.
To appreciate the importance of this comeback, it’s worth remembering that Shinobi defined a whole generation of players back in the late ’80s. Born in the arcades and later released on the Master System and Mega Drive, the white-clad ninja Musashi became an icon of Sega’s golden years. Demanding gameplay, striking visuals, and unforgettable soundtracks made Shinobi a symbol of the 2D action genre’s golden age.
As launch day draws near, emotions are running high at Lizardcube: “Of course there’s some apprehension, but also a lot of excitement,” explains Fiquet. “We released a demo at the end of July, and the feedback has been excellent. That really reassures us about how the game will be received and about bringing this iconic series back to life.”
This excitement fuels the team, who see this release not only as an achievement but also as a huge responsibility: to deliver an experience worthy of the Shinobi name.
Reviving such an emblematic series requires striking a delicate balance. For Fiquet, the challenge was clear – extend players’ memories without simply replicating the past: “Players don’t want to replay exactly the same game they knew on Master System or Mega Drive. They hold on to strong memories, but gameplay has evolved. Our role is to prolong those memories while adapting them to today’s expectations.” This is the philosophy that guided Lizardcube: staying true to the franchise’s identity while refining its mechanics for a new era.
This expertise isn’t new for the Paris-based studio. Having already worked on Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (2017) and Streets of Rage 4 (2020), Lizardcube has earned its reputation as a specialist in bringing beloved franchises back to life. Their strength lies in recreating a faithful atmosphere while adding artistic and gameplay polish that elevates nostalgia into something fresh. With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, this vision takes on a whole new scale.
From the very first images, the studio’s distinctive style is unmistakable. Instead of opting for a realistic 3D approach, the team chose to embrace traditional 2D animation—a bold choice in today’s landscape.
“2D gives us finer control, almost an intimacy, over every pixel. There’s a warmth and honesty in hand-drawn animation that you don’t always find in 3D.” This artistic direction gives the game a sense of timelessness, reminiscent of classics like Cuphead or Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, while paying tribute to Shinobi’s visual legacy.
But beyond aesthetics, the feel of the game was central to development. “I love games that get straight to the point: you launch, you play, and you immediately have fun,” explains Fiquet. The combat system reflects this philosophy: combos, dashes, double jumps, and executions flow naturally without heavy tutorials.
Each encounter feels like a rewarding little challenge, almost a mini-game within the game. A unique “execution” mechanic even rewards players for skilfully chaining enemies, turning combat into a rhythmic and spectacular dance.
Demanding yet approachable, the game also includes options to adjust difficulty, making it accessible to newcomers without compromising depth for veterans. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was designed so that every type of player can find their rhythm—an inviting entry point for the curious and a perfect playground for seasoned players on Xbox.
While Shinobi is a quintessential Japanese franchise, Fiquet highlights the project’s dual identity. “I’m a Sega kid. I grew up with the Master System and the Mega Drive, and Shinobi was one of my very first games.” This personal connection is paired with deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship: “We don’t make Japanese games, but we have enormous respect for Japanese game culture. Our French touch blends with that heritage, and that’s what convinced Sega.”
Breathing new life into such a legendary franchise is no easy task, but Lizardcube’s relationship with Sega has been built over time. “There was real mutual respect. Of course, there are cultural differences and different working rhythms, but every discussion was about improving the game. We found a great synergy.” Thanks to this mutual trust, every exchange with Sega was focused on improving the game, always with respect for the original spirit of Shinobi.
To extend the experience, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance also includes secrets, powers, and unlockable skins. And that’s just the beginning: the first DLC has already been revealed. “It’s the ‘Sega Villains Stage’. You’ll get to face iconic antagonists from across the Sega universe. The first one we announced is Robotnik. Seeing Musashi take on Robotnik is pure fan service, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes working with Sega so exciting.”
With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Lizardcube delivers far more than the return of a legendary hero on Xbox—it offers a love letter to video games: to their heritage, their challenge, and their ability to evolve. It’s a bold gamble, crafted with passion and precision, proving that a legend can return without losing its soul.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
SEGA
☆☆☆☆☆ 19
★★★★★
Pre-order SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance and receive a 10% discount, the Original Arcade Outfit, and Fortune Hunter Amulet.The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.
Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts. After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan.
• EXECUTE THE NINJA ARTS WITH PRECISION
Wield your vast ninja arsenal including the great Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo to vanquish your foes.
• MASTER THE WAY OF THE SHINOBI
Unleash limitless combos with unique combat moves, acquire Amulets for enhanced abilities, and discover Ningi tools to overcome obstacles and uncover new paths.
• JOURNEY THROUGH A STYLISTIC NEW WORLD
Venture through more than a dozen unique and visually striking stages, from military bases to a scorching desert, challenging platforming puzzles, and hidden secrets.
You’ve tumbled from the sky and crash-landed into Wildekin, an upcoming 3D pixel art adventure unveiled during a World Premiere in the Xbox @ gamescom 2025 broadcast today.
Coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One the near future, our debut trailer is jam-packed with creative and chaotic co-op mayhem, here are five details you might have missed.
Play as a Wildekin With the Character Creator
Create your own weird little guy with Wildekin’s character creator. You can be a hefty rhinoceros, barreling into battle or a sturdy pink tortoise directing all the construction in town or why not become every Wildekin’s best friend as a cute pooch? Every player can fully customize their Wildekin with a variety of head, ear, tails and color combos to choose from. The only limitation is your own imagination when becoming one of the many unique Wildekin falling from the sky.
Head Out to Sea on a Perilous Search For Others Like You
There’s a big, bold world out there, brimming with adventures. Speak to Captain C.L., a weathered captain of the seas, and chart a course to new islands. Each island hosts dangerous enemies, hazardous puzzles, mighty bosses to defeat, and, of course, loot! Taking to the seas can be a perilous undertaking, and though your gear may be inadequate, arming yourself with a can-do attitude and total disregard for your own safety will (maybe). You’ll be rewarded with precious treasures, friendly Wildekin to take home and sea charts to progressively more dangerous shores.
Build and Decorate A New Home For the Wildekin
After all that adventuring, you’ll be ready to kick your hooves up and relax in your little corner of the world… once you’ve built a house… and crafted some furniture. Not only are you this town’s very own knight in wooden armor; you’re the town planner too! Construct, decorate and redecorate again. Plonk down your neighbor’s home. Don’t like where you’ve put it? Pick it up again and move it to the other side of town, hopefully they’re not inside! Wish someone else would pull their weight in this town? Assign resident Wildekin with jobs at the local shops (which you also built, by the way) and they’ll help you craft new furniture at the workshop, or new gizmos and gadgets to aid you on your adventures.
Become Friends With Your Rescued Wildekin Neighbours
This town might be full of weirdos, but they’re your weirdos! Befriend your neighbors by intruding on their morning stroll for some oversharing, or bribe your way into the locals’ hearts with gifts and loot. Hey, why not head over to their house, uninvited, and let yourself in to judge how they’ve decorated the place? Every Wildekin has their very own unique personality (some stranger than others) for you to discover and wonder why you ever let these little fluffballs into your town. The Wildekin in your town contribute, in their own way, to build a thriving community. They’ll organize seasonal festivals, friendly competitions and even gift you items to help you on your adventures… if you get to know them well enough.
Build and Explore together With up to 4 Player Co-op Online Multiplayer
But what’s all this fun and adventuring without your IRL friends? Gather three of your pals and go venture into the chaotic, perilous adventures of your dreams. Inhabit the same world, you can all share a home together, or fill up the town with your own houses and decorate with your own, obnoxious flair. Quest, world and crafting progress is shared. If one brave soul goes to face a mighty boss, your friends will be right behind you. If one of you unlocks a neat crafting recipe, your friends can use it too. Relationships with the residents of the town though? Those are personal.
Wildekin will be arriving on Xbox consoles with a good mix of wholesome, creative and chaotic adventures to be had with your NPC neighbors, or bring some friends along for co-op town-building and island-hopping. Wish List today on the Microsoft Store for Xbox, and if you’d like to hear the latest news from the developers, you can join the Chucklefish official Discord to be a part of the conversation.
Wildekin
Chucklefish
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Wildekin is a 3D pixel-art adventure where up to 4 friends can build, explore, survive and thrive—or at least try to before some creature tries to turn you into a light snack!
⚔️ Explore Together – Up to 4 players can team up online to fight monsters, rescue lost Wildekin, and survive in the perilous Wilderness
🏠 Build Your Town – Construct stores and homes, assign jobs, craft gear, and decorate your weird little corner of the world
🐾 Live the Good Life – Celebrate seasonal festivals, take part in contests, fulfill requests, and befriend Wildekin each with oddly specific personalities and quirks
Annualized sports games are always facing an uphill battle when convincing players to put down the cash for what many see as a roster update with minimal improvements. And often, that is the case, but with NBA 2K25, Visual Concepts and 2K Games have surpassed the subpar efforts of NBA 2K24, and once again becomes championship contenders in the world of video game basketball.
Image Source: 2K Games
This year’s most significant improvements come on the court, powered by ProPLAY, the technology that translates authentic movements from captured footage into actual, immersive gameplay. This means even more dribbling animations, signature shots, and off-ball movement that will make any coach happy. Needless to say, NBA 2K25 delivers the most true-to-life basketball experience you can have without lacing up your shoes.
It isn’t just the drives and the signature shots that catch the eye, the developers have also heeded feedback from the community regarding shooting the ball. The result is the ability to change up the shot timing profile to your liking, ranging from difficulty-based impact on user-timed shots to high-risk, high-reward mechanics, emphasizing the need for perfect timing to truly reflect the challenge in the sport. Similarly, you can adjust the timing for layups and free throws, too, as well as implement custom visual cues to suit your play style.
