Free Play Days – UFC 5, Rainbow Six Siege, Classified: France ’44 and Overcooked All You Can Eat

Get ready for an action-packed Free Play Day with an exciting lineup featuring the intense battles of UFC 5, the tactical operations of Rainbow Six Siege, the strategic warfare of Classified: France ’44, and the culinary chaos of Overcooked All You Can Eat! available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday September 12 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, September 15 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Gamers can enjoy Rainbow Six Siege for an extra day with Free Play Days from September 12 until September 16.

Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of over 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals! Read more about Game Pass Core at Xbox Wire.

How To Start Playing

Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Keep The Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)

UFC® 5

Electronic Arts

☆☆☆☆☆
444

★★★★★

$69.99

$34.99

Get it now

Free Trial

EA Sports UFC 5
Powered by Frostbite, EA Sports UFC 5 is the next evolution of the fight game. From unrivalled graphics upgrades to all-new damage systems and doctor stoppages that affect gameplay in truly authentic fashion — this is as real as it gets.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege

UBISOFT

☆☆☆☆☆
2002

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Xbox Game Pass

Rainbow Six Siege
Play the new season of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege in Operation Twin Shells. This season introduces the Skopós, an Operator who deploys modern robotics technology to outmaneuver her foes. Operation Twin Shells also brings enhanced player protection against cheating, Siege Cup (Beta) a new competitive playlist, improved player comfort with a redesigned After-Action Report, and new items in the Marketplace.

Classified: France ’44

Team17

☆☆☆☆☆
50

★★★★★

$34.99

Get it now

Classified: France ’44
Command an elite team of allied special operators in Nazi-occupied France wreaking havoc in the run up to D-Day in this ambitious turn-based tactics game. Take on the might of Germany’s war machine and launch daring raids in occupied territory. Can you do enough to ensure Allied victory?

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Team17

☆☆☆☆☆
124

★★★★★

$39.99

Get it now

Overcooked! All You Can Eat
The Peckish have risen again and it’s your job to satisfy their hunger, are you ready to save the world again? Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a chaotic cooking game where players need to work together (or alone) to serve as many dishes as they can before the timer runs out. Travel through the land cooking up a variety of recipes in evolving and dynamic kitchens.

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – UFC 5, Rainbow Six Siege, Classified: France ’44 and Overcooked All You Can Eat appeared first on Xbox Wire.

New Xbox Friends and Followers Experience

Beginning this week, starting with Alpha Skip-Ahead users on Xbox consoles, and users that have joined the PC Gaming preview on Windows PCs and handheld devices, Xbox Insiders will be able to preview an updated friends and followers experience! With updated relationships, and new privacy and notification settings, you can start managing your social experiences with Xbox just the way you like, from any device.

Friends and followers

We’re thrilled to announce the return of friend requests! Now, you can easily send, accept, or delete friend requests, making it simpler to connect with others. Friends are now a two-way, invite-approved relationship, giving you more control and flexibility. Meanwhile, following someone remains a one-way connection, allowing you to stay updated with their shared content, whether it’s another player, club, or game.

Getting started is easy

Existing friends and followers will update automatically with this change. You’ll stay friends with people who had also added you as a friend previously and continue following anyone who hadn’t.

To start managing your friends and followers on Xbox consoles, press the Xbox button to open the guide and head to the People tab. Here, you can find all your existing friends in the Friends list, accept (or delete) new friend requests, or find someone new and send a friend request of your own.

It’s just as easy from all the devices you’re already using! Starting with Xbox consoles, Windows PCs and handheld devices, and coming to the rest of your devices later, you’re never far from your friends.

Newly added friend request button on the People tab of the Xbox console.

Managing your social experience

With these updates, we are also adding new privacy and notification settings, letting you decide who can send you friend requests or follow your account and which notifications you receive.

You can manage who can send you friend requests, or follow your account, directly from your Xbox console by navigating to Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy, then select View details & customize > Friends, followers & clubs to customize your settings. You can also update your notification preferences on Xbox consoles from Settings > Preferences > Notifications.

Additionally, you can manage your settings online by navigating to Privacy & online safety and signing in. Here, you can customize all your privacy settings, then select Submit when you’re done.

To learn more about managing your settings, visit: Manage Xbox online safety and privacy settings.

Xbox console page with options to customize friends, followers, and clubs related privacy settings.

Shape the future of Xbox

We want to thank all the Xbox Insiders for the feedback you share with us. Your feedback is a key part of our process.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We always recommend replying to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can!

You can also provide direct feedback to Team Xbox by following the steps here: Provide feedback to Team Xbox, and follow the Xbox Insider Program on Twitter @XboxInsider to stay in the know.

If you’re not yet an Xbox Insider, and you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC.

For more information, and to keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes, visit the Xbox Insider Home.

