Category: Xbox News

As members of the team behind World of Tanks Console, we don’t believe there is such a thing as “too big.” Heck, World of Tanks features 40-ton steel beasts decimating each other in explosive battlefield matches.

So, when we say that our December update is big, we mean it. And it all starts with the biggest action heroes in the world attached to our latest season of content: World of Tanks: Action Heroes!

Like our previous seasons, World of Tanks: Action Heroes gives you the chance to rise through a total of 100 Levels by earning XP in multiplayer battles. Reaching new Levels will grant you all sorts of in-game rewards, including silver, consumables, and special emblems to use when customizing your tanks. Want even more content? You can grab a Season Pass or Ultimate Pass from the Store to unlock sweet rewards every Level!

But we know what tankers truly want: New tanks. This season, you’ll get the opportunity to own tanks under the command of some of the biggest names from classic action movies.

That’s right, World of Tanks: Action Heroes is bringing three 1980s action movie characters straight to our battlefield: John Rambo from “First Blood,” “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” and “Rambo III;” Snake Plissken from “Escape From New York;” and Colonel James Braddock, made famous by Chuck Norris in “Missing in Action.”

Each action hero will be in command of his own uniquely designed limited-edition tank, available only during the World of Tanks Action Heroes season.

John Rambo will be in charge of the distinctly American Concept 1B tank.

Snake Plissken will command the lethal Object 268 Version V.

And none other than the legendary James Braddock will call the shots in the legendary Strv K.

Don’t forget: these three mega-action tanks are available only through the World of Tanks Action Heroes season. Once the season ends in February, these heroes are leaving the battlefield behind!

In case the Action Heroes season wasn’t big enough, we’re also launching the most massive overhaul to the look and feel of World of Tanks that we’ve undertaken yet. On December 8, you’ll see a brand-new user interface that’s cleaner, meaner, and easier to navigate to make sure you get the most out of your time on the battlefield.

We’re also updating some of the core systems in the game for modifying and enhancing your tanks’ performance. The Commander System will replace the existing Crews setup but will function in a similar way, allowing your tank’s commander to learn skills that will give you added abilities in battle.

Two other handy systems, equipment, and consumables, will be updated with new and improved items to load onto your tanks, allowing you to customize the way you destroy your enemies!

That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s waiting for you in World of Tanks. It’s going to be a legendary December, so log in, be part of the new season, enjoy all the new features we’ve created, and roll out!

World of Tanks

Wargaming.net

☆☆☆☆☆ 1202

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

World of Tanks is a global online multiplayer free-to-play game dedicated to tank warfare in the mid-20th century. Custom built for Xbox, World of Tanks features realistic vehicles and environments, enabling players to command history’s most powerful tanks and experience combat on Xbox like never before. Features:
• Strategic, fast-paced 15 vs 15 online action.
• Over 700 authentic tanks to choose from among 12 nations.
• Battle across more than 80 maps with different terrains and weather effects.
• Built-in support for Xbox One X pushing the boundaries of graphic fidelity.
• Regular updates offer new content and frequent special events.

Last week at The Game Awards, Studio Wildcard took their next dinosaur-sized step with the Ark franchise and thrilled the world by announcing Ark II. The reveal trailer (above) was fully captured in-engine and showcases some of the features and gameplay fans can expect when it arrives as an Xbox Series X|S console launch exclusive in 2022.

The Ark franchise has a long-storied history with the Xbox community. Ark: Survival Evolved was a console launch exclusive in the Xbox Game Preview program in December 2015, gaining valuable feedback from Xbox One players along the way before launching in August 2017. When Xbox One X launched in November 2017, it was one of the first Xbox One X Enhanced titles. Then in January 2019, Xbox Game Pass members joined the Ark community then gained access to the Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction DLC. Ark: Survival Evolved is also one of the first titles to be optimized for Xbox Series X|S.

Now with Ark II, players will be thrust into a brutal new world of primitive survival against both beast and man, facing down the ever-present threats of hyper-realistic intelligent dinosaurs, aggressive alien fauna, and the exotic environments of an unearthly planet. Survivors will continue Ark’s dramatic eons-spanning story of humankind’s evolution, in this next-generation sandbox survival experience.

Ark II will also feature Vin Diesel as a hero character, Santiago, who will also be a crossover character in the upcoming “Ark: The Animated Series.” While Vin Diesel will lend his acting talents to Ark II, he is also a massive fan of the franchise, now serving as an executive producer on the game’s sequel and having logged over 1,000 hours in Ark: Survival Evolved.

We’ll have more news to share in the near future about Ark II here on Xbox Wire. We look forward to seeing you in the Ark! 

