From Avowed's Anniversary Spin to Exploding Subway Cars: Xbox Game Pass's Latest Bag of Tricks
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Xbox's New Game Plus Showcase pulled back the curtain on five intriguing Game Pass titles, from a major *Avowed* anniversary update and *Grounded 2*'s new tiny terrors, to *Aphelion*'s unique sound design, *Towerborne*'s surprising F2P pivot, and *Denshattack!*'s wild subway stunts, all hinting at Microsoft's big plans for 2026.
Right then, buckle up, legends! I’ve been sifting through the digital tea leaves, and fair warning, this latest Xbox Game Pass intel is a bit of a mixed bag – like when you try a new spell and it summons both a majestic dragon *and* a sentient toaster. We’re diving into a recent haul of info from the inaugural New Game Plus Showcase, where Microsoft (and a few mates from the content creator world) gave us a peek behind the curtain at what’s brewing for the Game Pass library. It wasn't just a quick flick-through; we’re talking over three hours, forty-five games. That’s a serious chunk of screen time, mate, and while most of it was probably just digital filler, there were a few absolute gems and a couple of head-scratchers that caught my eye.
Microsoft’s apparently decided that 2025 was a bit of a 'sit-on-your-hands-and-contemplate-the-meaning-of-life' year for Xbox, because they're already hyping up 2026 as their big comeback kid. We've heard that one before, haven't we? It’s almost like they’ve whispered a charm to a crystal ball and it’s promised them infinite success. Still, I’m an optimistically chaotic wizard, and I always wonder "what happens if..." so I'm willing to see if they pull off some real magic. Beyond these New Game Plus tidbits, they’ve also teased an upcoming Xbox Developer Direct. *Fable* and *Forza Horizon 6* are on the cards (which, let's be honest, would make anyone’s ears perk up), plus Game Freak’s *Beast of Reincarnation*, and the ever-mysterious fourth game that’s got everyone speculating. Could it be *Halo Infinite: The Return of Craig*? Only time will tell, eh? But for now, let's jab our staffs into the ground and see what tremors these five Game Pass titles sent through the ether.
First up, Obsidian’s *Avowed*. Now, the original report mentioned it launched in 2025, which, if true, means I missed a bloody massive memo, because I've been checking under rocks for any sign of this RPG goodness! Assuming there's a temporal anomaly or a typo at play and it's still brewing, what's *actually* interesting is the "Anniversary update" dropping for it on February 17th, 2026. This is being pitched as a free update for *all* versions – and yes, you heard right, it’s even coming to PlayStation 5. Microsoft’s multi-platform strategy continues its march, which is a curious one, isn't it? Like finding your magic wand also works for your rival wizard’s spells. But for us core players, the real juicy bit is the highly requested New Game Plus mode. Finally, a chance to restart the campaign with all your hard-earned skills and gear but at level one. That's a clever twist, giving us proper power fantasies right from the get-go. Plus, a dedicated Photo Mode (because who doesn’t want to capture that perfect spell-casting mid-air shot?), new playable races like the Aumaua, Orlan, or Dwarf, and the ability to change your character's appearance on the fly. Obsidian always knows how to add those delightful little touches, don't they? It's the kind of update that makes you think they actually *listened* to players, rather than just chucking a shiny new skin at us.
Next, we've got *Grounded 2*, already in Early Access and shrinking us down once more for another grand, tiny adventure. The developers over at Obsidian (yes, them again, they're everywhere!) gave us a peek at their next big update. Picture this: a new zone called Brookhollow Park, which sounds delightfully innocent, but knowing *Grounded*, it'll probably be full of giant, murderous pollen-dusted monstrosities. We’re talking ladybug rides (sign me up!), mushroom brick building materials making a glorious return, and new gear. And of course, new dangers. Black Ants and Wasps are back for a vengeance tour, but the real star of the show is the brand-new Cricket. A high-jumping, back-kicking menace. I reckon that’s going to lead to some hilariously frustrating deaths, which, let's be honest, is part of the charm of being a shrunken adventurer, isn't it? It feels like they’re expanding on the already solid foundations of the first game, which is exactly what you want from an Early Access journey.
Switching gears to something a bit more atmospheric, DON’T NOD’s *Aphelion* graced us with new gameplay. This sci-fi action-adventure is confirmed as a Day One Game Pass title, which is always nice to hear. What caught my ear (and eyes, metaphorically speaking, as I read about it) was the focus on the music. Composer Amine Bouhafa apparently used the grand organ of the Saint-Eustache Church to create this isolated, icy planet’s soundscape. That’s... genuinely interesting. It's not every day you hear a massive church organ being leveraged for a sci-fi game. It hints at a real dedication to immersion, which, in a genre often relying on flashing lights and laser sounds, is a refreshing change. It’s like discovering an ancient, powerful artifact hidden in plain sight. I'm always curious when developers treat sound as a character in itself, not just background noise.
Now, *Towerborne* from Stoic Studio (the folks behind the absolutely stunning *Banner Saga* series) had a pretty big announcement. This Early Access co-op action RPG brawler is getting ready for its full launch on February 26th, 2026. But here’s the kicker, mate: it’s shifting from a free-to-play, always-online model to a buy-to-own, offline-friendly game. Bloody hell, that’s a power move! In an era where everyone seems to be pushing F2P and live service, Stoic has listened to player feedback and pivoted. That, my friends, is a good sign. It shows they're genuinely shaping the experience based on what gamers actually want, not just chasing the latest monetization trend. They’re promising new equipment, enemies, bosses, and mechanics, all thanks to that Early Access feedback loop. Sometimes, developers actually *do* listen, which is almost as rare as finding a four-leaf clover in a digital dungeon.
And finally, for a bit of joyous chaos, we have *Denshattack!* from Fireshine Games. If the title alone doesn't scream "I'm here to have a good time," then the concept certainly does. Imagine a colourful, dystopian Japan where you're flipping, grinding, and pulling off tricks on a subway car. *A subway car!* It’s giving me serious *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater* meets *Jet Set Radio* vibes, which, let's be honest, is a recipe for pure, unadulterated fun. High scores, beating local gangs, winning races, reclaiming railways – all in a stylish, express-yourself kind of way. This one sounds like it’s going to be an absolute blast when it launches in Spring 2026. It's the kind of unexpected, vibrant game that keeps gaming interesting, proving that innovation doesn't always need blockchain or ray tracing; sometimes it just needs a flipping subway car and a good imagination.
So there you have it, a whirlwind tour through some of the upcoming Game Pass additions and Xbox's grand plans for 2026. From deep RPG updates and tiny world explorations to sci-fi soundscapes, a surprising F2P pivot, and glorious subway acrobatics, there’s plenty to get curious about. While Microsoft is certainly talking a big game for the future, these titles, particularly *Towerborne*'s change of heart and *Denshattack!*'s sheer audacity, offer genuine sparks of excitement. It’s a good reminder that amidst all the corporate chatter and grand promises, there are still brilliant developers out there crafting experiences that genuinely aim to surprise and delight us. What a time to be alive in the digital ether, eh? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see if I can teach my toaster to fly.
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, Gaming News, RPG, Indie Games, Game Updates
Original article: Game Rant