Find a way to survive in Synduality Echo of Ada, a new online extraction shooter where humanity must rely on mechs and AI companions to rebuild.

After a massive toxic rain event brings terrifying creatures to the world and drives humanity underground, mankind has developed two technologies to survive – Cradlecoffin mechs to safely forage for resources on the unforgiving surface, and your humanoid AI assistant, a Magus.

Your job is to rise to the surface with your Coffin and Magus in tow to collect resources that improve your base. Can you ascend beyond mere survival when you never know if other players are friends or foe?

Your one constant in this world is your Magus companion. As advanced machines that can assist in various tasks, a Magus is bound to their human through the Three Laws of the Magi:

1. Law of Contract: A Magus shall form a contract with a single individual. Said contract cannot be terminated by the Magus itself.

2. Law of Friendship: A Magus shall stand by their contractor, like a friend of humanity.

3. Law of Growth: A Magus must grow alongside their contractor, as long as said growth does not contradict the first two laws.

Under these directives, the Magus bond adapts to their human’s playstyle, evolving new feedback and information through continued sorties to the surface.

Law of Contract

To form your contract with your Magus, you will first build and customize them.

You’ll select from four different models, each with a different personality type. From the encouraging big brother type to the unexpectedly witty, a Magus type with different communication styles exists for all humans. Once selected, Magus also have different System types. The Weather Gazer is environmentally-focused, displaying incoming toxic rain on the HUD and equipped with a skill to shield from it. The Anti-Cradle System on the other hand is combat-focused, making up for limited environmental resource scans with an ability to read the health of other Cradlecoffin and a skill to restrain them. More Systems exist with their own benefits and drawbacks for different situations.

Further customization of the face shape, hair color, and more ensures your Magus is well-suited to your own aesthetic preferences. After you’ve selected the body, system, and customized the Magus to your liking, your Magus will be optimized in both personality and skillset to best assist you in your quest to gather AO Crystal currency and other resources.

Law of Friendship

Friendship is scarce in a world where monsters and other players with unpredictable loyalties can mean losing everything you’ve gathered in a sortie. Though you may lose equipment, materials, and even your Magus in a fight, your Magus is the only thing that will always find their way back to base with you.

The base is where you’ll spend most of your time when you’re not fighting beasts and scavenging for goods on the surface. Here, you’ll catch glimpses of your Magus doing yoga, tidying up – even dancing. Not only this, but they can offer guidance on how to build up your base to improve your facilities. With the proper resources, you can create a craft station to make equipment and materials without journeying to the surface, and a pit area to focus on your Cradlecoffin.

But to truly ascend beyond survival, one needs more than just weapons and crafting stations. At the base, you can spruce up your Magus with new outfits, and even improve their living quarters – upgrading an empty warehouse into a lavish kitchen, and even building a shiny new shower to help clean up after particularly rough missions. Your Magus may be contracted to stand by your side, but there’s no reason why you can’t reciprocate their friendship with some creature comforts.

Law of Growth

As you continue to sortie, your Magus will learn more about your playing style and the environment, offering insightful advice on which enemies may lurk in certain areas or let you know if that special resource you need to upgrade your base is lurking nearby. They’ll also give you analysis on and off the field –  filling your map with useful info as you explore more and even letting you know if that player in the distance has a history of taking out other players, so heed their advice because it might just save you!

Ruled by these Three Laws of the Magi, your Magus will assist you in every step of your way to rising in the world of Synduality Echo of Ada and with the Ultimate Edition, you’ll also get 7 days early access and one more exclusive Magus type – Mystere from the anime Synduality Noir! Unlike the others, she’s got a bit of a rougher personality, but her cool demeanor can help you in the heat of battle. Be sure to pre-order the Ultimate Edition today!

Synduality Echo of Ada arrives January 23, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S.

Fantasian Neo Dimension signals the reunion of Final Fantasy series creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi with Square Enix and legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu. This multi-dimensional RPG arrives for Xbox Series X|S on December 5, 2024.

