Deathbound Launching this Summer on Xbox

Brace yourself for a bloody crusade. Deathbound launches worldwide on August 8th on Xbox Series X|S! Wishlist Deathbound today and craft unbreakable synergy within the brutal world of Zieminal.

Deathbound is all about the party system, massive combo attacks, and a great story, all set in a unique techno-fantasy environment that blends sci-fi and medieval elements to create a dark and immersive atmosphere.

Join us as we explore Deathbound‘s key features that will convince you to take up the fight in the Forbidden City.

The Essence

Acquire the skills, memories, and identities of fallen warriors from across Akratya. Merge their unique personalities and combat styles, switching between them effortlessly.

Party System

The essences you absorb shape your party. Deathbound boasts a comprehensive party system, enabling you to develop a playstyle through talent trees. Seamlessly switch between fallen warriors to utilize their skills and abilities. The alliances they held in life will influence their synergy in death.

Dynamic Morphing

Unleash the combined might of fallen warriors with devastating Morphstrikes. Employ various attack styles to execute powerful combos and finishing moves, crushing all who stand in your way.

Brutal World

Zieminal is a world where a technological past intertwines with a medieval present, housing diverse cultures. The Forbidden City of Akratya awaits your exploration. Navigate a city crumbling under the weight of a grand crusade. With its stark brutalist architecture and fusion of technology, Akratya teeters on the brink of oblivion

Unforgiving Monsters and Bosses

Confront ruthless enemies designed to test your limits. Each boss in Deathbound embodies one of the five stages of grief, demanding the full attention of any soul brave enough to face them.

You should be ready now to enter the gates of the Forbidden City of Akratya and face the abominations lurking in its streets. Join the bloody crusade on Xbox on August 8th!

Deathbound

Tate Multimedia Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Deathbound is a one-of-a-kind party-based soulslike set in a callous world where Faith and Science clash. The forbidden city of Akratya is an unforgiving land that cannot be conquered alone. Bind with fallen warriors found throughout your crusade and dynamically transform between characters seamlessly in mid-combat with the unique 4-hero party system.

The fallen are individual characters with their own unique skill sets, combat styles, and rich history. By absorbing their essence, you inherit the fiber of their very being. Conflicts and synergies between characters greatly impact gameplay, so relationships must be balanced. Strong synergies may offer combat buffs that can spell disaster for the ruthless boss awaiting your steel and magic.

Throughout combat, you will charge a sync meter shared across all characters. During an opportune moment, dispel your sync meter and unleash a devastating Morphstrike using the combined power of the bound fallen warriors. When faced with a formidable abomination, a precisely executed Morphstrike can be the deciding factor between life and death.

The world of Deathbound has been lovingly crafted and influenced by the developer’s homeland of Brazil, a vibrant culture brimming with life, creativity, rhythm, and a rich history. From the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira to the sweeping music cascading through Akratya, Trialforge’s origins shine throughout every aspect of Deathbound.

The post Deathbound Launching this Summer on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How Milestone is Bringing Monster Trucks to Life in Monster Jam Showdown

Category: Games

How Milestone is Bringing Monster Trucks to Life in Monster Jam Showdown

Summary

Learn how the team at Milestone blends off-road arcade racing with iconic Monster Jam trucks for Monster Jam Showdown.
Iconic racing locations include Death Valley, Colorado, and Alaska featuring a variety of original modes where things will get bigger and even more extreme.
Monster Jam Showdown will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as of August 29, 2024, with Early Access available from August 26, 2024. Digital pre-order opens today on the Xbox Store.

When I got the news that we were going to develop a game about Monster Jam trucks, I was filled with a mix of emotions — I was both excited and a bit lost. This would be my first title as Game Director but also Milestone’s first project with these kinds of vehicles. I was already aware Monster Jam had a huge and passionate fanbase all over the world, and all the elements were there for us embark on a unique and interesting journey.

The word ‘unique’ is intrinsically linked to the Monster Jam world. We’re talking about 10.5-feet-tall, 12.5-feet-wide, and 17-feet-long trucks that weigh 12,000 pounds and generate 1,500 horsepower. Only a few people in the world get the chance to get behind the wheel of such giants, and this was the first big challenge we had to face. When you develop a racing game with bikes or cars, at least you have an initial idea of the feelings you want convey. With Monster Jam trucks, you don’t have the starting base that you need to identify key elements for a successful gameplay.

The team and myself took a flight to Sweden to watch in-person my first Monster Jam event — this was probably the wisest decision I could have made. What quickly captured my attention was the sense of massive power that those behemoths convey, which immediately became the core of Monster Jam Showdown gameplay. The handling we developed will deliver all the key elements of driving a Monster Jam truck, but at the same time, we tailored the gaming experience to suit everybody’s needs, making the game as enjoyable as possible from the very first races.

In this regard, the work we did on the suspensions was fundamental, as these are one of the most crucial mechanical elements of a Monster Jam truck, and the reason why most of the maneuvers we see are possible. Importantly, we also added both a single-steering option, which controls the front and rear wheels at the same time from one stick, and a double steering option. The double-steering option allows you to control the front and rear wheels separately with both sticks, which mimics the set-up in a real Monster Jam truck.

