Tag: Xbox Game Pass

  • $60 AAA Game Joins Xbox Game Pass This Week

    $60 AAA Game Joins Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is adding Watch Dogs: Legion to Xbox Game Pass, marking its debut on the service.
    2. The game is set in a dystopian London, focusing on themes of hacking and surveillance against a totalitarian regime.
    3. Players can recruit and control any citizen in London, each with unique skills, adding a new dynamic to gameplay.
    4. Watch Dogs: Legion received mixed reviews, with 57% positive ratings on Steam and critiques around technical issues and gameplay repetitiveness.
    5. The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting February 25.

    This week, Microsoft is bringing just one new title to Xbox Game Pass, but it’s a big one: Watch Dogs: Legion. This is the third game in the popular open-world action-adventure franchise, following the original Watch Dogs and its sequel, Watch Dogs 2. The game is centered around themes of hacking, surveillance, and digital control. Set in a grim near-future version of London, Legion showcases a city dominated by a totalitarian surveillance state. The private security corporation Albion maintains its power through relentless monitoring, while the hacker group DedSec is ready to fight back.

    Gameplay and Features

    In Watch Dogs: Legion, players take on the role of a DedSec agent, utilizing advanced hacking tools to combat the oppressive regime. The game includes typical open-world features like missions, exploration, and driving, but it particularly highlights hacking – from seizing control of cameras and drones to shutting down entire transportation systems. Players have the freedom to approach missions stealthily or go in with guns blazing. A unique aspect of this entry is the ability to recruit and control any citizen in London, whether they are taxi drivers or spies, each offering distinct skills. In addition to the main storyline and a variety of side quests, the game also presents an online mode for cooperative missions.

    Reception and Pricing

    Created by Ubisoft Toronto, Watch Dogs: Legion was released in 2020 and is priced at about $60 on Steam. However, it has garnered a mixed reception from players. With over 9,000 reviews on Steam, only 57% of them are positive. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 76 and a User Score of 5.9. Many critiques have pointed to technical problems, a lackluster storyline, and repetitive gameplay. Bugs, crashes, and performance issues were notably prevalent on older consoles. The absence of a main character led many players to describe the dialogue as bland and emotionless. Additionally, the weak AI of enemies and the repetitiveness of missions added to the frustrations. Nonetheless, for those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription who haven’t tried this open-world experience yet, it might be worth checking out. Watch Dogs: Legion will be available on Game Pass starting February 25.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users

    Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass pricing will increase on April 20, impacting Microsoft Rewards members who use points for subscriptions.
    2. The points required for a monthly Game Pass subscription have risen, with some users now needing 20,000 points instead of the previous 14,000.
    3. The point requirement changes may vary based on the member’s level in the Microsoft Rewards system.
    4. Community backlash is evident on platforms like Reddit, with gamers expressing frustration over the increased difficulty in earning points.
    5. Despite the price hike, Microsoft continues to enhance Xbox Game Pass by adding popular titles and expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming access.

    Xbox Game Pass pricing saw a rise last July, and now it seems Microsoft Rewards members are feeling the impact. Players can earn reward points through various activities, like in-game tasks or buying items from the Microsoft Store. One way to use these points was to get Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. However, recent emails have informed some gamers that the auto-redemption for this service is about to become significantly pricier.

    Price Increase Notification

    For those who received the unfortunate email, a price hike will take effect on April 20. The message was directed at gamers who regularly use their points to automatically renew their Game Pass subscriptions. It’s still uncertain if these changes in the Microsoft Rewards program will affect players across all regions. Nonetheless, the new prices are already visible on the redemption sections within Xbox apps and on Microsoft’s official site.

    Changes to Point Requirements

    The number of points needed for a monthly Game Pass subscription varies based on whether a member is in Level 1 or Level 2 of the rewards system. For instance, two different point amounts are now being shown for the same subscription. Previously, the monthly auto-redemption for Game Pass Ultimate required 14,000 points, but there’s now an option that lists it at 20,000 points. It seems likely that by the time April 20 rolls around, gamers everywhere will need to use more points than before.

    Community Reaction

    Gamers on Reddit are not pleased with the new Xbox Game Pass pricing. Over time, collecting Microsoft Rewards points has become increasingly challenging. With this new points increase, keeping a Game Pass subscription may require using a credit card for most of the cost.

