Microsoft usually announces new Xbox Game Pass titles two times each month. This time, though, subscribers will get a nice surprise with the addition of two unexpected games: For The King II and Hunt: Showdown 1896. The developers shared this news on X (previously known as Twitter), stating that both games will be available in the Game Pass library starting December 12.
For The King II Overview
For The King II is a strategy RPG that allows players to command a group of heroes in their fight against the Queen of Fahrul. Players can go solo or team up with up to three friends, engaging in turn-based battles and exploring procedurally generated maps. These maps are made up of hexagonal tiles, and every turn brings chances to explore, meet enemies, fulfill quests, or encounter random events. This varied gameplay helps keep the adventure lively and interesting.
Game Details and Reception
Created by Curve Games and published by IronOak Games, For The King II was released in November 2023. It is priced at approximately $25 on Steam and has earned a "Mostly Positive" rating, with around 70 percent of 9,800 reviews being favorable. The game's Metacritic score reflects this as well, showing a Metascore of 76 and a user score of 7.8. Although many players appreciate the game, some have pointed out technical bugs and mentioned that it doesn't bring many new ideas compared to the original game.
Hunt: Showdown 1896 Features
This multiplayer shooter drops players into a dark, monster-filled world set in 1896. As a hunter, you’ll face not just other players but also dangerous monsters, creating a thrilling PvPvE scenario. The realistic damage from weapons adds to the difficulty, especially since players use real 19th-century guns like revolvers, shotguns, and crossbows. The main aim is survival, and the permadeath feature raises the stakes, adding an extra layer of tension.
Hunt: Showdown 1896 comes from Crytek, the German studio famous for the popular game Crysis. In August 2024, the developers released an improved version that included a major graphics update using CryEngine 5.11 and a new map. "Mammon's Gulch" takes players from the swamps of Louisiana to the rugged mountains of Colorado, providing a new setting to explore.
Pricing and Scores
On Steam, this first-person shooter costs around $30 and has a "Mostly Positive" rating, with about 70 percent of nearly 9,800 reviews being positive. The game's Metacritic scores show a Metascore of 80 and a user score of 6.7. The mixed feedback is partly due to the initial limitations of the updated version, which was launched with only the new map "Mammon's Gulch," while the older maps were being updated. However, now all maps are fully accessible again.
