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ReCore

ReCore is a third-person action-adventure video game developed by Armature Studio in collaboration with Comcept and published by Xbox Game Studios.^[1] Released on September 13, 2016, for Xbox One, with a Windows port as the Definitive Edition following on September 14, 2018, the game centers on protagonist Joule Adams, one of the last remaining humans on the terraformed planet Far Eden, where she battles antagonistic robotic creatures and recruits customizable robotic companions known as Corebots to explore ancient ruins and unravel the mystery behind humanity's failed colonization effort.^[1]^[2] Conceptualized by renowned game designer Keiji Inafune—known for creating the Mega Man series—and directed by Mark Pacini of Metroid Prime fame, ReCore draws inspiration from classic platformers and shooters, emphasizing companion mechanics, puzzle-solving, and open-world exploration in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting.^[3]^[2] The game's narrative unfolds on Far Eden, a once-promising world intended as a new home for humanity, now overrun by hostile machines after a catastrophic event wiped out most colonists.^[3] Joule, accompanied by her loyal Corebot dog Mack, ventures across diverse biomes—from dusty deserts to underground facilities—using her Corebots' unique abilities, such as drilling, flight, or magnetism, to navigate environments, solve environmental puzzles, and engage in combat that involves targeting specific enemy weak points called "cores."^[1] Players can collect and upgrade up to six Corebots, swapping them during gameplay to adapt to challenges, while the Definitive Edition expands the experience with the "Eye of Obsidian" DLC, introducing new areas like the Starving Sea, additional dungeons, weapon modes, and the Corebot Violet.^[2] ReCore received mixed reviews upon launch, praised for its vibrant art style, innovative companion system, and homage to retro action games, but criticized for technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and an underwhelming story. Despite these, it has garnered a dedicated following for its ambitious blend of genres and has been supported through updates, including 4K enhancements and cross-buy and cross-save features via Xbox Play Anywhere.^[1] The title remains available on Xbox Game Pass, underscoring its place in Microsoft's ecosystem of exclusive adventures.^[1]

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

ReCore employs a third-person action-adventure structure that emphasizes platforming and exploration across interconnected open worlds on the planet Far Eden. Players control Joule, a human protagonist equipped with an exo-suit that enables agile movement through diverse, hazard-filled environments, blending linear progression with optional secrets and collectibles. This design draws inspiration from classic platformers, incorporating satisfying traversal to encourage thorough navigation of the game's deserts, ruins, and mechanical landscapes.^[4]^[1] Central to player interaction are Joule's core traversal mechanics, which include double jumping for added height and reach, air dashing to cover horizontal distances mid-flight, sliding to maintain momentum on slopes or evade obstacles, and wall-clinging to scale vertical surfaces or reposition during leaps. These abilities, powered by Joule's thruster system, have limited uses that recharge upon landing, requiring strategic planning to chain movements effectively—such as dashing off ledges to preserve additional jumps and dashes for extended traversal. Energizing rings scattered throughout levels can also reset these limits, facilitating access to hidden areas and platforming challenges. Corebots, robotic companions, briefly assist in these mechanics by providing specialized traversal tools, like climbing panels or rapid repositioning, though their primary roles lie elsewhere.^[4]^[5]^[6] Resource management revolves around gathering cores extracted from defeated robotic enemies, which serve as the primary currency for progression. These prismatic and colored cores are collected to perform core fusion at Joule's mobile base, upgrading her abilities, weapons, and Corebot companions by enhancing stats such as health, damage output, or speed. Players must balance collecting these resources during exploration, as higher-tier parts from crates can further augment upgrades, but extracting cores from foes prioritizes them over other loot. Complementing this is an energy management system for special abilities, where cooldowns limit usage and recharges occur via environmental pickups or timed recovery, ensuring players conserve power for critical platforming sections. The Definitive Edition increases the level cap from 30 to 40, allowing for more extensive upgrades.^[1]^[4]^[5]^[7]

Combat and Corebots

Combat in ReCore centers on a fast-paced loop where the protagonist, Joule, engages Primal Corebots—rogue robotic enemies that have turned hostile—using a versatile multi-tool arm for ranged attacks. Players switch between four weapon modes via the directional pad to match enemy affinities: the pistol mode fires rapid blue-ammo bursts ideal for weakening blue-armored foes from a distance, the rifle delivers precise yellow-ammo shots for targeting yellow variants at medium range, the shotgun unleashes powerful red-ammo spreads for close-quarters red enemies, and the magnet mode pulls distant targets closer or manipulates environmental objects to set up attacks. Each mode's ammo is limited and regenerates over time or through pickups, encouraging strategic switching to maintain momentum and avoid depletion during intense skirmishes. The Definitive Edition adds three new weapon modes, expanding tactical options.^[8]^[9]^[5]^[10] Corebot companions play a pivotal role in combat, with three recruitable Corebot companions—Mack (blue-affinity K-9 frame), Seth (yellow-affinity SP-DR frame), and Duncan (red-affinity AP-3 frame)—providing support through customizable frames and cores. These robotic partners are acquired progressively: Mack starts as Joule's initial blue-affinity K-9 frame companion for tanking damage, Seth joins as a yellow-affinity SP-DR frame for agile strikes, and Duncan as a red-affinity AP-3 frame for heavy melee. Customization occurs at save points by swapping parts across four frame types (K-9 for digging and shielding, SP-DR for climbing and barrages, AP-3 for smashing and fireballs, FL-1R for gliding and dives), altering abilities such as Mack's protective shielding to absorb hits or Duncan's area-of-effect attacks to clear groups. Cores from extracted enemies can be fused to boost stats like attack power or health, with representative examples including enhanced shielding on Mack reducing incoming damage by up to 50% in upgraded configurations. The Definitive Edition introduces the T8-NK (Tank) frame for abilities like crossing quicksand and exploring new areas. Switching between two active Corebots mid-fight via the left bumper triggers a shockwave that stuns nearby enemies, while filling their energy meter enables lethal finishers pressed with the Y button for instant core extractions on weakened foes.^[11]^[12]^[13]^[7] Enemy engagements emphasize variety among Primal Corebot variants, which mirror companion designs but in hostile forms like agile spider-like SP-DR units or burly AP-3 bruisers, each armored in blue, yellow, or red to resist mismatched attacks. Strategic dismantling requires weakening enemies to low health without fully destroying their frames—achieved by matching weapon affinities to strip armor efficiently—then initiating a timed extraction minigame with the right stick to pull out intact cores for upgrades, as over-damaging risks shattering the core and yielding only scrap parts instead. Blue Primal Corebots, for instance, often employ defensive shielding that demands pistol fire to penetrate, while red variants charge aggressively, necessitating shotgun blasts and dodges. Collecting these cores also enables brief references to broader upgrades, such as vitality boosts for sustained combat.^[14]^[15]^[16] Boss fights escalate these mechanics into multi-phase encounters with towering Primal Corebots featuring evolving patterns, such as color-shifting armor that forces rapid weapon swaps or environmental hazards requiring Corebot abilities to counter. Phases typically progress from initial aggressive charges to defensive summons of minion waves, culminating in exposed core vulnerabilities exploitable via extraction. Synergies with companions are crucial; for example, deploying Seth's barrage during a boss's yellow phase clears adds while Mack's shielding protects against area attacks, and chaining lethal finishers on minions builds combo meters for instant extractions on the boss itself. Representative battles, like those against massive ram-like or spider variants, demand coordinated tactics where mismatching affinities prolong fights, highlighting the depth of Corebot customization in achieving efficient victories.^[17]^[18]^[19]