    In fair defense of Microsoft, the company continues to add big-name titles to the Xbox Game Pass lineup, including games like Avowed and F1 24. Furthermore, with Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Cloud Gaming has broadened its range for PC, mobile devices, and smart televisions. However, the appeal of Microsoft Rewards is dwindling, even for the most loyal of players.

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    Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users
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  • Xbox Game Pass: Two Upcoming AAA Titles Revealed

    Xbox Game Pass: Two Upcoming AAA Titles Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass will add three new games: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.
    2. Watch Dogs: Legion launches on February 25, featuring an open-world setting in a dystopian London, but has mixed reviews regarding character depth and mission variety.
    3. EA Sports F1 24 releases on February 20, known for its realistic driving mechanics and solid reviews, available through the EA Play library for subscribers.
    4. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, launching on February 20, is a CRPG with turn-based combat and a focus on narrative and player choices.
    5. Avowed is now available on Xbox Game Pass, offering additional content for subscribers.

    Microsoft has announced the latest selection of games that will be added to Xbox Game Pass, including two prominent AAA titles among the three new releases. The exciting new additions are Watch Dogs: Legion and EA Sports F1 24, both known for their high production quality and diverse gameplay styles. The third title, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, isn’t considered AAA but offers a strong RPG experience that stands out on its own.

    Watch Dogs: Legion Launch Details

    Watch Dogs: Legion is set to arrive on February 25, bringing Ubisoft’s open-world hacking adventure to Game Pass users. The game takes place in a dystopian version of London in the near future. Although it presented the intriguing “play as anyone” concept, the game’s reception was a bit mixed. While many appreciated its ambitious ideas, others pointed out the lack of depth in character development and the repetitive nature of its missions.

    EA Sports F1 24 Joins the Lineup

    On February 20, EA Sports F1 24 will be available on Game Pass. This title showcases realistic driving mechanics, improved career modes, and features official lineups for F1 teams. It holds a solid 72 Metascore on Metacritic and has received more than 9,000 “Mostly Positive” reviews on Steam. Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass will have access to this game as part of the EA Play library.

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Overview

    Completing the new lineup is Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, a CRPG crafted by Owlcat Games. This title, also launching on February 20, features turn-based combat, rich storytelling, and intricate role-playing elements. As the first CRPG set within the Warhammer 40K universe, Rogue Trader promises a narrative-focused experience filled with impactful choices and repercussions.

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    Xbox Game Pass: Two Upcoming AAA Titles Revealed
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  • This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    This Week’s New Xbox Game Pass Release: Major RPG Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Only one new game announced for Xbox Game Pass this week, with more titles expected mid-month.
    2. “Avowed,” an action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is set to release on February 18 on Xbox Game Pass.
    3. The game has received positive early reviews, with 81% favorable ratings on Steam and a Metascore of 80 on Metacritic.
    4. Avowed features a versatile combat system that includes traditional weapons and elemental magic.
    5. Players can experience the game in both first-person and third-person views, though it emphasizes first-person gameplay.

    Only one new game has been announced for Xbox Game Pass this week. Nevertheless, Microsoft often shares new additions to the subscription service in the middle of the month, which means more titles could be on the way. Regardless, subscribers have something to look forward to – Avowed, a fresh action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, the team known for Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds.

    Early Reviews and Availability

    The first review of Avowed was leaked even before the official review period ended. On February 15, the game became available in Early Access, allowing those who purchased the $90 Deluxe Edition to jump in ahead of its full launch. Since then, this action RPG has gathered over 1,800 reviews on Steam, with 81% being favorable. On Metacritic, it boasts a respectable Metascore of 80, while the user score is yet to be determined. For genre enthusiasts, this is a fantastic addition to Microsoft’s gaming subscription. Beginning February 18, Avowed will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass.

    Gameplay Experience

    Avowed transports players to the “Land of the Living,” a vibrant yet troubled world plagued by an unknown illness. As a representative of Aedyr, your goal is to discover the source of the affliction. The combat system is quite versatile, allowing players to use traditional weapons such as swords and bows, while also enhancing their strikes with elemental magic. Various attack styles make combat more exciting and immersive. The game offers both first-person and third-person views, but it is clear that the experience leans heavily towards first-person gameplay.

