Tag: game console

Grand Theft Auto V is back yet again on Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

Grand Theft Auto V is back yet again on Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

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Recently as Team Xbox announced the July 2023 lineup of games added on the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscription service, the inclusion of the massive best-selling open-world game Grand Theft Auto V (GTAV) turned out to be the biggest surprise of them all.

Franklin traveling on waves. This entire sequence ran smoothly at 60FPS with ray tracing enabled.

To be very clear, this is not GTAV’s first time to be in XGP. In fact, it was made available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers in limited time periods in 2020 and 2021. In my case, since I bought my Xbox Series X console and subscribed to XGP in late-2021, this is my first time to play GTAV on the service and the first time in years for me to replay the game since the Xbox One version. Oh yes, I first played GTAV on Xbox 360 way back in 2013.

What makes GTAV’s newest return to the service significant is that it includes the most updated versions of the game optimized specifically for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. This means that the next-generation console graphical enhancements include the Fidelity Mode, the Performance Mode and the Performance RT Mode, and only the Xbox Series X is capable of those three. Refer to the details below sourced from GINX.TV

GTA 5 Fidelity Mode – The highest visual quality possible and targets 30 fps. PS5 and Xbox Series X supports native 4k resolution in this mode with Ray Tracing enabled. Xbox Series S supports upscaled 4K resolution.

GTA 5 Performance Mode – Performance Mode in targets 60 fps for the most responsive, smoothest gameplay experience yet on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with an upscaled 4K resolution. Xbox Series S, on the other hand, supports a resolution of 1080p in Performance Mode targetting 60 fps.

GTA 5 Performance RT Mode – The Performance Ray Tracing Mode is only available for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and is not supported on the Series S console. This is a hybrid between the Performance and Fidelity modes. It targets 60 fps with Ray Tracing enabled, with an upscaled 4K resolution to boot.

This huge crash happened during one of the scores in the game. Captured on Performance RT Mode.

That being said, I started playing Grand Theft Auto V on my Xbox Series X via XGP with the Performance Mode setting for the graphics followed many hours later with the Performance RT (ray tracing) Mode.

As such, I am enjoying replaying the game with super smooth 60 frames-per-second (60FPS) and I can say it made the single-player gameplay experience more fun and engaging to do. Since I enjoy the 60FPS frame rate a lot, I will play the game with the Fidelity Mode some time later.

With Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023) launching on Xbox Game Pass this September and October respectively, playing GTAV on the service with the Xbox Series X console is strongly recommended. That being said, there is no telling how long with Rockstar’s game remain on XGP. If you are already an XGP subscriber with an Xbox Series X console and you love open-world games, then you should avail of Grand Theft Auto V while it is still available. Xbox Series S-owning XGP subscribers can still enjoy 60FPS gaming with the Rockstar game.

Go and play Grand Theft Auto V on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console while it is still available on XGP.

In concluding this post, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

My views about Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct

My views about Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct

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With their combined might, Team Xbox, Bethesda and their strategic partners successfully pulled off a great Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct double feature! Great in the sense that they collectively premiered a wide variety of games including several Xbox-exclusive titles (both the announced and the brand new ones) that gamers can look forward to on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC and via cloud gaming. What was shown was clearly a lot of fun to watch and there several bouts of surprises that I experienced along the way.

To be clear, 27 games were showcased. 21 games are coming to Game Pass (Xbox Game Pass and/or PC Game Pass). 13 of the games were from Xbox game studios. There were also several 3rd party games from different publishers including Capcom, SEGA, Atlus and Ubisoft.

1st Party Games from Xbox Game Studios matter a lot – The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 started with the reveal of the new Xbox-exclusive Fable role-playing game (RPG) from Playground Games which utilized in-game graphics for a cinematic style of presentation emphasizing the British approach on fantasy, comedic tone and style of play the game franchise is known for. There were a few moments of action shown but it is hard to determine if those will indeed be implemented in gameplay form. As I anticipated, Fable was shown without a release date nor an estimated year for release. All we can do now is wait for the developers to complete and polish it.

Also shown early during the showcase was the much-needed update on Avowed, the first-person fantasy RPG from RPG specialists Obsidian Entertainment (The Outer Worlds, Fallout: New Vegas). Compared to Fable, Avowed has progressed so much with its development, actual gameplay footage was shown with some storytelling cutscenes included. Set in the world of Eora (the same setting as established in the Pillars of Eternity series), gamers will play the envoy of Aedyr who is tasked to investigate rumors of a spreading plague with a secret that threatens to destroy everything. While it looks inspired by Bethesda’s Skyrim, Avowed clearly has its own flavor and style to its first-person battles and movement. This game is set for release sometime in 2024 exclusively on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass inclusion. I am really looking forward to this game.