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your free Santiago weapon skins and the Animated Series Raptor costume in Ark: Survival Evolved now, before they’re gone! 

We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox! Or, if you’d rather watch than read, you can feast your eyes on our weekly video show above. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox!

Players Drive Record Engagement as Xbox Expands Cloud Gaming to More Devices in 2021
Thanks to you, we’ve kicked off a new generation of gaming and can now share more about what comes next in 2021. If the last year has taught us anything about the future, it’s that the joy of play and its power to connect us to family, friends… Read more

Powering the Dreams of Gamers with Xbox
This week marks a year since the world was introduced to the Xbox Series X and Power Your Dreams. Since then, we’ve explored the possibilities of the next generation of gaming and, in the past few weeks, experienced the world’s most powerful console firsthand. When we considered the full potential… Read more

Destiny 2 Optimized: The Future is Closer Than You Think
Since the launch of Destiny 2: Beyond Light on November 10, Bungie began harnessing the next-generation capabilities of the Xbox Series X|S to deliver meaningful upgrades to players all over the world. With the launch of Beyond Light serving as the beginning of this next generation update, Bungie also announced… Read more

Talking Tunic with Its Creator Andrew Shouldice
Since its debut during the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing, players have been patiently waiting for the launch of Tunic, an action-adventure gameabout a tiny fox in a big world. We look forward to the day we can explore the mysterious island and its secrets, but in the meantime, we caught up with the creator of Tunic, Andrew Shouldice… Read more

Gears 5: Hivebusters Expansion Arrives December 15 with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
In the past month, Gears 5 released the Xbox Series X|S update, which relaunched the game with next-gen technical optimizations for new consoles and new campaign features, and followed up with the largest multiplayer update ever, Operation 5: Hollow Storm. Today, to cap off this holiday’s re-release, we’re announcing… Read more

Forza Horizon 4 Players – Do You Have What It Takes to Beat Horizon Super7?
To showcase the amazing creativity of Forza Horizon 4 players, we bring you Super7, an all-new game mode that celebrates community-created challenges. This new mode is available now at no additional charge for everyone playing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming with… Read more

Call of the Sea Now Available with Xbox Game Pass
Today, our game Call of the Sea has launched for all the world to play and we’re tremendously excited. We can’t wait to hear from players as they delve into our story about Norah, our main character, and follow her journey to a remote island in search of her husband’s lost expedition… Read more

Kate Bishop Now Available in Marvel’s Avengers
Hello, Marvel fans! Kate Bishop is now playable in the Marvel’s Avengers Operation: Kate Bishop – Taking AIM, which continues the story from where we last left off with Kamala at the conclusion of the game. For those who don’t know Kate Bishop, she first appeared in “Young Avengers (2005) #1” before starring… Read more

Sea of Thieves Celebrates the Festival of Giving in December’s Free Update
Another year is almost over, both here and on the shores of the Sea of Thieves, where the Festival of Giving is about to get underway! Everyone’s invited to join the festivities in the latest free Sea of Thieves update, available today to all players with Xbox Game Pass and across… Read more

The Worlds of Puyo Puyo and Tetris Collide Once Again in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 Starting Today
We are thrilled to announce that, starting today, Puyo Puyo and Tetris fans can come together, once again, to engage in the ultimate crossover event for the ages with the launch of Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, now available for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One! Not only does this new title bring back all of the classic game modes… Read more

Join the Hunt as the Master Chief in Fortnite Chapter 2 – Season 5
Xbox fans, whether you’re an OG Xbox player, finished the fight on Xbox 360, or faced the Forerunner on Xbox One, there’s no hero more synonymous to the Xbox family as the Master Chief. Across the galaxy, in the Armor of the Chief, you’ve battled against the Covenant, Flood, and Prometheans. But with the tie between realities… Read more

Unto The End: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Beginning Your Adventure
After four years in the making, the debut game from 2 Ton Studios is ready – Unto The End has arrived on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, and Xbox Game Pass. We can’t wait for players to take their first steps as Unto The End’s hero – a father and husband who is really just a regular, red-haired dude. He just happens… Read more

New Features Available Today on the Xbox Family Settings App to Help Manage Children’s Gaming
Gaming has long been a significant source of joy, inspiration, and social connection for players around the world, and social distancing has made this truer now than ever before. With the holiday break on the horizon, many parents and caregivers may be looking for ways to help balance screen time and family time… Read more

Free Play Days – Gears 5, Metro 2033 Redux, and Book of Demons
Fight alongside Dave Batista, celebrate the 10^th anniversary of a cult-classic series, and save the terror-stricken people from the ultimate evil, all in this weekend’s Free Play Days. Gears 5, Metro 2033 Redux, and Book of Demons are available for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play… Read more

