Microsoft 9Y4-00001 ReCore - Xbox One

ReCore is an action-adventure game developed by Comcept and Armature Studio, the latter founded by key members of the Metroid Prime team at Retro Studios. Set on a distant desert planet called Far Eden, players take on the role of Joule Adams, one of the last surviving humans in a world overrun by hostile machines. The core gameplay loop revolves around collecting and customizing Corebots—robot companions whose energy cores can be swapped between different mechanical frames, each granting unique traversal and combat abilities. This system encourages experimentation as players tailor their party to overcome specific environmental puzzles and enemy encounters.

The open world features a dynamic sandstorm system that periodically reshapes the landscape, uncovering hidden dungeons, collectibles, and story elements over time. Combat is fast-paced, combining Joule's ranged attacks with Corebot-specific special abilities and a color-matching mechanic that rewards switching ammo types to exploit enemy weaknesses. While the first half of the game delivers a compelling blend of exploration and action, the later portions rely more heavily on revisiting dungeon templates with escalating difficulty requirements, which can feel padded. Despite its rough edges, ReCore offers a distinctive take on the action-adventure genre with its companion customization system at the center.