Alright, let’s talk about a game that’s been on my radar: Towerborne! From Stoic, the minds that brought us the incredible Banner Saga, and published by Xbox Game Studios, this one’s shaping up to be a seriously cool action RPG. I’ve been diving in, and there’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get to it.

Your Hero, Your Style: Awesome Anime Looks!

First off, the art style? Love it. Towerborne has this really vibrant, anime-meets-cartoon look that feels fresh and fun. When it comes to making your character, your Ace, you’re not going to be short on choices. We’re talking tons of options for hair, facial features, and even custom designs. It’s clear they want you to craft a hero that really feels like yours, and I’m all for that level of personalization.

Going Solo or Teaming Up? Your Call!

Now, how do you play? Towerborne gives you options. You can totally tackle the dangers of the world solo. Be warned, though – it definitely feels like it’s designed to test your skills if you go it alone! It’s possible, for sure, but expect a challenge.

For me, this kind of game really sings when you bring friends along. You can team up with up to three other players, either online or even old-school couch co-op. Honestly, fighting off hordes of monsters and strategizing with pals just clicks. It’s that classic beat ’em up feel, but with a modern twist.

Gear, Glorious Gear (With a Personal Touch!)

What’s an action RPG without loot? Towerborne delivers here. You’ll be gathering a wide variety of weapons – think Warclubs, speedy Dual Daggers, classic Sword and Shield, and hard-hitting Gauntlets. Each weapon type changes how you fight, which is great for finding your perfect combat rhythm. Plus, there’s plenty of other gear to deck yourself out in. And the best part? You can slap customizable skins on your weapons and gear. So, not only do you get stronger, but you can look awesome doing it.

So, What’s the Story? The World of Towerborne

The setup for Towerborne is pretty intriguing. A massive calamity has basically wrecked the world, and the last scraps of humanity have holed up in a giant sanctuary called the Belfry. You step into the boots of an Ace – a hero who’s been brought back from a spirit realm, gifted with some pretty cool powers to fight back.

Your job? To head out from the safety of the Belfry into the “Wilds.” These are dangerous, ever-changing lands full of monsters and mystery. You’re not just fighting; you’re trying to reclaim what was lost, uncover the truth behind the big disaster, and protect the folks back in the Belfry. It sounds like the story is going to grow over time with new updates, which is exciting!

How Does It All Play? Diving into the Mechanics

From what I’ve experienced and seen, Towerborne feels like a mix of side-scrolling brawler and action RPG. You’ll be running around, bashing monsters with satisfying combos, and using special abilities. The combat feels like it’s got that “easy to learn, hard to master” vibe, which is always a good sign.

You’ll be venturing out from the Belfry onto a world map that kind of looks like a hex grid. As you explore and beat missions, you unlock more of this map, finding new places to go, new baddies to fight, and, of course, new loot to snag. There’s also a skill system for your Ace, so you can tailor your hero’s abilities as you level up, and you can equip things called “Aspects” to further customize your build.

It’s worth noting that Towerborne is in Game Preview right now, with the full free-to-play launch slated for 2025. This means it’s still evolving, with the team at Stoic planning to add more stuff like new areas, enemies, and story bits as time goes on.

If you’re into action RPGs that let you team up with friends, love a good bit of character customization, and enjoy a vibrant art style, Towerborne is definitely one to keep on your watchlist. You can find out more over on the official Towerborne website.

Let me know if you’re planning on checking it out!

Xbox’s Aaron Greenberg shared via X (Formerly Twitter) that Xbox Game Pass members can get the Avowed Premium Upgrade, a $90 value, for $22.

Early Access And More

Those who upgrade to the premium edition* will receive:

• Up to 5 days early access
• Premium Skin Packs: 2 sets of bonus skins for your companions
• Access to Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

*Requires base game or Xbox Game Pass membership (PC or Ultimate only), all sold separately.

