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Xbox Game Pass has announced its 2024 lineup for January, which promises to be an exciting and diverse mix of game genres. The selection includes fan favorites such as Super Mega Baseball 4 and Resident Evil 2, both offering unique and thrilling gaming experiences. For gaming enthusiasts looking for new adventures, the lineup offers an extensive guide to explore and discover. Each title is a doorway to a world of unforgettable moments, making it an excellent opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to embark on a gaming odyssey in the new year.
Close To The Sun – Jan 3
Close To The Sun is a horror exploration game developed by Storm In A Teacup and published by Wired Productions. The game is set in an alternate timeline where Nikola Tesla won the science race against Edison. Players take on the role of Rose, a journalist on a mission to find her sister on the Helios, a massive, quarantined ship. So, the game offers a unique storytelling approach that explores themes of science gone wrong and time loops.
Close To The Sun combines horror, puzzles, and exploration, with well-placed jump scares and a stunning, creepy setting on the Helios. It is a perfect blend of leisurely exploration and horror elements, making it an exciting and engaging game for all horror fans.
Hell Let Loose – Jan 4
Hell Let Loose is a multiplayer shooter game set in World War II, which focuses on teamwork and leadership skills. The game offers large-scale battles that take place on different battlefields, and players need to coordinate their combat and support assets to succeed.
Hell Let Loose also has a wide range of roles, such as riflemen and tank commanders, which players can choose from, and they can impact the gameplay by making tactical decisions and creating player-defined spawn points. Its realistic depiction of warfare, stunning maps, and the need for communication make it a unique experience in the genre and a must-try for fans of shooter games.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Jan 9
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an action-packed video game that places players in the shoes of Eivor, a Viking raider. The game follows Layla Hassan‘s story and presents an intriguing narrative set in ninth-century England.
One of Valhalla’s unique features is its self-contained narrative arcs, which enable players to shape Eivor’s story by making decisions that impact the game world. The game offers a perfect blend of exploration, combat, and an in-depth look at the Viking era and the Assassin’s Creed lore.
Figment – Jan 9
Figment is an intriguing isometric puzzle game that delves into the themes of depression and trauma in a colorful and imaginative world. It offers a unique combination of puzzles and combat, where players encounter challenging boss fights that require creative problem-solving skills.
In the game, players assume the role of Dusty, a character who must rediscover their confidence by embarking on a journey through the creative and logical halves of the mind. The game’s harmonious blend of puzzles and narrative makes it a thought-provoking and captivating experience that highlights the importance of overcoming mental struggles.
Super Mega Baseball 4 – Jan 11
Super Mega Baseball 4 is a video game that combines the classic arcade-style gameplay of the mid-90s with modern customization options, introducing new features while taking players back to simpler times. The game’s standout feature is its team management, which allows players to extensively personalize their teams and players.
The gameplay mechanics are solid, though some elements, such as fielding and limited pitching controls, could be improved. The game also offers several modes, including a unique franchise mode with a Shuffle Draft system. However, it lacks deeper gameplay options and the ability to trade players, which may disappoint some fans.
Overall, it’s an excellent alternative to more simulation-focused baseball games, appealing particularly to retro arcade sports game enthusiasts.
We Happy Few – Jan 11
We Happy Few is a video game that boasts a unique and intriguing setting. It is set in a dystopian society where people are forced to take drugs to mask the horrors of their surroundings. The game tells the story of three different characters – Arthur, Sally, and Ollie – each with their own distinct storyline.
The game takes place in a post-World War II England that is under German control. The narrative of the game is quite impactful and deals with themes like parental sacrifice and guilt. However, the game suffers from repetitive environments, mundane quests, and confusing mechanics. These issues detract from the potential of the game’s fascinating setting.
Resident Evil 2 – Jan 16
The Resident Evil 2 remake has received high praise for its successful balance between retaining the original game’s essence while adding modern elements to enhance gameplay and atmosphere. Players can choose to navigate the zombie-infested Raccoon City as either Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield, encountering various challenges and puzzles along the way.
The game incorporates elements from both classic and contemporary Resident Evil titles, resulting in a well-balanced horror experience.
Resident Evil 2‘s revamped narrative, atmospheric presentation, and the persistent threat of the Tyrant, all contribute to the game’s intensity.
Furthermore, the remake is recognized for its serious tone, detailed gore, and challenging gameplay that keeps players on edge.
Those Who Remain – Jan 16
Those Who Remain is a horror game that takes place in the mysterious town of Dormont. The game’s protagonist, Edward, encounters various supernatural events and challenging puzzles while unearthing the dark secrets of the town. However, the game has been criticized for its illogical scenarios and frustrating puzzles, which detract from the horror experience.
Those Who Remain‘s plot revolves around Edward’s troubled past and a complicated storyline involving a teenage girl named Annika. Despite its efforts to create a horror and storytelling experience, the game often falls short, with only occasional moments of effective terror.
Turnip Boy Robs A Bank – Jan 18
Turnip Boy Robs A Bank serves as a spin-off to Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion. The game features roguelite and top-down shooter elements, and shares the same amusing tone and sentient food characters as its predecessor.
Players are tasked with exploring the Botanical Bank, where they engage in thrilling action-packed gameplay. Turnip Boy Robs A Bank also offers a wide range of weapons such as diamond pickaxes, C4, and radio jammers, in addition to a unique art and music style.
Go Mecha Ball – Jan 25
Go Mecha Ball is a thrilling game that combines the exciting mechanics of roguelike games with pinball action, all presented in a top-down, twin-stick shooter format. Players can take the form of a giant mecha ball, allowing them to navigate through tight spaces and fight against various enemies.
One of the game’s standout features is its visually appealing and vibrant art style. The roguelike elements of the game provide replay value through unlockable abilities and weapons.
The game’s demo version has received a lot of positive feedback from players, who have praised the engaging gameplay and the game’s unique concept.
