Xbox came off one of itsbest showcases of all timeby holding another that got even more detailed about the games that were announced. Xbox Games Showcase Extended 2023 was a slower-paced show that went a lot deeper into some of the games present at the June 11 event. It’s featured Xbox Game Showcase titles likeAvowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion,Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2,The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, Towerborne,andCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
There were some reveals that were exclusive to this show as well, like DLC forHigh on Life, anupdate forHi-Fi Rush, and some new indie games. It was a surprisingly packed show for being a secondary event. For those who want to know everything that was revealed, we’ve rounded up every announcement made atXbox Games Showcase Extended 2023right here.
High on Life DLC High on Knife revealed
The second thing to appear during this year’s Xbox Games Showcase Extended wasHigh on Knifefrom Squanch Games.High on Knifeis DLC for the surprise 2022 Xbox Game Pass hitHigh On Life. Its reveal trailer definitely plays like one for a horror game, and anXbox Wirepost teases that players should expect a story set two years after the events of the game, as well as new weapons. WhileHigh on Lifeis available through Xbox Game Pass, it looks like a purchase will be required to playHigh on Knifewhen it releases later this year.
The First Descendant crossplay beta coming this August
Nexon debuted Xbox Series X gameplay of its free-to-play, co-op sci-fi shooterThe First Descendant. It highlighted combat, character customization, and improvements made since the PC-only beta last year. At the end of its segment, Nexon also confirmed that a crossplay beta — which will be available on Xbox Series X — will take place between August 22 and August 28. The full game is planned to release before the end of this year. Digital Trends actuallyinterviewed the developers ofThe First Descendantlast year, so check out that interview if you want more information on the game
Hi-Fi Rush – Arcade Challenge update launches on July 5
As a nice surprise during this year’s Xbox Games Showcase Extended, Tango Gameworks revealed a meaty update for itscritically acclaimedrhythm action gameHi-Fi Rush. It will add two new modes players can access after they beat the game. The first is BPM Rush mode, which is a wave-based combat mode where things get a bit faster after each wave, up to 200 beats per minute. And Power Up! Tower Up! is another tower mode that initially removes Chai’s powers and then lets players upgrade or debuff Chai between levels. There will also be new photo mode and character customization options added. TitledHi-Fi Rush – Arcade Challenge, this update will be released on July 5 alongside a new costume pack.
Another Crab’s Treasure and more ID@Xbox games are coming to Xbox Game Pass
During the show, Xbox highlighted 10 neat-looking indie games that will be coming to Xbox Game Pass when they release. The most notable isAnother Crab’s Treasure, which is that Soulslike starring a crab that went viral after it debuted at a Nintendo Indie World presentation last year. We actually went hands-on with this game at Summer Game Fest Play Days, so check out ourAnother Crab’s Treasurepreviewto get a better idea of what to expect from this title.Techtonica, Sea of Stars, Harold Halibut, Galacticare, Neon White, Mineko’s Night Market, The Book Walker, The Wandering Village, andLittle Kitty, Big Citywere all also confirmed to be coming to Xbox Game Pass at release.
