Diablo IV Season of the Construct: Diving into the Lore Behind the Sinister Zoltun Kulle

Marcus Kretz, Community Manager, Blizzard

Something sinister stirs – elemental machinations scuttle beneath the sands of Kehjistan. Launching today, Diablo IV’s Season of the Construct arrives. Arm your own Seasonal Companion, battle through Hazards in Vaults (the newest Dungeon type) and fight the fearsome Constructs at every turn.

The source of these Constructs has now been attributed to the malicious plans of the demon Malphas. The demon has taken an ancient power—originally devised by Zoltun Kulle and Ayuzhan of Caldeum to preserve humanity— to magnify his own strength. This power has been corrupted, and you must work with Ayuzhan to defeat Malphas at the source of this power in the Seasonal Questline.

But who was Zoltun Kulle, and why do those within Sanctuary still fear the power his name holds? We’re going to do a Lore deep-dive on Zoltun Kulle, and why his importance in the pages of History is matched only by his polarizing legacy.

Kulle and the Gang

Zoltun Kulle was originally one of the highest-ranking mages of the Ennead mage clan, a cohort of spellcasters specializing in enchantments and transmutation. Kulle became one of the original founding members of the Horadrim, an order of mages tasked by the Archangel Tyrael to hunt down and contain the three Prime Evils who threatened Sanctuary: Mephisto, Baal, and Diablo.

During The Hunt for the Three, Kulle was given the responsibility to wield the soulstones—shards of the infinitely powerful Worldstone—which were specifically created to capture and imprison the Prime Evils. Entrusted with the soulstones for his vast arcane expertise, Kulle studied them obsessively.

He eventually aided the Horadrim in the successful capture of all three Prime Evils, but at great cost. Kulle’s research led him to believe that a damaged soulstone could be used as a conduit to imprison a demon’s essence within a human. This led to the selfless sacrifice of Tal Rasha—leader of the Horadrim—to imprison the Prime Evil Baal after the Amber Soulstone was shattered.

The Dust Settles, and the Plot Thickens

Capturing all three Prime Evils within the soulstones was a great blow to the Burning Hells in the Eternal Conflict, the endless war fought between the Angels and Demons.

After The Hunt for the Three, Kulle’s obsession with the soulstones continued. He abandoned the Horadrim, retreating to the sands of Kehjistan to continue his work. Fearful of the vulnerability of humanity’s place in the Eternal Conflict, Kulle decided to take matters into his own hands. Kulle feared that both the Burning Hells and High Heavens alike could eradicate humanity if they felt it necessary. From the shadows, Kulle created a sinister means to protect them.

Kulle used his great power to build a series of vast archives beneath the desert. It is there he devised the Black Soulstone, capable of imprisoning both Demon and Angel within it. The Horadrim, allied with the High Heavens, sought out Kulle beneath Kehjistan for his blasphemous transgressions.

They were assaulted by many traps and Guardian Constructs that Kulle had set for them in case they tried to meddle in his experiments. Many of Kulle’s former Horadrim brethren died in their quest to hunt him down and deliver justice.

When the Horadrim finally succeeded in capturing Kulle, they discovered he had made himself impossible to kill through the use of dark arcane spells. The Horadrim separated his body and head, sealing them away to prevent any forces from ever attempting to resurrect Kulle ever again.

Kulle’s Constructs

In Season of the Construct, you will come across one of Zoltun’s allies from earlier in his life as a mage. You will need to work with Ayuzhan of Caldeum, who worked with Zoltun long ago to create The Loom.

A device of extraordinary power, the Loom was originally created with the intent to save humanity. Ayuzhan knew Zoltun at a time before his morality was corrupted by the power of the soulstones, a more optimistic young Mage than the one the history books now remember.

With Kulle long since dead, the Loom has been corrupted by Malphas to create the deadly mechanical Constructs now tasked with humanity’s ruin. From January 23, make your final stand against the sinister powers of The Loom in Diablo IV’s Season of the Construct, and earn your own Seneschal Companion and fight against the twisted machinations of Kulle’s legacy.

Diablo® IV

Blizzard Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆
649

★★★★★

Get it now

Diablo® IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or go rogue through an expansive End Game and shared world where players will meet in towns to trade, team up to battle World Bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.

Battle.net account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2023 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo, Diablo Immortal, World of Warcraft, and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. All rights reserved.

