A few days ago, Xbox presented its second Xbox Partner Preview, where several announcements and updates were revealed about upcoming releases for the platform. The video was uploaded to Xbox’s official channel and runs for nearly 30 minutes, featuring only previews with no interviews or discussions. Below is a summary of the highlights from the event.
The Alters
From the creators of This War of Mine and Frostpunk comes The Alters, an intriguing third-person sci-fi game that combines survival, exploration, base-building, and resource management elements. Players must survive on a desolate planet where they’ve crash-landed, requiring them to move their mobile base to avoid being caught by the setting sun. You’ll need to explore, gather resources, and create “Alters,” which are different versions of yourself that branched off from your timeline after making different decisions. Each Alter has its strengths, weaknesses, and personal desires, meaning you’ll not only manage resources but also the social dynamics among the Alters to ensure your base runs smoothly. It’s a fascinating concept that brings a fresh perspective to the genres it blends. With an outstanding graphical presentation, excitement for this title is high. Announced for this year, it will release on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, though no release date has been confirmed yet.
The Sinking City 2
Fans of Lovecraftian literature have reason to celebrate with the announcement of The Sinking City sequel, developed by the same independent studio, Frogwares, that created the original game. Like its predecessor, this third-person shooter blends action with investigative gameplay in an open world set in the 1920s, featuring psychological horror and monsters inspired by Lovecraftian lore. This installment seems to lean even more into survival horror, promising an experience even more terrifying than its predecessor. The graphics are revamped and look excellent, though the original already looked great. The Sinking City 2 is set to release in 2025 for Xbox Series and PS5, as well as PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
Final Fantasy XIV
After over a decade of waiting, Xbox players will finally get to enjoy this classic MMORPG from Square Enix. The announcement came with a very brief one-minute cinematic video, with no gameplay shown, but considering how long the game has been on the market, it hardly needs an introduction. It will be available on Game Pass Ultimate starting March 21.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: The Legends of the Zone Trailer
Nearly 17 years after the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, this cult PC saga will come to consoles for the first time. The first-person shooter and survival trilogy debuts on consoles and has been available since the day of its announcement at the event on March 6. Priced at €40, both the Xbox One and PS4 versions can be purchased in stores, compatible with the latest generation consoles thanks to backward compatibility. This collection includes all three games and adds features to improve the console gaming experience.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau
Developed by creative studio Surgent Studios and published by EA Originals, Tales of Kenzera: Zau is an eye-catching metroidvania with 3D graphics. Players must master the powers of the Moon and Sun masks to defeat their enemies. The game’s narrative is inspired by a true story and reflects creator Abubakar Salim’s personal grief following his father’s death. With a vibrant and well-polished artistic style, rich 2.5D environments, and gameplay that blends action with platforming, this unique metroidvania holds its own against Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. It will release on April 28 for Xbox Series, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, as well as PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and EA’s Windows app. Pre-orders are now available on all platforms and include a 10% discount, bringing the price down to €18 on any system.
Frostpunk 2
Another announcement from 11 bit studios was the much-anticipated sequel to Frostpunk, the award-winning strategy, city-building, and resource management game that captured the hearts of both critics and players after its release nearly six years ago. This second installment will be available on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG) on July 25.
How Many Versions of Frostpunk 2 Will Be Released and What Do They Include?
Currently, the game can only be pre-ordered on Steam. Other platforms only allow it to be added to wishlists. For now, there will be two versions:
Standard Version
The base game can be pre-ordered on Steam for €45.
Deluxe Version
The Deluxe Edition can be pre-ordered for the promotional price of €67.5 until release day, after which it will cost the regular price of €75. It includes the following extras:
- Access to the beta and sandbox mode in April
- Three post-launch DLCs
- Exclusive early access to story mode 72 hours before the official release
- Digital novel Warm Flesh, an attractive excerpt from the upcoming Frostpunk book anthology
- Digital artbook and soundtrack
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
This striking game was originally announced by Capcom during last year’s Capcom Showcase. During this event, more details were shared about the title. Initially, it seemed like just a Japanese-inspired hack-and-slash game based on Kagura dance, staying true to traditional aesthetics in its visuals. It is now revealed that, in addition to action gameplay, the title will feature strategy mechanics, as the villagers you rescue during the day can be used to defend your base during nighttime sieges by assigning them various roles. Artistically, the game looks spectacular, promising a return to Capcom’s more folkloric roots. Game Pass subscribers will be able to play it from day one.
