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The Power of Motherhood Amid Chaos – 1998: The Toll Keeper Story

PlayStationBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

In Indonesia, there is a saying that perfectly captures the core concept of our game, 1998: The Toll Keeper Story—”A mother’s love knows no bounds, spanning across all time.” This beautiful sentiment slowly but surely transforms into a harsh reality when that very maternal instinct is tested against a backdrop of escalating, threatening chaos. This is Dewi’s story.

While deeply inspired by our own homeland’s history, the events of 1998 in Indonesia, where a severe monetary crisis triggered widespread social unrest that victimized innocent groups, remain tragic yet universally relevant today. It often feels as though the world refuses to learn from the mistakes of the past.

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Dewi, alongside other characters like Heru and Sinta, does not stand there to fight a massive tide that is far beyond her control. Day after day, from inside the toll booth she operates, she witnesses the raw human struggle for survival, all while fighting tooth and nail to keep her own baby safe and healthy.

This entire conflict unfolds through a document and currency-checking mechanic that will feel instantly familiar to fans of Papers, Please. Amidst the routine, Dewi’s toll booth becomes a sanctuary where affected citizens air their grievances, regardless of whether they support or oppose the government of that era.

The choices Dewi makes will ultimately shape the conclusion of her story. Without ever intending to romanticize the tragedy that inspired it, this narrative will be brought to life through hand-drawn cutscenes, rendered in the GameChanger Studio’s signature art style. A diary at the end of each day will also serve as a space to reflect on the deep anxieties Dewi faces, both as a woman and as a mother.

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With the features offered by the PlayStation 5, we are confident we can make Dewi’s journey even more immersive. The answer to this ambition lies in the Haptic Feedback technology, which will adapt uniquely to the various types of vehicles passing through Dewi’s booth. These vibrations will serve not only as vital gameplay clues but also as a physical representation of the earth-shattering challenges Dewi must endure while navigating her pregnancy.

We hope that the emotions and message we wish to convey through Dewi’s journey in 1998: The Toll Keeper Story will leave a lasting, profound impression on you when you experience it on the PlayStation 5.

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Trailer link: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4YT-R7l6wM

Store link: https://store.playstation.com/en-id/concept/10018178/

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Onimusha: Way of the Sword opens up in the final preview

PlayStationBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

At the outset of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Miyamoto Musashi is fixated on freeing himself from the Oni Gauntlet. This mystical artifact, through a strange twist of fate, has become bound to our hero. But the stubborn young samurai doesn’t want the gauntlet’s powers. Musashi’s sole desire is to prove himself by his hands alone. However, as the journey unfolds, Musashi’s views gradually shift and expand. He begins to embrace the path he’s found himself on, becoming more open to his new place in the world.

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The action game starts to open up after the early moments. Missions with tighter scopes flow into a wider location that offers new challenges to overcome and more room to explore our growing arsenal of abilities.

This final gameplay preview picks up right where the Onimusha: Way of the Sword Demo leaves off. After Musashi duels rival swordsman Sasaki Ganryu on the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, he’s transported to an otherworldly dimension, the “Oni Refuge.” It’s a surreal landscape where gravity is a suggestion. Islands float in the sky, and we conjure ruins from thin air.

Then the Genma barge in. Invading from the depths of hell, these demons clash with the sacred scenery, but they’ll soon meet Musashi’s blade. We swiftly cut them to shreds. When our katana connects with Genma, they’re carved apart at the angles our sword travels through their twisted forms. We call it dynamic dismemberment. This system splits them in two across the torso, hacks them from head to toe, and… well, you get the picture.

Before long, Musashi plucks an Oni Bow from the wreckage of this realm. Finally, we can return fire against Genma archers. The bow also allows us to solve environmental puzzles that require range. Our arrows can trigger traps, too. Eventually, they’ll even come in handy during a duel, severing a boss from its power source, once Musashi returns to Kyoto.

After excising the Genma from the Oni Refuge, the clouds of Malice looming above Kyoto begin to lift. Yet darkness still lingers here. Our next stop in Japan’s ancient capital is Rokudo Chinno-ji Temple. It’s one of many real-life locations in the game. Legends say it exists at the crossroads between our world and the gates of hell. For Musashi and his allies, this sanctuary becomes home. It’s their base of operations in the fight to save the city.

Kyoto is a vast location far larger than anywhere we’ve seen in the game. However, our ability to wander and explore its streets has bounds at the moment. Hellish structures erupt from the earth and a toxic fog sweeps through town, forming blockades that imprison any locals who haven’t yet fled the demonic corruption.

Our quest to liberate Kyoto begins by sealing rifts where Genma manifest in our dimension. These creatures spawn in all shapes and sizes, but Musashi slays them and absorbs their souls all the same. We’ll make use of these. Alongside treasures we discover, souls help us upgrade gear and unlock new abilities to face what awaits on the path ahead.

This trail eventually leads to Kiyomizu-zaka slope, a pilgrim road that climbs up the hillside to the temple where we started this journey. Here lies the key to unlocking much of Kyoto. But to even enter this place we must first face some truly formidable foes.

Back in the Oni Refuge, we had a run-in with Daidara, a towering Genma with a hulking frame and bottomless appetite. The gluttonous giant’s hunger even extends to devouring our hard-earned souls. We’re forced to make tactical decisions in the heat of battle about when to absorb souls, or risk losing them to Daidara’s ravenous maw.

This isn’t the only Genma after something of ours. Another offers to free Musashi from his gauntlet… at the cost of his entire arm. Our hero considers this deal, if only for a moment. Though Musashi has warmed up to his Oni Gauntlet, he still hopes to remove it.

It’s a wish Rasho-gan is only too glad to grant. This multi-armed monster has been posing as a deity at Yasui Konpiragu Shrine. Here, he fulfills worshipers’ desires in the worst possible ways. Constructed from the body parts of his victims (like the leg of a man who longed to be rid of knee pain), Rasho-gan wields his extra limbs to throw everything he has at us, including uprooting trees, boulders, and even entire buildings to crush Musashi.

Escaping Rasho-gan’s clutches with our lives drives us to make full use of the game’s deep arsenal of combat techniques. For our efforts, the shrine guardians reward us with Oni Strength. Musashi accepts this new power, and we can now tear down the demonic barriers around Kyoto. Now it’s time to take down the source of the toxic fog choking the city.

This life-sapping mist emerges from eerie plants, and it clears when we chop them down. However, Byakue stands in the way of our gardening. Before we can fell the final tree, this animalistic Genma charges in. As we brawl, the brute gets coated in its own blood and grows wilder. Skill alone may allow Musashi to outlast this creature, but another strategy proves wise. Delivering fewer but more devastating blows soon tames the beast.

After completing the mission, the evil haze over much of Kyoto clears. The townsfolk come out and rejoice. Now, more of the city is open for us to explore. This is just the start of our action-packed adventure. It’s one that players can look forward to experiencing for themselves when Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches for PlayStation 5 on September 4. Pre-orders for the game are available now at PlayStation Store.

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Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites – Everything you need to know

PlayStationBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites is a major free update out now on PS4 and PS5. It revitalizes the game with new content, including a thrilling linear story mission, gameplay customization features, 4K and 60 FPS on PS5 and PS5 Pro, and more. To learn more about what you can expect, we spoke with Ubisoft Bordeaux’s Creative Director Olivier Leonardi and Live Strategy & Analytics Director Yossef Benzeghadi in a new interview.

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Wildlands launched nearly a decade ago. What can you tell us about the community still engaging with the game?

Yossef Benzeghadi: Wildlands is a beloved gem within the Ghost Recon community, and taking down the Santa Blanca Cartel is fondly remembered. Either Solo or up to four players co-op, it’s a unique blend of open world and a fun immersive tactical military third person shooter that really stood the test of time.

Back in the day, I was part of the Wildlands live team, and we really took the time to picture all the gameplay behaviors, player profiles, and playstyles we could see emerging in the game from the whole community. It acted as our golden compass throughout postlaunch. It led to the release of various fan-favorite content, still available today of course, such as our challenging Ghost Mode, or multiple Clancy-verse missions featuring Splinter Cell or Rainbow Six Siege.

There was one key element that really stuck to me to this day – a group we initially called “Sandbox Players.” To be honest, at first, we did not really understand what the heck they were doing in our Bolivian Wildlands. Digging more, and more, notably thanks to community interviews and data-informed playtests, it finally clicked: they were role playing, ranging from cooperative mil-sim to simply adding extra optional layers of challenges on top of the game just for fun, taking hours to complete one mission perfectly. We had tons of players leveraging everything the game had to offer to transcend their gameplay experience to the next level.

The level of customization and the overall freedom of choice the game offers were praised all around and for us that’s one of the main reasons players are still engaging with Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands today. With Last Rites, we are following up on that legacy, and there’s never been a better time to jump in.

First, break down the features you’re adding in Last Rites, and why you added them.

Yossef: First, and by popular demand, we are very happy to confirm 4K and 60 FPS on PS5 and PS5 Pro.

To allow even more flexibility for role play fans and to bring more accessibility and freedom of choice to everyone, we are also adding various new settings to experiment with. With our new Ghost Parameters in the game’s Options menu, you can enable instant death or limitless revives, choose to have one or two primary weapons, and decide whether you keep remaining unused ammo when reloading or not. With our new World and Session Settings in the game’s Lobby page, you control the world itself. From the weather and time of day to alarms and jammers and even the rate of enemy patrols, you can craft your very own experience. You can even enable friendly fire in co-op, either to enhance realism, or allow some light PvP role play scenarios with your friends should you want to. We are also expanding existing categories from the Options menu with increased player agency. HUD and UI are more customizable than ever, and our new Difficulty settings now allow players to deep dive and tweak various elements such as Enemy Perception, Endurance, Vehicle Breakability and much more.

Then, there’s Last Rites itself. It’s a brand-new story-driven mission you can jump into right away. Set in a darker, more oppressive Bolivia, the Ghosts enter a region controlled by Los Penitentes, a new fanatical cult united by faith, sacrifice, and violent justice. Coming from all walks of life, its members turn the environment into a constant threat, drawing the Ghosts into a tense narrative of betrayal and moral ambiguity. They are led by an enigmatic new foe, La Llorona.

In addition, we’ve added tons of customization for your Ghost character and teammates, and many weapons and equipment have been unlocked for free, including previously unreleased camos and unobtainable challenge rewards. All Ghost War PvP classes can now be unlocked for free in the in-game store alongside many other items. And yes, we are adding some new Character Smith items to celebrate Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon 25th Anniversary, with a mysterious Operator Skin you unlock by completing Last Rites. A special thanks to the talented team at Ubisoft Bordeaux who made it all possible.

Finally, PlayStation Plus members can get their hands on a brand-new exclusive Iconic Skin of La Llorona, unlock the powerful P416 Micteca, and embrace their presidential chic with the new 4-SHUR Blue Leader Sunglasses.

Last Rites has been created in part due to that community feedback. How did you actually gather and prioritize that?

Olivier Leonardi: We met our community leaders and had a very open conversation with them. The goal was to turn raw community feedback into actionable insights that improved player experience while supporting the game’s core principles. We did so across multiple channels, structured it into themes, and prioritized based on player impact, intensity, and alignment with several player profiles. We know that a large part of our community are avid role players, so we crafted some of the features around their requests.

Yossef: Working on Last Rites was quite an archaeological ride. Very early on the project, we broadly shared all insights and knowledge we gathered on Ghost Recon Wildlands during its postlaunch at the time, which was extremely valuable for the team. It served as a mirror to reflect on what we could do and explore on Last Rites, a vision which we fine-tuned over time thanks to those precious community discussions we had that Olivier mentioned. Notice we have been talking a lot about role play so far; this is the prime example of something we would have loved to explore further back in the day and are very happy we could prioritize now. At the same time, and for the same reasons, we know a lot of our players just love well-crafted and story-driven missions, and that’s why we are also delivering on that front with Last Rites.

Talk to us about the new story content – Where did La Llorona come from, conceptually?

Olivier: La Llorona has become an untouchable icon, a resurrected arbiter of justice, revered by the Bolivian people almost as a saint. Gathering devoted followers to her cause, she compels them to wear masks, erasing their individuality and demanding absolute obedience. These disciples, known as Los Penitentes, act as the ruthless executors of her will, delivering merciless retribution to anyone connected to the events that sealed her fate.

We wanted this new antagonist to be quite dark and complex, but also someone that was deeply wounded, betrayed by the people she loved and trusted. La Llorona survived, but survival came at a cost. The betrayal destroyed her sense of belonging, leaving her suspended between who she was and what she’s becoming. Her vengeance isn’t just directed outward; it’s a way to reclaim control, to make sense of that pain, after what she experienced. She becomes a force of raw justice and destruction.

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The mission is described as “unsettling” and the narrative shifts as players progress. How far did you push the tone, and why did you want to go darker this time?

Olivier: We wanted to introduce this new mission as a very standard incursion, putting players back into Nomad’s boots, leading the Ghosts to do what they do very efficiently, but things quickly turn into something else; the familiar Bolivian environment becomes weird and the Ghosts start witnessing the wrath of La Llorona, aiming at anyone who might be accountable for what happened to her, especially the corrupt Bolivian government and its armed wing: Unidad. The more the Ghosts advance in her territory, the more they discover her twisted personality and how devoted her disciples are. Through different documents and audio recordings scattered across the world, players will be able to discover more about her goals and what she represents for the Bolivian people.

Predator content returns with this update.
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What do you hope players take away from Last Rites – is there a single experience or moment you’re most proud of?

Olivier: I think the moment at Varga’s villa, the reveal of La Llorona with her weeping widow mask, the confrontation with her Los Penitentes cultists, and what Nomad discovers there is both a strong gameplay and story moment. That changes everything for Nomad, and he’s confronting Emily Price, his CIA handler, trying to understand what causes this brutal transformation.

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New to the game? Play Ghost Recon Wildlands with Ubisoft+ Classics, available as a standalone subscription, and included for PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Plus Premium members.

Ghost Recon Wildlands Standard and Definitive Editions are also available for purchase at PlayStation Store. The new Definitive Edition includes the base game, the Season Pass, and the Year 2 Pass, alongside 4 additional content packs: Quick Start, Deluxe, Nightfall Protocol, and Cold Eye. For current owners, a Definitive Edition Upgrade is also available.

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Celebrate 30 years of Quake with a brand-new episode, available today

PlayStationBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

In 1996, id Software smashed through to another dimension – in one sense of the word, pioneering first-person shooters in the third dimension with the release of Quake, and in another, hurtling players feet-first into Quake’s otherworldly realm – a place beyond our reality where kinetic combat and a moody eldritch setting took FPS players to new heights.

30 years later, Quake has inspired countless hours played and frags tallied locally or online in Deathmatch, not to mention real-world connections and a major role in the rise of FPS esports with QuakeCon, North America’s largest LAN party (also celebrating the big 3-0 this year!). To ring in the 30th anniversary of Quake, just in time for the 30th anniversary of QuakeCon, MachineGames, in collaboration with id Software, return to bring you a brand-new episode for the iconic FPS:

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Available today as a free update for Quake on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Dawn of the Machine features a full 19-map campaign accompanied by a brand-new soundtrack and Deathmatch map.

Dawn of the Machine is a celebration of Quake’s history and influence on the developers at MachineGames and id Software. Following the team’s work on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants DLC, Lead Level Designer Andrew Yoder at MachineGames approached the studio’s Game Director Jerk Gusfafsson about an expansion for Quake. Gustafsson, Yoder and the rest of the team that worked on similar projects – dubbed internally as Quake Club – set forth three major goals for what would become Dawn of the Machine.

First and foremost, of course, was celebrating Quake’s 30th anniversary. “We wanted to create something that felt authentic to the spirit of the original game: Horror! Action! Madness!” says Yoder. As such, players will face deadly twists on familiar entries from Quake bestiary such as the Rocket Ogre, Demo Dog, and Blood Shambler, rising to the challenge with new weapon variants like ricochet-blasting Laser Cannon and the lightning-infused Super Axe for classic, fast-paced Quake carnage.

The second goal the team pursued was giving veteran Quake players a new experience. Previous Quake episodes released by MachineGames alongside id Software, such as Call of the Machine and Dimension of the Machine, featured a traditional hub structure which reset the player’s progression between major areas. Instead, Dawn of the Machine has players battle through a continuous episode with continuous progression, which according to Yoder provided the team with “a challenge, requiring much more coordination and iteration to create.”

To set the stage for its design, Dawn of the Machine has players back in the boots of Quake’s battle-hardened protagonist Ranger as he escapes an illusory dimension where time folds back onto itself. As the looping cycle of time progresses, so too will players as they discover ways to break the loop, uncover upgrades to their health and ammunition supplies and eventually take down The Nightmare Machine, the source of Ranger’s planar prison. “Nothing you see can be trusted,” says Yoder, “but there is a path to break through the illusion, defeat the schemes of the outer gods and escape.”

An early boss battle concept (left), plus early level plans (right) for what would become The Matriarch of Decay. Both underwent significant iteration during the production of Dawn of the Machine.

The third goal in developing Dawn of the Machine was allowing the multifaceted and multitalented team at MachineGames and id Software to exercise their skills collaboratively on a smaller project compared to a modern AAA video game project. Some members of the Quake Club have made their own maps since the game’s release in ‘96 while others, including Yoder, have joined in more recently, making Quake Club a place for anyone on the team to contribute something to the project.

“Quake Club has always been an opportunity for the team to learn and have fun,” says Yoder, adding that high-quality modding tools and Quake’s relative visual simplicity to the photorealism of modern day AAA titles allow team members to pitch in their expertise, even for tasks normally outside their area of specialization.

As one example, Dawn of the Machine’s new soundtrack came about from an offer from Christian Plogfors, Advanced Level Designer at MachineGames. In addition to contributing two levels to the episode, Plogfors created a soundtrack with a dark, ambient tone expertly suited to the trippy, ethereal world of the expansion. “Christian proceeded to make a fantastic set of tracks that give the episode its own identity,” says Yoder. “The whole episode is so much stronger thanks to his contribution, stepping outside his normal role and bringing his other skills and passions to serve the project.”

Reflecting on 30 years of Quake, Yoders says the opportunity to make Dawn of the Machine has been a privilege. “The team here owes a lot to Quake and its legacy,” he says, “Quake Club and our work wouldn’t exist without the wider Quake community and our friends at id Software.”

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Share of the Week: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced – Jackdaw

PlayStationBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Last week, we asked you to share moments about Edward Kenway’s pirate ship, the Jackdaw, using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

_GenieCrazy_shares the Jackdaw facing off against a British ship

gh_holy_mashshares the Jackdaw sailing into the rising sun

WarDragon989shares a smoky view of the pirate flag waving off the Jackdaw during a battle

lucaslu_cklishares Edward crouched on the ship’s bow

crisg_artshares the Jackdaw’s sails open and sailing at full speed

Photomode_Raroshares a view of a whale breaching as Edward steers the ship

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Big Walk
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 12, 2026

Next week, grab some friends and share moments spent puzzling together in Big Walk, available now as a PlayStation Plus Monthly game. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

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Free Play Days – NBA 2K26, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Wax Heads, and More

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Dive into the action with Free Play Days this weekend, where sports, strategy, and all-out firefights collide for an unforgettable gaming spree!

Sports Renovations is available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, August 6 until Sunday, August 9.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint are free for all XBOX members to try from August 6 until August 10 (XBOX Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).

Enjoy more time with NBA 2K26 Standard Edition, free for all XBOX members to try from August 7 until August 14 (XBOX Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).

Wax Heads is also available for all XBOX members to try with a 2-hour timed trial during this Free Play Days.

How to Start Playing

Scroll down and find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on XBOX.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the XBOX Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S.

Keep the Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)

Sports Renovations
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Give sports facilities a second life in this relaxing story-driven simulator! Restore the glory of old gyms, courts and pitches, and add a sprinkle of your own style. Leave no corner undusted and no wall unpainted. You have all the time in the world so use it to polish your skills and plan out the space – some designs are better than others so be creative! And when the time is right, prove to the city’s mayor that your beloved basketball court still has the potential for greatness!

Sports Renovations

Dear Villagers

☆☆☆☆☆
12

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

Free Play Days For All

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
An ultimate military shooter experience set in a massive, dangerous, and responsive open world. Return to a darker, more hostile Bolivia to hunt La Llorona, a cult leader, in a tense and unsettling new linear mission as part of a free update for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, called Last Rites. Navigate dangerous swamps and dense forests where visibility is low and danger is everywhere.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
7300

★★★★★

$49.99

$4.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Xbox Game Pass

Free Trial

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Become an elite spec ops soldier known as a Ghost, tasked with a special mission to Auroa. The remote archipelago somewhere in the South Pacific has lost contact with outside world due to Skell Technology turning hostile. The Wolves, a rogue spec ops team, lead by your ex-brother in arms, have taken over and are hunting you down. Lead your team through the island landscape and save the civilians without being noticed.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
6432

★★★★★

$59.99

$5.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Xbox Game Pass

Free Trial

NBA 2K26
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Write the next chapter of an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA on Xbox Series X|S, or MyLEAGUE on Xbox One. Influence the future of the sport and leave an indelible mark on the league. Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.

NBA 2K26 Standard Edition

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
5388

★★★★★

$69.99

$55.99

Get it now

Xbox Game Pass

Wax Heads
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX Play Anywhere
Ready for your trial shift at Repeater Records? Wax Heads is a cozy-punk narrative sim where you’ll work in a struggling record store, matching eccentric customers with the perfect music recommendations. Explore a handcrafted record collection, homemade soundtrack and fall in love with the bands of the wonderful world of Wax Heads.

Wax Heads

Curve Games

☆☆☆☆☆
17

★★★★★

$14.99

$11.99

Get it now

Free Trial

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to XBOX Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest XBOX gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – NBA 2K26, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Wax Heads, and More appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites – A Major Free Update Powered by Community Feedback and Player Insights

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Summary

Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites is out now.
The free update includes a new mission, several community-requested features, and the return of the Predator mission.
Game Director Benjamin Rousseau Lemaire and Live Strategy & Analytics Director Yossef Benzeghadi share their insights on the new gameplay features and how community feedback helped the Last Rites update.

Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites is out now for XBOX Series X|S. As a major free update, Last Rites refreshes the gameplay experience of Ghost Recon Wildlands, delivering a new story-driven mission in which the Ghosts must face off against a new antagonist, La Llorona, and Los Penitentes, her fanatic cult following. They have nothing to lose, and they’re wreaking havoc in Bolivia as La Llorona enacts revenge on those who have wronged her. It also marks the return of the challenging hunt for the iconic Predator. Finally, Last Rites brings a host of new community-driven gameplay updates designed to give players more in-game freedom than ever before.

We spoke with Ubisoft Bordeaux’s Game Director Benjamin Rousseau Lemaire and Live Strategy & Analytics Director Yossef Benzeghadi to learn more about the new gameplay features and how community feedback and player insights were considered throughout development.

Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites brings a diverse array of customization options for players. Can you walk us through those?

Benjamin Rousseau Lemaire: The original game allowed for a lot of UI tweaks. Players were already able to hide a lot of stuff. We added two more here. Players will now be able to hide impact & trajectory previews of throwable items such as grenades, as well as the shader on interactable objects like ammo crates, or even objectives. By popular demand, we also made sure that when you hide UI elements, the associated sound feedback, if any, is deactivated too.

In addition, there’s what we call the “Ghost Parameters”, inspired by features that were already present in the Ghost Mode and can now be used in other PvE modes. First, we have the tactical reloading, making you lose any remaining ammunition in your magazine when you reload. Then, the number of primary weapons you can carry, either one or two. And lastly, the number of allowed revives before a Game Over, from none to limitless.

We also have the World and Session settings that are located in the lobby page. You could already change the time of day, but now you can make it fixed. So, if you want to play at night and only at night for your entire session, you can. You can also play with the weather, which was not possible in the past, and you can make it fixed as well. If you want it raining all the time, you can do that. And if you want to play at night in the rain all the time, you can. Systems like enemy patrol rates, alarms or SAM launchers can be tweaked as well, by completely deactivating them or making their destruction permanent in a session. It’s all up to you!

Team Composition has also been improved. Previously, you could toggle your AI Teammates on or off, but it was all or nothing. Now, you can choose if you want to play with one, two, or three teammates.

The final part is about difficulty. We had four difficulty levels originally; now, you can precisely deep dive in the difficulty settings and play with specific parameters yourself to build a customized difficulty level. For example, you can tweak the damage that vehicles can take before being destroyed, play with the perception of enemies, or adjust the amount of time to wait before triggering HP regeneration.

Yossef Benzeghadi: We also have a new soundtrack theme for La Llorona, our new antagonist. I think it’s super cool and hope players will love it. We also created new audio and characters with Last Rites, and I’m happy to confirm the original GRW actors for Nomad and the other main characters are reprising their role for the English voice over.

One other cool thing we fought hard to bring back – which is my personal favorite as well as a major fan favorite – is the return of the Predator mission. This showdown with the iconic hunter was loved as one of the most challenging boss fights in the game, and rest assured we preserved all of that intact exactly as it used to be!

How do these features expand the freedom players will have when playing Ghost Recon Wildlands?

