Unmissable Single-Player Games on Xbox Game Pass This April

Game Pass offers an endless stream of gaming delights. Microsoft consistently impresses with its diverse array of AAA hits, indie masterpieces, multiplayer games, and other engaging content. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or simply enjoy casual play, Game Pass is worth exploring due to the wide variety of options available on the platform.

As a gamer, I can’t deny the joy that comes from teaming up with friends and diving into cooperative gaming adventures. But there are moments when the allure of immersive, solo gaming experiences is too strong to resist. When I game alone, I get to control the pace, savoring every detail without rushing through it out of concern for a teammate’s performance. It allows me to develop a profound connection with the game’s artistry, unburdened by the pressure of not letting someone down. The top-tier single-player games on Xbox Game Pass truly shine with their authenticity, replayability, and creativity – offering experiences that are uniquely mine to savor.

Commandos: Origins Is a Great Prequel To the Original Commandos

Commandos: Origins Is a Challenging RTS Title With Cleverly Designed Sandbox Levels

The game titled “Commandos: Origins” marks the initial installment in the real-time strategy series after nearly two decades. Serving as a prequel to the original “Commandos” game, “Origins” narrates the tale of how this renowned team of commandos united to safeguard the free world. Over ten distinct missions, the group embarks on global journeys to accomplish tasks that only they can resolve.

Since the last update for the Commandos franchise was in 2006, the team at Claymore Game Studios faced a significant challenge in bringing it up-to-date. However, they managed to develop an engaging Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game that should appeal to both newcomers and fans of the original series. The game’s diverse sandbox maps ensure there’s plenty of replay value, keeping players engaged even after they’ve completed it.

South of Midnight Follows a Woman Trying To Recover Her Town and Family

The Game Does an Excellent Job of Creating a Fantastical Version of the American South

The newest game from Compulsion Games, the creators of “We Happy Few”, is called “South of Midnight“. This story takes place in the American South and follows Hazel, a young woman who discovers her abilities as a Weaver, a type of mage capable of repairing what’s been damaged. After a hurricane devastates her hometown, Hazel must figure out how to control her Weaver powers if she wants any hope of finding her family again.

As a passionate gamer, I must say that South of Midnight’s captivating world design is a testament worth a month’s subscription to Xbox Game Pass alone. Rarely have games ventured into the southern landscape as their backdrop, let alone crafting it with such breathtaking intricacy. Beyond its visual appeal, Hazel’s narrative unfolds as an immersive journey that makes the time investment of around a dozen hours seem insignificant. With a dedicated weekend, gamers can delve into this engaging tale, provided they are prepared to navigate the game’s darker aspects within such a compressed timespan.

Towerborne Challenges Players To Protect the Last Remnants of Humanity

Towerborne Is an Action RPG for Looter Fans

In the game Towerborne, players assume the character of an Ace – a powerful warrior responsible for shielding the Belfry, the last sanctuary of mankind. Despite the ever-present threats from monsters, players possess a variety of weapons and Umbra companions with unique abilities to assist in combat. By vanquishing more monsters, players can return to the safety of the Belfry to upgrade their weapons and armor, enhancing their protective capabilities.

Towerborne hails from Stoic, a studio known for creating The Banner Saga in the past. Although it’s quite a departure from their previous works, they’ve managed to make a smooth transition into offering an entertaining and immersive action looter game that can easily consume dozens of hours. As the game continues to grow with new additions to The Belfry’s narrative as well as introducing fresh adversaries, anyone who enjoys Towerborne will find plenty of incentives for returning.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Aims To Follow In the Footsteps of JRPG Greats

Clair Obscur’s Gorgeous Art and Timing-Based Battle System Make it Stand Out From Most JRPG-likes

As a devoted follower of the chilling saga, I find myself immersed in the gripping tale of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In this haunting universe, there exists a mystical entity known as the Paintress, who emerges annually to paint a number on an imposing monolith. Once the number is painted, all those who share that age vanish without a trace. Each year, a daring team embarks on a journey with the audacious goal of halting the Paintress forever. This year, it’s the turn of Expedition 33, as they prepare to set out a day before their fateful number could be painted.

