Get ready to embark on a gripping journey through 14th-century Italy—but here’s the twist: 1348 Ex Voto, the highly anticipated action-adventure game, is skipping Xbox Series entirely. Yes, you read that right. The game, set to launch on March 12 for PS5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), has officially canceled its Xbox version, with developers Sedleo citing a need to focus on delivering the best experience for the remaining platforms. But is this a strategic move or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
1348 Ex Voto isn’t just another medieval game—it’s a cinematic masterpiece that plunges players into the brutal yet captivating world of 1348 Italy. Picture this: a land ravaged by disease, political instability, and rampant banditry. Amid this chaos, Aeta, a young noble voiced by Alby Baldwin, embarks on a perilous quest to find her closest companion, Bianca (Jennifer English), after their village is raided. Sound intense? It is. And this is the part most people miss—the game isn’t just about swordplay; it’s a deeply personal story set against a historically accurate backdrop.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the cancellation of the Xbox Series version might disappoint some, Sedleo argues it’s a necessary trade-off for quality. Is this a fair compromise, or are Xbox players getting the short end of the sword? Let us know in the comments.
Developed by the newly founded Italian studio Sedleo, led by game director Tom Oceano and studio director Fabiola Martelli, 1348 Ex Voto is their debut project. The team, comprised of international AAA veterans, poured their hearts into creating a lifelike medieval Italy. They spent countless hours exploring rural landscapes, recording details to ensure the game’s world feels authentic. Even the year 1348 was chosen deliberately—a time when Italy was gripped by plague, violence, and religious fervor. It’s a setting that’s as unforgiving as it is beautiful.
Gameplay-wise, 1348 Ex Voto shines with its Historical European Martial Arts-inspired combat. Players can switch between one-handed and two-handed stances, unlocking new combos and customizing Aeta’s swordplay. The game’s environments are equally stunning, from medieval villages to the grassy mountainsides of the Appennino and the ruins of classical Rome. It’s a world begging to be explored, with hidden trinkets and treasures waiting to be discovered.
Priced at $24.99, 1348 Ex Voto promises a thrilling third-person adventure that blends classic genre tropes with a fresh, emotionally charged narrative. But the big question remains: Will the absence of an Xbox version overshadow its achievements, or will it stand as a testament to the power of focused development? Watch the trailer below (via IGN) and decide for yourself—then join the debate. Is this game a must-play, or will you be sitting this one out?