Fantasian Neo Dimension has players assume the role of Leo as he journeys to recover his lost memories and solve the mystery of a strange mechanical infection destroying his world. Fans of turn-based RPGs and classic Final Fantasy games can look forward to a satisfying battle system with an amazing original story brought to life by Sakaguchi, with beautiful music from renowned composer Uematsu.

It’s a huge moment for the genre, bringing together a team that’s created some of the most enduring RPG classics ever released. Here’s what you need to know:

Who is Hironobu Sakaguchi?

If you’re a fan of JRPGs, you may have heard the name Hironobu Sakaguchi. Fondly called the “father of Final Fantasy” due to his involvement with the first 10 mainline Final Fantasy games, Sakaguchi is known for his expertise in helping create and inspire what RPGs have become today, creating new worlds with compelling stories with engaging turn-based gameplay mechanics.

Sakaguchi got his start at Square Enix (formerly Square) before he founded his company Mistwalker Corporation in 2004, where they have released titles with cult followings such as Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey and Terra Battle. As a developer, Sakaguchi loves creating games that serve as an evolution from past works, always aiming to bring something new to the table with each of his projects. Fantastian Neo Dimension – an extensive upgrade of the original Fantasian, released on iOS in 2021 – is no exception.

Hand-crafted Dioramas

When creating the original Fantasian, Sakaguchi thought it would be interesting to play a game where you could explore a real-life diorama. And hence, he and his team set out to create over 150 charming hand-crafted dioramas, serving as the background environment for 3D animated characters to explore, resulting in a unique visual appearance for the game.

A Modern Turn-based RPG

Sakaguchi’s desire to create a unique gameplay experience also resulted in the original and modern take on turn-based battle systems in Fantasian Neo Dimension. This game features unique systems that shake up the classic RPG formula and create a fun and satisfying combat system.

• Skill Trajectories – Allowing you to attack enemies in straight or curved lines. Observing enemies’ turn order and position on the battlefield in combination with choosing the right skills and trajectory can help you take out multiple enemies in one turn.
• Dimengeon System – The Dimengeon System is a unique feature that provides a new way to deal with random encounters, streamlining combat while also allowing you to explore environments uninterrupted. Early in the game, Leo discovers a Dimengeon Machine which allows him to trap previously encountered enemies in a dimensional dungeon– aptly called the Dimengeon. With this tool, you’re able to fight all of the enemies that you’ve captured in the Dimengeon at any point. However, once the Dimengeon Machine is full, you’ll need to fight all enemies stored there all at once! Deciding to fight a smaller group of enemies or a full machine’s worth involves a level of strategy and planning to ensure your victory.
• Dimengeon Gimmicks – While fighting enemies in the Dimengeon, Dimengeon Gimmicks may appear. You can attack these to receive various effects such as increased attack power or extra turns. Aim for Dimengeon Gimmicks alongside enemies utilizing your Skill Trajectories to make the most of your player turns and gain an upper hand in battle.

Memorable Music

Earlier, I mentioned that Fantasian Neo Dimension features music from Nobuo Uematsu. If you’re not familiar with him, he is also considered an industry legend thanks to his involvement with composing music tracks for multiple Final Fantasy installments as well as other games throughout the years. If you haven’t heard his work yet, you’ll be in for a treat!

What’s New

The original release of Fantasian in 2021 was an Apple Arcade exclusive which received critical acclaim. Following the release, Sakaguchi wanted to make the game available for a broader audience. Thanks to a growing relationship with Naoki Yoshida, Head of Creative Studio 3 at Square Enix, the team behind Final Fantasy XIV Online and Final Fantasy XVI, Fantasian Neo Dimension was born.

This enhanced version of the original release comes with brand-new features including English and Japanese voiceovers, an additional difficulty option, and 4K support for Xbox Series X. These new features, alongside the availability to wider audiences, bring to life Sakaguchi’s true vision for the title.

Pre-order Perk

If you’ve been enticed by all of that, Fantasian Neo Dimension is now available for pre-order! If you do so, you’ll receive a special digital in-game item, the Vibran Secret Stone. This provides an experience boost while equipped – a worthwhile item for leveling up characters for the challenging battles ahead.

