After some time where nithing was really hitting my personal preferences, my only issue with these releases is pacing. I can only play so much, I'm just one person! Eternal Strands, Citizen Sleeper 2 and Avowed all in rapid succession is a lot of game. Some others sound like maybes, but doubt I will have time to try them
@PhileasFragg Sorry, I accessed while in the store on console. Not sure if that makes a difference, or like you said it is not universal. I'm in US region, if it might be regional only
@PhileasFragg one way is to to search any of the games you already know are part of the deal. Braid Anniversary is on my wishlist, and I was able to access the deal through that.
I did not take the offer. Anything I was interested in goes on sale for same or better prices, and I bought too much over the holidays already
@Titntin I was listening to triple click podcast and in one episode they mentioned being able to change sensitivity setting or the ratio or something to deal with motion sickness with Indy, assuming that's what you mean by making you ill so there may be help out there online if you really want to play it.
As for me, Indy didn't click, but I have been looking forward to a good old fashioned rpg, cannot wait for Avowed
I used to chase achievements and such for full rewards points but recently stopped and just play what I want, when I want, rather than doing chores for points. I'll plan to keep on with this approach and any points will be a happy bonus to playing fun games on GP. Luke, once Avowed releases, I should get the 5 days 15 minutes without issue.
@jesse_dylan I'm playing Dragonfall now, liking it so far. I just finished the big transition after saving up enough cash for the Intel I needed. Not sure how far in that is
For me, Bramble Dordogne Jusant Shadowrun Returns Solar Ash The Last Case of Benedict Fox Return to Grace Cult of the Lamb A Little to the Left Lamplighters League (technically did not finish, had recurring crash issues in the last third, but loved the game) Open Roads Little Kitty, Big City Botany Manor Case of the Golden Idol McPixel 3 Creatures of Ava Dungeons of Hinterberg While the Iron Is Hot
And a few on: Switch (Howl, Murder By Numbers, Peglin) PS (Ghost of Tsushima, Astro Bot)
I've been keeping lists of games and books completed for a few years now, and it is fun to look back
@Ricky-Spanish Exactly. I bought my Series S as a gamepass machine and there is a decent chance I would do it again next gen. Just, let's not have another GP price hike for a little while...
@JaffeGaffe not sure what you mean about copying Playstation? Hellblade 2 was not the first xbox exclusive. Or am I missing your point? Did you mean compared to what seems like their current, more multi platform approach. I say seems like because as in the thread quoted in the article, it varies by game - as far as currently announced. Obviously evolving rapidly. (Also, I grant xbox exclusive is incorrect since they always launch on pc)
Alan Wake 2 for 30 usd.... I have been adding to the backlog quite a bit lately, may have to add a bit more. I think Thaumaturge is still on sale for a few more days, so maybe both...
Great news! Do we know if the season characters are un locked from the start or you have to finish the main game and grind season pass content to unlock them? I had read that when Joker was released you had to grind to unlock him regardless of where you were in game, but I hadn't checked since. It is still unlikely I ever play this game, but if I did I would probably want to try deathstroke out of the gate
Metal slug is the only one I played. I've owned Spyro for a long time, and the others aren't my style (I may try 9 Sols). But there was something for everyone this month
@dskatter Yes, I ordered Prince of Persia disc for 15 usd and saw sand land for 20 on Amazon. Almost got Sand Land but did Infinite Wealth for 25 instead. Doubt I have time for LaDIW, let alone both
I really was looking forward to this game but when I heard it was largely stealth based I held off, just not my sort of gameplay. This sounds more like Ghost of Tsushima where for most missions if you fail at stealth it is no big deal, and I am very interested again, will probably pick it up soon! Amazing how much post launch support this got. With hindsight, wish they had just delayed it and launched this way
Not sure I'll have time to try it, but exciting the Obelisk game has an early trial. Was that one a featured indie partnership with MS? I feel like it was on my radar, but maybe confusing it with something else
Did the original have a character using a drunken style? When this franchise is mentioned all that comes to mind is an old man with a liquor jug on his thumb. Don't know if I have that right though. But, either way good for them and fans of the series!