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  • Six New Xbox Game Pass Games Announced, Including Day One Release

    Six New Xbox Game Pass Games Announced, Including Day One Release

    If you’re signed up for the Xbox Game Pass, February is shaping up to be a thrilling month for you. Xbox has just announced a lineup of new games that will be added to the Game Pass soon, featuring a blend of both AAA and non-AAA titles, many of which have been well-received by gamers across various platforms. Among the first games to debut this month is Far Cry New Dawn, along with the upcoming titles listed below:

    Another Crab’s Treasure

    Another Crab’s Treasure is an underwater soulslike adventure created by Aggro Crab, and it has garnered generally positive reviews, boasting a Metacritic score of 78. Players take on the role of Kril, a hermit crab, and they utilize discarded items as makeshift armor to navigate through challenges.

    Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

    Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes draws inspiration from classic JRPGs and holds a user score of 79 on Metacritic, reflecting mixed or average feedback. This turn-based RPG presents a wide array of characters, strategic combat, and a richly detailed 2.5D environment, crafted by Rabbit & Bear Studios.

    Bethesda’s Starfield

    Bethesda’s Starfield is a game that needs no introduction. As one of the most anticipated releases of 2023, this expansive sci-fi RPG immerses players in a vast interstellar universe filled with deep exploration, ship customization, and a comprehensive narrative. The game boasts a commendable score of 83 on Metacritic.

    The latest entry in EA Sports’ football series is also making its way to Game Pass. Although this installment hasn’t received as high ratings as some other titles on the list, the Madden series is known for providing realistic football simulations. Subscribers can also enjoy exclusive bonuses like the Supercharge Pack from February 6 to March 6.

    A Unique Experience

    This game is a side-scrolling strategic adventure that offers a minimalist yet captivating experience. It has been positively received by players, evidenced by its impressive Metascore of 85. The game supports both solo and co-op gameplay modes, enhancing its appeal to different types of gamers.

    Avowed

    Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated RPG, Avowed, is set for a day-one launch on Game Pass. While there are currently no Metacritic scores available, excitement is building among fans of the genre.

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  • Ninja Game Shadowdrop Joins Xbox Game Pass for $50 Value

    Ninja Game Shadowdrop Joins Xbox Game Pass for $50 Value

    Ninja Gaiden 2 is the follow-up to Team Ninja’s renowned series, first released in 2008 for the Xbox 360. This action-adventure title narrates the tale of Ryu Hayabusa, a talented ninja who carries the famous Dragon Sword. He fights against supernatural enemies to uphold the honor of his clan.

    Gameplay Features

    The game is known for its rapid combos and sleek fighting style, often compared to titles like Devil May Cry. Its challenging nature and tactical elements bring to mind Dark Souls. Players who enjoy fast-paced combat and demanding gameplay will definitely find a lot to appreciate here. Ninja Gaiden 2 has received positive feedback on Metacritic, with a Metascore of 81 and a User Score of 8.1.

    Exciting Updates

    On January 23, during the Xbox Developer Direct Showcase, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was surprise dropped. This enhanced edition of the classic action game features modern graphics via Unreal Engine 5, along with a range of gameplay improvements. New additions include a beginner-friendly Hero Play Style and customizable gore settings, which let players adjust the violence to their preference. Furthermore, a refreshed control scheme aims to deliver more accurate combos and a livelier combat experience. Players can also try out three new characters: Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel.

    Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is now available on Xbox Game Pass. If you don’t have a subscription, the game can be bought on Steam for around $50. Current reviews on Steam are mixed, with about 77% of the feedback being positive from roughly 330 users. Many players have pointed out some technical glitches and gameplay adjustments that haven’t appealed to everyone. Nonetheless, the game has climbed to the number one spot in Steam’s “New and Trending” section.

    Looking Ahead

    In addition, Ninja Gaiden 4 has been officially confirmed for release in 2025. Fans can already put the eagerly awaited sequel on their wish lists on Steam, increasing the buzz for the next installment in this legendary series.

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  • Lenovo Legion Go S Teases Possible Halo 5 PC Port Release

    Lenovo Legion Go S Teases Possible Halo 5 PC Port Release

    While Microsoft hasn’t released Halo 5: Guardians for PC, you can still play it with Xbox Game Pass. There might be a PC version on the horizon, as a promotional image for the Lenovo Legion Go S showcases the game in its library.

