In celebration of the Year of the Snake, a wave of festivities arrives to GTA Online this week, including three brand-new Lunar New Year Stunt Races inviting players to compete under firework and paper lantern-filled skies, new Yuanbao Collectibles hidden around Los Santos awarding bonuses, and an array of themed gifts to be claimed just for playing until February 12, as outlined below:

• Double GTA$ and RP on three brand-new Year of the Snake Stunt Races
• New Yuanbao Collectibles, awarding GTA$ and RP, with a special bonus (Gold Snake Santo Capra Outfit) for collecting all 36 before February 12
• A limited-time Lunar New Year livery for the Maibatsu Penumbra FF for participating in one of the new Stunt Races through February 12
• Lunar New Year Gifts: The Black Snake Yogarishima Outfit, Red Serpent Leather Jacket, Snake Soul Pendant, Snake King Pendant, Red Snake Soul Cap and Gray Snake King Cap for logging in to through February 12
• Double GTA$ on Nightclub Daily Income
• Double GTA$, RP, and Goods on Nightclub Goods Missions
• Weekly Challenge: Winning any two Stunt Races this week will reward drivers with an extra GTA$100,000 reward
• Premium Deluxe Motorsport Vehicles: The Western Daemon (Motorcycle), Hijak Ruston (Sports, 30% off), Dundreary Landstalker XL (SUV), Dewbauchee Rapid GT (Sports), and Canis Bodhi (Off-Road)
• Luxury Autos Vehicles: The Invetero Coquette D1 (Sports Classic) and Grotti Turismo Omaggio (Super)
• HSW Premium Test Ride: The Grotti Turismo Classic (Sports Classic)
• LS Car Meet Prize Ride: Win the LS Car Meet Series for three days in a row to get the Übermacht Rebla GTS (SUV)
• LS Car Meet Test Rides: The Lampadati Pigalle (Sports Classic, 30% off), Benefactor Feltzer (Sports), and Declasse Vamos (Muscle, 30% off)
• Lucky Wheel Top Prize: The Grotti Stinger GT (Sports Classic)
• Gun Van Discounts: 30% off the Tactical SMG, 50% off the Heavy Rifle (for GTA+ Members), and 10% off the El Strickler and free for GTA+ Members (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only)
• 30% off Nightclub Properties and their Upgrades and Modifications
• Vehicle Discounts: 40% off the Buckingham Volatus (Helicopter), plus 30% off the Annis 300R (Sports), Maibatsu Penumbra FF (Sports), Invetero Coquette D10 (Sports), Albany V-STR (Sports), Lampadati Pigalle (Sports Classic), Declasse Vamos (Muscle), and Hijak Ruston (Sports)
• GTA+ Benefits: A free Vapid Dominator GT (Muscle), along with new Chameleon Paints, 2X Rewards on Priority FIB Files, and more

Please see the Rockstar Games Newswire for more information.

Today Xbox aired Developer_Direct 2025, where game creators from id Software, Compulsion Games, Sandfall Interactive, and Team NINJA & PlatinumGames – in partnership with Xbox Game Studios Publishing – showcased brand-new gameplay and updates on four upcoming game launches (plus one surprise remaster).  

We visited the studios behind DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the never-before-seen NINJA GAIDEN 4 to get an inside look at new gameplay footage, as well as key information from each game, direct from the developers working on them. Plus, to celebrate the return of NINJA GAIDEN, we also announced that a remastered version of the beloved Xbox classic, NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black will be available for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass starting today. 

For full reap of everything we announced today, you can visit Xbox Wire plus individual Xbox Wire features on each title are included below. 

Xbox Play Anywhere & Game Pass: All games in our show are available day one with Game Pass, and support Xbox Play Anywhere– meaning you buy once, through the store on Xbox or Windows, and you can play on Xbox consoles and Xbox app on PC with cross-saves and cross-progression. 

Here’s everything we announced: 

• NINJA GAIDEN 4: Team NINJA, kicked off the show with the return of a beloved franchise and the reveal of NINJA GAIDEN 4. After more than a decade, the masters of action at Team NINJA and PlatinumGames have partnered with Xbox Game Studios Publishing to bring us an exciting new chapter in the NINJA GAIDEN series. NINJA GAIDEN 4 launches this fall on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, and play it day one with Game Pass. For more information, check out our Xbox Wire article. 
• Surprise Drop – NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black: Team NINJA wasn’t done, with a surprise drop of NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, the highly-acclaimed and legendary game from 2008 graphically remastered. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is available today on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, and play it day one with Game Pass. 
• DOOM: The Dark Ages: the team at id Software shared a deep dive into DOOM: The Dark Ages and revealed that the cinematic, epic first-person shooter will launch on May 15, 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and play it day one with Game Pass. Find out more about the game, with extra information from the developers in our exclusive Xbox Wire article. 
• South of Midnight: Compulsion Games took us behind the scenes at their studio in Montreal, Canada to learn more about South of Midnight, their new third-person action-adventure game which releases on April 8, 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, cloud, and play it on day one with Game Pass. 
• Compulsion Games also released their brand-new story trailer, which expands on the narrative of South of Midnight, while including all-new gameplay, characters, and mythical creatures from the game. For more information, check out our Xbox Wire article. 
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Sandfall Interactive took us to Montpellier, France, as they develop their first game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This turn-based RPG is set in a fantasy version of late 19th Century France, and will be available on April 24, 2025. For more information, check out our Xbox Wire article. 

Today’s show (full recap available on Xbox Wire here) included just a selection of the games coming to Xbox this year. Next up is Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’supcoming fantasy RPG, which launches on February 18, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and day one with Game Pass.  

Learn More About the Claws Of Awaji Expansion, Set to Release Later in 2025 and Available For Free To Everyone Who Pre-Orders The Game

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 24, 2025 – Today, Ubisoft announced that pre-orders are now available for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the upcoming installment in the Assassin’s Creed^® franchise set in Feudal Japan. The game will be released worldwide on March 20 and will be accessible on Ubisoft+*, PlayStation^®5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna**, Macs with Apple silicon via the Mac App Store*** as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Led by Ubisoft Québec****, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will immerse players in 16^th century Japan as they experience the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi Assassin from the Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful samurai of historical legend. Players will explore their personal journeys, encounter pivotal historical figures, and shape the duo’s shared destiny as Japan treads a brutal path toward unification.The newly revealed Story trailer offers a glimpse into this gripping narrative, showcasing a land in turmoil, fractured by war and threatened by foreign influences. Amid this chaos, Daimyo Oda Nobunaga’s relentless ambition will shape the fate of both heroes as they forge a path for a new Creed to emerge in Japan.

The Standard Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available for AUD$109.99 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and AUD$99.95 on PC and Macs via the Mac App Store. The Digital Deluxe Edition is available for AUD$149.95 on PlayStation®5, Xbox, Series X|S, and AUD$129.95 on PC and Macs via the Mac App Store. The Collector’s Edition is available for AUD$329.95 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC and Macs via the Mac App Store.

The Digital Deluxe and Collector’s Editions of the game, both offering exclusive content, are also available for pre-order:

• The Digital Deluxe Edition will include the base game, the “Sekiryu Dual Pack” which contains gear, and weapons for both Naoe and Yasuke, the “Sekiryu Hideout Pack” containing hideout cosmetics, and “Mastery Points”.
• The Collector’s Edition will include the base game, the “Sekiryu Dual Pack”, the “Sekiryu Hideout Pack”, “Mastery Points”, and physical content. The physical content will be a Steelbook, the World map, Naoe & Yasuke figurine, Naoe’s life-sized Katana Tsuba, a Wall Creed Scroll, a 76-paged collector’s artbook and 2 sumi-e lithographs.

Players who pre-order any edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will gain free access to the ‘Claws of Awaji’ expansion, launching later in 2025. This expansion will introduce a brand-new open-world region with over 10 hours of additional content plus new skills, gear, abilities, and a new weapon for Naoe, the Bō. In this new adventure, players will journey to the mysterious island of Awaji, where Naoe and Yasuke will be relentlessly chased by the Sanzoku Ippa, a dangerous new faction threatening the region. Avoiding the traps and ambushes set by these deadly new foes, players will feel the tension of being hunted. For more information about Claws of Awaji, please visit https://www.ubisoft.com/en-au/game/assassins-creed/shadows/expansion

Additionally, players who pre-order will gain access to the exclusive “Thrown to the Dogs” bonus quest, available at launch.

Lastly, Ubisoft revealed the full list of recommended PC specifications for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more information, please see https://www.ubisoft.com/en-au/game/assassins-creed/news

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit: assassinscreed.com.  

*Ubisoft+ Premium is available for AU$23.95 per month. Cancel anytime.  More information at plus.ubisoft.com .

**Ubisoft+ on Luna requires account linking and a Multi-Access plan. Territorial restrictions apply. 

***Standard-Edition

****Along with the following co-devs studios: Ubisoft Barcelona, Ubisoft Belgrade, Ubisoft Bordeaux, Ubisoft Bucharest, Ubisoft Chengdu, Ubisoft Kyiv, Ubisoft Milan, Ubisoft Montpellier, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Odesa, Ubisoft Philippines, Ubisoft Pune, Ubisoft Shanghai, Ubisoft Singapore, Ubisoft Sofia, and Ubisoft Toronto with the support of Ubisoft Japan.

About Assassin’s Creed    

Since it first launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed series has sold more than 200 million games worldwide. The franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series in video game history. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into numerous other entertainment media.   

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed^®, Brawlhalla^®, For Honor^®, Far Cry^®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon^®, Just Dance^®, Rabbids^®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six^®, The Crew^® and Tom Clancy’s The Division^®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2023–24 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2.32 billion. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2025 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

Explore and Battle in a Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland with an AI Companion in this Visually Stunning Shooter from Bandai Namco, Available via Early Access Beginning Today

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada, the mecha-based PvPvE extraction shooter from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is available today for consoles and PC. In the game, players take on the role of Drifters, pilots of nimble mecha called CRADLECOFFINS exploring and battling through the ruins of Amasia, a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by poisonous rain. They must rely on their AI companions, called Magus, to help them wage combat in an environment plagued by twisted mutant creatures and other players with unpredictable loyalties to retrieve valuable resources for their own survival. SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with PC via Steam.

Get ready to take on the challenges of the ruins by watching the game’s launch trailer below:

Once hailed as the last great bastion of humanity, the great city of Amasia fell seemingly overnight, but no one seems to know why. See what unique challenges await in special missions in the Solo Mission Story Trailer here: <<URL>>

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada takes place in 2222, years after a mysterious poisonous rain called “The Tears of the New Moon” wiped out most of humanity and birthed deformed creatures that now hunt the remaining population. In this PvPvE extraction shooter, players will step in the shoes of Drifters, daring mech pilots who make a living collecting AO crystals, a rare resource. They pilot highly customizable CRADLECOFFINS mechs as their Magus AI partner helps them in battle, providing unique combat abilities, directions, hints, and warnings to help them safely navigate the ruins to survive and keep the rewards they collect.

In the game, learning to successfully fight the roaming challenges of Amasia is almost as important as knowing which player Drifter you can trust and who would gladly scrap any mech in their path to strip it of its valuable cargo. The delicate balance of risk and reward in SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada will separate the successful Drifters from the rest. They can rise through the ranks and complete missions to earn credits and resources. They can use scavenged items to upgrade the underground bunker that Drifters and their Magus companions call home. But players must be wary, every venture into the Ruins risks all the CRADLECOFFIN parts, weapons, and precious loot that gets brought.

For more information on SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, please visit http://www.bandainamcoent.eu/. Join the conversation on X at https://x.com/synduality.

About Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S. 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™ and UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC. 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™. 

For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu. 

Steam Deck Verified to Play on the Go – Enhanced Lighting and Textures, 4K 120 FPS, NVIDIA DLSS Support Along with Customizations Allow Players to Take Full Advantage of the PC Platform

SYDNEY (Jan. 24, 2025) – FINAL FANTASY™ VII REBIRTH, winner of over 40 Game of the Year awards globally*, is now available worldwide on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The award-winning RPG is also available now on the PlayStation®5 (PS5®) console, with enhanced support for the PlayStation®5 Pro. Watch the PC launch trailer below:

Heralded as “the best Final Fantasy of the century” by The Washington Post and recipient of over 110 perfect review scores*, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH comes to the PC platform with a variety of new features and customizations that deliver a new level of realism and immersion to the unknown journey including:

• Improved lighting across the entire game renders the adventure with even greater beauty and clarity.
• 4K resolution and 120 FPS are supported on top-spec PCs.
• Greater polygon and texture density can be achieved through optional settings. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH has never looked better.
• With DualSense® controller support, enjoy the same controls and immersive haptic feedback as on the PS5® console.
• NVIDIA DLSS allows for upscaled image quality and enhanced framerates.
• Variable refresh rate (VRR) enables smoother gameplay with compatible hardware.
• Full control rebinding, plus mouse and keyboard support. Freely customize controls between world exploration and combat or mini-games.
• FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is Steam Deck Verified for an optimized handheld experience.

In celebration of the launch SQUARE ENIX revealed a new artwork visual. The party stands ready to defy destiny together, evoking FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH and its theme of finding power and strength through our bonds of friendship.

The Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia will be offered to all players who purchase the PC version of the game. The following digital editions are available now at an Early Bird discount of up to 30% off** across all editions until February 5, 2025:

• Standard Edition
• Digital Deluxe Edition – Includes digital mini-soundtrack, digital artbook and digital DLC items including the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory and the Orchid Bracelet armor
  • Digital Deluxe Edition Upgrade – Can be purchased to upgrade previously purchased Standard Edition, adding Digital Deluxe Edition contents
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE & REBIRTH Twin Pack – Offering great value, the Twin Pack includes FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH and the full game download of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE.
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE & REBIRTH Digital Deluxe Twin Pack – Includes FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE full game download plus all FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Digital Deluxe Edition contents

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH for PS5® was named Game of the Year by USA Today, Complex and over 40 global media outlets and award programs. The beloved action-RPG was also nominated at The Game Awards 2024 for Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best RPG, Best Performance (Briana White as Aerith), Best Audio Design and Best Score and Music (WINNER).

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is a new, standalone adventure set across a vast and vibrant planet. The game sees Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII escape from the dystopian city of Midgar into the wide world beyond. To hunt down Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past bent on ruling the planet, these unlikely heroes join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the wisecracking, feline-shaped robot Cait Sith. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH delivers an unforgettable experience to players filled with unexpected twists, memorable characters and jaw-dropping set pieces that longtime fans and newcomers can both enjoy.

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH follows the previous installment, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (available as FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE on PC), which was released in 2020 to universal acclaim from players and critics around the globe. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is now available for PC on Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as the PS5® console, with enhanced support for PS5® Pro. For more information, visit: https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/rebirth/.

*For the PS5® version

**Discount to conclude on Feb. 5, 2025. Certain restrictions may apply.

About FINAL FANTASY VII

First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII celebrated its 25^th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game has sold over 14.4 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films and merchandise.

The first game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy project, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, released in 2020, has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 20 perfect scores from media, and was selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy and standalone story, is now available worldwide for PC and the PS5® console.

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY™, which has sold over 195 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 91 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

Today, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe released Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition, the critically acclaimed 2D fighting game developed by ARC SYSTEM WORKS.

Nintendo Switch players are now able to play the fast-paced and beautifully animated combat of the game Guilty Gear -Strive- . Developed for both newcomers and veterans alike, the game features an easy-to-pickup combat system that offers lots of depth to be really mastered. Rollback netcode is also implemented in this version, letting players have the best experience when playing online with opponents from all across the globe.

Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition comes to the Nintendo Switch with 28 characters, the largest roster in the franchise. The roster includes the base game roster, along with the characters that have been added in the first three season passes of the game.

The latest addition to the roster, Queen Dizzy will be available for free in February 2025. Other upcoming Guilty Gear -Strive- additional characters will be also developed for the Nintendo Switch Edition as paid DLC with details to be shared at a later date.

For more information on Guilty Gear -Strive- and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, please visit http://www.bandainamcoent.eu/. Join the conversation on X at https://x.com/BandaiNamcoEU.

About Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S. 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™ and UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC. 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™. 

For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu. 

Press Release © 2025 Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S.   

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

During today’s Xbox Developer_Direct, Bethesda Softworks and id Software announced that DOOM™: The Dark Ages will launch on May 15 for Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Developed by id Software and powered by the latest idTech engine, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal and tells an epic cinematic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.

As the super weapon of gods and kings, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, exploring never-before-seen realms, unlocking powerful weapons of mass destruction and conquering some of the largest demons ever seen in a DOOM game. 

DOOM: The Dark Ages is now available for pre-order worldwide. Those who purchase the Premium Edition or Collector’s Bundle will receive up to two-day early access, campaign DLC, Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack. The DOOM: The Dark Ages Collector’s Bundle includes:

• 12” DOOM Slayer Statue (PVC)
• Metal Red Key Card Replica
• SteelBook® Case
• Game Disc + All Premium Edition Content

To learn more about DOOM: The Dark Ages, check out the official website at https://doom.bethesda.net

For more information head over to the Bethesda News site

The legendary game has been graphically remastered and re-released across multiple platforms

Hertfordshire, 23^rd January 2025 – Today, during Xbox Developer_Direct, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Team NINJA surprised fans with the announcement of NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, now available. Originally released in 2008, this highly acclaimed game has been graphically remastered to deliver the most breathtaking and frenetic ninja action to date. Fans can discover Team NINJA’s heroic icon in a brand-new trailer. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is digitally available across multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, and Windows PC via Steam® and Microsoft Store, and with Game Pass on console, PC and cloud.

Jump into the frenetic action of NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black with the launch trailer on YouTube

In NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, players take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a deadly ninja who wields the legendary Dragon Sword while embarking on a global battle against a series of formidable foes. This bloody remaster uses Unreal Engine 5 to significantly refine the graphics, enhancing everything from character visuals to environmental backgrounds. The stages, characters, effects, and lighting have all been completely redesigned and remastered to fully immerse players in this sombre ninja world.

Violent, adrenaline-fuelled fights unfold, showcasing a variety of techniques and weapons such as Japanese swords, shuriken, kusarigama, and tonfa with dazzling brutality. Gore elements such as dismemberment and blood have also been remastered to enhance the experience. Those wanting a more toned-down experience can simply turn the dismemberment feature off in the options menu.

Furthermore, NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black includes extra elements from the spin-off titles released after the launch of the original game, including the ability to control three additional characters; Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The remaster also includes the “HERO PLAY STYLE” mode for beginners that provides automatic support in the most daunting situations, making the notoriously challenging title more accessible for those who are not yet confident in their action skills.

Team NINJA, in collaboration with PlatinumGames and Xbox Game Studios Publishing also revealed the long-awaited return to the mainline franchise, with the announcement that NINJA GAIDEN 4 is currently in development and is scheduled to launch later this year. The fourth instalment of the definitive ninja action-adventure series introduces an all-new protagonist in Yakumo, a young ninja prodigy whose fate is intertwined with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself. Prepare for a legacy reborn with exhilarating style and thrilling action for a new generation of players!

NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is now available digitally on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, PlayStation®5, and Windows PC via Steam® and the Microsoft Store. The game includes Japanese and English voices with English, French, German, Spanish and Italian texts. For more information on NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, visit the official website, Like us on Facebook, Join us on the KOEI TECMO Europe Discord server, and Follow us on Instagram and X.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warriors series, the fan-favourite NINJA GAIDEN and fighting entertainment title DEAD OR ALIVE. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of Gust, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Team NINJA is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

©2024 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

©2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation Family Mark”, “PlayStation”, “PS5 logo”, “PS5”, “PlayStation Shapes Logo” and “Play Has No Limits” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, the Xbox Sphere mark, the Series X logo, Series S logo, Series X|S logo, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X|S are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

New Characters, Gameplay, and Features Revealed in Today’s Xbox Developer Direct Presentation 

LONDON & Montpellier, France (Jan. 23, 2025) – Today as part of Xbox’s Developer Direct presentation, independent developer Sandfall Interactive and video game publisher Kepler Interactive revealed brand-new details about their highly anticipated turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Today’s presentation revealed new story, gameplay details, and characters that fans can look forward to when the game launches on April 24, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (available day one with Xbox Game Pass), and PC via Steam. Additionally, digital pre-orders for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are also available from today. 

In today’s presentation, Sandfall Interactive shared details about Expedition 33’s development origins, plus several new gameplay features sure to intrigue fans looking forward to the game’s upcoming release. Filmed on location at Sandfall Interactive’s studio in Montpellier, France, several members of the development team shared more detail on the game’s emotional story, stunning art direction inspired by Belle Epoque France, and its innovative reactive turn-based combat gameplay, which infuses traditional RPG mechanics with real-time defensive and offensive abilities. 

Additionally, the team revealed brand-new characters players will encounter during their adventure: the friendly, yet bloodthirsty, Monoco (voiced by Rich Keeble) and the larger-than-life Esquie (voiced by Maxence Cazorla). Monoco the Gestral joins the Expedition as a fully playable character, bringing his own unique playstyle to battles by transforming himself into the enemies the party encounters and using their abilities against them, while Esquie is an altogether more unusual character that players will befriend and use to discover the game’s explorable world. Throughout the game, players will unlock more abilities with Esquie, letting the Expedition climb aboard and traverse, swim, and soar across the game’s newly revealed overworld map.  Reminiscent of classic RPGs that inspired Expedition 33’s turn-based gameplay, the world map gives players freedom to explore various new locations and secrets on their path to destroy the Paintress. Outside of rich level-based environments like Ancient Sanctuary and the Gestral Village, the overworld has unique discoverable caves and bespoke locations hosting challenging optional battles and side quests, providing extensive opportunities for players to test their mettle and master the game’s deep and rewarding character building mechanics. Players will also be able to set up camp on the overworld, taking time to reinforce their character weapons and builds, listen to the game’s stunning original score via an in-game record player, and have conversations with their teammates to learn more about their stories and motivations on their path to destroy the Paintress. 

