FreshRSS

Zobrazení pro čtení

Jsou dostupné nové články, klikněte pro obnovení stránky.

Join the Circuit of Champions Event Now through May 23

Od: johns

Crafted with meticulous attention to player feedback, this electrifying track is a direct response to the clamor for more verticality in our racing experience. We heard you loud and clear after the release of our first Racing circuit, and Titans’ Alley delivers in spades. Prepare to navigate hairpin turns, dizzying ascents, and heart-stopping descents as you vie for victory in this thrilling new desertic environment.

Harness the power of your Dragons and ascend to victory in the ultimate test of speed and skill!

CoA screenshot

Ready for an unparalleled adrenaline rush? Get set to soar with the wind and command the strength of Dragons as you plunge into the depths of the Titan’s Alley desert.

The Circuit of Champions event not only unveils the new desert-themed circuit, but also two new Pick Ups:

  • Blast ability: This ability works like the one used in PvP modes on the Phantom & Windguard: You first launch a projectile with a visible “bubble” to display its blast radius (grey for the caster, red for the enemies). The projectile explodes when colliding with a surface or when you press the ability key again for manual activation.
  • Dash Ability: This ability is similar to the Feral Charge used by the Rimeblood in PvP modes. You can lock a target in front of you and quickly dash towards them upon activation. If you hit the target, they are struck while you continue forward.

You can also experiment with two new features added to the Dragon Racing game mode:

  • Double Pickup System: You can now carry up to two abilities at the same time. The UI now displays an active slot in the foreground and a reserve slot in the background.
  • Draft System: The Dragon Racing mode now features a Draft System, similar to other racing games. Staying behind a dragon for a short time (1.5s) will trigger a small speed boost.

The swiftest Dragoneers will not only claim victory but also unlock amazing prizes as a testament to their triumph! 🎁

CoA screenshot

As Dragoneers take flight atop their majestic dragons, navigating through challenging laps and outmaneuvering rivals, their quest extends beyond mere glory. They’re racing towards the promise of incredible prizes, awaiting those bold enough to seize victory with skill and determination.

Dragoneers will not only etch their names into the annals of dragon racing history but also gain access to exclusive rewards that will leave them in awe. From legendary Dragon gear, legendary and epic chests to scarce in-game currency and beyond, every triumph in the Circuit of Champions event propels you closer to a vault of jolly rewards.

Don’t wait another moment—leap into action today and claim your place as the quickest Dragoneer in this time-limited challenge!

Xbox Live

Century: Age of Ashes

Playwing LTD

326
Century: Age of Ashes, the multiplayer dragon battle game is now available for free! Customize your dragon, dive into the arena and compete to become a legendary Dragoneer. Burn your enemies and rule the skies! ——- INTENSE ARENA BATTLES Dive into the arena alone or with friends and fight for your survival in exciting game modes: – Outbreak (PvE): team up and protect the towers of Hel’s Breach against waves of horrific enemies. – Carnage (PvP): A killing spree with special power ups. It’s Team Deathmatch, Dragon riders style! – Gates of Fire (PvP): Two teams clash over possession of the flag. Gain points by flying through gates while holding the flag! – Spoils of War (PvP): Steal gold from carriers & the enemy while protecting your own nest, and adapt to unexpected situations! – Survival (PvP): It's every dragoneer for themselves! Pit against other players in a ferocious and unforgiving free-for-all clash. ——- CHOOSE YOUR CLASS Experience different play styles with unique classes, each with their own abilities! Shield and disorient as the Windguard, track and destroy as the Marauder, stealth and trap as the Phantom, rush and thunder-shock your opponents as the Stormraiser, vine-trap them as the Thornweaver or frost-charge them as the Rimeblood! How will you choose your path to victory? ——- FULL CUSTOMIZATION Your dragon, your style! Century: Age of Ashes offers carefully designed cosmetic items to stand out in the arena. Gain experience as you play and unlock awesome skins to customize your dragon and its rider! Don't worry, these items are purely cosmetic and offer no advantage in battle. ——- FREE TO PLAY Century: Age of Ashes is completely free-to-play. In order to keep the experience fair and equitable, in-game purchases are purely cosmetic. Battles are won by skill and teamwork alone.

The post Join the Circuit of Champions Event Now through May 23 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Magical Felines Collide in Strategy Deckbuilder Spellcats, Launching May 17

Od: johns

Summary

  • A magical roguelike deckbuilder where strategy is king and cats are the pawns.
  • Innovative card gameplay featuring a diverse deck of 100 unique magical cats.
  • Enchanting narrative set in a world where cats wield elemental powers.

Experience a magical convergence of strategy and chance in Spellcats, where mystical felines rule and tactics triumph. In this innovative roguelike deckbuilder, you are the catalyst in a spellbound world dominated by a group of humans called Nekocasters. Dare to venture into mysterious dungeons and the shadowy lairs where you must use your strategic skills to overcome your adversaries and free your four-legged siblings. Traverse mysterious dungeons, make card combos, and free your companions combining cards and cats.

Spellcats deck 2

As the Only Cat with Free Will, You are the Hope for Your Species.