Still in the realm of fantasy but with a different approach on game design, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was shown during the showcase with an appearance by Melina Juergens (Senua) preceding it. Compared to the previous pre-release showing of the game, the newest video focuses more on the aspect of Psychosis and how Senua deals with it. Based on what was shown so far, it seems to me that the game has progressed far enough with its development and the it could be in the polishing stage right now. The Xbox-exclusive Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II handled by Ninja Theory will be released sometime in 2024.

Next are three Xbox-exclusive games that really surprised me during the showcase: Clockwork Revolution from InXile, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games and Towerborne from Stoic Studio. I was surprised in the sense that there were no pre-showcase insider reports and the rumor mills did not have anything to anticipate what the above mentioned games would be.

Clockwork Revolution is time-traveling first-person game with a strong steampunk flavor and game design that emphasizes role-playing reactivity. Its visual style reminds me of BioShock Infinite. South of Midnight is a new third-person action-adventure set in a magic realist version of the American South. Towerborne, the product of the partnership between Team Xbox and developer Stoic Studio, is a new adventure game that promises a brand-new take on action RPGs and it will be released sometime in 2024.

At long last, developer Turn 10 announced that Forza Motorsport (2023) will be released worldwide on October 10, 2023 and it will come with more than 500 cars, 20 completely rebuilt international race tracks with multiple layouts and the promised full dynamic time-of-day with weather, living crowds and interactive tracks. For this year, the car customization and tune-ups of Forza Motorsport (2023) was emphasized more. I will definitely play this upcoming racing game on my Xbox Series X this October.

The juggernaut of all Xbox-exclusive games – Starfield – was so huge and detailed, a standalone showcase of it was efficiently done by Todd Howard and his teammates at Bethesda. I will be writing a separate post for Starfield soon but I want to remind you all that the game will be released on September 6, 2023 and it will have a ton of gameplay features! Check out the latest Starfield trailer below plus those from other Xbox exclusives such as Sea of Thieves:  The Legend of Monkey Island and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The 3rd party games at the showcase that got my attention – When it comes to games from other game publishers, Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) in the form of Persona 3 Reload (early 2024), Persona 5 Tactica (scheduled for November 17, 2023) and Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024) from Atlus and SEGA made quite a splash during the showcase in relation to the curious absence of the Xbox Game Pass-bound JRPG Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. It seems to me that Team Xbox made serious efforts to reach out to its Japanese partners to secure more JRPGs which will strengthen the Xbox ecosystem as the premiere place for RPGs. With that being said, Team Xbox pulled off the right moves and the Persona games franchise has a dedicated following worldwide.

While my dream scenario of Capcom unveiling a big-budget remake of Dino Crisis at the showcase did not come true at all, the Japanese publisher actually made it and went on to unveil the game Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. The game has a fantasy setting with strong Japanese aesthetics and action-adventure gameplay. It is will have a Day 1 launch on Xbox Game Pass as well.

Dungeons of Hinterberg looks really fascinating with its game design and play style complete with having a very unique artistic approach for its visuals. It will be released in 2024 with Xbox Game Pass included. Also coming to XGP but within 2023 is Jusant, the new game from French developer Don’t Nod that emphasizes exploration by means of climbing and puzzle solving.

Conclusion – I can say it out loud that the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 – Starfield Direct double feature is not only great on its own but it is also a notable improvement over the previous Xbox showcases of the past two years. The Xbox-exclusives are indeed coming in the 2023-2024 period, and that includes having Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023) scheduled for release in  September-October this year. 2024 at this stage is looking great as well not only with the Xbox-exclusives but also with the 3rd party games. Xbox Game Pass subscribers also have new games to look forward to in the near future.

As game development can be tricky, unpredictable and complicated, delays of game releases are always possible. As such, we gamers can only hope that the game developers won’t encounter anymore problems with their respective games so that they will be completed, polished and get released as planned.

In ending this piece, posted below is the entire Xbox Games Showcase 2023 – Starfield Direct video from the YouTube channel of Xbox. I highly recommend watching it all in 4K. Enjoy!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature all set this Sunday (Monday in Asia)

Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature all set this Sunday (Monday in Asia)

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It is that time again for Xbox fans and gamers to get excited as the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature will happen this Sunday June 11 (Monday June 12 in Asia) and viewers will get to watch it on multiple channels.

To begin with, Team Xbox announced that the two showcases will be streamed live via the online channels below…

Not only that, those who want to watch the streams in 4K resolution at 60FPS should head on to YouTube.com/Xbox and YouTube.com/Bethesda. There will also be multi-language support in the forms of subtitles.

