Tag: Xbox Game Pass

  • Next Week on Xbox Game Pass: Highly Anticipated AAA RPG Launches

    Next Week on Xbox Game Pass: Highly Anticipated AAA RPG Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fantasy Realm Influence: The game is set in a dark and beautiful fantasy world inspired by the Belle Époque cultural period.

    2. Key Character – The Paintress: Players follow the “Paintress,” whose cursed art leads to the annual disappearance of individuals based on a decremented number inscribed on a monolith.

    3. Combat Mechanics: The game features a blend of turn-based and real-time combat, requiring players to evade, counter, and exploit enemy weaknesses for powerful combos.

    4. Linear Storyline: While exploring enigmatic locations like islands and ancient battlefields, the game maintains a linear narrative focus rather than being an open-world title.

    5. Release Date and Availability: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on April 24 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 takes players on a journey to a fantasy realm influenced by the Belle Époque, a cultural period from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. The atmosphere is dark, sad, and incredibly beautiful. The key character is the “Paintress,” an enigmatic individual whose art brings about death. Every year, she rises to inscribe a cursed number on a monolith, leading to the disappearance of every person of that age. As the number decreases yearly, the fatalities increase. Players become part of Expedition 33, a group on a mission to break this deadly cycle.

    Engaging Combat Mechanics

    In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the battle system combines traditional turn-based elements with real-time action. Players must evade attacks, counter with perfect timing, and aim for enemy weak points. Executing well-timed actions lets you create powerful combos, adding a musical quality to the combat. When you’re not fighting, you’ll discover enigmatic islands, abandoned cities, and ancient battlefields. Although the game has a vast feel, Clair Obscur is not an open-world title; it maintains a linear storyline that emphasizes narrative and visual storytelling.

    Release Information

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be released on April 24 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day. This is thrilling news for many subscribers, particularly since the RPG is currently positioned 25th on Steam’s most-wanted games list.

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  • Xbox Executive Critiques Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Graphics

    Xbox Executive Critiques Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Graphics

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mike Ybarra, former Microsoft executive, criticized the Nintendo Switch 2’s price, launch games, and performance after its recent announcement.
    2. Ybarra expressed disappointment in the Switch 2’s game lineup, stating he had no interest in the revealed titles and questioned their graphical performance.
    3. The Nintendo Switch 2’s price of $450 and potential high game costs, like $90 for Mario Kart World, raised concerns about its value and innovation.
    4. Ybarra’s comments highlight the competitive landscape as Xbox continues to develop new consoles, including the upcoming Project Kennan handheld.
    5. Microsoft could leverage the Switch 2’s pricing issues to promote Xbox Game Pass, offering affordable day-one game releases compared to Switch 2’s expensive titles.

    Current Xbox representatives might not be too harsh on their competitors, but Mike Ybarra, a former executive at Microsoft, is not holding back at all. After working as the President of Blizzard Entertainment, he took on the role of CEO at PrizePicks. Following the Direct on April 2nd, Ybarra made some jabs at the Nintendo Switch 2, specifically its price, launch games, and overall performance.

    Ybarra’s Initial Reaction

    Many were taken aback when Ybarra’s first comment on X was, “Hard pass for me on Switch 2.” He expressed that none of the Switch 2 titles revealed during the Direct excited him. Additionally, he questioned the promised enhanced performance of Nintendo’s new console. In response to the announcement that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom would run at 4K 60fps, Ybarra remarked, “It looks like a game from 2000.”

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing Concerns

    The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked considerable discussion. At $450, it was a bit higher than some had anticipated. Moreover, the physical launch titles for the Switch 2, such as Mario Kart World, could reach $90 in certain areas. Ybarra believes the handheld and its features lack sufficient value and innovation. For instance, Nintendo’s GameChat doesn’t seem groundbreaking, especially considering Xbox introduced party chat way back in 2008.

    Ybarra’s Position on Xbox and Future Prospects

    Ybarra’s allegiances seem unclear since his exits from both Microsoft and Blizzard. With Xbox hardware sales facing difficulties, it might appear odd for a former Xbox ally to criticize Nintendo. However, it’s important to note that Microsoft is still in the process of developing and marketing new consoles. Project Kennan, an upcoming handheld from Asus, might bring a full-screen Xbox UI, adding to the competition.