Harness the raw power of over 100 diverse cat cards. Each cat comes to life with extraordinary abilities, from the stealthy Alley Pouncer to the majestic Thunderclaw. Build your deck with a mix of tactical prowess and random fortune, ensuring each dungeon run is filled with thrilling unpredictability.

Spellcats deck

Five Elements, Twenty Amulets, and Endless Meows

Spellcats also offers a unique gaming experience with five different elements: Water, Electricity, Fire, Ice, and Earth, each with its unique gameplay style that enriches the player’s experience through a myriad of mystical landscapes. Additionally, over 20 amulets await to be discovered and used. These will enhance the army of kittens and give an advantage in battles.

Spellcats screenshot

Strategy and Magic Combined in a Unique Rogueline Card Game

Empower your journey with unique trinkets, each adding layers of depth to your strategic maneuvers. These artifacts are imbued with capabilities that amplify your feline summons, turning the tide of battles. Dive into the heart of darkness and light in Spellcats, where each play is a step towards liberation or doom. The fate of the Nekos rests upon your shoulders—will you rise as their savior, or will the shadows of Nekocasters eclipse the land forever? Prepare to cast, conquer, and ascend in this enchanting saga of survival and sorcery, launching this May. Are you ready to unleash the true power of the paw?

Xbox Live

Spellcats: Auto Card Tactics

NintaiStudios

$13.99
Calling all cat lovers and card game aficionados! Step into the paws of the only sentient feline in a human-dominated world. Gifted with the extraordinary magic power to summon other cats, you alone hold the key to freeing your kind. Fight the Nekocasters, a cadre of humans exploiting innocent 'Nekos' for their own nefarious gains, serving a greater evil. Embark on an enchanting journey through mysterious dungeons, the grim lairs of the Nekocasters. Outplay your adversaries with a powerful combo of summoned kittens. As the world's only self-aware cat, uncover the mystery behind your origins. Are you the product of an ancient spell, a botched experiment, or something more profound? This vibrant, cat-filled world teems with secrets waiting to be unraveled. Brave through the perilous dungeons, outsmart the cunning Nekocasters, and liberate your feline brethren in 'Spellcats'. The future of the Nekos rests in your paws. A Vibrant Deck of 60 Diverse Cats Experience the excitement of collecting and summoning a wide variety of magical cats, each with their own unique abilities. Use these feline allies strategically to overcome challenges and vanquish enemies. From a small alley kitten to a majestic mountain cat (literally a mountain), the power of these cats will be at your command! Five Elements with Unique Gameplay Dive into the diverse mechanics of five unique elements: Water, Electric, Fire, Ice, and Earth. Each element offers a distinct playstyle that adds to the richness of the gameplay. The strategy you employ is entirely up to you! Roguelike Trinkets Discover and utilize over 20 unique trinkets to enhance your gameplay experience. These powerful items can power up your kitten army, granting them new abilities or augmenting their existing ones, giving you the upper hand in battles. Each trinket's unique effect adds an extra layer of strategy to your dungeon runs, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.

The post Magical Felines Collide in Strategy Deckbuilder Spellcats, Launching May 17 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 13 to 17

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 13 to 17

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


Xbox Live

The Land Beneath Us

Dear Villagers

The Land Between Us – May 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A turn-based, rogue-lite action dungeon crawler. Use powerful skill combos and stylish weaponry to battle your way through the Underworld known as Annwn. Enjoy challenging dynamic encounters and discover the mysteries of this mythological world.


Xbox Live

Athenian Rhapsody

Top Hat Studios, Inc.

Athenian Rhapsody – May 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A comedy RPG in which you’ll explore the World of Athens. Your goal is to build your very own Rhapsody – the story of you (the player) and your epic tale in this world. You’ll be faced with many challenges, and you’ll have to fight (or hug) your way through the world by either battling, or awkwardly trying to make friends with your opponents through esoteric knowledge, abstract jokes, memory games, and other strange and funny interactions.


Xbox Live

Chip and Charge

Weakfish Studio Publishing

Chip and Charge – May 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery6

A classic arcade-style tennis game with customizable characters and equipment as well as a wide variety of game modes to choose from, like Bomb mode where you don’t let the ball hit the ground. You can also play co-op with your friends.


Xbox Live

Ziggy

Afil Games

Ziggy – May 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Get ready to jump, slide, and unleash the power of the dash in a game that will test your abilities and your capacity for triumph. Conquer the 30 challenging levels and become the ultimate master of Ziggy!


Xbox Live

Awesome Pea 3

Sometimes You

$4.99 $3.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Awesome Pea 3 – May 15
Xbox One X Enhanced

The final chapter, now in shape of a fast precision platformer where you must run and jump through a series of challenging stages. What you’ll definitely find in this game: nearly 70 different stages to show your skill, stylish pixel graphics, and a chiptune soundtrack.


Xbox Live

Braid, Anniversary Edition

Thekla, Inc.

Braid Anniversary Edition – May 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Control the flow of time to solve subtle platform puzzles in this update of the indie classic Braid, featuring refreshed artwork and seriously in-depth creator commentary. Travel from a city house through a series of interconnected worlds where time behaves strangely, searching for an elusive Princess.