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

SQUARE ENIX

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

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The Father of FINAL FANTASY, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu return to deliver an original RPG story.

Mechteria—a deathly mechanical infection that robs humans of their emotions and lives—is slowly engulfing the world.

The protagonist Leo awakens with only one memory left to him in a strange land abundant with machines.

The human world, threatened by mechteria… a machine world, filled with mysteries… and the unseen dimensions that lie beyond both.

Using the Warp Device that was left behind, Leo must now embark on an interdimensional journey to reclaim his lost memories and save the world from the mechteria infection.

The wait is over! We’re thrilled to unveil the Cipher Series for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, with Xbox Design Lab. This collection taps into the nostalgia of classic tech designs with six stunning transparent top cases, letting you relive the magic of seeing the inner workings of your favorite gadgets—while adding a modern twist. Alongside the Cipher Series, we’re also introducing two vibrant chromatic D-pad and paddle designs in Sunset Chroma and Energy Chroma, bringing fresh style to the Elite Series 2 controller. And to elevate the retro-modern aesthetic, we’re excited to announce the Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition – Ghost Cipher, a follow-up to the fan-favorite Sky Cipher.

With its transparent casing and metallic silver details, the Cipher Series lets you look inside the controller, capturing the spirit of those iconic see-through devices that tech enthusiasts still fondly remember—now making a bold comeback for a new generation of players.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic translucent tech of the ’90s and early 2000s, the Cipher Series brings six stunning transparent top case designs to Xbox Design Lab. These vibrant, candy-colored top cases encapsulate the controller’s metallic frame, showcasing both its external beauty and the advanced engineering within the Elite Series 2 controller.

Each color tells a unique story: Ghost Cipher strips away all color to reveal a fully transparent top case, offering a clear view of the controller’s inner workings; Velocity Cipher pays homage to the iconic Xbox green, made transparent to expose the energized world inside; Astral Cipher captures the mysteries of deep space with a rich, regal shade of purple; Surf Cipher channels the energy of ocean waves with its transparent blue; Candy Cipher offers a dreamy, sweet vision with a playful pink top case; and Pulse Cipher embodies passion and power with a striking transparent red.

In addition to the Cipher Series, two new chromatic D-pad and paddle designs—Energy Chroma and Sunset Chroma—introduce a dynamic spectrum of color. These metallic finishes blend hues to create a hypnotic gradient that shifts depending on the angle, adding a sci-fi, jewelry-like feel to your controller. Energy Chroma starts with the signature Xbox green and fades into blues, yellows, and magenta accents, while Sunset Chroma evokes a warm, summery glow with its transition from yellow to bright pink.

These new designs don’t just look great, they’re built around the most advanced controller Xbox has to offer. With rubberized diamond grips, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and shorter hair trigger locks, the Elite Series 2 controller ensures performance tailored to your playstyle. And with Xbox Design Lab, you can add extra thumbsticks, D-pads, paddles, and complimentary 3D printable files to 3D print for adaptive thumbstick toppers to make your controller as personalized and comfortable as possible.

The Cipher Series for the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Chromatic D-pad and paddle designs are available to purchase now in select Xbox markets. Visit Xbox Design Lab for additional information.

Alongside these new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 top cases, we’re also excited to announce the release of our latest special edition: Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher. This controller features grey and bronze accents and a clear top case, revealing silver interior parts including a rumble pack in the side grips. Its rubberized back grips and bronze metallic D-pad and triggers offer both style and performance, perfect for players who appreciate a refined, sophisticated design.

The Ghost Cipher Special Edition controller comes with all your favorite features. Seamlessly connect to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android devices via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details) and enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors). Utilize the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your favorite compatible headset, perfect for listening to your game or chatting with friends. Share your gaming moments effortlessly with the dedicated share button, and customize your experience with the Xbox Accessories app, giving you endless potential to elevate your play.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher Special Edition is available for pre-order today in select Xbox markets worldwide for $69.99 USD ERP. Visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.