Celebrating the Launch of Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
It’s finally here! CD Projekt Red’s sci-fi RPG Cyberpunk 2077 is now available to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One! Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure story set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. Take on the role of V, a mercenary outlaw going after a… Read more

Celebrating the Launch of Cyberpunk 2077 with a Limbitless Solutions Collaboration
With the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 earlier this week, it has been exciting seeing players enter the massive open world, taking on the role of V and begin creating their legend on the streets of Night City. To celebrate the launch, Xbox and CD Projekt Red partnered with the non-profit Limbitless Solutions… Read more

Microsoft Flight Simulator Coming to Xbox Series X|S Summer 2021
Microsoft Flight Simulator has a rich history on PC that spans nearly four decades, all the way back to 1982. For the first time, we wanted to give more aspiring pilots a chance to take flight by bringing this robust simulation to consoles. Today, we’re excited to share that Microsoft Flight Simulator will come to life on… Read more

Get Ready for The Game Awards with Discounts and Demos on the Xbox Store
The Game Awards is today, December 10, and we’re extremely excited to bring to you The Game Awards Sale on the Xbox Store, in which you`ll find up to 67% off on some of the nominees, playable demos of ID@Xbox games, and an Xbox Events page to help watch the big show… Read more

Among Us Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass for PC
One of the biggest gaming hits of 2020 is coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC, as we’re excited to announce that InnerSloth’s Among Us will be coming to the service soon. Need a primer on a game that’s been dominating the world with over half a billion players? We got you. Among Us is an online, 4-10 multiplayer… Read more

Hood: Outlaws & Legends – Execute the Perfect Heist on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on May 10, 2021
Hood: Outlaws & Legends releases on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on May 10, 2021. The PvPvE multiplayer game just revealed a gameplay trailer and opened pre-orders on the Xbox Store, so now is the perfect time to dive a little deeper in the core gameplay elements of a medieval heist… Read more

Announcing Perfect Dark, the First Game From The Initiative
Two years ago, we announced the formation of a new Xbox Game studio in Santa Monica, The Initiative, and today at The Game Awards, we announced our first project, Perfect Dark. With Perfect Dark, we’re aiming to deliver a secret agent thriller set in a near-future world. We have built the Perfect Dark team… Read more

The Orb is Here: Discover Mørkredd Today with Xbox Game Pass
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in gaming: The day after The Game Awards. Studios get to celebrate wins big and small, while fans get to celebrate exciting reveals and surprise releases. Our favorite surprise release here at Aspyr? Mørkredd, of course! That’s right: as of last night, Mørkredd is now available… Read more

The Game Awards 2020: Exclusive Reveals, Major Announcements, and More During a Night of Gaming Celebration
Every year, The Game Awards recognizes the creative and technical excellence in the video game industry. Tonight’s show brought together a mix of players, developers, and gaming culture to the forefront. Hosted by Geoff Keighley and featuring guest presenters like… Read more

Planet Coaster: Console Edition Gets Spooktacularly Adventurous with Two New Packs
Just a month ago, we were delighted to be a part of Xbox’s global launch of the Xbox Series X|S on November 10 with the release of Planet Coaster: Console Edition. It was incredible to be a part of the next-generation of gaming from the very first day and we’ve loved seeing your reactions, enthusiasm, and… Read more

Inside Xbox Series X|S Optimized: Star Wars: Squadrons
One of the biggest benefits of all that power is giving developers the ability to make games that are Xbox Series X|S Optimized. This means that they’ve taken full advantage of the unique capabilities of Xbox Series X|S, both for new titles built natively using the Xbox Series X|S development environment as well… Read more

Landflix Odyssey, an Adventure Within a TV Series, Available Now on Xbox One
Have you ever thought about how great it would be to experience the adventures of your favourite TV series? Maybe next to one of your favourite heroes? If the answer to these questions has been: “Hell, yes!” then let me introduce you to Landflix Odyssey! Landflix Odyssey is the latest game published by Fantastico Studio.. Read more

Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: The Game Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Among Us, and More
I hope you had a good time watching The Game Awards – I was rooting for (redacted) and I was shocked when (redacted) won! Just kidding, I wrote this three days ago and I have no idea who is going to win yet. But I do know some amazing news we dropped during the show; check it out… Read more

Next Week on Xbox: December 15 to 18
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! Here we cover all the new games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PC as well as upcoming Xbox Game Pass and soon-to-be released ID@Xbox games! Get more details on the games below and click their profiles for pre-order details when available… Read more

It’s been quite a year for ARKS in Phantasy Star Online 2! When PSO2 launched in North America back in March, we promised to bring eight years of content to the game at a breakneck pace. Despite the many unexpected complications that 2020 has brought, we have been keeping that promise to our players, and this latest (huge!) content update is the next step in that process. We want to give a ginormous, heartfelt thanks to all the ARKS who have joined us this year, and we hope you’re looking forward to even more PSO2 goodness in 2021. For now, let’s get acquainted with Episode 6!

