Over the past couple of months, Xbox’s Game Pass has been graced with an exceptional lineup of games. From highly-anticipated blockbusters to hidden indie treasures, there’s something for everyone. In this piece, we’ll explore the cream of the crop and even include their approval ratings on Steam.
Lies Of P (Steam Rating: 87%)
If you’ve been eagerly awaiting a Bloodborne PC port, then Lies of P has definitely caught your attention. But the big question on everyone’s mind was whether it could live up to the high expectations set by FromSoft. After all, Neowiz isn’t exactly a household name in the gaming industry. However, with a demo that left players craving more, it seems like this game is well on its way to building a dedicated fan base. The story of Lies of P loosely follows the tale of Pinocchio but with a dark and gritty European backdrop. I personally tried the demo and didn’t love it but I’m also not the audience for this game so I suggest anyone who enjoys Fromsoft games at least try the demo, if not the whole thing on GamePass. The reviews speak for themselves.
Solar Ash (Steam Rating: 85%)
Get ready for a thrilling adventure in this unique blend of platforming and skateboarding! Step into the shoes of Rei, a determined hero on a mission to save her beloved home world from imminent destruction. Created by the talented minds behind the popular game Hyper Light Drift, this hidden gem is generating quite a buzz among gaming enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the stunning visuals that bring this vibrant world to life, while enjoying smooth movement and exhilarating combat sequences. If you need a break from a game that you can just shut your brain off to, this is the title for you.
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition (Steam Rating: 94%)
Oh boy. This is a game close to my heart. Spiritfarer is a stunning game in which you nurture the souls of departed individuals and, when they’re ready, help them move on. The bulk of this game unfolds aboard a large vessel, providing ample opportunities for activities like cultivating crops, sheltering spirits, whipping up delicious meals, and even casting your line for some fishy friends. While the gameplay itself is wonderful, it’s the deep emotional connections formed with these characters and bidding them farewell that truly steals the spotlight. Spiritfarer is a game about letting go, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Starfield (Steam Rating: 72%)
Starfield is great for the amount it is on Gamepass. With hundreds of hours to explore space and some of the best graphics on the market, you could do much worse than Starfield. That said, I played about two dozen hours of Starfield and ended up deleting it from my computer. The game boasts a large world which it absolutely delivers on, but width does not guarantee depth. Characters are flat, dialogue often doesn’t feel natural, and the storyline struggles to keep your attention. I think there is definitely a player base for this, but for me, I’m going to wait until modders get their hands on it.
Starfield offers good value for its inclusion on Gamepass. With hundreds of hours to explore space and some of the best graphics on the market, you could do much worse than Starfield. However, after spending approximately twenty-four hours playing Starfield, I ultimately decided to uninstall it from my computer. While the game succeeds in creating a vast world to explore, a large game does not guarantee depth. Characters are flat, dialogue often doesn’t feel natural, and the storyline struggles to keep your attention. Although there is likely a dedicated player base for this game, personally I will wait until modders get their hands on it.
Gris (Steam Rating: 95%)
Gris is the most visually stunning platformer I’ve ever seen. It centers around a young girl navigating through a difficult and painful ordeal, which she must confront head-on. The watercolor visuals exude both a comforting warmth and delicate fragility, while the accompanying soundtrack has become an integral part of my daily work routine (I kid you not). This game serves as an astonishing testament to how video games can effectively convey profound emotions such as grief and anguish.
Sea of Stars (Steam Rating: 85%)
If you haven’t caught wind of this game amidst all the buzz surrounding Baldurs Gate 3 and Starfield, don’t fret. I, too, was knee-deep in a whopping 180-hour BG3 playthrough when this gem crossed my path. As soon as I saw it available on Game Pass with stellar reviews from critics pouring in, I knew I had to give it a shot. While I’ve only scratched the surface with a couple of hours under my belt, it’s already clear why people are singing its praises. Sea of Stars draws inspiration from the beloved cult classic Chrono Trigger, and it shows. You take on the role of one out of two characters who form an unstoppable duo on their quest to rid the world of evil forces. Reminiscent of retro turn-based games but without any pesky drawbacks that often plague them, this game is an absolute delight to play. Trust me when I say it’s well worth your time – highly recommended!
And there you have it! The newest games on Gamepass that are worth your time!