The post Diablo IV Season of the Construct: Diving into the Lore Behind the Sinister Zoltun Kulle appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Tekken 8 Is the Bombastic Return You Want It To Be

Within the first few minutes of Tekken 8’s story mode, I was whooping at the screen as I watched the iconic Jin Kazama sprout wings, throw three cars at his dad with his mind and then proceed to body slam him through a skyscraper. I knew that if the game has started on this foot, I was in a for a good time. Tekken 8 is a rambunctious, over-the-top, callback to the absurdity of the likes of Tekken 3, and you’re going to absolutely love it.

Tekken 8‘s story mode follows Jin Kazama’s journey to take down his father, Kazuya Mishima, who is once again hosting a tournament to find the world’s greatest fighter. Contestants from countries all over the world will compete, and those that fail will face horrible consequences unless Jin puts a stop to his antics, all the while fighting to rediscover his own devilish powers. There is more to this story, of course, but one that you’ll absolutely want to experience for yourself. Don’t worry, if you’re not up to date with the story so far, Tekken 8 offers a series of short videos that’ll catch you up on the main plot.

A combination of 32 old and new characters grace the roster this time; the Mishima family is out in force, capers between Paul Phoenix and Marshall Law are plentiful, and Kuma and Yoshimitsu are here to respectfully squeeze and slash their foes to pieces. Tekken 8 also introduces the dazzling Peruvian MMA fighter Azucena, the sleek leader of the UN independent forces Victor Chevalier, and the fierce Reina, with mysterious ties to the Mishima family fighting style. It’s the perfect combination of recognizable personalities to ease lapsed players back in, standing alongside exciting new options that slot brilliantly into Tekken 8‘s explosive narrative.

On top of the main Story mode, each playable fighter has their own Character Episode, a digestible session consisting of five fights that rewards you with a short cutscene about what they’ve been up to surrounding the events of Tekken 8. This is an excellent return to the silliness of older Tekken instalments; watching these characters indulge in their own wacky escapades outside of the Mishima conflict is infinitely joyous. Spoiling any of these cutscenes would be a disservice to the discerning Tekken fan, so I’ll let you discover them, but I’d recommend you make a beeline for Law’s for a taste of how wacky it can get.

Stepping back into a fighting stance can feel daunting, especially to someone that hasn’t played Tekken for a long time (myself included), but Tekken 8‘s controls are built to feel intuitive and comfortable for every type of player. The first few fights with Jin felt like stepping into an old pair of shoes; familiar moves and combos flew from the deepest recesses of my mind and landed with crystal clarity like I’d never been away. If you don’t have that basic familiarity, the new Special Style Mode is here to support newcomers and returning players one step further – pressing LB switches your controls to a much simpler style, and allows your character to perform complex, powerful moves with less need to memorize and hit the right buttons, which is a massive, welcome win for accessibility.

While a robust single-player experience has been offered up, it’s Tekken 8‘s multiplayer and competitive modes that will entice many players. The online area feels like a whole new game in itself – you’ll need to create a custom cartoon avatar before heading to an online plaza. Here, you’ll find Arcade Quest, a hybrid of tutorial and challenge that pits you against increasingly difficult computer-controlled foes, while the new Super Ghost Battle mode lets you take on fights against an AI that will replicate your playstyle in order to help you improve. Tekken has a highly competitive multiplayer scene, so this addition makes for a nice entry into online play for the uninitiated.

Once you’re ready to take on the world, those hunting for a simple PvP experience can head over to a set of different arcade machines; two players can sit down opposite each other and engage in a three-round fight, with options to rematch, switch characters or simply wander off after a shameful defeat. It’s a sleek, interactive system that replicates the feel of hanging out in a real arcade, rather than sitting in a static menu waiting for a match. If a player quits, you’re left to practise your moves until you’re matched with another player. In-between matches, you can explore the plaza, spectate other battles, or spend a little time customizing your avatar or Tekken fighters.

A familiar mode also makes its return – Tekken Ball. First introduced in Tekken 3, the object of the mini-game is to defeat your opponent by thwacking a big ball towards them, using your regular moves to power up the impact of the hit. It feels exactly as I remember it; and its inclusion feels like yet another nod back to classic Tekken.

The Tekken team has built an incredible step up for this iconic series, and it’s the perfect time to jump back in. Committed players will find more of the game they love; a belting story, stylish and fulfilling combat, wrapped up in a number of breathtaking settings and stages. This is Tekken at its very best; high-voltage, endlessly enjoyable and pushed to the absolute limit of its own rampant silliness.

But Tekken 8 also has its eyes on the back of the room, the lapsed fans and the retired fighters. One particular battle in the Story Mode hits a crescendo as the electrifying riffs of Jin’s theme, first heard in Tekken 3, erupt into the arena. If you’re a long-time fan, or a casual onlooker from the ringside, Tekken 8 sees you, and it’s saying ‘welcome home.’

Fist Meets Fate on January 26. Tekken 8 is available on Xbox Series X|S.

TEKKEN 8

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The TEKKEN series is breaking into a new era!
The longest-running story in a video game franchise is coming back with state-of-the-art graphics and powerful new rivalries.
Stay tuned for TEKKEN 8!

The post Tekken 8 Is the Bombastic Return You Want It To Be appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed

Category: Developer_Direct

January 22, 2024

Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed

Jeff Rubenstein

At the recent Xbox Developer_Direct 2024 broadcast, Obsidian Entertainment shared its most comprehensive look yet at its upcoming fantasy-action RPG, Avowed.

But even that only scratched at the surface of what’s coming your way this fall. On today’s special episode of The Official Xbox Podcast, Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel and Gameplay Director Gabe Paramo shared an extended look at the quest showcased during Developer_Direct, providing more detail on the moment-to-moment experience of the flexible combat system, and where this side quest fits in the larger narrative of Avowed.

This latest look at Avowed gives us a good idea of what to expect from Shatterscarp, one part of the ecologically diverse island of The Living Lands, all in the same universe as Obsidian’s CRPG series Pillars of Eternity. But what makes Avowed a very ‘Obsidian game’ goes far beyond the commonality of setting in the world of Eora.

“It’s really about our player-centric approach to role play,” Patel shared during this week’s Podcast. “The way we really approach consequence and choice is giving players the opportunities to define who they are in this world, how they want to behave – what fantasy, what challenges they want to undertake.”

It’s all part of Obsidian’s “your worlds, your way” approach, and players will feel the weight of their choices moment-to-moment with every slash, parry, and spell cast.

What stands out is not just the variety of ways you can tackle combat – examples include the classic ‘sword and board [shield]’, samurai-esque sword and gun, and dual-wielding wands like a wizard in the Old West – but also how you’ll frequently want to (or need to) change your loadout to best suit what you find yourself up against. These loadouts are also complemented by skills, and Obsidian had a deep well of moves to pull from out of the Pillars of Eternity universe.

“We wanted to be able to grab as many abilities from the trees as possible – and categorize them a little bit differently so that the player doesn‘t feel locked into a single choice at the start of the game,” said Gabe Paramo, Gameplay Director. “They can mix and match between different abilities to get some variety. You can commit to being a fighter, but it’s not an enforced class setup.” And if you want to try out a new suite of abilities, you can always respec your character.

We saw great examples of this in the Developer_Direct: dual-wielding wands served as effective crowd control when a group of smaller Xaurips swarmed the player. But in a more one-on-one encounter with a slightly larger enemy, using an ice-imbued wand to freeze an enemy, then shattering the newly-frozen block with a charged power attack of an off-hand sword was supremely effective.

Paramo cited another devious combo: “With ‘Into the Fray,’ you can use a fireball ability that creates an AOE [area of effect] ability on the ground, and then pull the enemy into the fire.”

It’s all part of a comprehensive elemental system that comes into play both in and out of combat. Paramo continues, “you can light guys on fire, you can freeze them, you can shock them, you have objects in the environment you can interact with. They’re not just on weapons, on wands – you might find it on swords, certain abilities might cause elemental damage. And your companions [can] as well.”

Patel shared more about those companions – your hero won’t be wandering the Living Lands alone. “They all have deep ties to different regions of the Living Lands, and they all have their own personal reasons for wanting to ally with the player and help them resolve the big conflicts that you’re encountering over the course of the game. They’re your allies – in some ways your advisors, your local guides. They provide a lot of additional commentary and context that reveals something about their character, but also about the corner of the world you’re exploring.”

They’re also your allies in battle; Kai, who we saw in the Developer_Direct, played a tanky role, drawing aggro, while Giatta, who also makes an appearance, keeps the party healed up. Expect to meet more in your journeys across the Living Lands.

‘Playing your way’ expands beyond moment-to-moment action; as demonstrated in the Developer_Direct, you’ll be making meaningful decisions that affect the story.

