Category: Xbox News

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox One update preview coming to the Alpha ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox One.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

• OS version released: RS_XBOX_RELEASE_2008\19041.4124.200814-0000
• Available: 2 p.m. PT – August 15, 2020
• Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – August 16, 2020

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

Community

• Fixed an issue with viewing shared items could cause the Community feed to crash.

Game Pass

• Users should no longer lose focus from the popup box when trying to redeem perks.

Guide

• Fixed an issue where adjusting an individual’s party chat volume would not work.
• Users should no longer see a blank box when loading the Friends tab.
• Fixed an issue where setting an Achievement as a favorite would cause to total Gamerscore to decrease.
• Users should now be able to dismiss the Search UI via the B button.

System

• Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console
  • Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console, for more information go here.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

We’re still tracking these known issues:

Audio

• Users who have Dolby Atmos enabled and console display settings set to 120hz with 36 bits per pixel (12-bit) are experiencing loss of Dolby Atmos audio in some situations.
  • Workaround: Disable 120hz or set Video Fidelity to 30 bits per pixel (10-bit) or lower.
• Some users have reported that Dolby Atmos for Headphones audio setting changes when the console is rebooted/updated.
  • Note: If you attempt to set the audio to Dolby Atmos for Headphones and see a message advising you to launch the Dolby Access App, please file feedback before launching the app.

Game DVR

• Some users have reported that clips are being recorded without audio. We are aware and investigating.
  • Note: When reporting the issue, please be sure to include details about what resolution, length, and game you were trying to record.

Guide

• Some users have reported that the audio mixer cannot be used to adjust chat/game audio levels.

My Games & Apps

• Users have reported seeing black tiles instead of game artwork when browsing their collection.
  • Note: We are still investigating the issue, please report the issue again from the console if you have done so with a prior update and are still seeing this behavior.
• Some titles in collection may appear with a “trial” tag incorrectly in collection.

New Store Experience

• Some titles may display a “Not currently available” message on the product page and will be unavailable to purchase
  • Note: Users can use the Microsoft Store on the web or Windows to complete purchases for these items.
• Users will not be able to use the “gifting” option for both Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles at this time.
• Users will not be able to use the “Build a bundle” functionality at this time
  • Workaround: Create the bundle via the Microsoft Store on the web or Windows.
• Xbox Design Lab customization is not currently supported.
  • Workaround: Use the Microsoft Store on the web or Windows to purchase.

Profile Color

• Sometimes users may encounter the incorrect Profile color when powering on the console.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

How to Get Xbox Insider Support

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox One Update Preview ring!

EA Sports UFC 4 arrives August 15 worldwide and to mark its release, EA Sports is inviting fight fans to watch some big names step into the virtual octagon. Just like the UFC 4 roster is full of big names and fighters, the EA Sports UFC Virtual Fight Card Live packs a serious punch when it comes to star power.

First up, we have Instagram’s Behzinga against former NFLer and sports personality Spice Adams. Next, a pair of matches for the wrestling fans — the Bella Twins will face off against one another and Kenny Omega will be taking on Twitch streamer Lirik. After that, UFC legend Max Holloway will take on comedian Hannibal Buress in a fight that promises lots of punches and punchlines. Then UFC superstar Jorge Masvidal will take on rapper Action Bronson in a bid for NYC vs Miami bragging rights. And last but not least, a Hollywood heavyweight in Idris Elba takes on a real heavyweight from the boxing world, Tyson Fury, in a battle of Brits you won’t want to miss.

In addition to all of these great virtual fights, there will be exclusive information about EA Sports UFC 4, newly released footage and videos, and appearances by other surprise celebrities — plus viewers at home will have a chance to win swag and prizes by watching and interacting on social media.

It’s EA Sports UFC Virtual Fight Card Live, and it all goes down starting Friday, August 14 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2, the UFC Twitch channel, and on the UFC YouTube page. We’ll see you at the Octagon!

