Alice: Madness Returns

Eleven years ago Alice lost her family to a horrific fire. Afterwards Alice struggled to face her demons by escaping to Wonderland.

Watch the trailer here!

Dante’s Inferno

Based on the immensely influential classic poem, Dante’s Inferno takes you on an epic quest of vengeance and redemption through the Nine Circles of Hell.

Watch the trailer here!

Death’s Door

Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it’s honest work for a Crow.

Watch the trailer here!

Grid 

GRID is a racing experience like no other.

Watch the trailer here!

Grounded

Go big or never go home! The game’s full release has finally arrived!

Paradise Killer

Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only “investigation freak” Lady Love Dies can solve. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial to convict.

Watch the trailer here!

PowerWash Simulator

Release the Pressure with PowerWash Simulator! Wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water.

Watch the trailer here!

Prey

In Prey, you are the subject of an experiment but things have gone terribly wrong. Your ability to survive a hostile alien onslaught will depend on your wits, weapons, and newfound abilities.

Watch the trailer here!

Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth

A 2D Metroidvania-style game developed under the supervision of Ryo Mizuno, depicting the story of Deedlit and the events leading up to Record of Lodoss War: Diadem of the Covenant.

Watch the trailer here!

Watch Dogs 2

Welcome to San Francisco. Play as Marcus, a brilliant young hacker, and join the most notorious hacker group, DedSec. Your objective: execute the biggest hack in history.

Watch the trailer here!

Wrap up

Now that you’ve scoured our list of the most overlooked hidden gems on the Xbox Game Pass library, which are you most excited to try out? Have you already discovered any of these underrated games on your own? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section.

And if you don’t already have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you can sign up here. Learn more about the service over on the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. Don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Xbox Game Pass recommendations. And thanks for reading.

Featured image via forbes.com. 

Perfect Dark Zero

2020. Corporations Control Everything. Everyone. Everywhere. With One Exception.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Perfect Dark

Prey

In Prey, you are the subject of an experiment but things have gone terribly wrong. Your ability to survive a hostile alien onslaught will depend on your wits, weapons, and newfound abilities.

Watch the trailer here!

Rage

Rule the Wasteland in RAGE – the new title from the Inventors of the First-Person Shooter, id Software.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Rage 2

Scorn (Coming Soon)

Scorn is an atmospheric first-person horror adventure game set in a nightmarish universe of odd forms and somber tapestry.

Watch the trailer here!

Serious Sam 4

Serious Sam 4 reignites the classic FPS series in a high-powered prequel loaded with an explosive arsenal, intergalactic carnage, and perfectly timed one-liners.

Watch the trailer here!

Sunset Overdrive

Sunset Overdrive transforms an open-world apocalypse into your tactical playground. Zip, grind and wall-run across Sunset City while using a devastating, unconventional arsenal.

Watch the trailer here!

Wolfenstein: The New Order

Europe, 1960. The tide of World War II has been turned using a new kind of mysterious, advanced technology.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
• Wolfenstein: Youngblood
• Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wrap up

So what do you think of part one of our list of Xbox Game Pass shooters? Did you find your personal favorite here? Or perhaps even a new favorite? If so, tell us about it in the comments.
The abundance of awesome shooters–both first and third person varieties–on Xbox Game Pass is just one of the things that make it the best gaming service out there. If you don’t already have a subscription you can sign up here. Learn more over the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image via neverendingrealm.com. 

Battlefield 1943

The fight for the Pacific has begun! Pick your path – be it as a rifleman, fighter pilot or tank driver. Play as a lone wolf or with your friends, coordinating to turn the tide of battle.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Battlefield 3
• Battlefield 4
• Battlefield bad company
• Battlefield bad company 2
• Battlefield 1 revolution
• Battlefield hardline
• Battlefield v

Crysis

What begins as a simple rescue mission becomes the battleground of a new war as alien invaders swarm over a North Korean island chain.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

Crysis 2

Crysis 3

Doom Eternal Standard Edition

Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Doom
• Doom (1993)
• Doom 64
• Doom II

Far Cry 5

Far Cry comes to America in the latest installment of the award-winning franchise.

Watch the trailer here!

