Tag: Xbox Game Pass

  • New Action Roguelike Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    New Action Roguelike Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: 33 Immortals is developed by Thunder Lotus Games, known for Spiritfarer, and focuses on cursed souls rebelling against a deity in a unique adventure.

    2. Team Dynamics: Players form groups of six to explore dungeons called ‘torture chambers’, complete challenges, and engage in “Ascension Battles” for legendary relics.

    3. Customization and Gameplay: Players can choose from four classes (melee, ranged, support, tank) and customize avatars with various cosmetic items, featuring 14 weapons inspired by the seven deadly sins and virtues.

    4. Procedural Generation: The game features procedurally generated levels, ensuring varied gameplay experiences each time players venture out.

    5. Release Date: 33 Immortals enters Early Access on March 18 for PC and Xbox Series X/S and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from the same date.

    Only one new game has been revealed for Xbox Game Pass this week, but 33 Immortals seems to have a lot of potential. Created by Thunder Lotus Games, which is known for the adored indie game Spiritfarer, this title presents quite a different adventure. While Spiritfarer delves into ideas of goodbyes and what comes after, 33 Immortals tells the story of cursed souls rebelling against a harsh deity. Players kick off their journey in the Dark Forest, a central hub where they can pick from four classes – melee, ranged, support, or tank – before they step through the Eternal Gate to engage in battles.

    Team Dynamics and Gameplay

    Groups of six venture out to uncover the map, facing ‘torture chambers’, which are small dungeons offering relics when completed. Completing these dungeons activates the “Wrath of God,” igniting the map in flames. The remaining players then divide into three teams for “Ascension Battles,” which provide legendary relics that come with global advantages. Levels are generated procedurally to keep the gameplay fresh, and players can customize their avatars with various cosmetic items. The game boasts 14 different weapons, each influenced by the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues.

    Release Information

    33 Immortals was initially revealed in June 2023 at the Xbox Games Showcase, marking Thunder Lotus Games’ first foray into online gaming. Early Access is set to start on March 18 for PC and Xbox Series X/S, with the action roguelike debuting on Xbox Game Pass on the same date.

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  • New Shooters Launch on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    New Shooters Launch on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass adds two new games: Enter the Gungeon and Mullet MadJack.
    2. Enter the Gungeon is a chaotic bullet hell roguelike featuring eight unique characters with dark backstories.
    3. Players navigate the ever-changing Gungeon filled with enemies, traps, and imaginative weapons.
    4. Mullet MadJack is a first-person shooter set in a dystopian future, where players have limited time to act.
    5. Both games offer roguelike features, enhancing replayability with randomly generated levels and upgrades.

    Last week, Xbox Game Pass welcomed three new games into its library. This time, however, Microsoft is introducing only two titles, but for fans of shooters and roguelikes, Mullet MadJack and Enter the Gungeon offer exciting experiences ahead.

    Enter the Gungeon Overview

    Enter the Gungeon is a chaotic bullet hell roguelike, a fast-paced shooting adventure filled with a relentless storm of projectiles. Players can select from eight unique characters, four of which can be unlocked as you progress. These characters include the Marine, Huntress, Pilot, and Prisoner, each carrying a dark or tragic backstory. They all share a single goal: to uncover the ultimate weapon capable of rewriting history. To do this, players must navigate the ever-changing Gungeon, a dungeon overflowing with enemies, traps, and delightfully imaginative weapons. Each character’s background is unveiled in a special past mission, which is accessible after completing a successful run.

    Mullet MadJack Details

    Mullet MadJack presents a zany first-person shooter infused with roguelite features, set in the dystopian year of 2095. In this world, “Robillionaires” dominate, and society is deeply ensnared by internet addiction. This compulsion drives individuals to seek out a dopamine rush every 10 seconds, which is the limited time frame players have to make their moves. You take on the role of Jack Banhammer, whose mission is to rescue an influencer from the top of a skyscraper in exchange for a highly sought-after pair of shoes. The twist? You can only move when people are distracted, giving you just 10 seconds to clear each floor. However, you can extend your time by defeating foes, smashing vending machines for lemonade, and executing brutal finishing moves. With roguelike features enhancing replayability, every run presents randomly generated levels, changing enemy positions, and a variety of upgrades to select from.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Xbox Game Pass is adding two thrilling games that cater to fans of distinct genres. Whether it’s the frantic bullet dodging in Enter the Gungeon or the quirky escapades in Mullet MadJack, there’s something for every player to enjoy.

