@Fiendish-Beaver You're welcome! It's so hard to keep track of everything during weekends like this.
There are a few others we haven't highlighted yet, like the Wholesome Games and Day of the Devs events - so once the Xbox Showcase is done and dusted, I might come back to rounding those up next week.
@Kaloudz It's not any specific level for me (although I'd say some of the Crash 4 levels are definitely on par with the hardest stuff in Crash 1/2/3), but just how extended that difficulty is throughout the majority of the game.
And again, it's about the length - there's a big difference between playing a 3-minute level with a finite number of lives versus a 10-minute level.
The 100% and 106% runs are known to be some of the hardest of their kind in any modern video game. Just punishingly difficult.
PS: As I say, don't let that put you off though! If you're just playing through the main game and you're happy to die a lot, I'm confident you'll reach the credits
@themightyant So, I totally understand what you mean, but I spent about three/four hours on a rainy day perfecting the bridge level and getting a massive sense of achievement from it.
Crash 4 doesn't have the same impact for me because the levels are longer... it feels like trying to master Freebird on guitar when I'm already struggling with a 3-minute song 😅
But yeah, I hear you. A lot of people gave up on that bridge level and said "nah, not for me".
@Lucylu1983 @K1LLEGAL @PsBoxSwitchOwner Yes, FF Tactics has just been announced for Xbox as well. They waited until the end of the show to confirm it - it's been added to the list now
The look was jarring at first for sure, but I'm loving everything else about this so far. IO Interactive did such a good job with the Hitman series, I have faith they'll do the same with this.
Hi folks! This guide needed an update after all the rumours and reports we've seen recently, so it's been overhauled to provide as much clarification as possible.
Quick update to this - CDPR has provided the following statement to VGC:
“This is a tech demo, and a first look at the cutting-edge technology powering The Witcher 4 – but not The Witcher 4 itself."
“It showcases the powerful foundation we’re building in close collaboration with Epic Games to push open-world design further than ever before and the core systems and features we’re developing using Unreal Engine 5.
We’re really proud of this early milestone and excited to give you a sneak peek at some of the cool tech like UAF, Nanite Foliage, Smart Objects, ML Deformer and FastGeo Streaming that are helping shape the future of The Witcher.”
@Nintendo4Sonic Yeah, but I didn't want to leave them out for anyone who missed the first time around.
The "weekend" part is meant to signal that some of these game deals (including the newest additions to the list) will expire over the next few days. As in, be quick if you want to grab any!
@TwinFami I understand your point and agree in theory, but we're a small team and there's only so much we can do. It's not worth the cost to freelance this review out unfortunately.
Therefore, I'm coming at it from a casual perspective - someone who enjoys older games, but doesn't have a deep appreciation for the original 2600 carts by any means.
I assume Xbox Retro Classics and Antstream as a whole are targeted at the more casual users - because they know the hardcore fans won't settle for anything less than a native experience anyway.
@Cakefish I've just looked into this and it was apparently announced by Xbox Wire as September 4th a while ago, but then reverted to just "Summer 2025". Seems it was an error (or revealed too early).
@HeavyHoggJP I like both for different reasons tbh. Police Simulator isn't realistic by any means, but it's much slower-paced and grounded in reality compared to The Precinct, which feels very arcadey and in a rush to get you from incident to incident.
It might not be "next", but Halo is coming. Halo: Master Chief Collection by the end of 2025, especially now that GTA 6 has been moved out the way. Easy money for Microsoft.
Comments 3,289
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From The Future Games Show 'Summer Showcase' 2025
@Fiendish-Beaver You're welcome! It's so hard to keep track of everything during weekends like this.
There are a few others we haven't highlighted yet, like the Wholesome Games and Day of the Devs events - so once the Xbox Showcase is done and dusted, I might come back to rounding those up next week.
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From The Future Games Show 'Summer Showcase' 2025
@AlwaysPlaying I saw the rumour but it didn't appear to be coming from a known source, so avoided reporting it for now.
Could happen though! Let's hope so.
Re: Opinion: Crash Bandicoot 4 Will Be A Divisive Addition To Xbox Game Pass
@themightyant I usually wouldn't do it, but I really love the N.Sane Trilogy and specifically Crash Bandicoot 1.
Haven't been able to get into Spyro as much for whatever reason. As you say, we all like different things.
Re: Opinion: Crash Bandicoot 4 Will Be A Divisive Addition To Xbox Game Pass
@Fanat1c See, there you go. It's not hard after all. Maybe I'm just terrible at video games. 🙃
Re: Opinion: Crash Bandicoot 4 Will Be A Divisive Addition To Xbox Game Pass
@Kaloudz It's not any specific level for me (although I'd say some of the Crash 4 levels are definitely on par with the hardest stuff in Crash 1/2/3), but just how extended that difficulty is throughout the majority of the game.
And again, it's about the length - there's a big difference between playing a 3-minute level with a finite number of lives versus a 10-minute level.
The 100% and 106% runs are known to be some of the hardest of their kind in any modern video game. Just punishingly difficult.
