Xbox Game Pass subscribers have a robust February ahead, with several new titles joining the service, including a highly anticipated release and a mix of genres to suit diverse tastes. The most prominent addition is ‘s launch of Resident Evil Requiem for Xbox Series X|S, promising a significant draw for horror fans. Alongside this headline title, a parody Souls-like game, Dark Farts: Parody Smell Edition, will also become available, offering Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility.
Beyond these key releases, February’s Game Pass additions cater to achievement hunters with a substantial list of ten games offering a combined 30,000 Gamerscore. These include Bread & Fred, UFOPHILIA, ChildStory, Emoji Battlefield – Island Warfare, Trials of Olympus, and Pogui, alongside Capy Spa, Deep Space Shooter, Journey of Johann: Castle Crusade, and Mole Cart Mining.
The arrival of Resident Evil 3 on is a particularly noteworthy addition, building on the momentum of Resident Evil 2’s inclusion in January. The 2020 remake of Resident Evil 3 serves as a companion piece to the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2 remake, offering a more focused and condensed survival horror experience. As noted in a review by Polygon, while not as ambitious as its predecessor, it’s “a great example of what a video game remake should be,” particularly for those seeking a concentrated dose of the franchise’s signature tension and atmosphere. Replayability is also a strength, with a new game plus mode completable in a couple of hours.
The Resident Evil franchise itself has a long and storied history. Originating in Japan as Biohazard in , it was created by Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara for the PlayStation. The series is credited with defining the survival horror genre and revitalizing the popularity of zombies in popular culture. Capcom’s franchise has expanded significantly beyond its initial video game roots, encompassing live-action films, animated movies, television series, comic books, novels, and a wide range of merchandise. As of , the franchise has sold over 170 million copies worldwide, making it Capcom’s best-selling property and one of the highest-grossing horror franchises of all time.
The success of the franchise is also attributable to iconic characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Albert Wesker, who have become recognizable figures within the video game landscape. The series has evolved over time, with Resident Evil 4 () marking a shift towards more action-oriented gameplay and popularizing the over-the-shoulder third-person perspective now common in many action-adventure games.
Alongside Resident Evil 3, February’s Game Pass lineup includes a diverse range of titles. A Little To The Left offers a cozy puzzle experience focused on sorting and stacking household items. Madden NFL 24, arriving on , provides a timely dose of American football for those following the NFL season. Other additions include Anuchard, Train Sim World 4, PlateUp!, and Return to Grace, offering a variety of gameplay experiences.
Madden NFL 24’s inclusion is coupled with an EA Play benefit for PC Game Pass and Ultimate members, who will receive an Ultimate Team Supercharge Pack alongside access to the game. This promotion runs from to .
As with each update, some titles will be leaving the Game Pass library on . Galactic Civilizations 3 (PC) and Opus: Echo of Starsong (Cloud, Console, and PC) will be removed from the service, encouraging subscribers to complete any desired playthroughs before their departure.
Xbox Game Pass currently costs $10, providing access to a rotating library of games across Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud gaming platforms. The February additions demonstrate Microsoft’s continued commitment to expanding the service’s value proposition with a mix of established franchises and indie titles, catering to a broad spectrum of gaming preferences.