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  • Three New Titles Added to Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Three New Titles Added to Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Monster Train: A deck-building roguelike game where players protect a hellish train from enemies, featuring strategic card combat and replayable elements.

    2. Galacticare: A quirky hospital management game set in space, where players treat alien patients, grow their clinic, and have access to both a story campaign and a sandbox mode.

    3. One Lonely Outpost: A sci-fi farming simulator focused on building a colony on an uninhabitable planet, with elements of farming, crafting, exploration, and NPC interactions.

    4. Diverse Gameplay: Each game offers unique mechanics and themes, ranging from card battles to hospital management and farming, appealing to different gaming preferences.

    5. Visual Styles: The games feature distinct visual designs, with Monster Train’s strategic layout, Galacticare’s whimsical art, and One Lonely Outpost’s vibrant pixelated graphics enhancing the overall experience.

    In the first complete week of March, Microsoft will be introducing three new titles to Xbox Game Pass. Here’s a brief look at what gamers can expect from each game.

    Monster Train

    Monster Train is a deck-building game that falls under the roguelike genre, where players are tasked with protecting a hellish train from heavenly foes. The combat, which revolves around cards, takes place over several levels, with enemies moving from the bottom towards the top, engaging in battles at every stage. Players need to carefully position their units to thwart the invaders before they reach the train’s core on the top floor. Featuring five different clans and roguelike elements that ensure every playthrough is distinct, this game offers a lot of reasons to replay it.

    Galacticare

    For those who have fond memories of Theme Hospital and enjoy science fiction, Galacticare might be just what you need. This quirky hospital management game allows you to oversee an intergalactic medical facility, where you treat alien patients suffering from strange ailments. Players can progressively grow their clinic, establish specialized treatment areas, and recruit doctors who possess unique and complementary abilities. In addition to a story campaign filled with quirky characters, the game also offers a sandbox mode for a more relaxed, low-pressure gameplay experience.

    One Lonely Outpost

    One Lonely Outpost is a sci-fi farming simulator that invites players to create a bustling colony on an uninhabitable planet. You can cultivate crops using either natural or synthetic techniques, draw in new settlers, and enhance your community. Besides farming, the game focuses on crafting, exploration, and interactions with non-playable characters (NPCs) for trading and building friendships. Its vibrant, pixelated 2.5D visuals bring a nostalgic retro aesthetic to life.

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  • Balatro’s 4th Friends of Jimbo Update: Fallout, Critical Role & More

    Balatro’s 4th Friends of Jimbo Update: Fallout, Critical Role & More

    Key Takeaways

    1. The latest update, Friends of Jimbo 4, introduces 8 new collaborations to Balatro.
    2. Each suit in the game now has 2 additional deck customization options.
    3. Collaborations include major titles like Assassin’s Creed, Dead by Daylight, and Fallout, alongside indie games like Slay the Princess and Bugsnax.
    4. The update features Sid Meier’s Civilization VII and Rust, both adding to the diversity of content.
    5. Support for Xbox Game Pass has been added, with more content updates expected later this year.

    Only a year after the launch of Balatro, the developer LocalThunk continues to enhance the game with fresh collaborations from both major and indie titles. The newest update, titled Friends of Jimbo 4, introduces an additional 8 collaborations.

    Deck Customization Options

    As always, these collaborations offer new deck customization options, granting each suit an extra 2 choices for personalization. Let’s kick things off with Spades:

    In this suit, you’ll find a mix of a popular AAA game and an indie title. Assassin’s Creed brings forth Ezio and other beloved characters from the franchise. The indie collaboration is from Black Tabby Games, known for the game Slay the Princess. Next, we move to the Hearts suit, which has a unique addition this time.

    Unique Collaborations

    While there is indeed an indie collaboration here, instead of a AAA game, we see a partnership with Critical Role, a D&D tabletop show that has been gaining massive popularity. Alongside this, the indie game Bugsnax, developed by Young Horses, joins the mix. Next up is Clubs, featuring perhaps the most significant collaborations of this update:

    The Club cards showcase two major collaborations. The well-known multiplayer horror game, Dead by Daylight, displays several of its notorious villains on the cards. In addition, the Fallout collaboration features the iconic Vault Boy along with a few new characters. Lastly, we have Diamonds, which includes a collaboration that was released just two weeks before this update:

    Sid Meier’s Civilization VII makes its debut in this update, having been released on February 11th. This is paired with the last collaboration featuring Rust, a survival indie title from Facepunch Studios. Furthermore, Balatro’s latest update now includes support for Xbox Game Pass. You can read more about that here.