“For us, creating these choices, like the big ones that affect the outcome of a quest, or the wellbeing of certain characters or communities are just as important as the smaller choices that you make in navigating a dialogue and, in subtle ways, influencing your relationship with another character,” said Patel. “All of it is really centered around letting the player be the main character in this setting.”

It’s important to note that for all we’ve now seen of Avowed, there’s much, much more to explore throughout the Living Lands. In fact, the specific quest in Shatterscarp we covered “is entirely discoverable, which means it’s also entirely missable.” In terms of scope of the game, Paramo compares with another recent Obsidian title, “it’s open-zone, size comparable to The Outer Worlds areas on the larger side, and [with] multiple paths essentially to tackle combat situations, or avoid them.”

According to Patel, sharp-eyed players will have much more to seek out throughout their time with Avowed: “One of the big delights of being a developer on a game like this is creating so much for players to find, and knowing that not everybody’s going to seek it out, and not everybody’s gonna find it, but knowing that the players who do are really going to enjoy the secrets they discover.”

Avowed launches this fall on Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC – for more information please visit the Avowed website.

Avowed

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?

The Weird and Wonderful Living Lands
The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem.

Visceral Combat to Play Your Way
Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance.

Companions as part of your journey
Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.

The post Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240117-2200)

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 in 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_2402ZN25398.3429.240117-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 19, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 20, 2024

New Features and Experiences

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

My Games & Apps – Improved Filtering and Sorting

We’ve added some new filters and sorts to My Games & Apps to help you find exactly what you’re looking for! You can now filter games by Accessibility Options, Supported Languages, and Technical Capabilities. Additionally, subscription tabs have been updated to sort by recently added making it easier to see what’s new. Of course, you can always change the sorting if you prefer something else. Just head to My Games & Apps then Full library where you can find all the new filtering and sorting options.

Xbox Guide

Starting today, a random subset of users will notice a new experience in some areas of the guide. If you have feedback, be sure to submit it via Report a Problem!

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:

Home

Fixes to improve unexpected errors loading Home during sign in.

System

Fixed an issue where recently added profiles were being removed after the console was restarted.
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 (2402.240117-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Embark on a Heroic Quest in Knights of Braveland, Coming to Xbox

Knights of Braveland brings an epic action RPG experience to Xbox, offering players an endlessly replayable adventure set in the mesmerizing Braveland universe. Whether venturing solo or teaming up with up to four knights, the journey from a rookie to a kingdom hero is filled with excitement and unpredictable challenges.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics

In Knights of Braveland, each quest is uniquely crafted from hundreds of different events, creating a distinct story every time. The game’s innovative mechanics allow for diverse playstyles, thanks to an extensive array of equipment including swords, magic staffs, and more. The four-player co-op mode adds a communal dimension, enabling friends to battle together on the same screen.

Expansive World and Upgradeable Castle

Players can immerse themselves in the richly detailed world of Braveland, where knights reveal secret paths and ordinary characters may hold extraordinary secrets. The option to upgrade your castle before each raid adds a strategic layer, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Becoming a Hero

Choose your origin – be it a peasant, blacksmith, tracker, or rogue – and embark on a journey to become Braveland’s most renowned knight. Each choice impacts your path, making every playthrough unique.

Exciting DLCs Released with the Main Game

Alongside the main game, we are launching four DLC packs on February 1:

Fantastic Beasts DLC: Battle new bosses, play as the Wizard, and collect unique gear.
Fun And Memes DLC: Introduces whimsical items like a pigeon mask or a carrot sword for a humorous twist.
Around The World DLC: Offers globally inspired weapons and hats, along with a new hero, the Pirate.
Hero Pack DLC: Adds two new characters, Monk and Blacksmith, with additional gear.

Preorder Today

Knights of Braveland, along with its exciting DLCs, is available for pre-order today, offering players early access to this captivating world, and will launch on Xbox on February 1st, 2024. .

Get ready to dive into the action-packed universe of Knights of Braveland and carve your path to glory. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a team player, a grand quest awaits you on Xbox!

Knights of Braveland

Ellada Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

$17.99

Pre-order

Xbox One X Enhanced

Knights of Braveland is a cooperative beat’em up action game with a generated story. You will hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. And with your friends it is much more fun.

Smash your way to victory solo or in a team up to 4 knights. Infinite replayable action RPG in Braveland universe.

