Unveiling the Ultimate Power Play: Xbox Game Pass Gems That Can Be Conquered in Under 5 Hours!
Get ready for a thrilling gaming experience with Xbox Game Pass! Discover a collection of short and captivating titles including Bramble: The Mountain King, Somerville, Unpacking, Metal: Hellsinger, and more Dive into these immersive worlds and embark on exciting adventures today!
Xbox Game Pass offers a diverse collection of games that can provide entertainment for an entire month. Games such as Fallout, Dragon Age, Forza Horizon, and Yakuza are well-known for their lengthy campaigns that may require more than 30 hours of gameplay. On the other hand, titles like Fable, Halo, and Gears of War are perfect for those seeking single-player adventures that last around 10-20 hours.
While expansive open-world games can be enjoyable, there are also times when shorter and more concise stories are fitting. These games can serve as refreshing breaks between longer experiences or as options for players who only have a limited time left in their subscription. So, what are some of the top short games available on Xbox Game Pass?
Bramble: The Mountain King
Release Date | April 27, 2023 |
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Developer | Dimfrost Studio |
Genre | Action, Adventure |
Xbox Store Link |
This enchanting independent gem of a game follows the journey of Olle, a young child, as he embarks on a magical expedition through an otherworldly forest in order to rescue his missing sister. Bramble: The Mountain King delivers a captivating narrative reminiscent of a haunting fairy tale inspired by the rich tapestry of Nordic mythology. This game excels in its ability to bring these mythical figures to life, with the utmost care and reverence, as they seamlessly blend into the game's immersive world rather than feeling like intrusive entities. Furthermore, the game successfully balances moments of spine-tingling terror with moments of profound depth, resulting in an unforgettable experience for players.
Somerville
Gameplay-wise, Bramble: The Mountain King offers a seamless blend of puzzle-solving and stealth mechanics. The primary objective is for players to navigate through the game by avoiding the monsters' line of sight. While the gameplay itself may not be groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well without overshadowing the game's main strengths: its captivating presentation and compelling storyline.
Release Date | November 15, 2022 |
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Developer | Jumpship |
Genre | Adventure |
Xbox Store Link |
Content:
From one of the masterminds behind the acclaimed games Limbo and Inside, Somerville demonstrates a similar essence and brilliance. This 2022 release is an immersive adventure where environmental storytelling takes center stage, replacing traditional dialogue. Earth finds itself under attack by extraterrestrial beings, resulting in swift and severe devastation.
Somerville tells a heartfelt and intimate story, portraying a father's relentless struggle to protect his family amidst this harrowing experience. The gameplay predominantly involves skillful platforming and thought-provoking puzzles, skillfully blending into the game's overall tone, visual presentation, and emotional impact.
Unpacking
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Release Date | November 2, 2021 |
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Developer | Witch Beam |
Genre | Puzzle |
Xbox Store Link |
Unpacking may not immediately stir the appetite as it centers on a famously exasperating aspect of existence: moving. Spanning roughly twenty years, this indie game is divided into eight stages that symbolize distinct phases in the protagonist's life. Within each level, players must meticulously unpack the character's possessions, expertly arranging her belongings within the given area.
Metal: Hellsinger
Unpacking skillfully combines its gameplay and storytelling elements, utilizing the former as a catalyst for the latter. Players iteratively explore the protagonist's possessions, carefully chosen as the sole belongings she deemed deserving of her new home. With a runtime of approximately 3 hours, Unpacking offers a swift and pleasantly tranquil experience, yet manages to convey a profound narrative in a distinctive manner.
Release Date | September 15, 2022 |
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Developer | The Outsiders |
Genre | First-Person Shooter |
Xbox Store Link |
Doom's influence on the first-person shooter genre will always be present, and this is a positive aspect. It is beneficial to have more games that take inspiration from id Software's franchise. Metal: Hellsinger takes cues from Doom for its gunplay but also introduces a unique twist to the formula.
As the title suggests, Metal: Hellsinger encourages players to synchronize their gameplay with the soundtrack, motivating them to eliminate demonic enemies while enjoying the intense sound of shredding guitars. This concept is compelling, although the campaign's brevity may be slightly disappointing; however, the game strikes a balance as it doesn't overstay its welcome.
Sea Of Solitude
Release Date | July 5, 2019 |
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Developer | Jo-Mei Games |
Genre | Adventure |
Xbox Store Link |
Sea of Solitude is an emotionally intense narrative that delves into the complex themes of loneliness and depression. Kay, our protagonist, finds herself adrift in the vastness of the sea, her only company being the remnants of a submerged city. Along her journey, she encounters various entities, most of which are echoes of people she knew in her real life. These encounters test Kay's mental resilience, compelling her to confront past traumas, tragedies, and personal shortcomings.
