Microsoft Raises Xbox Game Pass Prices, Ghost of Yōtei Earns 4.9★ at Launch — Plus Monster Hunter Backlash & Famitsu Praise for Shadow Blade Zero

1) Microsoft Officially Raises Game Pass Prices — Ultimate Up $10

Microsoft today confirmed sweeping adjustments to its Xbox Game Pass service. Starting immediately, the service will segment into three tiers: Essential (rebrand of Core), Premium, and Ultimate.

• Essential (formerly Game Pass Core) now costs $9.99/month and offers access to ~50 curated games.
• Premium is priced at $14.99/month, granting access to over 200 games including new Xbox-published titles (with Call of Duty excluded).
• The most controversial change: Ultimate jumps from $19.99 to $29.99/month, unlocking over 400 selected games and more than 75 first-day launches per year. 

Meanwhile, PC Game Pass users see their price increase from $11.99 to $16.49/month.

Microsoft’s justification: the higher tier also includes a beefed-up library, enhanced cloud gaming, and rewards revamp. Still, the steep 50% hike for Ultimate has sparked criticism among gamers.

2) Ghost of Yōtei PS Store Boasts 96% Five-Star Reviews, 4.9★ Average

Ghost of Yōtei, the latest action/open-world title from Sucker Punch, launched to critical and player acclaim. On the PlayStation Store, it has amassed over 1,545 user reviews, with 96% awarding it five stars, and an average score of 4.9.

Unique among recent releases, the game does not initially include a New Game+ mode; rather, upon completing the main story, players are rolled back six months to explore missed quests and side content.

Critics have praised its visceral combat, sweeping landscapes, and refined sequel improvements. TechRadar called it “the PS5 exclusive we’ve been waiting for.”  VideoGamer warned it can feel shallow in parts, but still acknowledges moments of brilliance. VideoGamer

3) Monster Hunter: Wilds Update Receives Harsh Backlash — 1,400+ Negative Reviews in 3 Days

Following the release of a major free update, Monster Hunter: Wilds saw a resurgence in player activity—its online peak soared back into Steam’s top 10 charts. However, frustrated fans haven’t held back their critique: over the past three days, the game has received 1,400+ negative reviews (775 on Sept 29, 525 on Sept 30, 131 on Oct 1).

The complaints? Slow update cadence, perceived low content quality, and a sense that the patch underdelivered. Even among positive reviews, many are delivered with a sense of resignation or irony.

4) Famitsu Praises Shadow Blade Zero Demo at TGS: Surprise BOSS “Intrudes” Mid-Fight

At TGS 2025, Shadow Blade Zero (by LingYouFang) held a PS demo that caught attention. According to Famitsu, players can equip two main weapons + one secondary weapon, each with its own attack modules and skills, including bleed effects and special moves. With over 30 weapon types, choosing your preferred style becomes a key strategic decision.

One memorable mechanic: the Red-Cloaked Swordswoman boss may behave like a skip — but if not defeated initially, she will suddenly join the fight during the later “Master’s Seven-Sword Array” boss encounter, doubling the challenge. Famitsu’s verdict: Shadow Blade Zero offers flexible combat, rich weapon depth, and intriguing surprises, making the demo a strong preview of its potential full release.