The IGN Community Awards 2025

“For those who come after.” It’s a simple but effective phrase from this year’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, one that was stuck in the minds of many for nearly an entire year. But although Expedition 33 won the hearts of many, it was far from alone. 2025 saw the release of the hotly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, and with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 we got a new Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and the sequel to IGN’s 2020 Game of the Year, Hades 2. Over in the world of entertainment we got plenty of great movies like Superman, Sinners, Weapons, and possibly the best Predator movie ever in Predator: Badlands.

Every year, across all forms of media, there are situations where critics and audiences either agree or disagree. That’s never going to change, we’re talking about opinions, after all, although this year we definitely saw more alignment than normal. Every year, we ask you all to vote on each of our award categories, and many of our awards have gone to the games, shows, and movies that you chose, too. That’s a great sign that our thoughts and opinions are aligned with our community’s.

But what did you vote for? Here are the complete results for each Community Award, voted on by you, the IGN community (Results finalized at 12/20 12AM ET).

Best Sci-Fi or Fantasy Movie 2025

Winner: Predator: Badlands (33.1% of the votes)

Best Comic Book or Graphic Novel

Winner: Batman: Dark Patterns (40.4% of votes)

Best Anime of 2025

Winner: Dan Da Dan (49.4% of votes)

Best Action-Adventure Game of 2025

Winner: Ghost of Yotei (29.6% of the votes)

Best Horror Movie of 2025

Winner: Sinners (41.5% of votes)

Best Playstation Game of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (43.6% of votes)

Best RPG of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (66.8% of votes)

Best Nintendo Game of 2025

Winner: Donkey Kong Bananza (49.9% of votes)

Best Xbox Game of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (60.2% of votes)

Best PC Game of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (51.2% of votes)

Best Strategy Game of 2025

Winner: Anno 117: Pax Romana (25.5% of votes)

Best Puzzle Game of 2025

Winner: Blue Prince (72.9% of votes)

Best Roguelike Game of 2025

Winner: Hades 2 (57.2% of votes)

Best Action Game of 2025

Winner: Hades 2 (58.8% of votes)

Best Shooter Game of 2025

Winner: Arc Raiders (28.3% of votes)

Best Superhero Movie of 2025

Winner: Superman (57.3% of votes)

Best TV Show of 2025

Winner: Andor (38.0% of votes)

Best TV Episode of 2025

Winner: Andor Season 2, Episode 8 – “Who Are You?” (46.9% of votes)

Best Ensemble Cast in a TV Show or Movie of 2025

Winner: Andor Season 2 (39.9%)

Best Performer in a TV show or Movie

Winner: Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma, Andor) (29.2% of votes)

Best Performer in a Movie of 2025

Winner: Michael B. Jordan (Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, Sinners) (36.8% of votes)

Best Ensemble Cast in a Video Game of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (65.2% of votes)

Best Performance in a Video Game of 2025

Winner: Jennifer English (Maelle, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) (36.5% of votes)

Best Video Game Music/Score of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (67.5% of votes)

Best Art Direction in a Video Game of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (58.5% of votes)

Best Remake or Remastered Game of 2025

Winner: The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered (34.6% of votes)

Best Movie of 2025

Winner: Sinners (24.7% of votes)

Best Game of 2025

Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (50.8% of votes)

Thank you to everyone who participated in our community-voted awards categories this year. In 17 of the 23 categories, the winner garnered over 40% of the total votes, showing a sense of unity on what you found to be your favorites in 2025. Clair Obscur, as expected by many, ran the gauntlet to win all nine of the categories it was nominated in. Meanwhile, Andor was a huge audience favorite, sweeping all four of the categories around TV. The win by the most narrow margin goes to Predator: Badlands, which took home the win for Best Sci-fi or Fantasy Movie over Frankenstein by only 1.1%, while Blue Prince won by the biggest margin, taking home over 72% of votes in the Best Puzzle Game category. Thank you again to everyone who voted. And now, with big games like GTA 6, Marvel’s Wolverine, and other major releases on the horizon, we look forward to seeing how 2026 turns out and learning your favorites this time next year.

Keepin’ It Clean

Throughout the year, we have been monitoring those who do not foster a positive experience here at IGN. We remove the most problematic users regularly to improve everyone’s overall experience. But we also use this time, before the end of the year, as an opportunity to remove those who were given more time to see if their infractions throughout the year was part of a pattern, or if they were potentially just someone having a bad day or week. So, in addition to recognizing the users who uplifted our community, we have also removed several users who have consistently violated our community guidelines. These banned accounts are those who have engaged in hate speech, harassment, or other toxic behaviors. We know these actions are not always popular, but they are necessary in our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone at IGN.

As we continue to build upon our community, we will continue to monitor and address any problematic behavior to ensure that our community remains a positive and inclusive place for everyone. We can create a respectful, supportive, and enjoyable community by working together.

We appreciate our readers who regularly make us their home for gaming, entertainment, and more. We are excited to continue building and improving together in the coming months and years. Once again, thank you to all of you who regularly do your best to create a positive experience on IGN.

Jada Griffin is IGN’s Community Lead. If she’s not engaging with users here, chances are she’s developing her own games, maxing the Luck stat in her favorite games, or challenging her D&D players with Intense combat or masterful puzzles. You can follow her on Bluesky @Jadarina.bsky.social

Review: Despelote (Switch) – An Irresistible And Appropriately Beautiful Game

Back of the net.

Editor’s note: This game launched in North America on 11th December, but won’t hit European eShops until 13th January.


For some, football is something to play; for some, it’s something to watch; for others, it’s something to be scared of in the playground. But in 2001, in Ecuador, football meant just about everything to just about everyone. At least, that’s the story told by Despelote, a game that conjures the magic of childhood and football fever and makes it captivatingly relatable.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

I tried to be heartless in Dispatch, but its characters had too much heart to let me

I went into Dispatch with a goal in mind: Be a hard-ass. Seeing the trailers for Adhoc’s revival of Telltale’s signature cinematic, choice-focused story games, I figured it would be fun to roleplay its lead, Robert Robertson, as a straight-shooting boss who only deals in tough love.

I used to play every Telltale game with a character arc in mind, largely to see whether they could bend enough to allow my interpretation. And Dispatch’s world of superheroes caught in the corporate machine handed me the perfect set-up for my story.

Read more

Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th December)

Ho, ho, ho!

Ah yes, the weekend. Not just any ol’ weekend either! No, it’s the weekend before Christmas, which means it’s time to start preparing your stomachs for an avalanche of food and chocolate.

This week in the world of Nintendo, it seems that there may be an alternative to those ruddy Game Key Cards after an announcement from ININ Games. We also received a lovely new Switch 2 Edition of Divinity: Original Sin 2 from Larian Studios, so hopefully this is a little precursor of things to come from the acclaimed developer.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Marvel Cosmic Invasion “Bug-Blasting Patch” Update For Switch And Switch 2 Now Live

“We’re back to take out the bugs”.

Following the release of the beat ’em up Marvel Cosmic Invasion on the Switch and Switch 2 earlier this month, a new update for the title has now been rolled out.

According to the development team, this new update is packed with fixes and quality-of-life tweaks. There’s also plenty of “bug-blasting” in this latest patch. Here’s the full rundown, via the game’s Steam page:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Splatoon 3’s Annual In-Game Event Frosty Fest Returns Early Next Year

“Who do you spend the holidays with?”.

Although Nintendo ended Splatoon 3‘s “regular updates” some time ago now, it’s been revived this year with the release of a free Switch 2 update and some major game patches.

Now, as 2025 comes to a close, the return of Frosty Fest has been announced. This time the question is: Who do you spend the holidays with? Is it with your friends, family or solo?

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Every Mario Game on Nintendo Switch in 2025

As one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters, Mario is everywhere on the Switch. The plumber has had multiple releases every year since the system first came out with no signs of stopping, even as we head further into the Switch 2 era. Some of the best Mario games ever have launched on the Switch, like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

From 3D platformers to the newest versions of Mario Kart, here’s every Mario game available on the Switch and Switch 2, as well as upcoming Mario games set to launch on the new system.

