Gaming Influence: Thoughts - Xbox Developer Direct 2025
Hello everyone,
Welcome to Gaming Influence, a reboot of the same name I created in WrestleCorp. However, I will not only be giving my thoughts on certain video games and video game series but also on video game movies, video game anime, video game digital presentations, etc.
I'll give my thoughts on the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 on January 23, 2025, for this edition of Gaming Influence.
Anyway, let's get started!
For those who are wondering, what is Xbox Developer Direct? You can check out what it is through my thoughts on the Xbox Developer Direct last year here: Gaming Influence: Thoughts - Xbox Developer Direct 2024
Anyway, let's get to it!
Ninja Gaiden 4 is an action-adventure game developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames and published by Xbox Game Studios. It will be released in fall 2025 on Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5.
Oh my god, we're getting a new original Ninja Gaiden game this year?! Heck yes! The last original Ninja Gaiden game was Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge which was released on Wii U, PS3, and Xbox 360 in 2013 so it has been twelve years which is insanity. The fact that this game is also co-developed with PlatinumGames is awesome as the gameplay looks smooth and fun to play. It's also cool that Xbox is publishing this game similar to what they did with Ninja Gaiden II back on Xbox 360 in 2008 so it came full circle here. Love what I'm seeing for this game and hope to see more once it's released this fall.
Ninja Gaiden II Black is a remaster of the action-adventure game developed by Team Ninja and published by Xbox Game Studios, Ninja Gaiden II. The game is available now on Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5.
Oh my god, first a new original Ninja Gaiden game, and now a remaster of Ninja Gaiden II in modern consoles?! Heck yes! This was a very nice surprise and it looks amazing as there are points where this game looks like a remake more than a remaster in my opinion, but I'm not complaining. The graphics look great and if it's anything similar to the original Ninja Gaiden II game back on Xbox 360, we're in for a treat. Regardless, the game is out right now, and looking forward to replaying once I get the chance.
South of Midnight is an action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game will be released on Xbox Series X and PC on April 8, 2025.
Ever since they showed the gameplay of this game back at the Xbox Games Showcase last year, I have an interest in this game and after seeing what they showcased here, I'm liking what I'm seeing. I still continue to love the art style this game has as it's very unique compared to other games I've seen. The gameplay looks a lot of fun with the customization of the protagonist and the gameplay also looks very smooth as well. The story seems intriguing and definitely want to see more of it, or at least play it. Luckily, we don't have to wait long as it'll be released in three months.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a role-playing game developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kelper Interactive. It will be released on April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5.
Similar to South of Midnight, ever since they showcased this game back at the Xbox Games Showcase last year, I was hooked as it's basically a JRPG being developed by a Western game studio and it looks incredible. The story seems very intriguing with people dying once they reached 33 so I expect a lot of emotional moments within this game for that alone. The combat looks to be a traditional turn-based combat where the UI looks similar to something you would see in Persona and Metaphor with the real-time attacks being similar to what you would experience in Super Mario RPG and the Paper Mario games. Plus, the game has a traversable world map that you can go around and explore as it looks absolutely stunning. I definitely want to get my hands on this game and hope to experience it once it's released in three months.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda. It will be released on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5.
Despite not being into first-person shooters that much, there are a few exceptions and DOOM is one of them. After seeing more gameplay of this game, I'm convinced that this is going to be a fun first-person shooter with intense action. The new gameplay feature with the shield saw is very creative in a game like this and the way it's being used looks awesome. Really love the setting and atmosphere that they have with the game as well where it's going to be chaotic, but also fun which I'm excited about. Looking forward to playing this game myself as it'll be released in four months.
Overall, this was a great presentation from Xbox. I really love the variety that they have here with this presentation in terms of game genres, art styles, and gameplay which made every game in this presentation stand out from each other. Plus, the surprise with Ninja Gaiden making a comeback is a huge plus. As usual, I always enjoyed seeing these developers talk about their games and what developing the game means to them which is always a plus. Also, it's pretty interesting that they also showcased the games that will also be coming to PlayStation as well which is odd, but cool as well. In some ways, Xbox is pretty much a third-party company at this point with a console which is interesting, to say the least, but not complaining. We'll see what else Xbox has in store later this year.
You can catch the whole presentation of the Xbox Developer Direct yourself with the link below:
What are your thoughts on the Xbox Developer Direct 2025?
What were your highlights and what games do you really want?
Let me know in the comments below and thank you for reading.
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Have a great day/night everyone!
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