After hearing preview thoughts from various sources (especially Kinda Funny Gamescast which had a good episode on it), I am not super excited for Indy, as I am not sure the gameplay is for me, but will definitely try it out. I may tryStalker2 to see if it clicks for me, but flight sim is not for me
Awesome! I had in my head that this was a GP game but when It was announced without mention of GP I thought I must be wrong, or things changed. This is great news, I love tactics titles and was debating what to play next.
@IGN_Commenter very similar for me. I feel like a lot of the smaller games and Indies debut on Switch, so I get them there. I generally use my xbox series s for gamepass and the occasional sale game. PS5 for exclusives (so far, just 2) and occasional disc based games on sale
@Darylb88 I have heard conjecture on a podcast I listen to. It makes sense to move it, but maybe they worry if they keep making changes that makes it look like they don't have faith. I really look forward to Avowed, it sounds like my type of game
@somnambulance thanks for the clarification. Not disagreeing that this did not make waves, but it is still on my list. Personally I'd like to see it show up on gamepass, or may pick up in a sale.
Games? Pass. Not a great couple of weeks for me. I liked Inscryption but won't be restarting it on GP (played on ps4). None of the others are for me. Maybe I'll try sifu, because it's there. Will keep on with wargroove 2 and other previous month offerings
I do wish the 3 could come up with 1 standard for the buttons. I don't know if they are all slightly different for patent reasons or stubbornness but it messes me up when I switch between systems. Maybe my brain is just not flexible enough
@Fiendish-Beaver I very much agree with you. I think the strength of the service in the past has been volume, so I was always assured of something new to check out that might be of interest. Focus on fewer but bigger games decreases chance any will interest me. Right now, only Indy for the next few months, and I am not exactly excited for it, just the only one I plan to download.
However, I realize I am probably in the minority on this, as there have definitely been people vocal about wanting bigger games and less indies
I will probably turn off my auto renew and see how things go, but I am stacked til spring so plenty of time to change my mind
@abe_hikura one point I'll quibble over, is MS not competing with Sony on console exclusives. MS doesn't sign a lot of exclusives deals in the AAA space, it buys the companies (e.g., Bethesda). That has to slow down after ActiBlizz of course, and they then made the shift to cross Plat publishing over exclusives. So my point is kind of blunted. But I wanted to reply, I guess?
The Ultimate perk of having many exciting games in the future is one I have been enjoying for some time, and the titles included have remained very consistent : )
@LastSaneManOnEarth I can't tell if you are being serious or sarcastic when you say they are removing redundant positions, same as last time? I guess whoever was previously responsible for identifying the redundant positions missed 600 or so the first time. That's a heck of an HR department, as many people seem to guess are the types of redundant positions in question. Although, ActiBlizz did need to deal with a lot of HR complaints, so, maybe?
Comments 434
Re: These 13 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (January 22 - February 4)
After some time where nithing was really hitting my personal preferences, my only issue with these releases is pacing. I can only play so much, I'm just one person! Eternal Strands, Citizen Sleeper 2 and Avowed all in rapid succession is a lot of game. Some others sound like maybes, but doubt I will have time to try them
Re: Deals: Xbox Is Hosting A Huge 'Buy One, Get Two Free' Indie Sale Right Now
@PhileasFragg Sorry, I accessed while in the store on console. Not sure if that makes a difference, or like you said it is not universal. I'm in US region, if it might be regional only
Re: Ex-Witcher Devs Unveil New Dark Fantasy RPG 'Dawnwalker' For Xbox
Sounds great, I like a good vampire game!
Re: Deals: Xbox Is Hosting A Huge 'Buy One, Get Two Free' Indie Sale Right Now
@PhileasFragg one way is to to search any of the games you already know are part of the deal. Braid Anniversary is on my wishlist, and I was able to access the deal through that.
