Game Pass or Pass

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 CTR apart from other kart racers—does it still feel great today?
• Content & Replayability: With tracks from Crash Nitro Kart, multiple modes, and customization, is there enough to keep players engaged?
• Challenge & AI: The game is known for its tough AI and high skill ceiling—does it make the game more rewarding or frustrating?
• Microtransactions & Post-Launch Changes: How do they affect the overall experience, and are they a deal-breaker?

Cory and Bronson break it all down and decide if Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is worth your time or if it’s a pass.

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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 every attack. The combat feels deliberate and strategic, with each strike and spell having a tangible effect on enemies. There’s a heavy emphasis on tactical decision-making, with real-time action combined with elements that require players to pause and consider their next move. This blend of fluid combat and thoughtful strategy gives the game a sense of depth that is missing in many other RPGs.

Unlike many modern RPGs that lean heavily into massive open worlds, Avowed presents a more linear, structured environment. The world is expansive but intentionally designed to guide players through rich environments with a strong narrative backbone. Instead of sprawling expanses with endless side missions, the game offers more focused exploration, which means every area has a purpose in the overall story. This design approach allows for more detailed, handcrafted locations and a deeper, more engaging experience where each moment feels important.

Additionally, Avowed is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which means players can expect stunning visuals and cutting-edge technology. The engine’s capabilities allow for realistic lighting, detailed textures, and a world that feels alive and immersive. With UE5, the game promises to deliver smooth animations, lifelike environments, and impressive effects that will bring the world of Eora to life in ways we've never seen before.

If you’re a fan of RPGs with tactical combat, a structured world that doesn’t overwhelm you, and cutting-edge visuals, Avowed could be your next big adventure. Tune in to see if it’s a Game Pass or Pass!

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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 equipment.

It’s not just a tactical RPG; it has puzzle-like elements. Each mission forces you to think ahead—positioning units, using cover, and managing resources. One wrong move can cost you, making it feel like solving a puzzle.

The game features grid-based combat with strategic positioning, unit customization, and a challenging difficulty that requires time and effort.

Metal Slug Tactics is a tactical grind with puzzle-like challenges. If you enjoy strategic combat where every move counts, it’s definitely worth checking out—but be prepared for a steep learning curve. Is it a Game Pass or Pass? Tune in to find out!

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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 makes for some cool moments. The combat is flashy, the creatures are huge, and the world is expansive. But after spending time with it, we couldn’t shake the feeling that Eternal Strands is a game that tries to do everything—but never fully develops anything.

The climbing is there, but lacks the satisfying challenge of Breath of the Wild. The combat looks cool, but never really evolves beyond flashy moves that lack impact. The world is big, but feels empty and aimless. It’s as if the game has all the right ingredients, but the dish just doesn’t come together in the end.

So, is Eternal Strands worth your time, or is it another case of a game being too ambitious for its own good? Tune in to find out if this one is a Game Pass… or a Pass.

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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 how fights play out, forcing you to adjust tactics on the fly. The visuals have seen a clear upgrade, with improved animations and larger environments, but at what cost? The game pushes its engine to the limit, and with that comes some performance struggles and occasional janky camera angles that make certain fights more frustrating than they should be.

We also discuss the changes in level design, enemy variety, and difficulty balancing—does Ninja Gaiden 2 Black feel fair, or does it veer into cheap territory? And of course, the biggest question: is this still a must-play today, or does the original Ninja Gaiden Black still reign supreme?

Join us as we slash through the highs and lows of this action-packed sequel and decide—should you pass, or is this still worth a run?

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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. Tune in to find out if Wildfrost earns its place on Game Pass, or if it’s a hard pass!

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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:

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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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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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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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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