Over the years, Xbox Game Pass has been a godsend for players seeking new and diverse games to play. Xbox Game Pass offers a wide array of single-player games that cater to pretty much every type of games. Whether you’re into serious narrative games, or just want to be a cat exploring the city, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we will explore five standout single-player Xbox Game Pass titles. Each of these games brings something unique to the table, so there will be something for everyone.
Dishonored
Dishonored is what I would consider to be the definition of a stealth-action game, developed by Arkane Studios. This game is set in the visually arresting steampunk-inspired city of Dunwall. You play as Corvo Attano, a royal bodyguard who is framed for the murder of the Empress.
As Corvo, you are granted supernatural abilities by a mysterious figure known as the Outsider. These supernatural abilities enhance every aspect of your character and allows a ton of freedom to experiment within its stealth, combat and exploration. That is, unless you’re after that achievement that pops if you forego the use of any supernatural abilities. In which case, best of luck.
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What makes Dishonored stand out is the emphasis on player choice. The game allows you to tackle levels in various ways. There are viable routes through every situation through stealth, direct combat, or a combination of both. Your choices also have consequences, which influence all aspects of the game, including the ending.
The art style, inspired by a 19th-century aesthetic, adds to the game’s charm, immersing players in a richly detailed environment. With its unique storytelling and engaging gameplay mechanics, Dishonored remains a must-play single-player title for any Xbox Game Pass subscriber.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon shakes up the wildly popular Yakuza franchise. It introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a turn-based combat system. The game is set in the city of Yokohama, where Ichiban seeks to uncover the truth behind his betrayal and reclaim his honour, all whilst seeing the world like the video game franchise “Dragon Quest” to explain the turn-based combat system.
What sets Like a Dragon apart is its blend of serious storytelling with interesting and sometimes silly side quests. It’s also the first Yakuza released in English which is something the franchise has needed for a long time. Players can engage in mini-games ranging from karaoke and Dragon Kart to managing a business.
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The humour and heartwarming moments are balanced with serious storytelling, making for a compelling narrative experience. The game’s RPG elements allow players to change their characters role with the in-game job changing system. Players can also develop unique abilities, which only adds more depth to the combat system.
With its engaging story, memorable characters, and compelling world, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a standout single-player title on Xbox Game Pass.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Following the success of its predecessor, A Plague Tale: Innocence, A Plague Tale: Requiem continues the journey of siblings Amicia and Hugo. The pair continue to navigate a world riddled by disease and supernatural forces. Developed by Asobo Studio, this action-adventure game offers one of the best narrative experiences ever released. And this storytelling pedigree is helped by a technically and artistically strong visual presentation.
The game excels in its storytelling, character development, and atmospheric world-building. Players must use stealth and strategy to survive against the absolutely massive hordes of rats. The bond between Amicia and Hugo is wonderfully portrayed, adding a layer of emotional depth to the experience.
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This game also boasts, possibly, the best soundtrack of 2022, which further sells the dark, medieval setting. A memorable story and engaging gameplay make Requiem a single-player Xbox Game Pass title that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Quantum Break
Quantum Break is an innovative action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment. The game combines the gameplay that you would expect from a 2010s action-adventure title with a live-action television series. Players assume the role of Jack Joyce who, after a failed time travel experiment, gains abilities that allows him to bend time himself.
The game features a gripping narrative that explores themes of time travel and the impact of your choices. Players continuously influence the story through their actions. Another standout feature of Quantum Break is its unique integration of gameplay and live action storytelling, where each chapter becomes an episode of the live action series that reflects the player’s decisions.
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Of course, some will not be fans of the TV show-style integration, while others will value the sense of immersion that makes you feel like you’re part of some big television production from the back end of TV’s second golden age. The high-quality cutscenes, rich and innovative storytelling, and replayability make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Wrath of the White Witch features some of the very best cutscene animation of any JRPG. The cutscenes within the game were created by Studio Ghibli, so the striking quality is no surprise to animé fans.
Players embark on a magical journey as Oliver, a young boy who travels to a mystical world full of magic in a quest to bring his mother back to life. On top of the aforementioned quality of the cutscenes, this game explores the themes of loss, friendship, and courage.
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The rich, immersive world is also filled with captivating creatures and strategic (kind of) turn-based battles. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered stands out as a title that will appeal to JRPG gamers. The visual charm and excellent storytelling also opens the game up to non-gamers to get sucked into. On top of all of this, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is a title that will appeal to a wide range of gamers, unlike some of the other titles on this list.
And there you have it, my personal five best single-player experiences available on Xbox Game Pass right now. From seeking your revenge for the empress to wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff, this list will have something for everyone.