Xbox sales: TA Team Picks (March 25th)

Microsoft's Xbox sales are in full swing again this week, slashing prices on games and DLC on Xbox and PC with Ubisoft, EA, and Critically Acclaimed sales. Here's what the TrueAchievements news team think are great deals.

It's the weekend again, so that means the TrueAchievements news team has strapped on their snorkels and dived into the bargain bin in search of some awesome deals. This week, the Xbox sales include the Ubisoft Open World Sale, EA Publisher Sale, and the Critically Acclaimed Sale, slashing prices on games and DLC on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC. Here are some recommendations from our personal collections...

Discounts from the bargain bin

Luke — Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown — Top Gun: Maverick Ultimate Edition

Well that sure is a mouthful of a title, but if it means playing one of the best dogfighting games of recent years while blasting Danger Zone, it's got to be worth it. This ultimate version of 2019's superb Ace Combat 7 comes packed with extras, and even though the base game goes on sale for a good bit less than this fairly often, the Maverick add-on pack alone would usually set you back the same price as you're paying for the full game, season pass content, and that extra Top Gun goodness, so I'd still say you're getting a pretty good deal here. I'll also take any opportunity I can get to big up Ace Combat 7, as combat flight games like this are a rare breed, with the best-in-class action of Bandai Namco's latest offering thrilling high-speed aerial encounters across a host of different mission types, as well as online play if you fancy showing off your moves against other pilots around the world. You'll need to if you're going for the rather lengthy completion too, although the good news on that front is that some of the DLC bits make a few of the grindy achievements a little more manageable, even if the added content doesn't add any extra Gamerscore beyond the base 1,000G. See you in the skies, cadets!

ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN - TOP GUN: Maverick Ultimate Edition

Contains the main game ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN, the TOP GUN: Maverick Aircraft set, and the Season Pass.

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Sean — Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

We all saw that incredible Hellblade II character demo, right? If you haven’t watched it yet, definitely check it out, as it’s damn impressive. Watching the demo reminded me of how much I enjoyed the first game, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and wouldn’t you know it? It’s on sale this week for the rock-bottom price of $7.49/£6.24/€7.49. Most of you don’t need me to tell you how good Hellblade is, but for those who are yet to play it, read on. In Hellblade, you play as Celtic warrior Senua who is suffering from psychosis and travels to the dark depths of Helheim to fight for the soul of her dead lover. It’s a relatively short affair, lasting only around six hours, but every second is packed to the brim with atmosphere and tension, making for a memorable experience. I don’t want to say too much about the story or what happens as you kind of need to see it play out for yourself, but just know, it’s good. Gameplay, on the other hand, is a little lacklustre, and is where most tend to bounce off Hellblade. The combat is pretty basic, with a lack of enemy variety: Light attack, heavy attack, dodge, block, and a special ability that lets you slow down time. That’s kind of all you can do really, and while it’s not bad, it’s not great either. The puzzles are also a bit tedious and can be frustrating. However, if you want an experience that offers a damn-good story and an impressive and striking exploration of mental health, definitely consider picking up Hellblade this week — just make sure you play it while wearing headphones!

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

From the makers of Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and DmC: Devil May Cry, comes a warrior’s brutal journey into myth and madness.

Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover.

Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will pull you deep into Senua’s mind.

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Tom — Soulcalibur VI Deluxe Edition

Usually, it would be Luke hyping up a fighting game, telling you about all of the title's intricate mechanics and well-implemented parry system, but this week I've decided to offer you one. Am I an expert in fighting games? No. Do I generally dislike fighting games after the first hour of playing them? Yes. Why is Soulcalibur VI different? Well, now, that's a good question. Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy playing the odd bit of Mortal Kombat or Killer Instinct, but my skills go as far as learning which buttons punch, kick, and jump. The moment I attempt any of the 'advanced' moves, my hands become a sweaty mess as my fingers play a round of Twister.

Soulcalibur VI is the one arcade fighting game I've genuinely enjoyed myself playing, thanks to a campaign mode that isn't punishingly difficult to get through. It's a lot of fun, and with the inclusion of a full character customisation suite, you can really make your fighter your own. Controls feel much more user-friendly compared to other games in the genre. It even features an RPG-style mode as well, which is a lot of fun to play and gives you an additional layer of story to uncover, which is controlled by you. Right now, you can pick up Soulcalibur VI Deluxe Edition with an 85% discount, so it's the perfect time to give it a go!

SOULCALIBUR VI Deluxe Edition

A digital deluxe edition of SOULCALIBUR VI that includes the season pass!

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Will you be adding any of these games to your collection, or do you have a suggestion for us? Take to the comments below and let us know!

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Written by Tom West

Tom has been playing video games since he was old enough to hold a controller, experimenting with a number of systems until he eventually fell in love with Xbox. With a passion for the platform, he decided to make a career out of it, and now happily spends his days writing about that which he loves. If he’s not hunting for Xbox achievements, you’ll likely find him somewhere in The Elder Scrolls Online or fighting for survival in Battlefield.