Dark Souls Meets Returnal in Promising New AAA Game Pass RPG

The Xbox Partner Showcase might not have had so many of the big franchise hitters that we'd expect from a flagship show, but there were some really cool games that were worth paying attention to if you play on Xbox or PC.

007: First Light was the most notable name on the table, with developer IO Interactive providing a more detailed look at the game and what fans can expect when it releases next year.

Outside of that, one game in particular stood out to us a release with real potential, that seems to combine elements from some of the best and most exciting games of the last decade or more.

Counterplay Games

ARMATUS Takes Players to Demon-Infested Paris

ARMATUS is the latest effort from Godfall developer Counterplay Games, whose fate had been in some doubt over the last year or so until news of this new project broke.

In the developer's own words: "ARMATUS is a third-person roguelite shooter set in the demon-infested ruins of Paris.

"As the last supernatural warrior of an ancient order, armed with powerful firearms and incredible celestial powers, scour the city in search of a lost gateway to heaven - the Sunless Gate."

It's immediately a very compelling premise that, if the trailer is to be believed, has been realised in beautiful detail.

And if you think a bit outside the box, many of the dark city settings are even a little Bloodborne. Yep, if you squint hard enough.

Gameplay also looks as varied as it is interesting. You'll set out into the world with a trusty scythe, as well as one of a number of guns that all do very different things.

Add to that the powerful celestial abilities and passive enhancements that improve your character, and you're quickly onto a very compelling tapestry.

As with most roguelites, you'll be dying a fair bit, with the idea being to revive and come back for more, getting a little further each time.

The reveal trailer gives us quite a lengthy look at what we can expect when the game does release, so make sure to check that out when you can.

At the time of writing, we are yet to get a release date beyond a very broad 2026 window.

But don't expect it to come out in the first half of the year (though they will want to avoid any potential clashes with the all-consuming GTA VI if that does drop on schedule in November).