Xbox Live

Electronics Puzzle Lab

Eastasiasoft Limited

Electronics Puzzle Lab – May 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Awaken your inner engineer with the brainteasing circuitry of Electronics Puzzle Lab! In this fun and educational 3D puzzle game, your task is to inspect circuit boards and adjust power LED lights. Take a seat at your workbench, cut wires, flip switches and more as you trace the path of the current.


Xbox Live

Please Fix The Road

Silesia Games

Please Fix The Road – May 15

The roads are broken again. And so are paths. Sidewalks. Lakes. Oh dear. And now it’s your job to fix them all! Each level gives you a limited set of tools that will help you get all the cars, boats, trains or animals from point A to point B. The mentioned animals include, of course, kittens, dogs and… cute ‘ol pink llamas.


Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Time Trap: Hidden Objects Remastered

Two Cakes Studio

$9.99

Time Trap: Hidden Objects Remastered – May 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Time Trap is a hidden object game telling a detective story with distinct realistic visuals, puzzles, and challenges. A journalist has gone missing after investigating a hazardous disaster. Now it is your job to follow in his steps and uncover the secrets of the danger zone.


Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Turbo Dash Kart 2024 Racing

Midnight Works

$9.99

Turbo Dash Kart 2024 Racing – May 15
Xbox Play Anywhere

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush with our action-packed kart racing game. Choose your champion driver, customize your ride, and dominate challenging tracks to become the undisputed ruler of the asphalt jungle! Buckle up for a heart-pounding adventure where strategy and skill meet lightning-fast laps.


Xbox Live

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER

Chorus Worldwide Games

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver – May 16

ES88 is an esper tasked with capturing Golden Butterfly, a psychic entity hiding in the memories of others. Play as ES88 and join her cyborg colleague GATE, and the creature known as a NEURODIVER to help repair the memories Golden has damaged and stop them in their tracks in this “psy-fi” adventure!


Xbox Live

PO'ed: Definitive Edition

Nightdive Studios

PO’ed: Definitive Edition – May 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

An adrenaline-pumping space shooter that features gameplay elements inspired by generational powerhouses Doom and Quake. Play as a chef who crash lands on an alien planet infested with extraterrestrial foes.


Xbox Live

Musashi vs Cthulhu

QUByte Interactive

Musashi vs. Cthulhu – May 16

A fast-paced action game where you take control of Musashi, the most famous warrior from feudal Japan, as he fights for his life against unspeakable monsters. The enemies come from both sides of the screen and must be attacked with precise blows to bulging weak spots shown in their bodies. Challenge your friends to see who the most precise warrior.


Xbox Live

Claws & Feathers 3

ChiliDog Interactive

$5.99

Claws & Feathers 3 – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The birds and cats are back in an all-new puzzle adventure that sends them soaring across the galaxy in search of a new home! When a zombie apocalypse ravages their home planet, the birds set off for the stars. But they’re not alone. Their eternal rivals, the cats, snuck on board and will do everything they can to make the journey an unpleasant one!


Xbox Live

FoxyRush

Ratalaika Games S.L.

FoxyRush – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Foxy is a little fox who loves to eat cherries. One day, his supplies were stolen! Now he must go through many levels and collect all the cherries to get his supplies back. Run, jump, slide on walls, cling to ropes, and dodge various traps and enemies!


Xbox Live

INDIKA

11 bit studios

Indika – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A third-person, story-driven game set in a strange world where religious visions clash with harsh reality. It tells the story of a young nun who sets off on a journey of self-discovery with the most unusual, horn-headed companion by her side.


Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Not Not – A Brain Buster

naptime.games

$4.99 $3.99

Not Not – A Brain Buster – May 17
Xbox Play Anywhere

Ready to push the limits of your brain and challenge your intelligence? The ultimate brain-busting challenge is finally here! Do exactly what the cube says in a limited amount of time to test your reflexes and your thought processing speed.


Xbox Live

Morbid: The Lords of Ire

Merge Games

Mordbid: The Lords of Ire – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Morbid: The Lords of Ire is a continuation and reinvention of the critically acclaimed isometric Souls-like ARPG Morbid: The Seven Acolytes with the heroic Striver returning once more to do battle with horrific creatures in a dark and twisted world of pain and suffering


Xbox Live

Outbreak The Fedora Files What Lydia Knows

Dead Drop Studios LLC

$19.99 $15.99

Outbreak The Fedora Files: What Lydia Knows – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Super and extra-natural phenomena around the world are officially disavowed. In the United States, these phenomena are unofficially investigated by an elite squad of agents known as the Federal Disaster Organic Response Agency, FEDORA. These are their stories…


Xbox Live

Spellcats: Auto Card Tactics

NintaiStudios

$13.99

Spellcats: Auto Card Tactics – May 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Experience the excitement of collecting and summoning a wide variety of magical cats, each with their own unique abilities. Use these feline allies strategically to overcome challenges and vanquish enemies. From a small alley kitten to a majestic mountain cat (literally a mountain), the power of these cats will be at your command!


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 13 to 17 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How Senua’s Experience of Psychosis in Hellblade II is Rooted in Neuroscience and Lived Experience

Hi everyone, Dom Matthews here, Studio Head at Ninja Theory. On May 21 we release Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II on Xbox Series X|S and on PC. It will be a proud moment for our team and those that have contributed to our development journey. Today, I’d like to celebrate the contribution of our mental health consultants, with the release of Senua’s Psychosis’, a feature video that details how, by way of collaboration, Senua’s experiences of psychosis in Hellblade II are rooted both in neuroscience and in real lived experience.