Sea of Solitude tells a profoundly intimate narrative that has the potential to deeply resonate with numerous players. Although the gameplay is not terrible, it takes a backseat to the captivating story and underlying themes. Consequently, if these aspects fail to emotionally connect with an individual, the game may not leave a lasting impact. Nevertheless, with a plethora of compelling elements present,
Battletoads
taking the plunge is unquestionably justified.
Release Date | August 20, 2020 |
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Developer | Dlala Studios, Rare |
Genre | Beat 'Em Up |
Xbox Store Link |
Battletoads is a polarizing experience, with potential to either be loved or hated. It presents a challenge in terms of promotion due to its constant genre swapping and repetitive nature. Technically, Battletoads is a proficient side-scrolling beat 'em up, but only makes up a portion of the 4-hour campaign. Throughout the game, there are various gameplay mechanics that pay homage to classic NES projects, but their quality varies significantly.
Oddly enough, Battletoads manages to be entertaining as long as players don't take it seriously. It may lack depth and have a somewhat annoying sense of humor, but it serves as a decent way to pass time between more impressive titles.
Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance Of The Slayer
Release Date | June 1, 2023 |
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Developer | Big Z Studios Inc. |
Genre | First-Person Shooter |
Xbox Store Link |
Slayers X is a first-person shooter spin-off loosely based on the popular 2019 game Hypnospace Outlaw, which is also available on Game Pass. Drawing inspiration from the '90s not only in its game design but also in its overall atmosphere, this action-packed and chaotic experience centers around the young protagonist Zane as he embarks on a mission to defeat the nefarious Psyko Syndikate. However, within the game's universe, this thrilling adventure is revealed to be Zane's own creation, adding a clever meta twist to the entire package.
Dordogne
Slayers X captures the essence of the '90s era and mindset, but its appeal ultimately relies on one's fondness for their teenage years. Zane crafted a project that exudes youthful vigor, delivering a tone that can be simultaneously endearing and irksome. While it may not resonate with everyone, the game's actual first-person gunplay is packed with a satisfying and enjoyable punch.
Release Date | June 13, 2023 |
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Developer | UN JE NE SAIS QUOI, UMANIMATION |
Genre | Adventure |
Xbox Store Link |
With its stunning visual art style and heartfelt storyline reminiscent of slice of life, Dordogne follows Mimi as she explores her late grandmother's home. As she navigates through the house, memories from her childhood in the town flood back to her, providing valuable insights. The journey becomes particularly enlightening for Mimi, who suffers from amnesia, rendering her unable to recall anything before her 13th birthday.
Dordogne possesses a tender spirit and a tranquil execution, offering a soothing experience. Mimi's childhood escapades may seem ordinary and uncomplicated, mainly consisting of straightforward puzzles; nevertheless, they harmoniously complement the narrative at hand.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Release Date | April 19, 2022 |
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Developer | Snoozy Kazoo |
Genre | Action-Adventure |
Xbox Store Link |
With its captivating title, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion stands out among the Game Pass offerings. But it's not just about quirkiness; this game has much more to offer. The protagonist, a quirky vegetable, finds himself burdened with a substantial debt and embarks on an old-school RPG adventure to shake off this monkey on his back. Developed by Snoozy Kazoo, the game follows a familiar top-down format inspired by classics like Zelda. While Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion doesn't revolutionize the genre, it delivers a satisfying gameplay experience.
Coffee Talk
In addition to its solid combat, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion excels in its presentation, characters, and world-building. Rather than settling for a lackluster campaign, the game goes above and beyond by introducing memorable NPCs and engaging dialogue. This results in a delightful and concise experience that never overstays its welcome.
Release Date | January 29, 2020 |
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Developer | Toge Productions |
Genre | Visual Novel |
Xbox Store Link |
Visual novels can be a tough sell for people who are unfamiliar with them. They often have limited gameplay and tend to be quite lengthy. However, if you're interested in exploring this genre without investing weeks of your time, Coffee Talk is a great place to start.
Developed by Toge Productions, this game puts players in the shoes of a coffee shop owner who also works as a barista. Your responsibilities include brewing coffee and listening to the problems of your customers. Coffee Talk is considered one of the top short games available on Game Pass, and its sequel in 2023 is equally impressive.
Inside
Release Date | August 23, 2016 |
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Developer | Playdead |
Genre | Puzzle-Platformer |
Xbox Store Link |
Playdead's Inside is arguably the ultimate short game available on Xbox Game Pass, rendering the "short" label seemingly unnecessary. Breathing life into a dystopian realm devoid of vibrancy and affection, Playdead's creation depicts a haunting universe where emotionless machines oversee docile humans.
A nameless child embarks on a perilous and uncertain quest, where even a single misstep can lead to defeat. Inside conjures a captivating aura of intrigue that compels one to delve into its depths and provoke dialogue. The solutions may not be evident or necessarily inspiring, yet they hold significance and are worth pursuing.
