Dystopian Roller-Skating Sim, Rollerdrome, Gears Up for Xbox Debut

The thrilling single-player roller-skating game Rollerdrome is set to make its Xbox debut on November 28, as per the announcement from game developers, the famed OlliOlli studio, Roll7. This will include availability on Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC through the Microsoft Store. Simultaneously, the game will roll out on the Xbox Game Pass service, facilitating console, PC, and cloud gaming.

For those new to the game, here's a handy overview. Rollerdrome is the brainchild of development team Roll7, acclaimed for their hugely successful skateboard simulator, OlliOlli World. While the game encapsulates everything you'd anticipate in a roller-skating simulation, such as tricks and swift motion, it also places a significant focus on action.

Initially launched in August 2022 on PS5, PS4, and Steam, Rollerdrome has players skate into the persona of Kara Hasson, a contestant in the futuristic roller derby-style sport Rollerdrome. The gameplay involves shooting while executing roller skate tricks. The game encourages aggressive, stylish play, as health is restored by collecting pickups from defeated enemies, and replenishing ammunition depends on successful trick execution. Rollerdrome's visual aesthetics hinge on a cel-shaded art style inspired by films like Rollerball and The Running Man. According to game director Paul Rabbitte, the unique gameplay can be described as a fusion of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Doom.

Rollerdrome has garnered high praise from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 81 for the PC version and 79 for the PS5. It also bagged the Best British Game honor at the 2023 BAFTA Games Awards.

Presently, Microsoft is honing in on the latest additions to Xbox Game Pass, slated for the initial half of November 2023. With eight games scheduled to join Xbox Game Pass in the first two weeks of November 2023, the most notable of the bunch is the day-one release of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Since the wildly successful September release of Starfield, Xbox Game Pass has been thriving with a steady stream of new releases on the service. There is significant anticipation about whether it can sustain this powerful momentum into the forthcoming year.