How Many Mario Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?

A total of 21 Mario games have been released for Nintendo Switch. This spans from the launch of the system in March 2017 to the present day. Below, we’ve compiled each of the original Mario titles available on Switch. Keep in mind that this list won’t include games that are a part of Nintendo Switch Online.

All Mario Switch Games in Order of Release Date

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)

The first Mario game on Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, brought together all Mario Kart 8 had to offer on Wii U in one package. The game has gone on to receive a handful of new characters and 48 new tracks through the Booster Course Pass DLC. It is the best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch, partially thanks to a Black Friday bundle that has been discontinued.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2017)

A unique partnership between Ubisoft and Nintendo, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle brought together the worlds of Super Mario and the Rabbids. A turn-based strategy system was implemented to allow you to control Mario and friends around each map to take down enemy Rabbids.

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey is a revolutionary release that reinvented and transformed the 3D Mario formula forever. You travel with Mario across all sorts of kingdoms to stop Bowser’s plans to hold a wedding with Princess Peach. The big new feature of Super Mario Odyssey is the addition of Cappy, Mario’s trusty cap. With Cappy, you can capture and transform into all sorts of enemies, allowing for a wide variety of gameplay. It’s arguably the best Super Mario game to ever be released.

Mario Tennis Aces (2018)

Mario Tennis Aces was the first Mario sports title to release for Switch. The game had a large focus on its Adventure Mode, which was the first story mode in a Mario Tennis title since the Game Boy Advance’s Mario Tennis: Power Tour. Content was released frequently after launch, with a total of 30 unique characters available to choose from.

Super Mario Party (2018)

The first Mario Party title for Nintendo Switch is Super Mario Party, which was coined as a refresh of the beloved series. Contrary to Mario Party 10, this game brought back to turn-based boards for the first time since Mario Party 9. Over 80 minigames are available with a handful of modes to play with friends.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019)

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe hit Switch in early 2019. This package combines New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U into one bundle. Between the two games, there are a ton of levels available for you to play through. Additionally, new playable characters Toadette and Nabbit were added to this Deluxe package.

Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)

The exciting follow up to the hit Wii U title, Super Mario Maker 2 implemented new tools like slopes, on/off blocks, seesaws, vertical areas, water levels, and more. Additionally, a style based on Super Mario 3D World is available to create courses with, allowing for items like the Cat Powerup and Clear Pipes to be used. A Master Sword powerup was even added, which transforms you into Link.

Mario & Sonic at The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (2019)

A staple series with each year of the Olympic Games, Mario & Sonic at The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 released for Switch in November 2019. A story mode featuring Mario, Sonic, Bowser, and Dr. Eggman is available, in addition to online play with events. A total of 32 different characters are available to choose from. It’s one of the many Switch Sonic games worth adding to your collection.

Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)

The main Paper Mario release for Nintendo Switch was released in July 2020. Paper Mario: The Origami King features a unique puzzle battle system that involves rotating rings to line up enemies. Like previous Paper Mario titles, The Origami King was developed by Intelligent Systems.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020)

A collection of three 3D Mario titles, Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a limited release that celebrated the 35th Anniversary. It bundles together Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy into one package. Both Sunshine and Galaxy received substantial resolution upgrades with this collection’s release.

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020)

You might have forgotten about this game, but Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit hit Nintendo Switch in 2020. The game utilizes AR technology to allow you to create Mario Kart tracks in real life with RC cars. The game combines the environment around you with the world of Mario Kart, featuring coins, powerups, and other racers to go up against.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021)

The Wii U’s 3D Mario title made its way to the Switch in 2021, with an enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World. A new mode, Bowser’s Fury, was added as a part of the package. Bowser’s Fury brought a brand-new take on the 3D Mario formula, opting for one large, open sandbox environment.

Mario Golf: Super Rush (2021)

Developed by Camelot, Mario Golf: Super Rush released in June 2021. A story mode is featured, where you level up your Mii character across different courses. Multiple new modes were introduced with Super Rush, like Speed Golf where you run across the course to hit the ball into the hole as fast as you can. It’s one of the best golf games on the Switch.

