While Nintendo technically got the ball rolling on gaming news this year, Xbox’s Developer Direct delivered a showcase that truly set the tone by diving into highly anticipated games and revealing when we’ll actually get to play them. The event featured deep dives into titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and South of Midnight from Compulsion Games, along with a few surprises that kept the nearly hour-long presentation engaging. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Xbox kicked off the showcase with a bombshell: the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4. Developed by Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja in collaboration with PlatinumGames, the title revives the franchise’s hallmark fast-paced combat and intense platforming. This time, the story introduces Yakumo, a new ninja protagonist fighting to take down the Divine Dragon Order in a dystopian Tokyo. Fans of the series will also be glad to see Ryu Hayabusa return as a playable character and rival to Yakumo.
The wait for Ninja Gaiden 4, slated for release this fall, is made a little easier with the surprise launch of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of Ninja Gaiden II, now available on Xbox and Game Pass.
South of Midnight
Compulsion Games gave an in-depth look at South of Midnight, an atmospheric adventure that follows Hazel, a Weaver with supernatural powers, as she battles monsters and navigates a haunted Southern landscape to rescue her mother. The game’s striking stop-motion art style and its grounding in Southern gothic folklore make it one of the most visually unique titles on the horizon. With its April 8th release date, this could be a standout game of the year for fans of storytelling and immersive worlds.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, brings a fresh twist to turn-based RPGs. The narrative follows a world under threat from the enigmatic Paintress, who annually declares an age limit that causes anyone older to vanish. Players will guide the titular Expedition 33 as they embark on a mission to stop her and save humanity.
The game’s Persona-inspired combat system and all-star voice cast—including Charlie Cox, Jennifer English, Ben Starr, and Andy Serkis—add significant depth to the experience. Mark your calendar for its April 24th launch.
Doom: The Dark Ages
The show concluded with an explosive new trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel to id Software’s 2016 Doom reboot and Doom Eternal. While the franchise is synonymous with relentless action, this installment promises to expand on its narrative, blending the usual “rip and tear” gameplay with intriguing story elements. Perhaps the biggest draw, though, is the chance to pilot a towering Doomguy-shaped mech suit.
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