As of today, Phantasy Star Online 2’s Episode 6 has officially launched worldwide on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC. This is the final chapter of PSO2’s epic story, which has taken us across the galaxy, to an alternate version of Earth, to the high fantasy realm of Omega, and finally back to the Oracle Fleet for a final showdown. If ARKS has any hope of victory, they’ll need to work together with allies old and new to defeat Shiva and her Armada of Annihilation!

You can download the game now for free on the Microsoft Store.

Story Overview

Returning home after their success in the Alternate Dimension: Omega, a new foe appears. Known as The Goddess of Annihilation, the mysterious Shiva declares all-out war on ARKS. With an enormous fleet of spacecraft, empowered monsters, and heavily armored foes called Luminmech, Shiva’s power in the universe is undeniable. However, the heroes of Fleet Oracle have several aces up their sleeves, including the AIS Vega, a powerful and highly maneuverable mech suit capable of going toe-to-toe with Shiva’s forces. Who will claim victory? It’s up to ARKS to save the day!

Two New Classes – Phantom and Etoile

Not one, but two new classes join the game today! Critical new additions in Episode 6, the Phantom and Etoile classes bring brand new fighting styles and abilities to the ARKS ranks.

Similar to the Hero class introduced in Episode 5, the Phantom is a master of all forms of combat, including melee, ranged, and magic. However, unlike the Hero, the Phantom relies on agility and flowing movement with the katana, the rifle, and the rod. This new class also gains explosive damage potential when attacking the same enemy multiple times thanks to the “Phantom Marker” feature. If you enjoyed playing as a Hero but wished it had just a bit more edge (and Scythes!), the Phantom is for you!

The Etoile is a unique class to PSO2, in that its focus is supporting party members, rather than their own offensive or defensive capabilities. Equipped with support skills that recharge HP and PP, as well as those that reduce the casting times of their allies, the Etoile is a welcome and valued member in any group. However, the Etoile is not without martial abilities of its own, wielding the double saber, soaring blades, and wand weapon types in unique ways from other classes. The Etoile is a long-awaited class for many PSO2 veterans, and we’re happy to finally put it in the players’ hands!

New Ultra Hard Difficulty Added

Along with her Armada, Shiva brings new, more powerful enemies to the planets of Naverious, Lillipa, Wopal, and Harukotan. These locations will now offer UH (Ultra Hard) missions called “Risk Exploration” on a cycling basis. While these missions are available, classic enemies will appear in an “Ultra Enemy” form, with new powers and evolutions. Return to older locations to experience these reimagined fights!

Christmas Has Come to PSO2

It turns out Santa’s sleigh works in space, as Christmas has come to PSO2! Players are able to earn unique, Christmas-themed weapon camos such as the Cariboom (a rifle camo that looks suspiciously like a stuffed reindeer) and the Snowman Cannon (a launcher camo that is exactly what it sounds like). Not to mention, a Santa Rappy Mag Evolution Device! What’s more, the “Merry Christmas On Ice” Urgent Quest offers players powerful weapon rewards for completing the holiday-themed mission. And what ho-ho-holiday celebration would be complete without ARKS’ favorite diva? Quna will be back on the stage of Fleet Oracle to perform the “Eternal Encore (Christmas Version)” show!

More details about Episode 6 can be found atPSO2.com. For additional up-to-the-minute details and updates, players can follow@play_PSO2 on Twitter,@PSO2Official on Facebook and@play_pso2 on Instagram. Stay safe and we will see you in the game!

Phantasy Star Online 2

SEGA Corporation

☆☆☆☆☆ 108

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

!! If you have any problems during the Windows 10 Ver. installation, please check the info on the official site from PublisherInfo at the page bottom !!
*Please select “Yes” when asked about running the game as an Administrator during the game’s start-up.
*After installing from the store, an additional 80 GB or more of hard disk space is required for the game data’s installation. The Free-to-Play online RPG Phantasy Star Online 2 has arrived!
As the player, you’ll join the ARKS task force of Oracle, an interplanetary fleet composed of 4 different races, and head out on an adventure to explore unknown worlds. With procedurally generated environments, unexpected events, and raid quests that a maximum of 12 players can take on at once, Phantasy Star Online 2 aims to provide a never-ending adventure that is always filled with fresh surprises. The action in this game is highly customizable, with jumps added to the series staple simple controls. Use one of gaming’s most powerful character creators to design and customize your own character, sign up as an ARKS Operative, and begin your PSO2 adventure! ・A subscription to Xbox Live Gold is required to play Phantasy Star Online 2 online. ・The core game is Free-to-Play, but there is certain paid content that can be purchased. ・The Phantasy Star Online 2 that can be downloaded with this content is the same as that included in other editions. No re-download will occur if already installed.