At the Xbox Games Showcase held a year ago, the game titled Clair Obscur has been one of the most eagerly awaited games slated for release in 2025. This visually stunning title appears to draw inspiration from the classic turn-based JRPGs popular during the PS1 and PS2 eras. Despite maintaining its traditional turn-based format, it offers a battle system that emphasizes timing for attacks and defense, allowing players to become deeply engaged in the gameplay. If Clair Obscur manages to deliver on its promise as shown in trailers, it’s poised to become another timeless classic JRPG-style game.

Blue Prince Combines Elements of Puzzles and Rogue-Likes

Blue Prince Is Already on the Way to Becoming a Game of the Year Candidate

In the grand Mt. Holly Manor, Blue Prince extends an intriguing invitation to you. The mystery at hand is one deemed impossible to solve. As Simon P. Jones, your role is to uncover the secret of this estate, which now belongs to you – on one condition: find the 46th room hidden within its walls. But there’s a twist; you have only one day to accomplish this task, or the challenge resets anew the following day. Every time you step outside, Mt. Holly Manor undergoes a complete transformation, shuffling its rooms anew, forcing you to start your search all over again.

Among the top-rated games this year, “Blue Prince” is generating buzz for potential Game of the Year recognition. By skillfully blending puzzle and rogue-like features, “Blue Prince” excels at crafting puzzles that are tough yet never seem insurmountable. Solving these puzzles and revealing more about Mt. Holly’s enigma and some of its past proprietors makes this game a genuine treasure.

Nine Sols Is a Challenging Metroidvania

Nine Sols Invites Players to Test Themselves While Exploring Beautiful Locales

In 2024, the game Nine Sols, a unique blend of captivating hand-drawn animation and Metroidvania gameplay, was often overlooked but deserved more recognition. As the hero Yi, players are on a mission to eliminate the nine rulers of the realm, fueling Yi’s thirst for vengeance. To conquer these nine rulers, players will encounter demanding combat that mimics Sekiro and tests their reaction skills to the limit.

One captivating aspect that could draw numerous gamers is the distinctive “Taopunk” aesthetic of the game, Nine Sols, as it stands out uniquely from current offerings. The stunning backdrop amplifies the gratification derived from its Metroidvania gameplay, as players uncover not only new items and hidden treasures, but also more of the game’s captivating landscape through exploration. With a playing time of approximately 30 hours, gamers can immerse themselves in this world for an extended period before moving forward.

Road 96 Presents a Procedurally Generated Narrative Adventure

Road 96 Tells Its Story in a Way Only Video Games Can

Road 96 is one of the top narrative adventure games of the 2020s. Set within the fictional nation of Petria, players assume the identities of various adolescents striving to escape the country during a tumultuous election period. The game utilizes procedural generation to narrate its story, directing teenagers to distinct regions of the country where they encounter a variety of characters, each involved in their own unique tales.

Experience the distinctive narrative style of the game “Road 96” at least once – a must-try for gamers who appreciate storytelling in video games. Its approach showcases the unique potential of the gaming medium. With a playtime of approximately 10 hours, it’s an ideal game to immerse yourself in over a weekend.

Pillars of Eternity Offers Classic CRPG Excellence

Pillars of Eternity’s Vast High-Fantasy World Offers Dozens of Hours of Adventures

Prior to creating Avowed, the team at Obsidian was experimenting with various methods to construct narratives within the realm of Eora. Their inaugural Kickstarter project saw them pouring their heart and soul into developing Pillars, resulting in one of the finest RPGs from the 2010s. Within Pillars, players find themselves wielding a unique power that turns them into a Watcher, entities capable of reading souls. As they gain this power and grapple with how to harness it, players embark on an epic journey that carries significant weight for the world as a whole.

