Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 4 to 8

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Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 4 to 8

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


Tinkertown

Headup

Tinkertown – November 4

Grab a shovel, pickaxe, or sword and enter a realm full of treasures, magic, and dangers. A magical place awaits you, where you can let your imagination run wild. Create your little fantasy kingdom – from a cosy adventurer’s hut with a garden to small towns with their own parks.


Let’s Sing 2025

Plaion GmbH

Let’s Sing 2025 – November 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Let’s Sing 2025 brings the ultimate karaoke experience straight to your living room! Sing along with your family and friends to the latest hits, as well as a generous selection of all-time classics. Complete your journey to stardom with a brand-new career mode, or join the VIP ranks to gain access to even more tracks. Perform at home or online with a global cast of singers!


Magical Girls vs Cat Aliens

Synnergy Circle Games

Magical Girls vs Cat Aliens – November 5

The city has been invaded by cat aliens and the only one who can stop them is an ordinary high school girl! But wait, this girl has a secret. When no one is looking she can transform into a Magical Girl and protect the city! Can the heroine defeat all the enemies in the name of hope and justice and save the city?


Xbox Play Anywhere

Metal Slug Tactics

Dotemu

Metal Slug Tactics – November 5

Metal Slug makes an explosive return! Dive into this dynamic tactical RPG with a roguelite thrill and experience the iconic run’n’gun action of the original series, redefined. Grab your weapons, assemble your squad and conquer the battlefield to defeat the infamous Rebel Army.     


Pancho’s Mission

Ternox

$4.99

Pancho’s Mission – November 5

A pixelated platformer where the brave panda, Pancho, rises to defend the world, liberating it from the tyranny of the sinister eagle and its faithful followers. Traverse through three unique locations — the forest, the desert, and the eagle’s cave — with a total of 45 thrilling levels.


Duck Run

Afil Games

Duck Run – November 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Embark on an exciting adventure with a brave little duck determined to make it through countless obstacles. Your mission is to guide the duck through a series of dangerous traps across 40 action-packed levels, all while keeping track of the time it takes to complete each challenge.


Factory Escape

Old School Vibes

Factory Escape – November 6

Has work ever tried to kill you? It certainly tried to kill Max, an ingenious employee who got trapped in a factory full of dangers. Determined to escape, he uses his rolling ability to navigate obstacles and avoid traps. Every move is crucial as he attempts to flee the factory that holds him captive.


The Fine Art of Murder

Infinite Zone

Xbox One X Enhanced

The Fine Art of Murder – November 6

Unravel the mystery, where every choice shapes your fate. A supernatural gamebook brought to life, with multiple endings to discover. Fully accessible – with or without the screen.


O.W.L Projekt

Eastasiasoft Limited

O.W.L. Projekt – November 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Get ready for an enigmatic and challenging adventure with O.W.L Projekt, a 3D isometric puzzle game that will test your mind and logic skills. Controlling Elysion, a young being created in a mysterious experiment, you will face the enigmatic Watchers in a journey to escape and uncover secrets.


Monarchy

Brain Seal Ltd

Monarchy – November 6

Unleash your strategic brilliance in this 2D side-scrolling strategy game, where you must build a base, manage resources, explore the mysterious forest and conquer your enemies.


Planet Coaster 2

Frontier Developments


19

$49.99

Planet Coaster 2 – November 6

Create a splash with Planet Coaster 2 – sequel to the world’s best coaster park simulator! Reach new heights of creativity, management, and sharing as you construct the theme parks of your dreams combining epic water rides and coasters to delight and thrill your park guests.


SlavicPunk: Oldtimer

Gaming Factory S.A.

SlavicPunk: Oldtimer – November 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

An isometric shooter based upon the works of Michał Gołkowski, a renown Polish sci-fi and fantasy books author. It is him who created the story of Yanus – a private investigator with a troubled past, now trying to solve an unexpected case revolving around a stolen data carrier, all this while fighting his own inner demons, the urban gangs and a nigh-omnipotent corporation responsible for the downfall of the city he used to call his own.


