Xbox and Microsoft Flight Simulator Unveil Dune Expansion and Floating Controller

Xbox and Microsoft Flight Simulator are immersing gamers worldwide in the captivating world of Arrakis, commemorating the highly anticipated release of “Dune: Part Two.” Enthusiasts can anticipate a free game expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator launching, bespoke Xbox hardware, and an awe-inspiring gaming simulator-all intricately inspired by the film. Two prominent stars from the movie, Timothée Chalamet, portraying Paul Atreides, and Austin Butler, who embodies Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, captured the collaboration with a short video.

Dune Comes Alive Like Never Before in Free Expansion

Microsoft Flight Simulator, working with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, for the first time ever is taking you beyond Planet Earth into the harsh deserts of the world of “Dune” and the planet Arrakis. The skies of Arrakis are traversed by a deft craft called an ornithopter, a nimble flying machine propelled by four precisely tuned oscillating wings. The Royal Atreides Ornithopter is a special ultra-performance variant of the craft, renowned for its lightning acceleration, blazing speeds, and precision maneuverability when under the control of pilots skilled in its operation – and who have the fortitude to survive the harsh extremes of Dune.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Aviators have the unique opportunity starting today to put their courage and skills, to the test in the cockpit of the Royal Atreides Ornithopter in this latest expansion. which includes three tutorials: take-off, landing, and freefall. Once simmers have mastered the basics, they can move on to attempt the package’s six activities: five-time trials and a daring rescue mission where aviators must save their flight instructor before a massive sandstorm engulfs him.

Custom Xbox Series S with Dune-themed Ornithopter Stand and World’s First Floating Xbox Controller

A specially designed console holder inspired by the Ornithopter captures the vibrant colors of Arrakis’s sun, planets, and sand. This custom Xbox Series S is a true collector’s item for fans. In addition, Xbox introduces the world’s first floating Xbox Controller. Hovering above oceans of sand dunes like an Ornithopter, the visually stunning design will look great in any living room. Fans have the chance to win this set of custom hardware by following Xbox on X (formerly Twitter) and retweeting the official Xbox sweepstakes tweet during the Entry Period. The giveaway runs exclusively from February 13, 2024 through March 25, 2024. For official rules and eligibility details, visit here.

Ornithopter Gaming Simulators

Following their appearance at the world premiere in London and at the U.S premiere in New York, Xbox will bring two life-size Royal Atreides Ornithopter gaming simulators to the London Microsoft Experience Center on Oxford Circus starting February 16th and New York Microsoft Experience Center on Fifth Avenue starting February 26th. Take your skills to the skies in the Microsoft Flight Simulator: Dune Expansion pack and explore the custom Dune-themed hardware on display for a limited time only.

The sky is calling!

About Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on X (formerly Twitter).

About “Dune: Part Two”
“Dune: Part Two” explores the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Denis Villeneuve returns to direct from a script he wrote with Jon Spaihts, based on Frank Herbert’s novel. Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick produce. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, a Film by Denis Villeneuve, “Dune: Part Two.” A Warner Bros. Pictures’ release, the film will be only in theaters and IMAX on March 1, 2024.

About Legendary Entertainment:
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of more than $19 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com

The post Xbox and Microsoft Flight Simulator Unveil Dune Expansion and Floating Controller appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2403.240208-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN25398.3778.240208-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – February 12, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 13, 2024

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Alpha users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Installation (Xbox Series X|S)

We have made additional network optimizations to improve content downloads while games are running.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

System

Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2403.240208-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2403.240207-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN25398.3775.240207-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – February 9, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 10, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Apps

Fixes to address an issue where Microsoft Edge would close unexpectedly.

Games

Fixes to address unexpected graphical issues with some titles.
Fixed an issue where changing the language in a game would not always download the new language as expected.

System

Fixes to address unexpected errors navigating to home or opening the guide, or the console remaining on the boot-up animation longer than expected.
- Note: If you’re still having trouble, restart your console from the Power Center or the guide. If the issue persists, reset your console with the ‘keep my games & apps’ option. Learn more about these options here:
  - How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console
  - How to reset your Xbox console to factory defaults
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2403.240207-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Promenade Showcases its Gameplay in a Brand New Demo

Promenade is a brand new and ambitious collectathon coming to Xbox consoles.
Download the Promenade demo and try four different gameplay sequences.
Play as Nemo as he goes on a beautiful coming-of-age adventure.