PS: As I say, don't let that put you off though! If you're just playing through the main game and you're happy to die a lot, I'm confident you'll reach the credits
Re: Opinion: Crash Bandicoot 4 Will Be A Divisive Addition To Xbox Game Pass
@themightyant So, I totally understand what you mean, but I spent about three/four hours on a rainy day perfecting the bridge level and getting a massive sense of achievement from it.
Crash 4 doesn't have the same impact for me because the levels are longer... it feels like trying to master Freebird on guitar when I'm already struggling with a 3-minute song 😅
But yeah, I hear you. A lot of people gave up on that bridge level and said "nah, not for me".
Re: Xbox Seems To Have Officially Renamed Its Platform For PC Games
@Kienda Just a typo! Apologies. 😅
Re: Two Baldur's Gate Games Have Quietly Appeared On Xbox Game Pass (June 5)
We DID get a roundup for anyone who hasn't found it yet!
https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/06/these-10-games-are-coming-to-xbox-game-pass-june-5-17
Re: These 10 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (June 5-17)
@Kaloudz I think you manifested it into existence 😁
Re: Two Baldur's Gate Games Have Quietly Appeared On Xbox Game Pass (June 5)
@Kaloudz It happens sometimes where they're a little late - I'd be very surprised if we don't get an announcement for the first half of June today.
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From June 2025's State Of Play
@LogicStrikesAgain Yeah, it is. Nice spot!
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From June 2025's State Of Play
@awp69 There seem to be a few more. Lumines Arise, Sea Remnants, etc.
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From June 2025's State Of Play
@Lucylu1983 @K1LLEGAL @PsBoxSwitchOwner Yes, FF Tactics has just been announced for Xbox as well. They waited until the end of the show to confirm it - it's been added to the list now
Re: 007 First Light Gameplay Looks Absolutely Epic, And It Comes To Xbox Next Year
The look was jarring at first for sure, but I'm loving everything else about this so far. IO Interactive did such a good job with the Hitman series, I have faith they'll do the same with this.
Re: Xbox Handheld: Everything We Know So Far, Including The Latest Rumours
Hi folks! This guide needed an update after all the rumours and reports we've seen recently, so it's been overhauled to provide as much clarification as possible.
Here's hoping we'll get a formal unveiling ASAP!
Re: Ubisoft Forward Showcase Not Happening This Summer, Confirms Team
SGF is going to feel shorter this year, then!
Xbox Showcase and PC Gaming Show finishing it off on Sunday.
Re: The Witcher 4 Gets Full Gameplay Reveal, But Dev Warns It's Just A 'Tech Demo'
@Kaloudz We'll find out in years to come 🤷♂️
Re: The Witcher 4 Gets Full Gameplay Reveal, But Dev Warns It's Just A 'Tech Demo'
@abe_hikura I guess so, yeah. Who knows!
Re: The Witcher 4 Gets Full Gameplay Reveal, But Dev Warns It's Just A 'Tech Demo'
@Medic_alert You're welcome! They do mention it's a "technological showcase" in the gameplay footage, but the statement clarifies things a lot better.
Re: The Witcher 4 Gets Full Gameplay Reveal, But Dev Warns It's Just A 'Tech Demo'
Quick update to this - CDPR has provided the following statement to VGC:
“This is a tech demo, and a first look at the cutting-edge technology powering The Witcher 4 – but not The Witcher 4 itself."
“It showcases the powerful foundation we’re building in close collaboration with Epic Games to push open-world design further than ever before and the core systems and features we’re developing using Unreal Engine 5.
We’re really proud of this early milestone and excited to give you a sneak peek at some of the cool tech like UAF, Nanite Foliage, Smart Objects, ML Deformer and FastGeo Streaming that are helping shape the future of The Witcher.”
Re: Xbox Games Showcase 2025: Date, Start Times, Rumours, Leaks & More
@Fiendish-Beaver You're right, many thanks!
Re: Xbox Quietly Releases New 4TB Expansion Card For Series X|S
Update to the story - the 4TB card has suddenly been removed from sale at Best Buy. Will let you know if we find out why!
Re: All New Xbox Games Coming Out In June 2025
@Fiendish-Beaver I'm very intrigued by MindsEye. It could be amazing, could be terrible... we'll see!
Re: Summer Game Fest Schedule: Your Complete Guide To Every Xbox Event In June 2025
@Kaloudz Ubisoft Forward is always a thing, but it seems they're either waiting until the last minute or not running an event this year.
Capcom hosts events now and again, but independently of Summer Game Fest, while Square doesn't tend to do much in terms of showcases these days.
Re: Summer Game Fest Schedule: Your Complete Guide To Every Xbox Event In June 2025
@Toot1st Sony doesn't have a show at Summer Game Fest 2025. I assume they might have a State of Play at some point soon though.
Re: Xbox Game Pass: All Games Coming Soon In June 2025
@Mingus We'll quite possibly get FC 25 in June, but it's likely to be announced later in the month.
Re: More Amazing Games Are Discounted By 90-95% On Xbox This Weekend
@Nintendo4Sonic Yeah, but I didn't want to leave them out for anyone who missed the first time around.
