Skystone Games also shared a new roadmap for 2026. This plan details the road to the official launch. First, a technical test will happen in April 2026. This test is small and invitation-only. Then, a larger Beta 4 test starts on June 15, 2026. This beta coincides with the Steam Next Fest event. Consequently, the final global launch remains set for July.

Major Combat Changes and New Withered Knight Class

The development team is also overhauling the combat system. Mistfall Hunter is ditching “energy-exhaustion” mechanics. Instead, the game will feature a freer and more fluid combat style. Therefore, battles should feel more responsive and exciting. The developers want to satisfy both new players and genre veterans.

Additionally, the update introduces the Withered Knight class. This class adds new strategies to the game. Along with the class, several system optimizations are coming. These changes reflect feedback from the community. Furthermore, the extra time helps the team balance PvP and PvE mechanics. They want to protect the game’s economy for the long term.

Visit the official YouTube channel for more:

https://www.youtube.com/@MistfallHunter

A Slate of Highly-Anticipated Sequels and New Adventures

The showcase featured trailers for upcoming titles, catering to a wide range of genres and fan bases.

The comedic, talking-gun shooter from some of the minds behind Rick & Morty is back. High On Life 2 made a splash with a new trailer, confirming a Winter 2025 release window.

In a move that sent waves of excitement through the action game community, Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja, in collaboration with Platinum Games, officially announced Ninja Gaiden 4, set to slice its way onto consoles on October 21, 2025.

Bethesda and MachineGames gave fans a new look at the legendary archaeologist’s next adventure with a new DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle titled The Order of the Giants, scheduled for a September 4, 2025 release.

From the imaginative minds at InXile Entertainment comes Clockwork Revolution, a new IP that blends steampunk aesthetics with time-bending gameplay mechanics. A new gameplay trailer was debuted at the showcase.

Game Freak, the celebrated developer of the Pokémon series, unveiled a new action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation, slated for a 2026 release.

Obsidian Entertainment announced Grounded 2, a full sequel to their hit survival game. The game will enter Game Preview in July. The studio’s highly anticipated The Outer Worlds 2 also made an appearance, with a confirmed release date of October 29, 2025.

The showcase also included announcements for:

• Age of Mythology Retold: Heavenly Spear, a new expansion for the remastered strategy game, arriving in Fall 2025.
• Mudang: Two Hearts, an action thriller set for a 2026 release.
• Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, a sequel to the stunning indie adventure, coming in 2026.
• At Fate’s End, a new side-scrolling action-adventure from the developers of Spiritfarer, releasing in 2026.
• Keeper, a new title from Double Fine, launching on October 17, 2025.

Major Franchises Make a Grand Return

The Gears of War franchise is getting a visual and performance overhaul with Gears of War: Reloaded. This remaster will launch on August 26, 2025, and will feature cross-play and cross-progression in stunning 4K HDR at 120 FPS.

In a huge surprise for RPG fans, a full remake of a beloved classic is on the way with Persona 4 Revival.

The world of superheroes and villains will collide in the newly announced 3v3 tag fighter Invincible VS, coming in 2026.

To close out the showcase with a bang, the next installment in the colossal Call of Duty franchise was teased: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

Final Fantasy, Fishing, and More

The showcase was a massive event for Final Fantasy fans. It was announced that the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy XVI is available on Xbox starting today. Furthermore, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be coming to Xbox consoles this winter.

The wasteland is also set to get a little more relaxing with the Fallout 76: Gone Fission update, which adds fishing to the game and was released on June 3, 2025. A new free-to-play, pen-and-paper-style action RPG called Animo was also revealed, with a planned 2026 release.

The Future of Xbox: More Choice, More Freedom

Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, took to the virtual stage to outline the company’s forward-looking vision. The core message was one of freedom and expanded choice for players, emphasizing a future where the Xbox experience is not tethered to a single device or storefront.

This philosophy was exemplified by the official reveal of a new handheld device from ASUS, the ROG Xbox Ally, which features deep integration with the Xbox ecosystem, including an Xbox button and inspired controls. This device will allow users to natively download and play their games or stream them from the cloud. The “Xbox Ally” initiative also brings Battle.net to the handheld, allowing players to take their Xbox experience on the go.

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?

Powered by RAWG