Category: Xbox

The Skautfold series is pretty unique in that every iteration is linked to a different genre. While Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity offered a Souls-like experience, its sequel is a true metroidvania. Now Xbox users will be able to dive back in the series’ gothic and tortured universe with Skautfold: Usurper.

I had always dreamed of making games of my own, and had nurtured a big complicated project. I quickly realized that I would have to first create smaller more diverse experiences to learn more about game design and all aspects of creating games though. That’s how I began working on Skautfold, a series where the focus would be on different characters while using multiple genres.

Skautfold: Usurper takes place in an alternate history setting where most of the world is rules by two major empires, the British and the Dawn empire. The setting is haunted by the fact that Lovecraftian forces are real and have been actively altering historical events since around 1000 AD. At the start of the game a giant alien structure suddenly lands in the centre of London and Lovecraftian beasts begin pouring out. After a short clash, things calm down and this is where the story starts.

In order for Skautfold: Usurper to stand out gameplay wise, I created its very own guard system. It combines both a shield and stamina which gives a very different rhythm to combat and increases focus on risk and reward. It wants you to get in the enemy’s face and take risks and circumvent relying on heals as many games do. It regenerates passively so it’s all about learning a nice rhythm to being offensive and defensive.

Gamers should really that the time to understand how the guard system works and see how forgiving it actually is. It will save their lives many a time and let them have a lot more fun more quickly. That being said, the atmosphere and creature design are also worth noting as they can be surprising at times.

Players shouldn’t worry about not having played Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity before jumping into Usurper. While several characters from the first game appear in the game, it tells its own story. Usurper‘s plot contains several important setups and hints at things to come not just for the rest of Skautfold, but its sequel series Granser as well. Besides the story and hinted details, users will find some of those hints by just exploring the map thoroughly.

Before I let you all go, I wanted to thank you all very, very much for your support. I am very happy to see people enjoy my weird games and hope they will enjoy this one too as there was a lot of love poured into it. See you in London!

Ported to consoles by Red Art Studios, Skautfold: Usurper is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Skautfold: Usurper

Red Art Games

☆☆☆☆☆
4

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Usurper is a Metroidvania Action-RPG. With Eldritch horrors having been unleashed by the outer-worldly Citadel, your job is to rid London of its terrors and defeat the Navigator! Use the new “”””Guard”””” system that rewards skillful play and accuracy to uncover the massive structure and defeat the nightmares lurking within.

This sequel to Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity does not require knowledge of the previous game. Recently re-crowned Empress Eleanor has assembled the royal forces and her four most loyal Knights to enter the Citadel in hopes of learning more, and hopefully finding a way to rid London of its terrors. Meanwhile, Waltham, leader of the Weimar, uses his own forces to ascend the Citadel and challenge its leader, the Navigator, for his own… purposes…

Features:

– A compelling story built around the unlikely alliance between a no-nonsense knight and the shadowy being that resurrected him;

– An original battle system built around “”Guard””, a skill that allows the player to charge through attacks and take risks, rewarding accurate timing and risk assessment;

– A massive and versatile interconnected world with countless shortcuts and a variety of diverse areas, from human towns to alien landscapes, grand libraries, ethereal gardens, an Eldritch engine, and a crashed spaceship;

– 8 different stats to spec into (along with stat reallocation) and over 90 different weapons and spells to create countless varieties of character builds;

– Special game modes such as no-guard, 1 HP, permanent-death, and built-in speedrunning.

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This Barbie is a gamer! Together with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mattel, Xbox is excited to invite fans on a fun, fashionable, and inspirational ride this summer to celebrate the much-anticipated release of the new movie “Barbie,” premiering in theaters on July 21. Bringing Barbie’s signature flair to our gaming platform, we’re honoring all that there is to love about this iconic role model: her persevering optimism, wide-ranging career journey and never-ending capacity for self-discovery. Audiences of “Barbie” will follow the heroine to the furthest reaches of Barbie Land and beyond, and now fans can follow in her high-heeled footsteps with exclusive Forza Horizon 5 in-game content, an inspiring video about careers in gaming with a Barbie touch, the first ever Xbox Barbie dolls, and our most stylish custom Xbox hardware yet.  

