Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 21 to 25

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 21 to 25

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

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!


Speedollama

Chaosmonger Studio

Speedollama – October 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Speedollama is a fast platformer shooter that sets a new benchmark for speed in the genre. Bursting with quirky humor and vibrant pixelated carnage, this game is not for the faint of heart. Are you ready to embrace the chaos and prove your skills?


Fear the Spotlight

Blumhouse Games

Fear the Spotlight – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Fear the Spotlight is an atmospheric third-person horror adventure with a disturbing mystery to unravel. Sneak into school after hours with Vivian and Amy, survive a séance gone wrong, solve tactile puzzles, and, whatever you do, stay out of the spotlight…


Xbox Play Anywhere

Heroine Anthem Zero 2 : Scalescars Oath

WINKING SKYWALKER ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED

Heroine Anthem Zero 2: Scalescars Oath – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Heroine Anthem Zero 2 : Scalescars Oath is a real time 2D mixed with 3D side-scrolling story-based ARPG, simultaneously supporting controller and keyboard input. Unlock more skills by leveling your character. The game combines legends of mermaids as well as Serbian and East Asian tribal culture to create its cultural world.


Kong: Survivor Instinct

7Levels

Kong: Survivor Instinct – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A sudden Titan attack prompts massive evacuation efforts-but not everyone makes it safe before the devastation ensues. Caught in the crossfire between battling monsters, many residents become trapped in the collapsing city, your only daughter among them! Kong: Survivor Instinct is a 2.5D action-adventure game that combines realistic platforming, challenging combat, and metroidvania-style exploration during a thrilling quest of survival worthy of the Monsterverse franchise.


Potionomics: Masterwork Edition

XSEED Games / Marvelous USA, Inc. and Marvelous Europe Ltd.


1

$29.99

Potiononmics: Masterwork Edition – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

After the untimely death of her uncle, a penniless witch named Sylvia finds herself the inheritor of a potion shop — and massive debt. Although Sylvia is barely a novice, it’s up to her to build up the business and save herself. Thankfully, she won’t have to go it alone. With help from some new friends, Sylvia will hone her negotiation skills, outsell her craftiest competitors, and make her shop the number-one potion destination in Rafta.


Wildermyth: Console Edition

Auroch Digital

$24.99

Wildermyth: Console Edition – October 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A character-driven tactical RPG where your choices shape the destiny of your heroes. Lead a band of unique heroes as they evolve from humble beginnings to legendary warriors in a rich 2D fantasy world. With procedural storytelling, dynamic character development, and strategic combat, Wildermyth offers endless replayability and the opportunity to create your own legendary tales.


Bard’s Gold

Pixel Lantern


174

$4.99

Bard’s Gold – October 23

A challenging platformer that lets you explore eerie worlds in a quest for a Goblin that stole your gold. Help the Bard to overcome the dungeon’s many dangerous perils and use your new-found treasures to improve your character and to buy new weapons and gear!


Hidden Cats in Spooky Town

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Hidden Cats in Spooky Town – October 23

The spooky Halloween season is upon us, so our ever-travelling cat troupe decided to make an appearance in a particularly Spooky Town… Come a bit closer… And don’t be scared of monsters! The ones found in Spooky Town are quite friendly, and besides, you’d be here looking for cats, not monsters… mostly. Find cats, color in the scenery, and don’t get spooked!


Say Cheese!

Afil Games

Say Cheese! – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A delightful puzzle adventure where strategic thinking meets fun challenges. Help our mischievous mouse reach the cheese while navigating tricky mazes and collecting trophies! Welcome to the whimsical world of Say Cheese!


Silk

Huey Games

Silk – October 23

Enter the biggest handcrafted open world of all time as you explore three million square miles of uncharted terrain from Roman Damascus to Three Kingdoms China in an exploration RPG that transports you onto the Ancient Silk Road of 200AD as an intrepid traveler or a ruthless conqueror.


Super XYX

Eastasiasoft Limited

Super XYX – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A vertical scrolling shoot ’em up presented in eye-scorchingly fluid pixel art animation. Choose from 6 unique pilots and their signature ships, each with unique shots and bombs, and blast off to face The Black Serpent’s forces head-on! Master 6 stages with screen-filling bosses, customize the experience with various difficulty settings and unlock alternate game modes as you progress!


Tiny Little Farm (Xbox Series)

Phoenix Reborn Games

Tiny Little Farm – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Manage your own farm, growing a variety of crops in this exciting game. Tackle unexpected challenges, from fussy customers to pesky crows eager to steal your harvest. Master a wide selection of culinary recipes using the fresh produce from your grandparents’ farm.


While We Wait Here

Troglobytes Games

While We Wait Here – October 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A kitchen management game with dialogue choices and multiple endings. Run a small diner located near a mountain range, take orders from your customers, cook them good food and serve them refreshments. The equilibrium of an ordinary working day is shattered when news of an impending catastrophe is broadcast.


The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication

PQube

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Try to escape with your life in The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication, a first-person survival horror adventure set within Wen Hua University, renowned in Taiwan for its ghost tales & folklore. Play through the eyes of four distinct characters as you evade and confront terrifying ghosts, unravel mind-bending puzzles, and unearth a sinister conspiracy… Will you survive the night, or become the latest victim of the curse?


Card-en-Ciel

INTI CREATES


$24.99

$22.49

Card-en-Ciel – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Card-en-Ciel is a roguelite card-battling RPG featuring over 300 different cards and 50 unique vocal songs! Play as Neon, the “Gaming Chair Detective” famous for solving net-crimes, as he encounters a strange new case when he dives into an in-development game world.


Date Everything!

Team17

Date Everything! – October 24

Date Everything brings an exciting new twist on the dating simulator genre. Your BFA in customer service unfortunately goes to waste as you lose your job to AI. But… a mysterious stranger sends a gift – magical glasses called ‘dateviators’ – which make your house come alive and dateable!


Flint: Treasure of Oblivion

Microids

$39.99

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience the golden age of piracy through a strong and original narrative, real-time exploration and turn-based tactical combat in Flint – Treasure of Oblivion. Dive into the world of piracy bordering on fantasy of Flint: Treasure of Oblivion. Immerse yourself into a rich well-documented and exciting universe thanks to comic-book styled narration and tactical turn-based combat.


Xbox Play Anywhere

The Jackbox Survey Scramble

Jackbox Games, Inc.

The Jackbox Survey Scramble – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Discover how people across the country think! The Jackbox Survey Scramble is a collection of hilarious survey-based games, using real one-word answers from real people. Really!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Miraculous – Paris Under Siege

GameMill Entertainment

$49.99

Miraculous – Paris Under Siege – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Step into the suits of Ladybug and Cat Noir in their most daring adventure yet! Embark on a thrilling adventure where heroism, acrobatic combat and parkour agility collide as Shadow Moth unleashes a wave of villains across the city. It’s up to you and your friends to save Paris!


Neon Blood

Meridiem Games S.L.

Neon Blood – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The dual Viridis, separated between the luxurious Bright City and the dangerous Blind City, where inequality reigns until you, Axel McCoin, an idealistic detective, start a revolution to change the world in this cyberpunk RPG adventure.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Orange Season

SOEDESCO

Orange Season – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A delightful farm-life RPG inspired by the classics of the genre! Make your farmer dreams come true in the charming Orange Town.


Puppet House

Gaming Factory S.A.

Puppet House – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Take on the role of Rick Evans, a photographer with a passion for abandoned and haunted places. Visit the mansion of the deceased Peter Hill and check if you can unravel the place’s dark history.


Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut

Serenity Forge

Slay the Princess: The Pristine Cut – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

You’re on a path in the woods, and at the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a Princess. You’re here to slay her. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world. Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut is a fully voice-acted horror tragicomedy featuring the impeccable talents of Jonathan Sims and Nichole Goodnight, with lovingly hand-penciled frames by Ignatz-winning graphic novelist Abby Howard.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Soul Stalker

Radhood

Soul Stalker – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

A bullet heaven roguelike where you assume the role of the steward of ghosts bound to eternal life on earth. Wield 4 to 6 weapons simultaneously to fend off waves of apparitions determined to defeat your spirited friends. Choose from a diverse pool of 21 characters, 35 weapons, 84 trinkets, and 21 pets to craft your ultimate build!


Stilt Fella

Pineapple Works

Stilt Fella – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A highly challenging physics-based arcade game about walking on stilts and overcoming obstacles.


The Smurfs – Dreams

Microids

$39.99

The Smurfs – Dreams – October 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Gargamel has devised a new evil scheme to catch the Smurfs! He cast a cunning curse on the sarsaparilla bushes, causing a deep slumber across the Smurfs after they eat the delicious leaves. Embark on a dreamlike quest to awaken all the Smurfs before the evil Gargamel reaches the village!


Zombie Survivors XONE Edition

Cube Games

Zombie Survivors – October 24

Zombie Survivors is an action-survival roguelite where you must fight and defeat thousands of zombies and other monsters that seem to devour you.


Boom Robots

Revulo Games LLC

Boom Robots – October 25

Get ready for the ultimate showdown in Boom Robots! Dive into the action as you assemble and customize your dream team of robots, each packed with unique abilities and ready to dominate the battlefield.


Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle

Activision Publishing Inc.


6560

$69.99

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – October 25
Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops. Featured a dynamic Campaign, best-in-class Multiplayer, and the return of Round-Based Zombies.


The Coma 2B: Catacomb

Headup

The Coma 2B: Catacomb – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a Korean survival horror adventure. It is the back story to the previous game, The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters, and a story bridge for the full series. You return as Youngho Choi, the hero from The Coma 1, as you once again venture forth into the terrifying mirror dimension.


