Play These Game Awards Nominees on Xbox Game Pass Now
▼ Summary
– The article recommends using the holiday break to play acclaimed games available on Xbox Game Pass, particularly those nominated for The Game Awards.
– It highlights *Ninja Gaiden 4* as a demanding, technical action game nominated for Best Action Game, featuring a new protagonist and over-the-top set pieces.
– It praises *Hollow Knight: Silksong* for living up to its hype, being a tough, highly-nominated sequel with intricate exploration and over 40 bosses.
– It describes *The Alters* as a unique sim/strategy nominee where you clone yourself to survive on a hostile planet and manage relationships.
– It notes that *Hades* is a classic, award-winning roguelike available on Game Pass, and suggests playing it before its nominated sequel, *Hades 2*.
With the year drawing to a close and The Game Awards just around the corner, many players are looking to experience the standout titles that have defined the season. If your gaming backlog feels overwhelming, Xbox Game Pass offers a perfect solution, providing immediate access to a celebrated selection of this year’s most acclaimed nominees and past winners. From intense action to thoughtful strategy, the service lets you dive right into the games everyone is talking about.
Ninja Gaiden 4 continues the legacy of its demanding predecessors, challenging players with precise, high-speed combat. You control the new hero, Yakumo, through battles that require flawless timing and aggressive tactics. Nominated for Best Action Game, this title stands out for its pure, technical flair, deliberately avoiding modern trends like stamina systems in favor of relentless, stylish action. Expect to perform incredible feats beyond traditional ninja stealth, including rail-grinding and wingsuit flights into vibrant urban landscapes. It’s an over-the-top experience that truly tests your skills.
The Outer Worlds 2 builds magnificently on the foundation of its predecessor. It enhances every element, from its distinctive art deco visuals to a deeply customizable skill system. Fans of narrative-driven, first-person RPGs will find a playground of possibilities here, with the freedom to tackle objectives through combat, dialogue, or stealth. The game carries the esteemed pedigree of Obsidian Entertainment, a studio renowned for crafting rich, player-choice-focused adventures like Fallout: New Vegas. This sequel expands that vision, delivering a compelling sci-fi journey.
After a long anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong has arrived and spectacularly met expectations. It leads the nominations this year, contending for awards including Game of the Year and Best Art Direction. This sequel transports you to a breathtaking, perilous new kingdom as Hornet, featuring intricate level design and formidable challenges. With dozens of bosses and treacherous, beautiful environments, the game demands your full attention. Its precise combat, rewarding exploration, and hauntingly beautiful world have cemented its status as a modern masterpiece for those who embrace a tough but fair challenge.
In The Alters, your survival depends on managing multiple cloned versions of yourself on a hostile alien world. Nominated for Best Sim/Strategy game, it blends resource management, technological research, and base-building with a unique narrative twist. The dynamic between you and your “Alters” adds a layer of psychological depth, making for a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after you’ve finished playing.
Avowed invites you into the troubled Living Lands of the world of Eora. While a mysterious plague threatens the realm, the game encourages exploration at your own pace through diverse and captivating biomes. It shines through its memorable companion characters and a world that feels dense with discovery, ensuring there’s always something intriguing to find. The narrative expertly weaves personal drama with larger themes of power and belief, offering a rich fantasy adventure that rewards both new players and fans of the Pillars of Eternity series.
Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to play Hades, the award-winning roguelike that captivated critics and players alike. As Zagreus, you repeatedly attempt to escape the Underworld, gaining new divine powers each run. Its brilliant fusion of tight, satisfying combat with a persistent, character-driven story makes every failure feel like progress. While its sequel is now garnering nominations, the original remains an essential play, showcasing superb writing and gameplay that has influenced an entire genre.
(Source: PC Gamer)