Exploration and Progression

ReCore's world is structured around the planet Far Eden, a vast, arid landscape divided into distinct overworld regions such as the rocky Granite Steps, the expansive Lonely Basin, the industrial Cradle, and the vast Shifting Sands desert, each teeming with hidden dungeons, scattered collectibles like audio logs and supply caches, and optional side quests that expand on the core narrative. The Definitive Edition adds the Starving Sea region with new dungeons and environmental challenges.^[20]^[2] These areas encourage thorough navigation via fast travel points, with dynamic elements like sandstorms in the Shifting Sands adding environmental hazards during exploration.^[1] Progression in the game advances through a semi-linear structure, where main story gates are unlocked by acquiring key items, primarily Prismatic Cores that grant access to new regions and the multi-floor Eden Tower.^[21] Joule and her Corebot companions earn experience points by defeating enemies and extracting their cores, which contribute to leveling up and allocating fusion points to enhance core stats such as attack, defense, and energy capacity.^[18] Corebot customization occurs via blueprints found in dungeons and overworld exploration, allowing players to build ability trees that improve combat effectiveness and traversal options, such as enhanced jumping or shielding.^[22] Environmental puzzles form a key part of navigation, requiring players to leverage specific Corebot abilities to overcome obstacles, including using climber-type bots to scale sheer walls, flyer bots to activate distant switches, or tank bots to power through barriers, often in sequence to progress through dungeons. Terminals scattered throughout these areas can be hacked or activated by Corebots to manipulate platforms, open doors, or redirect energy flows, integrating puzzle-solving with companion mechanics.^[23] The collectathon design incentivizes repeated visits to regions, with over 100 Prismatic Cores hidden in off-path locations, alongside health-boosting E-Tanks and weapon upgrades that become accessible only after acquiring new Corebot skills for backtracking.^[21] This system promotes exploration over linear advancement, as side quests in each desert-like zone reward additional blueprints and resources for further progression.^[18] Combat occasionally serves as a prerequisite for accessing secluded areas by clearing enemy blockades.^[24]

Story

Setting and Premise

ReCore is set in a post-apocalyptic science fiction universe on the distant planet Far Eden, a terraformed colony world intended as humanity's new home after Earth became uninhabitable due to the Dust Devil Plague. Colonists, including the protagonist Joule Adams, were placed in cryogenic stasis for approximately 200 years to allow robotic workers known as Corebots to complete the terraforming process.^[25] Upon awakening, Joule discovers that humanity has mysteriously vanished, leaving her as one of the last surviving humans in a world now overrun by hostile robotic forces.^[1] The premise centers on Joule's solitary mission to uncover the fate of her fellow colonists and restore order to Far Eden amidst an inexplicable robotic uprising. Corebots, originally designed by humans as versatile AI companions to aid in colonization efforts, have turned antagonistic, their advanced artificial intelligence driving conflicts that echo themes of AI ethics, human dependency on technology, and profound isolation in an alien frontier.^[26] These robotic entities, powered by extractable "cores" that serve as their essential life force, populate a lore-rich environment filled with remnants of human ambition, such as abandoned outposts and unfinished megastructures.^[1] Visually and atmospherically, Far Eden contrasts vibrant, otherworldly deserts—featuring shifting sands, dynamic sandstorms in regions like the Shifting Sands, and stark, mechanical ruins of robotic infrastructure, including towering industrial spires and scarred battlegrounds.^[26] This juxtaposition evokes a sense of wonder and desolation, underscoring the planet's incomplete transformation from barren rock to habitable paradise and highlighting the tension between organic alien beauty and synthetic decay.^[1]

Plot Summary

Joule Adams, one of the last human colonists, awakens from cryogenic sleep on the distant planet Far Eden, a utopian world humanity sought to terraform after fleeing the Dust Devil Plague on Earth. Accompanied only by her faithful robotic canine companion, Mack—a blue Corebot designed for exploration—she discovers that the colony has fallen into disarray, with no other humans in sight and the terraforming pylons malfunctioning, causing environmental chaos like endless sandstorms. Joule's initial mission is to restore power to her habitat and search for survivors, propelling her into a journey across the planet's harsh deserts and ruined landscapes.^[27]^[28] As Joule ventures deeper into Far Eden, she recruits additional Corebot allies, each with specialized abilities that enhance her traversal and combat capabilities: Seth, a nimble yellow spider-like bot for agile navigation; and Duncan, a robust red gorilla-like bot for heavy lifting and firepower. These companions prove essential as she delves into ancient human facilities, such as the towering Eden structures and failed pylon sites, uncovering fragments of the colony's history and the origins of the Corebots as tools for planetary renewal. Along the way, she meets fellow survivor Kai Brehn, another human engineer who lost his legs to the Dust Plague and aids her with his insights and Corebot Seth. Joule encounters increasingly hostile robotic foes, including corrupted variants that actively oppose her efforts to revive the ecosystem.^[29]^[18]^[30] The narrative unfolds across multiple acts, marked by escalating discoveries that reveal the mystery surrounding the human colonists' disappearance and the Corebots' unintended evolution into autonomous entities. Joule confronts antagonistic AI systems, including powerful Prime Corebots that guard key locations, leading to intense battles and revelations about Victor's plan to eradicate humanity and claim Far Eden for the machines.^[31] The story builds to a climactic confrontation in the heart of Far Eden's core facilities, where Joule must rally her Corebot team for a final stand against the primary threats. In a moment of profound sacrifice, she confronts the full scope of the betrayal and loss, ultimately forging a path toward redemption and renewed hope for the planet's transformation into the paradise it was meant to be.^[32]