What to expect? Based on the recent tweets by Xbox Games Marketing executive Aaron Greenberg, the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct will combine for roughly two hours non-stop games and it will all be about games. There won’t be any movie trailers to disrupt the double feature. Look at the tweets below…

Already, it has been confirmed that there will be no CGI-trailers about Team Xbox’s games at the two showcases. Personally, I prefer to see gameplay footage showing how the upcoming games function and how they could turn out fun. When it comes to showing story cutscenes, using gameplay graphics is more preferrable to me.

What video games to expect from Team Xbox? While it is inevitable to me that they will show the promised 2023 exclusives Forza Motorsport (2023) and Bethesda’s highly anticipated Starfield, I can only speculate that Phil Spencer and his team will give fans big updates (note: to be showcased visually, not just mere announcements) about other Xbox-exclusives such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (read my article), the new Fable role-playing game (RPG), the fantasy RPG Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment (read my last article of Avowed), and possibly State of Decay 3 from Undead Labs. While it is possible that the troubled Xbox-exclusives Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot could also be shown, I’m not confident about them. I also do not expect anything to be shown about Hideo Kojima’s Xbox project nor the other exclusive game Contraband.

I am anticipating that a final release date for Forza Motorsport (2023) will be announced, and the same should happen with Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (possibly late-2023 or early 2024). Avowed, if its development has progressed a lot since the first announcement, could be announced for 2024 and it should help satiate gamers’ demand for the epic open-world fantasy RPG experience of the Elder Scrolls game franchise. In my view, the Elder Scrolls VI is still years away from getting released. As for Fable, it could be shown but without a release date.

Starfield will have its very own showcase immediately after that of Xbox. That being said, I am anticipating a very in-depth gameplay demonstration of the game, some more bits about its story and core concept, and hopefully there will be options for gamers to play the game in 30FPS and 60FPS with varying resolutions. I personally want to play Starfield on my Xbox Series X console in 60FPS. I hope they will show more space battles which I think will add more variety to the gameplay as a whole. We will find out soon from Bethesda and Todd Howard on Starfield Direct.

When it comes to the Gears of War franchise, I’m not really anticipating a new Gears sequel. What would be more doable, in my opinion, is Team Xbox revealing a Gears Tactics sequel which should delight fans of the 2020 game as well as gamers who love playing turn-based tactics games. For me, the time is right to announce a new Gears Tactics game!

In my view, the time is right for a Gears Tactics sequel to be unveiled while gamers worldwide endure the long wait for the next Gears of War game.

As for games from other companies that could be part of the Xbox Games Showcase, I am anticipating an appearance and updates about Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in terms of new gameplay and hopefully a final release date within 2023 (note: this Japanese RPG will also launch on Xbox Game Pass). Very recently, Japan-based developer Rabbit & Bear Studios posted updates about the game on social media which just might mean there will be a possible appearance on the showcase. Take note that Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes’ inclusion on Xbox Game Pass is significant and this weekend’s online event is the best opportunity to promote it and make both XGP subscribers and JRPG fans excited.

There is the possibility that Konami could show Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars and announce a firm release date for 2023. The showcase is also a great opportunity for Konami to promote the classic games to a worldwide audience and finally start executing their marketing plans that should excite Suikoden fans as well as gamers who love JRPGs.

When it comes to dream scenarios (note: the unlikely) that could really make waves if they ever happen at the Xbox showcase, that would be Capcom showing a big-budget remake of Dino Crisis (comparable to what they did with Resident Evil 2, 3 and 4) as well as announcing remastered versions of Breath of Fire RPGs for release on modern consoles plus Xbox Game Pass. I understand Capcom has its very own games showcase scheduled for the next day but the Xbox showcase is still a great opportunity to make waves with gamers worldwide. More wild scenarios? That would SEGA announcing the next Virtua Fighter game or a fully remastered Shining Force III (with all three chapters together), 2K Games revealing XCOM 3 (note: it’s been seven years since XCOM 2) plus Square Enix actually announcing a remastered version of Xenogears (note: this year marks the 25th anniversary of the game).

At this stage, we can only wait and see what will happen next. Team Xbox should show more games related to the latest Xbox Game Studios Publishing developments and other deals they made with developers – both the big and the smaller independent ones – so far. Not only that, there has to be something new and ready to be revealed from Team Xbox’s game studios such as Compulsion Games, inXile Entertainment and others. The excitement and suspense are building up!

Watch out for the games, the exciting stuff and big announcements at the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature this weekend!

