Join Andrew, Aaron, and Keith as they discuss Watch Dog: Legion by Ubisoft. Watch Dog: Legion is a third person action game where you are trying to rebuild your hacker group after it was framed for a horrible crime. Recruit random citizens, each with their own unique perks as you try to take down a tyrannical goverment.

Do you think steam charts tell them complete story on a games success? Does a game launch on Steam and Game Pass at the same time change this?

Join hosts Andrew, Liz, and Keith as they take you on a thrilling journey through the frozen world of Wild Frost, a deck-building roguelike by Deadpan Games, available on Game Pass. This week, our trio explores the game's mechanics, unique tribes, and story centered around reigniting the sun amidst an icy apocalypse. Discover if Wild Frost gives the trio a gaming chill or warms their hearts, as they share their experiences and insights on this frosty adventure.

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Live recordings Wed 830 EST

This week Andrew and Keith wanted to visit an old childhood game, Civilization 6 by: Firaxis and Aspyr studios. Civilization 6 is a top down civilization management game. Take control of different civilization each with their own unique perks and units, and bring that civilization from the nomad age to the space age. Win the game in various ways like technology or culture. Make deals with other civilizations or betray them at the last minute. Civilization is game that can suck up a lot of your time. This is the game that defined the term "Just one more turn!". 

This week we decided to check out the survival horror game Signalis by; Rose-Engine. Signalis is a old school style survival horror game that gets a lot of its inspirations from Resident Evil and Silent Hill. You play a replicant who has lost its memory, but you know you need to find the girl in a photo. Travel deeper and deeper in this mining facility on a distant planet and uncover the horrors that are buried underneath.

This week we played the first person shooter Atomic Heart by; Mundfish. Atomic Heart is a first person shooter that takes place in an alternate 1950's  where the Soviet Union has advanced in technologies to help create a robot utopia, but as it is in all games so things wrong and the robots turn on their human masters. You are tasked with infiltrating a research facility and fix the issues with the robots before it becomes an international issue. Take control of a Russian commando with a talking glove that grants him powers to help fight the robots. Crispy critters.

This week we played our most requested game, Ark: Survival Evolved by: Wild Card studios. Ark is a first person survival builder where you wake up on a strange island with nothing at all. Punch trees and rocks to start a shelter, but you will need to quickly evolve that shelter to progressively more advanced structures if you hope to survive the island that is inhabited by dinosaurs. Start from sticks and slings and continually advance technology to be able to build guns and explosives. Conquer the boss and discover the mystery behind the island. This is of course a very very very small part of this gigantic game. Thank you to our sponsor of this episode Magic Mind. Go to www.magicmind.co/gamepassgrabbag and use promo code GAMEPASS to get 20% off a one time purchase or 56% off a subscription for a limited time!

This week we played the listener requested Ghost Song by; Old Moon. Ghost Song is a 2d metroidvania where you play a recently reactivated Dead Suit. Explore a strong sci-fi world as you uncover the mystery surround your world. Explore new areas as you gain new abilities which will help you recover parts of a crashed space ship. Thank you to our sponsor of this episode Magic Mind. For more details to go www.magicmind.co/gamepassgrabbag and use promo code GAMEPASS to receive 20% off a one time purchase or for a limited to 56% off the subscription.

This week we played Age of Empires 2, originally from Ensemble studios but remastered by Forgotten Empires. Age of Empires 2 is the classic real time strategy game where you relive some of the great empires from the past. Manager your peasants as they gather you resources so you can mass an army and crush your enemies. The latest version now is available on console with full controller support, or you can connect a mouse and keyboard to your Xbox and challenge your friends online. Thank you to our sponsor this episode Magic Mind. Go to https://www.magicmind.co/gamepassgrabbag and use promo code GAMEPASS to receive 20% of a one time order or for a limited time a 56% discount with the subscription. 

This week we played the listener requested Generation Zero by; Avalanche Studios. Generation Zero is a first person scavenger game, where you play a young character who has returned home to Sweden to find out that hostile robots have taken over. Scavengers guns and ammos from various locations as you try to uncover the mystery behind the machines. Play with up to 3 friends online or with random people. Sorry about Liz and Andrew's audio this episode we are not sure what happened, but we still blame Keith.

This week we played the listener requested Jurassic World Evolution 2 by; Frontier Development. JWE 2 is a park management game where you are running a park full of dinosaurs. Who would of guessed. Tackle the campaign as it goes through 5 of the movies and the 6th being DLC. Manager your park from above or take control of your rangers and tranquilize the dinosaurs up close. 

