There are five games that are confirmed for Game Pass later this year that are especially exciting. Not all of them have confirmed release dates and, even if they did, how often dothosestick? These are in no particular order, but they all look like a lot of fun. Let’s get to it.
5Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
There’s a chance that some of you reading this weren’t even alive when the very firstTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterlaunched back in 1874 or however long ago it was. It certainlyfeelsthat long ago to those of us who were there. Back in the day, a newPro Skatertitle was as much of an event as the newestMadden NFLorCall of Dutytitle. It bailed on a few grinds (or whatever skating terminology you want to use here, I don’t care) over the years, but came back strong with the fantasticTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+ 2.And, yeah, it’s essentially a remake of the first two games.
4Ninja Gaiden 4
Since we’re on the nostalgia train, here’s another classic franchise itchin' for a comeback. Only this one has a whole new adventure for us to jump into. Eventually.
TheNinja Gaidenseries has been doing its thing since the NES days. It made the transition from 2D to 3D better than most, and the modern games in the series are all widely acclaimed for their frenetic action and relentless difficulty. Well, at least they were untilNinja Gaiden IIIcame along. That game was so poorly received that I’m shocked it’s getting a sequel at all. But, getting a sequel it is, and now we know that it’s not going to be that long of a wait.
Ninja Gaiden 4will be available on day one with Game Pass in October. In the meantime, you can brush up on those ninja skills by playingNinja Gaiden 2 Black, a great remaster of the legendary sequel, also on Game Pass.
3Fable
Remember when Peter Molyneux, the developer of the originalFablegames, told the gaming press that players would be able to plant an acorn in the first game and watch it grow over time? And then, it turned out that, no, players couldn’t actually do that? Good times. Unfortunately, the focus over the years on what Molyneuxdidn’tput in his games has overshadowed what hedid, as the original threeFablegames (yes, even the third one, shut up) were downright excellent action RPGs in their own right.
Peter’s not involved in this reboot, but do you know who is? Playground Studios, the fine folks behind the Forza Horizon games. Do you want to know who else? How about Richard Ayoade and Matt King? You may have to Google who they are but, once you do, I can assure you that you’ll most likely say “Oh yeah, those guys.” Molyneux isn’t here to make any outlandish promises about upcoming features,but there’s still plenty we’d like to see.
The newFabledoesn’t yet have a release date, but we are assured it will hit both store shelves and Game Pass sometime next year.
2Hollow Knight: Silksong
It feels weird talking aboutHollow Knight: Silksongas a game that’s actually coming out. For the longest time, it was this generation’sDuke Nukem Forever—a highly anticipated sequel that just seemed like it was never going to be made, much less released. However, this long-awaited follow-up toHollow Knightlooks like it might actually see the light of day sometime this year - and hopefully worth the wait—and hopefully better thanDuke Nukem Forever.
When it does, though, you may expect it to be on Game Pass day one. It may even see a releasealongside the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally device. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though.
1Sleight of Hand
I know I said these were in no particular order, but I just had to save this for numero uno. Why? Because it’s right in my wheelhouse. What do you get when you take the stealth action ofMetal Gear Solidand combine it with a deckbuilder? Yes,Metal Gear Ac!d, smarty-pants. What else?Sleight of Hand, that’s what.
Lady Luck is a witch out for revenge in a fantasynoirsetting, and she has a whole deck of magic cards at her disposal. She’s even voiced by Meryl Silverberg herself, Debi Mae West, in case theMetal Gearsimilarities aren’t hitting home hard enough. You’ll throw your cards at enemies, sneak through hideouts, solve mysteries, and then, I dunno, listen to jazz or something. Ey! It’s the Forties! I’m walkin' heah! Seriously, though, this game looks really cool.
Sleight of Handhas no scheduled release date other than sometime this year, and even that’s a little iffy. Fortunately, it so far looks worth the wait.
That’s just five games you’re able to expect to hit Game Pass at some point this year, and the list keeps growing. Don’t hesitate to let us know which games you are also excited about. That’s why there’s a comments section.