Cute Bite

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Cute Bite – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

You are a butler, a loyal servant bound by vampire blood. Unfortunately, after long years asleep in a coffin, your vampire mistress shrank to child-size form! In this condition, she’s too weak to protect you. Train the Little Mistress in skills so she can bite her way through obstacles. She might hunt criminals for their blood, become a celebrity and feed on her fans, raise a dark army to threaten the world, or many other possible outcomes!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Golfing in Aether

Vetron


10

$9.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Golfing in Aether – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Minigolf for up to 16 players online, or 4 players via split screen. Features randomized course layout allowing you to experience something different every time you play.


Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split

Dead Drop Studios LLC

$24.99

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Go back to the beginning of the end in the prologue to Dead Drops’ Studios upcoming Outbreak: Shades of Horror. Play as both the heroes and the villains of the outbreak as you attempt both to avoid an outbreak of epic proportions and to stop word from getting out.


Paper Plane Arena – The Haunted House

EpiXR Games

$9.99

Paper Plane Arena – The Haunted House – October 25

A spooky interactive game experience that is designed to ease your mind and have fun popping innocent balloons. Jump into the role of a little paper plane that is supposed to rescue the world from evil balloon demons by dashing through them.


Rogue Flight

PERP GAMES

Rogue Flight – October 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Rogue Flight is a breathtaking arcade space combat game inspired by the landmark style of 80’s and 90’s prestige anime. Jump into true stylish arcade action with a huge host of spacecraft upgrades, game modes and multiple narrative paths. Take control of an advanced light space fighter and face hordes of enemies in a last-ditch effort to destroy ARGUS and restore peace to the Sol system.


SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS

SEGA

$49.99

Sonic X Shadow Generations – October 25

Shadow the Hedgehog is back with Classic and Modern Sonic in Sonic X Shadow Generations, an all-new collection featuring two unique experiences! Play as Shadow in a brand-new story campaign featuring never-before-seen abilities that prove why he’s known as the Ultimate Life Form! Speed through iconic stages from Shadow’s history, discover hidden secrets in an expansive hub world, and unlock new powers to take on Black Doom and save the world.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for October 21 to 25 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Why Have 1.5 Million People Experienced the Dread Out Universe?

The Dread Out Universe is canon in the world of indie horror gaming. With over 1.5 million people braving its chilling landscapes, it’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of digital horror. What started with a viral sensation in 2013 has grown into a horror gaming phenomenon, captivating gamers, YouTubers, and streamers alike. Dread Out became Indonesia’s first global gaming hit that spawned a Netflix film of the same name, inspiring its successor Dread Out 2, and today DreadHaunt launches in the same universe to push the limits of fear!

So, what’s all the fuss about? Let’s break down the six things you need to know before jumping into this horror-filled world with DreadHaunt, now available on Xbox!

Unveil the Horror: DreadHaunt Now Available on Xbox

Brace yourself for a nightmare you won’t forget as DreadHaunt hits Xbox! Prepare to be thrown into the heart of a cursed island off the coast of Jakarta, where dark secrets lurk, and supernatural terrors abound.

Dreadhaunt screenshot

Whether you’re a solo player ready to uncover the island’s gruesome past or someone who prefers to team up with friends, DreadHaunt offers a horrifying experience for every gamer. But beware: in multiplayer mode, the terror is even more unpredictable—one of your allies might just turn against you, possessed by sinister forces!

Here are the six key things you should know before you dive into DreadHaunt‘s terrifying world:

Dreadhaunt options screen

1. Multiplayer Madness

When you’re deep in the island’s mystery with your friends, trust is everything… until it isn’t. One of you might just become possessed, and then the real horror begins. Remember, if your friend suddenly goes quiet, something *bad* is about to happen.

Dreadhaunt character menu

2. Keep Friends Close, Enemies Closer

Teamwork is key in multiplayer mode—but always be wary. Sometimes, the greatest threat is standing right next to you.

3. Walk Softly, Avoid Detection

Dreadhaunt pistol POV

Spectros—otherworldly beings that stalk the island—can sense your movements. Walking instead of running might be the difference between staying safe or becoming the next victim.

Dreadhaunt creepy hallway

4. Invisible Threats

In single player mode, not all dangers can be seen. Some Spectros are invisible, and you’ll need to use a UV blaster to detect and stun them before it’s too late.

Dreadhaunt safe

5. Solve the Mystery

The UV blaster is not just for defense. Use it to uncover hidden messages that reveal key pieces of the island’s dark puzzle.

Dreadhaunt screenshot

6. Arm Yourself

Your survival depends on being prepared. Don’t forget to equip your weapons and make sure they’re fully loaded—there’s no room for mistakes here!

With customizable characters, immersive storytelling, and an eerie atmosphere, DreadHaunt is the latest heart-pounding addition to the Dread Out Universe. It builds on the legacy started by Dread Out, the viral sensation that made history as Indonesia’s first global hit horror game. Now, with DreadHaunt, the terror continues, drawing in millions more to experience the fear firsthand.

