Almost four years have slipped by since Berserk Boy, the thrilling indie 2D platformer, was revealed for Xbox consoles. Now, it seems the game might finally be ready to land on Microsoft’s systems.
Berserk Boy, initially unveiled in 2021, was set to release on various platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. It made its debut on Steam and Switch in March 2024 and recently hit PS5 on February 17. The Xbox release, however, has been shrouded in uncertainty. When questioned last January, the developer quipped, "Xbox doesn’t love me," suggesting hurdles on Microsoft’s side were delaying the game’s availability on its consoles.
But there’s good news. It seems the issue has been ironed out. BerserkBoy Games took to X (Twitter) with a reassuring message: "We’re working with Xbox, there’s no bad blood," they explained. The previous comment about Xbox was merely about a resolved problem.
Once Again, Xbox Trails Behind
Now that the hurdle has been cleared, fans are eager to finally see Berserk Boy on Xbox. However, despite this progress, the developers have yet to announce an official release window. It leaves players waiting for a definitive timeline to dive into the action.
It’s a bit of a familiar story for Xbox enthusiasts, who often find themselves in the queue for new third-party games or major updates. The wait can stretch into weeks, months, or even years compared to other platforms that enjoy quicker access.
Consider last year’s Palworld situation, the Pokémon-inspired open-world RPG by Pocketpair that garnered massive attention. What should’ve been a significant win for Microsoft and Xbox Game Pass turned into a sore point. Players criticized the slow update certification process, which stalled major updates on Xbox, leaving Steam players to enjoy added features much sooner.
Without further details, it’s hard to determine if similar circumstances affected Berserk Boy. However, it’s another reminder of Xbox lagging behind in getting titles to eager fans. It remains crucial for Microsoft to streamline its processes to avoid these hiccups in publishing.
On a brighter note, Berserk Boy has been well-received, boasting a "Very Positive" rating on Steam with 90% of players giving it a thumbs up. If you’re fond of the fast-paced action reminiscent of classics like Mega Man and Sonic, this game is a real treat. It adds a Metroidvania twist to keep things exciting. For Xbox players eagerly awaiting the game, it’s currently available at a bargain on PC for $16.40 at Fanatical – down from its usual $20.