I did not take the offer. Anything I was interested in goes on sale for same or better prices, and I bought too much over the holidays already
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 11-12)
I started Road 96 last night, and some Steamworld Heist 2 this morning. Probably continue a little of both through the weekend
Re: Just One Game Is Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In February 2025 So Far
@Titntin I was listening to triple click podcast and in one episode they mentioned being able to change sensitivity setting or the ratio or something to deal with motion sickness with Indy, assuming that's what you mean by making you ill so there may be help out there online if you really want to play it.
As for me, Indy didn't click, but I have been looking forward to a good old fashioned rpg, cannot wait for Avowed
Re: Xbox Game Pass Quests Are Getting A Big Overhaul For 2025
I used to chase achievements and such for full rewards points but recently stopped and just play what I want, when I want, rather than doing chores for points. I'll plan to keep on with this approach and any points will be a happy bonus to playing fun games on GP. Luke, once Avowed releases, I should get the 5 days 15 minutes without issue.
Re: Talking Point: Is 2025 The Year We See Everwild On Xbox?
I would like to see Everwild and a hint of what's coming from DoubleFine
Re: Black Myth: Wukong's Xbox Saga Just Got A Whole Lot More Confusing
@FraserG just wanted to say I think the article was clear, your comments have been very clear, and I enjoy the site. Keep up the good work in 25!
Re: Talking Point: Which Xbox Games Have You Managed To Finish This Year?
@jesse_dylan I'm playing Dragonfall now, liking it so far. I just finished the big transition after saving up enough cash for the Intel I needed. Not sure how far in that is
Re: Talking Point: Which Xbox Games Have You Managed To Finish This Year?
For me,
Bramble
Dordogne
Jusant
Shadowrun Returns
Solar Ash
The Last Case of Benedict Fox
Return to Grace
Cult of the Lamb
A Little to the Left
Lamplighters League (technically did not finish, had recurring crash issues in the last third, but loved the game)
Open Roads
Little Kitty, Big City
Botany Manor
Case of the Golden Idol
McPixel 3
Creatures of Ava
Dungeons of Hinterberg
While the Iron Is Hot
And a few on:
Switch (Howl, Murder By Numbers, Peglin)
PS (Ghost of Tsushima, Astro Bot)
I've been keeping lists of games and books completed for a few years now, and it is fun to look back
Re: More 'Free' Games Have Launched On Xbox This Month, Along With New Demos & Trials
Wow, not sure if I have time this weekend, but Slitterhead looks cool and I'd love to try before buying
Re: Xbox Dev Teases Fans With Sneak Peek Of New Game Pass Title
@Ricky-Spanish I'm guessing it has something to do with making them ferocious in a fight people are gambling on, or something similar?
Re: Xbox Series X|S Console Sales Down Almost 30% In The US Compared To 2023
@Ricky-Spanish Exactly. I bought my Series S as a gamepass machine and there is a decent chance I would do it again next gen. Just, let's not have another GP price hike for a little while...
Re: Xbox Apparently Thinks Making Hellblade 2 Exclusive Was 'A Mistake'
@JaffeGaffe not sure what you mean about copying Playstation? Hellblade 2 was not the first xbox exclusive. Or am I missing your point? Did you mean compared to what seems like their current, more multi platform approach. I say seems like because as in the thread quoted in the article, it varies by game - as far as currently announced. Obviously evolving rapidly. (Also, I grant xbox exclusive is incorrect since they always launch on pc)
Re: Xbox Countdown Sale 2024 Now Live, 1000+ Deals Included
Alan Wake 2 for 30 usd.... I have been adding to the backlog quite a bit lately, may have to add a bit more. I think Thaumaturge is still on sale for a few more days, so maybe both...
Re: Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League Offline Mode Arrives Alongside Deep Discount On Xbox
Great news! Do we know if the season characters are un locked from the start or you have to finish the main game and grind season pass content to unlock them? I had read that when Joker was released you had to grind to unlock him regardless of where you were in game, but I hadn't checked since. It is still unlikely I ever play this game, but if I did I would probably want to try deathstroke out of the gate
Re: Three More Xbox Game Pass Titles Confirmed For Early 2025
@AlwaysPlaying thanks, that's what I was thinking. Hopefully 1.0 will come out early in 2025 on console
Re: Three More Xbox Game Pass Titles Confirmed For Early 2025
Did Towerborne get officially delayed into 2025?
