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Every episode
Game Pass or Pass
30 episodes
Forza Horizon 6 and Black Jacket, Only One Takes Place in Japan
Ep 206 · Jun 28, 2026 · 37 min
This week on Game Pass or Pass, we're covering two games that couldn't be more different but are generating plenty of excitement: Forza Horizon 6 and Black Jacket. We start with Forza Horizon 6, as Playground Games finally brings the Horizon Festival to Japan. It's a setting fans have been requesting for years, and after seeing the reveal, it's easy to understand why. From winding mountain roads and dense city streets to countryside highways and changing weather, we discuss how the new location…
MIxtape, I Think We Are Supposed to Hate This?
Ep 205 · Jun 14, 2026 · 48 min
This week on Game Pass or Pass, we're hitting rewind and pressing play on Mixtape, the coming-of-age road trip adventure from Beethoven & Dinosaur and Annapurna Interactive. More than just a narrative game, Mixtape is a love letter to music, memory, and the awkward, exhilarating moments that define growing up. We dive into how the game's soundtrack drives the entire experience, why its unapologetically linear design feels more like playing through a favorite album than a traditional video game,…
Xbox 2026 Summer Showcase...Somehow...Exclusives Returned
Ep 204 · Jun 7, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Xbox Showcase 2026: Somehow...Exclusives Returned... The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 brought a packed lineup of announcements, including the reveal of Persona 6, a new look at Fable, more details on Gears of War: E-Day, and the surprise return of Spyro. Microsoft also continued to showcase its evolving strategy of bringing more of its games beyond the Xbox ecosystem, while also announcing console exclusives... What does it mean to be an Xbox exclusive in 2026? As Xbox expands its reach across multi…
Game Pass Game of the Year 2025
Ep 203 · Jan 4, 2026 · 2 hr 25 min
After a year packed with Game Pass drops, sequels, surprises, and a few wild swings, it is time to settle it. This is our Game of the Year 2025 episode. In this special episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down every game that made our final nomination list and debate which one truly defined 2025 not just on paper but in how it felt to play. Our Game of the Year 2025 nominees are Balatro Clair Obscur Expedition 33 PowerWash Simulator 2 Monster Train 2 Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and 4 Lost in Rando…
PowerWash Simulator 2, Free Soap for Everyone!
Ep 202 · Nov 27, 2025 · 44 min
This week we dive into PowerWash Simulator 2, the long-anticipated sequel that finally launched in October 2025 and arrived day-one on Xbox Game Pass. We explore whether this follow-up keeps the relaxing magic of the first game or if it leans too heavily on the formula. In this episode, we break down: How the core loop evolves across 38 full jobs throughout Caldera County, with multi-stage tasks and larger, more complex environments The expanded toolset: adjustable nozzles, surface cleaners, sci…
Ball X Pit, Is it Ball Cross Pit or Ball X Pit?