Pillars of Eternity” is a role-playing game (CRPG) with a classic feel, emphasizing choice in both gameplay and storytelling as the cornerstone of player decisions. If you’ve already mastered other games like it, this could be your next challenge, as it doesn’t coddle players. On the other hand, for those seeking a fresh fantasy world with some of the most captivating writing found in CRPGs, this game is certainly worth considering.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Captures the Feel of the Classic Movies

Indiana Jones Combines Incredible Set Pieces With Puzzle-Solving

Despite facing challenges in the movie industry, the latest addition to the Indiana Jones franchise, titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, seems to be thriving. This new game developed by Wolfenstein creators, MachineGames, mirrors the essence of the Indiana Jones universe so authentically that it complements the original films seamlessly. The game offers a balanced blend of action sequences, combat, and puzzles, making the player feel as if they’ve stepped into the actual shoes of the renowned archaeologist, Indy.

1937 serves as the backdrop for this adventure, where Indiana Jones is tasked with solving the mystery of a stolen artifact. His quest takes him across the globe, aiming to thwart Emmerich Voss and his malicious plans. The game, titled The Great Circle, resonates strongly with longtime fans of Indiana Jones due to numerous nods to the original franchise. However, it’s not just a tribute – it holds its ground as an engaging game on its own, reflecting the quality we’ve come to expect from MachineGames.

Metal Slug Tactics Takes a Famous Franchise Down a New Path

Enjoy Metal Slug Tactics’ Strategy Gameplay Mixed With Rogue-like Elements

Leikir Studios and Dotemu chose to venture into new territory with the Metal Slug series by releasing the game titled Metal Slug Tactics. Unlike traditional Metal Slug games that are action-based, this one is strategy-focused, as indicated by its title. Familiar faces from the Metal Slug universe unite in an effort to free a nation, gradually capturing various territories by defeating the regional bosses.

In Metal Slug Tactics, despite its strategic nature, the game maintains an intense atmosphere by requiring players to be mindful of every element on the map. This includes where troops are positioned, monitoring adrenaline levels for special skills, and utilizing field hazards strategically. As one of the top tactics games released in 2024, Metal Slug Tactics has garnered praise, though it did have a few bugs upon release. Fortunately, this makes it an ideal title to explore through Xbox Game Pass.

Sniper Elite 5 Provides The Best Experience In The Franchise

Engage Sniper Elite 5’s Brilliantly Replayable Sandbox Levels

The “Sniper Elite” series advances with “Sniper Elite 5,” inviting players to revisit the European battlefield and once again engage in the struggle for righteousness. Set immediately after “SE4,” this new title casts players as Karl Fairburne, assisting an Army Ranger battalion before being drawn further into efforts to hinder the Nazi war effort. Initially, his assignment appears straightforward, but it doesn’t take long for him to realize he’s one of the few left to thwart a significant assault on American soldiers.

In terms of the Sniper Elite series, Sniper Elite 5 currently ranks as the top game in the franchise and serves as an ideal starting point for fans. Each level offers a thrilling sandbox environment where players can approach challenges in their preferred style. There’s no other game on the market that comes close to making players feel as incredible while they play as a sniper.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Is What Fans Wanted from the Series

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s Immersive World and Story Spans Dozens of Hours

Enthusiasts of the franchise have been eagerly anticipating S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 for nearly a decade. Luckily, gamers were able to play it in November 2024, and those with Xbox Game Pass could start exploring it right away from the get-go. In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, players assume the character of Skif, a Ukrainian Marine Corps veteran seeking a new home through a job. However, what seems like a straightforward task plunges him into the heart of the Zone, where he uncovers secrets about the Zone and those trying to manipulate it.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is exactly the kind of challenging game long-time enthusiasts were anticipating. It’s also a prolonged adventure, with players potentially investing numerous hours navigating the Zone, engaged in both main and side quests. Due to its difficulty level, players will persistently seek out that next valuable item or those additional resources, ensuring they stay committed to their objective. It’s an engaging experience, one that fans of survival horror and first-person shooters should be delighted to find as part of Xbox Game Pass.