Mario Party Superstars (2021)

Mario Party Superstars is a classic take on the Mario Party formula, bringing back older boards from the Nintendo 64 titles. One hundred minigames were featured in this release, with returning favorites from prior games. Additionally, Nintendo and NDcube finally opened up online play for all modes.

Mario Strikers: Battle League (2022)

The first Mario Strikers game in more than 15 years, Mario Strikers: Battle League was developed by Next Level Games and released in June 2022. Plenty of new characters and abilities were made, with eight-player multiplayer added as well. The highlight of Battle League is the Strikers Club, which allows you to create clubs with up to 20 other players and take on competing clubs.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (2022)

The sequel to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope completely revitalizes the combat system. The game opts for an open approach to combat rather than the Grid system found in Kingdom Battle. New characters like Rosalina and Edge join the battle in an action-packed adventure that spans the cosmos.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the latest 2D Mario game in the Super Mario Bros. series. It introduced the Wonder Flower, a unique mechanic that allows everything you know about a Mario level to flip on its head and surprise you. A total of 12 characters are playable through more than 100 unique levels.

Super Mario RPG (2023)

Released in late 2023, Super Mario RPG, is a remake of the classic SNES title of the same name. The wacky and colorful title recreates each of the unique characters, environments, and battles with exquisite detail. Even composer Yoko Shimomura returned to recreate the magical original soundtrack with modern orchestration! If you are looking for a good game like Paper Mario, this is basically the original Paper Mario.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remake of the 2004 GBA game of the same name. It’s a puzzle-platform game that brings the the Donkey Kong and Mario franchises together once again for entertaining gameplay.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)

The Nintendo Switch remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the most faithful remake of the original GameCube sequel to Paper Mario that released in 2004. The graphics are upgraded to give the characters and their environments a bigger pop of color, but the comedy threaded into the game’s plot remains a classic. It’s arguably the best Paper Mario game there has ever been.

Super Mario Party Jamboree (2024)

The third Mario Party game of the Switch generation, Super Mario Party Jamboree is the series’ biggest entry to date with 22 playable characters, seven game boards, and over 110 minigames across its various single- and multiplayer modes. Jamboree notably intrdouces the Jamboree Buddies mechanic, which allows you to compete for companions through more complex minigames called Showdowns.

Super Mario Party Jamboree was also one of the select games that got an enhanced edition for the Switch 2. This enhanced edition is called “Jamboree TV” and incorporates the Switch 2’s mouse, voice, and camera features… to varying results.

Mario and Luigi: Brothership (2024)

The most recent Mario game isn’t just dedicated to one brother: Brothership launched in November as the first mainline “Mario and Luigi” game from Nintendo since 2015’s Paper Jam. With a fresh new artstyle, gibberish voicelines, and even some turn-based combat, Brothership lets you take control of both brothers to restore the land of Concordia. And while our Mario and Luigi: Brothership review did say the game “feels designed specifically for ages six to 12 rather than ages six to 66,” that could make this game a great gift or entry point for younger gamers.

Mario Kart World (2025) *Switch 2 Exclusive

The newest Mario game brings us into the world of the Switch 2: a new Mario Kart game launched alongside alongside (and bundled with) the new console on June 5. Mario Kart World introduces free roaming, weather conditions, and double the amount of racers on each track. That means tons of playable characters, including the Moo Moo Meadows Cow.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2025)

Originally released during the Wii generation, Super Mario Galaxy was, in my opinion, an absolute peak moment for 3D Mario. This peak was somehow surpassed with Super Mario Galaxy 2, which we described as “the pinnacle of Mario games” in our 10/10 review. Now, both games have made their way to Switch consoles in a new bundle with boosted resolution quality, UI improvements, and an in-game music player. Yippee!

