As a long-time PC gamer who usually waits for Steam sales to snag new releases, I never thought Xbox Game Pass would be my go-to. That is, until Bethesda and Virtuos surprised everyone by shadow-dropping The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered directly onto Game Pass. This wasn't just a rumor; it was a game-changer. And if that wasn't enough, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive, a stylish JRPG-inspired debut, is set to join the service tomorrow. As a die-hard RPG fan, I must say: Microsoft, you've finally won me over.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Both Hit Game Pass This Week
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 1 Month Membership – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Cloud Gaming Devices [Digital Code]
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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered made its grand entrance on April 22, available on PC, consoles, and Game Pass. I, like many others, spent the day downloading and the night immersing myself in its revamped world. The remaster boasts new character models, enhanced combat interactions, and stunningly remastered visual effects. While Virtuos added over five new voice actors, they wisely retained the charm of the original's quirky dialogue. The base edition of this remaster is priced at $49.99 and includes the original DLCs, with a deluxe edition available for an additional $10.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the eagerly awaited debut from French studio Sandfall Interactive, is set to launch at midnight PST tonight. It's already receiving high praise, with a Metacritic score of 92 and IGN's 9/10 review highlighting its exceptional story design as "a true modern throwback." The game's UI has a distinct Persona vibe, and its turn-based combat system is one of the most innovative I've encountered. Like Oblivion Remastered, it's priced at $49.99 for the base edition.
While Expedition 33 was slated to be the star of April's Game Pass lineup, the unexpected release of Oblivion Remastered has cast a bit of a shadow over the indie title's debut. However, I see it as a win-win situation. Instead of shelling out $100 for two new games, I've opted for a $20 Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Now, the only question is: when will I find time to step away from my screen?
Game Pass has been on a roll, adding 2025's most anticipated titles like Blue Prince, South of Midnight, and Avowed, alongside evergreen classics such as GTA V and the entire Call of Duty collection. It truly caters to every gaming preference.
Game Pass Is a Ridiculously Good Deal Right Now
Game Pass Ultimate, starting at $19.99/month, offers access to the full Game Pass library across consoles, PCs, and cloud gaming. The PC-only version is available for $9.99/month. The Standard and Core tiers, at $14.99/month and $9.99/month respectively, don't include day-one releases. With the last price increase occurring in July 2024, and considering these blockbuster additions, another hike might be on the horizon.
Although there are no current Game Pass deals, opting for a three-month subscription could safeguard you against future price increases. For deals on other platforms, check out our roundup of PS5, PC, and Switch offers. Speaking of which, U.S. preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 go live tonight.