The post New Xbox Friends and Followers Experience appeared first on Xbox Wire.

One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffect

Category: Announcements

September 11, 2024

One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffect

One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffect

Soccer-based shenanigans return to St. George’s Park as the UK games industry once again comes together to raise crucial funds for charity! Taking place across September 25 and 26 2024 – a mere two weeks away – 24 hours of high-quality game dev football will be livestreamed on Twitch for everyone’s viewing pleasure, all in the name of raising money for SpecialEffect.

One Big Game has come a long way since its inception in 2020: what started off as a FIFA-based rivalry between Xbox Game Studios Rare and Playground Games evolved into a real-life football face-off between the teams in 2021, and has now transformed into a multi-studio, 24-hour effort played and broadcast live from the English FA’s national football centre. This will be the second time the One Big Game squad have attempted to pull off an event on this scale, with 2023’s event raising an astonishing £30,596 overall.

Building on the brilliant efforts of last year’s One Big Game, teams from games companies such as Activision, Jagex, Ninja Theory, Ubisoft and more will come together to decide once and for all (or for at least a year) who is better: Team Red or Team Blue. All teams taking part will be assigned to represent one of those colours and will play in a full 90-minute match, where the final score will contribute to the overall Team Red and Team Blue tallies.

The sporting showdown will kick off at 7pm BST on September 25, with coverage beginning on the Xbox On Twitch channel from 6:30pm BST – and then at approximately 7:15pm BST on September 26, the final score will be settled alongside the final whistle, when one brave band of players will emerge victorious. You can expect to see some familiar faces on the broadcast and commentary team too, with the Xbox On crew (and some special guests!) taking the reins on hosting the event.

We’re once again thrilled to have the support of so many studios across the UK, all of whom are remarkably enthusiastic about donating their legs, lactic acid and, in some cases, dignity to raise money for SpecialEffect. We’re so proud to be bringing so many people together both on and off the pitch, and this event promises to be an incredibly special show of skill, spirit and generosity amongst the games industry community.

As Xbox Game Studios, we couldn’t be prouder to support SpecialEffect’s mission to level the playing field for all gamers with disabilities. For many people, games are a vital form of recreation and games like Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 have a particular role to play in connecting gamers with additional needs. SpecialEffect uses innovative technology to make gaming accessible to all, and your donations will allow this charity to continue supporting disabled gamers well into the future.

So please, if you can, tune in from Wednesday, September 25 for competition, camaraderie and absolutely corking goals from the participating players. Rivalries will be born, heroes will be made and friendships will be forged on the immaculate astroturf of the Sir Alf Ramsey Pitch at St. George’s Park. And, most importantly, vital funds will be raised for charity. If you’d like to get the ball rolling with donations, please head over to the One Big Game ’24 Tiltify donation page to pledge your support.

See you on the 25th – and don’t forget your stretches!

The post One Big Game: 24-Hour Football Match Returns in Aid of SpecialEffect appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre

Category: Games

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre

Max Caulfield became something of an unexpected video game icon in the course of the first Life Is Strange. In a medium often associated with over-muscled, under-dressed lead characters, stepping into the shoes of an ordinary person, with relatable hopes and fears (and, yes, just a dash of superpowers) felt quietly revolutionary.

Discovering the mysteries of Arcadia Bay was the headline of that game, but helping Max discover who she was through the course of our adventure became the thing I remember most about the first installment in what’s become a major gaming series.

So, as I picked up the controller to play a slice of her unlikely return, I expected all of this to feel familiar – a character, her powers, and a vibe that still live in my mind, years later. I’m thrilled to say I was wrong.

We knew that the Max Caulfield of Life Is Strange: Double Exposure would be older, with a life history for us to catch up on, but that translates into a game that feels equally evolved. Double Exposure is set years after the original, and places Max (and us) in the midst of a supernatural murder mystery. Her best friend, Safi, is killed, awakening a whole new power in Max – the ability to shift between two timelines, allowing her to see a world in which Safi never died alongside her own.

In my demo of the game, set a few hours into the game, I see quite how much those new powers change the fabric of Life Is Strange as a whole. Where Max’s original power to rewind time effectively played with the idea of a Choose Your Own Adventure – the virtual equivalent of putting your finger in the page before you turn to a new one – timeline shifting goes some way towards changing the genre entirely. Double Explosure is more of a puzzle game than this series has ever allowed for before.

My demo sees me aiming to help Moses, a (seemingly innocent) friend suspected of Safi’s murder – inadvertently incriminating evidence is locked in a Caledon University science lab, and Max needs to find and remove it before a suspicious detective can stumble across it himself. Max can only shift timelines through what amount to rips in space-time, offering me a way into the lab that’s otherwise inaccessible.

