Introduction to the ID@Xbox Titles at Pre-PAX Open House

By Rebecca Smith,

ID@Xbox is three years old. For some, it's hard to imagine a time before the program existed. Since its conception, many developers have been able to self-publish their games on Xbox One and Windows 10. Beginning with Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut Achievements in April 2014, over 300 titles have hit the Xbox One through the ID@Xbox scheme. In addition to this, more than a thousand titles are in development right now.

Over the past couple of years, Microsoft has held an event called the ID@Xbox Pre-PAX Open House and this year is no exception. On September 1st, before the doors open to the annual PAX West game conference, players who attend this event will be able to play more than 50 upcoming ID@Xbox titles for free. These titles will include some that haven't been announced yet and others that will only be playable for the first time. Of those titles, 45 have already been confirmed. Here's the list — you can find out more information on each title by clicking on the links:

You may have noticed that the above list only includes 35 titles. Well, that's because ten of the confirmed titles are new games that have never been revealed for Xbox One previously. Here's a brief introduction to each of those games:

Armed and Gelatinous

Three Flip Studios' arena-style shooter makes players assume the role of one of four gelatinous blobs that is stranded in the far reaches of space. Each of these blobs must pick up weapon crates that have been jettisoned from transport vessels. The more weapons that you absorb, the bigger you get but be aware that this also makes you much slower. There will be several game modes with different targets for winning the local multiplayer matches.

ClusterTruck Achievements

Landfall Games' upcoming title has a rather unique concept. Players must reach the end of each level. Sounds simple, right? Well, to get there players can't fall off any of the trucks that are being driven by terrible drivers. The game's campaign promises a "Hollywoodesque journey through many different worlds where everything tries to kill them". Take a look for yourself.

Gas Guzzlers Extreme Achievements

Gamepires combat racing game was released on PC nearly three years ago but is finally making its way to Xbox One. Players begin in low performance vehicles and gradually work their way up the ladder by earning money from each race, but use that money wisely otherwise the road to glory will be far from smooth. The correct choice of vehicles, weapons, upgrades and even on-track bonuses can make all the difference.

Moonshot

Pump Action Games' "physics-based tank death game" has been inspired by classic titles, such as "Scorched Earth". Players can choose to either destroy bots in single player matches are gather up to four players for local fast-paced competitive matches. As is to be expected, the core gameplay mechanics are simple to understand for most players, but it takes practice and persistence to master them, especially when weapon upgrades make sure that every match is different.

Refactor

NextGen Pants' Tetroidvania title is a mix of falling block puzzles and a metroidvania style open world. In the game's world, thousands of puzzle pieces are created every day, purely for the purpose of playing "The Game". Only perfect puzzle pieces will do. Those imperfect pieces are shunned by society and are decommissioned, forced to find their own way in society. To do this, players can rearrange the map and build their own paths, all while uncovering secrets and gaining new upgrades and abilities.

https://www.trueachievements.com/Rescue-Triangle/achiev....htm

Despite CottonGame's website denying that Rescue Triangle even exists, there is a single, solitary trailer that shows us what to expect. This challenging platformer places players in the shoes of the titular triangle. His intentions still remain a mystery, though, but we'll be sure to bring you more information as we get it.

Super Slam Dunk Touchdown

Tipping Goat's upcoming sports title is not an attempt to create the most ridiculous sport imaginable, as its name might initially suggest. Well, actually it is. Players assemble a squad of different pro-sports members to play matches that have elements of american football, hockey, football, roller derby, basketball, bowling and tennis, amongst others. Make up your own rules and do whatever it takes to win against your opponents in local mutiplayer matches.

Superweights

Pompaduo's top-down boxing game is a simpler and less serious take on the sport than the simulators of more recent years. Despite this, the developer's aim is still to "capture the spirit of the sport and knock it out of the ring". As a multiplayer game, players will need to grab a friend before duking it out in the ring in an attempt to knock out their opponents.

We Are Chicago

Culture Shock Games "first person 3D narrative-driven adventure game" puts players in the shoes of Aaron, a young boy who is just a week away from his high school graduation. His best friend, Robert, suddenly stops attending school and Aaron wants to know why. In the coming days, his world gradually unravels as he isn't even sure who his friends are or who he can trust, let alone protect his family through the neighbourhood turmoil that strives to portray the "harsh realities associated with growing up on the south side of Chicago".

Western Press

Bandit-1's "most historically accurate frontier dueling game" is not for those who dislike QTEs. In fact, it would be your ideal nightmare. The premise of the game is simple. For each duel, players must complete a single random string of ten button commands, starting from the top and ending at the bottom. Will you be quicker than your opponent? Each duel takes mere seconds and a 16 player tournament can take just a few minutes.

Will you be attending Microsoft's Pre-PAX Open House and, if so, which titles will you be wanting to try out?

Written by Rebecca Smith

Rebecca is the Newshound Manager at TrueGaming Network. She has been contributing articles since 2010, especially those that involve intimidatingly long lists. When not writing news, she works in an independent game shop so that she can spend all day talking about games too. She'll occasionally go outside.