Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99 each month so be sure to check it out if you want a Netflix-style subscription for games. Today, Microsoft announced that Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition, Fable Anniversary, Halo Wars 2, Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey, NBA 2K17, Rime, Riptide GP: Renegade, and WWE 2K17 are coming to the service in February 2018.
Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition
Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is the remastered version of the Xbox 360 game which popularized the franchise. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition has been available on Xbox Game Pass for a while now so it's great to see the sequel make its way to the service. This time around you follow the Horseman of Death as he tries to restore humanity and help his brother.
Even though the remastered version doesn't run that well on Xbox One, as it currently suffers from severe performance issues, it's still playable and may run smoother on an Xbox One X. Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition appeared on Xbox Game Pass back in July 2017 but was removed shortly afterward. It's great to see that it's now back in the collection.
Fable Anniversary
Fable Anniversary is the Xbox 360 remaster of the original Fable. With this addition, Xbox Game Pass members can now play the entire Fable trilogy with their subscription. The Fable franchise is known for its focus on hilarious dialogue and expansive choices, as you can do whatever you want in the game. Recent rumors indicate that Microsoft is working on a revival of the franchise so be sure to play Fable Anniversary to understand why players love the series.
Halo Wars 2
Halo Wars 2 is the sequel many gamers were waiting for. This is the second real-time strategy game set in the Halo universe which tasks you with taking down a group known as The Banished and their powerful leader. Halo Wars 2 features many improvements over the original experience because it's more complex and has received a significant graphics overhaul. If you love strategy games, be sure to check out Halo Wars 2 with your subscription. The mechanics work flawlessly with a controller.
Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey
Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey is a simple role-playing game but instead of attacking monsters outright, you have to spell words which unlock attacks. There are tons of items, boosters, and chapters to unlock in this rather lengthy experience. If you're looking for a somewhat casual experience between those heavy-hitters, be sure to give this title a go. It's a little cumbersome to play with a controller because it seems more like a mobile game which needs touchscreen controls.
NBA 2K17
NBA 2K17 is another entry in the popular basketball simulator titles from 2K Games. The game launched in 2016 so it's a little old but received stellar review scores upon release. If you like watching basketball, then this is the game for you because in many ways it's the best basketball experience out there. Though, nothing beats actually playing on a court.
Rime
Rime is a third-person adventure game which tasks you with exploring a mysterious island and solving puzzles. The story is just as enigmatic as its environment, with an ending which will shock you. Even though Rime can become frustrating at times due to uneven puzzle difficulty, it's worth playing for the gorgeous scenery alone.
Riptide GP: Renegade
Just like previous Riptide games, Riptide GP: Renegade puts players into a futuristic world of illicit hydro jet racing. Taking a page out of a dystopian manual, the game features armored riders performing death-defying stunts over massive waterfalls. That's not all though because there are police officers to outrun and boosters to collect to go even faster. This definitely isn't your average hydro jet racing game.
WWE 2K17
Just like NBA 2K17, WWE 2K17 is another popular franchise from 2K Games. While the series doesn't have much competition, it's still a lot of fun to play due to the wrestling theme. While NBA 2K17 garnered great reviews, many critics and players felt that WWE 2K17 was a letdown from the publisher. However, if you like World Wrestling Entertainment, then you might enjoy WWE 2K17.
Be sure to download these games on February 1 if you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription. All of these games offer radically different experiences but require a modicum of skill to be successful. We'll keep you posted next month when more titles are added to the service. Additionally, Microsoft also said that Metal Gear Solid V and WWE 2K16 would leave Xbox Game Pass on January 31.
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