    The pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 may provide Microsoft an opportunity to promote a similarly priced option with distinct advantages. While games for the Switch 2 are expensive, Xbox Game Pass offers day-one releases at a more affordable monthly cost. Still, Kennan will miss out on iconic franchises such as Mario and Zelda. Furthermore, it is uncertain how effectively Microsoft can address the issues related to a Windows-based console.

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    Xbox Executive Critiques Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and GraphicsXbox Executive Critiques Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Graphics

     

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  • GTA V Enhanced Launching on Xbox Game Pass Soon

    GTA V Enhanced Launching on Xbox Game Pass Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced will be available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass starting April 15, 2025.
    2. The Enhanced edition features ray-tracing, improved visuals, and exclusive PC upgrades like ray-traced ambient occlusion and global illumination.
    3. Minimum system requirements include an Intel Core i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a compatible GPU.
    4. Steam reviews for the PC version are “mixed,” with issues related to account transfers and unresolved bugs from the original version.
    5. Players cannot revert to the legacy version after migrating their accounts, and GTA Online still faces cheating problems.

    After some whispers online about the arrival of Grand Theft Auto V on Game Pass, the tech company from Redmond has now confirmed it. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced will launch on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass on April 15, 2025. This Enhanced edition brings various quality-of-life updates and visual upgrades compared to the original 2015 PC version of the game.

    Features of Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced

    This Enhanced edition introduces ray-tracing features, including ray-traced shadows and reflections. Additionally, it provides improved visual details, exclusive PC features like ray-traced ambient occlusion, and global illumination for superior lighting. It also supports Nvidia’s DLSS 3 along with AMD’s FSR 1 and FSR 3 technologies.

    System Requirements and Performance

    The port ensures quicker loading times thanks to an SSD with DirectStorage. It is compatible with Sony’s DualSense controllers and delivers enhanced audio experiences with Dolby Atmos support. For minimum requirements, it needs an Intel Core i7 4770 or AMD FX 9590 CPU, 8GB of RAM, an SSD, and at least a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1630 or AMD Radeon RX 6400 GPU.

    The suggested specifications include an Intel Core i5 9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, 16GB of Dual Channel RAM, a DirectStorage compatible SSD, and either a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT GPU. Additionally, you will require a minimum of 105GB of free disk space for installation.

    Steam Reviews and User Feedback

    On Steam, the reviews for the PC version are described as “mixed,” with players expressing frustration regarding problems transferring their Rockstar accounts from the older version to the Enhanced edition. Many of the negative comments highlight that the port has not resolved numerous bugs present in the legacy version of the game.

    This issue is compounded by the inability to revert to the legacy version once the account has been migrated. Furthermore, GTA Online has not seen any fixes, and cheating remains a persistent problem.

    Xbox Wire | r/gtaonline on Reddit | Steam

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  • Xbox Game Pass Adds 4 New Titles, Including AAA Shooter

    Xbox Game Pass Adds 4 New Titles, Including AAA Shooter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Borderlands 3: A looter shooter featuring co-op gameplay, diverse characters, and a humorous narrative, available on Xbox Game Pass in its Ultimate Edition with all DLCs.

    2. All You Need is Help: A co-op puzzle game for up to four players, emphasizing teamwork and communication with over 100 creative stages, appealing visuals, and support for local and online play.

    3. Still Wakes the Deep: A first-person horror game set on an isolated oil platform, focusing on stealth and navigation in a tense atmosphere, powered by Unreal Engine 5 for stunning visuals.

    4. Wargroove 2: A turn-based strategy game with pixel art graphics, featuring three campaigns, new super attacks, an endless mode, and a map editor for enhanced replayability.