YB: Everything we decided to do on Last Rites was very well informed by a lot of insightful sources, and many are elements the team wanted to explore based on player feedback. We had quite a luxury to have almost a decade worth of information and insights about how players have been playing Wildlands over the years. When the game first launched, we noticed some players really taking their time completing missions or seemingly doing “nothing” and were mostly free roaming in the open world: we tentatively called them “Sandbox Players”. Over time, this group got bigger and bigger and we made a point to clearly understand what it was all about. By speaking with them, thanks to community discussions and playtests interviews notably, we realized they were all roleplaying. They were taking a lot of time on purpose, not necessarily for the sake of pure exploration, because they were setting up their own challenges, like doing a mission at night, with just one gun, without using a drone, or without being detected. To this day, there’s a strong roleplaying community in Wildlands, and as shared by Benjamin, we’re adding several customization features in Last Rites to further support this kind of playstyle. At the same time, these options are giving even more freedom of choice to fine tune your gameplay experience, role play or not, so there’s something here for everyone regardless of how you play.

Co-op is not forgotten either. I recall players told us they were roleplaying with friends, where one player in the group was acting as the sniper, so only that player could use a sniper rifle, while another was the engineer of the group and was the only one allowed to use a drone, and so on. That’s also why we’re introducing the World and Setting options that Benjamin mentioned earlier, which can be established by the host of your co-op session. And if you want to enable friendly fire in your co-op group to have more realistic behavior, or even allow PvP situations within the campaign, it is now possible.

At the same time, Last Rites introduces an all-new mission, fully story-driven, and that’s there for all players who love and enjoy narrative content without necessarily focusing on roleplay. The mission also features a darker creative vision and artistic direction, with a slightly different tone than the main game campaign, to give the community a fresh experience.

Tell us more about how the community was directly involved in shaping the content of the Last Rites update.

BRL: We started by making a wish list of things we might want to include, but we added way more items to it than we could possibly cover. Then we turned to the players. We worked with our community developers, who are super active with the community for the game, and they gathered a short list of the top 10 things players would want to see in Ghost Recon Wildlands. On top of that, we organized a workshop with super active players from the community, asking them what they thought the most frustrating thing in the game was; what we could alleviate, remove, or work on; what the best thing in the game was that we could add onto; what was missing from the game; et cetera. They obviously gave us thousands of things so we picked a few we wanted to cover and knew we could deliver on, like the UI elements and their sounds we talked about before, or even the destruction persistency of the SAM launchers which came from those discussions. In addition to working with that player committee, we read comments on different internet forums, and we watched videos of people roleplaying in the game to see what they were doing and how we could add to their experiences.

YB: We also leveraged the reports from our community developers to assess the highest priorities that the community was expecting. Number one was, of course, a better framerate with the expectation of a 4K and 60 FPS update for XBOX Series X|S we are delivering today for free with Last Rites. Then there were some of the customizable options Benjamin just mentioned and also some small requests we were able to translate into quick wins; for example, some items were no longer obtainable in the game because they were tied to challenges that have expired. It was easy for us to find those items and unlock them for free for everyone to enjoy, alongside quite a lot of weapons and equipment now unlocked by default.

Another thing we discussed with players is the darker mood of our Last Rites update. We showed them an early concept art for La Llorona – who is the new antagonist introduced in Last Rites – as well as some of the thematic elements we developed around her. The positive reaction we got from players helped us confirm we were heading in the right direction. I think players will be pleased with the end result when they get a chance to play the new mission.

What are you hoping the community takes away from Last Rites?

YB: For me, I hope they enjoy all of the customization options we’re adding. The story with La Llorona is super cool, and I think players will love it. But having worked on Wildlands when it first launched, we couldn’t fully support the roleplaying playstyles as well as we wanted to, besides maybe our Matchmaking Mood System and Ghost Mode back in the day. We did it more elegantly later on in Ghost Recon Breakpoint with what we called the Ghost Experience, which in turn was kind of an inspiration for what we’re doing now in Wildlands within Last Rites. I’m convinced mil-sim and roleplay are some of the key elements that kept so many players active in the game even today and we cannot wait to see how they will enhance their experience and push the military simulation they know and love in Wildlands beyond what they could do until now.

And icing on the cake, of course, the Predator mission! I think no one expected it to be back; we worked hard to make sure our players can face the most lethal hunter once again and we are sure the community will be pleasantly surprised by this comeback. It’s true we could have stopped at just a simple 60 FPS update, but Ghost Recon Wildlands and its fantastic community deserved much more, and we really went all-in as much as we could with Last Rites to go above and beyond expectations to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Ghost Recon! A special thanks to the talented team at Ubisoft Bordeaux who made all of this possible!

BRL: I can’t be more original because it’s the same thing for me. I’m excited to see how the community, especially the roleplaying community, will use the tools we’re giving them to do crazy stuff. From watching videos on the internet, as I mentioned earlier, we know what they can do, and I hope that what we’re giving them in Last Rites will encourage them to come back to the game and enjoy Bolivia in a different way by playing with the weather, time of day, friendly fire, all of it! Roleplay was a pillar of the update that we really wanted to do, and when you factor in the new story mission, Last Rites is the full package.

Coincidentally, XBOX’s Free Play Days starts today, so players can download and play Ghost Recon Wildlands for free through August 9. What would you say to a new player who’s thinking about trying the game for the first time?

YB: There has never been a better time to jump in, because everything will be updated to be incredibly smooth, especially on XBOX Series X|S. Last Rites can be played right away from the main menu; you don’t have to finish Wildlands to play the new mission. At the same time, should you start with it, Last Rites doesn’t spoil any of the main campaign, so even if you play it first, it won’t impact your experience and enjoyment of the main game afterwards. And by the way, if you choose to play the main campaign first, we made sure you can fast travel at a rally point in the Caimanes province near the Predator mission if you want, even though I don’t suggest you go there unprepared! The Predator Bio-Mask and other rewards you get from completing the Predator mission can afterwards be used in Last Rites, and similarly, the two new Operator Skins rewards you get from finishing Last Rites can then be used in the main campaign too.

BRL: If you start the game for the first time and play the main campaign, you can control the difficulty levels with more granularity. The difficulty levels are there as presets, but if at some point you’d like tougher combat, or to remain undetected, you can now play with those parameters to customize your experience. You’re playing the best version of the game with as many options as possible to build your own experience, so it’s a very good moment to join and discover the game for the first time.

YB: One last reminder: if you play during the XBOX Free Play Days and choose to get the game afterwards, you can continue your progression from where you left. Have fun Ghosts, and see you in Wildlands!

Play Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites on XBOX Series X|S. The game is also available with an XBOX Game Pass Premium or Ultimate membership, as well as a Ubisoft+ Premium for XBOX subscription.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands Definitive Edition

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
7309

★★★★★

$99.99

$24.99

Get it now

All editions now include the free Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites title update, featuring a new story mission, 4K and 60FPS availability, quality-of-life updates, new cosmetics, and more!

The Definitive Edition includes:

Season Pass:
– DLCs: Narco Road and Fallen Ghost
– Gameplay content: The Unidad Conspiracy missions, Peruvian Connection Pack
– Cosmetic packs: Peruvian Connection Pack, Ghost Pack: Unidad, Ghost Pack: Santa Blanca, Ghost Pack: Rebellion
– Vehicle: Bolivian Minibus

Year 2 Pass:
– Splinter Cell Pack: Weapon, weapon skin, 2 NVG goggles, pair of gloves, 3 camos
– Soldier Equipment Pack: U100 weapon, JPC vest, military shirt
– Infantry Forces Pack: ACU shirt, Mayflower APC, covered advanced combat helmet
– Active Duty Pack: UMP 45, PenCott LN, Blast Face Shield

Quick Start Pack:
– Gear: x2 Weapons, x3 weapon attachments
– Digital content: 1 Skill point, long XP booster, resource pack

Deluxe Pack:
– Gear: Wilderness weapon, The Huntsman vehicle, 5 accessories, 3 weapon paints, new clothes, x1 short XP booster

Nightfall Protocol Pack:
– Gameplay content: 4 characters, 7 accessories, 2 parachutes, Mk 17 Nerd, SR25 Machinery, AC-AR, M60E4

Cold Eye Pack:
– Gameplay content: 4 characters, 3 accessories, 1 parachute, Golden Vector, MSR Eagle Shot, M4A1 Explorer, Z93 AMR

Internet connection, Ubisoft account, Microsoft Account and Game Pass Ultimate or Essential (subscriptions sold separately) required to access online multiplayer/features.

DISCOVER OR REDISCOVER THIS CLASSIC, NOW IN 60 FPS.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
7300

★★★★★

$49.99

$4.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Xbox Game Pass

Free Trial

Enjoy the ultimate military shooter experience set in a massive, dangerous, and responsive open world.

NEW MISSION IN THE WILDLANDS: LAST RITES
Return to a darker Bolivia to hunt La Llorona in a tense free new mission. Experience enhanced gameplay with 60FPS, 4K graphics, quality-of-life updates, new cosmetics, and more!

TAKE DOWN THE CARTEL
In a near future, Bolivia has fallen into the hands of a merciless drug cartel. Lead your team of elite soldiers and coordinate raids. Pilot drones and helicopters and drive the wildest vehicles on and off-road as you scour the breathtaking landscapes of Bolivia.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR GHOST AND VEHICLES
Create your Ghost from scratch and customize your weapons and gear from a library of thousands of different combinations including tactical paint jobs, sleeve tattoos, backpack patches, helmets, and more. Travel in the air and at sea with over 60 different vehicles.

TEAM UP WITH FRIENDS
Create a team of up to 3 friends. You can also play PvP in 4v4 class-based, tactical fights: Ghost War.

DISCOVER OR REDISCOVER THIS CLASSIC, NOW IN 60 FPS.

The post Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites – A Major Free Update Powered by Community Feedback and Player Insights appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 Early Access Trial Available Now With EA Play

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Members can experience the all-new Persona Engine and redefined gameplay for up to 10 hours in the early access trial.

It’s your league. Your next season starts now in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27. Start shaping your legacy with an EA Play 10-hour early access trial and build a roster you’re proud of with an EA Play Welcome Pack. If you decide to buy, your progress carries over to the full game, and you can get back to leaving your mark on the league. Play with XBOX Cloud Gaming, PC Game Pass, or Ultimate with EA Play.

Members can also save 10% on EA digital purchases, including the full version of the game and Madden Points. Plus, envision your lineup your way with a monthly Madden Ultimate Team Pack.

What’s new in Madden NFL 27?

Powered by the all-new Persona Engine

The Persona Engine gives every NFL athlete a distinct personality that informs their motivations, how they think, and how they respond, transforming your Franchise into a reactive, ever-evolving league shaped by every move you make.

Own every decision. Control every snap.

Gameplay gets physical with more precise control from authentic WR/DB battles, new short-yardage mechanics, defensive coverage improvements, and new strategic pre-play settings and controls.

Chase NFL Immortality

Become the greatest NFL Superstar of all time through an expanded G.O.A.T. Career Journey. Progress from high school to the Hall of Fame with deeper skill trees and new playable positions, then unlock meaningful career choices as your legacy grows.

Your Legendary NFL Dream Team

Build your roster your way with the newly revamped upgrade system. Earn skill points by completing in-game objectives to upgrade your favorite players with new Evos items.

From the battlefield to the arena, the summer keeps rolling with EA Play rewards for Apex Legends, EA Sports FC 26, and more.

Apex Legends
- Add some shine to your summer arsenal with the Gold Garlic Grenade Weapon Charm until August 31.
EA Sports FC 26
- Now on The Play List! Score some screamers in style with a Clubs Wildstyle Blue Headband with Mohawk, until August 13.
EA Sports Madden NFL 27
- Start your next season with an EA Play Welcome Pack starting August 6, and claim your August MUT Pack until August 31 to bring new additions to your Ultimate Team.
EA Sports NHL 26
- Bring the summer heat to the rink with WOC Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens and Chel Coins, available until August 27.
EA Sports College Football 27
- Grab a College Football Ultimate Team Pack available until August 31, and shape the future of your program in College Football 27 with an EA Play Welcome Pack.

To learn more about EA Play, check out X and Instagram, or visit here. For more details on all the EA Play member benefits this month, visit the EA Play Member Benefits site. Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details.

Members can experience the world of EA with unlimited access to a collection of top titles, trials of select new games, in-game member rewards, 10% on EA digital purchases and more.

The post EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 Early Access Trial Available Now With EA Play appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Quake: Dawn of the Machine – Available Today

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

The post Quake: Dawn of the Machine – Available Today appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Puzzledorf Brings New Puzzles to Xbox in 2026

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Summary

Coming to XBOX with play anywhere on August 31, 2026.
Releasing with new puzzles and new mechanics.
Updates exclusive to XBOX for the first 2 weeks.

Exciting news for puzzle fans and XBOX players! I’m thrilled to announce that Puzzledorf, my chill and colourful puzzle game, will release on XBOX August 31. If you’re eager to try the game, grab the demo now, offering a sneak peek into what’s in store. You can also preorder or wishlist the full game on the XBOX store today.

New Exclusive Content

With this release, Puzzledorf will bring fresh content to XBOX players first. The game will debut brand new puzzles with fresh mechanics. You’ll get exclusive access to these puzzles for two weeks before they reach other platforms, making this launch a must-play event for those eager to explore the latest challenges before anyone else.

In the new Ruins puzzles, classic Sokoban gets a twist: match three jewels of the same colour to clear them. Clear all the jewels to complete a level. What’s more: when you push a jewel, it slides until it hits another object, creating an interesting setup for new ways of thinking.

In addition to new content, I’m adding achievements to deepen the XBOX experience. Accessibility is a top priority, with Puzzledorf designed to be approachable for all skill levels. Puzzledorf teaches you the skills you need through play, with a carefully tuned difficulty curve and a colourblind mode to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.

New languages will also be added at launch, starting with German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Japanese and more, with other languages rolling out after release, broadening the game’s accessibility for a global audience.

Method to the Madness

Designing levels for Puzzledorf is about finding that sweet spot between challenge and accessibility, creating moments of satisfaction that bring players back for “just one more.” To prototype quickly, I use Puzzlescript; a free, simple engine for block-pushing games, allowing rapid experimentation with different ideas.

To design a puzzle, I ask questions to spark ideas, such as, “What if I try a different level shape?” or “What if I put the block somewhere else?” Sometimes I just drop a few blocks down, try it, then shuffle their position until something unique stands out.

For example, in Puzzledorf, you need to move coloured blocks onto matching targets. Using multiple colours means you have to juggle blocks around each other, making things interesting. One puzzle idea that emerged was: “If I have a narrow passage, with different coloured blocks either side of the player, how would you swap them round?” And that became an interesting puzzle. You can see an example of the prototype and final level below.

Design Insights and More

If you’re curious about Puzzledorf’s design process or development, check out my blog featuring articles on the game’s design journey and tutorials, including Puzzlescript. I hope you look forward to the full XBOX release coming on August 31. Try the demo today to get a taste of what’s in store, and pre-order or wishlist the full game to let us know you’re excited for the launch!

Puzzledorf

Stuart's Pixel Games (c) 2019

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Stuck in Puzzledorf, the land of puzzles – will you find your way out?

With vibrant worlds and soothing melodies, Puzzledorf is a nostalgic pixel art trip to the 80’s. Puzzledorf has a gentle learning curve before it hits you with brain-breaking puzzles. Things that look simple at first will surprise you! 5 minutes to learn, hours of gameplay with satisfying puzzles.

Puzzledorf puts a twist on Classic Sokoban by adding multiple-coloured blocks instead of just one colour. This creates interesting puzzles where you need to navigate different coloured blocks past each other in tight spaces. You can also slide on the ice or be challenged by the new puzzles in The Ruins.

The Ruins mixes the block pushing of classic Sokoban with Match 3. In The Ruins, jewels slide until they hit another object, causing you to think in new ways. Players must use walls and other jewels to control where they stop, then match three jewels of the same colour to clear them from the puzzle.

The simple change creates a very different challenge from Puzzledorf’s classic puzzles, with players needing to think about not only where a jewel should go, but where it will stop and how each move affects the rest of the board.

A land of bright and colourful places awaits – will you make it out of the lava caverns?

Includes:

• Replayability: Achievements encourage you to go back and beat your best scores
• Mirror Mode: flips every puzzle, tricking your brain so you can’t remember the solution
• Accessibility: no timer, undo unlimited moves, colour blind options
• Portability: Compatible with Xbox Play Anywhere and ROG XBOX Ally, so that you can play anywhere! And take your cloud saves with you!

The post Puzzledorf Brings New Puzzles to Xbox in 2026 appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 10 to 14

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

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!

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27

Electronic Arts

☆☆☆☆☆
260

★★★★★

Get it now

Free Trial

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

It’s your league. Your next season starts now in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27. Start shaping your legacy with an EA Play 10-hour early access trial and build a roster you’re proud of with an EA Play Welcome Pack. If you decide to buy, your progress carries over to the full game, and you can get back to leaving your mark on the league. Play with xCloud, PC Game Pass, or Ultimate with EA Play.

Pre-order the Deluxe Edition to get 3 Day Early Access, starting August 10.

Sandustry (Game Preview)

Hooded Horse

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sandustry (Game Preview) – August 13
Game Pass

Sandustry is a factory automation game where every pixel is a resource waiting to be mined, mixed, processed, or destroyed. Explore a vast and fully-destructible open world as you seek out powerful artifacts left behind by an ancient civilization.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

Team17

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Enter the explosive conflict of the Vietnam War and fight your way through some of the fiercest clashes in modern history. Join the battle raging across an extreme landscape of vast mountain gorges and thick jungle, where the North Vietnamese Armies clash with the military strength of the US Armed Forces. Build tunnels, fly helicopters, drive patrol boats, use historically accurate weapons and work with your team to achieve victory.

Pro Jank Footy

Powerbomb Games, Umbrella Gaming

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Pro Jank Footy – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Pro Jank Footy is an over-the-top arcade comedy-sports game. Score goals to unleash game-changing power-ups, build a deck of absurd abilities, and tackle a season where no two matches are ever the same—solo or with your mates. For those outside the loop, “Aussie Rules” could mean anything. Pro Jank Footy takes this confusion and runs with it—a fast-paced, comedic sports game where you’re constantly changing the rules.

Wild Blue Skies

Balor Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Wild Blue Sky – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Wild Blue Skies is a modern take on the classic on-rails adventures of the ’90s, built for players who grew up chasing high scores and for a new generation hungry for the real thing. Soar over oceans, desert ridges, and perilous caves, battling waves of enemies and pushing back Grimclaw’s forces. With the help of your squad, you’ll fight to restore peace while experiencing the thrill of classic arcade flight-combat!

Pieced Together

Glowfrog Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Pieced Together – August 10
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Pieced Together is a cozy scrapbooking game that takes you on a heartfelt journey about friendship and getting older. Sort items, solve gentle puzzles, and decorate the scrapbook as you uncover the story piece by piece.

Akatori

Games Harbor

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Akatori – August 11
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Welcome to the vast and mystical world of Akatori, a captivating blend of classic metroidvania and intense action platformer. You will play as Mako, a teenage girl raised in the Firebird Temple, who embarks on a journey through all the worlds to save them from the Amber Storms that are infecting and distorting all living things. A mysterious red bird sealed in a staff will accompany you on this adventure. While its background and motives are yet unknown, the staff it can transform into may prove useful: it can be a weapon to crush enemies or a tool to navigate and explore every corner of the places you’ll visit.

Bunny Pit Berry (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bunny Pit Berry – August 11
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Get ready for a charming springtime adventure in Bunny Pit Berry. Take control of an adorable hamster and use your wits to push delicious fruits into the picnic basket, solving increasingly clever puzzles along the way. Explore carefully crafted levels that introduce new ideas naturally, letting you learn as you play. Every challenge invites you to observe the environment, think a few moves ahead, and discover the best way to deliver every fruit to its destination.

Iridio

KR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Iridio – August 11
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Seized by criminals, the island designated for your research needs your help. Join Yatziri and the Wazhari tribe to liberate their hostages, explore hidden secrets, craft essential items and weapons, and strategically use fire and water in challenging puzzles and life-or-death battles for survival.

No More Room in Hell 2

Green Man Gaming Publishing

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

$23.99

Pre-order

No More Room in Hell 2 – August 11
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

In No More Room in Hell 2, you deploy as an emergency Responder into the eerie darkness of various zombie-infested locations. Join up with others and complete vital missions to aid humanity’s survival. But stay cautious: every encounter with the horde can lead to infection – or even permadeath for your Responder. Every fight is a struggle, every victory another step back from the brink of apocalypse.

Trash Raccoon

Xeneder Team

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Trash Raccoon – August 11
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Trash Raccoon is a fast, juicy and chaotic rogue-lite arcade game about grabbing fruit before they turn into explosive bombs! Collecting fruits charges your powerful Fruit Dash which can break anything! Survive as long as you can, earn Can Lids and buy upgrades with them. Try multiple times until you unlock the next stage!

Duskfade

Fireshine Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

$23.99

Pre-order

Duskfade – August 12
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Shatter the shackles of time as you jump, swing, and slash through a fantastic world in this love letter to classic 3D action platformers. Zirian, accompanied by his mechanical Cuckoo, must save his sister from a mysterious Clock Tower that has plunged the land into eternal night. Master a seamless blend of dynamic platforming and fast-paced combat. Jump, dash, grapple, and glide your way through thrilling challenges that rekindle the magic of classic action platformer favourites.

Pets Survivors

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Pet Survivors – August 12
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Fend off waves of monsters as a dog, cat, chicken and other unlockable furry or feathered friends! Domesticated animals get wild in roguelike arena shooter combat where survival is all that matters! Pick 1 of 14 playable pets, each with unique skills and stats, as they face hordes of fantasy monsters like slimes, rock giants, oversized bugs, carnivorous plants and more in top-down retro pixel art style.

Pool Cleaning Simulator

FreeMind S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Pool Cleaning Simulator – August 12
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Pool Cleaning Simulator is a PowerWash Simulator-esque cleaning game where you use a variety of tools to make filthy pools sparkling clean. The game recreates the entire process of cleaning, scrubbing, and maintaining various pools, from luxurious backyard havens to community swimming complexes. Take on the role of a virtual pool cleaner, taking on the challenge of transforming dirty, neglected pools into sparkling oases of relaxation.

Barkside Roads (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Barkside Roads – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Get ready for a journey full of strategy, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of charm in Barkside Roads. Behind the wheel of a fun dune buggy, a friendly dog from Rio de Janeiro sets off on an adventure through some of Brazil’s most iconic locations, where every road is a new puzzle waiting to be solved.

Emergency Room Simulator

Aerosoft GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Emergency Room Simulator – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Step into the role of a doctor in a chaotic emergency room, where every second can mean the difference between life and death. Explore a richly detailed hospital environment with authentic medical equipment, from first response in the trauma bay to bedside patient care.

Idle Immortal

Happy Player

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$11.99

Pre-order

Idle Immortal – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Build a Chinese fantasy sect, recruit disciples, and forge the ultimate squad for ascension! Are you ready to walk the path to immortality as a true Sect Master? Enjoy a relaxing idle experience designed to help you unwind. Even while you are away, your sect keeps battling, growing stronger, and moving closer to ascension.

Kaboomania

Fancy Factory – an Axel Friedrich company

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kaboomania – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

KABOOMANIA is a fast‑paced retro maze bomber packed with explosive action, colorful pixel art, and a fresh twist on a timeless gameplay formula. Initially designed for the Amiga 1200 – now available for modern platforms.

Panzer Knights: Commander's Edition

PQube Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

$19.99

Pre-order

Panzer Knights: Commander’s Edition – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Take command of a German panzer platoon and lead your forces through the chaos of World War II in this gripping tank simulation that blends hardcore strategy with anime-inspired visuals. Engage in explosive third-person combat across the battlefields of Europe, where every round counts. Load specialized ammunition, target enemy weak points, and call in tactical support as you adapt to the ever-changing situation on the front line.

Plungeez

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Plungeez – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Plungeez is a non-linear puzzle adventure set in a vast underground world. Explore an interconnected labyrinth where every room challenges your logic and every secret reveals a new path. No combat—just the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of solving complex puzzles in a captivating pixel art style. A mystery story set in the sewers of Salvador, Brazil!

Skatesterre

Headup

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Skatesterre – August 13
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Skatesterre is a fast-paced arcade skateboarding game inspired by the golden era of classic skate titles. Link together huge combos, land stylish tricks, and shred through levels designed for speed, flow, and creativity. Ride as Sterre Meijer a.k.a. Surfsterre, Dutch skateboarder and rising figure in the global skate scene, and carve your way through streets, parks, and urban playgrounds packed with rails, ramps, and hidden lines.

Hidden Legends 2

© 17Studio LLC.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$3.99

$3.19

Pre-order

Hidden Legends 2 – August 14

Hidden Legends 2 is a sequel that takes you on an even deeper and more immersive fantasy adventure. This time, the search is truly interactive: items aren’t just scattered throughout the level; many are carefully hidden inside the houses of fairytale characters and other environmental objects. Each level is handcrafted, and every discovery requires attention, giving you the feeling of a true detective. You’ll explore familiar locations as well as completely new ones. Immerse yourself in the fairytale atmosphere thanks to colorful graphics, a magical soundtrack, and intuitive touch controls.

Hunahpu Quest. Mechanoid

Valkyrie Initiative LLP

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Hunahpu Quest. Mechanoid – August 14
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

During his adventures Hunahpu will fight against numerous enemies, find new friends and solve complicated puzzles. By the search and the rescue of his brother from the paws of mechanical monster Hunahpu would need his power, intelligence and the cunning force.

Lootbound

Dreland Enterprises

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Lootbound – August 14
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Lootbound: Take risks and assemble your party and build. Every run starts solo. Move along the map, choose your own adventure, and weigh the risks and rewards. You’ll meet companions along the way. Together with them, you create your own playstyle. The perfect build might come together in seamless synchronicity — or it could go the other way.

No More Slimes!!

