Xbox Game Pass has been around for a good while now, consisting of AAA properties as well as an abundance of indie games. It’s no secret that the amount of value players receive for their subscription is one of, if not the best deal currently available to consumers. Not only does it expose players to games that they may have never played otherwise, Phil Spencer revealed during an interview that numerous games on Game Pass have seen an increase in sales due to the service.
Like it was stated earlier, the selection is extremely diverse. So much so that it may be hard for some players to pick just one game to play from the smorgasbord available. This article is meant to help with that, highlighting five games that are available now on Xbox Game Pass that should absolutely be given a chance by anyone looking for some stellar indie games.
Chinatown Detective Agency
Chinatown Detective Agency takes inspiration from the Carmen Sandiego games of the 80s and 90s. Amira Darma is a Private Investigator based in Singapore willing to take on cases from both well-intentioned and nefarious clients. As cases are completed, a global conspiracy starts to unfold around Amira, pushing her even harder toward finding the truth.
The game takes place in the near future, drawing similarities from cybernoir works like Blade Runner, The Da Vinci Code, and Black Mirror. The cases take the player around the globe to various cities following leads and searching for clues. But what happens when the clues dry up and the leads don’t pan out?
One of Chinatown Detective Agency’s most interesting mechanics is the use of real-world investigation. There may be a quote that you need to determine the origin, or an airport code that can only be found by searching for it on your computer or phone. A notebook can become your best friend in keeping track of storylines and clues, lest you forget the name of that book you are searching for.
I recommend this game for anyone that is into classic adventure games, especially those with an interest in the investigation aspect. Chinatown Detective Agency can provide tons of replayability based on the player’s decisions during pivotal moments and with dozens of NPCs to interact with in an abundance of different ways. You can check out the trailer here.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is exactly what it sounds like: a young turnip finds himself in massive debt after committing tax evasion. Instead of looking for a way to rectify the situation, he instead opts to go around helping others by subsequently tearing up any government documents he can find to “liberate” them.
The gameplay is a pretty straight-forward clone of Zelda, going so far as to use one of its most famous quotes: “It’s dangerous to grow alone, take this!” when the character discovers their sword. Obviously, they changed the word “go” to “grow” to fit into the games narrative that everyone is some form of plant based creature.
Turnip Boy employs a lot of pop culture satire, such as references to streaming, Fortnite, “exclusive sub access,” and use of terms such as “uwu” and “owo.” There are even collectibles that take a shot at other games’ implementation of mindless collectathons, such as a trophy the player can find that contains the following description: “Reward the player so they stay engaged.”
The game is a quickplay, coming in at around just two hours to complete. For those that may find it a bit difficult, there are accessibility settings for the player to adjust their strength, as well as a God Mode. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is another example of the wide plethora of games that Game Pass continues to offer. You can check out the launch trailer here.
Moonglow Bay
Moonglow Bay is a relaxing fishing RPG set along the Eastern Canadian coastline during the 1980s. Players can expect an emotional story for those interested, or simply turn your small, one-person business into a highly profitable endeavor and rake in the money.
Fans of Stardew Valley will feel immediately at home in Moonglow Bay. Set out on your boat to multiple locations with an enormous variety of sea creatures to reel in. Head back to your house to cook up different recipes and sell them through a vending machine that the community has access to. You can use the money you earn to upgrade your shop, boat, and fishing gear to catch larger fish and continue the loop.
In addition to upgrading your personal belongings, players are tasked with upgrading various establishments throughout the rundown town to attract more tourists, and receive a slew of upgrades that will make your journey out in the water much easier throughout the game. You can find out the tastes of Moonglow Bay’s citizens through dialogue and bring them their favorite dish for a diverse amount of rewards.
Moonglow Bay is the perfect game for anyone looking for a relaxing, slice-of-life simulation RPG. The loop of collecting fish, selling goods, and upgrading gear can be extremely satisfying. For anyone interested in this Game Pass gem, you can view the launch trailer here.
Backbone
Backbone is a post-noir roleplaying detective adventure, in which you step into the shoes of raccoon private investigator, Howard Lotor. The game is set in dystopian Vancouver, British Columbia, a dangerous, dark and gritty city. There are numerous characters to interact with and get to know, all who will base their opinion of you on your actions throughout the game.
Taking inspiration from classic point-and-click adventure games, Backbone sees the player investigating a wide range of environments throughout the course of the game. Moving some papers around may reveal a sequence needed to help puzzle together the combination of that door you just can’t seem to get through, while lengthy conversations with the vast selection of characters may reveal that one piece of information you may be missing, if you say the right thing to them of course.
Backbone’s story focuses on a mystery in which Howard gets caught up in a whirlwind of events, unable to separate himself from the equation, and forcing him to act. How he acts is completely up to the player: whether that be as a grizzled veteran P.I. who takes no gruff from anyone, or as a smooth talking raccoon who can slither his way into and out of any situation.
I highly recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of classic adventure games such as the Monkey Island series, or even CRPGs where dialogue is vital to the way in which the game unfolds. Backbone is a definite steal on Game Pass. For those interested, you can check out the latest trailer here.
Echo Generation
Echo Generation is classic turn-based RPG meets Stranger Things. You take control of a child and their little sister, diving into a supernatural adventure unraveling in their small town. The world is full of mysteries for the player to uncover they progress through the game.
The art style is a 3D pixel look that tries to come across as retro, and succeeds. The music does an incredible job of setting the mood using a blend of electronic and synthwave music that is very reminiscent of Stranger Things. Whether the player is fighting a gang of raccoons in the streets, or exploring an eerie space craft surrounded by mechanical monkeys, Echo Generation does an incredible job of atmospheric story telling through the visuals and audio.
The gameplay will be familiar to anyone who has experience with turn-based RPGs, with the player’s party and enemies sitting in a queue awaiting their turn to act. Echo Generation adds a twist to this formula through the introduction of shared skill points. In this system, skill points can be used to perform skills (crazy I know), but once all the skill points are used up the only options are to attack normally or use an item. Leveling up allows you to level your Skill stat in order to increase the amount of skill points available to your party.
I can’t recommend Echo Generation enough for anyone into quirky turn-based RPGs, or fans of an eerie mystery taking place in a small town. Once again, Game Pass shows it’s strength in obscure indies that players may have skipped were it not available to them via this service. Check out the trailer right here.
Xbox Game Pass continues to impress with it’s bang-for-your-buck value. What games are available on Game Pass that you think more people should give a shot?
Pixels and Pings 