Today, Microsoft announced some of the games coming to their paid subscription service Xbox Game Pass from June 1-10. Usually, Microsoft announces at least nine to 10 games twice a month, but due to the impending major industry event called E3 2021, they are obviously leaving off some surprises for their big press conference on June 13.
However, the four games included in this preliminary announcement are all varied experiences that provide a little something for everyone, while also continuing Microsoft’s vision of a three-pronged ecosystem.
First up, and available right now, is a newly released indie title from Humble Bundle and developer Moonlight Kids called The Wild At Heart. I’ve actually been playing this game since it released Day 1 on Game Pass for console and PC on May 19. So, now it completes the Xbox trifecta and is available on the cloud side of things along with its console and PC brethren. Also, keep in mind that Cloud now includes Android, IOS, and other web browser enabled devices.
The Wild at Heart sees you controlling a kid named Wake who is running away from home along with another friend that he plans to meet in the woods behind his house. When incidentally Wake actually stumbles upon an entirely hidden world that somehow involves the powers of light and dark. So in helping this ragtag group of do-gooders and trying to find his friend, Wake must learn to find scrap to craft items and sidestep or directly combat wildlife all while avoiding the ultimate peril of nightfall. The game also features some rather serene music and a wonderful art style that lights up any screen it inhabits. So, anyone that likes distinct art styles, relaxing games, or games with crafting elements, I’d check this one out.
Next, is the 2017 Ubisoft joint For Honor coming to Cloud and Console on June 3. Check out our review for more details on the game, but for anyone unaware For Honor is a fighting game set in a Medieval land featuring four different factions. Each coming with its own fighting style, unique look, stance, and set of characters. Although the pacing is a bit more methodical, figuring out what style suits you best is part of the charm of For Honor. Not to mention, over the years Ubisoft has done a great job of continuously supporting the game as well. This is the perfect game for Game Pass, allowing for wonderful freedom of choice whether you are a fighting game veteran or a total novice.
Hitting on the PC side of things is a Day 1 release for the narrative post-noir title Backbone. In this distinct take on a point-and-click adventure, you play as Howard Lotor, a detective who has come upon a major mystery in this town full of animals. In his quest to solve the case, Howard must have conversations with locals, find clues, solve puzzles, and did I mention you play as a Racoon? So anyone with Gamepass Ultimate can check out this 3D pixel art game when it drops on June 8. Also, if you are a fan of video game tunes, go check out the Backbone soundtrack, Backbone Prologue on Spotify, I-Tunes, or other music streaming places.
Finally, coming on June 10 is the 2016 indie smash Darkest Dungeon from Redhook Studios. One of the premier games when it comes to the Roguelike genre, you play as a team of the unlikeliest of people as you traverse the horrors of a dungeon. Also moonlighting as the mixture between a turn-based RPG and a gothic Oregon Trail things like disease, stress, and the ultimate death nail fear can literally pull everyone apart. Try your luck at trying to make it out alive on the cloud, console, and PC.
Sadly, with new arrivals come the tearjerking departures for gaming’s Netflix equivalent. Leaving on June 15 are the following: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (Console), Night Call (Cloud, Console, and PC), West of Dead (Cloud, Console, and PC), Wizard of Legend (Cloud, Console, and PC), and Observation (Cloud, Console, and PC).
With E3 2021 looming expect to see some more announcements of games coming during this same early June period or later in the month as well.