    Potential Error or Hint?

    It’s possible that this inclusion is just a mistake in the marketing materials, but it wouldn’t be shocking at all if Microsoft decided to bring Halo 5: Guardians to PC soon. Recently, they hinted at significant enhancements for Xbox-related features on Windows gaming handhelds.

    Future of Gaming Handhelds

    Specifically, Microsoft mentioned plans to merge “the best of Xbox and Windows” for gaming handhelds, and Halo is a crucial part of the Xbox lineup. This isn’t the first time there have been discussions about bringing Halo 5: Guardians to PC (Z1 Extreme ROG Ally curr. $499.99 on Best Buy).

    Previous Challenges and New Hope

    There have been previous claims regarding the PC port, but it was said to be halted due to technical difficulties. Rumors suggest that Microsoft faced challenges in optimizing the game for Windows. However, with the recent initiative to combine “the best of Xbox and Windows,” it seems like the port could finally be gaining momentum.

    As for the announcement regarding the Halo 5: Guardians PC port, it might take place during the upcoming Xbox Developer_Direct event. This event is scheduled for January 23, which is just around the corner, so it’s possible the game won’t stay an Xbox exclusive for much longer.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Losing 6 Games in January 2024

    Xbox Game Pass Losing 6 Games in January 2024

    After Microsoft introduced four new titles to the Xbox Game Pass on January 8, gamers will soon need to bid farewell to six games on January 15. Fans of puzzles should definitely check out Escape Academy, Figment, and Those Who Remain before they disappear. For those who enjoy multiplayer shooters, Insurgency: Sandstorm and Exoprimal are worth the time, while builders might want to squeeze in one last play with Common’Hood. Until the games are removed, members can enjoy a 20% discount on all these titles. Below is a brief summary:

    Common’Hood

    Common’Hood is a game centered around construction, allowing players to create and sustain a community within an abandoned factory. It showcases a simple art style along with intricate building mechanics. Players need to gather resources, research new technologies, and craft tools to fulfill the settlers’ requirements. As the game progresses, many activities can be automated with robots, which adds more complexity to the gameplay.

    Escape Academy

    In Escape Academy, players join a distinctive school that focuses on training individuals to master escape rooms. Whether playing solo or in pairs, they tackle twelve cleverly designed escape rooms filled with various challenges. The game also includes competitive modes like treasure hunts and puzzle races. The colorful art style gives a unique charm to the puzzle-solving experience.

    Exoprimal

    Exoprimal is a third-person shooter that places players in advanced combat suits to face waves of dinosaurs, including the particularly perilous Neosaurs. The exosuits come in different roles like Assault, Tank, and Support, allowing for customization to suit various play styles. In the Dinosaur Survival game mode, two teams of five compete against each other to achieve objectives and safeguard humanity from the dinosaurs. Exoprimal features realistic graphics with a futuristic aesthetic.

    Figment

    Figment is a musical action-adventure that unfolds in a lively, hand-painted realm. Players take on the role of Dusty, the former voice of courage, and along with his companion Piper, embark on a quest through a mind haunted by nightmares. The mission involves solving puzzles and combating nightmarish creatures to reclaim lost courage. A notable aspect is the dynamic soundtrack that shifts and evolves based on the players’ actions, adding a unique musical touch to the overall experience.

    Insurgency: Sandstorm

    Insurgency: Sandstorm is a team-based multiplayer shooter that provides thrilling 14v14 battles or cooperative matches where up to eight players face AI opponents. Set in a gritty and realistic war environment with an authentic color palette, the game prioritizes precision and teamwork. Players can tailor their characters using a wide range of weapons and gear, while realistic ballistics and quick time-to-kill mechanics heighten the high-stakes atmosphere.

    Those Who Remain

    Those Who Remain is a psychological horror adventure that takes place in the eerie town of Dormont, where moral choices significantly impact the narrative. Players must navigate two linked dimensions, using light sources to explore, solve puzzles, and survive. The choices made directly affect the protagonist’s fate and mold a story that explores themes of loss, guilt, and the essence of humanity.

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  • Two Surprise Games Added to Xbox Game Pass This Month

    Two Surprise Games Added to Xbox Game Pass This Month

    Microsoft usually announces new Xbox Game Pass titles two times each month. This time, though, subscribers will get a nice surprise with the addition of two unexpected games: For The King II and Hunt: Showdown 1896. The developers shared this news on X (previously known as Twitter), stating that both games will be available in the Game Pass library starting December 12.

