One of the most iconic and storied fighting games series returns to Xbox in 2023 when Street Fighter 6 launches for Xbox Series X|S.
Powered by RE Engine, the same tech that has given us gorgeous photorealistic visuals to Capcom franchises like Resident Evil and Devil May Cry, Street Fighter 6 is shaping up to be the best-looking entry in the series.
While we eagerly await the full cast of fighters to be revealed, we were stoked to see the return of some fan-favorite legendary warriors like Ryu and Chun-Li, as well as recent stars like Luke from Street Fighter V and the newest reveal, Jamie, who not only looks to be a master break-dancer, but also comes equipped with a wide range of fighting styles.
With its stunning visuals tailor made for Xbox Series X|S, we’re looking forward to exploring the expansive universe that Street Fighter is set in and learning more about the three new foundational modes: Fighting Ground, Battle Hub, and World Tour, the immersive story mode where players can create and leave their own legacy.
We’ll have more to share about Street Fighter 6 throughout the year, so keep it tuned here to Xbox Wire for the latest news on your favorite Xbox and PC games.
The Destroy All Humans! franchise is rich with one-of-a-kind, over-the-top gameplay experiences — some of the most memorable in the action-adventure genre. When the team got together to discuss the best way to kick-off pre-order, we knew that loyal fans and players new to the franchise would love nothing more than getting their hands on some multi-player carnage! That’s right, citizens of planet earth who pre-order Destroy All Humans 2 – Reprobedwill instantly be rewarded with the stand-alone, spin-off Destroy All Humans – Clone Carnage.
Clone Carnage is a multiplayer only experience where 4 players can wreak havoc online or 2 players can destroy locally. The spin-off is also available for separate purchase for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. We’re so stoked to also be able to confirm the official launch date for Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed. This game is the fan-favorite in the Destroy All Humans! franchise and our remake includes updates that we’re confident players will be excited about – like unlocking new skills based on the quantities of humans you abduct with your flying saucer.
In Reprobed, our charming but evil alien invader Crypto (138!) will unleash his large arsenal of weapons onto five huge open-world areas: Bay City, Albion, Takoshima, Tunguska, and the Moon! Players will experience the swinging ‘60s in all its glory and deal with Hippies, the KGB, and many other threats. To roam quickly around the large areas, Crypto can use his jetpack; his hoverboard; and of course his flying saucer, equipped with a neat little arsenal of destruction that allows players to blow up buildings and dismantle whole armies. Destroy All Humans 2! – Reprobed features a 2-player, split-screen co-op mode so you and a friend (or whatever floats your boat) can destroy all humans together!
Crypto is back with a license to probe. The alien invader returns, groovier than ever and now with genitals! Experience the swinging ‘60s in all its chemical-induced glory and take revenge on the KGB for blowing up your mothership. As you uncover the schemes of your enemies, you’ll have to form alliances with members of the very species you came to enslave. + Show those hippies who’s boss using classic weapons and new technology like the Meteor Shower
+ Explore 1960’s Mother Earth and unload your trusty saucer all over her fictional cities
+ Defend a much larger, much more open world from those who seek to undermine your mission
+ Hoover up humans from different countries and grind them up into DNA cocktails to upgrade your skills
+ Invite a friend over for a twosome and enjoy the full story in local 2-player split screen co-op Pre-order now to get the standalone multiplayer-DLC “Destroy All Humans! – Clone Carnage” for free!
Destroy All Humans! – Clone Carnage
THQ Nordic
☆☆☆☆☆12
★★★★★
Wreak havoc in Clone Carnage! This standalone DLC comes with 4 modes, 6 maps, and up to 4-player multiplayer. Split-screen lets you double the damage in local 2-player multiplayer. Unleash your wild side in Rampage, Armageddon, Race, and Abduction modes!
In celebrating Pride this year, we invite LGBTQIA+ communities and allies to unite in their support for justice and equality, and to amplify voices that combat discrimination around the globe. Team Xbox shares our support for the LGBTQIA+ communities within gaming, while raising awareness of current issues impacting these communities.
With more than half of video game players (52% ) agreeing that “my gaming identity is a better reflection of myself than my real-world identity,” video games are an important outlet that gives players – especially those who are LGBTQIA+ – the chance to be who they want to be. At Xbox, we continue to work on creating safe spaces in gaming where all LGBTQIA+ people are welcome and belong, where everyone is invited to play as their authentic self and enjoy a community that welcomes self-expression.
This is also our chance to be truly intersectional by celebrating the vast array of people and identities that make up the vibrant Xbox LGBTQIA+ global gaming communities. It is more important than ever to recognize that systems of inequity based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class, and other forms of discrimination intersect and ultimately affect us all. The global issues that LGBTQIA+ communities face are interconnected and we must seek to address them together. We are inspired by those who are using their voice and actively collaborating across groups and inequities to drive change for and beyond LGBTQIA+ communities.