Initially, it’s pure Life Is Strange – I enter the lab and ask other-Moses where he might safely keep a secret, building a picture of the situation entirely through dialogue. But soon, this becomes another kind of game entirely. I’m tasked with figuring out not only how to make my way around, but piecing together the mystery across both timelines – clues from one affecting how I proceed through another. There are elements of stealth, as I avoid the detective in the “dark” timeline, and even an entirely new power, allowing me to switch objects between timelines and change the rooms around me. This is not the Life Is Strange you remember, and it’s all the more enticing for that.

It’s a whole new take on puzzle solving for Life Is Strange – there are still the pivotal dialogue choices, deeply personal histories to uncover, and carefully chosen diegetic indie music, but with a new focus on classic game design weaving it all together. Like Max, Life Is Strange is learning how to become something new.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure launches for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on October 29 this year – and those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition can play both Chapters 1 and 2 from October 15.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Square Enix

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Max Caulfield, photographer-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University, discovers her closest new friend, Safi, dead in the snow.

Murdered.

To save her, Max tries to Rewind time – a power she’s not used in years… instead, Max opens the way to a parallel timeline where Safi is still alive, and still in danger!

Max realizes the killer will soon strike again – in both versions of reality.

With her new power to Shift between two timelines – can Max solve and prevent the same murder?

ORDINARY GIRL, EXTRAORDINARY POWER
Max is thrust into a thrilling supernatural murder mystery – more dangerous than ever before!

TRAVERSE TWO TIMELINES
Forge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality, shaping both timelines through unforgettable choices.

RACE AGAINST TIME
A relentless detective has Max in his sights, and Safi’s killer grows closer with every clue uncovered. Can Max survive long enough – to do the impossible?

DECIDE THE FATE OF CALEDON
Explore two versions of a vivid winter campus, each packed with clues, secrets, and tough decisions.

EXCLUSIVE SOUNDTRACK
A rich original score, new songs, and thrilling licensed tracks!

The post Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Max Caulfield By Taking on a Whole New Gaming Genre appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Game Pass Standard Is Here – How to Choose the Right Plan for You

Category: Games

September 10, 2024

Xbox Game Pass Standard Is Here – How to Choose the Right Plan for You

Chris Lee, VP Xbox Marketing

Starting today, we are launching a new plan for Xbox Game Pass – Game Pass Standard. This plan brings together features that players love about Game Pass for Console and Game Pass Core, while providing an additional option when you are deciding which plan is right for you. If you’re still wondering which Game Pass plan might fit your needs, we have the guide for you.
As players, we all have different approaches to gaming. Maybe you’re a PC player, or perhaps enjoy playing online with friends. Maybe you’re gaming on a budget, or you want to play the latest titles day one like the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in October. Providing options to you is important, which is why Game Pass has several options to choose from.

Choose the Plan that’s Right for You

PC Game Pass – Want to play high-quality games on your PC? PC Game Pass offers a multitude of benefits, including hundreds of great games and access to new titles on day one. That includes Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, access to an EA Play membership, Riot Games benefits in Valorant, League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and more. Members also enjoy discounts of up to 20% on many games. If you’re a PC-only player, then PC Game Pass is designed for you.

Game Pass Core – Is your main interest jumping on your Xbox console and challenging your friends online or teaming up to take down a final boss? Game Pass Core is your main avenue for online console multiplayer. For a low monthly price, play with others online, get member deals of up to 50% off select titles, and enjoy a select catalog of over 25 high-quality games in the Game Pass library, including Grounded, Among Us, Halo, Gears 5, and more.

Game Pass Standard – Are you looking to level up your Xbox console gaming experience at a great value? Then Game Pass Standard may be right for you. In addition to all of the benefits you receive with Game Pass Core, including online console multiplayer and member discounts, you get access to hundreds of high-quality console games in the Game Pass library. Legendary series like Halo or Age of Empires, and massively popular games such as Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege are ready for you to play. Dive in and discover your next favorite game today.

Game Pass Ultimate – Are you a player who wants the total gaming experience? Then Game Pass Ultimate has what you need. Including all the benefits in the other Game Pass plans, enjoy hundreds of high-quality games such as Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and Diablo IV, including new games on day one like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on your console, PC, and cloud. Get beloved series like EA Sports F1, Battlefield, and Star Wars with EA Play. Join friends and play together with online console multiplayer. Experience premium member benefits with deals and discounts on games and add-ons, free Perks, and more. Stream a game with cloud gaming before you download it on your console – no installs required. Get a head start in Valorant, League of Legends, and more of the biggest PC and mobile games from Riot Games. With Game Pass Ultimate, there’s always something new to play.

We continue to be focused on delivering the best gaming experience at a range of price points so players can choose the plan with the features that best fits their gaming needs and budget. If you are interested in learning more about Xbox Game Pass and pricing for each plan, please visit our main page. You can also find additional information about the new Game Pass Standard plan on Xbox Support.

