South Of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, Ninja Gaiden: What Was Shown By Xbox At Their Showcase
Xbox’s 2025 Developer Direct kicked off earlier this afternoon, taking us to four different locations around the world for an upcoming look at what games are coming from a number of different Xbox Game Studios and their partners.
To kick things off, we got a look at the mystery partner that was teased two weeks ago, with a follow up hint that it would be a new title from a “legendary Japanese IP.” Lo and behold, that legendary Japanese IP is the Ninja Gaiden series. We got an introductory video from the developers at Team Ninja, starting with the reveal trailer on the latest entry, Ninja Gaiden 4. This trailer was chock full of fast-paced combat against multiple enemies, stunning visuals, and more dismemberment than you can shake a severed limb at. The developers then talked us through new gameplay features such as new traversal options and all-new combat abilities for the new playable character, Yakumo. Team Ninja also announced they were partnering with PlatinumGames to bring their signature breakneck speed gameplay to Ninja Gaiden 4. While we don’t have a set release date, Team Ninja did give us a Fall 2025 release window alongside the announcement of it coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5, and Game Pass. It won’t be too long before we can dive right in to the grim futuristic Tokyo of Ninja Gaiden 4.
One more thing!
Before we departed Team Ninja HQ, they gave us another follow-up announcement: a remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2 in Unreal Engine 5. This revamped version of the original has been in development alongside Ninja Gaiden 4. Dubbed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Team Ninja class it as the definitive version of the game with new features like the “Hero Play Style” difficulty for newer players looking to get into the Ninja Gaiden franchise and the ability to play as multiple different characters alongside main protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa. The release of both Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Ninja Gaiden 4 this year is Team Ninja’s way to celebrate their 30 year anniversary and share their passion with gamers. Unlike Ninja Gaiden 4, we actually have a release date for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: Today! It’s available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, and can be picked up and played via Xbox Game Pass.
Cajun Blues down South.
Heading east from Japan to Canada, we join Compulsion Games for South of Midnight. Starting off with a look at the events leading up to our player character Hazel getting stuck in a magical take in the deep south. Lost in this new world, she develops an ancient power known as Weaving. A Weaver can see more than what is visible to the mortal eye, to another reality known as The Grand Tapestry. As part of her new skillset, Hazel will be able to see “stigmas” that she can focus on mending to help creatures and characters. Throughout the game, players will learn new Weaving abilities to help traverse the world, create objects to help solve puzzles, and to use as spells to gain the upper hand in combat. We also get a look at some of the boss battles that you’ll be encountering in South of Midnight. The developers have revealed that the boss fights will have multiple stages as Hazel is intent on healing them instead of killing them. These beasties draw inspiration from Southern folklore, helping them feel unique. Finally, we have confirmation that South of Midnight will launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and on Game Pass on April 8th.
I haven’t seen a collapse of the Eiffel Tower this bad since Modern Warfare 3.
We’re then taken on a trip over to France to check out Sandfall Interactive’s first title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. While that name might seem a little on the long side, the game itself is far longer, as it is a modern turn-based RPG set in an alternate version of late 19th-century France. As part of the 33rd Expedition, players take control of various members of the expedition team, such as Gustave, Lune, Maelle, and Sciel, each with their own playable story arc to help them stand out. As the game progresses, you’ll encounter multiple different NPCs, one of the most interesting being the Gestral, Monoco. Monoco can be recruited as a player character, offering up the option to take the form of previously defeated enemies in combat. The turn-based combat blends in real-time player reactions to help enhance damage against enemies or mitigate any damage to your party during opposing turns. We also get a look at Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s 3D rendition world map that players can navigate through, which seems to be quite large. But worry not, we also have a big, inflatable balloon character mount known as Esquie to help us navigate this map. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will launch on April 24th on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, and on Game Pass.
Doomguy finds himself in Australia.
Last but not least, we visited id Software in Texas to get an update on Doom: The Dark Ages. After the run’n’gun gameplay of DOOM and the jump’n’shoot gameplay of Doom: Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages is focusing more on a stand-and-fight approach against the demons of Hell invading a Middle Ages style world. But that’s not the only place the hunt for demon spawn will take players, as many different realms are infested with Hell's minions. From futuristic worlds to the darkest of dungeons, from overgrown forests to literal Hellscapes, and everything in between, the Doom Slayer will be cleansing each world from the evil filth of Hell’s army. And to do that, he’ll need guns. Lots of guns. Doom: The Dark Ages is loaded with an armory unlike any other. Sticking with the medieval theme, players will utilize a flail and Shield Saw for melee and defense. The Shield Saw can also be used offensively and for solving puzzles. Returning from previous games is the good ol’ boomstick, the Super Shotgun. But that’s not all, as we also get our hands on a skull-grinder gun that breaks down skulls into ammunition to shred whatever you point it at. And if that’s not enough, Doom Slayer also gets access to an Altan mech for taking down demon titans and a fire-breathing, gatling gun-toting cyber dragon. Both have multiple gameplay segments and even mini (mega?) bosses to take down with! We don’t have too long to wait, as Doom: The Dark Ages launches May 15th on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, and Game Pass. Grab your Super Shotgun to rip and tear through Hellspawn.
I went into this showcase with Doom: The Dark Ages being the only game to interest me. I came out with high hopes for all four games that were revealed (I already plan to download Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for review!). A lot has been shown at this Developer Direct, and it won’t be the last showcase to keep an eye on this year. Which game are you most looking forward to from this showcase? Sound off in the comments below!
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