The real meat is in the rest of the month, however. Star Wars Outlaws, which has undergone numerous revamps and improvements since launch, will be added to the service for Ultimate and PC subscribers on January 13th. If you need to catch up on Resident Evil before Requiem’s launch next month, then why not play Resident Evil Village? It’s coming to the Ultimate, Premium and PC tiers on January 20th.

Premium subscribers are also eating very well this month with Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Rematch, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition arriving on January 7th. Final Fantasy – yes, the first one – makes its debut on January 8th for all three tiers, followed by My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery on January 15th.

If you’re itching for a new Metroidvania, MIO: Memories in Orbit from the creator of Shady Part of Me will arrive on January 20th for Ultimate and PC subscribers.

Of course, to ring in the new, Microsoft is also doing away with the old. Starting January 15th, the following titles will exit Game Pass:

• Flintlock The Siege of Dawn (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
• Neon White (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
• Road 96 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
• The Ascent (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
• The Grinch Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)

Star Trucker and Wildfrost are next on June 18th for Standard subscribers, followed by Sloclap’s Rematch on June 19th for Ultimate and PC Game Pass. June 24th sees the launch of Volcano Princess, while June 26th marks the arrival of Against the Storm, the acclaimed rogue-lite city builder.

On the same day, Blizzard fans (or at least those left) can expect Warcraft 1: Remastered and Warcraft 2: Remastered on PC. There’s also Warcraft 3: Reforged, which has seen some improvements since its disastrous launch. On June 30th, Call of Duty: WW2 joins the ever-expanding list of Call of Duty titles on the service, playable for all three tiers of subscribers.

As an early sneak peek for next month, Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider will become available on July 1st. Check out all the games leaving on June 30th below:

• Arcade Paradise (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Journey to the Savage Planet (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• My Friend Peppa Pig (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Robin Hood: Sherwood Builders (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• SteamWorld Dig (Cloud and Console)
• SteamWorld Dig 2 (Console and PC)

But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see more notable differences and mechanics that translate the very nature of Lost in Random – the rule of randomness – into a compelling action rogue-lite experience. It’s not reinventing the genre or going beyond what genre fans know – but it is leveraging all those differences in some fun ways.

Following up directly on the first game’s conclusion, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die follows Aleksandra, the former Queen, as she battles the Black Die. The latter afforded a great deal of power, but after a tragic incident caused her to confront it, Mare the Knight, its new master, trapped her inside. Fortune, Aleksandra’s personal die, who only recently came back to life, is with her, though, and together, they search for a way to defeat Mare and escape the Black Die.

"Of course, the main component of Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is combat, and there’s plenty to be had. Each of the four realms has a unique gimmick to it, offering just enough flavor to distinguish them beyond the art direction."

Such a premise leans well into the ever-changing biomes and Mare’s plan to use Aleks’ memories against her. This highlights the nuanced character development of our anti-hero, who acknowledges her past misdeeds yet fully focuses on revenge rather than any heroic ventures (like saving others trapped within the Black Die). However, as she gets to know them, Aleks’ mindset shifts in that direction while cherishing some of the better memories with her sister, Natalya. It’s a sweet redemption story of sorts, though a lot of your emotional attachment will hinge on the events of the previous game and full knowledge of all the terrible things Aleksandra did.

Without it, you’re left wondering as to the significance of that adult Sixer or why Aleks doesn’t want to fight a certain boss. The Eternal Die does a decent job explaining eventually past events like the No Dice War and what happened with the Witches, so it’s not a dealbreaker, plus the Journal is rife with lore to fill in the blanks. However, my connection to the newer characters ranged from surface-level intriguing (Chance) and beloved (Rack, who doles out different weapons, or Mannie Chex, who sells different items between realms) to indifference (Sophia Firbase, the Rug Reader, take your pick).

Still, there are more hits than misses, if only narrowly, and I’m always keen to hear Rack’s next joke and how Aleksandra will react with disdain. Additional conversations and developments unlock across multiple runs, and it’s acceptable, though nowhere near the sheer amount of Hades. There is some cleverness to the writing – hats off to whoever came up with the Discard pile, a venerable trash heap where you end up after every run.

