Today’s Xbox Partner Preview promised a half-hour of trailers, and honestly – considering it was Xbox, after all – about half of the games seem really interesting. Of course there are some boring old shooties in there, but look past that and there are some very creative, appealing titles. I’ve highlighted four of the eleven, including three previously-announced titles and one new game announcement.
Game highlights
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban Kasuga heads to Hawaii to look for his mother. The game is a typical Yakuza game with some gameplay changes but the most interesting part for me is Dondoko Resort, featured in this trailer. It is available through a side-story in Chapter 6, but is completely independent from the main story so players can play at their own pace. It’s like Yakuza meets Animal Crossing. Develop your own resort: place buildings and paths, make friends, the whole nine yards. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches on January 26, 2024.
Still Wakes the Deep
Still Wakes the Deep is a game that I love the idea behind, but is way to terrifying for me to even consider playing. Today’s trailer oozes atmosphere and slowly raises the tension to an unbearable peak. The game is simultaneously a panicky horror experience, a ’70s period piece, a deeply personal character study, and an oil rig explorer. The premise is inspired by The Thing, while the atmosphere is inspired by Rosemary’s Baby. Still Wakes the Deep is developed by The Chinese Room, known for iconic titles such as Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, which means it has the chance of being phenomenal. Still Wakes the Deep launches in early 2024.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
The first thing that draws me to Dungeons of Hinterberg is the graphics, but it’s the premise of action RPG meets social sim that has me eager to give it a go. The game follows Luisa as she explores a beautiful alpine village and uncovers the magics hidden within its 25 dungeons. Slay monsters, hunt for loot, and solve puzzles. At night, forge friendships with locals and other adventurers. This trailer explores a day in the life of Luisa. You see what she gets up to and who she meets. Building some friendships will cause Luisa to get stronger or learn new tricks, while others are all excitement and selfies. Dungeons of Hinterberg launches in 2024.
Spirit of the North 2
Spirit of the North 2 is, obviously, a sequel to Spirit of the North. Players take control of a new fox, who has a raven companion. Roam a stunning open world, rich with lore and primordial secrets. Seek out the legendary guardians and released them from the dark shaman Grimnir. The fox is customisable, both in appearance and skills.
Full list of featured games
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (launching January 26, 2024)
- Ikaro Will Not Die
- Still Wakes the Deep (launching early 2024)
- RoboCop: Rogue City (launching November 2, 2023)
- Dungeons of Hinterberg (launching in 2024)
- Spirit of the North 2
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
- Manor Lords (preview launching April 26, 2024)
- The Finals (open beta launching October 26)
- Ark: Survival Ascended
- Alan Wake II (launching October 27, 2023)
Watch the showcase