Have you ever thought about how great it would be to experience the adventures of your favourite TV series? Maybe next to one of your favourite heroes? If the answer to these questions has been: “Hell, yes!” then let me introduce you to Landflix Odyssey!

Landflix Odyssey is the latest game published by Fantastico Studio and tells the misadventures of a lazy binge-watcher named Larry who, after making a mistake in using the batteries of his TV remote control, finds himself sucked – literally! – into the Landflix streaming platform.

For Larry it is of crucial importance to retrieve the special batteries, because they are the only possible way to escape from the Landflix Odyssey. But unfortunately for him, even the terrible CEO of Landflix, an evil and vicious man, wants to rescue and use the incredible power of the batteries, blocking Larry from escaping.

As Larry, we will have to explore the worlds… oops, I mean, the TV series, inside the Landflix platform, so that we can retrieve the batteries once and for all and return to the dear, old and beloved sofa.

As you may have guessed, the TV series are the game worlds we are going to explore and each one of them is a parody of a real version. There are five TV series in total and in each one Larry will have the possibility to use a specific power linked to that world.

For example, in Peculiar Stuff we will be able to go into a parallel dimension where we have to move quickly to avoid running out of air. In Blind Evil, we can use a special stick to hit enemies, or even use it as a grappling hook. In Elder Thrones, we’ll be able to defeat the fearsome enemies by using only the sword.

Or again, in The Standing Zombie, it will be essential to use the crossbow in a creative way, in order to use it both as a weapon and as a method to overcome certain obstacles. Without forgetting Going Mad, where we could take some really special medicines to increase our reflexes and slow down time.

And once we have recovered all the batteries, blue tickets and coins – necessary to buy the game levels during the play, as if they were episodes of the TV series – we can always dedicate ourselves to the challenges available in the Special Features, where our reflexes will be put to the hardest test.

There are many other surprises in Landflix Odyssey and I hope you will have fun finding them. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the game: you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See ya!

Landflix Odyssey

Fantastico Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Xbox One X Enhanced

Landflix Odyssey is an action platform in which players play as Larry, a lazy binge-watcher who finds himself trapped inside the streaming service after using special batteries. This incredible world is called Landflix!
In order to return home he has to recover all five batteries ended up inside the TV shows on the Landflix platform. Landflix Odyssey is a clear reference to video-on-demand platforms and TV shows universe.
In each TV show our hero can count on some special powers that will help him overcome obstacles and dangers in any game world.
Our hero can move through parallel dimensions, use magic swords, do superhero stuff with superhero tools, take drugs to increase productivity and defend himself with a crossbow against hordes of zombies.

The Game Awards is today, December 10, and we’re extremely excited to bring to you The Game Awards Sale on the Xbox Store, in which you`ll find up to 67% off on some of the nominees, playable demos of ID@Xbox games, and an Xbox Events page to help watch the big show.

The Game Awards Sale

With up to 67% off on over 120 games, you`ll find great deals on many acclaimed titles including Destiny 2: Beyond Light (25% off), Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ultimate Edition (17% off), FIFA 21 Champions Edition (60% off), Ori and the Will of the Wisps (50% off), Doom Eternal (67% off), and more. Click here to check out a full list of all the games on sale this week.

Xbox Events Page

You can find it on your console by going to the Events app. Want to make sure you don`t miss the event? Mark it as “I’m interested” and check out the details on how to watch it from your console!

Playable Demos

These demos are now available on your Xbox Dashboard under the The Game Awards Demo Fest section. Current demos available to play are:

• Echo Generation (Cococucumber) – Coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One in 2021
  Echo Generation follows a gang of kids through otherworldly adventures as they investigate mysterious and supernatural events in their hometown that will change the course of their lives forever.
• Song of Iron (Escape) – Coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One in 2021
  A moody and provoking action adventure where you dive into a dark Nordic world full of mystery and danger. Your journey will take you far across the land of myths toward the home of the gods. Fight your way through man, monster, and nature itself to reach the end.
• Genesis Noir (Feral Cat Den/Fellow Traveller) – Coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One in 2021
  A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you’ll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god, The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love.
• Raji: An Ancient Epic – Available Now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
  An action-adventure game set in ancient India. Play as a young girl named Raji who has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.