Dreadhaunt ghoul

Download  DreadHaunt today on Xbox and immerse yourself in a nightmare where trust is your greatest weapon, but betrayal might be right behind you.

Are you ready to explore the unknown, confront unimaginable horrors, and survive the supernatural terrors lurking in every shadow?

Brace yourself. Survival isn’t guaranteed.

DreadHaunt

Digital Happiness

$19.99

DreadHaunt is a survival horror and deception game that can be played solo or in multiplayer. While designed with multiplayer in mind, a single-player story mode reveals the chilling origins of the supernatural events from a decade ago.

Set on a forsaken island off Jakarta’s northern coast, a place steeped in arcane energy and unsolved mysteries, you will face anomalous entities, cursed objects, and strange phenomena that modern science cannot explain. Using specially designed tools infused with ancient amulets, you’ll confront these exotic creatures and spiritual threats.

As a member of a covert containment agency comprising scientists, exorcists, and believers your mission is to locate and secure cursed items believed to fuel the island’s paranormal activity. But danger doesn’t just come from the supernatural; one of your team members may fall victim to possession, threatening your mission from within.

Explore the eerie island, customize your character, and choose how you’ll communicate and confront the dangers that await. Team up with fellow agents to survive, uncover the island’s secrets, and stop the evil forces at play.

DreadHaunt—where every decision matters, and survival depends on trust.

The post Why Have 1.5 Million People Experienced the Dread Out Universe? appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Partner Preview | Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Amps Up the Horror – and the Connections to Control

Xbox Partner Preview | Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Amps Up the Horror – and the Connections to Control

Alan Wake 2 Expansion Hero Image

Xbox Partner Preview brought us a first look at gameplay from The Lake House, the second expansion coming to Alan Wake 2 on October 22 – placing you in the shoes of FBC Agent Estevez, you’ll be exploring the titular Lake House, a research station situated in the wider game’s Cauldron Lake. It’s a true survival horror experience, but it also opens brand new doors into the wider Remedy Connected Universe – leaving us with a lot of questions. Thankfully, we were able to catch up with members of the development team to find out more about this fascinating new chapter in Alan’s horror tale.

If you’ve completed the main game, it’s clear that the events of Alan Wake 2 are fundamentally self-contained (“it’s not a loop, it’s a spiral,” after all…). That leaves Remedy in a very interesting position when it comes to its expansions – setting up extra story either before or after that story would be difficult, and could risk fracturing that carefully created storyline. That’s why the team’s used these expansions to tell tales that add to that story in unexpected ways.

“The Lake House tells the story of Agent Estevez’s visit to the Lake House facility, which takes place in parallel with the early part of [Alan Wake 2 co-protagonist] Saga’s story in Alan Wake 2,” explains Lead Writer, Clay Murphy. “By the time Saga and Estevez meet, the story of this expansion has already occurred.”

“When we originally came up with the concepts for [first expansion] Night Springs and The Lake House, we knew that they would be quite different tonally,” adds Game Director, Kyle Rowley. “Night Springs episodes were all about these kind of crazy ‘What If?’ scenarios where we could explore some rather unique ideas that were sometimes quite a dramatic tonal shift from the main experience in Alan Wake 2. With The Lake House, we wanted to again lean into the horror side of things.”

Our glimpses at the expansion today certainly make that clear. The course of Alan Wake 2’s main storyline allowed the team to shift gears throughout, drifting from surreal, comedic scenarios, to police procedurals, to full-on horror. The Lake House appears to be supercharging that last point – the lights are low, the enemies are elusive, and the scares are plentiful. The team likens it to the horror levels of the main game’s Valhalla Nursing Home sequence – and if you’ve played that, you’ll know what you’re in for.

The difference here is that The Lake House doesn’t just connect to Alan Wake 2, but a whole other Remedy game: Control. Kiran Estevez makes a small appearance in the main game, but here we’ll learn much more about her role as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Control – and the different kinds of horror that entails.

Control explores horror themes as well of course,” explains Rowley, “but with Alan Wake 2 being a survival horror game we just felt that the world of Control provides some rather harrowing elements for us to lean into and scare players with.”

The connections to that previous game won’t just be skin-deep – besides working out what The Lake House means to this universe, a teaser at the end of the trailer seems to show Control’s quest goal/antagonist, Dylan Faden, implying there’s a much stronger link than we might have expected – although Remedy won’t be drawn on that right now.

As Communications Manager Miika Huttunen puts it: “It did look a lot like Dylan. It might be worth really exploring the nooks and crannies of the Lake House…”

Diving Into the Lake

Bringing this back to the expansion’s connection to Alan Wake 2, Estevez comes to The Lake House to speak to the FBC researchers inside about the Wake case, and the wider events of Cauldron Lake. But instead of finding answers, she gets more questions, as it becomes clear that the facility is going through a horrifying transformation of its own. The terrors of Alan Wake games always spawn from Overlaps – intersections of reality and art – and here an Overlap is bringing visual art to life. Most notably, that comes in the form of a new enemy type: The Painted.

