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A Developer Direct 2025 is the online event of Microsoft to bring details about the main releases in the world of games to the Xbox Series S | X. The event began by revealing that the secret announcement was, in Ninja Gaiden 4. In addition to this, the titles Doom: The Dark Ages, south of midnight e Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were also present, with several details from the devs and also with release dates. Check out all the details:
Ninja Gaiden 4
After more than 10 years, the franchise Ninja Gaiden returned. In addition to the original protagonist Ryu Hayabusa, the new game will be co-developed with PlatinumGames, the studio behind games like NIER: Automata e Bayonetta.
Ninja Gaiden 4 will be published by Xbox Game Studios and it is a direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3. Since it takes place a long time after the previous game, a considerable change will be noticed in the game's Tokyo, with a very Cyberpunk look. In addition, a new protagonist was introduced: yakumo. The new character's challenges will be immense, including facing his own master ninja Ryu Hayabusa, previous protagonist.
As for gameplay, the partnership with PlatinumGames is essential here, bringing super varied and stylish combat, with new traversal mechanics using wires and rails, something new for the franchise. The idea of the game is to bring the feeling of adversity to the new protagonist in all aspects, which can be interesting and quite challenging.
Ninja Gaiden 4 launches at the end of 2025, between autumn and September, to Xbox Series S | X e PC straight on GamePass, in addition to the PlayStation 5. The game can now be pre-sold in digital stores.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Along with the new title, the Team Ninja took advantage of the fact that this is the studio's 30th anniversary to announce a remake of the 2008 title, using the Unreal Engine 5. The game features the protagonist Ryu Hayabusa in a frantic combat against incredible enemies, in addition to the possibility of playing with other characters like Momiji, Ayana e Rachel.
According to the studio, this is a way for people to tide them over until the new title is released at the end of the year. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is available for download at GamePass to Xbox Series S | X e PC from today. This specific title was left out of the PlayStation 5.
south of midnight
Developed by Compulsion Games, south of midnight is a third-person, character-focused adventure game Hazel. It is set in a fantasy world and draws heavily from the gothic folklore of the southern United States. In other words, expect a very creative and even scary look, bringing fairy tales to life, with a bit of sarcasm and dark humor.
As for the game's visuals, it brings Prospero, the fictional city based on several real locations, featuring flooded fields, swamps and many mountains. In addition, the game works with beautiful art very similar to what we saw in Arcane, for example.
With a heavy focus on narrative, south of midnight arrives on April 8th for Xbox Series S | X e PC, straight into the GamePass. For those who want to buy the game and choose the version premium, in addition to receiving some bonuses, such as Digital Artbook, Soundtrack, um Comic and even one Documentary, you will be able to play the game up to 5 days in advance.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This is the first game from the French studio Sandfall Interactive. It is a turn-based RPG set in 19th century France, where the world faces an existential threat once a year. The studio brings its own mechanics to the genre, such as the “Reactive turn-based” system, as well as some very impressive art direction.
It's always good to have new things out there, so the expectation is that it will be a big success for fans of the genre. The release is scheduled for April 24th, Xbox Series S | X e PC, released directly into the GamePass.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Closing the Microsoft event, but not least, we have it. The third title in the new batch of games in the franchise. Doom promises to innovate once again within its formula. The iD Software separated the new title into three parts: combat, exploration e story. Although he is the third, he is a The prequel which should fit right in where the 2016 title starts.
For combat, they explained that the focus of DOOM: The Dark Ages is to be a tank. To do this, we will have a Saw Shield, which allows us to parry, defend ourselves and also throw this shield to tear through enemies. In addition to this, several new melee weapons were revealed. Since the game has a medieval theme, the weapons are also designed in this way, with three new features: a flail, a mace and an electric gauntlet.
As for firearms, creativity also went a long way, bringing us back a double-barreled shotgun, an energy-powered weapon and, of course, an ultra-fast machine gun capable of melting enemies. All this so that you can take full advantage when facing new enemies.
In terms of exploration, the game goes into our beloved's past. Slayer in a fantastic and varied setting. The promise here is to be a great sandbox of DOOM so we can explore and do everything as we prefer. The stages and locations are less linear than in other titles in the franchise, and you can choose the order of what to do, whenever you want. The important thing here is to beat the monsters, in the way you see fit.
For this, tools such as Shield-saw will allow us to climb to new places, jump across bridges, or just break walls. Exploration here will not only be an option, but something essential to improve equipment, secrets and enhancements.
Finally, we have the story. Although the studio is keeping the plot main under lock and key, they promise that this will be a very deep game in narrative, with several characters, in addition to focusing heavily on the development of the protagonist Demon Slayer. As I said before, the game will take us directly to DOOM (2016), which can be a great entry point for newcomers to the franchise.
DOOM: The Dark Ages enough for Xbox Series S | X, PC e PlayStation 5 on May 15th. For users of GamePass, you will be able to play on launch day.
And these were the news from the event Xbox Developer Direct, what did you think? Are you looking forward to any of these titles? Comment here and share with your friends!
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With information: Xbox Wire
reviewed by Victor Pachello in 23 / 01 / 2025.
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