However, this was not the biggest learning I took back with me to Italy. The whole atmosphere of the event and the general feeling of “being part of something” remained stuck in my head, lighting up the final spark I was looking for. Monster Jam Showdown would not just be a racing game with trucks, but would offer players a one-of-a-kind gaming experience, mirroring the real-life events. This became our mission, and we worked hard to offer the same combination of competition and spectacle in the game that you see lives.

On one side, we did that by giving you the opportunity to compete in the most beloved official competitions, such as Freestyle and Racing. On the other side, we put a lot of effort to recreate vehicles and objects destructibility and added some cool arcade elements like boost and combos. The final and probably boldest step was broadening the entertainment beyond official locations and competitions.

In Monster Jam Showdown, we give you the chance to drive your favorite trucks in some of the most iconic places on Earth. The barren desert of Death Valley, the stunning forests and crystal rivers of Colorado, and the wintry, wild mountains of Alaska will host a bunch of original game modes where things will get bigger, and even more extreme. Here, our design team crafted dramatic tracks that will immerse you into unprecedented scenarios, allowing you to race side-by-side with the other trucks looking for the smartest shortcut to gain the first position or even to fly over the opponents, leveraging the verticality of the layouts. This is something that will also help when performing the most difficult stunts in the open-air arenas hosting Freestyle events within those three original environments.

Learning about the Monster Jam world has been an exciting journey for us, and we combined such discovery with Milestone’s expertise in racing games to create a diverse arcade package where fans will become the protagonists of the most action-packed motorsports event on four wheels.

Monster Jam Showdown will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as of August 29, 2024, with Early Access available from August 26, 2024. Digital pre-order opens today on the Xbox Store. For more information, please visit MonsterJamVideogame.com.

Monster Jam Showdown

Milestone S.r.l.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Wait no more! Pre-order Monster Jam

Showdown now. In addition to the full game, you’ll get Law & Disorder DLC, including 2 vehicles: Maximum Destruction

and New Earth Authority Police

MASTER THE MOST ICONIC TRUCKS
The excitement of real-life Monster Jam events is ready to explode, thanks to the franchise’s most recognizable icons: the trucks. Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Megalodon and many others… Drive the hottest rides in Monster Jam racing the current fleet, the legendary history-making trucks, and the wildest fictional beasts from the toy universe. Unlock dozens of trucks and collect countless different liveries!

OFF-ROAD ARCADE RACING FUN
Dive into a unique arcade racing experience made of thrilling off-road races and cool tricks. Squeeze your boost to demolish your opponents, then crash, twist, and distress the environment to gain even more power. Whether you’re a hardcore Monster Jam fan or an arcade game enthusiast, this title is primed to deliver immediate driving sensations and an accessible dual-steering racing experience.

FREESTYLE WITH STYLE
Balance your truck with the perfect wheelie, eat some dirt doing crisp donuts, or reach the sky performing the greatest big air ever. The bottom line is: get ready to defy gravity in freestyle mode! Launch yourself into insane jumps, flips & stunts, ruling the leaderboards and becoming a trick master!

SHOW WHO’S THE BOSS IN THE SHOWDOWN TOUR
Start your career in the Showdown Tour! A non-linear adventure that will take you racing across various game modes, both in sport venues and wild nature. Beat your opponents and unlock new trucks, liveries, and perks. Who’s the boss now?

RACE THE WILDERNESS
Racing and jumping in stadiums and arenas is cool, but sometimes you just want to go a bit off-track, right? So, get ready to drive through the most spectacular untamed environments. Racing through the Death Valley’s dust, the forests of Colorado and the Alaskan ice. But watch out, Mother Nature is always lurking: sandstorms, thunderstorms and blizzards are going to make things even wilder!

TONS OF GAME MODES
Monster Jam Showdown lets you unleash your sickest tricks and your off-road racing skills among several game modes! Play the original events in the official Monster Jam‘s inspired stadiums, or go beyond reality with stunts and maneuvers that push the boundaries of what’s possible, even for the most skilled driver. Racing on circuits, avoiding crashes on Figure 8 tracks, or surviving Horde races. But also performing in the Best Trick or the Extreme Freestyle mode!
It’s time to master them all: to kick off your career and challenge with your friends, even in split screen mode.

Monster Jam Showdown – Big Air Edition

Milestone S.r.l.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Feel the adrenaline rush with Monster Jam

Showdown – Big Air Edition! Pre-order now and get:
– Full game
– Season Pass
– Law & Disorder DLC, including 2 vehicles: Maximum Destruction

e New Earth Authority Police

– Odd Couple DLC, including 2 vehicles: Backwards Bob

e Big Kahuna
– 3 days of early access

All content included in Season Pass will be released by February 2025.

The post How Milestone is Bringing Monster Trucks to Life in Monster Jam Showdown appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Makes A Splash with the Waterpark Of Your Dreams in Planet Coaster 2

Category: Games

July 11, 2024

Makes A Splash with the Waterpark Of Your Dreams in Planet Coaster 2

Danielle Partis

Summary

Get a first look at the newly announced Planet Coaster 2, coming to Xbox in fall 2024
Craft your perfect waterparks with a brand-new pool tool, flumes, waterslides and inflatable toys
Add personal flair to your parks with an enhanced creative suite, customisation options, management updates and more

Grab your goggles, Planet Coaster 2 has been announced and is set to arrive on Xbox Series X|S in the fall. In this highly anticipated sequel to Planet Coaster, you’ll now have the option to craft your dream waterpark, complete with flumes, waterslides, and a huge, sprawling pools to delight your guests. This can be a standalone park, or a section of a wider park with more traditional coasters and rides – the choice is yours! We got a brief first look at the game in a recent preview event, but before we take a dip into what’s new, check out the reveal trailer below for a small look at what’s to come.

