Category: Xbox

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

☆☆☆☆☆
1

★★★★★

Get it now

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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The wait is finally over for the all-new spin on Crash! Players can purchase Crash Team Rumble on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, and dive into matches online today with friends and foes alike in this 4v4 team-based rumble. Each team aims to collect the most Wumpa fruit while preventing the opposing team from dropping off their fruit at their own Wumpa Bank. In true Crash Bandicoot fashion, every map is fraught with danger, surprises, and wild traps to put player’s platforming skills to the test.

The team at Toys For Bob has taken all of the familiar locales fans know from previous Crash games, and reimagined them into combat arenas with unique Relic Stations that make every match feel fresh and unique. Relic Stations can be activated by teammates to either provide a boost to their team, or wreak havoc on their opponents. To activate a Relic Station, players must collect floating relics scattered around the map, and then deposit them at a Relic Station to activate the power.

Relic Stations have wild and varied abilities, and are always unique to the map being played on. For instance, on one map, there are Relic Stations that create mushrooms that can slow and damage enemies but cause your allies no harm. On another map, a Relic Station might summon a deadly UFO to chase down opponents, or even rain meteors down from the sky to deal some serious damage. Each team can activate the same Relic Stations, so it’s a frantic race to see which team can deposit enough Relics to claim these powerful abilities first.

For a sense of how these Relic Stations can impact the flow of a match, we’ll be looking at a never-before-seen map, Serenity Gardens. While this stage might seem peaceful, each match on this close-quarters map is full of chaos and N.Sanity. True to his roots from Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, activating the Akano Relic Station will equip teams with a powerful spin attack that damages foes and knocks them away. This powerful vortex also lets players glide while jumping, giving their team a serious boost to both power and mobility. If a player has trouble dealing with opponents attacking their team’s Wumpa Bank, equip Akano and blast them away!

The name of the game is collecting Wumpa fruit, and the most bountiful harvest is via this map’s Epic Relic Station, the Big Bonsai. Located in the dead center of the map, activating this power creates a massive tree filled with ripe Wumpa Stashes. These golden fruits are worth 100 Wumpa fruit each, and can be picked up by any member of a player’s team to be brought back to the Wumpa Bank to score. Even if their team is falling behind, the tables can turn in a flash with a coordinated push to capture all the Wumpa stashes on the tree. Players will need to be careful however; if an enemy knocks them out while carrying the Wumpa stash, it’s gone for good. If the opposing team activates the Big Bonsai, you’ll need to work with your team to block them from scoring all those Wumpa stashes and securing a huge lead.

There’s a lot more surprises in store for our players as Crash Team Rumble launches today on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (some Characters and Cosmetics available in-season)! Plan your strategy, assemble your team, and use the Relic Stations to your advantage as your dash, slide, jump, bounce, and spin to claim the Wumpa for the win.

Crash Team Rumble™ – Deluxe Edition

Activision Publishing Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
45

★★★★★

$39.99

Get it now

This Edition includes:

– Crash Team Rumble™ for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S
– Premium Battle Pass Unlock for Seasons 1 + 2*
– Digital Proto Pack. Includes:
— 8 ‘Blocky’ hero skins
— ‘Pixelated’ Shadow
— ‘Get On My Level’ In-Game Victory Music
— ‘Blocky’ Hat
— ‘Blocky’ Backpack
— ‘Blocky’ Score FX
— Unique Banner
– 25 Tier Instant Unlock for Season 1 Premium Battle Pass*

Get ready to dash, jump, slide, and bounce into an all-new way to Crash.

Crash Team Rumble™ takes Crash Bandicoot™ in a brand new direction, placing the series’ iconic heroes and villains into a 4v4 team-based competition. Players will duke it out across diverse and dangerous maps as both teams race to be the first team to collect and bank enough Wumpa fruit to claim victory! Rise as a hero, or feed your inner villain across a wild and N.Sane cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Teamwork is integral to every match, as players must work together to battle the opposing team, defend their own Wumpa Bank, and capture key points around the map to boost their score.