    For The King II Overview

    For The King II is a strategy RPG that allows players to command a group of heroes in their fight against the Queen of Fahrul. Players can go solo or team up with up to three friends, engaging in turn-based battles and exploring procedurally generated maps. These maps are made up of hexagonal tiles, and every turn brings chances to explore, meet enemies, fulfill quests, or encounter random events. This varied gameplay helps keep the adventure lively and interesting.

    Game Details and Reception

    Created by Curve Games and published by IronOak Games, For The King II was released in November 2023. It is priced at approximately $25 on Steam and has earned a “Mostly Positive” rating, with around 70 percent of 9,800 reviews being favorable. The game’s Metacritic score reflects this as well, showing a Metascore of 76 and a user score of 7.8. Although many players appreciate the game, some have pointed out technical bugs and mentioned that it doesn’t bring many new ideas compared to the original game.

    Hunt: Showdown 1896 Features

    This multiplayer shooter drops players into a dark, monster-filled world set in 1896. As a hunter, you’ll face not just other players but also dangerous monsters, creating a thrilling PvPvE scenario. The realistic damage from weapons adds to the difficulty, especially since players use real 19th-century guns like revolvers, shotguns, and crossbows. The main aim is survival, and the permadeath feature raises the stakes, adding an extra layer of tension.

    Hunt: Showdown 1896 comes from Crytek, the German studio famous for the popular game Crysis. In August 2024, the developers released an improved version that included a major graphics update using CryEngine 5.11 and a new map. “Mammon’s Gulch” takes players from the swamps of Louisiana to the rugged mountains of Colorado, providing a new setting to explore.

    Pricing and Scores

    On Steam, this first-person shooter costs around $30 and has a “Mostly Positive” rating, with about 70 percent of nearly 9,800 reviews being positive. The game’s Metacritic scores show a Metascore of 80 and a user score of 6.7. The mixed feedback is partly due to the initial limitations of the updated version, which was launched with only the new map “Mammon’s Gulch,” while the older maps were being updated. However, now all maps are fully accessible again.

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  • This Week on Xbox Game Pass: 2 New Popular Action Titles

    This Week on Xbox Game Pass: 2 New Popular Action Titles

    Xbox Game Pass members can dive into the thrilling action platformer Nine Sols and the strategic experience of Aliens: Dark Descent this week. Let’s take a look at what gamers can look forward to in these two titles.

    Exploring Nine Sols

    This unique 2D action platformer, crafted by Red Candle Games, merges elements of Asian mythology with a futuristic sci-fi backdrop. Players take on the character of Yi, a celebrated hero from bygone times, who is brought back to life by a young human. The goal is to take down the nine Sols, the powerful leaders of the cursed land of New Kunlun, while discovering the secrets behind an ancient alien species.

    Nine Sols includes a combat system that emphasizes skill, where understanding enemy attack styles, executing timely parries, and effectively mixing offense and defense is essential for victory. The game debuted on Steam in May 2024, retailing for roughly $30, and it has received widespread praise, with a remarkable 95 percent positive rating from over 13,000 reviews. Starting November 26, this game will also be accessible through Game Pass.

    The Tactics of Aliens: Dark Descent

    Aliens: Dark Descent presents a tactical real-time strategy experience set in a high-stakes, alien-filled environment. Players take command of a specialized team of Colonial Marines who find themselves on an abandoned colony, facing the challenge of surviving, exploring, and eliminating the Xenomorph menace. With a squad limited to five marines at any given time, players must manage their resources and assign roles wisely to be successful. Every choice counts, as losing a marine is permanent and can drastically influence the outcome of the mission.

    Created by Tindalos Interactive and released by Focus Entertainment in June 2023, Aliens: Dark Descent is available for around $40 on Steam and has garnered solid ratings, with an 88 percent positive feedback from about 11,500 reviews. However, on Metacritic, the game has received a more mixed response, with a Metascore of 75 and a User Score of 8.1. Critics have identified technical problems, repetitive mission structures, and an uninspired narrative as its main weaknesses. Even with its shortcomings, enthusiasts of the Alien series or real-time strategy games may find this title intriguing when it launches on November 27.

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