Characters

Joule Adams serves as the protagonist of ReCore, portrayed as a resourceful engineer and one of the last surviving humans on the distant planet Far Eden. Awakened from cryogenic sleep centuries after her arrival as a volunteer colonist, Joule suffers from amnesia and must navigate a hostile world overrun by malfunctioning robots while piecing together the colony's failed utopia. Voiced by Erika Soto, her character embodies determination and adaptability, forging bonds with robotic companions to survive and uncover the truth behind the catastrophe.^[27] Joule's journey is supported by a trio of Corebots—Mack, Seth, and Duncan—each equipped with unique frames, personalities, and abilities that complement her skills and reflect facets of human traits. Mack, the loyal canine-inspired explorer, is Joule's initial companion, designed for cheerful persistence and equipped with a treasure sensor to detect and unearth hidden items, alongside robust defensive capabilities in combat. Seth, a spider-like Corebot with a timid yet ingenious demeanor, specializes in agile traversal and precise ranged attacks, aiding in puzzle-solving and evasion. Duncan, the rugged ape-framed heavy hitter, displays a gruff, stubborn personality suited to brute force, delivering powerful melee strikes to shatter obstacles and overwhelm foes up close. These Corebots not only assist in battles and exploration but also develop interpersonal dynamics with Joule, evolving through upgrades and loyalty mechanics that deepen their alliance.^[33]^[34] Another key ally is Kai Brehn, a fellow human colonist and engineer voiced by Harry Shum Jr., who survived the initial catastrophe but lost both legs to the Dust Devil Plague, relying on prosthetic limbs. Kai provides crucial support, sharing knowledge of the colony's history and assisting in the fight against the robotic uprising.^[30] Opposing Joule is the primary antagonist Victor, a corrupted Corebot who commands the planet's hostile robotic forces in a bid for domination over Far Eden. As a dictatorial figure among the machines, Victor's aggressive agenda drives the central conflict, pitting him against Joule and her allies in escalating confrontations that reveal his role in the colony's downfall. Complementing this threat are AI overseers, autonomous systems originally intended to manage the ecosystem but now contributing to the robotic uprising through corrupted directives.^[35]^[36] Throughout the narrative, supporting elements such as audio logs and holographic recordings from deceased human colonists provide glimpses into the backstories of key figures, including Joule's father, Dr. Thomas Adams (voiced by Connor Trinneer), illuminating interpersonal relationships, scientific ambitions, and the interpersonal tensions that led to the world's ruin. These artifacts humanize the lost pioneers, contrasting the robotic companions' evolving loyalties and underscoring themes of isolation and redemption.^[27]

Development

Conception and Design

ReCore originated from an initial concept developed by Keiji Inafune, the creator of Mega Man, through his studio Comcept in Japan. In late 2013 or early 2014, Comcept pitched the project to Microsoft as an Xbox exclusive, envisioning a third-person action-adventure game centered on human survival in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robots.^[37] The pitch emphasized themes of humanity's end and partnerships with machine companions, drawing from Inafune's interest in sci-fi scenarios like those in zombie films or his earlier work on [Lost Planet](/page/Lost Planet), but reimagined with a focus on emotional human-robot bonds to reflect real-world concerns such as Japan's aging population.^[38] The game's design philosophy blended elements from classic platformers and shooters, aiming to create engaging action-platforming mechanics with companion AI at its core, while incorporating Metroid-style progression where Corebot abilities unlock new areas.^[37] Inafune sought to explore "how mankind can survive in a dire post-apocalyptic setting," prioritizing partnerships with robots over traditional human allies to foster player attachment and innovative gameplay.^[38] Art direction evolved from early prototypes heavily influenced by Japanese manga and anime aesthetics, featuring a more stylized protagonist and oversized, charming Corebots. The final vision retained vibrant colors—such as Joule's bright palette of reds and oranges—to contrast the desolate environments, while emphasizing robotic designs that convey personality and emotional depth, like the canine-inspired Mack with its expressive movements.^[37] This approach highlighted Inafune's passion for robots, rooted in his cultural background and desire to make machines relatable companions.^[38] Early prototypes focused on testing Corebot switching mechanics, allowing players to swap companions mid-combat for diverse abilities like electrical strikes or fiery blasts, alongside experimenting with weapon variety to balance shooting and platforming. These tests refined the companion AI to ensure seamless integration into both combat and exploration, establishing the core loop of building trust and upgrading bots.^[37]