The post Xbox Game Pass Standard Is Here – How to Choose the Right Plan for You appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Forza Horizon 5 Welcomes Hide & Seek, Its Newest Multiplayer Experience

The post Forza Horizon 5 Welcomes Hide & Seek, Its Newest Multiplayer Experience appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Persona 3 Reload and Episode Aigis The Answer: A Deeply Personal Journey

Category: Games

September 10, 2024

Persona 3 Reload and Episode Aigis The Answer: A Deeply Personal Journey

Kazuhisa Wada, Producer, Persona 3 Reload

Summary

Persona 3 Reload sees its epilogue DLC, Episode Aigis -The Answer- released today.
Episode Aigis -The Answer- is part of the Persona 3 Reload Expansion Pass, available as a perk to Xbox Games Pass Ultimate members.
Persona 3 Reload is available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Game Pass.

Hello, everyone. This is Kazuhisa Wada, producer of Persona 3 Reload. As we approach the release of the final story chapter Episode Aigis -The Answer-, I’d like to talk a little bit about how we got here.

The journey begins with Persona 3 Reload. If you haven’t played it yet, I encourage you to do this first. Speaking personally, the original Persona 3 was not only the beginning of a new era for the Persona series, but a turning point for my career as a game developer as well. Many members of the P3R development team were fans of the original when it first released, so bringing their perspectives together with mine to create its remake has been quite emotional. We understood deeply how much this title meant to both fans and ourselves, pouring all of these feelings into creating the best version of the game we could from the ground up.

The core storyline of Persona 3 resonated with the hearts of players across the globe, and we strove to maintain everything that made it that way while modernizing the gameplay and visuals to live up to the flashy and engaging experience fans loved in Persona 5. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or you’re curious to try out the series for the first time, we wanted to make this game something that would leave a lasting impression. I’ve said this before, but it’s my belief that good things never become obsolete, and seeing the outpouring of love from players has filled me with gratitude and relief that we have succeeded in our duty to deliver that goodness to a modern audience.

Next, we have the downloadable content, Episode Aigis -The Answer-, available today. In the same way, we wanted to remake the original The Answer (released as part of Persona 3 FES on PS2) from the ground up. In truth, from the very start of planning P3R we felt that this was an indispensable part of the story and wanted to find some way to create it, but the realities of development got in the way and it wasn’t looking like it was going to be possible… I was so disappointed that I just couldn’t give up on it, and continued searching for a way forward as we developed the main game.

When we finally revealed to the world what we were working on, the response from fans was overwhelming, and many of them pleaded for The Answer to be included. Knowing that it wasn’t just my own stubborn wish was the final push we needed, and so we managed to make it a reality. Honestly, thank you all so much.

Lastly, I’d like to highlight Metis, the new character who only appears in The Answer. While Persona 3‘s characters have already been featured in modern titles such as Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight, Metis herself hasn’t been seen since Persona 3 FES, so we took extra care in how to depict her in the P3R style. While similar to Aigis, she has her own elements that are unique. Of course, she also comes equipped with her Persona, Psyche, along with her own special Theurgy skills to stand tall with the rest of the team. We hope both new and returning players will be able to appreciate the attention we gave to her design and animation!

Thank you for your continued interest in the Persona series that we have all poured our hearts into. Please look forward to Episode Aigis -The Answer-! Persona 3 Reload is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Game Pass – and the Expansion Pass (including Episode Aigis -The Answer-) is available as a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.

Persona 3 Reload

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆
382

★★★★★

$69.99

$55.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour “hidden” between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever.

Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.

Key Features:
– Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI.

-Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover.

– Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters.

– Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.

Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆
251

★★★★★

$34.99

$31.49

Get it now

Dive deeper into the world of Persona 3 Reload with this expansion pass featuring new costumes, BGM, and an extended story content scenario “Episode Aigis -The Answer-”, offering over 30 hours of additional gameplay.

Content will be released as follows:

Wave 1 – Persona 5 Royal EX BGM Set and Persona 4 Golden EX BGM Set
Release Date: March 2024
Unlock and listen to additional tracks from Persona 5 Royal and Persona 4 Golden while exploring and battling in dungeons in Persona 3 Reload and Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-.

Wave 2 – Velvet Costume & BGM Set
Release Date: May 2024
Unlock Velvet Room themed costumes and BGM to further customize your dungeon experience in Persona 3 Reload and Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-.

Wave 3 – New Expansive Story Scenario, “Episode Aigis -The Answer-”
Release Date: September 2024
After unravelling the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fighting epic battles through Tartarus, and all the unforgettable events of Persona 3 Reload, the S.E.E.S. members find themselves trapped in a never-ending March 31st. Journey through the Abyss of Time as Aigis, undertake new challenges, and uncover the cause of this strange fate and the truth of what happened on that day…

Delve into this final chapter now with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, fresh animations and UI, and a rearranged soundtrack.