We’re also excited to have the following ID@Xbox titles nominated for The Game Awards in one or more of the categories below:

• Games for Impact: Spiritfarer (Thunder Lotus Games) and Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition (Annapurna Interactive)
• Best Ongoing: No Man’s Sky (Hello Games)
• Best Indie: Carrion (Phobia Game Studio/Devolver), Spiritfarer (Thunder Lotus Games)
• Best Community Support: No Man’s Sky (Hello Games)
• Innovation in Accessibility: Hyperdot (Tribe Games)
• Best Action: Streets of Rage 4 (Dotemu)
• Best Sim/Strategy: Crusader Kings III (Paradox Development Studio/Paradox)
• Best Debut Game: Carrion (Phobia Game Studio/Devolver), Mortal Shell (Cold Symmetry/Playstack), Raji: An Ancient Epic (Nodding Heads Games), RÖKI (Polygon Treehouse)

For a full list of nominees, you can find that here. This is just a small sample of all the great family games on this sale. See the full list of games on Xbox.com. Prices and availability change per region and Country.

After four years in the making, the debut game from 2 Ton Studios is ready – Unto The End has arrived on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, and Xbox Game Pass. We can’t wait for players to take their first steps as Unto The End’s hero – a father and husband who is really just a regular, red-haired dude. He just happens to live in a world where basic sword competency is an essential part of life.

Finding himself in a dire situation, the father must get home to his family. But it’s no stroll in the park. Unto The End is a challenging experience that demands skill and focus.

So, before beginning your Unto The End adventure, here are 5 things you need to know…

Combat requires deliberate actions

The combat system has been meticulously designed from the ground-up, with special thought given to the advantages of fighting in a side-on 2D space. For example, the ability to see enemies behind you, and to accurately judge high and low attacks. It has also been designed for precise, deliberate actions. Playing contrary to this – i.e. button mashing – will ultimately result in failure.

The key is learning to read your opponent and react accordingly. And, above all else, staying calm and focused. There are no easy enemies, and every enemy is different. There is no ‘getting lazy’ – every combat encounter presents new challenges. Mercifully, there is a ‘Combat Assist’ option, which slows enemy attacks and gives players who – like me – aren’t graced with lightning-speed reactions, more of a fighting chance.

The only levelling-up comes from YOU the player

While it is possible to craft some rudimentary items of armour that can improve your chances of survival, there is no XP or levelling-up. You aren’t suddenly granted magical powers or given a 10ft, flame-covered sword. Player skill is at the heart of the experience, and Unto The End is all about the player learning and developing over the course of the adventure.

Mastery of combat is intrinsic to the sense of progression. Whenever you rest at a fire, you can enter a dream that transports you back to your homestead, sparring against your wife. Take the time here to hone your combat skills. Attack, block, counter, fake, barge, roll… every move is available from the outset. It’s up to you to learn and, ultimately, master what’s at your disposal.

There are alternatives to fighting

Perfecting combat is just one step towards mastery of the game. Situational awareness is equally as important – learn to understand the world, the creatures that share it with you, and the clues and items they can sometimes provide to reveal alternatives to fighting. The inhabitants may seem hostile, but each has its own place and purpose. They aren’t simply enemies waiting to fight you.

While there isn’t a completely peaceful route home – there are times when you will most definitely have to bloody your blade – there are opportunities to gain a temporary trust with potential foes by trading, offering, or showing items. Other creatures may just be protecting their territory and rapid passage away from them is enough to show you aren’t a threat.

There are slight variations to the ending based on how you choose to act, so it’s worth attempting a playthrough that avoids killing whenever possible.

Unto The End is a focused, uncluttered gaming experience

Screen display elements such as health and stamina bars were a feature of early Unto The End prototypes, but the finished game is completely HUD-less. This design choice is to ensure players can keep a fixed focus on the father, without distraction. Instead, the father’s ‘states’ are communicated through his appearance and posture. For example, his health can be interpreted by the amount of blood visible on him.

And there are other indicators. If the father is mortally wounded, he drops to a knee and the music builds in intensity, letting the player know they need to use a herb to slow the bleeding, drink a tonic or heal at a rest fire, or risk bleeding out.

Unto The End has faith in the player – that you will not only be able to overcome the challenges it throws at you without needing to be coddled, but that you will also take immense satisfaction from doing so.

 Curiosity and creativity are rewarded

Because Unto The End provides minimal hand-holding, it pays to be inquisitive at all times, without waiting for prompting or obvious sign-posting (because it’s not going to come!). Rest fires or helpful items can be found in hidden areas away from the beaten path. And scavenging for crafting items is essential, but the materials are rarely conspicuous, so you really do have to search for them.

