Xbox just wrapped up it's second ever Partner Showcase (the first was back in October), and they announced a number of interesting games, while also giving us details on existing projects. Like last time, some of the games have more detailed articles on Xbox Wire, so we'll link to them in each game's section. The order of games differs slightly from the one in the presentation itself. With all that said, let's get into it!
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
An interesting blend of an action game with elements of tower defence, Kunitsu-Gami sees players on a quest to retrieve 12 masks from evil spirits known as The Seethe. As you try to retrieve the masks, you -along with a Maiden with divine powers- will also have to cleanse a number of villages of the influence of the Seethe, which will give you more villagers to help when it comes to protecting their homes.
The game features a day/night cycle. During the day, you'll explore the villages, cleanse the locals, and assign them roles and position them throughout the villages. During the night, you'll have to fight the Seethe with the help of the dezidents, while also protecting the Maiden, who is the only one who can get rid of the Seethe for good.
The game, published by Capcom, will release later this year as a Day 1 title.
Unknown 9: Awakening
Announced all the way back at Gamescom 2020 with a small teaser, this showing for Unkown 9: Awakening actually gives us a glimpse into what the game is like. We're looking at a 3-person action game where you use your psychic powers on a globe-trotting adventure. The trailer shows you using a force-field to stop bullets, but the most interesting element is being able to seemingly yank people's souls out of their body, then possess and control them, which should come in handy in combat.
In terms of story, Awakening is part of the larger Unknown 9 universe, which seems to be dealing in paranormal stuff. This universe already has a 9-episode podcast, a comic series, and a couple of novels by author Layton Green. You can check the official site if you want to get immersed in the world before the game launches this summer.
Creatures of Ava
A creature collecting saving game set on an alien planet where an infection threatens the native fauna. The goal of the game is to save the creatures of Ava from the aforementioned infection, which you will do using a flute and a staff, and you'll also be able to use the creatures to solve various puzzles. The game is entirely non-violent (on your end, the creatures will still attack you), and the ultimate goal is to save the inhabitants of Ava because that's the right thing to do.
The Sinking City 2
The Sinking City is a detective game that takes place in a lovecraftian setting. The sequel it's pretty much the same thing, though with the emphasis placed more on the horror and combat rather than the detective work. The Sinking City 2 takes place in the town of Arkham (not the Batman one), and sees you fill in the shoes of a yet-unknown protagonist, allowing Charles Reed, the main character in the previous game, to take a break.
The game will have a smaller, more condensed map than the first, which should allow for a tighter overall design for the game. As mentioned, the detective work will take a back seat to the horror and combat, but it will still be present as an optional element, letting you find out weaknesses about your enemies or discover hidden paths that you can follow in the story.
Persona 3 Reload DLC
The Persona 3 Reload DLC has been announced, and has the following structure:
- Select tracks from Persona 4 and 5 that you can listen to when exploring and battling in dungeons - March 12.
- Costumes and tracks themed after the Velvet Room - May.
- Episode Aigis -The Answer-, the final chapter of Persona 3 Reload - September.
The Season Pass will be available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers day 1.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy
A surprise port of the first 3 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games that is available on Xbox today. You can buy the whole trilogy - which includes Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat - for 39.99, or buy each game individually for 19.99. This is a great way to get caught up on the series before S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the 4th game in the series, launches later this year.
Sleight of Hand
A 3rd person stealth game with elements of espionage and a hard-boiled noir aesthetic. The trailer shows a cartoony art-style for the game, somewhat reminiscent of Tim Burton's work, along with the use of playing cards as a way to interact with your enemies. It's unclear how the cards will play into it, but it's likely the abilities you'll have access to are randomized.
The Alters
A very interesting blend of adventure, survival, and base-building, with social elements on top. You play as Jan Dolski, a lone man trapped on an alien planet, on a mobile base meant to be operated by a lot of people. The solution? Make quantum copies of yourself to operate the base! Those aren't exactly clones, but rather versions of yourself that took a different path in life, and that you pulled in your current timeline. Those "copies" have their own motivations and hopes, which might cause some friction within the group.
Monster Jam Showdown
A monster truck racing game in various hostile environments. Game looks to be more arcade-y rather than a simulation game.
The First Berserker: Khazan
We got a trailer for The First Berserker: Khazan, first announced during the Game Awards. We get to see more of the souls-like combat, as well as a better look at some of the enemies.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau
Also announced during the Game Awards, this trailer gives us a better glimpse at the environment and some of the characters in the game, as well as one of the abilities you'll get later down the line. The game has a demo on Steam if you want to give it a shot.
Frostpunk 2
Frostpunk 2 gets a release date of July 25th.
Final Fantasy XIV
FFXIV is coming to Xbox on March 21st, with an open beta currently going on. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can claim the Starter Edition - which includes the base game and the first two expansions, Heavenswaed and Stormblood - from March 21st to April 19th.
Chucky is Coming to Roblox
Lastly, Chucky has been announced to be coming to GRIEFVILLE, a game within Roblox.
What did you think of the Partner Showcase? Which game are you excited for the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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