When the idea for telling the story of a character who experiences psychosis was first thought of, we knew instantly that we had a responsibility to understand the subject thoroughly. With this intent in-hand, we started a collaboration with Professor Paul Fletcher, Professor of Health Neuroscience at University of Cambridge, which in-turn led to us building a partnership with Recovery College East and other groups of people who, like Senua, have had real lived experience of seeing and hearing things that others don’t and having unique beliefs about the world. What started off as an exercise in hoping to learn, quickly transitioned into a creative collaboration where the openness, honesty and enthusiasm of our collaborators gave us the chance to not only portray Senua’s experiences truthfully – but enhance our character, her world and her story.

In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, we were so honored to hear from fans that Senua’s journey had helped them understand psychosis a little more. For some, it helped them to understand their own experiences. For others, it helped them to understand the experiences of loved ones. And for many, it helped them to build empathy for the millions of people who struggle daily with mental health challenges.

As we approach the launch of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II my hope is that once again we can, for some, give a taste of what it can be like to hear voices, to see things that only you can see and to be driven by beliefs that may be unusual to others. Several weeks ago, I was excited to share the stage with our collaborators at Hellblade: A Journey of the mind, a conference, hosted in partnership with Cambridge Neuroscience, dedicated to exploring the theme of how Senua’s psychosis has come to life in Hellblade. For those interested, you can watch the full conference here. The conference was a reminder to me of how fortunate we have been to work with our mental health collaborators, a special group of people that have, throughout our development, dedicated themselves to helping us tell Senua’s story as someone who’s experiences could very well be those of a real person.

In today’s video, I’m proud to introduce you to Paul, Eddy and Kathy and I thank them, and all our collaborators, for their immense contribution to Hellblade.

For further information on the themes discussed in this video, please visit hellbladehelp.info.

The post How Senua’s Experience of Psychosis in Hellblade II is Rooted in Neuroscience and Lived Experience appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City

Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City

  • Shan Horan, Social Media Manager and Philippa Warr, Narrative Designer at Double Dagger Studio
Little Kitty Big City Hero Image

Summary

  • Enjoy this guide to help you think more like a cat and get the most out of your shenanigans in Little Kitty Big City.
  • Is there anyone more curious than a cat? We don’t think so!
  • Little Kitty Big City is available now for Xbox, Windows, and with Game Pass.

Little Kitty Big City is an open-world exploration game which lets you play as an adventurous — and willful — little cat. You’ll make your way back home eventually, but not before you find distractions aplenty, a cast of quirky animals to befriend and so much mischief to get into! But we know it can be hard to let go of human ideas like “responding to emails” and “not tripping people up to see what’s in their briefcases,” so here is a little guide to help you think more like a cat and get the most out of your cat shenanigans. 

Engage Your Curiosity

Little Kitty, Big City Screenshot

Is there anyone more curious than a cat? We don’t think so! In the world of Little Kitty, Big City, there are always new places, people, and collectibles to discover. You just have to stay curious to find them all, and the best way to stay curious is to keep asking yourself questions! What’s under that wall? What happens if I tread painty paw prints all over this human’s art canvas? Will this thing smash when I push it off a ledge? Finding the answers is a vital part of being a little cat.

Interact With Humans

Little Kitty, Big City Screenshot

If you’ve ever met a cat, you’ll know that they each have their own unique personality and their own way of interacting with humans. Being a cat in Little Kitty, Big City is no different — how you interact with the people around you is up to you. Are you feeling a little mischievous? Time to trip an innocent pedestrian by weaving between their legs in a very unhelpful way and then steal their phone! Feeling in need of affection? You can rub against those human legs instead and give a little purr. Humans eat that stuff up. And if you’re feeling annoying, you can meow meow meow the day away! Who doesn’t love a very noisy cat following them around for no reason?

Navigate The World

Little Kitty, Big City Screenshot

Cats are graceful (sometimes), small, can climb ivy walls, squeeze into tight spaces and always land on their feet! Since you’re no longer a clumsy human in this game, all those tiny little spots you never thought you’d be able to fit into are now open to you as a little kitty. From the rooftops to ground below, all the vents, awnings, cars, and fences are your domain. Except those big puddles. Let’s just stay far away from those…

Express Yourself

Little Kitty, Big City Screenshot

As you explore the city, you will meet other cats who will offer new ways to immerse yourself in the mind of a cat. You’ll learn crucial kitty emotes like how to make muffins, have a biiiiig stretch, take naps, sits where you fit, and even gag at gross smells or unpalatable tasks! These gestures are an invaluable part of your toolkit for self-expression and can be combined with Kitty’s extensive wardrobe of collectible hats to create the perfect reaction to a situation.

Try the Sunflower hat with the biiiiiiig stretch for Kitty’s attempt at the traditional Sun Salutation yoga flow. Follow that up by swapping to the Crab hat and making a yuck face in the greengrocer’s – you must protest her lack of seafood. Then round off the day by donning the Sheriff’s hat and lashing out with a paw swipe at a board game. How else will the humans know that you’re not into chess?