Available Mario Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

If you’re looking to play some classic Mario games, there are quite a few available to play on the Nintendo Switch if you have a Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Here is every Mario game currently available:

  • Mario Party
  • Mario Party 2
  • Mario Party 3
  • Super Mario Advance
  • Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World
  • Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island
  • Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
  • Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga
  • Mario Kart Super Circuit
  • Mario Kart 64
  • Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
  • Mario Golf
  • Paper Mario
  • Super Mario 64
  • Mario Tennis
  • Dr. Mario 64
  • Super Mario All-Stars
  • Super Mario World
  • Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
  • Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
  • Mario Bros.
  • Super Mario Bros. 2
  • Super Mario Bros. 3
  • Dr. Mario
  • Mario Paint

Upcoming Mario Games on the Switch 2

We’ve officially entered the Switch 2 era, and the latest Nintendo Direct in September has given us our first look at upcoming Mario games for the new console. While we still haven’t gotten an update on a new 3D Mario platformer (besides the Super Mario Galaxy port listed above), Nintendo did announce Mario Tennis Fever. The new tennis game is already up for preorder but won’t hit the console until February 2, 2026. We also learned that Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be getting a new Switch 2 edition with a multiplayer expansion next spring.

Outside of the games themselves, we know that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be releasing on April 3, 2026. With that in mind we’d expect news of a new 3D Mario platformer around the same time as the film.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium. His favorite series include Xeno and Final Fantasy.

“A Really Good Experience” – Digital Foundry Dives Into Switch 2’s Final Fantasy VII Remake Demo

“They’ve done an amazing job”.

Square Enix had a holiday treat in store for us earlier this week, when it dropped the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade demo on the Switch 2 eShop. Before the full game launches next year, you can now get an idea of what to expect by playing through the iconic opening sequence for free.

But how does it hold up from a technical standpoint? Here to answer that very question are the experts from Digital Foundry, who have been diving into the demo to see what it can muster.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Gifts Co-op Festive Frights on Xbox Series X|S Today

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Gifts Co-op Festive Frights on Xbox Series X|S Today

Outbreak key art

This year’s festive feast is being served with an extra heaping of zombie flesh!  My name is Julia Wolbach, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dead Drop Studios.  I’m overjoyed to welcome you to the doomed city of Cypress Ridge just in time for the holidays because Outbreak: Shades of Horror is releasing on Xbox Series X|S today!

Unwrap Your Very Bloody Gift

When you dive into Outbreak: Shades of Horror, you’ll discover a full course of content awaiting you.  You can enjoy every morsel of it in single player or in online four-player co-op, and you can swap between first-person and third-person views at any time.  Access action-packed modes and mini-games from Cypress Reel, which functions as both a hub world and as a lobby in multiplayer.  We’ve included two prequel campaigns playable both online and offline: Chromatic Split Enhanced Edition, a classic Survival Horror adventure rebuilt from the ground up with new content, and Trials of Hank, a new, frenetic thrill ride you have to play to believe.  Feeling lonely? Optionally enable AI teammates to aid you in your struggle to endure our Invasion and Raid modes. You can even access a robust Photo Mode from anywhere in the game; share your favorite gory snapshots with your Xbox friends!

A Growing World & Adventure

Just when you think you’ve seen everything Cypress Ridge has to offer, think again!  At launch, Dinobreak will be our first featured game crossover event.  Explore a distinctive, sprawling Raid Mode map, obtain roaringly fun cosmetics, and take a few pictures at the special photo booth in Cypress Reel! Immerse yourself further by assuming the role of fan-favorite characters from the original game with the Dinobreak Crossover Character Pack DLC, also available today.

You can also expect regular seasonal events for even more cheeky chills.  To kick off release, we’re extending our Halloween seasonal event for Xbox players.  Unlock spooky cosmetics, and explore Farmer Clay’s Pumpkin Patch, a seasonal map with a gothic twist.  At the same time, prepare to brave the Winter Wonderland season, which will also be available at launch.  This season has its own gifts to offer; earn merry costume pieces and weapon skins, survive a frozen tundra in the Wordy’s Winter Wonderland map, and admire themed decorations in Cypress Reel.  We even have the technology to make it snow indoors!  What will future seasons have in store?  Stay tuned!

