The first half of July brings a wave of new titles to Xbox Game Pass, with the headliner being the highly anticipated Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. This release bundles remakes of the iconic skateboarding games, promising a nostalgia trip with a modern twist. Beyond the ramps and grinds, subscribers can look forward to a diverse selection including puzzle platformers, action-adventure epics, and cyberpunk shooters. Let’s delve into what the service has to offer this month.
Microsoft unveiled its July plans via an Xbox Wire post, setting the stage for a jam-packed month for Game Pass users across PC, Xbox consoles, and cloud platforms. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is slated for a day-one release on Game Pass, hitting the service on July 11th. The game looks to capture the magic of the originals, complete with revamped visuals, enhanced animations, and the classic roster of skaters and parks.
The remake promises a significant upgrade, boasting 4K resolution, enhanced textures, and refined lighting. Players can expect the same addictive gameplay that made the originals so popular, with a fresh coat of paint for modern hardware. It’s also launching on other platforms, like Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5, offering broad reach.
Already available this month are Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, both accessible across Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and the standard Game Pass tiers. These additions provide immediate value for subscribers looking for different experiences: creepy platforming and action-adventure.
- Available Now: Little Nightmares 2, Rise of the Tomb Raider
- July 2nd: Legend of Mana, Trials of Mana
- July 3rd: Ultimate Chicken Horse
- July 8th: The Ascent (returning)
- July 9th: Minami Lane
- July 11th: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
- July 15th: High on Life
The Mana series has also seen an infusion of content, with Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana joining the service on July 2nd. Furthermore, the chaotic multiplayer fun of Ultimate Chicken Horse arrived on July 3rd, offering a party game experience.
“I’ve been waiting for The Ascent to come back,” exclaimed gamer @CyberPunkFan77 on X.com. “Loved it the first time around. Can’t wait to jump back in with a friend and blast some corpos!”
On July 8th, The Ascent makes its return to Game Pass. This cyberpunk shooter, known for its striking neon-drenched visuals and cooperative gameplay, offers a distinct experience for fans of the genre. Following closely on July 9th is Minami Lane, a management simulation game offering a different pace of gameplay.
A bit later in the month, July 15th marks the arrival of High on Life, a first-person shooter with a decidedly quirky sense of humor. Created by Justin Roiland, known for Rick & Morty, the game is likely to appeal to fans of irreverent comedy.
There has ben complaints about the quality control. “The Game Pass library seems good on the surface, but there’s still a lot of shovelware clogging up the system, complained user @GamePassCritic on the Reddit forum r/XboxGamePass. “They need to curate it better. It’s a shame. I love some of the indie darlings that showed up.”
Microsoft also highlighted the success of its Retro Classics collection, revealing that it has garnered over one million players. Games like Cosmic Commuter, Heart of China, Skiing, Solar Storm, and Subterranea have been added to this offering, catering to fans of classic gaming experiences. This demonstrates the ongoing appeal of retro games.
Subscribers will also benefit from DLC content for popular titles like Diablo IV and Palworld, along with in-game perks for Mecha Break, Splitgate 2, and Asphalt Legends Unite. This constant flow of additional content helps keep the Game Pass library fresh and engaging.
However, the arrival of new games also means the departure of others. On July 15th, a selection of titles will be leaving Game Pass, including Flock, Mafia Definitive Edition, Magical Delicacy, Tchia, The Callisto Protocol, and The Case of the Golden Idol. Subscribers are encouraged to play these games before they are removed from the service.
The loss of The Callisto Protocol will be felt by many horror game fans. Many took to social media to share their disappointment. “I was planning to complete it this month,” wrote user GhoulishGaming on Facebook. “Now I’ll have to buy it.”
The Silent Process of game acquisition, evaluation, and integration into the Game Pass library undergoes a Sudden Manifestation with each monthly announcement. The company is aware of the potential impact that leaving the service can have on users and tries to give advance warning.
One longtime Game Pass subscriber, Maria Rodriguez from Austin, Texas, described her experience with the service. “I was really looking forward to playing *Tchia* with my little sister,” Rodriguez told our reporters, “but I kept putting it off. When I saw it was leaving, I knew I had to bump it to the top of my list. I just managed to finish it last night. What happened next was crucial,” she said with a smile. “My sister and I stayed up late talking about the game’s themes, and it brought us even closer together. It’s moments like these that make Game Pass a worthwhile investment, beyond just the games themselves.”
With the addition of high-profile titles and the constant stream of content updates, Xbox Game Pass continues to evolve as a compelling option for gamers.