Minimum Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

No More Slimes! – August 14
XBOX Play Anywhere

Slime Rebellion! Small and adorable slimes have started a bouncing rebellion, filling up the entire screen. Dive right into this unstoppable commotion! Build diverse skill trees using the loot you earn from battles. Add special abilities like striking lightning with cards and relics or summoning a bouncing boomerang that deals damage off walls, and grow in your own unique way!

Tower Dominion

Forever Entertainment S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tower Dominion – August 14
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Experiment with different combinations of buildings, weapons, perks, and doctrines to create powerful builds capable of surviving increasingly dangerous enemy waves. Unlock new possibilities over time, push your strategies further in Extended Mode, and take on higher difficulties designed to challenge even experienced players.

The post Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 10 to 14 appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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HELLDIVERS 2 x Warhammer 40,000 Legendary Warbond, Launching August 12

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

The die is cast.

The unstoppable force of Freedom is advancing where others fear to tread, emboldened and equipped with Super Earth’s latest instruments of Liberation – and secure in the knowledge that approved replacements are standing by for deployment.

Helldivers, prepare to paint the galaxy all the colours of Freedom, one righteous basecoat of Justice at a time, as you eradicate tyranny through the historic HELLDIVERS 2 x Warhammer 40,000: Castellan’s Creed Legendary Warbond*.

Overwhelm and hammer hostile entities into complete compliance with highly-advanced gear inspired by the unmatched, undefeated and unyielding Cadian Kasrkin – revered as the most elite Astra Militarum unit in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Wield potent, Democracy-dispensing weapons!

Wear iconic, peace-preserving armour!

Bear distinguished, service-honouring capes!

Become the unbreakable shield of Super Earth without the need to measure distance, line-of-sight or your target’s chances of survival.

Liberty always has priority. Failure is not a wargear option. The only core rule is… Managed Democracy always wins.

Today we stand together as the first, last, and only line of Offense.

Today we fight for every loyal citizen and for every fallen Helldiver.

Weapons

R/40-K Hot-Shot Marksman Rifle
Thunderous power and pinpoint precision from distance. Produced by ST Construction with metals mined on the lost world of Chara, overrun in the First Galactic War, every shot carries forward the legacy of those who made their valiant last stand.

P/40-K Bolt Pistol
A highly-effective, highly-versatile pocket-size sidearm from the early days of the Galactic Federation that has more than withstood the test of time. Battle-proven, deadly, iconic.

G/40-K Meltamine
Capable of burning through almost anything, this single-use, proximity-detonated energy mine has been engineered for complete impartiality to friendly and enemy footfall, lighting up the night sky with every wayward step.

Stratagem

40-K Meltagun Stratagem
A firm favourite with recruits and veterans, this Stratagem can be called in to discharge a superheated beam of thermal energy, ideal for dissolving anti-Democratic deception, or anything else that requires melting, at close range.

Armour Sets

TG-122 Demo-Trooper
Heavy-tier armour built for the Helldiver who seeks the most dangerous of roles in the deadliest war zones. A precise and faithful replica of the storied armour worn by the legendary Charan Colonial Guard, ideal for breaching enemy fortifications under heavy fire.

TG-8 Sharpshooter
Medium-tier armour tailor-made for patient, keen-eyed, skilled shooters ready and willing to follow High Command’s orders for the safety and glory of Super Earth – at any cost.

Both armour sets are fitted with the True Grit passive ability for boosts to all weapon handling and to support weapon reload speeds

Title and Cosmetics

Capes and Player Banners: Camo Cloak and City Fighter’s Resolve.

Vehicle Pattern: Castellan’s Green pattern for your Shuttle, Hellpod, FRV, and Exosuit.

Player Title: Still Standing.

Legendary Warbonds

Head to your Destroyer’s Acquisition’s Panel to secure this new gear and supercharge your loadouts of sweet Liberty on August 12. Following in the bootsteps of the Xbox-themed HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond, and the PlayStation-themed HELLDIVERS 2 x Killzone Legendary Warbond, this latest cache of carnage can also be unlocked by spending 1500 Super Credits – found in-game or purchased separately – and you can redeem the content with medals earned as you play.

Ministry of Operational Enhancement & Education

Whether you are a fresh-faced, wide-eyed new recruit that doesn’t know a Stratagem from a Singularity – or a been-there, shot-that, somehow-still-breathing campaign veteran… it never hurts to get a tactical tune-up.

Refresh, reboot, and realign with your Helldiver training curriculum to stay sharp enough to slice straight through the enemy’s villainously treacherous designs.

Learn today. Liberate tomorrow. Live forever…ish.

*Requires base game, Super Credits, and game progression to unlock.

HELLDIVERS 2

PlayStation Publishing LLC

☆☆☆☆☆
9661

★★★★★

$39.99

Get it now

The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence.

Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.

URGENT BROADCAST – SUPER EARTH ARMED FORCES
Freedom. Peace. Democracy.
Your Super Earth-born rights. The key pillars of our civilization.
Of our very existence.
But the war rages on. And everything is once again under threat.
Join the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen and make this a safe and free place to live.

BECOME A LEGEND
You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions.
Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.

LOADOUTS
Rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or grit your teeth and charge head-first into the jaws of combat.
How you deliver liberty is your choice; you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor and battle-changing stratagems… the jewel in every Helldiver’s arsenal.

REQUISITION
Super Earth recognises your hard work with valuable Requisition. Use it to access different rewards that benefit you, your squad, your destroyer ship and our overall war effort.

THREATS
Everything on every planet wants you dead. That’s what we’re dealing with.
Each enemy has distinct and unpredictable characteristics, tactics, and behavior – but they all fight ferociously and without fear or morality.

THE GALACTIC WAR
Capturing enemy planets, defending against invasions, and completing missions will contribute to our overall effort.
This war will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
We stand together, or we fall apart.

©2025 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios AB. Helldivers is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC and related companies in the U.S. and other countries.

https://www.playstation.com/legal/op-eula/

The post HELLDIVERS 2 x Warhammer 40,000 Legendary Warbond, Launching August 12 appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Dinos Collide in Explosive On-Rails Shooter Tailbreak, Out Now

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

[1]

Summary

Arcade-style shooter pitting you against dinosaurs and horrors..
Tips for maximizing destruction in solo or two-player co-op.
A look at the semi-procedurally generated Mutation Matrix game mode remixing enemies, weapons, and more.

Well hello there fellow dino-wranglers! I’m Julia Wolbach, and I’m here to share the exciting news about Tailbreak launching on XBOX Series X|S & XPA today, as well as share some secrets and hints to survive this on-rails dino-packed nightmare! We’re dragging you back to the roots of on-rails light gun action as zombies step aside to let the dinosaurs roar center stage!

Slam in a Quarter and Grab a Friend

In this loose retelling of our hit Dinobreak title, Tailbreak introduces Alex and Rin, two unlikely survivors who find themselves trapped in Cypress Ridge as dinos big and small rampage across the city. Either alone or in local two-player co-op, they’ll have to fight their way to safety in a fully voice-acted story mode, with escalating threats but increasingly powerful weapons at their disposal.

Some Tips for You Would-Be Dino-Snacks

Make sure to shoot everything in the environment to uncover hidden items and weapons. Boxes, barrels, and much more glow, and you never know what you may find inside. Your inventory is limited, so you’ll need to keep finding more supplies and using what you’ve got if you hope to survive. It’s worth balancing your offensive and defensive items. You never know when you may need to heal, but holding onto a sprout item can prevent you from taking advantage of a screen clearing grenade. Sometimes the most powerful defense is an explosive offense!

Another item type to keep an eye out for is the red dino egg. Using this will add several levels to your egg chain on activation. Use one when you’re about to lose your combo to save it and rack up the points! Better scores will lead to faster unlocks of new weapons and upgrades that can give you the edge on the battlefield.

The meaty core of Tailbreak comes after Alex and Rin’s tale of survival. Venture into the Mutation Matrix game mode, a semi-procedurally generated warzone where enemies, weapons, items, and more are fully randomized at each encounter.

To increase your odds of success, you’ll need to increase your high scores. As you score higher on each level and beat your scores, you’ll unlock new starting weapons, abilities, and allow weapons to upgrade to higher levels during gameplay. Use the Succubus handgun to regenerate your health as you take out enemies, so you’ll be able to survive longer and attain higher scores!. You’ll need to score a cumulative 36,000 points to unlock this effective firearm.

Don’t forget to level up your sidearms. At a total high score of 48,000, for example, you’ll be able to wield a level three shotgun. You can access upgrades by either collecting a duplicate of the same sidearm or using an upgrade item in the middle of a playthrough. Using a higher-level sidearm yields advantages like better damage output, larger clip size, and higher score multipliers. Even if you run out of continues, increasing your score output will help you inch toward better and better performances.

Use your new toys to take on this rogue-lite RPG mode and become powerful enough to venture into Primal Difficulty, a truly unbalanced fight for your life!

Wait a Second… Did I See a Zombie!?

That’s right! It isn’t Cypress Ridge without a few of the undead coming by for a quick bite. Outside of Story Mode, you have the option to mix and match enemy types – including welcoming undead zombies and special mutated monsters into the mix. Choose how Cypress Ridge gets obliterated by playing just with dinosaurs, or just with the undead, or perhaps mixing them together. New threats and challenges await as you remix your experience, and opportunities to go for a higher score and unlock more abilities and weapons. So don’t be afraid to get groovy in the Mutation Matrix, because it’s about to get messy.

Play it Your Way with XPA

XBOX Series X|S offers advanced ray tracing and cutting-edge visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 5.7.1. If you’re packing a powerful PC, you’ll find even more bells and whistles to enable as well as being able to run at extremely high framerates. You can also expect a great looking experience when playing on the XBOX ROG Ally X handheld. The dinosaurs will be delighted to eat you wherever you are thanks to XPA, so pick your favorite place to play and prepare to become lunch!

It’s Time to Hit the Arcade

We hope these tips help accelerate the mayhem when you jump into the middle of the action-packed, 80’s-fueled world of Tailbreak, now available for $24.99 USD. Make sure to grab a friend and bring them along for co-op across the entire title. Good luck out there and don’t forget – cardio!

Tailbreak

Dead Drop Studios LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

$22.49

Pre-order

A new dinosaur-blasting adventure is in town!

Serving as a follow-up to Railbreak and as a retelling of the hit DINOBREAK, Tailbreak evolves the arcade on-rails shooter experience from mere resurrection to pleasingly primal for up to two players!

Weapons and mechanics have been intensified; starting with just a handgun, you’ll need to make tough choices about your sub-weapons and juggle pick-ups with the new item system. Do you dedicate an item slot to a grenade or a healing item? Do you stick with your trusty machine gun, or do you switch it up with a heavy rifle?

With new and realistic lighting utilizing Unreal Engine 5.7, Cypress Ridge looks more sinister and desolate than ever before. A new, fully-voiced, six-act Story mode tells the plight of heroines Alex and Rin as they struggle to survive the events of DINOBREAK without becoming dino food. The Arrange mode brings custom handguns and upgradable sub-weapons to the fray for something a little zanier, while the Mutation Matrix randomizes the game’s encounters and items for an unpredictable experience every play-through!

More bonus modes and features await as you take on nature’s ancient beasts on the safari of a lifetime in Tailbreak!

Features:

NEW Item System: Pick up healing items, ammo, and more, but be careful: you can only hold two at a time! Will you prioritize the extra firepower of a grenade, or will you hold onto a precious, life-restoring sprout for a rainy day?

Fierce Firepower: Blast away with both returning and new weapons. Carefully manage your sub-weapon ammo, or you may find yourself up dino creek without a paddle! In Arrange mode, choose between handguns with different effects, and level up your sub-weapons to make them more powerful.

Deliciously Cheesy: Enjoy a new story where lead characters Alex and Rin check out the coolest new game in Cypress Ridge Arcade – Tailbreak! It’s all about their search for safety in a city ravaged by raptors. All six acts feature full voice acting with hysterical banter and the crazy camp you’d expect in your favorite B-movie!

Gameplay Galore: Bonus modes like Score Attack, Arrange Mode, and Mutation Matrix add additional depth and extra replayability to the game. Plus, all content can be experienced solo or in local co-op play with a friend!

Scarily Beautiful: The world of Cypress Ridge comes to life whether you’re blasting through a restaurant or sulking through dark caverns thanks to the power of cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5.7, which brings stunning ray traced lighting to the varied, highly-detailed environments you’ll flee through during your exploits.

The post Dinos Collide in Explosive On-Rails Shooter Tailbreak, Out Now appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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THQ Nordic Showcase 2026: New Worlds, New Stories, New Games, and New Discounts

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

The 2026 instalment of the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase took place today, offering gamers first and fresh looks at many upcoming titles. During the showcase, we released the highly anticipated, first chapter in the REANIMAL DLC campaign and kicked off the pre-order campaign for Way of the Hunter 2! In addition, we showed off new gameplay trailers from Way of the Hunter 2, Wreckfest 2, The Eternal Life of Goldman and others. The THQ Nordic Showcase Sale runs from August 4 to August 10 and includes savings of up 90% across the THQN portfolio.

Here, we have a recap of all of the major news and reveals that are heading to XBOX.

REANIMAL: The Prisoner DLC

Available today, REANIMAL: The Prisoner DLC features two brand new characters, The Soldier and The Prisoner, who must survive the war-ravaged streets of a once-familiar place, stumbling blindly down a rabbit hole that will change their lives forever. Explore previously unseen areas of the REANIMAL world, on foot and otherwise, and discover that while war can be hell, some experiences are even worse. Special savings of 25% are available for the REANIMAL Digital Deluxe Edition, as well as Foxhead and Muttonhead Masks.

Way of The Hunter 2

Pre-Order is now available for Way of the Hunter 2! ALL Way of the Hunter owners who pre-order Way of the Hunter 2 will receive a discount of 10%. Coming September 29, Way of the Hunter 2 takes hunting simulation to the next level with even higher realism, more complex animal behavior, immersive nature, and more ways to hunt and manage hunting grounds. If you cannot wait till then, then enjoy 70% off the Way of the Hunter – Ultimate Edition during the THQN Showcase sale.

Wreckfest 2

Wreckfest 2 is coming, and brings you the absolute best in full-contact racing with unmatched destruction fidelity and vehicle dynamics! Witness unbelievable crashes and unforgettable head-to-head battles as you destroy any rival vehicle bit by bit. Powered by the vastly improved true-to-life physics engine, developed by the masterminds behind Wreckfest and the original FlatOut! Wreckfest – The Complete Editionis 70% off for a limited time!

Titan Quest 2

Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, is out of control. She is corrupting the Threads of Fate and punishing all those who oppose her. Take up your weapon, fight alongside gods, and change fate itself in Titan Quest 2, an action RPG inspired by Greek mythology. The original Titan Quest is now 85% off, while Titan Quest: Atlantisand Titan Quest: Ragnarök are both 75% during the THQ Nordic Showcase Sale!

Gothic II Complete Classic

The iconic sequel to a cult classic RPG Continue the story of the Nameless Hero in Gothic II Complete Classic, the award-winning sequel that improved on its predecessor in every way. Gothic II Complete Classic brings together the excitement of Gothic II and the add-on Night of the Raven to your fingertips for the first time on a console. You have torn down the magical barrier and released the prisoners of the Mine Valley. Now the former criminals of the forests and mountains are causing trouble around the capital of Khorinis. The town militia is powerless due to their low amount of force–outside of the town, everyone is helpless against the attacks of the bandits.

Enjoy 20% off Gothic Remake during the sale.

The Eternal Life of Goldman

The Eternal Life of Goldman is a one-of-a-kind experience of inventive visual splendor and tight gameplay. Dive into a dark and twisted fable, a classic 2D-story-platformer telling the tale of a dying world. Explore huge biomes, expand your abilities and dive into a universe of strange creatures, memorable characters and menacing bosses – in a hand-painted and -animated art style, reminiscent of classic animated features.

We also offered the first look of an unannounced game from DigixArt during the Showcase, as well as a catalogue update from Handy Games.

Here’s a recap of everything shown

REANIMAL: The Prisoner DLC – Available now! ($9.99)
Way of the Hunter 2 – Pre-Order Now! Coming September 29
Wreckfest 2 – Jump into Early Access + New Gameplay reveal!
Titan Quest II – Jump into Early Access + New Gameplay reveal!
Gothic Classic – New Gameplay reveal!
Gothic Remake – New Gameplay reveal!
The Eternal Life of Goldman – New Gameplay reveal!

The post THQ Nordic Showcase 2026: New Worlds, New Stories, New Games, and New Discounts appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Wild Blue Skies: How We Brought the Feel of a 90s Arcade Cockpit to XBOX

XboxBot — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:16:59 GMT

Summary

How Chuhai Labs brought the feel of classic on-rails shooters to modern players.
The team behind the game breaks it all down.
All-star voice cast including Jonah Scott, Suzie Yeung, Edward Bosco, and Daman Mills.

When we set out to make Wild Blue Skies, we knew exactly what we were taking on.

The on-rails shooter is one of those genres that lives in people’s memories in a very specific way. It’s not just a game type; it’s a Saturday morning, it’s a borrowed controller, it’s a high score that means something. We didn’t want to just make another one. We wanted to make the one that reminded you why you loved them in the first place.

For our studio director Giles Goddard, that connection to the genre runs deep. His passion for on-rails shooters is woven into the DNA of Chuhai Labs and when the team came together to make Wild Blue Skies, it felt almost inevitable. A lot of us grew up playing these games. We’re fans first. That matters when you’re trying to get something right.

Here’s how we did it.

Embracing Limitations, Not Fighting Them.

One of the first things we realized when making Wild Blue Skies was just how much of the feel of classic on-rails shooters was driven by the limitations of their time and that we shouldn’t be afraid to embrace them.

The biggest example? View distance. We spent a long time in development being able to see far off into the distance, which made enemies feel like they were spawning out of thin air and made you want to shoot farther than they could. One day, we reduced the view distance significantly and everything clicked. You would be focusing on what was happening now. Enemies felt more natural. Missions were immediately more exciting.

Camera and controls were a huge focus early in development. We wanted the aircraft to immediately feel good. To give you the means to fly and fight through our world without feeling overwhelmed.

It was a controversial change at the time. But everyone felt it the moment they picked up the controller.

That lesson shaped how we approached the entire project. In an era where the sky is the limit, we found it important to set clear pillars and embrace working with constraints. Does not matter if they’re driven by hardware, resources, or the type of game you’re making. Limitations can be your biggest ally.

Making the Plane Feel Right.

Camera and controls were a huge focus early in development. We wanted the aircraft to immediately feel good. To give you the means to fly and fight through our world without feeling overwhelmed.

The framing of the plane in on-rails missions was an especially key topic. We wanted you to feel like you were flying around the frame, keeping a strong focus on the world while being careful not to obstruct their view. We used a dithering technique on the plane in conjunction with careful tuning to help achieve this. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how connected you feel to the cockpit.

The result is a control scheme that feels immediately familiar but rewards mastery. Dodge rolls deflect enemy fire when timed right. Not just a defensive tool, but an aggressive one. In free flight missions, the brake can be used to pull a 180 and get behind enemies chasing you. Every mechanic has a skill ceiling. Something you can learn in five minutes and spend hours getting good at.

A World Built from the Ground up.

We wanted our missions to feel like bite-sized episodes in a grander story and that meant building a world first. We started by concepting environments and built out a high-level world map before we made a single mission.

Each mission started with an environment and a high-level narrative pitch. From there, we blocked out the geometry, breaking each mission into sections and creating set pieces for you to fly through. We’d stub in placeholders for encounters and dialogue (flying through grayboxed environments with floating text describing what you’d eventually see) and playtest relentlessly. When the pacing felt right, we’d move on to implementing encounters, art, dialogue, and sound. Continuously playtesting. Continuously tuning.

Pacing is everything in an on-rails shooter. You are always being pushed forward, so the rhythm of quiet moments, enemy waves, hazards, and climactic encounters has to be exactly right. We got there through iteration. A lot of it.

The Visual Language of a Saturday Morning Cartoon.

Our main source of visual inspiration came from classic Japanese animated films, particularly the work coming out of Studio Ghibli. We loved how you could see yourself in the characters and get lost in the painted backgrounds.

The team crafted an outlined cel-shaded look to make our characters, enemies, and planes really pop off the screen. Environments were treated from a painterly angle. Softer details with light, shadow, and fog to make the world feel vibrant and full of life. And since we were modernizing the gameplay, the UI was brought up to speed too: clean, simple shapes that let you gather the information you need at a glance.

The goal was always to make Wild Blue Skies feel like you’d just been thrown into a 90s action movie and Saturday morning cartoon at the same time.

The Blue Bombers and the Voices Behind Them.

We had a lot of fun concepting characters that would fit that era of cheesy one-liners and strong personalities. Bowie, Thorne, Chuck, and Roe were designed to feel instantly familiar. The kind of squad you’d remember from the cartoons you grew up watching, while being entirely their own thing.

Bringing them to life required voices that could match that energy. We were incredibly lucky to land a cast that did exactly that! Jonah Scott as Bowie Stray, known for Legoshi in Beastars and Sniper Mask in High-Rise Invasion; Suzie Yeung as Roe Whitetail, known for Yuffie in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Makima in Chainsaw Man; Edward Bosco as Chuck Barbacoa, known for Albedo in Overlord and Il Dottore in Genshin Impact; and Daman Mills as Thorne, known for Frieza in Dragon Ball Super and Blade in Honkai: Star Rail.

We can’t wait to see which characters become your’ favorites.

This is just a glimpse of how we brought the feel of a 90s arcade cockpit to Wild Blue Skies.

Jump in and experience it for yourself when it launches August 13 on XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC. And thanks to XBOX Play Anywhere support, your mission progress and achievements will fly with you no matter where you choose to play. To keep up with our latest breakthroughs, find Chuhahi Labsover on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

Wild Blue Skies

Balor Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Wild Blue Skies is a modern take on the classic on-rails adventures of the '90s, built for players who grew up chasing high scores and for a new generation hungry for the real thing.

Soar over oceans, desert ridges, and perilous caves, battling waves of enemies and pushing back Grimclaw's forces. With the help of your squad, you'll fight to restore peace while experiencing the thrill of classic arcade flight-combat!

Easy-to-learn controls make Wild Blue Skies accessible for newcomers and genre veterans alike, while stunning anime-inspired visuals immerse you in a hand-crafted universe. With branching paths, thrilling missions, and a score system that rewards mastery, every flight is an adventure worth repeating.

A Squad Worth Saving
Meet Bowie, Thorne, Chuck, and Roe: the Blue Bombers. Four pilots, one unbreakable squad. Each one brings their own personality and voice to every sortie. With rival squad encounters and character banter woven throughout the campaign, getting to know them is half the adventure.

Fly Your Way
No two playthroughs are the same. Branching mission paths keep every flight fresh, with secrets and hidden paths rewarding players who want to master everything the game has to offer.

Master the Skies
Easy to pick up. Deeply rewarding to master. Push yourself to earn every medal, uncover every secret path, and find the difference between finishing a mission and truly owning it.

The post Wild Blue Skies: How We Brought the Feel of a 90s Arcade Cockpit to XBOX appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Gameplay first look – Mafia: The Old Country’s Man of Honor expansion

PlayStationBot — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:25:48 GMT

Hi everyone, I’m Josh Zammit, design director at Hangar 13 working on the Man of Honor expansion* for Mafia: The Old Country. We’re super excited to share the first look gameplay above, and I’d like to reveal a bit more about the Free Ride content included in the DLC.

Man of Honor features two new story chapters set in the earlier days of Enzo Favara’s service to the Torrisi crime family, letting you team up with respected mafioso Ennio Salieri to settle old scores. In addition to the two new story chapters, owning the Man of Honor expansion grants you access to a new set of exclusive jobs and extreme challenges we’re adding to Free Ride mode, along with new collectibles and locations added to the Valle Dorata map.

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If you haven’t played Mafia: The Old Country yet, Free Ride mode lets you explore the Sicilian countryside at your own pace, or take on a collection of repeatable Challenges separate from the critical path that include combat encounters, stealth missions, and different kinds of races. In the new Man of Honor Free Ride content, you’ll take on new assignments from Salieri himself, who has set up shop in a Porto Almaro warehouse where he spends his days devising new schemes and smuggling stolen goods.

Longtime Mafia fans know Salieri well, given his central role as the Don of his own crime family in the city of Lost Heaven, where the original Mafia and Mafia: Definitive Edition take place. Making Salieri the focal point of Man of Honor lets us showcase who he was before his emigration to America and subsequent rise to power, deepening his backstory in a really engaging way. Though still feared and respected in Sicily, this younger Salieri is much scrappier and has to hustle to get his cut of the Family’s various rackets.

With Salieri as your new point of contact for Man of Honor’s Free Ride content, you’ll drop by his hideout to pick up two types of contracts: Challenges and Jobs. Salieri’s Challenges follow a similar format to the ones you can currently take on in Free Ride mode, but with amped-up difficulty that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned soldato. Salieri’s Jobs introduce brand-new mission types, tasking you with tracking down your objective and dealing with anyone who tries to get in your way. Seeking hidden caches of valuable loot, towing high-value vehicles back to Salieri, delivering stolen trucks full of precious-but-fragile goods—whichever job you take, success will line your pockets with extra Dinari.

You can spend those ill-gotten gains to add new outfits, Charms, weapons, vehicles, and horses to your collection, all exclusive to this expansion. As you can see in the gameplay footage, the unique weapons and Charms you can earn in Man of Honor gave us space to play around with perks that push just beyond the bounds of period-accurate realism.