Relax

Little Kitty, Big City Screenshot

Humans don’t understand how hard cats work to find the perfect nap spot. In fact, if cats didn’t spend so much energy looking for new places to sleep, perhaps they wouldn’t be so sleepy in the first place…? But that’s a topic for a different blog! What you need to know for Little Kitty, Big City is that, when you find a good nap spot, you want to get in there immediately, and in whatever pose fills the space. After all, when a nap is at stake, who cares which way the humans say your spine and limbs are “supposed” to be facing!

Little Kitty Big City is available now for Xbox, Windows, and with Game Pass.

Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

Little Kitty, Big City

Double Dagger Studio

254
$24.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Will you make your way home or will you explore what the big city has to offer first? I mean, getting home is obviously your main priority. Obviously. Well, it's one of your priorities. Maybe more of a guideline… It's definitely on your To-Do list somewhere! But first? Exploration!

The post Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Use Your Powers of De-duck-tion in Duck Detective: The Secret Salami

Od: johns

Summary

  • Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Windows Store.
  • Interrogate suspects and pilfer evidence to find clues and quack the case!
  • Two to three hours of light-hearted narrative adventure mystery.
  • Fully voice-acted cast of eccentric suspects to inspect and interrogate.

Solving crime is no walk in the pond.

We’re very excited to announce that Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Windows Store! Duck Detective is Aggretsuko meets Return of the Obra Dinn, in a cozy mystery setting where a down-on-his-luck duck is tasked with exposing a sinister sausage-based conspiracy.

DuckD screenshot

You play as Eugene McQuacklin, part-time private investigator, full-time duck. As a recent divorcee and ex-police detective, you must use your supreme powers of deduc(k)tion to save your ailing career and maybe, just maybe, pay next month’s rent.

DuckD screenshot

Our small team at Happy Broccoli Games have been greatly inspired by the classic Agatha Christie novels. While they take a darker and more suspenseful approach, we wanted to create something that would keep you guessing as much as it will make you smile. It has been fantastic fun for our team to write such an energetic and twisty tale. A pompous detective, mismatched characters, and cramped environment, all mixed together surely makes for a big hoot!

DuckD screenshot

    Justice is a dish best served at the bottom of a pond. And you’re sure to get your flippers wet when it comes to the case of The Secret Salami.

    We are very much looking forward to having all you detectives quack the case on release! We don’t have a firm date just yet, but we’ll work hard to get it in your hands as quackly as possible. Please look forward to more puns and more fun when the game launches on Xbox!

    The post Use Your Powers of De-duck-tion in Duck Detective: The Secret Salami appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    Learn How to Chomp Like a Champ with Pac-Man

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Screenshot

    Learn How to Chomp Like a Champ with Pac-Man

    Summary

    • Pac-Man regales his first-hand experience chomping Ghosts and competing to be the last Pac standing.
    • Learn from Pac-Man’s experience of running through multiple mazes and using power items to turn the tables to become a Chomp Champ!
    • Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is available today for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

    Hey, I’m Pac-Man! Maybe you’ve heard of me? I’m always running around the maze and chomping everything in sight — sometimes I even go exploring bigger worlds! But one thing that hasn’t changed is my hunger for dots, fruit, cereal, pasta – you name it! You may have seen me in action, but my recent dance moves have made my appetite even more insatiable. So much that maybe a single maze won’t be enough for me!

    That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about the 64-maze action happening now in my latest game, Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs. I’m not sure how many dots that is per match – but believe me when I say, it’s a tasty buffet of competitive fun! Waka waka! It’s 64 players per match in an eating competition across many connected mazes to see which Pac can not only chomp the most dots, fruit, and Ghosts – but also survive long enough to be the last Pac standing!

    Allow me to recap for you one of my more recent adventures within my latest game…

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Screenshot

    For starters, I kicked things off in the Classic-themed maze — it reminds me of my roots and allows me to focus on warming up. I intended to keep it vanilla and go accessories-free for this match… but I couldn’t resist those radical sunglasses.

    When the match started, the Ghosts wasted no time in coming after me! I could tell there were other players in the mazes around mine, but first I wanted to rack up some points by chomping Ghosts. I ate a Power Pellet and chomped Blinky, then Clyde. On my way to catch Pinky, a Dazer power item emerged from the Warp Tunnel and I held it to use later. Just before I could chomp Pinky, another PAC entered my maze and ate one of my Power Pellets… and Pinky! Then they came after me. I took some tight corners, but they stayed close. But, they didn’t know about my Dazer! In a flash the other player was stunned, and I continued through a Mega Tunnel to another maze, leaving everyone behind. Power up and push forward, as I always say!  

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Screenshot

    The next maze I entered had a spacey Galaga theme, I love space! Three players were already here just finishing up the dots, so the maze refreshed, setting all four of us to the Ready-point. We started chomping and raced to the first Power Pellet! The other three went left, but I went right. One Pac used a Speedy power item to reach the Power Pellet first before instantly chomping the other two! Meanwhile, I camped at a Power Pellet on the right side and waited for the other Pac’s energizer to wear-off. Then I ate the Power Pellet, took the Warp Tunnel to the other side where I surprised the other player with some chomping time! Then a fruit caught my attention! Winning does taste sweet!