This week we choose to play the rhythm based game Hi-Fi Rush by; Tango Gameworks. Hi-Fi Rush is a third person hack and slash adventure game with a twist. The world around flows on a beat. Explore the world and fight the evil tech company on a continuous beat. You are not required to land perfectly on the beat but are greatly rewarded when you do. Play as Chai with his adorable cat 808 as they try to takedown the evil company Vandelay. Meet some of the coolest characters in a game that you swear were taken from a Saturday morning cartoon. 

This week we played the listener requested High on Life by; Squanch Games. High on Life is a metroidvania first person shooter. Humanity has been captured by an alien cartel known as the G3. The plan on enslaving humanity and using them to get high. You are a teenager who has taken the role of a bounty hunter and with the help of your talking guns you are taking the fight to the G3. 

In this episode of Game Pass Grab Back, we dive into the tumultuous history and recent revival of 'Gigantic'. Once a beloved free-to-play MOBA, 'Gigantic' re-emerges on Game Pass, bringing with it both nostalgia and poignant challenges.

Join hosts Andrew, Keith, and Aaron as they discuss the unique elements that set 'Gigantic' apart from other hero shooters of its time, including its fast-paced gameplay and vibrant art style. However, the hosts also grapple with the game's current shortcomings, such as server issues and a lack of progression, ultimately questioning whether the nostalgia and fun can outweigh these frustrations.

Tune in for an honest assessment of the game, as the hosts share personal anecdotes and strategies, ponder its place in the modern gaming landscape, and debate the fate of traditional MOBA mechanics versus 'Gigantic's' unique spin. Whether you're a returning player or new to 'Gigantic', this episode is packed with insights and lively discussions about the game's potential trajectory.

Come join us https://linktr.ee/gpgb

This week we played the listener requested Vampire Survivors by; Poncle. Vampire Survivors is a top down roguelike where you are the bullet hell. Collect weapons and fight off hordes of monsters as you try to survivor to the end of the run. Use advance controls such as the left stick  and nothing else. Avoid monsters as your weapons do all the fighting for you. With each run unlock treasures and new survivors to try different strategies to survivor. This game is very simple but wow is it addictive. Game Pass is releasing drugs over here.

We had an amazing year with this podcast so we decided to do our annual GPGB awards for some of the best games we have played. Thank you everyone who has been tuning in and listening. You make the year great, we love you all. Sorry Andrew is a little sick this episode.

This week Andrew and Liz went back to check out Grounded by; Obsidian studios. Grounded just recently released there 1.0 patch which means it is a completed game. There is now a flushed out story and the backyard is fully developed. We check out to see if the 1.0 patch really made much of a difference or is this game just the same old same old.

This week Keith pick Soccer Story by: Panic Barn. Soccer Story is a soccer RPG where you play one of twins who is called to bring soccer back to your world. Soccer was banned from the evil Soccer Inc. because it has caused a great calamity one year ago, but you know soccer is for everyone to enjoy. With your trusty magical soccer ball you slide, kick, and dodge your way to bringing soccer back. Yeah the story is kind of nonsensical, Thanks Keith.

This week we decided to check out Deathloop by; Arkane Studios. Deathloop is a first person shooter where you play Colt a man who is stuck in a 24 hour time loop. He doesn't remember a thing except that he needs to break this loop by killing specific targets. It is of course not that easy because there is another assassin trying to stop him from breaking this loop. Defend the loop as Julianna or try to break the loop with Colt.

This week we decided to see what the hype was all about with Pentiment by; Obsidian Studios. Pentiment is a point and click adventure game set in the medieval era. Play as Andreas a young artist who gets caught up in a murder mystery that is shrouded by a mysterious thread puller. Explore the lives of the peasants and the people of the local abbey and uncover what possible motives they may have. You also know this game must have a good story if even Keith likes it.

This week we played the listener requested Fable 2 by; Lionhead Studios.  Fable 2 is a third person action RPG where you take control of a nameless hero who is trying to prevent the destruction of Albion. Play the way you want with melee, range and magic. Decide if you want to walk the path of good or evil....or play like Andrew which apparently is just morally grey. Explore the land of Albion to become more powerful, or be like Andrew and waste a gross amount of time chopping wood.

This week we played the roguelike Gunfire Reborn by; Duoyi Network. Gunfire Reborn is a first person shooter roguelike where you play one of six unique characters each with their own abilities. Complete challenges to unlock new skills and perks as you fight your way through the dungeon. Play solo or team up with 3 other friends for some good ol' fashion chaos.

This week we played the listener requested Plague Tale: Requiem by; Asobo Studios. Requiem is a sequel to Plague Tale: Innocence. The game take place right where the last game left off, following Hugo and Amecia as they they try to uncover the mystery behind the plague. Take control of Amecia as you try to stealth your way past enemies or pick them off one by one with your trusty sling.

