Need a break from the September heat? Head inside, cool off and get stuck into the latest games on Xbox Game Pass. As usual, we’ve checked them all out for you, so you can decide which one to dive into next.
If you’re new to Xbox Game Pass, here’s the deal: for a monthly subscription fee, you get access to hundreds of games. Play on console, PC or even on your mobile through Cloud – you’ve got all the bases covered. Now, onto the good stuff…
New games
Craftopia – Cloud, console and PC
Craftopia is for… well, it’s for everyone really. This game is about as open as it gets. It’s you, an island, all the bits and bobs you could need… and a few baddies for good measure.
There are animals, resources and crops to grow, build and craft. You’ve got dungeons and other islands to explore and fight your way through. You can automate stuff on your island for some good ol’ fashioned factory management. And you’ll need to keep your hunger in check to survive.
Survival, building, action, adventure – it’s all there to play for.
Available now
Final Fantasy XIII – Console and PC
Everyone knows the Final Fantasy franchise by now, right? And there’s a reason for that – these games are considered some of the best RPGs of all time. So if you’re a fan, take a trip down memory lane with this Xbox 360 classic. Or if you’re not a fan, maybe it’s time to become one!
In Final Fantasy XIII, you’ll be plunged into the world of Pulse. Fast paced battles, adventure and mystery await!
Available now
Signs of the Sojourner – Cloud, console and PC
Signs of the Sojourner is a card game. But not the kind you’re used to. Signs is about relationships, connection and grief. After the death of your mother, it’s up to you to keep her little shop going. But to fill it, you’ll need to travel around finding items to stock and sell.
Where do the cards come in? Your deck makes up your personality – giving you traits, attitudes and affecting your interactions with others. And other people are a big part of this game. Conversations are the key to finding items for your shop, and the choices you make affect where you go and how your story ends.
Available now
Surgeon Simulator 2 – Cloud, console and PC
This game is less about nursing your vict- sorry, patient, back to health and more about desperately trying not to butcher them. Or just throwing all caution to the wind and making them a walking science experiment. Either way, Surgeon Simulator 2 is ludicrously silly and not advised for any kind of actual surgery experience.
And now you can share the madness with up to three of your mates in multiplayer mode. Go freestyle, play the campaign together or play one of hundreds of community-made levels. The choice is yours.
Oh, and if you’re in the mood for a laugh, please check out some of the Surgeon Sim playthrough videos on YouTube.
Available now
Crown Trick – Console and PC
If you’re into dungeon crawlers and roguelikes, Crown Trick is a great one. As adventurer Elle, you’ll need to escape the monster-ridden Nightmare Realm you find yourself in and (surprise, surprise) save the world.
There’s a twist though. In Crown Trick the map and all the enemies in it only move when you do. You’ll need to think carefully before every turn to avoid traps, defeat your enemies and generally survive. Plus, there are skills, weapons and Familiars to collect and master to aid your escape.
The artwork, writing and gameplay are fun and clever. So if you want a fresh challenge from your dungeon crawler, give Crown Trick a go.
Available now
Breathedge – Cloud, console and PC
You’re the man. No really. In Breathedge you play as The Man, an average guy who’s just trying to get his grandad’s ashes to a galactic funeral. Unfortunately though, The Man finds himself smack bang in the middle of a dark universal conspiracy. As you do.
Survive in deep space, solve the mystery and sit back and enjoy. Breathedge is a game that definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. So there’ll be plenty of laughs while you and your immortal chicken sidekick try to make it out alive.
Available from 9 September
Nuclear Throne – Console and PC
Nuclear Throne is a ‘post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter’. Try saying that five times fast!
As with any roguelike, you’ll need to complete runs, fighting your way out of the sticky situation you’ve found yourself in. Except with this roguelike, you’ve got radiation to contend with. The world as you know it is gone. Now, the Earth is just a nuclear wasteland, filled with creepy monsters, mutants and general chemically induced unpleasantness.
But that radiation can come in handy too. As you progress through the game, you’ll collect radiation – allowing you to mutate extra limbs and superpowers to finally reach the Nuclear Throne.
Available from 9 September
The Artful Escape – Console and PC
Music lovers and gamers, rejoice! This one’s for you. In Artful Escape you play Francis Vendetti, a budding musician stuck in the shadow of his superstar uncle. Your goal? To go on a journey of self-discovery to find your own musical identity and persona. Think David Bowie trying to morph into Ziggy Stardust.
Artful Escape is a platformer, with a landscape built totally around music. Your weapon’s also suitably musical – a magic guitar that can change your environment or help you defeat bosses. There’s some pretty impressive voice acting too, from big names like Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey and Wes Anderson film favourite Jason Schwartzman.
Available from 9 September
Interested? Check out our Xbox Game Pass memberships below...