    5. Game Availability: All new titles, except for Borderlands 3, are exclusively accessible on console.

    On April 3, Microsoft will be adding four new games to Xbox Game Pass. It’s important to point out that all titles, except for Borderlands 3, are only accessible on console. Let’s check out what each game brings to the table:

    Borderlands 3 Overview

    Borderlands 3 is a unique looter shooter that combines fast-paced first-person action with an endless quest for randomly generated weapons. You can play as one of four Vault Hunters, diving into a wild, humor-filled narrative focused on the Calypso Twins and their devoted cult, the Children of the Vault. Throughout your adventure, you’ll build alliances, defeat gigantic bosses, and gather some truly bizarre gear, ranging from walking machine guns to talking grenades. With its emphasis on co-op gameplay, intricate skill trees, and RPG elements, this explosive journey shines with its distinctive comic book style and offbeat humor. On Xbox Game Pass, you can find Borderlands 3 in the Ultimate Edition, which features the base game alongside all four major story DLCs.

    All You Need is Help

    All You Need is Help is a charming co-op puzzle experience where up to four players control adorable, cube-shaped creatures as they work together to solve quirky challenges. Teamwork and communication are crucial since characters can move independently but can’t rotate without assistance from others — often necessary to navigate obstacles and finish each level. The game offers more than 100 creatively crafted stages and supports both local and online co-op gameplay. Its delightful handcrafted visual style, similar to Yoshi’s Crafted World, makes it especially attractive to younger audiences.

    Still Wakes the Deep

    Still Wakes the Deep is a first-person horror title with a distinctive spin. Set on a secluded oil platform off the coast of Scotland, the narrative follows Cameron, a worker trapped in a horrifying crisis caused by an unknown force. Lacking weapons, survival depends on stealth, quick escapes, and clever navigation through flooded hallways, collapsing steel structures, and pitch-black engine rooms. The persistent sounds of howling winds, creaking metal, and rushing water enhance the intense, suffocating atmosphere. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game offers a visually stunning and immersive story experience that distinguishes itself from typical horror games.

    Wargroove 2 Features

    Wargroove 2 is a turn-based strategy game set in a colorful pixel-art fantasy realm. Instead of commanding tanks and soldiers, you lead knights, archers, and mages across grid-based battlefields. The game includes three campaigns that explore the tales of various factions confronting a mysterious new danger. A significant new feature in this sequel is the introduction of powerful super attacks that charge over time and can dramatically shift the battle’s outcome when used wisely. Additionally, there’s an endless mode with random challenges, a comprehensive map editor, and options for both local and online multiplayer, ensuring ample variety and replayability.

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  • New Day One Titles on Xbox Game Pass: April 2025 Lineup

    New Day One Titles on Xbox Game Pass: April 2025 Lineup

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nine New Games for Xbox Game Pass: Microsoft is launching nine new games for Xbox Game Pass in early April, including several day one releases.

    2. Day One Release of South of Midnight: South of Midnight, an action RPG with a unique animation style, will be available on April 8, 2025.

    3. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Included: The Ultimate Evil Edition of Diablo III, featuring the base game and the Reaper of Souls expansion, will also launch on April 8, 2025.

    4. Commandos: Origins Launches on April 9: The next entry in the Commandos series, focusing on stealth-based tactics, will be available on April 9, 2025.

    5. Hunt: Showdown 1896 Arrives on April 15: The PvPvE extraction shooter, Hunt: Showdown 1896, will be added to Game Pass on April 15, 2025.

    Microsoft has revealed a lineup of nine games for Xbox Game Pass that will launch in the first week of April. Leading the pack is the day one release of South of Midnight. Other notable additions include Commandos: Origins, Blue Prince, and Hunt Showdown 1896.

    South of Midnight (Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass) – April 8

    Scheduled for release on April 8, South of Midnight is crafted by Compulsion Games, known for titles like Contrast and We Happy Few. In this game, you step into the shoes of Hazel, a young woman thrust into a bizarre realm where she must save her mother. It features a unique stop-motion animation style combined with a gritty Southern Gothic aesthetic, giving it a striking visual appeal. This action RPG will be available on its launch date – April 8, 2025.

    Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard) – April 8

    The much-debated sequel to the iconic Diablo II, Diablo III, initially faced a rough start when it launched. Luckily, after several updates and an excellent seasonal challenge system, Blizzard transformed the game into an enjoyable ARPG. The Ultimate Evil Edition includes the original game along with the expansion pack, Reaper of Souls. This title will also be added on April 8, 2025.