Gears 5 Game of the Year Edition

The complete Gears 5 experience in one bundle. Get the celebrated campaign, recharged multiplayer and Hivebusters campaign expansion as part of the Game of the Year Edition.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Gears of war
• Gears of war 2
• Gears of war 3
• Gears of war 4
• Gears of war judgement
• Gears of war ultimate edition

Halo Infinite (Campaign)

The legendary Halo series returns with the most expansive Master Chief campaign yet and a ground-breaking free-to-play multiplayer experience.

Watch the trailer here!

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Halo 5 guardians
• Halo: spartan assault
• Halo the master chief collection

Just Cause 4: Reloaded

Just Cause 4 Reloaded delivers an expansive and explosive gameplay experience in an all-new package! Just Cause 4 Reloaded includes additional premium content as well as all previously released improvements.

Watch the trailer here!

Metal: Hellsinger 

Strike terror into the hearts of demons and devils as you fight your way through eight Hells. Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm FPS, brimming with diabolical enemies, powerful weapons, and metal music.

Watch the trailer here!

Wrap up

So what do you think of part one of our list of Xbox Game Pass shooters? Did you find your personal favorite here? Remember, there is still part two to come. The abundance of awesome shooters–both first and third person varieties–on Xbox Game Pass is just one of the things that make it the best gaming service out there. If you don’t already have a subscription you can sign up here. Learn more over the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Dante’s Inferno

Based on the immensely influential classic poem, Dante’s Inferno takes you on an epic quest of vengeance and redemption through the Nine Circles of Hell. 

Watch the trailer

For honor: Marching Fire Edition 

Includes the For Honor® base game, plus Marching Fire Expansion. Enter the chaos of war and choose your faction: Knight, Viking, Samurai, or Wu Lin Warrior. 

Watch the trailer

Midnight Fight Express

A former member of the criminal underworld is lured back into “the life” by a mysterious drone claiming they have until sunrise to prevent a citywide criminal takeover together. 

Watch the trailer

Naraka: Bladepoint

NARAKA: BLADEPOINT is an up to 60-player mythical action combat experience inspired by the legends of the Far East.

Watch the trailer

Ninja Gaiden Master Collection

3 high speed ninja action titles are now available in one package! Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 3: Razor’s Edge. 

Watch the trailer

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Ninja Gaiden Sigma
• Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
• Ninja Gaiden Sigma 3: Razor’s Edge

Ryse: Son of Rome Legendary Edition

Amidst the chaos of the late Roman Empire, become soldier Marius Titus and embark on a perilous campaign to avenge the death of your family and defend the honor of Rome. 

Watch the trailer

Trek to Yomi

As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. 

Watch the trailer

The Yakuza Remastered Collection

Celebrate Kazuma Kiryu’s saga with the beautifully remastered Yakuza 3, 4, and 5. Complete The Dragon of Dojima’s journey. 

Watch the trailer

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Yakuza 3 rm 
• Yakuza 4 rm 
• Yakuza 5 rm  
• Yakuza 6 rm 
• Yakuza 0 
• Yakuza: like a dragon 
• Yakuza kiwami 
• Yakuza kiwami 2 

Wrap up

What are your thoughts on our list? Are there any of your personal favorites on here? Let us know about it in the comments. If you don’t already have a Game Pass subscription, you can sign up here. Learn more over on the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image via eurogamer.net. 

Dragon Age Origins

Watch the trailer!

From the makers of Mass Effect comes the dark fantasy epic: You are a Grey Warden, one of the last of a legendary order of guardians. 

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Dragon Age 2
• Dragon Age Inquisition

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an elusive age—definitive edition

Watch the trailer!

The Definitive Edition includes the critically acclaimed DRAGON QUEST XI, plus additional scenarios, orchestral soundtrack, 2D mode and more!

Eiyuden Chronicle Rising

Watch the trailer!

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an action RPG set in the same world as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. 

Fable Anniversary

Watch the trailer!

Fable Anniversary is a spectacular HD remaster of the original Fable with all-new models, textures, lighting, achievements, The Lost Chapters content, and more! 

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Fable II
• Fable III

Fallout 4

Watch the trailer!

Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 3 and Skyrim, welcomes you to the world of Fallout 4—winner of more than 50 Game of the Year awards. 