Of course, the main component of Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is combat, and there’s plenty to be had. Each of the four realms has a unique gimmick to it, offering just enough flavor to distinguish them beyond the art direction. The room variety is also solid, whether you’re dealing with traps and Elites or completing a minigame.

Each of the four weapons contains multiple upgrade paths, which can bestow new abilities and passives, like the sword unleashing whirlwinds or the mace creating pools of poison. You have the standard attack and Charged Attack on top of throwing out whatever Card is equipped. Cards can be discovered throughout runs and add another attack on top, like an orb that inflicts weakness or a cone-shaped breath of fire. However, Perfect Card attacks can provide additional effects. That seeking attack may go from two projectiles to five, or that weakening orb will explode and inflict Weak in a larger radius against foes.

"Then there’s the Relic system, which is probably one of the more unique upgrade systems I’ve ever seen in the genre, at least on the action side."

None of this would matter if the combat doesn’t feel sleek and responsive, and Stormteller Games excels there. Everything, from cancelling attacks to narrowly dodging, feels great, accompanied by a strong assortment of enemies. I could have done with less aggressive tracking on some ranged enemies or the lack of Timestop on another enemy type, but most strike a good balance between fun and challenging. The bosses are equally endearing, even if they feel a little too limited.

But what really sets The Eternal Die apart is the dice mechanics. Fortune serves as a projectile that can be tossed at enemies, and depending on which face it lands on – and the Relics equipped – it can activate different effects. Those minigames are also dependent on die rolls, whether it’s the face determining the difficulty of an optional encounter (and the reward) or a little faux board game where you move spaces according to roll. It can even influence how much health is recovered from a healing station, for better or worse.

Then there’s the Relic system, which is probably one of the more unique upgrade systems I’ve ever seen in the genre, at least on the action side. You start with a single space to which a Relic can be equipped, whether it’s an element added to Charged attacks, the second hit from an enemy dealing 40 percent reduced damage, etc. This opens up the eight neighboring squares, which you can equip with more Relics. Alternatively, you can toss in Pearls of varying colors.

When matching three of a kind, they’ll boost a specific stat like weapon damage, card damage, or luck (which influences Multicasts) and then shatter. However, Relics can also have colors – up to three depending on the rarity – and upon matching with two Pearls – or each other – can consume the color and stay on the board. So play your choices well, and it’s possible to match multiple colors with a single Relic to obtain stat upgrades. You also have the option to dye them, which is good for colorless Relics, but even better for those that don’t make three-of-a-kind.

It’s an ingenuous system, one that rewards you for balancing out Relic choices – because some are much better than others, like the slowly increasing critical hit chance until the next hit or Perfect Card Attacks inflicting status ailments – with stat upgrades. If I lean into dice damage, then Fortune will deal more damage when thrown.

"How much mileage you’ll get out of it ultimately depends on your skill, but don’t let the Hades comparisons dissuade you. Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, and throughout its admittedly short run time, The Eternal Die aims to please."

Weapon damage is still important, especially in conjunction with Weak and status effects dealing damage over time. Conjurations are another solid area since even holding Fortune or leaving it on the ground can result in seeking icicles or a poisonous cloud, depending on the Relics. Couple this with a ability that increases evade chance while carrying Fortune, and you can forgo the dice throwing altogether. Alternatively, lean into it more with a ability that allows for recalling Fortune with a button press rather than picking it up manually (albeit with a three-second cooldown).

All of this combined makes each run feel pretty unique from a build crafting perspective and had me itching to get back in after another failed run. Though some Relics will start looking familiar sooner than you think, I was surprised with even more options over subsequent playthroughs. Even after finishing the story and fully upgrading two and a half weapons, there are still dozens of Relics yet to be discovered.

There is a post-game with Sigils that up the difficulty of the bosses while granting them new attacks and the Corruption Decrees. The latter gives you three choices of modifiers to add to a run. With each Sigil, the number of selected modifiers increases, upping the challenge and feeding further into the chaos of randomness.