    Commandos: Origins (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – April 9

    Another exciting day one release is Commandos: Origins, the eagerly awaited next chapter in the Commandos series. The original Commandos titles are known for their stealth-based real-time tactics and their punishing difficulty. Players will experience gameplay from an isometric view, controlling a squad of elite commandos as they tackle various missions. The game is set to launch on April 9, 2025.

    Blue Prince (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – April 10

    Blue Prince is an immersive puzzle adventure that challenges players to navigate through a mysterious manor that continuously alters its architecture during your adventure. You’ll explore a shifting collection of 45 rooms to uncover the manor’s chilling secrets. This title is another day one release, arriving on April 10, 2025.

    Hunt: Showdown 1896 (Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass) – April 15

    Created by Crytek, known for the Crysis series, Hunt: Showdown is an open-world extraction shooter featuring online PvP and cooperative gameplay. This PvPvE extraction shooter pits you against a team of hunters vying for bounties, which involve hunting down and eliminating monsters. The twist is that you’ll also have to deal with other players who are after the same targets. You can choose to avoid them or eliminate them to steal their bounties. This game will be added on April 15, 2025.

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  • New Action Roguelike Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    New Action Roguelike Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: 33 Immortals is developed by Thunder Lotus Games, known for Spiritfarer, and focuses on cursed souls rebelling against a deity in a unique adventure.

    2. Team Dynamics: Players form groups of six to explore dungeons called ‘torture chambers’, complete challenges, and engage in “Ascension Battles” for legendary relics.

    3. Customization and Gameplay: Players can choose from four classes (melee, ranged, support, tank) and customize avatars with various cosmetic items, featuring 14 weapons inspired by the seven deadly sins and virtues.

    4. Procedural Generation: The game features procedurally generated levels, ensuring varied gameplay experiences each time players venture out.

    5. Release Date: 33 Immortals enters Early Access on March 18 for PC and Xbox Series X/S and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from the same date.

    Only one new game has been revealed for Xbox Game Pass this week, but 33 Immortals seems to have a lot of potential. Created by Thunder Lotus Games, which is known for the adored indie game Spiritfarer, this title presents quite a different adventure. While Spiritfarer delves into ideas of goodbyes and what comes after, 33 Immortals tells the story of cursed souls rebelling against a harsh deity. Players kick off their journey in the Dark Forest, a central hub where they can pick from four classes – melee, ranged, support, or tank – before they step through the Eternal Gate to engage in battles.

    Team Dynamics and Gameplay

    Groups of six venture out to uncover the map, facing ‘torture chambers’, which are small dungeons offering relics when completed. Completing these dungeons activates the “Wrath of God,” igniting the map in flames. The remaining players then divide into three teams for “Ascension Battles,” which provide legendary relics that come with global advantages. Levels are generated procedurally to keep the gameplay fresh, and players can customize their avatars with various cosmetic items. The game boasts 14 different weapons, each influenced by the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues.

    Release Information

    33 Immortals was initially revealed in June 2023 at the Xbox Games Showcase, marking Thunder Lotus Games’ first foray into online gaming. Early Access is set to start on March 18 for PC and Xbox Series X/S, with the action roguelike debuting on Xbox Game Pass on the same date.

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  • New Shooters Launch on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    New Shooters Launch on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass adds two new games: Enter the Gungeon and Mullet MadJack.
    2. Enter the Gungeon is a chaotic bullet hell roguelike featuring eight unique characters with dark backstories.
    3. Players navigate the ever-changing Gungeon filled with enemies, traps, and imaginative weapons.
    4. Mullet MadJack is a first-person shooter set in a dystopian future, where players have limited time to act.
    5. Both games offer roguelike features, enhancing replayability with randomly generated levels and upgrades.

    Last week, Xbox Game Pass welcomed three new games into its library. This time, however, Microsoft is introducing only two titles, but for fans of shooters and roguelikes, Mullet MadJack and Enter the Gungeon offer exciting experiences ahead.