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Fallout 3
• Fallout: New Vegas

Final Fantasy XIII-2

Watch the trailer!

The 2010 release FINAL FANTASY XIII now has a direct sequel! Join Lightning and company as a new battle begins! 

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Watch the trailer!

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from the highly acclaimed Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games. 

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Mass Effect
• Mass Effect 2
• Mass Effect 3
• Mass Effect Andromeda

Octopath Traveler

Watch the trailer!

Eight travelers. Eight adventures. Eight roles to play. Embark on an epic journey across the vast and wondrous world of Orsterra and discover the captivating stories of each of the eight travelers. 

Skyrim Special Edition

Watch the trailer!

Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail. 

Also check out on Game Pass:

• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Undertale

Watch the trailer!

The world-famous indie RPG UNDERTALE comes to Xbox One! Fall into the underworld and explore a hilarious and heartwarming world full of dangerous monsters.

Wrap up

There is more than enough here to keep you busy for months to come. Pretty much any one of these titles will have you spending weeks within its magical world, discovering all of its secrets. Have you already played any of these awesome RPGs? If so, share your thoughts on them in the comments. And if you don’t already have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, you can sign up here. Learn more about Game Pass on the FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of bethesda.net. 

Bassmaster Fishing 2022

Bassmaster Fishing 2022 brings the thrill competitive big bass fishing to Xbox Game Pass with fully licensed content from the Bassmaster series including amateur to elite events. You can play as—or against—ten professional anglers from the Elite tour across 8 real-world venues. Earn sponsors as you climb the ranks and come ever closer to becoming the Bassmaster Classic® Champion. Or take to the game’s online multiplayer modes (including cross play modes) and climb the global leaderboards or become champion of the Bassmaster Royale.

Cricket 22

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Cricket 22 delivers the Ashes, the Big Bash, The Hundred, and a multitude of other fan-favourite competitions! 

EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Golf without limits in EA SPORTS Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR!

EA Sports UFC 3

Watch the trailer on YouTube

EA SPORTS UFC® 3 revolutionizes fighting with Real Player Motion Tech, delivering the most fluid and responsive fighter motion in sports.

FIFA 21 Standard Edition

Watch the trailer on YouTube

This Dual Entitlement contains both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions.

Madden NFL 22

The 2022 installment of the long-running Madden NFL series does little to disappoint. The last Madden NFL to be released before John Madden’s passing, Madden NFL 22 brings several new features and tweaks to gameplay, as in staff management and the skill tree progression system. Madden NFL also features what is considered to be the greatest Madden cover of all time, featuring Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. It is only the second time two NFL players have shared a cover for a Madden game.

Matchpoint Tennis Championships

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Matchpoint – Tennis Championships is a modern take on tennis, featuring a true-to-life on-court experience.

MLB The Show 22 

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Every pitch. Every hit. Every win. Make your mark and Own the Show in MLB® The Show 22.

Moto GP 22

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Engines running: give the green light to the most immersive and authentic MotoGP gaming experience ever.

NHL 22

The 31st installment of the premier ice hockey sim, NHL 22 is the first to use the Frostbite game engine and the accompanying next-gen graphics overhaul. The game also introduces Superstar X-Factors—abilities that are unique to superstar players. Also new to NHL 22 are improved gameplay animations including those for reverse hitting, pass and shot blocks, pickups, goalie saves and more. NHL 22 also features women’s national hockey teams, a first for the franchise. The game’s soundtrack features such stars as Machine Gun Kelly, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, Jxdn, Volbeat and more.

Windjammers 2

Watch the trailer on YouTube

The best flying disc game of all time is back!

Wrap up

And that is merely the crème of the sports crop on Game Pass. There are plenty of other sports games worth checking out on the service. It’s no wonder Game Pass is rightfully known as the best value in gaming, and it’s good to see the sports genre so well represented. If you don’t already have a Game Pass membership, you can sign up here. Learn more about the service over on the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of youtube.com. 

Age of Empires IV

The latest installment of the classic RTS series is going strong, with a huge new update coming soon at the time of this writing to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

Age of Empires IV is set in the Middle Ages and offers 8 civilizations represented: the English, Chinese, the Mongols, the Delhi Sultanate, the French, the Abbasid Dynasty, the Rus, and the Holy Roman Empire. A forthcoming update will add the Ottomans and the Melians to the mix.