    What’s Next for Players?

    Players can be excited for more content from LocalThunk as a highly anticipated update is expected later this year. For those interested in a physical edition, there is one available on Amazon that comes with 10 Balatro cards as a special gift.

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  • Game with 100K Positive Reviews Now Available on Game Pass

    Game with 100K Positive Reviews Now Available on Game Pass

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gameplay Mechanics: Balatro combines deck-building and poker elements, where players aim to score points by creating strong poker hands while enhancing their deck over multiple rounds.

    2. Unique Features: The game includes special jokers that can enhance hands or activate abilities, along with tarot and regular playing cards that introduce new gameplay rules.

    3. Positive Reception: Since its release in February 2024, Balatro has received over 100,000 reviews on Steam, with 98% being positive, and a 90 Metascore on Metacritic.

    4. Accessibility and Depth: The game is easy to learn but offers deep strategic gameplay, appealing to players who enjoy experimenting with different tactics and card combinations.

    5. Xbox Game Pass Availability: Balatro was added to Xbox Game Pass on February 24, 2024, allowing subscribers to access the game without prior announcement, increasing its player base.

    Balatro is a game where you build a deck and mix poker with roguelike elements. You play multiple rounds, enhancing your deck and striving to last as long as you can, quite like Slay the Spire but with a poker flair. You start with a basic poker deck, and your aim is to gather points by playing your cards wisely. The better your poker hand, such as a full house or a straight, the more points you can score.

    Unique Features

    What makes it interesting is the addition of jokers that can boost your hand or activate special abilities. For instance, the Double Joker can double the points of your hand, while the Wild Joker allows you to turn one card into any other. Plus, the game includes tarot cards and regular playing cards that bring new rules into play, making the experience even more diverse.

    Impressive Reception

    On Steam, Balatro has received more than 100,000 reviews, with an astonishing 98% positive feedback, which is remarkable since it was only released in February 2024. Created by a solo developer named LocalThunk and published by Playstack, the game has also scored well on Metacritic, achieving a 90 Metascore and a User Score of 8.2.

    Why Players Love It

    It’s clear why Balatro has garnered such a following: The game is straightforward to pick up but has lots of depth. Many gamers enjoy testing out new tactics and playing with various card combinations. Moreover, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can now dive into some roguelike poker fun, as Balatro was added to Microsoft’s gaming subscription on February 24 without any prior announcement. Microsoft shared this update through a trailer on YouTube.

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  • $60 AAA Game Joins Xbox Game Pass This Week

    $60 AAA Game Joins Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is adding Watch Dogs: Legion to Xbox Game Pass, marking its debut on the service.
    2. The game is set in a dystopian London, focusing on themes of hacking and surveillance against a totalitarian regime.
    3. Players can recruit and control any citizen in London, each with unique skills, adding a new dynamic to gameplay.
    4. Watch Dogs: Legion received mixed reviews, with 57% positive ratings on Steam and critiques around technical issues and gameplay repetitiveness.
    5. The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting February 25.

    This week, Microsoft is bringing just one new title to Xbox Game Pass, but it’s a big one: Watch Dogs: Legion. This is the third game in the popular open-world action-adventure franchise, following the original Watch Dogs and its sequel, Watch Dogs 2. The game is centered around themes of hacking, surveillance, and digital control. Set in a grim near-future version of London, Legion showcases a city dominated by a totalitarian surveillance state. The private security corporation Albion maintains its power through relentless monitoring, while the hacker group DedSec is ready to fight back.

    Gameplay and Features

    In Watch Dogs: Legion, players take on the role of a DedSec agent, utilizing advanced hacking tools to combat the oppressive regime. The game includes typical open-world features like missions, exploration, and driving, but it particularly highlights hacking – from seizing control of cameras and drones to shutting down entire transportation systems. Players have the freedom to approach missions stealthily or go in with guns blazing. A unique aspect of this entry is the ability to recruit and control any citizen in London, whether they are taxi drivers or spies, each offering distinct skills. In addition to the main storyline and a variety of side quests, the game also presents an online mode for cooperative missions.

