Xbox has had its share of issues in the platform’s twenty year history, like the Red Ring of Death and Don Mattrick (who mostly helped sell PS4s), but the platform has also helped redefine what’s possible with video games and how we enjoy them.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is Xbox’s monthly subscription service that includes everything you need to have a good time with games. 200+ games on Console and PC with Xbox/PC Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold (or whatever they’re calling it now), random free stuff like Space Jam games and 3 months of Spotify, and XCloud, which changes everything.
XCloud lets you play a significant amount of the Game Pass library on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Microsoft has the game running on a Series X and then it just magically works — if you have a fast enough Internet connection with low enough latency.
It’s still in Beta, it’s not perfect. I don’t know how it works because I’m not a wizard, but you can instantly play dozens of incredible games on technology you probably already own, like a smartphone or tablet. That’s pretty cool but it can be overwhelming.
Look at the list of supported titles on the Game Pass smartphone app when you’re too tired to play a game. Right now, you should play one of these five games.
5 Xbox Games on Mobile and PC that You Should Play
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is one of the coolest games you can play. You can live the life of a pirate with treasure, sailing, and swashbuckling solo or with friends but either way, you’re not alone. There are skeletons, ghosts, other pirates, and the treacherous sea.
Plus, you’re gonna fall off your boat. It’s gonna happen. But don’t worry, no matter what happens in Sea of Thieves, it’s always a good time. You can play this with touch screen controls on a mobile device, which is neat. You can customize the virtual button placement too. It’s super cool.
I personally prefer to use a controller if I’m playing on my older laptop or iPad but the touch controls work really well. You can even use a DualShock if you want!
Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an epic sci-fi shooter that’s filled with good enough story content, jumping, and an absolutely addictive gameplay loop. Oh yeah, and jumping too. There’s a lot going on in Destiny 2. If you’re already playing, then you already know. You can play on your phone or tablet and access your existing save file too.
If you haven’t played Destiny 2 and don’t really know what it is then don’t worry about it. It’s kind of confusing and sometimes things just work because of “space magic” but it’s fun, and that’s what matters. You’ll have a good time if you play by yourself or with friends.
And you can always help or team up with other players you encounter while playing. You’ll find out if you don’t like Destiny 2 pretty quick because the enjoyment comes from a relatively tight gameplay loop. If you like it then there’s a LOT more because Xbox Game Pass also includes all of the game’s paid expansions.
You don’t even have to wait for downloads to finish with XCloud so there’s little reason not to try ten minutes of a game. Try Destiny 2, it’s the best!
Tetris Effect Connected
Tetris is awesome. It’s always been awesome. Tetris Effect Connected is one of the best ways to experience Tetris. It’s on Game Pass and has been forever. I don’t think it’s going away, which makes sense because Tetris is forever.
The visuals create a flurry of emotions and a storm of storytelling while dynamic music melts into the gameplay itself. It’s a trip you’ve gotta take. Just make sure you buckle up because wow.
The Evil Within 2
You probably like Resident Evil 4, even if you didn’t play it. One of your favorite games was probably influenced by Resident Evil 4. It’s because it’s one of the greatest games ever made. The Evil Within 2 and Resident Evil Village both feel like spiritual successors to Resident Evil 4 for a myriad of reasons.
The Evil Within 2 is a horrifying third-person action game that anyone that loves horror should try. Shinji Mikami and the rest of developer Tango Gameworks modernized horror in some extremely interesting ways in The Evil Within 2. The first game is pretty good and fine but the sequel is a must-play.
Gears 5
Don’t worry about it being the fifth game. If you like action games or third-person shooters at all then play Gears 5. The story is really good and I personally love the series but 5 does an incredible job of catching up newcomers. It’s one of the best games in the series and it’s a great place to start.
If you do want to go back to the earlier games though, they’re all available in Game Pass. Gears 5 really shows how far we’ve come with technology. The game itself is a technical showcase and XCloud lets you experience it all on a little smartphone. I wonder if XCloud would work on the attic computer from Courage the Cowardly Dog.
Related: Xbox Games With Gold Offers a Fantastic Lineup of Games for August 2021