Race like Barbie and Ken in Forza Horizon 5 

Barbie is driven by her various ambitions, and she always does it in style. The film sees Barbie hit the road in a classic 1956 Chevrolet Corvette EV Corvette — painted her signature pink hue, of course — while Ken cruises alongside in a 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup. Now, Forza Horizon 5 players can join them in virtual versions of both cars. Racing at the intersection of style, speed and self-expression, “Barbie” fans new and old can find the inspiration to follow their own road and get in the game. Everyone who plays Forza Horizon 5 will be gifted these themed cars — just download them from the in-game Message Center and they will appear in your garage, ready for racing – even if you don’t live in Barbie Land. 

Meet Real-Life Game Developers  

Young girls thrive when they have someone to look up to, and Barbie has exemplified their limitless potential for decades. With over 200 careers, Barbie continues to reflect new movements. Movie-going audiences will see themselves represented in the film’s Barbies, who are thriving in professional roles ranging from physicist to President. In collaboration, Xbox is spotlighting some of the dolls’ real-world counterparts in the gaming field with a video. Hear about the different careers in gaming as those who work on the Forza franchise speak about their own career journeys, motivations, and personal Barbie connections. Fans can also see the video debut as part of a very special livestream on July 14^th from the World of Barbie, where fans can learn about “Barbie” and see our hosts race in Barbie and Ken rides from the movie, in Forza Horizon 5. 

Xbox is All Dolled Up   

When everybody plays, we all win! Like the cinematic Barbie Land, Xbox is a community made better by how inclusive it is. To celebrate our commitment to being a place for everyone, we’ve rounded up ten Barbie dolls that are reflective of the Barbie line, which is the most diverse doll line on the market.  We outfitted them with the latest Xbox Gear fashion, as well as accessories including an Xbox Series S console, Wireless Controller and an Adaptive Controller. Fans can win the dolls as part of an international sweepstakes.  

Dream Console, Meet Dreamhouse   

From her DreamHouse to her dream closet, Barbie’s iconic style is unmatched. Now, you can bring her fashion-forward genius to your gaming setup with interchangeable Xbox Wireless Controller faceplates ​designed after Barbie and Ken’s distinct on-screen outfits. Or go for a complete remodel — in one of our most playful custom console designs in recent years, we’re giving away an Xbox Series S that has been built into the glamorous Barbie DreamHouse. Fans have a chance to win these starting on July 10 on @Xbox and Microsoft Rewards.

About “Barbie” 

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, an NG/BB Pictures Production, a Mattel Production, “Barbie.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in US theaters only on July 21, 2023 and internationally beginning 19 July 2023. 

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Soar through the skies in one of aviation’s most distinctive and influential aircraft, the Ford 4-AT Trimotor, Microsoft Flight Simulator’s sixth Famous Flyer release.

The Ford 4-AT Trimotor is an aviator’s dream machine: an all-metal, high-wing, three-engine passenger, and cargo aircraft. Built ruggedly, it can operate out of some of the world’s most austere airfields, and due to its renowned forgivingness in the air, the Trimotor elevates pilot confidence to new heights.

The introduction of the Trimotor by the Ford Motor Company’s Stout Metal Airplane Division was one of the most important milestones in the early history of commercial passenger aviation. The sturdy, powerful, and comfortable aircraft made several long-range routes possible, including the line connecting Key West, Florida to Havana, Cuba. Roughly 100 airlines used the Ford Trimotor during its operational tenure, a testament to its reliability and efficiency. The 4-AT even saw limited service in military logistics support.

The aircraft took its maiden flight on June 11, 1926, and entered service later that year; 199 were manufactured during a production run that lasted from 1926 to 1933. It was crewed by one or two and carried up to 12 total passengers, including pilot(s). The Trimotor, actively and vigorously backed by Henry Ford, quickly established itself as one of the luminaries of the Golden Age of Flight.

The 4-AT features corrugated aluminum construction on its fuselage, wings, tail section, and control surfaces. It measures 49 feet, 10 inches in length, stands 11 feet, 9 inches high, and has a wingspan of 74 feet. It has a traditional empennage and a standard fixed undercarriage. The aircraft can be fitted with floats for water operation or skis for snow or glacier take-offs and landings.

