Xbox’s Game Pass stands unrivaled as the best gaming service available. Offering an extensive library of games at an affordable price and the inclusion of Starfield on launch day adds to its value with a multitude of high-profile games just waiting to be played. But what about those indie treasures that might have slipped under your radar? In this article, I’ve curated a list of the top-ranking hidden gems on Game Pass based on their approval score on Steam. We’ll explore captivating narratives that will keep you hooked from start to finish. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
10. Venba (88.41% Players Recommended)
To call Venba groundbreaking is to perhaps miss the point of the game. This game is not trying to be anything other than a love letter to cooking, heritage, and family. You play as an Indian mother who has recently immigrated to Canada. The players job is to cook, hold branching conversation, and just enjoy this warm little gem. The game is not for people that are looking for heavy gameplay, but rather those that would just like to enjoy an interactive story with colorful art and loving characters.
9. Planet of Lana (89.54% Players Recommended)
Planet of Lana is a highly regarded platformer that came out earlier this year. Although the release was not on everyone’s radar, the stunning hand-painted artwork and intriguing story captured the public’s notice. The story revolves around a young boy and his quest to keep his peaceful and nature filled world free from an invading alien race. If you’re interested in a relaxing, puzzle-based game with a beautiful soundtrack and even lovelier art, this is the game for you.
8. Citizen Sleeper (90.65% Players Recommended)
~Wake up Sleeper~. Citizen Sleeper is a cyberpunk RPG set on a space station. You are a robot, otherwise called Sleeper, that recently escaped your evil creators and must use your skills to try to survive in this new environment. Everyday you roll dice which gives you a certain amount of actions which you must then decide on how to use. Will you be there for your friends? Or play the lone wolf and try to survive on your own? If your interested in games that live in the visual novel sphere with decision’s that matter, give this a try.
7. Pentiment (92.01% Players Recommended)
Who thought Game Pass would give us a game for history buffs? Surprisingly, Pentiment isn’t only for medieval history enthusiasts; its a narrative centered around historical characters and events so intriguing, you’ll find yourself googling if that really happened. You play as an art master in the year 16th century that finds themselves caught up in series of murders and must conduct an investigation of their own. With an art style that mirrors the manuscripts of the same time, this game is a brand new experience for any gamer and I, myself highly recommend it.
6. Cassette Beasts (92.55% Players Recommend)
Craving the Pokemon games but tired of the yearly ones that they keep putting out? Look no further than Cassette Beasts. Cassette Beasts is a creature fighting indie that got people excited as soon as it released. You play as a person that has been thrown into a brand new world in which the inhabitants use cassette tapes to capture creatures. Sound odd? The developers know it’s a weird premise and play on it. But the true strength of the game lies in its additions to the age old creature fight formula. You can now combine creatures to make better ones, use deck building mechanics instead of turn-based, and enjoy a team of friends rather than you being alone with your creatures. This game is really unique in it’s genre and I highly recommend at least giving it a try.
5. Chicory: A Colorful Tale (93.08% Players Recommend)
Chicory did not immediately jump out to me as I saw the coloring book art style and assumed it was for children. Upon reading the reviews did I realize my mistake. With people praising it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and some of the best games had to offer, I knew I needed to jump in. You play as the number one fan of Chicory, the wielder off ‘The Brush’ who has disappeared and with them, the color in the world. It is now your job to wield ‘The Brush’, give color back to the world, and find your beloved Chicory. If you enjoy small adventures storied with lovely plotlines, I would highly suggest getting this game for free on Game Pass.
4. Hypnospace Outlaw (93.39% Players Recommend)
Remember the good old days when you had to wait 15 minutes for your computer to boot up and 15 more just to log into you AOL account? Well, this game lets you enjoy the glory days of the internet all over again. Hypnospace Outlaw is a 1999 alternate universe in which you explore the internet, jam to some tunes, take care of your virtual pet, and uncover a mystery. With your friends messaging you and the need to dodge incoming viruses, this game is a nostalgia trip that is just waiting for you to uncover it’s secret’s on Game Pass.
3. Ori and the Blind Forest: Deluxe Edition (93.42% Players Recommend)
Ori and the Blind Forest has been on my radar since it originally came out in 2015. The game has had incredible reviews due to its beautiful world and deep storytelling. But do not let those fool you, this is a difficult game. With this platformer, most players die hundreds of times before finishing it, but if you up for the challenge, Ori and the Blind Forest is definitely for you. Note: It has been pointed out that most people enjoy the game with a controller rather than mouse and key board so please keep that in mind!
2. Hi-Fi Rush (95.01% Players Recommend)
Ok. Yes. You got me. I’m cheating a bit here. But this game is such a blast that I have a hard time not recommending it. Hi-Fi Rush came out of nowhere and landed on Game Pass to incredible applause. The rhythm based narrative has you playing as the wannabe Rockstar Chai taking down an evil corporation to the sound of his badass playlist. Let me tell you, bashing baddies to bands like The Black Keys and Nine Inch Nails is not something you want to miss. I highly recommend the game and so do all of it’s players.
1. Celeste (96.04% Players Recommend)
Celest is by far one of the highest rated games on the Game Pass platform. A title well deserved it seems. This platformer is teeming with life, story, characters, and gameplay that just shows how much love the developers imbued into it. We play as Madeline as she fights to overcome her inner demons. And these inner demons are hard. This game is well know for being a difficult but worth-while as you get to help Madeline discover who she is and what life is all about. Just remember that ‘assist mode’ exists!
And that’s the list! I hope you enjoyed and please check out subscribe and please check out our review on the upcoming farming game Moonstone Island.