Promenade is coming to Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One on February 23. And we at Red Art Games are so excited that we wanted to give everybody the opportunity to try out the game before it comes out. That’s why we put together a playable demo that give players a taste of what we believe makes Promenade so good. That demo is available right now! But before we get into the demo’s content, let us tell you a bit more about Promenade.

In Promenade, you play as Nemo, a kid who finds himself dropped into a world that is as mysterious as it is colorful. Luckily for him, he won’t have to make his way through this magical place alone. When things look like they couldn’t get any worse for him, a cute, and very skilled, octopus swoops in to save the day. Joined by his new cephalopod sidekick, Nemo is tasked with the mission to repair the Great Elevator whose cogs have been scattered all around the world by a scary character. Why did that mean looking guy break everything you ask? You will have to play Promenade to find out!

What we can tell you is that to put the all important elevator back in working condition, the brave duo will have to go on a life-changing trip across a mysterious world full of challenges, puzzle, races and funny looking creatures. In order to collect the 180 cogs needed to fully repair the elevator, Nemo and the octopus will have to face many challenges. But it will be worth it in the end.

Promenade is a charming 2D Collectathon full of gameplay ideas and memorable scenes. Its story, told through environmental storytelling, is one of growth. Throughout his journey, Nemo will learn to overcome his fears and self doubt. Promenade’s creators were inspired by numerous and varied pieces of work such as “Alice in Wonderland” , “Little Nemo” – after which the protagonist too his name – “Adventure Time” , “Peter Pan” , “Gravity Falls” and “Over the Garden Wall” . And even though it is a 2D game, Promenade has also been inspired by 3D gaming classics such as Banjo-Kazooie and Spyro the Dragon. The game’s creators worked tirelessly to reinvent as a 2D title a genre that is closely associated with 3D games.

In the Promenade demo, players get the opportunity to try out four different gameplay sequences, as many times as they like. We carefully selected those sections of the game as we believe that they show what Promenade has to offer without spoiling the latter levels. The first sequence, called ”Cavern of Awakening” starts off with the opening cutscene and leads into the tutorial level. When they reach the end of the level, players have a good grasp of the game’s controls.

The second sequence, “Sandy Stroll”, is Promenade’s first full level. On this sunny level, players will get to pick ups some of the game’s very first cogs. Some are easy to spot, others are well hidden… Sandy Stroll gives players an idea of the various types of situations they will find themselves in during Nemo’s journey.

The third sequence, titled “Slinghops”, is a trial-type level. The trials are skills-based levels and tend to be the most difficult levels of Promenade. Once they’ve managed to get to the end of trial levels, players can do it all over again. But this time, with a time limit…

The fourth and final sequence, “Masked Demon’s Lair”, leads to a boss fight. In order to complete their cogs collection, and gain access to some very special mini-games, Nemo and his companion will have to face a collection of bosses. Each boss fight is different and the heroic duo will have to use their skills and reflexes to defeat them.

While Promenade’s creators developed it with speedrunners and fans of challenging games in mind, more casual players will also be able their time with Nemo and his octopus friend. It is possible, and absolutely fine, to focus on less difficult cogs to get to Promenade’s ending. That being said, players who manage to collect all 180 cogs will get to see something truly special…

Promenade invites players to find out on their own what makes each part of the world and object unique. In Holy Cap’s debut title, trying things can lead to surprising results. But as we said previously, don’t let its pastel graphics and funny looking characters fool you. Promenade has been carefully crafted with experienced players and completionists in mind. Achievement hunters who want to get the 1,000 GS on Promenade will have their hands full for a while. We can promise you that!

Ported to Xbox consoles by Red Art Studios, Promenade is coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on February 23. Its playable demo is available now.

Promenade – Demo

Red Art Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Oh no! The Great Elevator has been broken and its cogs have been scattered all around the world!

Travel the world with your poulp using a dynamic moveset to find all the cogs!

Interact with colorful characters and solve puzzles!

Explore dungeons and face the bosses that dwell there!

Use different objects and their properties to your advantage!