There are also plenty of incidental surprises to find. The father can kick snow. He can puke. Wave his torch. There’s a hidden dream. Hidden lore items. There’s even the ability to set the menu and in-game text to Scottish Gaelic (Goidelic), which is the father’s language. There are plenty of little surprises and unexpected moments tucked away. Explore. Experiment. Be curious.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

Unto The End

Big Sugar Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Unto The End is a challenging, handcrafted combat-adventure. Alone and outmatched, a humble father must endure a desperate journey to get back to his family. Armed with a sword, a dagger, and his wits, he must outfight and outsmart the creatures he encounters as he treks through unfamiliar lands, where every step brings him closer to home but is fraught with untold dangers. Features: Read-React Combat: One of a kind combat system focused on skill and mastery, designed and built from the ground up specifically for 2D. Fight intelligently and strike tactically with your sword and range weapons in fierce one-on-one and group battles Handcrafted Nuanced Encounters: The adventure unfolds through carefully crafted encounters, each featuring intelligent, worthy opponents, all with their own motivations and place in the world Player-Skill Focused: A challenging single-player experience with minimal handholding. All the father’s abilities are available from the outset and mastery of those skills, as well as keen observation of your surroundings, are key to survival and success Unforgiving Terrain: From cavernous underground ruins to harsh mountain peaks, overcome environmental challenges and deadly traps as you travel through a world of meticulously crafted landscapes

We are thrilled to announce that, starting today, Puyo Puyo and Tetris fans can come together, once again, to engage in the ultimate crossover event for the ages with the launch of Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, now available for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

Not only does this new title bring back all of the classic game modes , but Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 also introduces an all-new, RPG-inspired Skill Battle mode that we covered in our previous Xbox Wire article.

Today, we want to take the Xbox community on a journey into the very entertaining single-player Adventure mode, based in the worlds of Puyo Puyo and Tetris and featuring a brand-new story with a colorful cast of new and returning characters.

In Adventure mode, the worlds of Puyo Puyo and Tetris have merged thanks to a mysteriously powerful being known as the Dimensional Parasite. With this threat looming, Ringo, a junior high student adept at Puyo Puyo battles, and Tee, the Tetris King, must traverse the new world with their allies to pop Puyos and clear Tetriminos to rescue their pals from a dark corruption. But they’ll quickly learn that there’s more to their quest than meets the eye when they face the Dimensional Parasite, with new mysteries and clues to uncover as their out-of-this-world journey unfolds.

As you make your way through the story, you’ll navigate from stage to stage along branching paths and optional levels in a new Overworld map, letting you replay stages freely for higher scores and better rewards. Along the way, you’ll encounter special mission conditions, such as surviving against your opponent within a time limit or dealing a certain amount of damage in a single attack. Each mission is also graded from 1-3 stars – feel free to pass the base objective or challenge yourself by trying to 3 star every level!

New playable characters, backgrounds, bonus stages, and more can also be unlocked while you earn credits to spend on even more cool things in the in-game shop. You’ll also unlock item cards that, when equipped, give special abilities and options which are key to winning matches in the new Skill Battle mode. These cards can do anything from boosting your HP and Attack power (we did say it was RPG-inspired) to increasing the amount of damage a Puyo chain can cause to your opponent.

Not confident in your Puyo Puyo or Tetris skills? From the beginning, you’ll be given an option to enable a new dynamic “auto” difficulty that will adjust to your play. After you’re done practicing here, take your hard-fought finesse and ingenuity either in local multiplayer or against the world online!

Before we go, we want to remind everyone to please be sure to pick up the limited-time Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 Launch Edition that will boost your strategy and power your team in the new Skill Battle mode with an exclusive pack of rare item cards–including 3 special cards featuring items from the Sonic the Hedgehog series! Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 also supports Smart Delivery, ensuring players only buy the game once and can play it on their Xbox console of choice.

Finally, please keep in mind there is also a day one patch available to ensure that you have the best experience possible. In that regard, replay data will not carry over when you update, so we recommend performing the update before starting to play the game. Thanks for your understanding.

December 8 is just the beginning of Sega’s plans for Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. After launch, players can look forward to extra game features, additional characters, and much more in an ongoing stream of free content updates! More information regarding this will be announced at a later date, so please stay tuned to the official Puyo Puyo accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest!