The Trimotor is powered by three 300-horsepower, 9-cylinder Wright J-6-9 Whirlwind radial piston engines, each turning a 2-blade, fixed-pitch propeller. Two engines are located under the main wing, one on each side, suspended by braces. One engine is mounted on the nose of the airplane. The Trimotor has a range of 570 miles, climbs at 920 feet per minute, and has a service ceiling of 16,500 feet above sea level. It has a stall speed of 57 miles per hour, cruises at 115 mph, and has a maximum speed of 132 mph.

The Ford 4-AT Trimotor comes with five liveries (Black Ford, Emerald Harbor, New Guinea, Spanish Republic, and World Travel) and three landing gear configurations (terrestrial wheeled, floats, and skis). This classic is available today for one week FREE to simmers; starting on June 30 at 11:59 PM PDT, it will be available for $14.99. Explore the world from the cockpit of this iconic aircraft that has been rendered in exquisite detail – the sky is calling!

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 Twitter.

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It’s Sonic’s birthday today and Sega had tons of news to share at Sonic Central 2023. We’ve rounded up all the news from titles like Sonic Origins Plus, Sonic Frontiers, and the upcoming Sonic Superstars to bring you up to speed.

Sonic Origins Plus launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One today, June 23, as an all-in-one bundle that includes Sonic Origins and the Plus Expansion Pack. Originally released in 2022, Sonic Origins brought together four classic titles – Sonic The Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD, digitally remastered for current generation platforms, with added features, new content, modes and more.

Sonic Origins Plus includes everything from Sonic Origins, and also comes with 12 Game Gear titles, quality-of-life updates, previously released add-on content with the Classic Music Pack and Premium Fun Pack, and for the first time ever, playable Amy Rose in Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD! With more content than ever, this is the definitive way to play the games that started the Sonic the Hedgehog phenomenon!

Sonic has been a longstanding icon of the platforming and gaming genre since he sped through Green Hill Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. Where his genre contemporaries had a consistent walking speed, Sonic was known for his speed that had you blasting through walls, enemies, and high scores! Sonic’s loyal friends would not be far behind when the series went even bigger with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 1992, featuring faster gameplay, more robust levels, cooperative play, and introduced beloved fan favorite Miles “Tails” Prower. Sonic CD introduced Amy Rose and Sonic 3 & Knuckles introduced everyone’s favorite Echidna warrior, Knuckles.

And those are just the origins of Sonic’s 2D era! Over the next several years, Sonic would venture into the 3D space starting with Sonic 3D Blast in 1996, which introduced the Homing Attack, adding a new layer of depth to Sonic’s arsenal that has since become a Sonic staple. Each new 3D title introduced new gameplay elements, such as the role-playing elements in Sonic Adventure, Wisp power-ups in Sonic Colors, and the two gameplay styles as featured in Sonic Generations. The Sonic series continued to evolve and push its boundaries while still being the leading icon of platforming and speed.

Sonic’s latest 3D adventure, Sonic Frontiers, was released in November 2022 and pushed the envelope for the Blue Blur with new, open-zone gameplay allowing Sonic to explore the entire Starfall Islands with a newfound sense of freedom and exploration. Players can boost and rail grind across five massive islands as they battle hordes of powerful enemies with new combat additions like Cyloop, Phantom Rush, and Wild Rush.  Each vast island makes use of Sonic’s abilities and speed so fans can experience Sonic like never before.

In celebration of Sonic’s birthday, Sonic’s Birthday Bash Update launches for Sonic Frontiers today! The Starfall Islands have been decorated for Sonic’s birthday, added new collectable Koco, new challenges, Sonic’s famous Spin Dash, and New Game +! Hop on today and wish Sonic happy birthday – all for free!

With each generation, Sonic has taken innovative strides, and we don’t see him stopping any time soon. Sonic’s upcoming adventure pays homage to the past but looks forward to the future to bring something new and exciting with a nostalgic and memorable flavor.

Sonic Superstars is an all new 2D adventure that brings the team back together again as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy race through the Northstar Islands to defeat Dr. Eggman, who has teamed up with an old fan-favorite nemesis, Fang. High-speed, side-scrolling action-platforming returns with fully 3D graphics, an all-new setting, and new ways to play. Harness the power of the Chaos Emeralds, wield fun new abilities, and play through the entire campaign with up to 3 other players with 4-Player local co-op.

