Microsoft’s Second Xbox Partner Preview Event Highlights Future Games for Xbox Consoles and Windows PCs
Microsoft recently held its second Xbox Partner Preview event, showcasing a range of exciting third-party games that will be coming to Xbox consoles and Windows PCs in the near future. The event lasted approximately 30 minutes and featured several reveals, announcements, and trailers that left fans eagerly anticipating the release of these upcoming titles.
Unknown 9: Awakening, developed by Reflector Entertainment, was one of the games featured at the event. A new gameplay trailer for the game was unveiled, giving players a glimpse into the immersive world of Unknown 9. Set to be released this summer, Unknown 9: Awakening has been highly anticipated since its initial reveal four years ago during Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Another notable game announced at the event was Sleight of Hand, the next project from Joshua Boggs, the creator of the popular mobile game Framed. Sleight of Hand is a noir game with stealth gameplay, where players take on the role of Lady Luck, a private detective who uses dark magic to take down her former coven. The game is set to be released on Xbox and PC next year and will also be available on Microsoft’s game service, Game Pass.
11 Bit Studios showcased their upcoming sci-fi game, The Alters, during the Partner Preview event. The game received a new gameplay trailer, providing a glimpse into the thrilling and tense moments players can expect to encounter. The Alters follows the story of Jan Dolski as he tries to escape a lethal planet by crafting various iterations of himself. Although no release date was announced, fans can look forward to experiencing this gripping sci-fi adventure in the near future.
Creatures of Ava, developed by 11 Bit Studios, was also revealed at the event. This nonviolent action-adventure game takes place in a fictional world filled with monsters. Players control Vic, who uses a flute to tame wild creatures suffering from an infection instead of resorting to violence. Creatures of Ava is set to release sometime this year and will be available on day one for Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers.
In a surprising twist, Roblox announced a limited-time game called Griefville: Survive the Nightmare, where players can assume the role of the iconic killer doll Chucky. This unexpected collaboration aims to tap into the nostalgia of 80s and 90s horror films, capturing the atmosphere and tension of classic horror flicks. RocketRide Games, the developer behind Griefville, expressed their excitement about bringing this unique experience to Roblox users.
Fans of The Sinking City will be delighted to know that Frogwares has finally revealed that The Sinking City 2 is in development and is set to be released next year. This survival horror game, set in the 1920s in the United States, will have players exploring a semi-open world powered by Unreal Engine 5. Frogwares also announced plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the game’s development, given the challenges they have faced due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Square Enix announced the full release of Final Fantasy 14 for Xbox on March 21. This highly anticipated release has been long-awaited by Xbox fans, with an open beta being made available last month. The Xbox Series X version of the game will be capable of running at 4K resolution, providing players with a visually stunning experience.
Fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series were in for a treat as it was revealed that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat are all getting remastered for modern consoles. This remastered compilation, titled S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy, was stealthily released during the event, allowing players to experience the entire series before the highly anticipated release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
Monster Jam Showdown, a new racing game featuring monster trucks, was also announced at the event. Players can look forward to thrilling arcade off-road races in a variety of monster trucks when the game releases later this year.
Persona fans were pleasantly surprised by the announcement of the Episode Aigis DLC for Persona 3 Reload. This brand-new DLC expands the game and provides fans with even more content to enjoy. Atlus also provided detailed information on the expansion pass for Persona 3 Reload, adding to the excitement surrounding this beloved franchise.
Neople’s upcoming action RPG, The First Berserker, received a new trailer at the event. Announced at last year’s Game Awards, this highly anticipated game promises intense action and thrilling gameplay.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a colorful Metroidvania game developed by Surgent Studios, was showcased during the event. The new gameplay trailer highlighted the vibrant in-game world and fast-paced gameplay that players can expect. Tales of Kenzera