Production and Challenges

ReCore's development was led by Armature Studio in Austin, Texas, in collaboration with Comcept in Japan, with additional support from studios including Asobo Studio in France and Goldtooth Creative Agency in Vancouver. Armature handled core technical implementation, such as player mechanics, robot AI, and world construction, drawing on their experience from titles like Metroid Prime, while Comcept focused on conceptual elements like world design, characters, and narrative themes. This trans-Pacific partnership, initiated around late 2013 or early 2014 after Microsoft provided funding for an Xbox One exclusive, required careful division of responsibilities to leverage each team's strengths, with Microsoft contributing artists, designers, and engineers to refine the project.^[39]^[40]^[37] The game was first announced at E3 2015 with a targeted release in spring 2016, but it was delayed to September 13, 2016, for Xbox One and Windows 10, described by developers as a "slight delay" to ensure quality without specific reasons publicly detailed beyond general refinement needs. This timeline extension allowed for iteration on the action-platforming mechanics and art style, which evolved from initial anime-inspired roots to a more realistic aesthetic to appeal to a broader audience while preserving stylized elements like the protagonist Joule's color palette and the Corebots' exaggerated proportions.^[41]^[42]^[37] Key technical hurdles included managing the international team's communication across time zones and cultural differences, often handled through late-night Skype sessions and established trust from prior collaborations, as well as optimizing the game's performance for Xbox One hardware. Armature's implementation of AI for the Corebots—robotic companions with behaviors like combat assistance and puzzle-solving—proved complex, requiring precise tuning to integrate seamlessly with the color-coded combat system. Launch versions suffered from bugs such as clipping issues and progression blockers, which the team addressed through post-release patches, highlighting the challenges of polishing a debut title under tight exclusivity constraints.^[40]^[39]^[43] Voice acting featured performances by Erika Soto as Joule Adams and Harry Shum Jr. as Kai, recorded to support the sci-fi narrative without specified studio details emerging in production accounts. The musical score, composed by Chad Seiter, emphasized optimistic and exploratory sci-fi tones through orchestral elements inspired by Jerry Goldsmith, enhancing the game's sense of wonder in its post-apocalyptic world.^[44]^[45]^[46]

Release

Launch Details

ReCore was released on September 13, 2016, for Xbox One and Windows 10 as the first title in Microsoft's Xbox Play Anywhere program, allowing players to purchase the game once and access both versions with shared progress and achievements.^[47]^[48] The standard edition retailed for $39.99 and was available in both digital and physical formats, marking an unusual pricing strategy below the typical $60 AAA benchmark to emphasize its action-adventure scope.^[49]^[50] A Collector's Edition, priced at $179.99, included a 14-inch hand-painted statue of Joule and Mack, an exclusive steelbook, a lithograph, a Corebot Alphabet Decoder Dial, and premium packaging.^[47] Microsoft's marketing campaign positioned ReCore as a high-profile exclusive, prominently featuring creator Keiji Inafune's involvement during its announcement at E3 2015 via a cinematic trailer that showcased the game's robotic companions and desert world.^[51]^[52] The promotion highlighted cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10 to appeal to a broad audience, with pre-order incentives and trailers emphasizing seamless progression syncing.^[53]^[48] Upon launch, a day-one patch was deployed to mitigate technical issues on Xbox One, including framerate drops and crashes, though some performance problems like extended load times persisted in certain areas.^[54]^[55]

Definitive Edition and Expansions

The ReCore: Definitive Edition was released on August 29, 2017, for Xbox One and Windows, serving as an enhanced version that bundled the original game with all prior downloadable content and introduced significant technical and gameplay improvements. Priced at $19.99, it became available through the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass, while existing owners of the base game received it as a free update. Developed by Armature Studio in collaboration with Comcept, the edition addressed many launch issues and expanded accessibility for new players. A port of the Definitive Edition to Steam, published by THQ Nordic, was released on September 14, 2018.^[56]^[57]^[2] Central to the Definitive Edition is the "Eye of Obsidian" expansion, a new story chapter that integrates seamlessly into the main narrative. Set in the perpetual darkness of the Starving Sea, it introduces the Violet Corebot companion, a agile robot designed for swift traversal and combat support, alongside 10 challenging dungeons, two expansive overworld areas plagued by sandstorms, and new enemy encounters. This content adds approximately 4-6 hours of gameplay focused on exploration and puzzle-solving in hostile environments. The edition also includes the T8-NK Corebot frame for enhanced tank-like capabilities, three new weapon modes for the Energy Rifle (such as multi-target locking), and dozens of additional gear pieces for Corebot customization.^[1]^[58] Technical updates in the Definitive Edition significantly improved the player experience, including reduced load times by up to 50% in key areas, support for HDR lighting and skies, upscaled resolutions for sharper visuals (including 4K compatibility on capable hardware), an increased level cap for progression, and numerous bug fixes alongside gameplay balancing tweaks like refined combat mechanics and AI behaviors. These enhancements were rolled out in tandem with the expansion content, with no major patches issued afterward, marking the final substantial update to the game by 2017.^[56]^[59]

Reception

Critical Reviews

ReCore received mixed reviews upon its launch in September 2016, with critics praising certain innovative elements while criticizing technical shortcomings and uneven execution.^[60]^[61] The game holds a Metacritic score of 63/100 for the Xbox One version, based on 75 critic reviews (user score: 6.8/10 based on 668 ratings), and 58/100 for the PC version, based on 12 critic reviews (user score: 5.5/10 based on 112 ratings).^[60]^[61] Reviewers frequently described the title as feeling incomplete at launch, hampered by bugs, excessive loading times, and unpolished mechanics that undermined its potential.^[62] Critics highlighted several strengths in ReCore's design. The Corebot companion system was lauded for its innovative integration into combat and exploration, allowing players to swap robotic allies for strategic advantages in enemy encounters.^[62]^[63] The game's visuals were commended for their vibrant, otherworldly depiction of the desert planet Far Eden, blending sci-fi aesthetics with detailed robotic designs.^[64] Direction by Keiji Inafune, known for Mega Man, was appreciated for infusing the game with a charming, retro-inspired adventure feel reminiscent of classic platformers.^[62] Platforming and exploration mechanics also drew praise for their fluid controls and sense of discovery in expansive environments.^[65] However, common criticisms focused on repetitive combat that relied too heavily on color-coded enemy weaknesses without sufficient variety, leading to monotonous engagements after the initial hours.^[66] Technical glitches, including frame rate drops, collision issues, and crashes—particularly on PC—were widely reported as detracting from playability.^[62] The story was often called rushed and underdeveloped, with a narrative that failed to deliver emotional depth or cohesion despite its intriguing premise of robotic uprisings.^[62]^[67] Reviewers compared it unfavorably to genre peers like Metroid Prime, noting that ReCore lacked the polish and depth to match their execution.^[68] Post-launch updates and the Definitive Edition (2017 for Xbox One and 2018 for PC), which included the Eye of Obsidian DLC and performance optimizations, led to more positive reassessments in subsequent coverage. Critics and players noted significant improvements in load times, stability, and content completeness, making the game more enjoyable in its revised form.^[69]^[70]

