Xbox Extended Showcase Shows off New Game Pass Titles
Xbox’s press conference earlier this week was followed by an extended look at some of the newest games coming to the service over the next year or so. This included a plethora of indie gems from multiple different genres- meaning there’s something for almost every type of player. Take a look below at the most exciting games revealed.
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a game that’s been on a lot of people’s radars since its announcement at a Nintendo Direct earlier this year. Confirmed for an August 29th release, this retro-inspired JRPG has a lot of the same elements as Chained Echoes- another 16-bit game already on Game Pass. With a highly praised demo on the Nintendo Switch already out, and with it being a prequel to the incredible ‘The Messenger’, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated indies of the year.
Mineko’s Night Market
With shop-simulator games like Moonlighter becoming more and more popular, it’s no surprise that Xbox has sought to include one of the most promising in their 2023 Game Pass lineup. With a charming art style and focus on Japanese culture, Mineko’s Night Market looks to be a relaxing (while also creepy) take on the genre fittingly launching on October 26th. this year.
Another Crab’s Adventure
Famous for its bizarre take on the Soulslike formula, Another Crab’s Adventure is launching day one on Game Pass in early 2024. With you playing as a crab with multiple shells, you’ll take on challenging deep-sea bosses and explore the depths of the ocean while fighting for your life. If you can’t get enough of Dark Souls and Elden Ring’s difficulty but want more of a twist, Another Crab’s Adventure may just be the game for you.
Lightyear Frontier
One of the latest farming sim games to be announced, Lightyear Frontier puts you in control of a mech on an unexplored planet with one goal: make a life for yourself. With resource gathering, exploration, and, of course, farming, this 3D cozy experience is perfect for relaxing with friends. The end of the latest trailer also hinted at some secrets hidden around the planet you’ll be exploring- so you may find that there’s more than meets the eye when the game launches in early 2024.
Little Kitty, Big City
No doubt inspired by the huge success of last year’s ‘Stray’, the incredibly named ‘Little Kitty, Big City’ puts players in control of the titular kitty in, well, a big city. By taking elements of Untitled Goose Game and tasked with the vague ‘find a way home’ goal, this looks to be yet another relaxing game in the astronomically popular ‘Cat-like’ genre that will only grow from here. You can get your hands on this guaranteed masterpiece later on in 2024.
Neon White
Finally, the insanely popular ‘Neon White’ was confirmed to be coming to Game Pass at some point in either 2023 or 2024. Initially releasing in 2022, this highly addictive first-person parkour game has achieved a 98% overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam. With smooth controls and a loop that encourages players to keep replaying levels to get the best times, never before has speedrunning been integrated into a game so well. If you’re prepared to get addicted, keep this on your radar.