Ep 201 · Nov 20, 2025 · 28 min
Sometimes Game Pass drops something serious, sometimes something cinematic… and sometimes it drops a game where you launch balls into a pit and cause absolute mayhem. This week, we’re talking about Ball X Pit, a deceptively simple arcade-style title that’s all about physics-driven chaos, fast scoring, and “one more try” addiction. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down what makes Ball X Pit work—and what doesn’t: The core gameplay loop and why it’s weirdly satisfying despite being s…
The Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Console Mess
Ep 200 · Nov 16, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
As we roll into the end of 2025, Xbox feels like it’s in the weirdest place it’s ever been. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we sit down and talk through the massive shift Microsoft made at the start of October 2025: the full Xbox Game Pass revamp with new tiers (Essential, Premium, and Ultimate), the 50% price hike on Ultimate to $29.99/month, the jump in PC Game Pass pricing, and the confusing split between day-one releases on Ultimate versus “within a year” access on other tiers. We brea…
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers & Spray Paint Simulator From Feathers to Graffiti –
Ep 199 · Aug 24, 2025 · 48 min
Two very different games. One episode. In this week’s Game Pass or Pass, we’re taking a look at the upcoming dark action RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and the hands-on creativity of Spray Paint Simulator. They couldn’t be further apart in tone, but both raise the question: does uniqueness automatically mean quality? We discuss: Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – How its Soulslike combat, plague-ridden setting, and folklore-driven narrative stack up against heavy hitters like Elden Ring and Lies of P. Doe…
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Now with More Doom
Ep 198 · Aug 17, 2025 · 46 min
We kick off this episode with a write-in discussion on the recent Microsoft layoffs and game cancellations, including the uncertainty around projects like Perfect Dark. It’s a tough conversation about the state of Xbox, studios, and what this means for players moving forward. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive in deep on the remaster’s biggest questions: Skating remade, but gospel intact: How Iron Galaxy rebuilt classic parks in stunning 4K, added new levels like Waterpark, Pinball, a…
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Its NOT Monopoly
Ep 197 · Aug 10, 2025 · 39 min
What happens when you mix stop-motion-inspired visuals, card-based combat, and a dice companion that can literally change your fate? You get Lost in Random: The Eternal Die — a bizarre, Tim Burton-esque action-adventure that’s equal parts whimsical and unsettling. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into: How the dice-rolling mechanic impacts combat pacing and strategy The blend of real-time action with deck-building and why it’s unlike most Game Pass titles The dark fairy tale world d…
Firefighting Simulator & Police Simulator, Sim Cop & Rescue
Ep 196 · Jun 24, 2025 · 27 min
n this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we put on the gear and hit the streets with two procedural-heavy sims: Firefighting Simulator: The Squad and Police Simulator: Patrol Officers — both from the same publisher, both promising realism and co-op-friendly gameplay. But what we found was... odd. These games aim for authenticity, but somehow miss the mark in both realism and gameplay depth. They're not exactly arcade, not exactly sim — just somewhere in between. We break down: The moment-to-moment g…
Doom the Dark Ages, Rip and Tear Medieval Style
Ep 195 · Jun 16, 2025 · 47 min
Rip and tear… but this time with a flail and shield. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down everything we know so far about DOOM: The Dark Ages, the next brutal entry in id Software’s iconic franchise — and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. Set in a dark medieval world, this prequel to 2016’s DOOM reinvents the Slayer as a knight-like figure, battling demonic hordes with brutal melee weapons, heavy siege-inspired firearms, and a rideable cybernetic dragon. We cover: Gameplay e…
Xbox Summer Showcase 2025 Reactions
Ep 194 · Jun 14, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Xbox just dropped its Summer Showcase 2025, and we’re breaking down what that means for Game Pass players. In this reaction episode, we cover: Hardware reveal: Xbox-branded Asus ROG Ally and Ally X handhelds — portable Game Pass everywhere 🎮 Big game drops: The Outer Worlds 2 (Oct 29, day‑one), High on Life 2 (Winter 2025), Super Meat Boy 3D (early 2026), Ninja Gaiden 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 & more Indie & RPG surprises: Clockwork Revolution, Beast of Reincarnation, Keeper from Double Fine…
Monster Train 2 A Hellishly Good Sequel?
Ep 193 · May 31, 2025 · 49 min
The train from hell is back — and it’s brought more cards, more chaos, and way more combos. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive deep into Monster Train 2, the sequel to one of the most addictive roguelike deckbuilders in recent memory. With new clans, refined mechanics, and a surprising twist on multiplayer, is this sequel just more of the same — or a worthy evolution? We cover: How Monster Train 2 improves (or doesn’t) on the original New mechanics and clan synergies worth learning Ho…
Xbox Increasing the Price of Games and Consoles, I'm Sorry What?