UFC® 4 Standard Edition

Electronic Arts

☆☆☆☆☆ 216

★★★★★

Shape Your Legend in EA SPORTS™ UFC® 4 Pre-Order EA SPORTS UFC 4 today and receive: – Tyson Fury – Anthony Joshua – Backyard Customization Pack – Jean Print Shorts – Backyard Camo Shirt – Backyard MMA Gloves – Skull Cap – Gold Chain – Kumite Customization Pack – Kumite Gladiator Shorts – Kumite Cobra Shirt – Rope Gloves – Cobra Mask – Kumite Necklace In EA SPORTS UFC 4 the fighter you become is shaped by your fight style, your achievements, and your personality. Develop and customize your character through a unified progression system across all modes. Go from unknown amateur to UFC superstar in the new Career Mode, experience the origins of combat sports in two all-new environments; The Kumite and The Backyard, or challenge the world in new Blitz Battles or Online World Championships to become the undisputed champ. In gameplay, fluid clinch-to-strike combinations offer more responsive and authentic stand-up gameplay, while overhauled takedown and ground mechanics deliver more control in those key phases of the fight. No matter how, or where, you play EA SPORTS UFC 4 puts ‘you’ at the center of every fight. CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY. SEE https://www.ea.com/games/ufc/offer-disclaimers FOR DETAILS.

Classic run-and-gun platformers are beloved for their fast-paced action and challenging gameplay, but Bite the Bullet offers a tasty twist. The developers at Mega Cat Studios designed Bite the Bullet as a run and gun and eat. In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, you play a human-ghoul hybrid that blasts and eats its way through fields of enemies.

This eating mechanic has an enormous influence over game strategy because every dietary decision influences your skill tree, weapon options, and character abilities. To add even more flavor, Mega Cat Studios included guest appearances from some of the world’s biggest competitive eaters and chefs. These culinary icons offer unique power-ups.

Character Classes and Dietary Decisions

Game developers traditionally use food in video games as character power-ups or health elixirs. In Bite the Bullet, however, your diet influences everything. Pick from four character classes:

• Gorivore: Eat robots and metal objects

• Slaughterer of the Soil: Eat plants

• A Smorgasbord: Eat zombies

• I See, I Eat: Eat everything.

Character classes directly influence your abilities throughout the game. When you’re A Smorgasbord, for example, one power-up turns your enemies into explosive corpses after they die to deliver extra damage to nearby enemies.

Eating for Resources

Carbohydrates, fats, calories — they’re all important resources for building weapons. In addition to standard fare like assault rifles and rocket launchers, you can blast away at enemies with Gluten-Free Railguns, Family-Sized Shotguns, and the Critter Cannon (a bazooka that launches explosive critters).

Crafting takes place inside your stomach, which means the only way to use your new weapons is to vomit them up after you’re done modifying. Throwing up leaves you vulnerable to enemy attacks, and it also drains you of valuable resources you’ve gathered. Craft strategically!

Eating also influences your physical abilities. By eating enough of your enemies, you transform into a Zombro, a powerful version of yourself with invulnerability. Eat too much fat, and you’ll grow obese, making you slow and sluggish but also durable. By understanding how diet impacts overall gameplay, you can add Zombro, obesity, and various skill tree perks into your strategy.

Inspiration from the Culinary World

Eating is fast and aggressive, just like in professional eating competitions. Mega Cat Studios was inspired by some of the world’s best professional eaters, some of whom make an appearance in the game.

Miki Sudo won Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest six years in a row. She’s hidden in the game to offer you a pie shield — a swirling buffet of pie slices that protect you from enemies. Fellow athletes like LA Beast (best known for his YouTube channel where he eats things like light bulbs and cacti) and Crazy Legs (who has appeared on “The Tonight Show”) also pop in with gifts.

World-renowned chefs are also tucked inside Bite the Bullet to offer one-of-a-kind power-ups. Look for chefs like Chris Cosentino (famous for winning “Top Chef Masters”), Ming Tsai (a restaurateur and TV personality), and Kwame Onwuachi (a “Top Chef”contestant).

Mega Cat Studios has developed a unique approach to the run and gun genre. The alterations in gameplay ensure the experience feels fresh and fun while honoring run and gun classics. Play Bite the Bullet today on Xbox One!

Bite the Bullet

Graffiti Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 4

★★★★★

$14.99 $11.99

Bite The Bullet is the world’s first Run & Gun & Eat. In this roguelite RPG shooter you must eat enemies, bullets and more to powerup your character, weapons, and abilities. Gun down zombies, robots and giant mutant bosses with a barrage of bullets before chowing down on their corpses to craft new weapons, unlock new abilities and special attacks, and transform into a powerful Zombro form to smash foes. Explore four character classes and a skill tree based on your diet – and remember, you are what you eat! You Are What You Eat How you play is driven by how you choose to eat. The carnivorous Gorivore or vegan Slaughterer of the Soil that have their own unique abilities and perks, changing how you defeat enemies and navigate levels. Customize your character with every choice and every bite. Maximize your build for your playstyle, run the world again with a different diet for a new challenge, and team up with a friend in co-op to ramp up the bullets and the calories.

Faeria, the collectible card game meets living board game, is out today on Xbox One with full cross-play! Faeria has enjoyed a devoted PC gamer following, and we’re happy to launch on Xbox One where all players can meet each other regardless of platform. Build your deck, shape the battlefield, summon mystical creatures, and defeat your opponents in epic battles!

With its humble beginnings as a board game in the early 2010’s, Faeria later became one of the first online multiplayer card games out there. In an age when Magic Online was the gold standard for the genre, Faeria broke the mold by introducing the concept of a “living board.” This unique blend of turn-based strategy and collectible cards made the game stand out in ways others could not.

A one-time purchase collectible card game

Let’s fast forward a few years. Faeria, through support and backing from its players, is now being released on PC in a completely new arena of online card games. Hearthstone, the hugely popular card game from Blizzard, is now the big player on the digital card game scene. A renaissance is taking place in the CCG genre. In this new world, Faeria decided to distance itself from the standard “microtransaction” business model and instead focus on a “buy it once and you’re done” philosophy. This isn’t very common practice for digital card games, as some arguably predatory practices have gradually become more acceptable.

Finally being released on Xbox One, it is a strategy game that has stood the test of time. Unique in both its gameplay and business model, it certainly stands out.

What is Faeria?

Faeria is a strategy game, mixed with a card game, mixed with a board game. It takes place in an original fantasy universe on what is called a “living board,” which means each player builds the landscape as they go. Each game starts on a completely empty ocean. It’s up to the players to build the terrain around them, where once there was nothing.

The lands you build – be they mountains, forests, deserts, or lakes – dictate the type of cards you are able to play, and therefore the types of decks you are able to craft. You decide how many lands and of what type you want to build.

Do you want to summon big giant tree creatures? You’re going to need a lot of forests. Want to jump around with some frogs? Make some lakes. Devils shooting fireballs? Mountains.

You can even combine any combination of colors. You can make mountains and lakes to summon a fire-breathing frog, for example.

Hundreds of hours of content

While Faeria completely supports multiplayer with a ranked mode and even hosts official tournaments, there are over a hundred hours of single player content that meticulously teach you every aspect of the game. Do you like puzzles? You’re covered. You can complete your entire collection in under 50 hours of play, and then go on to collect pieces of lore and other cosmetics from daily missions. You really never even have to touch multiplayer to enjoy this game fully.

Basically, if you like board games, and you like card games – Faeria is the game for you.

Faeria

Versus Evil

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

With its unique living board, Faeria will challenge you with truly strategic card battles. Craft your deck, shape the battlefield, and fight for victory! A strategy game like no other. Build exciting decks and shape the battlefield as you fight epic battles. Raise mountains, build forests, fill lakes, or harness the sands of the deserts. You choose your own path to victory. Enjoy 100+ hours of solo content, co-operative missions, and puzzles! Explore a vast array of challenges that reward you in return. Journey through the Oversky and defeat devious World Bosses – or even play enemy AI in draft mode! Enter Pandora, Faeria’s unique draft mode that where your deck-building skills are put to the ultimate test. Choose to play against the AI or put your deck to the ultimate test in PVP. Earn rewards based on how well you do. It’s the perfect way to increase your collection, or just have fun!

Hey everyone!

