October's Game Pass Brew: Ninja Gaiden's Punch, Double Fine's Charm, and a Pricey Potion Indeed
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Xbox Game Pass for October delivers a compelling lineup, headlined by the brutal action of *Ninja Gaiden 4* and the quirky charm of Double Fine's *Keeper*, alongside classic RPGs and indie surprises. However, this enticing haul arrives amidst player criticism following a substantial 50% price increase to Game Pass Ultimate, prompting questions about the service's perceived value moving forward.
Alright, mates, gather 'round the digital campfire, because October's Xbox Game Pass haul has just dropped, and it's a bit of a mixed bag, isn't it? On one hand, we've got some absolute belters arriving to tickle your gaming fancy. On the other... well, let's just say Microsoft is still testing the elasticity of our wallets after that rather chunky price hike for Game Pass Ultimate. It's like they've conjured up a grand feast but then slapped a 50% surcharge on the enchanted mead. Fair dinkum.
This magical scroll of incoming titles, first brought to our attention by the ever-observant Ed Nightingale over at Eurogamer on October 8th, 2025, marks the first big refresh since the Ultimate tier got its price tag inflated. So, the big question on everyone's mind – beyond 'what new games can I play?' – is 'does this list actually *justify* the new cost of entry?' Let's dig in, shall we?
**The Heavy Hitters and Hidden Gems:**
Front and centre, casting a shadow as long and sharp as a katana, is none other than **Ninja Gaiden 4: Legacy Evolved for a New Era**. Now, *this* is a proper draw. Team Ninja, collaborating with the legends at Platinum Games (yes, *that* Platinum Games, of *Bayonetta* fame), promises a brutal, beautiful ballet of bloodshed. If you've ever yearned for a game that tests your reflexes, your patience, and your controller's durability, *Ninja Gaiden* is it. This isn't just a sequel; it's a statement, and its inclusion is a pretty strong move from Microsoft. It's like finding a mythical sword in a dusty old chest – suddenly, things just got a whole lot more interesting.
But wait, there's more Ninja goodness! For those with a hankering for the classics, **Ninja Gaiden 2 Black** is also slicing its way onto Game Pass Premium on October 15th. It’s a chance to revisit some of the series’ earlier, gloriously punishing moments, or for newcomers to witness the evolution of Ryu Hayabusa before diving into the fourth instalment. A clever move to give Premium subscribers a bit of a historical context, wouldn't you say?
Then we have **Keeper**, arriving October 17th. And folks, if you know me, you know I get excited about the unexpected, the genuinely *weird*. This is the next game from Double Fine, the mad geniuses behind *Psychonauts*. Just hearing their name conjures images of quirky characters, imaginative worlds, and gameplay that always feels fresh. A day-one addition, *Keeper* has the potential to be one of those sleeper hits that sparks joy and existential ponderings in equal measure. My curiosity is absolutely piqued here; Double Fine rarely disappoints.
Another day-one arrival is **Ball x Pit** (October 15th), described as a brick-breaking roguelite. Sounds like a delightful recipe for addictive chaos, doesn't it? Take your classic *Breakout* mechanics, inject a hefty dose of roguelite unpredictability, and you've got a concoction that could easily consume entire evenings. I’m always keen for a game that sounds simple but hides layers of emergent gameplay.
**A Smattering of Other Sorceries:**
* **Supermarket Simulator** (Available Today, Cloud, Console, PC): Look, I'm not going to pretend I understand the allure of simulating mundane tasks, but clearly, someone out there does. Maybe it's the sheer, unadulterated power of organising virtual shelves? Don't knock it 'til you've tried to stack 50 virtual boxes of cereal, I suppose. * **Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions** (PC, Oct 9th): Oh, *hell yes*. For PC players, this is huge. Two of the greatest RPGs ever made, now readily accessible. If you've never ventured into the Sword Coast, now's your chance to lose hundreds of hours to intricate storytelling, deep character customisation, and tactical combat. A proper classic for the fantasy faithful. * **The Casting of Frank Stone** (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Oct 14th): From the universe of *Dead by Daylight*, this narrative horror title sounds promising for fans of spooky stories and choice-driven gameplay. Let's hope it's more *Until Dawn* and less... well, less *Scooby Doo, Where Are You?* (unless it's a *good* Scooby Doo, mind). * **The Grinch: Christmas Adventures** (Cloud, Console, PC, Oct 15th): Just in time for... October? Well, a bit early for festive grumbling, but a licensed platformer could be a bit of harmless fun. Or it could make you want to steal Christmas. We'll see. * **Eternal Strands** (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Oct 15th) and **He Is Coming (Game Preview)** (PC, Oct 15th, Premium): More new titles to keep an eye on, especially the game preview, which is always an interesting peek behind the development curtain. *Eternal Strands* sounds like a bit of a big, adventurous unknown, which is my favourite kind of unknown. * **Pax Dei** (PC, Oct 16th): This one's an ambitious-looking MMO, which always comes with a healthy dose of both excitement and trepidation. MMOs on Game Pass can be a real boon for communities, but they also need to deliver to keep players engaged long-term. Let's hope it nails that elusive magic formula. * **Evil West** (Cloud, Console, PC, Oct 21st): If you like slaying vampires with steampunk gadgets in the Wild West, then this game probably already has your attention. It's a solid action title that slipped under the radar for some, so its arrival on Game Pass is a good shout.
**The Departures: Farewell, Digital Friends:**
Alas, as the digital tide brings new treasures, it also washes some away. As of October 15th, we'll be saying goodbye to a few notable titles. **Cocoon** (which, in a bit of delightful platform-hopping, has apparently joined PS Plus – interesting move, that!), **Core Keeper**, and **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutants Unleashed** are all packing their bags. It’s always a bittersweet moment, these departures, prompting the age-old gamer dilemma: 'do I rush to finish it now, or just wave goodbye?'
**The Elephant in the Digital Room: That Price Hike**
Now, about that 50% increase to Game Pass Ultimate. Bloody hell, Microsoft, you really went for it, didn't you? It's been met with a fair bit of criticism, and rightly so. While this month's lineup – especially with *Ninja Gaiden 4* and Double Fine's *Keeper* – is certainly strong, it still feels a bit like they're trying to justify a cost after the fact. The true value of Game Pass has always been its incredible library and day-one releases, but when the price jumps this significantly, every new addition gets scrutinised through a slightly more jaded lens. It's not just about getting more games; it's about whether the *perception* of value holds up.
**My Two Cents:**
Overall, October looks like a pretty solid month for Game Pass subscribers, particularly if you're into high-octane action, classic RPGs, or delightful indie weirdness. *Ninja Gaiden 4* is a genuine showstopper, and *Keeper* from Double Fine is exactly the kind of innovative, curious title I love to see on the service. The *Baldur's Gate* enhanced editions are a fantastic addition for PC players who appreciate a bit of gaming history.
However, we can't ignore the lingering question of the price hike. Is this month's lineup enough to soothe the sting? For some, absolutely. For others, it'll just be another good month in a service that's now a bit too pricey. My magic crystal ball tells me Microsoft will need to keep these kinds of big hitters coming consistently if they want to truly win back the hearts (and wallets) of every gamer who felt that pinch. Still, for now, there's plenty to keep us busy. Happy gaming, folks – and try not to accidentally open any interdimensional rifts in *Supermarket Simulator*!
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, Ninja Gaiden 4, Double Fine, Gaming News, Subscription Services
Original article: Eurogamer