Key points:

• Xbox may bring exclusives like Starfield and Indiana Jones to PlayStation.
• Fans worry about a “bait-and-switch” after investing in Xbox hardware.
• Microsoft hints at a business update event, likely addressing these rumors.
• Is Xbox pivoting away from exclusives and hardware dominance?
• Could they focus on cloud gaming and multi-platform availability?
• Would an “Xbox PCX” high-end gaming PC be a viable next step?

This article explores:

• The impact of losing exclusives on dedicated consoles’ appeal.
• Why “console wars” and exclusives matter to many gamers.
• The potential benefits of a PC-like, multi-platform approach for Xbox.
• Whether abandoning dedicated hardware aligns with Microsoft’s broader gaming strategy.

The Impact of Losing Exclusives

Exclusives have long been the cornerstone of console identity. Games like Halo and God of War are more than just titles; they’re flagships, rallying points for loyal fans. Losing them can feel like betrayal, especially mid-generation when investments have already been made. Imagine buying an Xbox for Starfield, only to see it appear on PlayStation later. The “system seller” loses its selling power, leaving dedicated players feeling cheated.exclamation

Why Console Wars and Exclusives Matter

Beyond practicality, consoles represent tribal affiliation. The “console wars” are more than marketing; they’re about community, identity, and shared experiences. Choosing Xbox signifies specific values, a preference for certain game styles or online communities. Losing exclusives feels like losing part of that identity, blurring the lines and diminishing the unique appeal of each platform.

The Multi-Platform Appeal

But what if exclusives became less important? Imagine an Xbox Game Pass available on all platforms, offering a vast library accessible anywhere. This could attract PC and PlayStation players, expanding the Xbox ecosystem significantly. It aligns with Microsoft’s cloud-first strategy, leveraging their Azure infrastructure and Game Pass subscriptions for broader reach.

Aligning with Microsoft’s Vision?

Microsoft has downplayed “beating” Sony and instead emphasises accessibility and subscriptions. Abandoning exclusives wouldn’t be out of character, especially considering their PC and cloud gaming investments. This shift wouldn’t kill the Xbox console, but it might become more akin to a specialised high-end option, with Game Pass as the core focus.

One Last Fling Please!

Its a far flung hope but I would like to see one more Xbox. The “Xbox PCX” would be a powerful, modular console that would bridge the gap between PC & Console and would be a very strategic move. It caters to hardcore fans with a premium option while maintaining a presence in the traditional console market. This allows them to hedge their bets, adapting to changing consumer preferences while not alienating their core audience.exclamation

Cloud Gaming’s Role

Cloud gaming could bridge the gap. Imagine playing Xbox exclusives on any device through Game Pass streaming. This expands reach significantly, potentially making exclusives less critical for hardware sales. While technical hurdles remain, cloud gaming’s potential is undeniable, and Microsoft is well-positioned to capitalize on it.

The Future Unfurls

The Xbox rumors highlight a potential crossroads. Will they pivot towards a multi-platform, Game Pass-centric approach, or will they double down on exclusives and dedicated hardware? Perhaps a hybrid solution like the “Xbox PCX” is the answer. Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the gaming landscape is evolving, and Microsoft is at the forefront, making choices that will shape the industry’s future.

The post The Xbox Rumours appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

A Roster Expansion and More

Over the past few months, Undisputed has undergone a remarkable transformation with the addition of numerous female fighters, boosting the roster to an impressive 50-plus combatants. Alongside this, the game has received a series of bug fixes, stamina management improvements, and fresh locations. However, just before the festive season, the developers informed the community that the highly anticipated Character Creator wouldn’t be ready as initially anticipated.

Character Creator Unleashed in .7 Update

The .7 update, however, marks a turning point by introducing the much-requested Character Creator to the early access package. Boasting an extensive array of options, players can now immortalize themselves in the game and venture into the career mode, taking on legendary pugilists such as Mohemmad Ali, Frank Bruno, and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Early Access Career Mode Unleashed

A ground-breaking addition, the Early Access Career Mode empowers players to forge their own path to glory. Facing off against boxing icons like Canelo Alvarez, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Katie Taylor, Sugar Ray Robinson, and many more, this mode provides an immersive experience that will be further expanded upon at the game’s full launch with additional features and gameplay.

Key Features of Early Access Career Mode:

• Create Your Own Boxer: Tailor your male or female fighter from hairstyle to body weight, determining your weight class, clothing, and fighting styles.
• Build Your Team: Assemble a top-notch team of manager, cutman, and coach to guide your fighter’s progress, skills, and fame.
• Negotiate Your Path: Choose opponents strategically, negotiate contracts, and climb the ranks for the most lucrative rewards.
• Dynamic Coach Advice System: Innovative in-ring action with dynamic advice from your coach.
• Training Camps: Fine-tune your skills, making choices that impact your strategy for the next opponent.
• Choose Your Path to Glory: Set your goals, define your success story – whether it’s winning all the belts or retiring with the highest fan base and wealth.

Fighter Select Customization and Gameplay Enhancements

The customization doesn’t stop with the Character Creator. Fighter Select Customization now allows players to personalize fighters with new shorts, gloves, and more. Additionally, a new flat-footed movement has been introduced, slowing down tired fighters and reducing showboating.

Brand New Over-Shoulder Camera Angle

One of the major highlights of the update is the introduction of a brand new over-shoulder camera angle, providing players with a fresh perspective on their battles. This innovative view infuses a more arcade beat-em-up vibe into the game, promising to deliver memorable moments.

Final Thoughts and Future Hopes

As this marks the last update before the full launch, anticipation is high. While Undisputed bids farewell to its early access phase, the developers are gearing up for the final stretch to bring the game to its complete release. With fan-favorite Mike Tyson still missing from the roster, hopes are high for his inclusion as DLC in the future. Undisputed fans, get ready for an adrenaline-fueled final round!

The post Undisputed Rings in Final Update appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

A Future Shaped by Major Releases and Expansions

Star Wars Outlaws, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and the revival of Final Fantasy 7 are just the tip of the iceberg in the expansive ocean of upcoming games. Major expansions for beloved titles like Destiny 2, Final Fantasy 14, and World of Warcraft are set to redefine the gaming landscape in 2024.

Nintendo’s Potential Switch Successor

Speculations are rife about Nintendo’s plans to unveil a successor to the wildly successful Switch console, slated for a possible release in the latter half of the year. Should this prophecy come to fruition, it could catapult 2024 to unparalleled heights in the gaming sphere.

Stay Tuned for the Latest Updates

In the ever-evolving realm of video game releases, dates often dance to the tune of change. While the gaming calendar for 2024 is already buzzing with anticipation, Polygon’s comprehensive guide to the year’s new releases pledges to keep you abreast of all the latest updates, fresh release dates, and inevitable delays. Be prepared for an exhilarating journey as we unfold the tapestry of upcoming games arriving on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X, and other current gaming platforms.

Gear up for an extraordinary year in gaming and here’s to a fantastic 2024 filled with captivating quests, adrenaline-pumping battles, and unforgettable adventures!

January

February

2024 VIDEO GAMES WITH NO RELEASE DATE

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Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) – Unleashing Game Pass on VR

For those like me who have both an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a Meta Quest headset, the gaming extravaganza just got bigger. From award-winning titles like Forza Motorsport to the adrenaline-pumping Hi-Fi Rush, immerse yourself in a world of gaming anytime, anywhere—thanks to the glorious marriage of Xbox and Meta Quest platforms.

Embrace the Possibilities

Picture yourself exploring the vast universe of Starfield or burning rubber on the tracks of Forza Motorsport, all on a colossal virtual screen. Dive into indie gems like Unpacking or relive iconic adventures with games such as Fallout 4 and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The selection spans from Goat Simulator antics to LEGO Star Wars adventures, all at your fingertips with a Game Pass membership, offering a smorgasbord of gaming delights.

Start Your Gaming Journey

Transitioning into this immersive gaming experience is a breeze. Head over to the Meta Quest Store and download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app. Follow the straightforward tutorial to pair your supported controller, including Xbox Wireless controllers with Bluetooth support. If you’re new to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a trial membership can get you on board.

Play Your Way

Inside the app, choose from a plethora of titles available in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library. Tailor your gaming view with four display sizes and immerse yourself in an Xbox-themed virtual space or blend gaming with reality using Quest 3 or Pro’s full-color Passthrough feature.

Witness the excitement of Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on Meta Quest in action through the thrilling trailer above.

This collaboration between Xbox and Meta Quest marks a significant stride in bringing the gaming community together across platforms and screens. For more details on Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta Quest devices, delve into Meta’s announcement, and explore further about Xbox Cloud Gaming on xbox.com/cloudgaming.

The post Xbox Cloud Gaming Goes VR appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Join us as we delve into the realms of nostalgia and possibility, exploring 12-game series that deserve a second chance in the spotlight. It is time to raise our voices, controllers in hand, and bring these dormant gems back to life.

Parasite Eve

Few developers have had a more interesting adventure than the one that Squaresoft created in the PS1 era. They were experimenting with a lot of new concepts when they weren’t making some of the best Final Fantasy games of all time, and sadly, they didn’t always get the love they deserved. But few of Squaresoft’s experiments from that period are quite as impressive as the Parasite Eve games.

The Parasite Eve games are the kinds of wild swings a developer at the top of their game shouldn’t be afraid to make. Unfortunately, that also makes them a source of relief in their times.

Def Jam

It’s challenging to discuss the early Def Jam games without leaning towards exaggeration. It can be strongly argued that these games weren’t just among the finest wrestling titles but also stood out as some of the most remarkable fighting games. Keep in mind that I’m referring to a collection of EA-published games featuring licenced musicians—a concept that might have seemed destined for failure.

Admittedly, the last Def Jam game we received (Def Jam: Icon in 2007) was somewhat of a letdown. While it’s uncertain if any studio possesses the capability to rival the sheer brilliance of AKI Corporation’s unexpectedly remarkable Def Jam games, I can confidently say that hardly a day passes without me yearning for the return of those games in our gaming repertoire.

The Oregon Trail

It’s nearly impossible not to nostalgically recall the Oregon Trail games, especially if you had the chance to experience them during school days. These ‘simulated’ westward adventure games not only provided an educational excuse to play but also offered genuinely captivating experiences that lingered well beyond the classroom.

So, what led to the disappearance of this series? The Oregon Trail essentially embodied a roguelike survival game intertwined with adventure, featuring a unique setting and premise. Put simply, it embodied the essence of the kind of indie game that swiftly climbs Steam’s best-seller charts.

Admittedly, modernising aspects of the franchise to align with our contemporary understanding of that historical period would be necessary, but the potential for revival is unmistakably present. At the very least, this cherished franchise deserves far more than the lacklustre 2011 mobile title that was its latest offering.

ClockTower

Among the multitude of horror franchises overshadowed by Resident Evil’s success, few deserved their fate less than the Clock Tower series. Remarkably, Clock Tower not only delivered gripping horror gaming before Resident Evil but also presented a style of horror that remained unmatched and unreplicated by most.

The essence of the Clock Tower games resembled that of an exceptional slasher film adapted into video games. Each instalment involved navigating eerie locales while evading menacing pursuers—a setup akin to classic slasher narratives. Unlike typical slasher movies, Clock Tower games induced genuine terror. Although the series might have been deemed excessively eerie for some, it’s plausible they would find a broader audience in today’s gaming landscape.

Bushido Blade

I was genuinely surprised by the numerous fighting game series that could have made it onto this list. It’s a genre often filled with ambitious titles that, for various reasons, never quite achieved the widespread recognition they deserved. Amidst this competitive landscape, the Bushido Blade franchise stands out as an unparalleled gem.

At first glance, the Bushido Blade games might resemble standard 3D fighters featuring warriors wielding weapons. However, what set Bushido Blade apart was its unique gimmick—the ability to execute a match-ending blow with a well-timed strike.

While a few games attempted similar mechanics, none truly captured the brilliance and strategic depth of this concept. Even without this defining feature, the series remains one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences within the fighting game genre.

Legacy of Kain

Similar to several titles on this list, understanding the fate of the Legacy of Kain series isn’t overly complicated. Even at their peak, these games catered to a niche audience, enticing those willing to immerse themselves in a peculiar vampire-centric world steeped in intricate mythologies. However, at their lowest points, the games simply fell short in quality.

Despite their numerous flaws, the Legacy of Kain games often displayed a touch of excessive ambition. With the refinements seen in the modern era of 3D action games, there’s genuine potential for this franchise to smooth its rough gameplay aspects and accentuate its exceptional world-building. The key lies in assembling a team prepared to tackle such a challenging endeavour.

Gabriel Knight 4

What lies ahead for this acclaimed series? A dedicated fan, Toni-Pekka Kähärä, has initiated an online petition urging Activision Blizzard, with support from fellow enthusiast Sean Parker and a captivating promotional video, to either produce a new Gabriel Knight game or grant character licencing back to Jane Jensen.

Surpassing 1,800 signatures, the petition has garnered attention, with Dean Erikson, a long-awaited interviewee on AMO’s list (stay tuned), even commenting on the video.

Additionally, Robert Holmes, renowned for his musical contributions to the series and married to Jane Jensen, hinted at positive interest—a promising sign. (P.S.: Don’t miss his insightful 2011 interview with AMO!)

No One Lives Forever

While I attempted to limit this list to franchises not solely remembered due to the internet’s adoration, No One Lives Forever stands as a notable exception that the online community consistently cherishes.

The No One Lives Forever games cleverly masqueraded as spy movie satires within early 2000s first-person shooters. Their genuine humour—a rarity in gaming—alongside remarkably crafted campaigns solidify their position among the finest solo adventures in FPS history.

Despite seemingly being trapped in a convoluted licencing limbo, this franchise undeniably deserves the enduring adoration it receives from devoted fans.

Dark Cloud

The PlayStation 2 undoubtedly stood out as a haven for RPG enthusiasts. While not every exceptional PS2 RPG franchise could sustain itself through subsequent gaming eras, it’s disheartening to realise how few of these remarkable RPGs were allowed to evolve into the modern gaming landscape. Among these overlooked titles is Dark Cloud.

Dark Cloud was an action RPG featuring town-building aspects, tasking players with dungeon-crawling to gather resources for reconstructing the world. It presented a rare RPG experience—immediately enjoyable yet equipped with the depth to captivate players for extensive playtime.

Despite potential reasons for its limited success—such as dated graphics or an unconventional premise—those shortcomings seem insignificant when compared to the depth and richness it offered.

Mercenaries

Back in 2005, Mercenaries emerged as a game-changer. In an era where open-world games were still finding their footing, Mercenaries, true to its subtitle, delivered a ‘playground of destruction.’ It stood as a no-frills sandbox, offering a handful of objectives and a multitude of ways to simply revel in fun.

In an era where many open-world titles lean towards guided narrative-driven experiences, I find myself yearning for the straightforwardness of Mercenaries at its pinnacle. Few franchises have matched the unadulterated joys of this series, which always held a touch more creativity than it openly revealed.

Red Faction

While I’m an avid supporter of the Red Faction series, I’m aware of the factors that prevented it from attaining higher levels of success. The franchise always harboured promising concepts that somehow failed to coalesce into a major hit. From a business perspective, I comprehend why the franchise met an uncertain fate.

However, from a gaming perspective, I remain firmly convinced that this franchise holds untapped potential. The prospect of leading a worker’s uprising on Mars, empowered by Red Faction’s remarkable environmental destruction mechanics, holds immense appeal. What’s needed now is for someone to take a renewed leap of faith in a series bursting with latent possibilities.

SSX

I almost omitted SSX from this list, assuming we had a new SSX game released recently. However, that ‘recent’ game dates back to 2012—SSX: a well-intended (albeit misguided) effort to update the franchise.

What’s truly needed is a contemporary SSX game that recaptures the essence of SSX Tricky. We crave a modern SSX title that embodies speed, exhilaration, style, and pure fun. Even amidst the extreme sports gaming peak, few titles matched the allure of the finest SSX releases. Today, those games exude an almost enchanting quality.

Round Up

In the dynamic landscape of gaming, numerous beloved franchises have slipped into obscurity, leaving passionate fans yearning for their return. These immersive worlds and captivating narratives once captivated us, and now it’s time to unite and campaign for their revival.

Delving into realms of nostalgia and promise, we’ve highlighted 12 game series that merit a resurrection. It’s an opportunity to wield our collective influence, wielding controllers as our rallying cry to breathe life back into these dormant treasures.

As gamers and enthusiasts, let’s raise our voices, reignite our fervour, and advocate for the comeback of these cherished franchises. The gaming world eagerly awaits their triumphant return, beckoning a new era of adventure, creativity, and beloved memories.

And for design agency Manchester enthusiasts, coders, and aspiring gaming developers seeking inspiration, the revival of these iconic series could spark a renaissance in storytelling, visual design, and immersive experiences, forging new paths and setting the stage for gaming’s next extraordinary chapter.

The post 12 Video Game Series We Should Petition For A Comeback appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

#1 Oldschool Runescape

This game is exactly what it says on the tin – Oldschool. It’s a remake of the legendary Runescape 3 game, returned with the iconic graphics that were available all the way back in 2007. This game still has an incredibly loyal and dedicated player-base, as one of the largest MMORPG games in the world. You can learn more about runescape 3 over at Gaming Elephant.

#2 Thronefall

Thronefall is another super minimalistic game available to players around the world.It is a captivating strategy game that immerses players in a dynamic world of medieval intrigue and conquest. Set against a backdrop of warring kingdoms, players assume the role of a strategic mastermind aiming to secure their place on the throne. With a rich blend of resource management, diplomacy, and tactical warfare, players must navigate the complexities of royal politics to expand their kingdom and forge alliances.

#3 Death Crown

Death Crown is a visually striking real-time strategy game that transports players to a dark and intense world of chaotic warfare. Set against a backdrop of pixelated landscapes and atmospheric soundscapes, this game combines fast-paced gameplay with minimalist aesthetics. Players assume the role of a powerful overlord, commanding legions of troops, and wielding devastating spells. For players who love minimalistic strategy games, the choice between Death Crown and Thronefall can be a tricky one, why not try them both!

#4 Superhot

Superhot is an innovative first-person shooter that defies traditional gaming conventions. In this unique experience, time moves only when you move, creating a mesmerizing blend of strategy and action. As players navigate through sleek, minimalist environments, they’ll find themselves facing waves of hostile red crystalline enemies. The catch? Time stands still when you’re not in motion, allowing for strategic planning and precise execution.

#5 Mini Metro

“Mini Metro” is a minimalist puzzle and strategy game that transforms the complexities of urban planning into a sleek and engaging experience. Players are tasked with designing and managing an ever-expanding metro system in a rapidly growing city. The gameplay revolves around creating efficient rail networks by connecting different stations with limited resources.

With its clean and intuitive design, “Mini Metro” challenges players to think strategically as they balance limited resources, adapt to changing demands, and optimize their metro lines for maximum efficiency. The game’s dynamic simplicity, coupled with its procedurally generated levels, ensures a unique and evolving challenge with each playthrough.

#6 Solar Ash

“Solar Ash” is an exhilarating and visually striking action-adventure game that propels players into a surreal, otherworldly realm. Developed by Heart Machine, the creators of the critically acclaimed “Hyper Light Drifter,” this game seamlessly combines fluid movement and breathtaking aesthetics. Players control the agile Voidrunner, Rei, as she glides effortlessly across a vast, dynamic landscape known as the Ultravoid.

#7 Tetris

Arguably one of the most iconic minimalist games to ever enter the gaming market, Tetris was first developed and released in 1984 by Alexey Pajtnov. You can learn more about the history of tetris here. This iconic puzzle game challenges players to arrange falling geometric shapes called tetrominoes into complete lines. The goal is simple: clear as many lines as possible to prevent the screen from filling up. What makes “Tetris” endlessly engaging is its easy-to-grasp yet challenging gameplay, requiring quick thinking and spatial awareness.

#8 Geometry Wars series

The Geometry Wars series is a mesmerizing arcade experience renowned for its captivating gameplay and distinctive minimalistic design. Set against a vibrant backdrop of neon lights and geometric shapes, the game’s visual simplicity belies its intense and fast-paced action. In this twin-stick shooter, players navigate through a vivid and ever-evolving kaleidoscope of abstract landscapes, facing relentless waves of enemies.

