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)

Crime Boss: Rockay City

505 Games

☆☆☆☆☆
217

★★★★★

$39.99

$19.99

Get it now

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. 

Cities: Skylines – Remastered

Paradox Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆
256

★★★★★

$39.99

$9.99

Get it now

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.

From Space

Curve Games

☆☆☆☆☆
208

★★★★★

$14.99

$11.99

Get it now

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

Get it now

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.

Source: Xbox Blog
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Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns is available now on Xbox.

Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns sees the smash hit roguelike join forces with KONAMI’s iconic Contra series, adds tons of guns and other weapons (we’re talking 22, including evolutions!), 11 new characters, a huge map, and a soundtrack that combines classic Contra tracks with Vampire Survivors covers.

©Konami Digital Entertainment

SUBSCRIBE TO XBOX: https://xbx.lv/2EEjmaR

FOLLOW XBOX
Tweets by Xbox
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https://www.tiktok.com/@xbox

Source: XBOX YouTube
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Will you be the last PAC standing? PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is available NOW on Xbox Series XIS & Xbox One!

https://www.xbox.com/games/store/pac-man-mega-tunnel-battle-chomp-champs/9P62D661TVGW

#PACMAN #PACMANMegaTunnelBattle #PACMANChompChamps
PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
PAC-MAN™& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Game not available in all countries.

Gameplay captured on PC.

SUBSCRIBE TO XBOX: https://xbx.lv/2EEjmaR

FOLLOW XBOX
Tweets by Xbox
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https://www.instagram.com/xbox/
https://www.tiktok.com/@xbox

Source: XBOX YouTube
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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.

Source: Xbox Blog
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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.

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!

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.

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.

Athenian Rhapsody

Top Hat Studios, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

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.

Source: Xbox Blog
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Introducing the Xbox Wireless Controller – Fire Vapor Special Edition, the latest and boldest addition to our Vapor Series alongside Stormcloud Vapor, Dream Vapor, and Nocturnal Vapor. Inspired by flames, every red and orange color swirl is an expression of blazing fire with a mesmerizing design that’s unique to each controller. Feel the power of fire in your hands and hold on to the heat with rubberized, red diamond-pattern grips on the back case. With vibrant flashes of color, the Fire Vapor controller is guaranteed to add some heat to your gaming setup. Get your today exclusively at the Microsoft Store.

Experience peak performance and style with the Fire Vapor controller. With textured side and back grips, it ensures a firm hold during intense gameplay. Seamlessly connect to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android devices via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details) and enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors). Utilize the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your favorite compatible headset, perfect for listening to your game or chatting with friends. Share your gaming moments effortlessly with the dedicated share button, and customize your experience with the Xbox Accessories app, giving you endless potential to elevate your play.

Elevate your Xbox experience with Fire Vapor’s exclusive dynamic background! Simply connect your new controller to your Xbox Series X|S console to unlock a vibrant display of red and orange swirls, instantly adding a fresh, exciting theme to your gaming setup. To access this feature, select the Settings button on your console dashboard. Under the General tab, hit the Personalization button and find the “My Background” button. Once there, you’ll be able to see Dynamic Backgrounds and can choose between this or other dynamic looks to customize your Xbox experience even further.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Fire Vapor Special Edition is available today in select Xbox markets worldwide and sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store at $69.99 USD ERP. Visit Xbox.com or Microsoft.com for more information.

The post Feel the Burn Today with the Fire Vapor Special Edition Controller appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Source: Xbox Blog
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• Category: Games

Broken Roads: The NPCs We Love to Hate

Summary

• Broken Roads was released on April 10.
• This party-based RPG takes place in a post-apocalyptic Australian setting.
• Come and meet the most controversial characters in the game.

Broken Roads is the recent party-based RPG released by Australian studio Drop Bear Bytes. In this game, players meet all sorts of characters along their journey, and not all of them are a pleasure to be around. There are distant parents, egotistical buffoons, narcissistic mercenaries, and unfeeling killers out on the roads. Most of them wouldn’t look at you twice, but some would be more than happy to put you in the dirt.

As the game’s narrative designer, I have worked with the team to pick just a few of the NPCs we love to hate, and give you a taste of some of the characters you’ll meet in our post-apocalyptic world.

Louise Evans

As a meat and produce merchant for the farming town of Aldersyde, Louise Evans has never been shy about saying what she thinks in the most uncharming, inflammatory way possible. Louise has always considered everyone to be beneath her, especially her son, Charlie, and his run-away father. She only ordered the Alderman of Aldersyde to take over the town’s leadership because she got sick of the farmers and their endless whinging.

Louise never wanted to stay in Aldersyde, and if you ask her, it was all Charlie’s fault that she was even in this dung-smelling town to begin with. To Louise, Charlie is spineless, useless, and a waste of space.

Louise is a (not so) shining figure of motherhood and kindness in the world of Broken Roads. And, depending on your choices, you may get to discuss the moralities of parenthood and what it means to be a ‘good parent’.

Malcolm Hogan

Malcolm Hogan, of the Hogan House in Merredin, is a boastful man who has only gotten so far in life thanks to nepotism. If he was outside the walls of Merredin, someone would’ve shut his gob with a bullet a long time ago.

Malcolm is always scheming and on the lookout for a lackey he can use to strengthen his election campaign against Governor Angela Smith. He’s a man who relies on confidence and “charm” to cover up his stupidity and inability to really do anything right, besides getting on everyone’s bad side.

You’ll have multiple chances to morally agree or question Malcolm’s schemes and who he may or may not be benefitting with his choices that could change the entirety of Merredin. Vote for Hogan!

Ian Mason

The leader of the aptly named ‘Mason Gang’, Ian is the sleaziest of them all and would win first place five years in a row for the “most punchable face” award. A mercenary for hire, Ian is a narcissist who thinks everyone who doesn’t kiss his feet is jealous of him and wants him dead.

In reality, ‘Deadeye Mason’ as he’s called by everyone else (and not for his marksmanship), is the butt of everyone’s jokes and is only alive because no one reckons he’s worth the bullet. Alive or dead, Ian Mason is a waste of space, through and through.

You can use your Moral Leaning on the Moral Compass to intimidate him and discuss the meaning of contracts and obligations with him, though it may be more of a one-sided conversation.

James Wakefield

James Wakefield is a bad omen. Under all his bravado is a cruel man who kills without mercy, and it’s done in the name of his home city, Brookton.

The problem is, his unwavering loyalty to his people is the whole reason Brookton went up in smoke. If anything, the Brookton townsfolk should be grateful they got James knocking at their door: at least he killed them quickly.

Depending on how hellbent you are on finding him, you may just get the chance to put up your fists and settle the score

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These are just a few of the colorful characters you’ll need to keep an eye out for during your time with Broken Roads. We can’t wait to see who else gets on our player’s nerves, and hope you enjoyed this look into the types of people that make up our narrative.

Broken Roads

Versus Evil, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆
19

★★★★★

$39.99

Get it now

Born of a love for traditional computer role-playing, Broken Roads provides a rich, engaging narrative in which players make their way across a desolated future Australia. Blending together traditional and all-new role-playing elements on top of a classless system offering nearly unlimited character development options, Broken Roads presents players with an original morality system: the Moral Compass. This novel design sees dialogue options and questing decisions influence, and be influenced by, a character’s philosophical leaning.

Features

• All-new post-apocalyptic setting
• Unique morality system influencing dialogue, quests and character development
• Authentic Australian locations and environments
• Blend of traditional and original RPG mechanics
• Up to 5 party members
• Turn-based tactical combat
• Hand-drawn artwork
• A content-rich and densely-crafted world

The post Broken Roads: The NPCs We Love to Hate appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Source: Xbox Blog
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