Today I’m extremely thrilled to reveal the newest addition to the popular Bus Simulator franchise: Bus Simulator 21. Discover new officially licensed bus brands, fresh features as well as a brand-new open world set in the United States! Get ready for the richest game of the series to date with numerous officially licensed buses by world-famous brands such as Alexander Dennis. More brands and buses will be revealed at a later point in time. The most modern vehicle fleet awaits you featuring the introduction of a double decker and electric buses for the very first time.

Discover Angel Shores, inspired by the sunny San Francisco Bay Area, and drive the American Dream in this fresh setting. Explore the industrial district, the peripheral areas, downtown or Chinatown in an even larger open world, and live your best life as a bus driver. In case you are feeling homesick, you can still revisit Seaside Valley from the current Bus Simulator containing also the new districts provided with the Official Map Extension.

Create and evaluate your own route network in the cooperative multiplayer and build up your transport empire together with your friends. Experience even more freedom with the game’s refined management systems, numerous new and expanded features, and the option of setting up detailed timetables for your own bus fleet for the first time ever. If you do not feel like taking care of your company’s micromanagement and prefer to only drive, just like a true bus enthusiast, you can have the reliable AI handle all the planning tasks.

With Bus Simulator 21 you can look forward to the fullest bus driving experience we have ever built. We are eagerly awaiting the release in 2021 to embrace you on the streets of Angel Shores. For more information, please visit our official website: https://bus21.bussimulator-game.com

Today, we announced updates to Halo Infinite’s launch timing. Our vision at Xbox and 343 Industries has always been to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever for our fans, while also balancing the team’s well-being.  To do that, we will need some more time to finish the critical work necessary to launch Halo Infinite, which will come in 2021.

We have plenty to keep you busy until Chief arrives: There will be thousands of games to play, spanning four generations, when Xbox Series X launches globally this November and over 100 optimized for Xbox Series X titles, built to take full advantage of our most powerful console, are planned for this year. And with brand new console features like hardware-accelerated Direct X raytracing, framerates up to 120 frames per second, faster loading times, and Quick Resume for multiple games, playing will look and feel better, no matter which games you choose to play on day one.

A shared library of great games through Xbox Game Pass

Hundreds of developers are at work on new games for Xbox Series X that will raise the bar for fidelity, speed and immersion; and the best way to discover new games will be with Xbox Game Pass. Game Pass delivers a curated library of content across console and PC, including all games from Xbox Game Studios the day they launch, for one low monthly price. Beginning September 15^th, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will also be able to play more than 100 games from the cloud on their Android phone or tablet, enabling them to take their console gaming on the go.  Experiences you expect on Xbox consoles such as your friends list, achievements, controller settings and saved game progress all come with you when you play on mobile. 

Play thousands of games across four generations of content

Playing your favorite games and franchises across four generations of Xbox was a key tenet for us in the next generation of console gaming. This commitment means that you will have access to thousands of titles across four generations of content – from Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Our back compat team continues to develop new innovations that can be applied to a curated list of titles that will enhance them even further than was possible when they were originally created.  These optimizations include the ability to render titles with increased resolutions up to 4K, delivering new HDR reconstruction techniques to games that were developed years before HDR came into existence, applying anisotropic filtering to improve image quality, and creating ways to increase or double the frame rate of certain titles.

Whether you’ve played for years or have just recently picked up a controller, we can’t wait for you to see and feel the first big step into gaming’s next generation with Xbox Series X this November.

The Irid Novo space colony and research center has become somewhat of a legend in the rest of the galaxy. Due to its proximity to black hole Sagittarius Prime, nobody can know what really happens on board. Has the experiment been a success? Is the colony thriving? Or did something go wrong? Millions of prayers carry on through deep space to reach the brave pioneers who dedicated their lives to find new answers about life, energy and their origin. Here is a rare peak at some of the many secrets, tricks and intricacies that Irid Novo hides from anyone but the few. Read carefully, and you might just have a chance at surviving some of the countless dangers of Hellpoint.

The first thing you’ll realize as you emerge from your primordial soup is that you are on your own. No map, no compass, no light. You will have to make your way by yourself, remember landmarks and find shortcuts to new grounds, and combat whatever monstrosities lurk in the shadows. You’ll get lost, a lot, but embrace it, as any piece of evidence you will find and every achievement you accomplish (named “Data” in the game) will bring you closer to the end, whatever path you choose to take. Hellpoint is built in a strange way that creates no bottleneck whatsoever, the whole world is open for you to explore and there is always a new place to discover and a new secret to find.

