2021 is well underway and we’re seeing the already excellent Xbox Game Pass expand once more. With this latest round of games being added into Xbox Game Pass, I think it is safe to say that the post-Christmas lull is over. Let’s jump straight in!
The Medium – 28th January
The headliner for this month is undoubtedly The Medium on Xbox Series X|S, as those of us with shiny new consoles finally have a game developed specifically for it.
And what a first test this will be; played across two co-existing realities you play as a medium, as the only person who can travel between them both. Expect to see these realities clash and contrast as both can be present on your screen at the same time. You will need to solve puzzles in one to progress in the other and use your psychic abilities in both to uncover a horrifying secret.
The developers at Bloober Team are being purposefully secretive over the actual plot, but going on their previous releases including Layers of Fear and Blair Witch, expect the plot of The Medium to be equal parts expertly told and absolutely terrifying.
The Yakuza Remastered Collection – 28th January
Also releasing on the same day is another highly requested title – or trio of titles – coming straight into Game Pass: remasterings of Yakuza 3, 4 and 5.
Releasing all at once as part of The Yakuza Remastered Collection, this second trilogy of Yakuza titles continue the tale of Kazuma Kiryu. You should know by now how the story goes; Kiryu has turned his back on the ways of the yakuza, but inevitably gets dragged back in. Whether that be from opening his own orphanage in Okinawa or living out his days as a regular taxi driver, his past is never far behind.
These remastered versions offer much more however than when they first launched on the PlayStation 3. Originally cut content that was deemed ‘too Japanese’ for Western audiences is now included. Meaning that, even if you have played these before, there is still plenty for you to discover.
These should all tie you over as well until 25th March when Yakuza 6: The Song of Life also drops straight into Xbox Game Pass.
Donut County – 21st January
During our careers as gamers, we have played as lots of different ‘things’ I am sure. Donut County takes the biscuit though as you play as a hole in the ground*, devouring anything that dares approach your orifice.
*By that I mean a racoon that drives a remote-controlled hole around the world. Which is perhaps weirder itself?
Donut County comes from Ben Esposito, designer on What Remains of Edith Finch and The Unfinished Swan, but couldn’t be further from either of those games. This hole won’t stop until everything has been devoured.
Players won’t need to wait long as the ‘whole’ game will be coming to Xbox Game Pass very soon!
Cyber Shadow – 26th January
Launching straight into Xbox Game Pass on Day One is Cyber Shadow, a 2D ninja platforming adventure with a gorgeous 8-bit presentation.
For us older folk that can remember having only eight bits then Cyber Shadow should look very familiar. Dash, slice and leap through the remains of Mekacity to exact revenge for your fallen clan member on what will be your last mission. But with more than a dozen bosses to take down throughout your journey, just make sure that final mission doesn’t have a premature ending.
Desperados III – 21st January
It might not be the Wild West game that people were hoping would make a return to Game Pass, but Desperados III is yet another excellent addition.
Desperados III is a real-time strategy game and a prequel to the classic Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive. Join John Cooper and his posse of misfits on a dangerous quest for redemption throughout the Wild West. Each character has their own unique set of skills and you must plan ahead if you wish to survive. But remember; not every fight needs to be fought. Use stealth to your advantage too.
As well as all these games arriving on console, Control is coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC and Outer Wilds is joining the Android line-up, both on 21st January. But as with any additions, some room needs to be made and sadly we will be losing some big titles on 29th January:
- Death Squared
- Death’s Gambit (PC)
- Final Fantasy XV
- Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour
- Gris (PC)
- Indivisible
- Reigns: Game of Thrones (PC)
- Sea Salt
Make sure to play those between now and then if you don’t want to miss out!
There are some big inclusions in the next few weeks, but what are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for reviews on all the new additions coming soon!