Planet Coaster 2 promises a suite of amazing tools to craft an incredible waterpark for your guests. This all starts with the pool tool, which’ll allow you to place pools of all shapes and sizes for your park guests to enjoy. Once the water is down, the real fun begins. An extensive suite of funky flumes and slides can be placed in any way you want –whether they’re up in the air, full of twists and turns, or just offer a sharp plummet into the pool. What is a waterslide if not a wet rollercoaster?

There’s also a vast suite of customization options for your pools and attractions; change them to any colour you like and choose from a range of nautical themed décor – which is just one of several new themes – to jazz up the place. Planet Coaster 2 takes customisation even further than the original with the ability to add set pieces directly to rides, scaling them up or down for a perfect fit. We saw a little of this in action with a pre-built waterpark, and it looks fantastic. If you can dream it, you can absolutely build it with these tools, alongside the ability to share your creations with the community.

While waterparks are an exciting new part of the experience, they come in addition to all the traditional theme park rides and attractions featured in Planet Coaster, with more rides, more management options and more customization tools than ever before.

You’ll be able to mix and match within the boundaries of your park – go all out on the watery attractions or simply designate specific areas to pool activities and aquatic-themed rides. In the preview, we watched guests move between the main theme park area and the waterpark area with ease – the latter helps to offer more variety in what your parkgoers can do while they’re visiting.

There are also more fun tweaks to the management side of Planet Coaster 2. Guests will also need changing facilities so they can switch from their park outfits into their swimming garb. You’ll also need to ensure your pools are kept clean and safe for your parkgoers – if the water is suspiciously yellow, guests could be in for a bad time.

To fuel your park’s economy, you’ll also be able to sell pool passes that allow guests access to the waterpark areas, as well as inflatable pool toys from the Splash Emporium that’ll dramatically up the fun factor of your watery wonderland. This is just a small glance of what Planet Coaster 2 will offer, but for those looking for a more traditional coaster-crafting experience back on land, the sequel is not forgoing those traditional park-building elements.

There’s a newly enhanced suite of tools for all your main park needs – including a new path system that allows for wider walkways and sprawling plazas that make your park look lovely, while filtering guests more efficiently – a touch of authenticity that mirrors real world amusement parks. An enhanced track builder for rollercoasters will give you even more freedom over how and where to place your tracks for the ultimate thrill ride.

Customizing rides is a breeze with the blueprints, which allow you to make custom objects – anything from a small decoration to a fully-functioning rollercoaster – and share them with other players via the community workshop. You’ll be able to give anything you build a personal touch with the ability to add blueprint or scenery pieces to rides, and the new symmetry tool lets you make easy adjustments to those tiny details. For example, if you add or move a light or a small decoration on the side of one rollercoaster car, it’ll update the placement on all the cars at once – a blessing for the meticulous crafters out there.

And of course, looking after your guests is a prime responsibility. Parkgoers have been rebuilt to showcase more diversity and variety. Just like Planet Coaster, guests’ satisfaction will be measured via Excitement, Fear, and Nausea, and you’ll be able to see how they’re feeling about your park with greater ease thanks to an update in how they express their wants and needs.

Even with just a small peek at the game, Planet Coaster 2 looks to be an exciting iteration of the series with plenty of promising new features. The best news is there’s not too long to wait – Planet Coaster 2 is set to soar on Xbox Series X|S in fall 2024.

The post Makes A Splash with the Waterpark Of Your Dreams in Planet Coaster 2 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Discover New Games, Events, Content and More in the New Season of Free-to-Play on Xbox

Category: Games

July 10, 2024

Discover New Games, Events, Content and More in the New Season of Free-to-Play on Xbox

Lisa Brumfield, Xbox Sr. Partner Marketing Manager

Summary

Curated limited-time collection of free-to-play games with seasonal content
Special free-to-play Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Key titles include XDefiant, Call of Duty: Warzone, The First Descendent & Stumble Guys

Dive into a full two weeks of our summer free-to-play celebrations running until July 22, including new game releases such as The First Descendent.

Whether you want to battle royale with your friends, explore distant galaxies, or unleash your creativity, there’s a free-to-play game that suits your mood and style on your Xbox.

We’ve curated a collection specifically for our Xbox audience, showcasing free-to-play games with new content, events and adventures for the summer season.

Here are a few:

XDefiant

A first-person online arena shooter where you compete in fast-paced clashes. With cross-play available at launch, you will be able to play with friends on a variety of platforms.

Three new maps are coming to XDefiant in Season 1. The new Clubhouse map is available now, with its own dedicated Playlist so you can get familiar with it quickly. Inspired by the R6 map of the same name, Clubhouse features a familiar indoor layout with expanded outdoor areas that will be new territory for even the most seasoned R6 players. Later in the season, two more new maps – Daytona and Rockefeller – will launch as well.

Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Screenshot

Free for everyone. Drop in, armor up, loot for rewards and battle your way to the top.