You must own Persona 3 Reload with the latest patch downloaded to access expansion pass content.
Some content in this product may overlap.
Names and descriptions in this product are subject to change without notice. For more information on each item, please refer to their individual listings.
Scheduled release dates are subject to change.

The post Persona 3 Reload and Episode Aigis The Answer: A Deeply Personal Journey appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Five Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox

Category: Games

September 6, 2024

Five Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox

Will Tuttle

It’s that time of year again, when basketball fan and gamers both come together to celebrate the launch of the latest installment in the long-running NBA 2K series. This year, NBA 2K25 is raising the bar with its innovative features and immersive gameplay, offering something for every basketball fan. Here are the five coolest aspects that make NBA 2K25 a must-play for hoop heads and gamers alike.

ProPLAY Elevates the Series to New Heights

OK, this is a little bit of a cheat, since ProPLAY isn’t a feature but rather a technology that enables most of the features listed below. Essentially, ProPLAY replaces traditional motion-captured animations by taking authentic movements from actual NBA footage and translating them into immersive real-time gameplay. A whopping 9,000 new ProPLAY animations have been added in NBA 2K25, including 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,100 signature shot animations, and over 1,300 new off-the-ball animations, including 150 new signature motion styles.

Put it on the Floor with the Dribble Engine

This is probably the biggest update to the NBA 2K series we’ve seen in a while. The new Dribble Engine transforms the way players handle the basketball, allowing for an unprecedented level of control. Players can now execute a wider variety of dribble moves with greater precision, including advanced crossovers, behind-the-back moves, and quick changes of direction. The Dribble Engine also integrates with the game’s physics engine, creating realistic ball-handling that reflects the true-to-life movement of basketball stars.

The Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting Mechanic Hits from Downtown

Another game-changer in NBA 2K25 is the Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting feature. This mechanic adds a layer of skill and timing to shooting, requiring players to use the right stick with a precise rhythm to achieve the perfect shot. By syncing the stick movements with the player’s shooting motion, you can now execute a variety of shot types with more accuracy and flair. This system not only enhances the realism of shooting but also offers a deeper, more engaging gameplay experience for those who master it.

Hyper-Realistic Player Models and Animations Make You Feel Like You’re Courtside

NBA 2K25 pushes the envelope in player realism with its stunningly detailed player models and animations. Utilizing a combination of ProPLAY and advanced motion capture technology, the game features lifelike movements and facial expressions that make each player look and feel true to life. The improved animations capture the subtle nuances of player behavior, from intricate footwork to Signature Shots, making every game more authentic than ever.

Play Smarter with Advanced AI and Tactical Depth

NBA 2K25’s improved AI system brings a new level of strategic depth to the game thanks to improvements to the Court Spacing, Offense, Defense, Coaching, and AI Difficulty systems. Opposing teams now exhibit more sophisticated tactics and adaptive strategies, making every match a unique challenge. On offense, you’ll see better driving lanes and drive and kick opportunities, while updated defensive help logic allows for better pursuit angles and rotations.

Thanks in large part to the ProPLAY system, NBA 2K25 is redefining what sports simulation games can offer with its cutting-edge features, while still feeling rewarding and intuitive for all experience levels, whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, these features ensure that NBA 2K25 stands out as one of the best entries in the best basketball series ever.

NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition

☆☆☆☆☆
350

★★★★★

$149.99

Get it now

This edition includes a digital copy of NBA 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

In addition, purchase, download and play by 10/17 to redeem the Trendsetter Reward*** as the Season 1 Level 1 reward, including 15,000 VC and other MyCAREER and MyTEAM bonus content!

The NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition contains:

– 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription****
– Season 1 Pro Pass***** with 4 upfront Pro Pass rewards

Virtual Currency

– 100,000 VC

MyCAREER Content

– 150x Skill Boosts (25 Games)
– 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games)
– Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey
– Vince Carter Cover Jersey
– Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin
– 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-Shirt

MyTEAM Promo Box

– 10 MyTEAM Player Cards (3 guaranteed to be 89 OVR)
– 3 Diamond Shoe Cards
– 3 Takeover Boosts
– 1 Amethyst Coach Card

Compete your way as you define your legacy in MyCAREER and MyTEAM, and experience MyNBA and The W on Xbox Series X|S or MyLEAGUE on Xbox One. Express your personality with an array of customization options and explore an all-new City (Xbox Series X|S) or urban metropolis in the Neighborhood (Xbox One).

Experience your favorite NBA players’ signature moves and fine-tune your skills to deliver career-defining plays in dramatic fashion. Bring your game to life with ProPLAY on Xbox Series X|S, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in the most authentic NBA experience to date.