Commercial Performance

ReCore achieved modest commercial success upon its launch, with an estimated 56,733 units sold at retail in its first week across the United States and Europe, where it ranked fifth on the UK retail charts.^[71] Lifetime sales estimates place the game under 500,000 units worldwide in its first year, with VGChartz reporting a total of approximately 0.25 million units as of recent tracking, including 0.16 million in North America, 0.06 million in Europe, 0.01 million in Japan, and 0.02 million in other regions.^[72] These numbers fell short of expectations for a Microsoft-published exclusive, particularly given the promotional push as the first Xbox Play Anywhere title, leading to perceptions of underperformance compared to contemporaries like Gears of War 4.^[73] The 2017 Definitive Edition release for Xbox One and Windows PC aimed to improve accessibility through enhanced visuals, HDR support, additional content like the "Eye of Obsidian" adventure, and bug fixes, offered as a free upgrade to original owners.^[74] It saw around 46,000 units sold on Steam alone, benefiting from platform integration, but failed to substantially revive overall sales momentum.^[75] Subsequent availability via Xbox Game Pass (since January 2018) and Games with Gold provided a digital revival through increased downloads, with the game remaining on Xbox Game Pass as of 2025.^[76]^[1] No official post-2017 sales updates have been released by Microsoft.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

ReCore has garnered a niche but enduring fan community, particularly among PC players who have embraced modding to extend the game's longevity. On Nexus Mods, the Definitive Edition hosts a small selection of community-created modifications focused on gameplay enhancements, such as unlimited resources and an "Ultimate Mod" that provides invincibility and infinite ammo. These mods have collectively amassed over 2,800 downloads and 160 endorsements, reflecting ongoing engagement from enthusiasts seeking to refine the corebot customization and exploration mechanics. A dedicated news post on the site in April 2025 introduced a content creator role to bolster the modding scene, signaling efforts to grow this aspect of the fandom.^[77]^[78] The game's cultural footprint extends to media retrospectives on Xbox exclusives and the career trajectory of creator Keiji Inafune following his 2010 departure from Capcom. ReCore is frequently cited as a pivotal independent project in analyses of Inafune's post-Capcom endeavors, where he founded Comcept to pursue ambitious action-adventure titles outside traditional Japanese studio constraints. For instance, a 2016 IGN feature traces Inafune's legacy from Mega Man to ReCore, emphasizing the latter's role in demonstrating his vision for robot-human partnerships in open-world platformers. Similarly, a 2023 retrospective video by Big Rock Studios labels ReCore a "forgotten Xbox exclusive," praising its Metroidvania-inspired exploration while critiquing its underappreciated narrative on artificial intelligence and companionship in a post-human world. These pieces position the game within broader discussions of Microsoft's early Xbox One strategy for original IP.^[79]^[80] ReCore received nominations for the 2016 Unity Awards in the category of Best 3D Visuals and for Xbox Game of the Year at the 2016 Golden Joystick Awards, though it won no major awards. It has earned recognition in platformer compilations for its innovative corebot mechanics and fluid traversal. Outlets like IGN highlighted its platforming challenges as among the generation's strongest, noting how the grappling hook and companion abilities create dynamic puzzle-solving and combat sequences reminiscent of classic 3D adventures. This praise has contributed to sporadic discussions on AI-driven companions in gaming, with ReCore's customizable Corebots serving as an early example of strategic robot allies that enhance player agency without overshadowing the human protagonist.^[81] As of 2025, the game's legacy persists through continued player engagement, evidenced by recent full-playthrough videos and episodic streams on platforms like YouTube, where creators revisit the Definitive Edition's expanded content for nostalgic runs and achievement hunting. This sustained interest underscores ReCore's appeal as a cult favorite among action-platformer fans, filling gaps in coverage of community-driven play that earlier encyclopedic entries overlooked.^[82]

Future Prospects

As of November 2025, there has been no official announcement from Microsoft Studios or the developers regarding a sequel to ReCore. A cryptic social media post from the official ReCore Instagram account in February 2023—the first in over five years—featured a handwritten note with a cryptic code and knitting instructions, asking "Anyone know what I'm up to with this cryptic code?", igniting speculation about a possible return or follow-up project, but it ultimately led to no concrete developments or further updates.^[83]^[84] ReCore's potential for remastering or enhanced versions stems from its status as an Xbox One title, making it eligible for backward compatibility on Xbox Series X/S, including automatic enhancements like Auto HDR and FPS Boost for smoother performance on modern hardware, though Microsoft has not responded to community requests for further optimizations.^[85] Armature Studio expressed interest in a sequel in 2020, revealing that concepts for expanding the ReCore universe were already planned alongside the original game. However, by 2018, following the Definitive Edition's release, Microsoft's focus shifted toward broader initiatives like Xbox Game Pass and other first-party franchises, sidelining further ReCore development. Armature Studio, the lead developer, has since prioritized other titles, including the VR sports hybrid Sports Scramble launched in 2019 for Oculus Quest.^[86]^[87]