For example, take the Rimbalzu throwing knife, which bounces to a second target so you can quickly and silently take down multiple enemies from the shadows. It would take near-impossible skill to throw a ricochet between targets every time, but the effect is incredibly fun and empowering, especially for players who prefer the stealthy approach. We wanted to design fresh and exciting weapons for a range of playstyles, and the added stopping power of these additions to Enzo’s arsenal can help give you an edge during Salieri’s most difficult assignments.

Along with all the new items and missions on offer, there are plenty of optional activities you can seek out as you explore the Valle Dorata. Keep your eyes peeled for collectible Wanted Posters which, in keeping with a fun series tradition, use members of our development team (myself included) in period-accurate attire for their mugshots. You can also soar through the air in your turn-of-the-century automobiles via added Stunt Jumps, or destroy delivery trucks loaded with sulfur to hit back at the people who betrayed Salieri.

The Man of Honor expansion for Mafia: The Old Country arrives next week on August 14. We can’t wait to see how you tackle the new content in Free Ride mode, and what the fans think of a younger Ennio Salieri in the added narrative content. Until then, mafiosi.

*Base game required. Some content requires unlocking via gameplay.

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Crimson Moon battles demonic corruption on September 1

PlayStationBot — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:25:48 GMT

Earlier this year, we introduced Crimson Moon, our gothic high renaissance action RPG. You play as a Nephilim, a powerful half-human, half-angel warrior sworn to reclaim the fallen city of Gildenarch from the demonic corruption consuming it.

Today, we’re excited to announce that Crimson Moon is only weeks away, launching on PlayStation 5 on September 1.

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Over the past few months, we’ve shared more of Crimson Moon’s brutal melee combat, replayable hunts and challenging boss encounters. Today, we’d like to focus on one of our favorite ways to experience the game: two-player online co-op.

Every hunt is better together

While Crimson Moon is fully playable solo, every hunt can also be tackled in two-player online co-op.

Co-op isn’t simply about having another player dealing damage. Every hunt dynamically scales between solo play and two-player co-op, ensuring encounters remain challenging however you choose to play.

You’ll also share a communal life pool throughout each hunt. If your partner falls in battle, you’ll have the opportunity to revive them and keep the hunt alive – but each death brings your team one step closer to failure.

Those are the moments we love most. A perfectly timed rescue as a boss enters its final phase, a desperate last-second victory… or watching an overconfident partner meet their demise when everything was going so well.

Whether you’re coordinating Weapon Arts, experimenting with different builds, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder against towering bosses, co-op adds a whole new layer of teamwork to every hunt.

Built for PlayStation 5

We’re committed to making Crimson Moon feel right at home on PlayStation 5.

Players on PlayStation 5 Pro can take advantage of native support for upgraded PSSR, helping deliver a sharper image as you explore the blood-soaked streets of Gildenarch and battle the horrors lurking within.

One adventure, two editions

From the beginning, our goal has been to create an action RPG packed with replayability, satisfying progression, and memorable co-op, while offering exceptional value to players.

Crimson Moon launches for $19.99, while Crimson Moon: Deluxe Edition will be available for $29.99.

The Deluxe Edition includes the Ceremonial Armor Set, the Axe of the Gods – a guitar-shaped axe worthy of any legendary Nephilim – and access to our upcoming Post-Launch Content Expansion.

If you decide you’d like to upgrade later, the Crimson Moon: Deluxe Edition Upgrade will also be available for $10, giving Standard Edition players access to all Deluxe content whenever they’re ready.

As a thank you to the PlayStation community, every PlayStation player – whether they choose the Standard or Deluxe Edition – will receive the exclusive Sonai Magistrate Armor Set at launch.

We’ll see you in Gildenarch

From your first steps inside Sanctus Clypeus to your final stand against the legendary Dead Gods, every hunt is an opportunity to discover powerful new gear, experiment with different builds, and push deeper into Gildenarch’s increasingly dangerous Wards. Gather your allies, for the hunt begins on September 1.

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Keep Your Cemetery Running (and the Zombies Out) in Zombie Graveyard Simulator

XboxBot — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:25:48 GMT

Summary

Out now on Xbox Series X|S.
Manage and expand your cemetery by day, defend against waves of zombies by night.
Gameplay tips and details on tool, weapon and facility upgrades.

If you’re just starting your journey in Zombie Graveyard Simulator, here’s our first piece of advice: don’t let the peaceful daytime fool you. A well-organized cemetery is your best defense when night falls and trust us, you’ll appreciate every upgrade once the zombies start pouring in.

We’re excited that you can jump into Zombie Graveyard Simulator today on Xbox Series X|S, and even more excited that you’re getting much more than the original launch experience. Since the game’s debut on PC, we’ve continued expanding it with major content updates inspired by community feedback, and all of those improvements are included from day one on Xbox.

One of my favorite additions is the Stone Quarry & Workshop. Thanks to this update, you can mine different types of stone, craft your own gravestones, and develop an entirely new production chain that makes your cemetery feel even more like a living business. The more self-sufficient your operation becomes, the easier it is to keep growing.

The world also became much bigger thanks to Expeditions. Rather than spending every day inside the cemetery gates, you’ll answer distress calls, venture into new locations, complete unique objectives, and return with valuable rewards that help expand your business back home. It completely changes the rhythm of the game and offers a welcome break from your daily routine.

We’ve also continued adding systems that make your cemetery feel more alive. The Chapel Expansion introduces new buildings, employees, and activities that improve both efficiency and atmosphere, while dynamic weather effects make every day look a little different. Updates like High Stakes & Hot Ashes introduced new cremation mechanics, custom urns, delivery systems, and additional progression paths, giving you even more ways to grow your cemetery exactly the way you want.

If you’re looking for a few beginner tips, we’d recommend focusing on your daytime economy before investing heavily in combat. A profitable cemetery means more money for stronger weapons and better defenses. Don’t overlook upgrades that improve your daily workflow, either – saving just a few minutes every in-game day adds up over time. And when you do head into battle each night, remember that good barricade placement can often be just as valuable as having a bigger gun.

Perhaps one of the game’s biggest additions, Expeditions, came directly from players asking to explore beyond the cemetery walls. That conversation with the community has shaped nearly every major update we’ve released, from the Stone Quarry & Workshop to new progression systems and quality-of-life improvements.

Whether you’re here for the relaxing management gameplay, the satisfaction of building a thriving cemetery, or the thrill of surviving another night against the undead, there’s never been a better time to jump in. Zombie Graveyard Simulator is available now on Xbox Series X|S, and we can’t wait to see how you build and defend your very own cemetery.

Zombie Graveyard Simulator

PlayWay S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆
12

★★★★★

$14.99

$13.49

Get it now

In a world where the dead turn into zombies, your job is to manage your very own Graveyard! Perform burials and cremations, fulfill visitor requests, manage facilities, and keep your staff and defenses in top shape. But when night falls, everything changes. The dead may rest, but the zombies don’t. They are coming for your precious work!

Visitor Satisfaction is Key
After processing the bodies, visitors will return to check on their loved ones. Your duty is to keep graves intact while providing fresh flowers and maintaining a welcoming environment. Every visit rewards you with valuable bonuses to help your business thrive.

Visitors can also stop by the Chapel to rest, attend sermons, and browse the Souvenir Shop for small keepsakes like candles and incenses. A clean, decorated, and well managed graveyard encourages greater generosity while donating!

Build your Defenses
Each night, waves of zombies will come with their numbers growing and special zombie types emerging, hungry for freshly buried bodies and for you. Some nights may be even more dangerous with special events like the Blood Moon. From basic defenses like barbed wires and fences to advanced machines like flamethrower turrets, keep your defenses upgraded, repaired, and fully stocked with ammo to withstand the night. Your loyal pet companion can also assist you during nighttime defenses.

Trust your Arsenal
With a wide arsenal of 13+ weapons, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and your trusty shovel, you are the ultimate force against the Zombies. As you level up, unlock and purchase new weapons to become even stronger. Just make sure to stock up on enough ammo!

Even a Graveyard Can Be Cozy Sometimes!
Use your Farming Area to grow different flowers for profit and vegetables to simply eat and restore your energy and health. With Upgrades, you can even unlock a Grinder to turn zombie parts into Fertilizer. Decorate your Graveyard with benches, lights, paths, custom urns, and other ornaments to make it truly your own.

Expand and Upgrade Your Facilities
Your graveyard isn’t just a resting place, it's a business, and every upgrade matters. Expand your burial areas, manage custom urns at the urn station, upgrade your crematorium, and operate new facilities like the Stone Quarry & Workshop to craft your own gravestones. Improve your water supply, manage resource production, and unlock advanced stations like the Zombie Research Lab to process captured zombies into valuable products.

Hire a team of employees to help with day-to-day tasks: the Florist keeps flowers running, the Gravekeeper maintains burials and cremations, the Gardener keeps your farm in check, the Technician ensures all machines run smoothly, and Chapel staff like the Priest, Pianist, and Custodian help run sermons and services.

Every improvement helps you stay one step ahead of both business demands and the undead threat. Venture beyond the graveyard by unlocking Expedition Mode through the Expedition Station, where radio signals lead you to dangerous missions outside your walls.

The post Keep Your Cemetery Running (and the Zombies Out) in Zombie Graveyard Simulator appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Beast of Reincarnation: Early-Game Tips to Help You Manage the Miasma

XboxBot — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:25:48 GMT

Beast of Reincarnation doesn’t hesitate to throw you into its wide, weird world. Game Freak’s unexpected action-RPG takes cues from greats from across the genres – you can feel the influence of everything from Dark Souls to Bayonetta – and adds its own fresh ideas to the mix. All of which means there’s a lot to get your head around as the game begins.

After an action-packed intro sequence, you’re plonked back 5 months into heroine Emma’s past and sent straight into a huge open area – while there are of course tutorials to guide you on the basics, there are mechanics and nuances you’ll need to find for yourself… or from us. Here are some of the little things we’ve learned to ease you through the game’s early stages.

Explorer’s Guide

From the very beginning of the game, Emma is accompanied by Koo, a gigantic white dog with an array of abilities. One of his least showy features is also one of his most useful – as you travel around the wide open areas, Koo will sense nearby points of interest (camps where you can rest, hidden treasures, food to top up your hunger gauge, and more) and mark them on your map. It’s useful both as a way to head off the beaten path, or to bank for later.

Don’t Let Them Hear You Coming

As you travel around these areas, you’ll find a lot of enemies, including corrupted, robotic Golems and Blight-infested wildlife (and, in a fun twist, these two enemy types will get in their own scraps, even if you’re not there). In classic Soulslike style, taking even a single hit can be brutal but there are ways to thin the ranks without getting in a direct confrontation. In those early, underpowered levels, stealth is your friend – we found that walking at full speed tends to attract attention, but you can also hold B to enter a crouched stealth position. Even tilting the stick more gently makes Emma walk slowly, allowing her to get in closer for a clean kill.

Hair Style

One of the most unusual mechanics in the game is Emma’s vine-like hair, which can be used to help you get around in some less-expected ways. It gives her a lot of vertical and horizontal range, and even the opening areas are already dense with secrets to find tucked away high and low. You can either hold A to use it as a “glide” or sorts, or hold RT to extend it as a temporary platform, letting you travel along its length and reach less accessible locations. Pay attention to the environment and get creative with your hair. If it looks like you might be able to get on top of something tall, you likely can… and there’s probably a reward.

Hair Cuts

In addition to exploration, Emma’s hair has combat utility as well. Aside from parries and dodges, Emma’s hair offers her another way to avoid those blow. In a fight, using it to ascend above your foes is a quick get-out, with many basic enemies unable to reach you. You can even fire off a few shots from your ranged weapon as you do so, taking advantage of the built-in slow-motion you get while in the air.

But what if you avoided a fight altogether? We found a lot of success by using a hair platform to create bridges over unsuspecting enemies, letting Emma take them out instantly with death from above attacks. Even tougher enemies that won’t go down instantly can lose a huge percentage of their health like this, saving you from extra danger.

The Arts of War

When you do get into a full-on fight, make sure you’re using Emma’s full toolset. Your basic attack combos are tied to the right bumper, but can be augmented with Blade Arts, a set of skills Emma unlocks. Blade Arts are activated by X, and can either act as their own separate moves, or like combo-finishers with some fairly wild effects (giant flowers exploding underfoot, anyone?). Make sure to check your menus to study these and assign the most useful extra attacks to make you lethally efficient.

Parry Practice

Where many games include parrying as an optional, high-risk/high-reward combat mechanic, parrying is far more essential to the combat loop in Beast of Reincarnation. Koo has his own set of skills, Bloom Arts, which offer a whole new way to fight – bringing up the menu to use one of them slows the game down to a crawl, offering a more tactical approach. The twist? You have to parry to build up the Florescence Points (FP) needed to use these skills.

In general, you want to press LB when you first see the attacking limb start to swing towards you. The opening area is full of forgiving robots and stags that will respawn whenever you rest at camp, so take some time and practice just observing and parrying. As an added bonus, parrying also makes your fights a lot quicker – once you can start to hit them consistently and build up enemy stagger bar for instant executions.

Working Like a Dog

If you’d rather Koo just did his own thing, that’s an option too. Holding LT and pressing RS while targeting an enemy from outside of combat will send Koo ahead to attack first, with full use of his unlocked Bloom Arts. Rather than actively managing Koo at all times, this can be a great way to reduce cognitive load and let your good boy do his thing on his own. Alternatively, you could focus on a separate enemy while Koo engages someone else, freeing you from the fear of an unexpected strike from offscreen.

Beast of Reincarnation arrives on August 4 for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, cloud, and is XBOX Play Anywhere. Play it day one with Game Pass Ultimate.

Beast of Reincarnation Digital Deluxe Edition

Fictions

☆☆☆☆☆
206

★★★★★

$69.99

Get it now

Beast of Reincarnation Digital Deluxe Edition

The Digital Deluxe Edition includes Black and Brown Shiba Skins for Koo, “Oni’s Hat” for Emma, Emma’s sword “Big Dipper”, 100,000 Amber (in-game currency), plus a number of vegetable seedlings!

Beast of Reincarnation Pre-Order Bundle

Fictions

☆☆☆☆☆
215

★★★★★

Get it now

Beast of Reincarnation Pre-Order Bonus

Pre-order Beast of Reincarnation and receive a Brown Shiba Skin for Koo plus 30,000 Amber (in-game currency)!

The post Beast of Reincarnation: Early-Game Tips to Help You Manage the Miasma appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta, Cricket 26, Date Everything!, and More

XboxBot — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:25:48 GMT

Grab your COG tags, we’re jumping into the Early Access Open Beta for Gears of War: E-Day! You can also grab your Dateviators to Date Everything!, and your bat to rule the field in Cricket 26. Lots of accessories in this next round of games coming soon to XBOX Game Pass!

Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta – Early Access Starting August 6

Get ready to crush grubs in the Gears of War: E-Day Early Access Open Beta beginning August 6 as a benefit of your Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription. Experience the all-new Horde Siege PvE, an evolved take on Gears’ iconic co-op wave survival mode built for larger maps, more players, and bigger battles. Learn more about Gears of War: E-Day here.

Available Today

Heretic + Hexen (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – August 4
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Step into the definitive re-release of two dark spell-casting shooters that shaped the genre. This enhanced restoration makes Heretic + Hexen available to new audiences and long-time fans with expanded accessibility across more platforms and languages than ever before.

Beast of Reincarnation (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Game Freak’s brand-new title: Beast of Reincarnation is an action RPG with a fusion of real-time and turn-based combat. Experience the innovative “one-person, one-dog action RPG” in the beautiful yet harsh world of Beast of Reincarnation. What awaits at the end of Emma and Koo’s journey?

Coming Soon

Monsters are Coming! (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 6
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Now available on XBOX Series X|S and Cloud Gaming! In this tower-survivor rogue-lite, you protect an ever-moving city from unrelenting hordes. Gather resources, fortify defenses, and boost potential through enhanced player progression. Will you reach the Ark?

PowerWash Simulator 2 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – August 6
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

PowerWash Simulator is back, bubbling with fresh locations, soap-erior equipment and splashy features. Effortlessly transform soiled surroundings into clean, serene scenes, solo or with pals. Satisfaction is a spray away!

Bounty Star (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – August 11
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Bounty Star is an over-the-shoulder 3D action game that marries mech combat and customization with farming and base building. The player takes on the role of a broken but powerful ex-soldier named Clem, a war veteran, talented fighter and expert mech pilot.

Date Everything! (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 11
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Date Everything! is a sandbox dating simulator set in the comfort of your own home, featuring 100 fully voice acted datable characters! Let the romance flow between your bed, smoke alarm and… overwhelming sense of existential dread? Are you ready to Date Everything?

Grounded 2 (Game Preview) (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 11
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Shrunk again, but the world is much larger. In this open-world, single-player or co-op survival adventure, craft weapons and armor, build your base, and traverse the playground on your buggy. Now, take the plunge into Grounded 2‘s largest update yet: Into The Abyss.

Ball x Pit (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 12
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Ball x Pit is a brick-breaking, ball-fusing, base-building survival roguelite. Batter hordes of enemies with ricocheting balls and gather the riches of the pit to expand your homestead, generate resources and recruit unique heroes.

Cricket 26 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 13
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

The ultimate showdown begins in Cricket 26. Make your way to the top in our all-new management career. Play the biggest Cricket Rivalry in an expanded Ashes mode. Build your perfect roster in Pro Team and unleash your creativity on the pitch with enhanced gameplay mechanics.

Mio: Memories in Orbit (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 13
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

A hand-crafted metroidvania set within a vast, decaying world reclaimed by nature and robots. Play as Mio, a nimble android exploring labyrinthine environments, battling rogue machines, and uncovering lost memories in a richly atmospheric adventure filled with secrets and danger.

Sandustry (Game Preview) (PC) – August 13
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Explore and mine fully destructible worlds. Automate increasingly complex production chains. Delve deep to uncover an ancient civilization’s powerful secrets and learn to love the sand in this factory game where every pixel is a valuable resource.

Egging On (Cloud XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 18
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

This game is hard-boiled. Face the challenge of being a real, fragile egg. Escape the henhouse and jump, roll and climb your way through a farm shop, factory, and other perilous environments. With some determination, you might just reach your freedom.

In Case You Missed It

Tears of Metal (Game Preview) (PC) – July 22
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Fight solo or up to four-player co-op to reclaim your island alongside your Scottish battalion. On each campaign, gain new powerful upgrades, rally your forces, and stop the invader as they carve into the Mother Stone to harvest its power.

Classic Original XBOX Games, Now Available on PC and Handheld – July 22
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, PC Game Pass

Play more of the games you love wherever you play with XBOX Backward Compatibility on PC. Select original XBOX classics — including BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy — are now available on PC and supported handheld devices with enhanced features and are included with all Game Pass plans. Learn more about XBOX Backward Compatibility on PC here.

Game Updates

EA Sports Madden NFL 27: EA Play Early Access Trial (Console and PC) – Coming August 6

Run the league one decision at a time for up to 10 hours with EA Play. Members get an EA Play Welcome Pack and save 10% on Madden Points and more. Plus, score a monthly Ultimate Team Pack. Play the trial on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass with EA Play, available on console, PC, and cloud.

In-Game Benefits

Call of Duty: Warzone – Game Pass Pack 7 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, PC Game Pass

Game Pass subscribers get a free in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone. This pack includes 2x Operator Skins, 4x Weapon Blueprints, Finishing Move, Weapon Charm, Emote, Equipment Skin, Calling Card, Emblem, 2x Weapon Stickers, 2WXP Token (1 hour).

Leaving August 15

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Don’t want the fun to end? Save on these games now before they leave Game Pass!

Menace (Game Preview) (PC)
Atlas Fallen (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Aliens: Firesteam Elite (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Firewatch (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Now that we’ve given you all a pile of games to get started on, let us know what you’re going to play first. We’re listening over on social media for XBOX and XBOX Game Pass! Then we’ll meet back here soon for what you can expect next. Cheers!

_{Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.}

The post Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta, Cricket 26, Date Everything!, and More appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Players’ Choice: Vote for July 2026’s best new game

PlayStationBot — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:10 GMT

Last month was filled with adventures big and small, sports action, and spiritual battles! Some big new releases included Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, Denshattack, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, and more. Which game was your favorite?

How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog.

What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.

How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.

View Poll

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Celebrating 25 Years of Play: New Community Designs, XBOX Updates, FanFest Tour Dates, and More

XboxBot — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:02:26 GMT

25 years ago, XBOX set out to bring players together through the games and worlds they love, and today, that mission is still what drives everything we do.

Today, we’re sharing a few more ways we’re celebrating 25 years of play including, the latest XBOX updates, community-created designs for gamerpics, backgrounds, and themes, curated Game Pass collections, the full FanFest Tour schedule and sweepstakes details, and more.

Community-Created XBOX Designs

From left: Wallpaper by Klobrille and Gamer Profile by Ben Kenobi.

Over the years, many of you have shared your XBOX-inspired designs with us. We continue to be humbled by the response and impressed by your creativity and talent. To help mark 25 years of XBOX, we’re partnering with a pair of creators from the XBOX community, Klobrille and Ben Kenobi, to publish a collection of gamerpics, backgrounds, and a dynamic theme for XBOX consoles: by the community, for the community, and available today.

These designs reflect what XBOX has always been about, the connection between players, creators, and the games that bring us together. To learn more about what inspired the designs, follow Klobrille and Ben Kenobi.

Here’s how to make these designs your own:

Console — Gamerpic & Theme: Settings › Profile › Customize profile, then choose your favorite.

Console — Dynamic background: Settings › General › Personalization › My background › Dynamic background.

XBOX app on PC — Gamerpic: Open View Profile and select the pencil icon over your current Gamerpic.

XBOX app on PC — Theme: Open View Profile › Customize profile and choose your Theme.

If one of these designs sparks something for you, we’d love to see it. Share your own creations and tag @XBOX using #XBOX25.

XBOX 25^th Anniversary Badge

Beginning today, players who sign in to their XBOX account on console, PC, or the XBOX mobile app will receive the XBOX 25th Anniversary profile badge, ahead of XBOX’s 25th anniversary on November 15.

The badge will be available through the end of 2026, and can be displayed on your profile.

XBOX Game Pass Collections

To mark 25 years of unforgettable games, we’re bringing a specially curated celebration of XBOX history to XBOX Game Pass. These curated Game Pass collections will bring together memorable games from legendary franchises that defined each generation of XBOX, playable on console and/or PC.

Relive, or experience for the first time, the classics from the original XBOX, and keep the fun going as you journey through other favorites across XBOX 360, XBOX One, and XBOX Series X|S. Enjoy beloved titles like Fable Anniversary, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Fallout 4, Psychonauts 2, and much more in this special tribute to the games that shape XBOX’s 25 year legacy.

XBOX FanFest Tour Dates

The XBOX FanFest Tour is a global, multi-city run of fan-first events built around connection, local community, and the games we love. We kicked things off in Los Angeles at the XBOX Games Showcase, told you we were headed to gamescom next, and today we’re sharing the rest of the stops.

Here’s where the tour is headed:

Cologne, Germany — August 26, at gamescom
Tokyo, Japan — September 17, during Tokyo Game Show
London, U.K. — September 26
Mexico City, Mexico — October 17
Sydney, Australia — October 17
Toronto, Canada — November 6
Seattle, U.S. — More info coming soon!

Ready to join the XBOX FanFest Tour?

Tickets for every stop will be awarded through city-specific sweepstakes, giving fans around the world a chance to be part of the experience.

Visit the XBOX.com FanFest page to enter, explore upcoming stops, and stay up to date on all things FanFest. Wherever you join us, FanFest is about one thing: bringing players together to celebrate the joy of play.

Explore the 25th Anniversary Hub

We will continue to have more ways for fans to celebrate, connect, and play together. Visit the XBOX.com 25th Anniversary hub to stay up-to-date on the latest anniversary updates, exclusive experiences, products, news, and more as we celebrate 25 years of play.

The post Celebrating 25 Years of Play: New Community Designs, XBOX Updates, FanFest Tour Dates, and More appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Beast of Reincarnation hands-on: parry-rich combat and the cutest mutant pup

PlayStationBot — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:00:16 GMT

Even from its first full reveal in 2025, Beast of Reincarnation was making all the right noises. Roaring through the crowd of impressive action role-playing games, Game Freak’s trek into a post-apocalyptic Japan blends the mythological with the mechanized into something fresh – helped by a “one woman and her dog saving the world”’ narrative.

But that’s not everything Beast of Reincarnation brings to the PlayStation 5 wilds. After spending a lot of time with the full game ahead of its August 4 release, I experienced a touching story, in-depth game mechanics, intense Souls-like combat, and quite possibly the most adorably blighted giant dog companion anyone could wish for.

A world of mutated mystery

4026 Japan is not a place we would recognize. Plants, birds, beasts, and even humans have been overwhelmingly corrupted by a strange cataclysm called the Blight. Entire Blight forests have spread their poison far and wide, pushing the remnants of humanity into scattered settlements. And chief of all the mutates are the Nushi, powerful and often colossal beings who spread fear and destruction wherever they roam. The cause of all this is said to be the fabled Beast of Reincarnation, which resurrects every 100 years. And so one person is tasked to end this cycle of doom…

Humanity’s last hope

Blighted from birth, Emma is an outcast with no memory of her origins. She’s initially stoic and near emotionless, punished by her colony for her affliction. But her condition also makes her valuable, able to absorb the powers of each defeated Nushi to herself, with the aim of using that power to kill the Beast. Of course, as the game progresses you discover it’s not that simple, but for us as players it makes Emma the perfect character to explore beautiful but sinister forests, the crumbling ruins of civilization, water logged underground bases, and mysterious habitats.