“For The Lake House we wanted to introduce a new, different kind of enemy from those found in the main game,” says Rowley. “It’s important to us that our enemies follow on from themes found in and around the part of the game that they are revealed – whether that be the water-themed enemy, the “Diver” located at the Valhalla Nursing Home, or the Taken Wolves that are found in and around the Cauldron Lake Forest.

“With that in mind, the Painted are very much themed around one of the core elements inside the Lake House – paint! They can move in and out of the supernatural paint on surfaces, hunting the player as they do so and have devastating melee attacks that deal significant amounts of damage.”

As a new playable character, Estevez doesn’t have the same abilities we’re used to from Saga and Alan – but she does come equipped with the expertise and equipment needed to deal with these fresh threats:

“As a character, she is very familiar with the paranatural forces at play around Cauldron Lake and has experienced many events similar to this in her career,” explains Murphy.

“Much like Saga, Estevez is a federal agent,” adds Rowley, “so she is quite capable with standard issue firearms. That said, we did add a new FBC-specific weapon to this expansion which can be used to deal with slightly more… paranatural entities. Estevez’s base weapons also deal a bit more damage than Saga’s, so Taken enemies go down a little faster.”

Unlike the Night Springs expansion, this isn’t a series of standalone activities, either:

“Much like some of the larger missions inside the main game of Alan Wake 2, this mission is structured like a more traditional survival horror game,” says Rowley. “There is a large open structure for the player to explore, secrets to discover and dangerous enemies to try and survive against. Narrative obviously plays a large role in the expansion – as it did in the main game – so it is definitely worth exploring and trying to locate the many narrative objects scattered throughout the environment.”

Estevez herself will help enrich that story too: “We have tweaked the map so that you also get some nice little notes from Estevez where she uses her experience within the FBC to comment on what is happening in and around The Lake House, giving the player some nice additional context,” adds Rowley.

If you’ve already played Alan Wake 2, you’ll be able to jump directly into the Lake House content from the main menu, but it’s been designed to sit within the main game for any players coming to this for the first time:

“Like with the Night Springs expansion, The Lake House is incorporated into the main game flow, so players will come across these missions while playing through the main campaign in a seamless manner. We really believe adding both Night Springs and The Lake House into our core flow has improved the game’s pacing and makes for the ultimate Alan Wake 2 experience.”

It’s another masterstroke in how Remedy uses its expansions – not building on top of their games, but within them, making each one feel essential. But there’s an added point of interest here. In Control, the game’s second expansion, AWE, was used as a means of teasing the events of Alan Wake 2. With a Control sequel on the way, and plenty of connections already being made, is The Lake House performing a similar trick? Huttunen makes clear that that’s one question we won’t get an answer to until we play The Lake House:

“Let’s just say that we’re as excited as anyone in seeing how the story of the Faden siblings unfold in the future…”

Alan Wake 2: The Lake House arrives for Xbox Series X|S on October 22.

Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition

Epic Games


2319

$79.99

Unlock exclusive content with the Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition.

– Digital base game
– Expansion Pass
– Night Springs Expansion (additional story content)
– Lake House Expansion (additional story content)**
– Nordic Shotgun Skin for Saga
– Crimson Windbreaker for Saga
– Celebrity Suit for Alan
– Parliament Shotgun Skin for Alan
– Lantern Charm for Saga***

Night Springs Expansion:

Dive back into the mysterious and ever-twisting world of the Dark Place in the first expansion for Alan Wake 2, Night Springs. 

Trapped in the enigmatic Dark Place, Alan Wake seeks an escape route through an unexpected medium: his imagination. As he pens the scripts for the once-beloved TV show “Night Springs,” he unwittingly unravels the fabric of reality, plunging players into a surreal journey where the familiar morphs into the unexpected. 

Night Springs allows you to play as several fan-favorite characters through three highly stylized episodes, each offering a unique slice of the Alan Wake universe. While similar to previously known characters, they are different—Night Springs versions of themselves. 

Become the Time Breaker, manipulating time to rewrite your destiny. Embrace the cosmic mysteries in the North Star and unravel secrets that defy reason. Or channel your inner obsession as the Number One Fan, fighting the shadows in pursuit of truth and love. 

Focusing on characters from Alan Wake games and the Remedy Universe. While similar to previously known characters, they are different – Night Springs versions of themselves, written by Alan Wake based on what he saw in his visions in the Dark Place. 

The Episodes:
– Time Breaker : An Actor, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Bright Falls sheriff Tim Breaker, is a multiversal hero in the game “Time Breaker”. His character must track down the Master of the Many Worlds and prevent him from murdering the multiversal hero’s different selves across parallel universes. 
– North Star : The Sibling, an unknown woman who bears a striking resemblance to FBC Director Jesse Faden, is trying to find her missing brother, who is being held captive at Coffee World.
– Number One Fan : The Waitress, who bears a striking resemblance to Oh Deer Diner’s waitress Rose Marigold, must save her idol, the Writer, from the danger he finds himself in. To do so, she must confront the Writer’s critics, and the Bad Boy who is the Writer’s evil twin. 