Despite the distinct shift in perspective and structure from its predecessor, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a good rogue-lite, which introduces enough of its own twists on top of the clear inspiration to ensure a fun time. It looks sharp, and the sound production, from the voice acting to the effects, is strong, even if the rock tracks can sometimes become monotonous. How much mileage you’ll get out of it ultimately depends on your skill, but don’t let the Hades comparisons dissuade you. Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, and throughout its admittedly short run time, The Eternal Die aims to please.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

The original Lost in Random seemed like a self-contained game. What inspired the decision to make a sequel?

When we developed the original Lost in Random, we felt it had a pretty open ending and left us with several unanswered questions. One of them was: “What really happened to the evil Queen Aleksandra, at the end?”

The main decision to make a continuation of the IP, however, was simpler than that. We just love this world, and there’s so much to explore within its unique style, vibe, and atmosphere.

On this note, we call the new game a spinoff. The Eternal Die picks up just after the first game, but you play as Aleksandra, the antagonist of the first game.

"We just love this world, and there’s so much to explore within its unique style, vibe, and atmosphere."

What kinds of gameplay enhancements over the original game will we see in the sequel?

Where the original game leaned more on story and ambiance through a linear progression, The Eternal Die focuses on incredibly tight, fast-paced combat and a great sense of skill progression. We’ve nurtured the essence of the Lost in Random world, with fully voiced characters in a dark fantasy world, but the gameplay shines more this time around.

How will the Relics play into the game’s combat?

Relics are the meat of the game’s combat. It is how the player grows stronger during a “run” through the dark, twisted realms of the Black Die. The player places the Relics they find on a board, matches colors and effects to create synergies, and evolves their arsenal during runs.

We’re super-excited about the Relic system and believe it brings several unique and interesting layers to the Roguelite genre, and to how upgrades and abilities are generally synergized.

While the world will be randomly-generated, will there be hand-crafted gameplay sections as well?

While the world is generated based on specific parameters, the actual gameplay- and combat- areas are handcrafted. We took this approach to ensure each area to not only look visually appealing, but also offer a nice flow and balanced difficulty.

"Where the original game’s combat has a slightly turn-based, strategic, boardgame-esque feel to it, we’ve cranked up both pacing and difficulty a lot."

How has the combat been improved over the original?

Where the original game’s combat has a slightly turn-based, strategic, boardgame-esque feel to it, we’ve cranked up both pacing and difficulty a lot.

Gameplay is more snappy and has a really neat flow to it. There’s so much to explore with the Relic system and a lot more enemy variety. It’s hard to compare the two games when it comes to combat.

The first game introduced you to being a Dice Weilder; As Even, you discovered and took those first fumbling steps as one. Now, as Aleksandra, you’re a seasoned Dice Wielder, and our chaotic combat really captures that.

Will exploration play a bigger part in Lost in Random: The Eternal Die?

Yes, but more in the mechanical sense. Our gameplay features and Aleksandra’s combat arsenal offer tons of play-styles and explorable “builds”, if you like. Each run presents new opportunities and strategic exploration.

But, of course, there’s a lot to find and unpack when it comes to the characters’ story, world lore, and Aleksandra’s past.

Will we get to see returning characters from the original Lost in Random?

A few! There are nods and hints back to the first game, for both characters and the world, scattered across our adventure.

The main returning character is our Protagonist – Aleksandra – and while she is heavily connected to the story of the first game, it was important for us to create a game that is available and meaningful for both new and returning players.

In short, both games will enrich the experience of the other, in whatever order you play them.

"Our gameplay features and Aleksandra’s combat arsenal offer tons of play-styles and explorable “builds”, if you like."

What board games were the biggest inspirations for dungeon designs and themes?

No specific board games were inspirations for the game. It is, like in the first game, a thematic inspiration if anything. The inspiration from Chess and various card games can be found, but not in gameplay, and more in aesthetics.

What resolution and frame rate will the game run on PS5, Xbox Series X, S and PS5 Pro?

We’re aiming for 60FPS on all four consoles!

On June 10th, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition, a remaster of the beloved 2011 action title, is available on Ultimate and PC Game Pass for cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S players. Barbie Project Friendship follows on June 11th for all three subscription tiers, while Kingdom: Two Crowns is live for PC Game Pass and Ultimate.