Join the Heroes Guild and travel the path from a rookie to the hero of the kingdom. Head on a hunt for the vicious boss solo or with your friends. Your adventure will be randomly generated from hundreds of different events.

Once you sign up a contract to catch the villain, you’ll head into an adventure. Each quest is created from hundreds of particular events, melding into a unique story. The Elves will reveal secret paths to you and the ordinary pub owner might very well turn out to be a werewolf.

The post Embark on a Heroic Quest in Knights of Braveland, Coming to Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

Category: Next Week on Xbox

January 19, 2024

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor

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!

Howl

astragon Entertainment GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

$13.49

Pre-order

Howl – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times. Play as a deaf heroine plunged into danger in search of a cure of a sinister “howling plague” that has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts.

Lil’ Guardsman

Versus Evil, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lil’ Guardsman – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Question humans, elves, goblins, cyclopes, and other fantasy creatures using your powers of deduction to determine who to admit or deny based on how they respond to your questions and your trusty tools. Sending visitors to jail, inadvertently zapping them to smithereens, or letting them go on their merry way are all part of the job.

Stumble Guys

Scopely, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Stumble Guys – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Join millions of players and stumble to victory in this fun multiplayer knockout battle royale! Are you ready to enter the chaos? Running, stumbling, falling, jumping, and winning has never been so fun!

Anomaly Agent

NAISU

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

$12.74

Pre-order

Anomaly Agent – January 24

Become Agent 70 and stop the anomalies threatening to destroy the balance of the world! With memorable characters, unique Anomaly Bosses, a story full of twists, and smooth gameplay, Anomaly Agent is an adventure to be savored. We hope you enjoy your journey!

Climber: Sky is the Limit

Art Games Studio S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.49

Pre-order

Climber: Sky is the Limit – January 24

A mountain walking simulator game where you are a climber who takes on the most difficult and dangerous peaks on Earth. To succeed you need to plan your journey carefully by preparing appropriate equipment, choosing a suitable trail, facing extreme weather conditions, and surviving. Conquer your limits, overcome your fear, and reach the sky.

Remains

SoloQ

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Remains – January 24

After a terrible incident, you were left in complete silence and absolute loneliness in the orbit of your planet. There is no one to help you, and you must survive and find out what caused such an incident. Find a way to restore oxygen, create tools for your needs, built a shelter in orbit while managing the dangers of outer space.

Saga of the Moon Priestess

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Saga of the Moon Priestess – January 24
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Tragedy strikes the world of Lunaria as the illustrious prince is kidnapped by an unknown assailant! The well-being of the land itself now rests in the hands of a young hero, Sarissa, as she must fight, explore, and figure out how to rescue the young prince in this retro, top-down action adventure inspired by 8 and 16-bit classics.

Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder

Johnny Ostad

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder – January 24

A Story-Rich RPG/Action-Adventure game, made by one person over the span of five years. Step into the shoes of the young Orc Mogren and explore all of Thunder Island. Venture into dangerous dungeons, explore caves, solve puzzles, and help the residents of the island with their quests.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy

CAPCOM CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy – January 25
Xbox Play Anywhere

Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features the 14 episodes of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, and the two DLC-only Special Episodes for a total of 16 episodes!

Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil – January 25

A story focused horror game where you play as a priest and help a family with their cursed house. As Aughust Heylel, an exorcist legitimized by the Vatican and a relevant priest doesn’t believe in his own faith anymore. He writes a letter talking about his life and his worst mission, the case “Roots of Evil”, which started in 1984. His mission was to investigate a house with paranormal activities, but the problem was way deeper. The case stuck into Aughust’s head for more than 30 years, and now, it’s finally the time to finish it!

Go Mecha Ball

Super Rare Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Go Mecha Ball – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Available on day one with Game Pass! Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs.

Hidden Through Time 2

Rogueside

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Join Clicky on a new, enchanted adventure in Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic! This charming 2D hidden object game is sure to delight with its playful tone, cozy vibes, and endless fun. Search for all the hidden objects scattered around beautiful hand-drawn worlds and unlock more as you go.

The House of Da Vinci

Blue Brain Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The House of Da Vinci – January 25

Enter The House of Da Vinci, a must-try 3D puzzle adventure game. Solve mechanical puzzles, discover hidden objects, escape from rooms and dive into the authentic atmosphere of the Renaissance. Use all your wits to find out what’s behind your master’s disappearance.

Jett Rider – Reduce, reuse and BLAST IT OFF!