Digital base game:

A string of ritualistic murders threatens Bright Falls, a small-town community surrounded by Pacific Northwest wilderness. Saga Anderson, an accomplished FBI agent with a reputation for solving impossible cases arrives to investigate the murders. Anderson’s case spirals into a nightmare when she discovers pages of a horror story that starts to come true around her.

Alan Wake, a lost writer trapped in a nightmare beyond our world, writes a dark story in an attempt to shape the reality around him and escape his prison. With a dark horror hunting him, Wake is trying to retain his sanity and beat the devil at his own game.

Anderson and Wake are two heroes on two desperate journeys in two separate realities, connected at heart in ways neither of them can understand: reflecting each other, echoing each other, and affecting the worlds around them.

Fueled by the horror story, supernatural darkness invades Bright Falls, corrupting the locals and threatening the loved ones of both Anderson and Wake. Light is their weapon—and their safe haven — against the darkness they face. Trapped in a sinister horror story where there are only victims and monsters, can they break out to be the heroes they need to be?

Solve a Deadly Mystery
What begins as a small-town murder investigation rapidly spirals into a nightmare journey. Uncover the source of the supernatural darkness in this psychological horror story filled with intense suspense and unexpected twists.

Play As Two Characters
Experience both Alan Wake’s and Saga Anderson’s stories and see events unfold from different perspectives. Switch between Anderson’s life-or-death race to solve the case and Wake’s desperate attempts to rewrite his reality to escape the depths of the Dark Place.

Explore Two Worlds
Experience two beautiful yet terrifying worlds, each with its own rich cast of characters and deadly threats. Discover majestic landscapes of Cauldron Lake in the Pacific Northwest and the idyllic towns of Bright Falls and Watery. Contrasting sharply, attempt to escape the nightmarish cityscape of the Dark Place.

Survive With Light
With limited resources, take on powerful supernatural enemies in desperate close-combat situations. It takes more than just a gun to survive: light is the ultimate weapon in the fight against the darkness and will be your refuge when enemies threaten to overwhelm you.

**Additional story content available post-launch, more to be unveiled later.
***Gives Saga an additional battery for the flashlight.

The post Xbox Partner Preview | Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Amps Up the Horror – and the Connections to Control appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Nostalgia Perfected – How 8-Bit Adventures 2 Won Hearts with Pixels

Summary

  • A story rich tribute to the Golden Age of JRPGs nine years in the making.
  • Strategic turn-based combat with Team Attack finishing moves inspired by pixel adventure classics.
  • 8-Bit Adventures 2 launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One today.

“My Final Fantasy.” That’s how I described the first 8-Bit Adventures game in 2015. But while my work was heavily inspired by the legendary series, I really meant this as a personal ultimatum. I’d spent four years making games on PC and mobile which failed to turn a profit. So just like Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) in 1987, I was prepared to quit the industry and give up on my dreams if 8-Bit Adventures 1 was a failure.

What a difference nine years can make! Now the sequel 8-Bit Adventures 2 launches today on Xbox, against a backdrop of growing popularity and glowing public reception – including (at the time of writing) an 87 score on Metacritic, a 91 score on OpenCritic, and a Very Positive rating from players on Steam.

It’s been described by players as a “story-telling masterpiece”, with writing that is “inspiring” and which provides an emotional journey that’s “up there with Chrono Trigger” – accompanied by characters that are “grounded and relatable”. Other players said that it’s “a whole, full, new, refreshing, satisfying RPG”, “game of the year on its character writing alone”, and “the best RPG that I’ve played in years.”

Earning that reception has taken nine years of hard work from a team of four. But how was this achieved, and what really makes an RPG special? In 8-Bit Adventures 2, I believe it comes down to three core elements – characters, combat, and community.

8 Bit Adv screenshot

The most essential element of any RPG is the characters. If I think back on Final Fantasy VII, Chrono Trigger, Persona 5, or Baldur’s Gate 3, the first thing I remember is the cast and how I connected with them. So seeing players relate to every member of the 8-Bit Adventures 2 party has been especially satisfying – be they a sharp-tongued former thief with a heart of gold, a blind martial artist with a desire to prove her worth, or an Exterminator-class robot who struggles with the limitations he was programmed with.

But not only did I want the characters to be memorable and relatable; I wanted them to be always present. One of the issues with a lot of classic RPGs is that you’d only have three or four allies participating in battles and story sequences at once; it was hard to make full use of the entire cast. In 8-Bit Adventures 2, the full party is always present, and you can swap characters in and out of battle without wasting a turn. This means you don’t have to stick with a few favourites while everyone else sits on the bench. Rather, every character gets their time in the spotlight – especially since, inspired by Mother 3, the characters are always visible and showing off their personalities in combat.