Puyo Puyo™ Tetris® 2 Launch Edition

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Pre-order the Launch Edition to guarantee exclusive bonus add-on content, the Skill Battle Booster Pack that includes special edition Sonic the Hedgehog item cards. Only available for a limited time. Two Puzzle Legends Reunite for the Ultimate Crossover Japan’s beloved puzzle game series Puyo Puyo and the world-renowned Tetris® game franchise have teamed up again to deliver even more Puyo-popping and Tetrimino-clearing fun in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. Playing is easy: match 4 or more same-colored Puyos or complete a line of blocks to clear them from your board and dump Garbage into your opponent’s game. But keep an eye on what’s coming your way too. Play traditional Puyo Puyo and Tetris…or mix them together to level up your game. Offline or online, you’ll have loads of modes that let you play the way you want from single-player Adventure to couch-competition Versus to ranked Online matches, and more.

Since its debut during the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing, players have been patiently waiting for the launch of Tunic, an action-adventure gameabout a tiny fox in a big world. We look forward to the day we can explore the mysterious island and its secrets, but in the meantime, we caught up with the creator of Tunic, Andrew Shouldice, about the game’s E3 2018 debut, updates on development, and the inspirations behind the game.

Q: The last time we had a chance to go hands-on with Tunic, it was E3 2018. Can you give us an update on the game on what features you’ve been working on since then?

A: It’s a secret!

Ok ok, here’s a peek. Day-to-day, I’m working on a pretty diverse set of things: making boss fights, building new areas, modelling environmental details, fine-tuning feel — there’s always something to do. Now more than ever, production is an enormous concrete to-do list, rather than a set of vague questions. 

In the past few years, Tunic has more solidly figured out what its overall shape is. I’ve always known that it’s a game about exploration, combat, and secrets, but exactly how that forms into a cohesive whole is a complex problem to solve. In retrospect, the structure hasn’t changed too much, but my confidence in the details has crystalized.

Q: Take us back to what it felt like to see Tunic appear during the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing. Did you know your game was going to get such a prominent spot during the show?

A: We knew the trailer was going to be featured in the press conference, but we didn’t know when it was going to show up. We were sitting in the Microsoft Theatre, and every time the screen went black between trailers, we tensed up, not knowing if this was the moment or not. It was heart-pounding, but in a good way. Seeing the trailer up there, representing so much work and anxiety — not just on the trailer, but the game itself — was pretty amazing. It was one of those “hhhhuh, I guess this is really happening” moments.

What I also didn’t know was that Phil Spencer himself was going to segue out of the trailer and mention my hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. That was a real cherry-on-top.

Q: What struck us during our time with the game were the similarities to another tunic wearing hero – all good comparisons in our book. What other inspirations are you drawing from in the creation for your hero and world? 

A: Tunic wears a lot of its influences on its sleeve, for sure. A lot of people mention The Legend of Zelda series, and there’s definitely a through line there. If I were to compare Tunic to a Zelda game though, it would be, more than any other, the very first one. I have a soft spot for games where you’re given very little direction aside from “go find the treasure, it’s out there somewhere” — games where uncovering secrets feels like you really found something, as opposed to just getting to “Chapter 4: In Which The Protagonist Finds The Secret”.

It’s hard to be absolutely sure where each part of the game came from, but I can name a few things I’ve actively admired while trying to get things right while making Tunic. The feeling of dodging through an attack and being perfectly positioned to land your own hits, from Bloodborne. The sublime, perfect isometry of Monument Valley. The mystifying, ever-present text of FEZ. The sprawling yet intricately connected world of Dark Souls. The imposing and boxlike villains in The Secret of Kells. The ruined world of a powerful civilization, from Nausicaä and Laputa. The dumbfounding and world-spanning riddles of La Mulana and Myst.

If Tunic manages to synthesize all these and can give people at least a fraction of those feelings, I’ll be happy.

Q: As a game designer, how do you like to balance the diversity of combat vs. exploration vs. puzzle solving? Do you think you’ve struck that “perfect” balance here with Tunic? Why or why not?

A: It’s tricky! I’m not going to boast that anything is “perfect,” but pacing is something we spend a lot of time thinking about.

I’m actually not the biggest puzzle room fan, at least not in this kind of game, and at least not in the traditional sense. Maybe I’m overly cynical, but I raise an eyebrow at the idea that someone would lock their treasures away with a block-pushing puzzle. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Sokoban game, but seeing one passed off as a security system feels a bit like busy work made for Me The Player, not a plausible part of the world.

That’s not to say there aren’t problems to figure out in Tunic — they just take on a different form. I’d rather people ask “wait, how do I get there?” or “I wonder what this was for”.

Q: When can we look forward to playing Tunic again? Do you have a target launch date you’re aiming for or is it more of a “When it’s done, it’s done” release?

A: No official launch date yet. 🙂

Thanks to Andrew Shouldice for taking the time to share these exciting updates about Tunic. For the latest news on the upcoming title, stay tuned here on Xbox Wire.

We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox! Or, if you’d rather watch than read, you can feast your eyes on our weekly video show above. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox!

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