We reviewed Warhammer: Chaosbane back when it made its debut in 2019, and although it didn't blow us away, it proved to be a pretty decent "Warhammer meers Diablo 3" action-RPG. It headlines the Xbox Live Games with Gold line-up for September 2021 alongside some retro goodness in the form of Samurai Shodown II and Hideo Kojima's Zone of the Enders HD Collection.

Here's the breakdown.

Warhammer: Chaosbane (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) - Available September 1 to 30

In a world ravaged by war and dominated by magic, you are the last hope for the Empire of Man. Choose your hero among four different character classes and prepare for legendary battles with up to four friends against the all-powerful Chaos hordes in this action role-playing game.

Mulaka (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S) - Available September 16 to October 15

In this action-adventure title based on the rich indigenous culture of the Tarahumara people, fight back against a strange foulness that is corrupting their land. As the local shaman, Sukurúame, draw upon the power of the demigods, solve puzzles, and fight hand-to-hand in environments inspired by real Sierra locations.

Zone of the Enders HD Collection (Xbox 360 via Backwards Compatibility) - Available September 1 to 15

From Hideo Kojima, the creator of the Metal Gear series, comes a space epic like no other. Pilot the Orbital Frame, Jehuty, and help the Space Force defeat the Bahram forces once and for all. This title contains both Zone of the Enders and Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, all in one collection.

Samurai Shodown II (Xbox 360 via Backwards Compatibility) - Available September 16 to 30

Step onto the grand stage to test your skills in intense sword fights using the Rage System and Weapon Breaking Attack features. Play 15 of your favorite characters in this renowned weapon-wielding fighting game, against competition that is as sharp as ever.

Last year when we reviewed Warhammer: Chaosbane we found its Diablo III by the way of Warhammer direction to action entertaining but flawed. As a fast-paced action-RPG set in the Warhammer universe though, it showed a lot of promise. And now with the Slayer Edition optimised for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 it brings over a year of updates, expansions, and polish.

With crisp 4K 60fps visuals.

The first hack-and-slash set in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles world, Warhammer: Chaosbane thrusts players into the heart of the Old World, a continent scarred by the Great War Against Chaos – a bloody conflict that has ravaged the Empire of Man. You can play as a Human, High Elf, Wood Elf, Dwarf, Dwarf Engineer or Witch Hunter as you explore the iconic areas of the Warhammer Fantasy Battles world, which has captivated millions of fans worldwide.

As a complete edition it features 12 DLC packs, two expansions, and a brand new class in the form of the Witch Hunter. And with up-to four-player local and online co-op we'll be diving into this one, again, over the coming days.

Many a Diablo fan (cough Kosta cough) has likely been champing at the bit to get a piece of Warhammer: Chaosbane. Unfortunately sometimes mimicry isn't the best form of flattery, nor is it conducive to placating needs, desires and wants. All of which essentially permeate our review of the Warhammer spin on the Diablo formula. Sorry, Toadovsky.

Here's a snippet from Griz's review:

To a Diablo III tragic, this is a major drawback. For years we've been spoiled with a wealth of generated content that keeps the hack 'n' slash fresh. Likewise, my seven characters have been assailed by a cast of monsters so diverse it's like the original Necronomicon grew into a Stephenie Meyer-esque series of novels. In comparison, Chaosbane offered me four heroes and what felt like the first page or two of a demon brochure.

Let's take a look at the player characters first, none of which can be customised (not even gender variants). I personally went with the wood she-elf scout who deals in high-mobility arrowslinging and can also spawn in Groot familiars. An online co-op buddy of mine went the route of a High-elf mage who loves to teleport, burn things, and deliver AOE pain from afar. One of my sons stepped into the armour of an Imperial Soldier who wades in close and is adept at defense / counter-attacks. Last but not least, we had some online rando dipping in and out as a Dwarven Slayer – an AOE maestro who's all about that bleed effect. Decent selection, all in all, but I sure did want more choice.

Click here for our full, in-depth Warhammer: Chaosbane review.

Action-RPG Warhammer: Chaosbane is out in a few months, and after recently going hands-on with the beta, there's definitely some room for improvement in what plays like a homage to Blizzard's Diablo 3. Today we've got a look at the fourth playable character, Elessa the Wood Elf. Armed with a bow and a number of arrow-related abilities the hunter-class adds a dash of Druid to the quick-assassin gameplay.

Check it out.

Elessa the Wood Elf is a scout who proved herself in Magnus' army thanks to her mastery of long-distance combat and exceptional mobility.

Elessa has an arsenal of spells based on persistent damage, able to injure and poison a large group of enemies. She can also summon Forest spirits known as Dryads to help her in battle. Even when surrounded, her wide range of skills lets her turn the situation to her advantage: spells to slow down the hordes, dodge, or entangle.

Warhammer: Chaosbane will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on June 4.

When Warhammer: Chaosbane first appeared on our radar, the fact that it reminded us of Diablo 3 was enough to get us excited for some Warhammer-based hack-and-sash. And loot. After spending time with the Closed Beta though, the result is mixed to say the least.

The good news is that the foundation is solid, but early game is a repetitive imitation of Blizzard's classic.

Looking at it’s inspiration, Diablo 3, no matter your opinion on the game’s longevity – the variety between each Act that extends to how each location leads into the next adds context and a framework for the action. Warhammer: Chaosbane, in the playable Chapter presented, offers a small hub area and missions that have you venturing into sewers with the same tile-set and map over and over and over. It gets to the point where you complete a story-beat only to be told to head back down to the same sewer three times in a row in the same layout with the same monsters. The entire world feels like a medieval castle and church built on top of a sewer system with nowhere else to go.

Click Here to Read Our Full Warhammer: Chaosbane PReview