Even more GamePass hidden gems!
It has been well over a year since we did our last list of GamePass hidden gems. A lot has changed since then, with the industry rapidly shifting towards new directions that have yet to be realized, but one thing is still for certain. GamePass is the gift that keeps on giving. We thought it was about time to dive in again and see what sort of underrated hidden titles have been released for the service. Whether you’re a hardcore shooter fan, enjoy a cozy farming game, or want to stretch your mind to its limits with endless puzzles, there’s truly something for everyone here still. Let’s know what titles you’ve discovered and think deserve a little more love down below!
Jusant
Jusant was the first title that jumped to mind when compiling this list. While it was given a proper showcase reveal at Xbox’s 2023 Games Showcase and being developed by the talented and expanding team at Don’t Nod. Jusant climbed its way onto console last October, becoming a nice surprise I feel was buried in the busy fall release schedule. Jusant at its core is a game about climbing and discovery. You find yourself climbing a tower in the middle of a desert, exploring abandoned settlements and caves, unraveling what happened to the people who once called these aged cliffs home. Jusant crafted a dense ambient world to explore while at the same time feeling eerie and lost. Running roughly 4-5 hours to complete, Jusant doesn’t overstay its welcome or force unnatural changes on the player. If you’re looking for a different type of exploration game with a vibrant art style, give Jusant a try.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
GamePass can also be used as a service for major publishers or developers to try out new ideas or projects that, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t be financially beneficial. We saw this earlier this year when Capcom released Kunitsu-Gami, a gorgeously stylized tower defense action game. Placed in the world of Japanese folklore, you’re tasked with protecting a priestess as she cleanses villages of defilement and demonic creatures known as "Seethe,” based off of Japanese Yokai. While escorting the priestess, you’ll rescue kidnapped villagers, who you can in turn give masks to and help you turn the tide of battle. These masks can transform those who wear them into archers for long range, sumo wrestlers who aggrieved nearby enemies,unt of customization you can do with these masks truly makes each encounter its own puzzle as you learn synergies between certain classes and where you may be lacking resources in. or a petty thief digging up additional resources and treasure. The amount of customization you can do with these masks truly makes each encounter its own puzzle as you learn synergies between certain classes and where you may be lacking resources in.
While the Irons Hot
This completely flew under my radar until it was released and has a unique twist on typical fantasy dungeon crawling. As a new blacksmith in town, you’re tasked with crafting weapons, tools, and gear for travelers and people across the land. You’ll journey across a vibrant pixel art land, exploring caves and forests for new minerals and materials to further your profession. All while trying to rebuild your abandoned village. Instead of being given quests of collecting x amount of these or killing x amount of skeletons, you’ll need to craft basic needs like weapons and nails before it slowly snowballs into more extravagant requests. With a solid mix of puzzles, you’ll find yourself keeping a mental checklist of all your work orders you have to do while unraveling something more mystical on the side. This is perfect if your looking for a different kind of cozy style game to end your evenings off with. You're not on a time limit so youre able to take your time on your adventure and progress at your own pace. Sit back, relax, and live out your humble fantasy dreams.
Have a Nice Death
I talked about this previously on our podcast The Download Queue, but Have a Nice Death is a super solid roguelike. Have a Nice Death looks like it’s pulled from an early 2000’s cartoon, and with a whacky storyline to fit in, it stands out in an otherwise crowded genre. While it borrows a lot from Hades, the team over at Magic Design Studios was able to put their own twist on things to keep it fresh. As the embodiment of death itself, you’re tasked with returning to your office space and knocking some sense into your lesser managers who have tried taking a little too much power in their favor. In between runs, you’ll spend time in your break room chatting with a goofy cast of characters, learning their backstories, both living and not, or helping them with problems and taking the roll of HR into your own hands. While the game has a slightly slower level of progression and upgrade paths it never deterred from my overall enjoyment with each run.
Lil Gator Game
This one goes out to any of you with kids out there. The Lil Gator Game is about acceptance and growing up. Part collectathon, part open world exploration Lil Gator Game is the definition of childhood play; it captures how it felt to be a kid running the streets and making memories during the summer as a kid. As you try to grab the attention of your older sister, who’s too old to play silly games anymore, you’ll work your way into the hearts of everyone around as you try to set up the biggest, coolest game ever. Li Gator Game isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for an easy entry point for a new gamer or some easy gamerscore, Li Gator Game is waiting to play!