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Screenshot

    Later, I partied-up with friends, but I had to remind them that even though we’re dropping into the same match together, it’s still every Pac for themselves! Before the match we wanted to take a fun group screenshot, so we all selected accessories that made us look like a rock band! Maybe our band name would be the Waka-Stars?

    Our party queued for the same match together. I chomped from maze to maze, chomping Ghosts, dodging other Pacs, and barely escaping a maze that glitched-out! Then I found my pals in a candy-themed maze. Mmm, candy! I recognized them from their accessories! But as I said before: it was every player for themselves! I don’t want to embarrass my pals by telling who got chomped, but I will say that my rank went up after this match.

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Screenshot

    I kept playing after my friends dropped off; I was hungry! This time, I changed my look with some fun 3D specs! With my natural talent and a little luck, I found myself in the final four of the match… and I was holding a Shield power item. When one of the other players thought they could chomp me, the Shield was my defense! Then I learned the Shield can be used to push Pacs and Ghosts across the maze! The other players were so confused that the Ghosts caught them all and I became the last Pac standing! Waka waka!

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs Screenshot

    Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is my latest outing in chomping fun, and I couldn’t help dancing to the game’s catchy new music. Hmm, this might give me some new dance video ideas! In the meantime, I hope to see you in game! Stay hungry, friends!

    Xbox Live

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs – Deluxe Edition

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    6
    $29.99
    The Deluxe Edition includes: • PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs • Lunar Animals PAC – 12 bodies: Mouse, Cow, Tiger, Bunny, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig – 1 maze: Lunar • Namco Pals PAC – 2 bodies: Fyger, The Prince – 2 faces: Pooka’s Goggles, Pooka’s Goggles – Rare – 2 heads: Klonoa, Dig Dug Helmet – 3 mazes: Dig Dug, Mr. Driller, Galaga – 6 icons: PAC-MAN 3D, Inky 3D, Blinky 3D, Pinky 3D, Clyde 3D, Frightened Ghost 3D PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is an online-only PAC-MAN eating competition! Eat your way through multiple interconnected mazes using Power Pellets and a variety of Power Items to chomp the GHOSTS and opponent PAC-MAN players! Be the last PAC standing at the end of each match in this 64-player Battle Royale to be the Chomp Champ! • EAT TO COMPETE The only PAC-MAN Battle Royale with cross platform play! • CONSUME ALL Eat everything in your maze! Then tunnel to other PAC-MAN players’ mazes and munch even more for the high score! • PAC-MAN À LA MODES Elimination Mode features arcade style action against players of any rank where you earn Tokens to trade for cosmetics. Ranked Mode features serious competition against players of similar ranking where you earn Rank XP to place on the leaderboards! • MISSIONS ADD META Fulfill specific conditions during the match for a score boost! • TRUE PAC VS. PAC ACTION Munch Dots and Fruit, then eat a Power Pellet to chomp the GHOSTS… and even chomp other PAC-MAN! • POWER TO THE PACS Power Items add to the action with shields, speed, and more to give you the upper hand against the GHOSTS as well as other PAC-MAN players! Some Power Items help PAC-MAN, but others help the GHOSTS! • ELIMINATING MAZES Beware of flashing mazes as they drop out one by one during each match! Escape before they’re eliminated! • PERSONALIZE YOUR PAC With a fun variety of body, head, and face cosmetics you can stand out from the pack with your own style! • GET YOUR PACS TOGETHER Add players to your Friend list, track friends’ progress, spectate friends’ plays, and even invite them to play in the same match as you! • PLAY OR SPECTATE Spectate ongoing matches from the general player-base or observe your friends’ skills. Elimination Mode spectators can even vote on what Power Items will be released to the players! • BE THE CHOMP CHAMP! Out-maneuver, out-last, and out-PAC to be the last PAC standing against 63 other PAC-MAN opponents! *In addition to this edition, a Standard Edition is also available. Please be careful not to purchase the same content twice. *This product is a multiplayer game that is played mainly through online matches between players. The only mode that allows single play is the tutorial.
    Xbox Live

    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    6
    $19.99
    PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is an online-only PAC-MAN eating competition! Eat your way through multiple interconnected mazes using Power Pellets and a variety of Power Items to chomp the GHOSTS and opponent PAC-MAN players! Be the last PAC standing at the end of each match in this 64-player Battle Royale to be the Chomp Champ! • EAT TO COMPETE The only PAC-MAN Battle Royale with cross platform play! • CONSUME ALL Eat everything in your maze! Then tunnel to other PAC-MAN players’ mazes and munch even more for the high score! • PAC-MAN À LA MODES Elimination Mode features arcade style action against players of any rank where you earn Tokens to trade for cosmetics. Ranked Mode features serious competition against players of similar ranking where you earn Rank XP to place on the leaderboards! • MISSIONS ADD META Fulfill specific conditions during the match for a score boost! • TRUE PAC VS. PAC ACTION Munch Dots and Fruit, then eat a Power Pellet to chomp the GHOSTS… and even chomp other PAC-MAN! • POWER TO THE PACS Power Items add to the action with shields, speed, and more to give you the upper hand against the GHOSTS as well as other PAC-MAN players! Some Power Items help PAC-MAN, but others help the GHOSTS! • ELIMINATING MAZES Beware of flashing mazes as they drop out one by one during each match! Escape before they’re eliminated! • PERSONALIZE YOUR PAC With a fun variety of body, head, and face cosmetics you can stand out from the pack with your own style! • GET YOUR PACS TOGETHER Add players to your Friend list, track friends’ progress, spectate friends’ plays, and even invite them to play in the same match as you! • PLAY OR SPECTATE Spectate ongoing matches from the general player-base or observe your friends’ skills. Elimination Mode spectators can even vote on what Power Items will be released to the players! • BE THE CHOMP CHAMP! Out-maneuver, out-last, and out-PAC to be the last PAC standing against 63 other PAC-MAN opponents! *In addition to this edition, a Deluxe Edition is also available. Please be careful not to purchase the same content twice. *This product is a multiplayer game that is played mainly through online matches between players. The only mode that allows single play is the tutorial.