There is value in veering off the beaten path. Look for conspicuous walls that hide entirely new levels. Otherwise, you might only experiment half of the game. You can jump to climb on platforms that will bring you to unseen areas, so look up and down at possible secret paths. Hellpoint’s handcrafted level design offers tons of treacherous dungeons, city streets, suspended skyscrapers, alien temples, radioactive caverns and much, much more. That is, for those who dare to take the journey.

You might notice the bizarre clock thing located at the top left corner of the game HUD. This represents the location of the space station around the black hole orbit. During the “day”, each level of the station will receive the beam of the black hole once, and pass through the accretion ring that surrounds the black hole twice. This unlocks a variety of events on board the station, like mini-bosses appearances, enemy horde assaults and of course, secret passages. The Arcology level is a humongous city with skyscrapers encrusted with giant concentration rings, designed to react to the black hole position in the sky. But in order to make them operational, you must find the correct codes to calibrate them. Once two rings are aligned properly, a uber secret area will open at the right time in a different area of the world. Can you find them all?

Hellpoint offers a flexible weapon customization system that rewards both dedication and experimentation. Every weapon in the game has an XP bar that increases the more you dish damage with them, to show that your character is becoming more familiar with their particular fight style. This eventually unlocks passive and active abilities, like backstabs, lethal dodge or weapon throw. Everything on Irid Novo is quite old and decrepit, but using a weapon crafting station you’ll be able to restore some weapons to their former glory, or further corrupt them into truly demonic versions, so that you can access a different set of abilities. To further upgrade your weapon, you can implant a “conductor” on it that will greatly boost their efficiency based on the stats of your character. This allows you to add elemental damages to your weapon like Entropy or Radioactivity. If you find a new weapon that tickles your fancy, and you will, simply take the conductor off your previous weapon and implant it into the new one. That way you can try as many weapons as you like during one playthrough and remain deadly on the battlefield.

We hope to see you in great numbers exploring the depth of Irid Novo, either by yourself or with a split screen friend, or online across the world. Beware the singularity!

Hellpoint

tinyBuild

☆☆☆☆☆ 99

★★★★★

Hellpoint is a dark and challenging action RPG set in a heavily atmospheric sci-fi universe where the line between science and occultism is blurred. Once a pinnacle of human achievement, the Irid Novo space station has fallen. Its ruins are now overrun by cruel interdimensional entities acting as puppets of the malevolent Cosmic Gods. You have been created by the Author, organically printed on Irid Novo and sent on a mission to find out the unholy series of events that led to the catastrophic incident known as the Merge. – Irid Novo is a massive interconnected world full of mysteries, hidden passages and secrets within secrets – all for you to explore in any order you like. More dread and shivers awaits you as you travel deeper into the darkest corner of this forsaken colony. – Dozens of melee and ranged weapons and armor pieces to suit your playstyle. Every weapon has unique special abilities that unlock the more you fight with them. – A fascinating new sci fi universe reminiscent of classic sci-fi movies, set in the aftermath of a massive quantum cataclysm and complete with a deep lore and goosebump inducing soundtrack. – The space station orbits in real time around an ominous black hole that triggers various dynamic events such as boss appearances, horde assaults as well as modified enemy stats and positions. – If you are struggling, ask a friend to press Start to join in a couch coop session, or call for assistance online. The entire game can be completed uninterrupted in coop. The loot is shared, and the experience of local player two is saved and not watered down.