May 20, 2025 · 37 min
Surprise announcement or long time coming? In this bonus episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down the recent news that Microsoft is increasing prices on Xbox Series X consoles and first-party games. We get into: What’s changing and when Why Microsoft is making these moves now How it stacks up against Sony and Nintendo’s pricing strategies What it means for the value of Game Pass moving forward Is this the beginning of the end for Game Pass’s “best deal in gaming” reputation — or just the cost…
Clair Obscur Expedition 33: A Surreal Masterpiece or Just Pretty Paint?
Ep 192 · May 18, 2025 · 51 min
A deadly painter. A cursed number. A world slowly being wiped from existence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 drops players into one of the most visually striking turn-based RPGs in years — where every brushstroke is a weapon and every year could be your last. Inspired by Final Fantasy and Persona, but drenched in surrealist French art, this is a game that’s not afraid to get weird — or emotional. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into: The unique mix of turn-based strategy and real-time…
Atomfall, A Post-Nuclear British Adventure
Ep 191 · Apr 28, 2025 · 41 min
A nuclear disaster, a quarantined countryside, and something lurking beyond the fog — Atomfall drops players into a chilling alt-history Britain, blending survival horror with open-world exploration. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dig into the atmosphere-heavy world of Atomfall: Does its survival crafting loop feel rewarding or repetitive? How well does Atomfall’s eerie setting stack up against classics like Fallout or S.T.A.L.K.E.R.? Is Atomfall’s slow-burn pacing a feature or a flaw?…
Balatro, It's Candy Crush for Real Gamers
Ep 190 · Apr 11, 2025 · 37 min
In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down why Balatro is far more than a gimmick. With combo-stacking strategy, addictive progression, and just enough chaos to keep every run fresh, this game turns your brain into a bluffing machine. Whether you’re a poker veteran or a card game rookie, there’s a lot to unpack: Is Balatro just a trend ride, or does it have real staying power? How does its roguelike structure stand out from Slay the Spire clones? Is it worth your time on Xbox Game Pass,…
Xbox Co-Pilot for Gaming, Lets Talk About It
Ep 189 · Apr 6, 2025 · 28 min
AI is stepping off the sidelines and into your controller. In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into Microsoft’s new Xbox Copilot for Gaming, a groundbreaking accessibility tool that uses AI to assist players in real-time. Whether you're tackling tricky sections, learning mechanics, or just exploring a game world, Copilot offers a second set of hands — or brains. But what does this mean for the future of AI in gaming? We explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping: Game accessibili…
Mullet Mad Jack Review, An Assault on Your Senses
Ep 188 · Mar 30, 2025 · 26 min
Get ready for neon-soaked chaos, synth-heavy gunfights, and pure retro-future adrenaline — this week we’re diving headfirst into Mullet Mad Jack. This over-the-top, roguelite FPS throws you into a 90s anime-inspired hellscape where your life literally depends on how many likes you get. With a ticking time bomb of dopamine addiction, every kill buys you seconds. Every missed shot? A step closer to digital doom. But does the frenetic gameplay loop keep you coming back, or does the madness wear off…
Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled, It's Better Than Mario Kart?
Ep 187 · Mar 9, 2025 · 42 min
In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, Cory and Bronson take a deep dive into Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, the full remake of the PlayStation classic. With a fresh coat of paint and modern refinements, does this nostalgic kart racer still hold up, or has time left it in the dust? Topics covered in this episode: Visual Overhaul: The updated graphics bring new life to classic tracks and characters—does it add to the experience? Gameplay & Mechanics: The signature power-slide boost system sets CT…
Avowed, It's NOT Skyrim
Ep 186 · Mar 2, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
In this episode, we dive into Avowed, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. This game promises to offer a unique experience, combining a structured, linear world with immersive combat and a strong emphasis on story. We explore how the weighty combat mechanics and the game’s more focused, structured world differ from the sprawling open-world experiences many RPGs offer. One of the most exciting aspects of Avowed is its combat. The game leans into a real sense of weight and impact with eve…
Metal Slug Tactics, It's Actually A Puzzle Game?