Xbox will continue to champion a wide array of content and creators, so that games can better represent players from all communities and identities. We also support organizations that are driving change for issues that impact LGBTQIA+ communities, in particular those fighting for transgender equality. This year Xbox, along with Microsoft, is thrilled to continue these efforts with a $170K donation to multiple LGBQTIA+ organizations, as well as feature an increased number of Pride-themed products and designs which can hopefully inspire conversations and rally community actions.
We will help drive these conversations and amplify diverse LGBTQIA+ voices at Xbox as we continue to embrace and uplift the power of voice and identity. Here are a few ways that Team Xbox will be supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and celebrating Pride this year:
Give
Microsoft is donating a total of $170,000 to LGBTQIA+ nonprofits
Microsoft is continuing our long-standing support of LGBTQIA+ organizations. Together with our employees, Microsoft has donated over $8M to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ communities in the last year alone. To recognize the launch of our 2022 Pride campaign and products, we’re contributing an additional $170,000 to OutRight Action International, African Rainbow Family, National Center for Transgender Equality, Mermaids, Lavender Rights Project and Fulcrum UA to help in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equity and equality. Learn more.
Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States and the United Kingdom can earn and donate points to organizations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout June:
Mermaids– Mermaids is one of the leading LGBTQ+ charities in the UK. Since 1995, the charity has been supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse young people and their families. (US and UK)
OutRight Action International: OutRight Action International fights for the human rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight works at the international, regional, and national levels to research, document, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ people around the world. (US)
National Center for Transgender Equality – The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender and non-binary people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. (US)
Xbox gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards points in various ways, such as playing or purchasing games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox.
Get the Gear
Xbox Design Lab Features New Controller Inspired by Pride Available June 9
Last year, Xbox shared a vision for a Pride controller. We produced a limited batch of Pride controllers and shared it with LGBTQIA+ players and creators around the world. While the response to the controller was very positive, many asked us to make this design universally available. We heard you, and we’re expanding availability by making this year’s Pride controller customizable through Xbox Design Lab, specifically underscoring the uniqueness of the LGBTQIA+ experience.
This year’s Pride top case design brings together 34 community flags in a fine, interwoven manner to celebrate the nuance, complexity, intersectionality, and strength of the many LGBTQIA+ communities. You can customize all other parts of the controller with a broad color palette, metallic finishes, rubberized grips, and even add engraving to make your Pride controller unique to you.
But this isn’t just a controller. It’s a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ communities that inspired it, and a call to continue efforts toward inclusion and representation across all gaming spaces. So, we’re bringing together dozens of voices of LGBTQIA+ gamers, developers, content creators and Microsoft employees within an immersive storytelling experience. We hope that by interacting with this experience, people will see why LGBTQIA+ representation and visibility matters, how it has already impacted the lives of so many, and how much we can all do to make gaming a matter of Pride.
Create your unique Pride controller starting June 9, available everywhere Xbox Design Lab is available. Share your designs with us using #Pride and #XboxPride. Discover and learn more here.
Show your support with limited-edition t-shirts, bags, and more — all created by and with LGBTQIA+ communities. This year’s collection is packed with even more Xbox Game Studios designs and eco-friendly options. Shop Pride gear now.
Play
XGS Publishing: Tell Me Why Available for Free in June + Charity Livestream
Tell Me Why, the award-winning narrative adventure from Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Publishing, will be available for free on Xbox consoles, the Microsoft Store, and Steam for the entire month of June 2022. To acknowledge that this year has seen a sharp rise in anti-trans sentiment in the United States, Xbox Publishing is accompanying the free period with donations of $25,000 each to Transgender Law Center and Trans Lifeline, two non-profit organizations offering resources and support to trans, non-binary, and genderqueer people.
Xbox Publishing is also hosting a livestream of Tell Me Why to fundraise for Trans Lifeline on Thursday, June 23. We hope to see you there! Watch here.
343 Industries Celebrates Pride with New “Unity” Emblem and Nameplate!
343 Industries celebrates Pride with a brand-new emblem and nameplate! During the month of June, any players logging into Halo Infinite will receive the “Unity” nameplate and emblem, created for any Spartan who wants to show their true colors!
The Forza Franchise Celebrates Pride
Coming soon in June, an exclusive Forza rainbow livery adorning the 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster will be gifted in-game to players in Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 4, as well as Forza Motorsport 7. Keep an eye on the Turn 10 Studios Twitter to see when it’s been delivered to your in-game Message Center.
Microsoft Casual Games Is Showing Our Pride
Celebrate Pride Month with a new, limited edition Microsoft Casual Games t-shirt and a chance to win a $25 Xbox Gear Shop Gift Card! Join the fun by sharing your love of games in the Microsoft Solitaire Community. View the new shirt here and click to enter the Sweepstakes June 13 – 20 (Editor’s Note: ‘Entry’ links will be live starting June 13). Must be 18+ and reside in an Xbox Gear Shop supported shipping region. Rules can be found here starting on June 13.