COMPETE IN MyCAREER

Honor NBA legends in MyCAREER as you eclipse their milestone achievements and usher in the greatest dynasty the sport has ever seen. The City on Xbox Series X|S is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some competitive streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Or dominate in the new Neighborhood on Xbox One as you complete quests, earn rewards and eclipse your Rivals in new and returning game modes.

YOUR MyTEAM, YOUR WAY

Competition thrives in MyTEAM. Challenge rival lineups with your all-time MyTEAM roster, and clash with other elite players in the weekly King of the Court. Go head-to-head and showcase why you deserve to be crowned the best of the best in this exclusive event.

Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyLEAGUE are available offline. All other game modes and features require Internet connection and may require online account registration (varies 13+).

**Internet connection and NBA 2K Account required to redeem and use bonus content. Terms apply.

***Trendsetter bonus offer is available on purchases of any edition of NBA 2K25 through October 17, 2024. Trendsetter bonus content will be available to redeem via the Season Pass page in-game and must be redeemed by October 17, 2024. Internet connection and NBA 2K Account required to redeem and use bonus content. Terms apply.

****NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition (Digital) only available through September 8, 2024. Includes 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription. NBA League Pass valid for 12 months from redemption and auto-renews monthly unless canceled prior to the renewal date at the then-current published MSRP for NBA League Pass in your territory. Availability restrictions apply. See nba.2k.com/2K25/league-pass for full terms, availability, redemption, and cancellation instructions.

*****NBA 2K25 Pro Passes and Hall of Fame passes are available for separate purchase and require base game, internet connection and NBA 2K account. Paid premium passes unlock additional rewards for the season that are earnable through gameplay. Progress and rewards reset at the end of each season. For more information on Season Pass, go to https://nba.2k.com/2k25/season-pass-faq/

NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition

☆☆☆☆☆
369

★★★★★

$99.99

Get it now

This edition includes a digital copy of NBA 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

The NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition contains:

Virtual Currency

– 100,000 VC

MyCAREER Content

– 150x Skill Boosts (25 Games)
– 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games)
– Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey
– Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin
– 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-Shirt

MyTEAM Promo Box

– 10 MyTEAM Player Cards (3 guaranteed to be 89 OVR)
– 3 Diamond Shoe Cards
– 3 Takeover Boosts
– 1 Amethyst Coach Card

COMPETE IN MyCAREER

YOUR MyTEAM, YOUR WAY

Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyLEAGUE are available offline. All other game modes and features require Internet connection and may require online account registration (varies 13+).

© 2005-2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Published by 2K. 2K, T2, and related logos, are all trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. © 2024 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved. The NBPA identifications are the intellectual property of the National Basketball Players Association and may not be used without the prior written consent of National Basketball Players Incorporated © 2024 the National Basketball Players Association. All rights reserved. The ESRB ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Patents and Patent Pending: www.take2games.com/Legal.

NBA 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S

☆☆☆☆☆
220

★★★★★

Get it now

COMPETE IN MyCAREER

YOUR MyTEAM, YOUR WAY

Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyLEAGUE are available offline. All other game modes and features require Internet connection and may require online account registration (varies 13+).

*For Trendsetter Reward terms and redemption instructions visit https://nba.2k.com/2k25/faq/

The post Five Features That Make NBA 2K25 a Must-Play for Basketball Fans on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13

Category: Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13

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 PC, 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!

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (Pre-order)

Focus Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II – September 9

Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperor’s warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity.

Customers From Hell

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Customers From Hell – September 10
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Punch in for this intense wave-survival game where you have to defend the store, eliminate deranged customers, and upgrade your base. Each wave of shoppers becomes more and more challenging as the customers gets more aggressive. Protect your supplies and base, build barricades, traps, upgrades, weapons and survive for as long as possible!

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York

Dear Villagers

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York – September 10

Immerse yourself in the third installment of this gripping visual novel series, set against the backdrop of a modern metropolis teeming with supernatural intrigue. Embrace the darkness as a Kindred, a vampire thrust into a world of danger and betrayal where survival is paramount.

Yars Rising

Atari

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

Pre-order

Yars Rising – September 10
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

In WayForward’s experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platforming action. Take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy QoTech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through challenges as you slowly unravel a complex secret shrouded in intrigue.

Action SuperCross

Infinite Zone

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Action SuperCross – September 11

Action SuperCross is the first of its kind – a physics-based motorbike simulator, inspiring many famous franchises. It is the direct predecessor of Elasto Mania, showcasing the evolution of countless fascinating, unique and experimental concepts and gameplay mechanics.

Aidan in Danger

Brainium Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Aidan in Danger – September 11

Aidan in Danger is an exciting platform game where the player takes on the role of Aidan, a young red-haired elf whose main weapon is a slingshot. Tasked with protecting Drakor, the last dragon on Earth, Aidan must navigate challenging levels, face dangerous monsters, travel to the future, and thwart the plans of an interdimensional villain aiming to dominate the world.