Bioframe Outpost

Omni Systems Publishing

$24.99

Bioframe Outpost – November 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Inspired by classic 70s and 80s sci-fi, Bioframe Outpost is a 2d sci-fi action-adventure game, dedicated to exploration, experimentation, emergent gameplay and narrative. Its unique, photography-based approach to non-linear exploration and action gameplay offers a fresh take on metroidvania gameplay.


Empire of the Ants – Pre-order

Microids

$39.99

Empire of the Ants – November 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience an immersive journey and defend your lands through tactical and strategic battles in an epic, microscopic world. Become #103,683, the Ant Savior: lead your colony, rebuild a home, protect it, make it prosper, and conquer new territories throughout different seasons. Exploration, strategy, combat skills, and alliances with local wildlife will be crucial to emerge victorious from the many challenges lying ahead.


Goat Simulator: Remastered

Coffee Stain Publishing AB

Goat Simulator: Remastered – November 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

If you’ve had your horns in the sand for the last 10 years, Goat Simulator is a game about causing as much destruction as you possibly can, as a goat. Headbutt, backflip and ragdoll your way around each level to earn points and come up with creative ways to ruin an NPC’s day.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Magical Bakery

SOEDESCO

Magical Bakery – November 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A single-player cooking and management game set in an enchanted bakery that sells all sorts of sweets and pastries with a twist — they may contain traces of magic! Experience a life full of magic, challenges, and the joy of creating sweets that will leave a spellbinding impression on your customers.


Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

$49.99

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival – November 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Welcome to Omiko City, where everyone’s favorite Taiko elements come together in one place! Together with Don-chan, meet your new friend, Kumo-kyun and aim to become a Taiko Master! Drum along to the rhythm of your favorite songs and aim to play them from start to finish! Featuring 76 songs across multiple genres such as Anime, Game Music, and more.


Techtonica (Game Preview)

Fire Hose Games


253


$29.99

$23.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Techtonica – November 7
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A first-person factory automation game is set beneath the surface of an alien planet. Work alone or in co-op to build factories, gather resources, research new technologies, mold the destructible terrain, establish a base of operations, and uncover long-forgotten secrets.


ELDERBORN

Hyperstrange

Elderborn – November 8

In the times of legend, the barbarian tribes needed a new dark messiah. This self-described metal action fantasy slasher with brütal FPP melee combat and souls-like/RPG character progression has been five years in the making, combines old-school single-player feel, a classic heroic story, and modern level of skill-based challenge.


Grim Idle

Desert Water Games

Grim Idle – November 8

An idle RPG where the player explores shards of destroyed worlds and fights various enemies. Inspired by old-school dark fantasy RPGs, the game features complex character development, many unique items, and both active and passive playstyles.


Jetpack Kiwi

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Jetpack Kiwi – November 8

A classic 2D side-scrolling shoot ‘em featuring 20 challenging levels, endless hordes of enemy spaceships, and five epic bosses. Aliens have arrived and they’re up to no good and only you can stop them and their thirst for conquest. Choose between multiple characters to play, each one with a unique special attack ability.


Pets Hotel

Ultimate Games S.A.

Pets Hotel – November 8
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Start your adventure and open your own Pets Hotel! All your little guests have different needs. The owners will tell you all about them, and it is your job to feed the pets according to their demands. Don’t forget about grooming and play-time! A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all!


Shieldwall

OverGamez

$17.99

Shieldwall – November 8

Caesar needs you! Gaul won’t be conquered by itself in this funny, third-person tactical battle simulator with strategy elements. Feel like a squad leader right on the battlefield and stand under the Eagle and lead the legion for the glory of Rome!


Silver Axe – The Honest Elf

Happy Player

Silver Axe – The Honest Elf – November 8

As a Forest Elf created by the goddess, take up the goddess’s Silver Axe and seek out the lost power. In this fairy-tale adventure, will you choose to be an honest elf? How will you decide to save the goddess and the forest?


Slitterhead

Bokeh Game Studio lnc.

