Apparently next-generation console games will shy away from micro-transactions, as their publishers opt instead to offer the “season pass” concept for gamers to pre-purchase mass amounts of DLC at a discount. Microsoft, which has issued several such passes, today unveiled a Ryse Son of Rome Season Pass, providing deep discounts for Ryse DLC for those who are willing to take the plunge early.
On Nov. 22 — Day One of the Xbox One’s life — gamers will be able to fire-up their new console and step into the iconic Colosseum of ancient Rome in the Ryse Son of Rome Gladiator Mode. That’s an important mode for DLC and would-be Ryse Son of Rome Season Pass owners, as it’s largely home to the DLC content.
In fact, in announcing the Ryse Season Pass, Microsoft and Crytek fully acknowledged that it includes “an entire season of upcoming multiplayer content.” In other words: no more story missions for you. At least, not from the get go.
The Ryse Son of Rome Season Pass will give players new battlefields, new armor, new events and a few additional extras to expand their legacy. Four Ryse DLC packs will be released in the months following launch, and the Pass will give Xbox One owners all of them for $19.99. Signing up for the Pass will also net gamers some exclusive content. The $19.99 price tag represents a 25% discount versus buying each DLC pack individually.
Although the content won’t be available at launch, the Ryse Son of Rome Season Pass will be available for purchase. If you pony up for it early, here’s what it includes:
- Four add-on packs that contain a total of 14 multiplayer maps, a brand-new mode , six player skins, new level events, and access to a new tier of weapons and armor
- An in-game sword and shield with bonus attributes for use in multiplayer that are exclusive to the Season Pass
Precisely what those 14 new maps will entail is still secret, but Microsoft will surely announce more details shortly after Ryse: Son of Rome launches on Nov. 22 alongside the Xbox One. Until then, sharpen those digital blades and prepare to venture into the Colosseum.
