Sunday 16 December 2018

A hole new lot of games Out this Week Dec 18th - 21st

Donut County 

18th Donut County

Raccoons have taken over Donut County with remote-controlled trash-stealing holes. You play as BK, a hole-driving raccoon who swallows up his friends and their homes to earn prizes. Meet interesting characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole. Donut County is also part of the ID@Xbox Winter of Arcade.

Nippon Marathon 

18th Nippon Marathon

San! Ni! Ichi! Hajime!!! Stretch your muscles and embark upon the ultimate marathon of Japan in a silly party racer! Hurdle barrels, outrun Shiba Inu, and dive out of the paths of bicycles, all while throwing fruit at your opponents and dashing across planks precariously balanced over waterfalls in an unreal marathon across the whole of Japan.

Road Redemption 

19th Road Redemption

An action racing game where you lead your motorcycle gang on an epic journey of pursuit, blood, and speed. Through your travels, you will upgrade your character, bike, and weapons by completing races, assassinations, robberies, and more.  You’ll need to use kicks, grabs, counters, and other moves to stay alive.

Hellfront: Honeymoon 

19th Hellfront: Honeymoon

An intense twin-stick action strategy game, Hellfront: Honeymoon is said to be enjoyed best with friends over a six-pack of fruit juice. It’s PvP with up to four players locally as you battle it out across brief, intense battles.

Sundered: Eldritch Edition 

21st Sundered: Eldritch Edition

Sundered is a horrifying fight for survival and sanity, a hand­-drawn epic from the creators of Jotun. You play Eshe, a wanderer in a ruined world, trapped in ever-­changing caverns filled with hordes of terrifying enemies. Harness the power of corrupted relics to defeat gigantic bosses, at the cost of your humanity in this metroidvania-like game.

Asdivine Hearts II 

21st Asdivine Hearts II

With a world on the verge of being frozen in ice, heroes will come together once again to save the world in this sequel to this epic RPG series. Utilizing a brand-new team system, lead up to six characters into battle and destroy powerful foes to save the parallel world of Archelio. 
 
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Thursday 6 December 2018

Christmas Giveaway



I didn't have a giveaway in November as I've got a bigger one for December and Christmas. Like always you can enter by following on Twitter and RT.

Or just leave a comment on the blog, now what could you win? Well for this month after running a poll on Twitter, I'll be giving away an Amazon eVoucher which will be sent on Christmas day.

Meaning if you got a new Xbox One for Christmas, you could buy yourself a second controller, that game you wanted or even elf on Blu Ray.


The First Tree Review

You may have seen my recent let's play of The First Tree after watching you might think this isn't much of a game.

http://www.thefirsttree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TFT_Screen05-1024x576.png

Due to the fact when you're playing as the fox, you basically just walk forward towards The First Tree and you could even miss all the collectables along the way if you really wished.

You might also think the game looks very pretty in some parts such as a scene with a deer but even on the One X, foliage can appear out of nowhere and some other odd occurrences.

 http://www.thefirsttree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TFT_Screen03-1024x576.png

That you may be thinking this doesn't sound good at all, which is sort of a problem with this sort of game to review as if you do pick up the collectables you'll get a backstory which is fully narrated, I believe by the games creator and his wife.

Now, this is where the game shines and it's the emotions you'll feel along the way which will even mean you'll like the game or not. I don't want to go into the story too much which is based around one of the characters talking about his childhood.

It might just be me but he doesn't mention his mother once that I do believe he is talking about a single parent in his father. Now this hits home to me being raised by a single parent in my father, that the emotional notes of The First Tree may have reached me more than it would some.

 http://www.thefirsttree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TFT_Screen01.png

 

Two highly anticipated indie titles coming this December

With the year almost over and The Game Awards happening in a few hours, over the last day or so we've had some news on some upcoming titles.

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First up Ashen has been spotted on the French Xbox store to be releasing Dec 7th and will be launching into Game Pass as well. From doing some research it seems this was meant to be announced at TGA with the devs sort of acknowledging the leak.

Then late last night Below was finally dated for Dec 14th after 5 years in development, with Winter of Arcade being announced at X018 with more details to come at TGA, I wouldn't be shocked if this is the marquee title of Winter of Arcade.

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Friday 30 November 2018


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtL2oq_WoAACW5s.pngKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Sonic Unleashed, and Aliens vs Predator are now playable on Xbox One via Backward Compatibility. 

Get your Xbox codes and more here

More titles coming to Game Pass this year



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The guys over at Xbox weren't done with the announcements from X018, as today they confirmed The Gardens Between would be available right now, Mutant Year Zero will launch into Game Pass on December 4th then two days later Strange Brigade will also be available to download. 

They will be joined by Ori and the Blind Forest, Kingdom Two Crowns and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice in December.


Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter V

 

Out this Week Mutants and Witchers

Gods Remastered 

4th Gods Remastered

Play the classic 2D action classic Gods from the acclaimed Bitmap Brothers, full of exciting levels full of monsters and puzzles that you can play either in the original pixel graphics or in a modern 3D mode with an extensive new soundtrack.

Subnautica 1.0 

4th Subnautica

Officially leaving Xbox Game Preview, Subnautica is an underwater open world adventure game where you can craft equipment, pilot submarines, and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, and cave systems.

Monica e a Guarda dos Coelhos 

4th Monica e a Guarda dos Coelhos

Monica e a Guarda dos Coelhos is a couch co-op game up to four players with a focus on teamwork and cooperation. Everyone has a different role to defend the castle from smudge horde. Use magical bunnies with unique powers, load them into cannons, and fire them at incoming enemies.


Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom 

4th Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom borrows the best from the classic series to deliver a fresh, modern adventure with fun gameplay, memorable music and gorgeous hand-drawn animations.

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game 1.0 

4th Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Xbox Play Anywhere - In Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, gamers clash with their friends in fast-paced duels that combine bluffing, on-the-fly decision making and careful deck construction. The game is played over a best-of-three series of rounds, as players unleash their hand by slinging spells and diverse units with special abilities and use clever tricks to deceive their opponents.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden 

4th Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Xbox Game Pass - A tactical adventure game combining the turn-based combat of XCOM with story, exploration, stealth, and strategy. Take control of a team of mutants navigating a post-human Earth. Created by a team including former Hitman leads and the designer of PayDay.

Just Cause 4 

4th Just Cause 4

Xbox One X Enhanced - Experience a sandbox game full of towering tornadoes and tropical lightning storms, taking the iconic Just Cause action to incredible new heights. In Just Cause 4, rogue agent Rico Rodriguez lands in Solis to hunt down the truth about his past, at any cost. Strap into your wingsuit, equip your fully customizable grappling hook, and get ready to bring the thunder.

Override: Mech City Brawl 

4th Override: Mech City Brawl

Xbox One X Enhanced - Control gigantic robots and duke it out in this 3D mech brawler. Epic battles await in local and online versus mode and four-player co-op where each player controls one part of a mech. Also includes a full single-player campaign where you must master each mech’s own unique play style, special moves, and finishers.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales 

4th Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

Thronebreaker is a single-player RPG card game set in the world of The Witcher. Choice-driven, and cast with rich, multi-dimensional characters, it once again thrusts gamers into the monster-infested universe of Geralt of Rivia. 
 Energy Cycle Edge 

5th Energy Cycle Edge

Xbox One X Enhanced - Energy Cycle Edge is the sequel to the original puzzle game Energy Cycle. The core of the game is the same: when you activate each cell in the game field, it changes the colors of the cell and any adjacent cells in a straight line. Each cell switches between three different colors, and your task is to make them all match the same color.

Battle Princess Madelyn 

6th Battle Princess Madelyn

Follow the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard. With classic and challenging gameplay in the vein of Ghouls N' Ghosts, join Madelyn as she battles through graveyards, swamps, and castles.

Hello Neighbor: Hide & Seek 

6th Hello Neighbor: Hide & Seek

Hello Neighbor: Hide and Seek follows the tragic story of the Neighbor’s family in this dramatic prequel to Hello Neighbor. Experience playing a game of hide-and-seek with your brother as you both deal with the loss of a family member, as a new light shines on the events that influence the original game.

On a Roll 3D 

7th On a Roll 3D

Xbox One X Enhanced - A fast-paced 3D platform game, roll your way through 24 huge levels across six different themes and be prepared to take on spikes, mines, dynamite, conveyor belts, springs, switches, doors, bumpers, lasers, saws, fire, ice, water, electricity, trapdoors, and much, much more. 

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Games with Gold December

 Image result for dragon age 2

Q.U.B.E. 2  December 1 to 31 on Xbox One
In this mysterious puzzler, you awaken in the ruins of an ancient alien landscape with no memory of how or why you got there. Navigate through mind-bending puzzles and use your manipulation-gloves to change the structure of the world to find your way back home. As you explore, you’ll face thought-provoking questions of your true purpose, with a devastating truth that will shake your world.


Never Alone December 16 to January 15 on Xbox One
Delve into the rich lore and culture of the Iñupiat people in this unique adventure game. Nominated for multiple awards and built in partnership with the Alaska Native community, play as a young Iñupiat girl and an arctic fox to find the source of the eternal blizzard which threatens everything. Encounter traditional native characters, share their wisdom and stories, and experience a game like no other.