Parry or die

Emma is an incredibly versatile protagonist, feeling light and agile on the DualSense controller. She’s equipped with swift sword swipes via R1 that can be chained into a combo, projectile weapons including bolts and arrows that can offer a tinge of resistance when pulled on an adaptive trigger, a nimble dodge with a tap of the Circle button, and a block and parry using L1. And this is where Souls fans will rejoice – because that parry is the key to survival.

Fighting against early beasts and basic corrupted golems – humans who escaped the Blight by trapping their souls inside a machine – was fun and easy enough but hacking away on R1 won’t get you very far against the smarter, tougher, or larger foes. My first encounter with Chapter One’s tricky boss, a colossal deer-like Nishi, was just a hint of what was to come, its vicious and repeated antler attacks requiring parries to open up a counterattack. Later in the game, mini-bosses and enemies with more complex unblockable assaults required pin-point parries and counters to win. Timing is everything.

Wielding the power of corrupted nature

Thankfully, that’s not everything to Beast of Reincarnation’s layered combat system. Antagonists can be staggered by reducing their relevant meter with multiple attacks and leaving them open to a finisher using R1. I was also able to perform instant kills on grunts by sneaking up on them or taking satisfying headshots with a projectile. While the Square button unleashes Emma’s devastatingly effective Nushi Skills and Blade Arts combos.

But mastering Emma’s Blight abilities is the real game changer. Tapping R2 when a jump point is highlighted in the environment fires out root-like tendrils of her hair to yank Emma to higher areas. Similarly, holding down R2 creates a temporary hair platform that Emma can walk across, and the Cross button raises Emma high into the air with her locks. Using her verticality as a distancing technique was not only valuable in combat, but it meant I could utilize a ‘death from above’ assassination with R1. This levelled the field against multiple enemies who have a cone of vision I could exploit and led to a rewarding victory in a particular fight against a tough pike-wielding golem and his small army.

And then there’s Emma’s best boy by her side…

Genuinely, Koo is the bestest of boys

The large wolf-like Koo is the perfect battle companion, able to be directed to attack enemies, or utilising his powerful Bloom Arts, a turn-based menu style special attack which you select using Triangle. If I was able to time my following button press correctly during the short corresponding mini-game, Koo’s Bloom Arts skills were invaluable, especially as the Fluorescence Points used to unleash them are earned via successful parries. When combined with Emma’s time slowing Entanglement Overdrive after pressing L3 and R3 together, the duo quickly became a formidable force in my hands.

Koo also guides you to objectives with a visual pheromone indicator, barks when he finds something of interest, and even brings back items to Emma. While Koo has his own life bar, he’s hardy and capable, and you can expand his skill slots by increasing Emma’s rapport with him via petting him (creating a pleasing tremble of the DualSense controller haptics), giving him treats, and keeping him clean via a shower available in the Cleanse Walker, Emma’s mobile base.

Food, systems, and skill trees

There’s a lot of hidden depth in Beast of Reincarnation, too. Multiple weapons can be found and enhanced, skill trees for both Emma and Koo meant I was unlocking more abilities as I progressed, different enemy types fought each other on sight making combat even more entertaining, and the presence of the mysterious Violet – who only Emma can see and hear – offered intriguing questions to the narrative.

And that’s not even mentioning the importance of food. Emma and Koo will only naturally heal from their wounds if their hunger gauge isn’t empty. But food also offers bonuses to stats like HP, Attack, and Defense, so they’re not just another resource check. And better yet, Emma’s surrogate little sister Kagura can cook meals from ingredients you find on the field, her culinary skills increasing the more you engage with her, and her meals becoming more expansive and beneficial based on the recipes you bring back. I was even able to raise a chicken for eggs and grow crops on the Cleanse Walker to give Kagura more food options, with different seedlings having various harvest times.

A beastly battle

Emma and Koo’s adventure is a lengthy one, full of intrigue and tender narrative beats to accompany its rousing and challenging combat. So if you’re game for the hunt, you better sharpen your sword skills ahead of Beast of Reincarnation’s PS5 release on August 4.

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Hard Work Pays off as Shard Squad Comes to XBOX

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 23:00:22 GMT

Summary

Now available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC.
Control adorable monsters in a a bullet heaven roguelite.
The Brazilian developer’s own words about his first game and realizing a dream.

Produced by Brazilian studio The Root Studios and published by Nuntius Games, Shard Squad is a bullet heaven roguelite featuring charming pixel art visuals, and it finally arrives on XBOX consoles today with Xbox Play Anywhere support after months of anticipation.

Starring an adorable cast of little monsters known as Shards, the game blends action and strategy against increasingly intense enemy hordes without sacrificing on-screen clarity. Players recruit new creatures throughout each run and build powerful synergies, making every playthrough feel like a new discovery.

A Cast that Will Warm your Heart

What truly makes the game special is the care and personality poured into each of its adorable monsters. According to Shard Squad director Rennan Costa, the team wanted to create a world that felt alive and ensure that its more than 20 playable Shards would be seen as more than just gameplay mechanics. Some were even inspired by the developers’ own pets in an effort to share that same emotional bond with players.

“In many games, character choice ends up being based only on which one is the strongest or which ability best matches your playstyle. That’s important, of course, but we wanted there to be a connection beyond the mechanics,” Rennan says.

“That’s why we created a universe where the Shards have relationships with one another. They can be friends, family members, rivals, or simply share important moments in the story. That context gives each character a stronger identity and makes them feel like they truly belong in a living world. In the end, that creates a deeper connection with the player: they don’t choose a character only because they’re powerful, but because they like them, their personality, their design, and the story they carry.”

An adventure Full of Possibilities — Now Even Moreso on XBOX

Shard Squad is packed with content designed to provide many hours of gameplay and memorable moments. With the game’s arrival on XBOX, every monster comes equipped with the Prime Evolution system, allowing them to evolve during a run and unlock an exclusive appearance along with even more powerful techniques to overcome challenges.

You can also choose from more than 90 relics with unique effects that help shape your own playstyle. Experimentation is the key.

As you survive the hordes and evolve your Shards, special events may occur that grant even more rewards. Explore the possibilities and play your way!

If you’re thinking about giving Shard Squad a try and want a tip to get started on the right foot, the studio already knows exactly what you should focus on.

“The main tip is to pay close attention to the synergy system. Each Shard has three synergies based on its element, appearance, or even its relationships with other Shards. Combining Shards that share the same synergy grants unique bonuses that make your squad even stronger!”

A Major Achievement for the Brazilian Developer

Shard Squad’s launch on Xbox is a major milestone for The Root Studios. In Rennan’s words: “The fulfillment of a dream!”

According to Rennan, when he was younger, the idea of having a game published on XBOX felt incredibly distant, and seeing that dream finally become reality is surreal—especially considering that this is the studio’s first released game.

Reaching a new audience also comes with the hope that the emotions the team set out to create will resonate with new players. “I want people to get to know and fall in love with our Shards,” says Rennan. “The process of unlocking them and discovering their designs and stories has captivated many players, and I want XBOX players to experience that same feeling.”. Embark on your story today!

Shard Squad

Nuntius Games

☆☆☆☆☆
6

★★★★★

$6.99

$6.29

Get it now

Survive an insane army of enemies with a squad of elemental creatures! Recruit new members for your team by defeating the bosses that cross your path, and combine their traits to unlock powerful effects! Unity not only brings strength, it also creates new abilities!

MEET THE SHARDS

Over 20 Shards can join your squad! Experiment and discover which ones will become your favorites!

FORM AN ELEMENTAL SQUAD

Choose Shards of Fire, Electric, Water, Nature, and Crystal! Your squad, your rules! Build the team of your dreams to survive the crisis devastating the world of Mellunia!

COMBINE TRAITS

Each Shard has three distinct traits capable of unlocking powerful abilities and effects! Having more than one creature with the desired trait in your team will increase your squad’s power level!

OVERCOME CHALLENGES

Unique events and powerful bosses will appear to test your squad’s skills! Overcome these challenges to earn special rewards for your survival!

The post Hard Work Pays off as Shard Squad Comes to XBOX appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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How a Bucket Full of Pink Cow Dung Became an Item in The Immortal John Triptych

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 23:00:22 GMT

Summary

How an improvised design element snowballed into a strange puzzle.
The unexpected chain of reactions that weaved three titles together.
A look into my design process for The Immortal John Triptych.

OK, It’s summer 2022. I’m making a house interior for my Renaissance-paintings-come-to-life style adventure game, Death of the Reprobate (one of three critically-acclaimed titles in The Immortal John Triptych) and I’ve ended up with more doors than I anticipated.

Fig 1 – Death of the Reprobate, Carpenter’s House (with screaming babies)

These games are made entirely from chopped up Renaissance paintings, so I can’t just remove a door – not without finding a matching piece of blank wall at least. But large areas of blank wall tend not to be the preferred subject matter of many artists.

I don’t want too many ‘corridor’ scenes because they make for annoying backtracking. And I don’t want too many loops because they tend to make navigation confusing. Also, I’m trying to keep this game small (that didn’t work out), so I’m now in urgent need of a dead end.

I have some on-brand garden/courtyard paintings in a folder called ‘village bits’, but I can’t find a way to stitch them together nicely, and they are full of bloody doors anyway, so I eventually give up and move onto something else. Maybe I go and painstakingly cut around every leaf in the silhouette of an attractive tree, or write a joke about frog’s butts, I don’t remember.

Six months later I’m aimlessly browsing museum catalogues again when I stumble across this beauty!

Fig 2 – Andreas Schelfhout, Binnenplaatsje (1820-1830)

But, Joe! 1820-1830?! That’s not a Renaissance painting! Well, yes, I admit I have been using the term ‘Renaissance art’ increasingly loosely, and at this late stage of development I have been forced to cast my net rather wider than initially intended. But look at it! Clear boundaries either side, a nice open floor area, a potentially petable dog! It even has a stable style door similar to the one exiting the previous scene… The gods have truly smiled upon me.

It will need some work though. The woman kind of has her back to us, and she is performing an action I can’t easily animate in a loop, and the boy looks like a dickhead, so let’s get rid of them. And let’s open up that door and pop a background musician in there while we’re at it (every scene in the game has diegetic music).

Fig 3 – Death of the Reprobate courtyard scene in progress

Getting there, but the scene looks a bit empty now. And I didn’t do a great job of patching that gap where the people were, so I need to find something to fill the void. I need something big enough to cover the bad patch job, but ideally something nice and easy to animate. I scroll through my “Use Me” folder and find a man in his wife’s dress, angrily wielding a large stick. It’s funny, but a nightmare to animate. I find a creepily over-sexy Adam and Eve by Hans Baldung. Again, very funny, but it’s too tall to cover the bad patch work. Finally, I move on to my “stuff” folder and stumble across this wonderfully rectangular, mercifully static bull.

Fig 4 – Jacques Raymond Brascassat, Study of a Bull (1850)

Now we have a scene. It’s time to see if we can add some interaction, The Immortal John Triptych is meant to be a game after all. The obvious first step is to see if we can get that pump working. I’ll turn the handle around so we can access it more easily, and try my best to chop some bits of river together into a passable running water animation.

That’ll do! But… Wait a minute… look at the angle the bull is standing at… its butt is… what if I just flipped and tinted that water animation…

Oh dear. I have made myself chuckle. Now I have no option but to write a puzzle involving a bucket full of pink cow excrement. The rest writes itself. Of course I’m going to let you feed the bull. Of course different food will produce different colours of poop. Of course I’m going to let you collect the poop in a bucket and refer to it as a bucket of milkshake and make you feed it to one of those screaming children in the previous room. There is literally nothing I could have done to prevent any this happening. I didn’t want a bucket full of pink BS in my video game. You certainly didn’t. But the artwork has spoken and I’m merely it’s humble conduit.

The Immortal John Triptych, for better or for worse, with my most sincere apologies, will be available on XBOX August 27. Wishlist it now.

The Immortal John Triptych

Akupara Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Immortal John Triptych is the ULTIMATE anthology of the Joe Richardson games. Four Last Things, The Procession to Calvary, and Death of the Reprobate are brought together under one glorious sun with never-before-seen deleted scenes, updated language parity across all three titles, an expanded soundtrack by Eduardo Antonello with new original recordings, manual saves for Four Last Things, backflips in The Procession to Calvary, and a button to trigger a superfluous trumpeted fanfare whenever you need to celebrate. Embrace the absurd, the profound, and the sweet soothing aesthetic of the Renaissance in The Immortal John Triptych.

Immortal John is dying. A holy war has ended in chaos. Sin itself demands reckoning. Three interconnected tales unfold across a world built from Renaissance paintings and Classical music, where the ridiculous and the profound collide.

Help locals with their daily tasks, only to find the Devil lurking in the shadows. Chase a tyrant across kingdoms while assisting inept magicians and negotiating with God Almighty. Navigate sin, death, judgement, heaven and hell, all topped with a cherry of gleeful flippancy.

From quiet countryside kindness spiraling into madness, to holy vengeance wrapped in absurdity, to cosmic philosophy delivered with a wink and a nudge, The Immortal John Triptych proves that the most intelligent thing you can do is embrace the utterly ridiculous.

The post How a Bucket Full of Pink Cow Dung Became an Item in The Immortal John Triptych appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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How to Smash, Slash, and Shoot Your Way to Victory in Kusan: City of Wolves

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:49:26 GMT

Hi, I’m Jake Yeom, CEO and Game Designer at CIRCLEfromDOT, a Korean development team working on our first game – the high-octane hardcore top-down shooter, Kusan: City of Wolves.

You play as Jin in Kusan: City of Wolves, an ex-solider turned gun-for-hire living in the heart of a city where the line between predator and prey has already been crossed. This isn’t just another job though, a mysterious girl fitted with a city-grade atomic weapon is linked to a violent conspiracy that threatens to shift the balance of power. As chaos erupts, Jin must cross every line to save the girl, confront his past and the betrayal of a commander he once trusted without question.

One wrong move means death, so you’ll need precision, style, and the right skills to succeed. While I am excited to see how everyone tackles the game, I wanted to share some tips to help get you started as you venture into the neon–soaked streets of Kusan.

Death is Part of the Process

The enemies you’ll face in Kusan: City of Wolves don’t hold back, so don’t be afraid to die! The game is designed around learning through failure, with each death teaching you something new. Stay aggressive, keep experimenting, and don’t be discouraged if you fail. If one approach isn’t working, learn from your last run and try something different!

Experiment with Your Loadout

You’ll encounter many different enemy types, from grunts to bosses, throughout your time in Kusan: City of Wolves and there isn’t always a single ‘correct’ way to deal with them. Thankfully, Jin is equipped with a range of different weapons, including the Quantum Knife, the War Hand, Pistol, Revolver, Shotgun and Crossbow. With plenty of weapons, abilities and upgrades for you to choose from, you can experiment to find those you prefer, and then build a loadout that fits your playstyle. Switching up your arsenal may help you overcome challenges that have previously blocked you from progressing, or help you score the impressive SS rank.

Finding an efficient strategy that matches your playstyle, and refining it through repeated attempts, is one of the most rewarding parts of the game.

Tackling the Techtrix

Early in the game, you will learn about the Techtrix – the system where you are able to upgrade your weapons and abilities, and equip them for loadout. The first skill you pick can make a big difference to your gameplay, so I have a few recommendations depending on your preferred playstyle.

Quick Step. This upgrade is ideal for you if you like to play action gamesaggressively, staying mobile and constantly keeping the pressure on your enemies. You’ll be able to navigate combat scenarios faster than before!
Auto Recovery. If you prefer a safer approach to combat scenarios, this is the upgrade for you. After throwing your Quantum Knife it will now return to you seconds later, instead of you having to manually pick it back up, helping you keep distance from oncoming enemies.
Counterstrike. If you enjoy parrying, the counterstrike upgrade is perfect for you! Your precise timing is rewarded by turning defense into offense – counter at just the right moment and enemy projectiles will be sent back to their source.

Try not to look for a single ‘best’ skill to use while playing!, Choose skills that best compliment the way you want to fight to help suit your style.

Quantum Knife Combos: and Your Own Rhythm

You may not realise it at first, but the Quantum Knife isn’t just a standalone weapon. It can be used at the same time as your other attacks, letting you create combinations that suit your own playstyle.

When watching new players, I usually notice two common approaches. Some naturally combine the War Hand with the Quantum Knife, creating an aggressive close-range fighting style. Others prefer to pair the Quantum Knife with firearms, controlling enemies from a safer distance while keeping constant pressure on them.

Either approach is ‘correct’! I suggest you try both, discover what feels most natural to you, and build your own combat rhythm.

Once you’re comfortable, challenge yourself to combine all three attack options—the Quantum Knife, your firearm, and the War Hand—into a single flow. Mastering these combinations, together with stylish play bonuses, is one of the keys to earning the coveted SS Rank.

I hope these tips will help you feel more confident on your first playthrough. While your first run might not see you achieve the highest score, you can replay levels at any time to keep aiming for the highly sought after SS rank.

After eight years of development, this is the first game our team has brought into this world, and we are really excited to see how each and every one of you experience it. We have poured our passion, dedication, and countless hours into every part of this project.

Kusan: City of Wolves launches today on Xbox Series X|S and we hope you enjoy your time in the streets of Kusan and experience the action, characters, and story we worked so hard to create.

Kusan: City of Wolves

PQube Limited

☆☆☆☆☆
5

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Welcome to Kusan: City of Wolves, a brutal top-down shooter set in a neon-drenched urban jungle consumed by violence and corruption.

Kusan delivers hardcore action where one mistake means death. Master gunplay, perfect your movement, survive the streets and combat arenas ruled by furious kingpins that demand speed, precision and flawless execution. Every moment of action is intensified by Korean hip-hop heavyweight Loptimist’s adrenaline-fuelled soundtrack drenched with head-bopping loops and deep 808s pushing you forward without mercy.

You play as Jin, a skilled ex-soldier turned gun-for-hire, living in the heart of a city where the line between predator and prey has already been crossed. This isn’t just another job though, a mysterious girl with immense but uncontrollable power is linked to a violent conspiracy that threatens to shift the balance of power. As chaos erupts, Jin must save the girl, confront his past and the betrayal of a commander he once trusted without question.

Everyone in Kusan wants something and nobody plays fair.

For Jin, there is only one way forward: flawless planning, ruthless execution and saving the girl from criminals while relying only on his wit and unrelenting will to survive the battlefield.

With the whole city at stake, Jin knows it is time to not only clean-house but restore balance.

Dive into Kusan: City of Wolves and descend into a city on the edge. It's more than just a fight, you are the last line between order and oblivion.

The post How to Smash, Slash, and Shoot Your Way to Victory in Kusan: City of Wolves appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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How Real Houseplant Horticulture Inspired Leafy Corner

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:00:10 GMT

Summary

Out now on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, and XBOX on PC.
A story of how Leafy Corner was inspired by real-life houseplants.
Details of some of the features and how they relate to real-life horticulture.

There’s something magical about watching a plant grow. The slow unfurling of a new leaf over days and weeks. My partner and I are a husband-and-wife development team behind Leafy Corner, and our apartment is overflowing with alocasias, monsteras, and many other houseplants. They’re not just decorations; they’re our daily inspiration.

I’m thrilled to announce that Leafy Corner is out now on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, and XBOX on PC, and today, I want to share how real-life houseplants shaped every part of this cozy shop management game.

From our Apartment to Your Screen

I’ve spent hours watching how plants in my private collection grow, and there is nothing better than the sheer joy of spotting the first tiny sprout.

This attention to real houseplant behavior became the foundation of Leafy Corner. Plants in the game grow over time, unfolding leaf by leaf as time passes. I wanted that same rewarding feeling you get when you see your real-life houseplant thrive.

Moreover, growth speed is affected by whether a plant is overwatered or underwatered, or if it’s in a pot that is too small for its current size. It’s a simple but satisfying system that mirrors the real-world care plants need.

Every Plant is Different

If you’ve ever owned houseplants, you know that each one has its own personality. A succulent thrives on neglect, while a fern wants constant attention. In real life, overwatering is one of the most common ways new plant parents accidentally harm their green friends. Succulents, in particular, store water in their leaves and are highly prone to root rot if they’re watered too frequently.

We brought this variety into Leafy Corner, and in the result each plant type in the game has its own watering needs. Succulents and cacti need less water and are more sensitive to overwatering. Other plants, like ferns and calatheas, prefer more consistent moisture.

Helping Customers

Ask any plant shop owner, and they’ll tell you that choosing a plant isn’t only about looks. That’s why customers in Leafy Corner come with specific, realistic requests.

A customer might walk in and ask for a pet-safe plant because their cat is constantly nibbling on leaves. Someone else might want a plant that’s low-maintenance for their office desk. You’ll need to know your stock to match each customer with the right plant. Thankfully, you can always check the attributes of each plant in the Compendium to learn more about them.

Discovering Variegations

If you’re a plant enthusiast, you know the rush of finding a rare variegated plant. Those splashes of white, cream, or pink on leaves are natural mutations, and collectors go crazy for them. I wanted to capture that excitement in Leafy Corner. As you fill your shop with plants, you can randomly discover plant variegations, and then propagate them in order to have more. It’s a small detail, but it’s one I know plant lovers will appreciate.

Build Your Cozy Shop

Beyond the plants themselves, Leafy Corner is about creating a space that feels like your own. You can decorate your shop with unlockable furniture, shelves, and plant pots, mixing colors and styles to reflect your personal taste. It’s your cozy corner, and we want you to make it shine.

We poured our love for plants into every aspect of Leafy Corner. From the leaf-by-leaf growth animations to the thrill of discovering a rare variegation. We can’t wait for you to create your own plant shops on XBOX starting today.

Leafy Corner

Fireline Games

☆☆☆☆☆
6

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

Run the plant shop of your dreams in Leafy Corner, a cozy shop management game where you grow, sell, and care for real-life houseplants!

Step into the role of a plant shop owner. Grow plants, serve your customers, and create a warm, inviting space filled with greenery and charm.

Watch your plants grow over time, unfolding leaf by leaf as you care for them.

Not everyone knows what they’re looking for. Sometimes customers bring unusual or tricky requests. Finding just the right plant to fit their needs adds a fun challenge.

Decorate your shop with a variety of unlockable items, from shelves to plant pots. Pick colors that fit your mood and create a space that reflects your unique style.

KEY FEATURES
– Grow, care for, and sell 100+ unique plants.
– Discover plant variegations.
– Build and decorate your shop with a variety of pots, furniture, and decoration options.
– Fulfill orders and help customers.
– Complete tasks to progress your shop.
– Increase your shop’s reputation to unlock new content.
– Customize your character.

What Leafy Corner does NOT offer:
– Hardcore management (deep economy, hiring staff)
– Advanced plant care
– Storyline

The post How Real Houseplant Horticulture Inspired Leafy Corner appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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A New Look for Reforj: Explore the World’s Stunning Rixel Transformation

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:00:18 GMT

For the past six months, the Reforj art and engineering teams have been working on one of the most ambitious changes in the game’s development so far. Today, we’re excited to pull back the curtain on Title Update 8, introducing an entirely new visual direction for Reforj powered by Rixels.

If you’ve played Reforj before, now is the perfect time to jump back in. And if you’ve been waiting for a reason to join the playtest, this update is the biggest transformation the game has seen yet.

Meet the Rixel

At first glance, a Rixel might look familiar. Much like pixels are the building blocks of traditional digital art, Rixels are the building blocks of Reforj’s new visual identity—but they’re capable of much more. Traditional pixel art relies entirely on square shapes. Rixels can currently take on up to 23 unique shapes, with each shape supporting its own material properties such as metallic levels, roughness, and more. The result is a world that feels sharper, cleaner, and far more expressive while retaining the charm and readability that players love.

The idea emerged from a challenge many voxel-style games face: creating crisp, geometric artwork without sacrificing visual clarity. The previous faceted art style often struggled with diagonal lines and fine details, which could appear fuzzy or inconsistent. To solve that problem, the team experimented with multiple approaches. By combining vector-inspired techniques with custom geometric block shapes, the programmers developed a solution that immediately stood out—not just as a technical improvement, but as the foundation of an entirely new artistic direction.

And so, the Rixel was born.

A New Look for Reforj

While Rixels began as a technical solution, they quickly became the foundation for a completely new artistic vision for Reforj. From environmental textures to mobs and characters, every corner of the game has been touched by this new technology. Whether you’re exploring familiar locations or seeing Reforj for the first time, the difference is immediately noticeable.

Smaller Files, Bigger Possibilities

The benefits of Rixels extend far beyond aesthetics. Under the previous system, a single texture could require a 512×512 image, consuming approximately 4MB of storage. Thanks to Rixels, that same texture can now be represented in roughly 72KB. That’s a 98.2% reduction in storage requirements.

Why does that matter?

By dramatically reducing texture storage costs, Rixels unlock new possibilities for the future of Reforj. The team now has greater flexibility to create more content, experiment with new materials, and explore ideas that simply weren’t practical before. For players, that means a stronger foundation for future updates and continued innovation as development progresses.

Get the Latest Build

Join the preview in the XBOX Insider Hub to play today and discover the world of Reforj.

Sign-in on your XBOX Series X|S console and launch the XBOX Insider Hub app (or install the XBOX Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary)
Navigate to Previews > Reforj
Select Join
Wait for registration to complete. You’ll then be redirected to the Store, where you can install Reforj Pre-Alpha.

NOTE: Please reboot your console after completing the enrollment process to ensure you receive the latest preview build.

NOTE: This playtest is only available on XBOX Series X|S consoles.

Join the Reforj Community

Want to connect with other players, share your creations, discuss the latest updates, and get the latest news from the development team? Join the Reforj community on the Reforj Discord and be part of the conversation as the game continues to evolve.