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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Footballers often become scholars in later life, coining memorable phrases that make us smile, reminisce, and even shape our own impact on the game. Women’s US footballing legend, Briana Scurry is credited with saying that “Champions… are always… Read more

Test Your Reasoning Skills with Seasons of the Samurai, Available Now as Xbox Play Anywhere Title
No guns. No bad guys. No blood. It’s just you against the machine. Seasons of the Samurai is a series of puzzles set in medieval Japan that challenges you to use your brain in new and unexpected ways. Don’t worry, you are a samurai with special powers… Read more

Next Week on Xbox: August 10 – 14
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox, where we cover all the new games coming soon to Xbox One and Windows 10 PC! Every week the team at Xbox aims to deliver quality gaming content for you to enjoy. To find out what’s coming soon to Xbox… Read more

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox, where we cover all the new games coming soon to Xbox One and Windows 10 PC! Every week the team at Xbox aims to deliver quality gaming content for you to enjoy. To find out what’s coming soon to Xbox, read on below and click on each of the game profiles for pre-order details (dates are subject to change).

Brunch Club – August 11

A 1-4 player food fight frenzy, with a seasoning of pop culture. Work together to complete a selection of delicious challenges. Test your ability to remain calm in the kitchen with your friends and be prepared to try, try, and try again! Order a side of arcade action with a range of mini games from two player versus mode in Face Off, to building bridges in Five Second Rule keeping your food off the dirty surfaces.

Car Mechanic Simulator Classic – August 11

Become a car mechanic who must diagnose, make repairs, order the necessary parts, and contact the demanding customers. The tasks set for the player are not the easiest ones — there are more than seventy-variety of scenarios in total. The creators supplied several vehicles and hundreds of elements, so finding the defect itself can be problematic – yet very satisfying.

Escape From Tethys – August 12

Xbox One X Enhanced – You’re trapped, alone, and cold on a distant planet. Pursued by a droid with only one purpose: killing everything. You must find an escape. Explore the hostile environment, find secret upgrades and new weapons, and finally make your escape from this dark, hostile planet. In this action adventure metroidvania.

Hyper Scape – August 11

An urban futuristic free-to-play battle royale where 100 Contenders engage in FPS close-quarters and fast-paced matches to become the next global superstar. Fight your way through the 7 unique districts of Neo Arcadia, a virtual city featuring imposing landmarks that bring verticality to the next level. From sky-scraping towers to open plazas, from streets to rooftops, Neo Arcadia will push you to constantly adapt to your surroundings.

Metamorphosis: Xbox Edition – August 12

Play as Gregor, turned into a tiny bug, and set out on an extraordinary journey to unravel the mystery of your transformation. Metamorphosis is a first-person adventure set in a surrealist world where your newfound abilities are your last and only hope for redemption.

Prehistoric Dude – August 12

A mini metroidvania game during the stone age which tells the story of Dude, a friendly caveman who loves ham! Explore three different scenarios while looking for Dude’s delicious lunch! Face enemies, master obstacles, learn new skills and make Dude even stronger!

Zero Strain – August 12

Zero Strain is a fast-paced shooter set in a series of top-down arenas, where strategic use of offense and defense are critical to surviving each challenge. MOBA elements mixed with frenetic shoot’em up action for a unique and rewarding experience in neon wireframe presentation.

The Alto Collection – August 13

Xbox One X Enhanced – Join Alto and friends as they set out on the adventure of a lifetime. Race down alpine slopes, over windswept dunes, through ancient woodlands and the long-forgotten ruins of both critically acclaimed titles: Alto’s Adventure and Alto’s Odyssey. Along the way you’ll pull off daring backflips, grind over rooftops, and leap over vast chasms as you journey to discover what mysteries lie beyond the horizon.

The Ambassador: Fractured Timelines – August 13

A twin-stick fantasy shooter centered around the ability to stop time. You’ll play as Gregor, a newly recruited member of the Eternal Fellowship, and an Ambassador of Time. Just as you are learning to use your newfound powers, the Fellowship’s capital city is mysteriously destroyed! As one of the only remaining fellows, you must find those responsible and return Tamaris to its former glory.

Boomerang Fu – August 13

Slice and dice your friends with boomerangs in this frantic physics party game. Join a crew of your favorite foods as you grill, chill, and spill your enemies. Discover ridiculous power-ups and stack them together in deadly combinations.

Darkestville Castle – August 13

Live the adventure of Cid, the demon of Darkestville, a laid-back being of pure darkness that will see his evil routine life disrupted by The Romero brothers, a group of demon hunters hired by Dan Teapot, Cid’s arch enemy. Follow CId through an epic quest full of danger, intrigue, and ridiculous premises in this point-and-click adventure game.