Discover
Discover Games Curated by LGBTQIA+ Communities at Microsoft
From GLAAD and the Gayming Awards to lesser-known hits, Microsoft Store on Xbox or Windows visitors and Xbox Game Pass members can easily access some of the most inspiring games making LGBTQIA+ history than ever before and play with pride at any time! Content experiences have increased to over 27 additional regions today as we continue our missions to expand Pride beyond borders and build empathy and belonging through gaming content.
Check out a few highlights from the Xbox games and Windows games reflecting the experiences of and resonating with LGBTQIA+ communities including creators, leads, relationship options, and character creation options.
Unsighted (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – Created by Tiani Pixel and Fernanda Dias, who are both trans and Brazilian, this LGBTQIA+ inspired, stylish hack and slasher features lesbian robots in a postapocalyptic world full of choices.
No Longer Home– Based on Cel Davison and Hana Lee’s life, this game is about two non-binary people, Ao and Bo, who must leave London because Ao is obliged to go back to Japan. This game is about letting go of the life you’ve built due to circumstances beyond your control.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderland– Tiny Tina is your disorderly guide through an extraordinary tabletop realm where rules rarely apply in her own fantasy spin on the Borderlands world. The game explores LGBTQIA+ stories, includes non-binary character creation options, and contributing writer, Sam Maggs, identifies as bisexual.
Dead by Daylight (Rated M and Available with Xbox Game Pass) – The latest chapter of the game, Tome 11: Devotion, explores David King’s backstory as the first openly gay character in this survival horror game.
View the collections in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Visitors to both the Xbox and Microsoft Store on Windows can find picks from LGBTQIA+ communities by searching for “LGBTQIA+” and related terms. Content is subject to availability by country.
Xbox Ambassadors Feature Stories about LGBTQIA+ Representation in Gaming
Throughout Pride Month, we will be spotlighting stories about representation in gaming from LGBTQIA+ Xbox Ambassadors within the communities. These are their stories.
Bethesda Roundtable with Arkane Austin and Gay Gaming Professionals (GGP) Scholars
The team at Arkane Austin recently sat down with students within LGBTQIA+ communities for a conversation on mentorship within the gaming industry. The students are aspiring game developers, and scholars selected by Gay Gaming Professionals in partnership with the ESA. You can read more from their Q&A on Bethesda.net.
New Pride Gamerpics, Profile Theme, and Avatar Items
In partnership with LGBTQIA+ communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar items! The gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console and the Xbox PC app. Get your avatar items here. Content is subject to availability by country.
Tune In
Xbox Plays Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Communities
In celebration of Pride Month, Xbox Plays will be dedicating our livestreaming content in June to LGBTQIA+ communities, featuring streamers/content creators, developers and nonprofits! Follow us on our Xbox Twitch Channel and don’t miss any of the action!
Xbox Podcast Talks Pride, Self-Expression, and Equity for LGBTQIA+ Players
Xbox’s Major Nelson will be joined by Kate Rayner, Vice President, Technical Director at The Coalition and Member of Team Xbox LGBTQIA+ on the Official Xbox Podcast for a special Pride month episode discussing the significance of intersectionality, the power of gaming and identity, and celebrating the diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities. Also, Elliott Hsu, Principal Designer of Devices at Microsoft, will join to talk about the design story behind this year’s Pride controller, which included partnering with LGBQTIA+ communities at every stage. The episode will cover how Xbox is supporting LGBTQIA+ communities to play as their authentic selves and experience the joy of play with a community who values self-expression. Listen to the podcast.
Xbox UKI + DIGIPRIDE Events
The UK’s leading LGBTQIA+ video game event, DIGIPRIDE, is back this summer celebrating all things Pride from June through August on gaymingmag.com. As a presenting partner, Xbox UKI will be serving up major moments over the next 3-months of fun including giveaways, Let’s Play streams, special guests on the Gayming Podcast and even more still to be revealed! Learn more.
For more details about how Xbox is celebrating Pride, please visit our Unlocked Pride gaming experience, centering on voices of LGBTQIA+ players and allies through the lens of our new Xbox Design Lab Pride controller. You can also join us by exploring the Microsoft campaign at unlocked.microsoft.com.
So, you’ve finished the first season of “Halo” the series on Paramount+ and now there’s a Master Chief-shaped hole in your heart. What are you to do? Fortunately, the Halo franchise has 20 years’ worth of games, books, podcasts, and more ways for you to explore the universe and make the wait for Season 2 of the show feel a little shorter.
Before we get into some recommendations, a quick note: “Halo” the series takes place in what’s known as the Silver timeline, with a plot that draws from many of the core themes and characters from the games, extended fiction, and other media properties but is branches from the core canon in order to better conform to the very different needs of a television series, but also to ensure that the game timeline and events aren’t tangled in the ongoing needs of a show. So, as you explore the various games and novels that make up the core canon, you will absolutely recognize familiar characters and events, but sometimes presented in brand new ways, giving you a rich and expansive universe to discover with both familiar elements as well as significant surprises! And of course the same is true for fans of the game experiencing the show for the first time.