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Front Mission 1st: Remake set for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One release on June 30, 2023

Front Mission 1st: Remake set for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One release on June 30, 2023

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If you love tactical role-playing games as well as robot action with some sci-fi and military concepts mixed in, then you should watch out for the release of Front Mission 1st: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023. The game, which is actually a remake of Square Enix’s 1995 game Front Mission, was developed and published by Forever Entertainment.

For the newcomers reading this, Front Mission is an existing franchise of games under Square Enix which landed on multiple consoles, the PC and other platforms through the decades. The first-ever Front Mission released in 1995 only in Japan on the Super Famicom was a critical and commercial hit which paved the way not only for further games but also enabling the Front Mission franchise to branch out on other forms of media such as film, novels, comic books, radio dramas and more. Front Mission 1st: Remake is not just a remake of the 1995 original game but also features a modern mode with improved controls as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack.

To begin with, watch the official trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement issued by Forever Entertainment. Some parts in boldface…

On June 30th, Front Mission 1st: Remake will make its highly anticipated debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X. Deploy on a mission and play through the intricately woven narrative of this iconic tactical RPG series.

You must analyze your situation carefully before making your next move. Pay close attention to the details.

Huffman Island is the only place where the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.) and the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.) share a land border, making this place the epicenter of the Second Huffman Conflict in the year 2090.

Leading a reconnaissance platoon, O.C.U. Captain Royd Clive is tasked with investigating a U.C.S. munitions plant. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves ambushed by U.C.S. wanzers – triggering a chain of events that thrusts the entire island into a full-fledged war. Amidst the chaos, Royd’s fiancée, Lieutenant Karen Meure, goes missing in action.

Mech action is fun to watch.

Discharged from military service, Royd embarks on a pursuit to uncover the truth. As his investigation progresses, he gradually unearths a conspiracy and the powers that orchestrated it.

Assemble your Team and Plunge into the Heart of the Action – Front Mission 1st: Remake is an immersive tactical turn-based RPG that puts you in the role of a valiant pilot navigating war machines called wanzers through hazardous battlefields. Experience the realities of war through strategic maneuvers, while enjoying upgraded graphics and a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack that elevate the classic Front Mission gameplay to modern-day standards.

Way back in 1995, I got to play the original Front Mission on a rented Super Famicom console and played it for an hour. As it was written in Japanese, I did not understand the text but that did not stop me from enjoying the gameplay which was turn-based, strategic and packed with action. I enjoyed the mech action (nicely animated 2D sprites) and the challenge to be strategic with my next moves. I also enjoyed how the game compelled me to pay close attention to details such as how the different parts of my mechs can be customized, the different values each component came with, and the added capabilities that proved to be crucial offensively and defensively.

Urban settings like this make the locations of battle more interesting.

In 1999, I played Front Mission 3 on the PlayStation One and it was the North American version (published by Square Electronics). As it was in English, I was able to understand the situation, the details and explanations. Like the first Front Mission game, I had fun playing it and I was also impressed with how the developers utilized 3D polygons to enhance the presentation. What I could not forget was the part when the narrative of the game focused on a secret base located inside Taal Volcano in the Philippines. As a Filipino, that part of the game was a big and really delightful surprise to me.

Looking at the Front Mission 1st: Remake trailer, which is very short, it seems to me that the game is looking good and promising enough. Right now, I am very interested in it.

Watch out for Front Mission 1: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023.

In ending this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos plus one Front Mission-related video for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to watch out for Team Xbox’s showcase events (including the Starfield Direct) on June 11, 2023.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Planet of Lana now available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

Planet of Lana now available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

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Planet of Lana, the newest game from Wishfully Studios and Thunderful Games, is now available for gamers to enjoy on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC and on the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service! As of this writing, the game has been praise from video game critics (click here, here, here, here and here) and I myself just started playing it on my Xbox Series X console and already I am having fun.

For the newcomers reading this, posted below is an excerpt from the official pre-release press release of the game from Thunderful Games. Some parts in boldface…

Appearing on over 40 “most anticipated” lists, including from the likes of IGN, Gamespot, Eurogamer, Polygon, Kotaku, Rock Paper Shotgun, Time and Game Informer, Planet of Lana is one of the most anticipated indie titles of recent years, drawing attention for its stunning art style, rousing soundtrack from D.I.C.E. and BAFTA-nominated composer Takeshi Furukawa, and unique companion-based mechanics.

Nothing like overcoming challenges and obstacles with a good sense of achievement proceeding to the next stage.