The game won the Best Sim/Strategy Game award at The Game Awards in 2021.

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Age of empires definitive edition
• Age of empires 2 definitive edition
• Age of empires 3 definitive edition

Frostpunk (PC Game Pass)

Frostpunk is a society survival game where heat means life and every decision comes at a price.

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Gears Tactics

This turn-based, top-down tactics game is a spinoff of the Gears of War series of third-person shooters. It is something of a departure from those games (as spinoffs usually are) though it retains much of what made the squad-based combat in the standard Gears titles so satisfying.

Gears Tactics uses five character classes, each with its own distinct set of abilities. Characters can also be customized and can level up and attain new skills. While the game unfortunately lacks a multiplayer mode, it is both a great Gears game and a great tactical game.

Halo Wars 2: Definitive Edition

Real-time strategy makes an explosive return to the Halo universe in Halo Wars 2.

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Halo Wars: Standard Edition

Plants vs. Zombies

A mob of fun-loving zombies is about to invade your home. Defend yourself with an arsenal of home-guardin’ plants to mulchify zombies before they reach your front door.

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Plants vs zombies garden warfare
• Plants vs zombies: battle for neighborville
• Plants vs zombies garden warfare 2

Research and Destroy

A turn-based action game with local and online cooperative play, Research and Destroy is a battle of the Super Scientists vs. The Supernaturals. It puts you in control of three brilliant scientists to develop new weapons and gadgets to destroy the supernatural hordes that have all but annihilated humanity.

Perform vivisections right on the battlefield to gain scientific insight into how develop upgrades and new weaponry. Strategic shooting powered by super science!

Shadowrun: Hong Kong Extended Edition

Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition is the capstone title in Harebrained Schemes’ Shadowrun series

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Also check out on Game Pass:

• Shadowrun dragonfall directors cut
• Shadowrun returns

Total War: Three Kingdoms (PC Game Pass)

Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the multi award-winning strategy series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China.

Watch the Trailer on YouTube

Wrap up

So what do you think of our picks? Is there a personal favorite of yours among them? Let us know about it in the comments. It’s good to see the strategy genre so well-represented on both Xbox and PC Game Pass. And if you don’t already have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, you can sign up here. Learn more about Game Pass over on its FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of theverge.com.  

Ben 10: Power Trip

Fans of the animated television series will get a blast out of Ben 10: Power Trip from Outright Games. The visual style and humor from the Cartoon Network show is intact here, and the game offers plenty of combat, puzzles and exploration—all playable cooperatively with a friend via local split screen. And there are 12 alien forms the player can transform into.

• Bug Fables

• Bugsnax

Costume Quest 2

In this action-roleplaying game from the video game mavens at Double Fine Productions (responsible for such classics as Psychonauts and Broken Age), players take control of Wren and Reynold. These twins are on a quest to stop the evil Dr. Orel white from destroying Halloween forever, and to do it they will need to collect candy and special ability-bestowing costumes along the way in this sequel to the 2010 original Costume quest.

• DJMAX RESPECT V

• Feeding Frenzy

• Feeding Frenzy 2

• Floppy Knights

• Garden Story

• Lost Words: Beyond the Page

My Friend Peppa Pig

If you don’t know, this game is based on the long-running British animated TV show Peppa Pig. In the game, you get to create your own character and create your own story…with the help of your new friend Peppa Pig, of course. And all your other favorite characters from the show will be there too to make every playtime a new experience. Splash muddy puddles, help Daddy Pig find his glasses, follow the animal tracks in the forest, and more in this exciting adventure.

• New Super Lucky’s Tale

• Pupeperazzi

• Spacelines from the Far Out

• Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master!

• The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom

• Unravel

Unravel two

In this platforming adventure you play as a pair of Yarnys. What is a Yarnys, you ask? A Yarny is a small creature made of yarn. This follow-up to the original Unravel throws a whole new dynamic into the mix by putting you in control of two Yarnys on a simple but poignant quest to chase their spark. Unravel two was the winner of “Family Game of the Year” at the 2019 D.I.C.E. Awards.