Season 4 is available until July 24th. A mysterious DNA Bomb is found at the Popov Power, leaving players to uncover the truth of its purpose. Head to the AO to get to the center of the mystery and obtain DNA samples from fallen foes. Show who you are at your core as you alter your playstyles thanks to new features that showcase Call of Duty at its absolute best — all while dropping into a plethora of Call of Duty: Warzone Maps, shifting between Urzikstan, Rebirth Island, Fortune’s Keep and more.

MultiVersus

Characters from Looney Tunes, DC Universe, and more are colliding in epic, over-the-top battles! Whether you’re seeking the intensity of 1v1, the frenzy of a 4-player mayhem, or a team-up for strategic 2v2 battles, MultiVersus has got you covered. And as the roster expands, so does the spectacle — with new personalities and play styles turning up the heat in every battle.

Destiny 2

Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience incredible first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.

And now available: The Final Shape. In Destiny 2’s latest expansion, embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the Traveler, rally the Vanguard, and end the War of Light and Darkness.

Explore Free-to-Play Perks

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks* include bonus loot, skins, and more to enhance your gameplay experience. Members can claim exclusive Perks for a variety of games! Snapshot below:

The First Descendant – New game release!

The First Descendant is a free-to-play third-person co-op action RPG looter shooter with high-quality graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. Featuring a wide variety of characters with unique concepts and combat styles, massive boss battles, four player co-op, a variety of weapons, and more.

Jump in now and claim an exclusive launch edition bundle: Elevate your weapon with a stunning weapon skin and customize your Descendants with vibrant paints and a stylish back accessory!

Warframe

Enhance Arsenal with valuable amenities like an Orokin Reactor and Orokin Catalyst, 3 Day Affinity and Credit Boosters, and more. Plus, bolster your look with the impressive Excalibur Immortal Skin!

Stumble Guys

Get your robot dance moves ready! Claim the Cyborg Bundle and receive the Cyborg Legendary Skin, The Robot Victory Animation, 250 Gems and 50 Stumble Tokens!

Ready for endless fun? Xbox Free-To-Play Frenzy is your chance to discover a special collection of games, curated just for Xbox. Grab your controller, press play, and get lost in the adventures on Xbox.

*Perks offers vary by region and game. Check the Perks gallery on your Xbox console or the Xbox app for details.

The post Discover New Games, Events, Content and More in the New Season of Free-to-Play on Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Anno 117: Pax Romana – Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Ancient Rome

Category: Games

July 10, 2024

Anno 117: Pax Romana – Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Ancient Rome

Ellie Vengala, Communications Specialist, Ubisoft

Revealed during Ubisoft Forward, Anno 117: Pax Romana, is the 8th entry in the Anno series and the successor of the award-winning Anno 1800. Anno 117: Pax Romana is developed by Ubisoft Mainz, and will immerse players in the Pax Romana period, an era of relative peace in the Roman Empire. It promises a captivating blend of city-building mechanics as well as 4x and RTS features to deliver a unique builder experience. The game is set to release in 2025.

Fans have been asking for Anno to visit the Roman Empire for over 10 years, so we caught up with Creative Director Manuel Reinher to find out more about this long-awaited project, and why the team decided the time was right to visit the year 117.

Why is now the perfect time for Anno to visit the Roman Empire?

Manuel Reinher: After exploring the future (2205) and the near past (1800) it is now the perfect time to travel together to antiquity. An Anno inspired by the Roman Empire is a great contrast to everything we have ever done, and delivers a strong fantasy that our community has requested for more than a decade. We can’t wait to explore this exciting era together with our fans and all strategy players!

What makes the Roman Empire a fan favorite setting?

Manuel Reinher: Rome is a perfect match for Anno. It’s a fascinating era for strategy and builder games alike. It is one of the most iconic Empires of all times and it has a huge impact on our daily lives. It’s an era full of architectural wonders, politics, trade, art and conflict – these themes still ring true today.

With our unique feature mix of city building, deep economical simulation and 4x elements like diplomacy and military, we can deliver Rome like no other game before. This, together with the scale and beauty, will make Anno 117: Pax Romana a premier builder game that will be loved by fans!

How are you bringing the Roman Empire to life?

Manuel Reinher: We will bring the Roman Empire to life in unseen scale and detail: zoom in and discover a group of kids chasing dogs in the streets or admire your creation and watch thousands cheering at spectacular games in your massive colosseum. Start with a small outpost on an empty strip of land and transform it into a network of bustling cities spanning over two contrasting provinces.

Why did you choose the year 117?

Manuel Reinher: The year 117 is a perfect inspiration for us. It’s the time of the Pax Romana, after years of conquest the empire found its way to peace. It’s peak Rome, the people from 3 continents lived together, resources and ideas traveled via land and sea. And although there have been conflicts, this time period was relatively stable – life in the provinces was flourishing and peaceful, just like in an Anno game.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the sum of the year in each Anno title adds up to 9
(i.e. 1+1+7 = 9 / 1+8+0+0= 9)?

What will set Anno 117 : Pax Romana apart from previous games in the franchise?

Manuel Reinher: As for now, we will only reveal that we want to bring more choices to Anno. For the first time, you will be able to choose your starting province. But stay tuned, we will reveal more features and mechanics over the upcoming months!

What part of the Roman Empire do you start in, and what made you choose these regions?

Manuel Reinher: In Anno 117: Pax Romana you will be able to either start in the traditional Roman Latium, close to the hungry heart of the Empire, or the mysterious Celtic Albion, where no civilized Roman wants to be.