Ep 185 · Feb 27, 2025 · 39 min
In this episode, we talk about Metal Slug Tactics, a tactical strategy game that brings the Metal Slug franchise into a new genre. We dive into the grind, difficulty, and whether it’s more of a puzzle game than you’d expect. Metal Slug Tactics isn’t a game you can rush through. It requires patience, strategy, and time. The difficulty is steep, with enemies coming at you in waves. Tactical decisions need to be calculated, and you’ll spend a lot of time leveling up units and grinding for better eq…
Eternal Strands, A Little Bit of Everything, but Not Enough of Anything
Ep 184 · Feb 17, 2025 · 39 min
On this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we dive into Eternal Strands, the new open-world action-adventure from Yellow Brick Games. Inspired by giants like Shadow of the Colossus and Breath of the Wild, Eternal Strands aims big with physics-based combat, elemental manipulation, and full climbing mechanics. But does it deliver on that promise? Well… not exactly. There’s no denying that Eternal Strands has a lot of great ideas. The ability to interact with the world using fire, ice, and telekinesis m…
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, 2 Black 2 Furious
Ep 183 · Feb 5, 2025 · 45 min
Ninja Gaiden Black set the standard for high-speed, brutally challenging action games, but Ninja Gaiden 2 Black aimed to take things even further with more weapons, bigger enemies, and an overhauled combat system. But does this sequel refine the formula, or does it stumble under the weight of its own ambitions? In this episode, we break down how Ninja Gaiden 2 Black compares to its legendary predecessor. The combat is faster and bloodier than ever, with a limb dismemberment system that changes h…
Wildfrost, Baby it's RNG
Ep 182 · Jan 20, 2025 · 46 min
This week on Game Pass or Pass, we take a frosty dive into the deck-building, roguelike adventure of Wildfrost! With its charming art style, unique card mechanics, and punishing difficulty, Wildfrost promises to be a refreshing addition to your gaming library. But does it live up to the hype, or will it leave you out in the cold? Join us as we explore the game's strategy, progression, and replayability to determine if this icy adventure is worth your time—or better left buried under the snow. Tu…
Game Pass or Pass Game of the Year 2024
Ep 181 · Jan 6, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min
Welcome to the Game Pass or Pass Game of the Year 2024 episode! This year has been an incredible journey through the diverse and ever-expanding Xbox Game Pass library. Join your hosts, Basher and Cory, as they debate, celebrate, and ultimately crown the best game of 2024. Here are the contenders: Contenders for Game of the Year 20241. Remnant 2 Why It’s Here: A gripping co-op experience that pushes the boundaries of what a sequel can achieve. With its refined mechanics, engaging narrative, and s…
Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand, Its Dune Meets Darksiders
Ep 180 · Oct 6, 2024 · 38 min
In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, Basher and Cory dive deep into the desert dunes of Atlas Fallen. Developed by Deck13, known for their work on action RPGs, this title blends fast-paced combat with an expansive world brimming with mythological creatures and hidden secrets. But does this desert adventure stand out, or does it get buried under the sand? Join us as we break down Atlas Fallen's unique combat system, the expansive world design, and its focus on traversal and verticality. We’ll al…
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, She is Your Dancing Queen
Ep 179 · Sep 8, 2024 · 35 min
In this episode, we dive into Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, a game that caught us off guard with its deep mechanics and captivating art style. At first glance, it may seem like just another action-adventure title, but beneath the surface lies a surprisingly intricate experience. We explore how the game's unique blend of strategic combat, cultural influences, and stunning visuals come together to create something truly special. Tune in as we break down the gameplay, the story, and why this g…
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Ep 178 · Aug 14, 2024 · 32 min
In this episode of “Game Pass or Pass,” Cory and Basher tackle Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, an action RPG that caught our attention with its thrilling trailers and promises of a rich, fantasy-filled world. Set in a realm where magic and muskets collide, the game boasts a gripping storyline, diverse combat mechanics, and a stunning open world to explore. We were initially swept up by the game’s potential, but as we delved deeper, our excitement began to wane. Did Flintlock deliver on its ambitio…
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