New this week for Xbox One: Final Fantasy XV, Steep

A new week of Xbox One releases is here, rounding off the month of November with another wave of triple-A titles. Although this month's lineup has been packed to the brim with top-tier releases, the pace won't be slowing down as we race into the holiday season.

Kicking off this week is the long-awaited next entry in the Final Fantasy series, 'Final Fantasy XV'. Ubisoft is also debuting its brand new extreme sports franchise 'Steep' this Friday, taking players on an adrenaline-filled ride through the Alps. Other notable releases include 'The Crew: Ultimate Edition' and 'The Dwarves'.

Our top picks this week:

Final Fantasy XV

After ten years in development, the latest entry in the main Final Fantasy series hits Xbox One this week. Final Fantasy XV follows Noctis Lucis Caelum and his three companions on a road trip across the earth-like world of Eos in an attempt claim back their homeland.

Diverging from some previous entries to the series, Final Fantasy XV reintroduces action-based combat, taking advantage of an expansive open world. Players can expect to explore the world using an array of methods – ranging from the group's car 'Regalia', to the series' iconic bird, Chocobos. The rich, diverse world of Final Fantasy XV is packed with places to visit, from expansive dynamic towns to the beast-inhabited wildlands.

The game also implements a major overhaul to the combat system, allowing players to take part in more action-orientated encounters. Unlike earlier titles which offered turn-based combat, Final Fantasy XV puts weapons and magic in the hands of Noctis, with a greater focus on timing and precise attacks.

Final Fantasy XV is available for Xbox One on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.

See on the Microsoft Store

Steep

Ubisoft is also set to debut Steep this week – a brand new franchise centered around extreme sports. Taking place in a snowy open world, players will be given the opportunity to engage in various activities, from paragliding and wingsuit flying through the air, to skiing and snowboarding on the ground. Unlike many of today's sports games, Steep verges away from realism in turn of rewarding irrational tricks and techniques.

The game will also place a significant emphasis on its multiplayer component, expanding the game's horizons into an interconnected online world. Offering a world shared with other gamers, Steep's mountainous landscapes are designed to accommodate multiple players, making for a more dynamic online experience.

Steep lets players hit the slopes on Friday, December 2, 2016.

See on the Microsoft Store

Other releases this week:

Tuesday, November 29

  • The Crew: Ultimate Edition

Thursday, December 1

  • The Dwarves

Friday, December 2

  • Furi

What about you?

What are you looking forward to this week? Are there any games you're looking to pick up? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.