Set on an alien world, Planet of Lana tells the story of Lana and her loyal animal companion Mui as they embark on a rescue mission to save her sister. Blending an epic story that takes you on a spectacular journey across stunning natural landscapes with a touching personal relationship built between protagonists Lana and Mui, Planet of Lana is a game filled with wonder and adventure. Expect to encounter strange creatures and dangerous machines as you move through lush forests, mysterious caves and arid desert landscapes during your journey.

Lana swimming her way through the village.

Throughout daring platforming, engaging puzzles and tense stealth sequences, players will discover a game built around the unique companion mechanic that connects Lana and Mui. Only by working in tandem can you solve the puzzles and avoid the dangers that lay ahead of you, from stalking spindle-legged robot menaces that have mysteriously landed on Lana’s planet, to the not-always-friendly fauna that populates Planet of Lana’s breathtaking environments.

More on pre-release stuff, there is also a very detailed preview of Planet of Lana published through Xbox.com. The preview was written by Wishfully Studios creative director Adam Stjärnljus.

As I mentioned earlier, I just started playing Planet of Lana on my console. So far, I’m having a good time playing it, and in my decades-long experience of playing video games, I can say that Planet of Lana has vibes of Flashback in terms of 2D platform gameplay and environment interaction. Compared to the mentioned old game, this new game’s controls are very user friendly, easy to learn and also very responsive. The art direction looks really nice and the music is a must-listen! Oh yes, there were these suspenseful moments that I experienced as I had Lana and her companion avoid destructive enemies with timely and strategic moves.

I really like the artistic direction and style of this game!

When it comes to the adventure aspect, this game reminds me of what I saw in anime productions of Studio Ghibli, specifically Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The alien machines’ acts of abducting people even reminded me of the 21st century War of the Worlds movie.

As I’m writing this, there still more for me to discover playing Planet of Lana and I am eager to complete it, finish the tale and see what the game developers prepared. For those of you already subscribing to Xbox Game Pass, I encourage you to download the game and start playing it.

The scale is very immense in this part of the game!

Go for Planet of Lana on Xbox platforms, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass now! Click https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/planet-of-lana/9mxk2rsqjqnd

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition now available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass (XGP)

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition now available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass (XGP)

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Xbox fans who love Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) have a new addition to enjoy from Bandai Namco – Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition! The sequel to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is now available for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscribers can start downloading the game to their delight!

To begin with, watch the official Xbox video below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement by Bandai Namco. Some parts in boldface…

Join the young king Evan on a grand adventure that blurs the line of animated feature film and video game in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition, launching on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass today.

As a king, Evan bears the responsibility of great power. He’ll personally set forth and do battle to unite and save his people in this action RPG. However, the king’s duty does not end there. As part of the main game, Evan must also develop his empire in a city simulator-like Kingdom Management mode, and lead his army in a real-time-strategy like Skirmish mode.

A battle with a huge monster.

These two modes will become important parts of Evan’s journey as he works to demonstrate his leadership on and off the battlefield, so read on for a dive into how they work and a couple of tips to get you started.

Kingdom Management Mode – After a certain point in the story, Evan will be able to sit upon his throne to initiate Kingdom Management mode. Starting from a small humble town, you will help Evan lead his people by choosing which buildings to construct and assigning citizens to work on their respective sections.

Each building will provide significant conveniences or bonuses to your kingdom. Some buildings constructed in Kingdom Management mode are the sole source of some rare items.

Citizens will drive upgrades and research in Evan’s kingdom. Each citizen has their own specialty and bonus that will make them more suited for one job or the other. It’ll be Evan’s job as king to make this assessment and decision.

Skirmish Mode – To build and expand his kingdom, Evan must demonstrate his tactical prowess by leading his army against other enemy armies in a real-time-strategy-like mode called Skirmish mode. In this mode, Evan will command up to 4 units of soldiers. Each soldier type is easily distinguished by the color of their uniform.

A scene from the Skirmish Mode of the game.

For the newcomers reading this, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom was originally released in 2018 only on PlayStation 4 and Windows PC. Like its predecessor, the game was positively received by both video game critics and gamers. Loaded with additional content in the form of DLCs, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition’s release on Xbox consoles significant as it adds more weight on the Xbox ecosystem becoming the haven for fantasy RPGs and other types of role-playing games. Japanese RPGs on Xbox this year are looking exciting as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and the remastered Suikoden and Suikoden II will be released in due time. I should state that recently Persona RPGs were released already on Xbox and XGP.

Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition on Xbox adds variety to the gamers who like JRPGs as it has notable game features that make it stand out from its predecessor. Also, the battles moved faster and looked flashier.

Go for Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition on Xbox platforms and Xbox Game Pass now!

