Xbox Game Pass has clearly become central to Microsoft’s strategy. Contrary to what many believe, Microsoft believes the Game Pass model is a sustainable one, and to keep feeding content into the service, they’ve been driven to keep looking for more potential studio acquisitions. In fact, the subscription service has even changed the way they develop games- or even which games they develop.

Speaking in a recent interview with The Guardian, head of Xbox Phil Spencer gave examples of a few recent Xbox Game Studios releases that would not have been greenlit to begin with if Microsoft hadn’t been confident in the success of Game Pass, and that the subscription’s userbase would be willing to give these games a try. The likes of Microsoft Flight Simulator (which enjoyed the biggest launch so far in Game Pass PC history), Dontnod’s episodic adventure Tell Me Why, and Rare and Dlala Studio’s Battletoads revival, would not have existed if not for Game Pass.

“I honestly don’t think we’d greenlight Tell Me Why if not for Game Pass,” Spencer said. “It’s an episodic, story-driven game – you don’t see a lot of them getting made. We knew with the 15 million subscribers we have now, that it would get played, and that people would engage in it more than they would if there was a $30 price point in front of it. Even Flight Simulator is a game we would not have green-lit if we did not see Game Pass growing. We had a million players of Battletoads! These are all examples of games that in an exclusively retail model would be more challenged.”

This isn’t the first we’ve heard Microsoft or its studios talking about how Game Pass has changed their approach to development, and how it’s made them more willing to take risks and work on more experimental games. For instance, The Coalition has explicitly said that the subscription service was a big factor in why they went ahead with the development of Gears Tactics.

Earlier this year we got the revival of an old Rare favorite IP, Battletoads. The game was both a send up and a satire of the beloved beat’em ups as it had all the zaniness you’d expect from the property as well as delighting in taking the piss out of the elements that haven’t aged too well. It also seems that it struck a cord with a quite a few people, too.

Via the official Rare Twitter channel, it was announced that the game has bounced passed 1 million players. Considering the game was on Game Pass day 1, as all Microsoft first party titles are now, it’s hard to parse what the actual sales are, but still 1 million unique players isn’t too shabby. There’s also plenty of other stats here such as the most played toad, fastest speed run, how many collectibles gotten, etc., to give you an idea of how much the game has been played.

Battletoads is available now for both Xbox One and PC and available on Xbox Game Pass on both platforms. You can check out what we thought of the game with our review through here.

As Battletoads bounces past a million players, we've swiped some staggering in-game stats since launch! Poor Chet and his turbo bikes, we'll be surprised if he's still in business. Read the post for the lowdown and take a swing at the game today: https://t.co/ZNlGjdzGt0 pic.twitter.com/e1W3PHZGDW

— Rare Ltd. (@RareLtd) October 26, 2020

Those who have kept up with the game, however, would know that the pieces were coming together for this game to actually turn out well, since recent showings of the game have been far more encouraging. To those people, at least, it won’t come as a shock to learn that the new Battletoads is very good. Almost surprisingly so, in fact. While it has some critical shortcomings that I think do hold it back from realizing its full potential, the game is a thoroughly entertaining brawler that seems to deftly walk the line between accessibility and depth, manages to have a lot of incentives to encourage replays, and even comes together on other fronts, such as its surprisingly pleasing art style, and its sharp and witty writing.

That meta humor actually makes an incredibly strong first impression, and helps buoy the game a whole lot. Without getting into the specifics, all I will say is that the game is acutely aware of the passage of time between the last Battletoads game and this one, and the relevance (or total lack thereof) that the eponymous battletoads have in today’s day and age, and that it uses those things to drive a lot of its humor. Not all its jokes land, and some feel a bit juvenile and crude, or just fall flat, but on the whole, the humor and wit is definitely a point in the game’s favor.

"The game is acutely aware of the passage of time between the last Battletoads game and this one, and the relevance (or total lack thereof) that the eponymous battletoads have in today’s day and age."

Where the game is impressive without caveats is on the combat front. It’s deceptively easy, but it racks on layer upon layer of complexity subtly, slowly introducing the player to all sorts of mechanics and moves without overwhelming them. Between the combos you can execute with one character, the ability to tag team in and out of whatever character you want to play as at any time you want (this actually helps extend your combos further), and the extremely well differentiated enemy types, each of whom require totally different strategies to take down (seriously, there is more enemy variety in the first act of Battletoads than there is for many games, period), you are basically guaranteed extremely deep and varied, engaging brawler combat throughout the game.

There are other aspects of the gameplay that don’t necessarily always hold up as well, though. The hacking minigames, which involve you either routing electricity to gates blocking your progress to open them up, or disabling security, are extremely easy and uninteresting for example, but require just enough time and engagement on the player’s part to veer into being actively annoying – especially since they get in the way of the actual fun parts of the game. Other distractions from the combat, such as high octane biking, are much more fun. While they remain reasonably simplistic all said and done, they add enough wrinkles one on top of another to keep things unpredictable and exciting, at the bare minimum (at their best, they can be really thrilling on their own).