This week we played the listener requested Scorn by; Ebb Software. Scorn is a first person horror survival game. Explore an alien planet as you try to navigate a world that fuses both mechanical and biological together. I am not sure what else to really say about this game except it's gross and sounds grosser. Also there is a lot of sexual imagery so kids stay away from this game and this episode.

This week Andrew, Aaron, and Keith played the listener requested Stellaris by: Paradox Games. Stellaris is a 4x real time strategy game where you play an alien race trying to carve their place among the solar system. Govern your planets, negotiate diplomacy, or commit galactic war crimes, the choice is yours. Stellaris also happens to be one of the oldest non 1st party game pass games, but now that we covered it, it will probably get removed, because that's how it usual goes.

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This week we played the listener request Beacon Pines by; Hiding Spot. Beacon Pines is a narrative adventure game where you play Luka, a small boy who is trying to unravel the mystery of his town. Uncover hidden charms that will help change the story as you try to navigate past danger. 

This week we did a listener request for Marvel's Avengers by; Crystal Dynamics. Avengers is a third person action adventure game with looter shooter mechanics. Take control of one of the Avengers and join your friends as you try to help reassemble the Avengers. Level up your character and obtain more loot in order to fight slighter tougher enemies that all really just look the same, rinse and repeat.

This week we played way to much Disney Dreamlight Valley by; Gameloft that we just had to do an episode. I know you may brush this off but this game was surprisingly addictive. It is in early access and has its faults, but we had a lot of fun explore and manager our towns in the valley. Explore unique worlds from various Disney characters as you help them remember their past.

This week we discuss As Dusk Falls by; Interior/Night. As Dusk Falls us a narrative adventure game where you follow a family over 30 years as they cope with the events at Two Rock Arizona. Can you lead you character's to safety or will they perish from your foolish mistakes? The first half of the episode is our spoiler free review of the game and the second half is a spoiler fill discuss. Things get a little heated.

This week Liz and Andrew talk about what great games are coming out in September plus what to expect in October.

This week we played Immortals Fenyx Rising by; Ubisoft Studios. Immortals Fenyx Rising is a third person open world action adventure game where you are trying to save the Greek gods. Explore the beautiful country side as you collection way to many collectibles. If you ever wondered what would happen if Ubisoft made Breath of the Wild? Well wonder no more.

This week we played Hellblade by; Ninja Theory. Hellblade is a third person action puzzle game where you play Senua a Nordic girl who is travelling to Helhium to recover her loved one. Hellblade deals with psychosis and trauma with unique gameplay experiences and unique audio. Does it hit the mark or does it make us want to sacrifice our ears?

This week's listener request was Hitman by; IO Interactive. Hitman is a third person stealth game where you control agent 47, the worlds best assassin. Uncover the mystery behind the shadow client and his motives. Take up contracts to assassinate your target, or create your own and challenge your friend. Explore each location figure out numerous ways to eliminate your targets. 

This week Keith and Andrew discussed some of the many small games that they have been playing on Game Pass. There are many great games on Game Pass but some aren't easy to do an episode on. They also go over some new games that are coming out this month in August.

This week we had a listener request to play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge by; Tribute Games. We also had a request to bring back our guest Aaron. TMNT is a classic side scroller beat-em up where you can join up to 6 friends, and play as a classic TMNT character to defeat the evil Shredder. This week's episode is sponsored by Eblitz, the social app for gamers. Create your free profile and party up with fellow gamers on your favorite games today at www.eblitz.gg

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Game Pass Grab Bag SideQuest, where we dive into the dynamic world of Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play third-person 6v6 hero shooter akin to Overwatch. Join Andrew, Aaron, and an occasionally absent Keith as they explore why Marvel Rivals is captivating players worldwide, despite its absence from the Game Pass Collection.

Marvel Rivals brings a fresh take to the hero shooter genre, boasting a vast array of Marvel heroes and villains, each equipped with unique abilities in classic game modes like domination and convoy push. Our hosts discuss their favorite characters, from Rocket Raccoon’s ingenious healing tactics to Namor’s powerful attacks.

With stunning character designs, involving strategies, and an impressive voice cast, Marvel Rivals manages to present both challenge and charm. However, is it the familiarity of Marvel's universe or the fun inherent in its gameplay that keeps players hooked?

Tune in to hear the team tackle these questions and more, and get the inside scoop on why Marvel Rivals is a must-play for both Marvel enthusiasts and hero shooter lovers alike!

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This week we had a special guest join us for our adventure with Garden Story by; Picogram. Garden Story is a top down action adventure role playing game where you play a young grape who is recently appointed guardian status. You have to fight the rot in order to unit the surround towns and uncover the mystery behind the rot.