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Sea of Stars RPG coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on August 29, 2023

Sea of Stars RPG coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on August 29, 2023

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Xbox fans who love role-playing games (RPGs) should be delighted to know that the new multiplatform fantasy RPG Sea of Stars will be officially released for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One consoles on August 29, 2023, according to an official announcement by Sabotage Studio (The Messenger).

To begin with, watch the official Sea of Stars Xbox video below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement by the developer…

Talk about an announcement that was long overdue!

Since the very beginning, we were secretly hoping to be able to cover all current and previous generation consoles. With production being a world of curve balls, we had to leave the messaging at “PC and Consoles” to avoid having to walk some things back. With the big unknowns now in the rear view, we are delighted to finally confirm the addition of Xbox to the party!

For the newcomers reading this, Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer. The game also has some music from veteran composer Yasunori Mitsuda whose credits include Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. In terms of setting, Sea of Stars is a prequel to Sabotage Studios’ previous game The Messenger.

A battle with a huge monster. This game has really nice pixel art and animation, complete with oversized creatures.
A battle with monsters while exploring the world.
We will find out soon how good the quality the writing for the game will be.

This announcement of Sea of Stars is making 2023 a more exciting year of RPGs for Xbox gamers as Starfield will be released this coming September as an Xbox-exclusive, while new JRPG Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and the remastered editions of Suikoden I and II will be released sometime this year. Recently, the remastered Tales of Symphonia was released on Xbox while Square Enix had an online sale for Xbox gamers.

The Xbox ecosystem is becoming more significant for gamers who love RPGs whether they are brand new or old RPGs that got remastered to take advantage of the modern game consoles. The more the Xbox ecosystem becomes important, it could convince Square Enix to someday remaster their classic JRPG Xenogears on Xbox and Windows PC. The same could be said about Capcom and its Breath of Fire RPG series.

Sea of Stars on Xbox is a blessing!

Watch out for Sea of Stars on Xbox on August 29, 2023.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Xbox-Bethesda Developer_Direct Livestream set for January 25, 2023, Starfield to have standalone showcase soon

Xbox-Bethesda Developer_Direct Livestream set for January 25, 2023, Starfield to have standalone showcase soon

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For all the gamers and the loyal fans of Xbox and Bethesda reading this, you better get ready for lots of new stuff and announcements regarding upcoming games as the Developer_Direct livestream will take place on January 25, 2023 (at 12pm PT/3pm ET), Team Xbox announced recently. For those who are anticipating Starfield’s release this year, be aware that a standalone showcase of that Xbox-exclusive science fiction role-playing game (sci-fi RPG) from Bethesda will be held soon. Posted below is the precise Xbox YouTube spot for the Developer_Direct livestream.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Xbox and Bethesda will present a Developer_Direct on Wednesday, January 25, providing fans with an inside look at some of the games coming to Xbox, PC and Game Pass over the next few months.  

Presented by the game creators themselves from studios including Arkane Austin, Mojang Studios, Turn 10 Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, the Developer_Direct will focus on big features, extended gameplay showcases, and the latest info for Xbox games launching in the next few months, including The Elder Scrolls Online, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Redfall.  

To dedicate the proper amount of time for a deep dive into Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield, a standalone show is in the works. 

Fans should tune in on Xbox channels (Twitch, YouTube) and Bethesda channels (Twitch, YouTube) at 12pm PT/3pm ET, January 25 to see all the latest on:  

The Elder Scrolls Online: Studio Director Matt Firor will unveil 2023’s major Chapter update, including the latest regions of Tamriel to become playable in ESO, as well as a major new feature coming in the game’s biggest update this year. The Developer_Direct will be immediately followed by the full, standalone ESO Chapter Reveal Event, hosted by Zenimax Online Studios, which will provide all the in-depth details ESO players will be keen to know. 

Forza Motorsport: The team at Turn 10 Studios have been hard at work, bringing fans the next generation of Forza Motorsport, built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox Series X|S. Forza Motorsport is back, and we can’t wait to share more gameplay and exciting new details. 

Minecraft Legends: Mojang Studios will showcase an insider’s look into the PvP multiplayer experience in Minecraft Legends – the upcoming action-strategy game from the makers of Minecraft. Developed in partnership with Blackbird Interactive and launching this spring, don’t miss exclusive gameplay footage at the Developer_Direct. 

Redfall: The minds behind Dishonored and Prey, Arkane Austin, will showcase several minutes of gameplay from their upcoming FPS. The Developer_Direct will reveal single and multiplayer gameplay, showing more of how you and your friends will take down bloodthirsty Vampires on the picturesque island of Redfall, Massachusetts. Fans can expect to learn more about combat, customization, bosses, the open world, and more. 