And if the already extensive shooting control methods weren’t enough, the new Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting option should be added to your consideration. Mimicking the movement of shooting, players using this method can pull down the shot stick to start a shot, and follow through to match the timing and speed of the push motion, making it almost feel like you are the one attempting to sink the basket. It certainly takes some getting used to, but mastering this new way is something the studio says will always beat the traditional method, so there’s food for thought for all the court generals out there.
Image Source: 2K Games
While offense is always something players will look forward to, there is also more meat for defensive players to sink their teeth into as well. A brand-new defensive cutoff system empowers those with good anticipation to be able to control their opponent, making dynamic shifts in directions to prevent an attack from gaining too much momentum. It is always a thrill to shut down the opposition this way, leading to easier steals and stupendous blocks that amp up the atmosphere.
Even contesting shots will feel different in NBA 2K25, with a new dynamic weighting system that tries to reflect the true impact of defense on a shot attempt. Strong defensive performances will now feel more rewarding than ever before, preventing shooters from raining hell on you if you manage to get your coverage right.
As the most obvious calling card, the graphical prowess and visual fidelity on show in NBA 2K25 is second to none, bringing its presentation to yet another level, approaching the authentic product fans can watch with every game. Player models are more detailed than ever before, and the fluid animations made possible by ProPLAY allow the game to ebb and flow naturally. Add to that arenas and courts put together with plenty of attention to detail, and to even the keenest of eyes, a game in action can look like the real deal.
Image Source: 2K Games
All of these can be experienced in a great selection of game modes that may be already familiar, but are nonetheless enjoyable to jump into. MyPLAYER and MyCAREER remain excellent ways of making your journey to the top of the NBA a fun-filled journey, with new bells and whistles to give players the ability to tweak their course and build a dynasty for the ages with or without their created player at the heart of things.
There’s also love for the WNBA in the form of The W, with the game’s rising stars of the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and more being a part of the competition to become the GOAT. The Pursuit of Greatness story mode is undoubtedly one to invest your time in, reflecting the growing status of the women’s game.
If you would rather head things up in the front office, then there are MyGM and MyNBA to look forward to. The former leans much more firmly into the roleplaying aspects, making it possible for a GM to grow in more distinct ways and impact their team accordingly. Become an offensive powerhouse with great offensive coaching, or use your charisma to negotiate better deals and maintain team morale, the choice is yours as you look to grow your organization and unlock even more perks as you level up. It is also nice to have more dynamic and impactful conversations with people who matter, and being able to do so in an actual free-roaming space is a nice touch but not entirely necessary, in my opinion.
Image Source: 2K Games
As for the latter, The Steph Era of the 2017 Golden State Warriors have been added into the mix, giving you the opportunity to either stop them or join them in a period of true NBA superstars leading their teams. Furthermore, flexible league expansion and contraction, the addition of the NBA Cup, and more streamlined MySTAFF management make it easier to play how you want as you shape the league.
Then there are the MyTEAM and The City, modes where you can play solo, but are best enjoyed online with other players. The idea of building a super team is still a sound one, and Visual Concepts continues to iterate on the formula with the return of the Auction House and four new game modes for MyTEAM. Whether that will shift the needle for those not particularly keen on the card-collecting mode remains to be seen, but fans will have more to enjoy regardless.
As for The City, it has been revamped to bring players closer to the game and the community, with more interactive spaces and more ways to show off your skills. The best part of it is the impending return of all four MyPARKS as events in the mode, adding that layer of nostalgia that is hard to match. The sun-drenched Sunset Beach park, the industrial Rivet City, the urban setting of the Old Town, and the upgraded Old Town MyPARK on the aircraft carrier are all being remastered, and it will be a delight to ball on them again.
While the plethora of modes can be overwhelming, NBA 2K25 is also constantly giving players the avenue to improve their understanding of the game and its mechanics. The robust Learn 2K mode covers everything from the basics to the most advanced of moves, and it is a godsend for those who are new to the franchise or just trying to get their hands warmed up again. There are also similar tutorial modes available in MyTEAM and The City too, so make sure you are all caught up first before taking on others.
Image Source: 2K Games
With so much basketball goodness awaiting players, there are still the dreaded microtransactions in NBA 2K25 to be discussed. Naturally, if you are playing offline, there is really little incentive to invest in any of the microtransactions. However, there is a stark difference when competing against other players online; those willing to stump up the cash will have a distinct advantage, not just for their cosmetic looks but also when it comes to players and their ratings. Similar to the likes of EA Sports FC, there appears to be no stopping the profitable momentum of microtransactions for the franchise, so be wary whenever online play is concerned; sometimes, even the best skills don’t guarantee you’ll win.
As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year’s offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-calibre franchise.
NBA 2K25
As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year’s offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-caliber franchise.
Pros
Visuals and audio presentation is top-notch.
Great customization options.
Plenty of game modes for every fan.
New ProPLAY technology a true revolution.
Cons
Microtransactions are here to stay.
Online play balance remain a question.
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PlayStation 5.
Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