Alongside the physical Standard Edition of the game, fans can also pre-order the premium Collector’s Edition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for PlayStation 5 from today, which includes: 

• The base game 
• A 20.3cm hand-painted Monolith music box 
• A collectible Steelbook® case featuring Gustave, Maelle, and the Paintress 
• The Expeditioner’s Journal 48-page hardcover artbook 
• The “Flowers” Collection (six outfits and hairstyles inspired by the flowers of Lumière (DLC), plus six Gommage outfit variations (DLC)) 
• A “Clair” custom outfit for Maelle (DLC) 
• An “Obscur” custom outfit for Gustave (DLC)*. 

Fans in North America can pre-order and learn more about the physical editions of Expedition 33 exclusively via GameStop, while fans in Europe and select global markets can visit Laced Records. 

Additionally, fans can pre-order the digital Deluxe Edition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from today, which includes: 

• The base game 
• The “Flowers” Collection (six outfits and hairstyles inspired by the flowers of Lumière (DLC), plus six Gommage outfit variations (DLC)) 
• A “Clair” custom outfit for Maelle (DLC) 
• An “Obscur” custom outfit for Gustave (DLC)*.  

For more information, visit Expedition33.com/WhereToBuy 

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available to pre-order from today and will be available on April 24 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (available day one with Xbox Game Pass), and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store). 

*Internet connection required for DLC items. 

About Sandfall Interactive: 

Founded in 2020 in France, Sandfall Interactive is an independent video game studio developing high-quality games for PC and consoles. With a focus on powerful narrative experiences, Sandfall Interactive aspires to deliver incredible stories with intriguing characters in gorgeous fantasy worlds inspired by French culture. The team also thrives in pushing technical boundaries by working with the latest and greatest technologies such as Unreal Engine 5. 

Their debut title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. 

About Kepler Interactive:

Kepler Interactive is a video game company and creative studio headquartered in London. With games like Pacific Drive, Sifu, Rematch and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler curates its partnerships with developers worldwide to showcase some of the newest and most brilliant ideas in gaming that combine experimental game design with unique art direction.  Alongside its game portfolio, Kepler’s creative studio seeks to bring games to life in areas such as art, fashion, music, architecture and design through development of lifestyle products and collaborations with artists like fashion designer Robyn Lynch. Kepler explores the creative spaces that inspire games and the people who make them – challenging perspectives and elevating the medium to a new level.

Since Capsule Computers has previously covered this title, I thought you’d be interested to know that Eximius: Seize the Frontline, the strategy shooter hybrid from Ammobox Studios seamlessly blending FPS and RTS action, celebrates Lunar New Year starting today with the “Auspicious Spring” event on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Earn exclusive rewards from now until the event concludes on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Pick up Eximius at a 10% discount during Steam’s Real-Time Strategy Fest, which is live now through Jan. 27.

Ring in the new year as battle-hardened operatives seeking untold fortunes and prosperity. Team up in co-op missions to find Spring Treasure Boxes scattered around the map loaded with gold. After accruing wealth on the battlefield, head to the shop to redeem exclusive Skin Packs, Callsigns, Frames, and Banners. The Auspicious Spring event is now live for PVP and the event shop. Stay tuned for an updated Yin and Yang PVE experience later in the event.

Choose between two factions: the Axeron Corporation (AXR), a security contractor fighting for science, or the Global Security Force (GSF), focused on securing peace at all costs. Mobilize Officers for intense 5v5 first-person shooter squad-based combat. Survey the war from an RTS perspective as a Commander, directing troops, building bases, and allocating resources.

Eximius: Seize the Frontline is available now for $9.99, with the limited-time “Auspicious Spring” event deploying onto Steam and Epic Games Store today, Thursday, Jan. 23, through Thursday, Feb. 20, and includes English, German, Russian, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and Japanese language support. To learn more, visit the official site and join the community on Twitter, Facebook, and Discord.

About Ammobox Studios

Ammobox Studios is an independent developer based in Malaysia. Founded on the core concepts of innovation and a people-first studio culture, they seek to deliver memorable experiences by innovating on classic mechanics. Eximius: Seize the Frontline is their debut title. For more on Ammobox Studios, please visit the official website.