    Reception and Pricing

    Created by Ubisoft Toronto, Watch Dogs: Legion was released in 2020 and is priced at about $60 on Steam. However, it has garnered a mixed reception from players. With over 9,000 reviews on Steam, only 57% of them are positive. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 76 and a User Score of 5.9. Many critiques have pointed to technical problems, a lackluster storyline, and repetitive gameplay. Bugs, crashes, and performance issues were notably prevalent on older consoles. The absence of a main character led many players to describe the dialogue as bland and emotionless. Additionally, the weak AI of enemies and the repetitiveness of missions added to the frustrations. Nonetheless, for those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription who haven’t tried this open-world experience yet, it might be worth checking out. Watch Dogs: Legion will be available on Game Pass starting February 25.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users

    Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass pricing will increase on April 20, impacting Microsoft Rewards members who use points for subscriptions.
    2. The points required for a monthly Game Pass subscription have risen, with some users now needing 20,000 points instead of the previous 14,000.
    3. The point requirement changes may vary based on the member’s level in the Microsoft Rewards system.
    4. Community backlash is evident on platforms like Reddit, with gamers expressing frustration over the increased difficulty in earning points.
    5. Despite the price hike, Microsoft continues to enhance Xbox Game Pass by adding popular titles and expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming access.

    Xbox Game Pass pricing saw a rise last July, and now it seems Microsoft Rewards members are feeling the impact. Players can earn reward points through various activities, like in-game tasks or buying items from the Microsoft Store. One way to use these points was to get Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. However, recent emails have informed some gamers that the auto-redemption for this service is about to become significantly pricier.

    Price Increase Notification

    For those who received the unfortunate email, a price hike will take effect on April 20. The message was directed at gamers who regularly use their points to automatically renew their Game Pass subscriptions. It’s still uncertain if these changes in the Microsoft Rewards program will affect players across all regions. Nonetheless, the new prices are already visible on the redemption sections within Xbox apps and on Microsoft’s official site.

    Changes to Point Requirements

    The number of points needed for a monthly Game Pass subscription varies based on whether a member is in Level 1 or Level 2 of the rewards system. For instance, two different point amounts are now being shown for the same subscription. Previously, the monthly auto-redemption for Game Pass Ultimate required 14,000 points, but there’s now an option that lists it at 20,000 points. It seems likely that by the time April 20 rolls around, gamers everywhere will need to use more points than before.

    Community Reaction

    Gamers on Reddit are not pleased with the new Xbox Game Pass pricing. Over time, collecting Microsoft Rewards points has become increasingly challenging. With this new points increase, keeping a Game Pass subscription may require using a credit card for most of the cost.

    In fair defense of Microsoft, the company continues to add big-name titles to the Xbox Game Pass lineup, including games like Avowed and F1 24. Furthermore, with Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Cloud Gaming has broadened its range for PC, mobile devices, and smart televisions. However, the appeal of Microsoft Rewards is dwindling, even for the most loyal of players.

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    Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users
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  • Xbox Game Pass: Two Upcoming AAA Titles Revealed

    Xbox Game Pass: Two Upcoming AAA Titles Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass will add three new games: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.
    2. Watch Dogs: Legion launches on February 25, featuring an open-world setting in a dystopian London, but has mixed reviews regarding character depth and mission variety.
    3. EA Sports F1 24 releases on February 20, known for its realistic driving mechanics and solid reviews, available through the EA Play library for subscribers.
    4. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, launching on February 20, is a CRPG with turn-based combat and a focus on narrative and player choices.
    5. Avowed is now available on Xbox Game Pass, offering additional content for subscribers.

    Microsoft has announced the latest selection of games that will be added to Xbox Game Pass, including two prominent AAA titles among the three new releases. The exciting new additions are Watch Dogs: Legion and EA Sports F1 24, both known for their high production quality and diverse gameplay styles. The third title, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, isn’t considered AAA but offers a strong RPG experience that stands out on its own.

    Watch Dogs: Legion Launch Details

    Watch Dogs: Legion is set to arrive on February 25, bringing Ubisoft’s open-world hacking adventure to Game Pass users. The game takes place in a dystopian version of London in the near future. Although it presented the intriguing “play as anyone” concept, the game’s reception was a bit mixed. While many appreciated its ambitious ideas, others pointed out the lack of depth in character development and the repetitive nature of its missions.

