If you're already a member of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's attempt to create a Netflix for games, you know how crazy a deal it is. Along with Project xCloud, it's a pillar of Microsoft's next-generation philosophy for gaming.
The service has over 100 games, with more being added each month. And it's not just quantity. There are dozens of excellent titles, both AAA and indie, for you to delve into for $9.99 a month (or $14.99 if you get Game Pass Ultimate , which lets you select games play on PC too).
For more like this
If you're new to the service, or on the fence about joining, here are ten games to play right away.
Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal is one of Xbox Game Pass' new games, hitting the service on Oct. 1. It's a sequel to 2016's Doom, a reboot of the classic shooter franchise. It involves platform, and killing lots and lots (and lots) of demons. The game was well received upon its March release, getting an 8/10 from our sister site GameSpot .
Gears 5 Ultimate
Gears 5 Ultimate is one of Xbox Game Pass' crown jewels. The 2019 blockbuster is one of the Xbox One's biggest first-party games, and the very fact that games of its ilk are on Game Pass speaks to how seriously Microsoft is investing in the service. It's available on both Xbox One and PC.
Age of Empires II Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II is the comfort food of gaming . The Definitive Edition of this iconic PC game launched last November on both Xbox One and PC, upscaling the game to 4K and adding new campaigns, and you can play on both platforms through Game Pass.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful game from Moon Studios that's a sequel to 2015's Ori and the Blind Forest. A heartfelt platformer and adventure game, it's a little like a mix between Metroid, Castlevania and Rayman. It received much praise upon its 2017 release, with CNET's sister site GameSpot calling it " a remarkable synthesis of artful design and beautiful moments ."
Forza Horizon 4
As far as non-first person shooters go, Forza is arguably Microsoft's biggest and best exclusive franchise. Forza Horizon 4 takes place out in a world based on Great Britain, and received huge acclaim upon its 2018 release . It's soon to be joined by Forza Motorsport 7 , in which you race on a track rather than the open road. That title hits Game Pass on Oct. 8.e
Dead Cells
If you're tired of big budget first-person-shooters, give Dead Space a go. It's a beautiful, colorful Metroidvania style action platformer that was released in 2018 to critical acclaim . It continues to be a cult favorite and is absolutely worth a download if you haven't yet played it (and even if you have). It's playable on both Xbox and PC via Game Pass Ultimate.
The Outer Worlds
Speaking of imaginative games, The Outer Worlds is an RPG from Obsidian, the gang behind Fallout New Vegas, and it's a winner . It's set in an alternative universe where Theodore Roosevelt didn't regulate big US firms in the early 20th century, which led to them... colonizing the galaxy, obviously. So in essence, it's Fallout in space. Game Pass Ultimate users can play it on both PC and Xbox.
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a hugely popular loot shooter developed by Bungie, the gang that brought you the original Halo. It's not new though, having hit the Xbox One in 2017 . Now is a perfect time to jump in -- or back in -- to Destiny 2 though, with a franchise-changing (according to Bungie) expansion, Beyond Light, launching in November .
Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller originally released for PC, Mac and Xbox One in 2016 and since ported to iOS and Android, among other platforms. It'll take you less than five hours to beat, but it's a memorable tale worth experiencing .
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Master Chief Collection is a remastered package that includes Halo 1, 2 and 3, ODST, Rach and Halo 4. Yep, that's a lot of Halo. The game was criticized upon release for poor online multiplayer and technical glitches , but patches have since fixed those problems. This is a great way to prepare yourself for Halo: Infinite next year.
Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3 is an isometric RPG. That description really doesn't do it justice in any sense though, as this postapocalyptic game is filled with an admirable mix of both tension, quirk and charm. It's set in 22nd century Colorado, and includes both psycho clowns and a cult dedicated to Ronald Reagan. What more do you need?
What Remains of Edith Finch
This is the perfect game for a service like Game Pass. What Remains of Edith Finch is a two-hour title that you'll finish in one sit through. It's hard to describe the gameplay in a way that does it justice, so I'll just say that it's a haunting exploration of the history of the Finch family. Play it.
The 31 best games on Xbox One
See all photos
from Via PakapNews