For most fans, the Halo franchise started in 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved and the original Xbox console, although technically, the novel “Halo The Fall of Reach” preceded the game launch by a few weeks and introduced the Chief, the dark origin of the Spartan program and many of the characters and history that are very present in both the games and the TV timeline. But for the first part of this exercise, we’re starting with the game where it all began — and with some essential picks for gamers eager to experience the Master Chief’s story firsthand – all available with Xbox Game Pass on consoles and PC:
Halo: The Master Chief Collection – The Master Chief’s iconic original journey can be experienced across a single integrated experience, featuring both the series’ epic campaigns and multiplayer suites. Whether you’re a long-time fan or meeting Spartan John-117 for the first time, The Master Chief Collection is the definitive Halo gaming experience and history lesson – with modernized, enhanced versions of Halo 1 and 2, as well as Halo 3, its epic expansion, Halo 3:ODST, Halo 4, and Halo Reach – a prequel set just before the events of the first game.
Halo 5: Guardians – The Master Chief saga continues, with solo and up to 4-player cooperative experience that spans three worlds. A mysterious and unstoppable force threatens the galaxy. The Spartans of Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team must embark on a journey that will change the course of history and the future of mankind.
Halo Infinite – Jump into the latest Halo campaign with Xbox Game Pass. When all hope seems lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief will confront one of the most ruthless foes he’s ever faced across the surface of a new and dangerous Halo ring. Halo Infinite also features a free-to-play multiplayer suite available on Xbox consoles, Windows PC and Steam, where players take control over their own customizable Spartan across a variety of exciting game modes in a multiplayer offering that will continue to grow and evolve over time.
If you’re a fan of the written word, there have been over 30 Halo novels written to date. If you’re not sure where to start, we can recommend a few collections to get immersed in franchise lore.
“The Fall of Reach,” “The Flood,” and “First Strike” – Dive into the original books of the Halo franchise, serving as a prelude to Halo: Combat Evolved and bridging the gap between it and the events of Halo 2. Whether you’ve played or not, these novels create a foundation for better understanding the stakes of the conflict between humanity and the Covenant and provide additional color and background on key characters and events.
“Contact Harvest” – Explore the history of humanity’s first contact with the Covenant. What started this war? Why did the Covenant attack? What happened to the first human world to be visited by the dangerous alien alliance? Written by 343’s own Joseph Staten.
Kilo Five Trilogy – If you’re looking for a more advanced dive into the Halo universe, this character-driven trilogy consisting of “Glasslands,” “The Thursday War,” and “Mortal Dicata” will spotlight the darker side of the UNSC, ONI, and how the Spartan program impacted the families who were left behind.
“Silent Storm” and “Oblivion” – Interested in getting a glimpse into some of the Master Chief’s early career? “Silent Storm” and “Oblivion” are two fantastic novels by renowned author Troy Denning that take a look at some of the Chief’s harrowing exploits early in humanity’s war with the Covenant.
The Halo universe also includes both visual and audio storytelling, in the form of short films, TV and audio logs. These provide extra context to the universe and can tell a different story about the Master Chief and the Spartans complimentary to the stories of the games.
“Halo Legends” – This collection of seven short films dives deeper into the Halo universe and was produced and directed by a number of distinguished anime studios including Bones, Toei Animation, and Bee Train.
“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” – Released in 2012 as a five episode series, this was the first feature-length live-action Halo offering. The story links Cortana and the Master Chief with Captain Thomas Lasky and the UNSC Infinity.
“Halo: Hunt the Truth” – Tying into the story of Halo 5: Guardians, this two-season investigative audio series follows journalist Benjamin Giraud – voiced by Keegan Michael Key – as he seeks to learn the story behind the Master Chief and his exploits.
“Halo Infinite: Memory Agent” – This six-episode narrative podcast series follows a secret agent whose memory resets every seven hours as they attempt to deliver vital information to the Master Chief ahead of the events of Halo Infinite.
So you’ve played, read, watched and listened to all this and you’re still hungry for more? Whether you’ve recently graduated with a degree in Forerunner history, are looking to cosplay as your favorite Spartan or just need a refresher on your favorite character, check out these resources.
“Halo Encyclopedia” (2022) – in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Halo franchise, 343 Industries partnered with Dark Horse for a definitive guide to the Halo universe encompassing two decades of storytelling. This epic tome features a massive collection of never-before-seen art from an array of incredible artists, and is penned by the internal lore team at 343 Industries.
“Halo Mythos” – Experience the grand story of the Halo universe in one easy-to-access place, from the reign of the majestic Forerunners countless millennia ago, to humanity’s struggle against the alien forces of the Covenant and the Flood. Written by the expert team at 343 Industries, and illustrated with more than fifty stunning full-color paintings.
Previously on Halo – A fan site developed by Halo superfan and current 343 Industries Community Writer Alex Wakeford, Previously on Halo is a Spartan’s guide to every game, book, comic and character across the vast Halo universe.
405th Infantry Division – A costume and prop community offering guides and resources and more for anyone looking to take their love of Halo to the next level
No matter if you just finished your first fight with the Master Chief or if you’ve been with us since 2001, the Halo community has something to offer for everyone. The Halo universe is filled with tales of hope, heroism, and humanity in whatever medium you choose, and we couldn’t be more excited to have you in the fight with us.
For the latest on all things Halo including news directly from the studio, head to Halo Waypoint. And for all things Xbox stay tuned to Xbox Wire.
The sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be released in 2023.
Today, Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts, and Lucasfilm Games unveiled Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on stage at Star Wars Celebration. Developed by the veteran team at Respawn, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will expand upon the iconic Star Wars stories, worlds, characters, and thrilling combat first experienced in the series’ debut title, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is being built for Xbox Series X|S to create a deeper and more expansive Star Wars experience for players worldwide when the game launches in 2023.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the events of Jedi: Fallen Order. Cal must stay one step ahead of the Empire’s constant pursuit as he begins to feel the weight of being one of the last remaining Jedi in the galaxy. Accompanied by his trusty companion BD-1, Cal will meet and ally himself with an array of unique and interesting characters on his journey. Jedi: Survivor will expand on the series’ dynamic combat in new and innovative ways. To survive, Cal must learn new skills and grow his connection with the Force.
With over 21 years of history to build on, the latest entry into the Kao, The Kangaroo series is the most ambitious, and mysterious, yet!
Our plucky marsupial is back in a whole new adventure! This love-letter to 3D platformers will see Kao seek the truth behind his father’s disappearance and uncover the secrets behind the recently discovered magical boxing gloves.
The mysteries only deepen as unknown purple crystals begin to appear around the world, changing the lands and creatures around them. Portals open, giving a glimpse at a realm hidden behind reality, an ancient world, a powerful world… the Eternal world.
What secrets does this world hold? Why is it bleeding through into Kao’s reality? Does it hold the truth behind Kao’s father’s disappearance? All of the questions need answers and it’s time to find them!
Set in a vibrant world filled with colourful characters, Kao The Kangaroo is the complete 3D platforming adventure that ties together old-school elements with new school ways. An accessible experience that offers fun for all, whether you’re a 100% collect-a-thon master, a lighting-fast speedrunner or a few hours a week warrior, there’s something for everyone!
Lace-up your gloves, stretch those limbs… it’s time to jump into your next 3D platforming adventure!
Kao the Kangaroo
Tate Multimedia S.A.
☆☆☆☆☆7
★★★★★
Kao the Kangaroo is a beautiful 3D platformer jam-packed with fun, exploration, adventure, and mystery! Join Kao, the feisty furball, as he embarks on an unforgettable quest to uncover the secrets surrounding the disappearance of his father. He’ll traverse rich environments, filled with hazards, puzzles, and foes. Each turn uncovers another clue as well as revealing a secret world bubbling under the surface.
Last month our Xbox and Game Pass community kept us all entertained as they dove headlong into the pirate high jinx of the No Man’s Sky Outlaws update and The Blight expedition. It was a joy to see them set eyes on their first Solar Sail Ship and set about trying to add one of these spectacular craft to their fleet.
Today marks the start of our seventh expedition. It’s called Leviathan and, true to form, we’re mixing things up again and bringing you something with a bit more peril, but with similarly large reward.
As the name suggests, Leviathan is a beast of an expedition. Travellers will have to use all their survival skills as they help Specialist Polo uncover the mystery of a curious loop which has cursed the space-time continuum. He suspects that this strange phenomenon can be traced back to a marvelous, near-mythical space creature, the Leviathan, but will need the help of the community to fully understand and lift the curse.
In their efforts to assist Polo in his research, players will dice with death on more than one occasion, but, in a rogue-like style, every death allows the players and their co-expeditioners to contribute to the community effort and brings the lifting of the curse ever closer.
Every reincarnation resets some individual progress but travellers get the chance to start anew with a procedurally-generated starting loadout the quality of which only improves as the community effort builds, as do the rewards on offer for embarking on this adventure.
The Whalestalker Cloak, a mini Organic Frigate for the player’s base and a Temporal Starship Trail are just a few of the spoils to receive along the way, culminating with the ultimate reward, the first ever living frigate – an imposing tentacled and spectacular beast – to add to their freighter fleet.
We’re really excited to launch the Leviathan expedition for Xbox and Game Pass players today. It’s been a lot of fun coming up with something that feels quite a bit different from previous seasons.
Elsewhere in the team, work is well underway on more content updates and we can’t wait to show you what we have in the works. The Leviathan Expedition begins today and will run for approximately 6 weeks.
Our journey continues.
No Man’s Sky
Hello Games
☆☆☆☆☆720
★★★★★
$59.99$29.99
Xbox One X Enhanced
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
No Man’s Sky comes complete with all 17 major updates up to and including Frontiers. Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man’s Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action. In No Man’s Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you’ll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before – and perhaps never will again. Embark on an epic voyage
At the centre of the galaxy lies a irresistible pulse which draws you on a journey towards it to learn the true nature of the cosmos. But, facing hostile creatures and fierce pirates, you’ll know that death comes at a cost, and survival will be down to the choices you make over how you upgrade your ship, your weapon and suit. Find your own destiny
Your voyage through No Man’s Sky is up to you. Will you be a fighter, preying on the weak and taking their riches, or taking out pirates for their bounties? Power is yours if you upgrade your ship for speed and weaponry.
Or a trader? Find rich resources on forgotten worlds and exploit them for the highest prices. Invest in more cargo space and you’ll reap huge rewards.
Or perhaps an explorer? Go beyond the known frontier and discover places and things that no one has ever seen before. Upgrade your engines to jump ever farther, and strengthen your suit for survival in toxic environments that would kill the unwary. Share your journey
The galaxy is a living, breathing place. Trade convoys travel between stars, factions vie for territory, pirates hunt the unwary, and the police are ever watching. Every other player lives in the same galaxy, and you can choose to share your discoveries with them on a map that spans known space. Perhaps you will see the results of their actions as well as your own…
Hi gamers, I’m the developer, Mario, and I’m extremely excited to announce that Remote Life can finally be played on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The game has been very successful so far on PC and got over 90% positive reviews, and many great reviews in gaming magazines. After building a great following on PC I am very excited to let you experience the game on console.
What Kind of Game is Remote Life
Remote Life is a side scrolling space shooter (Shmup) with 16 gigantic levels, over 18 weapons and countless enemies and bosses. Experience a fast-paced action game with crazy and scary graphics, and jump into a brutal-fast-paced-techno-alien world.
Features
The game offers great visual effects, a great atmosphere and a mysterious sci-fi story. You will be able to choose between three spaceships with different speeds, and several special vehicles that will make the gaming experience memorable. The 16 levels guarantee a great game variation, where each level is a completely new experience. Those include also special missions where you can explore huge open world levels. Collect over 18 different weapons and discover which of those are best to use during missions that are each one different from the other.
The game has several levels of difficulty that you can choose according to your skills and experience. Furthermore, an AI system will analyze your skills and help you with extra lives if needed. Remote Life contains a huge number of enemies and no repetitive or boring enemy patterns, but enemies with aggressive AI. This assures that every time you play you will be thrilled like the first time that you have experienced Remote Life. If you are a fan of retro games and pixel art, you can switch from HD graphics to 16-bit or 8-bit mode. The feeling will be like in arcades or on retro consoles. One thing is certain: it can’t get boring!
Game Story
Free the world from this terrible nightmare before its sickening breath of horror destroys humanity. A huge and menacing alien hive is approaching our planet. The only way to defeat it is to enter and destroy it from the center. You are John Leone, an ambitious pilot, ready to fire all his ammunition into the jaws of horror! Grab your space jet and find out why aliens are attacking us, and experience the mysterious story behind this attack. But on top of all this: save our planet!
A Few Personal Words
This game has always been my dream game that I wanted to develop as a kid in the 80s. I started playing in the 70s with the Atari 2600, then in the 80s I switched to the Commodore and Sega Genesis which influenced me a lot. And now after almost 50 years I have fulfilled my dream—I would say, I am living my dream. I get so many fan mails from gamers who loved Remote Life. It is truly a big success.
During the three years of development I really did work so hard to achieve the best game I could create to give you an amazing experience. Surely the knowledge of retro gaming, since I personally went through many decades of games, is a big help in creating concepts of gameplay and mechanics. But a big factor was also Sci-fi movies of the 70s and 80s. I wanted to create a fast-paced action game with insane scary graphics and a credible alien world where you feel totally sucked inside. There are around 100 different enemies and traps that can kill you. It is an insane big number.
Every level has its unique style and enemies. Bony and scary level designs, or very organic designs , where even the walls are wobbling if you shoot at them. Or foggy desaturated levels. Levels that look mysterious and intimidating or are full of empty space. I just love each of them. Almost all levels have mid bosses and end bosses. Each of these look crazy and outstanding. There are so many bosses that I cannot decide which one my favorite is.
The game did very well on Steam, and I’m confident it will also have success on Xbox. I am very proud of it, and I would like to encourage everybody to create a game, if that is your dream. I did it at almost 50, so if an older guy can do it, a younger person can achieve anything. Be brave my friends, and live your dream. I can proudly say, my game and I are part of gaming history, and I will not stop making games.
Enjoy the game my friends, and have a lot of fun!
REMOTE LIFE
Ratalaika Games S.L.
