Best games released this year on Xbox Game Pass to play now

AS we reach the end of 2022, we can look back on the amazing games that were released this year.

While it’s difficult to play released games as they come out, Xbox Game Pass is a great way to catch up on ones you missed.

Xbox puts new releases straight on its subscription service so a number of 2022 games are on there to play.

Here are the best games released in 2022 that you can play now on Xbox Game Pass.

Immortality

Marissa Marcel is an actress who seems doomed to failure. She starred in three blockbusters, all of which went unreleased.

As you scrub through the archives of all three of her films, you begin to understand more about Marcel and the tragedies which left her movies unreleased.

Each film shows a different side to her, and you learn more about her through the footage.

Through the clips you get to see her three films almost in full, and discover the strings that connect them all.

Pentiment

Pentiment is a little less well known, but is another story-driven game where you find out more about yourself through conversations with others.

Set in mediaeval Germany, you investigate murders that are happening around you.

This is a choices matter game, where the conversations you have with others can change your reputation.

These changes can have lasting impact on the story leading to more replayability.

High on Life

Despite being the most popular game on Xbox Game Pass at launch, this one is rather controversial.

The highlight of High on Life is the humour, as your weapons talk to you throughout with writing from Justin Roiland, the creator of Rick and Morty.

Some found this to be grating, and the lacklustre shooting meant they didn’t stick with it long.

However, if this is your type of comedy, then High on Life is a game you will want to check out.

Metal: Hellsinger

A unique mix of genres, Metal: Hellsinger mixes a first-person shooter with a rhythm game.

As the name suggests, it has a heavy metal soundtrack, and the more shots you make in time the better you will do.

There are a large number of weapons you can try out so it has a lot of replayability.

If you want to play a shooter with a difference, this is definitely one to try.

Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors has a surprisingly simple concept which gives an immensely satisfying gameplay loop.

All you do is move around. Sure you pick up power ups, but the game shoots the hordes of oncoming vampires for you.

Despite the simplicity of the gameplay, this roguelike was one we just couldn’t put down.

To understand this game’s magic, you have to try it for yourself.

Norco

This is another point-and-click adventure, and like Pentiment, it’s the conversation you have and the people you meet that drives the story.

Set in a distorted version of Louisiana, you go on the hunt to find your brother who went missing after your mother’s death.

At its heart Norco is a mystery thriller with some sci-fi mixed in for good measure.

Another that might not be for everyone, but with Game Pass you can try it out before you commit.

Citizen Sleeper

Xbox really excelled this year with narrative based games, and Citizen Sleeper is another amazing story.

This one wears its sci-fi roots on its sleeve, and comes with the added bonus of having tactical RPG elements mixed in.

In a world that has been ravaged by capitalism, it’s up to you to decide who you can trust in order to escape the nightmare.

Choosing the right allies is vital to ensure you make it out alive.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Probably the most traditional game on the list, Requiem follows on from the story of the original A Plague Tale.

Journey with your brother across France looking for a solution to the plague that haunts him.

Using a variety of stealth, distraction and your trusty slingshot, you must take on those blocking your path.

It’s not always easy, but if you’re up for the challenge you will find a charming adventure.

As Dusk Falls

Winner of Games for Impact at The Game Awards, As Dusk Falls is an interactive drama starring real actors much like Immortality.

Set in 1998, this is a generational drama about two families who find their fates entwined.

It’s packed with surprising revelations, designed to keep you hooked.

Best of all, you can play cooperatively with friends, to ensure that consensus is made on each decision.

Signalis

This was a surprise hit of the year, as what seems like a Silent Hill-style throwback, suddenly becomes so much more.

Still very much a survival horror, Signalis comes with a variety of endings depending on your choices.

Another game set in the future with advanced technology, this takes a different twist to games mentioned before.

This is one you have to play for yourself, to see why it’s so good before you are spoiled.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.