With Latium, we want to deliver the Roman fantasy that most of us have when we think about a game set in this era: it’s warm, sunny, and welcoming. Think lavender fields, beautiful coastlines and terracotta tiles bathed in sunlight!

Albion, however, is an alien, wet place at the Roman border. It’s a striking contrast and an opportunity for the players to explore and experience our take on the Roman Empire, a cultural melting pot full of challenges and opportunities for them.

Are there any clues in the Governors Wanted trailer that connect to the game?

Manuel Reinher: We wanted to make a reveal trailer that feels true to the game and brand. It should feel like Anno. We incorporated a lot of references to the game: from your role as a governor to the two starting provinces. The provinces will have a similar look and feel in the game as seen in the trailer. But we also drew smaller connections to the game, from the sound of the ship bell to some of the animals or symbols that you will find in the Anno 117: Pax Romana reveal trailer.

Anno 11: Pax Romana arrives for Xbox Series X|S in 2025.

The post Anno 117: Pax Romana – Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Ancient Rome appeared first on Xbox Wire.

More than Meets the Eye – Exploring the Art of Optimus Prime in the Overwatch 2 x TRANSFORMERS Collab

Category: Games

July 9, 2024

More than Meets the Eye – Exploring the Art of Optimus Prime in the Overwatch 2 x TRANSFORMERS Collab

Kaedi Peacecraft, Community Specialist, Blizzard

Overwatch 2 teams up for another exciting collaboration, teaming up with the iconic TRANSFORMERS franchise. Featuring four all-new Legendary skins for some of Overwatch 2’s heroes. Now you can fight in an epic battle of AUTOBOTS vs DECEPTICONS, as Optimus Prime x Reinhardt, Bumblebee x Bastion, and Arcee x Illari take on the menacing Megatron x Ramattra.

It’s time to roll out and log onto Overwatch 2 on Xbox, where you can pick up Optimus Prime Reinhardt and other Transformers favorites in the in-game shop or the Microsoft Store. You can even collect all four skins in the action-packed Transformers Mega Bundle. Play for free and earn cool Autobot and Decepticon-themed player icons, name cards, and titles as you battle in your favorite Overwatch 2 game modes. But hurry – this unique collaboration event ends on July 22.

To celebrate the collaboration, we had Blizzard Korea Studio’s Bobby Kim share what it was like to create the concept art and design for Optimus Prime Reinhardt, and how it felt to bring both worlds together.

How exciting was it to make Optimus Prime x Reinhardt for the new Overwatch 2 x TRANSFORMERS collab?

Bobby Kim: It’s the TRANSFORMERS series after all! TRANSFORMERS is one of the best action robot franchises out there, and it gets people’s hearts racing, so I knew this was a project I wanted to take on.

TRANSFORMERS and Overwatch are such a great combination. Optimus Prime is the leader of the AUTOBOTS, and after seeing his fearlessness when charging at DECEPTICONS, I thought he was a perfect fit for Reinhardt. I also couldn’t wait to incorporate Optimus Prime’s silhouette into Reinhardt.

What was the important thing about Optimus Prime you wanted to make sure was included in the design?

Bobby Kim: When developing the skin, I tried to integrate the sturdy, truck-like design that Optimus Prime is known for, such as the front windshield and the exhaust on the skin’s shoulders, to make him look more like a speeding truck when he charges. I also tried using sharper, angular parts throughout the skin, which I think captured the iconic look of Optimus Prime.

Are there any fun features about the skin that players should look out for?

Bobby Kim: One of the aspects I love about this skin are the windshield wipers. The technical artist did a remarkable job of bringing my vision to life. The skin is also filled with other mechanical parts that move which add a touch of realism. I can’t wait for our players to put this skin on and charge into battle, experiencing these fun little features.

What are some of your favorite TRANSFORMERS experiences that you want to share?

Bobby Kim: I remember watching the TRANSFORMERS series on TV with my eyes wide open as a kid. The robots inspired a lot of kids to let their imaginations run wild. To my eyes, every car on the road looked like it could convert at any time, and I still sometimes daydream about it all these years later. While I didn’t have the chance to own one of the toys back then, being part of this collaboration feels like the coolest gift I could give my childhood self.

Overall, this collaboration was a fantastic experience. Bringing Optimus Prime and other TRANSFORMERS characters including Megatron, Bumblebee and Arcee to the world of Overwatch has been a dream come true.

Overwatch® 2

Blizzard Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆
2002

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatch’s 40 distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.

Overwatch 2 – Season 11: Super Mega Ultrawatch

Join Ultrawatch for an action-packed season! Suit up as Legendary Ultrawatch heroes to battle the forces of evil led by the fallen Mythic Calamity Empress Ashe and her sidekick B.O.B, then claim and customize Mythic Ashe’s diabolical dark mage style for your own or pick up the upcoming Mythic Bound Demon Reinhardt Weapon Skin. Celebrate as Overwatch hits 100 million players, marked by the long-requested return of Pink Mercy alongside a new Rose Gold Mercy Bundle, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Continue the celebration by unlocking the Aztec Sombra Bundle through challenges and enjoy a fun Community Crafted mode curated by beloved streamers. Play for free and earn 600 coins, 1500 credits, plus the Butterfly Symmetra and Lifeguard Lucio skins.

