Summary
According to Microsoft’s official website,Xbox Game Passcurrently has 510 games on offer via its Ultimate tier, with 473 games being available on PC Game Pass alone. Of those 510, gamers are sure to find at least a handful of games from every conceivable genre, from action to strategy to simulation and everything in between. And that handful is sure to run the gamut of first-party, third-party, andIndie releases.
Variety is Xbox Game Pass' whole deal, and it’s something that’s remained a vital component of the service since its launch in 2017. With every batch of new titles that hits Game Pass every month, fans are guaranteed to find a wide variety of genres and experiences. This month alone,Xbox Game Passhas added sports games, platform fighters, action-strategies, and open-world action-adventures. But while Xbox Game Pass is home to all types of video game experiences, there’s one genre it seems to have a particular penchant for, and the recent addition ofFlintlock: The Siege of Dawnseems to cement that feeling.
Xbox Game Pass Is a Hub for Soulslikes
With the release ofDemon’s Soulsin 2009 andDark Soulsin 2011, a new type of action-adventure game was released into the world. A compelling blend of methodical, slower-paced combat, brutal challenge, and light RPG elements formed the basis of what would go on to be known as the Soulslike genre, a genre that’s continued to grow exponentially more popular over the last decade or so. And as the Soulslike genre has continued to grow, Xbox Game Pass has continued to grow right alongside it.
For years now, Soulslike games have thrived on Xbox Game Pass, and they’ve been a consistent part of the service’s monthly line-up. These Soulslikes have ranged from huge AAA entries likeStar Wars Jedi: Survivor, toIndie games likeDeath’s Door, and a whole swathe in between. Many of these additions have also been day-one launches on the service, with well-known games likeAnother Crab’s Treasure,Lies of P, andWo Long: Fallen Dynastyall beingsoulslikes that hit Xbox Game Passon release day.
The Soulslike genre is, rather famously, quite difficult for newcomers to get into. A higher level of difficulty, a greater reliance on skill-based combat, and some more obtuse gameplay mechanics and narrative devices can leave Soulslike newcomers feeling a bit overwhelmed. But this is where Xbox Game Pass' close relationship withthe Soulslike genrebecomes mutually beneficial for both parties. Xbox Game Pass allows Soulslike newcomers to dip their toes into the often intimidating genre for no extra cost, and that gives the game a better chance of succeeding and gives Xbox Game Pass more titles to add to its ever-growing service.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Continues Game Pass' Soulslike Trend
Released just a few days ago,Flintlock: The Siege of Dawnis the latest entry in Xbox Game Pass' Soulslike strategy. Much like titles such asLies of PandAnother Crab’s Treasurebefore it,Flintlock: The Siege of Dawnis an ambitious smaller-scale Soulslike that may not be perfect but has a lot of innovative ideas and is certainly worth checking out for fans of the genre, making it the perfect Xbox Game Pass addition. And just like past Soulslikes,Flintlock’s place on Xbox Game Passis sure to bring more players on board while also adding another solid game to the service, marking another win-win scenario.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you may play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