Collect the lost cogs, repair the Great Elevator and unlock new levels in this collectathon directly inspired by 3D platformers!

The post Promenade Showcases its Gameplay in a Brand New Demo appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 12 to 16

Category: Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 12 to 16

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!

Airhead

HandyGames

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$17.99

Pre-order

Airhead – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Airhead is a journey through a vast and connected world, where you need to discover, adapt, and solve complex puzzles to prevail. Use air tanks to keep Head inflated while you explore the game’s metroidvania-style world, searching for amazing abilities and upgrades that will unlock new areas and puzzles for you to overcome.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Pre-order)

Focus Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Immerse yourself in a beautiful, intimate, and powerful story between two fated lovers. As Banishers, enter the lives of New Eden’s communities and solve haunting cases in a mystical, lore-rich world plagued with supernatural creatures and ancient secrets. Use your wits or combine Antea’s spiritual powers and Red’s arsenal to defeat and banish the souls tormenting the living.

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

Limited Run Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In this brand-new interactive action-adventure game, you control the resourceful princess Arzette. Travel through multiple breathtaking locations filled with scum, villainy, and secrets, speak with the locals to uncover mysteries and objectives, and take on the evil Daimur.

GENIE Reprise

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Genie Reprise – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Unlock mysteries scattered through time in a surreal first-person fantasy adventure! Take on the role of Lula and explore a vibrant fantasy world as she journeys to discover the meaning of the Genie and fulfill her destiny told through fully voiced poetry and 3D first-person exploration.

Lords of Exile

PID Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lords of Exile – February 14

Relive the glory days of classic gaming with retro-inspired 16-bit physics and perfectly polished controls. The game’s stunning handcrafted 8-bit pixel art and fast anime-style animations, the 8-bit SFX and OST, enriched with sounds from the Megadrive sound chip, complete the immersive retro experience.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft

Aspyr

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

$26.99

Pre-order

Tomb Raider I – III Remastered Starring Lara Croft – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Discover Lara Croft’s original adventures, lovingly restored boasting upgraded graphics, with the option to switch to the original polygon look at any time. Play the complete experience with all expansions and secret levels on modern platforms in this definitive collection that includes Tomb Raider I + Unfinished Business, Tomb Raider II + Golden Mask, and Tomb Raider III + The Lost Artifact.

Ultra Foodmess Deluxe

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ultra Foodmess Deluxe – February 14

Experience the food mess! Call your friends to explode, shoot, swing, push, dodge, destroy and, eventually, ruin your friendship. Choose from a great variety of crazy modes, each of them with their own mechanics. Choose the food that you like the most to defeat the others and prove who is the best!

Argonauts Agency 4: Glove of Midas

8floor ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Argonauts Agency 4: Glove of Midas – February 15

Join the Argonauts in a new time management game and help Pelias with the Midas glove! Construct buildings, remove obstacles, repair damaged bridges. Over 40 beautiful levels await you, along with a multitude of varied quests, increasing difficulty, an upbeat plot, an extraordinary magical world, and exciting gameplay for all ages.

HAWKED

MY.GAMES

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Hawked – February 15

Embark on the ultimate treasure hunt in Hawked, a free-to-play online extraction shooter full of daring adventures, boundless exploration, and all-out PvPvE action in pursuit of ancient treasures. Adventure through a mysterious world where roguish Renegades battle monsters — and each other — to reclaim powerful relics from a lost civilization.

A Little to the Left

Secret Mode

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

A Little to the Left – February 15
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Sort, stack, and organize household objects into just the right spot in A Little to the Left, a tidy puzzle game with a mischievous cat who likes to shake things up! Which way should the clock hands point? How to arrange the eggs? Who put so many stickers on this fruit?!? Come enjoy a calming world in an observational puzzle game with surprises around every corner.

PlateUp!

Yogscast Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

PlateUp! – February 15
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

In PlateUp!, you can enjoy a unique rogue lite game that mixes frantic kitchen and restaurant management with strategic planning and development. Up to four players start and operate a restaurant from the ground up, selecting dishes, purchasing and positioning appliances — some of which can be connected together to make complex automated kitchens — preparing food and satisfying customers.