☆☆☆☆☆6
★★★★★
$18.99$15.19
REMOTE LIFE is a 2D side-scrolling Shoot ‘Em Up (shmup). Experience a fast paced action game with striking aesthetics. The gorgeously animated 3D graphics are full of creepy monsters, ominous backgrounds, and menacing bosses. Featuring 16 different unique combat missions, get ready to fly through a vibrant and haunting alien world. This game is a full immersion in an unseen world. FEATURES
* Space shooter / shmup
* Fantastic visual effects
* 16 amazing missions
* Auto-save of level progression
* Compelling story and mysterious atmosphere
* Over 18 weapons
Control the Mediterranean with two new and exciting civilizations: the Italians and the Maltese, plus enjoy a whole slew of new maps, and some engaging game modes! So, pick your favorite civs because it’s game on! We’re celebrating with a new event and there are some awesome features landing too! Take a look:
2 new Civilizations
A New Event with 31 Challenges
30 new Random Maps
9 new Minor Civilizations
8 Historical Maps
Diplomacy Game mode
Tycoon Game mode
New Civ – Italians
Unite a wealthy but splintered Italy while new Settlers flock to your booming empire with every technological breakthrough, and Architects construct buildings for free!
Invest at the Lombard to optimize your economy and turn a quick profit, or construct a towering Basilica and send Papal soldiers to strengthen and complement your army!
Use shielded Pavisiers to lure opponents into an ambush of Bersaglieri, or let Elmetti lower their lances and carry the day with a thundering charge!
New Civ – Maltese
Guard the Mediterranean against incursions with unique fortifications, don shining armor to fend off attacks, and shell opponents from afar with Fixed Guns.
Fire Throwers and greatswords win battles, but the superior logistics of your Commandery win wars. Luckily, you can have both!
Fighting at sea with Order Galleys may wet the gunpowder, but your Arbalesters won’t mind. You can always restock at a Gunpowder Depot, or blow it up when an enemy army marches past!
New Historical Maps
Historical Maps are a new variation of Random Maps. Randomly generated for endless replayability, but with unique objectives for each map, based on some of the most memorable conflicts on the European continent.
The Italian Wars
Eighty Years’ War
The Deluge
Great Turkish War
Great Northern War
Napoleonic Wars
Russo-Turkish Wars
The Thirty Years’ War (multiplayer only)
New Minor Civilizations – European Royal Houses
With the Introduction of over 30 new European Maps, 9 new Minor Civilizations enter the game, adding an arsenal of unique new units, technologies, and abilities.
Representing larger entities whose influence transcended national borders rather than individual people-groups, European Royal Houses thematically blur the lines between major and minor civilizations in Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. Like Native American Settlements, Asian Holy Sites, and African Kingdoms, a Trading Post must be built on European Royal Houses’ Palaces to ally with them. Royal Houses provide a unique ability and more units and technologies on average than other minor civilizations, but these are staggered across multiple ages rather than being available in the Exploration Age. These assets are quite impactful and the units often utilize novel mechanics – such as unit promotions, charged actions, (dis)mounting, and damage deflection – but tend to come at a higher cost than their counterparts.
Royal Houses
House of Bourbon
House of Wittelsbach
House of Oldenburg
House of Hanover
House of Phanar
House of Jagiellon
House of Vasa
House of Habsburg
House of Wettin
New Game Mode – Diplomacy
A brand new way to experience Multiplayer with your friends. Allowing players to change their allegiance to other players during the course of the match. Negotiate with your friends over war & peace… and make them pay for it!
This new diplomacy mode is available for all existing random maps! Additionally, one map has been specially crafted around this game mode, the multi-player exclusive diplomacy map “Thirty Years’ War“.
New Game Mode – Tycoon
Tycoon is a new Game Mode to accompany Supremacy, Deathmatch and Empire Wars.
Designed to focus on the economy-building of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, this new Game Mode provides a setting where players concentrate on creating the strongest economies for their empires, without having to bolster armies or defend against full-scale sieges.
Buy Now
Ready to battle your way across the Mediterranean? Always wanted to be a knight? You’re in luck! Knights of the Mediterranean, the newest DLC for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is now available in the Microsoft Store or Steam! Learn more about all the exciting new civilizations, new game modes, and new historical maps, plus learn some pretty cool history too!
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – Knights of the Mediterranean
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The Knights of the Mediterranean brings a wealth of new content to Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, including the addition of the Italy and Malta Civilizations, the brand new casual friendly Tycoon Game Mode, and the first ever set of Historical Maps, which bring endless replayability with a historical twist. 2 New Civilizations Malta:
Guard the Mediterranean against incursions with unique fortifications, don shining armor to fend off attacks, and shell opponents from afar with Fixed Guns. Fire Throwers and greatswords win battles, but the superior logistics of your Commandery win wars. Luckily, you can have both! Fighting at sea with Order Galleys may wet the gunpowder, but your Arbalesters won’t mind. You can always restock at a Gunpowder Depot, or blow it up when an enemy army marches past! Italy:
Unite wealthy merchant republics, duchies, and Papal states while new Settlers flock to your booming empire with every technological breakthrough, and use Architects to construct buildings for free! Invest at the Lombard to optimize your economy and turn a quick profit, or construct a towering Basilica and send Papal soldiers to strengthen and complement your army. Use shielded Pavisiers to lure opponents into an ambush of Bersaglieri, or let Elmetti lower their lances and carry the day with a thundering charge! Brand New Tycoon Game Mode Tycoon:
Tycoon is a brand new, casual friendly game mode that puts the focus on economic superiority over military domination. Free from the pressure of head-to-head play, this new mode allows players to explore and strengthen economic strategies that they can then leverage in the other game modes throughout Age of Empires III: Definitive Editon. First-ever Historical Maps Historical Maps:
Historical Maps are a new variation of Random Maps. Randomly generated for endless replayability, these 8 new maps dive into history with Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition with unique objectives for each map, based on some of the most memorable conflicts on the European continent.
• The Italian Wars
• Eighty Years’ War
• The Deluge
• Great Turkish War
• Great Northern War
• Napoleonic Wars
• Russo-Turkish Wars
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆1
★★★★★
PC Game Pass
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition completes the celebration of one of the most beloved real-time strategy franchises in definitive form with enhanced features and modernized gameplay. Command mighty civilizations from across Europe and the Americas or jump to the battlefields of Asia in stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics and with a fully remastered soundtrack. Now featuring two new game modes: Co-Op Historical Battles and The Art of War Challenge Missions, including all previously released expansions and all 14 civilizations, plus two brand new civilizations – the Swedes and Inca. Head online to challenge other players with updated online multiplayer with cross network play and enjoy modern gaming features including spectator modes and mod support. Complete your collection with this final chapter in the Age of Empires Definitive Edition journey.
The alpine air is fresh but dangerously thin, your vision is limited and light raindrops are tapping on your helmet… Today we’re dropping the new Misty Peak DLC for Lonely Mountains: Downhill and it’s totally free. In this free update, you’ll be let loose on the other side of the very familiar Graterhorn Mountain for the first time, where you will encounter the treacherous lost trails of Misty Peak.
If you didn’t know already, Megagon Industries are masters of immersion and this idyllic setting ticks all the boxes for picturesque pitstops and casual exploration. I’ve had the privilege of riding down Misty Peak and I can’t wait for you to experience these new mountain trails. I can promise you that after all my boulder crashes and falling off cliffs, the trail is built with the flair that’s won Lonely Mountains: Downhill a ton of awards. Enjoy the new challenges whilst listening to the natural ambient sounds of the forest blended with the chain of your bike gently caressing the gears.
In the Misty Peak DLC, you’ll be treated to a brand new trail packed with exciting challenges and two resting places to chill at for a change of pace from your breakneck runs. Gear up with new outfits, backpacks and paint job from the air elemental set and be prepared to make a name for yourself on the leaderboards!
For the more experienced players looking for a new challenge beyond the seasonal Daily Rides content drops, we wanted to offer something extra to keep things fresh and this free new DLC does just that. It gives you the perfect excuse to race down the mountain once again and battle for those coveted top spots on the leaderboards.
Speaking of leaderboards, well over three million players have been registered globally and the Xbox community has been instrumental in helping us reach these astronomical numbers, thank you!
If you didn’t know, Lonely Mountains: Downhill was initially released in October, 2019. During its first year, it became a hit and built quite a following. Fast forward a year later and more than one million players (1.2 million as of September 2020) had taken on the challenge. The game also won awards such as “Best Indie Game” at the German Developer Awards and “Best International Indie Game” at Poznan Game Arena. A big part of this success was the community behind the game that continues to spread the word about Lonely Mountains far and wide, so, again, we can only thank you for helping the game get to where it is today and hope you enjoy this free Misty Peak content in appreciation of your support!
Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a gift that keeps on giving and the game wants you to explore the rich mountain worlds at your own pace or face the thrilling challenge of beating that ticking clock. If you’re a subscriber, I would encourage you to check it out on Xbox Game Pass and see what you’re missing!
I must thank you again for the support that you’ve shown us. It’s that support that’s allowed us to continue making the game bigger and better. This is just the latest of many DLCs and updates and it won’t be the last as we continue to try and give back to the community that made this game a success.
Thanks again and happy riding!
Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Thunderful Publishing
☆☆☆☆☆133
★★★★★
$19.99$15.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Key Features:
• Travel to the Lonely Mountains! Ride along quiet mountain lakes, majestic forests and steep canyons
• A custom physics system lets you carefully drop from boulder to boulder, sprint over abysses or slide through muddy grounds
• Find your own way – take a relaxing scenic route or go off-road to find the fastest way to the finish line!
• No audience, no barrier tapes – experience a beautiful nature unspoiled by men
• Find the perfect bike for your playstyle and unlock dozens of paint jobs and outfits!
• Compete with friends and prove your speed-running skills on the leaderboards
