Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service has become a pillar for the company's gaming strategy as we move into the next-generation of consoles. In an effort to get as many people subscribed to Xbox Game Pass as possible, Microsoft has constantly added new games to the service, ranging from years-old fan favorite games to brand new releases that debut on Game Pass on day one.
Xbox's E3 2021 presentation was focused almost entirely on Xbox Game Pass, with nearly every game showcased available on the service. This included a variety of third-party and multiplatform releases that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to play through for significantly less money than their PlayStation and Nintendo counterparts. Some of these games are highly-anticipated new releases, and should definitely go a long way in making the Xbox Game Pass service even more desirable.
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Besides the three games listed here, it's quite likely that Xbox Game Pass will have even more new games to add in July. Typically, Microsoft adds a batch of new Xbox Game Pass games at the start of the month, with a second batch added in the second half of the month. All the games listed here are coming in the second half of July, so it seems Xbox Game Pass subscribers could be in for some surprises next week. In fact, rumor has it that Yakuza spin-off game Judgment is also making its way to Xbox Game Pass, but that has yet to be confirmed at the time of this writing.
Here are three new games launching for Xbox Game Pass in July 2021.
Cris Tales is easily one of the year's most highly-anticipated indie games. Its unique blend of traditional turn-based RPG gameplay and time traveling mechanics has seen it compared to the likes of Chrono Trigger, so expectations are clearly high. Whether or not Cris Tales can live up to the lofty expectations RPG fans have for it after the glowing previews that have been written about it remains to be seen, but those with Xbox Game Pass will be able to try it without even committing to paying full price.
Cris Tales will be one of the Xbox Game Pass games in July, and will be made available for the service on July 20, its day of launch. RPG fans with Xbox Game Pass can try the innovative new indie game without paying an extra dime, whereas those on other platforms will need to buy the game outright. If Cris Tales is the hit game that many are expecting it to be, then it will definitely be a huge "get" for Xbox Game Pass in July.
Microsoft Flight Simulator was one of the highest-rated video game releases of 2020, earning widespread critical acclaim for its accurate simulation gameplay, cutting-edge graphics, and the ability to fly pretty much anywhere in the world. Since launch, Microsoft Flight Simulator has been a PC exclusive game, but that is set to change on July 27 when it finally makes its long-awaited console debut on the Xbox Series X.
As with all first-party Microsoft games, Microsoft Flight Simulator will be debuting on Xbox Game Pass the same day that it launches. It will feature a revamped control scheme for controller users, but it's worth pointing out that the Xbox Series X version of Microsoft Flight Simulator will also support some flight sticks and other peripherals that were made for the PC version of the game.
Moving forward, Microsoft Flight Simulator fans can expect the game to continue to grow, as the developers have already confirmed a Top Gun crossover event alongside regular updates that will improve its digital game world even further. And while PC and Xbox Series X owners are so far the only ones that will get to play Microsoft Flight Simulator through Game Pass, it's possible that the cloud will eventually make the game playable on legacy platforms like the Xbox One as well.
The cyberpunk aesthetic is all the rage nowadays, and upcoming indie game The Ascent is looking to capitalize on that when it comes to Xbox Game Pass on July 29. The Ascent is a cyberpunk-themed twin-stick shooter, fully embracing familiar cyberpunk tropes as players blast their way through its open world. And like many other twin-stick shooter games, The Ascent is a co-op experience, allowing players to play local and online co-op.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get friends together to play co-op games, but The Ascent's inclusion on Xbox Game Pass should make things much easier. After all, playing The Ascent co-op will simply require players to have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, which significantly reduces the barrier to entry. The Ascent gameplay has looked promising so far, and it should make a strong addition to the Xbox Game Pass July 2021 lineup.