Battletoads is also a champion of local co-op, and up to three players can play together, brawling their way through the waves of enemies and bosses the game throws their way. The game excels in local co-op, and is incredibly fun with friends, especially with the chaos of three battletoads and a whole lot of enemies all unleashing their attacks at once. Co-op also helps keep some encounters in the game more manageable, though there is nothing in this game that you can’t get through as a solo player.

"There is more enemy variety in the first act of Battletoads than there is for many games, period."

That, by the way, is a good thing, because in a shocking omission for a brawler, and perhaps more still, a Microsoft game, Battletoads does not have online co-op. It has co-op, and it has online functionality, but it somehow does not have online co-op – which is a pretty major shortcoming for a brawler at the best of times, but can be a critical one in the present context. Like I said, the game remains really fun and engaging solo as well, but you are absolutely not getting the co-op experience short of having people sitting by your side in the same room as you.

I don’t understand how this decision was made, because it feels like such a basic and yet significant thing to overlook under any context – how is a brawler in today’s day and age released without online co-op? There is always the possibility that this problem is addressed post-launch, of course, but given the game was already delayed, it feels a bit perplexing that it didn’t launch with this functionality to begin with.

While the lack of the online functionality is definitely a significant mark against the game, however, like I said, it does not take away from how fun and surprisingly engaging Battletoads is in any other context. Local co-op is, of course, ideal, but even if you are playing it by yourself, this is definitely a game that holds your attention, while also being ideally suited to simply picking it up and dropping out of it whenever you want without necessarily needing long play sessions you need to invest into it.

"Battletoads may not be as convincing as it could have been, but the new game definitely demonstrates the IP still has a place in today’s market, and delivers a really fun experience that stands on its own merits as well."

The missing online co-op is especially a shame in that context, because other than that, whatever caveats and shortcomings I mention are pretty minor, and easy enough to overlook. The game’s sharp art style, clever dialog, and incredibly deep and exhilarating gameplay make for a potent package – it’s just one that a lot of people can’t enjoy to the fullest.

Be that as it may, however, Battletoads grand return is definitely a triumph. It may not be as convincing as it could have been, but the new game definitely demonstrates the IP still has a place in today’s market, and delivers a really fun experience that stands on its own merits as well. The battletoads are back – I hope this time, they are here to stay, and we can see further games starring them that build on the successes of this one.

This game was reviewed on Xbox One.

It’s been 26 years since the last major Battletoads title but the crew is back and better than ever. Developed by Dlala Studios and Rare, the new Battletoads releases today for Xbox One, Windows 10, Steam and Xbox Game Pass. To help celebrate, Xbox’s Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb – or at least, the animated version of him – interviewed Rash, Zitz and Pimple in the new launch trailer.

The trailer also showcases some of the content that fans can expect. Along with the usual beat ’em up style gameplay, there minigames and other hooks. Turbo Bike racing, as terrifying as it was in the original games, also makes a return (though impressions indicate that it’s not as difficult here).

Along with drop-in, drop-out co-op, Battletoads also features customizable difficulty settings. The art-style is also very much in-line with the launch trailer, presenting a hand-drawn cartoon aesthetic compared to previous games. Stay tuned for more details on Battletoads as it goes live today.

Battletoads was one of the many franchises that Rare created in their heyday, and one that had the most ’90s ‘tude you could imagine alongside some hard as nails gameplay. Now, they are returning with a cartoon aesthetic closer to modern animated shows with the same type of brawling action we know and love, and we got a huge look at it today.

Ahead of the official release tomorrow, Microsoft and Rare shared nearly 25 full minutes of a gameplay showcase. Developer Dlala Studios definitely did their studying on the old school games, and it looks like they’ve added their own bit of tricks to the mix. Check it out below.

Battletoads releases tomorrow, August 20th, for both Xbox One and PC. Like all Microsoft first party titles now, the game will also be day and date with Game Pass across both platforms. For PC players, you can check out the requirements you’ll need to run the game through here.

Like all services, Xbox Game Pass can have its up periods and its down periods. By and large, Microsoft has keep the quality and frequency of releases at a pretty good level, but strap in, because the upcoming lineup for the end of this month and the beginning of the next is something else.

The lineup for both Xbox One and PC is quite something. Of course, as of today you can get Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC as well as Spiritfarer on Xbox One and PC. On August 20th, you can look forward to the beat ’em up revival Battletoads and the classic survival game Don’t Starve for both PC and console Game Pass. On that same day, the PC will get some extra with Crossing Souls and Darksiders: Genesis, the latter of which is available now on the console side. Both Game Pass services will also get New Super Lucky’s Tale the next day on the 21st.

