We recommend ten hidden gems for Xbox Game Pass –

As you know, there are plenty of great games for Playstation Plus Extra/Premium and Xbox Game Pass, and it’s easy to miss the goodies. That’s why a few years ago I wrote a series of three articles on gems for these two services, focusing on bringing attention to titles that I feared many of you might have missed, a concept that quickly became popular. Since all these articles are now outdated as games come and go, I thought I would offer a round of new gems just in time for the summer.

The idea is to recommend games you may have missed, so you won’t find Forza, Gears of War or Starfield in this series of articles, but a lot of other fun stuff for many different tastes. Look below for ten excellent tips that will make your gaming life more enjoyable. If you need more tips, I recommend you wait for our Playstation Plus Extra/Premium list, which is also coming soon (the lists include games available for both formats), and a Switch equivalent is also in the works.

Arcade Paradise

In Arcade Paradise, we step into the shoes of Ashley, determined to turn her boring small family business into a vibrant and pulsating arcade. Arcade Paradise offers a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s, with a plethora of charming arcade games to play, and perfectly captures the essence of old-fashioned gaming fun. The colorful graphics and rousing music enhance the entertaining atmosphere and make every moment a nostalgic celebration. For anyone who loves gaming history and is looking for an irresistible mix of humor, adventure and retro charm, this is something you will really enjoy.

Cassette Beasts

Catching monsters is always entertaining, but few games do it as well as Pokémon. One of the biggest contenders, however, is Cassette Beasts, a real gem that many may have missed. It brilliantly combines both nostalgia and innovation, using cassette tapes to capture and care for monsters in a charming, retro-inspired world. Gameplay mechanics allow you to mix and match different monsters to create powerful hybrids, giving the game a depth that kept me engaged for an inordinately long time. In short, Cassette Beasts delivers a delightful blend of old and new, and if you’re looking for a fresh twist on the concept of capturing monsters, this is simply not to be missed.

Chants of Sennaar

Chances are you’ve never heard of Chants of Sennaar, which is the definition of a hidden gem that is easy to miss in the constant stream of game releases, but really offers something special. With its innovative puzzle mechanics that allow you to act as a language detective and interpret foreign languages to solve puzzles, it offers a unique and satisfying challenge that is hard to put down. Graphically, the game is also a feast for the eyes, with beautifully hand-drawn environments and a very distinctive style accompanied by a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. If you are looking for something different and engaging, Chants of Sennaar is a game not to be missed.

Cocon

Created by one of the geniuses who previously spoiled us with titles like Limbo and Inside, Cocoon offers innovative and engaging puzzle mechanics where you navigate through beautifully designed worlds within worlds. Sound strange? The quirky gameplay combines clever puzzles with a hypnotic atmosphere guaranteed to suck you in from the first moment, with the stylized graphics and evocative soundscape helping to create an immersive and almost dreamlike experience. If you want to experience something you’ve never experienced before, Cocoon is a must play.

Coral Island

Of course, I wasn’t the only one who felt a little empty after playing Stardew Valley, and since then I haven’t really found anything that offers the same. However, Coral Island is one of the games that comes closest, offering a modern twist on the classic farming simulator genre, with an eco-friendly slant that feels both fresh and relevant. Not only must you build and manage your farm, but you must also care for and restore the nearby coral reef (mentioned in the title). The charming graphics and colorful characters make every visit to my digital farm a pure delight, and if you like casual but meaningful gaming experiences, I can’t think of a better summer game.

Jusant

An adventure revolving around rock climbing may not sound so hot, but the fact is that Don’t Nod, as usual, offers something completely unique in Jusant. Here we explore a seemingly extinct and vertical world that offers both great gameplay and a gripping story as we slowly but surely learn what happened to the people who lived here before. For those looking for something that combines depth, beauty and an immersive gameplay experience, Jusant is definitely worth diving into, especially if you appreciate games like Journey.

Little Kitty, Big City

Being a little kitty in a big city is obviously fraught with dangers, but any vibrant environment offers not only dangers, but opportunities as well. The charming graphics and layout do a great job of capturing the essence of how a cat might experience a modern city, from quirky encounters with residents to exploratory excursions through parks and alleys. But there is not only a playful tone and charm, but also a very good and varied gameplay, ultimately making Little Kitty, Big City a true feel-good experience that is perfect for all animal lovers.

Planet of Lana

The Swedish adventure Planet of Lana takes you on a beautiful and emotional journey through a hand-painted world full of mystery and danger. You step into the shoes of Lana, who together with her faithful companion embarks on a peculiar adventure with tricky puzzles to save her planet. The visual style is incredibly beautiful and it is also technically polished. The evocative music further enhances the gripping story and offers a heartwarming narrative. Combined with great gameplay and emotional depth, Planet of Lana is a game that truly stands out and offers an unforgettable experience that you will remember long after the credits roll.

Survivors of vampires

Vampire Survivors may not be the definition of an unknown gem, but the fact is that it does not yet seem to have broken through to the console audience in the same way it has to PC. This is the definition of addictive gameplay, and I have lost a lot of sleep over the past two years saying the words “one more time” a few too many times before bed. Vampire Survivors offers an addictive mix of simple action and in-depth strategy as you fight waves of enemies and upgrade your skills in an ever escalating battle for survival. The pixelated graphics and retro aesthetic provide a delightful nostalgia kick, while the intuitive gameplay mechanics make it easy to get involved. In short, Vampire Survivors is a game that deserves your attention if you’re looking for something that combines old-school charm with modern gaming fun.

Venba

I think most of you missed this, but it really is something unusual. The game offers a cozy story about an Indian family, where you cook traditional dishes and explore the country by cooking. There is a beautifully hand-drawn style with both a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, and each dish you cook has a deeper meaning in the overall story. In short, Venba is a unique and emotional gaming experience, and as a Swede, it feels both exciting and enriching to get this insight into the daily life of an Indian family. Be sure to give Venba a chance.