The first half of 2025 is packed with exciting first-party Xbox titles, as the publisher revealed new gameplay footage, some thrilling surprises, and key release dates during its first developer direct of the year. Whether you're eager to dive into the intense action of Doom: The Dark Ages or explore a classic-inspired turn-based RPG, Xbox's showcase has something for everyone. These announcements have set a high bar for what Microsoft has in store for the rest of the year. Here's a recap of the most notable announcements.
The show kicked off with a major surprise: Ninja Gaiden 4, developed by Team Ninja in partnership with Platinum Games. The game picks up after Ninja Gaiden 3, set in a cyberpunk-style Tokyo in chaos. A new ninja protagonist, Yakumo, leads the charge, but fans of the series needn't worry—Ryu Hayabusa, the iconic franchise star, also returns as a playable character and a central figure in the story. Ninja Gaiden 4 aims to bring back the intense difficulty of Ninja Gaiden 2 and is slated for release this fall on Xbox and Game Pass, with additional availability on PlayStation 5 and PC.
In addition, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 original, was announced and is available now on Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Game Pass. Remade using the Unreal Engine, it incorporates features from past remakes while maintaining the brutal difficulty and over-the-top violence of the original Xbox 360 game.
From Xbox's Compulsion Games, South of Midnight, a southern gothic action-adventure, also received a release date. A new story trailer showcased the protagonist, Hazel, on her quest to find her mother after a devastating hurricane. As Hazel uncovers her family’s legacy, she learns that she is a Weaver, someone with the ability to see and manipulate the threads of fate. South of Midnight is set to launch on April 8 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass.
For RPG enthusiasts, a new look at Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive revealed a turn-based RPG inspired by classic JRPGs, with modern action mechanics like dodging and parrying. The game also highlights its unique French Art Deco-inspired world and visual design. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Game Pass on April 24.
Lastly, Doom: The Dark Ages made waves with its announcement. The prequel to Doom 2016 introduces new gameplay elements like Pacific Rim-style mech battles, player-driven exploration, and dragon-riding. The game also focuses more on its story, bringing the lore into cutscenes rather than leaving it solely in the codex. Doom: The Dark Ages promises to be an action-packed title that fans of the franchise won’t want to miss.
With all these exciting announcements, the first half of 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling time for Xbox players.

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