The 27th will be quite the feast for Xbox One and PC with the first chapter of Dontnod’s narrative adventure title, Tell Me Why, the surreal ’90s throwback of Hypnospace Outlaw and the zombie fighting rhythm game Double Kick Heroes. If that wasn’t enough, the next day on the 28th you can get Wasteland 3 on Xbox One and PC.

That’s quite the month, but Microsoft also apparently wants you to get a taste of next month as on September 3rd you’ll be able to get Resident Evil 7 for both Xbox One and PC Xbox Game Pass services. A little bit of everything and then some thrown on the side, I’d say.

After a year of radio silence about Battletoads from Microsoft following its reveal at E3 2019, they recently announced that the brawler – with dashes of several other genres thrown in – will be releasing later this month, and the game certainly looked significantly better in its newest trailer than it did at its first showing.

Now, other details for the game have also been revealed. Via its Microsoft Store page, it’s been confirmed that Battletoads’ file size on the Xbox One is just under 20 GB- 19.29 GB, to be precise. Meanwhile, the game’s PC system requirements have also been revealed via Steam, and they’re pretty easily doable, as you would have expected. Minimum requirements mention either a GTX 650 or an R7 250x, while recommended settings stipulate either a GTX 650Ti or an R7 260. You can check out the full system requirements below.

Battletoads launches for Xbox One and PC on August 20.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: Pentium G620
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 650 or AMD R7 250x
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 15 GB available space

RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS:

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: AMD Phenom II x4 965
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 650Ti or AMD R7 260
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 15 GB available space

First announced at E3 last year, the revival of the classic beat ’em up franchise Battletoads has been missing from all major Microsoft showings since then, while developers themselves have remained oddly quiet about it. Recently, the game received age ratings in Brazil and Australia, fuelling speculation that it would be releasing soon. That has now been officially confirmed.

In a new trailer released for the game, Microsoft have announced that Battletoads will be coming to Xbox One and PC less than a month from now, on August 20. The game promises beat ’em up action, but it’s looking like it’s going to be a mishmash of genres beyond that. The trailer has glimpses of platforming sections, arcade shooting, and more. It’s also worth mentioning that the game is looking significantly better than it did at E3 last year. The visuals, too, are looking much sharper and more vibrant. Check out the trailer below.

As with all Microsoft first party games, Battletoads will be available via Xbox Game Pass on PC and console at launch. The game is also available to purchase on Steam.

Microsoft may be focusing on first-party titles for Xbox Series X at its upcoming showcase. However, PC players might also want to tune in. According to the Australian Classification Board’s website (spotted by Gematsu on Twitter), Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition and Battletoads have been rated. Both ratings have Microsoft listed as the publisher, which means they could have announcements at this week’s showcase.

Battletoads has already been revealed so this could either be a stealth drop for Xbox One and PC (especially since it was rated in Brazil earlier this month) or a release date announcement. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is more interesting. It hasn’t been teased till now, what with the focus being on Relic Entertainment’s Age of Empires 4 and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. Still, given the positive praise that the latter received, it seems like a no-brainer to update the third game.

The Xbox showcase will take place on July 23rd at 9 AM PST. Other titles rumored to appear include Fable 4 which is in development at Playground Games. 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite has been confirmed with gameplay from its campaign finally debuting. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition and Battletoads rated in Australiahttps://t.co/S8vk5ScfFghttps://t.co/wGIvl6UPft pic.twitter.com/gLDSAfMiL5

— Gematsu (@gematsu) July 20, 2020

Microsoft announced the reboot of Rare’s classic beat ’em up franchise Battletoads at E3 2018, but since then, updates on the game have been scant. At the time of announcement, the Dlala Studio-developed hand-drawn 2.5D action platformer  was supposed to be a 2019 release, but with Microsoft having remained silent on the game, there’s a lot of uncertainty right now regarding when it might release.

As it turns out, it’s possible that the game might not be too far away. As spotted by Microsoft insider @Klobrille over on Twitter, Battletoads recently received an age rating in Brazil. Games don’t usually get age ratings until they’re content-complete and, as such, close to launch, so this might possibly be signifying that Battletoads is not far away from release.

That is, of course, just speculation for now, but if the game is indeed releasing in the near future, we’ll likely hear about it soon, at the Xbox Series X first party showcase later this month. Stay tuned for more updates until then.

Battletoads (Dlala Studios / Rare) received an age rating in Brazil. The game is currently only announced for Xbox One and not PC (which never made sense to begin with), but now received a rating for both platforms. This could hint at a release soon. https://t.co/V9qilJzubJ pic.twitter.com/4Fjuq1x0xW

— Klobrille (@klobrille) July 6, 2020