Avowed officially releases on February 13, 2025. Early access opens on February 8th.

You can purchase the Avowed Premium Upgrade HERE or through the Microsoft Store via your Xbox Console

Avowed

4GQTV Review: 7/10

RAWG Rating: 3.3/5

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?

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At its core, Enshrouded is a game about reclaiming a fallen kingdom. The titular Shroud is a malevolent fog that blankets the lowlands, harboring monstrous creatures and corrupting the very land it touches. As a Flameborn, one of the last embers of a dying race, you are tasked with pushing back this encroaching threat. But survival is not merely about fending off horrors; it’s about rebuilding, and this is where Enshrouded truly shines.

The building system in Enshrouded is a masterclass in creative freedom. Moving beyond the restrictive modularity of many survival games, it utilizes a voxel-based engine that allows for an unprecedented level of detail and customization. This means you are not simply snapping pre-fabricated walls and floors into place. Instead, you are shaping the world block by block, able to chisel away at individual sections to create intricate designs, sweeping arches, and delicate embellishments. The result is a system that feels more like digital sculpting than mere construction.

Your architectural journey begins with a simple flame altar, a beacon of safety that repels the Shroud and establishes your building area. From there, the possibilities are virtually limitless. You’ll start with basic materials like rough wood and stone, constructing a humble shelter to protect you from the elements and the creatures of the night. But as you venture further into the world, you’ll discover a vast array of resources that unlock new building sets and decorative objects.

This is where the second pillar of Enshrouded‘s appeal for the creative player comes into play: the deep and engaging process of material collection. The world of Embervale is divided into distinct biomes, each with its own unique resources and challenges. The lush forests offer various types of wood, plant fiber, and stone. The arid deserts yield sand and clay, essential for crafting plaster and more refined building blocks. Venturing into the more dangerous, Shroud-infested areas rewards the daring with rare minerals and magical ingredients.

The gathering process itself is a satisfying loop. The clang of your pickaxe against a rock deposit, the thud of your axe felling a mighty tree – these are the foundational rhythms of Enshrouded. As you gather, you’ll not only be stocking your inventory but also gaining a deeper understanding of the world’s geography. You’ll learn the tell-tale signs of a rich copper vein, the locations of rare flora, and the best places to hunt for animal pelts.

Crafting is the bridge between your gathered resources and your architectural ambitions. Through a variety of craftspeople, you awaken from their slumber, you’ll unlock a progressively more complex and aesthetically pleasing array of building materials. Simple wooden planks give way to sturdy timber frames, rough-hewn stone is refined into elegant cut-stone blocks, and mundane clay is fired into decorative roof tiles. This constant sense of progression is a powerful motivator, always dangling the promise of a new material or a more elaborate decorative piece to strive for.

What makes the building and gathering loop in Enshrouded so compelling is its seamless integration with the game’s RPG and exploration elements. To get the best materials, you’ll need to brave the dangers of the Shroud, which in turn requires you to level up your character, craft better gear, and hone your combat skills. That magnificent castle you’ve envisioned won’t be built just by staying in the safe zones; it will be a monument to your courage and your mastery of the game’s challenges.

In Enshrouded, your creations are more than just a base of operations; they are a reflection of your journey. The intricate stone walls of your keep are a testament to the perilous mountains you climbed to find the necessary ore. The warm glow of the hearth in your tavern is a direct result of the dark and foreboding forests you explored to gather the wood. It is this tangible connection between your efforts and your creations that elevates Enshrouded beyond a simple building game into a truly immersive and personal adventure.

For the player who finds solace in the act of creation, who sees a towering fortress in a barren hillside, and who understands the deep satisfaction of transforming raw materials into a work of art, Enshrouded is a world ripe with possibility. It is a game that respects your creativity and rewards your dedication, offering a building experience that is as challenging as it is inspiring. So, sharpen your axe, ready your pickaxe, and step into the world of Embervale. Your masterpiece awaits.