They just announced 12 new games will be joining their gaming subscription service. Let’s break down the titles that will be available for those who are fortunate enough to have an Xbox Game Pass in all its systems. Among the new games that will be available for these platforms, some are heavyweight games, such as Octopath Traveler, Yakuza 6, Nier: Automata, and the worldwide release of Outriders, which was recently announced to be on the Xbox Game Pass.
March 16:
Undertale (Cloud, Console, PC)
Undertale is set in the Underground, a huge underground cavern where monsters, who once lived harmoniously with humans on the surface, were banished after losing a war against humanity. You control a child and complete objectives to progress through the story. The child explores an underground world full of cities, caves and is forced to solve various puzzles on their journey.
March 18:
Empire of Sin (Cloud, Console, PC)
Empire of Sin is a turn-based strategy game that takes players back to the days of the American Prohibition Mafia in the 1920s. Take on the role of one of fourteen real and historically inspired crime lords, such as Al Capone, Stephanie St. Clair, and Goldie Garneau.
NieR: Automata (PC)
The Earth was suddenly invaded by beings from another planet and mechanical life forms with devastating power were used as weapons of war, which forced the human race to flee to the Moon. To take Earth back, a force of resistance formed by android warriors was created by humanity to fight the invaders. You control one of these androids, 2B, in a fast-paced action-RPG style.
Star Wars: Squadrons (Console via EA Play)
The campaign takes place after the events of The Return of the Jedi, the last film in the classic Star Wars trilogy. The narrative will be split between the perspectives of the newly formed New Republic, with the Vanguard Squadron, and the Empire, with the Titan Squadron. The player can move between the two squadrons during the journey. Although you can pilot your ship with a controller, the game has an enhanced experience if played through VR. Keep in mind you need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access EA Play games.
Torchlight III (PC)
Torchlight 3 is a hack and slash game with extensive dungeon crawler mechanics and randomized loot, pretty similar to the Diablo franchise, but in their universe. Your role in the game is to be the protector Novastraia needs against the invasion of Netherim.
March 25:
Genesis Noir (Console, PC)
Genesis Noir is a point-and-click adventure where you play as No Man, a watch salesman caught in a love triangle with other cosmic beings, Miss Mass and Golden Boy. When their romance turns into a ruthless confrontation, you witness a shot fired by a jealous god, also known as the Big Bang. Immerse yourself in the expanding universe as you try to save your love.
Octopath Traveler (Console, PC)
Octopath Traveler was an unexpected announcement. Until now, Octopath Traveler, Square Enix’s JRPG that blends 2D elements with modern mechanics, was exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and later made its way to the PC. However, the unveiling of Game Pass games came along with an “announcement” that the title will also be coming to Xbox consoles. Neither Square Enix nor Microsoft has revealed any further details as of yet. If the game does make it to the console, it’s unknown if the PS4 will also get a version. But boy, I hope it does.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition (PC)
Pillar of Eternity II is a direct sequel to the first game, but all events are summarized and retold to familiarize newcomers to the series. It is a classic CRPG similar to Baldur’s Gate, with many different systems, choices and consequences, different quest approaches, and incredibly long. Your character is someone known as the Watcher, and after surviving a sudden assault of the god Eothas due to the help of another god called Bearth, you embark on a journey to find out Eothas true intentions.
Supraland (PC)
Supraland is a puzzle platformer and first-person action game. You are the prince of the red people and must embark on an adventure to find out why the blue people are messing with your water supply. Supraland is a sandbox - more like a metasandbox - adventure game and offers unique challenges in a blend of puzzles, exploration, and FPS.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (Cloud, Console, PC)
Yakuza 6 begins shortly after the events of its predecessor, with Kiryu caught between life and death and his adopted daughter and aspiring pop diva, Haruka, admitting to the public that she was raised by a criminal. After serving a 3-year sentence, Kiryu finds out Haruka is missing and goes after her while dealing with mafia problems. The gameplay is the good old beat ’em up with RPG elements and plenty of exploration.
March 30:
Narita Boy (Cloud, Console, PC)
Narita Boy puts players in the shoes of the eponymous digital warrior chosen to wield the Techno-Sword, a legendary weapon capable of defeating fearsome enemies in close combat or at a distance, as it instantly transforms into a rifle or a devastating laser beam. The 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game uses the 80s as inspiration with pixel art visuals filled with analog visual effects, synth-wave music, and retro game-based elements.
April 1:
Outriders (Cloud, Console)
Outriders blend MMO elements with FPS style. You can choose different classes and build your character to fit your playstyle with guns as the weapon of choice. With a dynamic skill-tree and a robust loot system, you will need to fortify your soldier to survive the planet Enoch, who corrupted you but also gave you superpowers as a bonus. If you want more information, check this piece out!