Hullo Hobbits! Exciting news: Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game will launch for Xbox Series X|S on March 25, 2025. In this coy life-sim, you create your very own Hobbit to experience the quiet life in the Shire. Based upon the legendary book series by J.R.R. Tolkien, Tales of the Shire ventures to take the path less travelled by providing a rich story with a focus on food, fellowship, and good neighbours.

In the world of Middle-earth, Hobbits are a kind, modest group. They are fond of cooking, comfort, and community. While there have been many tales of bold adventurers outside the confines of the Shire, our game takes a small step back to focus on the relaxing day-to-day activities of these hairy-footed people. Isn’t it time you took a moment to bask in the summer sun, settle by a babbling brook, and relax over a home-cooked meal with a couple good friends? We thought so, too.

To gather around the table, you must first create your own Hobbit, with a variety of very Hobbit-esque choices: face shape, personality, hair-foot style, etc. After character creation, your story begins in Bywater.

This small, growing community is home to a delightful cast of residents, who will request your aid in placing Bywater on the Shire’s map as an official village. A familiar grey bearded steward kindly drops you off at your new home, and, from here, you’ll complete tasks for the many townsfolk. As the name suggests, Tales of the Shire is full of many stories!

There are many Hobbit characters (and even a few non-Hobbits) to meet and help. Perhaps your neighbour needs help mending a fence. Or the elderly Hobbit down the lane asks you to satiate their appetite with a homemade pie. Pay attention as many of the characters come from well-known families such as “Brandybuck”, “Cotton” or “Took.” Completing a task for a character grows your friendship. A big part of just being a Hobbit is building bonds with your neighbours! Through these connections and conversations, you will learn the individual likes, quirks, and tastes of the characters of Bywater.  

This knowledge is very helpful when, inevitably, you host a dinner party. Perhaps you’re aware that Marigold, the chatty innkeeper of the Ivy Bush Inn, is fond of sweet, delicious dishes. And, over time, you’ve built a strong friendship with Orlo, the mail carrier of the town. You may discover he’s partial to some fragrant herbs in his dishes. To make a memorable evening for both your friends, you must balance their palates when creating dishes in your kitchen. Impress your guests and they might help you learn more skills or share secret locations only the locals would know.

To make all these delicious meals, you’ll need a bunch of produce. Forage the fields and forests with Delphi, Bywater’s passionate herbalist, and learn where to find mushrooms, berries, and wild grown herbs. Learn how to harvest wild honey or raise chickens with the help of the Cotton family, all providing marvellous ingredients to fill your colourful pantry. Plant a wild country garden with seasonal vegetables and fruits, and customize it with trinkets, decorations, and furniture. You carry out these relaxing activities, and more, at your own pace.

If you’ve perhaps forgotten to plant enough carrots or beans, don’t worry – down in the market, Farmer Cotton and Young Tom Cotton sell an overflow of produce and meats, Sandyman the Miller can be coaxed into making another order of flour, and cantankerous Old Noakes (who has a secret heart of gold) will show you the best spots to find fish. Traders who visit far off lands can offer interesting spices and unusual items not often found in the Shire – only for the experienced home cook looking to expand their repertoire!

Surprise your fellow Hobbits with their favourite dishes, and they’ll likely give you something in return – or expand their available wares for their special customers! Trading is a huge part of the community culture, and a well thought out meal will always invite a gift in return. Hobbits love gifts, and as you embed yourself further in the community, you’ll find yourself overflowing with beautiful items to decorate your home and garden with.

If you’d prefer some shopping, the Burrows’ General Store is always stocked with the finest of Hobbit garments for you to customise your look. Willow, the local builder, is always happy to help you renovate and expand the home – with the help of her precocious daughter, Daisy!

After a peaceful day pottering about the Shire, cosy up in your Hobbit-sized bed for a good night’s sleep. Life moves slowly, but there’s always much to do and see tomorrow!

In the end, there are so many bonds to build in Tales of the Shire and so much to do. While we touch on a few aspects here, stay tuned for more news, details on other game features, and more. We hope you join us for your own Hobbit adventure in Bywater on March 25, 2025. See you then!