Lords Of The Fallen (Xbox Series X|S)

Not to be confused with the 2014 game of the same name, Lords Of The Fallen was one of the many major AAA releases on Xbox in 2023, stunning us with its beautiful graphics and epic world design. This dark fantasy action-RPG is five times larger than the original title from a decade ago, and a whole lot more ambitious as well.

The reviews were actually somewhat lukewarm when the game arrived in October 2023, but the game has continued to improve with multiple updates since then, and we've certainly been impressed with what we've played so far.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (Xbox Series X|S)

After the fairly average effort that was Marvel's Avengers, we guess nobody was really expecting all that much from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, although with Eidos Montreal at the helm here we certainly hadn't lost all hope.

As it turned out, we needn't have worried, as what we've ended up with is a rip-roaring adventure that's packed full of hilarious banter between its band of misfit heroes - heroes that, for us, have never been more endearing - some wonderfully colourful and quirky alien worlds, and lots of proper, actual, you're going to make us cry emotion.

Yes, the gameplay is all pretty straightforward stuff that isn't gonna set the world on fire, but it's serviceable, it's fun, and it's bolstered to no end by the writing, world-building and absolutely gorgeous graphics on offer here. This really is one of the very best adventures we've been taken on in recent years.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

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Mass Effect Legendary Edition (Xbox One)

One of the all-time great RPG trilogies returns in a cracking remastered collection that sees Shepard and co. looking and playing better than ever before. Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings all three Mass Effect games together and gives them a facelift, 4K visuals, 60FPS gameplay, rejigged combat and massively improved loading times, resulting in a super-smooth and fully modernised adventure. If you were a fan of the series when it originally released this revisit will take you right back to your glory days, whilst newcomers can prepare to gear up and indulge in some deep Sci-fi RPG action that's never felt better to get thoroughly lost in. Welcome back, Commander Shepard.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes (Game Pass Ultimate)

Metaphor: ReFantazio (Xbox Series X|S)

Atlus delivered Metaphor: ReFantazio in late 2024 as the next game from the team behind the fantastic Persona series, and despite knowing that prior to release, it somehow managed to surpass expectations with most of us! This was one of the highest rated titles of the year, and a must-play if you enjoy anything to do with Persona.

We'll throw an excerpt from our review of Metaphor: ReFantazio down below:

"This is a coming together of everything that's been learned, honed and perfected over the years, presented through a phenomenal core narrative that's full of emotion and hope, amazing characters, some of the most warped enemy designs we've ever seen, and enough slick combat and style to do us until they make the next one."

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Middle-earth: Shadow of War (Xbox One)

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit based Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was one of the highlights of the Xbox One's early days back in 2014, and it was followed up by the even more ambitious Middle-earth: Shadow of War in 2017. Both are fantastic, but the latter is the only one currently available on Xbox Game Pass.

We recommend giving it a try, even if you're not a big Lord of the Rings fan, as the combat is highly satisfying (it's somewhat similar to the likes of Ryse: Son of Rome), it features a jam-packed open world, and it'll keep you busy for the long run, with an estimated time to beat of around 50 to 100 hours.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Monster Hunter: World (Xbox One)

Monster Hunter struggled to captivate a mainstream audience in the West. That was until Monster Hunter: World, which managed to make its complex systems accessible for newcomers to the series, inviting many more players to see what all the fuss is about.

Tackling towering beasts either solo or cooperatively always feels like a daunting feat, and whether you're five hours in or ten, it never gets old. The process of tracking it down, luring it out and exploiting its weakness is a constant learning process that is captivating. Its RPG systems and levelling up gear encourage going out to tackle more and more, creating an engaging loop that never ceases to thrill. A must play.

If you like Monster Hunter: World, don't forget to check out Monster Hunter Rise as well!

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

NieR:Automata (Xbox One)

NieR:Automata is a game that continuously gains momentum. As each scenario plays out, the story dramatically unfolds, its fast paced combat becomes more demanding, and its plot beats become even stranger. It's a game that's hard to describe, but one that's an absolute rollercoaster of a ride.

It also encourages repeat playthroughs, each delivering different paths, plot points and further exploration of its world to create one of the most unique RPGs out there. With the remake of NieR Replicant also available for Xbox, now is the perfect time to dive in and experience this absolute treat.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... (Xbox One)

This updated version of Yoko Taro's 2010 masterpiece introduces a host of modern gameplay tweaks, a well-judged graphical overhaul, refined combat controls and more, resulting in the ultimate version of a one-of-kind gaming experience.

Fans of the original will revel in this chance to return to Nier's uniquely strange world, whilst newcomers are given the benefit of gameplay enhancements that smooth over some the craggier elements of a cult classic that you really should make an effort to try at least once. Nier Replicant is absolute magic.

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Remastered (Xbox Series X|S)

Until 2022, Ni No Kuni had never graced the Xbox platform, and that was a huge shame! Fortunately, we were treated to a shadow drop of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered on Xbox Game Pass, and suddenly we all started to understand what the hype was about. It might be an old game now (the first version of it released back in 2011), but this is a game that's still a blast to play, particularly in its Remastered form.

The new version still features that classic Studio Ghibli animation combined with an excellent story and enjoyable turn-based mechanics, but it also adds improved graphics and performance to bring it up to date for a modern audience.

Also, if you like this one, the sequel is available on Xbox Game Pass as well!

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Nobody Saves The World (Xbox Series X|S)

Canadian developer Drinkbox Studios never lets us down with the sterling quality of their indie releases, with the likes of the superb Guacamelee series, Severed and Mutant Blobs Attack rounding out an impressive back catalogue.

And so it is we've all been waiting with baited breath for their latest game, Nobody Saves The World, to finally arrive, with the studio once again absolutely nailing it. This is a colourful and clever dungeon-crawling romp with a bevvy of smart mechanics up its sleeve, including the ability to transform into everything from a robot, to a ghost, dinosaur, rat and warrior knight as you blaze a trail through its wonderfully well-designed dungeons and boss battles. As we said in our review, "this is one of the slickest indie RPGs we've played in quite some time."

  • Xbox Game Pass? No

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (Xbox Series X|S)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was an incredible surprise when it launched on Xbox Game Pass in April of 2025, as aside from a few rumours, it had never been publicly revealed before! Better yet, the development team did an amazing job on this one, to the point where people suggested it should have been classed as a remake.

If you're a fan of Skyrim or anything to do with RPGs in general, we reckon Oblivion Remastered is absolutely worth your time on Xbox Game Pass, and is surely the definitive way to enjoy this 2006 classic on modern consoles.

  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes