What’s On Game Pass January 2024

Happy New Year Game Pass readers! When I say readers, I make it sound as though I have a burgeoning readership, when actually, I really don’t.

Either way, I hope you have all had a restful festive few weeks and are ready for the new year. Whether that be in the form of resolutions, continuing from where you left off, or simply wanting to have a better year than last.

I don’t do resolutions, but the gaming industry definitely should. I’d like to see less remakes/remasters this year and more in the way of original content. I’d like to see developers like Ubisoft try something entirely new, and move away from the mammoth franchises. They make the gaming world torpid. Here’s to some much needed freshness in 2024!

Tell us your resolutions on our socials, if you have any that is. And what about what I just said… What would you like to see different in 2024, gaming-wise?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Well, I’ll say what most of us think about this franchise. It’s not what it used to be, is it? That said, I’m not going to complain that I get to try it for free on Game Pass.

I have now played all three in the trilogy and each time they have iterated and improved on the last. Origins felt overwhelming, Odyssey was occasionally bland and never felt like Ancient Greece, and Valhalla seems to have rewritten those wrongs. The world does feel full and varied. Whilst there’s lots to do and a ridiculously huge map, the story cuts to the chase and I found it easier to navigate than the previous two games.

The reek of unoriginality lingers, but there’s more depth throughout Valhalla, more thought and references in the sides quests, the landscape looks more realistic and seems lived in, whereas it’s counterparts felt emptier despite them having small towns and people walking about. Perhaps it’s the textures: the flora in Valhalla can often ‘close off’ an area and make you feel more claustrophobic – in a good way – compared to the openness of Origins and Odyssey.

Everything has already been said, so I’ll leave it with you. Give it a shot. Without the burden of having paid sixty, seventy quid for the game, you’ll possibly have a more rewarding experience. A great start to the year if you’re not already playing a big game.

Close To The Sun

I’ve been wanting to play this game since before I owned a PC. I no longer own said PC. I believe it’s been on Xbox for a while, but games like this aren’t usually that smooth on consoles. Take Conarium: an intriguing game that feels awful to play on consoles and yet is so good on PC. There’s something about these ‘walking sims’ that don’t lend themselves nicely to consoles. I can’t put my finger on it…

In Close to the Sun, you play as a journalist who is searching for her missing sister. She quickly discovers that something is amiss. The usual. It’s an attractive game and the story does eventually wade beyond its initial clichéd borders. I recommend it if you enjoy playing games that build an atmosphere slowly. The joy is in the discovery.

What Else Is New?

• Figment
• Hell Let Loose

What’s On Its Way?

• Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – 23/04
• Persona 3 Reload – 02/02
• Resident Evil 2 – 15/01
• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank – 18/01
• We Happy Few – 11/01

What Am I Playing?

It’s been a very busy month for me and I imagine it has been for you as well. I saw family and friends most days and before I knew it, I was back at work. Bearing that in mind, I haven’t had much time to game. When I did, it was Darktide.

If you haven’t played yet, I strongly suggest you do. If you enjoy cooperative shooters, especially those when you’re in a party of four, you will get a lot out of Darktide. The environments are frequently breathtaking and the action goes at a good pace. My favourite environments are those with the high gothic cathedrals, think cyberpunk meets medieval.

I’ve nearly reached level 30 with my second character: a Zealot name Isla. She’s Scottish because one of the generic voices inspired me to do so.

Let us know what you’re playing on our socials. You’re more than welcome to add me on Xbox: doomhaunted.

Speak soon.
Ben.