• Game Pass or Pass Game of the Year 2024
    Jan 6 2025

    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 2024

    1. 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 stunning world design, Remnant 2 has set a new standard for action-RPGs.

    2. RoboQuest

    Why It’s Here: Fast-paced and endlessly replayable, RoboQuest combines roguelike elements with exhilarating first-person shooting. Its unique art style and addictive gameplay loop have kept us coming back for more.

    3. Slay the Spire

    Why It’s Here: A timeless deck-building masterpiece that continues to captivate players with its strategic depth and endless possibilities. Its inclusion on Game Pass brings this indie darling to a wider audience.

    4. Resident Evil 3

    Why It’s Here: Capcom’s modernized remake of a survival horror classic. With its breathtaking visuals and relentless tension, Resident Evil 3 proves why it remains a fan favorite.

    5. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

    Why It’s Here: A visually striking and thematically rich adventure that combines unique gameplay mechanics with a deeply immersive world. Kunitsu-Gami is a standout for its creativity and execution.

    6. Still Wakes the Deep

    Why It’s Here: Atmospheric, terrifying, and unforgettable, this first-person horror experience leverages environmental storytelling to deliver a spine-chilling tale of survival and mystery.

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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand, Its Dune Meets Darksiders
    Oct 6 2024

    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 also discuss the story, characters, and whether its RPG elements stack up against other titles available on Game Pass. Can Atlas Fallen carve its place in your gaming library, or should you let the sands of time pass it by?

    Tune in for our thoughts, and find out whether this action-packed RPG is worth your time

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    38 mins
  • Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, She is Your Dancing Queen
    Sep 8 2024

    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 game might deserve more attention than it’s getting.

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    35 mins
  • Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
    Aug 14 2024

    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 ambitious promises, or did it miss the mark? Join us as we break down the gameplay, story, and overall experience, and hint at where things might have fallen short. Whether you’re considering adding it to your Game Pass queue or passing it by, this episode will give you the insights you need.

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    32 mins
  • Still Wakes the Deep, Oil Rigs Are Scary
    Jul 27 2024

    In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, hosts Cory and Basher dive into the eerie and captivating world of "The Game Still Wakes the Deep." Join us as we explore the atmospheric horror game that has been making waves on Xbox Game Pass. We'll discuss the game's story, gameplay mechanics, visual and audio design, and whether it lives up to the hype.

    Episode Highlights:

    Introduction to "The Game Still Wakes the Deep"

    • Brief overview of the game's premise and setting.
    • Initial impressions and expectations.

    Story and Narrative

    • Analysis of the plot and storytelling techniques.
    • Discussion on character development and immersion.
    • How the narrative keeps players engaged and on the edge of their seats.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    • Overview of core gameplay elements and controls.
    • Examination of puzzle design and challenges.
    • Exploration of the game's balance between tension and action.

    Visual and Audio Design

    • Breakdown of the game's graphics, art style, and atmospheric visuals.
    • Commentary on the sound design, music, and voice acting.
    • How these elements contribute to the overall horror experience.

    Final Thoughts and Verdict

    • Pros and cons of "The Game Still Wakes the Deep."
    • Final recommendation: Is it a pass or a play?

    Tune in to this episode to find out if "The Game Still Wakes the Deep" is worth adding to your Game Pass library. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know what games you'd like us to cover next!

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    37 mins
  • Game Pass Removes Day 1 Games...Kind of...
    Jul 11 2024

    In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we explore the major shakeup in Xbox Game Pass's latest update: the introduction of a new tier that excludes Day 1 game releases. We break down what this means for gamers, how it compares to existing tiers, and whether this change is a smart move by Microsoft or a potential misstep.

    Join us as we analyze the pros and cons of this new subscription option. Will it appeal to budget-conscious gamers, or will it detract from the value that Xbox Game Pass is known for? We'll also discuss the new titles coming to the service and how this tier might influence your gaming choices.

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    1 hr
  • Resident Evil 3 Remake
    Jul 5 2024

    In this episode, Cory and Basher dive into the "Resident Evil 3 Remake," offering a deep dive into Capcom's latest revamp of their iconic survival horror series. The hosts kick off with their impressions of the remake, comparing its high-octane action and polished visuals to the suspenseful atmosphere of the "Resident Evil 2 Remake."

    Cory and Basher explore the broader context of the franchise, discussing Capcom's strategy of remaking classic Resident Evil titles. They reflect on how these remakes balance staying true to the originals while modernizing gameplay and graphics for today's audience.

    As they discuss Jill Valentine's struggle against the relentless Nemesis, the hosts examine how the remake enhances the story and gameplay mechanics. They debate the game's faster pace and action-oriented approach, considering how it fits within the larger narrative of the Resident Evil series.

    Wrapping up, Cory and Basher share their thoughts on whether the "Resident Evil 3 Remake" stands out as a must-play on Game Pass. They assess the game's strengths and its role in revitalizing the franchise, ultimately deciding if it’s a Game Pass or Pass.

    Tune in for their full review and insights into Capcom's ongoing efforts to bring the classic Resident Evil games to a new generation.

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    40 mins
  • Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
    Jun 13 2024
    Join hosts Cory and Basher as they dive into the long-awaited sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, in this episode of Game Pass or Pass. With its breathtaking graphics and presentation, the game promises an immersive journey through a world inspired by Norse mythology. However, Cory and Basher find themselves grappling with the depth of gameplay in Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. They discuss how the combat and mechanics feel one-note, despite the game's stunning visual appeal. The hosts also analyze the implications of Ninja Theory's acquisition by Microsoft on the development of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. They explore how being part of Xbox Game Studios might shape the game's direction and resources. Tune in as Cory and Basher weigh the strengths and weaknesses of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, deciding whether it earns a spot in your gaming library or if it's a pass for now.
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    32 mins