Three exciting titles available on Game Pass for your gaming pleasure from July 11 to 13.
In the realm of gaming, Game Pass continues to be a treasure trove for gamers, offering a diverse range of titles for players to explore. This week, the nostalgic vibe of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has taken centre stage, but if you're yearning for similar classic-style games, here are some recommendations that evoke the same sense of retro sports or action gameplay.
First up is Skate, a skateboarding franchise that focuses on realistic tricks and combos, much like Tony Hawk’s series. While more grounded, it shares the skate culture vibe. For a splash of colour and futuristic flair, consider Jet Set Radio Future, a cult classic that features rollerblading, graffiti tagging, and an arcade feel reminiscent of skateboarding games from the early 2000s.
If you're a fan of snowboarding, SSX Tricky or the 2012 reboot could be your next pick. These games offer extreme tricks and combos in fast-paced runs, providing a similar high-energy, score-chasing gameplay loop with stylish execution. Sunset Overdrive, while not strictly a sports game, offers a fast-paced trick-based traversal, a colourful open world, and a punk attitude that provides a similar adrenaline rush and freedom as skateboarding games.
For basketball enthusiasts, NBA Street Vol. 2 offers an arcade basketball game with flashy moves, combos, and an urban street vibe. It echoes the style-over-realism approach that Tony Hawk’s games popularized. Lastly, Trials Rising is a physics-based motorcycle platformer where players chain tricks and stunts across obstacle courses, offering challenging, score-focused gameplay reminiscent of skating trick combos.
Speaking of Game Pass, another noteworthy title is Minami Lane, a Japanese-inspired street management game. This weekend title, due to its short playtime, allows players to express themselves through urban design, catering to citizens' needs and desires to keep them happy. Initially released a few years ago, Minami Lane received overwhelmingly positive reviews upon its release and has since been fixed to reach its full potential.
For those seeking a cyberpunk adventure, The Ascent is another intriguing choice. This isometric shooter RPG, available on Game Pass, offers a brutal storyline and gameplay in a cyberpunk dystopian future, sharing a similar flavor to Cyberpunk 2077's world. The Ascent was initially released with some bugs, but has since been fixed to reach its full potential. Players can play solo or in co-op and it's available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, the featured game this week, is a remake of the third and fourth entries of the iconic skateboarding franchise. Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2, and PC, the remake offers new parks, cross-platform multiplayer, and remastered graphics.
In conclusion, Game Pass continues to offer a wealth of diverse and exciting games. Whether you're in the mood for a skateboarding adventure, a cyberpunk dystopia, or a Japanese-inspired street management game, there's something for everyone. So, dive into these games and rediscover the joy of retro-inspired gaming.
Game Pass's collection also includes gadget-focused games that blend technology with entertainment, such as Skate, a gadget-enabled skateboarding franchise reminiscent of Tony Hawk's series, and Sunset Overdrive, a futuristic game featuring trick-based traversal and a punk attitude.
For basketball fans yearning for a similar retro gaming experience, NBA Street Vol. 2, with its flashy moves and urban street vibe, is another technology-infused game that offers a stylish take on classic basketball gameplay.