If there is anything for me to say about the upcoming Developer_Direct, it is not only Team Xbox’s way of responding to the gamers’ constant inquiries or demands for new updates about new games this year, it is also their way of bouncing back to the criticism about their absence from The Games Awards 2022.

More notably, it seems to me that the Developer_Direct online event is Team Xbox’s new way of updating the loyal fans and the fun-seeking gamers about what to expect on the Xbox platform, when will the new games this year will come out, what features to look forward to, what can Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscribers look forward to and the like. It is also their way of letting executives or representatives from Xbox game studios reach out to the gamers and establish a clear narrative so that confusion and uncontrolled expectations can be minimized just as Team Xbox’s marketing teams will ramp up the pre-release hype of the new games.

To be clear, it is simply too limiting for both Team Xbox and gamers to wait for the annual E3-related conference to happen just so that updates will be made. As such, I am anticipating that there will be more editions of this Developer_Direct online event to follow.

More on the Developer_Direct event of January 25, 2023, I am hoping that the respective release dates for Forza Motorsport (2023) and Redfall will be announced. 2022 saw the lack of big-time Xbox-exclusive games and the delays of Starfield and Redfall were strongly felt. For 2023, this is a big make-or-break year for Team Xbox. This is also the year for them to become more competitive than PlayStation and Nintendo in terms of publicity and setting the narrative. Apart from release dates, I am eager to find out what gameplay features of the announced games for the January 25 event will be revealed.

For those who are paying too much attention to Starfield not being part of the January 25 showcase, please keep in mind that such a high-profile game like that needs to have its very own event (perhaps Developer_Direct session #2) as it has tons of visuals, concepts, features and details that need to be emphasized by Bethesda. As it is an Xbox-exclusive game, there are lots of PlayStation fanboys who hate Xbox out there and they still cannot accept the fact that Starfield will never be released on the PlayStation platform and Microsoft-owned Bethesda is not obligated to release it on competing platforms. As such, anti-Xbox buzz connected with Starfield is being generated by those troublesome people right now and they are spreading lies and falsehoods about the Developer_Direct event. The successful integration of Bethesda into Team Xbox remains very painful for those people because they know that future sequels of The Elder Scrolls, Fallout and other Bethesda game franchises will not be released on their favorite platforms. They can get louder and more troublesome but you should not let them fool you.

Watch out for the Developer_Direct event on January 25, 2023.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Tales of Symphonia Remastered all set for Xbox release on February 17, 2023

Tales of Symphonia Remastered all set for Xbox release on February 17, 2023

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It took almost twenty years but Bandai Namco is finally releasing a version of their hit Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Tales of Symphonia on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on February 17, 2023, and it will come with a lot of stuff apart from the from the enhancements. Already pre-orders are being accepted.

In relation to this really good news, watch first the official Xbox trailer of Tales of Symphonia Remastered posted below…

For added insight, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement from Bandai Namco. Some parts in boldface…

Lloyd Irving and his friends journey is getting closer, confirmed for release on February 17th. Bringing veteran fans and newcomers in the worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe’alla, the game offers visual enhancements, gameplay improvements, and new features.

A flashy sequence during a battle.

Alone or with up to four players during battles, players will be able to experience or re-experience the deep and fascinating story in one of the most beloved “Tales of” titles.

Players will have the choice between two editions:

The Standard Edition, only available digitally

The Chosen Edition, containing a metal case, art prints and stickers, with pre-orders already available here

These are the characters in the game. Tales of Symphonia Remastered will come with anime cut scenes for the narrative.

For the newcomers reading this, Tales of Symphonia was originally released on the Nintendo Gamecube way back in 2003 followed by the PlayStation 2 in 2004, PlayStation 3 in 2014 and Windows PC in 2016. The game gathered lots of positive reviews from game critics and it sold more than 2,000,000 copies worldwide.

Tales of Symphonia Remastered coming to Xbox in early 2023 adds weight to the Xbox ecosystem becoming the best destination for gamers who love fantasy RPGs and other types of role-playing games. Already Xbox Game Pass has the remastered Ni no Kuni as well as Persona 5: Royal. There definitely is a growing demand for JRPGs in the Xbox ecosystem and it only makes sense for game publishers in Japan to release their JRPGs – be it new or old – on Xbox platforms. I myself never played Tales of Symphonia before and the news of its Xbox-bound release is really good. Now if only Square Enix would remaster Xenogears for an Xbox release. Capcom could do the same with their Breath of Fire RPGs.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Have you subscribed to Xbox Game Pass (XGP) yet? I encourage you to do it!