#9 Portal

Portal is a groundbreaking puzzle-game that captivates players with its ingenious gameplay and distinctive minimalist design. Set within the sterile confines of the Aperture Science Enrichment Center, the game’s visual aesthetic is a masterclass in simplicity. Stark, clean environments emphasize functionality, and the absence of unnecessary details directs the player’s focus to the core puzzle-solving experience.

#10 Restless Soul

Last but not least is Restless Soul, this game is a uniquely captivating game that stands out with its minimalistic design. Stripping away the distractions, this game delves into the essence of atmospheric storytelling and emotional engagement. Set in a hauntingly beautiful world, the minimalist aesthetics draw players into a journey of self-discovery guided by a compelling narrative.

With a pared-down visual style, “Restless Soul” relies on subtle details and ambient soundscapes to create an immersive experience. The game’s minimalistic design doesn’t just serve an aesthetic purpose; it enhances the emotional impact of the storyline, allowing players to connect with the narrative on a deeper level. Every element, from the art to the sound design, is thoughtfully curated to evoke a powerful sense of atmosphere and introspection.

The post 10 Beautiful Minimalist Games Worth Enjoying appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Attention, mischievous space adventurers! The Starfield Weapon Item IDs list is the go-to cheat menu for players with a penchant for bending the rules. These unique IDs are a ticket to armory paradise but are exclusive to PC players (commiserations, Xbox enthusiasts). Each weapon flaunts its hexadecimal address, a string of eight characters or numbers that grant access to these goodies through console commands. Sneakily tap that ‘~’ key, summon the console command prompt, then type in “player.additem [item id] 1” to smuggle these coveted weapons into your inventory. But beware, cheating will bid adieu to your precious Achievements. Here’s the list of these clandestine weapons in Starfield.

The Shady Arsenal: List of Weapon Item IDs

Ready your cheat codes with this alphabetical list of weapon item IDs:

• AR-99 – 002BF65B
• Arc Welder – 0026D965
• Ashta Tamer – 0026D965
• Auto-Rivet – 0026D964
• Barrow Knife – 0026F181
• Beowulf – 0004716C
• Big Bang – 0026D963
• Breach – 000547A3
• Bridger – 0026D96A
• Coachman – 0026D96B
• Combat Knife – 00035A48
• Cutter – 00016758
• Drum Beat – 0018DE2C
• Ecliptic Pistol – 0026D96E
• Eon – 000476C4
• Equinox – 0001BC4F
• Grendel – 00028A02
• Hard Target – 000546CC
• Kodama – 00253A16
• Kraken – 0021FEB4
• Lawgiver – 0002D7F4
• Maelstrom – 002984DF
• Magpulse – 00023606
• Magshear – 0002EB3C
• Magshot – 0002EB42
• Magsniper – 0002EB45
• Magstorm – 0026035E
• Microgun – 000546CD
• Novablaster Disruptor – 0026D968
• Novalight – 0026D967
• Old Earth Assault Rifle – 0026ED2A
• Old Earth Hunting Rifle – 0021BBCD
• Old Earth Shotgun – 00278F74
• Omsium Dagger – 0026D966
• Orion – 002773C8
• Pacifier – 002953F8
• Rattler – 00040826
• Razorback – 00000FD6
• Regulator – 0002CB5F
• Rescue Axe – 0004F760
• Shotty – 0026D960
• Sidestar – 0026D95D
• Solstice – 0026D961
• Tanto – 0026D8A3
• Tombstone – 0002EB36
• UC Naval Cutlass – 0026D8A5
• Urban Eagle – 0026D96D
• Va’ruun Inflictor – 0026D8A0
• Va’ruun Painblade – 0026D8A2
• Va’ruun Starshard – 0026D8A4
• Wakizashi – 0026D8A1

Use these secretive IDs wisely, fellow gamers. May your cosmic adventures be as sneaky as your inventory tricks!

The post Starfield: Cheeky Weapon Cheats appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Engaging in quests within World of Warcraft (WoW) is a highly effective method for leveling up at a faster pace compared to simple monster grinding. Questing not only provides experience points but also rewards players with valuable gear upgrades along the way, making it a rewarding and efficient means of progression.

Quests in WoW are designed to provide an immersive and engaging experience for players. They often involve a storyline, requiring players to complete a series of tasks or solve challenges within the game world. These quests offer substantial amounts of experience points upon completion, allowing players to level up their characters more quickly compared to mindlessly grinding monsters.

One of the key advantages of questing is the additional rewards it offers. Alongside experience points, quests often provide players with gear upgrades as rewards. These upgrades can greatly enhance a player’s character, increasing their combat effectiveness and providing a sense of progression. Whether it’s a powerful weapon, a sturdy piece of armor, or a valuable accessory, these rewards help players stay equipped with the best-in-slot gear for their level.

In addition to experience points and gear upgrades, questing also offers other benefits. It allows players to explore the vast and immersive world of Azeroth, unraveling its lore, discovering hidden locations, and interacting with diverse NPCs and factions. This not only enriches the gameplay experience but also adds a sense of achievement and fulfillment as players uncover new areas and progress through intricate storylines.

Questing in WoW presents players with a structured and rewarding path to leveling up faster. By engaging in quests, players can earn substantial experience points, acquire valuable gear upgrades, and delve into the captivating lore of the game. This method of progression not only provides a more engaging gameplay experience but also contributes to a sense of accomplishment as players journey through Azeroth, becoming more powerful and capable adventurers.

Spam dungeons

Engaging in dungeons through the Dungeon Finder in World of Warcraft (WoW) is widely regarded as one of the most efficient ways to level up your character. It not only offers a swift progression but also ensures that your gear remains as strong as possible throughout the leveling process. Moreover, dungeon spamming provides a glimpse into the gameplay mechanics that await at higher levels.

The Dungeon Finder tool revolutionized the leveling experience in WoW by enabling players to easily group up with others and venture into instanced dungeons tailored for their level. Mastering the art of dungeon spamming involves repeatedly completing these dungeons in rapid succession, exploiting the short queue times provided by the Dungeon Finder.

This approach to leveling offers several advantages. First and foremost, dungeon spamming yields significant amounts of experience points per run, which allows for rapid character progression. Each completed dungeon rewards players with a substantial XP boost that greatly surpasses the experience gained from traditional questing or monster grinding.

Additionally, regularly participating in dungeons ensures that your character’s gear remains optimized throughout the leveling process. Dungeons drop a variety of equipment, including weapons, armor, and accessories, which are often superior to what can be obtained through other means. By spamming dungeons, you’ll be able to acquire powerful gear upgrades that enhance your character’s combat capabilities, ensuring a smoother and more effective leveling experience.

Furthermore, dungeon spamming serves as a preview of the gameplay dynamics that await at higher levels. Coordinating with a group, managing threat, and executing strategies against bosses are all fundamental aspects of endgame content. By familiarizing yourself with these mechanics during the leveling process, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead when you reach maximum level.

Dungeon spamming through the Dungeon Finder is widely recognized as one of the best methods for leveling up your character efficiently in WoW. It offers substantial experience points, allows for the acquisition of powerful gear upgrades, and provides a glimpse into the gameplay mechanics that define high-level content. Embrace this approach to maximize your character’s potential and progress swiftly towards becoming a formidable adventurer in Azeroth.

Get a boost

Opting for a Leveling Boost in World of Warcraft (WoW) can be an incredibly advantageous choice for players seeking a swift journey to higher levels. It stands out as the easiest and most efficient method for reaching the maximum level, surpassing the leveling efficiency of even the most skilled regular player across any class.

A leveling boost offers players the opportunity to instantly advance their character to a higher level, bypassing the early stages of the leveling process. This grants immediate access to more challenging content, advanced abilities, and a broader range of gameplay options.

WoW boost is particularly beneficial for players who have limited time or prefer to focus on endgame activities. It eliminates the need to spend hours grinding through low-level quests and mobs, allowing you to jump right into the more exciting and engaging aspects of the game.

Also, a booster, which is usually an experienced player with extensive knowledge of the game, knows the most efficient leveling routes, quest chains, and optimal strategies. With their expertise, they can guide your character through the leveling process with remarkable speed and effectiveness.

The efficiency of a leveling boost is not limited to specific classes or character archetypes. Whether you prefer a versatile spellcaster, a robust warrior, a stealthy rogue, or any other class, a booster can navigate through their respective leveling mechanics and optimize the experience gain accordingly.

By opting for a leveling boost, you embrace the opportunity to swiftly join the ranks of high-level players and immerse yourself in endgame content. The boost not only saves you time but also ensures that you can fully experience the more challenging and rewarding aspects of WoW. With a professional booster at your side, you can confidently explore the vast world of Azeroth and make rapid progress towards becoming a powerful and accomplished adventurer.

To sum up, a leveling boost in WoW is the easiest and most efficient way to rapidly progress your character to higher levels. It surpasses the leveling proficiency of regular players and grants immediate access to advanced content. With the guidance of a knowledgeable booster, you can navigate through any class with impressive speed and effectiveness, accelerating your journey towards the pinnacle of WoW’s endgame experience.

The post World of Warcraft – Leveling Tips appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

The Magic of Hinterberg

Hinterberg, a once-tranquil town nestled in the picturesque Austrian Alps, has suddenly become the epicentre of magical happenings. Portals to new realms and fearsome creatures have transformed this Alpine idyll into a bustling hub of adventure.

In Dungeons of Hinterberg, you’ll don Luisa’s mantle and delve into a unique action RPG with social simulation elements. Here, your quest unfolds amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Alps. Venture into various biomes, explore mysterious dungeons, and return to the village for some après-slay socialising. Adventure and camaraderie are your constant companions, each shaping your progress in the game.

“Après-Slay” Fun in Hinterberg

Your journey starts each day at a cosy guest house in the heart of Hinterberg. From this home base, you’ll choose your daily destination — the biomes awaiting your exploration are teeming with magical skills to master, unique dungeons to conquer, and a host of challenges.

As you journey through these serene landscapes, your main goal is to tackle dungeons. Will you aim to conquer the “25 dungeons in 25 days” challenge or savour a more leisurely “slaycation”? Your choices will determine your pace and experiences.

Challenges and Friends Await

While you might be prepared to wield your sword, harness magic, and flex your puzzle-solving skills, you’ll soon discover that some challenges demand a helping hand. That’s where the social side of the game steps in.

Hinterberg’s newfound reputation as a magical-slaying haven has attracted adventurers and tourists from far and wide. The village is now a bustling hub, offering endless activities and hangout spots.

As you mingle with the locals and visitors, you’ll unearth their stories, gain insights into Hinterberg’s secrets, and uncover potential allies. Your choice of friends is crucial. Each evening, you can deepen your bond with someone, and the rewards are bountiful. Valuable items, new skills, and vital information can all be yours.

Consider your challenges, and make your friends wisely. Seek out dungeon experts, learn from seasoned monster slayers, or forge enchanted swords at Hannah’s smithy. And don’t forget about the village dog — cute companionship is a reward in itself.

Magic and Friendship Await

In Dungeons of Hinterberg, magic and friendship are your tickets to success. Join Luisa in this enchanting adventure, set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows in early 2024, and remember, it’s coming day one with Game Pass! Get ready to embrace the magic of Hinterberg and the adventures that lie ahead.

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A Tale of Two Protagonists

In the world of Alan Wake 2, it’s clear that the sequel has a fascinating twist in store. While Alan Wake remains a central figure in the narrative, the spotlight is shared with a brand new character named Saga Anderson. Saga brings with her a unique story, weapons, and innovative gameplay mechanics that, in essence, create two distinct games within one.

Molly Maloney, Principal Narrative Designer, cleverly sums it up as “Alan Wake, Too.” In a surprising departure from the norm, we’ll spend just as much time playing as Saga as we will as Alan, and this duality promises to be a refreshing change of pace for fans of the series.

Saga Anderson: The Anchor of the Story

Saga Anderson, an FBI agent thrust into the enigmatic world of Alan Wake, takes the lead in guiding players through this spine-tingling journey. She explores explorable hub worlds, including the familiar Cauldron Lake and Bright Falls, along with the new township of Watery, in her quest to unravel the mysteries of this long-awaited sequel.

Saga’s role in the game is not limited to storytelling; she plays a pivotal part in introducing us to the new survival horror elements and detective game mechanics. As a newcomer to the Bright Falls universe, her fresh perspective helps players both old and new ease into the narrative.

Survival at Its Most Intense

Alan Wake 2 takes a bold step into the realm of survival horror, and Saga’s segments exemplify this shift. Unlike Alan’s more puzzle-oriented sections, Saga’s gameplay is a heart-pounding, tense experience. Ammo, health, and flashlight batteries are scarce resources, and enemies prove to be formidable adversaries. The game’s camera positions players right over Saga’s shoulder, creating an immersive and anxiety-inducing atmosphere. Save rooms offer respite, acting as literal beacons of light in the darkness, providing solace during challenging sequences.

In the recent snippet, the game’s sense of dread is punctuated by jump-scares and encounters with the enigmatic Taken, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

The Mind Place: A Unique Perspective

Saga brings to the table is her own “Mind Place” to aid the investigation. Pressing the View button on the controller opens up a fully interactive room that represents Saga’s working brain. This space is equipped with a Case Board, a desk for profiling suspects, a TV for in-game videos, and more.

The Case Board serves as a vital tool in your investigative journey, offering story explanations, hints, and mini-puzzles to guide your progress. Some clues are essential for advancing the story, while others cater to completionists. As you uncover more about the game’s characters and in-world puzzles, the Case Board becomes your best ally.

Profiling, a simpler yet equally stylish mechanic, allows you to delve deeper into the game’s characters, using information from the Case Board to unlock additional details. The seamless transition between these gameplay elements adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the experience.

In Alan Wake 2, Saga isn’t just a sidekick; she’s a necessary and engaging character in her own right. Her unique abilities and perspectives make her an essential part of the narrative, and her distinct personality shines through. Molly Maloney aptly describes her as “a very critical foil to what’s going on with Alan.” Saga’s quirks, motivations, and distinct sense of humour make her a captivating addition to the franchise.

A Promising New Perspective

Alan Wake 2’s dual perspective and innovative gameplay mechanics set the stage for a thrilling and immersive experience. Saga’s role as both a character and a gameplay mechanic breathes fresh life into the series, while the shift towards survival horror promises to keep players on their toes. I can’t wait to explore the full extent of Saga’s adventures in the world of Alan Wake when the game finally releases. Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into this intriguing sequel.

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A New Player in Town

Based in Belgrade, Serbia, Pet Project Games is set to make waves with its debut title, Ripout. The game’s early access phase will be facilitated by their publishing partner, 3D Realms. After months of refining and enhancing the game based on player feedback, the team at Pet Project Games is confident that Ripout is ready to take its first major step into the gaming arena.

Early Access Debut

On October 24, 2023, Ripout will emerge from the shadows and become available on PC. Players can dive into this dark and immersive world through leading digital marketplaces, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and GoG. But that’s not all. For console gamers eagerly awaiting their turn, Ripout will be making its way to PlayStation and Xbox in early 2024.

A Vision for the Future

Goran Rajsic, the Creative Director at Pet Project Games, shared his enthusiasm for Ripout’s upcoming early access phase, stating, “We are confident in the current state of the game to enter early access as we’re slowly approaching the finish line of the development. Our team has huge ambitions for the future of Ripout, and we’re looking forward to polishing it further throughout its early access period. We already have dozens of crazy content ideas we want to introduce through regular updates, and we want to hear player feedback to help guide us in the right direction.”

Ripout in a Nutshell

Ripout promises an adrenaline-pumping experience in a co-op horror shooter setting. Players will brave the dark and foreboding corridors of abandoned, mutant-infested spaceships, collecting precious loot and customizing their characters. All of this is in a desperate quest to find the last refuge of humanity, known as Sanctuary. Will you and your trusty Pet Gun make it in time, or will you succumb to the same fate as Earth’s ill-fated residents?

The Cosmic Odyssey Begins

Embark on a journey through the cosmos, an opportunity of a lifetime, to seek out human survivors and unlock the mysteries of Sanctuary. In Ripout, players can either go it alone or join forces with friends in a cooperative sci-fi FPS adventure that promises endless hours of exhilarating gameplay.

Key Features

• Cooperative PVE Gameplay: Engage in a variety of missions and explore derelict ships, either solo or in small teams.
• An Array of Reconfigurable Monsters: Confront genetically modified adversaries who can enhance and transform themselves by attaching smaller mutants to their bodies. Prepare for the unexpected as your enemies constantly evolve.

Ready to Ripout

As Ripout’s launch draws nearer, the gaming community is poised to embark on an electrifying adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned space explorer or a newcomer to the sci-fi FPS genre, Ripout’s early access debut is a thrilling prospect that promises to captivate players and keep them entertained for hours on end.

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More Games Than Ever

Xbox Game Pass Core comes with over 36 superb games from the Xbox Game Pass collection.

• Among Us
• Astroneer
• Celeste
• Dead Cells
• Descenders
• Dishonored 2
• DOOM Eternal Standard Edition
• Fable Anniversary
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76
• Firewatch
• Forza Horizon 4 Standard Edition
• Gang Beasts
• Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition
• Golf with your Friends
• Grounded
• Halo 5: Guardians
• Halo Wars 2
• Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
• Human Fall Flat
• INSIDE
• LIMBO
• Ori & the Will of the Wisps
• Overcooked! 2
• Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
• Powerwash Simulator
• Psychonauts 2
• Slay the Spire
• Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
• Stardew Valley
• State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
• Superliminal
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
• Unpacking
• Vampire Survivors

Xbox Game Studios Goodies

Prepare to lose yourself in the vast wastelands of Fallout 4, with continued access to the multiplayer world of Fallout 76. Shrink down to explore your own backyard in Grounded or embark on an epic adventure in Tamriel with The Elder Scrolls Online. Brace yourself for the mind-bending experience that is Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (seriously, get some headphones for this one!). And these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Xbox Game Studios offerings awaiting you tomorrow.

A World of Partnered Play

Our partnerships have given birth to some amazing gaming experiences. Try your hand at the roguelike challenge of Vampire Survivors, or embrace the calm and cozy world of Stardew Valley. Fancy a bit of wacky co-op action? Gang Beasts and Golf With Your Friends have you covered.

And here’s some more exciting news – Xbox plans to refresh the Game Pass Core library 2-3 times a year. If you crave a more frequently updated library, don’t forget to explore the other Game Pass memberships.

More Games, Same Price

Nothing’s changed on the price front either, no tricky maneuvers are needed to switch your payment or membership details. Xbox Live Gold cards from physical stores will continue to be your ticket into Game Pass Core, as long as supplies last.

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Game development companies increasingly recognize that outsourcing is a smart move to improve a video game by saving time and money. It’s like bringing in a team of experts who can handle different parts of a video game, whether it’s creating realistic character animations, a vibrant game environment, or creating rhythmic sound and music. This way, a video game looks amazing and works well without costing too much.

So, it’s a win-win for both developers and players!

In this article, we will touch upon what outsourcing is, factors to consider, tips for successful outsourcing, and how to outsource different parts of your indie games like characters, animations, and coding, to professionals outside your game development team.

What Is Outsourcing Indie Games?

Outsourcing indie game development involves hiring external experts or companies to handle specific tasks or aspects of the video game creation process.

Outsourcing means getting help from people outside your game development team to help you create different parts of your video game. Instead of doing everything independently, you hire experts specializing in different areas, such as character design, animations, sound design, quality testing, and coding, to bring your gaming visions to life.

The ultimate goal of outsourcing is to make the most out of the expertise of professionals, save time, reduce costs, and enhance the game’s overall quality.

Different Areas of Game Development Process to Outsource

As we all know, successful game development requires different skills and talents. Game development companies choose to seek help from experts with a broader pool of expertise to create a power-packed video game. Whether it’s character design, sound design, coding, or any other aspect of the video game development process, these experts bring their specialized skills to create a video game that not only captivates players but also contributes to the success of a video game.

When it comes to outsourcing different areas of the game development process, various components are outsourced to a person or a company to create a fun game. These include:

Character Design

As characters form an emotional connection with the players, video game characters should be designed well to enhance the player’s immersion in the games. Outsourcing character design to professional artists gives life to your game’s heroes, villains, and creatures and enhances your game’s aesthetics and visual appeal.

