Xbox's 2025 Lineup: A Strong Year Ahead with New Partnerships and Iconic Revival

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It's been a period of uncertainty for Xbox owners lately. Unlike Sony's release of the PS5 Pro, Microsoft has wisely refrained from launching a mid-gen upgrade, given the complications already introduced by the two-tiered Series consoles. However, there's a growing sentiment that Microsoft has been shifting its focus away from the Xbox console as a gaming device.
Last year's "This is an Xbox" campaign focused more on the versatility of Xbox Game Pass, highlighting how subscribers can play Xbox titles on a variety of devices—PC, mobile, tablet, or even TV. There are even rumors circulating that Xbox games could eventually make their way to the Switch 2. But focusing on Xbox as a service means there needs to be a compelling lineup of games to get players excited. Unfortunately, 2024 wasn't a banner year for Microsoft, despite the late arrival of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in December—a true blockbuster that honors its movie franchise.
That's why the latest Xbox Developer Direct has been a breath of fresh air, showcasing a diverse array of titles that promise an exciting 2025 for the platform.
A Ninja Renaissance
I had become somewhat disillusioned with Xbox's Developer Direct format, which often felt bloated and underwhelming. It typically highlighted just a handful of games over a long presentation, while the focus on celebrating developers seemed more hollow with each passing year. But after seeing the surprise reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 from Team Ninja, I'm starting to feel optimistic again.
This reveal is particularly noteworthy because Team Ninja, who previously collaborated with Xbox on the original Ninja Gaiden, has become more closely associated with PlayStation in recent years, having released Nioh and Rise of the Ronin as PlayStation exclusives. Ninja Gaiden 4 will mark the first new installment in the series in over a decade and promises to bring the fast-paced, hardcore action that fans know and love. Co-developed with PlatinumGames—known for their mastery of the action genre with titles like Bayonetta and Nier: Automata—this game is shaping up to be a must-play for action fans. Even better, Ninja Gaiden 2 has been remastered with stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals and is available on Xbox Game Pass today, allowing fans to dive right in.
Fresh and Exciting Partnerships
While Microsoft's own first-party titles have garnered mixed attention, their strategic partnerships with third-party studios are proving to be a winning formula. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an original RPG from French indie studio Sandfall Interactive, is one such standout. With its stunning art direction inspired by the Belle Epoque era, turn-based battles with Paper Mario-style quicktime prompts, and a mature story featuring an older cast of characters, Clair Obscur evokes the spirit of classic Xbox 360 JRPGs like Lost Odyssey. It's a reminder that Xbox's legacy extends beyond Halo, Forza, and Gears of War.
In addition, South of Midnight, an action-adventure from Compulsion Games, introduces a unique stop-motion art style and a story set in the American Deep South, with combat influenced by the region's folklore. The game also emphasizes the representation of Black characters, giving a platform to Hazel's voice actor, Adriyan Rae, and associate narrative director, Farah Brixi. This inclusive approach is a welcome direction for the studio.
Doom Reimagined
Perhaps the most exciting revelation of the Direct, however, was Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel set in a medieval sci-fi universe. When this concept was first teased last year, I wasn't sure what to think, but after seeing the new gameplay, I'm fully on board. The addition of the Shield Saw—a weapon that allows you to block, throw, and parry with a single contextual input—looks like an absolute game-changer. This game promises to bring all the excess and intensity that the Doom franchise is known for, with over-the-top action, mechs, and dragons doubling as gatling guns.
The good news is that most of these titles are set for release in 2025, and Ninja Gaiden 4 is expected in the autumn. Meanwhile, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black has dropped as a shadow release, giving fans something to enjoy in the meantime.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the promise of more exciting titles in the first half of 2025, my optimism for Xbox has been renewed. While Microsoft may not be unveiling new hardware like Sony or Nintendo, their game offerings are shaping up to make 2025 the year of Xbox. As we approach Summer Game Fest in June, there's no telling what other surprises Microsoft has in store.

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