Let’s talk about Game Pass. With all the news that Game Pass is going to eat away at sales (anyone surprised by this?), I’m using this space to explore some of the potentially overlooked greatness that’s currently playable on Game Pass. As of this writing, there are a whopping 379 console games and 448 PC games, and a lot to check out.
I try my best to play games outside my comfort zone and generally get games that look cool. Unfortunately, some of my favorite Game Pass gems have been removed, but with the aforementioned sheer number, you’ll never run out of games to check out. The following games are all on Game Pass and will be playable until at least February.
quick mental scrub
As heavy as things are these days, do something quickly that doesn’t require you to drop onto a large (or small) map with another human being, or do something quickly that doesn’t threaten to send you into a swirling rage The games below are quick and easy to get started with. Or it has some sort of relaxing element.
Fully Accurate Battle Simulator (Xbox, PC)
Starting with the most chaotic and fun options, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator pits selected groups of fighters against different pre-set challenges. Once your battlegroup is ready, sit back and watch the battle unfold. According to the official description, it features “the most unstable physics system ever created.” Ragdolls are great, eyes are goofy, and the winner of each battle isn’t always what you’d expect! These quick rounds are mostly fun, whether you’re interested in playing odd matches or not. Even better, there’s local and online co-op and multiplayer!
my time at Portia (Xbox, PC)
If you’re still looking for the right farming simulator, try My Time at Portia. I reviewed this when it released in 2019 and found it to be one of the most comfortable post-apocalyptic worlds I’ve ever explored. Combining farming, relationship building, combat, mining, construction and all kinds of activities in one, My Time at Portia is one of the few enduring simulation games that I miss and plan on coming back to. .
DJ Max Respect V (Xbox, PC)
DJMax Respect V isn’t the best rhythm game I’ve ever played, but it’s certainly a quick burst of fun. If you’re a fan of Hatsune Miku games, Guitar Hero, or other input-based rhythm games, DJMax Respect V will quickly get you hooked with lots of fun music. There are some hard-to-understand inputs on the controller, but in the end it’s easy to download and a fun distraction if you want to put your thoughts to rest.
longer journey
Tiny Kin
I’ve mentioned this before in my Podcast Unlocked, but in case you missed it, Tinykin is for those of us who grew up on adventure platformers that gave us space strewn with copious trinkets to collect while we worked. , is a delightful journey down memory lane… to reach the next realm of our journey. Tinykin features a tiny extraterrestrial man who explores a bug-infested house in search of a way back to his home planet. Take on platforms, solve environmental puzzles, and investigate secrets with the help of creatures called Tinykins. Every time I explore a new area, I return with satisfaction. Tinykin harnesses the childlike wonder of exploring and enjoying something bigger than oneself.
prey (Xbox, PC)
Those looking for something more intense should check out Play. In Arkane’s Prey, you are stranded alone on your ship and a mysterious creature is trying to catch you. And unfortunately, it’s literally everywhere and could mimic anything.
next
Below are some titles that I want to check out soon. You can also check the backlog on the playlist page.
- genesis noir (Xbox, PC) – This has been on the list for a long time. It’s a stylish puzzle game, and it’s all I needed to be interested.
- football story (Xbox, PC) – Have you ever played Backyard Soccer or any other Backyard sports kid’s game? It vaguely reminded me of how a story about a magical soccer ball would play out in a soccer-banned world. I’m curious if it will be expanded.
- Signalis (Xbox, PC) – Ever since IGN Senior Feature Editor Matt Kim described this survivor horror game, I’ve been wanting to play it. I’m not usually good at horror, but from a –‘s point of view, it seems like something I could handle and enjoy.
- Opus: Echo of Starsong – Full Bloom Edition (Xbox, PC) – This looks like a pretty dreamy adventure, but I love how it’s centered around the story. You’ve had a short stint digging deep into the visual novel, and I’m curious how you combine those elements with puzzles and resource management.
Have a Game Pass recommendation you think is overlooked? Don’t keep it to yourself! Please share in the comments below. More columns from the Podcast Unlocked crew can be found on the show’s columns page.
Miranda Sanchez is IGN’s Executive Editor of Guides, podcast unlockedShe is a big fan of stationery and fountain pens.you can find her twitter and convulsions.
