It's a big day for Xbox Game Pass. Not only has the Xbox Series X launched worldwide, but the service has now added Destiny 2: Beyond Light and EA Play, giving subscribers a ton of content to try. In fact, Xbox Game Pass has so many titles available that some subscribers may not even know where to start.
Playing the big Xbox Game Pass titles, like the first-party Microsoft games and the blockbuster releases, seems like a no-brainer. But there are plenty of underrated and under the radar games that deserve some attention as well. And thanks to Xbox Game Pass, these titles have a better chance of attracting an audience than they would have otherwise.
So anyone that's just picked up an Xbox Series X and is looking for underrated Game Pass games to play on their new console, here are 10 that caught our attention.
Battletoads
The Battletoads franchise was dormant for decades, but it was finally revived earlier this year as part of a collaboration between Dlala Studios and Rare. Battletoads received mixed reviews at the time of its release, with reviewers criticizing the lack of online co-op functionality and repetitive levels. It's safe to say that some fans were turned off by Battletoads' more negative reviews, but Xbox Game Pass subscribers may still want to give it a chance.
Battletoads is great for local co-op, allowing up to three players play as one of the titular Battletoads. It also retains the ultra-tough difficulty of the original games, while also making it more accessible to modern audiences. The real highlight of the new Battletoads is the story and cut-scenes, though, which lean into the Saturday morning cartoon vibe that the graphics are going for and are oftentimes genuinely hilarious. Battletoads isn't the most outstanding beat 'em up to launch this year, but it's definitely worth checking out for those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass.
Black
Now that EA Play is on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, subscribers can check out all kinds of titles that Electronic Arts has published over the years. Most may flock to entries from the Battlefield, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect franchises, but Black shouldn't be overlooked. Developed by Burnout studio Criterion Games and originally released in 2006, Black is an original Xbox game, playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X thanks to the consoles' backward compatibility programs. Black boasted high-quality visuals for its time and still offers polished first-person shooter gameplay that still holds up today. Some reviewers were critical of Black's short playtime back in the day, but that's not really a factor when players can simply download it from Game Pass and not pay full price.
Carrion
Carrion's concept is pretty unique. While most horror games have players playing as helpless humans trying to survive against supernatural creatures, Carrion flips that idea on its head, putting players in the role of the monster instead. Taking inspiration from films like The Thing, Carrion lets players control a massive blob of flesh, blood, and tentacles as it rampages through an underground laboratory. Carrion plays like a Metroidvania, with the creature developing new skills that allow players to reach new areas of the facility and kill their prey in more creative ways. Carrion reviews were mostly positive, but the game has still flown under the radar somewhat, but Xbox Game Pass subscribers should definitely check it out, especially if they are fans of sci-fi horror.
Children of Morta
Out of all the games on this list, Children of Morta is one of the most addicting. Children of Morta is a roguelike game where players play as different members of the Bergson family, each of which has their own unique abilities, stats, and skills. As the Bergsons, players attempt to make their way through procedurally-generated dungeons full of deadly traps and aggressive monsters, with death sending players back to the beginning of the stage. But like other roguelikes, players still make progress in Children of Morta, even when they fail. The Bergson family members become increasingly stronger, making each run easier than the last, until players are finally able to reach the dungeon's boss and proceed to the next stage.
Children of Morta's story is also a highlight of the experience, with players learning a lot about the Bergson family and their relationships with one another as they play through the game. Players are able to bring artifacts and pets home from their dungeon crawling adventures, and it's satisfying to see the Bergson family house grow as players make it farther into the game. Throw local co-op into the mix and Children of Morta really gives Xbox Game Pass subscribers some serious bang for their buck.
Levelhead
There are a lot of 2D platformers available on Xbox Game Pass, but Levelhead is one of the most notable. Levelhead is stuffed full of levels for players to complete, most all of which can be completed in co-op. But besides the levels that the developers themselves designed, Levelhead allows players to create their own levels as well as check out stages created by others. This gives Levelhead an endless stream of new content, which should keep players entertained as they try to master its more difficult challenges.
Remnant: From the Ashes
From Software essentially created a new genre with its Soulsborne games, which are all based around ultra-tough bosses, unforgiving enemies, and unorthodox storytelling. Remnant: From the Ashes clearly takes inspiration from From Software's work, but puts its own spin on things. Remnant supports co-op with up to three players who can work together to face the game's many monstrosities. It also has a focus on guns instead of melee combat, which is quite the change of pace from what fans typically encounter in Soulsborne-style games.
Ryse: Son of Rome
Most of the games on this list are indie titles with comparatively low budgets when compared to the bigger blockbuster releases, but Ryse: Son of Rome is an exception. Ryse: Son of Rome was an Xbox One launch title that earned mixed reviews at the time of its release, with much of the criticism aimed at its short length and lack of replay value. Those are legitimate concerns when someone is having to pay full price for a game, but they're less of a worry when Ryse can be selected out of the Xbox Game Pass lineup. Xbox Game Pass is the best way to experience Ryse: Son of Rome, and it will allow players to look past some of the game's flaws and better-appreciate what it gets right, like its gorgeous graphics and compelling story.
Supraland
Supraland has been out on PC for over a year, but it just recently made its console debut back in October. A first-person puzzle-platformer, Supraland is full of charm, with a sharp wit and clever puzzle design. Supraland's level design is superb, constantly rewarding players for straying off the beaten path with new abilities and coins that can be used to buy upgrades. Fans of the genre should definitely consider checking it out on Xbox Game Pass.
The Touryst
The Touryst is one of the few games on this list that is actually being optimized for Xbox Series X right out of the gate, so it's one early adopters may want to keep an eye out. The Touryst concept is a simple one, with players going on vacation and completing a variety of mini-games and puzzles. It's a relaxing little game that can be completed in about five hours or so, but that makes it perfect for the Xbox Game Pass lineup.
Unruly Heroes
Unruly Heroes combines Rayman Legends' art style with beat 'em up gameplay. Based on the classic Journey to the West, Unruly Heroes gives players access to four distinct characters as they fight monsters and complete platforming challenges. Yet another Xbox Game Pass local co-op game, Unruly Heroes is worth a look for anyone that likes beat 'em ups or classic 2D platformers.