Ninja Goddamn is back.
Xbox had their Direct (with blackjack, and hookers). And there were some games to see. So let’s dig in:
NINJA GAIDEN 4
WHERE SHADOWS FALL, LEGENDS RISE.
The definitive ninja action-adventure franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in a high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Notably, Team Ninja is collaborating with Platinum Games for this one. You’ll be playing as an as-yet-unnamed ninja for half of the game… but naturally, you’ll also play as Ryu Hayabusa, as well. Scheduled for Fall 2025.
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black
The legendary high-speed ninja action game returns graphically remastered!
Using Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance graphic expression, this is the definitive version of “NINJA GAIDEN 2,” featuring additional playable characters and enhanced battle support functions.
A remake of NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is also on the way. And it’s being made in Unreal Engine 5: The noble and pedigreed middleware from Epic Games. Some are upset about this, and I get it, but sometimes it is what it is.
Available on GamePass and Xbox Series X|S right now.
South of Midnight
When a hurricane rips through Prospero, Hazel is pulled into a Southern Gothic world where reality and fantasy are interwoven, and ancient creatures from folklore emerge.
This one has some nifty animation to it. And you won’t have to wait long; South of Midnight launches On GamePass, Xbox Series X|S and Steam April 8th.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut title from Sandfall Interactive, launches on Xbox Series X|S on April 24, 2025, and will be available Day One with Game Pass. With turn-based combat enhanced by real-time mechanics, you’ll face the Paintress to end her cursed countdown and save the future of Lumière.
Explore a Belle Époque-inspired fantasy world using the expansive World Map, uncovering secrets, side quests, and challenges. Set up camp to reinforce weapons, bond with your Expedition teammates, and plan your next steps.
Join Monoco (voiced by Rich Keeble), a shape-shifting Gestral, and Esquie (voiced by Maxence Cazorla), a towering ally who helps you swim, soar, and explore new paths.
Easily a highlight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the debut game for Sandfall Interactive. And they’re going for broke, tapping into an overall style of fantasy that hasn’t been terribly present in media for a while. What’s more, it’s a turn-based RPG with what is clearly something of a budget behind it. Main guy kind of looks like Robert Pattinson in a period piece set in the late1800’s/early 1900’s
Launches exclusively on GamePass and Xbox Series X|S April 24th.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
ID, bringing you new ways to RIP and TEAR, until it is done. Launches May 15th on GamePass, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC.
And that’s your lot. Not a massive list, but all pretty dang high quality. Honestly, if they’d been aiming to release titles like this on the Series X|S the entire time, this gen might have overall been much better than it has been. This is how they should’ve been doing things day one. Still, better late than never; hard to forgive them for what they did to Tango Gameworks, though.
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