    Enter the Gungeon Overview

    Enter the Gungeon is a chaotic bullet hell roguelike, a fast-paced shooting adventure filled with a relentless storm of projectiles. Players can select from eight unique characters, four of which can be unlocked as you progress. These characters include the Marine, Huntress, Pilot, and Prisoner, each carrying a dark or tragic backstory. They all share a single goal: to uncover the ultimate weapon capable of rewriting history. To do this, players must navigate the ever-changing Gungeon, a dungeon overflowing with enemies, traps, and delightfully imaginative weapons. Each character’s background is unveiled in a special past mission, which is accessible after completing a successful run.

    Mullet MadJack Details

    Mullet MadJack presents a zany first-person shooter infused with roguelite features, set in the dystopian year of 2095. In this world, “Robillionaires” dominate, and society is deeply ensnared by internet addiction. This compulsion drives individuals to seek out a dopamine rush every 10 seconds, which is the limited time frame players have to make their moves. You take on the role of Jack Banhammer, whose mission is to rescue an influencer from the top of a skyscraper in exchange for a highly sought-after pair of shoes. The twist? You can only move when people are distracted, giving you just 10 seconds to clear each floor. However, you can extend your time by defeating foes, smashing vending machines for lemonade, and executing brutal finishing moves. With roguelike features enhancing replayability, every run presents randomly generated levels, changing enemy positions, and a variety of upgrades to select from.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Xbox Game Pass is adding two thrilling games that cater to fans of distinct genres. Whether it’s the frantic bullet dodging in Enter the Gungeon or the quirky escapades in Mullet MadJack, there’s something for every player to enjoy.

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  • Three New Titles Added to Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Three New Titles Added to Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Monster Train: A deck-building roguelike game where players protect a hellish train from enemies, featuring strategic card combat and replayable elements.

    2. Galacticare: A quirky hospital management game set in space, where players treat alien patients, grow their clinic, and have access to both a story campaign and a sandbox mode.

    3. One Lonely Outpost: A sci-fi farming simulator focused on building a colony on an uninhabitable planet, with elements of farming, crafting, exploration, and NPC interactions.

    4. Diverse Gameplay: Each game offers unique mechanics and themes, ranging from card battles to hospital management and farming, appealing to different gaming preferences.

    5. Visual Styles: The games feature distinct visual designs, with Monster Train’s strategic layout, Galacticare’s whimsical art, and One Lonely Outpost’s vibrant pixelated graphics enhancing the overall experience.

    In the first complete week of March, Microsoft will be introducing three new titles to Xbox Game Pass. Here’s a brief look at what gamers can expect from each game.

    Monster Train

    Monster Train is a deck-building game that falls under the roguelike genre, where players are tasked with protecting a hellish train from heavenly foes. The combat, which revolves around cards, takes place over several levels, with enemies moving from the bottom towards the top, engaging in battles at every stage. Players need to carefully position their units to thwart the invaders before they reach the train’s core on the top floor. Featuring five different clans and roguelike elements that ensure every playthrough is distinct, this game offers a lot of reasons to replay it.

    Galacticare

    For those who have fond memories of Theme Hospital and enjoy science fiction, Galacticare might be just what you need. This quirky hospital management game allows you to oversee an intergalactic medical facility, where you treat alien patients suffering from strange ailments. Players can progressively grow their clinic, establish specialized treatment areas, and recruit doctors who possess unique and complementary abilities. In addition to a story campaign filled with quirky characters, the game also offers a sandbox mode for a more relaxed, low-pressure gameplay experience.

    One Lonely Outpost

    One Lonely Outpost is a sci-fi farming simulator that invites players to create a bustling colony on an uninhabitable planet. You can cultivate crops using either natural or synthetic techniques, draw in new settlers, and enhance your community. Besides farming, the game focuses on crafting, exploration, and interactions with non-playable characters (NPCs) for trading and building friendships. Its vibrant, pixelated 2.5D visuals bring a nostalgic retro aesthetic to life.

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  • Balatro’s 4th Friends of Jimbo Update: Fallout, Critical Role & More

    Balatro’s 4th Friends of Jimbo Update: Fallout, Critical Role & More

    Key Takeaways

    1. The latest update, Friends of Jimbo 4, introduces 8 new collaborations to Balatro.
    2. Each suit in the game now has 2 additional deck customization options.
    3. Collaborations include major titles like Assassin’s Creed, Dead by Daylight, and Fallout, alongside indie games like Slay the Princess and Bugsnax.
    4. The update features Sid Meier’s Civilization VII and Rust, both adding to the diversity of content.
    5. Support for Xbox Game Pass has been added, with more content updates expected later this year.