Smalland: Survive the Wilds

Merge Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Smalland: Survive the Wilds – February 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

After centuries living underground, the Smallfolk emerge from their burrows to reclaim the Overland now that the giants have gone. Join the exodus as a vanguard in an epic adventure played at a tiny scale. Explore, scavenge, craft, and build as you fight to gain a foothold in this hostile new world.

BBQ Simulator: The Squad

CubeCube Sports LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

BBQ Simulator: The Squad – February 16

Grill, toss, and laugh as things go hilariously haywire, from flying steaks to BBQ mishaps. Join up to 8 friends in multiplayer co-op or fly solo. Whether you’re out for a tranquil BBQ in your garden or aiming to dish out a feast, be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions – and airborne meat. Collaborate, cook, and ensure every player is fed before they keel over from hunger.

Call of Heroes: Tower Defense

Bakart Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

$11.99

Pre-order

Call of Heroes: Tower Defense – February 16
Xbox Play Anywhere

Terrible creatures attempt to invade the enchanted fairy kingdom, marching toward the magical portal that grants access to the fairy realm. In this moment of crisis, the fairies have summoned a team of heroes to face this monstrous invasion. Your mission is to recruit heroes and strategically position them across the scenario to intercept the creatures and prevent them from reaching the portal, stopping them from entering the fairy realm.

Caveman Ransom

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Caveman Ransom – February 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Ooga, a friendly bearded caveman living his peaceful life during the stone age, must defeat the evil bandit cavemen and free his beloved grandfather. Crush dinosaurs with jumps and obtain primitive projectile weapons, battle challenging bandit bosses, collect coins to spend in the shop, and level up.

Easy Red 2

Marco Amadei

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Easy Red 2 – February 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Easy Red 2 is the game for those who know just what they want from a World War II shooter: simulation in weapons and mechanics, historical accuracy in battles, and expansive maps leaving room for large-scale infantry and vehicle combat alike.

Edge of Reality

Sometimes You

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

$3.99

Pre-order

Xbox One X Enhanced

Edge of Reality – February 16
Xbox One X Enhanced

A mysterious young lady changes Dan’s life forever. He thought that being an appraiser in a pawnshop was the dullest job in the world, but a series of weird events after meeting her makes him rethink his views on his work. In this game, you will dive into a complex story, where reality and dreams are mixed – when, at some point, reality may become unstable.

Exorder

No Gravity Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Exorder – February 16

The kingdom of Cerulean needs a new ruler! The king has died, leaving two siblings Princess Beyla and Prince Tristan to compete for the crown. As potential allies and enemies gather, who will be victorious and ultimate ruler of the Cerulean Kingdom? A solid entry into the turn-based tactics genre that focuses on fun and easy to pick up combat, while offering a complex layer of strategy for those looking for more.

Mayhem Heroes

Lucky Raccoon Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mayhem Heroes – February 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

A frenetic beat ’em up where you need to take down as many enemies as possible and, preferably, be the last one standing. Use punches, kicks, super attacks, and power-ups to send your opponents flying out of the arena. Play with up to 4 friends and show them who’s the boss.

SENSHI SOKOBAN QUEST

YUME GAME STUDIO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Senshi Sokoban Quest – February 16

Exciting traditional Sokoban game! Properly position the boxes on the markers before time runs out, but be careful not to lose hearts. Use lightning bolts to restart levels and earn more points by completing them quickly. Have fun and challenge your mind!

Skull and Bones

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆
11

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Skull and Bones – February 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Enter the perilous world of Skull and Bones, a co-op pirate open world action-RPG experience, to become the most infamous pirate kingpin! Engage in thrilling naval battles, craft a variety of unique ships, and forge unlikely alliances as you overcome the odds and bring mayhem on the seas. Be part of an immersive open world that introduces new challenges and features every season. Pre-order and get the Highness of the High Sea Pack, which includes the Notoriety Garb and the Coronation Firework!

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 12 to 16 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240207-1700)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3491.240207-1700
Available: 6 p.m. PT – February 8, 2024
Mandatory: 6 p.m. PT – February 9, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Apps

Fixes to address an issue where Microsoft Edge would close unexpectedly.

Games

Fixes to address unexpected graphical issues with some titles.
Fixed an issue where changing the language in a game would not always download the new language as expected.

System

Fixes to address unexpected errors navigating to home or opening the guide, or the console remaining on the boot-up animation longer than expected.
- Note: If you’re still having trouble, restart your console from the Power Center or the guide. If the issue persists, reset your console with the ‘keep my games & apps’ option. Learn more about these options here:
  - How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console
  - How to reset your Xbox console to factory defaults
Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

Some users have reported an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240207-1700) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

New Inclusive, Accessible, Easy-Going Games Revealed for Xbox During the Whitethorn Winter Showcase

Hi, Xbox Wire readers! Today, we held our annual Whitethorn Winter Showcase, where we shared some fantastic new trailers and new details about our upcoming games coming to Xbox this year! Also, the team from the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program joined us to share some information about how the program helps empower underrepresented creators to bring their games to Xbox, and revealed a new title to join our line-up of inclusive, accessible, easy-going games.

In case you missed the premiere, you can catch the replay by visiting the Whitethorn Games YouTube channel.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the announcements:

ID@Xbox Helps Whitethorn Games Reveal Pancake Games Partnership

ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program Lead, James Lewis, sat down with CEO and Founder of Pancake Games, Tomas Gomez, to talk about how the program has worked with the studio to bring their upcoming 3D action-adventure game Slime Heroes to Xbox and announce Whitethorn Games partnership to help bring the title to launch. But wait — there’s more! Whitethorn revealed a new trailer, showing off a terrifying (and yet somehow adorable) new boss and new area players will get to explore at launch!

Slime Heroes takes you on a journey through a whimsical world entrusted to an unlikely hero — a slime — who must save it from a mysterious corruption. You’ll journey through the expansive 3D world — alone or with a friend — encountering ferocious enemies, challenging but approachable puzzles, and uncovering forgotten treasures. Help your slime become the hero they were meant to be by consuming magical gems and dynamically combining them to create unique and powerful magical skills to help you take down even the most corrupted minions and bosses. Discover a touching story of overcoming expectations, friendship, and forgiveness as you progress because even slimes can be heroes!

Botany Manor Gets a Release Date

The wait is almost over for Balloon Studios’ stunning first-person plant-puzzle game. Botany Manor is coming to Xbox — available day one with Xbox Game Pass — April 9, 2024! During the showcase, the studio released a new trailer revealing some new forgotten flora for players to bring to bloom.

In Botany Manor, you’ll travel back in time to the 19th century and take on the role of retired botanist Arabella Greene, researching long-forgotten plants that require some very unusual conditions to make them blossom. You’ll get to explore a majestic English manor house and its beautifully cultivated gardens to uncover Arabella’s decades of research and solve puzzles to figure out the exact conditions each plant requires. As you explore the tranquil homestead, you’ll also learn more about Arabella’s life and struggles as a woman in the botanical sciences during that era.

Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is Coming to Xbox at Launch

Your Island getaway is close at hand — Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is coming to Xbox this summer! In a new video, Polygon Treehouse’s Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou shared an in-depth look at more of the gameplay, including a comprehensive look at the central friendship mechanic, treasure hunting, and much more!

Summer can’t come soon enough because we’re so eager for you to walk the beautiful sandy beaches of Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island. Playing as backpacker Alex, who finds herself shipwrecked on a stunning Mediterranean Island, you explore a gorgeous vacation-worthy setting and meet the many residents of the Island — who just so happen to be the gods of Greek myths and legends! Something is amiss, however, as you discover the gods have forgotten who they are. It’s up to you to befriend them, search for clues and treasures to gain their trust, and help them recover their memories so they can help you in your search to find your way back home!

New Magical Delicacy Gameplay Revealed

We’re gearing up to cook up a storm this year with the cozy Metroidvania-lite cooking game Magical Delicacy — coming to Xbox, available day one with Xbox Game Pass this year! To get you ready to venture off on your own culinary adventure, solo developer sKaule dropped by the showcase with a special message and a new gameplay trailer showing off more of the town, its community of adventurers, ingredients, and of course, delicious recipes!