The post More than Meets the Eye – Exploring the Art of Optimus Prime in the Overwatch 2 x TRANSFORMERS Collab appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Epic Space Shooter Retaliate Launches on Xbox July 15th

Summary

Unique Ammo Mechanics: Absorb enemy fire to reload and retaliate.
Engaging storyline: Uncover the truth behind the lack of weapons in the galaxy.
Variety of modes: Enjoy different game modes offering varied challenges and replayability.

I’m Austin Sojka, the solo developer behind Romans I XVI Gaming, and I’m incredibly excited to announce that my passion project, Retaliate, will be launching on Xbox on July 15th, 2024.

Get ready to dive into a retro-inspired space shooter that brings a unique twist to the genre. In Retaliate, you start with no ammo. Instead, you must use your temporary shield to absorb enemy fire and convert it into your own ammunition. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to the classic shooter formula, making every encounter a thrilling challenge.

Your quest to uncover who has seized control of all the weapons in the galaxy and put an end to their reign of terror begins with Story Mode. The rich and immersive narrative provides a compelling backdrop to the intense space combat.

Your progress to put a stop to this foe is met with increasingly powerful enemies, armed with increasingly destructive weapons. But this is to your advantage! From homing missies, to bombs, to lasers and beyond. Every weapon of your enemy can become a weapon of your own.

Along the way, adjust your ship and shield to match your personal style. What is victory if you aren’t doing it in style? Customize your ship and your shield in the hangar. This allows for a personalized gaming experience that’s uniquely yours.

To keep the action fresh and exciting, Retaliate offers various game modes. In Endless Mode, you’ll test your endurance as you strive for the highest score against an infinite onslaught of enemies. Trials Mode presents the opportunity to hone your skill on the levels from Story Mode. And in Classic Mode, you can experience gameplay inspired by the original space shooter classics.

Retaliate is available for pre-order on Xbox now! Don’t miss your chance to dive into this exciting space adventure on July 15th. Your support means the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share this game with you.

Retaliate

Romans I XVI Gaming

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Retaliate is a retro inspired scrolling shooter with a twist, you start with no ammo!

Unlike those in the golden era of space shooters you are not so fortunate as to have infinite ammo. Instead use your shield to both destroy your enemies and absorb their weapons, then use your enemies’ weapons to retaliate!

• Story: Discover who has seized control of all the weapons in the galaxy and bring their reign of terror to an end!
• Arcade: Challenge yourself in your mastery of the mechanics of Retaliate. Go for a highscore in Endless mode, perfect the levels in Trials mode, or try the original that inspired it all in Classic mode.
• Hangar: What is victory if you’re not doing it in style? Customize your ship and your shield in the hangar.

The post Epic Space Shooter Retaliate Launches on Xbox July 15th appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Bubby and Bobby Finally Glide Back into Action After 33 Years with Parasol Stars July 11

Summary

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III launches July 11.
The PC Engine classic is coming to Xbox for the very first time.
Pre-order now.

Grab your fanciest parasols and prepare to save the galaxy from an invasion of cute but deadly monsters!

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is the third installment of the renowned Taito franchise, Bubble Bobble. It continues the story in Rainbow Islands as its direct sequel, becoming a household name for the most bubbly Bubble Bobble fans. First released in 1991 on PC Engine, Parasol Stars was then ported to a few third gen consoles like Atari ST, Amiga, GameBoy and Nintendo Entertainment System… until finally making its way to modern Xbox consoles.

In this final chapter of the rainbow trilogy, heroic brothers, Bubby and Bobby, set out on a quest to save the galaxy from the clutches of evil! Chaostikhan, the main antagonist, has wrought havoc on the galaxy, stealing color from all the neighboring planets. Play as Bubby and Bobby (also known as our favorite loveable dragons, Bub and Bob, but human) and jump and glide throughout the universe armed with magic parasols, collecting items, propelling enemies and restoring color one planet at a time.

This faithful Xbox port features everything you once loved about the game. A beautifully colorful array of enemies, bountiful power-ups and dazzling parasols with magic powers, while also incorporating a few quality-of-life options to improve the gaming experience.

Go at it alone or grab a friend for some old-fashioned couch co-op action! Hop around from planet to planet and beat all seven rounds of each of the eight base worlds! And surprise! Two additional secret worlds can be unlocked to face Chaostikhan himself and reach the true ending of the game.

Well? What are you waiting for? Everyone’s counting on you to bring back color to the galaxy!

Check out Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, available for pre-order now, and releasing on July 11, 2024.

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III

United Games Entertainment GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

The legendary bubble dragons Bub and Bob are back… in human form!?

In this critically acclaimed Taito classic, available on modern consoles for the first time, the now-transformed Bubby and Bobby embark on a mission to save their neighboring planets. But this time, instead of blowing bubbles, our favorite duo swings colorful parasols filled with magical powers. Use parasols as a shield against enemy projectiles or to stun, pick up and throw foes as projectiles themselves!

Parasol Stars released in 1991 as the sequel to Rainbow Islands, marks the third installment in Taito’s massively successful Bubble Bobble series of action platformers and has lost none of its colorful charm throughout the years.

High-score hunters can rejoice because just like in the bubble-filled predecessor skillful play will quickly fill the levels with sweet and fruity collectibles that can be gathered to climb the leaderboard.

Look out for a variety of pick-ups to be found granting you all sorts of special powers from bouncing energy balls to screen-clearing magic.

Play on your own or bring a friend and take on the challenging levels together! Just like using enemies as projectiles, flinging your buddy against the enemies could be a good strategy. But be careful, as you won’t only stun the enemy you hit but your buddy-turned projectile as well. In the 2-player co-op mode, tactical teamwork is key to clearing the levels and getting the highest scores.

Parasol Stars is a retro gem brought back for modern consoles whose bright and beautifully crafted worlds will draw you in, and its simple but addictive 1- or 2-player gameplay will make you want to come back again and again to reach the top of the leaderboard.

The post Bubby and Bobby Finally Glide Back into Action After 33 Years with Parasol Stars July 11 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for July 8 to 12

Category: Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for July 8 to 12

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!

Lifeless Moon

Serenity Forge

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.99

Pre-order

Lifeless Moon – July 9
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Lifeless Moon, the spiritual successor to the popular 2014 indie title Lifeless Planet, is a 3D platformer that puts you in the center of a mysterious Moon expedition. This new adventure, inspired by classic science fiction, plays as an Apollo-era astronaut who finds themself in the aftermath of an old 1970s experiment: an oddly familiar desert town… on the moon.

Naheulbeuk’s Dungeon Master

Dear Villagers

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Naheulbeuk’s Dungeon Master – July 9
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Embody Reivax, the servile (or not) steward of the Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. Years before the first incursion of fearless adventurers, you are tasked to build, develop, and populate the wobbly tower. Above all, try not to upset your master, the evil sorcerer Zangdar. Are you up to the task?

Ogre Tale(Xbox Series X|S)

MAGES.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$14.99

Pre-order

Ogre Tale – July 10
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

An action role-playing game that combines arcade-like swordplay action game and a hack-and-slash with training elements. Set in modern Japan, players take on the role of the “Onikko Three Sisters,” descendants of a demon tribe, as they fight against demons.

SunnySide

Merge Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

SunnySide – July 10 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

You’ve just purchased your first plot of land in an aging post town in the heart of the Japanese countryside. Now, it’s up to you to create a homestead you can be proud of. Use modern technology to balance time between your new farm life and joining the local community.

True Colours – A Date With Deception

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

True Colours – A Date With Deception – July 10
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

When three new hires join the office, love is in the air! Take the role of a gender-neutral protagonist that represents every player and make key decisions about work, life and love to guide the story’s development. Get to know your coworkers, go on dates and discover what innermost secrets they could be hiding.

Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition

Green Man Gaming Publishing, Movie Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition – July 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Live the thrill of a new kind of driving simulator and risk it all in the challenge to become an Alaskan trucking legend. Balance the risk vs reward of taking perilous routes to save time, perform roadside repairs on your rig, and brave the dangerous conditions on foot in challenging survival-based gameplay.

Busway Islands – Puzzle

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Busway Islands – Puzzle – July 11

A puzzle game about organizing roads and rails across a large archipelago. Your goal is to create a safe and efficient route between bus stations, ensuring that all passengers are picked up along the way. Challenge your logical skills with 35 unique and captivating challenges, while enjoying relaxing sound effects and having fun with challenging puzzles in a minimalist and relaxing experience.

Disaster Band

SunDust

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Disaster Band – July 11

A rhythm game that is easy to pick up with an intuitive control scheme where you can play freely with all the instruments included on any given track. Play solo or connect with your friends, pick a track, choose your instrument and start playing away. Import your own tracks and prove that you and your buddies are not going down in history as the ultimate Disaster Band.

Hamster Playground

We Dig Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Hamster Playground – July 11 – Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Prepare for cuteness overload, relentless training, and fierce rivalry as you and your hamsters take on challenges while traversing the maze and riding a skateboard. Be the first to cross the finish line to earn rewards and yummy treats!

Neon White

Annapurna Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Neon White – July 11
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A lightning-fast first-person action game about exterminating demons in Heaven. You are White, an assassin handpicked from Hell to compete with other demon slayers for a chance to live permanently in Heaven. The other assassins seem familiar, though… did you know them in a past life?

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III

United Games Entertainment GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III – July 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The legendary bubble dragons Bub and Bob are back… in human form!? In this critically acclaimed Taito classic, available on modern consoles for the first time, the now-transformed Bubby and Bobby embark on a mission to save their neighboring planets. But this time, instead of blowing bubbles, our favorite duo swings colorful parasols filled with magical powers.

Prune & Milo

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$10.49

$8.39

Pre-order

Prune & Milo – July 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Embark on a dreamlike journey with Prune & Milo, armed with a stylish sword and a bow, as they try to unravel the mysteries of a cave. Explore 78 turn-based puzzle levels, each containing various mechanics. Traverse different environments, encounter eccentric characters, and prevent the end of the world in this captivating adventure.

Cosmic Mirage

Desert Water Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Cosmic Mirage – July 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

An exciting side-scrolling shooter that takes the player on a thrilling space adventure. Sinister forces have taken over peaceful planets in the galaxy, turning them into empty space mirages. Your mission is to become the last reliable pilot of the plane and free them from the sinister invader.

DayD: Tower Rush

8floor ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

DayD Tower Rush – July 12

Meet the heroes of a new Tower Defense strategy game! The professor and his robotic assistant got a little lost in their time machine, but even entire hordes of dinosaurs won’t stop them going back to their original time! Experience a unique blend of 40 levels, original opponents, fearsome bosses, and rare fossils.