A Frightening Technical Delight on Xbox Series X|S

Outbreak: Shades of Horror is a dazzling visual treat on Xbox Series X|S.  This is one of the first Unreal Engine 5.6 titles leveraging Epic’s new technology to enable full ray tracing on console.  On Xbox Series X, the game runs at a higher fidelity and still maintains a buttery 60+ FPS.  You can utilize built-in graphics quality settings to tailor your experience; prioritize frame rate or activate higher fidelity options for features such volumetric lighting on your character’s flashlight, additional critters roaming the sleazy city streets, and breathtaking weather effects.  The lineup of diverse playable characters is designed with the latest metahuman bells and whistles; each Survivor is unique and carefully detailed, and with an abundance of mix-and-match cosmetics, there are endless dress-up possibilities. In 2026, you can look forward to Outbreak: Shades of Horror supporting Xbox Play Anywhere — blast the undead on console, mobile, and PC, and maintain your progress across all platforms!

The Fight of Your Life Begins Now

Do you have what it takes to escape Cypress Ridge with your life? Alongside today’s game launch, you can purchase the Dinobreak Crossover Character Pack DLC, which adds two additional, fully customizable characters to your roster.  To celebrate the beginning of the Winter Wonderland season, the free character Illena will be added for all players, bringing the default selection to thirteen. New to the world of Outbreak?  Catch up on the series with the Outbreak: Cypress Reel Ticket Collectionbundle, also available today.

Unwrap a new generation of salacious survival horror gameplay, either in single-player or in four-player online co-op, with the release of Outbreak: Shades of Horror, available now on Xbox Series X|S!

Outbreak: Shades of Horror

Dead Drop Studios LLC


$29.99

$23.99

BEWARE! Retro survival horror lives!
Outbreak: Shades of Horror is inspired by retro survival horror from the ’90s and ’00s! The title blends bleeding edge tech and modern gameplay mechanics with archaic concepts from the roots of survival horror, like a restricted inventory, heavy resource management, and crushing difficulty. If you’re an old hat, or a lover of the past, you’ll find a lot to love in the janky but crushing experience. If that’s not your jam, proceed with caution as this nightmare is unforgiving!

Welcome to Cypress Ridge!
Experience the harrowing beginning of a full-scale Zombie Apocalypse as it descends on the Midwestern city of Cypress Ridge. Start from the (relative) safety of the beloved local movie theater, Cypress Reel. Choose between a central cast of 9 characters, with loads more on the way, and then venture out into a city fundamentally changed with the goal to survive and outlast the mysterious horrors that have suddenly arisen?

Do You Want To Play a Game? Or maybe some shopping?
Between rounds of running and gunning, there is plenty to do at Cypress Reel. Shop ‘til you drop at Ferret’s Emporium, where you can earn new guns, weapon skins, and millions of different combos of clothing to customize your character just the way you like. If you are in the mood for a different kind of game, Cypress Reel Arcade has a vast array of small-scale mini modes to cleanse your palette before you go back to chasing zombie flesh. Can you survive the Boss Rush gauntlet? Will you be able to skip a creepy rural town in Looming Dread? Test your reflexes as you escape a flooding subway tunnel in Collapse! While short and sweet, these mini-games will put your skills through drills! Plus – with adjustable difficulties, there’s always new challenges to face.

Past Meets Present
Players will also have access to Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split, the original prologue to Shades of Horror, and an all new side story, Trials of Hank.

Shades of Horror: Chromatic Split Enhanced Edition: Enjoy the classic, three act prequel to the main game, now enhanced with new weapons, items, and mechanics. Can Lydia get essential information from her contact in the Cypress Ridge underground before it’s too late?

Trials of Hank: While Lydia is traversing the underground in Chromatic Split, fan-favorite Hank hits the rooftops in this over-the-top side campaign where the answers to all of life’s problems are lead, explosions, and more lead! Will Hank complete his mission, or will the monsters that haunt the Cypress Ridge skyline be too much for him to handle?

Challenges and Events: Seasonal and game-crossover events begin immediately with a Halloween celebration and DINOBREAK-themed content and cosmetics. Players can enjoy fun decorations in the theater, thrilling seasonal maps, special challenges to complete, and unique rewards to earn. In addition, test your mettle with Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Crossover and Seasonal challenges.

The post Outbreak: Shades of Horror Gifts Co-op Festive Frights on Xbox Series X|S Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.