Journey as the young witch Flora to the charming harbor town of Grat, and whip up and deliver some tasty treats for the town’s eclectic residents. As you traverse the 2D platformer inspired by Metroidvanias, you’ll visit shops, meet the interesting townsfolk, and take on quests to collect recipes and gather exotic ingredients. A good chef is resourceful, so you’ll be able to take your customizable recipes to the next level by foraging throughout the town and growing yummy veggies in your garden. With secrets, mysteries, and drama to unravel in the bewitching linear story, Flora’s adventures in Grat are sure to whet your appetite and leave you saying, “Bon Appetit!”

Accessibility in Games Matters

Making sure that gaming is an inclusive experience is an important part of the games we publish, so as part of our showcase, our Chief Accessibility Officer, Britt Dye, outlined some of the accessibility features that will be available in our upcoming games. From high contrast and color-blind visual accommodations to dyslexia-friendly fonts, multiple control configurations for two- or one-handed play, adjustable camera settings, non-narrative descriptive text and more, we are dedicated to making sure that as many players as possible can enjoy their gaming experience. In addition to the showcase, you can also find more detailed information about the accessibility features for each of our games on our website.

We hope you enjoy the showcase and announcements. We’re looking forward to sharing even more news about each of our 2024 titles coming to Xbox, so stay tuned!

The post New Inclusive, Accessible, Easy-Going Games Revealed for Xbox During the Whitethorn Winter Showcase appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Free Play Days – Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only), NBA 2K24, and Two Point Campus

Plenty to play and explore this weekend with Free Play Days! NBA 2K24 and Two Point Campus are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday February 8 at 12:01 am PDT until Sunday, February 11 at 11:59 pm PDT. Additionally, Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only) is free for all Xbox members Thursday February 8 at 10 am PDT until Sunday, February 11 at 10 am PDT.

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)

Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III – Cross-Gen Bundle

Activision Publishing Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
1680

★★★★★

$69.99

$48.99

Get it now

Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only)
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Jump into Multiplayer of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III and enjoy the brand-new 6v6 map Stash House and the brand-new mode Team Gun Game. This free access offering features nine 6v6 maps including fan favorites like Rust, Shipment, Terminal, and Highrise – playable across five thrilling modes. Plus, the offering includes the riveting Modern Warfare® Zombies. So no matter your preferred playstyle, there are many ways to survive and dominate in Season 2.

NBA 2K24 for Xbox Series X|S

☆☆☆☆☆
563

★★★★★

$69.99

$20.99

Get it now

Free Trial

NBA 2K24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Hit the court with NBA 2K24 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One to experience a collection of competitive game modes and immerse yourself in a sports simulation unlike any other. The latest iteration of the NBA 2K franchise welcomes groundbreaking ProPLAY technology on Xbox Series X|S, delivering a generational leap in animations, movements, and authenticity. This new technology directly translates NBA footage into NBA 2K24 gameplay, making every step of your MyCAREER journey feel more realistic than ever before. Delve into endless lineup combinations in MyTEAM and assemble your dream team or put on your General Manager cap and build a dynasty in MyNBA Eras. NBA 2K24 boasts a variety of exciting game modes, which you can enjoy during Xbox Free Play Days.

Two Point Campus

SEGA Europe Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆
209

★★★★★

$29.99

$10.49

Get it now

Two Point Campus
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Two Point Campus is a single player business management sim where you can build the University of your dreams and manage the unruly enthusiastic students, guiding them through their courses, life choices and love. All while trying to keep the staff sane and the Campus clean… Good luck. Enjoy our Valentine themed UI and in-game items during this season of love.

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 – Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer/Zombies Only), NBA 2K24, and Two Point Campus appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Halo The Series Season 2 Interview: “The Stakes are High – This Is a War Story”

Category: Entertainment

February 8, 2024

Halo The Series Season 2 Interview: “The Stakes are High – This Is a War Story”

Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief

Halo The Series has always been about offering a different perspective. Where the games have always put us inside a helmet, the Paramount+ show pulls back and offers unfamiliar points of view on a story so well-known by millions of fans.

In Season 2 – which sees its first two episodes released on Paramount+ today – that’s never been truer. We know from the trailers that this season will tackle a war with the Covenant that edges ever-closer to human home soil and, crucially, will cover the events of the iconic, epochal Fall of Reach. But we’ll be seeing that from perspectives we’ve never had before and – as we saw in Season 1 – even seeing changes to the game series’ storyline, upping the surprise factor.

We caught up with Xbox Head of IP Expansion and Entertainment (and all-round Halo legend) Kiki Wolfkill to discuss how the show’s creators have gone about putting a new spin on such legendary events, and even shifted the tone of the show from Season 1.

“With Season 2, we edge up against events that we start to see in the games,” Wolfkill explains. “Obviously the events on Reach, which people have seen in trailers, [are] a huge historical milestone in Halo history and chronology, and are also critical [to] the story – because what it does is it marks when the Covenant have really come close to home. Reach is our last stand before they find Earth.

“We really tried to honour that event for what it means for the stakes. But also, what we get to do is see it from a different perspective – we get to see it on the ground. We get to see it from the soldiers’ perspective, outside of Noble team, which is where Halo: Reach focuses. And so you get a very different story that comes out of that by virtue of seeing what it means for a Marine to go through that – what it means for a city to fall and how terrifying that is.”

But Reach is only a part of this story, and learning how we reach that moment will be a major part of Season 2. “We’re about six months or so after the events of Season 1,” Wolfkill explains, “and the environment feels really different. The UNSC has had a lot of changes, the Covenant are edging ever closer. So I would say the big thing with Season 2, where we start off from, is that humanity’s absolutely on its back foot. We saw in Season 1 [that] the Covenant [were] out in the Outer Colonies – they’ve really come close to home in Season 2… So we find our Spartans kind of in a different place while the threat gets ever bigger. The stakes feel higher, but a lot in the universe has shifted in that six months.”

That comes with a shift to the overall tone of the show, too. Wolfkill says Season 2 reflects its more desperate stakes with a shift in how it feels – helped by new showrunner David Wiener (‘Fear the Walking Dead’). “It’s much more grounded, it’s much grittier,” says Wolfkill. “[It kind of goes] back to those Halo 3: ODST TV ad roots, you know? The stakes are high, and this is a war story. We wanted really for the audience to feel the threat, and not just see it.”

“We really wanted this to be a visceral experience,” she continues. “We wanted it to feel scary, we wanted it to feel intense, and I wanted it to feel emotional with what happens with some of our characters. At the same time, I’m super proud of our action. What I love is that intertwining of really interesting character drama, and also just high action and stakes. We spent a lot of time actually refactoring some of our action sequences in order to get that more visceral feel – and I think that’s something people will be able to see right away.”

Of course, seeing familiar characters in new contexts will remain a major part of Season 2 – Master Chief, Silver Team, and more will return, and Wolfkill says that Chief’s journey to discovering what his role is for humanity will be the key to his storyline here. But Halo The Series is introducing new perspectives along the way.

“We have some great new characters,” Wolfkill enthuses. “We have Colonel James Ackerson – who is from [the original series’] canon – played by Joseph Morgan, who’s extraordinary. What’s exciting about bringing Ackerson in is it’s a character we get to see in books and in comics, and has always been sort of a shadowy foil for [Cortana creator Catherine] Halsey… It lets us sort of dig into that in a way that we don’t actually experience in the games.

“And then we also introduce a character named Corporal Perez, played by Cristina Rodlo – who we see early in Episode One is a Marine – getting back to that Marine perspective and, again, how terrifying it is to see an Elite or Sangheili for the first time and encounter them in battle. There’s, there’s sort of a horror aspect to that.”

It all adds up to make Season 2 of Halo The Series a very exciting prospect – a storyline that helps push forward an intriguing tale for those already invested in the show, and a new reflection of events from the games already firmly in the hearts of millions of Halo fans. You can start that journey right now by streaming the first two episodes of Season 2 on Paramount+ today, with new episodes coming weekly.

To celebrate the release of Halo The Series Season 2, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now claim a 30-day trial to Paramount+.

This interview has been edited for context and clarity. It was conducted by Malik Prince.

The post Halo The Series Season 2 Interview: “The Stakes are High – This Is a War Story” appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240206-2000)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3487.240206-2000
Available: 5 p.m. PT – February 7, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 8, 2024

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Apps

Fixes to address an issue where Microsoft Edge would close unexpectedly.

Games

Fixes to address unexpected graphical issues with some titles.
Fixed an issue where changing the language in a game would not always download the new language as expected.

System

Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

Some users are reporting an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240206-2000) appeared first on Xbox Wire.