There’s more to come for Crash Team Rumble™, with additional heroes, modes, maps, rewards, and more coming soon!

*Premium Battle Pass and 25 Tier Instant Unlock will be accessible in Crash Team Rumble™ once the Season 1 Battle Pass, or equivalent system, is made available in-game. Limited time only. Season 1 Premium Battle Pass (or equivalent version) and 25 Tier Instant Unlock must be redeemed by September 12, 2023. Season 2 Premium Battle Pass (or equivalent version) must be redeemed by December 4, 2023. Season dates subject to change.

Activision account and internet connection required. Online Multiplayer on console requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold (subscription sold separately).

For more information, please visit www.crashbandicoot.com for more details.

© 2023 Activision Publishing Inc. ACTIVISION, CRASH TEAM RUMBLE, CRASH BANDICOOT and CRASH are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

Crash Team Rumble™ – Standard Edition

Activision Publishing Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆
6

★★★★★

$29.99

Get it now

This Edition includes:

– Crash Team Rumble™ for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S
– Premium Battle Pass Unlock for Season 1*

Get ready to dash, jump, slide, and bounce into an all-new way to Crash.

Crash Team Rumble™ takes Crash Bandicoot™ in a brand new direction, placing the series’ iconic heroes and villains into a 4v4 team-based competition. Players will duke it out across diverse and dangerous maps as both teams race to be the first team to collect and bank enough Wumpa fruit to claim victory! Rise as a hero, or feed your inner villain across a wild and N.Sane cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Teamwork is integral to every match, as players must work together to battle the opposing team, defend their own Wumpa Bank, and capture key points around the map to boost their score.

There’s more to come for Crash Team Rumble™, with additional heroes, modes, maps, rewards, and more coming soon!

*Premium Battle Pass will be accessible in Crash Team Rumble™ once the Season 1 Battle Pass, or equivalent system, is made available in-game. Limited time only. Season 1 Premium Battle Pass (or equivalent version) must be redeemed by September 12, 2023. Season dates subject to change.

Activision account and internet connection required. Online Multiplayer on console requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold (subscription sold separately).

For more information, please visit www.crashbandicoot.com for more details.

© 2023 Activision Publishing Inc. ACTIVISION, CRASH TEAM RUMBLE, CRASH BANDICOOT and CRASH are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

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We’re back with more games coming to Game Pass, more Perks, and more updates to games you can play right now. In case you missed the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct, there’s even more news to catch up on. Let’s dive into what’s coming soon!

Coming Soon

Need for Speed Unbound (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – June 22
Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play members can start their race to the top as Need for Speed Unbound joins The Play List on June 22. Tear up the streets with friends and experience new ways to compare and compete with the squad in Lakeshore Online. Duck the cops to earn your way to dope new upgrades, and smash new events and Daily Challenges for the chance to gain XP, Bank, and a new Mercedes-Maybach S 680 (2021).

The Bookwalker (Console and PC) – June 22
Available on day one with Game Pass: The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor’s Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write.

Bramble: The Mountain King (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 27
Bramble: The Mountain King is a grim adventure set in a world inspired by dark, Nordic fables. Explore the beautiful yet dangerous and twisted land of Bramble in your endeavor to rescue your sister. Traverse a wondrous landscape and survive deadly encounters with Bramble’s many hideous creatures.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 27
The tough rabbit is making his way to Xbox Game Pass. Enjoy a seamless adventure, a combat experience that has been well received by players, and dive into the Dieselpunk world of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch. Stay fluffy and stay furious!

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town (Console and PC) – June 29
Your farming life begins in Mineral Town, a charming village surrounded by nature. You’ve returned after many years to restore your late grandfather’s farm to its former glory. Care for crops, livestock, and more as your very own story of seasons unfold.

Arcade Paradise (Console and PC) – July 3
Welcome to Arcade Paradise, the 90’s-fuelled retro arcade adventure. Rather than washing rags for a living, you decide to turn the family laundromat into the ultimate arcade. Play, profit, and purchase new arcade machines, with over 35 to choose from, to build your very own Arcade Paradise!