    Only a year after the launch of Balatro, the developer LocalThunk continues to enhance the game with fresh collaborations from both major and indie titles. The newest update, titled Friends of Jimbo 4, introduces an additional 8 collaborations.

    Deck Customization Options

    As always, these collaborations offer new deck customization options, granting each suit an extra 2 choices for personalization. Let’s kick things off with Spades:

    In this suit, you’ll find a mix of a popular AAA game and an indie title. Assassin’s Creed brings forth Ezio and other beloved characters from the franchise. The indie collaboration is from Black Tabby Games, known for the game Slay the Princess. Next, we move to the Hearts suit, which has a unique addition this time.

    Unique Collaborations

    While there is indeed an indie collaboration here, instead of a AAA game, we see a partnership with Critical Role, a D&D tabletop show that has been gaining massive popularity. Alongside this, the indie game Bugsnax, developed by Young Horses, joins the mix. Next up is Clubs, featuring perhaps the most significant collaborations of this update:

    The Club cards showcase two major collaborations. The well-known multiplayer horror game, Dead by Daylight, displays several of its notorious villains on the cards. In addition, the Fallout collaboration features the iconic Vault Boy along with a few new characters. Lastly, we have Diamonds, which includes a collaboration that was released just two weeks before this update:

    Sid Meier’s Civilization VII makes its debut in this update, having been released on February 11th. This is paired with the last collaboration featuring Rust, a survival indie title from Facepunch Studios. Furthermore, Balatro’s latest update now includes support for Xbox Game Pass. You can read more about that here.

    What’s Next for Players?

    Players can be excited for more content from LocalThunk as a highly anticipated update is expected later this year. For those interested in a physical edition, there is one available on Amazon that comes with 10 Balatro cards as a special gift.

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  • Game with 100K Positive Reviews Now Available on Game Pass

    Game with 100K Positive Reviews Now Available on Game Pass

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gameplay Mechanics: Balatro combines deck-building and poker elements, where players aim to score points by creating strong poker hands while enhancing their deck over multiple rounds.

    2. Unique Features: The game includes special jokers that can enhance hands or activate abilities, along with tarot and regular playing cards that introduce new gameplay rules.

    3. Positive Reception: Since its release in February 2024, Balatro has received over 100,000 reviews on Steam, with 98% being positive, and a 90 Metascore on Metacritic.

    4. Accessibility and Depth: The game is easy to learn but offers deep strategic gameplay, appealing to players who enjoy experimenting with different tactics and card combinations.

    5. Xbox Game Pass Availability: Balatro was added to Xbox Game Pass on February 24, 2024, allowing subscribers to access the game without prior announcement, increasing its player base.

    Balatro is a game where you build a deck and mix poker with roguelike elements. You play multiple rounds, enhancing your deck and striving to last as long as you can, quite like Slay the Spire but with a poker flair. You start with a basic poker deck, and your aim is to gather points by playing your cards wisely. The better your poker hand, such as a full house or a straight, the more points you can score.

    Unique Features

    What makes it interesting is the addition of jokers that can boost your hand or activate special abilities. For instance, the Double Joker can double the points of your hand, while the Wild Joker allows you to turn one card into any other. Plus, the game includes tarot cards and regular playing cards that bring new rules into play, making the experience even more diverse.

    Impressive Reception

    On Steam, Balatro has received more than 100,000 reviews, with an astonishing 98% positive feedback, which is remarkable since it was only released in February 2024. Created by a solo developer named LocalThunk and published by Playstack, the game has also scored well on Metacritic, achieving a 90 Metascore and a User Score of 8.2.

    Why Players Love It

    It’s clear why Balatro has garnered such a following: The game is straightforward to pick up but has lots of depth. Many gamers enjoy testing out new tactics and playing with various card combinations. Moreover, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can now dive into some roguelike poker fun, as Balatro was added to Microsoft’s gaming subscription on February 24 without any prior announcement. Microsoft shared this update through a trailer on YouTube.

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