Dragon Age II Available December 1 to 15 on Xbox One and Xbox 360
Experience an epic adventure in an ever-changing world in Dragon Age II. Taking place over the course of a decade, mold your character, Hawke, from a destitute refugee to the revered champion of Kirkwall. Gather the deadliest of allies, amass fame and fortune, and seal your place in history. The legend of your rise to power begins now.


Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction Available December 16 to 31 on Xbox One and Xbox 360
Anything goes in this classic action title. Your mission is to topple a sinister military regime by any means necessary. If it drives or flies: hijack it. If it shoots or explodes: use it as a weapon. In this playground of destruction, there are no limits and no mercy.

Saturday 24 November 2018

Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter III

 

Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter II



Out this Week: Fury unleashes her wrath

Darksiders 3 

27th Darksiders III

Xbox One X Enhanced - Return to an apocalyptic Earth in Darksiders III, a hack-n-slash action adventure where you assume the role of Fury in her quest to hunt down and dispose of the Seven Deadly Sins. The most unpredictable and mysterious of the Four Horsemen, Fury must succeed where many have failed – to bring balance to the forces that now ravage Earth.

Floor Kids 

27th Floor Kids

Floor Kids is a one-of-a-kind breakdancing game featuring a unique trick-style rhythm gameplay. Innovative controls allow you the freedom to play the way you like with a dynamic scoring system that rewards your moves based on musicality, originality, and style.

Fractured Minds 

28th Fractured Minds

Fractured Minds is an immersive artistic short game, exploring anxiety and mental health issues. Embark on a journey through the human psyche to experience the everyday challenges associated with these conditions.

Horizon Chase Turbo 

28th Horizon Chase Turbo

Xbox One X Enhanced - A racing game inspired by the great hits of arcade racers like Out Run, Top Gear, and Rush with classic arcade gameplay. Also features split-screen multiplayer across all modes and battle racers as well as the elements like rain, snow, harsh sandstorms, and even a volcanic eruption.

Gnomes Garden: New Home 

28th Gnomes Garden: New Home

Gnomes Garden: New Home is a continuation of the exciting fantasy strategy game about the world of gnomes. Obtain the Crystal of Eternal Light and return prosperity!

The Gardens Between 

29th The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island. 
 
Asterix and Obelix XXL 2 

29th Asterix and Obelix XXL 2

Asterix and Obelix are back! Asterix & Obelix XXL 2 describes itself as an “a superb blend of action and adventure for all ages,” bringing the experience of the original game to Xbox One. The graphics pay tribute to the comic books and the gameplay has been designed with new and unique attacks.  

Rival Megagun 

30th Rival Megagun

Transform into your Mega Gunship form to blast your rival head-on in this unique shooting game with a competitive twist. Featuring competitive split-screen levels where you invade your opponent's side of the screen for a new take on classic shmup action. Also features a single-player arcade mode.

The First Tree: Console Edition 

30th The First Tree: Console Edition

A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game about two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing cubs, and a son reconnecting with his father in Alaska. Uncover artefacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.
 
Goat Punks 

30th Goat Punks

Xbox One X Enhanced - GoatPunks is a multiplayer game of goats, mountains, good ole head-butting action with lightning and fire to rain down on your friends below. Battle other players to become king of the mountain and fight through an onslaught of bombs, obstacles, and each other to climb to the top of 9 uniquely themed mountains each offering distinct challenges.  

Axis Football 2018 

30th Axis Football 2018

Featuring a new franchise mode, thousands of new players, new stadiums, an improved AI opponent, and a host of other improvements, Axis Football 2018 returns to give football fans another gridiron game to enjoy on Xbox One with deep customization options.

Ride 3 

30th Ride 3

Race on 30 different tracks all over the world and test the speed of more than 230 bikes available. Immerse yourself in a modern 3D environment where you’ll compete side-by-side with your bike, modifying it mechanically and aesthetically thanks to the new livery editor, and play an in-depth career mode that will give you tons of picks from among the best bikes in the world.
 
  Get your Xbox codes and more here

Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter I




 

Tuesday 20 November 2018

Storm Boy Review


Storm Boy: The Game is an adaptation of Australian Authors Colin Thiele's 1964 novella for Xbox One (how I played the game), PS4, Switch, PC, Mac, and Mobile from Blowfish Studios.

To be honest and it might be because I'm the UK, I've never heard of Colin Thiele or his works, however what I gather from playing the game and a section in the menu talking about the novellas history, it's clearly an important piece of literature. 





After reading the history section before playing, I think Storm Boy is an interesting game not in terms of playing but more in educating you about relationships with people be it your father Hide-Away Tom or your buddy a pelican called Mr Percival and few others along the way in this half an hour or so game.





Yeah, the game is short and rather simple as really all you do is just wander around a beach, playing some simple mini-games such as fetch with Mr Percival in what is a fairly beautiful oil-painting-like visuals which I can imagine is based on illustrations straight from the book.

Storm Boy won't be for everyone but if you have young kids, I could see this being a great introduction to gaming in the same way as you might read them the actual novella. 




 Get your Xbox codes and more here

Sunday 18 November 2018

Out this Week Nov 20-23 Battlefield and some Farming

Battlefield V Large Image 

20th Battlefield V Standard Edition

Xbox One X Enhanced - The epic multiplayer shooter returns to its roots with never-before-seen portrayals of World War II. Experience vast Grand Operations and co-op Combined Arms modes as well as the return of single-player War Stories as you venture to epic, unexpected locations from around the globe making this one of the richest and most immersive Battlefield games yet. 
 
Farming Simulator 19 

20th Farming Simulator 19

Xbox One X Enhanced - Become a modern farmer and develop your farm on two huge American and European environments, filled with exciting new farming activities, crops to harvest and animals to tend to, and the ability to grow your farm online with other players. Drive over 300 authentic vehicles and machines from all the leading brands, including John Deere, New Holland, Challenger, and many more.

Youtubers Life: OMG Edition 

20th Youtubers Life: OMG Edition

Become the world’s greatest content creator! Create your character focusing on gaming, music, or cooking, and start broadcasting your life from your parent’s house, then continue to increase your popularity through social networks and manage fans, friends, and family to move on up in the world and become the biggest start in the world.

Bendy and the Ink Machine

20th Bendy and the Ink Machine

Bendy and the Ink Machine is a first-person puzzle action horror game that begins in the far days past of animation and ends in a very dark future. Play as Henry as he revisits the demons of his past by exploring the abandoned animator's workshop of Joey Drew Studios. With twists and turns at every corner, you never know who or what is waiting for you in this dilapidated world of shadows and ink.

ATV Drift and Tricks 

20th ATV Drift & Tricks: Definitive Edition

Featuring motorbikes and quads, ATV Drift & Tricks: Definitive Edition features a variety of game modes including quick race, hot lap, and last one standing. Also features a split-screen mode to play with friends or to hop online and race with up to 10 other players to find out who’s the best at controlling their off-road vehicle.

Storm Boy 

20th Storm Boy

Experience an interactive retelling of the classic tale based on Colin Thiele's 1964 children's book of the same name. Storm Boy takes place on the beaches of South Australia near the mouth of the Murray River, where the main character rescues orphaned pelican chicks, one of whom later becomes his pet and faithful companion, Mr. Percival. Relive their friendship and enjoy seaside activities across a wide assortment of fun and relaxing minigames.

NeuroBloxs 

21st NeuroBloxs

Apply logic and strategy in a frentic shoot ‘em up puzzle action game that describes itself as a “casual game for hardcore gamers.” Think, react, and shoot to succeed, stretching your brain power and gaming skills to their limit.
 
Eternal Screenshot 

21st Eternal

Join the battle in the new strategy card game of unlimited choices and fun. Guns and sorcery collide in Eternal, the new strategy card game of unlimited choices and unbelievable fun. Featuring deep strategic gameplay and counter-play with fast-spells and tactical combat. The title is free to play on Xbox One.

Steamworld Dig 2 

21st Steamworld Dig 2

When an old trading town is struck by mysterious earthquakes, it’s up to a lone steambot and her unlikely companion to uncover what trembling terrors lie beneath. Dig your way underground and explore vivid worlds riddled with treasure, secrets and traps, and combat dangerous enemies at every turn. SteamWorld Dig 2 takes you on a platform mining adventure forged in Metroidvania flames.

I am the Hero 

22nd I Am The Hero

A pixel art beat 'em up, fighting game that tells the story of a "Hero" with a glorious but mysterious past. Is he the hero he thinks he is or is there another side to this legendary figure? Enjoy fast-paced, retro action inspired by modern and old-school classics. I Am The Hero will give you shot of nostalgia and adrenaline that you’ve been crazing.

World of One 

22nd World of One

World of One has many levels and puzzles with multiple solutions, big boss fights, hostile creatures and four different endings, which depends on the actions you take throughout the course of the game. In this indie-platformer you will need your determination will help complete your journey and find the truth about yourself.

Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics 

23rd Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics

Challenge the horrifying reign of Nazi terror and battle an immortal evil in Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics, a turn-based tactical strategy game set in the award-winning Achtung! Cthulhu universe. Build your team and fight in a “weird World War” where Lovecraft meets WWII with frightening enemies across a story-driven campaign that ties into the pen and paper RPG universe. 
 
 Get your Xbox codes and more here