$49.99

Slitterhead – November 8
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Set in the densely cluttered streets of “Kowlong,” filled with obscurity and chaos, this battle action-adventure game casts players as the “Hyoki,” an entity devoid of memory and physical form. His only motive is to eradicate the monstrous beings known as “Slitterheads” crawling around the city, disguising themselves as humans.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 4 to 8 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Is Off to a Wild Start on Steam

Good morning, happy Monster Hunter Wilds beta day! And what a day it is! A quick glance at SteamDB this morning indicates that a lot of people are playing the Monster Hunter Wilds beta this morning: over 463k at some point in the last 24 hours, with plenty of room to grow further over the weekend.

As of this morning, the Monster Hunter Wilds beta is currently the fourth most-played game on Steam, behind only Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, and Dota 2. It’s managed to surpass GTA 5, Call of Duty, Naraka: Bladepoint, and even Banana, the weird game that’s consistently had massive player counts for months despite just being a game about clicking bananas. Anyway, yes, Monster Hunter Wilds is more popular than clicking a banana.

That player count will likely only continue to grow over the weekend, as well, given that the current player count as I’m writing this at 5:45am PT on a Friday is 424k. Will Monster Hunter Wilds dethrone Dota 2? We’ll see!

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta has technically been out since October 28 on PS5 via an exclusive two-day early access period for PS Plus members, but it landed on PC, Xbox, and for the rest of PlayStation uses yesterday at 8am PT. It runs until November 3 at 7pm PT. The beta includes the character creator, with the ability to transfer characters to the full game, a bit of story content, and a full hunt for the monster Doshaguma.

In our most recent preview of the game back in August, we were pretty pleased with what we saw. We called it “a Monster Hunter that embraces the parts of Rise that made it so much more inviting, but also doesn’t shy away from the larger scale and spectacle that helped make World the more enduring entry.”

In case you’re waiting for the full release, Monster Hunter Wilds launches in full on February 28, 2025, and Capcom has shared the system requirements for PC players. We’ve already seen a number of trailers previewing what to expect, including a recent new monster reveal that’s…a farting pink ape? Neat?

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Showa American Story is Yakuza: Dead Souls meets Tokyo Gore Police, and it looks incredible

Some days, I wonder if every word written before a trailer is actually superfluous. It’s a visual medium, after all. What can a description achieve save to clumsily gesture at the true shape of something; a dog-eared tour brochure for a thrilling weekend spelunking in Plato’s cave? I can usually shake this feeling, but gory zombie action game Showa American Story is my breaking point. There is nothing I can impart about this thing that will not be conveyed better by allowing its new trailer to wash over you like a tide of sheer videogame. Here’s it:

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Remedy Has Recouped ‘Most’ of the Development and Marketing Expenses for Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 continues to be a success for Remedy, with the company reporting today it has recouped “most” of the development and marketing cost of Alan Wake 2 as of the end of September.

In its quarterly earnings today, Remedy reported that while the game is not yet generating royalties, it’s close to fully recouping costs thanks to continued strong sales. The studio has released two expansions for Alan Wake 2 this year that have likely helped – Night Springs and, more recently, The Lake House.

Alan Wake 2 shifting to generating royalties seems inevitable, and will likely be a big deal for Remedy. It’s the company’s fastest-selling game so far, selling 1.3 million copies as of March 20 this year. Currently, the company’s only major sources of ongoing revenue are sales of Control and older Alan Wake games.

Fortunately, it’s getting infusions of cash from partner companies for the purpose of developing more games. For instance, Annapurna Pictures recently entered into a partnership with the studio that will fund 50% of the development of Control 2, while Annapurna creates film and TV spin-offs of Control and Alan Wake. Remedy reports that Control 2 development is on track to start full production in 2025, with a number of critical features already implemented.

As for Remedy’s other games in progress, Codename Condor, Remedy’s multiplayer Control spin-off, was announced recently as FBC: Firebreak. Remedy reports that Firebreak is still in full production, and focused on iterating on the core loop and implementing UI for player clarity based on playtesting feedback. Meanwhile, Max Payne 1&2 Remake is making “steady progress” in full production.

For the quarter, Remedy reported revenue up 128.6% year-over-year to €17.9 million ($19.4 million), largely due to the one-time payment from Annapurna Pictures to develop Control, as well as other development fees taken from other sources.

Alan Wake 2 itself seems excellent, netting a 9/10 from our reviewer who called it “a superb survival horror sequel that makes the cult-classic original seem like little more than a rough first draft by comparison.” Its most recent DLC, The Lake House, is also excellent, and appears to be teasing Control 2.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Video: “It Was Just Like Coming Home” – We Talk Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Ahead Of Its Launch

Who has the Baramost to say?

We are just two weeks away from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake‘s 14th November release date and we here at Nintendo Life are excited. We’re so excited, in fact, that those of us who have been lucky enough to play the game recently got together to share what they make of the latest remake so far.

Jim (that’s me, hello!) and Alana joined our wonderful video producer, Felix, to talk all things Dragon Quest. The discussion covers a range of topics, from frustrating wild encounters to some of the catchiest music in recent memory, and you know there’s going to be a good amount of gushing about the revamped visuals, too.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Respawn have killed Apex Legends’ Steam Deck support in the name of anti-cheat

The Steam Deck is something of a talisman for gaming on Linux, its popularity and penguin-powered SteamOS having almost singlehandedly dragged it past MacOS as the second-most-used operating system among Steam users. Sadly, this also means the Valve handheld is the primary casualty when developers decide to stop bothering with Linux support, as Respawn Entertainment have decided to do for Apex Legends.

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Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Teases New Promo Cards And Events

“Please stay tuned for more info!”.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket launched on smartphone devices earlier this week, and now that it’s available, The Pokémon Company is already teasing some promo cards and events.

We don’t have specific details just yet, but it seems this first event could feature a promo Lapras EX card and a ‘Wonder Pick’ Meowth card. Here are the official words and graphic for this announcement:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Exclusive: Showa American Story Gets Dramatic New Trailer, Release Window

It’s been close to three years since the January 2022 reveal of Showa American Story, whose B-movie style trailer depicting 1980s America as a colony of Japan became a viral hit.

Updates have been few and far between since then, but IGN can now exclusively reveal a new trailer along with a 2025 release window on PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam). The game genre is described as an “end of the century romantic RPG fantasy ensemble period drama”.

The dramatic trailer introduces new boss character named Shogun, a tough-looking villain who holds a shield like Captain America, a fluttering cape, and floats like Superman against the sunset. Elsewhere in the video, we see Shogun riding on the back of a pitch-black giraffe.

Creative Director XY.Luo told IGN, “Shogun is a boss character who stands 6 meters tall. He uses the giraffe’s long neck to strike, and he can also fly, throwing his shield to attack the player.”

Luo explained that the battle against such an oversized enemy who rides on the back of an even taller beast will create an epic scale reminiscent of Monster Hunter.

Showa American Story is a road movie-style action RPG in which you cross America in a camper van and motorcycle, and the trailer shows a wealth of locations to visit. We see San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge decorated with Japanese lanterns, Las Vegas awash with neon signs in kanji, the Hollywood sign replaced with “Neo Yokohama”, and the newly christened Neo Tokyo-4 (Austin, Texas) awash with cherry blossoms. A man commits seppuku before Mount Rushmore. America is irresistibly dyed in the colors of Japan’s Showa era.

Protagonist Chouko Chigusa fights her way across America, fighting zombies and strange humanoid creatures with a variety of brutal combat options. In addition to her primary weapons of swords and guns, we see Chouko fight with a giant drill. Luo told us that Chouko’s arsenal will grow throughout her adventure, with a wide variety available. The trailer also shows a wealth of customization elements and minigames inside the camper van.

The story is still shrouded in mystery, but there’s no doubt it has a strong cast of characters. In August, IGN exclusively revealed boss character Gokou, the Texan governor turned cowboy-samurai who sold his state to Japan. And with the new trailer showing Chouko Chigusa stomping on enemies with her high heels and putting zombie heads with a golf club, our interest is piqued for further updates as Showa American Story’s 2025 release approaches.

Daniel Robson is Chief Editor of IGN Japan, and Esra Krabbe is a member of the editorial team.