First off, credit where it’s due—Xbox delivered a fantastic showcase this year. While the console itself continues to struggle in sales, Xbox is gaining serious momentum with Game Pass. What stood out most to me is how Xbox is positioning its showcases ahead of Nintendo and PlayStation this year, offering a strong mix of titles and surprises.

Here are my personal highlights, plus some thoughts on Xbox’s newly announced handheld console, the ROG Xbox Ally.

Clockwork Revolution
This title immediately caught my eye—it gives off strong Bioshock vibes, with a beautifully gritty industrial-era setting and a creative arsenal of weapons. Most impressive is the RPG depth it seems to promise. If it delivers on gameplay and story, it could become something special.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Ninja Gaiden 4
Microsoft reviving Ninja Gaiden is a bold and exciting move. Ninja Gaiden 2 was legendary in its day—challenging, stylish, and unforgettable. Now, with updated graphics, new weapons, and hopefully deeper gameplay, this could be a solid reboot. However, it’s still unclear if it can recapture its former glory.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Beast of Reincarnation
Now here’s a shocker. A soulslike game—developed by Game Freak, the creators of Pokémon. Even more surprising, it’s launching on every major console except the Switch 2. The gameplay looks intense and atmospheric, and the buzz around it is real. This might be the most unexpected gem of the showcase.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

The Blood of Dawnwalker
This one blew me away. A new IP set in the medieval era with vampire lore, brought to us by Bandai Namco—my favorite publisher. With their pedigree (Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Dragon Ball, Naruto), expectations are sky-high. Visually stunning, with promising gameplay and a dark, mature tone.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

High On Life 2 
Glad to see this franchise getting a sequel—it means the original made an impact. I haven’t played the first one yet, but the quirky humor and action seem to be back. I’m cautiously optimistic, but I’m hoping for a bit more depth this time around.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Invincible VS
Now this was a surprise. A 2D fighter inspired by Injustice and Mortal Kombat, featuring superheroes in 3v3 battles. It looks fast, brutal, and fun—everything a comic-inspired fighter should be. Could this be the breakout fighting game of the year?

Mudang: Two Hearts
This dark, Korean-developed action title could be a sleeper hit. It mixes third-person military tactics, zombies, and telekinetic powers—what more could you want? If the game plays as well as it looks, it might even be a Game of the Year contender. Developers are unknown, but the ambition is clear.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

ROG Xbox Ally (Handheld)

Xbox announced its updated handheld device—the ROG Xbox Ally—dropping during Holiday 2025. It’s designed to unify all gaming platforms under one UI, allowing access to games across Steam, Xbox, and more. Two versions are coming:

  • ROG Xbox Ally – Z2 A chip, 512GB SSD
  • ROG Xbox Ally X – Z2 AI Extreme chip, 1TB SSD

It sounds promising, especially with the dedicated Xbox button integration. However, the price point (estimated between €600–€900) may turn some people off, especially compared to getting a full gaming laptop.

Hype Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Final Thoughts
Xbox really brought the heat this year. While there were tons of games shown, a few titles stood out to me the most:

  • Clockwork Revolution
  • Mudang: Two Hearts
  • The Blood of Dawnwalker
  • Beast of Reincarnation
  • Invincible VS

If they deliver on their potential, we could be looking at some incredible reviews—or major flops. Only time will tell. Out of all of them, I have the most faith in The Blood of Dawnwalker, purely because of Bandai Namco’s consistent track record. They’ve proven time and time again that quality comes first.