References

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Buy ReCore - Xbox.com
In stock Rating 3.8 14 You are “Joule Adams”, one of the last remaining humans on the planet “Far Eden”, a mysterious and dangerous world controlled by robotic foes bent on your ...
[2]
ReCore: Definitive Edition on Steam
In stock Rating 3.2 (1,311) Sep 14, 2018 · An action-adventure crafted for a new generation. As one of the last humans, forge friendships with robotic companions and lead them on an epic adventure.
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Recore - Armature Studio
An action-adventure game masterfully crafted for a new generation. You are Joule Adams, one of the last remaining humans on the planet Far Eden.
[4]
Recore review | Eurogamer.net
Rating 3.0 · Review by Martin RobinsonSep 13, 2016 · A series of small, interconnected open worlds play host to dungeons, collectibles and, of course, plenty of hidden alcoves that host power-ups and and tech.
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Essential ReCore tips and tricks for beginners - Windows Central
Sep 15, 2016 · ReCore is all about positioning, planning your leaps ahead of time, and managing your dashes and double jumps effectively.
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5 Important Tips to Know When Playing ReCore | Shacknews
Sep 16, 2016 · Zedox says to dash off of a ledge instead of jumping, because this will allow you to travel the farthest distance that Joule can travel in the ...
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Guide for ReCore - General hints and tips - TrueAchievements
Clicking cn_RS initiates an 'extract'. This is used to remove cores from enemies, and is necessary to remove prismatic cores from boss enemies. Hold ...
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Recore Wiki | Fandom
ReCore is a third-person action/adventure shooter video game that follows Joule and her five Corebot companions. The Corebots aid Joule in battle and can also ...
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Corebot Companions - Recore Guide - IGN
Sep 13, 2016 · A Corebot's frame can be swapped out for different parts - 4 parts per frame, and replacing them can increase that Corebot's power even further, ...Missing: Violet | Show results with:Violet
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How to Unlock all Corebot Robots Companions in ReCore - Gamepur
Sep 15, 2016 · This guide will show you how to unlock all the Friendly CoreBots for Joule to assist her in the Journey to explore Far Eden.Missing: customization | Show results with:customization
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Corebots - Recore Guide - IGN
Sep 12, 2016 · You will have to choose in many fights between blasting down their health to obtain frame parts, or extracting the core to be broken down with ...
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ReCore: How to Extract Cores - Twinfinite
Sep 12, 2016 · Extracting cores from your enemies is the best way to help upgrade your Corebots. Here's how to extract enemy cores in ReCore.
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How to Harvest Energy Cores Flawlessly in 'ReCore' - Inverse
Sep 13, 2016 · Here's a brief step-by-step guide to ensuring you'll nab a core no matter what. 1) Weaken the enemy first. This is a no-brainer, but similar to Pokémon.
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Boss Fights - Recore Guide - IGN
Sep 13, 2016 · Keep using Mack and Seth's Lethals, and switch CoreBots on enemies to get a free hit in every so often. Keep an eye on your ammo, and let it ...
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ReCore - Guide and Walkthrough - Xbox One - By burqawitz
Rating 63% (75) Jan 27, 2017 · Joule is very good at jumping and very good at climbing. ... Joule's thruster mechanics - Joule's thrusters allow you to double jump, and to dash.
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ReCore FAQ/Walkthrough v1.01 - Neoseeker
Joule's thruster mechanics - Joule's thrusters allow you to double jump, and to dash. You can only use your thrusters so many times before you'll need to ...
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Guide for ReCore - Overworld Collectibles - TrueAchievements
Follow the maps below and do a sweep of each of the game's overworld areas. I haven't included map locations or directions for the Supply Cache locations ...
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Prismatic Cores - Recore Guide - IGN
Sep 23, 2016 · Prismatic Cores are used to unlock new areas in Far Eden - both in places related to the Main Story, as well Dungeons found across the land.
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Blueprints - Recore Guide - IGN
Sep 25, 2016 · ReCore contains many different Blueprints for Joule's Corebot Companions that can enhance their abilities and allow them to grow stronger.
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Guide for ReCore - Challenge Dungeons - TrueAchievements
This page will focus on the 14 optional challenge dungeons, followed by final mop-up. While I will write a text guide for each, pointing out where the 8 ...
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https://www.ign.com/wikis/recore/Prismatic_Cores
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ReCore - Neoseeker
Background. ReCore is an action platformer set 200 years in the future in the aftermath of a devastating disease that caused Earth to become uninhabitable; ...
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Microsoft's Loftis on Xbox gaming and Scorpio - USA Today
Sep 15, 2016 · ReCore, which launched this week for Xbox One and Windows 10 ... The colonists enter cryo-sleep for 200 years while the planet is terraformed into ...
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ReCore Review - GameSpot
Rating 6/10 · Review by Tamoor HussainSep 13, 2016 · ReCore feels like a game grappling with insecurity over its length. Clocking in at around eight hours, it's a modest action game in which ...
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New Trailer Reveal for ReCore, Plus Voice Cast and Story Hints
Sep 2, 2016 · Survival starts in the core, and today Microsoft Studios unveiled a new look into ReCore's adventure-filled world, Far Eden, and its heroine, Joule Adams.
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ReCore (Video Game 2016) - IMDb
Rating 6.1/10 (236) Young survivor Joule Adams and her pet robot dog search for other survivors on a desert planet called Far Eden, where humanity tried to escape.
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Fast-Paced Sci-Fi Action Meets Critical Thinking in ReCore
Jun 14, 2016 · ReCore's mechanical buddies are the signature element that really sets this action-platformer apart in the crowded sci-fi landscape. Mack is ...
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ReCore (Video Game) - TV Tropes
Scenery Porn: Far Eden is a desert world of sweeping vistas and rock formations with lots of bright colors. Secondary Fire: Joule's Weapon has a normal fire and ...
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ReCore Review: The Heart Of The Matter - BGR
Nov 22, 2019 · ReCore is the story of Joule, a young woman who fled Earth along with thousands of other humans after the planet became uninhabitable. She and ...Missing: plot summary -
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Joule and Corebot Companions Spring into Action in ReCore's ...
Jun 13, 2016 · We want players to have this same experience, and to feel a strong bond with Joule's Corebot companions: Mack, Seth, and Duncan. Check out the ...Missing: profiles | Show results with:profiles
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The Characters of ReCore - YouTube