    The post Learn How to Chomp Like a Champ with Pac-Man appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    Free Play Days – Destiny 2 Expansions, Crime Boss: Rockay City, Cities: Skylines – Remastered and From Space 

    We’ve got a jam-packed weekend for you with Free Play Days! Crime Boss: Rockay City, Cities Skylines – Remastered and From Space are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday May 9 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, May 12 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. 

    Additionally, expansions for Destiny 2 including Shadowkeep, Beyond Light and The Witch Queen are free for all Xbox members from May 7 until June 4 (Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate not required). 

    Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of over 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals! Read more about Game Pass Core at Xbox Wire


    How To Start Playing


    Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.


    Keep The Fun Going


    Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.


    Free Play Days (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)


    Xbox Live

    Crime Boss: Rockay City

    505 Games

    221
    $39.99 $19.99

    Crime Boss: Rockay City 
    Play Crime Boss: Rockay City for FREE! This co-operative, organized heisting game can be played either solo in the single-player campaign or with friends in multiplayer. Start levelling up and earning rewards in the new progression system and enjoy tons of new content from our latest update. 


    Xbox Live

    Cities: Skylines – Remastered

    Paradox Interactive

    256
    $39.99 $9.99
    Xbox Game Pass

    Cities: Skylines – Remastered  
    Cities: Skylines – Remastered puts you in charge of a growing city, from the ground-breaking of its first streets to the ever-changing needs of thousands of citizens. Design, build, and manage the city of your dreams, from public services to civic policies, and challenge yourself to grow from a simple town to a bustling metropolitan hub.


    Xbox Live

    From Space

    Curve Games

    208
    $14.99 $11.99
    PC Game Pass
    Xbox Game Pass

    From Space
    From Space is a solo and co-op action-shooter for squads up to four players. Take on the challenge of liberating the earth from an alien infestation with your friends, using over-the-top weaponry in a post-apocalyptic world with awesomely stylized graphics. The apocalypse has never been so much fun! 


    Free Play Days For All


    Destiny 2: Legacy Collection (2023)

    Bungie

    104
    $59.99 $11.99

    Destiny 2 Expansions (Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen)
    During Destiny 2’s Expansion Open Access month, you can play through Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen, along with all four Year-6 Seasons. Enjoy the updated New Light experience by exploring the Cosmodrome or skip it and join your friends right away. Open Access Month ends when The Final Shape launches, but any rewards you collect are yours to keep. 


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

    The post Free Play Days – Destiny 2 Expansions, Crime Boss: Rockay City, Cities: Skylines – Remastered and From Space  appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    Compact Mode continues evolving in the Xbox App on PC

    Od: Jon

    Jump back in comes to Compact Mode 

    In November, we introduced Compact Mode, a feature available via the Xbox app on PC that enhances your gaming experience by providing a more intuitive user interface on smaller screens, including Windows handhelds. We’re excited to announce that the Jump back in feature and enhancements to the Friends panel are rolling out to all Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview starting today! 

    When we launched Compact Mode, we focused on giving you more space to browse content by simplifying the sidebar. We are now taking it further with Jump back in, our latest feature that allows you to quickly access the games you have recently played on your Windows device when you are immersed in Compact Mode. 

    Jump back in will feature the last nine games you played from the app. When you click on any game card, you will go directly to its game hub where you can jump into game play. You can also right-click or press the menu button on your controller to launch directly into game play from the context menu.  

    Enhancements to the Friends panel 

    With Compact Mode, we have also made it easier to access the Friends panel via controller navigation, with quick access directly from the sidebar, and consistent with other panels like Notifications. We are looking forward to hearing your feedback as we continue to improve the experiences related to Friends in the app. 

    Starting next week, a new survey will be available in the Xbox Insider Hub (open or install clicking here) for players enrolled in the PC Gaming preview to give us your feedback on Jump back in and the updated Friends panel access with Compact Mode. As a reminder, you can always give us suggestions for the app or leave feedback by clicking on your Profile card inside the Xbox App and then selecting Feedback from the dropdown menu. We can’t wait to hear from you as we work to bring more enhancements to Compact Mode and the Xbox App on PC for you to enjoy seamless Xbox gaming experiences across all your Windows devices. 

    How to get Xbox Insider support and share your feedback 

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, you can provide direct feedback to Team Xbox by following the steps here under the “Report a problem online” section. For more information on the Xbox Insider Program, follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding the PC Gaming Preview

    Like what you see but not an Xbox Insider? 