• Viva Piñata

• Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise 

Wrap up

So what do you think of our selections for best kids’ games on Xbox Game Pass? We hope this post helps you discover a new favorite. If you don’t already subscribe to Game Pass, you can sign up here. Learn more over on the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of gamespot.com. 

Battletoads

Watch the trailer on YouTube

This isn’t an old game – in fact it’s quite new, having released in August 2020 – but gamers who fondly remember Rare’s Battletoads franchise from the 8- and 16-bit days will no doubt fall in love with it all over again in this reboot. (Gamers with an Xbox Game Pass membership are also treated to more Battletoads in the 2015 compilation Rare Replay). The game features up to four-player cooperative play and a hand-drawn, cartoony visual style.

Black

This 2006 first-person shooter, released for both PS2 and Xbox, was the spiritual predecessor to Bodycount. It was listed at no. 99 in IGN’s Top 100 Shooters in 2013. While developing the game Criterion stated that they wanted to “do for shooting what Burnout did for racing – tear it apart.” Black indeed did make a lasting impression, and is remembered today as one of the best shooters of its console generation.

Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

Watch the trailer on YouTube

A remaster of the first two Command & Conquer games with sound and graphical enhancements as well as bonus content. Otherwise, the games are pretty much the same real-time strategy classics with only minor tweaks. It includes the The Covert Operations, Counterstrike, and The Aftermath expansions as well as additional missions from the PlayStation and N64 ports.

Double Dragon Neon 

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Double Dragon Neon is at once a reboot of the classic beat ‘em up franchise and an homage to it. It is described as “a very western adaptation” of Double Dragon, though it strives to retain the personality of the classic entries. Series creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto was a consultant during the game’s development. The core gameplay features familiar mechanics, with some refinements of course. Double Dragon Neon’s 2012 release coincided with the 25th anniversary of the series.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

This massively open world roleplaying phenomenon was something of a game changer when it came onto the original Xbox scene in 2002. With its thoroughly freeform gameplay philosophy and almost unprecedented breadth of scope, few gamer – and even fewer console gamers in particular – had ever seen anything like it. While the game isn’t perfect to say the least ( it is a Bethesda game, after all), it was a genre-redefining title in its time, and one of the original Xbox’s greatest classics.

Fallout

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Set in a post-apocalyptic, retro-futuristic world, the original Fallout is remembered today as a PC roleplaying classic and a spiritual successor to the 1988 sci-fi open world roleplaying game Wasteland. It was among the first games to explore the idea of lending the player moral ambiguity in how they choose to interact with the world and its NPCs. Which, of course, plays a part in shaping the impact the player makes upon the game world with his/her decisions. This is something which Bethesda has carried over to more recent installments of the Fallout franchise.

Grim Fandango Remastered

Watch the trailer on YouTube

This 1998 adventure game has been hailed as deserving a place among the greatest video games of all time. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise when you consider the game’s development pedigree. It was published by Lucas Arts – they that brought us such adventure game classics as Maniac Mansion, Full Throttle, and the Monkey Island series – in partnership with Tim Shafer and Double Fine Productions (think Psychonauts).

The game is often held as representative of video games as an art form, so much so that it was included in the Smithsonian Institution exhibit “The Art of Video Games” in 2012.

Rare Replay

You could think of this as a “Rare’s Greatest Hits” compilation, and that is saying something for one of the most storied game development studios in history. The 30 games featured in this amazing collection span many hardware generations from the ZX Spectrum to the Xbox 360. The games are mostly preserved in their original glory with only minor edits in some instances. A few of the standouts in this compilation are R.C. Pro-Am, Battletoads, Killer Instinct Gold, Banjo Kazooie, and Perfect Dark.

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Here we have another modern reboot of a beloved classic brawler, and old school gamers who got to experience the TMNT games of the NES days will love it. Shredder’s Revenge is an excellent throwback to those beat ‘em ups of yore with its side-scrolling action and pixel art graphics style, not to mention co-op for up to six players.

Wrap up

We hope you enjoyed that little trip down memory lane. Although the games featured here were really a mix of the old and the new. Are any of your favorites featured here? Be sure to let us know about your experiences with these games in the comments.