The "weekend" part is meant to signal that some of these game deals (including the newest additions to the list) will expire over the next few days. As in, be quick if you want to grab any!
Re: Review: Xbox Retro Classics - A Great Addition To Game Pass, With Just One Caveat
@TwinFami I understand your point and agree in theory, but we're a small team and there's only so much we can do. It's not worth the cost to freelance this review out unfortunately.
Therefore, I'm coming at it from a casual perspective - someone who enjoys older games, but doesn't have a deep appreciation for the original 2600 carts by any means.
I assume Xbox Retro Classics and Antstream as a whole are targeted at the more casual users - because they know the hardcore fans won't settle for anything less than a native experience anyway.
Re: Review: Xbox Retro Classics - A Great Addition To Game Pass, With Just One Caveat
@themightyant That's fair. I guess the "caveat" for me is the entire cloud-based approach in one - and everything that encompasses.
Re: After Eight Years, Star Wars Battlefront 2 Is Suddenly Exploding In Popularity Again
@themightyant I believe it was to do with various play sessions taking place on May the 4th for Star Wars day.
@Ricky-Spanish Don't have specific numbers for Xbox, but it's back in the "Top Paid" Xbox charts in multiple countries right now.
Re: Xbox Announces 'Retro Classics' For Game Pass, 50+ Activision Titles Included
@Fiendish-Beaver Free for all tiers of Game Pass!
Re: Xbox Release Dates In 2025: A List Of New Games Coming Out This Year
@Cakefish I've just looked into this and it was apparently announced by Xbox Wire as September 4th a while ago, but then reverted to just "Summer 2025". Seems it was an error (or revealed too early).
Will take it out the list for now.
Re: Xbox Release Dates In 2025: A List Of New Games Coming Out This Year
List has been updated once more! A last chance to look at the schedule before Summer Game Fest adds a ton more games to the second half of 2025
Re: Xbox 'Critically Acclaimed' Sale Now Live, Amazing Bargains Available This Week
@Kaloudz Witcher 3 says it ends in six days 👍
Re: All Xbox Games With Mouse & Keyboard Support
@Spectrus6006 Updated, thank you!
Re: Two Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (May 20)
@HeavyHoggJP I like both for different reasons tbh. Police Simulator isn't realistic by any means, but it's much slower-paced and grounded in reality compared to The Precinct, which feels very arcadey and in a rush to get you from incident to incident.
Both enjoyable games for different reasons
Re: Report: Red Dead Redemption 2 Next-Gen Upgrade Could Launch On Xbox Later This Year
It's surely about time this had a 60FPS upgrade.
Re: Xbox's 2027 Handheld Expected To Include Nintendo Switch-Like Docking System
@Titntin Keep in mind that a separate "Series X successor" has been rumoured for 2027 as well.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Feel You've Had Value For Money With Your Xbox Series X|S?
@Fiendish-Beaver Some of them are, yeah.
I'm mainly just talking in terms of current-gen consoles and how the Series X and S stack up to the PS5.
Re: All Xbox Games With Mouse & Keyboard Support
@ADAM_lsr Already on the list, but thank you! I may change it to "Limited" if you think it needs adjusting?
Also, Avowed has now been upgraded from "Limited" to full support, as the developers have just patched it in officially.
Re: Want A Piece Of Forza Motorsport In Real Life? This Charity Auction Could Be For You
Very cool way to support a great charity!
Now where did I put that spare $600k...
Re: 32 Years Later, 'Ridge Racer' Is Finally Getting Released For Xbox
@TojoDragon84 Great place, that! Been meaning to go back there for a while now.
Re: 16 Ubisoft Titles Now Available On Microsoft's PC Store, Adding Fuel To The Xbox Handheld Fire
@VeganHerpes That's pretty much the belief, yeah. Based on nothing but rumours at the moment though.
Re: All 35+ Backwards Compatible Games In Xbox's Mid-May 2025 Sales
I bought Sid Meier's Pirates AGES ago and it's still sitting in my backlog waiting to be played. One of these days...
Re: Hands On: The Precinct (Xbox) - An Addictive Blend Of Police Sim & GTA
@Valhura No, not on Game Pass.
Re: Xbox Seemingly Affected As Microsoft Announces Thousands More Job Cuts
@themightyant They actually had 228k employees as of last June, so it's probably more than 6,000.
Re: GEX Brings Three Retro Games To Xbox This Summer, Here's A Look
@TrevorP86 Digital as well.
Re: Mafia: The Old Country First Gameplay Revealed Ahead Of August Release On Xbox
$50 is a very decent price. Interested.
Re: FTC Suffers Another Major Blow In Fight Against Xbox Activsion Deal
@Kaloudz I knew you'd appreciate it! It's the only fun part of writing stories about the FTC these days 😅
Re: Talking Point: Which Xbox Game Will Move To PS5 Next?
It might not be "next", but Halo is coming. Halo: Master Chief Collection by the end of 2025, especially now that GTA 6 has been moved out the way. Easy money for Microsoft.