New thrills. Classic feels. Sonic Superstars will be released for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Fall 2023. Pre-order at your local retailer now to receive the LEGO Eggman In-Game Character Skin.

It’s already shaping up to be an amazing year for Sonic, and we’re excited to share more in the coming months!

Sonic Frontiers Digital Deluxe Edition

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆
1382

★★★★★

$69.99

Get it now

Experience Sonic Like Never Before!

Worlds are colliding in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest high-speed adventure! In search of the missing Chaos emeralds, Sonic becomes stranded on an ancient island teeming with unusual creatures. Accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone platforming freedom as you race across the five massive Starfall Islands. Battle hordes of powerful enemies as you explore a breathtaking world of action, adventure, and mystery. Jump into adventure, wield the power of the Ancients, and fight to stop these new mysterious foes. Welcome to the evolution of Sonic games!

The Digital Deluxe Edition comes with the Explorer’s Treasure Box, which contains useful items for your adventure: Amy’s Memory Tokens, a Portal Gear, Chaos Emerald Vault Keys, Additional Gloves & Shoes for Sonic, and a Digital Art Book with a 25-track Digital Mini Soundtrack.

Those who pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition in August 2022 will need to search for and download the product, “Sonic Frontiers: Digital Art Book with Mini Digital Soundtrack,” in the app section.
Please install the “Adventurer’s Treasure Box” and the “Explorer’s Treasure Box” before starting a new game. Please note that DLC content will not be validated if installed after completing the tutorial area.
Please ensure that the most recent patch is installed before installing DLC.

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Hello! We’re so pleased to be launching Harmony: The Fall of Reverie on Xbox Series X|S today. It’s a narrative adventure with two colorful worlds, a cast of eclectic characters, and a captivating story we hope you will all enjoy!

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie was born out of a single concept: being able to see forthcoming narrative branches and acting on them accordingly through your desired choices. From this mechanic came the idea of dreams as fuel for future actions, a lens through which to see and dissect the complex world we live in, and care for. We knew from the beginning that the game would be set in a slightly futuristic world, close enough to ours to let us tackle contemporary issues yet distant enough to lend us more creative freedom.

Building Reverie, the home of ancient godlike beings known as Aspirations, was the next logical step to tie together the gameplay mechanics and narrative intention, but it was also the hardest one. Reverie and the Aspirations were meant to give Polly (and you) a broader, almost metaphysical view of the world.

But we didn’t want this realm to feel overly divine: it needed to be fragile, withering in the face of capitalism’s dreamless system. It was also our solution to bridge the gap between this far-reaching gameplay, suited for big choices and even bigger consequences, and the intimate story we wanted to tell.

We decided to paint Brittle (the real world) as a bright, vivid world where social issues are hidden from plain sight. On the other hand, Reverie’s lands are cold, arid, and scattered with ruins akin to our past civilizations, echoing the absence of dreams in Brittle. It all serves the idea that dreams are where hope can be found when all seems lost, where great things can be born from emptiness. Thus, Reverie serves as a set of paths to help Polly navigate her complicated life, and the Aspirations as guides to help her find her own voice.

We based the Aspirations off a few mythological and psychological theories, amongst which are the Spiral Dynamics and pop culture classics like “Sandman” and “Inside Out.” They needed to be broken and feel real, not like omnipotent Greek gods. It helped give them more character and pen them as magical, erratic beings who, despite being immortals, are still struggling with their own community. Their struggles mirror what happens in Brittle and help bind Polly’s quest with that of the Aspirations.

We found it difficult to flesh out two worlds simultaneously with our narrative system. The difficulty lay in balancing narration between Brittle and Reverie, and it took some iteration before we decided to make Brittle the main setting of the game. So, on the occasions when Reverie’s story takes the stage, it feels important – weaving threads that affect humanity – and intimate, tied as it is to Polly’s personal history.

We hope you enjoy the story and draw as much inspiration from it as Polly does from Reverie throughout her journey. You can play Harmony: The Fall of Reverie starting today on Xbox Series X|S.

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie

DON’T NOD

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

$22.49

Get it now

The fate of humanity is at stake.
Use your gift of clairvoyance to see into the future and stop an apocalypse that threatens the balance between your world and the deities’.

In the very near future…
When Polly returns home after a few years abroad to look for her missing mother, she quickly realizes that her hometown has drastically changed. A megacorporation named MK is using its power to control the population, and her community is in danger.  

She soon discovers that she has a gift of clairvoyance that connects her to Reverie, the realm of the Aspirations of Humanity: Glory, Bliss, Power, Chaos, Bond, and Truth.

In this world, Polly becomes Harmony, an Oracle who has the power to choose the Aspiration that will ultimately rule over Reverie and restore the delicate balance between the deities’ world and ours.   

The fate of humanity is at stake. To which destiny do you aspire?

DECIDE YOUR DESTINY 

As Polly, or Harmony, each action you take will affect both worlds and send you down sprawling narrative paths. See into the future and explore the consequences of possible choices in the Augural, a game board and visual representation of Polly’s gift of foresight.

In pursuing whichever destiny you desire, you’ll also bond with and obtain crystals from the Aspirations. These will unlock different paths at important crossroads that will change how the thread of the story unravels, and ultimately the fate of humanity.

FIND THE NEW HEART OF HUMANITY 

Whichever Aspiration comes to lead Reverie, with Harmony’s help, will also become the heart of humanity. Their personality and style of rule will change Reverie while also giving the people of our world a new direction too: when the link between worlds is stronger, Reverie has a bigger influence on the state of our world. 

Glory, Bliss, Power, Chaos, Bond, and Truth are all wildly different entities with their own distinct personalities, goals, and opinions on how to make things better. You’ll get to know each of them as visit Reverie in your dreams as Harmony, but only you know best – as Polly – what your world needs.    

A COLORFUL WORLD  

As you play, revel in artistic direction that is bright, vibrant, and futuristic. Immerse yourself in the daily life of a Mediterranean city and get to know its people, with a cast of characters who are fully voiced and animated. Enjoy an enchanting soundtrack by award-winning composer, Lena Raine. 

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The Sea of Thieves has seen a fragile sort of peace emerge over recent months, but something sinister is once again starting to make waves. The only instruction Larinna has to share is that someone urgently needs to speak with you. To find out what’s really going on, you’ll need to join this emerging cause and dive into Sea of Thieves’ latest Adventure, ‘A Dark Deception’.

The Story So Far

As recapped in our latest Adventures Ahead article, previous story-driven Adventures have sent players all across the Sea of Thieves, pitting them against skeletons, Sirens and fellow sailors alike. They’ve rallied to the defence of Golden Sands Outpost and its inhabitants, rescued a fallen hero, witnessed the return of one of the most notorious pirates the sea has ever known, and, most recently, set out in search of a cure for a skeletal curse.

These time-limited experiences have fundamentally changed the world of Sea of Thieves. Golden Sands has grown into the majestic Port Merrick. Some allies have been lost, with Pendragon facing a sombre fate in the Sea of the Damned, while Merrick, Flameheart and Briggsy have all made a successful return from the abyss. The seas have been left in a precarious state of balance: the Dark Brethren have vanished in search of an Ancient Temple, while the forces of the Pirate Lord and Captain Flameheart keep one another in check by engaging in ship-to-ship battles out at sea.

Secrets Abound

Now, however, a new disturbance is causing ripples across the waves. Larinna is dispatching pirates to a mysterious meeting on an island chain so remote it doesn’t even have a name. The only thing known for sure is that something vitally important is about to end up in the clutches of evil, and you and your crew are needed to help put together the pieces of this mission.

From now until July 6, experience a twisting Adventure that will test friendships and face you with uncomfortable choices as you try to unpick the truth of this latest threat. To manage it, you’ll need to rely on the help of your friends in the Order of Souls, no matter what it takes. But be very careful; not everything is as it seems…

Find Out More

For more information on the latest Sea of Thieves update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieves website. The update is available for free to all Sea of Thieves players who have bought the game on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 PC or via Steam, or players who have access to it with Xbox Game Pass. Simply download and install the latest Sea of Thieves update to get access.

New to Sea of Thieves? Find out about the latest free content updates on our What’s New page, get familiar with Who’s Who or pick up some gameplay tips from our Pirate Academy, which provides invaluable information on topics ranging from sailing to swordplay as you prepare for your maiden voyage. Learn more about Sea of Thieves here, or join the ongoing adventure at www.seaofthieves.com where you can embark on an epic journey with one of gaming’s most welcoming communities!

Sea of Thieves Deluxe Edition

Microsoft Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
659

★★★★★

$49.99

$24.99

Get it now

Xbox Live Gold membership required to play on Xbox One; sold separately.

=========

Celebrate five years of Sea of Thieves with this special edition, which includes a copy of the game with all permanent content added since launch, plus a wide-ranging assortment of extra cosmetics and collector’s items. In addition to the 2023 Edition bonus content – Hunter Cutlass, Hunter Pistol, Hunter Compass, Hunter Hat, Hunter Jacket, Hunter Sails and 10,000 gold – this edition of the game comes with a further Deluxe Bundle containing the Black Phoenix Figurehead, Black Phoenix Sails, Crab Dab Emote, Deck Hide Emote and 550 Ancient Coins for use in the Pirate Emporium.

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Stepping into the World of Arcade Rhythm Games

Rhythm games, those captivating, engaging experiences that combine our love for music with the thrill of gameplay, have absorbed players worldwide for decades. But what if we added a twist to it?

A wholesome story, perhaps, of a teenage girl dreaming about being a rockstar.

Now, imagine bringing her journey to life in a rhythm game, blending the high-energy gameplay of arcade games like Guitar Hero with a heartfelt story of chasing dreams. Mix all these ingredients, and voila! You get Loud: My Road to Fame.

Arcade Spin on a Guitar Hero Formula, Accessible to Everyone

Loud: My Road to Fame wants you to enjoy this ultra-fun formula of the best rhythm games without being forced to buy expensive controllers.

We designed our game so you can enjoy it on your regular Xbox controller. But remember – getting to the top of leaderboards requires sharp eyes, fast reflexes and an extraordinary sense of rhythm. 

What Makes an Awesome Rhythm Game?

A good rhythm game matches in-game prompts with the rhythm of the music. But that’s all just an addition to the most crucial element: The soundtrack itself.

The tunes you mash your buttons to should steal your soul and make you hum the melody during your commute. That’s why the Hyperstrange team knew that a banger OST is a must.

While playing Loud: My Road to Fame, you will hear a set of over 20 original music tracks, composed specially for this title by Ivory Tower Soundworks.

Crafting the Dream. Pursuing the Road to Fame

Almost every story of a rock legend starts with a dream. Loud: My Road to Fame‘s story is no different. In this game, you are about to experience this inspiring journey through the memories of our protagonist. Your story begins in the teenage girl’s room, pretending to “play” an old broom and ends…well, that is up to you to decide how far your fame will reach.

Rock Their Socks off with Some Class and Style

Becoming a rockstar requires filling your wardrobe with some fabulous clothes. When we were working on Loud: My Road to Fame, we were aware of that. Self-expression is essential. And a set of awesome garments, especially if you want to reach the top, is a must.

Through the story progression, you have a chance to unlock different outfits and guitars.

Immerse yourself in this inspiring and wholesome story of chasing dreams and becoming a rockstar.
Play Loud: My Road to Fame today!

LOUD: My Road to Fame

Hyperstrange S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆
2

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

Get ready to rock & roll with Astrid in a heartwarming music arcade rhythm game

Come for the music, stay for the wholesome story
LOUD: My Road to Fame is a music arcade rhythm game in which a teenage girl embarks on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery through music.

New spin on Guitar Hero’s formula
Grab your gamepad and get ready to rock with new approachable and immersive arcade guitar controls. Keep your eyes sharp and fingers primed as each note has a good way to play it and a perfect one that requires additional input.

100% Original music
Every track in LOUD has been produced by Hyperstrange’s own band. Each out of the 21 tunes crafted with care for your auditory pleasure.

A wholesome story to remember
Growing up generally sucks and it certainly isn’t easy for the main protagonist – Astrid. Embark with her on a wholesome and heartwarming journey of self-discovery through music – from pretend play on an air guitar to a real stage!

Rock out in style
Master the songs to unlock cool new outfits and guitars. Get decked out and rock on with class and style!

There is only one road to fame: Go LOUD or Go Home!

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The time has come to release the demo version of our highly anticipated game to the world—Bunny Battle Nemesis, a beat ’em up title that delivers intense action. But the story of this development goes back to the very origins of our studio, and I’d like to take you on a journey to discover how it all began. This game was crafted alongside an incredibly talented group of teammates. But in this article, I want to take you back to the seed, which was planted a decade ago.

It’s a deeply personal journey that culminates in Bunny Battle Nemesis and the expansive DCF Universe. As a young child, around nine or ten years old, I found joy in creating games without even realizing I was using a game engine. However, as I grew older, my passion for game development was set aside.

But fate had a different plan for me. Years later, I stumbled upon the possibility of developing an indie game, right from the comfort of my home PC. In that transformative moment, a switch flipped, and I embarked on a new path as a game developer, driven by a singular goal: to create a console game.

Now, I had to start somewhere. With that in mind, I decided to create a game for my niece named Yasmin. It was a practice project before diving into a commercial game. Yasmin, the main character, was a princess using a magic wand to fight hordes of bunnies in an unknown forest. The idea of bunnies as NPCs was, in fact, hers. As you reached the end of each stage, a countdown message would appear in the HUD: “Bunny Battle…Fight!” And that’s how Bunny Battle got its name.

At that time, DCF Studios and the DCF Universe didn’t exist yet, but we’ll get to that. Creating the game was exhilarating, and I felt ready for an official project. So, I transformed the child-friendly concept into something edgier—an intense action game. Bunny Battle Arena became the first game from DCF Studios, exploring themes and characters without limitations.

Afterward, I began the second project that propelled DCF into the consoles: a fighting game called Cruz Brothers. With the expanding team, we embarked on developing our iconic game, Tony and Clyde, which eventually made its debut. It was during this period that the conceptual DCF Universe was born—a shared universe that serves as the foundation for all our games. We created a comprehensive Content Guide, outlining the rules of the existing Universe, including its gods and the diverse beings that inhabit its many realms. The DCF Universe, or DCFU, is the culmination of a study that drew inspiration from various sources, ranging from Sumerian mythology to parapsychic studies, blending them together with references from movies, games, and pop culture.

Now, after eight years into this journey, Bunny Battle Arena had become a distant memory. However, the desire to bring it to consoles always lingered in the back of my mind and that of my associate, Glauco Belini. We believed that its intense gameplay and enjoyable experience would resonate with players just as it did with us. Unfortunately, porting it to consoles was not feasible due to limitations with the game engine. Moreover, the project had diverged from the DCF Universe. In order to seamlessly integrate it into our shared universe, we needed to start from scratch.

And so, we did! We embarked on an extensive expansion, weaving a rich lore that seamlessly intertwined with our other titles, while maintaining a strong emphasis on exhilarating fun and dynamic battles. Yasmin’s role transformed from a princess to a special ops soldier. Joining her were three characters: Valentina, Amanda, and Khalilah. Inspired by a famous group of green ninjas you may know, they formed a formidable team under the leadership of Hell Ella, the Goddess of Death from the DCF Universe. These warriors, known as “The Maidens,” were blessed beings, bestowed with the immense powers of the goddess. The bunnies became friendly allies, like General Björka in the demo, belonging to the Leporidae species in the DCF Universe.

And we didn’t stop there. We carefully crafted direct connections between our titles. For those who journeyed through the thrilling adventures of Tony and Clyde until the very end, a familiar face from this demo will grace the final cutscene, adding an exciting layer to both the title’s story and the DCFU lore. And, of course, there are numerous other Easter eggs scattered throughout, just waiting to be discovered by eagle-eyed players.

Our goal was to capture the same joy and boundless creativity that defined the early years of DCF Studios. And now, we are thrilled to invite you to experience exactly that in the free demo of Bunny Battle Nemesis, out today!

Bunny Battle Nemesis Demo

DCF Studios

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Sci-fi, bloodthirsty bunnies, and the powers of a goddess at your disposal! This is Bunny Battle Nemesis. Experience intense action, explosions, and chaos as you defend the Bunny Kingdom from certain doom at the hands of a vengeful demigod and her army of mercenaries and robots. Pick between the servants of Ella, a powerful goddess from the DCF Universe and lay waste to hundreds of enemies with might and magic!

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