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever (Console and PC) – July 5
Enter a realm that blends ancient mythology with traditional Asian aesthetics in Sword and Fairy: Together Forever! Weaving its tale between the three clans of Human, Deity, and Demon, it puts you in command of a memorable party of characters, each with unique personalities, motives, skills, strengths, and weaknesses.

DLC / Game Updates

Fallout 76: Once in a Blue Moon – Available today
The Blue Moon rises over the hills of Appalachia, bringing forth new Cryptids threatening the Blue Ridge Caravan Company. Defend their Brahmin herds and trade routes from crazed Cultists and creatures in two new Public Events and side quests, plus face enemies infected with a deadly new Daily Ops mutation.

Halo Infinite – Season 4: Infection – Available today
Halo Infinite’s multiplayer update, Season 4: Infection, is available today! Offering players exciting content including new maps, equipment items, Battle Pass, and an arsenal of new, unique customization items. This Season also marks the introduction of Halo Infinite’s Career Rank system, enhanced weapon model customization as well as the return of the iconic Infection game mode.  

The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom – Available today
Xbox Game Pass members save 10% off! Explore the Telvanni Peninsula and realm of Apocrypha in The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, available today on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Master the eldritch powers of the Arcanist class and help Hermaeus Mora defend a secret that threatens reality itself in the latest standalone Elder Scrolls adventure. Read Four Tentacular Reasons Why New Players Will Love The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom Chapter at Xbox Wire.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

DC Universe 90-Day Free Trial – Available today

Access 27,000+ DC comics and graphic novels with new releases added weekly. Includes member-exclusive benefits. Auto-renewal and terms apply. Not intended for children. Available for U.S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members only.

Hi-Fi Rush: Teamplay Costume Pack – Available now
Unlock additional cosmetics for Chai and the crew, inspired by the looks of their fellow teammates! The Teamplay Costume Pack features six cosmetic outfits – one for each character – in the style of one of their allies, including an 808-themed outfit set for Chai. Your unlocked cosmetics can be accessed via the Hideout in-game. Hi-Fi Rush base game is required to access the Teamplay Costume Pack.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Dragon Slayer Mount – Available now

Strike fear into the hearts of Tamriel’s most-dangerous predators with the Ancient Dragon Hunter Horse Mount.

Battlefield 2042: New Dawn Field Kit – Available now

This month EA Play members can secure the Battlefield 2042: New Dawn Field Kit containing the Cap’em Weapon Charm and the Russian Engineering SVK Marksman Rifle Weapon Skin. Available now through July 18, 2023.

Xbox Game Pass Quests

Earn Microsoft Rewards points just by playing the games you love to play. There are daily, weekly, and monthly Quests for Game Pass Ultimate and Console players. You can find Quests in the Game Pass section on your Console or on the Xbox Game Pass mobile app. Play games, turn in your Quests, and use your points to get cool stuff like Xbox gift cards and more.

• Earn an Achievement in a Game Pass game (Daily Quest – 50 points)
• 7 Days to Die (Runs for one week starting today – Kill 2 Zombies – 250 Points – Ultimate only)
• The Outer Worlds (Runs for one week starting today – Play)
• Quest Completionist (Monthly – Complete 22 Daily and 12 Weekly Quests – 500 Points)

Leaving June 30

The following games are leaving soon, which makes this a perfect time to jump back in before they go. Remember you can use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep the good times going.

• DJMax Respect V (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Empire of Sin (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Matchpoint – Tennis Championships (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Olija (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Omori (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Road 96 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Don’t forget to follow us over at @XboxGamePassPC and @XboxGamePass on Twitter for more updates, and let us know what game is next on your playlist (or send cat pictures). Catch you next time!

Related:
Halo Infinite: Infection Mode Returns, Here’s How It Was Made
In the Kitchen with Xbox: Recipes Inspired by PC Game Pass
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Xbox App for Windows [2306.1001.16.0]