While there's been a mixed reception from Xbox fans so far regarding Microsoft's continuing multiplatform efforts, there's definitely one nice bonus to some of these games having an extended shelf life - massive free updates for the existing Xbox versions.
Yep, next month, both Forza Horizon 5 and Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition are getting some of "the biggest updates" they've ever done - as they prepare to release on PS5. FH5 has already set an April 25th date for its 'Horizon Realms' update & early access PS5 launch - while AoE2 is plotting a "mid-April" date for its next massive update, and presumably its PS5 release as well.
So, what's actually coming in these updates? Well Forza Horizon 5's 'Realms' update is remixing a bunch of its previously limited-time locations and making them permanent additions to the game - while also adding the brand-new 'Horizon Stadium Circuit' for fans to blast around on. There are also four more free cars being added to the open-world racer, alongside a new 'Accolade Tab' featuring over 60 accolades to earn.
Over in the world of AoE2 - it seems like a major update, the game's next big expansion, and that PS5 launch are all coming together very soon. As we previously mentioned, this Age of Empires 2 content hasn't been dated yet, but the team is teasing a mid-April launch - and it's also detailed some of what fans can expect next month:
- Bug fixes based on your feedback!
- New Visuals for Castles, Elite Unique Units, Monks and Monasteries!
- Technology Tree UI updates!
- Balance changes!
- New Maps!
- New features and content to support:
- Random Map Scripting
- Scenario Editor
- Modding
As you can see, then, despite the PS5 ports for these games making headline news lately, there's lots more to come from them, even for Xbox players as well. Another bonus? They're both completely playable on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and their new content can be enjoyed by those subscribed to the Microsoft service on Xbox & PC.
Will you be diving into these two major Xbox first-party updates? Talk to us about 'em down below.
Comments 11
It also means longer support for Xbox too I'd assume (it being silly to release the game and not offer post launch support parity).
@Kaloudz Yes, it will improve the game on Xbox too.
But i'm also looking forward to seeing Digital Foundry and others compare PS5 Pro for example on this and Indy. Should be interesting. For Indy in particular it MIGHT make me want to double dip. Loved that game.
@themightyant Indy was outstanding. One of my highlights of 2024. I'm still blown away by the voice actor. He nailed that voice amazingly well.
I'm looking forward to seeing the analysis of the PS4 version (I assume it's going to last gen too). The Forza series was very well optimised for the Xbox One generation. I think they will be identical, or maybe a little better draw distance, Motorsport and Horizon were all already 1080p anyway.
@JetmanUK Forza Horizon 5 is PS5 only.
@dskatter Ah really? That is an odd decision, there are millions of PS4s still being used out there, and an Xbox One version ready to be ported. They missed out on a lot of sales there. Funny to think it's still a last gen Xbox exclusive. 🤣
@JetmanUK True, I guess they want to focus on polishing the PS5 version without having to make allowances for PS4 and PS4 Pro, perhaps.
Might make it easier when Horizon 6 comes, since I’d wager that’ll drop support for last-gen.
@themightyant - probably safe to say it will be a little bit sharper than Series X (2160p vs Series X’s 1800p). If there’s anymore headroom still available then likely it’ll just be an adjustment to the Ray-tracing and shadows. Still a fine looking game on Series X regardless.
Personally, I’d be more interested to see how Starfield might run on a Pro. If it could get to a smooth 60fps then I might be tempted to double dip if it got ported.
Unrelated question….if you buy a Microsoft game on PS5 does that give you a free PC version of the game (as per many Series X/S purchases)? If it does then that would be a brilliant way of subtly bringing gamers towards the Xbox ecosystem (assuming the next generation Xbox is a PC/Xbox hybrid).
@Dalamar73 Well as far as he goes as IJ, his performance was outstanding.
@Feffster Playground games have already have a post on their FAQ vaguely detailing what the enhancements for PS5 Pro are, I was just wondering if it will make any difference. More interested in Indy to see if it gets any PC RT features. The Forza Horizon 5 enhancements are:
Re: buying on PS5 and getting a PC copy i'm 99.9% sure it's a no. Because the sale is with Sony not Microsoft, it would be on them to enable it, and they won't for obvious reasons.
Forza is/was the only reason I own an Xbox.
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...