On June 12th, EA Sports FC 25 becomes playable for Ultimate and PC Game Pass, followed by The Alters on June 13th. June 17th marks the arrival of FBC: Firebreak, Remedy’s co-op shooter set years after Control. The same day sees the launch of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time for consoles and PC and Lost in Random: The Eternal Die for Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

There could be more announcements at the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 8th, so stay tuned. As for titles leaving on June 15th, they include:

• Dordogne (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Hypnospace Outlaw (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Isonzo (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Keplerth (PC)
• My Time At Sandrock (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Depersonalization (PC)

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

A new Kojima Productions title is like an event unto itself, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is no exception. Bigger, weirder, brimming with new concepts and gameplay mechanics, it takes Sam Porter Bridges to a new continent to attempt to reconnect it. A heavier focus on action, new traits and proficiency levels, new BTs, a day/night cycle, deeper stealth mechanics, changing weather, new characters, Magellan Man – all of this is only scratching the surface. One thing is for sure, though – it’s distinctly Hideo Kojima. Death Stranding 2 arrives on June 26th for PS5.

Mario Kart World

Everyone expected Grand Theft Auto 6 to roll in with an $80 price tag, but as it turns out, it was-a Mario all along. Based on the tens of millions that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold, Mario Kart World is unquestionably the killer app. And to be fair, Nintendo hasn’t been slouching in terms of evolving the mechanics. Tracks are now part of a large open world, teeming with optional activities, collectables, and challenges. Tons of new racers and karts await alongside cosmetics to unlock. The core gameplay is rife with new power-ups, moves, and even things like Rewind. There’s a lot here, but is it enough? We’ll find out when Mario Kart World launches on June 5th alongside the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Is Welcome Tour going to be a surprisingly fun experience like Astro’s Playroom? Most likely not, but as a playable exhibit gamifying all the mechanics of the Switch 2, Nintendo could do worse. With mini-games and quizzes, it promises a learning experience into everything that makes up Nintendo’s console. “Free” would have been the best price point, but as it stands, $10 isn’t too much to ask. Let’s hope it offers some bang for our buck when it launches alongside the Switch 2.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

Like a Dragon has evolved beyond the confines of Yakuza into brand new locations and gameplay mechanics, but Yakuza 0 remains timeless. It’s coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 as the Director’s Cut, packing new cutscenes (some of which provide a sense of closure, per the voice cast) and English voiceovers. You can also team up with other players in online PvE battles, selecting from 60 characters. Don’t let the fact that it was originally launched in 2015 distract you from playing arguably the best Yakuza game in the franchise.

MindsEye

How can a game generate hype despite the lack of extensive gameplay and details, especially about two weeks from launch? Your guess is as good as mine, but Build A Rocket Boy’s MindsEye has inexplicably figured it out. The idea of a single-player action adventure in a futuristic city from Leslie Benzies of Grand Theft Auto fame is certainly appealing, make no mistake. But MindsEye could end up sublimely brilliant or precisely what the short teasers have revealed. Either way, we’re keen to see the result when it launches on June 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition

As if upcoming updates for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, like the free Horde-like Siege Mode, weren’t enough, Sega, Relic Entertainment, and SneakyBox are bringing back the original Space Marine. Launching on June 10th for Xbox Series X/S and PC for $40, the Master Crafted Edition features improved visuals, including 4K resolution support, remastered audio, and modernized controls. It also packs in all the DLC, like armor sets, Golden weapons, Map Packs, and Chapter Packs, and promises cross-play for its 8v8 PvP matches. While it’s a shame that PS5 players will miss out, Space Marine 1 is a must-play for any fan of 40K.

The Alters

Numerous teases of conflicts and gruesome outcomes later, 11 bit studios’ oft-delayed sci-fi survival/base-building title The Alters is finally launching on June 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. As Jan Dolski, players arrive on a hostile planet and discover the rest of their crew dead. With no other recourse to managing the giant moving base and needing to outrun a deadly sun, he creates Alters – each a living, breathing Jan with unique skills, occupations, wants, needs, and mood swings. Harvest materials meet their demands, survive various hazards, and maybe you make it back home with all limbs intact.