Donut County Lets Players Control a Sinkhole Consuming Every Piece of a Town

Donut County Encourages Players to Give In to Their Destructive Urges

Initially, a game like Donut County, which seems to be physics-based, may not appear to offer much excitement. However, once you get started, there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as managing a gaping hole and swallowing everything around it, whether that’s people or ice cream cones. In a peaceful town, an unusual sinkhole has mysteriously appeared, causing the citizens to vanish. As a player, you control this sinkhole, while also witnessing conversations among the townsfolk regarding the unfolding events.

In the game ‘Donut County’, despite its straightforward mechanics, it offers sufficient strategic play to maintain engagement. As players consume objects, the hole expands in size. The objective at each level is to clear every item. Since larger items are involved, players need to initially consume smaller ones to grow large enough to swallow the bigger items. ‘Donut County’ is a tranquil single-player game that is expanding the diverse collection of Xbox Game Pass.

A Plague Tale: Requiem Is an Engaging Story With Classic Linear Gameplay

A Plague Tale: Requiem Is Sure to Leave an Emotional Mark on Players

In the follow-up to the underappreciated “A Plague Tale: Innocence,” titled “Requiem, Amicia and Hugo de Rune’s tale resumes. The de Runes had been pursued from their home by the French Inquisition due to Hugo’s connection to the Macula, a being that mirrors the Black Plague. Throughout tense stealth sections, swarms of rabid rats, and burly guards, Amicia continues her efforts to safeguard her younger brother, Hugo.

On Xbox’s PC Game Pass, “A Plague Tale: Requiem” seems more intuitive to play using a controller rather than keyboard and mouse. This game shines as a fantastic console title, boasting all the elements needed for an exceptional single-player video game experience. The combat primarily relies on stealth or strategic maneuvers, and the storyline, while linear, doesn’t feel constricting to players.

Another Crab’s Treasure Puts a Twist on the FromSoft Formula

Sick Beats and a Stylish World Make Another Crab’s Treasure Easily Enjoyable

In a different studio than FromSoftware, the game titled “Another Crab’s Treasure” offers an extraordinary Souls-like experience that maintains an enjoyable dose of whimsy and humor. For a change, players aren’t grim, undead knights battling in a fantastical realm, but rather a small crab endeavoring to find a shell. At its heart, “Another Crab’s Treasure” mirrors the gameplay mechanics of a Souls game quite closely. However, it replaces swords and shields with forks and shells.

In a refreshing twist from the usual tense and ominous atmosphere of Souls-like games, Another Crab’s Treasure exudes an enchanting underwater ambiance with a lively, appealing vibe instead. The assortment of shells, ranging from mundane items like bottle caps to unexpected ones such as shotgun shells, adds a touch of creativity to the game’s design.

The boss battles are thrilling, but it’s the game’s music that truly shines. The hip-hop beats are infectiously catchy, turning each fight into an entertaining spectacle. Souls-style games might not appeal to everyone, but with its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, there’s no excuse for missing out on this vibrant underwater adventure.

Inscryption Is Much More Than a Deckbuilder Game

Inscryption Is Best Experienced Without Knowing Much Going In

Deckbuilders offer an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate them. Players work towards achieving their objectives by gathering suitable cards that match their strategy. Inscryption blends elements of retro RPGs, horror games, and unique moments where the game breaks the fourth wall. Essentially, Inscryption can be described as a series of acts. Upon waking up, you find yourself facing an eerie character in a haunting cabin. Your mission is to outsmart this mysterious figure at his own game.

In the heart of Inscryption lies a card battle system where players engage in intense conflicts with the main antagonist. Initially, the game’s first part presents a challenge, but things take an unexpected turn post that, leading to a completely transformed gaming experience. This unique game, Inscryption, offers a gripping story and invites players to uncover hidden secrets and strategize wisely. If you have Game Pass Ultimate, don’t miss out on this fresh addition.

