Based on my observations, it appears that the development team has aimed to revitalize the traditional elements that define a DOOM game, yet they’ve managed to maintain the brutal action and excitement that fans have grown to cherish.
For Xbox users with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, the standard version of DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available right from launch day. Furthermore, a Deluxe edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages is also being released, which comes with additional cosmetics, future DLC expansions for the campaign, and early access to the game starting two days before release, so you can begin slaying demons on May 13 ahead of others.
Ninja Gaiden 2: Black is a high-definition upgrade of the original Ninja Gaiden 2, released in 2008 for Xbox 360 as part of the Ninja Gaiden series’ 3D action reboot sequence. Known for its extreme violence, tough challenge, and intricate, swift combat system, this game is widely considered a standout title within the Ninja Gaiden franchise.
As an analyst, I find myself immersed in the captivating, yet perilous landscape of Expedition 33, a fantasy realm that draws heavily from the opulent Belle Époque era of French history. The narrative unfolds around a menacing figure known simply as the Paintress, who employs her enigmatic powers to paint numbers each year. Any individuals who share the same age as the number she paints vanish without a trace. In this tale, our protagonists are a band of intrepid adventurers, embarking on a mission to thwart the Paintress before she paints the fateful number 33 – hence the title of the game itself.
2025 promises an action-packed scene filled with numerous highly anticipated video game releases, and there are many I eagerly look forward to playing. Among them are Avowed, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Fable, The Outer Worlds 2, Atomfall, and the list goes on, leaving out quite a few more. However, one title in particular has sparked considerable excitement – South of Midnight, an enchanting third-person action-adventure game that draws heavily from Southern folklore and gothic mysticism. This is the first Xbox Game Studios release from Compulsion Games, and today’s in-depth preview has my anticipation reaching unprecedented heights.
Previously, Xbox hinted at the releases of Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for their presentation, but they also added some unexpected twists to keep things exciting. Today, Xbox officially announced that all titles displayed in the Developer Direct are compatible with Xbox Play Anywhere and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, with support for Cloud Gaming. Here’s a roundup of everything shown during the January 2025 Xbox Developer_Direct event.