We Want Your Feedback

This update represents months of experimentation, iteration, and collaboration across the art and engineering teams. Now it’s time for players to experience it firsthand. Whether you’re a returning player eager to see what’s changed or a newcomer curious about the future of Reforj, we invite you to jump in and explore the game with fresh eyes.

If you encounter bugs, performance issues, visual glitches, or have thoughts about your experience, please submit feedback directly from your XBOX console:

Hold down the XBOX button on your controller.
Select Report a problem.
Select the Games category and Reforj Pre-Alpha subcategory.
Fill out the report with as much detail as possible to help our team investigate.

Every report helps us identify issues, prioritize improvements, and make Reforj a better experience for everyone.

Other Resources:

For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at @XBOXInsider and this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the XBOX Insider SubReddit.

The post A New Look for Reforj: Explore the World’s Stunning Rixel Transformation appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Introducing Call of Duty: Mobile Season 7 — Terminated

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:00:11 GMT

The post Introducing Call of Duty: Mobile Season 7 — Terminated appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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The Elder Scrolls Online: Celebrate Bethesda’s 40th with a Free Reward and Sale

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:30:15 GMT

The post The Elder Scrolls Online: Celebrate Bethesda’s 40th with a Free Reward and Sale appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 3 to 7

XboxBot — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:00:16 GMT

Beast of Reincarnation – August 3
Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, humanity’s only hope lies with Emma, an outcast shunned from society for her affliction, and Koo, the blighted dog. Together, they embark on this expansive adventure in this one-person, one-dog action RPG. Experience a journey where you feel moments of loneliness, and also the reliability and comfort of your companion. Savor a world of impermanence, where forests suddenly burst forth amidst the wasteland. As Emma and Koo travel through this beautiful yet harsh world, their bond and abilities blossom.

Pre-order Beast of Reincarnation and receive a Brown Shiba Skin for Koo plus 30,000 Amber (in-game currency)!

Beast of Reincarnation

Fictions

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan, humanity's only hope lies with Emma, an outcast shunned from society for her affliction, and Koo, the blighted dog. Together, they embark on this expansive adventure in this one-person, one-dog action RPG.

Experience a journey where you feel moments of loneliness, and also the reliability and comfort of your companion. Savor a world of impermanence, where forests suddenly burst forth amidst the wasteland. As Emma and Koo travel through this beautiful yet harsh world, their bond and abilities blossom.

Customize your playstyle with unique skill trees, gear, and spirit stones to survive this beautiful yet brutal world. Define your own playstyle through your preferred loadout, including ranged, stealthy, and aggressive combat.

In this world ravaged by blight…what will you find at the end of your journey?

Emma and Koo’s Synergy
Emma and Koo create a revolutionary action RPG experience. Fight as a unit with the protagonist, Emma’s sword abilities while giving Koo commands to unleash various techniques, just like in a turn-based RPG.

Japan: Year 4026
Travel through a beautiful yet harsh post-apocalyptic world. Experience the ever-changing scenery, in the blighted forest, and the Bosses that rule this world. Emma and Koo, who met in the far east, are tasked with battling Bosses from all over the world and capturing their powers in order to defeat the Beast of Reincarnation.

A Story Filled With Secrets
Dive into a brutal narrative where every character hides a dangerous truth. Uncover the intertwined fates of Emma and Koo in this profound story.

Kynseed – August 4
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

A beautiful life sim sandbox RPG from veterans of the Fable series. Embark on a lifetime of adventure in a beautiful world of creativity and intrigue. Raise a family, customise your farm, run a business, craft items, and battle monsters! Your actions and decisions matter in our adventurous story filled with purpose and promise. Lend a helping hand to villagers in need and discover the unique blend of creativity and choice that sets Kynseed apart. Come and join us – your legacy awaits!

Kynseed

PixelCount Studios Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

A beautiful life sim sandbox RPG from veterans of the Fable series.

Embark on a lifetime of adventure in a beautiful world of creativity and intrigue. Raise a family, customise your farm, run a business, craft items, and battle monsters!

Your actions and decisions matter in our adventurous story filled with purpose and promise. Lend a helping hand to villagers in need and discover the unique blend of creativity and choice that sets Kynseed apart. Come and join us – your legacy awaits!

• Story-driven RPG set in beautiful regions, where you’ll battle dark faery tale creatures.
• Customise your farm and farmhouse using Kynseed's customisation mode with hundreds of items and limitless design possibilities.
• Take on the role of shopkeeper and run your own blacksmith, potion shop, tavern, or bustling goods store.
• Develop relationships with villagers who will remember your deeds, actions, and pranks!
• Combat the evil Hob army as they construct powerful totems and cause the destruction of crops and buildings.
• Rebuild broken houses and buildings for your neighbours and new NPCs.
• Gather materials to create items, forge weapons or mix cures for bizarre maladies.
• Buy strange artifacts from the mysterious Mr. Fairweather — items that ease your chores, boost your combat skills, or simply let you bend the rules of the world. But beware his life tax: each one costs years from your life.
• A world where everyone ages – raise a family then step into your children's shoes and continue your legacy.

In Kynseed, live your life the way you choose in a lovingly handcrafted 2D open world.

Detective Holmes: Hidden Objects – August 3
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Get ready to dive into the thrilling new adventures of the legendary Sherlock Holmes! If you’re a fan of detective stories, mystery, unexpected plot twists, and clever puzzles, this game is made for you. Join Holmes and his trusted friend, Doctor Watson, as they take on a brand new investigation filled with secrets, suspense, and surprises lurking in every scene.

Detective Holmes: Hidden Objects

Crisp App Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$11.99

$9.59

Pre-order

Hello, fans of hidden object detective games!

Get ready to dive into the thrilling new adventures of the legendary Sherlock Holmes!

If you're a fan of detective stories, mystery, unexpected plot twists, and clever puzzles, this game is made for you. Join Holmes and his trusted friend, Doctor Watson, as they take on a brand new investigation filled with secrets, suspense, and surprises lurking in every scene.

Inspired by the world of Arthur Conan Doyle, this hidden object game challenges you to test your powers of observation. Search for carefully hidden clues in beautifully detailed environments from dark streets to warm, old-fashioned rooms. Every object you find could bring you one step closer to cracking the case. Remember, even the smallest detail might be the key to unraveling the mystery.

The game features realistic, richly detailed scenes brought to life with your favorite classic characters. You can enjoy a variety of gameplay modes, including hidden object searches, spot-the-difference challenges, matching pairs, and more. Many of the hidden objects are genuine antiques, making it a treat for vintage lovers. It’s a relaxing way to train your brain while immersing yourself in a timeless detective adventure. With intuitive, easy-to-use controls, the game is perfect for both casual players and puzzle enthusiasts alike.

Step into the shoes of a true detective and help Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson solve their latest case. Adventure awaits!

Space Tail: Definitive Edition – August 3
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Every journey shifts the perspective – it grows with the traveler. Our game tells a story about self-exploration, transformation and understanding of the world around us. The game’s story is inspired by real events from the early days of space exploration, when animals were the first to venture beyond Earth. Many of them never returned. This game is a tribute to those early pioneers, told through the story of Bea – a dog who, in our story, beats the odds and finds her own path among the stars.

Space Tail: Definitive Edition

Bohemia Interactive a.s.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Every journey shifts the perspective – it grows with the traveler. Our game tells a story about self-exploration, transformation and understanding of the world around us.

The game's story is inspired by real events from the early days of space exploration, when animals were the first to venture beyond Earth. Many of them never returned. This game is a tribute to those early pioneers, told through the story of Bea – a dog who, in our story, beats the odds and finds her own path among the stars.

Bea is a cheerful and brave companion-but at heart, she’s still just a dog. She barks, wags her tail, and discovers the world through her senses. Her instincts are key to gameplay: sniffing, listening, and observing form the core of a detective mode that helps her explore and make sense of her surroundings.

Fading Clouds – August 4
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Embark on a peaceful journey through the skies in Fading Clouds, a charming puzzle adventure where every step transforms the path ahead. Carefully plan your moves, cross clouds that vanish beneath your feet, and discover the perfect route to reach the star waiting at the end of every challenge.

Fading Clouds (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Embark on a peaceful journey through the skies in Fading Clouds, a charming puzzle adventure where every step transforms the path ahead. Carefully plan your moves, cross clouds that vanish beneath your feet, and discover the perfect route to reach the star waiting at the end of every challenge.

Explore 30 carefully crafted levels where new cloud types and clever mechanics make every puzzle feel fresh and rewarding. Restore clouds at the right moment, adapt your strategy, and discover creative solutions as the difficulty gently grows with each stage.

With beautiful pixel art, a relaxing atmosphere, and thoughtful puzzles that encourage careful planning without pressure, Fading Clouds is perfect for players who love to think, experiment, and celebrate every clever solution.

Plan your route, rebuild the clouds, and prove that every great journey begins with a single step.

Five Hearts Under One Roof – August 5
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Five Hearts Under One Roof is a first-person interactive FMV romance game where every choice shapes your relationships and story outcome. You play as Yuman, a man who has spent most of his life alone. Everything changes when five very different women suddenly begin living under the same roof. Through conversations, choices, and unexpected moments, you will build relationships, uncover hidden stories, and decide who will ultimately win your heart.

Five Hearts Under One Roof

StoryTaco.inc

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Five Hearts Under One Roof is a first-person interactive FMV romance game where every choice shapes your relationships and story outcome.

You play as Yuman, a man who has spent most of his life alone. Everything changes when five very different women suddenly begin living under the same roof. Through conversations, choices, and unexpected moments, you will build relationships, uncover hidden stories, and decide who will ultimately win your heart.

Will your longtime childhood friend become something more?
Will your first love return to your life?
Or will an unexpected romance change everything?

Every decision leads to different story branches, romantic moments, and multiple endings.

[Meet the Heroines]
* Mal-sook Go

Your childhood friend of 20 years.
Warm, caring, and always by your side — but hiding feelings she can no longer ignore.

* Min-jung Park

Your first love and a former idol singer.
A familiar face returns with emotions that never truly disappeared.

* Gran Dong

Your demanding boss with a playful and provocative personality.
Confident, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.

* Eun-bi Go

A bold and energetic younger girl who suddenly appears in your life.
Straightforward, fearless, and determined to win your heart.

* Seung-yi Jo

A shy recluse who slowly opens up to you.
Quiet, mysterious, and deeply emotional beneath the surface.

[Key Features]
Interactive First-Person FMV Experience

Experience the entire story through the protagonist’s perspective in a fully immersive live-action romance adventure.

Branching Storylines and Multiple Endings

Your choices shape relationships, unlock hidden scenes, and lead to different endings and epilogues.

Five Unique Romance Routes

Each heroine features her own personality, emotional storyline, and memorable romantic journey.

High-Quality Live-Action Performances

Enjoy realistic acting performances and cinematic visuals that bring every relationship and emotional moment to life.

Replayable Narrative Experience

Discover new scenes, alternative routes, bonus videos, and hidden outcomes through multiple playthroughs.

Mate’Morphosis – August 5
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Strategize and conquer in a brainteasing twist on a tabletop gaming classic! Mate’Morphosis is a chess-inspired puzzle game built around the concept of becoming the pieces that you capture. Outsmart each board, adapt to evolving mechanics and hunt down the rival king across every stage! Instead of commanding multiple pieces, you’ll need to navigate the board with a single player piece that transforms into the type of piece you’ve just defeated.

Mate'Morphosis

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Solve puzzles by becoming the pieces you defeat in a strategic and brainteasing twist on classic chess!

Strategize and conquer in a brainteasing twist on a tabletop gaming classic! Mate’Morphosis is a chess-inspired puzzle game built around the concept of becoming the pieces that you capture. Outsmart each board, adapt to evolving mechanics and hunt down the rival king across every stage! Instead of commanding multiple pieces, you’ll need to navigate the board with a single player piece that transforms into the type of piece you’ve just defeated.

Step up from pawn to knight, bishop or rook in order to take out the queen and finally gain the freedom of movement necessary to checkmate the king. Your route evolves with every move. Learn as you go, even if you’re not a master at classic chess! Enjoy retro 2D pixel art presentation and tight hand-crafted challenges with quick restarts, fast strategic pacing and a gradual climb in difficulty across dozens of unique stages!

Aery – Surreal World – August 6
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Aery – Surreal World is a relaxing, story-driven flight exploration game that carries you through a series of impossible, dreamlike worlds where reality has quietly lost its mind. You play as a tiny spirit drifting endlessly forward through landscapes that shouldn’t exist. Glide alongside an enormous dirty whale as it tumbles weightlessly through a sky laced with glittering rainbows — close enough to see the barnacles and grime clinging to its hide as streaks of violet and gold light wash over it. Descend into a sunken apartment block resting silently on the ocean floor, where coral has crept up the wallpaper, fish drift through the living room, and the television still flickers faintly in the deep blue dark. Soar through a vast kingdom where every tree, every cloud, and every cobblestone has been consumed by solid, gleaming gold — beautiful, eerie, and utterly silent.

Aery – Surreal World

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Aery – Surreal World is a relaxing, story-driven flight exploration game that carries you through a series of impossible, dreamlike worlds where reality has quietly lost its mind.

You play as a tiny spirit drifting endlessly forward through landscapes that shouldn't exist. Glide alongside an enormous dirty whale as it tumbles weightlessly through a sky laced with glittering rainbows — close enough to see the barnacles and grime clinging to its hide as streaks of violet and gold light wash over it. Descend into a sunken apartment block resting silently on the ocean floor, where coral has crept up the wallpaper, fish drift through the living room, and the television still flickers faintly in the deep blue dark. Soar through a vast kingdom where every tree, every cloud, and every cobblestone has been consumed by solid, gleaming gold — beautiful, eerie, and utterly silent.

Each world is its own self-contained dream: a unique color palette, atmosphere, and mood that tells a different piece of a larger, quietly unfolding story. Hidden across every level are glowing memory fragments — scattered clues to what this broken universe once was. Collect enough of them and the next impossible world opens up.

Aery – Surreal World is designed above all else to feel good. The flying is smooth and freeing, the worlds are strange and beautiful, and the story unfolds gently without ever demanding anything of you. Whether you play to explore, to collect, or simply to get lost somewhere wonderfully weird, there is always something waiting just around the next impossible corner.

Herd Dispatch – August 6
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Get ready for a cozy and adorable adventure in Herd Dispatch, a charming puzzle game where every little sheep is counting on you to find its way home. Watch carefully, think quickly, and switch the paths at just the right moment to guide each sheep safely to the pen that matches its color.

Herd Dispatch (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Get ready for a cozy and adorable adventure in Herd Dispatch, a charming puzzle game where every little sheep is counting on you to find its way home. Watch carefully, think quickly, and switch the paths at just the right moment to guide each sheep safely to the pen that matches its color.

Explore 30 carefully handcrafted levels across 3 delightful rural biomes, where every new stage puts your logic, planning, and attention to the test. As the challenges grow, you'll need to anticipate each sheep's movement and create the perfect connections before they wander down the wrong path.

With charming pixel art, a warm atmosphere, and mechanics that are easy to learn yet surprisingly clever, Herd Dispatch delivers a relaxing and rewarding experience for anyone who loves creative puzzles and casual challenges.

Switch the paths, guide the flock, and prove that no little sheep will ever get lost under your watch!

Montabi – August 6
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

A Creature-Collector Roguelike Deckbuilding Game. Assemble your team of Montabi to outsmart the bad guys and save the city! If you’re going to be the big hero and save the city, you’ve gotta get some Montabi! Each Montabi has a unique set of skills, giving you endless combinations for team synergies. Collect equipment and charms and utilize them to chart the path to victory!

Montabi

Akupara Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

A Creature-Collector Roguelike Deckbuilding Game.

Assemble your team of Montabi to outsmart the bad guys and save the city!

If you're going to be the big hero and save the city, you've gotta get some Montabi! Each Montabi has a unique set of skills, giving you endless combinations for team synergies. Collect equipment and charms and utilize them to chart the path to victory!

Train your Montabi to grow stronger, unlocking new moves to enhance your team's strategy. As they level up, your Montabi evolve into more powerful forms, gaining new card abilities and expanding your tactical options. If you work together, there's nothing you and your Montabi can't achieve!

Deploy your best strategies to beat up the bad guys in a unique 3×3 grid-based system. With every Montabi's unique abilities, you'll have endless options to outthink the competition and win the day. Just make sure you rest up at a cafe every now and then to recover those hit points!

Select from diverse trainers, each with a unique playstyle. Do you wanna put your team in the perfect position, get right up in their faces and duke it out, or buff up your Montabi with a hearty meal? When the city's at stake, everyone pitches in! Just make sure to stay safe! Like the king in chess, if your trainer is defeated, the game ends.

Sokogem – August 6
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Sokogem is a minimalist puzzle game that challenges your logic through precise, thoughtful movement. Slide your character across each level, pushing gems until they hit the treasure chests. Fill every chest with the exact number of gems to unlock the exit and progress to the next challenge.

Sokogem

Misc.261

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sokogem is a minimalist puzzle game that challenges your logic through precise, thoughtful movement. Slide your character across each level, pushing gems until they hit the treasure chests. Fill every chest with the exact number of gems to unlock the exit and progress to the next challenge.

Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint – August 6
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint is a hardcore, side-scrolling beat-’em-up inspired by classic Korean crime dramas. As Mr. Peppermint, a hard-boiled detective driven to the extreme, find out who gives orders at the top of the crime ladder, and enact brutal, bloody vengeance. Countless criminals infest a seedy underbelly, with a sinister cult poisoning the guts of this corpse of a city. Destroy anyone in Peppermint’s way with anything he can get his hands on. Wade through mountains of corpses, wipe blood off the edges of Peppermint’s suit, and beware that this detective might be his own worst enemy.

Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint

indie.io

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint is a hardcore, side-scrolling beat-'em-up inspired by classic Korean crime dramas. As Mr. Peppermint, a hard-boiled detective driven to the extreme, find out who gives orders at the top of the crime ladder, and enact brutal, bloody vengeance. Countless criminals infest a seedy underbelly, with a sinister cult poisoning the guts of this corpse of a city. Destroy anyone in Peppermint’s way with anything he can get his hands on. Wade through mountains of corpses, wipe blood off the edges of Peppermint's suit, and beware that this detective might be his own worst enemy. Long ago, a serial killer kidnapped two siblings, a brother and a sister. The boy miraculously managed to escape, but the girl was not so lucky… Twenty years later, the boy, now a man, has become a detective just like his father, believing that law and order are the foundation of society. Yet, his grief and pain have driven him to the brink of madness, peering into the abyss of rage. Now, with red-hot clarity, he must punish the murderer responsible for his sister's death, no matter how many people stand in his path.Peppermint's obsession with revenge transforms him into a killing machine. Use incredibly precise controls to choreograph combos and carry out brutal fatalities. Improvise weapons in the environment and pummel enemies into a fine red mist like hooks, meat processors, or ovens…anything can bring a goon's criminal career to a brutally spectacular end.A rampage of revenge can take its toll on Mr. Peppermint. The crueler his actions, the more twisted the story unfolds and his psyche crumbles. Paradoxes and inconsistencies appear. Unanswered questions manifest. As this once dedicated detective spirals out of control, question who is really the serial killer…

Yellowcreek Stories – The Cabin Watcher – August 6
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

A stormy night. A remote mountain cabin. Someone is watching you. A masked killer stalks the area and reacts to sound, light, and movement. No combat. No second chances. Survival is about staying unseen, keeping calm, and making the right call under pressure. The killer actively searches based on your behavior, turning every encounter into a tense mind game.

Yellowcreek Stories – The Cabin Watcher

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$10.49

$8.39

Pre-order

A stormy night. A remote mountain cabin.
Someone is watching you.

A masked killer stalks the area and reacts to sound, light, and movement.
No combat. No second chances. Survival is about staying unseen, keeping calm, and making the right call under pressure.

Survive by mastering

– Noise: every action matters — loud mistakes draw attention
– Light: your flashlight can save you… or expose you
– Movement: sprinting is risky; careful steps keep you alive
– Hiding: when you’re spotted, you’re already behind

The killer actively searches based on your behavior, turning every encounter into a tense mind game.

Features

– First-person stealth slasher inspired by classic 80s horror
– Stealth built around sound, light, and movement
– Reactive enemy behavior and search patterns
– Minimal HUD with real-time noise/visibility feedback
– Interactive cinematic moments

INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges – August 7
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

The classic joy of hidden object puzzles, perfected. INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges brings back the satisfying gameplay of the original, now completely upgraded with silky-smooth controls and beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations.

INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges

AVGAM

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$5.99

$5.39

Pre-order

The classic joy of hidden object puzzles, perfected. INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges brings back the satisfying gameplay of the original, now completely upgraded with silky-smooth controls and beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations.

Take a deep breath, observe the intricate sketches, and start your hunt. Move around the canvas and zoom in on the finest details with our newly improved, incredibly fluid camera controls. When you spot a cleverly hidden item, experience the simple, tactile satisfaction of drawing a circle around it to mark your discovery. With 40 brand-new levels, this is the perfect cozy puzzle game to unwind with after a long day.
Expect 1 to 2 hours of stress-free, pure observational gameplay.

John Fox – August 7
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

John Fox is an elite warrior and super soldier who saved the leaders of various States. He was a professional mercenary who retired with honor. One day after getting out of the subway, John’s pet, Milo is killed by a toad. John Fox rushes in pursuit of the harmful toad and encounters an army of clone frogs, which flooded the entire city. If the big toad manages to defeat John Fox, the world will be doomed to misery and chaos.

John Fox

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

John Fox is an elite warrior and super soldier who saved the leaders of various States. He was a professional mercenary who retired with honor.

One day after getting out of the subway, John's pet, Milo is killed by a toad. John Fox rushes in pursuit of the harmful toad and encounters an army of clone frogs, which flooded the entire city.

If the big toad manages to defeat John Fox, the world will be doomed to misery and chaos.

Features:
* Survival mode
* Variety of terrains and scenarios
* 2D pixel beat 'em up
* Boss battles
* Thrilling music

Limbot – August 7
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Welcome to Limbot, the ultimate physics-based city stomping experience where up to 4 players must attempt to pilot a person dressed as a giant cardboard robot! Embrace the chaos in a paper-craft metropolis designed to be crushed, smashed, and destroyed! Stomp, kick, and punch your way to completing wacky objectives set in a fully destructible cardboard world, where every building, obstacle, and enemy can be bashed to pieces or flattened into pulp! Smash down skyscrapers, face-off against paper foes, and take down the biggest (and silliest) crafted bosses this world has ever seen…

Limbot

Ionized Studios Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Welcome to Limbot, the ultimate physics-based city stomping experience where up to 4 players must attempt to pilot a person dressed as a giant cardboard robot! Embrace the chaos in a paper-craft metropolis designed to be crushed, smashed, and destroyed!

Stomp, kick, and punch your way to completing wacky objectives set in a fully destructible cardboard world, where every building, obstacle, and enemy can be bashed to pieces or flattened into pulp! Smash down skyscrapers, face-off against paper foes, and take down the biggest (and silliest) crafted bosses this world has ever seen…

Go full DIY and unlock upgrades to customise your robot such as strapping a soda can to your leg for a handy speed boost, wooden spoons to give your Karate chops some added range, or slap on some stickers to add some extra style. Mix and match upgrades to make your perfect robot!

Intuitive controls make moving limbs simple and accessible to players of all ages and abilities. All you need to do is figure out how to work together… good luck with that! Oh, one more thing, if the robot trips, it's definitely your teammate’s fault!

The Relic: First Guardian – August 7
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Transformed into an apocalyptic landscape by the destruction of the great relic, the once-prosperous Arsilthus lies in ruins. But through the silence we began to hear breaths that have not yet faded, faint whispers carried on the wind: promises, waiting, fear, and love. These forgotten voices are Relics; fragments imbued with the emotions and wishes of those who lived before. It rests with you to find and use these powerful Relics, to honour their memories and lead the world back to prosperity. You are the last hope for Arsilthus.

The Relic: First Guardian

Perp Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Created by a small and passionate core team of a dozen people, Project Cloud Games has created a fresh new take on combat, with a heavy emphasis on balancing action and vulnerability, their unique, dark, and gritty spin on classic Korean stories has been in the making for six years.

"It has a unique art style and combat that looks spectacular" – Dualshockers

"The Witcher Meets Dark Souls in Gorgeous 2026 Action-RPG" – Gaming Bible

“Stylish combat, tragic bosses, and a world inspired by Asian folklore combine to make The Relic: First Guardian one of the most exciting upcoming action RPGs” – PC GAMER

Transformed into an apocalyptic wasteland by the destruction of the great relic, the once-prosperous realm of Arsilthus lies in ruins. Set in a dark and haunting atmosphere enriched by the rich tapestry of Korean folklore and ancient mythology, this shattered land echoes with faint whispers lingering on the wind – promises, fear, and love. These forgotten voices endure as Relics: powerful fragments imbued with the emotions and final wishes of those who came before.
As the last hope for Arsilthus, it falls upon you to gather these ancient fragments, honour their memories, and lead the world back from the brink of extinction.

Fast Paced Brutal Combat
The Relic approaches combat differently – delivering freedom in attack, intensity in survival. Unleash an unstoppable onslaught with attacks that cost zero resources, allowing you to strike continuously with relentless creativity and consistency. Your stamina gauge is reserved strictly for high-stakes defence like dodging and blocking, while high-power magic operates on cooldowns and a dedicated meter. Attack without limits, defend with absolute precision.

Explore a Shattered, Semi-Open World
Traverse a vast, interconnected realm filled with forgotten ruins, hidden dungeons, and atmospheric landscapes. The world of Arsilthus rewards curious Guardians who venture off the beaten path with ancient artifacts, secret encounters, and pieces of lost lore buried deep within its ruined regions.

Confront Up to 80 Tragic Bosses
Step into battle against up to 80 mythic encounters – each a dark, standalone folktale brought to life, bound to a tragic lore that can only be laid to rest through ultimate victory. Adapt or perish: no two legends fight alike, and a strategy that slays one nightmare offers no guarantee of surviving the next.

Weapons Woven with Narrative
Command five distinct weapon masteries: Sword & Shield, Battle Staff, Daggers, Two-Handed Weapons, or the Longsword. Without a single duplicate weapon to be found – every single item is a bespoke, one-of-a-kind creation with its own tragic history. Discovering a new blade means uncovering a piece of the world's past, transforming your arsenal into a personal collection of living legends.

Master Ancient Weapon Skill Trees
Forge a deeper bond with your chosen armoury through specialised skill trees powered by relic energy. Channel forgotten power into game-changing passives alongside awe-striking, visually spectacular ultimate abilities.

Unbound Build Freedom
Forget traditional levelling – your power is forged entirely through the gear and Relics you discover. Collecting and equipping relics is as much about augmenting your character as it is about uncovering the world's past. With over 70 unique passive effects scattered that alter combat tempo and skill, the relic system encourages you to experiment endlessly. Freely swap game-changing passives, manipulate attack tempos, and tailor your build on the fly – giving you complete freedom to adapt instantly without ever being locked into a single playstyle.

Tailbreak – August 7
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

A new dinosaur-blasting adventure is in town! Serving as a follow-up to Railbreak and as a retelling of the hit DINOBREAK, Tailbreak evolves the arcade on-rails shooter experience from mere resurrection to pleasingly primal for up to two players! Weapons and mechanics have been intensified; starting with just a handgun, you’ll need to make tough choices about your sub-weapons and juggle pick-ups with the new item system. Do you dedicate an item slot to a grenade or a healing item? Do you stick with your trusty machine gun, or do you switch it up with a heavy rifle?

Tailbreak

Dead Drop Studios LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

$22.49

Pre-order

A new dinosaur-blasting adventure is in town!

Serving as a follow-up to Railbreak and as a retelling of the hit DINOBREAK, Tailbreak evolves the arcade on-rails shooter experience from mere resurrection to pleasingly primal for up to two players!

Weapons and mechanics have been intensified; starting with just a handgun, you’ll need to make tough choices about your sub-weapons and juggle pick-ups with the new item system. Do you dedicate an item slot to a grenade or a healing item? Do you stick with your trusty machine gun, or do you switch it up with a heavy rifle?

With new and realistic lighting utilizing Unreal Engine 5.7, Cypress Ridge looks more sinister and desolate than ever before. A new, fully-voiced, six-act Story mode tells the plight of heroines Alex and Rin as they struggle to survive the events of DINOBREAK without becoming dino food. The Arrange mode brings custom handguns and upgradable sub-weapons to the fray for something a little zanier, while the Mutation Matrix randomizes the game’s encounters and items for an unpredictable experience every play-through!

More bonus modes and features await as you take on nature’s ancient beasts on the safari of a lifetime in Tailbreak!

Features:

NEW Item System: Pick up healing items, ammo, and more, but be careful: you can only hold two at a time! Will you prioritize the extra firepower of a grenade, or will you hold onto a precious, life-restoring sprout for a rainy day?

Fierce Firepower: Blast away with both returning and new weapons. Carefully manage your sub-weapon ammo, or you may find yourself up dino creek without a paddle! In Arrange mode, choose between handguns with different effects, and level up your sub-weapons to make them more powerful.

Deliciously Cheesy: Enjoy a new story where lead characters Alex and Rin check out the coolest new game in Cypress Ridge Arcade – Tailbreak! It’s all about their search for safety in a city ravaged by raptors. All six acts feature full voice acting with hysterical banter and the crazy camp you’d expect in your favorite B-movie!

Gameplay Galore: Bonus modes like Score Attack, Arrange Mode, and Mutation Matrix add additional depth and extra replayability to the game. Plus, all content can be experienced solo or in local co-op play with a friend!

Scarily Beautiful: The world of Cypress Ridge comes to life whether you’re blasting through a restaurant or sulking through dark caverns thanks to the power of cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5.7, which brings stunning ray traced lighting to the varied, highly-detailed environments you’ll flee through during your exploits.

The post Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 3 to 7 appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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SpeedRunners 2 King of Speed Dated for September 3

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:09:51 GMT

Faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.

SpeedRunners 2 will launch on September 3, according to a new announcement from tinyBuild and Fair Play Labs. SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed will once again pit zippy little runners against each other in a fierce competition to see who is the fastest, the most agile, and the most cunning.

SpeedRunners 2 maintains the parkour style racing of the original game but now adds a campaign with boss battles, new multiplayer mods, new power-ups, and new characters. The team says that they "placed extra care into making sure that movement mechanics, power-ups and momentum feel like a natural evolution."

SpeedRunners 2 is out on September 3 for Steam, PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and Switch. IT's also out day o ne for XBOX Game Pass subscribers on both PC and consoles.

Become a master of fast-paced movement and reflexes in SpeedRunners 2, blasting through uniquely crafted maps as fast as possible while leaving your friends and foes in the dust. Be on the lookout for booster pads, pickups, obstacles, and more to get the leg up on your opponents. Get ahead by any means necessary, even if you have to play dirty: knock your rivals off-screen with traps, missiles, freeze rays and even a golden grappling hook that lets you yoink players in front of you!

KEY FEATURES

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPEEDRUNNERS: SpeedRunners 2 captures the depth, thrill and fluidity of the original game for a new era, introducing vibrant high-definition graphics and improved netcode for an incredible competitive platforming experience.
GOTTA GO FAST: Choose your character from a cast of eccentric superheroes, both returning and new, and face off in intense races for up to eight players, local and online, across beautiful tracks inspired by the retrofuture superhero utopia of the 1960s.
MASTER COMPETITIVE PLATFORMING: Run, jump, slide and swing to victory by any means necessary! Learn the layouts of precisely tuned maps, use booster pads and pick-ups, wall jump and grapple, and open and close pathways to gain the edge.
BE FAST & FURIOUS: Ruin friendships and make split-second decisions to become the King of Speed! Knock rivals off-screen and eliminate your foes with powerful pick-ups like missiles, traps, freeze rays, and a grappling hook that pulls runners in front of you.
RUN AS YOU ARE: Accessible to newcomers yet rewarding for die-hard PvP rivals, SpeedRunners 2 lets you chase your own challenge. Compete in tournaments, create custom challenges, and climb the leaderboards, or host private lobbies for laid-back fun.

Lumines Remastered Out Today on Mobile

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:46:52 GMT

Try it before you buy it with a free trial.

The puzzle game that fuses audio and stimulating visuals is now available for those on iOS and Android. Lumines Remastered brings back that same gameplay you remember from its 2004 roots on the PlayStation Portable.

The download of the app itself is free through either the App Store or Google Play. This will let you experience a free trial of the game's first few levels. If you want to keep playing at the end of those initial levels, you will be able to do so for $9.99, or just $7.99 for a limited time.

The game features various touch-control options, or you can connect a controller "for old-school precision."

The new mobile version of LUMINES REMASTERED is the result of a joint development and publishing effort between Enhance and publisher Sound Games to make sure it lives up to what fans expect. And it’s the latest title to leverage Shipmate, Sound Games’ free self-publishing tool, ensuring a smooth launch. The game itself has also been re-engineered to take advantage of everything mobile gamers expect. Take control by choosing from multiple intuitive touch layouts or connecting a gamepad for old-school precision!

Now you can take Tetsuya Mizuguchi's critically acclaimed masterpiece with you everywhere and lose yourself in the music.

Key Features:

Feel the vibes: 40 stages and a legendary soundtrack of house, trance, and techno beats—from chill to upbeat. Shuffle stages like a music playlist in Skin Edit mode.
Feel the challenge: From the non-stop puzzling fun of Challenge Mode to the Time Attack, Puzzle, Mission, Vs CPU, and 2P Battle (local, shared-screen multiplayer) modes, there's more than enough to sink your teeth into.
Feel the fun: Unlock all the music, stages, and avatars, and climb the ranks to the top of the online leaderboards. Cloud saves keep your progression going across devices.
Feel the music: Grab your favorite pair of headphones and turn on vibration (on compatible devices) to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Mistfall Hunter Released

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:07:00 GMT

Soulslike extraction.

Mistfall Hunter is now available on Steam, PlayStation, and XBOX. Billed as a "dark-fantasy extraction ARPG," this game tasks players with fighting, looting, and escaping with your newfound treasures before dying to other combatants or the environment.

This one is brought to you by developer Bellring Games and publisher Skystone Games. The Standard Edition retails for $24.99, with some storefronts offering a limited-time 10% launch discount. A $39.99 Deluxe Edition is also available for purchase that includes a variety of additional cosmetics and bonus in-game currency that is used to purchase even more cosmetic items. Based on what I've seen, there are plenty of gooner skins to choose from.

Mistfall Hunter is a live-service title that will "grow with new season roughly every three months, introducing new content such as classes, forbidden arcana, uncharted zones, and ancient relics." The studios say there are no pay-to-win mechanics or purchasable stat boosts. Just gooner skins. Many... many gooner skins.

The gods are dead, and the Gyldenmist is devouring the world. Revived by a mysterious girl named Dew, players awaken as Gyldhunters and descend into a bleak, forbidden realm to gather precious Gyldenblod and repair the broken Web of Fate. Every run is a high-stakes hunt: loot deep, survive the fog, and carve a path to safety before rival hunters take everything. Reach a Returner Woodling and you extract with your haul intact; fall, and it’s all left behind. Hunt solo or in three-player squads, wield magic and steel with weapons you can swap mid-battle, and return to a world that reshapes itself every season.

Season 1: “Soul Hunt"
The game’s first season is called Soul Hunt. Working alongside Dew, hunters set out to thwart the Varg clan’s attempt to forge a false god, tracking the soul-warped creatures born of the clan’s experiments and returning their lost souls to the Web of Fate.

Season highlights:

Free 7-day login event — unlock the Slumbering Contract at no cost.
Soul Harvest themed mode, live August 14 — a season-spanning event across every map and difficulty tier, with new tasks, seasonal events, and exclusive grand rewards.
A new difficulty, Brandrgarde-Cataclysm — a punishing new tier with its own missions and rewards.

Season 1 also expands the arsenal and the bestiary: a new shield-and-spear weapon archetype for the Withered Knight, built for balanced attack and defense; a set of class-unique weapons, each bound to one of the world’s bosses and its legend; and a new elite enemy, the Soul-Gnawer, a shapeshifting witch twisted into a soul-hungry aberration, who stirs from dormancy only for hunters who come prepared to face her.

Editions & Pricing (all platforms)

Standard Edition — $24.99
The full base game.

Deluxe Edition — $39.99

The base game plus exclusive bonus content:
Exclusive Outfit: Forsaken Skeleton
Exclusive Background: Shipwreck Coast
Exclusive Earrings: Web of Fate
Exclusive Standing Pose: Justice
Exclusive Emotes: Pip’s Daily Life
Exclusive Avatar: Dew
Exclusive Avatar Frame: Light Feather
2,500 Fate Coins — the in-game currency for cosmetic items

Players who buy the Standard Edition can upgrade to Deluxe at any time to unlock the same bonus content.

Steam Cyberpunk Fest on August 3

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:30:14 GMT

Life’s a game, and we’re all just players. The question is, what’s your strategy?

Valve shared word that the Steam Cyberpunk Fest is set to run from August 3 to August 10, beginning and ending at 10 AM PT on those dates.

In case it wasn't obvious, the Steam Cyberpunk Fest will include plenty of deals and offers, maybe even some demos and developer streams, for all sorts of games where low-lifes and high-tech are the norm.

As per usual, Valve put together an official trailer for this new Fest, which should clue you in on some of the titles that will go on sale in just a few days.

Celebrating Age in 2026 – Where We’re At, and Where We’re Going

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:00:08 GMT

The post Celebrating Age in 2026 – Where We’re At, and Where We’re Going appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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A Microsoft Flight Simulator Cinderella Story: Building the A220 Airliner

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:00:08 GMT

Earlier this week, Synaptic Simulations, a small team of young developers only a few years out of high school, launched their first product on the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace: the A220 Airliner. This is one of the newest and most modern jet airliners operating in the world today, and its release in Microsoft Flight Simulator has been hotly anticipated by aviation enthusiasts.

Synaptic Simulations is a wonderful story of a group of young enthusiasts with a ton of talent and passion following their dreams. It’s a Cinderella story of a team emerging from the freeware scene and making an astonishingly complex airliner as their very first professional release. Warmest congratulations to Synaptic Simulations and iniBuilds on their launch, and we wish them great success with the A220.

We recently caught up with the Synaptic team to learn more about the people behind this exciting new add-on product and the process of turning it from an idea to reality.

What are your names, and what are each of your roles on the A220 project?

Harsh Duba: Synaptic’s team consists of eight developers working across systems and avionics programming, 3D art, and creative production. The project is led by me, as Synaptic’s CEO and art manager; Shaye, lead systems programmer; and Mike, lead avionics programmer. Together, we oversee the broader team and ensure every aspect of the A220 comes together as one cohesive aircraft.

How long have you known each other? How did you meet?

Michael Romashov: Most of us have known each other since around 2020 or 2021, when we independently joined what was then a community-led freeware A220 initiative. The project initially attracted contributors from across the flight-simulation community through Discord and Reddit. Over time, a smaller core group naturally formed as we identified the people with the commitment and complementary expertise needed to take the aircraft further. That core group ultimately became the Synaptic team working on the A220 today.

Before you became add-on developers, what were your career plans?

Shaye Garg: Before the A220, none of our career plans were completely set in stone. Most of the team were only 16 or 17 and fresh out of high school when the project began. Like many people in the flight simulation community, we grew up with Microsoft Flight Simulator, which sparked our interest in aviation, technology and creating things of our own. That passion ultimately inspired us to start building add-ons. Since then, we’ve pursued degrees in engineering and computer science and gone on to work across the software industry. In many ways, developing the A220 helped shape those paths, with the technical, creative and collaborative skills we gained through the project carrying directly into our education and professional careers.

Creating a modern airliner as a first development project seems like an incredibly daunting task. What inspired you to bring the A220 to Microsoft Flight Simulator rather than starting with a less complex aircraft?

Harsh Duba: We saw a clear gap in the flight simulation world. Many of today’s most popular airliners were already well represented, but the A220 was still a very new and modern aircraft at the time and had no serious high-fidelity simulation in development.

We also wanted to create something that felt genuinely unique and gave flight simmers a different experience from the familiar aircraft already available. Starting with such a sophisticated airliner was undeniably ambitious, but our passion for the A220 made us willing to learn as we went. What began as an attempt to fill that gap gradually became a long-term commitment to recreating the aircraft with the depth and accuracy it deserves.

When and how did you partner with one of the largest creators in flight simulation—iniBuilds? What are iniBuilds contributing to the project?

Harsh Duba: The partnership came about through a colleague, who had been working with iniBuilds in a freelance capacity. Having seen first-hand how iniBuilds operate, he felt it was the right home for the A220.

We had long admired iniBuilds’ work and reputation for delivering high-quality aircraft, so it quickly became clear they were the ideal partner to help bring the A220 from a passionate community project to a formalized product.

iniBuilds has provided the structure, production environment and resources needed to take the project to the next level. Beyond publishing support, the team has been responsible for the majority of the texturing artwork, full passenger cabin, liveries, animations and numerous refinements throughout the flight deck. They produced the custom sound package and developed a bespoke Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), helping deliver a more polished and accessible experience for simmers.

Are there any unique features of the A220 that you’re particularly excited about?

Michael Romashov: There are many unique aspects of the A220 that we’re excited to share. From its distinctive exterior and cockpit design, accurately recreated by our 3D team, to the quirks throughout its systems and avionics, the aircraft is full of details that set it apart.

One highlight is the 3D terrain map, supported by a custom compression algorithm and designed to faithfully represent the system found in the real A220. The Synaptic A220 also features a sophisticated graphical flight-planning system that allows pilots to modify their route directly through the navigation display – including creating holds, defining crossing constraints, rerouting, and much more.

We’ve also modelled a good amount of interactive circuit breakers, both physically within the cockpit and digitally through the aircraft’s displays. These are integrated directly into the A220’s deep electrical-system simulation, meaning that interacting with them produces the appropriate effects across the aircraft.

Even the soundscape is distinctive, particularly the A220 engine’s recognizable “whale howl,” which we’re excited to reproduce in the simulator. Combined with the accurately modelled autoflight behavior and other core systems, there will be plenty for users to discover both inside and outside the cockpit.

What were some of the most interesting challenges you had to overcome during development of the A220?

Shaye Garg: Because the A220 was our first aircraft-development project, one of our greatest challenges was the steep learning curve involved in reproducing such a complex modern airliner. As our knowledge, experience, and standards grew, we often reached a point where improving the existing work was no longer enough – we needed to start again and rebuild it properly.

This has affected nearly every part of the aircraft. We rebuilt the 3D model from the ground up to achieve the accuracy and level of detail we wanted while taking full advantage of Microsoft Flight Simulator’s capabilities. The aircraft’s systems and avionics have similarly undergone several substantial rewrites as our understanding of both the real A220 and software architecture evolved.

Although those rebuilds significantly expanded the project’s scope, each one produced a more accurate, robust, and maintainable result. Learning when to refine existing work and when to rebuild it entirely has been one of the project’s most difficult and most valuable lessons.

What excites you most about the A220?

Harsh Duba: What excites us most is how different the A220 feels to fly and operate compared with more conventional Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Its distinctive systems, avionics, and operating flows give pilots something genuinely new to learn, making it an interesting and rewarding aircraft to fly.

Beyond the aircraft itself, we’re excited to see how the community receives it. After years of development, the prospect of finally placing such a unique and modern airliner into the hands of thousands of flight simmers is incredibly rewarding. We’re also looking forward to supporting and expanding the A220 well into the future, guided by feedback from the community and the continued evolution of the simulator.

The Synaptic Simulations / iniBuilds A220 Airliner is available now from the Microsoft Flight Simulator in-sim Marketplace for USD 64.99.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, PlayStation 5, and on supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit our website at: www.flightsimulator.com.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Aviator Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
2066

★★★★★

$199.99

$159.99

Get it now

Aviator Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Aviator Edition includes everything from the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024.

Fly with Purpose
·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.

Advanced Simulation
·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.

Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
2081

★★★★★

$129.99

$103.99

Get it now

Premium Deluxe Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports.

Fly with Purpose
·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.

Advanced Simulation
·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.

Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Deluxe Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
2028

★★★★★

$99.99

$79.99

Get it now

Deluxe Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 10 additional aircraft and 5 additional handcrafted international airports.

Fly with Purpose
·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.

Advanced Simulation
·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.

Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
3314

★★★★★

$69.99

$55.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Standard Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Standard Edition includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports.

Fly with Purpose
·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.

Advanced Simulation
·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.

Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

The post A Microsoft Flight Simulator Cinderella Story: Building the A220 Airliner appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Silent Hill: Townfall Developers discuss the Scottish setting, retro technology, first-person combat

PlayStationBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:30:31 GMT

Launching September 24 on PlayStation 5, Silent Hill: Townfall marks the latest entry in the iconic psychological horror franchise. In this article, we bring you insights from Motoi Okamoto, producer for the Silent Hill series at Konami and Jon McKellan, writer and director at Scotland-based developer Screen Burn Interactive.

Could you share why you chose Screen Burn as the development team for this title?

Motoi Okamoto: We were introduced to Screen Burn by Annapurna Interactive, who co-published the title with us. Annapurna has an incredible track record of success with narrative and art-driven indie games, so we fully trusted their taste. I had personally played Screen Burn’s previous titles Stories Untold and Observation, and both were fantastic, so I felt confident leaving the project in their hands.

When asking Jon to handle the narrative, were there any specific requirements or guidelines regarding what makes a game “Silent Hill?”

Okamoto: While Konami does have an internal “bible” or storyline guidelines, I believe the most crucial part of the process is for the developers and writers themselves to analyze the Silent Hill series and build their own bible. Handing over a thick manual from our end wouldn’t necessarily resonate with a team. That’s why we ask every development team we collaborate with to go through that personal discovery process.

What were your thoughts on setting the game in Scotland?

Jon McKellan: Scotland is where we grew up; it’s the environment most familiar and natural for us to depict. To create a meticulous, persuasive setting, we felt it was essential to build a world we knew inside and out. That’s why we chose Scotland. On top of that, Scotland is naturally a very foggy region, making it a perfect fit for Silent Hill. There were times when we’d take photos outside and think, “We’re literally standing in Silent Hill right now…”

Okamoto: Silent Hill frequently collaborates with development studios worldwide. Through these partnerships, we can blend diverse regional cultures and perspectives to deliver fresh, innovative horror experiences.

This title marks the first full-length Silent Hill game to adopt a first-person perspective. While Silent Hill: The Short Message (released in 2024) also used first-person viewpoint, it was a smaller standalone experience. Despite being developed by different teams, did that title influence Silent Hill: Townfall?

Okamoto: Beyond having different developers, the production timelines were completely different, so there was no direct exchange of technical know-how. The fact that both Silent Hill: Townfall and Silent Hill: The Short Message ended up in first-person was purely coincidental.

McKellan: Since there was no overlap, our team at Screen Burn was able to play Silent Hill: The Short Message with a completely fresh perspective. For Silent Hill: Townfall, a first-person viewpoint was an indispensable foundation for integrating the mechanics around the CRTV device. Honestly, the CRTV couldn’t work from any other perspective. While the first-person view brings many changes compared to traditional titles in the series, we took great care to maintain that distinct, atmospheric Silent Hill feel and presentation.

What was the motivation behind evolving the series’ iconic radio into the CRTV?

McKellan: The concept of changing the radio to the CRTV was there from the very start of development. In the earliest stages, it was a standard radio, but we set a challenge for ourselves: how could we make the radio an active tool rather than a passive one? By turning it into a visual device where you can watch video signals in addition to hearing audio, the possibilities exploded—from how we handle narrative presentation to how it integrates into gameplay, like stealth. Plus, as you might be able to tell from Screen Burn’s past games, figuring out how to manipulate slightly outdated analog technology is right up our alley.

Are there scenes that simply couldn’t exist without the CRTV?

McKellan: So much of the presentation and gameplay was designed around the premise of the CRTV. Rather than asking “Which scenes couldn’t exist without it?”, we approached development by asking, “How can we best leverage this device to its fullest potential in every moment?”

Could you tell us more about your meticulous, almost obsessive, dedication to recreating retro gadgets and environments? How do you feel that enhances the Silent Hill experience?

McKellan: Older analog tech and gadgets mean a lot to us, and we have a real fondness for them. Nostalgic elements like these are things that not just us, but players everywhere have touched and experienced, evoking a sense of familiarity. We deliberately designed moments that play against those nostalgic feelings. In a modern context, analog technology feels a bit unstable, unreliable, or hard to trust completely. We wanted to create a situation where players have to rely on this device to survive, even while feeling uneasy about relying on it too much.

As for our environmental design, we take pride in saying it borders on obsession. Believing that a place actually exists is what makes players truly care about it, and making players care is the most important thing of all.

Red and black are used very prominently in this game. What was the intention behind this color palette?

McKellan: Part of it is simply that they are a striking pair of colors, but as you progress through the game, players will discover that these two colors hold a deeply symbolic and vital significance for our protagonist, Simon.

The creatures in Silent Hill: Townfall feel tougher than in previous entries. Is the game balanced to favor stealth over combat?

McKellan: We’ve provided players with multiple options to handle encounters. Rather than forcing a single playstyle, we want players to experiment and discover which approach feels most effective or suitable for each situation as they fight to survive.

How did you approach the concept of multiple endings?

McKellan: The endings in Silent Hill: Townfall aren’t determined by a simple binary choice at the end. Instead, the culmination of the player’s actions throughout their playthrough dictates which ending they reach. We designed this freedom so that the ending feels genuinely earned based on the player’s unique journey.

Okamoto: All three main endings can be reached right from your first playthrough, whereas the secret ending becomes accessible after clearing the game once. It follows a structure similar to the original Silent Hill and Silent Hill 2, meaning players won’t be forced to replay the game two or three times just to see all primary endings.

Could you share how PS5 features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers enhance the game’s presentation?

McKellan: Through the DualSense wireless controller’s adaptive triggers, players won’t just feel the weight of firearms—haptics allow you to literally feel the footsteps of certain approaching creatures right in your hands. Motion control (gyro) also enables intuitive aiming. Early in development, I was actually a bit skeptical about how well motion controls would fit, but once we implemented them in-game, it felt so natural that I couldn’t go back to traditional controls.

Using motion controls, you can also manipulate the map as if holding it directly in your hands. Additionally, certain puzzles require you to physically tilt the CRTV—mimicking the everyday motion of holding up a phone to search for a signal, which is another fun way we’ve integrated the motion controls.

As a producer, how do you feel about the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback?

Okamoto: The Silent Hill series has historically been praised for its visuals and sound, but with the PS5, being able to bring the sense of touch into the horror experience feels like a massive step forward.

3D Audio is another crucial element for modern horror. How have you used sound design to heighten the terror in Silent Hill: Townfall?

McKellan: Because Silent Hill: Townfall is played in first-person, your visual field of view is naturally restricted, making audio far more important. We intentionally created situations in which players must rely heavily on subtle noises and audio cues to perceive threats lurking beyond what their eyes can see.

Silent Hill: Townfall launches on PS5 September 24.

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XBOX App Available on Hisense and VIDAA OS-powered TVs

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:30:31 GMT

We’re continuing to bring XBOX to more devices players already own, giving them more ways to jump into their favorite games, especially those who may not be able to afford or justify buying dedicated gaming hardware.

Over the past month, we’ve started rolling out the XBOX app to millions of VIDAA OS-powered Smart TVs from 2024-2026, including supported Hisense models. With a compatible TV and controller, this gives you another way to enjoy your favorite games with XBOX.

XBOX Game Pass subscribers can stream hundreds of games directly to your TV (game library varies over time, by region, device, and Game Pass plan). Whether you’re exploring Forza Horizon 6, Halo: Campaign Evolved, or discovering a new favorite, your progress moves with you, so it’s easy to pick up and play across devices. XBOX Game Pass subscribers can also stream supported games they already own, even outside the Game Pass catalog.

We’re rolling out the XBOX app to compatible VIDAA OS TVs over time, with availability expanding gradually as updates reach additional devices and regions.

How to Get Started

To start playing, you’ll need:

A VIDAA OS-powered Smart TV or supported Hisense TV running on VIDAA OS 9.6 or higher. For more information on compatible models, contact VIDAA support.
An XBOX Game Pass subscription – Ultimate, Premium, or Essential.
A supported Bluetooth enabled wireless controller, like the XBOX Wireless Controller.
A reliable high-speed internet connection.

How to Get the XBOX App on Your TV

To get started, make sure your TV is updated to VIDAA OS 9.6 and the XBOX app will appear on your Home Page. Here’s how:

Check your TV for a VIDAA OS 9.6 update (please note that the update may not be available on all supported TVs at launch). For more information, contact VIDAA support.
Once updated, access the XBOX app from the Home Page or “Games” section of the menu bar of your TV.
Sign into or create your XBOX account.
Connect a compatible Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. Controllers like the XBOX Wireless Controller, XBOX Adaptive Controller, XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualSense, or PlayStation DualShock 4 controller are all compatible.
Choose a game and start playing!

To learn more about how you can play across TVs and browsers on supported devices like smartphones, Windows PCs, and tablets, check out xbox.com/cloudgaming.

The post XBOX App Available on Hisense and VIDAA OS-powered TVs appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Free Play Days – WWE 2K26, Polterguys: Possession Party and Wildgate

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:00:19 GMT

Step into the ring, haunt the party, and blast into the unknown with this week’s Free Play Days! Polterguys Possession Party is available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, July 30 until Sunday, August 2.

Additionally, WWE 2K26 and Wildgate are free for all XBOX members to try with Free Play Days (XBOX Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).

Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)

Polterguys: Possession Party
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Experience supernatural multiplayer madness where 8 players use sneaky sabotage to get opponents caught by a raging monster! Play as mischievous ghosts who possesses every-day objects to gain special powers! Battle in spooky maps full of traps and utilize whacky powerups to sacrifice your friends! Polterguys is a spooky brawlfest where mischievous ghosts are being stalked by a deadly monster who wants to destroy them all!

Polterguys: Possession Party

Amplified Games Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆
25

★★★★★

$4.99

Get it now

Free Trial

Free Play Days For All

WWE 2K26
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Run the world’s greatest show your way with WWE 2K26 this weekend during XBOX Free Play Days! Step into CM Punk’s 2K Showcase, dominate with 400+ Superstars and Legends, and unleash chaos with all-new match types. Featuring the most stacked line-up in franchise history with 400+ playable WWE Superstars and Legends including The Rock, Triple H, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and fan-favorites like Rey Fénix, Rusev, and Blake Monroe.

WWE 2K26 Standard Edition

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
1478

★★★★★

$69.99

$34.99

Get it now

Wildgate
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere
Wildgate is a PvPvE multiplayer shooter with 3 different modes. In Artifact Brawl, be the first to snatch the Artifact and blast through the Wildgate or destroy the ships of every rival crew to be crowned the winner. Fleet Battle pits two massive teams of up to 12 players each against one another in relentless, action-packed combat. For a more relaxed looting expedition, salvage treasure and escape with the spoils before getting blown up in Treasure Hunt.

Wildgate

Dreamhaven, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
346

★★★★★

$29.99

$23.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Free Trial

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to XBOX Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest XBOX gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – WWE 2K26, Polterguys: Possession Party and Wildgate appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Extract From the Gyldenmist: Dark Fantasy Extraction ARPG Mistfall Hunter Arrives on XBOX

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:00:19 GMT

Summary

Mistfall Hunter, the highly anticipated dark fantasy extraction ARPG, officially launched yesterday, July 29, at 6:00 PM PT across XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC, arriving as a Day One release with XBOX Game Pass.
Dive into a fluid action-extraction loop where every successful extraction actively mends the shattered Web of Fate and pushes the world’s story forward across an ever-shifting, season-based battlefield.
Jump in with a 10% launch discount on both the Standard and Deluxe Editions, available across all platforms until August 12.

The fresh hunt awaits. Mistfall Hunter, the highly anticipated dark fantasy action extraction ARPG, officially launched yesterday on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, and XBOX Game Pass. Prepare to step into a ruthless loop of high-stakes looting, deadly combat, and desperate extractions to mend the shattered Web of Fate.

Survive in a Fallen World Corrupted by the Gyldenmist

In Mistfall Hunter, players immerse themselves in Weavereach, a shattered world corrupted by the Gyldenmist after the gods perished. Revived by a mysterious girl named Dew, you take on the role of a Gyldhunter, choosing from six distinctive classes to harvest precious Gyldenblood. The game blends fluid, third-person action extraction mechanics with a bleak dark fantasy aesthetic, elevating the traditional high-stakes looting cycle by weaving tension directly into the narrative, whether you brave the dangers solo or form a three-player squad.

This tension is driven by a masterful cycle of pressure and release. The Gyldenmist transforms the environmental dangers into a constant, atmospheric threat where you must navigate ruins filled with treasure, battle Corroded monsters, and outsmart rival Gyldhunters who might hunt you for your spoils. However, the moment you ring the bell and step into the extraction portal, that crushing pressure instantly melts into relief as you return safely to Windrest camp with your hard-earned rewards secured.

Yet, Weavereach is far more than just a mechanical battlefield. It is a breathing world of ruined civilizations. Spanning from the fortress of Brandrgarde to the bleached Hallowgrove, this shattered world has given birth to a variety of species including humans, Velgr, and Lizardfolk, each driven by conflicting religious beliefs. The characters you encounter in the mist are not simply lifeless NPCs or mindless monsters waiting to be farmed. They are tragic remnants of a fallen age, each carrying their own sorrowful past and desperate motivations into the fight.

Stitch the Web of Fate to Forge an Evolving World

The Web of Fate, which once connected the past, present, and future destinies of all living beings, shattered after the fall of the gods. Stripped of this cosmic order, Weavereach remains trapped in an endless apocalypse. Your only hope to break this doomed cycle comes from Dew, a mysterious fragment of the fallen Fate Goddess who guides you at the start of your journey.

Under her guidance, your role as a Gyldhunter transcends mere survival. The precious Gyldenblood you extract from the ruins is not just used to build your personal wealth or upgrade your gear: it is the vital lifeblood required to stitch the world back together. As you and the entire community of players successfully extract these resources and offer them to Dew, your collective efforts actively mend the shattered world, pushing the overarching narrative forward.

This continuous mending process ensures that players are never just repeating a stagnant extraction cycle. Mistfall Hunter is driven by an ever-shifting, season-based battlefield where community progress can have an impact on the world’s evolution. Each season introduces fresh narrative updates with brand-new main quests and unique limited-time events tied to the Web’s restoration. As players hit new progression milestones, the world mutates to unleash new classes and uncharted zones, guaranteeing that every successful hunt carries true narrative weight before the cycle resets and a new season begins.

Get Prepared with Exclusive Launch Discounts

Ready to brave the Gyldenmist? Players can choose between two versions of Mistfall Hunter. The Standard Edition is available for $24.99. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $39.99, offers exclusive customization for your Gyldhunter, including the Forsaken Skeleton outfit, the Shipwreck Coast background, and 2,500 in-game Fate Coins.

To celebrate the official launch, both editions are now available at a special 10% discount across all platforms. This offer is valid until August 12 at 10:00 AM PT. Gyldhunters can now visit the XBOX Store to download Mistfall Hunter and prepare for the hunt. Stay updated with the latest news and updates by joining the community on Discord or following Mistfall Hunter on X (Twitter), YouTube, and the official website.

Mistfall Hunter

Skystone Games

☆☆☆☆☆
169

★★★★★

$24.99

$22.49

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Everything is Woven in the Mist.
The gods have fallen, and the Gyldenmist is consuming the world. Revived by a mysterious girl named Dew, you are thrust into a bleak world to harvest Gyldenblood and mend the shattered Web of Fate.
Scavenge, fight, and extract in a brutal cycle of survival to bring a flicker of hope to this forbidden land.
A gripping dark fantasy extraction journey
Mistfall Hunter is a third-person PvPvE extraction ARPG blending bleak dark fantasy aesthetics with intense, visceral action. Step into a forbidden realm consumed by the mist. Caught in a ruthless loop of high-stakes looting, deadly combat, and desperate extractions, you must fight for your life in the shadows to experience the ultimate dark fantasy survival test.
Loot in the Mist. Make It Out Alive.
This intricate dark fantasy world hides precious Gyldenblood and forgotten relics. It also serves as a brutal battleground for melee skirmishes against both horrific, corroded creatures and cunning rival Gyldhunters.
Every battle is a deadly gamble where death strips you of all your spoils. To return to the safety of your camp, you must carve a bloody path to a Returner Woodling. Will you secure your hard-earned loot, or risk everything for greater glory? The Web of Fate does not judge. It remembers.
Stunning Combat With Steel And Magic
Engage in fluid, third-person action where every strike matters. As a Gyldhunter, string together devastating combos to seize the upper hand in high-stakes PvPvE encounters.
A precision free-aim system adds profound depth to the battlefield—target your enemies' weak points and immerse yourself in the brutal clash of heavy steel and arcane arts.
Deploy a diverse arsenal of tactical items to outsmart your prey, letting split-second reflexes and cunning strategy dictate who survives.
Unbound Mastery of Skills
Six distinct classes define your path through the mist, each mastering two unique weapon stances. Adapt to the chaos of the mist by seamlessly swapping fighting styles mid-battle to dominate any encounter.
Dive into deep customization with expansive talent trees, tailoring your loadout using dozens of rare gem affixes and a vast array of active skills.
Break free from rigid class restraints—whether you favor relentless assault, elusive maneuvering, heavy crowd control, or unyielding defense, you define the rules of your hunt.
Go Solo or Hunt as a Squad
Stalk the mist as a lone wolf, or band together in a three-player squad. In this hazardous realm, fighting back-to-back with your companions is the surest way to crush towering monstrosities, outmaneuver rival hunting parties, and guarantee a safe extraction.
An Ever-Shifting Battlefield
The rules of survival shift in every season. The battlefield beneath the Gyldenmist constantly mutates, unleashing new classes, forbidden arcana, uncharted zones, and ancient relics to keep the hunt fresh and fiercely competitive.
With zero pay-to-win mechanics and no paid stat boosts, victory is earned in blood—decided solely by your mastery of the hunt.

The post Extract From the Gyldenmist: Dark Fantasy Extraction ARPG Mistfall Hunter Arrives on XBOX appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Gears of War: E-Day – Get an In-Depth Look at Multiplayer with New Trailer and Deep Dive

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:46:11 GMT

Right now, you’ll be seeing the very first hands-on previews of Multiplayer in Gears of War: E-Day going live across the internet – and if you’re itching to learn more, we have the video for you. We’re happy to reveal the (Metallica-soundtracked!) first trailer for Multiplayer, as well as a full deep-dive packed with new information.

The trailer kicks us off with a wild look at both Horde Siege, the new 12-player, 3-squad PVE experience and the return of Versus, before The Coalition’s developers dive much deeper.

Along the way, we get more information on Horde Siege, an evolution of the beloved original Horde mode. Set across the biggest multiplayer maps ever seen in the series, Horde Siege sets three squads of four out on their own individual missions across the same stage, resulting in wildly unpredictable battles. There’s a lot to learn here – from how classes work, to how optional objectives reward you and your squad – so make sure to watch for all the details.

And that’s only half of it – we also learn about the return of Versus. The classic PVP experience has also evolved with the addition of E-Day’s new movement mechanics, allowing for the squad-based chaos you’re familiar with, and brand-new ways to make clutch plays to win the round for your side. We also found out about the four modes included in Versus, and even got a tease to what’s coming to the game after launch.

After you’ve watched the trailer and deep dive, the best way to experience Multiplayer is to play it yourself. Drop into the Early Access Open Beta starting August 6 with pre-order on XBOX Series X|S or Steam, or with a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription.

Gears of War: E-Day will be available on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, cloud, and is XBOX Play Anywhere. Play it day one with Game Pass Ultimate. Also available on Steam.

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Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer – All the Details

XboxBot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:46:11 GMT

The post Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer – All the Details appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Silent Hill: Townfall hands-on report

PlayStationBot — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:31:01 GMT

The line between supernatural horrors and the psychological struggles of characters is often blurred between Silent Hill games, but it might never have been as hazy as it is in Silent Hill: Townfall. I recently played about four hours of the first-person survival-horror game, in which protagonist Simon finds himself in a foggy Scottish town full of horrors, but seemingly can’t quite make out what’s real and what’s only in his mind.

My preview began at the start of Townfall, with Simon apparently responding to a letter asking him to return to the mysterious town of St. Amelia. One moment it appears Simon is drifting towards the dock aboard a boat. The next, he bursts out of the water and pulls himself ashore as if he’s just awoken there. The details of Simon’s arrival to St. Amelia seems intentionally ambiguous.

He sets off into St. Amelia, trying to find out what’s going on, but it seems to be abandoned. As you make your way down the city streets, he hears shouting and sees flashes, implying there’s a protest or a riot — only to discover the town square is empty of people.

Is Simon hallucinating, or are dark forces leading him on in St. Amelia? It’s impossible to say, especially after Simon answers a ringing pay phone and hears a cryptic voice pushing him to find a woman named Zoe. He’s suddenly transported into an underground structure hued in red light, which indicates it as part of Silent Hill’s twisted version of the real world, known as the Otherworld.

Exploring the structure leads Simon, impossibly, to an apartment, where you discover the hand-held TV that is Townfall’s most important item. Tuning signals on the TV provides hints about how to solve puzzles, and you’ll need it to access an elevator that somehow returns you to the streets of St. Amelia.

A foggy past

As writer and director Jon McKellen explained, the puzzles you’ll face in Townfall are also direct hints about the story. The signals you find on the CRTV are directly related to St. Amelia’s and Zoe’s pasts, providing clues about who she was and where she might have gone.

Visiting Zoe’s empty apartment reveals that she’s a nurse, leading to the clinic where she worked. A set of three scales sits in her office, each awaiting an object that was important to her — but which she felt symbolized her failures, which led her to disappear from her job.

In Zoe’s apartment, you find her ID badge, and in the nearby pharmacy, you can find a prescription Zoe ordered, but discover that she mistakenly called in the wrong dosage. When you make your way to the apartment of Zoe’s coworker, you collect her medical bag with a broken stethoscope inside, the symbol of her inability to truly hear her patients.

Zoe’s story is inextricably linked with that of the town, which seemed to have suffered some sort of medical outbreak, and with Simon, even though he doesn’t know who she is.

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This town is full of monsters

Townfall is the first Silent Hill game in which you’ll fight creatures in first-person, and compared to other recent titles like Silent Hill 2 or Silent Hill f, the change in perspective makes for some harrowing moments. A third-person camera makes it a little more viable to potentially dodge attacks and move around enemies, but in first-person, your options narrow to facing the threat head-on, or making a run for it. That adds an intensity to every battle, especially since it can be easy for Simon to get overwhelmed.

While following in Zoe’s footsteps, Simon learns that St. Amelia isn’t completely empty. Marauding the streets are faceless, writhing creatures, wrapped in industrial straps and sporting axe blades for faces.

Luckily, you can sometimes find pieces of wood to use as clubs to defend yourself, although these aren’t plentiful. If a monster sees you and attacks, you can block its vicious charges and swings with your melee weapon by holding L2. The trick is then to strike back with R2 when you see an opening. But combat is fast and frenetic, and enemies don’t go down easily. What’s more, your makeshift club can only survive the onslaught for a couple of battles.

Combat in Townfall is only something to resort to if you have no other choice. A much better option is to avoid enemies altogether. Turning the CRTV to certain signals allows you to see monsters through walls and fog, and you can duck behind walls, cars, and fences gives you a chance to stay out of sight. Hold L1, and you can peek over or around objects to see what’s awaiting you.

If something does spot you and give chase, the town has small spaces like closets, sheds, and half-opened doors where you can duck in and hopefully hide yourself until the danger passes.

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A later section of the preview, in which the Otherworld invades the streets, sends you through the yards and alleys of a neighborhood. Here, I faced a new type of creature, which fires vicious tentacles from its chest to attack at range, or can grab and overpower you almost instantly, especially if your health is low.

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Luckily, I also had a new weapon: a revolver. It might be more of a liability than a real defense, though. The gun is powerful but incredibly loud, and while it was good for quickly killing enemies, it always made the situation worse by drawing more. It also reloads slowly when you hit Square as Simon presses each cartridge into the cylinder individually.

Stealth is, again, the best option here, and you can pick up small objects like bottles and bricks to throw as distractions, or use machines you come across, such as radios or TVs, to draw an enemy away so you can slip around them.

A PS5 Pro-enhanced experience

Townfall channels an uncanny realism in St. Amelia, thanks to making heavy use of the PS5’s features. Its visuals are enhanced by the PS5 Pro, and it leans on aspects of the DualSense controller to create a singular experience.

The game uses a 2.35:1 aspect ratio to create a cinematic experience, and sports both a 30FPS Quality setting and 60FPS Performance setting. The developers at Screen Burn visited and photographed real coastal towns in Scotland in order to recreate their look and feel, and Townfall uses PS5 Pro’s upgraded PSSR to create a town that looks incredibly realistic at high resolution. Ray tracing to create hauntingly beautiful environments, whether they’re full of fog in the regular world, or bathed in oppressive red light in the Otherworld.

Haptics feedback with the DualSense controller adds a lot of intensity to combat, from the smash of a wood plank against an enemy, to the blast of blocking a counter-attack. Townfall also makes use of the DualSense’s gyroscope for certain controls, making them feel more tactile. With motion controls enabled, when you use the CRTV to hunt for signals in radios or other devices, you’ll need to physically move and twist the controller to tune in.

You can also use motion controls with firearms, moving the whole controller to carefully adjust your aim and land headshots at key moments.

Though my time with Silent Hill: Townfall left me with plenty of questions and a lot of mysteries, its twisting psychological machinations captured exactly what I like about the series. Its emphasis on tough combat and stealth mechanics also give it plenty of ways to make you jump out of your seat. You can try to keep your cool when Silent Hill: Townfall launches on September 24 on PlayStation 5.

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The Elder Scrolls Online: Tour Tamriel with the Prince of Madness in a New Questline

XboxBot — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:31:01 GMT

The post The Elder Scrolls Online: Tour Tamriel with the Prince of Madness in a New Questline appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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Superhero Workplace Comedy, Dispatch Launches on XBOX Today

XboxBot — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:31:01 GMT

The post Superhero Workplace Comedy, Dispatch Launches on XBOX Today appeared first on XBOX Wire.

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XBOX at Gamescom 2026

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:08:40 GMT

The company that laid off 1,600 will be at Gamescom.

XBOX says that they will have a presence at next month's gamescom. The XBOX booth will feature "25 upcoming games and 140 gaming stations." Almost as if part of some sick joke, XBOX says that their booth "will be packed with ne worlds to explore, developers to meet, and experiences that showcase what's next for XBOX."

Some of those upcoming titles include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Fable, Minecraft Dungeons 2, Gears of War: E-Day, Metro 2039, Stranger Than Heaven, and Alien: Isolation 2.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 takes center stage. Step into the franchise’s signature Core 6v6 Multiplayer on XBOX Series X, where every match showcases the fluid movement and best-in-class ballistics that define Modern Warfare 4. Whether you’re returning after the Early Access Beta or getting your first taste of the action, this is your chance to experience the next chapter of Modern Warfare Multiplayer firsthand.

Gears of War: E-Day brings the first public playable hands-on experience with campaign to gamescom, giving players an early look at the brutal origins of the Locust War and the beginning of the brotherhood between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago ahead of its October 6, 2026, release.

Play Minecraft Dungeons II for the first time. Drop your pickaxe and grab a sword (and a friend) because the foes are tougher than ever – but the loot is worth the battle. Can you fight the crisis?

For the first time ever, Fable will have a live demo theater presentation by Playground Games, showcasing live gameplay to the public, taking fans on a Hero’s journey that highlights its smooth and responsive combat. Seamlessly combine melee, ranged, and magical abilities to forge a combat style that feels uniquely your own.

Play STRANGER THAN HEAVEN for the first time. Face down fate in the 50-year, action-adventure saga’s demo showcasing the innovative combat system that has you independently control the left and right sides of protagonist Makoto Daito across 3 of the 5 immersive Japanese cities & eras found in the full game.

Get hands-on with METRO 2039 for the first time at gamescom ahead of its release in February 2027. Explore, scavenge, and survive the post-apocalyptic ruins of Moscow in the next landmark FPS from acclaimed storytellers 4A Games.

Halo: Campaign Evolved lets attendees go hands-on with the faithful yet modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s legendary campaign, featuring updated visuals, refined gameplay, expanded combat options, and the iconic ringworld adventure that started it all.

Between new Forza Horizon 6 features and partnership collaborations, there is always something new happening in Japan. Players can test their driving skills in the new Drift Attack feature and get a sneak peek at partnership collaborations dropping over the next few months.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 brings riveting content and announcements from the world of digital aviation, including the first public playable hands-on experience with the National Championship Air Races, giving players a chance to experience the fastest motorsport on earth.

Layoffs at Double Fine

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 22:29:00 GMT

About two dozen people were laid off.

Double Fine Productions just laid off 23 employees. Double Fine announced these layoffs about three weeks after their return to independence from Microsoft. The studio behind games such as Stacking and Psychonauts made the announcement in a brief post to Bluesky by studio lead Tim Schafer.

[image or embed]
— Double Fine (@d oublefine.com) July 28, 2026 at 3:01 PM

Today, Double Fine Productions let go of 23 members of our staff.

As a small, tightly-knit team, these actions are not taken lightly. Only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action. Our transition to becoming an independent company also means becoming a size that we can sustain.

The people we are losing were all important. They all made an impact on our games and culture, and they will be missed.

We are committed to supporting each affected person as best as we can, and we thank them for their hard work and commitment to the creative spirit we cherish here at Double Fine.

-Tim

As part of their massive cuts at XBOX, Microsoft sold off Ninja Theory and Undead Labs. Two additional studios, Double Fine and Compulsion Games, became independent studios. At present, we have not heard of any layoffs at Compulsion Games.

Stalker 2 Cost of Hope Releases August 20 Alongside Major Engine Update

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:27:37 GMT

This release is bundled with the major Update 2.0 experience.

GSC Game World announced that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope will release on August 20, 2026. This will be Stalker 2's first major expansion for Heart of Chornobyl, and the hope is to release on August 20th for PC and consoles.

On that same date, GSC Game World hopes to also release what they're calling "Update 2.0" for Stalker 2. This major update will upgrade Stalker 2 to a newer version of Unreal Engine 5 as well as adding in "a variety of new content and improvements." This Update 2.0 will be free to all owners of Stalker 2, while the Cost of Hope expansion will have a cost associated with it.

Currently, Stalker 2 runs on Unreal Engine 5.1. This earlier release of Unreal Engine 5 lacks many of the improvements and fixes that were added in subsequent updates. It's Unreal Engine 5.6 and later that are said to include some of the biggest improvements to open world titles (read as "less stutter"). However, according to GSC Game World's own roadmap for Stalker 2, the studio planned to update to Unreal Engine 5.5.4.

While still great for optimization, it would lack some of the further improvements that were made in Unreal Engine 5.6 and later for open world experiences. Given that the roadmap was last updated back in August 2025, it's entirely possible that plans have changed. According to an old comment made by a GSC Game Dev on the official Stalker Discord, there's a small chance they may actually jump to Unreal Engine 5.6. Ultimately, that decision will "depend on testing."

In Cost of Hope, players once again step into the role of Skif — the protagonist of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — as a mysterious PDA signal draws him into events unfolding alongside the main game’s story. Explore uncharted locations, encounter unexpected allies and enemies, discover powerful weapons, and experience a gripping new story. With dozens of hours of content, your choices will shape the future of the Zone in this major new chapter of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. saga.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Cost of Hope are being developed amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which is ongoing. GSC Game World continues to support its homeland in every possible way. For those who wish to contribute, we recommend visiting the official charity fund of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
https://u24.gov.ua/

Fallen Aces Episode 2 Released

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:25:09 GMT

Solve that case at any cost.

The second episode for Fallen Aces is now available! Episode 2: Shadow of Death should be available as an update for this noir-tinged FPS.

For those who forgot about what transpired in Episode 1, you can either replay that episode or you can simply watch the Episode 1 Recap video below. Of course there is also a new trailer for Episode 2 included below.

Fallen Aces is now a part of a "Stealth Trilogy" pack from New Blood Interactive. There isn't much stealth in Fallen Aces, but this is what they're rolling with.