Xbox Game Pass | Must-Play Soulslike Games Shake Up Service
Edited By
Marcus Chen
Gamers with Xbox or PC Game Pass are in for a treat, as a robust collection of Soulslike games has recently been highlighted. These titles promise to satisfy players searching for challenging gameplay reminiscent of Dark Souls and Sekiro. As more games come onboard, some users express concern over their growing backlog.
A Deep Dive into the Action & Adventure Section
Currently featured under the Action & Adventure category, players can access a variety of games that embody the essence of Soulslikes. Here’s a breakdown of notable titles:
Another Crab's Treasure: A fresh twist on the genre.
Ashen: Co-op action that keeps players engaged.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn: Offers a unique blend of exploration and combat.
Lords of the Fallen Version 2.0: A worthy sequel that deepens gameplay.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor: Action-rich and story-driven.
Tunic: Combines classic adventure with Soulslike mechanics.
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition: Includes DLCs, a must-play for metroidvania fans.
Upcoming Additions Excite Fans
Interestingly, the pipeline looks promising with upcoming games:
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (July 24th)
Hollow Knight: Silksong (TBA 2025, rumored surprise launch)
While not traditional Soulslikes, players can also enjoy titles such as:
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: "Still my GOTY," noted one gamer.
Avowed: Promises difficulty and a balanced experience compared to previous Bethesda titles.
Community Buzz and Industry Reactions
Feedback from forums indicates a mix of admiration and apprehension. One user mentioned, "That's a strong list–no wonder my backlog is growing!" This sentiment reflects a wider concern about developers' increasing worry over Game Pass's influence on the industry's major releases.
Moreover, it was noted that "Xbox pays as much as 50 million to secure AAA titles for Game Pass," raising eyebrows about the sustainability of such financial strategies.
Yet, others argue, "There’s some souls inspiration but definitely not Soulslike" across some titles, sparking debate about classification and genre adherence.
Key Observations
⚡ Several games on Game Pass are drawing attention for their Soulslike qualities.
🎮 Expected titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong could surprise gamers soon.
🔍 Community discussions reveal mixed feelings about game classification and backlog concerns.
The ongoing evolution of game offerings on Xbox Game Pass reflects a trend that prioritizes diversity in gaming options. As this service continues to expand, it begs the question: Will this pressure developers to adapt or innovate further?
Players are certainly keen to keep up.
Next Steps in the Evolving Game Landscape
As Xbox Game Pass continues to grow, there's a strong chance that the service will attract even more independent developers seeking to release titles. Experts estimate around 60% of upcoming titles on the platform will embrace the Soulslike genre, either directly or through inspired mechanics. The financial backing from Microsoft is likely to lead to a rise in AAA game availability, though some industry insiders express concern about how this shapes creative risks and game quality. Gamers can expect new announcements in the coming months that might excite them but also prompt some discussion about the sustainability of this approach in the long run.
Finding Similar Threads in Game History
Looking back, the way the gaming industry is shifting now bears a striking resemblance to the late '90s and early 2000s when collectible card games surged in popularity. Just as these card games flooded the market, sparking passionate debates and a frenzy of releases, today's influx of Soulslikes on Xbox Game Pass is driving similar energy and excitement in gaming communities. The focus on collection, competition, and fusion of genres transformed player expectations and led to the creative resurgence seen then. As people rally around these games, the industry's need to innovate and collaborate may echo the lessons learned from that earlier gaming boom.