Re: Eight Games Will Leave Xbox Game Pass In Early December 2024
I recently did the first 2 chapters of The Quarry. May try to quickly finish it, fun so far
Re: Pick One: What Was Your Favourite Xbox Game Pass Game In November 2024?
Metal slug is the only one I played. I've owned Spyro for a long time, and the others aren't my style (I may try 9 Sols). But there was something for everyone this month
Re: These 50+ Games Are Cheaper Than Ever In The Xbox Black Friday Sale 2024
@dskatter Yes, I ordered Prince of Persia disc for 15 usd and saw sand land for 20 on Amazon. Almost got Sand Land but did Infinite Wealth for 25 instead. Doubt I have time for LaDIW, let alone both
Re: These 50+ Games Are Cheaper Than Ever In The Xbox Black Friday Sale 2024
I'm tempted to re-purchase Midnight Suns for that price, or just gift it to random people. Such a good game.
Re: Star Wars Outlaws Gets Its Biggest Update Yet, Here Are The Full Xbox Patch Notes
I really was looking forward to this game but when I heard it was largely stealth based I held off, just not my sort of gameplay. This sounds more like Ghost of Tsushima where for most missions if you fail at stealth it is no big deal, and I am very interested again, will probably pick it up soon! Amazing how much post launch support this got. With hindsight, wish they had just delayed it and launched this way
Re: Free Play Days: Try These Xbox Games For Free (November 7-10)
Not sure I'll have time to try it, but exciting the Obelisk game has an early trial. Was that one a featured indie partnership with MS? I feel like it was on my radar, but maybe confusing it with something else
Re: SEGA On Reviving Its Classics: 'We Have Another Virtua Fighter Being Developed'
Did the original have a character using a drunken style? When this franchise is mentioned all that comes to mind is an old man with a liquor jug on his thumb. Don't know if I have that right though. But, either way good for them and fans of the series!
Re: Talking Point: Which Of Late 2024's Biggest Xbox Releases Are You Most Excited For?
After hearing preview thoughts from various sources (especially Kinda Funny Gamescast which had a good episode on it), I am not super excited for Indy, as I am not sure the gameplay is for me, but will definitely try it out. I may tryStalker2 to see if it clicks for me, but flight sim is not for me
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think Of Metal Slug Tactics On Xbox Game Pass
I just downloaded, excited to try it! I like tactics games, and Rogue lites, so sounds perfect. I have no history with Metal Slug but it looks good
Re: Metal Slug Tactics Is Launching Day One On Xbox Game Pass Next Week
Awesome! I had in my head that this was a GP game but when It was announced without mention of GP I thought I must be wrong, or things changed. This is great news, I love tactics titles and was debating what to play next.
Re: Southern Comfort Unveils 'First Ever Adult Accessory' For Xbox Series X
Does this have any in-game utility, like a booze Amiibo? If it did, I might buy it. If not, that idea is yours now, SoCo, use it well
Re: Talking Point: Xbox & Nintendo Switch Owners, How Do You Split Your Third-Party Purchases?
@IGN_Commenter very similar for me. I feel like a lot of the smaller games and Indies debut on Switch, so I get them there. I generally use my xbox series s for gamepass and the occasional sale game. PS5 for exclusives (so far, just 2) and occasional disc based games on sale
Re: These 10 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (October 16 - November 5)
Well, I can't come up with anything nice to say, so just posting that it sure is autumn weather today.
Re: Starfield Taught Us That Fans 'Really' Want Elder Scrolls 6, Jokes Bethesda
@Darylb88 I have heard conjecture on a podcast I listen to. It makes sense to move it, but maybe they worry if they keep making changes that makes it look like they don't have faith. I really look forward to Avowed, it sounds like my type of game
Re: Starfield Taught Us That Fans 'Really' Want Elder Scrolls 6, Jokes Bethesda
@KillerBoy sorry, it has been delayed til 38. And Assassin's Duty is launching the same day, so that might shift
Re: Three Additions Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass Today (October 2)
@somnambulance thanks for the clarification. Not disagreeing that this did not make waves, but it is still on my list. Personally I'd like to see it show up on gamepass, or may pick up in a sale.