When outsourcing character design for your video game, it’s essential to communicate your vision clearly to the character designers. You can provide a sketch, a written brief, or even a Pinterest board with character references you admire to convey your expectations. It’s also advisable to discuss the number of revisions with the outsourced team to ensure alignment with your vision. Usually, 2-3 rounds of revisions are standard, but it varies depending on your needs.

In many cases, you can also request a 2D concept image before proceeding to a 3D model in a T-pose that allows you to evaluate and refine the character’s design before it becomes fully realized in the game. This comprehensive approach to character design ensures that the final characters in your game align closely with your creative vision and the intended player experience.

Benefits: 

• Expertise
• Cost-effective
• Time-saving

Animations

Good animations make the gaming experience while bad animations break the gaming experience. To offer a gripping experience, game development companies outsource animations to experts with diverse skills to take the gaming experience to the next level with captivating animations.

While you are outsourcing animations for your video game, it’s important to discuss your animation software preferences, such as Spine or Adobe Animate, to ensure compatibility with your project. Clarify whether you will receive both the raw animation files and the final exported animations. Moreover, you can also inquire about the integration process to streamline your development.

Also, discuss whether your outsourced team offers different animation styles to choose from or if they offer custom animations that align with your game’s unique aesthetics and gameplay requirements. By addressing these factors during the outsourcing process, you can ensure a cohesive and effective animation pipeline for your game.

Benefits: 

• Access to global talent
• Reduced risk
• Variety and versatility

Coding and Programming

Coding and programming is a highly-specialized skill that not all developers have, companies outsource coding professionals with multiple specialities to create a highly functional and entertaining game without long-term costs. As different parts of games require different coding, outsourcing the right expert or team will make all possible that you aim for.

When outsourcing coding and programming services, it’s imperative to establish critical parameters. Ensure that the code provided is not only fully commented but also optimized for efficient performance. Inquire about the presence of a robust bug-finding process to guarantee a smooth and error-free gaming experience. Furthermore, discuss the availability of post-delivery support, including bug fixes and updates, to maintain the game’s integrity post-launch.

To convey your requirements clearly to the coding team, consider providing examples from similar games to the team along with a comprehensive written description of each game. Doing this will ensure that your code aligns seamlessly with your game’s visions, mechanics, and overall quality.

Benefits:

• Quality assurance
• Flexibility and scalability
• Access to specialized expertise

Sound and Music

Sound and music in game development set the mood and atmosphere of the game and make the game environment come alive with dynamic audio. As sound and music add depth and richness to the game’s narrative, outsourcing it to a professional who can pull this off effectively is very important. This outsourcing ensures that the audio elements complement the game’s visuals and leave a lasting impression on the players.

While you are considering outsourcing sound and music production for your game project, it’s essential to clarify several key aspects.

1. Make sure that all soundtracks and music compositions are entirely original and tailored to your game’s unique atmosphere and needs.
2. Discuss the terms of copyright ownership—confirm that upon payment, you acquire complete ownership of the audio assets.

Benefits:

• Immersive auditory experience
• Global pool talent
• Time efficiency

Level Design

Game level design is another specialized skill that requires in-depth knowledge of game mechanics, player psychology, and game narrative. Game development teams outsource this part of the game development process to experts to enhance player engagement, experience, quality, and overall enjoyment.

So while you are outsourcing level design, inquire whether it will be delivered as a grey box with basic layout or fully realized with detailed environments, as it affects the scope of work and resource required. Don’t forget to clarify the pricing structure, whether it’s per individual level, bundled levels, or a comprehensive package for all levels, to manage your budget expectations effectively.

To provide optimal direction, provide your outsourcing team with a comprehensive game design document or detailed written descriptions of levels, including objectives, gameplay mechanics, and unique features to meet your game’s technical requirements, optimizing gameplay performance, and enhancing player engagement.

Benefits:

• Gain fresh perspective
• Maintain cost-effectiveness
• Speed up game development

Is It Right To Outsource Game Development Parts For Your Business?

Yes, outsourcing parts of your game development process is a smart move that you can make to create big games without any hassle. With experts in different areas, you bring in the expertise of professionals to level up your project.

Here’s why outsourcing might be right for you:

Access to Experts

Outsourcing lets you work with experts who are pro at different tasks, like coding, art, or sound. They improve your game as they are well-versed with all the knowledge and skills needed to bring your project to life.

Focus on Your Strengths

Instead of spreading yourself thin, you can concentrate on what you do best, like game design and planning, while letting others handle the technical aspects of game development.

Cost Savings

Outsourcing is very cost-effective. You pay for the work you need when you need it without the hassle of breaking the bank with the long-term costs of hiring full-time staff.

Flexibility

With outsourcing, you can scale up or down with the changing requirements of your project. If your game gets more extensive, you can acquire more help from the team. You can hire a small team to meet your demands if it’s a small project. It all depends on your project.

How Much Does It Take To Outsource A Game Project?

Setting up a cost for outsourcing a game project is very tricky. It means you have to think carefully and really understand what your game needs. You also need to figure out how much everything will cost and be ready to change your budget as the project goes on. Being flexible with your budget and talking well with the team you’re outsourcing to are super important. This helps make sure your game project goes smoothly, achieves what you want, and ends up being a fun game for players to enjoy.

When it comes to outsourcing, there are several factors involved that make a profound impact on the success of your project. These factors include:

• Choosing the right outsourcing partner
• Clearly defining your project goals and requirements
• Establishing effective communication channels
• Setting realistic timelines
• Understanding cultural differences and legal considerations

All these risks particularly arise when you work with an international outsourcing company. By carefully considering these factors and making well-informed decisions, you can make the most out of the benefits of outsourcing and increase the likelihood of your project success.

Let’s now walk you through various examples that give you the cost estimate for some specific outsourced tasks.

For example, if you’re outsourcing the creation of fully rigged 3D models with animations, you can estimate that it may cost between $2,000 to $5,000 per model, depending on the complexity of the model and animations.

Similarly, when outsourcing the level design for a game, estimating costs for 10 3D levels for a First-Person Shooter ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, considering the complexity and detail required for each level.

Individual character concept designs are also a part of the budget. These start at around $100 to $500 per character concept. However, remember that most games need multiple characters, so the overall cost will depend on the number of characters required.

Effective Tips For Game Outsourcing

As outsourcing has become a new practice in the gaming industry, companies are finding new ways to make the most out of this approach. Suppose you are finally deciding to hand over your game development project to an expert or team outside your company. In that case, we want you to consider some tips that will prove to be useful during your outsourcing process. 

Pen down your objectives.

Before you start outsourcing, it’s crucial to write down what you want to achieve. Think about what parts of the game development you want to outsource and what results you expect from the outsourced team. Knowing your objectives and requirements will help you focus on your goals and guide your outsourcing decisions.

Maintain transparency.

It’s important to keep open and honest communication with your outsourcing team. Share your vision for the game, your expectations, and any challenges you foresee. Opt for project management tools, virtual meetings, emails, and other communication channels to address concerns promptly. Keeping good communication will help everyone understand what needs to be done and reduce the chance of miscommunication. 

Delve deeply into research.

Take your time out to research potential outsourcing partners carefully. Look at their past work, talk to other developers who have worked with them, and ensure they have the right skills and expertise to complete your project successfully. Doing thorough research will help you find the right fit for your game.

Start with small-scale projects.

If you’re new to the outsourcing concept or working with a team externally for the first time, it’s wise to begin with smaller projects. Starting with smaller projects will help you eventually build trust that will lay a strong foundation for more complex projects down the road. 

Draft a clear binding contract.

When you decide to work with an outsourcing team, having a clear and legally binding contract is good. This contract should outline the scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, and ownership rights. Having everything written helps protect both parties, ensures everyone is on the same page, and avoids misunderstandings.

What Factors Should I Consider While Outsourcing? 

Now that you know that outsourcing in areas you are not an expert in will make your project better and more efficient, some factors still demand your careful consideration. These considerations will ensure that your outsourcing is not just beneficial but also well-planned and successful.

Now let’s take a look at the factors that you need to consider while outsourcing:

Expertise 

Whichever team or person you choose, ensure they have the right skills and experience that match your project’s requirements. Take time out to examine their portfolio thoroughly to gain insights into their quality of work. Conducting this review will increase the chances of a successful partnership with the outsourced team.

Budget

Although outsourcing saves you a huge chunk of money, you still need to consider your budget carefully. Make sure you are fully aware of the costs involved in outsourcing and are crystal clear with the payment plan. A defined detailed budget plan will ensure financial clarity and help you avoid unexpected financial surprises.

Time 

Timely project completion is one of the most important parts of the planning process. While outsourcing the team, discuss your project timeline early to ensure everything runs smoothly and smoothly down the road. Effective communication about the project’s deadline keeps the development process on track and maintains your project’s momentum.

Quality Standards

Never compromise on quality standards, as it is essential to the game’s success. Compromising on quality can have long-lasting consequences, so it is important to ensure that the team you are working with aligns with and upholds your quality expectations. Remember to never settle for anything less than what your project deserves.

Scalability

While you are outsourcing the team, it is important to discuss if they can scale up or possess the ability to handle increased workloads. In such cases, it is essential to know whether or not they can expand as per your project’s evolving needs. Ensure that the outsourced team remains reliable and flexible through your game development venture, regardless of your project’s ambition.

Choose Your Outsourcing Team Wisely

When it comes to game development, the choice to outsource different parts of your game development project can be a game-changer for you, allowing you to leverage the specialized expertise of the professionals. However, success hinges on one crucial decision: selecting the right outsourcing team.

Remember to scrutinize their skills, experience, and portfolio to ensure they align with your project’s needs and quality standards. Clear communication, a well-structured plan, and a comprehensive contract are your allies in this journey. By choosing wisely, you’re not just outsourcing, you’re also forging a partnership that brings your game to life in ways you never imagined. So, take your time, research, and confidently choose your team.

The post How To Outsource Different Parts Of Your Indie Games? appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

At the weekend, I headed to Birmingham for the Insomnia Gaming Festival (i71) at the NEC. This annual event has become a gaming mecca, bringing together gamers, developers, and enthusiasts from all corners of the UK.

Diving into the Gaming Oasis

The atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was palpable. With a lanyard around my neck and my daughter in tow, I was ready to explore the digital wonderland that awaited.

Games Galore: Headbangers, Moving Out 2, and Tekken 8

My first stop was the gaming exhibition area, where some fantastic titles were showcased. One game that immediately caught my eye was “Headbangers” from Team 17. This pigeon-themed, rhythm-based battle royale was a unique and hilarious experience that had everyone in stitches.

Next up was “Moving Out 2,” the sequel to the popular co-op game. It retained all the chaotic fun of its predecessor, and I couldn’t resist jumping in for a quick game with fellow attendees.

But the real highlight was “Tekken 8.” With a big presence at the festival, it was nothing short of amazing. The visuals were stunning, the gameplay was as tight as ever, and the competition was fierce. I spent a while in the Tekken booth, honing my skills and taking on challenges.

eSports Extravaganza

Insomnia has always been a haven for eSports enthusiasts, and this year was no exception. The eSports zone was buzzing with activity, and I couldn’t resist watching some intense Valorant matches with a cold beer in hand. The level of skill on display was mind-blowing, and the crowd’s cheers and gasps added to the excitement.

LAN Party Heaven

As I wandered further into the NEC, I found myself in the darkness that was the LAN party area. Hundreds of gamers were huddled together, their computers linked in a colossal digital network. It was a sight to behold, and the camaraderie among these players was heartwarming. It’s one thing to play games online, but sharing the same physical space with fellow gamers takes the experience to a whole new level.

Cosplay Creativity

Cosplayers added a vibrant and colourful dimension to the festival. Decked out as their favourite characters from video games, anime, and comics, these talented individuals brought fantasy to life. From intricate costumes to elaborate props, the dedication and creativity of cosplayers never cease to amaze me.

Artistic Treasures and Weaponry Galore

The artist’s alley was a treasure trove of gaming-inspired artwork and memorabilia. From posters, mouse mats, and even a Pokémon ball with a little garden inside it, I could have spent a small fortune. As I strolled through the stalls, I noticed many swords, guns and accessories for perfect for adding a touch of gaming flair to one’s home. It was weird going through the heavy security whilst cosplayers walked around with swords, axes and M16’s.

Meet and Greet with Gaming Stars

Another highlight was the meet and greet area. I had the privilege of meeting Ben Star, who voiced Clive Rosfield, the main protagonist of Final Fantasy XVI1, as well as Devora Wilde, who was one of the lead roles in Baldur’s Gate 3, playing the Githyanki fighter Lae’zel. Finally, I saw but not met Neil Newbon known for voicing Karl Heisenberg in Resident Evil Village, Nicholai Ginovaef in Resident Evil, and Elijah Kamski and Gavin Reed in Detroit: Become Human. It was a chance to connect with the voices behind some of my favourite characters and hear their stories.

As the weekend at Insomnia Gaming Festival (i71) came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. COVID really set the world back as gamers content to stay in and play had no reason to meet up with like-minded people. But these events are a great opportunity to hang out in a safe space without judgment, sharing a passion for gaming and anime.

The post Insomnia Gaming Festival | i71 Rundown appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

What to Expect

The Insomnia Gaming Festival is the UK’s biggest gaming event, with over 20 years of history. It offers something for everyone, whether you want to play the latest games, compete in tournaments, watch live shows, meet your favourite guests, or shop for gaming merchandise.

Here are some of the highlights of the festival:

• Intel: Intel is the official partner of the festival, and they will bring a lot of exciting activities to the show floor. You can join mini-tournaments, explore the Intel Arc Zone, build your own PC, race in simulators, and more.
• Tekken 8: Tekken 8 is one of the most anticipated games of the year, and you can play it at Insomnia. You can choose from 16 iconic characters and battle in VS mode. You can also enter just for fun PlayStation tournaments and win some cool prizes.
• The Dark Room: The Dark Room is the world’s only live-action text adventure game, and it is back by popular demand. You can join comedian John Robertson as he guides you through a hilarious and interactive adventure. You can also buy tickets to see his show on Saturday night.
• Indieverse: Indieverse is the place to discover the best in indie gaming. You can play new and upcoming games from independent developers and support their creative vision. You might even find your new favourite game here.
• Lenovo Legion: Lenovo Legion is the headline sponsor of #i71, and they will showcase their latest gaming products and services. You can check out their stand on the show floor and see what they have to offer.
• Splatoon 3: Splatoon 3 is the latest instalment of the colourful and chaotic shooter game from Nintendo. You can compete in the last chance qualifiers for the Splatoon 3 European Championships and show off your skills. You can also play other Nintendo games and have fun with your friends.
• Team17: Team17 is a leading indie publisher and developer, and they will bring two of their new games to Insomnia. You can get hands-on with Moving Out 2, a hilarious co-op game where you have to move furniture and avoid obstacles. You can also rock out with Headbangers, a rhythm game where you have to headbang to the beat.
• Guests: Insomnia Gaming Festival will feature a stellar lineup of guests from the gaming industry and community. You can meet your favourite streamers, youtubers, voice actors, cosplayers, and more. You can also watch them perform on stage or join them for panel talks and Q&A sessions.

Why You Should Go

Insomnia Gaming Festival is more than just a gaming event. It is a celebration of gaming culture and a chance to connect with other gamers. You can make new friends, share your passion, and have a blast.

I’m personally very excited to attend the festival this weekend. I can’t wait to play some games, watch some shows, and meet some guests. I’m especially looking forward to seeing The Dark Room show on Saturday night. I’ve heard it’s hilarious and unpredictable.

If you are interested in joining me and thousands of other gamers at Insomnia Gaming Festival this weekend, you can buy your tickets online through their official website. You can also follow them on social media for updates and announcements.

And don’t forget to look out for the GamingDebugged.com team at the festival. We will be there to cover the event and bring you all the latest news and reviews. We hope to see you there!

https://www.insomniagamingfestival.com/

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A Preshow Prelude of Anticipation

The Gamescom 2023 Opening Night Live preshow opened with a flourish, treating us to a cascade of trailers, starting with the tantalizing reveal of Street of Rogue 2, scheduled for launch in 2024. It was just the beginning of a riveting journey.

Horror and Fantasy Collide

Little Nightmares 3, a nightmare fuelled by Supermassive Games, stole the stage, causing shivers to run down my spine. Set to haunt our consoles in 2024, the trailer sent chills down my spine. But that wasn’t all – the Little Nightmares universe extended its reach with The Sounds of Nightmares, a spine-tingling podcast that’s now ready for a listen.

The enchantment continued with Black Myth: Wukong, a game steeped in 16th-century Chinese lore. This captivating tale truly showcased the diversity and creativity that Gamescom never fails to deliver.

A Gamut of Genres

The showcase then shifted gears with Killing Floor 3, displaying its action-packed prowess. As the pace changed, we were treated to the beautifully designed Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition, capturing the essence of history.

More Details on Upcoming titles

Then it was time for Payday 3. Introduced by Ice-T, the trailer takes a look at the Port Jersey Heist where he voices one of the characters. Payday 3 is coming to PC and consoles on 21st September 2023.

After this, Assassin’s Creed Mirage took over with a brand-new trailer. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is scheduled for release on 5th October and will be available on consoles and PCs.

Friday The 13th – Lors of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen was up next with a new story trailer. This dark fantasy re-imagining will be released on Friday 13th October 2023.

Then it was the lush graphics from The First Descendant… Take a peek!

After which, we explored the sea with Under The Waves coming out on 29th August 2023.

Darkness and Discovery

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty unveiled its highly anticipated DLC, promising a wealth of exciting changes and fresh narratives in Night City. A spy thriller-themed adventure that entices us to plunge back into the dystopian universe we all know and love. The announcement left me eagerly counting the days until September 26th.

Too Many to Count

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon looked amazing and is coming out this week.

Then, Ara History Untold, showed a stunning turn-based strategy game where you build a civilisation through an alternative history.

Love the look and vibe of this Dustborn

Dustborn is a single-player story-focused game set in an alternative America. This cel-shaded game looks to have a cool attitude and aesthetic and is coming out in 2024.

A Symphony of Unveilings

With Alan Wake 2, developed by Remedy, a world of dark intrigue beckoned. The titular author’s journey into The Dark Place took center stage, unveiling a new trailer that left me craving more. Though the release date has shifted to October 27th, the wait will surely be worth it.

A Glimpse of the Wonders to Come

Day 1 of Gamescom 2023, with its barrage of gripping trailers and thrilling announcements, was an experience that left gamers like me exhilarated and eager for more. As the curtains fall on this spectacular day, I find myself counting down the hours until the next round of reveals and trailers. Stay tuned for more Gamescom excitement!

The post Gamescom 2023 – Day 1 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Axiom Verge 2: A Journey into Mystery and Adventure!

First up, we have the long-awaited Axiom Verge 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Axiom Verge. I am a big fan of retro platformers and I’m even working on one myself at the moment. This game takes us to an alternate Earth-like world, filled with the remnants of a high-tech civilization. Prepare to hack machines, battle fearsome monsters, and explore the enigmatic Breach, a parallel reality brimming with its own perils. Fans of the first game won’t want to miss a single hidden item or upgrade as they delve into the mysteries of Axiom Verge 2. The good news… It’s available now on Xbox.

Birth: Crafting a Friend in the City!

Next up, we have Birth, a unique game both visually and conceptually that takes you on a journey through a bustling city. To combat the loneliness that plagues your character, you decide to create a friend from spare bones and organs found in the urban landscape. Solve physics-based puzzles, explore lovingly hand-drawn locations like museums and bookstores, and unravel the secrets of this intriguing world. Birth launches on Xbox on July 28, and I, for one, can’t wait to dive into this weirdly wonderful experience.

Dreamers: Embark on a Captivating Adventure!

I got a little lost and confused by this one, the voice-over talked about what Grandma might do in a bustling city, a mountain town, or island village and then it switched to third person and a young boy got in a boat. After looking up some information about it it said ‘Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder, puzzles, and unforgettable stories with Dreamers!’ Developed by PlaySys, this adventure game invites players to join the journey of three protagonists—a curious boy, a brave girl, and a visionary robot—as they forge unbreakable bonds of friendship. I am still confused but with its visually stunning low-poly 3D graphic style Dreamers might be fun if I ever figure out what it’s all about.

Everspace 2: Soar Through the Stars!

Everspace 2 is set to take the space game genre to new heights. Building upon the success of its predecessor, this spacefaring adventure offers a 30+ hour campaign, over 100 handcrafted locations, 9 ship types, and 7 companions. As a fan of the original Everspace, I can’t wait to experience the expanded gameplay and the engaging narrative that awaits us in this semi-open-world RPG. Whether you’re exploring uncharted space, upgrading your equipment, or battling enemies, Everspace 2 promises an exhilarating adventure.

Hellboy Web of Wyrd: Unleash Your Inner Hero!

This looked amazing! Step into the shoes of the iconic Hellboy himself in Hellboy Web of Wyrd! Developed in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics and series creator Mike Mignola, this action-brawler-roguelite promises intense battles and a gripping storyline. I’m personally thrilled to see Hellboy brought to life in such a captivating way, and I can’t wait to punch, dodge, and blast my way through the mysterious Web of Wyrd. Also, the fact that Hellboy was voiced by the legendary Lance Reddick (who died in March of this year) also makes it one to keep an eye on.

Jackbox Party Pack 10: Bring on the Laughter and Fun!

The Jackbox Party Pack series is back with not one, but two new games in its latest installment! This is a staple at Christmas as these games are guaranteed to bring laughter and entertainment to any party or gathering. The first game, Timejinx, takes trivia night to a whole new level by adding a time-travel twist. It’s a high-stakes trivia game that immerses you in a unique experience hosted by the acerbic Jerri Rigg.

Next up is Hypnotorious, a game where you and your friends participate in a virtual stage show led by a mysterious hypnotist. You’ll each take on different characters and try to deduce each other’s identities. With engaging gameplay and hilarious moments, these new additions to the Jackbox Party Pack series are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Karateka: The Making of a Video Game Legend!

Digital Eclipse is taking us on an extraordinary journey with their Gold Master Series, starting with The Making of Karateka. This self-published game is a true gem, offering an in-depth exploration of the making of a single video game. It includes playable versions of the original game, video interviews, design documents, and even unreleased playable prototypes. As a fan of gaming history, I’m thrilled to see such a comprehensive tribute to a game that changed the industry. The Making of Karateka is an absolute must-play for any gaming enthusiast.

Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients: Prepare for an Epic Adventure!

Adventure awaits in Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients! Immerse yourself in the mystical world of Gliese, where dark forces threaten its very existence. As the chosen hero, Astor, you must unlock the secrets of the past and collect legendary weapons to thwart an unholy ritual. The captivating combat system, featuring combo-based battles and the arcane Runic Swarm, promises thrilling gameplay and epic battles.

MythForce: Join Forces for a Roguelike Adventure!

OMG – This one looked just like the classic cartoons of the 80’s. If you are old enough to remember cartoons like He-Man and Dungeons and Dragons, this roguelike adventure will take you back. MythForce is here to deliver an exhilarating experience with its four-player online cooperative multiplayer. Set in the ever-changing Cursed Lands of Eldryth, this game will put your teamwork to the test as you face perilous foes. Gather your friends, equip yourselves, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. MythForce arrives on Xbox on September 12, 2023, and I, for one, am counting down the days!

Rain World: Downpour – Survive in a Broken Ecosystem!

Prepare to immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of Rain World: Downpour. In this game, you’ll take on the role of a nomadic slugcat, navigating a broken ecosystem while hunting for food and avoiding larger predators. The sequel introduces new slugcats and expands upon the haunting landscape of the original game. Will you survive in this unforgiving food chain? Rain World: Downpour offers a unique and challenging experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Roman Sands RE:Build – Uncover the Truth in a Surreal Adventure!

Roman Sands RE:Build invites you to a surreal and mind-bending adventure set in a decaying zoological research facility. As you navigate this crumbling world, guided by a distant voice on the radio, prepare for your perceptions to be shattered. This genre-blending masterpiece, created by the minds behind the IGF award-winning Paratopic, promises to deliver a captivating narrative filled with adventure, puzzle-solving, horror, and survival simulation. Keep an eye out for this genre-defying gem!

Scarlet Deer Inn: Embark on an Embroidered Narrative!

Get ready for a unique mix of adventure and platforming with Scarlet Deer Inn. This embroidered narrative platformer offers an emotional story, intriguing characters, and challenging gameplay. With its hand-painted backgrounds inspired by Studio Ghibli movies, Slavic folklore, and medieval Europe, Scarlet Deer Inn is a visual delight. Prepare to explore a dark dungeon, encounter monsters, and uncover optional backstories and bonus locations. This game is a true testament to the artistry of indie developers.

Sea of Stars: Embrace the Power of Eclipse Magic!

Sea of Stars, a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics, invites you to embark on a grand adventure as one of the Children of the Solstice. Combining the powers of the sun and moon, you’ll wield Eclipse Magic to fend off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer. With a demo available now and pre-orders open, this game offers a taste of its dungeon crawling, combat mechanics, and immersive world. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic journey!

Second Wave: Join the Endless War for the Arcane Stone!

Prepare for an easy-to-play but hard-to-master experience with Second Wave, a free-to-play online multiplayer hero-based shooter MOBA set in the world of Armantia. Choose your legendary hero or exile and fight for the powerful Arcane Stone. Domination and 3-Way Battle are just the beginning of the thrilling game modes available. With additional modes in active development, Second Wave promises hours of intense gameplay and strategic battles. Join the war and show off your skills!

Solace State: Unravel a Corporate Biotech Conspiracy!

In Solace State, you’ll step into the shoes of Chloe, a young hacker fighting against a corporate biotech conspiracy. As you navigate political plots and build relationships, your choices will shape the fate of the world and its inhabitants. With its beautifully illustrated characters and immersive narrative, Solace State offers an experience that blends gameplay and storytelling seamlessly. Can you restore hope for the people and retain your humanity in this captivating world?

Stray Souls: A Silent Hill-Inspired Thrill!

Fans of the Silent Hill series, rejoice! Stray Souls captures the essence of the iconic horror franchise and takes it to new heights. With the legendary Akira Yamaoka as a special guest composer, this game promises an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of Stray Souls and prepare to be thrilled by the chilling soundtrack. This collaboration is a dream come true for horror enthusiasts, and I can’t wait to dive into this spine-tingling adventure!

Stumble Guys: Stumble and Battle with Friends!

Stumble Guys, the worldwide phenomenon on mobile, is making its way to consoles, and Xbox players are in for a treat! This fast-paced, highly social game is known for its accessible and competitive gameplay. With imaginative levels, varied events, and new mechanics, Stumble Guys offers countless ways to battle with friends and be the last Stumbler standing. It’s time to embrace the joy of stumbling and share epic moments with your friends on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Face Your Nightmares!

Step into the world of the iconic 1974 horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with this third-person asymmetrical horror experience. Play as one of the notorious Slaughter family members or their victims as you navigate the twisted and terrifying world created by Leatherface and his cannibalistic kin. The strategic 3v4 team-based multiplayer gameplay promises a truly immersive experience that fans of the franchise won’t want to miss. Brace yourself for the horror that awaits!

Vampire Survivors – Local Couch Co-op: Unleash Chaos with Friends!

Vampire Survivors knows that everything is better with friends, and that’s why they’re introducing a local 4-player couch co-op mode. Engage in bullet hell chaos alongside your besties as you face challenging levels and test your friendship. Switch seamlessly between single and co-op play, and discover the true meaning of cooperation as you navigate this thrilling game. Get ready for hours of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments!

Worldless: Enter a Mind-Bending Adventure!

Worldless takes you on a journey between the physical and astral planes within a shapeless world. With its stylized 2D adventure platforming, turn-based combat, and interpretative narrative, this game offers a unique and immersive experience. Embrace the unknown and unlock infinite possibilities as you explore this mesmerizing world. Get ready for an adventure that will challenge your perception and leave you longing for more!

It’s truly remarkable to see the incredible diversity and creativity in the indie game scene showcased by ID@Xbox. These games, crafted by talented developers, offer unique experiences that immerse players in captivating worlds. I can’t express enough appreciation for ID@Xbox and their commitment to highlighting the amazing work of indie developers.

So, fellow gamers, mark your calendars, prepare your consoles, and get those hard drives ready for an exciting lineup of games that will take you on unforgettable adventures. From thrilling battles in space to heartwarming stories of friendship and discovery, these indie games have something for everyone. Happy gaming!

The post ID@Xbox Digital Showcase Unveils 20 New Games appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Yesterday, Xbox fans were treated to an incredible showcase of upcoming titles during the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct 2023. The event was filled with exciting reveals, updates, and exclusive glimpses into highly anticipated games. Of course, the highlight of the show was the in-depth look at Starfield, Bethesda’s upcoming space epic.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The showcase kicked off with a whimsical trailer for the highly anticipated Fable. Narrated by the dead pan Richard Ayoade, the trailer transported us to a world of fantasy and adventure. While we still await a release date and official title, one thing is certain: Fable will be available on Game Pass from day one, ensuring that players can dive into this enchanting world without any barriers.

Next on the lineup was the announcement of South of Midnight, a brand-new game from Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few. Although no release date was provided, the intriguing trailer piqued our curiosity, promising a unique experience that we can’t wait to explore.

The Force was strong with the world premiere of Star Wars Outlaws, an upcoming title from Ubisoft. Set in a fantasy science fiction universe, this game is set to launch in 2024 and will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Prepare to embark on thrilling adventures in a galaxy far, far away.

Incredible Worlds and Engaging Gameplay

The showcase continued to deliver one exciting reveal after another. Thunder Lotus, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Spiritfarer, presented their new title, 33 Immortals. This game will be available on Game Pass from day one in 2024, immersing players in a beautiful and captivating world.

Fans of the heist genre rejoiced as the trailer for Payday 3 was unveiled. Scheduled for release on September 21st, 2023, this game promises high-octane action and intense cooperative gameplay. Plus, the fact that it will be available on Game Pass from day one is a welcome bonus.

One of the most thrilling moments of the showcase was the world premiere of Persona 3 Reload. Set to release in early 2024, this highly anticipated title will transport players into a captivating world filled with unforgettable characters and engaging storytelling. And yes, you guessed it, it will also be available on Game Pass from day one.

Unleashing the Power of Xbox Game Pass

The Xbox Games Showcase made it clear that Xbox Game Pass continues to be a major focus for Microsoft. Several of the showcased games, including Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and Forza Motorsport, will be available on Game Pass from day one. This is excellent news for subscribers who can experience these highly anticipated titles without any additional cost.

Starfield Takes Center Stage

The grand finale of the showcase was the Starfield Direct, where Bethesda unveiled their ambitious space epic. The trailer took us on a journey through the vast universe of Starfield, showcasing stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and a compelling storyline. With planets to explore, spaceships to pilot, and companions to encounter, Starfield promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

In the trailer, we caught glimpses of awe-inspiring cities like New Atlantis, Neon, Cydonia, and Akila City. The attention to detail in the world-building is evident, and players can expect a rich and immersive experience. The Starfield Direct also provided insights into spaceship customization, flying mechanics, and the mechanics of companionship, hinting at the depth and complexity of gameplay.

The Starfield Direct showcased much more than we can cover in one article. I have added a couple more trailers below but there are a few I would like to have a deeper dive on.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – Coming to Game Pass in 2024:

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Coming 2024:

The post Xbox Games Showcase & Starfield Direct appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

“We have plans for additional guns, costumes, monsters, characters, and more that we can’t talk about right now. But we have a strong year of updates, and it’s all either in the current game or it will be DLC. We try to do it as fairly as possible for people.”

Harvey Smith

Redfall Content Roadmap (Wishlist)

New Locations and Nests

Redfall High School

Redfall High School is a large campus with lots to explore. As one of the oldest buildings in the town, it connects to various areas through caves and sewers. The Vampire Nest is home to a female brood of vampires with unique powers.

Defeat the next to unlock the following costumes:

• Remi – Buffy Outfit
• Jacob – Angel Trenchcoat
• Devinder – Xander Outfit
• Layla – Faith Outfit

Unlockable weapons:

• Buffy’s Scythe Melee weapon
• Faith Dagger Melee weapon

New safe house unlocked: Library

New areas unlocked: Caves & Sewers

Redfall Renaissance Park

One of the biggest draws to Redfall is the Redfall Renaissance Park, a medieval theme park filled with stores, shows, and rides. At its center, a small recreation of a medieval castle. The vampire nest here is different in that they are all telepathically connected to one of the ancients. A reincarnated ancient vampire from Europe who now inhabits the castle.

Unlock the following costumes:

• Remi – Van Helsing outfit
• Jacob – Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter outfit
• Devinder – Trevor Belmont outfit
• Layla – Lucian (Underworld)

Unlockable weapons:

• Crossbow Stake Launcher
• Abe’s Axe Melee weapon
• Gods Molatoff / Holy Hand grenade (Blessed bottled water)

The Blood Club

The town’s abattoir has been converted into an underground nightclub and Vampire Nest. Get in there and clear it out!

Unlock the following costumes:

• Remi – Abigail Whistler (Nightstalkers)
• Jacob – Hannibal King outfit
• Devinder – Blade leathers
• Layla – Blade Leathers

Unlockable weapons:

• Blade sword Melee weapon
• New guns (+dual weald)
• Compound bow with silver arrows with time-delay explosive tips.

The Lincoln Caverns – Return of the Lost Boys

Being a port town on the ocean, Redfall enjoys various cave systems. The Lincoln Caverns are now home to a splinter group of ‘young’ vampires starting a new nest. With a strange obsession with children, these vampires have collected a large number of children that they intend to feed on over the coming days/weeks. Once you learn of these survivors, it’s up to you to challenge them and return the lost children.

Unlockable Location: New Aveum
Upon saving the survivors you find some turned vampires that are not evil. They are placed in a converted Aveum facility where they can live of animal and synthetic blood.

Unlock the following costumes:

• Remi – Rayna Cruz outfit
• Jacob – Edgar Frog outfit
• Devinder – Alan Frog outfit
• Layla – Melaka Fray outfit

MCC Lilith – Container Ship

Hidden within a large container ship, a new next has been discovered. Packed full of the undead and dangerous traps, you have to be on your toes when creeping around in the dark.

Unlock the following costumes:

• Remi – Jack Crow outfit
• Jacob – Robert Neville outfit
• Devinder – Dock Worker Boiler Suit
• Layla – Sea Captain

New Enemy Types:

Whilst each nest will have its own new kind of vampire, there will also be the following:

• The Turned: People who were fed on but not killed are now weak but erratic scavengers feeding off pets, rats and wildlife. When they see you, they are wicked fast.
• The Lost: People coming out of hiding are looking for a safe place to hide. Help them to unlock new missions.
• Telepaths: Vampires with telepathic abilities can make you see and hear things that aren’t there to lure you into traps. Find the telepath and silence them.

Redfall Content Roadmap (Official)

Hotfixes & Patches

The game will receive regular hotfixes and patch updates to address any issues and improve the overall experience.

Performance Mode

At launch, Redfall will only feature a Quality Mode on Xbox Series X|S. Unfortunately, Arkane Studios was unable to optimize the performance mode to meet their desired level of quality by the release date. As a result, Redfall will run at 30 frames per second instead of 60 frames per second. The Performance Mode will be added to Xbox Series X|S at a later date. If you are playing the game on a PC, this decision will not affect you.

Offline Mode

The Creative Director of the game has expressed interest in adding an Offline Mode to Redfall. While they are actively exploring this possibility, Harvey Smith has mentioned that no promises can be made at this time.

Additional Characters

The Bite Back Edition and Hero Pass of Redfall will introduce two additional playable characters. These new heroes will possess unique skills and offer distinct gameplay experiences. They will be released as post-launch content, although no specific date has been announced yet.

Live Service

Redfall is an Always-Online game. Although the developers have not mentioned any ongoing events or weekly hotfixes, Arkane Studios will utilize player data to make adjustments and improvements to the game.

Redfall Patch Notes 1.0

• Increased enemy encounter spawn rates across the open world
• Improved ADS (aim down sight) visibility when looking through sniper rifle scopes
• Breakable glass will now shatter on first impact from all guns
• When using additional ammo storage skills, ammo collected above the standard weapon capacity will now persist between gameplay sessions
• Players can move without interruption when performing melee attacks against enemies
• Bribón no longer idles in place after performing the Siren ability
• Devinder’s Translocate ability is now more reliable when used in the Black Sun boss arena
• Updated various mission descriptions and mission summary texts across all languages
• Nests now unlock at the correct time when playing in New Game Plus (after completing A Voice in the Dark, and starting giving You Tomorrow* | or in the reverse order)
• Added medical supplies to the path leading up to the Bloody Tom boss arena
• General mission fixes and improvements

• Fixed multiple instances of enemies appearing unresponsive in combat
• Improved Vampire melee attacks to increase chances of hitting players in motion
• Cultist and Bellwether enemies received general improvements to their combat behaviors, including faster reaction times
• The Rook is now more relentless and will now hunt down all living party members. Kill or be killed
• Rook Storm lightning bolts will no longer hit players through rooftops and most other unexpected situations

• General improvements to human enemy navigation, including animation timing and responsiveness
• Dormant Vampires are now more susceptible to waking up from player-generated noise
• Enemies are now drawn towards the greatest threat during combat. This could be a player, Bribón, or an opposing enemy faction
• Improved enemy pathing options across open world areas in both districts
• Added mouth blood to additional Vampire facial variations

• Players have higher chances of encountering additional and varied enemies while exploring the open world
• Enemies are no longer able to shoot through certain walls in the Fire Station
• Vampire Nest exit door will now appear correctly in the Shipyard heart instance
• Improved many instances of visual issues at a distance, including materials and model adjustments
• Mission Briefing sequences are brighter
• Improved lighting and audio processing in many interior spaces in both districts
• Skybox updates to prevent extreme star flickering
• General improvements to collision detection and asset placement throughout both districts

• Fixed an issue that was preventing certain decal streaming textures to fully load in, causing them to appear blurry
• Resolved several situations where players could experience an infinite loading screen
• Improved framerate performance in Bloody Tom and Miss Whisper psychic spaces and boss arenas
• Players can now proceed past the Accessibility Menu on a new, unlinked bethesda.net account
• Improved lighting performance in psychic spaces
• Blood pool reflections no longer excessively flicker
• Optimized VFX particle counts, emitters, and spawn rates for the following effects:
  • Shield and Inspiration enemy trait effects
  • Environmental fire and smoke effects in the Bladewell Campgrounds
  • Hero ability effects, including Layla’s Umbrella and Jacob’s Heart Stopper
  • Bloody Tom’s slam effect, and Miss Whisper’s death effects
  • Floating dust particle effects
  • Grave Lock effects
  • Psychic Echoes
  • Nest area-of-influence effects
  • Effects when placing Underboss skulls on vampire god pedestals
  • Blood tree disintegration effects
• Optimized memory usage when using Jacob’s Raven ability
• Black Sun’s clothing no longer renders animated blue materials
• General improvements to stability

• Increased the chances of players encountering enemies with special traits in multiplayer sessions
• General improvements to stability and functionality in Multiplayer Lobbies

• Left and right movement keys can now be successfully remapped to Left and Right Arrow keys to improve left-handed movement control experience
  • Players with existing game saves will need to reset their Mouse and Keyboard bindings to Default in the settings menu before attempting to remap movement keys to the arrow keys
• Screen Narration supports additional paths for critical player communication:
  • Invites and Friend requests
  • Joining a multiplayer Lobby
  • Clients leaving a multiplayer Lobby
  • “Invalid Username or Password” error
  • Additional bethesda.net menu screens
  • Updated states of disabled UI elements once players Ready Up in a multiplayer Lobby
• “Let Games Read to Me” option on first launch for Xbox Series consoles is now enabled
• Adjusted the timing of several subtitles to ensure they display in the correct order
• Screen Narration settings will now persist between game sessions
• Added missing audio cues for Friends List section headers, and the Play Game button
• Adjusted text size scaling for Bethesda icons
• Contrast improvements for Ping text, multiplayer progression text headers, and Hero names
• Controls will no longer lock while the Text-To-Speech field is open
• Resolved instances where certain UI elements would lose cursor focus
• Added error messages and warning pop-ups for the following situations:
  • Controller disconnections while on the Initial Input Screen
  • Clients de-selecting Ready after the Host launches the game
  • Players cancelling Friend requests
• Added missing subtitles to Archive entries for the Giving You Tomorrow mission briefing
• “Optional Details” is no longer a required field when reporting another player

• Tutorial blades are now more responsive when multiple are stacked on top of one another
• Settings will revert correctly during active gameplay when Cancelling in the Confirm Changes message prompt
• Enemies will no longer lose nameplates and health bar information when canceling fast travel
• Weapons loadouts will no longer swap into weapon inventory when starting new game sessions in quick succession
• Safehouse keys have been added to the Key Ring
• The Rook Storm meter now appears more consistently in-game, and in the Map
• General improvements to Menu navigation and feedback

The post Redfall Content Roadmap Wishlist appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Overcooked 1&2

In Overcooked, players work together to cook and serve meals in a variety of chaotic and fast-paced kitchens. The player’s main job is to chop ingredients, cook food, and serve it to customers, while also keeping the kitchen clean by washing dishes and sweeping the floor.

House Flipper

In House Flipper, players take on the role of a home renovation expert who must buy and renovate houses in order to sell them for a profit. The player’s main job is to clean up and repair various aspects of the houses, including fixing broken appliances, painting walls, and mowing the lawn.

Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator

Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator combines the satisfying mechanics of PowerWash Simulator with the heartwarming feeling of a Dawn soap commercial. In Fresh Start, players get to use a unique cleaning machine – a water hose/vacuum hybrid – to clean up ecosystems, water plants, and feed animals. Each level also includes hidden puzzles that add a fun and challenging twist to the gameplay, reminiscent of the puzzles found in the beloved game, Portal. With its charming graphics, clever mechanics, and brain-teasing puzzles, it’s more fun than you’d think.

Unpacking

Imagine if organizing our homes was as simple and satisfying as playing Tetris – we might actually enjoy tidying up our messes. Fortunately, Humble Games has created Unpacking, an isometric puzzle game that lets you experience the joy of unpacking and organizing your belongings. In this game, players must unload moving boxes and carefully place each item in its proper place, adding a new level of challenge to the mundane task of tidying up.

But Unpacking is more than just a cleaning simulator – as you tidy away each item, you’ll uncover new details about its owner, revealing a unique form of environmental storytelling. Through these small details, you’ll get to know the character’s personality, interests, and history, adding a new layer of depth to the gameplay. So, if you’re looking for a game that combines the satisfaction of cleaning with the intrigue of storytelling, Unpacking is definitely worth checking out.

Recettear -An Item Shop’s Tale

In Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale, players take on the role of Recette, the owner of an item shop who must pay off her father’s debt. The player’s main job is to sell items to customers and keep the shop clean and organized.

Serial Cleaner

In Serial Cleaner, players take on the role of a professional cleaner who must clean up crime scenes and dispose of evidence. The player’s main job is to search for and collect various items, such as weapons, drugs, and documents, and dispose of them in a safe and discreet manner.

Viscera Cleanup Detail

In Viscera Cleanup Detail, players take on the role of a space station janitor and must clean up the aftermath of violent alien attacks. The gameplay involves using a variety of tools and cleaning products to tidy up each level and dispose of alien remains.

The Gunk

The Gunk offers a unique twist on the traditional shooter – instead of firing at your enemies and obstacles, you’ll be using a vacuum to clean up malicious messes. While the core gameplay mechanics are fairly simple and don’t change much throughout the game, the unique twists and turns in each new area keep things fresh and exciting.

But The Gunk is more than just a cleaning simulator – it also boasts a captivating storyline and a beautiful sense of style that makes each location feel unique and immersive. Despite its relatively brief campaign, The Gunk manages to keep players entertained and engaged throughout the entire game, making it a must-play for anyone looking for a fun, unique platforming experience.

Justice Sucks

Justice Sucks is a stealth-action game about a sentient Roomba vacuum cleaner on a quest for vengeance. In the game, you stalk your prey, hack smart devices, turn them into deadly traps and consume the blood of your enemies (and clean up the mess you make). Justice Sucks is more Die Hard than Marie Kondo and it’s so much fun cleaning up those terrorists.

Powerwash Simulator

In the game, players take on the role of a power wash technician and must clean a variety of surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, and buildings. The gameplay involves using a power washer and a variety of cleaning products to remove dirt and stains from the surfaces. As players progress through the game, they can unlock new power wash machines and cleaning products to use. Powerwash Simulator has received generally positive reviews for its simple but satisfying gameplay and cute, cartoonish graphics.

There you have it, folks – our roundup of the best cleaning games to help you get into the spirit of spring cleaning. These games offer a fun and unique way to tackle cleaning tasks, allowing you to immerse yourself in a variety of settings while honing your skills. Whether you’re a fan of cooking and serving meals, renovating houses, or cleaning up crime scenes, there’s a game out there for you. So, grab your mop, broom, or power washer and get ready to tackle some of the most satisfying cleaning tasks you’ll ever experience in these games.

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Career Mode: Take What’s Yours

RIDE 5 offers virtual racing fans a career mode featuring a narrator who will introduce events and guide players throughout their riding journey. A leaderboard will track progress through the four main racing bundles of the career, which will include various events to be completed before unlocking the next one. RIDE 5 career mode will also feature 10 rivals with their own personalities, backgrounds, and aesthetics. Players will have to beat their opponents in order to reach the top of the leaderboard, providing a competitive edge to the gameplay. Additionally, a set of secondary challenges completes the career structure for a total of over 200 playable events.

Gameplay Modes: Endurance Races, Single-Race and Time-Trial Modes

RIDE 5 also features a range of gameplay modes, including Endurance races which now support in-race save and rewind features to grant more control and flexibility over the gaming session. The single-race and time-trial game modes will be the perfect places to refine riding styles, get familiar with the different bike categories, and push performance to the limit.

Dynamic Weather System and 3D Volumetric Clouds

The Milan-based development team has implemented a Dynamic Weather System, which will calculate in real-time track and air temperature to generate a realistic weather change during races, adding a strategic dimension to the racing experience. The Sky System has also been changed, moving from a 2D technology based on real photos to 3D volumetric clouds to ensure a more immersive visual result.

Multiplayer: Split-Screen and Cross-Play

RIDE 5 offers an enhanced multiplayer experience, allowing players to join cross-play lobbies both on console (PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X | S) and on PC (Steam vs Epic Games Store). Strongly requested by the community, Split-screen is back to let players challenge their friends side-by-side on the couch.

Customization Options: Race Creator Game Mode and Powerful Editors

One of the pillars in the design of RIDE 5 is the desire to allow players maximum freedom in living their own journey into the bike world. The race creator game mode serves such purpose, as players can be the director of the competition and create unlimited scenarios customizing their races and championship experience by choosing which types of bike categories to allow in the competition, selecting AI opponents and tracks, creating new liveries from scratch, and even deciding the scoring and rule system. RIDE 5 also allows players to express their creativity thanks to powerful editors to customize bikes, suits, and helmets.

Approachability: Enhanced Riding Aids

RIDE 5 offers an enhanced set of riding aids to ease the learning curve and help less experienced players get full control of their bike thanks to assisted brakes, cornering, automatic steering and throttle, ideal trajectory, and many other parameters to master even the most difficult tracks.

RIDE 5 offers a highly immersive and exciting racing simulation experience for all fans of two-wheel racing games. The dynamic weather system, 3D volumetric clouds, and enhanced riding aids provide a realistic and customizable gaming experience for all levels of players. The return of the split-screen feature is sure to delight fans, and the career mode, with its narrator and 10 rivals, will provide a challenging and rewarding experience, while the improvements in technology and bike physics will make for a more realistic and enjoyable experience. The enhanced multiplayer experience and customization options will provide hours of entertainment. I can’t wait to get my hands on RIDE 5, especially with those next-gen looks.

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Bioshock Infinite Images – Columbia

Conception and Inspiration

Columbia’s conception began with the idea of creating a floating city that would serve as the game’s setting. The idea was not unique to Bioshock Infinite, as the notion of a city in the sky has been a recurring theme in literature and cinema. The game’s creative director, Ken Levine, drew inspiration from classic works of science fiction such as Jules Verne’s “From the Earth to the Moon” and H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds.”

However, the team’s primary source of inspiration was the American exceptionalism movement, a philosophy that propagated the belief that the United States was a unique and superior nation. The game’s designers used the movement’s ideals to create Columbia, a city that embodied the best of America and was meant to serve as a symbol of American power and greatness.

“I think we were able to create something that was not just a setting but a character in and of itself, with its own personality and quirks. It was a place that players could get lost in and explore for hours, discovering new secrets and stories along the way.”

– Nate Wells, Art Director

Bioshock Infinite Images – People

The Creation Process

The creation of Columbia was a long and challenging process. The team spent several years working on the game, from concept art to final implementation. The team’s efforts paid off, as Columbia’s level design and art direction were widely praised.

The team’s approach to creating Columbia was to start with a basic concept and iterate on it until it met their vision. The designers created sketches and 3D models of the city, experimenting with different styles and structures. They drew inspiration from various sources, including the Art Deco style of the early 20th century and the classic Americana of the 1950s.

Once the basic design was in place, the team worked on adding details and creating a cohesive environment. They paid close attention to the city’s history and backstory, fleshing out its inhabitants, politics, and culture. The team also focused on creating a sense of immersion, making sure that players would feel like they were in a real city.

“I was really interested in the contrast between the beauty and grandeur of the city and the darker, more sinister aspects of its history and politics. We wanted to create a place that looked idyllic on the surface but had a lot of depth and complexity underneath.”

– Ken Levine, Creative Director

Bioshock Infinite Images – Action

“I think one of the things that made Columbia so memorable was the attention to detail. We wanted to make sure that every aspect of the city, from the architecture to the signage to the music, felt authentic and cohesive.”

– Shawn Robertson, Lead Level Designer

Columbia is a truly unforgettable location that played a crucial role in the success of Bioshock Infinite. Its creation was a labor of love, and the team’s attention to detail and dedication to their vision paid off in spades. As players explore the city, they are transported to a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar, beautiful and sinister, a place that will stay with them long after the game is over.

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Best Disney Games on Xbox

Disney Pixar Rush

One of my personal favourites, Disney Pixar Rush is a game that allows players to experience the worlds of some of their favourite Pixar movies. From Toy Story to The Incredibles, players can race through levels, completing challenges and collecting coins along the way. The game’s premise of a place where children can play make-believe adventures with friends is fantastic as it opens up lots more stories within the Pixar universe. With vibrant graphics and a fun soundtrack, this game is perfect for both children and adults.

Disney Infinity 3.0

While Disney Infinity 3.0 is no longer playable online, it is still worth mentioning as one of the best Disney games on Xbox. The game was a combination of a sandbox game and a collectible figurine game, allowing players to explore various Disney and Marvel worlds with their favourite characters. The game also had a Toy Box mode where players could create their own worlds and share them with others. Although the online features are no longer available, the game still offers plenty of hours of fun for players who enjoy creating and exploring.

Kingdom Hearts III

Kingdom Hearts III is a game that combines the worlds of Disney and Final Fantasy, creating a unique gaming experience. Players take on the role of Sora as he travels through various Disney worlds, fighting enemies and unlocking new abilities. The game features stunning graphics, a captivating story, and an incredible soundtrack. One of the highlights of the game is the ability to team up with Disney characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, making for a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

LEGO Disney Pirates of the Caribbean

If you’re a fan of both Disney and LEGO, then LEGO Disney Pirates of the Caribbean is the perfect game for you. Based on the hit movie franchise, this game allows players to explore the world of Pirates of the Caribbean in a fun and playful way. With challenging puzzles, exciting combat, and hilarious cutscenes, this game is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. My children love playing this game, and I have to admit, I’ve had a lot of fun playing it with them too.

LEGO Star Wars – The Skywalker Saga

This is the definitive LEGO game that has been updated, overhauled and repackaged into Star Wars – The Skywalker Saga. This game includes all nine Skywalker Saga films, allowing players to relive the epic adventures of Anakin, Obiwan Luke, Leia, Han, and even Rey. The game features all the major planets from the films, and players can explore ruins, engage in space battles, and collect characters from the Star Wars universe. The game delivers on all counts with its trademark LEGO humour, great gameplay and myriad puzzles. It’s little wonder it made it into my top 10 Star Wars games on Xbox. top 10 Star Wars games on Xbox.

Disney’s Dreamlight Valley

Disney’s Dreamlight Valley is a game that is perfect for younger gamers who love Disney. It is one of the best Xbox games for children on the console. The game is beautiful to look at and will capture the attention of almost any gamer. With its inclusive character creator and variety of things for players to do you will be playing this game for months to come. The base package is a great price and the developers have been releasing regular updates from Frozen to Lion King. With additional seasonal activities and more familiar faces than you can shake a wand at, you and your kids will have magical fun in the valley.

The Disney Classic Collection

If you’re a fan of Disney’s classic films, then The Disney Classic Collection is the game for you. This game includes remastered versions of classic Disney games such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and The Jungle Book. The games feature updated graphics, improved gameplay, and new bonus content. One of my personal favourites is Aladdin, which I played for many hours on my Sega Genesis console back in the 90s. This game is a must-have for anyone who loves Disney’s classic films and wants to relive their childhood memories.

Disney Games on Xbox

Whether you’re a long-time Disney fan or just looking for a fun and engaging game to play, these Disney games on Xbox are sure to provide hours of entertainment. If you are looking for something a little different, you could also check out Fantasia (better with an Xbox One Kinect) or Disneyland Adventures if you would like to explore the parks. I would even go as far as to say Brave was actually quite good as well.

However, this list has you racing through Pixar worlds in Rush, to battling enemies in Kingdom Hearts III, so why not give one of these games a try and experience the magic of Disney for yourself?

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This Month I am giving away a copy of Deathloop and Hogwarts Legacy on Steam! (Global Keys)

Hogwarts Legacy | YouTube

Hogwarts Legacy is exactly what you’d expect from an open-world RPG within the Harry Potter Universe. Immersive, and beautifully done, with plenty of spells, challenges, beasts, quests, combat, and also some fantastic storytelling. It’s such a fun ride that you could go for 100+ hours and not even feel it.

To have a chance of winning Hogwarts Legacy, all you have to do is:

• Subscribe to my channel
• Like this video
• Leave a spell in the comments – Wrong answers only, please!

Deathloop | TikTok

Deathloop is an absolute blast. It’s fun, creative, and feels genuinely fresh. If you like having to think through problems and discovering new secrets every time you try a mission, Deathloop is the game for you. The PvP functionality is surprisingly enjoyable too!

To enter the Deathloop competition, all you have to do is:

• Follow me on TikTok
• Like this post
• Tag two friends in the comments

These giveaways will be open for seven days and the winner will be chosen at random for each on the 15th of April.

This giveaway was made in cooperation with 95gameshop.com which has a massive assortment of discount game codes for all platforms.

So Like, Follow, and comment, and Good Luck!

The post April Game Giveaway: Hogwarts Legacy & Deathloop on Steam appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

According to Statista, In February 2023, GTA V sold over 175 million copies worldwide, making it the second-best-selling video game of all time, only behind Minecraft. Despite being released back in 2013, the game continues to receive regular updates and additions. But with GTA 6 now 18 months, I wanted to look at how the latest iteration of the game and how has changed for the latest gen consoles.

The Los Santos Drug Wars

One of the standout features of the new Los Santos Drug Wars update is the addition of the Freakshop, a new social space that allows you to play the new First Dose Story Missions, store and upgrade your new Acid Lab Business, buy and update weapons, as well as various other activities. This update also includes six additional 1-4 player story missions and five new Fooligan tasks that you can unlock through “Dax” after finishing First Dose – Welcome to the Troupe.

The Acid Lab is a new business that players can manage once they complete the First Dose and steal the necessary lab equipment. They can install it in the rear of the new MTL Brickade 6×6 vehicle and unlock access to the Acid Lab business. Players can drive their Acid Lab while in Freemode and can launch source missions to gain supplies that will be turned into Acid products for players to sell. Acid Labs can also be given custom names, which adds a personalized touch to the gameplay.

The Los Santos Drug Wars update also brings eight new vehicles to the game, including the Mobile Acid Lab, Overflod Entity MT, muscle cars such as the Declasse Tulip M-100 and the Declasse Tahoma, Vans such as the Zirconium Journey II and BF Surfer Custom as well as the very cool Manchez Scout C Motorcycle. The Overflod Entity also comes with an HSW Upgrade that is only available on consoles.

In addition to the new vehicles (now at a massive 708 different vehicle types), the update includes hundreds of new pieces of male and female clothing and accessories, a new female hairstyle, and 39 unisex tattoos. The update also features several experience improvements, including visual, economy, and creator updates.

As a long-time fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, I have to say that the Los Santos Drug Wars update has been one of my favorites. The addition of the Acid Lab business adds a whole new level of depth to the game, and the new vehicles and customization options allow for even more creative gameplay. I also appreciate the regular updates and attention to detail that Rockstar Games continues to provide, even ten years after the initial release of the game.

Last year, Rockstar Games continued to release regular updates for Grand Theft Auto V, including the introduction of the Stunt Race Creator and the Casino Heist update. The Stunt Race Creator allows players to create and share custom stunt races, adding even more creativity and customization to the game. The Casino Heist update adds a new heist for players to complete, as well as several new vehicles, weapons, and customization options.

Grand Theft Auto V – Premium Edition | The Next Gen Facelift

Grand Theft Auto V – Premium Edition came with the promise of hardware-accelerated ray tracing features that were too good to ignore, and I couldn’t wait to experience the game’s third generation of gaming hardware. With the new features added, I was curious about what the new version offers over existing versions of the game.

Improved User Experience

From the initial load the game jumps straight into the introductory videos and from there into the 60fps menus. The full frame-rate menus might not sound like a big deal, but they’re running at 30fps on last-gen consoles and even the PC version. Moving from the menu to the story mode takes around 20 seconds – far faster than previously when the same process takes two minutes and eight seconds.

Rendering Modes

Three rendering modes are on offer: fidelity at 4K30, performance at 1440p60, and performance RT, also at 1440p60. These high frame-rate modes are a huge improvement over the previous gen versions that were capped at 30fps instead. Whilst the older GTA V did suffer from a high input lag, the updated frame rate helps to fix this legacy issue.

Improved Image Processing

In the last generation of the game, motion blur was limited to camera-based effects with occasional per-object blur used in first-person mode. However, the newer version of the game now features per-object motion blur that is applied throughout the game. The effect is subtle at 60fps, but definitely more noticeable when playing in the 30fps fidelity mode, which massively improves the overall look of the game when compared to the last-gen version running at the same frame rate.

Along with improved motion blur, the new version of the game also features enhancements in image quality. When the game was released, it ran at about 1080p and used a basic FXAA-like post-process anti-aliasing effect that was common at the time. However, this then resulted in shimmering, dithering, and other stability issues. The updated versions of the game now include a temporal anti-aliasing solution that is more in line with today’s technology stack, similar to what was used in Red Dead 2. This has significantly reduced shimmering, dithering, and noise to the point where, in some ways, GTA5 at 1440p on consoles looks better than on a PC with native 4K resolution.

Ray Tracing

Of the two performance offerings, the ray tracing mode is an absolute must. Ray tracing is now used on all the shadows, and more specifically shadows cast by the sun. You may only notice it when it’s pointed out but the Ray tracing shadows significantly reduce graphical issues and mimics the properties of shadows in real life are more accurately. The ray-traced shadows also have this lovely softening so when the shadow the further an object, the more diffuse the effect.

Grand Theft Auto V is a high point in gaming history and its longevity is testament to its high quality. Its open-world design, engaging story, and plethora of activities have kept players (including me) coming back for more over the past ten years. The addition of Grand Theft Auto Online, with its constant updates and expansions, has only further cemented the game’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

Grand Theft Auto V – Premium Edition offers improved graphics, image processing, and user experience compared to the last-gen console version. The game’s higher frame-rate modes, image quality improvements, and ray tracing features make the game a whole new experience.

Looking back on the past ten years of Grand Theft Auto V, it’s clear that the game has had a significant impact on the video game industry and popular culture as a whole. Its legacy is sure to endure for many years to come, and even when GTA 6 is released, it will have big shoes to fill as it’s predecessor made history and earned a place in the record books.

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Metro 2033 Images and Screenshots

The setting of the Metro series is a decaying version of Moscow, where people are forced to live in the underground Metro tunnels following a catastrophic nuclear war. The world above has become uninhabitable due to radiation, forcing survivors to create a new world in the dark and dangerous tunnels below. It’s a world of darkness, danger, and desperation where humanity is struggling to survive against a range of threats.

Metro Last Light Images and Screenshots

The imagery in the Metro games is stunningly realistic and evocative, capturing the haunting beauty of this post-apocalyptic world. The environment is rendered with incredible detail, from the grime and rust on the walls to the flickering of candles and torches in the dark. The art team has done an excellent job of creating an atmosphere that is both gritty and realistic while still being strangely beautiful.

Metro Exodust Images and Screenshots

One of the most memorable scenes in the Metro games is the moment when players first step out of the tunnels into the wasteland above. The world outside is barren and lifeless, with twisted metal and rubble everywhere. The sky is a sickly shade of yellow, and the air is thick with radiation. It’s a stunning moment that captures the horror and desolation of this world.

The Metro games are also filled with smaller moments of beauty and wonder that add to the overall atmosphere. Whether it’s the quiet moments of contemplation in the tunnels, the glow of a sunset through a cracked window, or the sound of a choir singing in a distant station, the games are full of moments that make players pause and take in the beauty of this broken world.

Overall, the Metro series is a testament to the power of great world-building in video games. By creating a detailed, immersive setting, the games transport players into a world that is both terrifying and strangely beautiful. The Metro games are an excellent example of how video games can be a powerful medium for storytelling and world-building, and a must-play for anyone who loves immersive, atmospheric games.

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Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is a cozy management game where you play as Stella, a ferrymaster to the deceased. As you explore the world, you’ll meet various spirits that need your help to cross over to the afterlife. With beautiful hand-drawn art and a relaxing soundtrack, Spiritfarer is the perfect game to unwind with after a long day. One lovely moment in the game is when you finally help a spirit come to terms with their past and they depart with a smile. Word of warning though, don’t do the hedgehog quest too quickly as she leaves soon after and it’s a real tear-jerker.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a beloved farming simulator that has won over the hearts of many players. In the game, you inherit a run-down farm and must restore it to its former glory. With its adorable characters, relaxing gameplay, and wholesome story, Stardew Valley is the perfect game to play when you need a break from the real world. A lovely moment in the game is when you complete a bundle in the community center and the town comes together to celebrate your achievement.

A Short Hike

A Short Hike is a charming exploration game where you play as a bird named Claire, who’s on a quest to reach the summit of a mountain. With its beautiful pixel art and calming soundtrack, A Short Hike is a cozy game that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. A lovely moment in the game is when you reach the top of the mountain and take in the breathtaking view.

Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk is a visual novel game where you play as a barista in a cozy coffee shop in Seattle. As you serve drinks to various customers, you’ll learn about their lives and help them work through their problems. With its beautiful pixel art and relaxing jazz soundtrack, Coffee Talk is the perfect game to play with a warm drink in hand. A lovely moment in the game is when a regular customer opens up about their struggles with writer’s block and you offer some encouraging words.

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest is a beautiful platformer where you play as a guardian spirit named Ori, who sets out on a quest to save their home forest. With its stunning hand-drawn art and emotional story, Ori and the Blind Forest is a cozy game that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings. A lovely moment in the game is when Ori is reunited with their mother, and the two share a heartwarming moment.

My Time at Portia

My Time at Portia is a charming life-simulation game where you take on the role of a builder in a post-apocalyptic world. With its adorable characters and relaxing gameplay, My Time at Portia is the perfect game to play when you need to destress. A lovely moment in the game is when you finish building your first commission, and the happy recipient comes to thank you.

Gris

Gris is a stunning platformer that takes place in a world of dreams and emotions. With its gorgeous watercolor art style and calming soundtrack, Gris is a cozy game that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon. A lovely moment in the game is when you finally overcome a particularly difficult platforming section and are rewarded with a beautiful new area to explore.

My Fantastic Ranch

My Fantastic Ranch is a cute and cozy farm management game where you take care of various animals on your very own ranch. With its charming art style and relaxing gameplay, My Fantastic Ranch is the perfect game to unwind with after a long day. A lovely moment in the game is when you successfully breed a rare animal and watch as it grows and thrives on your ranch.

Wayward Strand

Wayward Strand is an interactive narrative game that takes place on an airborne hospital. As you explore the hospital and interact with its residents, you’ll uncover a heartwarming story about family, love, and coming of age. With its unique premise and charming characters, Wayward Strand is a cozy game that’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face. A lovely moment in the game is when you help two characters reconcile their differences and they come to understand each other better.

Summer in Mara

Summer in Mara is a delightful farming and adventure game where you play as Koa, a young girl who sets out on a journey to explore a beautiful archipelago. With its gorgeous tropical setting and heartwarming story, Summer in Mara is the perfect game to play when you need a break from the real world. A lovely moment in the game is when you help a character fix up their boat, and they take you on a sunset sail around the islands.

Untitled Goose Game

In Untitled Goose Game, you play as a mischievous goose causing chaos in a small village. While it may not sound cozy at first, the game’s charming art style and silly objectives make for a lighthearted and fun experience. There’s nothing quite like honking at a farmer and stealing his hat to brighten up your day.

These cozy games are just a small sample of the many relaxing and heartwarming experiences Xbox has to offer. So next time you’re in the mood for a cozy game, consider giving one of these titles a try. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite way to unwind after a long day.

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Pacer

This game is a spiritual successor to Wipeout, featuring anti-gravity ships and insane speeds. The game features both online and offline modes, so you can race against your friends or go solo.

Flashout 3

Flashout 3 is a great anti-gravity racing title for a low price point. It might not be groundbreaking, but it provides plenty of hours of enjoyment. The game supports split-screen co-op, has plenty of tracks, vehicles and weapons and the difficulty levels mean plenty of challenge.

Redout 2

This game takes the anti-gravity racing concept and adds some twists to it. With a focus on physics and high-speed racing, Redout will challenge even the most skilled racers.

Formula Fusion

This game is from the creators of Wipeout itself! Featuring sleek and futuristic ships, Formula Fusion brings a new level of intensity to the genre.

Trailblazers

Trailblazers is a fantastic racer that looks like the love child between Borderlands and Wipeout. Trailblazers introduces a new painting into the world of racing and the cool indie tunes make this well worth trying, however, the longevity depends on the multiplayer aspect and a growing player base.

BallisticNG

Inspired by the classic Wipeout games, BallisticNG features retro graphics and a unique style that sets it apart from other racing games. The game features online and offline multiplayer modes, as well as a variety of ships and tracks.

Fast RMX

This game is a fast-paced racing game that takes place on futuristic tracks. With intense speeds and challenging tracks, Fast RMX will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Radial-G: Racing Revolved

This game takes the anti-gravity racing concept to a new level, with tracks that twist and turn in ways that will leave you dizzy. The game also features a unique “barrel roll” mechanic that adds an extra layer of challenge.

Antigraviator

Antigraviator is a futuristic racing game with a unique twist on the genre. Players can activate environmental traps inspired by Split/Second to take out rivals, but only one racer can trigger a trap in each race. The game offers no speed limit for ships, allowing players to reach mind-blowing speeds on well-designed tracks. With tight controls and a low price, Antigraviator is recommended for fans of futuristic racing games.

So there you have it, various Wipeout alternatives that will scratch that racing itch. Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

We hope this list has given you some new games to check out and enjoy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Wipeout or just looking for something new, these six games are sure to deliver. So why not give them a try and see which one becomes your new favourite?

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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

This action role-playing game, set in the Viking age, features a questline called ‘Wrath of the Druids’ that is set in the kingdom of Dublin in Ireland. Players can explore the city and interact with its citizens as they complete quests and battle enemies.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

This open-world action role-playing game features a questline set in the Skellige Isles, a group of islands off the coast of Ireland that are inhabited by the warrior clans of the Skelligers. Players can explore the islands and participate in various activities, such as sailing, fighting, and completing quests.

The Legend of Zelda – The Wind Waker

This action-adventure game features an island called Windfall Island, which is inspired by the island of Inishmore in County Galway, Ireland. Players can explore the island and interact with its inhabitants as they complete quests and defeat enemies.

The Long Dark

This survival game features a region called “The Dublin Mountains,” which is inspired by the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. Players must navigate the harsh wilderness and survive against the elements as they explore the region and complete quests.

Dishonored 2

This action-adventure game features a character named Emily Kaldwin, whose mother is Irish. Emily’s mother’s heritage is mentioned in dialogue throughout the game. Players can use stealth and various abilities to complete missions and defeat various steampunk-inspired enemies as they explore the game’s world.

Fable 2/3

This action role-playing game features a character named Reaver, who is a wealthy businessman and pirate from the fictional island of Aurora, which is based in Ireland. Players can interact with Reaver and complete quests as they explore the game’s world.

From the kingdom of Dublin in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to the Skellige Isles in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there are plenty of video games that are set in Ireland or feature Irish themes and characters. Whether you’re a fan of action-adventure games or survival games, there’s something on this list for every type of gamer. So why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by diving into one of these Irish-themed video games?

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Metal Hellsinger

This fast-paced arcade shooter is set in a post-apocalyptic world where metal and guns are the only things that matter. With an intense heavy metal soundtrack and fast-paced gameplay, Metal Hellsinger is sure to get your heart racing. The game features tracks from bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, and AC/DC, making it the perfect game for any metalhead.

Heavy Metal Machines

This high-octane racing game is set in a world where metal rules the roads. With fast cars, big guns, and a killer heavy metal soundtrack, Heavy Metal Machines is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The game features tracks from bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath, making it the perfect game for any metalhead who loves fast cars and loud music.

Doom

This classic first-person shooter is known for its intense gameplay and heavy metal soundtrack. With tracks from bands such as Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, Doom is sure to get your head banging. The game features fast-paced action and a gritty, post-apocalyptic setting, making it the perfect game for any metalhead who loves a good shoot ’em up.

Slain: Back From Hell

This gothic horror-themed hack-and-slash game features an intense heavy metal soundtrack and fast-paced gameplay. With tracks from bands such as GWAR, Ghost, and Motörhead, Slain: Back From Hell is sure to get your head banging. The game features a dark and atmospheric setting, making it the perfect game for any metalhead who loves a good scare.

Rock & Roll Racing

This classic racing game features a heavy metal soundtrack and fast-paced gameplay. With tracks from bands such as Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Steppenwolf, Rock & Roll Racing is sure to get any metalhead’s head banging. The game features a variety of vehicles and tracks, making it the perfect game for any metalhead who loves a good race. The game had an unofficial remake called Rock & Roll Racing 3D which changed to Motor Rock for a short time before it was soon removed and banned due to copyright infringement.

Brutal Legend

This action-adventure game features a heavy metal soundtrack that is sure to get players pumped up. With tracks from artists like Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead, this game is sure to appeal to fans of classic metal.

Guitar Hero

This classic rhythm game challenges players to play along with some of the greatest heavy metal tracks of all time. With a variety of difficulty levels and the ability to play along with tracks from other heavy metal artists, this game is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Spin-off versions included dedicated versions for Metalica, Aerosmith and Van Halen.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith

This music game features tracks from the legendary rock band Aerosmith. With a mix of rhythm gameplay and story-driven content, the Aerosmith Game is sure to satisfy any metalhead’s appetite for fast-paced action and killer riffs. The game features tracks from the band’s entire discography, as well as guest appearances from other rock and metal acts such as Slash and Lenny Kravitz.

Guitar Hero: Metallica

As the name suggests, this game is all about the legendary heavy metal band Metallica. With tracks from the band’s entire discography and fast-paced gameplay, the Metallica Game is sure to get any metalhead’s head banging. The game features a variety of modes, including a career mode where you can follow the band’s rise to fame, and a multiplayer mode where you can compete against other players.

Guitar Hero: Van Halen

Guitar Hero: Van Halen is similar to the preceding band-centric game, Guitar Hero: Metallica, featuring support for four players in a single band on lead and bass guitar, drums, and vocals. The game is based on Guitar Hero World Tour and includes 25 songs and 19 guest acts.

Metal Tales: Overkill

This rhythm game challenges players to play along with some of the greatest heavy metal tracks of all time. With a variety of difficulty levels and the ability to play along with tracks from other heavy metal artists, this game is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

Rising Hell

Fight your way through hordes of blood-lusting demons and escape hell as you unlock new characters and perks to create mayhem in the procedurally generated and ever-changing layers of hell! Amazing heavy-metal riffs and beautiful pixelated madness will accompany you as you fight your way out from the depths of hell itself.

Valfaris

Developed by Steel Mantis, the action platformer Valfaris takes inspiration from classic Heavy Metal album covers for its style and features an original soundtrack from former Celtic Frost guitarist Curt Victor Bryant.

Whether you’re a fan of classic metal or modern metal, there’s sure to be a heavy metal game on this list that will appeal to you. From fast-paced action games to rhythm games that challenge you to play along with some of the greatest heavy metal tracks of all time, these 10 games are guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for metalheads of all ages. Whether you’re looking to rock out to some of your favorite tracks or discover new bands and music, these games are sure to satisfy your craving for heavy metal.

The post 10 Heavy Metal Games To Rock Out To appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

The Last of Us

The relationship between Joel and Ellie is a central theme in this post-apocalyptic action-adventure game. As Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl, travel across the country in search of safety, they develop a deep bond that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. One of the game’s most powerful moments is when Joel sacrifices everything to save Ellie, showing just how far he is willing to go for her. A lesser-known fact about the game is that the voice actors, Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, had such great chemistry that they were able to improvise many of their scenes together.

Bioshock Infinite

This first-person shooter game features a complex and emotionally-charged love story between the main characters, Booker and Elizabeth. As they journey through the floating city of Columbia, they come to rely on each other for survival and begin to form a deep connection. One of the game’s most memorable moments is when Elizabeth opens a tear in reality and shows Booker a glimpse of a world where they are happy together, hinting at the possibility of a brighter future. A lesser-known fact about the game is that the initial concept for Elizabeth’s character was that of a traditional damsel in distress, but the developers decided to make her a more active and capable character.

Final Fantasy VII

This role-playing game features a love story between the main character, Cloud, and one of the other playable characters, Tifa. As they work together to save the planet from the evil Shinra Corporation, their relationship blossoms. One of the game’s most iconic moments is when Cloud confesses his love for Tifa on the rooftop of their childhood home. A lesser-known fact about the game is that in the original Japanese version, Cloud’s love confession is much more ambiguous, leaving it up to the player to interpret his feelings.

Journey

This art game offers a unique and powerful love story as the player’s only connection to another player is through singing and the players’ journeys to the top of a mountain. The game’s multiplayer aspect allows players to form a bond despite the lack of verbal communication, it’s a powerful statement on the universality of human emotions. One of the game’s most moving moments is when two players finally reach the summit together, symbolizing their shared journey and connection. A lesser-known fact about the game is that the game’s composer, Austin Wintory, composed an orchestral score as a tribute to the game and its players.

Firewatch

This first-person adventure game deals with themes of love, isolation, and self-discovery through the conversation between two firewatchers, Henry and Delilah. As the player takes on the role of Henry and communicates with Delilah over the radio, their relationship deepens and becomes more complex. One of the game’s most powerful moments in Firewatch is when Henry finally sees Delilah face-to-face and they are forced to confront their feelings for each other. To ensure there was chemistry between the two characters, the game’s developers, Campo Santo, used a real-life couple, Rich Sommer and Alejandra Reynoso, as voice actors for Henry and Delilah, in order to add an extra layer of realism to the characters’ relationship.

Dragon Age: Origins

This role-playing game allows the player to form relationships with various non-playable characters, and the choices the player makes in these relationships have a significant impact on the story and the ending. One of the game’s most memorable love stories is the romance between the player character and the elven mage, Leliana. As the player helps Leliana on her personal quest, she opens up about her past and the two of them develop a deep bond. A lesser-known fact about the game is that the developers, BioWare, included a wide range of romance options for the player character, including same-sex romance options, in order to make the game more inclusive and to give players the freedom to explore their own romantic preferences.

The Walking Dead

This graphic adventure game series deals with themes of love, sacrifice, and survival in a world overrun by zombies. The player’s choices in relationships with non-playable characters have a significant impact on the story and the ending. One of the game’s most powerful love stories is the relationship between the player character, Lee, and Clementine, a young girl he takes under his protection. As they journey together, they form a deep bond and their relationship becomes a central theme in the story. A lesser-known fact about the game is that the developers, Telltale Games, used motion capture technology to capture the actors’ performances, which added an extra layer of realism to the characters’ emotions.

Mass Effect

This science fiction action role-playing game allows the player to form relationships with various non-playable characters, and the choices the player makes in these relationships have a significant impact on the story and the ending. One of the game’s most popular love stories is the romance between the player character, Commander Shepard, and the Asari Liara T’Soni. Their relationship develops over the course of the trilogy, and the player’s choices in how they interact with Liara shape the outcome of their relationship. A lesser-known fact about the game is that the developers Bioware included multiple romance options for the player character, including same-sex romance options, which added a level of diversity and inclusivity to the game.

Tales from the Borderlands

This episodic graphic adventure game tells the story of two characters, Fiona and Rhys, who are on a quest to find a vault and their stories are interwoven with romance and comedy. The player’s choices in how they interact with Fiona and Rhys shape the outcome of their relationship. The game’s unique blend of humor and heart makes for a memorable and enjoyable love story.

Oxenfree

This supernatural thriller adventure game allows the player to form relationships with various non-playable characters, and the choices the player makes in these relationships have a significant impact on the story and the ending. One of the game’s most complex and emotionally-charged love stories is the relationship between the player character and their best friend, Alex. The game’s supernatural elements add an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to their relationship. A lesser-known fact about the game is that it was developed by Night School Studio, an independent studio founded by industry veterans.

These games demonstrate that video games can be a powerful medium for exploring and experiencing love in many different ways. From post-apocalyptic survival to fantasy worlds, these games offer players the opportunity to form relationships, make choices and experience the complexity of emotions that love brings.

The post Gaming’s Greatest Love Stories | Valentines Special appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Start With The Essentials

One of the best ways to save money when building a gaming PC is to focus on the essential components and skimp on the extras. A powerful processor and graphics card are the most important parts of a gaming PC, so it is essential to invest in a good-quality CPU and GPU. A mid-range processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, and a budget-friendly graphics card, such as an Nvidia GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500, will provide excellent performance for most games.

Another way to save money when building a gaming PC is to opt for cheaper memory and storage options. While it may be tempting to go for the fastest and most expensive memory and storage options, it is not always necessary. 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB solid-state drive will provide more than enough memory and storage for most games.

When it comes to the case, power supply, and cooling, you can also save money by opting for budget-friendly options. A basic case with good cable management and adequate cooling will suffice, and a quality power supply with a minimum of 450 watts will provide plenty of power for your components.

Scavenge For Parts

Another option to consider is using second-hand parts and scavenging the best parts from second-hand PCs. Simply determine the base specifications of the PC and start searching. Make a list of the components you need, such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard, and storage. Next, check online classifieds or local stores that sell used computer parts. You can often find good deals on components that are still in good condition. Some popular options include websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.

When purchasing second-hand parts, it is important to be careful and do your research. Make sure to check the seller’s ratings, read the product descriptions and specifications carefully, and ask any questions you may have. It’s also important to ensure that the components are compatible with each other and with the rest of your system.

Choose an Expert

Finally, one option that is becoming increasingly popular is to have someone build it for you. This can save you time and ensure that you get a high-quality build that is tailored to your specific needs. Custom-built PC specialists such as the team at Vibox can source the components and build the PC for you at a cost that will be similar to or even cheaper than building it yourself. They also can offer you service and support after the build.

In conclusion, building a budget-friendly gaming PC is definitely possible, and it doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on performance. By focusing on essential components and skimping on the extras, you can build a gaming PC that can handle the latest games and offer a great gaming experience. Additionally, having a professional build it for you can also be a good option to save time, get a high-quality build and have a warranty against mishaps.

The post Gaming on a Budget: How to Build an Affordable Gaming PC appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Isshin The Sword Saint from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

In the action-adventure game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, players take on the role of a ninja named Sekiro as they journey through ancient Japan. One of the toughest bosses in the game is Isshin The Sword Saint, a powerful swordsman who is skilled in the arts of battle. His lightning-fast attacks and unpredictable movements make him a formidable opponent, and players will need to be at the top of their game to take him down.

Cort from Legend of Legaia

In the role-playing game Legend of Legaia, players control a group of heroes as they journey across a fantasy world to defeat the evil Vigoor Empire. One of the most challenging bosses in the game is Cort, a powerful magician who wields dark magic and has a variety of devastating attacks at his disposal. Players will need to use strategy and quick reflexes to defeat Cort and advance through the game.

Gorsia from 7th Saga

7th Saga is a role-playing game set in a fantasy world where players control one of seven heroes on a quest to collect seven magical runes. One of the toughest bosses in the game is Gorsia, a powerful demon who has a variety of powerful attacks and can teleport around the battlefield. Defeating Gorsia requires careful planning and precise execution, as he can easily overwhelm players with his formidable abilities.

Soul of Cinder from Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3 is a notoriously challenging action role-playing game set in a dark, grim world. One of the most difficult bosses in the game is the Soul of Cinder, a powerful and ancient being that has mastered a variety of fighting styles. Players will need to use all of their skills and strategy to take down the Soul of Cinder, who is a formidable opponent with a wide range of attacks and abilities.

Sephiroth in Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2

In the action role-playing game Kingdom Hearts, players control a young hero named Sora as they journey through a variety of Disney-themed worlds. One of the toughest bosses in the game is Sephiroth, a powerful and manipulative villain who is skilled in sword combat and has a variety of devastating attacks at his disposal. Players will need to use quick reflexes and strategy to defeat Sephiroth and advance through the game.

Raven Beak from Metroid Dread

In the action-adventure game Metroid Dread, players control a powerful space bounty hunter named Samus Aran as they explore a variety of alien worlds. The final boss. Raven Beak, is a formidable opponent that requires careful planning and precise execution to defeat. Players will need to use all of their skills and resources to take down this powerful enemy and complete the game.

The Valkyrie Queen on God of War

In the action-adventure game God of War, players control a powerful warrior named Kratos as they journey through a variety of mythical realms. One of the toughest bosses in the game is the Valkyrie Queen, a powerful and skilled fighter who has a variety of devastating attacks at her disposal. Players will need to use all of their skills and strategy to defeat the Valkyrie Queen and advance through the game.

Sans from Undertale

In the role-playing game Undertale, players control a young hero as they journey through a magical underground world filled with quirky and endearing characters. One of the toughest bosses in the game is Sans, a wisecracking skeleton who has a variety of powerful attacks and can manipulate time itself. Defeating Sans requires quick reflexes and careful planning, as he is a formidable opponent who can easily overwhelm players with his abilities.

TTFAF on Guitar Hero III

In the rhythm game Guitar Hero III, players use a guitar-shaped controller to play along with popular songs by matching the notes on the screen. One of the toughest songs in the game is “Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce, which features fast-paced guitar solos and challenging patterns. Players will need to have excellent timing and hand-eye coordination to master this difficult song.

Mike Tyson from Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!

In the boxing game Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, players control a young boxer named Little Mac as they work their way up the ranks to become the champion. One of the toughest opponents in the game is Mike Tyson, the final boss who is known for his powerful punches and quick movements. Players will need to have excellent reflexes and strategy to defeat Mike Tyson and become the champion.

General Raam from Gears of War (when playing on Insanity difficulty)

In the third-person shooter game Gears of War, players control a team of soldiers as they fight to save the world from a monstrous alien race known as the Locust Horde. One of the toughest bosses in the game is General Raam, a powerful and skilled warrior who is the leader of the Locust Horde. When playing on the highest difficulty setting, Insanity, General Raam becomes an even more formidable opponent, with increased health and more powerful attacks. Defeating him requires careful planning and precise execution.

Difficult bosses can be memorable for gamers, even if they drive them crazy first. These challenging opponents provide a sense of accomplishment when they are finally defeated and add an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay experience. While they may test the skills and patience of even the most experienced gamers, the sense of triumph that comes with defeating them is well worth the effort.

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The Rise of Steampunk Games

The popularity of steampunk games has skyrocketed since the genre first appeared in the gaming industry in the 1990s. Their aesthetics have since spread to other media, including board games, television shows, movies, and even the fashion industry. Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Chanel, and Versace are just a few of the fashion powerhouses that have routinely debuted steampunk-inspired couture on the runway.

Steampunk tropes, such as quirky devices, airships, and props, may be seen in a number of mobile games and online casinos, such as the futuristic Money Train 3 slot. Moreover, the success of steampunk games has been reflected in high-profile Hollywood productions like Alice Through the Looking Glass and Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.

With many entertaining titles to choose from, we look at the top 10 steampunk games that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat for hours. So, strap on your cinder goggles and break out your gaming chops as we launch into some of the finest steampunk games ever.

Final Fantasy VI

Published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994, Final Fantasy 6 is a role-playing video game that immerses players in the era of the Second Industrial Revolution. The plot centres on the player’s exploits as they guide one of the game’s 14 playable characters through a world ruled by a military dictatorship rife with chemical warfare, cataclysmic conflicts, and a magical arms race by completing puzzles and side quests to unlock new levels. Final Fantasy 6 was a commercial and critical triumph, winning a slew of accolades and receiving high praise for its visually spectacular presentation and heart-warming story of rebellion, redemption, and hope.

The Order Of 1886

The Order: 1886 is a 2015 PlayStation 4 game created by Ready at Dawn that features a grim, dystopian depiction of London in the Victorian era, with players facing off against a horde of half-breeds, including werewolves and vampires, and an insurrection against the government. The player assumes the role of Sir Galahad, a member of the secretive Order of the Knights tasked with defending the world. In addition to conventional methods of battle, such as stealth and weaponry, players can also use their acquired magically-enhanced tools and gadgets to repel enemy invasions. With the help of zeppelins, railguns, and thermal imaging, the Order: 1886 conjures forth a steampunk version of London infested with plague, rodents, and the shadowy figure of Jack the Ripper. The game was praised for successfully imitating the look and feel of real movie cameras and lenses, which added realism and helped players feel immersed in the action.

Dishonored (1 & 2)

Dishonored, developed and published by Arkane Studios and released in 2012, is an action-adventure game replete with assassins, otherworldly creatures, and steampunk technology. Set in the plague-ravaged industrial city of Dunwall, the narrative follows a royal bodyguard named Corvo Attano, who has been falsely accused of the murder of the Empress of the Isles. The game heavily relies on stealth-based gameplay and the use of supernatural abilities to advance through missions and reach higher levels. Dishonored was a commercial and critical triumph, taking home the Best Game BAFTA in 2013 and being hailed as one of the finest steampunk games on numerous occasions since its 2012 release.

Frostpunk

The 2018 video game Frostpunk from 11-bit studios puts players in charge of a protagonist named the Captain, who must lead a band of survivors through the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster. Taking place in a 19th-century alternate history where Krakatoa and Mount Tambora have erupted, bringing about a global volcanic winter, players are tasked with rebuilding civilization with Victorian-era technology, allocating limited resources, making difficult decisions, and scouring the wastelands for survivors and useful items in order to progress through the game. The game’s popularity spawned a host of related board games and smartphone games, and in 2021 a sequel, Frostpunk 2, was officially announced.

BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter set in a floating city called Columbia. The game follows protagonist Booker DeWitt as he attempts to rescue a woman named Elizabeth from the city’s leaders. The game features fast-paced combat and a richly detailed world that combines elements of steampunk and American exceptionalism. One of the great things about BioShock Infinite is its intricate and thought-provoking storyline, which explores themes such as American exceptionalism, racism, and alternate realities.

Sunless Sea

Sunless Sea is a survival-strategy game set in a dark, underground world inspired by Victorian-era fiction. Players take on the role of a captain navigating their ship through the dangers of the underground seas, battling giant beasts and facing moral dilemmas as they explore the world and build their reputation. One of the great things about Sunless Sea is its open-ended gameplay, which allows players to chart their own course and shape their own story.

The Age of Decadence

The Age of Decadence is a role-playing game set in a low-fantasy, post-apocalyptic steampunk world. Players take on the role of a member of one of several factions vying for power in a world that has fallen from grace. The game features a deep, branching storyline and a complex choice-and-consequence system that allows players to shape the world around them. One of the great things about The Age of Decadence is its richly detailed world, which is filled with political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and a wealth of lore to explore.

Stellaris

Stellaris is a grand strategy game set in a futuristic, alternate universe where the technology level resembles that of the 19th century. Players take on the role of a space-faring empire, exploring the galaxy, establishing colonies, and interacting with other empires. The game features complex diplomacy, resource management, and tactical space combat. One of the great things about Stellaris is its vast, procedurally generated universe, which allows players to experience a virtually endless variety of stories and challenges.

Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy XV is a role-playing game set in a world that combines elements of steampunk and high fantasy. Players take on the role of Noctis, prince of the kingdom of Lucis, as he sets out on a journey to reclaim his throne and save his kingdom. The game features fast-paced action, a beautiful open world, and an emotionally charged storyline. One of the great things about Final Fantasy XV is its richly detailed world, which is filled with memorable characters, breathtaking landscapes, and a wealth of lore to explore.

What are your favourite Steampunk Games. Add them in the comments!

The post Top 10 Steampunk Games appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Roblox gameplay involves users creating and customizing their own avatars, exploring virtual worlds and playing games created by other users. The platform offers a wide range of game genres, including adventure, simulation, role-playing, and more. Some of the more popular games on Roblox include Adopt Me, Bloxberg, and MeepCity.

Types of Roblox Games

Roblox offers a wide variety of games to choose from, catering to a range of interests and skill levels. Some popular game genres on the platform include:

Adventure games: These games involve players exploring virtual worlds and completing quests or puzzles. Examples include Adopt Me, which tasks players with caring for and adopting virtual pets, and Bloxburg, which lets players build and manage their own virtual city.

Simulation games: These games allow players to experience everyday life or fantastical scenarios in a virtual world. Examples include MeepCity, which lets players socialize and play mini-games in a virtual city, and Theme Park Tycoon, which tasks players with building and managing their own virtual theme park.

Role-playing games: These games allow players to take on the role of a character and interact with others in a virtual world. Examples include Roleplay World, which lets players explore a medieval fantasy world, and Royale High, which lets players attend a virtual high school and complete quests and challenges.

Roblox In-game Currency – Robux

Roblox uses a virtual currency called Robux, which can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money. Players can use Robux to purchase in-game items and customization options for their avatar, as well as access premium features and games. Check out some great ways to earn free Robux here.

Roblox Concerns

As with any online platform, there are some common concerns and worries parents may have about their children playing Roblox. Some of these concerns include the potential for online strangers to interact with their children, the amount of time their child spends playing the game, and the potential for in-game purchases to add up.

Roblox Scams

Unfortunately, there are individuals who try to take advantage of other users by scamming them on Roblox. Some common scams to be aware of include phishing scams, game or item scams, friend request scams, and Roblox card scams. To avoid these scams, it’s important for parents to educate their children on how to stay safe online and to be cautious about sharing personal information or making purchases.

The Positive Aspects of Roblox

Despite these concerns, there are many positive aspects to playing Roblox. The platform offers a great deal of freedom and creativity, allowing players to role-play with friends and create their own virtual worlds and games. For younger children, some of the games on Roblox may serve as simpler versions of more complex adult games, such as Five Nights at Freddy’s and Among Us.

Ultimately, whether or not to allow children to play Roblox is a decision for individual parents to make. By educating themselves and their children about the potential risks and how to stay safe online, parents can help

Frequently Asked Questions For Roblox

• What is Roblox and how do I play it?
• How do I create my own Roblox game?
• How do I make Robux (the virtual currency in Roblox)?
• How do I report inappropriate behavior on Roblox?
• How do I keep my child safe while playing Roblox?
• How do I troubleshoot problems with Roblox?

What is Roblox and how do I play it?

Roblox is a online platform that allows users to create and play games, as well as socialize with other players. To play Roblox, you will need to create an account and download the Roblox player. Once you have done that, you can browse and play games, create and publish your own games, and interact with other players on the platform.

How do I create my own Roblox game?

To create your own Roblox game, you will need to use a tool called Roblox Studio. This is a free software that you can download from the Roblox website. With Roblox Studio, you can create and customize your own game using building blocks, scripts, and other assets. You can then publish your game to the Roblox platform for other players to enjoy.

How do I make Robux (the virtual currency in Roblox)?

There are a few ways to earn Robux in Roblox:

• You can purchase Robux with real money through the Roblox website.
• You can sell game passes, which are special in-game items that give players access to exclusive content, for Robux.
• You can sell shirts, pants, and other virtual items in the Roblox catalog for Robux.
• If you are a Roblox developer, you can earn a percentage of the Robux spent on your games through the Developer Exchange program.

How do I report inappropriate behavior on Roblox?

If you encounter inappropriate behavior on Roblox, you can report it by doing the following:

• In the game: Look for the “Report Abuse” button, which is usually located in the game’s menu or settings. Clicking this button will allow you to report the problem to Roblox.
• On the Roblox website: Go to the “Report Abuse” page and follow the instructions to report the problem. You will need to provide the username of the player you are reporting, as well as a description of the inappropriate behavior.

How do I keep my child safe while playing Roblox?

There are a few things you can do to keep your child safe while playing Roblox:

• Set up the parent account controls on the Roblox website to block or restrict certain types of content and communication.
• Encourage your child to use the “Report Abuse” button to report any inappropriate behavior they encounter.
• Talk to your child about online safety and the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers.
• Monitor your child’s playtime and the games they are playing.

How do I troubleshoot problems with Roblox?

If you are experiencing problems with Roblox, here are a few things you can try:

• Restart the Roblox player and try again.
• Check the Roblox website for any known issues or outages.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Make sure you have the latest version of the Roblox player.
• Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Roblox.

The post Parents Guide To Roblox appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Next Level Games Review 2023 – £5

The perfect toilet companion for any gamer. This hardback book covers everything from Ark to Zelda. At only £5 this would make a great gift or handy stocking filler.

Street Fighter Wallet – £10

Wallets seem a little old school these days now most of the contents are on your phone but they are not gone yet. So why not have a wallet that shows the world you are a gamer? This sleek wallet has a very cool Street Fighter design and has all the sections you will need.

Gioteck Customisable Head Set – £15

These footy-themed Headsets from Gioteck have been released just in time for the world cup and are a must for FIFA fans. These budget headsets are only £15 and are compatible with various gaming formats including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC. They have a removable mic and volume and mute control on the cable. I reviewed the Minecraft versions last year so was excited to see the new designs that include the flags of England, Wales, Scotland, and Brazil or a unique football design for those who wish to stay neutral.

Tomb Raider: The Official Cookbook and Travel Guide – £25

Inspired by Tomb Raider, this book features over 40 recipes from the many locations Lara Croft visits and explores across the globe, with food and drinks inspired by key characters and locations. Also included is expert information on the cultural history of the many beautiful cities and countries to which she travels.

Gaming Displate Poster: £50

Displate is a one-of-a-kind metal poster that only takes 20 seconds to set them up and doesn’t need any power tools meaning no damages, no frustrations, just beautiful art. There are a wealth of different designs to choose from and a whole section dedicated to gaming. So whether you like the retro aesthetic of Fallout or the neon of Need for Speed, there is a poster for you.

Powkiddy RGB20S – £75

TikTok has been smashing me with adverts and videos about this little handheld and they know their market. With thousands of games from the arcades, PlayStation, Nintendo, and many more, it’s a trip down memory lane for gamers and also another useful gadget to keep in the loo.

Doom The Board Game – £75

In the Doom board game, one player has control of the Hellish demons while several of the other players are would-be Doomslayers. The heroes must complete various missions around the board and earn weapons to take on the Hellspawn. A great game for when you want to unplug with friends. For 2-5 players, it takes a couple of hours to complete and changes each play through.

Austrian Audio PG16 Pro Gaming Headset – £130

Reviewed earlier this year, the PG16 Pro Gaming Headset from Austrian Audio is a great all-rounder. With crystal clear, high-resolution sound that accurately represents even the quietest details of the game. The headphones simply make every gamer’s heart beat faster and the comfortable ear pads keep you in the game for longer.

Anda Seat Jungle Pro Gaming Chair – £200

Andaseat makes the list once again, as their range of gaming chairs just keeps getting better. Whether you like the classic like me – The Jungle Pro, or you want to support your favourite esports team there are lots of variations to choose from.

ASUS TUF VG289Q, 28 inch, 4K Gaming Monitor – £350

The ASUS TUF gaming monitor offers stunning crisp and detailed visuals with a dynamic range of colour and brightness levels that exceed the capabilities of ordinary monitors. Add to that the new FreeSync technology that eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates, this is the monitor any gamer would love.

Custom Built Gaming PC – £499

The Onyx 5976 – APU, Ryzen 5 5600G is a great starter PC for those making the move over to the PC master race. I have been really impressed with my custom-built PC built by Stormforce Gaming. The delivery was quick, the parts are A grade and the overall look and feel is very cool. The performance is top notch and I have been ramping up the settings to all the most resource-hungry games to really take my gaming to the next level.

Jill Valentine Statue – £700

Special Operations Agent Jill Valentine is kicking ass and blasting zombies in this beautiful 1:4 scale statue. PureArts creates some of the most details statues on the market and this model depicted Jill slaying zombies in her quest for justice is truly breathtaking.

There you have it, 12 great gift ideas for gamers. What are you getting your gamer this Christmas, add them in the comments and I will be sure to check them out.

The post Gamer’s Gift Guide 2022 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

To help you choose a game for your children, I have outlined 25 licensed video games for children out on consoles. I have added a list below in no particular order with jump links to each game or ease of use. Let’s get started.

Xbox Kids Games

• Addams family: Mansion Mayhem
• Hotel Transylvania: Scary Tale Adventures
• Hotel Transylvania 3: Monsters Overboard
• Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure
• Dragons: Dawn of the New Riders
• Ben 10: Power Trip
• Rabbids: Party of Legends
• Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls
• Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom
• Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx
• PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night
• My Friend Peppa Pig
• Ice Age Scats Nutty Adventure
• Jumanji: The Video Game
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge
• DC League of Super Pets
• L.O.L surprise! BBS Born to Travel
• Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway
• JoJo Siwa Worldwide Party
• Horse Club Adventures 2: Hazelwood Stories
• Disney Dreamlight Valley
• Lego Starwars – Skywalker Saga
• Bratz – Flaunt Your Fashion
• Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms

Addams family: Mansion Mayhem

Addams Family is a simple and fun game for the whole family. With four-player couch co-op and easy-to-defeat enemies, young children will have a blast working through the levels either alone or with the rest of the family. The game won’t feel revolutionary for adults playing together and the levels get a bit samey but it’s easy to pick up and play and kids will enjoy the simplicity.

4/5

Hotel Transylvania: Scary Tale Adventures

In Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tales Adventures, you take control of Drac and Mavis and play through various fairy tale worlds with their own spooky spin. From Little Red Riding Hood to Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves each level is easily recognizable but can take up to half an hour to complete. The game is very repetitive but still fun. However, those under 7’s will struggle and the long levels with no save means you have to commit serious time to complete each level.

3/5

Hotel Transylvania 3: Monsters Overboard

Released alongside the movie, you play Drac and Mavis on a mission to save the other monsters from three desert islands. Using little monster minions called impas, you direct your miniature helpers to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. Overall, the game can be fun at times, but the constant struggles with the controls will frustrate many. For those familiar with Nintendo’s Pikmin, this is a substandard clone.

1/5

Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure

For fans of the TV show and recent movie, Spirit is a happy-go-lucky adventure in a bright and colourful world. After finding her mother’s treasure map, Lucky rides across the world completing a series of quests to unlock new areas and additional outfits. Riding across the open plains is wonderful, but when you are in more confined spaces, the controls become cumbersome and frustrating. Fans of the show will enjoy it but horse fans may get more fun from Horse Club Adventures.

3/5

Dragons: Dawn of the New Riders

This game bravely carves its own path by not following any of the movies, instead, tell a new story about a young rider with amnesia and his new dragon Patch. The gameplay is mainly a dungeon crawler with some simple puzzles. During the periodic combat sequences, the battles are clunky and slow and the ranged attacks from Patch are rarely accurate. The new story was a great idea but doesn’t really go anywhere or add to the Dragons canon.

1/5

Ben 10: Power Trip

There have been two Ben 10 games on this generation’s consoles that actually play very differently. The first game sees Ben 10 in a 3D side-scrolling beat em up whereas Ben 10 Power Trip is more of an open-world adventure. Out of the two, I would recommend Ben 10: Power Trip as it plays really well, has a fantastic open world with plenty of side quests and the two-player split screen means a friend or sibling can play as Ben’s frenemy Kevin 11.

5/5

Rabbids: Party of Legends

Rabbids is a solid Mario party clone with a lot of endearing features. For those not familiar with the party game genre, Rabbids is a game in which 1-4 players compete in various mini-games to earn books and become to ultimate champion. The mini-games are generally longer than those in Mario Party giving players more engagement in each activity. The wheel spin and stealing mechanics for players in last place help keep the playing field level and additional games and Rabbids are unlocked through player progression. It’s really fun with friends in couch co-op but the single-player experience is a little limited.

3/5

Blaze and the Monster Machines

With its big chunky cartoon graphics and wealth of character voices, Blaze and the Moster Machines is a great introductory game to the world of video game racing. The auto drive feature means it is great for children under 7 and the four-player local coop is good for sharing with friends. The different characters are represented well with each having their own special ability from Blaze’s nitro boost to Watts’ electro boost. However, with only 10 standard-looking tracks, the appeal is limited and children more familiar with driving games may want more.

2/5

Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls

There are at least three Paw Patrol games out on consoles, Paw Patrol: On A Roll (terrible), Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay (ok) and Adventure City Calls (better). In short, go for Adventure City Calls as it is the best of the three and has the biggest world to explore. As the movie introduced a new character, this game also has the biggest roster of playable characters, all with voice acting from the characters. The game can be played in local coop with family members and the variety of missions and vehicle levels keep it interesting for young players.

3/5

Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom

Last Kids on Earth is a top-down beat-em-up with light RPG elements. Players can either go it alone or team up with four friends in local co-op mode. The fighting mechanics are solid and don’t feel too repetitive while the upgrade system doesn’t do much apart from increasing bonus points. Single players can switch between the two ranged and two melee-focused characters by using the various phone booths littered across the levels. The graphics match the cartoon series perfectly which much of the audio lifted directly from the show. However, the game is criminally short and can be completed in under 4 hours. Some side quests to help to flesh it out but I would have liked more.

4/5

Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx

Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx has huge ambitions with its fully explorable Paris setting, rooftop parkour, multi-goon fighting mechanics, and two-player action. However, slowdown and graphical issues do break the magic a little. Fans of the show will happily look past these glitches to enjoy a game packed with macaron collecting, hero upgrades, and de-evilizing. The gameplay is generally very forgiving for younger players and the voice and music is absolutely fantastic. Younger players will need help with the six end-of-level bosses when the difficulty really ramps up but the two-player option means that it is a great game to play with your children.

4/5

PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night

With 12 reasonably sized levels, easy and repetitive gameplay, PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night is great for young children who are fans of the show. The voice actors of both the heroes and villian reprised their roles and all contributed original voices for the game. Whilst for some, the constant voice guidance may be annoying, it helps keep young minds focused on the task at hand. Each level plays exactly the same, so whether you are a fan of Gecko, Owlet, or Catboy, each hero gets 33% of each level to climb walls, fly around, or double-jump over difficult obstacles. The vehicle levels break up the platforming action and the controls are so simplistic, it is impossible to go wrong.

4/5

My Friend Peppa Pig

My friend Peppa pig is a great introduction into video games teaching young children about the fun you can create pressing buttons. Right from the start screen players feel like part of a brand-new episode. From the character creation in the beginning to jumping in muddy puddles with Pippa at the end, the game is short, and simple but young fans of the show will be happy to jump back in. Whilst most of the voice acting is done by the cast, there is the new Peppa and a couple of changes that ‘hardcore’ fans of the show will notice but overall it was like Dragons Lair for a newer younger generation.

4/5 for new gamers
2/5 for experienced gamers

Ice Age: Scrats Nutty Adventure

The true hero of the Ice Age saga has finally got his own video game and it sees Scrat platform his way through Ice fields, ice caves, and even a lost world collecting crystal acorns across 12 fun-filled levels. Sadly, the lack of cut scenes, various glitches, and some horrible camera angles mean that it can be both fun and frustrating in the same play-through. Scats Nutty Adventure is mediocre at best and a missed opportunity for a fun character that totally deserves better.

1/5

Jumanji: The Video Game

The video game of a movie about a video game that was a board game in a movie. Jumanji uses the characters and settings of the 2017 film in a third-person shooting/fighting game. Players can team up with four friends in local co-op or play online. Players run and gun through various maze-like levels fighting and shooting goons and natives to collect four pieces of a jewel. Once collected, they move into a safe room before tackling the next level. The game is nothing like the films but it’s simple enough to battle through with friends. Achievements come thick and fast but the gameplay soon becomes repetitive. It’s a bit of fun but don’t expect it to be anything like the films.

2/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a lovingly crafted homage of the TMNT arcade beat-em-up. Its 6-player co-op is fantastic with friends and the gameplay is simple to pick up but with lots to master. The nostalgic pixel aesthetic will resonate with parents as they bash through the whole game in a single sitting with the family. Whilst the level design can get a little samey, the range of characters, fighting mechanics, and fantastic music will keep you playing. A must for any big family looking for a game everyone can play.

5/5

DC League of Super Pets

DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventures of Krypto and Ace might will not be the game you expect as it involves Krypto and Ace flying through Metropolis is a star-fox-inspired shoot-em-up. Using Krypto’s eye lasers and Ace’s batarangs, the two fly through 15 levels trying to save the city’s lost pets from the evil Lex Luthor. The graphics look great and calling upon PB (Wonder Woman’s pig), Merton (Flash’s tortoise) or Chip (Green Lantern’s cat) is great. Sadly, the lack of enemy variety, repetitive level design (it’s always Metropolis), and hard-to-handle controls mean that only super fans of the movie need apply.

2/5

L.O.L surprise! BBS Born to Travel

The LOL game is a lightweight version of Overcooked as it sees the Dolls packing and making the L.O.L balls that the toys usually come in. By using the right mix of sunshine, stars, and hearts, you fill each complicated little ball before sending them out into the world. The intricate recipes are complicated for the target age group but the lack of a time limit does make it easier. Up to four players can team up to work through the various levels that get more and more complicated with lifts and platforms. Players unlock new dolls and accessories and can update their character throughout. The music and fashion mini-games between levels add a little more to the mix but feel bolted on compared to the main game. Fans of the dolls may need parental help to complete but it’s interesting enough when playing with friends.

3/5

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway

If Mario Kart holds the top spot when it comes to Kart Racers, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway is definitely second place. With over 40 characters, tonnes of weapons, hundreds of unlockables, and a massive variety of tracks, Slime Speedway actually outperforms Mario Kart in all but one department: accessibility. The sheer wealth of options can mean jumping into a multiplayer game is not a quick affair. These options are fantastic in the single-player mode, but when you want to do a four-player couch co-op or 12-player online play, there are so many choices. For Xbox owners, Slime Speedway is the best kart racer on the platform.

5/5

JoJo Siwa Worldwide Party

Don’t let the name fool you. This is not a party game, instead, Jo Jo Siwa Worldwide Party is a mix of an endless runner with a rhythm game. Jo Jo runs across 12 levels jumping, sliding, and bashing her way through 4 of her big hits. Jumps and bashes need to be in time with the music to keep your speed and unlock bonus items. In between each song you can unlock makeup, clothes, and obviously bows to enhance your character. Whilst the game is quite fun, it feels stretched out to make a full game. The 4 songs have 4 variations from instrumental to full-blown concert variations, but it would have been nice to have a few more songs. With no multiplayer and limited appeal, this one is only for the fans.

1/5

Horse Club Adventures 2: Hazelwood Stories

Horse Club Adventures 2 is an open-world horse riding game based on the popular toys from Schleich. Players can create their own horse and take part in an array of horse-related disciplines from dressage to show jumping. Players are given tasks by the inhabitants of Hazelwood that include working on the farm to taking photographs of local wildlife. You will need to feed and clean your horse throughout and unlock new gear to enhance the speed, endurance and agility of your pony. Some riders may be annoyed by the invisible barriers in the ‘open world’ but with lots to do and no pressures, this is a fantastic game for pony fans.

4/5

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Disney Dreamlight Valley takes the tried and tested formulas of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing and sprinkles on some Disney Magic. After moving to the valley, Players must befriend and help the various inhabitants with quests, errands, and tasks. From mining valuable resources to simply having a picnic with Mickey to cheer him up, there is so much here for Disney fans to enjoy. The graphics and voice acting are fantastic and there is new content being added regularly. Sadly, there is a lot of grinding to be done to earn the in-game currency and lots of microtransactions such you want to skip the grind.

5/5

Lego Star Wars – The Skywalker Saga

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a mammoth beat of a game with over 300 characters, 45 levels, and over 1000 collectibles, this game will keep players busy for a very long time. Add to that the various DLC packs for The Madolorian and Rogue One and you have a game that is fantastic value for money. The graphics are the best yet in a Lego game and it uses all the iconic music and sound found in the nine movies. Some levels are more memorable than others and those that have played any of the previous Lego Star Wars games will recognize many of the levels. but with improved graphics and gameplay, this is one not to be missed.

5/5

Bratz – Flaunt Your Fashion

Play as your favorite Bratz character and begin your globe-trotting adventure to become the world’s best fashion reporter. Blaze a trail as you chase the biggest style stories, take on quests to help new friends, and play various minigames in order to unlock the latest scoop for Bratz Magazine. The in-game currency can be used for new outfits, characters, and even scooters. The semi-open world is fun to run however many of the characters just stand in one place waiting to be talked to making it feel a little static. However, the variety of activities and the solid voice acting make this a great all-rounder for fans of the show.

4/5

Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms is a dragon-focused adventure that is equal parts combat and exploration. The journey takes you across five worlds, each with five levels (the last level per world being a boss battle with a dragon many times your size). The vibrant and chunky levels are fun to explore and fly around and switching between the different dragons like Wu and Wei when Skrills appeared, or Thunder for some of the larger dragons is easy enough. Collectibles allow you to purchase character upgrades such as new combos and new skins and whilst it annoyingly has no two-player option, it’s fun to play and easy for children to complete.

3/5

So there you have it, 25 licensed Xbox games for children. With a handful of 5/5 titles in the mix your kids can enjoy exploring, driving, or fighting on the mighty Xbox. Which games do your children play the most on Xbox? Leave your comments below.

The post Licensed Xbox Games for Kids 2022/23 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

FIFA 2022

The HyperMotion technology is the biggest gameplay change we’ve seen in the FIFA series for over a decade and adds thousands of new animations and smoother gameplay throughout. The VOLTA is fantastic in multiplayer and the Career mode has a treasure trove of new options. The FIFA Ultimate Team has loads of new features that include upgraded concepts like Division Rivals and FUT Champions, the new collector mode now welcomes some club customization. There are ways to play FIFA with a no-money-spent approach, but it does take patience and discipline. For those looking to get a boost, you can either spend real money or get FIFA 22 coins from online retailers. Overall, the gameplay updates alone give this game a spot in the top five and whilst the VOLTA and Career modes could be improved further, this game is simply amazing.

NBA 2K23

The graphics in NBA 2K23 are just gorgeous as the players run around the court in glorious 4K, dribbling and dunking looks amazing. The gameplay is fluid but complex as it is built for the basketball afficiado rather than the fairweather gamer. The addition of the Jordan Challenge giving you access to the great man himself and the My Career mode is a massive RPG allowing you to skateboard around town, attend interviews and even manage your social media. The whole package is massive at 150GB but is great value as there is so much on offer.

F1 Manager 2022

Race weekends have never been so exciting. In F1 Manager 2022, the races are beautifully presented with lifelike visuals that make it look like you are watching a race on TV. However Influencing the behaviour of your drivers is crucial if you want to drive your team to victory. From pit strategies to mid race tyre wear, this solid F1 managemenet sim is a fantastic entry into the genre from Frontier Developments. Whether you want to micro-manage every little variable or simply make grand changes and see how it pans out, you will need patience and focus to rise through the rankings.

Shredders

Shredder is a brand-new snowboarding game with a focus on realism. You won’t find insane spinning or near-limitless rail riding here. Shredders allow players to control both the upper body and lower body in a whole new way. The result is a fluid and satisfying snowboarding game that goes back to basic to deliver a heartfelt love letter to the sport. Many will find the controls jarring at first but once you have it, landing those complicated tricks feels all that more rewarding.

Madden NFL 23

Not only does Madden NFL 23 have stunning graphics, but it’s wonderfully accessible, and works well if you are new to the sport or a die-hard football fan. Playing in either Arcade mode or simulation, Madden NFL makes the game feel fast, frenetic, and strategic. The new passing mechanic ‘Field-sense’ can be turned off for players used to the older style but the new system works really well with a bit of practice. The Franchise Mode gives you full control of the business, making all of the decisions for your team. It can be a bit of a slog but it will keep you busy. The Ultimate Team mode is where you will spend most of your time as well as most of your money as earning Stars can unlock new players, packs, and tactics… or you can just buy them to improve faster.

Whilst the biggest sports games of 2022 might be the franchises you expected, I think it is worth giving an honourable mention to…

Call of the Wild: The Angler

The beautiful fishing game goes beyond the rod and allows players to drive the boat, and walk around the beautiful lakes and shores to find the best spots before stopping for some hardcore fishing. Whilst this is a niche sport, Call of the Wild must be applauded for its authenticity and fishing experience. The attention to detail with the tackle and fish is fantastic and the ambient soundscape adds to the overall immersion. Whilst the ability to see other players wander around and fish was amazing, the lack of interactivity with them was one of the only elements that let it down.

What was your favourite sports game of 2022? Add them to the comments below.

The post The Five Biggest Sports Video Games of 2022 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

 Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5)

Any modern student with a long passion for gaming is familiar with the GTA series. There is no way that a teenage gamer missed this game for some reason. It was a real phenomenon in a gaming world – bold, creative, vibrant, and unpredictable. Well, it remains so to this day. The most recent addition to the series, GTA 5, has immediately received high praise from reviewers and players. It’s designed in the best traditions of the classical GTA.

As per usual, here you can complete various side missions, follow the main game plot (where you play for three different characters – all part of one criminal circle), and rob banks, which is the main purpose of the game. However, most players don’t just come here for a plot. They come for additional gaming bonuses unique to the GTA world. 

Players choose GTA to test various vehicles, from all kinds of cars and bikes to trains and planes. Though, GTA 5 has truly enhanced players’ ability to interact with Los Santos City, the fictional city where all GTA games take place. Now, you can do various activities in the city, go on hunting, become a gang member, and so much more. The city looks more alive, and so does your gaming experience. 

Call of Duty: Warzone 

There is hardly any person who hasn’t heard about Call of Duty. This first-person shooter came to the gaming market years ago, winning people over with its realistic approach, interesting (and not too complicated) plot, and strong characters. Over the years, the game creators have improved the main mechanics of the game, its design, and its characters. As a result, they’ve come up with higher diversity of the series, offering realistic and fictional scenarios. Perhaps, the latter is what really makes a difference in the whole series. 

Overall, most tactics and mechanics are pretty similar in each new release. You will go through similar game scenarios, battles, shootouts, and even weapon choices. Play one or two games, and you will find the resemblance between all future releases. However, it’s who you are playing for, in what locations, and the plot that truly makes a difference in the gaming experience. 

The latest release, Warzone, is not much of an exception from this Call of Duty phenomenon. No matter how many games the CoT world comes up with, each new release is just familiar enough to allow a comfortable plot and quick adjustment, but still looks different to remain interesting and somewhat unpredictable. Of course, the Warzone is also praised for a large multiplayer option, where up to 150 players can play during a single game, competing with each other for their survival. 

Forza Horizon 5

Soon after its release, Forza Horizon 5 has become the top-selling game X-box has ever had. That’s just the first single record right off the bat in its first month on the market. More than ten million gamers chose to try this game as soon as it was available. If that’s not popular, what is it? We don’t have that many racing series that keep returning stronger than ever. 

Of course, Forza is more popular among a slightly older generation of gamers, as its first release was back in 2005. As the stats show, the game was able to build quite a loyal fanbase over recent years. Fortunately, they’ve been rewarded with Forza 5 in all its glory.
So, the fifth series is set in fictional Mexico. As per usual, it’s an open world where gamers can drive around, exploring the vast semi-real Mexican land. However, this time, the creators went above and beyond, designing the biggest map in the series. It’s basically twice as big as any previous maps in the game, making the world not just fun to explore but more complicated and, thus, exciting. 

As for the rest of it, the game mostly follows the classical scenario. Players can compete with each other in various races, explore the open world, or follow the plot while being in campaign mode. However, one new addition to the gameplay was the introduction of mini-multiplayer games. You can find random racing challenges on the map and participate in any of them if you wish. 

Minecraft 

Of course, Minecraft deserves its place on this list. It’s one of the most popular games among various generations, from very young to adults (very creative ones, should we add). So, it’s a classical sand game where you can create your own world from scratch. Sure, it’s not all you can do there. Players also can fight various monsters, cooperate, and explore endless worlds around them. 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, that Minecraft is quite addictive and can take valuable study time from students sometimes. Fortunately, there is always a way. For example, whoever wrote this edubirdie review back in September, has surely helped thousands of Minecraft players to submit their papers on time. 

The post The Most Popular Student Video Games appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Forgive Me Father – April 2022

The fast-paced Lovecraftian FPS feels like old-school doom with its 2D enemies and meaty weapons. The comic-book graphics and true-to-source characters give this a fantastic look and feel. The RPG skill tree is a great new addition to the genre and running through the darkly lit corridors and round blind corners is both very scary but lots of fun.

The Quarry – June 2022

When nine teenage counselors of Hackett’s Quarry throw a party to celebrate the end of summer things take a turn for the worst. Hunted by blood-drenched locals and something far more sinister, the teens’ party plans unravel into an unpredictable night of horror. Whilst The Quarry feels more like an interactive horror movie than an engaging game, the overall experience is equal parts scary and entertaining. Can you survive the night?

Madison – July 2022

With an array of twisted puzzles to solve and a multitude of jump scares, unraveling the morbid central mystery of madison is a bit like trying to solve an escape room while simultaneously trying not to poo yourself from all the horrific things in there. Inspired by Hideo Kojima’s frightening demo PT, Madison tells the story of a young boy who wakes up in his house covered in blood and a malignant spirit roaming the rooms. Can you escape this psychological nightmare?

Withering Rooms – October 2022

Withering Rooms is a 2.5D horror adventure set in a procedurally generated Victorian mansion that changes each night. The character designs for the array of inhabitants are haunting and hiding under a table whilst the faceless minions walking the corridors will certainly get your heart pumping. Whilst the animations of the main character is a little clunky, the rest of the visuals and the cacophony of eerie sounds and dialogue will certainly give you nightmares.

Scorn – October 2022

Just released this week, Scorn is straight out of the twisted mind of H.R Geiger. All the footage and gameplay look both mesmerizing and horrific at the same time. From the player’s shredded hands to the fleshy sacks that litter the levels, the whole game looks scary as hell and it is little wonder the Kickstarter was funded so quickly. If you are looking for a game that will give you nightmares this Halloween, Scorn is the game for you.

Callisto Protocol – December 2022

Callisto Protocol is a third-person survival horror game set 300 years in the future, players take on the role of Jacob Lee – a prisoner of the maximum-security penitentiary located on Jupiter’s moon, Callisto. When the inmates begin to transform into monstrous creatures, the prison becomes a terrifying nightmare. This pulse-pounding story is filled with unspeakable horrors and with creatures lurking around every corner, you may need some new underwear after playing this one.

What games scared you in 2022?

The post The 6,6,6 Scariest Games of 2022 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.