    EA Sports F1 24 Joins the Lineup

    On February 20, EA Sports F1 24 will be available on Game Pass. This title showcases realistic driving mechanics, improved career modes, and features official lineups for F1 teams. It holds a solid 72 Metascore on Metacritic and has received more than 9,000 “Mostly Positive” reviews on Steam. Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass will have access to this game as part of the EA Play library.

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Overview

    Completing the new lineup is Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, a CRPG crafted by Owlcat Games. This title, also launching on February 20, features turn-based combat, rich storytelling, and intricate role-playing elements. As the first CRPG set within the Warhammer 40K universe, Rogue Trader promises a narrative-focused experience filled with impactful choices and repercussions.

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    Xbox Game Pass: Two Upcoming AAA Titles Revealed
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  • This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Only one new game announced for Xbox Game Pass this week, with more titles expected mid-month.
    2. “Avowed,” an action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is set to release on February 18 on Xbox Game Pass.
    3. The game has received positive early reviews, with 81% favorable ratings on Steam and a Metascore of 80 on Metacritic.
    4. Avowed features a versatile combat system that includes traditional weapons and elemental magic.
    5. Players can experience the game in both first-person and third-person views, though it emphasizes first-person gameplay.

    Only one new game has been announced for Xbox Game Pass this week. Nevertheless, Microsoft often shares new additions to the subscription service in the middle of the month, which means more titles could be on the way. Regardless, subscribers have something to look forward to – Avowed, a fresh action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, the team known for Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds.

    Early Reviews and Availability

    The first review of Avowed was leaked even before the official review period ended. On February 15, the game became available in Early Access, allowing those who purchased the $90 Deluxe Edition to jump in ahead of its full launch. Since then, this action RPG has gathered over 1,800 reviews on Steam, with 81% being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a respectable Metascore of 80, while the user score is yet to be determined. For genre enthusiasts, this is a fantastic addition to Microsoft’s gaming subscription. Beginning February 18, Avowed will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass.

    Gameplay Experience

    Avowed transports players to the “Land of the Living,” a vibrant yet troubled world plagued by an unknown illness. As a representative of Aedyr, your goal is to discover the source of the affliction. The combat system is quite versatile, allowing players to use traditional weapons such as swords and bows, while also enhancing their strikes with elemental magic. Various attack styles make combat more exciting and immersive. The game offers both first-person and third-person views, but it is clear that the experience leans heavily towards first-person gameplay.

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  • Six New Xbox Game Pass Games Announced, Including Day One Release

    Six New Xbox Game Pass Games Announced, Including Day One Release

    If you’re signed up for the Xbox Game Pass, February is shaping up to be a thrilling month for you. Xbox has just announced a lineup of new games that will be added to the Game Pass soon, featuring a blend of both AAA and non-AAA titles, many of which have been well-received by gamers across various platforms. Among the first games to debut this month is Far Cry New Dawn, along with the upcoming titles listed below:

    Another Crab’s Treasure

    Another Crab’s Treasure is an underwater soulslike adventure created by Aggro Crab, and it has garnered generally positive reviews, boasting a Metacritic score of 78. Players take on the role of Kril, a hermit crab, and they utilize discarded items as makeshift armor to navigate through challenges.

    Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

    Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes draws inspiration from classic JRPGs and holds a user score of 79 on Metacritic, reflecting mixed or average feedback. This turn-based RPG presents a wide array of characters, strategic combat, and a richly detailed 2.5D environment, crafted by Rabbit & Bear Studios.

    Bethesda’s Starfield

    Bethesda’s Starfield is a game that needs no introduction. As one of the most anticipated releases of 2023, this expansive sci-fi RPG immerses players in a vast interstellar universe filled with deep exploration, ship customization, and a comprehensive narrative. The game boasts a commendable score of 83 on Metacritic.

    The latest entry in EA Sports’ football series is also making its way to Game Pass. Although this installment hasn’t received as high ratings as some other titles on the list, the Madden series is known for providing realistic football simulations. Subscribers can also enjoy exclusive bonuses like the Supercharge Pack from February 6 to March 6.

    A Unique Experience

    This game is a side-scrolling strategic adventure that offers a minimalist yet captivating experience. It has been positively received by players, evidenced by its impressive Metascore of 85. The game supports both solo and co-op gameplay modes, enhancing its appeal to different types of gamers.

    Avowed

    Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated RPG, Avowed, is set for a day-one launch on Game Pass. While there are currently no Metacritic scores available, excitement is building among fans of the genre.

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