This week the gang played Bugsnax by; Young Horses. Bugsnax is a first person bug catching adventure game. You play a journalist who is following the great explorer Lizbert, to a mysterious island where creatures are literal walking food. Uncover the mystery behind the island while helping out the completely helpless villagers. Seriously how did the villagers ever eat?

This week we had a listener request to play Evil Genius 2 by; Rebellion. Take control of an evil genius as you try to take over the world. Build your secret lair on a remote island, and train your minions in specialties. Defend your base as the forces of justice try to come and stop you. 

This week we did the listener requested Mass Effect from Bioware. Mass Effect is a 3rd person action RPG. Become the first human specter as you try to unravel the mystery behind the attacks of human colonies. Will you try to be paragon for the universe or get the job done no matter what as a renegade? Is this a story Keith actually listen to or did he just skip dialog like usual? Sorry it took Keith half the episode to realize his mic wasn't on.

So Keith decided to pick another roguelike, which surprises no one. This week we played Anvil by; Action Square. Anvil is a top down twin stick shooter, where you are controlling mechanized suits called Vault Breaker. Go on expeditions on alien planets in search of the vaults which hold advance technologies. Earn currency threw the battle pass to unlock new version of Vault Breaker. Join the fight with 3 other friends with online coop, or ask Keith because I am sure he will love to play more.

We talk about our thoughts on the Xbox Bethesda Showcase 2022. What games are we excited for? What games looked disappointing? Can anyone follow our random scoring?

This week we go back to a Xbox 360 classic. Viva Piñata by; Rare Studios. Take control of a owner of a new garden given to you by your grandfather. Grow various plants and trees in hopes to attract wild piñatas. Convince them to live in your garden, but be careful of the sour piñatas or they will destroy all you hold dear.   

This week we did the much requested Skyrim by; Bethesda Studios. Skyrim is an action RPG where you play the last dragonborn. A unique individual who has the power to absorb dragons souls and can use their power. How will you shape the land of Skyrim? Will you lead the rebellion or side with the empire? Will you go on a murder spree or help the less fortunate? The choices are endless and so are all the little secrets scattered through out the lands.

This week Keith wanted to do something different and pick a game that isn't a rogue like. He picked Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising by; Rabbit and Bear Studios. EC Rising is a 2D action platformer, where you are exploring dungeons in search of treasure to help rebuild a crumbling town. Quickly switch between 3 playable characters as you defeat enemies and bosses and uncover the mystery behind the dungeons.  

This week we played the much requested Subnautica: Below Zero by; Unknown Worlds Entertainment. SBZ takes place after the first where you are playing a young girl trying to uncover what has happened to your sister who is working on the alien planet. Explore the frozen lands and battle the climate or dive underwater and face the mysterious creatures. Collect resources and blueprints to build your self a base, or be like Keith and stumble around aimlessly. Usually Liz is the unobservant one.

Join us on the latest episode of the Game Pass Grab Bag podcast as we delve into the narrative-driven game, Road 96, developed by Digixart. This unique title combines elements of a roguelike with a story-rich experience, immersing players in the journey of several teenagers trying to escape a politically volatile country. Our hosts, Andrew, Keith, and Aaron, share their varied perspectives on the game's intriguing characters and dynamic gameplay mechanics.

Explore the challenges faced by these teens as they navigate through a nation in turmoil, encountering a range of quirky and sometimes dangerous characters. As they make critical decisions that could lead to freedom or capture, the game raises thought-provoking questions about political change and personal survival.

Listen in as we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Road 96, from its unpredictable narratives to its engaging soundtrack, and find out whether this adventure is a game to pass on or grab from the Game Pass collection.

Join us wherever you prefer https://linktr.ee/gpgb

This week we played the listener requested Titanfall 2 by; Respawn Studios. Titanfall 2 is a first person shooter with parkour elements. Take control of Jack Cooper, a new pilot who inherited a Titan named BT. Take the fight to the IMC as you try to make your way make to the Militia to deliver a message. Titanfall 2 is also a prequel to the popular battle royale, Apex Legends.

AUDIO WARNING!! This week we went back to the Sea of Thieves and explain how we feel the game has progressed. Since Sea of Thieves was an earlier episode apparently we decided to keep the tradition of terrible audio. Sorry about that, amateur hour over here. Sea of Thieves is a first person pirate role playing game. Take the seas in one of 3 ships and uncover treasure, or take on one of the story driven tall tale including ones with the pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. Hopefully next tall tale has Captain Morgan.

This week for a listener request we play Tunic by: Andrew Shouldice. Tunic is a top down action adventure game where you play a no name hero who is trying to free someone from a prison. Explore this gorgeous world as you try to collect pages of a game manual to help solve the mystery. This game may take some time to get in to but trust us it is worth the journey