8 Xbox Game Pass Games That Will Blow Your Mind!

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Summary

  • Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass boosts game success with day-and-date releases for first-party titles.
  • Titles like Senua’s Saga and Coffee Talk find success after debuting on Xbox Game Pass.
  • Palworld and Lies of P illustrate Xbox Game Pass’s potential for third-party and indie hits.

Since 2017, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, has provided a stable platform for numerous games similar to how Netflix does with videos. In addition to the extensive collection of classic titles available on the service, several publishers have leveraged the popularity of Xbox Game Pass by releasing new games simultaneously on the platform and both physical and digital stores on the same day.

Here are some examples of games that initially appeared on Xbox Game Pass and subsequently achieved significant popularity, spanning from Microsoft’s self-produced AAA hits to groundbreaking indie console launches.

8. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

A First-Party Cinematic Spectacle

At the 2019 Game Awards, when Microsoft unveiled their Xbox Series X console, players got their first taste of next-generation gaming with Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Although it was four years later before fans could hold the third-person cinematic adventure in their hands, its simultaneous release on Xbox Game Pass might have marked the beginning of a new era for Microsoft’s gaming division.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but share my excitement about the leap made by one of Xbox Game Studios’ exclusive titles, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. This game has upgraded from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5, taking video game graphics to a whole new level. It runs smoothly on both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, truly setting the bar high for visual excellence in gaming.

7. Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly

A Sequel To An Indie Darling

The initial “Coffee Talk” game was applauded for its attractive visuals, intriguing characters, and skillfully crafted dialogue. “Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly” not only maintains the excellence of the original comforting coffee-making simulator but also builds upon it.

In 2023, the game Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly made its debut simultaneously with the retail release on PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Notably, it was also included as an Xbox Game Pass title on the same day. This captivating visual novel leverages the convenience of Xbox Game Pass more effectively than many other titles, reaching a potentially wider audience by being available from the subscription service’s launch.

6. Lies Of P

A Much-Hyped Steampunk Soulslike

The joint efforts in creating Lies of P, led by Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio, have sparked excitement due to its Soulsborne-inspired gameplay. This unique reinterpretation of the 1883 Pinocchio tale was surprisingly released on the Xbox platform a day ahead of its launch on PlayStation consoles.

On its first day, the Xbox Game Pass made “Lies of P” available, turning the highly anticipated game into a software triumph for Microsoft. Immediately gaining massive popularity, “Lies of P” symbolizes not only the high-quality games Microsoft aims to offer through their service, but also the potential for accessibility that Game Pass offers as a gaming platform.

5. Sea Of Thieves

Microsoft’s Original First-Party Day One Release

The pirate-themed online action game developed by Rare, a studio under British Xbox Game Studios, known as “Sea of Thieves,” is a standout example for Microsoft’s growth strategy in its gaming division. Being among the initial first-party Xbox games to broaden its availability on PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, “Sea of Thieves” also holds the distinction of being the inaugural Xbox Game Studios title to debut on Xbox Game Pass on its release day.

Ever since its debut in 2018, “Sea of Thieves” has consistently received updates. Today, this swashbuckling, Megalodon-hunting, crossover-inclusive game remains a key component of Microsoft’s games as service offerings. Maintaining its strong Xbox Game Pass presence, the user-friendly nature of “Sea of Thieves” is one of its most appealing qualities.

4. Hades

An Indie Hit That Received Near-Instant Success On Xbox Game Pass

Given that its creative director referred to Xbox Game Pass as “an outstanding service,” and the game itself has been a significant success since its launch, the simultaneous release of Hades in 2020 greatly benefited the subscription service.

The adventure-filled, roguelike action game starring god Zagreus as he strives to escape from the underworld and ascend Mount Olympus has gained significant popularity, earning praise from critics and fans alike. The rapid progression of this indie sensation towards key achievements in both critical reception, user feedback, and sales serves not only as a reflection of Supergiant Games’ exceptional work, but also highlights the success of Xbox Game Pass in distributing outstanding titles.

3. Palworld

A Controversial Title That Remains One Of Xbox Game Pass’ Greatest Achievements

Regardless of its debatable topics and potential intellectual property issues, plus the game being in the early stages of development, the monster-taming survival game Palworld by Pocketpair continues to be one of the most acclaimed achievements on Xbox Game Pass.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about a groundbreaking game that’s been making waves in the gaming community – “Palworld”. Initially launched on PC and Xbox consoles through Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview, this title, often referred to as the “Pokemon with guns”, has made history by becoming Xbox Game Pass’ most successful launch by a third-party developer. The success of this game has been nothing short of phenomenal, with its explosive growth and enduring popularity driving its development forward. Today, it stands not just as a landmark title for Xbox Game Pass, but as a beacon of inspiration for independent developers worldwide.

2. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6

A Momentous FPS Installment That May Act As A Sign Of Things To Come

Given that Microsoft spent approximately $68.7 billion purchasing Activision Blizzard, the relatively small number of games from this collection of studios available on Xbox Game Pass comes as a bit of a surprise.

Indeed, with the upcoming launch of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” in 2024 across PlayStation, Xbox consoles, and Xbox Game Pass on the same day, this highly anticipated “Call of Duty” game has secured its spot within Microsoft’s subscription service. In essence, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” not only marked a comeback for the acclaimed first-person shooter series, but it also served as a significant milestone for Xbox’s ecosystem.

1. Indiana Jones & The Great Circle

One Of Microsoft’s Greatest First-Party Successes In Recent Years

Despite consistently releasing first-party games since Microsoft’s ninth generation of consoles, it’s fair to say that Xbox has struggled to meet the expectations of video game fans. However, the strong reception from both critics and players for MachineGames, an Xbox Game Studios developer, and their 2024 title “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” made it available on Xbox Game Pass on its release day.

Skipping an overly enthusiastic approach, opting instead for a genuinely cinematic and authentic Indiana Jones-style adventure, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” stands among Xbox Game Studios’ most acclaimed titles of the generation. This has secured its position among the timeless classics on Xbox Game Pass, making it one of Xbox Game Pass’s finest day one releases, even with its multiplatform aspirations.

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2025-01-27 04:35