Meet Joule: Fearless Leader in ReCore · Meet Mack: The Explorer CoreBot in ReCore · Meet Seth: The Escape Artist CoreBot in ReCore · Meet Duncan: The Heavy Hitter ...
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ReCore Review - Loading... - TechRaptor
Rating 3/10 · Review by Samuel GuglielmoSep 12, 2016 · The main antagonist, a robot named Victor, only seems to exist to be evil, while the drama back on Earth only gets a passing mention unless ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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How ReCore Evolved From Its Anime-Style Roots - GameSpot
Sep 13, 2016 · The Xbox One and PC-exclusive stars the character Joule Adams, a volunteer who wakes up alone on a failed colony nearly a decade after it has ...
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Robotic to the 'ReCore': An Interview with Mega Man Creator Keiji ...
Jul 2, 2015 · An exploratory adventure where you (I assume) interact with a cast of colorful robot characters in a presumably nonlinear-ish game about the relationships ...
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ReCore: How two companies are making one game with only an ...
Jun 26, 2015 · Well, with ReCore, Armature and Comcept are trading ideas. "When it's true collaboration, everyone, both sides, both parties, are on equal level ...
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How the minds behind Metroid Prime and Mega Man joined forces ...
Aug 25, 2016 · Initially Armature's output was primarily work-for-hire gigs, helping to port games like Metal Gear Solid and Batman: Arkham Origins to new ...
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ReCore Delayed Until Later This Year - IGN
Jan 6, 2016 · ReCore, the Microsoft-published action-adventure game from Armature and Comcept, won't be coming out until later in the year. "We have not yet ...Missing: scope creep
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Microsoft-exclusive ReCore delayed | GamesIndustry.biz
Jan 6, 2016 · No explanation for the move was given, though a representative characterized it as "a slight delay." Microsoft still has a handful of exclusives ...Missing: scope creep
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Discussing ReCore with Joseph Staten and Keiji Inafune
Aug 19, 2016 · Join us for an exclusive interview with Joseph Staten and Keiji Inafune, as we get to grips with the true essence of ReCore, a cybernetic ...
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Recore (2016 Video Game) - Behind The Voice Actors
Sep 13, 2016 · The Recore Cast ; Joule Adams voice Joule Adams voiced by Erika Soto ; Kai Brehm voice Kai Brehm voiced by Harry Shum Jr. ; Adams voice Adams
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Music Respawn! Chad Seiter Gets To The Heart Of ReCore - WSHU
Sep 20, 2016 · Chad Seiter wrote a lush, optimistic score for this new game from legendary developer Keiji Inafune and the team that made Metroid Prime. Our ...
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The Music Behind ReCore – An Interview With Chad Seiter
Sep 26, 2016 · My main inspiration over the years has always been composer Jerry Goldsmith – he's written some of the greatest themes and action scores of all ...
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ReCore Arrives on Xbox One and Windows 10 as First Xbox Play ...
Sep 13, 2016 · ReCore, our first Xbox Play Anywhere game, is available starting now on Xbox One and Windows 10 in North America, Latin America and most Asian countries.
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Xbox Play Anywhere Program Launches Today With ReCore
Sep 13, 2016 · Xbox Play Anywhere lets you buy a game (digitally) on Xbox One and get the Windows 10 PC version free or vice versa.
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Why ReCore is a $40 Game - VG247
Jun 20, 2016 · One of the more surprising tidbits about the game has to do with its price: Microsoft will be selling it for the unusual price point of $40.<|separator|>
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Recore Price Revealed $39.99 / £29.99 / €39.99 | NeoGAF
Jun 13, 2016 · Standard Edition: $39.99 / £29.99 / €39.99 Xbox Play Anywhere title (Xbox One and Windows 10 PC versions included with single digital purchase, at no ...
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ReCore: a detailed Collector's Edition! - just focus
Coming to Xbox One and Windows 10, ReCore will be released on September 13, 2016 in Standard Edition and Collector's Edition for $179.99. On this occasion ...
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Recore E3 Announcement Trailer - IGN
Jun 15, 2015 · ReCore• Jun 15, 2015. Recore E3 Announcement Trailer. Get your first look at Keiji Inafune's exclusive new game coming to Xbox One. Share. Download Video.Missing: campaign | Show results with:campaign
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E3 2015: 'ReCore' is New Xbox IP from Keiji Inafune and 'Metroid ...
Jun 15, 2015 · Microsoft announces a brand new IP during their E3 2015 press conference named 'Recore', a brand new IP that is being developed by Keiji ...Missing: marketing | Show results with:marketing
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ReCore gets a new trailer and has shared progression between ...
Jun 13, 2016 · ReCore, which will retail for $39.99 and is currently available for preorder, will be crossplay between Windows 10 and Xbox One. Not only will ...
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Promising Microsoft-Published ReCore Hampered By Long Loading ...
Sep 12, 2016 · We are aware that even with the Day One patch, players can still experience long load times in a couple areas of the game. We appreciate player ...
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ReCore's lengthy load times won't be improved for launch
Sep 12, 2016 · ReCore has a handful of issues like framerate dips and the occasional crash. But, the most egregious is its load times. Loading a new area in ...
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Here's what's included in ReCore: Definitive Edition - Polygon
Aug 26, 2017 · For those who didn't, ReCore: Definitive Edition will be $19.99 when it launches Aug. 29. It will also be available on the Xbox Game Pass. News.
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Update: ReCore Definitive Edition Revealed - IGN
Aug 20, 2017 · When the original game was released, IGN gave ReCore a 7.3, describing it as "a new-looking game with a charming, much older-feeling soul." A ...
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ReCore: Definitive Edition's Eye Of Obsidian Sends Players To The ...
Aug 28, 2017 · ReCore: Definitive Edition's Eye of Obsidian will send Joule to a Starving Sea area with sandstorms, two overworlds, and 10 dungeons.Missing: DLC | Show results with:DLC
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ReCore Definitive Edition brings new content and visual upgrade to ...
Sep 6, 2017 · ReCore is getting a "Definitive Edition" later this month, with new content and visual enhancements on Xbox One and Windows 10.
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https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/20/recore-definitive-edition-announced-release-date-revealed
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https://www.siliconera.com/recore-definitive-editions-eye-obsidian-sends-players-starving-sea/
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ReCore Review - IGN
Rating 7.3/10 · Review by Vince IngenitoSep 12, 2016 · Strong gameplay spread across too much real estate. ReCore is a new-looking game with a charming, much older-feeling soul. It's less interested ...
