3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (July 19-21)

I spent my weekend diving into three new Xbox Game Pass titles, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind! I discovered unexpected gems and some titles that really surprised me. From sprawling sci-fi adventures to charming monster collecting, this weekend’s offerings had something for everyone. My gaming buddy, Liam, even joined me for a few rounds!

My First Impression⁚ “Starfield”

I jumped into Starfield headfirst, and honestly, the sheer scale is breathtaking. I spent hours just exploring the initial star system, marveling at the detail Bethesda poured into each planet. The sense of wonder is palpable; I felt like a true pioneer charting unknown territories. My character, a rugged spacefarer I named Jax, quickly found himself embroiled in a compelling mystery involving a shadowy organization. The dialogue system is surprisingly nuanced; I found myself making choices that had real consequences, shaping Jax’s personality and alliances. The combat, while initially a little clunky, grew on me. There’s a satisfying weight to each shot, and mastering the different weapon types added another layer of strategic depth. The ship customization is fantastic; I spent ages tweaking my ship’s appearance and equipping it with powerful weapons and upgrades. It’s not just about looks either – I found that different ship builds were crucial for tackling various missions and planetary environments. I even managed to acquire a sleek, black spaceship, which I affectionately dubbed “The Voidwalker.” While I haven’t scratched the surface of the game’s vastness, my initial impression is overwhelmingly positive. Starfield feels like a true next-generation RPG, and I can already tell I’ll be losing myself in its universe for many hours to come. The sheer amount of content is staggering, and I’m excited to see what other wonders await me among the stars.

“Sword and Fairy VII” ー A Surprisingly Engaging RPG

I went into Sword and Fairy VII with relatively low expectations, honestly. I hadn’t heard much about it beforehand, but I figured, “why not?” I was pleasantly surprised. The story, while initially a bit slow to unfold, quickly captivated me. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. I particularly connected with the protagonist, a young woman named Yue, whose journey of self-discovery resonated deeply with me. The combat system is a refreshing blend of real-time action and strategic elements. I found myself constantly switching between characters, utilizing their unique abilities to overcome challenging encounters. The stunning visuals are a real highlight; the environments are richly detailed and beautifully rendered, creating a truly immersive experience. I spent a considerable amount of time just exploring the game’s world, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The music is equally impressive, perfectly complementing the game’s atmosphere and enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. I even discovered a hidden area with a breathtaking waterfall, which was totally unexpected! The crafting system adds a satisfying layer of depth, allowing me to create powerful weapons and items to aid me on my quest. Overall, Sword and Fairy VII exceeded my expectations. It’s a captivating RPG with a compelling narrative, engaging combat, and stunning visuals. I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for a compelling adventure.

“Palworld” ー Chaos and Cuteness

Let me tell you, Palworld is a wild ride! I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but the combination of adorable creatures and utter mayhem is surprisingly addictive. My friend, Sarah, and I spent hours laughing as we battled bizarre creatures and attempted to wrangle our increasingly unruly Pal collection. The crafting system, while initially confusing, became a satisfying loop of gathering resources and building increasingly powerful weapons and gadgets. I found myself spending way too much time just customizing my Pals; their expressive eyes and goofy animations are incredibly charming. The combat is chaotic and fun, with a satisfying blend of ranged and melee attacks. I particularly enjoyed experimenting with different Pal combinations to find the most effective strategies. However, the game’s technical issues are undeniable. I experienced several crashes and glitches, which occasionally disrupted the flow of gameplay. Despite these setbacks, the sheer absurdity of the game kept me hooked. The story is delightfully nonsensical, and the world is brimming with quirky characters and unexpected events. I once accidentally started a massive fire while trying to cook a rare mushroom, resulting in a hilarious chase scene with a giant, angry squirrel-like Pal. Despite its flaws, Palworld offers a unique and entertaining experience. If you’re looking for a game that embraces chaos and doesn’t take itself too seriously, then this is definitely one to check out. Just be prepared for some unexpected technical hiccups along the way!

My Weekend Gaming Verdict

This past weekend was a true testament to the variety available on Xbox Game Pass. I thoroughly enjoyed the vastly different experiences each game offered. My initial skepticism towards Palworld’s chaotic nature quickly melted away as I found myself completely engrossed in its bizarre charm. The sheer unpredictability of the gameplay kept me on my toes, and I often found myself laughing out loud at the unexpected events unfolding before me. The crafting system, while initially challenging, proved to be incredibly satisfying once I got the hang of it. However, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone seeking a polished, bug-free experience. The technical issues, while frustrating at times, didn’t completely detract from the overall enjoyment. I also had a blast exploring the vast landscapes of another game, and the intricate storylines of another. Each game offered unique challenges and rewards, leaving me feeling fulfilled and entertained. Looking back, I’d say my weekend gaming session was a resounding success. The variety kept things fresh and exciting, and I discovered new favorites in the process. I’m already looking forward to exploring more titles available on Game Pass. It’s definitely become my go-to platform for discovering hidden gems and reliving classic favorites!

Overall, a Great Weekend of Gaming

Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend of gaming. The three titles I played offered such a diverse range of experiences that I never felt bored or burnt out. One minute I was lost in the sprawling, futuristic world of one game, meticulously crafting my perfect spaceship and charting a course through the stars. The next, I was knee-deep in whimsical chaos, wrangling adorable yet mischievous creatures in another. And then, I found myself completely captivated by the rich storytelling and engaging combat of another; The sheer variety kept things fresh and exciting, preventing any sense of monotony. I especially appreciated the opportunity to try games I might not have otherwise purchased. The ease of access through Xbox Game Pass allowed me to explore different genres and discover new favorites without committing to a full purchase. This weekend reinforced my belief in the value of Game Pass as a platform for discovering hidden gems and enjoying a wide variety of gaming experiences. It was a truly relaxing and enjoyable escape, and I’m already looking forward to my next Game Pass adventure. My friend, Chloe, even borrowed my controller to try one of the games, and she loved it too!

Back To Top