    If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC. (Note: The features outlined in this article are currently only available for PC-based Xbox Insiders.) 

    The post Compact Mode continues evolving in the Xbox App on PC appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    Athenian Rhapsody Brings Laughs, Community, and IBS

    Od: johns

    Welcome to the colorful and unpredictable world of Athens. Athenian Rhapsody releases May 14 on Xbox One & Series X|S systems, and with it, the chance to build your very own Rhapsody! Inspired heavily by a mixture of retro RPGs, choose-your-own-adventure books, and numerous other inspirations, Athenian Rhapsody is a unique blend of traditional RPG mechanics, player-focused narrative and exploration, and surprises such as varied minigames and a unique online system. No playthroughs will be the same – find out why in the brand new launch trailer above!

    The world of Athens is weird, highly unusual, and filled with a host of surprises. Along the way, you’ll meet tons of friends (and foes)! As you navigate the world in your own unique way, you’ll decide how you want to interact not only with those you meet, but also the world itself. As the world shifts and you interact with denizens, you’ll begin to flesh out your very own rhapsody. You can meet 16 potential party members, all with tons of depth – the very world will change depending on who you have in your party when. Plus, every single enemy can be fought or befriended! You’ll also find smaller friends and foes to commune with, and find tons of unlockable outfits to deck yourself and your party out with.

    AR Screenshot 1

    The game also features a unique combat system, which mixes traditional JRPG-esque turn-based combat alongside real-time bullet-hell elements. However, that’s not all! The game throws a monkey wrench in this formula by introducing a vast assortment of distinct ways of battling through an eclectic mix of unique minigames. This may include playing basketball, cooking, dancing your heart out, working out, playing old arcade games, drawing pictures, and more! And that’s not even mentioning the unique conversations and personalities of each enemy you can find throughout the game.

    AR Screenshot 2

    As you explore Athens, you’ll come across tons of different biomes, all with their own unique feel and residents (both friendly and not)! Not only will your party members play a role in how you explore these biomes, but so will the choices you make throughout the game and how you interact with those around you. You’ll find yourself in situations that range from odd (such as fighting an arrogant fly) to utterly bizarre (helping out in an Italian restaurant). What other secrets does the world of Athens hold? You’ll have to explore every nook and cranny to find out!

    AR Screenshot 3

    Last but not least, what’s up with that online system we mentioned? The complexity and deep variety of the game’s design means no two playthroughs will ever be the same. As you wrap up each playthrough of the game, you’ll be awarded your very own “rhapsody”, something of a unique memento that contains your player character and each and every nuance of how you experienced Athens. These rhapsodies can be collected and viewed, but also traded to friends! Collected rhapsodies can also be stacked/combined to give them additional effects. Plus, some rare rhapsodies exist, which may grant special in-game bonuses or allow for unique experiences to pop up in game.

    AR screenshot 4

    Developed by Nico Papalia with co-development help, porting assistance for Xbox, and publishing by Top Hat Studios, Athenian Rhapsody is launching May 14 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, with a 15% launch discount until May 28th.

    Xbox Live

    Athenian Rhapsody

    Top Hat Studios, Inc.

    ARE YOU READY FOR THE CRAZIEST GAME EVER? CAN THE DEVELOPER OF THE GAME DO A BACKFLIP??? No, he can't. Maybe one day, but for now he's too scared! …anyway, Athenian Rhapsody is a super-fresh, one-of-a-kind comedy RPG in which you'll explore the World of Athens! Your goal is to build your very own Rhapsody – the story of you (the player) and your epic tale in this world. You'll be faced with many challenges, and you'll have to fight (or hug) your way through the world by either battling, or awkwardly trying to make friends with your opponents through esoteric knowledge, abstract jokes, memory games, and other strange and funny interactions. If you want more of the meat'n'cheese, well feast your eyes upon these rather dry feature descriptions, written by someone who's probably a little bit boring: – Each character in the world of Athens has a bold personality, and a large amount of depth for you to discover. You can choose to adventure with whoever you'd like! There truly is a favorite for everyone to bond with, I promise. – This world has no shortage of intense battles with opponents that range from weird, wacky, tough, cute, and outright goofy! – On your journey, you may face mind-bendingly difficult challenges such as "Spell Richard" and "Carry A Feather" throughout your Rhapsody. Would you dare come face to face with the infamous 3×3 slide puzzle? – Many characters will switch up the tactics of battle, you'll be faced with various minigames based on the scenario you find yourself in. – This game is fast paced, action packed, and full of zany and ironic humor that anyone can have a nice laugh at. – You will NOT run out of things to do. If you do, you probably haven't seen the sunlight in quite some time! – Nothing substantial in this game is up to RNG. You choose your pathway from start to finish, creating an extremely specific pathway which'll then be recorded – this is your playthrough's Rhapsody, a narrated story of your journey through Athens! When you come to the end of the line and reflect upon your Rhapsody, could you say you did your best? – You'll be able to share Rhapsodies between your friends. Share, combine, read through, and maybe even delete your friend's Rhapsodies!

    The post Athenian Rhapsody Brings Laughs, Community, and IBS appeared first on Xbox Wire.

    ❌