Crossy Road Castle

Hipster Whale

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Crossy Road Castle – September 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Climb castles with the Crossy Road crew in this adventurous multiplayer arcade platformer. Shoot out of cannons, ride rainbows, and make your way through a maze of never-ending levels. Bring your friends into the fray with co-op mode for even more chaotic fun!

Kiki – A Vibrant 3D Platformer

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kiki – A Vibrant 3D Platformer – September 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Put your platforming prowess to the test as you navigate vibrant 3D obstacle courses in first-person perspective! Kiki is a fast-paced action experience that’s laser-focused on precision platforming skills. Run and jump while dodging treacherous traps, collecting stars and trophies, finding keys to unlock gates and more, all set to a pumping chiptune soundtrack!

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland

The MIX Games Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Buy Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland | Xbox
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

When Tommy, Chuckie, Phil and Lil see a commercial for the new Reptar video game, they pretend that they’re in a video game of their own! Toggle between beautiful 8-bit and HD art, select your favorite baby and play solo or co-op in Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland, a neo-retro platformer.

Dice Assassin

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dice Assassin – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dice Assassin is a challenging game in which you defeat enemies on the board according to the numbers on the dice. Choose your moves using cards, position yourself strategically to defeat enemies on the board squares, and create tactics using action cards.

Fabledom

Dear Villagers

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

$19.99

Pre-order

Fabledom – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Fabledom offers an accessible and intuitive way of playing City builders, no excel sheets nor optimization is required to build yourself a kingdom. Set in a strange world where Fairytales became reality, you will witness the growth of your village; follow your citizens’ lives and watch the rise and fall of your relationships with the neighboring kingdoms.

Garden Witch Life

SOEDESCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Garden Witch Life – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience a fun, cozy witch’s life! Your life just took a whimsical turn, and you’re now on a quest to create a magical food forest and make it a home for all kinds of cute creatures! Grow your own magical garden, decorate your ancient treehouse, care for cute creatures, and make friends along the way.

GoobnBalloonsDX

IconicArtsLLP

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

GoobnBalloonsDX – September 12

Evil forces have invaded Goobstar! Join Goobert and his friends on their quest to save the denizens of planet Goobstar from the invading balloon menace in this wacky hand-drawn shoot em’ up, and watch the world grow around you!

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines

Super Rare Originals

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Swing, jump, and blast through dimensions in the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2D action-platformer Grapple Dog! Zip between action-packed worlds as Pablo and Luna team up to save the cosmos in their own unique ways.

The Jackbox Naughty Pack

Jackbox Games, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Jackbox Naughty Pack – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

We know you’ve been begging to burst out of the box. It’s time to set your party aflame with a brand new pack of three adult party games that will bring some harmless heat to your next weekend hang with friends. It’s the perfect pack for your next college party, grown-up game night, bachelor/ette celebration, or hump day gathering.

LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW RePOP

DRAGAMI GAMES

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$44.99

$40.49

Pre-order

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP – September 12

The cheerleader Juliet, born into a family of zombie hunters, uses her trusty chainsaw to rip and tear through the undead! But now that RePOP adds speedier chainsaw action and auto-fire for her chainsaw blaster, the action never slows down till the very end! And it’s not just the gameplay that’s been improved, the visuals and soundtrack have been powered up too! Don’t miss out on this unparalleled zombie hunting adventure!

PICO PARK 2

TECOPARK

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$8.99

Pre-order

Pico Park 2 – September 12

A 2D action-puzzle game where working together is key with four modes to choose from: World, Endless, Battle, and Dark.

Pneumata

PERP GAMES

☆☆☆☆☆
4

★★★★★

Get it now

Pneumata – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Pneumata is a true Lovecraftian survival horror with disturbing and brutal gameplay, enveloped by the psychological horrors that exist somewhere between reality and the beyond. With a fractured mind you must: Investigate, explore, and fight for your life as you lose yourself trying to survive the unimaginable horrors within the walls of Clover Hill.

Poppy Playtime: Chapter 2

Mob Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Poppy Playtime: Chapter 2 – September 12

After a run in with Huggy Wuggy and freeing Poppy, you must descend deeper into the Playtime Co. toy factory. Challenging puzzles and horrific toys await. Grapple, swing, and power your way to safety. Try to escape- and don’t let Mommy find you.

Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3

Mob Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3 – September 12

A decrepit orphanage known as Playcare sits beneath the once magical toy factory. You must make your way through this haunted place, solving new puzzles and avoiding the nightmares that lurk within the dark. Answers lie between the blood-stained bed sheets and screaming echoes… If you can survive.

Road Defense: Outsiders

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Road Defense: Outsiders – September 12

Road Defense: Outsiders is a game that combines elements of the ‘roguelike’ and ‘tower defense’ genres. Upgrade the towers and your own skills to be able to annihilate all the life around you!

