ReCore Gets 30-Minute Free Trial Version, as New Update Reduces Load Times

Interested in checking out ReCore, but not sure if you want to buy it? You're in luck, as Microsoft has released a free trial version of the Xbox One and PC game.

The free trial--grab it here--lets you play the game's first 30 minutes. Should you decide to buy the full game after your time is up, all progress and achievements will carry forward, thankfully.

In an Xbox Wire post, Microsoft also thanked fans for their feedback around the game. To that end, Microsoft will release "several key updates" to the game in a patch today.

The new update, which Microsoft characterized as "significant," decreases loading times and also adds new "audio and visual improvements." Additionally, the patch makes changes to the game's waypoints, collision locations, checkpoints, and respawn points, Microsoft said in a blog post.

Microsoft Aaron Greenberg previously talked about the challenging nature of releasing a new IP like ReCore, which comes from Mega Man designer Keiji Inafune and Armature Studio. Part of the reason why it's priced at $40 instead of $60 is because it's a new, unproven IP, he explained.

Even though it comes from a big-name developer, ReCore is till completely new and Microsoft needs to earn gamers' votes, Greenberg said in July. He added that Microsoft launched the game September as its first major new release leading into the holiday season, which may bring more attention to it.

"With new IP like that...ideally, launch timing matters a lot. So that's why you're seeing us launch it as our first title of the season; it's coming in September," he said. "So getting out early. The second thing is it doesn't have an existing base of fans. So we have to build that fan base. Rightly so, [gamers] are very thoughtful about, 'Where do I want to spend my money?, 'What games do I want to buy? So we kind of have to earn their vote; we have to earn their trust; we have to earn their dollar."

Greenberg went on to say that he hopes ReCore can become a "new franchise" for Microsoft.

ReCore also might have benefited from increased exposure due to the fact that it was Microsoft's first Xbox Play Anywhere title. This program allows you to buy a digital copy and receive access on both Xbox One and PC.

GameSpot's ReCore review scored the game a 6/10. For more on the critical reaction to the game, check out this roundup of review scores and opinions.

Microsoft has not announced how many copies ReCore has sold.