8 Bit Adv screenshot

And character swapping is not only an option; it’s an integral part of combat. You have seven playable characters, each with an arsenal of unique abilities suited to different situations. But taking a page from Chrono Trigger, we also have Combo and Trio attacks which allow different members of the party to team up and deliver devastating blows. Combined with equipable Augments and Accessories which grant special bonuses and status buffs, and a turn-based system inspired by Final Fantasy X (allowing you to see and manipulate the order of turns ahead of time), you can devise some incredible strategies which take advantage of your entire party in a single fight.

But beyond characters and gameplay mechanics, I feel that 8-Bit Adventures 2 is a game which was shaped by our community. Nine years of development is a long time, but what it also offered was nine years of engaging directly with RPG fans and applying their feedback. This ranged from adding a sprint button, to removing random encounters, to speeding up the flow of dialogue, and much more.

8 Bit Adv screenshot

I’ve made it a point to try and respond to every comment about my games, even if it’s just to say thank you. That’s getting progressively harder, but I think it’s really important and can open up some amazing discussions with insightful players. These interactions have encouraged me to put my own passions and inspirations on full display. Because it turns out that if I want to see, for example, a new take on Final Fantasy X’s battle system, a lot of other RPG fans will also feel the same way!

And so I find myself where I was nine years ago – on the verge of releasing another personal “Final Fantasy”. Yet things are different this time. On the one hand, I’ve put almost a decade of my life into this project, so the stakes feel higher than ever – especially since I want to fund future games. But on the other hand, most players and critics love 8-Bit Adventures 2, we’re reaching a wider audience on new platforms like Xbox, and I’m supported by a wonderful community of fans. I’m even reaching media with help from the wonderful team at PR Hound. So rather than an ultimatum, this time it feels like the beginning of something special.

8 Bit Adv screenshot

I started making games because I wanted to make people happy – the way titles like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger did for me. I strongly believe that entertainment should leave us in a better place than where it found us. So, if you’re looking for an uplifting experience – and if you love Japanese-style RPGs, turn-based combat, or story rich games – I sincerely invite you to try 8-Bit Adventures 2, out today on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S!

8-Bit Adventures 2

Critical Games


1

$19.99

8-Bit Adventures 2 features everything you love about classic JRPGs. An earnest, engaging storyline; relatable, easy-to-love characters; strategic turn-based combat; deep party customization; an unforgettable soundtrack; and a large, fantastical world – traversed by Airship, and brought to life by vibrant 8-Bit inspired visuals.

When a mistreated child with impossible powers threatens to reshape the world, a hero’s disappearance kicks off a grand adventure – and a battle for survival…

While it may be a sequel, anyone can jump into this all-new JRPG experience!

The post Nostalgia Perfected – How 8-Bit Adventures 2 Won Hearts with Pixels appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Experience True Hockey Intelligence in EA Sports NHL 25 With EA Play

Experience True Hockey Intelligence in EA Sports NHL 25 With EA Play

EA Play October Hero

The latest evolution of the iconic hockey game series, EA Sports NHL 25, is out now! EA Play members can skate onto the rink now with a 10-hour trial of the game (conditions, limitations and exclusions apply – see here for details) and experience unstoppable one-timers and heart-pumping breakways

NHL 25 is powered by Ice-Q, a new gameplay intelligence system that lets you control every inch of the ice. Experience true hockey intelligence with the modernized skating of Next-Gen Vision Control, an overhaul of Chel’s AI player movement, authentic Reactive Action animations and more.

EA Play members can also fly down the ice in style with in-game rewards including World of Chel Coins and Battle Pass XP Modifiers. Plus, those who decide to buy after their trial will have their progress carry over to the full game and they’ll get 10% off, thanks to EA Play’s member discount.

In addition to a NHL 25 trial, EA Play offers a variety of content to members each month. This month’s offerings can be found below:

EA Play October Rewards
  • Apex Legends Golden Generator Weapon Charm – Now to November 4
  • Battlefield 2042 Veridian Flux – Now to October 29
  • EA Sports F1 24 5000 XP BoostNow to October 31
  • EA Sports College Football 25 Loyalist Ultimate Team Pack – Now to October 31
  • Madden NFL 25 MUT October Pack – Now to October 31
  • EA Sports FC 25 Clubs Teamwork Protective Glasses – Now to October 31
  • EA Sports FC 25 EA Play Welcome Pack Now to October 31
  • EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team Draft Token – Now to November 14
  • EA Sports NHL 25 3000 CHEL Coins – Now to December 5
  • EA Sports NHL 25 WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier Tokens – Now to December 5

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members receive EA Play with their Game Pass subscription. Members can experience the world of EA with unlimited access to a collection of top titles, trials of select new games, in-game member rewards and more. Members can unlock the thrill of their next favorite game with up to 10-hour trials of EA’s latest titles such as EA Sports FC 25, EA Sports NHL 25, EA Sports Madden NFL 25, EA Sports College Football 25, F1 24 and EA Sports WRC, in addition to access to an unrivaled collection of EA’s best-loved series and top titles, including Madden NFL 24, EA Sports FC 24 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

Visit the EA Play page for more details, and to stay up to date on the latest from EA Play, follow EA Play on, Instagram, or X. Please see EA.com/EA-Play/Terms for terms and conditions.

The post Experience True Hockey Intelligence in EA Sports NHL 25 With EA Play appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Uncover the Truth – The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Accessories Collection is Here

Uncover the Truth – The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Accessories Collection is Here

As Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 approaches, we’re excited to introduce the Black Ops 6 Collection—a range of thoughtfully designed accessories that bring the covert operations of the Black Ops series to life. The collection includes the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and the Xbox Series X Wrap. Each piece is crafted to capture the tension and intrigue of the ’90s spy thriller theme, with visual elements that immerse players deeper into the game’s world.

The Black Ops 6 controllers are available to customize and purchase now, exclusively through Xbox Design Lab.  Players can also get their hands on the Xbox Series X Wrap – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 available for pre-order exclusively from the Microsoft Store. For a limited time, when you pre-order the Xbox Series X Wrap – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 from the Microsoft Store, players will receive a one-hour 2XP token for use in Black Ops 6

https://youtu.be/7et3kFy07FI  

Inspired by the covert, clandestine forces and spy action thriller nature of the new game, the Xbox Wireless Controller – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 captures the intrigue of Black Ops 6 with striking visual elements. The top case and side caps feature a layered pattern of redacted documents, hidden coordinates, and concealed Black Ops symbols, representing a campaign shrouded in secrecy. Choose from a range of Call of Duty-inspired color options for buttons, triggers, and grips, and complete the look with metallic upgrades for added tactical appeal.

Personalize your setup further by selecting rubberized side and back grips for extra control or adding a custom engraved message over the classified intel, making your controller a true piece of spy craft. Whether you switch between stealth operations in the Campaign, high-octane Multiplayer showdowns, or thrilling Zombies action, the Xbox Wireless Controller is ready to keep up — featuring Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology for seamless connectivity to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android, and select Samsung and Amazon Fire TV devices (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details). 

For those seeking the next-level edge in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 delivers pro-level performance wrapped in a design inspired by the game’s gritty ’90s spy thriller aesthetic. The controller features the same sleek Black Ops 6 top case with redacted text, tactical schematics, and hidden insignia—a homage to covert operations. The specialized neural-textured front grips that the Elite Series 2 not only enhances control, but also incorporates the controller artwork on top of the grips.  

Customize your Elite controller further by selecting from metal D-pads and metallic triggers and utilize the four interchangeable back paddles to map critical moves to how you choose to play. The adjustable-tension thumbsticks are perfect for mastering Black Ops 6’s new Omnimovement mechanics, and shorter hair trigger locks help tailor your controller to match your playstyle.

Choose from your favorite set of Call of Duty-inspired button designs and finishes and add a custom top case engraving to complete the look—transforming the Elite Series 2 into a one-of-a-kind controller that balances both style and performance for the ultimate Black Ops experience. Create your perfect Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 controller combination with Xbox Design Lab and play like a pro on Xbox console, PC, and cloud. Visit Xbox Design Lab for additional information. 

 Complete your Call of Duty setup with the Xbox Series X Wrap – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, designed to give your console a striking new look that embodies the covert intrigue of the Black Ops series. Featuring a layered design inspired by ’90s spy thriller themes, the wrap’s exterior showcases a mind-bending array of redacted documents, classified files, and Black Ops 6 Campaign references. Beneath the intricate surface pattern reveals even more hidden details, nodding to the game’s complex narrative and iconic Zombies mode. 

The precision-fit wrap is built with solid panels and a high-quality fabric finish, making it a perfect match for your Xbox Series X. It’s fastened with Velcro enclosures, making installation and removal quick and tool-free—no adhesives or complex setups required. The inside sleeve features a clean, dotted gray pattern marked with the Call of Duty logo in white, and each wrap includes a removable cover for the disc drive to ensure compatibility across all Xbox Series X consoles. The Xbox Series X Wrap – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a must-have for fans looking to transform their console into a true piece of Black Ops memorabilia. Preorder exclusively from the Microsoft Store now through October 22, 2024 and, for a limited time, receive a one-hour 2XP token for use in Black Ops 6.  

Now’s the time to gear up for the newest high-octane entry in the popular Black Ops series with this complete accessory collection. The new Xbox Wireless Controller – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available now starting at $84.98 USD ERP and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available now, starting $164.98 USD ERP, exclusively through Xbox Design Lab, where you can customize each controller to make it your own. The Xbox Series X Wrap – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available for pre-order exclusively from the Microsoft Store for 54.99 USD ERP. The console wrap will be released on October 23 for purchase through Microsoft Store as well as Xbox Design Lab in all Xbox Design Lab markets where Microsoft Store is present. 

We’re also excited to introduce the latest additions to the Xbox Icon Collection. Inspired by the same striking visual elements featured on the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 controllers, the new hoodie and new joggers are now available exclusively at the Xbox Gear Shop. 

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