Samurai Kento

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Samurai Kento – September 12

Play as an elder Samurai in this mini action RPG based on Feudal Japan, and save your people from evil yokai monsters! Travel through four different biomes based on Feudal Japan. Along the way, you’ll face the dangerous yokai while searching for the legendary four golden scrolls.

Selfloss

Merge Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Selfloss – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

An emotional adventure game set in a Slavic-inspired, whale-worshiping fantasy land. The old healer Kazimir makes an epic journey by boat and on foot in search of a ritual that can cure his soul wound. Meet memorable characters and use the light of your magic staff to fight Miasm – the mysterious affliction taking over the world.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

Nacon

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Express your passion for cars via innovative gameplay and meticulous attention to detail. Drive around a map that has never featured in a racing game before: Hong Kong Island. Fully recreated at 1:1 scale, it is brimming with unique locations to explore. From old narrow streets and major highways to mountain roads and beaches: every cruise will be different from the last.

Unholy

Duality Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Unholy – September 12

Open the doors between your everyday reality and a dark unholy world to unveil the mystery of the disappearance of your child. Explore both worlds to find clues, solve puzzles, decide whether you infiltrate or fight brutal enemies and stand up to an aberrant establishment.

Wild Bastards

Maximum Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$34.99

$29.74

Pre-order

Wild Bastards – September 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

From the veteran team behind Void Bastards and Card Hunter, Wild Bastards has you travel from planet to planet to recruit, manage and gun sling with a team of 13 outlaws, each of whom has their own weaponry, special power, and growth tree. On planets, you’ll wrangle loot and start showdowns that are then played out in intense, bite-sized shootouts.

Deep Beyond

Purple Play LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

$8.49

Pre-order

Deep Beyond – September 13

In the short story “Deep Beyond,” dive into a world of mystery and adventure alongside Lilly as she embarks on her quest. Explore ancient wrecks, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover the secrets of her past as you journey through the depths of the ocean.

Edge of Sanity

Daedalic Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Edge of Sanity – September 13

A psychological survival horror game set in the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska featuring hand-crafted 2D art and intense atmosphere inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos. Explore hostile caves, forgotten mines and hidden laboratories in search of precious resources for you and other survivors. Look for clues to uncover the dark secrets of the mysterious PRISM organization and unveil the real story behind their experiments.

Funko Fusion

10:10 Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Funko Fusion – September 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Express your fandom with 60+ unique playable characters from more than 20 fan-favorite franchises, all lovingly recreated in Funko Pop! form. Explore incredible worlds inspired by Jurassic World, Back to the Future, JAWS, The Thing, Chucky, Battlestar Galactica, Hot Fuzz, The Umbrella Academy, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Masters of the Universe, Invincible, and many more!

METRO QUESTER | OSAKA

KEMCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Metro Quester | Osaka – September 13

A dungeon exploration RPG based in a post-apocalyptic futuristic world created by the manga artist Kazushi Hagiwara, with a deep game system designed by Hironori Kato that offers the excitement and surprises reminiscent of 1980s computer games through hack and slash.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for September 9 to 13 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024

Category: Tokyo Game Show

September 5, 2024

Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024

Larissa Hazel, Director, Gaming Integrated Marketing, Asia

The Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast returns on Thursday, September 26 at 7pm JST / 3am Pacific / 6am Eastern / 11am UK. We warmly welcome players around the world to tune in as we share content from Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, and Bethesda. We’ll also showcase an exciting lineup of games from third-party partners primarily based in Japan and across Asia, including games coming to Xbox Game Pass.

This year’s broadcast will be available on Tokyo Game Show’s official YouTube channel, as well as on select Xbox social channels in Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, French, French Canadian, German, Arabic (MSA), Filipino, Hindi, Italian, Maori, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish and Turkish. It will also be broadcast with Japanese Sign Language (JSL), Australian Sign Language (AusLan), American Sign Language (ASL), and with audio descriptions in both Japanese and English. A full list of where you can watch the broadcast will be available the week of the show.

Every year, Xbox’s Tokyo Game Show logo is redesigned to showcase a unique, Japan-inspired theme. This year, the iconic Xbox Nexus, a Japanese player and a lucky black cat have been paired together and given a sci-fi look. We hope that this year’s Xbox theme brings players around the world good luck and great joy in their gaming pursuits.

We can’t wait to bring our Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast to players from Japan, across Asia, and the world – and to celebrate the amazing games that creators are building for Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud. For more details and a full schedule for Tokyo Game Show 2024, visit the official site from the show’s organizers. Join the conversation at @Xbox_JP, using the hashtag #XboxTokyoGameShow.

The post Asian Games in the Spotlight: The Xbox Broadcast Returns to TGS 2024 appeared first on Xbox Wire.