FBC: Firebreak

Years after Control, the Hiss still occupies the Oldest House. With resources depleting and no other options, the Bureau turns to Firebreak, which ventures into different locations to tackle paranatural threats. As a three-player co-op shooter, players choose a Crisis Kit, Perks, and weapon before diving into a Job, from destroying hundreds of thousands of sticky notes to stopping a powerful Furnace. It’s a new initiative for Remedy, better known for its single-player titles, but with no FOMO, a $40 price, and free content updates, FBC: Firebreak may be worth checking out when it launches on June 17th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die

Zoink’s underappreciated Lost in Random is getting a rogue-like sequel courtesy of Thunderful, and this time, the focus is on the former Queen. Now going by Aleksandra, she’s trapped inside the Black Die. Together with Fortune, she must escape its four regions, facing various enemies and bosses to escape. With more than 100 relics to custom, fast-paced real-time action and the same gorgeous art style, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die launches on June 17th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Who could have thought that Night City, in all its glitz and gore, would ever become playable on a Nintendo console? Probably not PS4 and Xbox One players who can’t experience Phantom Liberty. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition brings the base game to Switch 2 players with every update and the acclaimed expansion, with relatively decent performance. Best of all? The physical version contains the entire package on a cartridge. No Game-Key shenanigans. Like every other Switch 2 title, it’s out on June 5th.

Rematch

Sifu developer Sloclap’s newest title is something…unexpected. Launching on June 19th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, Rematch is a soccer (or football for the rest of the world) title where players compete in 5v5 matches. Promising an accessible experience with deep mechanics and a focus on player skill, its open beta saw a positive response on Steam last April, with almost 134,000 peak concurrent players. Here’s hoping the game can capture that magic and keep the momentum going, especially at $30.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster

Almost six years after its announcement, System Shock 2’s enhanced edition will launch on June 26th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC. Now known as the 25th Anniversary Remaster, it includes mod support on PC, new Trophies and Achievements, Ultra-widescreen support, and 4K resolution support. PC players can select 144 FPS, while Xbox Series X and PS5 can opt for 120 FPS. If it’s as compelling as System Shock remake, expect System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster to be another winner.

Tron: Catalyst

After the visual novel mystery of Tron: Identity, Bithell Games is back with Tron: Catalyst, an action-adventure take. This time, players control Exo, who gains the Glitch, a mysterious power that could upend the Arq Grid. With beat ’em up mechanics, light cycles and the ability to rewind time with glitches, Catalyst could be another solid addition to the franchise when it launches on June 17th for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition

With Mortal Kombat 1 support ending and Tekken 8 recovering from Season 2’s changes, Street Fighter 6 remains the premiere mainstream fighter. It’s coming to Switch 2 on launch day, and along with all DLC fighters from Years 1 and 2, it includes cross-play and two exclusive modes. Gyro Battle has players fighting with gyro controls and Calorie Contest, which is pretty much the same but with a calorie mechanic. Regardless, you still get an excellent fighting game with a stellar roster (including the upcoming Elena) and some great online features.

Zombie Army VR

For those still gaming in VR, be it on Steam, Quest 2 or PlayStation VR2, Rebellion’s Zombie Army series should help fill the increasing void. Out on June 12th, the campaign is new but offers the same World War 2 weaponry and over-the-top action of the franchise, complete with gruesome X-ray Kill Cams. There’s only two-player co-op, but it’s better than nothing.

The story follows The Queen from the previous game, fallen from grace and now going by Aleksandra. Joined by Fortune, they must navigate Mare the Knight’s Black Die and try to escape. There are four different weapons and over 100 Relics for players to utilize. The four worlds are randomly generated with over 30 enemy types and bosses to fight.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die also has a Premium Edition, discounted to $24.64 until June 17th, which offers four days of early access. You can also avail a digital art book, cosmetic DLC, and a soundtrack. Stay tuned for more details en route to its launch.

Taking centerstage in Lost in Random: The Eternal Die are former queen Aleksandra and her companion Fortune. Trapped in the Eternal Die, they have to fight their way through randomly generated gauntlets, with the nefarious antagonist known as the Storyteller plotting the end of their stories. 

Thunderful says The Eternal Die will feature dungeons inspired by board games, with “encounter themed rooms based on classic tabletop games”, challenge rooms, and more. Check out the game’s announcement trailer below. 

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die will launch at some point in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It will also be available for Game Pass at launch.