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$12.49

$9.99

Pre-order

Jett Rider – Reduce, Reuse, and Blast It Off – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Jett Rider, the most unlikely hero, stars in the biggest 2D adventure of the year. Save the planet Gravos, free its people, face the toughest bosses… And don’t forget to recycle!

Phantom Abyss (Game Preview)

Devolver Digital

☆☆☆☆☆
153

★★★★★

$24.99

$19.99

Get it now

Xbox Game Pass

Free Trial

Phantom Abyss (1.0) – January 25
Game Pass

A massive asynchronous multiplayer game that casts you into procedurally generated temples and tasks you with retrieving the sacred relics hidden within deadly chambers. Dodge scores of hidden traps, leap treacherous chasms, and flee relentless guardians through branching paths until one of the relics are claimed or the devices of death overwhelms you.

PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat – January 25

If you are passionate about kittens and enjoy solving puzzles, we have the perfect game for you: Feed Your Cat! Move the cat’s paw to grab the canned food and please the adorable kittens that appear on the map. The difficulty gradually increases, and players need to think about the order of obtaining the food before delivering it to the felines.

Starward Rogue

Klabater

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Starward Rogue – January 25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Starward Rogue is a bullet hell twin-stick shooter. Blast your way through the Megalith, a rogue-lite labyrinth lodged in the side of a star. Customize your mech with a huge variety of weapons, perks, and upgrades. Steel yourself for the dangers that lurk in the depths of the dungeon.

Classic Pool

Revulo Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Classic Pool – January 26

Dive into the captivating world of Classic Pool, an exhilarating game that invites you to showcase and elevate your skills in the timeless realm of pool. Immerse yourself in the challenge as you select from a diverse array of AI opponents, each with their unique strategies. With an extensive collection of cues and tables at your fingertips, the possibilities are as endless as your ambition.

Dead Tomb

8 Bit Legit

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

Pre-order

Dead Tomb – January 26

A point-and-click adventure game that will take you back to the heyday of retro gaming. Your employer sends you on a study that takes you back in time, but as fate would have it, you find yourself in a serious predicament. A malfunction in your ship forces you to land in Egypt 1300BC where luckily you spot a huge pyramid you can set your craft down on.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Standard Edition

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – January 26

Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down a battle of his last days of life. Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.

sCATch 2: The Painter Cat

Colossus Game Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

sCATch 2: The Painter Cat – January 26

sCATch 2 is a puzzle game where the goal is paint all colorful places of the maze and come to the exit. Combining colors and items with different mechanics on the way.

Croc’s World 4

Sprakelsoft GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Croc’s World 4 – January 26

After millions played the first 3 parts of “Croc’s World” it´s now time for “Croc’s World 4”! “Croc’s World 4” is a classical platformer with a lot of new enemies and new twists!

The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection – January 26

After nearly a decade; the legendary raid leader, General Panzer returns from his mysterious hiatus. Rejoined by his trusty lieutenant, Blarghe, the two of them set off on an incredible adventure to revisit their old raid team members.

Tardy

Drageus Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tardy – January 26
Xbox Play Anywhere

Ramto isn’t the smartest guy in the Universe. He enjoys finding troubles – and solving them. But when he woke up on a spaceship, it was too much even for him. Now among heaps of weird devices created by a schizophrenic engineer, he’s on a quest to deal with crazy machines, solve a mystery of a vanished crew, and try to find a way back home.

TEKKEN 8

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tekken 8 – January 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready for the next chapter in the legendary fighting game franchise! Fist meets fate by bringing the fight to the new generation. Completely redesigned character visuals. Elaborate, highly detailed models built from the ground up, and high-fidelity graphics break the limits of new-generation hardware by adding a new weight and atmosphere to Tekken’s signature battles. Vivid environments and destructible stages combine to create an overwhelming sense of immersion, creating the ultimate play experience.

Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End (Xbox Version)

Artifex Mundi

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End – January 26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Journey to the mystical city of Shangri-La to find your missing niece. Embark on an adventure at the edge of the world to save Larisa from the clutches of the ancient labyrinth in this captivating hidden object game that blends elements of the thriller and adventure genres with oriental esotericism and lore.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App [2401.1000.59.0]

Hey Xbox Insiders! We are releasing a new Xbox App for Windows build to Xbox Insiders who are enrolled in the PC Gaming Insiders preview! Thank you all for being Xbox Insiders. Continue read to learn about fixes and known issues. Make sure that you update the Xbox app, and Gaming Services to ensure you get all of the fixes!