Sifu Mixes the Art of Kung Fu With a Souls-like Combat System

Sifu Is a Cathartic Beat-Em’-Up Game

In the game Sifu, developed by Slowclap, the core mechanic is that the entire story revolves around it. Players can choose between a boy or a girl as their kung fu student character. The narrative begins with the young martial arts apprentice witnessing the murder of their father and Sifu. Consequently, the character embarks on a quest for vengeance against all those involved. Interestingly, the character possesses an unusual trait – they are essentially immortal.

In the style of Soulslike games, demise is an unavoidable aspect in Sifu. However, unlike other games of its kind, each passing in Sifu results in the character growing older but gaining strength. The protagonist starts off at 20 years old. Each death advances the character’s age by one year. This is due to the fact that the character ages according to the number of deaths during a single playthrough. With each passing, the player takes on a more mature role but also gains access to new skills and combinations. Additionally, Sifu‘s combat system offers a challenging yet enjoyable and relieving learning experience. It’s characterized by minimal input lag, resulting in a highly precise game with flawlessly timed parries and dodges.

Mafia Remakes a Classic PlayStation 2 Title

Mafia: Definitive Edition Lets Players Carry Out a Mafia Experience During Prohibition

After the release of Mafia 3, the Mafia series seemed to require a fresh direction. That’s when Mafia: Definitive Edition arrived, offering a complete remake of the original PlayStation 2 game. Developer Hangar 13 didn’t limit their improvements to just enhanced graphics. In fact, Mafia: Definitive Edition enriches the storyline, providing an extended experience that even longtime players will appreciate.

For individuals unfamiliar with it, Mafia: Definitive Edition offers an opportunity to assume the character of Tommy Angelo, a fresh recruit within the Salieri family during Prohibition’s peak. Alongside fans, you’ll witness Tommy’s transformation from an insignificant individual to a made man. The chance to immerse yourself in a mafia story isn’t just thrilling; stepping into the 1930s town of Lost Heaven will captivate even the most passionate history enthusiasts.

Titanfall 2 Has a Great Single-Player Campaign

Enjoy a Slick Futuristic Buddy Cop Storyline in Titanfall 2

In terms of franchises, Titanfall is often overlooked yet deserves more recognition. Respawn Entertainment truly excelled with both games, but the second installment stands out particularly due to its exceptional single-player campaign – arguably one of the finest in first-person shooter history. Despite being relatively short, it’s a noteworthy aspect that leaves fans of the series in awe upon completion.

In the game Titanfall 2, players step into the shoes of both a massive robot named BT-7274 and its pilot, Jack Cooper. Over the course of about 6 to 8 hours, players will form strong bonds with these characters, making this one of the most compelling buddy cop tales from the 2010s. Simultaneously, Respawn Entertainment didn’t shy away from utilizing Titanfall’s impressive movement mechanics, offering numerous chances for impressive parkour and platforming moves throughout the game.

Wargroove 2 Provides an Awesome Tactical RPG Experience

Wargroove 2 Features Beautiful Pixel Art and Provides a Deep Fantasy Adventure

Chucklefish’s Wargroove is tailored for individuals yearning to enjoy the charm of Advance Wars outside Nintendo platforms. The allure of this strategy game lies in its vividly rendered fantasy landscapes and enchanting pixel art characters, which swiftly captivate players. However, the world of Aurania isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as it is plagued by perilous conflicts. Wargroove 2, set not long after its predecessor, serves as a timely reminder that peace can be fragile.

Absolutely, many strategy games prioritize their narrative, and that’s true for Wargroove 2 as well. Beyond the tutorial campaign, it offers three distinct campaigns that unfold from various viewpoints, culminating in a final resolution. Even when gamers might feel they’ve had enough of the main storyline, there’s always Conquest mode to look forward to – a rogue-like adaptation of the game. Due to its use of procedural generation, Conquest offers a fresh experience each time you revisit the campaign.

2025-04-24 01:19