Re: Three Additions Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass Today (October 2)
@somnambulance wait, is Dustborn on GP? I totally missed that!
Re: Xbox Game Pass: All Games Coming Soon In October 2024
Games? Pass.
Not a great couple of weeks for me. I liked Inscryption but won't be restarting it on GP (played on ps4). None of the others are for me. Maybe I'll try sifu, because it's there. Will keep on with wargroove 2 and other previous month offerings
Re: Random: Xbox Extends Phil Spencer's PS5 Controller Joke
I do wish the 3 could come up with 1 standard for the buttons. I don't know if they are all slightly different for patent reasons or stubbornness but it messes me up when I switch between systems. Maybe my brain is just not flexible enough
Re: Six Games Announced For Xbox Game Pass At Tokyo Game Show 2024
@AeonicB thanks for the tips, will give them a look, starting with Secret
Re: Six Games Announced For Xbox Game Pass At Tokyo Game Show 2024
If I've never played a Mana game, is one of these better to start?
Re: Six Games Announced For Xbox Game Pass At Tokyo Game Show 2024
I love Katamari. I own both remasters on Switch but will probably play them here, too, because they are fun. So very fun
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows Delayed To Feb 2025, Partly Due To Poor Start For Star Wars Outlaws
@AndroidBango around the time "detailed" got dropped for "granular"
Words fall in and out of favor
Re: Reminder: Nine Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass This Weekend (September 30)
@Fiendish-Beaver I very much agree with you. I think the strength of the service in the past has been volume, so I was always assured of something new to check out that might be of interest. Focus on fewer but bigger games decreases chance any will interest me. Right now, only Indy for the next few months, and I am not exactly excited for it, just the only one I plan to download.
However, I realize I am probably in the minority on this, as there have definitely been people vocal about wanting bigger games and less indies
I will probably turn off my auto renew and see how things go, but I am stacked til spring so plenty of time to change my mind
Re: Xbox Series X|S Console Sales Estimated At Under Half Of PS5 In New Report
@abe_hikura one point I'll quibble over, is MS not competing with Sony on console exclusives. MS doesn't sign a lot of exclusives deals in the AAA space, it buys the companies (e.g., Bethesda). That has to slow down after ActiBlizz of course, and they then made the shift to cross Plat publishing over exclusives. So my point is kind of blunted. But I wanted to reply, I guess?
Re: Microsoft Ending Xbox Ambassadors Program After 13 Years
Who will meet with Charles Martinett, the Nintendo ambassador, and attend functions of state?!? This move is fraught with political peril
Re: Wargroove 2 Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (September 19)
I saw this game for the first time at Pax East a year or two ago, with passes courtesy of purexbox! Thanks again for that!
Re: Xbox Game Pass: Which Of The Four Tiers Is Best To Sign Up For?
The Ultimate perk of having many exciting games in the future is one I have been enjoying for some time, and the titles included have remained very consistent : )
I kid. I kid cuz I love
Re: Xbox Reportedly Told To 'Go Dark' On Social Media Following Latest Round Of Layoffs
@LastSaneManOnEarth I can't tell if you are being serious or sarcastic when you say they are removing redundant positions, same as last time? I guess whoever was previously responsible for identifying the redundant positions missed 600 or so the first time. That's a heck of an HR department, as many people seem to guess are the types of redundant positions in question. Although, ActiBlizz did need to deal with a lot of HR complaints, so, maybe?
Re: The Last Campfire Returns To Xbox Charts Following Massive Price Drop
Fun game, some imaginative and clever puzzles. I enjoyed it bacj when I played it, and so did my son
Re: Towerborne Hands On Preview - A New Xbox Exclusive Launching In Steam Early Access
I'm looking forward to this on console. I don't have a pc, so no steam early access for me