Deathchron

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Deathchron – July 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A retro style arcade game full of intense platform action, powerful attacks, and menacing enemies. In the recent past, an ordinary kid receives an urgent television transmission. Shortly afterwards, an incredible battle mech known as the Deathchron arrives at his suburban home.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for July 8 to 12 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

CLeM Backstage Stories: How our Little Servant Came to Be

Summary

Learn about the metal band that sparked one of the main ideas behind CLeM.
How a short film concept became a video game.
Preorder CLeM today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One .

Quite some time ago, just before we entered the new millennium, an alternative metal band released an album that, years later, would plant a seed inside Mariona’s head. Mariona is Mango Protocol’s art director, the band was KoRn and the album “Issues”. That album featured a rag doll on its cover art and the music video for one of the singles featured the band performing amidst roaches, a spider and a fly. Later on, a KoRn music video compilation DVD would feature a rudimentary escape room game taking place inside an abandoned asylum.

All these ideas lived in the wild for some time, until 2006 when Mariona started working on the story for a short stop motion movie and found inspiration from one of the bands she was obsessed with at that time. Thus, influenced by KoRn’s “Issues” imagery, the short movie script became a pretty abstract story about the circle of life, revolving around a captive doll chasing bugs while following a little girl’s mysterious instructions.

After finishing the short movie production, its storyboard remained in the shadows waiting for its time to shine again. And this time came in 2018, when Mariona, Javi (Mango Protocol’s narrative director) and I, decided to rescue it and adapt its core concept in what would be the cornerstone on which CLeM, the fourth installment of the Psychotic Adventures game saga, was built.

Javi took on the development of a cute and dark story. His main goal was to embed the original script with themes that resonated better with some very personal experiences in Mariona’s life and, at the same time, make it suitable to be experienced as a fully fledged narrative-based looping puzzle game.

At the same time, Jordi started navigating all the threads in the story to come up with puzzles that represented both a fun challenge to the player and also mirrored the feelings that the main character was discovering as the interactive experience developed.

Meanwhile, in the art direction department, Mariona was about to unveil the appearance of said character. It was a new and improved version of the character from the short movie storyboard which was, in turn, Mariona’s interpretation of the doll in the cover of KoRn’s “Issues”. We all instantly fell in love with “the servant”.

This is one of the most memorable stories behind the development of CLeM and we hope you enjoyed it. Now it’s time for you to play the game and become a part of this amazing puzzlevania. In it, you’ll control a ragdoll that has been brought to life in a dark basement. A voice inside your head will ask you for beauty and your only clue will be a notebook full of entries on alchemy and arthropods and their attributes. Are you ready?

CLeM, coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on July 17, is an acclaimed puzzle adventure with room escape vibes and a dark story to unveil. Pre-order the game now and get ready to immerse yourself in its creepy and emotional world.

CLeM

Mango Protocol

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$15.99

$14.39

Pre-order

CLeM is a narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with a dark twist. Wake up in a world where puzzles intertwine with exploration, weaving a unique narrative rooted in alchemy. A voice awakens you. It gives you purpose. To guide you, you find a notebook with mysterious entries and a house to explore.

EXPERIENCE A DARK ADVENTURE FULL OF MYSTERY
You awaken in a cold, dimly lit room, your senses slowly adjusting to the surroundings that, oddly, feel familiar. A strange sensation lingers in you, reminding you that something is not quite right. As you find your bearings, your attention is drawn to a peculiar item on the ground. A notebook labeled “CLeM” lies before you. As you delve into its pages, covered with intricate sketches of insects accompanied by vague symbols, you find a note containing a cryptic message: “Bring me BEAUTY.” Lost in deciphering the contents, a voice interrupts your focus.

SOLVE PUZZLES AND FIND YOUR WAY
Puzzles intertwine with exploration, weaving a unique narrative experience we call “puzzlevania” with a shadowy story to unravel and countless challenges to overcome.

CRAFT ENCHANTED TOYS AND UNCOVER SECRETS
Craft magic toys to unveil hidden secrets, access unreachable spots, and reclaim items from the past as you uncover new revelations in familiar spaces.

DISCOVER A CUTE AND DARK WORLD
Investigate a seemingly desolate house accompanied only by an obscure voice and a notebook full of annotations and drawings on alchemy, insects, and other creepy crawlies.

EMBRACE YOUR DESTINY
Choose your fate in this dark story of manipulation, pride, forgiveness, and redemption.

The post CLeM Backstage Stories: How our Little Servant Came to Be appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The Essence

Party System

Dynamic Morphing

Brutal World

Unforgiving Monsters and Bosses

Deathbound

Summary

Monster Jam<img decoding="async" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;"> Showdown

Monster Jam<img decoding="async" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;"> Showdown – Big Air Edition

Summary

Summary

XDefiant

Call of Duty: Warzone

MultiVersus

Destiny 2

Explore Free-to-Play Perks

The First Descendant – New game release!

Warframe

Stumble Guys

Overwatch® 2

Summary

Retaliate

Summary

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III

Lifeless Moon

Naheulbeuk’s Dungeon Master

Ogre Tale(Xbox Series X|S)

SunnySide

True Colours – A Date With Deception

Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition

Busway Islands – Puzzle

Disaster Band

Hamster Playground

Neon White

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III

Prune & Milo

Cosmic Mirage

DayD: Tower Rush

Deathchron

Summary

CLeM

Monster Jam Showdown

Monster Jam Showdown – Big Air Edition