There’s a “wildly creative” game that you can play for free onXbox Game Passright now, and I highly recommend picking it out of your backlog. Microsoft’s subscription service is constantly changing, adding and removing new games every month, but these big announcements sometimes overshadow the true classics hiding within the service.
Xbox Game Pass is famous for its Day One releases (games that launch on Game Pass on the day of their release), includingFrostpunk 2,which is included inSeptember’s line-up of games. New additions often take the spotlight, butit’s always worth looking back at what’s already available in the catalog, as you can find valuable games to play.
The Title Can Be Played On PC & Consoles
One of these older additions isDead Cells. The indie roguelike game inspired by metroidvania exploration is available in the catalog for both consoles and PC, and can be played on both Xbox Series X/S, as well as Xbox One.
Developed and published by Motion Twin,Dead Cellsjoined the catalog back in 2019. While it’s not expected to leave the subscription service anytime soon, the constant rotation of the catalog means it’s best toplayDead Cellson Xbox Game Passsooner rather than later.
The Title’s Gameplay Loop Is Fun
Often considered a staple of the genre,Dead Cellssports an impressive 89 onMetacritic, with outlets likeNintendojodescribing it as a “wildly creative” game. InScreenRant’s review ofDead Cells, we gave it a 4.5 score out of 5, highlighting its fun gameplay loop and writing:
“Dead Cells does so much right that it’s a must-play for anyone with the slightest interest in Metroidvania, roguelikes or just 2D gaming in general.”
Fan praise is also high for the game, with its Metacritic user score sitting at an impressive 8.3.
As a roguelike, you’re able to expect to die and see yourself restarting the adventure multiple times, but you’ll come back stronger and more prepared with each run. While it’s definitely a more challenging gaming experience, it’s one that fans ofHollow Knight,Hades, andKatana Zeroshouldn’t sleep on, as its creative influence is clear in these releases.