It’s good to see games for everyone being offered on Game Pass, and it’s one of the things that makes Game Pass the best gaming service out there right now. If you don’t already have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, you can sign up here. Right now you can get your first month for only $1. Head over to the Game Pass FAQ page to learn more. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts to see more Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of mixed-news.com. 

Thankfully, we have you covered with these Game Pass recommendations for those gamers who dig something a bit different from time to time. What follows are some great unique offerings that aren’t quite like other games out there. These games break up the status quo of popular shooters, racing and sports games, and open world adventures, and offer a gaming experience that is distinctly its own. So read on and brace yourself: because these games hit just a little different.

Hardspace: Shipbreaker (PC Game Pass)

This first-person action-adventure game has players exploring and dismantling abandoned spacecraft while scavenging valuable materials. It is definitely a breath of fresh air relative to all the space-based shooters out there. The game was developed by Blackbird Interactive, the same studio that is currently developing Minecraft Legends. Note that Hardspace: Shipbreaker is available for PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate only (Xbox Game Pass excluded).

House Flipper

Watch the video on YouTube

In House Flipper, the player fixes up properties in the hopes of selling them for a profit. Just as the game’s title implies. Clean, paint, lay down new tiles or carpeting, even tear down entire rooms and start over again to turn your vision of a dream home into a reality. The gameplay loop can be very satisfying, as so many game reviewers have noted.

Moonglow Bay

Watch the video on YouTube

Moonglow Bay is not your typical, run-of-the-mill fishing/role-playing video game, no matter what anyone tries to tell you. The gameplay loop involves fishing, cooking, and making upgrades to your boat. And there are plenty of side quests to mix things up. But more than that, the game is about fostering relationships with the people of the small fishing village and restoring its splintered community.

Overcooked! 2

Watch the video on YouTube

Overcooked! 2 dishes out a veritable buffet of fun for kids and adults alike. Culinary chaos reigns supreme in this cooking simulator, and with online multiplayer support for up to four players, there is no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen. And with the fate of the Onion Kingdom in the balance, the steaks have never been higher.

PowerWash Simulator

A recent day one Game Pass release, PowerWash Simulator is a “first-person cleaner” from Square Enix’s independent game division, Square Enix Collective. In the game players take control of a small power washing business in the town of Muckingham, taking on a variety of cleaning jobs. These aren’t mundane tasks, however, as you’ll be cleaning everything from run of the mill homes to a Mars space rover. And you’ll gain access to new tools and equipment upgrades along the way.

Slime Rancher

Watch the trailer on YouTube

In this first-person open-world adventure you play as a “slime rancher” named Beatrix LeBeau, whose job consists of building a ranch and collecting, raising, feeding and breeding slimes. Toward this end you’ll venture through disparate areas collecting resources such as slime food with your VacPack. What is a Vacpack, you are probably asking? It’s a vacuum backpack, and you’ll be using it a lot to suck up slimes and items.

Surgeon Simulator 2: Access All Areas

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Surgeon Simulator 2 has players conducting a series of increasingly complex operations – hopefully with successful outcomes for the hapless patients. In addition to the campaign mode there is also a party mode, and up to four players can get in on the fun in either. Players can even create their own surgery scenarios.

Turbo Golf Racing (Game Preview)

This fast, arcade-sports title just hit Game Pass as one of the most recent additions at the time of this writing. In Turbo Golf Racing you will boost, jump and flip your supercharged car as you chip, putt and smash giant golf balls to the finish line. And you can do all this with up to 8 friends online. Note that the game is still in Preview status and is a work in progress.

Weird West

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Weird West is a top-down action-RPG that takes on – as you might be able to guess – a weird western aesthetic. From Devolver Digital and developer WolfEye Studios, the game is somewhat reminiscent of the earlier, pre-Bethesda Fallout games. It follows the stories of five bounty hunters and raises the stakes with the inclusion of permadeath, meaning that the player’s choices in the game have very real consequences in the game.

Wrap up

So now that you’ve seen our list of Game Pass games that offer something a little different, tell us what you think. Are there any other unique Game Pass titles that we missed? Is there a personal favorite of yours featured here? Let us know about your experiences with these games.

If you don’t already have a Game Pass subscription, you can sign up here and get your first month for only $1. Learn more about Game Pass by visiting the FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for more Game Pass recommendations.