New Versions of PC Gaming prerelease products:

Xbox App version: 2401.1000.59.0

Available: 5:00 p.m. PT – January 18th, 2023

Current versions of Windows Gaming prerelease products:

Game Bar version: 6.123.11012.0

Released: 5:00 p.m. PT – November 3rd, 2023

Xbox App Bug Fixes:

Fixed an issue where certain pages weren’t loading when trying to preinstall games.
Fixed an issue where the tooltip for games in MRU doesn’t always show the full title
Fixed various UI issues, including some cut-off text, misaligned buttons, truncated text, etc…
Fixed an issue where the “only show unread messages” setting did not persist after changing it
Fixed an issue where playtime might not correctly show up in a friend’s profile.
Fixed various issues where content was not correctly displaying upon initially loading the app

Known Issues:

The team is investigating an issue where you might see an error when trying to install a small number of games.
The team is investigating an issue where some buttons on certain screens do not properly render

How to Get Xbox Insider Support

Don’t forget! If you encounter any issues, you can leave feedback by navigating to the feedback option on your profile menu.

You can also provide feedback, as well as interact with the community, on the Xbox Insiders Subreddit. Please be as specific as possible when providing feedback.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can!

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

Thank you to everyone who participates in the Xbox Insider Program! Your feedback helps us continue to build a great gaming experience in the Xbox app on PC.

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App [2401.1000.59.0] appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Gameplay Reveal

The post Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Gameplay Reveal appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Free Play Days – UFC 5, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, AEW: Fight Forever and Make Way

Get ready to rumble, embark on a swashbuckling adventure, grapple your way to victory, and make your way to the top this weekend on Xbox with Free Play Days! UFC 5, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, AEW: Fight Forever and Make Way are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday January 18 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, January 21 at 11:59 p.m. 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)

UFC® 5

Electronic Arts

☆☆☆☆☆
331

★★★★★

$69.99

$48.99

Get it now

Free Trial

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

AEW: Fight Forever Bring the Boom Edition

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆
52

★★★★★

$89.99

Get it now

AEW: Fight Forever
Developed by YUKE’S, AEW: Fight Forever combines nostalgic arcade-wrestling with All Elite Wrestling finishers and moves. Fight Forever features a big roster of AEW talent, multiple match types including 4-way, tag-team, unsanctioned lights-out, and tons of customization options. Career mode, more than 40 weapons, and so much more for fighting and grappling fans alike!

Make Way

Secret Mode

☆☆☆☆☆
6

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Make Way
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Grab your friends and join the chaos! Make Way is a chaotic multiplayer racing game where up to four players battle to cross the finish line, all while avoiding obstacles and blowing each other up with wacky weapons. The twist? There are no pre-built courses. You’ll have to build your own tracks from a random selection of ridiculous pieces, race on your creations, then add to the track and repeat until a winner is decided. Play with up to four racers locally or online with cross-platform play. Join the fun for free from January 18-21.

ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 Ultimate Edition (Xbox One)

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
59

★★★★★

$94.99

$47.49

Get it now

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4
All aboard, pirates! Battle your way through waves of enemies as your favorite One Piece characters in One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4. In a search for treasure, relive some of the One Piece series’ most memorable moments that span all the way from the beginning. Adventure awaits as One Piece Film: Red pack – featuring new characters from One Piece Film: Red– is available to purchase now and is included for owners of Character Pass 2. The new additional episode DLC and One Piece Film: Red Anime Song pack is also available on digital stores.

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

The post Free Play Days – UFC 5, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, AEW: Fight Forever and Make Way appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Exoprimal: The Hunt is On With a New 10-Player Monster Hunter-Themed Co-op Mission

Hi, everyone! Your local, friendly Aibius Corp. PR rep here to tell you about the latest free Title Update coming to Exoprimal, and just in time, too – Exoprimal is on sale for 50% off across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC now through January 30! Buckle up because we have two new 10-player co-op missions with boss fights – including a truly special Monster Hunter crossover – new Exosuit variants to take for a spin, a new map to explore, more rigs and modules to augment your gameplay, and out-of-this-world cosmetics that’ll have you looking like you’re living in 3043 while everyone else is stuck in 2043. Don’t check your calendar, check out what we have in store for you!

We’re proud to share that our roster of Exosuits will be expanding with a set of unlockable β (Beta) variant suits! Just like the α (Alpha) suits before them, these suits have unique weapons that change up the way you play, adding new ways to roast dinosaurs and toast the competition. And that’s not the only roster that’s getting an upgrade: the list of missions provided by Leviathan, who we’ll remind you is our extremely stable, reliable, and trustworthy AI, is also expanding with two new 10-player co-op missions!

Exoprimal Screenshot — The Barrage Beta Variant Exosuit

First up, we have the Neo Triceratops. This multi-horned terror has been uphanced on its journey through time, resulting in fun-tastic mutations that you wouldn’t see on a normal dinosaur. While a typical Triceratops is a challenge on its own, this is a particularly vicious fight that requires rival squads to work together as a team of 10. Skilled Exofighters who exhibit how teamwork makes the dream work will be rewarded with bonus existence. Do your best out there!

In addition, Aibius Research and Development has recorded what appears to be a Rathalos from the Monster Hunter series (based on data recovered from charred Exosuits). While we’ve seen our fair share of dinosaurs, we haven’t seen anything quite like this. Rathalos is capable of flight, fire breathing, and devastating attacks with its tail, claws, and body. We’ve even received reports that small, raptor-like creatures called Velociprey tend to show up alongside the Rathalos as well. Good luck coming back in one piece! Remember, per your employee agreement, Aibius is not responsible for any on-the-job loss of pieces.

Following in the footsteps of Monster Hunter: World, seasoned Exofighters may begin to see monster tracks across a variety of maps while working towards Dino Survival objectives. In Monster Hunter: World, gathering up enough tracks will help guide you to the monster that you’re looking for. What do you suppose that means if you gather enough of them in Exoprimal? (That’s your cue to go find some tracks, Exofighters!)

We’re also pleased to bring some additional information on this monstrous encounter to you, courtesy of Exoprimal’s development team!

Several members of Exoprimal’s dev team have also worked on Monster Hunter titles in the past, so they felt that bringing these two worlds together was a natural fit. It makes sense, really, as both Exoprimal and Monster Hunter are about a team of people working together to take down fearsome foes. When fans expressed their hopes that there would be a crossover with Monster Hunter in the future, the Exoprimal team decided that they’d lock it in.

In addition, the Rathalos is an iconic monster from the storied series, so it felt like a natural fit to include this flying wyvern as both a representative of Monster Hunter and as a formidable threat in Exoprimal. Based on player feedback and the popularity of 10-player missions, the dev team adjusted the scope of this boss battle to ensure it was both fun and challenging for a 10-player hunting party.

The dev team also made sure that the Rathalos’ movements and attacks are true to Monster Hunter, re-creating the thrill of the hunt for Exofighters while reinforcing the role-based co-op gameplay and strategy that Exoprimal is built on. We won’t spoil the details, but fans of Monster Hunter who know the tricks of the trade will have an edge when it comes to fighting the Rathalos. Meeting certain conditions will also change the in-game music. Make sure you’re communicating with your fellow Hunters – er, Exofighters – to work together and make your hunt successful!

That about wraps things up for us, but there’s even more included in Exoprimal’s Season 3 update, including new Monster Hunter cosmetics, a new season of the Survival Pass, limited-time campaigns for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, and a Double XP Campaign on top of the rigs, modules, map, Exosuit variants, and boss fight missions we already mentioned. Exoprimal is available now for 50% off, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to pick it up while it’s on sale and join the hunt on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (also available with Game Pass)!

Exoprimal

CAPCOM CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆
587

★★★★★

$59.99

$29.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Exoprimal is an online, team-based action game that pits humanity’s cutting-edge exosuit technology against history’s most ferocious beasts – dinosaurs.

Exosuits are grouped into different roles, and players will pilot these exosuits to hold firm against overwhelming dinosaur swarms in online-only, team-based action game modes.
Dino Survival, the main game mode, sees two teams of five players compete in a variety of PvE and PvP missions.
Players will be transported to the scene of the latest dinosaur outbreak and follow Leviathan’s guidance to complete objectives. The team that completes the mission first will emerge victorious.
Whether players are engaging the other team directly, or fighting alongside them against a common enemy, the aim is to accomplish objectives as quickly as possible. Missions vary depending on player skill and other factors, meaning no two matches will unfold the same way.

The post Exoprimal: The Hunt is On With a New 10-Player Monster Hunter-Themed Co-op Mission appeared first on Xbox Wire.