Faeria – August 13

With its unique living board, Faeria will challenge you with truly strategic card battles. Craft your deck, shape the battlefield, and fight for victory with this strategy game like no other. Build exciting decks and shape the battlefield as you fight epic battles. Raise mountains, build forests, fill lakes, or harness the sands of the deserts. Choose your path to victory.

Through the Darkest of Times – August 13

Berlin 1933. Unspeakable horrors and suffering sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.

Bite the Bullet – August 14

In this roguelite RPG shooter, you must eat enemies, bullets, and more to power-up your character, weapons, and abilities. Gun down zombies, robots, and giant mutant bosses with a barrage of bullets before chowing down on their corpses to craft new weapons, unlock new abilities and special attacks, and transform into a powerful Zombro form to smash foes.

Cooking Simulator – August 14

Take control of a highly polished, realistic kitchen equipped with all kinds of utensils and stands. Unlock and master over 60 recipes or use dozens of lifelike ingredients to cook everything you like. A simulator spiced up with a dash of real-life physics!

Dying Light: Hellraid – August 14

No one knows where the strange arcade machine came from. One day the residents of the Tower just found it in the basement after an odd power outage. They took it upstairs unaware that their find is a gateway to another realm. Shake up your Dying Light experience by using this eerie device to access a completely new game mode based on Techland’s currently-on-hold first-person fantasy slasher Hellraid.

EA Sports UFC 4 – August 14

In EA Sports UFC 4, the fighter you become is shaped by your fighting style, your achievements, and your personality. No matter how or where you play, EA Sports UFC 4 puts you at the center of every fight. Pre-Order UFC 4 today and receive exclusive fighters like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, plus exclusive customization packs.

The Explorer of Night – August 14

A minimalist platformer, where you need to help the main character to get out of the forest, inhabited by unfriendly enemies and dangerous traps. In the game you will find interesting puzzles, boss fights and cute story.

Linn: Path of Orchards – August 14

Step out of your conventional platforming habits and delve into the dynamic and rotating world of Linn, a modern puzzle platformer set in a fantastic and mysterious ancient world. You are in control of Aban, an exotic guardian of nature, on her journey through a lost sky temple. Help Aban on her divine mission to rejuvenate the ancient Tree of Light.

Of Tanks and Demons III – August 14

A new game with the vibe of classic arcades of 80s. Collect photons, shoot demons, buy new tanks, and improve them – but don’t solely rely on brute force. Sometimes you need to outsmart your enemy, not just outgun them with bullets.

Curve Digital invites you to jump into another Hotshot Racing playtest this weekend from Friday, August 7 @ 1 PM PT (8 PM GMT) to Monday, August 10 @ 10 AM PM PT (5 PM GMT).

Hotshot Racing is a blisteringly fast arcade-style racing game fusing drift handling, razor-sharp retro visuals and an incredible sense of speed to create an exhilarating driving experience.

16 racing circuits provide the twists, turns and straights conducive to searingly quick racing. Take in coastal, jungle, alpine and Las Vegas desert environments, with each course modelled with the most vivid colours and blue skies for miles.

Time Trial and Grand Prix modes cater to those who like to compete in classic racing formats, while ‘Cops and Robbers’ and ‘Drive or Explode’ modes offer exhilarating new ways to play.

Each mode is available in single-player, four-player split-screen and eight-player online, while Time Trial is single-player only. Single-player modes run at a blistering 60FPS to deliver one of the fastest depictions of racing possible.

Smash lap records to rise-up the global online leaderboards or download ghost laps to match your racing lines against the very best.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

1. On your Xbox One console, sign-in and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (or install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if needed).
2. Navigate to Insider content > Games > Hotshot Racing: Demo.
3. Select Join.
4. Wait for the registration to complete to be directed to the Store and install the Hotshot Racing: Demo.

If you encounter any issues, please submit feedback via Report a problem (hold down the Xbox button on your controller and select Report a problem from the power menu). Please submit feedback under Category > Games and Subcategory > Hotshot Racing.

Thanks for being an Xbox Insider! For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter and join the community subreddit for support and updates.