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'ReCore' Review Roundup: What Gamers Have To Say About The ...
Sep 13, 2016 · The game's third-person perspective, corebots, color-coded battle system, the maps' hidden secrets and character movement all received praises.
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ReCore review: Microsoft's robot rampage has a glitch in the matrix
6-day delivery 30-day returnsSep 16, 2016 · Beautiful visuals, good balance of stat management and real-time battles, deep story. TIRED. Poor pacing, painful load times, fiddly combat ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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ReCore - Review Thread : r/Games - Reddit
Sep 12, 2016 · MetaCritic - 63 [Xbox One]. MetaCritic - 66 [PC]. Reviews. AngryCentaurGaming - Jeremy Penter - Deep Deep Sale (XB1, PC). "A game with some good ...
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Review: ReCore - Hardcore Gamer
Sep 12, 2016 · 9 following a disastrous trailer and multiple delays, a general distaste for the company and Keiji Inafune began to settle in after realizing ...
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Looking back what went wrong with Recore? - NeoGAF
Jan 9, 2024 · The game was directed by Metroid Prime trilogy game director Mark Pacini, written by Joseph Staten and conceptualized by Keiji Inafune. Mega ...
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LTTP: RECORE- what went wrong? - ResetEra
Jun 28, 2018 · It had horrible load times, glitches, bugs, and it needed a certain polish. I never played that version, I am playing the Definite Edition on ...
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Recore Review - Retrospect Game Reviews
Mar 12, 2025 · The story fails to be captivating. While it's not a huge pile of garbage, it doesn't attempt to be memorable or interesting. You play as Joule, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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ReCore review: Technical hiccups keep this shooty looty sci-fi action ...
Sep 12, 2016 · Strategic combat and innovative platforming suffer at the hands of ridiculous load times and buggy boss fights.Missing: repetitive | Show results with:repetitive
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ReCore review: Can it possibly live up to the hype? - Windows Central
Nov 21, 2018 · ... ReCore's exploration can be needlessly tedious. There's no story ... progression and exploration. Some of those old-school elements ...
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Why did this get such bad reviews? :: ReCore - Steam Community
Sep 15, 2018 · it got bad reviews because it ran like ♥♥♥♥ on Xbox One, and most magazines half ass their PC review and just re review the xbox version.
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ReCore Sells an Estimated 57K Units First Week at Retail on the ...
Oct 12, 2016 · Breaking down the sales by region, the game sold best in the US with 32,162 units sold (57%), compared 15,537 units sold in Europe (27%). The ...Missing: figures | Show results with:figures
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ReCore - Wikipedia
The game was directed by Metroid Prime trilogy game director Mark Pacini, written by Joseph Staten and conceptualized by Keiji Inafune. The Legend of Zelda, ...
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ReCore sells 57k units first week at retail. : r/xboxone - Reddit
Oct 13, 2016 · Microsoft is superior to Sony in my opinion except for marketing. Sony's marketing is a lot better and way above the marketing of Microsoft.9 Years Ago - The First Play Anywhere Game Released : r/xboxBackstory of the project explained by Keiji Inafune and Mark Pacini ...More results from www.reddit.com
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Sales - ReCore for Xbox One - VGChartz
Sales. ReCore - Sales History. Sales history currently under construction... Legacy Sales History. Total Sales. 0.01m. Japan. 0.16m. NA. 0.06m. Europe. 0.02m
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ReCore for Xbox One - Sales, Wiki, Release Dates, Review, Cheats ...
VGChartz - extensive game chart coverage, including sales data, news ... Legacy Sales History. Total Sales. 0.01m. Japan. 0.16m. NA. 0.06m. Europe. 0.02m
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ReCore Definitive Edition Available Today For New and Current ...
Aug 29, 2017 · New players get the entire package as either part of Xbox Game Pass or for $19.99 from the Microsoft Store or your favorite retailer, while ...Missing: website | Show results with:website
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ReCore: Definitive Edition – Steam Stats – Video Game Insights
90-day returnsgross revenue. 46,295. units sold. 7 hours. avg playtime. 2.1 hours. median playtime. outstanding wishlists. Game Overview. Developers: Comcept, Armature Studio ...
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TA Podcast: For Honor, ReCore, ID@Xbox Games Round-up and ...
March Games With Gold Announced · Full List of Free ... ReCore. 73 Achievements worth 5,398 TA ... Episode 124 - E3 2018 Special.
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https://www.nexusmods.com/recoredefinitiveedition/news/15227
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Introducing: Modsetti at ReCore - Nexus Mods
Apr 22, 2025 · My role as a Content Creator is, essentially, creating loads of content about modding! ModularCocoon and I look after our social media, making ...
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From Mega Man to ReCore: The Legacy of Keiji Inafune - IGN
Sep 13, 2016 · He founded a small studio called Comcept which quickly began a series of cooperative co-development projects including Yaibi: Ninja Gaiden Z and ...Missing: inspirations | Show results with:inspirations
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The Forgotten Xbox Exclusive | ReCore Retrospective - YouTube
Feb 5, 2023 · The Forgotten Xbox Exclusive | ReCore Retrospective. 1.7K views · 2 years ago #xboxone #gaming #xbox ...more. Big Rock Studios. 2.97K.Missing: 2020-2025 Inafune
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ReCore: Some of the Best Platforming This Gen - IGN Plays Live
Sep 16, 2016 · Vince and Brian play through a platforming challenge of ReCore and discuss why it has some of the best platforming of any game this ...Missing: Ratchet Clank
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RECORE: DEFINITIVE EDITION (2025) Full Game Gameplay (4K ...
Aug 16, 2025 · RECORE: DEFINITIVE EDITION (2025) Full Game Gameplay (4K) Walkthrough No Commentary - All Cutscenes =================== Watch top-notch ...
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Forgotten Xbox Exclusive ReCore Suddenly Reappears on Social ...
Feb 21, 2023 · The forgotten Xbox exclusive ReCore makes a sudden reappearance on social media, sparking speculation among fans about the game's future.
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2016 Xbox Exclusive 'ReCore' Reappears With Cryptic Social Media ...
Feb 21, 2023 · We've never seen any proper hints of a ReCore sequel, but the game ... News Five Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass In Early November 2025. 5.
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Xbox Backward Compatible Games
Xbox Series X|S Backward Compatibility is free and allows you to play select Xbox 360, Original Xbox games, and Xbox One games you already own on Xbox Series X ...Notifications · Resident Evil Code: Veronica X · Left 4 Dead 2 · FEAR 3
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Sports Scramble - Armature Studio
Welcome to Sports Scramble! Take your favorite sports and mix them together! Play Tennis with a Golf Club. Bowl a strike with a Basketball.