Have you subscribed to Xbox Game Pass (XGP) yet? I encourage you to do it!

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There is no doubt that Xbox Game Pass (XGP), a subscription service that allows customers access to lots of games for their enjoyment in return for paying a flat monthly fee, is here to stay. I myself have been subscribing to XGP since I started playing my Xbox Series X console and I can confirm to you readers that I’ve been playing a whole lot of games while saving myself a lot of money.

Along the way, I am constantly having a whole lot of fun as an XGP subscriber and I am look forward to playing highly anticipated new games like Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Starfield (Xbox-exclusive) and Forza Motorsport (2023) (Xbox-exclusive) through the service in 2023! And then there are many, many other games from other game publishers – including the small and independent game makers – who signed up with Team Xbox to add their games for XGP subscribers to enjoy!

This week alone, several games will debut on Xbox Game Pass which should interest gamers who love adventure, first-person shooters, narrative gaming, mysteries, puzzles, tactical gaming, golf, ice hockey and more! Check out the new XGP additions in the Xbox.com article and also be reminded that enjoyable games such as As Dusk Falls, Deathloop and  Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered are now available in the service.

Watch out for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes on XGP in 2023.
Starfield alone should attract a lot more people to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass.
Have you played this acclaimed JRPG yet? It’s now available on XGP!
As Dusk Falls is a great narrative-driven game to play on Xbox Game Pass.

As I mentioned earlier, Xbox Game Pass is here to stay and its credibility as a stable and growing form of business cannot be dismissed. To understand the business aspect of XGP, there is this in-depth article published by Windows Central. Posted below is an excerpt from the article with some parts in boldface…

Flying in the face of traditional gaming revenue models, with Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft is offering thousands upon thousands of dollars’ worth of content for $10 dollars a month. It’s potentially even cheaper if you factor in the upcoming Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family accounts as well. 

In any case, Xbox Game Pass isn’t going anywhere. I’ve seen analysts and pundits rally around the idea that the service must be burning through cash hand over fist in order to offer the value it does, and that may still be true. But as noticed by Tweaktown, we now have a glimpse at roughly how much revenue Xbox Game Pass is actually generating. 

Microsoft is currently trying to get its massive Xbox Activision Blizzard merger through regulatory bodies around the globe. In order to make its legal arguments, certain data points Microsoft typically doesn’t share with its shareholders publicly is making its way into the public domain, as a result of these discussions. It turns out that Xbox Game Pass is making a fair bit of dosh. 

According to Brazil’s regulatory body CADE, Xbox Game Pass’ revenue from subscriptions stands at $2.9 billion dollars in the fiscal period ending January 2021. Tweaktown noted that it accounts for 18% of Microsoft’s revenue from gaming for that fiscal year, which would have put Xbox Game Pass subscribers at around the 18-19 million mark. The last official figure we got on Xbox Game Pass subscribers came last January, where Redmond revealed it had hit 25 million users. 

It should be noted, however, that this figure only includes users on the console versions of Xbox Game Pass, with PC Game Pass figures omitted. It’s also hard to know the exact breakdown of this revenue figure. Does it include purchases of games in the post-Game Pass discount period? Does it include microtransactional sales and in-game content sales for titles that are in Xbox Game Pass? Or is it representative purely of the subscriber figures across Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which are $10 and $15 apiece? 

No matter how loud and emotional the Xbox-hating gamers out there get, it cannot be denied that Xbox Game Pass is a tremendous value-for-money subscription service for those who own Xbox consoles, Windows PC and – by extension – mobile devices. Already, several games from Xbox-controlled Bethesda have been added into XGP (and sibling PC Game Pass) which is the positive result of the publisher’s integration into Microsoft’s gaming division. For these factors alone, it is sensible and right to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass now.

XGP will become even greater once Microsoft’s seismic acquisition of Activision Blizzard finally closes! Recently the regulators of Brazil approved the deal without restrictions and that alone should make the arrogant PlayStation executives at Sony desperate and worried. The Brazilian regulators declared that Sony can compete without Call of Duty (COD) games from Activision.

Even though they have great 1st party game studios that produced several exclusive blockbusters, Team PlayStation under Jim Ryan is very worried about the acquisition because their business benefited so much by depending on Activision’s Call of Duty games (note: remember the last time you played a new Killzone game from Sony?). Ryan and the PlayStation executives know their current contracts with Activision will eventually expire and certainly there will be no more extensions under Microsoft-controlled Activision Blizzard. It is also clear to me that Team PlayStation is very afraid of the idea that Call of Duty games and other Activision Blizzard games will come to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. Simply put, Team PlayStation is way, way behind competing with XGP on the subscription service model of business.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco