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This morning’s Xbox Partner Preview showcased a breadth of third-party partnerships, from small content drops, ports, stealth releases, and world premiere announcements.
The 30-minute showcase featured titles from IO Interactive, THQ Nordic, and Poncle. Along with a few surprise “and it’s out today” drops for Xbox Game Pass, it was reiterated throughout that all of the titles shown would support Play Anywhere, which is certain to be a boon for anyone running a handheld PC, Xbox ROG Ally X, or not.
Here’s a rundown of everything shown off during today’s Xbox Partner Preview.
Bond’s Got A Flash New Set of Wheels For 007 First Light
James Bond is synonymous with the latest in cutting-edge technology, and he’s also synonymous with hot cars, even going so far as to blend the two on regular occasions. This brief trailer highlights the Aston Martin Valhalla, a gorgeous coupe worthy of any 00 agent’s license to thrill.
Armatus Is The New Action Roguelite From The Team Behind Godfall
While Godfall breezed right by the mark for most people, this new title trades in the swords and glistening armour for a gothic horror flavour. It’s launching next year and will be on Game Pass at launch.
Blow Up The Pokies! CloverPit Is Out Today, And It’s On Game Pass
Branded one of the year’s most addictive roguelikes, CloverPit’s loop is to slot machines what Balatro is to poker. Enough said, play it.
Crowsworn Is A Stylish Metroidvania With A Focus On Fluid Combat
Although no release window was given for this one, it’s rocketed up my most anticipated list as a passionate lover of Metroidvania titles. I’ll make it a personal goal to save Fearanndal, if it’s the last thing I do. The Donkey Kong-like minecart levels are a plus, too.
Dave The Diver Dives Into Xbox’s Briny Depths Today
One of the most popular indie-not-indie games of the last few years has, at last, made its way onto Xbox alongside a new expansion, titled In The Jungle, which lets you do battle with giant crocs that’d have Bob Irwin’s eyes watering.
Echo Generation 2 Looks To Be Bringing Even Stranger Things To Players
I do love how much this game wears its 80s and 90s popcorn horror inspirations on its sleeve; there are even nods to Gremlins, which is bound to be lost on your ‘6-7’ crowd.
Erosion Promises A Rapidly Aging Western World, And That’s Cool As Heck
Similar to Sifu, which saw your character age out of his own story if he died too often, Erosion’s world advances a decade every time you die, creating an urgency to unravel the narrative conceit before it’s too late. It’s a rad concept, and we’re here for it.
Hitman’s Next Elusive Target Is Slim Shady Himself
The catch, however, is that in Hitman’s world, Marshall Mathers’ alter ego, Slim Shady, split off into a separate, ultraviolent entity, and it’s Eminem himself that’s tasked you with eliminating his other self. He’s truly about to lose himself. You can whack Slim off on December 1.
The Mound: Omen of Cthulu Lets You Take On Eldritch Nightmares With A Bud
And thank goodness, too. Cosmic horror can be pant-shittingly scary, and I think having a friend tag along would help the situation. Quite obviously inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, I’m ready to have my perception tested when it launches next year.
Raji: Kaliyuga Is A Bold Step Up On Its Predecessor
Set six years after the original game, Raji’s sequel delves into the mystical, portraying wars between mortals and gods. While the original game was a simpler, isometric action game, this follow-up makes the full jump to third-person action, and it looks gorgeous.
Reanimal’s Release Date Got Revealed, And You Can Play It Now
From the creators of Little Nightmares, Reanimal follows a brother and sister who face unspeakable horrors while trying to escape from their own home with their friends in tow. Its atmosphere is irresistible, it’s coming in February next year, and there’s a demo you can play right now.
Roadside Research Is A Comedic Co-Op Game About Aliens In A Petrol Station
Now this one sounds fun. Along with a friend, you try to blend in as extraterrestrials running a petrol station, from stocking shelves and trying to look normal, all while gathering intel on the human race. It’s out early next year and will be on Game Pass.
Tides Of Annihilation Shows Off A Mammoth Boss Battle In Its New Trailer
Resisting the urge to hit another standard marketing beat, Tides of Annihilation decided just to put out gameplay footage of one of the game’s huge boss battles to capture your attention. Bold strategy, Cotton.
Total Chaos Is Another “Out Today” Stealth Drop For Xbox Game Pass
Speaking of pant-shitting, I think Total Chaos has potential to eke a bit of uh, concern out of me. It’s an atmospheric survival-horror first-person shooter where you’re having to scramble to cobble guns together while avoiding just the most horrible nightmare fuel. Best of all, it’s out today.
Poncle’s New Vampire Survivors Game Is A Dungeon Crawler
Vampire Crawlers, a brand new deck-builder, dungeon-crawling roguelike, is Poncle’s new title, and it features the trademark chaos and moreish replayability of its predecessor. Bibles, whips, and garlic aplenty.
Zoopunk Is A Frenetic Action Game Within The F.I.S.T. Universe
From the creators of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch, this acrobatic, explosive action game features anthropomorphic woodland cuddlies, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s a rabbit acting like a grizzled war vet. Expected to release in 2027, this one is a long way out.
